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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/5833-0.txt b/5833-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b1d0f09 --- /dev/null +++ b/5833-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,8227 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Helping Himself, 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: Helping Himself + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: June, 2004 [EBook #5833] +Last Updated: March 3, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HELPING HIMSELF *** + + + + +Produced by Carrie Fellman + + + + + + +HELPING HIMSELF + +Or + +Grant Thornton's Ambition + +By Horatio Alger, Jr. + +New York + + + +HELPING HIMSELF + + + +CHAPTER I -- THE MINISTER'S SON + + +“I wish we were not so terribly poor, Grant,” said Mrs. Thornton, in +a discouraged tone. + +“Is there anything new that makes you say so, mother?” answered the +boy of fifteen, whom she addressed. + +“Nothing new, only the same old trouble. Here is a note from Mr. +Tudor, the storekeeper.” + +“Let me see it, mother.” + +Grant took a yellow envelope from his mother's hand, and drew out +the inclosure, a half sheet of coarse letter paper, which contained +the following lines: + +“July 7, 1857. + +REV. JOHN THORNTON: + +DEAR SIR: Inclosed you will find a bill for groceries and other +goods furnished to you in the last six months, amounting to +sixty-seven dollars and thirty-four cents ($67.34). It ought to have +been paid before. How you, a minister of the Gospel, can justify +yourself in using goods which you don't pay for, I can't understand. +If I remember rightly, the Bible says: 'Owe no man anything.' As I +suppose you recognize the Bible as an authority, I expect you to pay +up promptly, and oblige, + +Yours respectfully, THOMAS TUDOR.” + +Grant looked vexed and indignant. “I think that is an impudent +letter, mother,” he said. + +“It is right that the man should have his money, Grant.” + +“That is true, but he might have asked for it civilly, without +taunting my poor father with his inability to pay. He would pay if +he could.” + +“Heaven knows he would, Grant,” said his mother, sighing. + +“I would like to give Mr. Tudor a piece of my mind.” “I would rather +pay his bill. No, Grant, though he is neither kind nor considerate, +we must admit that his claim is a just one. If I only knew where to +turn for money!” + +“Have you shown the bill to father?” asked Grant. + +“No; you know how unpractical your father is. It would only annoy +and make him anxious, and he would not know what to do. Your poor +father has no business faculty.” + +“He is a very learned man,” said Grant, proudly. + +“Yes, he graduated very high at college, and is widely respected by +his fellow ministers, but he has no aptitude for business.” + +“You have, mother. If you had been a man, you would have done better +than he. Without your good management we should have been a good +deal worse off than we are. It is the only thing that has kept our +heads above water.” + +“I am glad you think so, Grant. I have done the best I could, but no +management will pay bills without money.” + +It was quite true that the minister's wife was a woman of excellent +practical sense, who had known how to make his small salary go very +far. In this respect she differed widely from her learned husband, +who in matters of business was scarcely more than a child. But, as +she intimated with truth, there was something better than +management, and that was ready cash. + +“To support a family on six hundred dollars a year is very hard, +Grant, when there are three children,” resumed his mother. + +“I can't understand why a man like father can't command a better +salary,” said Grant. “There's Rev. Mr. Stentor, in Waverley, gets +fifteen hundred dollars salary, and I am sure he can't compare +with father in ability.” + +“True, Grant, but your father is modest, and not given to blowing +his own trumpet, while Mr. Stentor, from all I can hear, has a very +high opinion of himself.” + +“He has a loud voice, and thrashes round in his pulpit, as if he +were a--prophet,” said Grant, not quite knowing how to finish his +sentence. + +“Your father never was a man to push himself forward. He is very +modest.” + +“I suppose that is not the only bill that we owe,” said Grant. + +“No; our unpaid bills must amount to at least two hundred dollars +more,” answered his mother. + +Grant whistled. + +Two hundred and sixty-seven dollars seemed to him an immense sum, +and so it was, to a poor minister with a family of three children +and a salary of only six hundred dollars. Where to obtain so large a +sum neither Grant nor his mother could possibly imagine. Even if +there were anyone to borrow it from, there seemed no chance to pay +back so considerable a sum. + +Mother and son looked at each other in perplexity. Finally, Grant +broke the silence. + +“Mother,” he said, “one thing seems pretty clear. I must go to work. +I am fifteen, well and strong, and I ought to be earning my own +living.” + +“But your father has set his heart upon your going to college, +Grant.” + +“And I should like to go, too; but if I did it would be years before +I could be anything but an expense and a burden, and that would make +me unhappy.” + +“You are almost ready for college, Grant, are you not?” + +“Very nearly. I could get ready for the September examination. I +have only to review Homer, and brush up my Latin.” + +“And your uncle Godfrey is ready to help you through.” + +“That gives me an idea, mother. It would cost Uncle Godfrey as much +as nine hundred dollars a year over and above all the help I could +get from the college funds, and perhaps from teaching school this +winter. Now, if he would allow me that sum for a single year and let +me go to work, I could pay up all father's debts, and give him a new +start. It would save Uncle Godfrey nine hundred dollars.” + +“He has set his heart on your going to college. I don't think he +would agree to help you at all if you disappoint him.” + +“At any rate, I could try the experiment. Something has got to be +done, mother.” + +“Yes, Grant, there is no doubt of that. Mr. Tudor is evidently in +earnest. If we don't pay him, I think it very likely he will refuse +to let us have anything more on credit. And you know there is no +other grocery store in the village.” + +“Have you any money to pay him on account, mother?” + +“I have eight dollars.” + +“Let me have that, and go over and see what I can do with him. We +can't get along without groceries. By the way, mother, doesn't the +parish owe father anything?” + +“They are about sixty dollars in arrears on the salary.” + +“And the treasurer is Deacon Gridley?” + +“Yes.” + +“Then I'll tell you what I will do. I'll first go over to the +deacon's and try to collect something. Afterward I will call on Mr. +Tudor.” + +“It is your father's place to do it, but he has no business faculty, +and could not accomplish anything. Go, then, Grant, but remember one +thing.” + +“What is that, mother?” + +“You have a quick temper, my son. Don't allow yourself to speak +hastily, or disrespectfully, even if you are disappointed. Mr. +Tudor's bill is a just one, and he ought to have his money.” + +“I'll do the best I can, mother.” + + + +CHAPTER II -- GRANT MAKES TWO BUSINESS CALLS + + + +Deacon Gridley had a small farm, and farming was his chief +occupation, but he had a few thousand dollars laid away in stocks +and bonds, and, being a thrifty man, not to say mean, he managed to +save up nearly all the interest, which he added to his original +accumulation. He always coveted financial trusts, and so it came +about that he was parish treasurer. It was often convenient for him +to keep in his hands, for a month at a time, money thus collected +which ought to have been paid over at once to the minister, but the +deacon was a thoroughly selfish man, and cared little how pressed +for money Mr. Thornton might be, as long as he himself derived some +benefit from holding on to the parish funds. + +The deacon was mowing the front yard of his house when Grant came up +to his front gate. + +“Good-morning, Deacon Gridley,” said the minister's son. + +“Mornin', Grant,” answered the deacon. “How's your folks?” + +“Pretty well in health,” returned Grant, coming to business at once, +“but rather short of money.” + +“Ministers most gen'ally are,” said Deacon Gridley, dryly. + +“I should think they might be, with the small salaries they get,” + said Grant, indignantly. + +“Some of 'em do get poorly paid,” replied the deacon; “but I call +six hundred dollars a pooty fair income.” + +“It might be for a single man; but when a minister has a wife and +three children, like my father, it's pretty hard scratching.” + +“Some folks ain't got faculty,” said the deacon, adding, +complacently, “it never cost me nigh on to six hundred dollars a +year to live.” + +The deacon had the reputation of living very penuriously, and Abram +Fish, who once worked for him and boarded in the family, said he was +half starved there. + +“You get your milk and vegetables off the farm,” said Grant, who +felt the comparison was not a fair one. “That makes a great deal of +difference.” + +“It makes some difference,” the deacon admitted, “but not as much as +the difference in our expenses. I didn't spend more'n a hundred +dollars cash last year.” + +This excessive frugality may have been the reason why Mrs. Deacon +Gridley was always so shabbily dressed. The poor woman had not had a +new bonnet for five years, as every lady in the parish well knew. + +“Ministers have some expenses that other people don't,” persisted +Grant. + +“What kind of expenses, I'd like to know?” + +“They have to buy books and magazines, and entertain missionaries, +and hire teams to go on exchanges.” + +“That's something,” admitted the deacon. “Maybe it amounts to twenty +or thirty dollars a year.” + +“More likely a hundred,” said Grant. + +“That would be awful extravagant sinful waste. If I was a minister, +I'd be more keerful.” + +“Well, Deacon Gridley, I don't want to argue with you. I came to see +if you hadn't collected some money for father. Mr. Tudor has sent in +his bill, and he wants to be paid.” + +“How much is it?” + +“Sixty-seven dollars and thirty-four cents.” + +“You don't tell me!” said the deacon, scandalized. “You folks must +be terrible extravagant.” + +Grant hardly knew whether to be more vexed or amused. + +“If wanting to have enough to eat is extravagant,” he said, “then we +are.” + +“You must live on the fat of the land, Grant.” + +“We haven't any of us got the gout, nor are likely to have,” + answered Grant, provoked. “But let us come back to business. Have +you got any money for father?” + +Now it so happened that Deacon Gridley had fifty dollars collected, +but he thought he knew where he could let it out for one per cent, +for a month, and he did not like to lose the opportunity. + +“I'm sorry to disappoint you, Grant,” he answered, “but folks are +slow about payin' up, and--” + +“Haven't you got any money collected?” asked Grant, desperately. + +“I'll tell you what I'll do,” said the deacon, with a bright idea. +“I've got fifty dollars of my own--say for a month, till I can make +collections.” + +“That would be very kind,” said Grant, feeling that he had done the +deacon an injustice. + +“Of course,” the deacon resumed, hastily, “I should have to charge +interest. In fact, I was goin' to lend out the money to a neighbor +for a month at one per cent; but I'd just as lieve let your father +have it at that price.” + +“Isn't that more than legal interest?” asked Grant. + +“Well, you see, money is worth good interest nowadays. Ef your +father don't want it, no matter. I can let the other man have it.” + +Grant rapidly calculated that the interest would only amount to +fifty cents, and money must be had. + +“I think father'll agree to your terms,” he said. “I'll let you know +this afternoon.” + +“All right, Grant. It don't make a mite of difference to me, but if +your father wants the money he'll have to speak for it to-day.” + +“I'll see that the matter is attended to,” said Grant, and he went +on his way, pleased with the prospect of obtaining money for their +impoverished household, even on such hard terms. + +Next he made his way to Mr. Tudor's store. + +It was one of those country variety stores where almost everything +in the way of house supplies can be obtained, from groceries to dry +goods. + +Mr. Tudor was a small man, with a parchment skin and insignificant +features. He was in the act of weighing out a quantity of sugar for +a customer when Grant entered. + +Grant waited till the shopkeeper was at leisure. + +“Did you want to see me, Grant?” said Tudor. + +“Yes, Mr. Tudor. You sent over a bill to our house this morning.” + +“And you've come to pay it. That's right. Money's tight, and I've +got bills to pay in the city.” + +“I've got a little money for you on account,” said Grant, watching +Tudor's face anxiously. + +“How much?” asked the storekeeper, his countenance changing. + +“Eight dollars.” + +“Eight dollars!” ejaculated Tudor, indignantly. “Only eight dollars +out of sixty-seven! That's a regular imposition, and I don't care ef +your father is a minister, I stick to my words.” + +Grant was angry, but he remembered his mother's injunction to +restrain his temper. + +“We'd like to pay the whole, Mr. Tudor, if we had the money, and--” + +“Do you think I can trust the whole neighborhood, and only get one +dollar in ten of what's due me?” spluttered Mr. Tudor. “Ministers +ought to set a better example.” + +“Ministers ought to get better pay,” said Grant. + +“There's plenty don't get as much as your father. When do you expect +to pay the rest, I'd like to know? I s'pose you expect me to go on +trustin', and mebbe six months from now you'll pay me another eight +dollars,” said the storekeeper, with withering sarcasm. + +“I was going to tell you, if you hadn't interrupted me,” said Grant, +“that we should probably have some more money for you to-morrow.” + +“How much?” + +“Twenty-five dollars,” answered the boy, knowing that part of the +money borrowed must go in other quarters. “Will that be +satisfactory?” + +“That's more like!” said Tudor, calming down. “Ef you'll pay that +I'll give you a leetle more time on the rest. Do you want anything +this mornin'? I've got some prime butter just come in.” + +“I'll call for some articles this afternoon, Mr. Tudor. Here are the +eight dollars. Please credit us with that sum.” + +“Well, I've accomplished something,” said Grant to himself as he +plodded homeward. + + + +CHAPTER III -- GRANT WALKS TO SOMERSET + + + +GODFREY THORNTON, Grant's uncle, lived in the neighboring town of +Somerset. He was an old bachelor, three years older than his +brother, the minister, and followed the profession of a lawyer. His +business was not large, but his habits were frugal, and he had +managed to save up ten thousand dollars. Grant had always been a +favorite with him, and having no son of his own he had formed the +plan of sending him to college. He was ambitious that he should be a +professional man. + +It might have been supposed that he would have felt disposed to +assist his brother, whose scanty salary he knew was inadequate to +the needs of a family. But Godfrey Thornton was an obstinate man, +and chose to give assistance in his own way, and no other. It would +be a very handsome thing, he thought, to give his nephew a college +education. And so, indeed, it would. But he forgot one thing. In +families of limited means, when a boy reaches the age of fifteen or +sixteen he is very properly expected to earn something toward the +family income, and this Grant could not do while preparing for +college. If his uncle could have made up his mind to give his +brother a small sum annually to make up for this, all would have +been well. Not that this idea had suggested itself to the Rev. John +Thorn-ton. He felt grateful for his brother's intentions toward +Grant, and had bright hopes of his boy's future. But, in truth, +pecuniary troubles affected him less than his wife. She was the +manager, and it was for her to contrive and be anxious. + +After Grant had arranged the matters referred to in the preceding +chapter, he told his mother that he proposed to go to Somerset to +call on his uncle. + +“No, Grant, I don't object, though I should be sorry to have you +lose the chance of an education.” + +“I have a very fair education already, mother. Of course I should +like to go to college, but I can't bear to have you and father +struggling with poverty. If I become a business man, I may have a +better chance to help you. At any rate, I can help you sooner. If I +can only induce Uncle Godfrey to give you the sum my education would +cost him, I shall feel perfectly easy.” + +“You can make the attempt, my son, but I have doubts about your +success.” + +Grant, however, was more hopeful. He didn't see why his uncle should +object, and it would cost him no more money. It seemed to him very +plain sailing, and he set out to walk to Somerset, full of courage +and hope. + +It was a pretty direct road, and the distance--five miles--was not +formidable to a strong-limbed boy like Grant. In an hour and a half +he entered the village, and soon reached the small one-story +building which served his uncle as an office. + +Entering, he saw his uncle busy with some papers at his desk. + +The old lawyer raised his eyes as the door opened. + +“So it's you, Grant, is it?” he said. “Nobody sick at home, eh?” + +“No, Uncle Godfrey, we are all well.” + +“I was afraid some one might be sick, from your coming over. +However, I suppose you have some errand in Somerset.” + +“My only errand is to call upon you, uncle.” + +“I suppose I am to consider that a compliment,” said the old +bachelor, not ill pleased. “Well, and when are you going to be ready +for college?” + +“I can be ready to enter in September,” replied Grant. + +“That is good. All you will have to do will be to present yourself +for examination. I shall see you through, as I have promised.” + +“You are very kind, Uncle Godfrey,” said Grant; and then he +hesitated. + +“It's Thornton family pride, Grant. I want my nephew to be somebody. +I want you to be a professional man, and take a prominent place in +the world.” + +“Can't I be somebody without becoming a professional man, or---” + +“Or, what?” asked his uncle, abruptly. + +“Getting a college education?” continued Grant. + +“What does this mean?” asked the old lawyer, knitting his brow. +“You're not getting off the notion of going to college, I hope?” + +“I should like to go to college, uncle.” + +“I'm glad to hear that,” said Godfrey Thornton, relieved. “I thought +you might want to grow up a dunce, and become a bricklayer or +something of that kind.” + +Somehow Grant's task began to seem more difficult than he had +anticipated. + +“But,” continued Grant, summoning up his courage, “I am afraid it +will be rather selfish.” + +“I can't say I understand you, Grant. As long as I am willing to pay +your college bills, I don't see why there is anything selfish in +your accepting my offer.” + +“I mean as regards father and mother.” + +“Don't I take you off their hands? What do you mean?” + +“I mean this, Uncle Godfrey,” said Grant, boldly, “I ought to be at +work earning money to keep them. Father's income is very small, +and--” + +“You don't mean to say you want to give up going to college?” said +Godfrey Thornton, hastily. + +“I think I ought to, uncle.” + +“Why?” + +“So that I can find work and help father along. You see, I should be +four years in college, and three years studying a profession, and +all that time my brother and sister would be growing older and more +expensive, and father would be getting into debt.” + +Uncle Godfrey's brow wore a perceptible frown. + +“Tell me who has put this idea into your head?” he said. “I am sure +it isn't your father.” + +“No one put it into my head, Uncle Godfrey. It's my own idea.” + +“Humph! old heads don't grow on young shoulders, evidently. You are +a foolish boy, Grant. With a liberal education you can do something +for your family.” + +“But it is so long to wait,” objected Grant. + +“It will be a great disappointment to me to have you give up going +to college, but of course I can't force you to go,” said his uncle, +coldly. “It will save me three hundred dollars a year for four +years-I may say for seven, however. You will be throwing away a +grand opportunity.” + +“Don't think I undervalue the advantage of a college training, +uncle,” said Grant, eagerly. “It isn't that. It's because I thought +I might help father. In fact, I wanted to make a proposal to you.” + +“What is it?” + +“You say it will cost three hundred dollars a year to keep me in +college?” + +“Well?” + +“Would you be willing to give father two hundred a year for the next +four years, and let me take care of myself in some business place?” + +“So this is your proposal, is it?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“All I have got to say is, that you have got uncommon assurance. You +propose to defeat my cherished plan, and want me to pay two hundred +dollars a year in acknowledgment of your consideration.” + +“I am sorry you look upon it in that light, Uncle Godfrey.” + +“I distinctly decline your proposal. If you refuse to go to college, +I wash my hands of you and your family. Do you understand that?” + +“Yes, Uncle Godfrey,” answered Grant, crestfallen. + +“Go home and think over the matter. My offer still holds good. You +can present yourself at college in September, and, if you are +admitted, notify me.” + +The lawyer turned back to his writing, and Grant understood that the +interview was over. + +In sadness he started on his return walk from Somerset. He had +accomplished nothing except to make his uncle angry. He could not +make up his mind what to do. + +He had walked about four miles when his attention was sharply drawn +by a cry of terror. Looking up quickly, he saw a girl of fourteen +flying along the road pursued by a drunken man armed with a big +club. They were not more than thirty feet apart, and the situation +was critical. + +Grant was no coward, and he instantly resolved to rescue the girl if +it were a possible thing. + + + +CHAPTER IV -- A TIMELY RESCUE + + + +“I will save her if I can,” said Grant to himself. + +The task, however, was not an easy one. The drunken man was tall and +strongly made, and his condition did not appear to interfere with +his locomotion. He was evidently half crazed with drink, and his +pursuit of the young girl arose probably from a blind impulse; but +it was likely to be none the less serious for her. Grant saw at once +that he was far from being a match for the drunkard in physical +strength. If he had been timid, a regard for his personal safety +would have led him to keep aloof. But he would have despised himself +if he had not done what he could for the girl--stranger though she +was--who was in such peril. + +It chanced that Grant had cut a stout stick to help him on his way. +This suggested his plan of campaign. He ran sideways toward the +pursuer, and thrust his stick between his legs, tripping him up. The +man fell violently forward, and lay as if stunned, breathing +heavily. Grant was alarmed at first, fearing that he might be +seriously hurt, but a glance assured him that his stupor was chiefly +the result of his potations. + +Then he hurried to overtake the girl, who, seeing what had taken +place, had paused in her flight. + +“Don't be frightened,” said Grant. “The man can't get up at present. +I will see you home if you will tell me where you live.” + +“I am boarding at Mrs. Granger's, quarter of a mile back, mamma and +I,” answered the girl, the color, temporarily banished by fright, +returning to her cheeks. + +“Where did you fall in with this man?” inquired Grant. + +“I was taking a walk,” answered the girl, “and overtook him. I did +not take much notice of him at first, and was not aware of his +condition till he began to run after me. Then I was almost +frightened to death, and I don't think I ever ran so fast in my +life.” + +“You were in serious danger. He was fast overtaking you.” + +“I saw that he was, and I believe I should have dropped if you had +not come up and saved me. How brave you were!” + +Grant colored with pleasure, though he disclaimed the praise. + +“Oh, it was nothing!” he said, modestly. “But we had better start at +once, for he may revive.” + +“Oh, let us go then,” exclaimed the girl in terror, and, hardly +knowing what she did, she seized Grant's arm. “See, he is beginning +to stir. Do come quickly!” + +Clinging to Grant's arm, the two hastened away, leaving the +inebriate on the ground. + +Grant now had leisure to view more closely the girl he had rescued. +She was a very pretty girl, a year or two younger than himself, with +a bright, vivacious manner, and her young rescuer thought her very +attractive. + +“Do you live round here?” she asked. + +“I live in Colebrook, the village close by. I was walking from +Somerset.” + +“I should like to know the name of the one who has done me so great +a service.” + +“We will exchange names, if you like,” said Grant, smiling. “My name +is Grant Thornton. I am the son of Rev. John Thornton, who is +minister in Colebrook.” + +“So you are a minister's son. I have always heard that minister's +sons are apt to be wild,” said the girl, smiling mischievously. + +“I am an exception,” said Grant, demurely. + +“I am ready to believe it,” returned his companion. “My name is +Carrie Clifton; my mother is a minister's daughter, so I have a +right to think well of ministers' families.” + +“How long have you been boarding in this neighborhood, Miss Carrie?” + +“Only a week. I am afraid I shan't dare to stay here any longer.” + +“It is not often you would meet with such an adventure as this. I +hope you won't allow it to frighten you away.” + +“Do you know that drunken man? Does he live nearby?” + +“I think he is a stranger--a tramp. I never saw him before, and I +know almost everybody who lives about here.” + +“I am glad he doesn't live here.” + +“He will probably push on his way and not come this way again during +the summer.” + +“I hope you are right. He might try to revenge himself on you for +tripping him up.” + +“I don't think he saw me to recognize me. He was so drunk that he +didn't know what he was about. When he gets over his intoxication he +probably won't remember anything that has happened.” + +By this time they had reached the gate of the farmhouse where Carrie +was boarding, and Grant prepared to leave her. + +“I think you are safe now,” he said. + +“Oh, but I shan't let you go yet,” said the girl. “You must come in +and see mother.” + +Grant hesitated, but he felt that he should like to meet the mother +of a young lady who seemed to him so attractive, and he allowed +himself to be led into the yard. Mrs. Clifton was sitting in a +rustic chair under a tree behind the house. There Grant and his +companion found her. Carrie poured forth her story impetuously, and +then drawing Grant forward, indicated him as her rescuer. + +Her mother listened with natural alarm, shuddering at the peril from +which her daughter had so happily escaped. + +“I cannot tell how grateful I am to you for the service you have +done my daughter,” she said, warmly. “You are a very brave boy. +There is not one in ten who would have had the courage to act as you +did.” + +“You praise me more than I deserve, Mrs. Clifton. I saw the man was +drunk, and I did not really run much risk in what I did. I am very +thankful that I was able to be of service to Miss Carrie.” + +“It is most fortunate that you were at hand. My daughter might have +been killed.” + +“What do you think, mother? He is a minister's son,” said Carrie, +vivaciously. + +“That certainly is no objection in my eyes,” said Mrs. Clifton, +smiling, “for I am a minister's daughter. Where does your father +preach?” + +“His church is only a mile distant, in the village.” + +“I shall hear him, then, next Sunday. Last Sunday Carrie and I were +both tired, and remained at home, but I have always been accustomed +to go to church somewhere.” + +“Papa will be here next Sunday,” said Carrie. “He can only come +Saturday night on account of his business.” + +“Does he do business in New York?” asked Grant. + +“Yes; his store is on Broadway.” + +“We live on Madison Avenue, and whenever you are in the city we +shall be very glad to have you call,” said Mrs. Clifton, graciously. + +“Thank you; I should like to call very much,” answered Grant, who +was quite sincere in what he said. “But I don't often go to New +York.” + +“Perhaps you will get a place there some time,” suggested Carrie. + +“I should like to,” replied Grant. + +“Then your father does not propose to send you to college?” It was +Mrs. Clifton who said this. + +“He wishes me to go, but I think I ought to go to work to help him. +He has two other children besides me.” + +“Is either one a girl?” asked Carrie. + +“Yes; I have a sister of thirteen, named Mary.” + +“I wish you would bring her here to see me,” said Carrie. “I haven't +got acquainted with any girls yet.” + +Mrs. Clifton seconded the invitation, and Grant promised that he +would do so. In fact, he was pleased at the opportunity it would +give him of improving his acquaintance with the young lady from New +York. He returned home very well pleased with his trip to Somerset, +though he had failed in the object of his expedition. + + + +CHAPTER V -- MRS. THORNTON'S PEARLS + + + +The next Sunday Mrs. Clifton and her daughter appeared at church, +and Grant had the pleasure of greeting them. He was invited with his +sister to take supper with them on the next Monday afternoon, and +accepted the invitation. About sunset he met his new friends +walking, with the addition of the husband and father, who, coming +Saturday evening from New York, had felt too fatigued to attend +church. Mr. Clifton, to whom he was introduced, was a portly man in +middle life, who received Grant quite graciously, and made for +himself acknowledgment of the service which our hero had rendered +his daughter. + +“If I ever have the opportunity of doing you a favor, Master +Thornton, you may call upon me with confidence,” he said. + +Grant thanked him, and was better pleased than if he had received an +immediate gift. + +Meanwhile Deacon Gridley kept his promise, and advanced the minister +fifty dollars, deducting a month's interest. Even with this +deduction Mrs. Thornton was very glad to obtain the money. Part of +it was paid on account to Mr. Tudor, and silenced his importunities +for a time. As to his own plans, there was nothing for Grant to do +except to continue his studies, as he might enter college after all. + +If any employment should offer of a remunerative character, he felt +that it would be his duty to accept it, in spite of his uncle's +objections; but such chances were not very likely to happen while he +remained in the country, for obvious reasons. + +Three weeks passed, and again not only Mr. Tudor, but another +creditor, began to be troublesome. + +“How soon is your father going to pay up his bill?” asked Tudor, +when Grant called at the store for a gallon of molasses. + +“Very soon, I hope,” faltered Grant. + +“I hope so, too,” answered the grocer, grimly. + +“Only three weeks ago I paid you thirty-three dollars,” said Grant. + +“And you have been increasing the balance ever since,” said Tudor, +frowning. + +“If father could get his salary regularly--” commenced Grant. + +“That's his affair, not mine,” rejoined the grocer. “I have to pay +my bills regular, and I can't afford to wait months for my pay.” + +Grant looked uncomfortable, but did not know what to say. + +“The short and the long of it is, that after this week your father +must either pay up his bill, or pay cash for what articles he gets +hereafter.” + +“Very well,” said Grant, coldly. He was too proud to remonstrate. +Moreover, though he felt angry, he was constrained to admit that the +grocer had some reason for his course. + +“Something must be done,” he said to himself, but he was not wise +enough to decide what that something should be. + +Though he regretted to pain his mother, he felt obliged to report to +her what the grocer had said. + +“Don't be troubled, mother,” he said, as he noticed the shade of +anxiety which came over her face. “Something will turn up.” + +Mrs. Thornton shook her head. + +“It isn't safe to trust to that, Grant,” she said; “we must help +ourselves.” + +“I wish I knew how,” said Grant, perplexed. + +“I am afraid I shall have to make a sacrifice,” said Mrs. Thornton, +not addressing Grant, but rather in soliloquy. + +Grant looked at his mother in surprise. What sacrifice could she +refer to? Did she mean that they must move into a smaller house, and +retrench generally? That was all that occurred to him. + +“We might, perhaps, move into a smaller house, mother,” said he, +“but we have none too much room here, and the difference in rent +wouldn't be much.” + +“I didn't mean that, Grant. Listen, and I will tell you what I do +mean. You know that I was named after a rich lady, the friend of my +mother?” + +“I have heard you say so.” + +“When she died, she left me by will a pearl necklace and pearl +bracelets, both of very considerable value.” + +“I have never seen you wear them, mother.” + +“No; I have not thought they would be suitable for the wife of a +poor minister. My wearing them would excite unfavorable comment in +the parish.” + +“I don't see whose business it would be,” said Grant, indignantly. + +“At any rate, just or not, I knew what would be said,” Mrs. Thornton +replied. + +“How is it you have never shown the pearl ornaments to me, mother?” + +“You were only five years old when they came to me, and I laid them +away at once, and have seldom thought of them since. I have been +thinking that, as they are of no use to me, I should be justified in +selling them for what I can get, and appropriating the proceeds +toward paying your father's debts.” + +“How much do you think they are worth, mother?” + +“A lady to whom I showed them once said they must have cost five +hundred dollars or more.” + +Grant whistled. + +“Do you mind showing them to me, mother?” he asked. + +Mrs. Thornton went upstairs, and brought down the pearl necklace and +bracelets. They were very handsome and Grant gazed at them with +admiration. + +“I wonder what the ladies would say if you should wear them to the +sewing circle,” he said, humorously. + +“They would think I was going over to the vanities of this world,” + responded his mother, smiling. “They can be of no possible use to me +now, or hereafter, and I believe it will be the best thing I can do +to sell them.” + +“Where can you sell them? No one here can afford to buy them.” + +“They must be sold in New York, and I must depend upon you to attend +to the business for me.” + +“Can you trust me, mother? Wouldn't father--” + +“Your father has no head for business, Grant. He is a learned man, +and knows a great deal about books, but of practical matters he +knows very little. You are only a boy, but you are a very sensible +and trustworthy boy, and I shall have to depend upon you.” + +“I will do the best I can, mother. Only tell me what you want me to +do.” + +“I wish you to take these pearls, and go to New York. You can find a +purchaser there, if anywhere. I suppose it will be best to take them +to some jewelry store, and drive the best bargain you can.” + +“When do you wish me to go, mother?” + +“There can be no advantage in delay. If tomorrow is pleasant, you +may as well go then.” + +“Shall you tell father your plan?” + +“No, Grant, it might make him feel bad to think I was compelled to +make a sacrifice, which, after all, is very little of a sacrifice to +me. Years since I decided to trouble him as little as possible with +matters of business. It could do no good, and, by making him +anxious, unfitted him for his professional work.” + +Mrs. Thornton's course may not be considered wise by some, but she +knew her husband's peculiar mental constitution, and her object at +least was praiseworthy, to screen him from undue anxiety, though it +involved an extra share for herself. + +The next morning Grant took an early breakfast, and walked briskly +toward the depot to take the first train for New York. + +The fare would be a dollar and a quarter each way, for the distance +was fifty miles, and this both he and his mother felt to be a large +outlay. If, however, he succeeded in his errand it would be wisely +spent, and this was their hope. + +At the depot Grant found Tom Calder, a youth of eighteen, who had +the reputation of being wild, and had been suspected of dishonesty. +He had been employed in the city, so that Grant was not surprised to +meet him at the depot. + +“Hello, Grant! Where are you bound?” he asked. + +“I am going to New York.” + +“What for?” + +“A little business,” Grant answered, evasively. Tom was the last +person he felt inclined to take into his confidence. + +“Goin' to try to get a place?” + +“If any good chance offers I shall accept it--that is, if father and +mother are willing.” + +“Let's take a seat together--that's what I'm going for myself.” + + + +CHAPTER VI -- GRANT GETS INTO UNEXPECTED TROUBLE + + + +TOM CALDER was not the companion Grant would have chosen, but there +seemed no good excuse for declining his company. He belonged to a +rather disreputable family living in the borders of the village. If +this had been all, it would not have been fair to object to him, but +Tom himself bore not a very high reputation. He had been suspected +more than once of stealing from his school companions, and when +employed for a time by Mr. Tudor, in the village store, the latter +began to miss money from the till; but Tom was so sly that he had +been unable to bring the theft home to him. However, he thought it +best to dispense with his services. + +“What kind of a situation are you goin' to try for?” asked Tom, when +they were fairly on their way. + +“I don't know. They say that beggars mustn't be choosers.” + +“I want to get into a broker's office if I can,” said Tom. + +“Do you consider that a very good business?” asked Grant. + +“I should say so,” responded Tom, emphatically. + +“Do they pay high wages?” + +“Not extra, but a feller can get points, and make something out of +the market.” + +“What's that?” asked Grant, puzzled. + +“Oh, I forgot. You ain't used to the city,” responded Tom, +emphatically. “I mean, you find out when a stock is going up, and +you buy for a rise.” + +“But doesn't that take considerable money?” asked Grant, wondering +how Tom could raise money to buy stocks. + +“Oh, you can go to the bucket shops,” answered Tom. + +“But what have bucket shops to do with stocks?” asked Grant, more +than ever puzzled. + +Tom burst into a loud laugh. + +“Ain't you jolly green, though?” he ejaculated. + +Grant was rather nettled at this. + +“I don't see how I could be expected to understand such talk,” he +said, with some asperity. + +“That's where it is--you can't,” said Tom. “It's all like A, B, C to +me, and I forgot that you didn't know anything about Wall Street. A +bucket shop is where you can buy stock in small lots, putting down a +dollar a share as margin. If stocks go up, you sell out on the rise, +and get back your dollar minus commission.” + +“Suppose they go down?” + +“Then you lose what you put up.” + +“Isn't it rather risky?” + +“Of course there's some risk, but if you have a good point there +isn't much.” + +This was Tom Calder's view of the matter. As a matter of fact, the +great majority of those who visit the bucket shops lose all they put +in, and are likely sooner or later to get into difficulty; so that +many employers will at once discharge a clerk or boy known to +speculate in this way. + +“If I had any money I'd buy some stock to-day; that is, as soon as I +get to the city,” continued Tom. “You couldn't lend me five dollars, +could you?” + +“No, I couldn't,” answered Grant, shortly. + +“I'd give you half the profits.” + +“I haven't got the money,” Grant explained. + +“That's a pity. The fact is, I'm rather short. However, I know +plenty of fellows in the city, and I guess I can raise a tenner or +so.” + +“Then your credit must be better in New York than in Colebrook,” + thought Grant, but he fore-bore to say so. + +Grant was rather glad the little package of pearls was in the pocket +furthest away from Tom, for his opinion of his companion's honesty +was not the highest. + +When half an hour had passed, Tom vacated his seat. + +“I'm going into the smoking car,” he said, “to have a smoke. Won't +you come with me?” + +“No, thank you. I don't smoke.” + +“Then it's time you began. I've got a cigarette for you, if you'll +try it.” + +“Much obliged, but I am better off without it.” + +“You'll soon get over that little-boy feeling. Why, boys in the city +of half your age smoke.” + +“I am sorry to hear it.” + +“Well, ta-ta! I'll be back soon.” + +Grant was not sorry to have Tom leave him. He didn't enjoy his +company, and besides he foresaw that it would be rather embarrassing +if Tom should take a fancy to remain with him in the city. He didn't +care to have anyone, certainly not Tom, learn on what errand he had +come to the city. + +Two minutes had scarcely elapsed after Tom vacated his seat, when a +pleasant-looking gentleman of middle age, who had been sitting just +behind them, rose and took the seat beside Grant. + +“I will sit with you if you don't object,” said he. + +“I should be glad of your company,” said Grant, politely. + +“You live in the country, I infer?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“I overheard your conversation with the young man who has just left +you. I suspect you are not very much alike.” + +“I hope not, sir. Perhaps Tom would say the same, for he thinks me +green.” + +“There is such a thing as knowing too much--that isn't desirable to +know. So you don't smoke?” + +“No, sir.” + +“I wish more boys of your age could say as much. Do I understand +that you are going to the city in search of employment?” + +“That is not my chief errand,” answered Grant, with some hesitation. +“Still, if I could hear of a good chance, I might induce my parents +to let me accept it.” + +“Where do you live, my young friend?” + +“In Colebrook. My father is the minister there.” + +“That ought to be a recommendation, for it is to be supposed you +have been carefully trained. Some of our most successful business +men have been ministers' sons.” + +“Are you in business in New York, sir?” asked Grant, thinking he had +a right by this time to ask a question. + +“Yes; here is my card.” + +Taking the card, Grant learned that his companion was Mr. Henry +Reynolds and was a broker, with an office in New Street. + +“I see you are a broker, sir,” said Grant. “Tom Calder wants to get +a place in a broker's office.” + +“I should prefer that he would try some other broker,” said Mr. +Reynolds, smiling. “I don't want a boy who deals with the bucket +shops.” + +At this point Tom re-entered the car, having finished his cigarette. +Observing that his place had been taken, he sat down at a little +distance. + +“When you get ready to take a place,” said the broker, “call at my +office, and though I won't promise to give you a place, I shall feel +well disposed to if I can make room for you.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Grant, gratefully. “I hope if I ever do enter +your employment, I shall merit your confidence.” + +“I have good hopes of it. By the way, you may as well give me your +name.” + +“I am Grant Thornton, of Colebrook,” said our hero. + +Mr. Reynolds entered the name in a little pocket diary, and left the +seat, which Tom Calder immediately took. + +“Who's that old codger?” he asked. + +“The gentleman who has just left me is a New York business man.” + +“You got pretty thick with him, eh?” + +“We talked a little.” + +Grant took care not to mention that Mr. Reynolds was a broker, as +he knew that Tom would press for an introduction in that case. + +When they reached New York, Tom showed a disposition to remain with +Grant, but the latter said: “We'd better separate, and we can meet +again after we have attended to our business.” + +A meeting place was agreed upon, and Tom went his way. + +Now came the difficult part of Grant's task. Where should he go to +dispose of his pearls? He walked along undecided, till he came to a +large jewelry store. It struck him that this would be a good place +for his purpose, and he entered. + +“What can I do for you, young man?” asked a man of thirty behind the +counter. + +“I have some pearl ornaments I would like to sell,” said Grant. + +“Indeed,” said the clerk, fixing a suspicious glance upon Grant; +“let me see them.” + +Grant took out the necklace and bracelets, and passed them over. No +sooner had he done so than a showily dressed lady advanced to the +place where he was standing, and held out her hand for the +ornaments, exclaiming: “I forbid you to buy those articles, sir. +They are mine. The boy stole them from me, and I have followed him +here, suspecting that he intended to dispose of them.” + +“That is false,” exclaimed Grant, indignantly. “I never saw that +woman before in my life.” + +“So you are a liar as well as a thief!” said the woman. “You will +please give me those pearls, sir.” + +The clerk looked at the two contestants in indecision. He was +disposed to believe the lady's statement. + + + +CHAPTER VII -- MRS. SIMPSON COMES TO GRIEF + + + +“Surely I have a right to my own property,” said the showily dressed +lady in a tone of authority, which quite imposed upon the +weak-minded salesman. + +“I dare say you are right, ma'am,” said he, hesitatingly. + +“Of course I am,” said she. + +“If you give her those pearls, which belong to my mother, I will +have you arrested,” said Grant, plucking up spirit. + +“Hoity-toity!” said the lady, contemptuously. “I hope you won't pay +any regard to what that young thief says.” + +The clerk looked undecided. He beckoned an older salesman, and laid +the matter before him. The latter looked searchingly at the two. +Grant was flushed and excited, and the lady had a brazen front. + +“Do you claim these pearls, madam?” he said. + +“I do,” she answered, promptly. + +“How did you come by them?” + +“They were a wedding present from my husband.” + +“May I ask your name?” + +The lady hesitated a moment, then answered: + +“Mrs. Simpson.” + +“Where do you live?” + +There was another slight hesitation. Then came the answer: + +“No.--Madison Avenue.” + +Now Madison Avenue is a fashionable street, and the name produced an +impression on the first clerk. + +“I think the pearls belong to the lady,” he whispered. + +“I have some further questions to ask,” returned the elder salesman, +in a low voice. + +“Do you know this boy whom you charge with stealing your property?” + +“Yes,” answered the lady, to Grant's exceeding surprise; “he is a +poor boy whom I have employed to do errands.” + +“Has he had the run of your house?” + +“Yes, that's the way of it. He must have managed to find his way to +the second floor, and opened the bureau drawer where I kept the +pearls.” + +“What have you to say to this?” asked the elder salesman. + +“Please ask the lady my name,” suggested Grant. + +“Don't you know your own name?” demanded the lady, sharply. + +“Yes, but I don't think you do.” + +“Can you answer the boy's question, Mrs. Simpson?” + +“Of course I can. His name is John Cavanaugh, and the very suit he +has on I gave him.” + +Grant was thunderstruck at the lady's brazen front. She was +outwardly a fine lady, but he began to suspect that she was an +impostor. + +“I am getting tired of this,” said the so-called Mrs. Simpson, +impatiently. “Will you, or will you not, restore my pearls?” “When +we are satisfied that they belong to you, madam,” said the elder +salesman, coolly. “I don't feel like taking the responsibility, but +will send for my employer, and leave the matter to him to decide.” + +“I hope I won't have long to wait, sir.” + +“I will send at once.” + +“It's a pretty state of things when a lady has her own property kept +from her,” said Mrs. Simpson, while the elder clerk was at the other +end of the store, giving some instructions to a boy. + +“I don't in the least doubt your claim to the articles, Mrs. +Simpson,” said the first salesman, obsequiously. “Come, boy, you'd +better own up that you have stolen the articles, and the lady will +probably let you off this time.” + +“Yes, I will let him off this time,” chimed in the lady. “I don't +want to send him to prison.” + +“If you can prove that I am a thief, I am willing to go,” said +Grant, hotly. + +By this time the elder salesman had come back. + +“Is your name John Cavanaugh, my boy?” he asked. + +“No, sir.” + +“Did you ever see this lady before?” + +“No, sir.” + +The lady threw up her hands in feigned amazement. + +“I wouldn't have believed the boy would lie so!” she said. + +“What is your name?” + +“My name is Grant Thornton. I live in Colebrook, and my father is +Rev. John Thornton.” + +“I know there is such a minister there. To whom do these pearls +belong?” + +“To my mother.” + +“A likely story that a country minister's wife should own such +valuable pearls,” said Mrs. Simpson, in a tone of sarcasm. + +“How do you account for it?” asked the clerk. + +“They were given my mother years since, by a rich lady who was a +good friend of hers. She has never had occasion to wear them.” + +Mrs. Simpson smiled significantly. + +“The boy has learned his story,” she said. “I did not give you +credit for such an imagination, John Cavanaugh.” + +“My name is Grant Thornton, madam,” said our hero, gravely. + +Five minutes later two men entered the store. One was a policeman, +the other the head of the firm. When Grant's eye fell on the +policeman he felt nervous, but when he glanced at the gentleman his +face lighted up with pleasure. + +“Why, it's Mr. Clifton,” he said. + +“Grant Thornton,” said the jeweler, in surprise. “Why, I thought--” + +“You will do me justice, Mr. Clifton,” said Grant, and thereupon he +related the circumstances already known to the reader. + +When Mrs. Simpson found that the boy whom she had selected as an +easy victim was known to the proprietor of the place, she became +nervous, and only thought of escape. + +“It is possible that I am mistaken,” she said. “Let me look at the +pearls again.” + +They were held up for her inspection. + +“They are very like mine,” she said, after a brief glance; “but I +see there is a slight difference.” + +“How about the boy, madam?” asked the elder clerk. + +“He is the very image of my errand boy; but if Mr. Clifton knows +him, I must be mistaken. I am sorry to have given you so much +trouble. I have an engagement to meet, and must go.” + +“Stop, madam!” said Mr. Clifton, sternly, interposing an obstacle to +her departure, “we can't spare you yet.” + +“I really must go, sir. I give up all claim to the pearls.” + +“That is not sufficient. You have laid claim to them, knowing that +they were not yours. Officer, have you ever seen this woman before?” + +“Yes, sir, I know her well.” + +“How dare you insult me?” demanded Mrs. Simpson; but there was a +tremor in her voice. + +“I give her in charge for an attempted swindle,” said Mr. Clifton. + +“You will have to come with me, madam,” said the policeman. “You may +as well go quietly.” + +“Well, the game is up,” said the woman, with a careless laugh. + +“It came near succeeding, though.” + +“Now, my boy,” said the jeweler, “I will attend to your business. +You want to sell these pearls?” + +“Yes, sir; they are of no use to mother, and she needs the money.” + +“At what do you value them?” + +“I leave that to you, sir. I shall be satisfied with what you think +them worth.” + +The jeweler examined them attentively. After his examination was +concluded, he said: “I am willing to give four hundred dollars for +them. Of course they cost more, but I shall have to reset them.” + +“That is more than I expected,” said Grant, joyfully. “It will pay +all our debts, and give us a little fund to help us in future.” + +“Do you wish the money now? There might be some risk in a boy like +you carrying so much with you.” + +“What would you advise, Mr. Clifton?” + +“That you take perhaps a hundred dollars, and let me bring the +balance next Saturday night, when I come to pass Sunday at +Colebrook.” + +“Thank you, sir; if it won't be too much trouble for you.” + + + +CHAPTER VIII -- GRANT TAKES A DECISIVE STEP + + + +Grant came home a messenger of good tidings, as his beaming face +plainly showed. His mother could hardly believe in her good fortune, +when Grant informed her that he had sold the pearls for four hundred +dollars. + +“Why, that will pay up all your father's debts,” she said, “and we +shall once more feel independent.” + +“And with a good reserve fund besides,” suggested Grant. + +On Saturday evening he called on Mr. Clifton, and received the +balance of the purchase money. On Monday, with a little list of +creditors, and his pocket full of money, he made a round of calls, +and paid up everybody, including Mr. Tudor. + +“I told you the bill would be paid, Mr. Tudor,” he said, quietly, to +the grocer. + +“You mustn't feel hard on me on account of my pressing you, Grant,” + said the grocer, well pleased, in a conciliatory tone. “You see, I +needed money to pay my bills.” + +“You seemed to think my father didn't mean to pay you,” said Grant, +who could not so easily get over what he had considered unfriendly +conduct on the part of Mr. Tudor. + +“No, I didn't. Of course I knew he was honest, but all the same I +needed the money. I wish all my customers was as honest as your +folks.” + +With this Grant thought it best to be contented. The time might come +again when they would require the forbearance of the grocer; but he +did not mean that it should be so if he could help it. For he was +more than ever resolved to give up the project of going to college. +The one hundred and fifty dollars which remained after paying the +debts would tide them over a year, but his college course would +occupy four; and then there would be three years more of study to +fit him for entering a profession, and so there would be plenty of +time for the old difficulties to return. If the parish would +increase kis father's salary by even a hundred dollars, they might +get along; but there was such a self-complacent feeling in the +village that Mr. Thornton was liberally paid, that he well knew +there was no chance of that. + +Upon this subject he had more than one earnest conversation with his +mother. + +“I should be sorry to have you leave home,” she said; “but I +acknowledge the force of your reasons.” + +“I shouldn't be happy at college, mother,” responded Grant, “if I +thought you were pinched at home.” + +“If you were our only child, Grant, it would be different.” + +“That is true; but there are Frank and Mary who would suffer. If I +go to work I shall soon be able to help you take care of them.” + +“You are a good and unselfish boy, Grant,” said his mother. + +“I don't know about that, mother; I am consulting my own happiness +as well as yours.” + +“Yet you would like to go to college?” + +“If we had plenty of money, not otherwise. I don't want to enjoy +advantages at the expense of you all.” + +“Your Uncle Godfrey will be very angry,” said Mrs. Thornton, +thoughtfully. + +“I suppose he will, and I shall be sorry for it. I am grateful to +him for his good intentions toward me, and I have no right to expect +that he will feel as I do about the matter. If he is angry, I shall +be sorry, but I don't think it ought to influence me.” + +“You must do as you decide to be best, Grant. It is you who are most +interested. But suppose you make up your mind to enter upon a +business career, what chance have you of obtaining a place?” + +“I shall call upon Mr. Reynolds, and see if he has any place for +me.” + +“Who is Mr. Reynolds?” asked his mother, in some surprise. + +“I forgot that I didn't tell you of the gentleman whose acquaintance +I made on my way up to the city. He is a Wall Street broker. His +attention was drawn to me by something that he heard, and he offered +to help me, if he could, to get employment.” + +“It would cost something to go to New York, and after all there is +no certainty that he could help you,” said Mrs. Thornton, +cautiously. + +“That is true, mother, but I think he would do something for me.” + +However Grant received a summons to New York on other business. Mrs. +Simpson, as she called herself, though she had no right to the name, +was brought up for trial, and Grant was needed as a witness. Of +course his expenses were to be paid. He resolved to take this +opportunity to call at the office of Mr. Reynolds. + +I do not propose to speak of Mrs. Simpson's trial. I will merely say +that she was found guilty of the charge upon which she had been +indicted, and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. + +When Grant was released from his duties as witness, he made his way +to Wall Street, or rather New Street, which branches out from the +great financial thoroughfare, and had no difficulty in finding the +office of Mr. Reynolds. + +“Can I see Mr. Reynolds?” he asked of a young man, who was writing +at a desk. + +“Have you come to deliver stock? If so, I will take charge of it.” + +“No,” answered Grant; “I wish to see him personally.” + +“He is at the Stock Exchange just at present. If you will take a +seat, he will be back in twenty minutes, probably.” + +Grant sat down, and in less than the time mentioned, Mr. Reynolds +entered the office. The broker, who had a good memory for faces, at +once recognized our hero. + +“Ha, my young friend from the country,” he said; “would you like to +see me?” + +“When you are at leisure, sir,” answered Grant, well pleased at the +prompt recognition. + +“You will not have to wait long. Amuse yourself as well as you can +for a few minutes.” + +Promptness was the rule in Mr. Reynolds' office. Another +characteristic of the broker was, that he was just as polite to a +boy as to his best customer. This is, I am quite aware, an unusual +trait, and, therefore, the more to be appreciated when we meet with +it. + +Presently Mr. Reynolds appeared at the door of his inner office, and +beckoned to Grant to enter. + +“Take a seat, my young friend,” he said; “and now let me know what I +can do for you.” + +“When I met you in the cars,” said Grant, “you invited me, if I ever +wanted a position, to call upon you, and you would see if you could +help me.” + +“Very true, I did. Have you made up your mind to seek a place?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“Are your parents willing you should come to New York?” + +“Yes, sir. That is, my mother is willing, and my father will agree +to whatever she decides to be best.” + +“So far so good. I wouldn't engage any boy who came against his +parents' wishes. Now let me tell you that you have come at a very +favorable time. I have had in my employ for two years the son of an +old friend, who has suited me in every respect; but now he is to go +abroad with his father for a year, and I must supply his place. You +shall have the place if you want it.” + +“Nothing would suit me better,” said Grant, joyfully. “Do you think +I would be competent to fulfill the duties?” + +“Harry Becker does not leave me for two weeks. He will initiate you +into your duties, and if you are as quick as I think you are at +learning, that will be sufficient.” + +“When shall I come, sir?” + +“Next Monday morning. It is now Thursday, and that will give you +time to remove to the city.” + +“Perhaps I had better come Saturday, so as to get settled in a +boarding-house before going to work. Could you recommend some +moderate priced boarding-house, Mr. Reynolds?” + +“For the first week you may come to my house as my guest. That will +give you a chance to look about you. I live at 58 West 3-th Street. +You had better take it down on paper. You can come any time on +Monday. That will give you a chance to spend Sunday at home, and you +need not go to work till Tuesday.” + +Grant expressed his gratitude in suitable terms, and left the office +elated at his good fortune. A surprise awaited him. At the junction +of Wall and New Streets he came suddenly upon a large-sized +bootblack, whose face looked familiar. + +“Tom Calder!” he exclaimed. “Is that you?” + + + +CHAPTER IX -- 'UNCLE GODFREY PARTS FROM GRANT + + + +When Tom Calder turned round and saw who had addressed him, he +turned red with mortification, and he tried to hide his blacking +box. He was terribly mortified to have it known that he had been +forced into such a business. If Tom had nothing worse to be ashamed +of he need not have blushed, but he was suffering from false shame. + +“When did you come to the city?” he stammered. + +“Only this morning.” + +“I suppose you are surprised to see me in this business,” said Tom, +awkwardly. + +“There is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Grant. “It is an honest +business.” + +“It's an awful come down for me,” said Tom, uncomfortably. “The fact +is, I've had hard luck.” + +“I am sorry to hear that,” said Grant. + +“I expected a place in Wall Street, but I came just too late, and +things are awful dull anyway. Then I was robbed of my money.” + +“How much?” asked Grant, curiously, for he didn't believe a word of +it. + +“Eight dollars and thirty-three cents,” replied Tom, glibly. + +“I thought you were too smart to be robbed,” said Grant, slyly. “If +it had been a green boy from the country like me, now, it wouldn't +have been surprising.” + +“I was asleep when I was robbed,” explained Tom, hurriedly. “A +fellow got into my room in the night, and picked my pocket. I +couldn't help that, now, could I?” + +“I suppose not.” + +“So I had to get something to do, or go back to Colebrook. I say, +Grant---” + +“Well?” + +“Don't you tell any of the fellers at home what business I'm in, +that's a good fellow.” + +“I won't if you don't want me to,” said Grant. + +“You see, it's only a few days till I can get something else to do.” + +“It's a great deal better blacking boots than being idle, in my +opinion,” said Grant. + +“That's the way I look at it. But you didn't tell me what you came +to the city for?” + +“I'm coming here for good,” announced Grant. + +“You haven't got a place, have you?” ejaculated Tom, in surprise. + +“Yes, I am to enter the office of Mr. Reynolds, a stock broker. +There is his sign.” + +“You don't say so I. Why, that's just the sort of place I wanted. +How did you get the chance?” + +“I got acquainted with Mr. Reynolds on board the cars that day we +came to New York together.” + +“And you asked him for the place?” + +“I asked him this morning.” + +“You might have given me the chance,” grumbled Tom, enviously. “You +knew it was the sort of place I was after.” + +“I don't think I was called upon to do that,” said Grant, smiling. +“Besides, he wouldn't have accepted you.” + +“Why not? Ain't I as smart as you, I'd like to know?” retorted Tom +Calder, angrily. + +“He heard us talking in the cars, and didn't like what you said.” + +“What did I say?” + +“He doesn't approve of boys smoking cigarettes and going to bucket +shops. You spoke of both.” + +“How did he hear?” + +“He was sitting just behind us.” + +“Was it that old chap that was sittin' with you when I came back +from the smoking car?” + +“Yes.” + +“Just my luck,” said Tom, ruefully. + +“When are you goin' to work?” asked Tom, after a pause. + +“Next Monday.” + +“Where are you going to board? We might take a room together, you +know. It would be kind of social, as we both come from the same +place.” + +It did not occur to Grant that the arrangement would suit him at +all, but he did not think it necessary to say so. He only said: “I +am going to Mr. Reynolds' house, just at first.” + +“You don't say so! Why, he's taken a regular fancy to you.” + +“If he has, I hope he won't get over it.” + +“I suppose he lives in a handsome brownstone house uptown.” + +“Very likely; I've never seen the house.” + +“Well, some folks has luck, but I ain't one of 'em,” grumbled Tom. + +“Your luck is coming, I hope, Tom.” + +“I wish it would come pretty soon, then; I say, suppose your folks +won't let you take the place?” he asked, suddenly, brightening up. + +“They won't oppose it.” “I thought they wanted you to go to +college.” + +“I can't afford it. It would take too long before I could earn +anything, and I ought to be helping the family.” + +“I'm goin' to look out for number one,” said Tom, shrugging his +shoulders. “That's all I can do.” + +Tom's mother was a hard-working woman, and had taken in washing for +years. But for her the family would often have lacked for food. His +father was a lazy, intemperate man, who had no pride of manhood, and +cared only for himself. In this respect Tom was like him, though the +son had not as yet become intemperate. + +“I don't think there is any chance of my giving up the place,” + answered Grant. “If I do, I will mention your name.” + +“That's a good fellow.” + +Grant did not volunteer to recommend Tom, for he could not have done +so with a clear conscience. This omission, however, Tom did not +notice. + +“Well, Tom, I must be going. Good-by, and good luck.” + +Grant went home with a cheerful face, and announced his good luck to +his mother. + +“I am glad you are going to your employer's house,” she said. “I +wish you could remain there permanently.” + +“So do I, mother; but I hope at any rate to get a comfortable +boarding place. Tom Calder wants to room with me.” + +“I hope you won't think of it,” said Mrs. Thornton, alarmed. + +“Not for a moment. I wish Tom well, but I shouldn't like to be too +intimate with him. And now, mother, I think I ought to write to +Uncle Godfrey, and tell him what I have decided upon.” + +“That will be proper, Grant.” Grant wrote the following letter, and +mailed it at once: + +“DEAR UNCLE GODFREY: + +I am afraid you won't like what I have to tell you, but I think it +is my duty to the family to give up the college course you so kindly +offered me, in view of father's small salary and narrow means. I +have been offered a place in the office of a stock broker in New +York, and have accepted it. I enter upon my duties next Monday +morning. I hope to come near paying my own way, and before very long +to help father. I know you will be disappointed, Uncle Godfrey, and +I hope you won't think I don't appreciate your kind offer, but I +think it would be selfish in me to accept it. Please do forgive me, +and believe me to be + +Your affectionate nephew, GRANT THORNTON.” + +In twenty-four hours an answer came to this letter. It ran thus: + +“NEPHEW GRANT: + +I would not have believed you would act so foolishly and +ungratefully. It is not often that such an offer as mine is made to +a boy. I did think you were sensible enough to understand the +advantages of a professional education. I hoped you would do credit +to the name of Thornton, and keep up the family reputation as a man +of learning and a gentleman. But you have a foolish fancy for going +into a broker's office, and I suppose you must be gratified. But you +needn't think I will renew my offer. I wash my hands of you from +this time forth, and leave you to your own foolish course. The time +will come when you will see your folly. + +GODFREY THORNTON.” + +Grant sighed as he finished reading this missive. He felt that his +uncle had done him injustice. It was no foolish fancy, but a +conscientious sense of duty, which had led him to sacrifice his +educational prospects. + +On Monday morning he took the earliest train for New York. + + + +CHAPTER X -- A DAY IN WALL STREET + + + +Grant went at once on his arrival in the city to Mr. Reynolds' +office. He had in his hand a well-worn valise containing his small +stock of clothing. The broker was just leaving the office for the +Stock Exchange as Grant entered. + +“So you are punctual,” he said, smiling. + +“Yes, sir, I always on time.” + +“That is an excellent habit. Here, Harry.” + +In answer to this summons, Harry Becker, a boy two years older and +correspondingly larger than Grant, came forward. He was a +pleasant-looking boy, and surveyed Grant with a friendly glance. + +“Harry,” said Mr. Reynolds, “this is your successor. Do me the favor +of initiating him into his duties, so that when you leave me he will +be qualified to take your place.” + +“All right, sir.” + +The broker hurried over to the Exchange, and the two boys were left +together. + +“What is your name?” asked the city boy. + +“Grant Thornton.” + +“Mine is Harry Becker. Are you accustomed to the city?” + +“No, I am afraid you will find me very green,” answered Grant. + +“You are not the boy to remain so long,” said Harry, scrutinizing +him attentively. + +“I hope not. You are going to Europe, Mr. Reynolds tells me.” + +“Yes, the governor is going to take me.” + +“The governor?” + +“My father, I mean,” said Harry, smiling. + +“I suppose you are not sorry to go?” + +“Oh, no; I expect to have a tip-top time. How would you like it?” + +“Very much, if I could afford it, but at present I would rather fill +your place in the office. I am the son of a poor country minister, +and must earn my own living.” + +“How did you get in with Mr. Reynolds?” asked Harry. + +Grant told him. “Is he easy to get along with?” he inquired, a +little anxiously. + +“He is very kind and considerate. Still he is stanch, and expects a +boy to serve him faithfully.” + +“He has a right to expect that.” + +“As I am to break you in, you had better go about with me +everywhere. First, we will go to the post-office.” + +The two boys walked to Nassau Street, where the New York post-office +was then located. Harry pointed out the box belonging to the firm, +and producing a key opened it, and took out half a dozen letters. + +“There may be some stock orders in these letters,” he said; “we will +go back to the office, give them to Mr. Clark to open, and then you +can go with me to the Stock Exchange.” + +Ten minutes later they entered the large room used by the brokers as +an Exchange. Grant looked about him in undisguised astonishment. It +seemed like a pandemonium. The room was full of men, shouting, +gesticulating and acting like crazy men. The floor was littered with +fragments of paper, and on a raised dais were the officers of the +Exchange, the chief among them, the chairman, calling rapidly the +names of a long list of stocks. Each name was followed by a confused +shouting, which Grant learned afterward to be bids for the stock +named. There were several groups of brokers, each apparently +interested in some leading security. In each of the galleries, one +at each end, overlooking the stock room, curious spectators were +watching what was going on. + +Harry Decker was amused at Grant's look of surprise and +bewilderment. + +“You'll get used to it in time,” he said. “Say--there is Mr. +Reynolds. I must speak to him.” + +Mr. Reynolds stood near a placard on which, in prominent letters, +was inscribed “Erie.” Harry handed him a paper, which he took, +glanced at quickly, and then resumed his bidding. + +“He has just bought one thousand Erie,” said Harry, aside, to Grant. + +“One thousand?” + +“Yes, a thousand shares, at fifty-five.” + +“Fifty-five dollars?” + +“Yes.” + +“Why, that will make fifty-five thousand dollars,” ejaculated Grant, +in wonder. + +“Yes, that is one of the orders I brought over just now.” + +“A man must have a great deal of capital to carry on this business, +if that is only an item of a single day's business.” + +“Yes, but not so much as you may imagine. I can't explain now, but +you'll understand better as you go on. Now we'll go back and see if +there's anything to do in the office.” + +Not long afterward Harry had to come back to the Exchange again, and +Grant came with him. He found something new to surprise him. + +A tall man of dignified presence was walking across the floor, when +a fellow member with a sly stroke sent his tall hat spinning across +the floor. When the victim turned the mischief-maker was intent upon +his memorandum book, and the tall man's suspicions fell upon a +short, stout young man beside him. With a vigorous sweep he knocked +the young man's hat off, saying, “It's a poor rule that don't work +both ways.” + +This led to a little scrimmage, in which a dozen were involved. The +brokers, staid, middle-aged men, most of them, seemed like a pack of +school boys at recess. Grant surveyed the scene with undisguised +astonishment. + +“What does it mean, Harry?” he asked. + +“Oh, that's a very common occurrence,” said Harry, smiling. + +“I never saw grown men acting so. Won't there be a fight?” + +“Oh, it's all fun. The brokers are unlike any other class of men in +business hours,” explained Harry. “It's one of the customs of the +place.” + +Just then, to his astonishment, Grant saw his employer, Mr. +Reynolds, pursuing his hat, which was rolling over the floor. He was +about to run to his assistance, but Harry stopped him. + +“No interference is allowed,” he said. “Leave them to their fun. I +used to think it strange myself, when I first came into the +Exchange, but I'm used to it now. Now we may as well go back to the +office.” + +There is no occasion to follow the boys through the day's routine. +Grant found his companion very obliging, and very ready to give him +the information he needed. Many boys would have been supercilious +and perhaps been disposed to play tricks on a country boy, but Harry +was not one of them. He took a friendly interest in Grant, answered +all his questions, and did his best to qualify him for the position +he was to assume. + +Before the office closed, Grant and his new friend went to the bank +to make a deposit of money and checks. The deposit amounted to about +twenty thousand dollars. + +“There must be plenty of money in New York,” said Grant. “Why, up in +Colebrook, if a man were worth twenty thousand dollars he would be +considered a rich man.” + +“It takes a good deal more than that to make a man rich in New York. +In the stock business a man is likely to do a larger business in +proportion to his capital than in the mercantile business.” + +On their way back from the bank, Grant came face to face with Tom +Calder. Tom was busily engaged in talking to a companion, some years +older than himself, and didn't observe Grant. Grant was by no means +prepossessed in favor of this young man, whose red and mottled face, +and bold glance made him look far from respectable. + +“Do you know those fellows?” asked Harry Becker. + +“The youngest one is from Colebrook.” + +“He is in bad company. I hope he is not an intimate friend of +yours?” + +“Far from it. Still, I know him, and am sorry to see him with such a +companion.” + +At four o'clock Mr. Reynolds proposed to go home. He beckoned to +Grant to accompany him. + + + +CHAPTER XI -- GRANT MAKES A FRIEND + + + +“What do you think of your first day in Wall Street?” asked Mr. +Reynolds, kindly. + +“I have found it very interesting,” answered Grant. + +“Do you think you shall like the business?” + +“Yes, sir, I think so.” + +“Better than if you had been able to carry out your original plan, +and go to college?” + +“Yes, sir, under the circumstances, for I have a better prospect of +helping the family.” + +“That feeling does you credit. Have you any brothers and sisters?” + +“One of each, sir.” + +“I have but one boy, now nine years old. I am sorry to say he is not +strong in body, though very bright and quick, mentally. I wish he +were more fond of play and would spend less time in reading and +study.” + +“I don't think that is a common complaint among boys, sir.” + +“No, I judge not from my own remembrance and observation. My wife is +dead, and I am such a busy man that I am not able to give my boy as +much attention as I wish I could. My boy's health is the more +important to me because I have no other child.” + +Grant's interest was excited, and he looked forward to meeting his +employer's son, not without eagerness. He had not long to wait. + +The little fellow was in the street in front of the house when his +father reached home. He was a slender, old-fashioned boy in +appearance, who looked as if he had been in the habit of keeping +company with grown people. His frame was small, but his head was +large. He was pale, and would have been plain, but for a pair of +large, dark eyes, lighting up his face. + +“Welcome home, papa,” he said, running up to meet Mr. Reynolds. + +The broker stooped over and kissed his son. Then he said: “I have +brought you some company, Herbert. This is Grant Thornton, the boy I +spoke to you about.” + +“I am glad to make your acquaintance,” said the boy, with +old-fashioned courtesy, offering his hand. + +“And I am glad to meet you, Herbert,” responded Grant, pleasantly. + +The little boy looked up earnestly in the face of his father's +office boy. + +“I think I shall like you,” he said. + +Mr. Reynolds looked pleased, and so did Grant. + +“I am sure we shall be very good friends,” said our hero. + +“Herbert,” said his father, “will you show Grant the room he is to +occupy?” + +“It is next to mine, isn't it, papa?” + +“Yes, my son.” + +“Come with me,” said Herbert, putting his hand in Grant's. “I will +show you the way.” + +Grant, who was only accustomed to the plain homes in his native +village, was impressed by the evidence of wealth and luxury +observable in the house of the stock broker. The room assigned to +him was small, but it was very handsomely furnished, and he almost +felt out of place in it. But it was not many days, to anticipate +matters a little, before he felt at home. + +Herbert took Grant afterward into his own room. + +“See my books,” he said, leading the way to a bookcase, containing +perhaps a hundred volumes, the majority of a juvenile character, but +some suited to more mature tastes. “Do you like reading?” asked +Grant. + +“I have read all the books you see here,” answered Herbert, “and +some of papa's besides. I like to read better than to play.” + +“But you ought to spend some of your time in play, or you will not +grow up healthy.” + +“That is what papa says. I try to play some, but I don't care much +about it.” + +Grant was no longer surprised at the little boy's delicacy. It was +clear that he needed more amusement and more exercise. “Perhaps,” he +thought, “I can induce Herbert to exercise more.” + +“When do you take dinner?” he asked. + +“At half-past six. There is plenty of time.” + +“Then suppose we take a little walk together. We shall both have a +better appetite.” + +“I should like to,” replied Herbert; “that is, with you. I don't +like to walk alone.” + +“How far is Central Park from here?” + +“A little over a mile.” + +“I have never seen it. Would you mind walking as far as that?” + +“Oh, no.” + +So the two boys walked out together. They were soon engaged in an +animated conversation, consisting, for the most part, of questions +proposed by Grant, and answers given by Herbert. + +Not far from the park they came to a vacant lot where some boys were +playing ball. + +“Now, if we only had a ball, Herbert,” said Grant, “we might have a +little amusement.” + +“I've got a ball in my pocket, but I don't use it much.” + +“Let me see it.” + +Herbert produced the ball, which proved to be an expensive one, +better than any Grant had ever owned. + +“There, Herbert, stand here, and I will place myself about fifty +feet away. Now, throw it to me, no matter how swiftly.” + +They were soon engaged in throwing the ball to each other. Grant was +a good ball player, and he soon interested the little boy in the +sport. Our hero was pleased to see Herbert's quiet, listless manner +exchanged for the animation which seemed better suited to a boy. + +“You are improving, Herbert,” he said, after a while. “You would +make a good player in time.” + +“I never liked it before,” said the little boy. “I never knew there +was so much fun in playing ball.” + +“We shall have to try it every day. I suppose it is about time to go +home to supper.” + +“And we haven't been to Central Park, after all.” + +“That will do for another day. Are boys allowed to play ball in the +park?” + +“Two afternoons in the week, I believe, but I never played there.” + +“We shall have to try it some day.” + +“I should like to play--with you.” + +They reached home in full time for dinner. At the dinner table Mr. +Reynolds was struck by the unusually bright and animated face of his +son, and his good appetite. + +“What have you been doing to make you so hungry, Herbert?” he asked. + +“I took a walk with Grant, and we had a fine game of ball.” + +“I am glad to hear it,” said the broker, much pleased. “If you want +to become stout and strong like Grant, that is the best thing for +you to do.” + +“I never liked playing ball before, papa.” + +“That is a compliment to you, Grant,” said the broker, smiling. + +“I think,” he said to the prim, elderly lady who presided over the +household, acting as housekeeper, “Herbert will be the better for +having a boy in the house.” + +“I don't know about that,” said Mrs. Estabrook, stiffly. “When he +came into the house he had mud on his clothes. He never did that +till this boy came.” + +“I won't complain of that, if his health is improved.” + +Mrs. Estabrook, who was a poor relation of Herbert's mother, pursed +up her mouth, but did not reply. In her eyes, it was more important +that a boy should keep his clothes whole and clean than to have +color in his cheeks, and health in his frame. + +“I hope that boy won't stay here long,” she thought, referring, of +course, to Grant. “He'll quite spoil Herbert by making him rough and +careless of his appearance.” + +“Well, Herbert, and how do you like Grant?” asked Mr. Reynolds, as +his son was bidding him good-night before going to bed. + +“I am so glad you brought him here, papa. I shall have good times +now. You'll let him stay all the time, won't you?” + +“I'll see about it, Herbert,” answered his father, smiling. + + + +CHAPTER XII -- MRS. ESTABROOK'S PLANS + + + +Grant was going home with Mr. Reynolds at the close of the fourth +day, when it occurred to him to say what had been in his mind for +some time: “Isn't it time, Mr. Reynolds, for me to be looking out +for a boarding place?” + +The broker smiled, and said with assumed concern: “Are you +dissatisfied with your present boarding place?” + +“How could I be, sir?” returned Grant, earnestly. “But you told me I +could stay with you a week, while I was looking about for a suitable +place to board.” + +“That is true. Now, however, there is a difficulty about your making +a change.” + +“What is that, sir?” + +“Herbert would not give his consent. The fact is, Grant, Herbert +finds so much pleasure in your society, and derives so much +advantage from the increased exercise you lead him to take, that I +think you will have to make up your mind to stay.” + +Grant's face showed the pleasure he felt. + +“I shall be very glad to stay, Mr. Reynolds,” he answered, “if you +are willing to have me.” + +“I had this in view from the first,” said the broker, “but I wanted +to see how you and Herbert got along. I wished to be sure, also, +that your influence on him would be good. Of that I can have no +doubt, and I am glad to receive you as a member of my family.” + +There was one member of the household, however, who was not so well +pleased with the proposed arrangement. This was Mrs. Estabrook, the +housekeeper. + +As the week drew to a close, she said, one evening after the boys +had retired: + +“How much longer is the office boy to stay here, Mr. Reynolds?” + +“Why do you ask?” inquired the broker. + +“Only with reference to domestic arrangements,” answered the +housekeeper, disconcerted. + +“He will remain for a considerable time, Mrs. Estabrook.” + +“I--I thought he was only going to stay a week.” + +“He is company for Herbert, and I think it desirable to keep him.” + +“Herbert soils his clothes a deal more now than he used to do,” said +the housekeeper, discontentedly. “I am sure I don't know where the +other boy carries him.” + +“Nor I, but I am not afraid to trust him with Grant. As to the +clothes, I consider them of very small account, compared with my +boy's health.” + +Mrs. Estabrook knitted in silence for five minutes. She was by no +means pleased with her employer's plan, having taken a dislike to +Grant, for which, indeed, her chief reason was jealousy. She had a +stepson, a young man of twenty-one, in Mr. Reynolds' office, whom +she would like to have in the house in place of Grant. But Mr. +Reynolds had never taken notice of her occasional hints to that +effect. The housekeeper's plans were far-reaching. She knew that +Herbert was delicate, and doubted if he would live to grow up. In +that case, supposing her stepson had managed to ingratiate himself +with the broker, why might he not hope to become his heir? Now this +interloper, as she called Grant, had stepped into the place which +her own favorite--his name was Willis Ford--should have had. Mrs. +Estabrook felt aggrieved, and unjustly treated, and naturally +incensed at Grant, who was the unconscious cause of her +disappointment. She returned to the charge, though, had she been +wiser, she would have foreborne. + +“Do you think a poor boy like this Grant Thornton is a suitable +companion for a rich man's son, Mr. Reynolds? Excuse me for +suggesting it, but I am so interested in dear Herbert.” + +“Grant Thornton is the son of a country minister, and has had an +excellent training,” said the broker, coldly. “The fact that he is +poor is no objection in my eyes. I think, Mrs. Estabrook, we will +dismiss the subject. I think myself competent to choose my son's +associates.” + +“I hope you will excuse me,” said the housekeeper, seeing that she +had gone too far. “I am so attached to the dear child.” + +“If you are, you will not object to the extra trouble you may have +with his clothes, since his health is benefited.” + +“That artful young beggar has wound his way into his employer's +confidence,” thought Mrs. Estabrook, resentfully, “but it may not be +always so.” + +A few minutes later, when the housekeeper was in her own +sitting-room, she was told that Willis Ford wanted to see her. + +Mrs. Estabrook's thin face lighted up with pleasure, for she was +devotedly attached to her stepson. + +“Bring him up here at once,” she said. + +A minute later the young man entered the room. He was a thin, +sallow-complexioned young man, with restless, black eyes, and a +discontented expression--as of one who thinks he is not well used by +the world. + +“Welcome, my dear boy,” said the housekeeper, warmly. “I am so glad +to see you.” + +Willis submitted reluctantly to his stepmother's caress, and threw +himself into a rocking chair opposite her. + +“Are you well, Willis?” asked Mrs. Estabrook, anxiously. + +“Yes, I'm well enough,” muttered the young man. + +“I thought you looked out of sorts.” + +“I feel so.” + +“Is anything the matter?” + +“Yes; I'm sick of working at such starvation wages.” + +“I thought fifteen dollars a week a very good salary. Only last +January you were raised three dollars.” + +“And I expected to be raised three dollars more on the first of +July.” + +“Did you apply to Mr. Reynolds?” + +“Yes, and he told me I must wait till next January.” + +“I think he might have raised you, if only on account of the +connection between our families.” + +“Perhaps he would if you would ask him, mother.” + +“I will when there is a good opportunity. Still, Willis, I think +fifteen dollars a week very comfortable.” + +“You don't know a young man's expenses, mother.” + +“How much do you pay for board, Willis?” + +“Six dollars a week. I have a room with a friend, or I should have +to pay eight.” + +“That leaves you nine dollars a week for all other expenses. I think +you might save something out of that.” + +“I can't. I have clothes to buy, and sometimes I want to go to the +theatre, and in fact, nine dollars don't go as far as you think. Of +course, a woman doesn't need to spend much. It's different with a +young man.” + +“Your income would be a good deal increased if you had no board to +pay.” + +“Of course. You don't know any generous minded person who will board +me for nothing, do you?” + +“There's a new office boy in your office, isn't there?” + +“Yes, a country boy.” + +“Did you know he was boarding here?” + +“No; is he?” + +“Mr. Reynolds told me to-night he was going to keep him here +permanently, as a companion for his little son.” + +“Lucky for him.” + +“I wish Mr. Reynolds would give you a home here.” + +“I would rather he would make it up in money, and let me board where +I please.” + +“But you forget. It would give you a chance to get him interested in +you, and if Herbert should die, you might take his place as heir.” + +“That would be a splendid idea, but there's no prospect of it. It +isn't for me.” + +“It may be for the office boy. He's an artful boy, and that's what +he's working for, in my opinion.” + +“I didn't think the little beggar was so evil-headed. He seems quiet +enough.” + +“Still waters run deep. You'd better keep an eye on him, and I'll do +the same.” + +“I will.” + +The next day Grant was puzzled to understand why Willis Ford spoke +so sharply to him, and regarded him with such evident unfriendliness. + +“What have I done to offend you?” he thought. + + + +CHAPTER XIII -- TWO VIEWS OF TOM CALDER + + + +Thus far nothing had been said about the compensation Grant was to +receive for his work in the broker's office. He did not like to ask, +especially as he knew that at the end of the first week the matter +would be settled. When he found that he was to remain for the +present at the house of his employer he concluded that his cash pay +would be very small, perhaps a dollar a week. However, that would be +doing quite as well as if he paid his own board elsewhere, while he +enjoyed a much more agreeable and luxurious home. He would be unable +to assist his father for a year or two; but that was only what he +had a right to expect. + +When Saturday afternoon came, Mr. Reynolds said: “By the way, Grant, +I must pay you your week's wages. I believe no sum was agreed upon.” + +“No, sir.” + +“We will call it six dollars. Will that be satisfactory?” + +“Very much so, Mr. Reynolds; but there will be a deduction for +board.” + +Mr. Reynolds smiled. + +“That is a different matter,” he said. “That comes to you as +Herbert's companion. It is worth that to me to have my boy's +happiness increased.” + +Grant was overjoyed at the bright prospect opened before him, and he +said, with glowing face: “You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds. Now I +shall be able to help my father.” + +“That is very creditable to you, my boy. Willis, you may pay Grant +six dollars.” + +Willis Ford did so, but he looked very glum. He estimated that, +including his board, Grant would be in receipt of twelve dollars a +week, or its equivalent, and this was only three dollars less than +he himself received, who had been in the office five years and was a +connection of the broker. + +“It's a shame,” he thought, “that this green, country boy should be +paid nearly as much as I--I must call and tell mother.” + +Grant was a very happy boy that evening. He resolved to lay aside +three dollars a week to send to his mother, to save up a dollar a +week and deposit it in some savings bank, and make the other two +dollars answer for his clothing and miscellaneous expenses. + +On the next Monday afternoon Grant walked home alone, Mr. Reynolds +having some business which delayed him. He thought he would walk up +Broadway, as there was much in that crowded thoroughfare to amuse +and interest him. + +Just at the corner of Canal Street he came across Tom Calder. Tom +was standing in a listless attitude with his hands in his pockets, +with apparently no business cares weighing upon his mind. + +“Hello, Grant!” he said, with sudden recognition. + +“How are you, Tom?” + +“I'm all right, but I'm rather hard up.” + +Grant was not surprised to hear that. + +“You see, there's a feller owes me seven dollars, and I can't get it +till next week,” continued Tom, watching Grant's face to see if he +believed it. + +Grant did not believe it, but did not think it necessary to say so. + +“That's inconvenient,” he remarked. + +“I should say it was. You couldn't lend me a couple of dollars, +could you?” + +“I don't think I could.” + +Tom looked disappointed. + +“How much do you get?” he asked. + +“Six dollars a week.” + +“That's pretty good, for a boy like you. I wish you'd take a room +with me. It would come cheaper.” + +“I shall stay where I am for the present,” said Grant. + +He did not care to mention, unless he were asked, that he was making +his home at the house of Mr. Reynolds, as it might either lead to a +call from Tom, whom he did not particularly care to introduce to his +new friends, or might lead to a more pressing request for a loan. + +“Where are you boarding?” asked Grant, after a pause. + +“In Clinton Place. I have a room there, and get my meals where I +like. There's a chap from your office that lives in the same house.” + +“Who is it?” asked Grant, anxiously. + +“It's Willis Ford.” + +“Is that so?” returned Grant, in surprise. “Do you know him?” + +“Only a little. I don't like him. He's too stuck up.” + +Grant made no comment, but in his heart he agreed with Tom. + +“Are you doing anything?” he asked. + +“Not just yet,” answered Tom, “I expect a good job soon. You haven't +a quarter to spare, have you?” Grant produced the desired sum and +handed it to his companion. He didn't fancy Tom, but he was willing +to help him in a small way. + +“Thanks,” said Tom. “That'll buy my supper. I'll give it back to you +in a day or two.” + +Grant did not think there was much likelihood of that, but felt that +he could afford to lose this small sum. + +Four days later he met Tom in Wall Street. But what a change! He was +attired in a new suit, wore a fancy necktie, while a chain, that +looked like gold, dangled from his watch pocket. Grant stared at him +in amazement. + +“How are you, Grant?” said Tom, patronizingly. + +“Very well, thank you.” + +“I hope you are a-doin' well.” + +“Very well. You seem to be prosperous.” + +“Yes,” answered Tom, languidly, evidently enjoying his surprise. “I +told you I expected to get into something good. By the way, I owe +you a quarter--there it is. Much obliged for the accommodation.” + +Grant pocketed the coin, which he had never expected to receive, and +continued to regard Tom with puzzled surprise. He could not +understand what business Tom could have found that had so altered +his circumstances. He ventured to inquire. + +“I wouldn't mind tellin' you,” answered Tom, “but, you see, it's +kind of confidential. I'm a confidential agent; that's it.” + +“It seems to be a pretty good business,” remarked Grant. + +“Yes, it is; I don't work for nothin', I can tell you that.” + +“I'm glad of your good luck, Tom,” said Grant, and he spoke +sincerely. “I hope you'll keep your agency.” + +“Oh, I guess I will! A feller like me is pretty sure of a good +livin', anyway. Hello, Jim!” + +This last was addressed to a flashily dressed individual--the same +one, in fact, that Grant had seen on a former occasion with Tom. + +“Who's your friend?” asked Jim, with a glance at Grant. + +“Grant Thornton. He's from my place in the country. He's in the +office of Mr. Reynolds, a broker in New Street.” + +“Introduce me.” + +“Grant, let me make you acquainted with my friend, Jim Morrison,” + said Tom, with a flourish. + +“Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Thornton,” said Jim Morrison, +jauntily, offering his hand. + +“Thank you,” said Grant, in a reserved tone; for he was not +especially attracted by the look of Tom's friend. He shook hands, +however. + +“Come 'round and see us some evenin', Grant,” said Tom. “We'll take +you round, won't we, Jim?” + +“Of course we will. Your friend should see something of the city.” + +“You're the feller that can show him. Well, we must be goin'. It's +lunch time.” + +Tom pulled out a watch, which, if not gold, was of the same color as +gold, and the two sauntered away. + +“What in the world can Tom have found to do?” Grant wondered. + + + +CHAPTER XIV -- WILLIS FORD'S NEW FRIENDS + + + +When Harry Decker left the office at the end of two weeks, Grant was +fully able to take his place, having, with Harry's friendly +assistance, completely mastered the usual routine of a broker's +office. He had also learned the names and offices of prominent +operators, and was, in all respects, qualified to be of service to +his employer. + +Mr. Reynolds always treated him with friendly consideration, and +appeared to have perfect confidence in him. For some reason which he +could not understand, however, Willis Ford was far from cordial, +often addressing him in a fault-finding tone, which at first +disturbed Grant. When he found that it arose from Ford's dislike, he +ceased to trouble himself about it, though it annoyed him. He had +discovered Ford's relationship to Mrs. Estabrook, who treated him in +the same cool manner. + +“As it appears I can't please them,” Grant said to himself, “I won't +make any special effort to do so.” He contented himself with doing +his work faithfully, and so satisfying his own conscience. + +One evening some weeks later, Grant was returning from a concert, to +which the broker had given him a ticket, when, to his great +surprise, he met Willis Ford walking with Tom Calder and Jim +Morrison. The three were apparently on intimate terms. + +“Good-evenin', Grant,” said Tom. + +“Good-evening, Tom.” + +Grant looked at Willis Ford, but the latter's lip curled and he did +not speak. Grant, however, bowed and passed on. He was surprised at +the intimacy which had grown up between Ford and those two, knowing +Ford's spirit of exclusiveness. He would have been less surprised +had he known that Morrison had first ingratiated himself with Ford +by offering to lend him money, and afterward had lured him into a +gambling house, where Ford, not knowing that he was a dupe, had been +induced to play, and was now a loser to the extent of several +hundred dollars, for which Morrison held his notes. + +“I don't know when I can pay you,” said Ford, gloomily, when he came +to realize his situation. + +“Oh, something will turn up.” said Jim Morrison, lightly. “I shan't +trouble you.” + +Two weeks later, however, he lay in wait for Ford when he left Wall +Street. + +“I want to speak to you a moment, Mr. Ford,” he said. + +“Well, what is it?” asked Ford, uncomfortably. + +“I am hard up.” + +“So am I,” responded Willis Ford. + +“But you owe me a matter of six hundred dollars.” + +“I know it, but you said you wouldn't trouble me.” + +“I didn't expect I should be obliged to,” said Morrison, smoothly. +“But 'Circumstances alter cases,' you know. I shall have to ask you +for it.” + +“That's all the good it will do,” said Willis, irritably. “I haven't +a cent to my name.” + +“When do you expect to have?” + +“Heaven knows; I don't.” + +Ford was about to leave his companion and walk away, but Morrison +had no intention of allowing the matter to end so. He laid his hand +on Ford's shoulder and said, firmly: “Mr. Ford, this won't do. Yours +is a debt of honor, and must be paid.” + +“Will you be kind enough to let me know how it is to be paid?” + demanded Ford, with an ugly sneer. + +“That is your business, not mine, Mr. Ford.” + +“Then, if it is my business, I'll give you notice when I can pay +you. And now, good-afternoon.” + +He made another attempt to walk away, but again there was a hand +placed upon his shoulder. + +“Understand, Mr. Ford, that I am in earnest,” said Morrison. “I +can't undertake to tell you how you are to find the money, but it +must be found.” + +“Suppose it isn't?” said Ford, with a look of defiance. + +“Then I shall seek an interview with your respected employer, tell +him of the debt, and how it was incurred, and I think he would look +for another clerk.” + +“You wouldn't do that!” said Ford, his face betraying consternation. + +“I would, and I will, unless you pay what you owe me.” + +“But, man, how am I to do it? You will drive me to desperation.” + +“Take three days to think of it. If you can't raise it, I may +suggest a way.” + +The two parted, and Willis Ford was left to many uncomfortable +reflections. He knew of no way to raise the money; yet, if he did +not do it, he was menaced with exposure and ruin. Would his +stepmother come to his assistance? He knew that Mrs. Estabrook had a +thousand dollars in government bonds. If he could only induce her to +give him the custody of them on any pretext, he could meet the +demand upon him, and he would never again incur a debt of honor. He +cursed his folly for ever yielding to the temptation. Once let him +get out of this scrape, and he would never get into another like it. + +The next evening he made a call upon Mrs. Estabrook, and made +himself unusually agreeable. The cold-hearted woman, whose heart +warmed to him alone, smiled upon him with affection. + +“I am glad to see you in such good spirits, Willis,” she said. + +“If she only knew how I really felt,” thought her stepson. But it +was for his interest to wear a mask. + +“The fact is, mother,” he said, “I feel very cheerful. I've made a +little turn in stocks, and realized three hundred dollars.” + +“Have you, indeed, Willis? I congratulate you, my son. No doubt you +will find the money useful.” + +“No doubt of that. If I had the capital, I could make a good deal +more.” + +“But there would be the danger of losing,” suggested Mrs. Estabrook. + +“That danger is very small, mother. I am in a situation to know all +about the course of stocks. I wouldn't advise another to speculate, +unless he has some friend in the Stock Exchange; but for me it is +perfectly safe.” + +“Pray be careful, Willis.” + +“Oh, yes. I am sure to be. By the way, mother, haven't you got some +money in government bonds?” + +“A little,” answered Mrs. Estabrook, cautiously. + +“How much, now?” + +“About a thousand dollars.” + +“Let me manage it for you, and I will make it two thousand inside of +a month.” + +Mrs. Estabrook had a large share of acquisitiveness, but she had +also a large measure of caution, which she had inherited from her +Scotch ancestry. + +“No, Willis,” she said, shaking her head, “I can't take any risk. +This money it has taken me years to save. It is the sole dependence +I have for my old age, and I can't run the risk of losing it.” + +“But two thousand dollars will be better than one, mother. Just let +me tell you what happened to a customer of ours: He had above five +hundred dollars in the savings bank, drawing four per cent +interest--only twenty dollars a year. He had a friend in the Stock +Exchange who took charge of it, bought stocks judiciously on a +margin, then reinvested, and now, after three months, how much do +you think it amounts to?” + +“How much?” asked the housekeeper, with interest. + +“Six thousand five hundred dollars--just thirteen times as much!” + answered Willis, glibly. + +This story, by the way, was all a fabrication, intended to influence +his stepmother. Mrs. Estabrook never doubted Ford's statement, but +her instinctive caution saved her from falling into the trap. + +“It looks tempting, Willis,” she said, “but I don't dare to take the +risk.” Ford was deeply disappointed, but did not betray it. + +“It is for you to decide,” said he, carelessly, then drifted to +other subjects. + +Ten minutes later he pressed his hand upon his breast, while his +features worked convulsively. “I believe I am sick,” he said. + +“What can I do for you, my dear son?” asked the housekeeper, in +alarm. + +“If you have a glass of brandy!” gasped Willis. + +“I will go downstairs and get some,” she said, hurriedly. + +No sooner had she left the room than Willis sprang to his feet, +locked the door, then went to the bureau, unlocked the upper +drawer--he had a key in his pocket which fitted the lock and, +thrusting in his hand, drew out a long envelope containing one +five-hundred-dollar government bond and five bonds of one hundred +dollars each, which he thrust into his side pocket. Then, closing +the drawer, he unlocked the door of the room, and when his +step-mother returned he threw himself back in his chair, groaning. +He took the glass of brandy the housekeeper brought him, and, after +a few minutes, professing himself much better, left the house. + +“Saved!” he exclaimed, triumphantly. “Now I shall be all right +again.” + + + +CHAPTER XV -- AN ARTFUL TRAP + + + +Willis Ford was anxious to get away. He feared that Mrs. Estabrook +might go to the bureau and discover the loss before he got out of +the house, which would make it awkward for him. Once out in the +street, he breathed more freely. He had enough with him to pay his +only debt, and give him four hundred dollars extra. It might be +supposed he would feel some compunction at robbing his stepmother of +her all. Whatever her faults, she was devoted to him. But Willis +Ford had a hard, selfish nature, and the only thought that troubled +him was the fear that he might be found out. Indeed, the +housekeeper's suspicions would be likely to fall upon him unless +they could be turned in some other direction. Who should it be? +There came to him an evil suggestion which made his face brighten +with relief and malicious joy. The new boy, Grant Thornton, was a +member of the household. He probably had the run of the house. What +more probable than that he should enter Mrs. Estabrook's chamber and +search her bureau? This was the way Willis reasoned. He knew that +his stepmother hated Grant, and would be very willing to believe +anything against him. He would take care that suspicion should fall +in that direction. He thought of a way to heighten that suspicion. +What it was my readers will learn in due time. + +The next day, at half-past eight o'clock in the morning, on his way +down Broadway, Willis Ford dropped into the Grand Central Hotel, and +walked through the reading room in the rear. Here sat Jim Morrison +and Tom Calder, waiting for him by appointment. + +Ford took a chair beside them. + +“Good-morning,” he said, cheerfully. + +“Have you brought the money?” asked Morrison, anxiously. + +“Hush! don't speak so loud,” said Ford, cautiously. “We don't want +everybody to know our business.” + +“All right,” said Morrison, in a lower voice; “but have you brought +it?” + +“Yes.” + +“You're a trump!” said Morrison, his face expressing his joy. + +“That is to say, I've brought what amounts to the same thing.” + +“If it's your note,” said Morrison, with sharp disappointment, “I +don't want it.” + +“It isn't a note. It's what will bring the money.” + +“What is it, then?” + +“It's government bonds for six hundred dollars.” + +“I don't know anything about bonds,” said Morrison. “Besides, the +amount is more than six hundred dollars.” + +“These bonds are worth a hundred and twelve, amounting in all to six +hundred and seventy-two dollars. That's forty more than I owe you. I +won't make any account of that, however, as you will have to dispose +of them.” + +“I may get into trouble,” said Morrison, suspiciously. “Where did +they come from?” + +“That does not concern you,” said Ford, haughtily. “Don't I give +them to you?” + +“But where did you get them?” + +“That is my business. If you don't want them, say the word, and I'll +take them back.” + +“And when will you pay the money?” + +“I don't know,” answered Ford, curtly. + +“Maybe he'll sell 'em for us himself,” suggested Tom Calder. + +“Good, Tom! Why can't you sell 'em and give me the money? Then you +can pay the exact sum and save the forty dollars.” + +“I don't choose to do so,” said Ford. “It seems to me you are +treating me in a very strange manner. I offer you more than I owe +you, and you make no end of objections to receiving it.” + +“I am afraid I'll get into trouble if I offer the bonds for sale,” + said Morrison, doggedly. “I don't know anybody in the business +except you.” + +“Yes, you do,” said Ford, a bright idea occurring to him. + +“Who?” + +“You know the boy in our office.” + +“Grant Thornton?” said Tom. + +“Yes, Grant Thornton. Manage to see him, and ask him to dispose of +the bonds for you. He will bring them to our office, and I will +dispose of them without asking any questions.” + +“First rate!” said Tom. “That'll do, won't it, Jim?” + +“I don't see why it won't,” answered Morrison, appearing satisfied. + +“I would suggest that you see him some time today.” + +“Good! Hand over the bonds.” + +Willis Ford had already separated the bonds into two parcels, six +hundred in one and four hundred in the other. The first of these he +passed over to Jim Morrison. + +“Put it into your pocket at once,” he said. “We don't want anyone to +see them. There is a telegraph boy looking at us.” + +“I'm going to see if it is all there,” muttered Morrison; and he +drew from the envelope the two bonds, and ascertained, by a personal +inspection, that they were as represented. + +“It's all right,” he said. + +“You might have taken my word for it,” said Willis Ford, offended. + +“In matters of business I take no one's word,” chuckled the +confidence man. + +“I wonder what they're up to,” said the little telegraph boy to +himself. “I know one of them fellers is a gambler. Wonder who that +feller with him is? Them must be gov'ment bonds.” + +Johnny Cavanagh was an observing boy, and mentally photographed upon +his memory the faces of the entire group, though he never expected +to see any of them again. + +When Grant was hurrying through Wall Street about noon he came upon +Tom Calder and Morrison. + +“Hello, there, Grant,” said Tom, placing his hand upon his shoulder. + +“What's the matter, Tom? I'm in a hurry,” said Grant. + +“Jim Morrison's got a little business for you.” + +“What is it?” + +“He wants you to sell gov'ment bonds for him.” + +“You'd better take them round to our office.” + +“I haven't got time,” said Morrison. “Just attend to them, like a +good fellow, and I'll give you a dollar for your trouble.” + +“How much have you got?” + +“Six hundred--a five hundred and a one.” + +“Are they yours?” + +“Yes; I've had 'em two years, but now I've got to raise money.” + +“What do you want for them?” + +“Regular price, whatever it is.” + +“When will you call for the money?” + +“Meet me at Fifth Avenue Hotel with it tomorrow morning at nine +o'clock.” + +“I shall have to meet you earlier--say half-past eight.” + +“All right. Here's the bonds.” + +Grant put the envelope into his pocket, and hurried to the Exchange. + +When he returned to the office he carried the bonds to Willis Ford. + +“Mr. Ford,” he said, “an acquaintance of mine handed them to me to +be sold.” + +“Some one you know?” queried Ford. + +“I know him slightly.” + +“Well, I suppose it's all right. I'll make out a check to your +order, and you can collect the money at the bank.” + +Grant interposed no objection, and put the check in his pocket. + +“The boy's fallen into the trap,” said Willis to himself, +exultantly, as he proceeded to enter the transaction on the books. + + + +CHAPTER XVI -- GRANT FALLS UNDER SUSPICION + + + +In furtherance of his scheme to throw suspicion upon Grant, Willis +Ford decided to make another call upon his stepmother the succeeding +evening. It occurred to him that she might possibly connect his +visit of the evening before with her loss, and he wished to +forestall this. + +“Is Mrs. Estabrook at home?” he asked of the servant. + +“Yes, sir.” + +When the housekeeper made her appearance he carefully scrutinized +her face. She was calm and placid, and it was clear that she had not +discovered the abstraction of the bonds. + +“I dare say you are surprised to see me so soon again,” he +commenced. + +“I am always glad to see you, Willis,” she said. “Come upstairs.” + +“What a pleasant room you have, mother!” + +“Yes, I am very comfortable. Have you had any return of your +sickness?” she asked, anxiously. + +“No, I have been perfectly well. By the way, mother, I have a +special object in calling.” + +“What is it, Willis?” + +“I want to speak to you about those bonds of yours. If you will only +sell them out, and invest in Erie, I am sure you will make in six +months a sum equal to several years interest.” + +“That may be, Willis, but I am very timid about taking a risk. Those +bonds represent all the property I have.” + +Willis Ford's conscience pricked him a little, when he heard her +speaking thus of the property he had so heartlessly stolen; but he +did not show it in his manner. + +“What is the date of your bonds, mother?” he asked. + +“I don't know. Does that make any difference?” + +“It makes some difference. Those that have longest to run are most +valuable.” + +“I can easily tell,” said the housekeeper, as she rose from her +chair and opened the bureau drawer, in full confidence that the +bonds were safe. + +It was an exciting moment for Willis Ford, knowing the sad discovery +that awaited her. + +She put her hand in that part of the drawer where she supposed the +bonds to be, and found nothing. A shade of anxiety overspread her +face, and she searched hurriedly in other parts of the drawer. + +“Don't you find them, mother?” asked Willis. + +“It is very strange,” said Mrs. Estabrook, half to herself. + +“What is strange?” + +“I always kept the bonds in the right-hand corner of this drawer.” + +“And you can't find them?” + +“I have looked all over the drawer.” + +“You may have put them, by mistake, in one of the other drawers.” + +“Heaven grant it!” said Mrs. Estabrook, her face white with anxiety. + +“Let me help you, mother,” said Willis, rising. + +She did not object, for her hands trembled with nervousness. + +The other drawers were opened and were thoroughly searched, but, of +course, the bonds were not found. + +Mrs. Estabrook seemed near fainting. + +“I have been robbed,” she said. “I am ruined.” + +“But who could have robbed you?” asked Ford, innocently. + +“I-don't-know. Oh, Willis! it was cruel!” and the poor woman burst +into tears. “All these years I have been saving, and now I have lost +all. I shall die in the poorhouse after all.” + +“Not while I am living, mother,” said Willis. “But the bonds must be +found. They must be mislaid.” + +“No, no! they are stolen. I shall never see them again.” + +“But who has taken them? Ha! I have an idea.” + +“What is it?” asked the housekeeper, faintly. + +“That boy--Grant Thornton--he lives in the house, doesn't he?” + +“Yes,” answered Mrs. Estabrook, in excitement. “Do you think he can +have robbed me?” + +“What a fool I am! I ought to have suspected when---” + +“When what?” + +“When he brought some bonds to me to-day to sell.” + +“He did!” exclaimed Mrs. Estabrook; “what were they?” + +“A five-hundred-dollar and a hundred-dollar bond.” + +“I had a five-hundred and five one-hundred-dollar bonds. They were +mine--the young villain!” + +“I greatly fear so, mother.” + +“You ought to have kept them, Willis. Oh! why didn't you? Where is +the boy? I will see Mr. Reynolds at once.” + +“Wait a minute, till I tell you all I know. The boy said the bonds +were handed to him by an acquaintance.” + +“It was a falsehood.” + +“Do you know the number of your bonds, mother?” + +“Yes, I have them noted down, somewhere.” + +“Good! I took the number of those the boy gave me for sale.” + +Mrs. Estabrook found the memorandum. It was compared with one which +Willis Ford brought with him, and the numbers were identical. Four +numbers, of course, were missing from Ford's list. + +“That seems pretty conclusive, mother. The young rascal has stolen +your bonds, and offered a part of them for sale. It was certainly +bold in him to bring them to our office. Is he in the house?” + +“I'll go and see.” + +“And bring Mr. Reynolds with you, if you can find him.” + +In an excited state, scarcely knowing what she did, the housekeeper +went downstairs and found both parties of whom she was in search in +the same room. She poured out her story in an incoherent manner, +inveighing against Grant as a thief. + +When Grant, with some difficulty, understood what was the charge +against him, he was almost speechless with indignation. + +“Do you mean to say I stole your bonds?” he demanded. + +“Yes, I do; and it was a base, cruel act.” + +“I agree with you in that, Mrs. Estabrook. It was base and cruel, +but I had nothing to do with it.” + +“You dare to say that, when you brought the bonds to my son, Willis, +to be sold to-day?” + +“Is this true, Grant?” asked Mr. Reynolds. “Did you sell any bonds +at the office to-day?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +The broker looked grave. + +“Where did you get them?” he asked. + +“They were handed to me by an acquaintance in Wall Street.” + +“Who was he?” + +“His name is James Morrison.” + +“What do you know of him? Is he in any business?” + +“I know very little of him, sir.” + +“Have you handed him the money?” + +“No, sir. I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth Avenue +Hotel, and pay him.” + +“Why doesn't he call at the office?” + +“I don't know,” answered Grant, puzzled. “I suggested to him to +bring the bonds to the office himself, but he said he was in haste, +and offered me a dollar to attend to the matter.” + +“This seems a mysterious case.” + +“Excuse me, Mr. Reynolds, but I think it is plain enough,” said the +housekeeper, spitefully. “That boy opened my bureau drawer, and +stole the bonds.” + +“That is not true, Mr. Reynolds,” exclaimed Grant, indignantly. + +“How did you know the bonds were offered for sale at my office +to-day, Mrs. Estabrook?” inquired the broker. + +“My son--Willis Ford--told me.” + +“When did you see him?” + +“Just now.” + +“Is he in the house?” + +“Yes, sir. I left him in my room.” + +“Ask him to be kind enough to accompany you here.” + +The housekeeper left the room. Grant and his employer remained +silent during her absence. + + + +CHAPTER XVII -- THE TELLTALE KEY + + + +Willis Ford entered the presence of his employer with an air of +confidence which he did not feel. Knowing his own guilt, he felt ill +at ease and nervous; but the crisis had come and he must meet it. + +“Take a seat, Mr. Ford,” said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. “Your +stepmother tells me that she has lost some government bonds?” + +“All I had in the world,” moaned the housekeeper. + +“Yes, sir; I regret to say that she has been robbed.” + +“I learn, moreover, that a part of the bonds were brought to my +office for sale to-day?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“And by Grant Thornton?” + +“He can answer that question for himself, sir. He is present.” + +“It is true,” said Grant, quietly. + +“Did you ask him where the bonds came from?” + +“He volunteered the information. He said they were intrusted to him +for sale by a friend.” + +“Acquaintance,” corrected Grant. + +“It may have been so. I understood him to say friend.” + +“You had no suspicions that anything was wrong?” asked the broker. + +“No; I felt perfect confidence in the boy.” + +Grant was rather surprised to hear this. If this were the case, +Willis Ford had always been very successful, in concealing his real +sentiments. + +“How did you pay him?” + +“In a check to his own order.” + +“Have you collected the money on that check, Grant?” asked Mr. +Reynolds. + +“Yes, sir.” + +“Have you paid it out to the party from whom you obtained the +bonds?” + +“No, sir; I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth Avenue +Hotel.” + +Willis Ford's countenance changed when he heard this statement. He +supposed that Jim Morrison already had his money and was safely off +with it. Now it was clear that Grant would not be allowed to pay it +to him, and his own debt would remain unpaid. That being the case, +Morrison would be exasperated, and there was no knowing what he +would say. + +“What do you know of this man, Grant?” + +“Very little, sir.” + +“How does he impress you--as an honest, straightforward man?” + +Grant shook his head. + +“Not at all,” he said. + +“Yet you took charge of his business for him?” + +“Yes, sir; but not willingly. He offered me a dollar for my trouble, +and as I did not know there was anything wrong, I consented. +Besides---” Here Grant paused. + +“Well?” + +“Will you excuse my continuing, Mr. Reynolds?” + +“No,” answered the broker, firmly. “On the other hand, I insist upon +your saying what you had in your mind.” + +“Having seen Mr. Ford in this man's company, I concluded he was all +right.” + +Willis Ford flushed and looked disconcerted. + +“Is this true, Mr. Ford?” asked the broker. “Do you know this man?” + +“What do you say his name was, Thornton?” asked Ford, partly to gain +time. + +“James Morrison.” + +“Yes; I know him. He was introduced to me by an intimate friend of +that boy,” indicating Grant. + +Willis Ford smiled triumphantly. He felt that he had checkmated our +hero. + +“Is this true, Grant?” + +“I presume so,” answered Grant, coolly. “You refer to Tom Calder, do +you not, Mr. Ford?” + +“I believe that is his name.” + +“He is not an intimate friend of mine, but we came from the same +village. It is that boy who was with me when I first met you, Mr. +Reynolds.” + +The broker's face cleared. + +“Yes, I remember him. But how do you happen to know Tom Calder, Mr. +Ford?” + +“He had a room at the same house with me. He introduced himself as a +friend of this boy.” + +“Do you know anything of him--how he earns his living?” + +“Haven't the faintest idea,” answered Ford. “My acquaintance with +him is very slight.” + +“There seems a mystery here,” said the broker. “This Morrison gives +Grant two bonds to dispose of, which are identified as belonging to +my housekeeper. How did he obtain possession of them? That is the +question.” + +“There isn't much doubt about that,” said Mrs. Estabrook. “This boy +whom you have taken into your family has taken them.” + +“You are entirely mistaken, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Grant, +indignantly. + +“Of course you say so!” retorted the housekeeper; “but it stands to +reason that that is the way it happened. You took them and gave them +to this man--that is, if there is such a man.” + +“Your son says there is, Mrs. Estabrook,” said the broker, quietly. + +“Well, I don't intend to say how it happened. Likely enough the man +is a thief, and that boy is his accomplice.” + +“You will oblige me by not jumping at conclusions, Mrs. Estabrook,” + said Mr. Reynolds. “Whoever has taken the bonds is likely to be +discovered. Meanwhile your loss will, at all events, be partially +made up, since Grant has the money realized from the sale of the +greater part of them.” + +“I should like to place the money in your hands, Mr. Reynolds,” said +Grant. + +“But it belongs to me,” said the housekeeper. + +“That is undoubtedly true,” said her employer; “but till the matter +is ascertained beyond a doubt I will retain the money.” + +“How can there be any doubt?” asked the housekeeper, discontented. + +“I do not think there is; but I will tell you now. You claim that +your bonds were marked by certain numbers, two of which belong to +those which were bought by Mr. Ford at the office to-day?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“Meanwhile, you and your stepson have had time to compare notes, and +you have had a chance to learn his numbers.” + +Mrs. Estabrook turned livid. + +“I didn't expect to have such a charge brought against me, Mr. +Reynolds, and by you,” she said, her voice trembling with passion. + +“I have brought no such charge, Mrs. Estabrook. I have only +explained how there may be doubt of your claim to the money.” + +“I thought you knew me better, sir.” + +“I think I do, and I also think I know Grant better than to think +him capable of abstracting your bonds. Yet you have had no +hesitation in bringing this serious charge against him.” + +“That is different, sir.” + +“Pardon me, I can see no difference. He has the same right that you +have to be considered innocent till he is proved to be guilty.” + +“You must admit, sir,” said Willis Ford, “that appearances are very +much against Grant.” + +“I admit nothing, at present; for the affair seems to be +complicated. Perhaps, Mr. Ford, you can offer some suggestion that +will throw light upon the mystery.” + +“I don't think it very mysterious, sir. My mother kept her bonds in +the upper drawer of her bureau. This boy had the run of the house. +What was to prevent his entering my mother's room, opening the +drawer, and taking anything he found of value?” + +“What was to prevent some one else doing it, Mr. Ford--myself, for +example?” + +“Of course that is different, Mr. Reynolds.” + +“Well, I don't know. I am honest, and so, I believe, is Grant.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Grant, gratefully. + +“It just occurred to me,” said Ford, “to ask my mother if she has at +any time lost or mislaid her keys.” + +“Well thought of, Mr. Ford,” and Mr. Reynolds turned to his +housekeeper for a reply. + +“No,” answered Mrs. Estabrook. “I keep my keys in my pocket, and I +have them there yet.” + +So saying, she produced four keys attached to a ring. + +“Then,” continued Ford, “if Grant chances to have a key which will +fit the bureau drawer, that would be evidence against him.” + +“Show me any keys you may have, Grant,” said the broker. + +Grant thrust his hand in his pocket and drew out two keys. He looked +at them in astonishment. + +“One of them unlocks my valise,” he said. “The other is a strange +key. I did not know I had it.” + +Ford smiled maliciously. “Let us see if it will open the bureau +drawer,” he said. + +The party adjourned to the housekeeper's room. The key was put into +the lock of the bureau drawer and opened it at once. + +“I think there is no more to be said,” said Willis Ford, +triumphantly. + +Grant looked the picture of surprise and dismay. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII -- GRANT'S ENEMIES TRIUMPH + + + +It is not too much to say that Grant was overwhelmed by the +unexpected discovery, in his pocket, of a key that fitted the +housekeeper's drawer. He saw at once how strong it made the evidence +against him, and yet he knew himself to be innocent. The most +painful thought was, that Mr. Reynolds would believe him to be +guilty. + +In fact, the broker for the first time began to think that Grant +might possibly have yielded to temptation. + +“Can't you account for the possession of that key?” he asked. + +“No, sir,” answered Grant, in painful embarrassment. “I have +occasion to use but one key, and that is the key to my valise.” + +“I think you had occasion to use the other,” sneered Ford. + +“Mr. Ford,” retorted Grant, indignantly, “you are determined to +think me guilty; but I care nothing for your opinion. I should be +very sorry if Mr. Reynolds should think me capable of such +baseness.” + +“Your guilt seems pretty clear,” said Ford, sarcastically; “as I +have no doubt Mr. Reynolds will agree.” + +“Speak for yourself, Mr. Ford,” said the banker, quietly. + +“I hope you are not going to shield that young thief, Mr. Reynolds,” + said the housekeeper. “His guilt is as clear as noonday. I think he +ought to be arrested.” + +“You are rather in a hurry, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Mr. Reynolds; “and +I must request you to be careful how you make charges against me.” + +“Against you?” asked the housekeeper, alarmed at his tone. + +“Yes,” answered the broker, sternly. “You have insinuated that I +intend to shield a supposed thief. I have only to say that at +present the theft is to be proved.” + +“I submit, sir,” said Ford, “that the evidence is pretty strong. +The boy is proved to have had the bonds in his possession, he admits +that he sold a part of them and has the money in his possession, and +a key is found in his possession which will open the drawer in which +the bonds were kept.” + +“Who put the key in my pocket?” demanded Grant, quickly. + +For a moment Willis Ford looked confused, and his momentary +confusion was not lost upon Grant or the banker. + +“No doubt you put it there yourself,” he answered, sharply, after a +monent's pause. + +“That matter will be investigated,” said the broker. + +“I think the money ought to be paid to me,” said the housekeeper. + +“Can you prove your ownership of the bonds?” asked the broker. + +“I can,” answered Willis Ford, flippantly. “I have seen them.” + +“I should like some additional evidence,” said Mr. Reynolds. “You +are related to Mrs. Esta-brook, and may be supposed to have some +interest in the matter.” + +“What proof can I have?” asked the housekeeper, disturbed by this +unexpected obstacle. + +“Have you the memorandum of the broker who bought you the bonds.” + +“I don't know, sir.” + +“Then you had better look.” + +The housekeeper searched the drawer, and produced, triumphantly, a +memorandum to the effect that she had purchased the bonds of a +well-known house in Wall Street. + +“So far, so good!” said the broker. “It appears that besides the +bonds sold you had four one-hundred-dollar bonds?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“You had not parted with them?” + +“No, sir.” + +“They will some time be put on the market, and then we shall have a +clew to the mystery.” + +“That boy has probably got them,” said the housekeeper, nodding her +head emphatically. + +“You are at liberty to search my chamber, Mrs. Estabrook,” said +Grant, quietly. + +“He may have passed them over to that man Morrison,” suggested the +housekeeper. + +“I hardly think that likely,” said Willis Ford, who saw danger to +himself in any persecution of Jim Morrison. + +Mr. Reynolds noticed his defense of Morrison, and glanced at him +thoughtfully. + +“Mrs. Estabrook,” he said, “I am satisfied that you possessed the +bonds which you claim, and I will relieve your mind by saying that I +will guarantee you against loss by their disappearance. You need +have no further anxiety on the subject. I will undertake to +investigate the matter, which at present appears to be involved in +mystery. Whether or not I succeed in solving it will not matter to +you, since you are saved from loss.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said the housekeeper, feeling considerably +relieved; “it wasn't much, but it was my all. I depended upon it to +use when old age prevented me from earning my living.” + +“I am glad you are so wise in providing for the future.” + +“You won't let that boy escape?” the housekeeper could not help +adding. + +“If you refer to Grant Thornton, I think I may say for him that he +has no intention of leaving us.” + +“Is he to stay in the house?” + +“Of course; and I expect him to aid me in coming to the truth. Let +me request, Mrs. Estabrook, that you discontinue referring to him in +offensive terms, or I may withdraw my offer guaranteeing you from +loss. Grant, if you will accompany me, I have some questions to put +to you.” + +Grant and his employer left the room together. + +“He won't let the boy be punished, though he must know he's guilty,” + said Mrs. Estabrook, spitefully. + +“He makes a fool of himself about that boy,” said Willis Ford, +disconcerted. + +“He's an artful young vagabond,” said the housekeeper. “I know he +took the bonds.” + +“Of course he did,” Ford assented, though he had the best of reasons +for knowing that Grant was innocent. + +“At any rate,” he continued, “you are all right, mother, since Mr. +Reynolds agrees to make up the value of the bonds to you. When you +get your money, just consult me about investing it. Don't put it +into bonds, for they may be stolen.” + +“Perhaps I'd better put it into the savings bank,” said his +stepmother. + +“You'll get very small interest there; I can invest it so you can +make quite as much. However, there will be time enough to speak of +that when you've got the money. Now, mother, I shall have to bid you +good-evening.” + +“Can't you stay longer, Willis? I feel so upset that I don't like to +be left alone. I don't know what that boy may do.” + +“I think you are safe,” said Willis Ford, secretly amused. But, as +he left the house, he felt seriously disquieted. There was danger +that Jim Morrison, when he found the money which he was to receive +withheld, would be incensed and denounce Ford, who had received back +his evidence of indebtedness. Should he divulge that the bonds had +been given him by Ford, Grant would be cleared, and he would be +convicted of theft. + +As Ford was leaving the house a telegraph boy was just ascending the +steps. It was John Cavanagh, already referred to. + +As his eyes rested on Ford, he said to himself: “Where have I seen +that feller? I know his face.” + +Then it flashed upon the boy that he had seen Ford at the Grand +Central Hotel, in the act of giving bonds to Jim Morrison. + +“It's queer I should meet him here,” said the telegraph boy to +himself. “I wonder what game he's up to.” + +Johnny was introduced into the presence of Mr. Reynolds, for whom he +had a message. On his way out he met Grant in the hall. The two boys +were acquainted, Grant having at one time advanced Johnny two +dollars toward paying his mother's rent. + +“Do you live here?” asked the telegraph boy. + +“Yes,” answered Grant. + +“I met a feller goin' out that I've seen before. Who was it?” + +“Willis Ford, a clerk of Mr. Reynolds.” + +“I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel yesterday givin' some bonds +to a suspicious-lookin' chap.” + +“You did,” exclaimed Grant. “Come right up and tell that to Mr. +Reynolds,” and he seized the astonished telegraph boy by the arm. + + + +CHAPTER XIX -- IMPORTANT EVIDENCE + + + +Mr. Reynolds looked rather surprised when Grant appeared, drawing +the telegraph boy after him. + +“This boy has got something to tell you about Mr. Ford,” said Grant, +breathless with excitement. + +“About Mr. Ford?” repeated the broker. “What do you know about +Willis Ford?” + +“I don't know his name,” replied Johnny. “It's the chap that just +went out of the house.” + +“It was Mr. Ford,” explained Grant. + +“Tell me what you know about him,” said the broker, encouragingly. + +“I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel, givin' some bond to a +flashy-lookin' man. There was a boy wid him, a big boy.” + +“With whom--Mr. Ford?” + +“No, wid the other chap.” + +“I know who he means, sir,” said Grant. “It was Tom Calder.” + +“And the man?” + +“Was Jim Morrison, the same man that gave me the bonds to sell.” + +“That seems important,” said Mr. Reynolds. “I did not believe Ford +capable of such rascality.” + +“He had as good a chance to take the bonds as I, sir. He was here +last evening.” + +“Was he?” asked the broker, quickly. “I did not know that.” + +“He was here for an hour at least. I saw him come in and go out.” + +Mr. Reynolds asked several more questions of the telegraph boy, and +enjoined him to silence. + +“My boy,” he said, “come here to-morrow evening at half-past seven. +I may want you.” + +“I will, sir, if I can get away. I shall be on duty.” + +“Say to the telegraph company that I have an errand for you. Your +time will be paid for.” + +“That will make it all right, sir.” + +“And, meanwhile, here is a dollar for your own use.” + +Johnny's eyes sparkled, for with his limited earnings this sum would +come in very handy. He turned away, nearly forgetting the original +errand that brought him to the house, but luckily it occurred in +time. The nature of it has nothing to do with this story. + +When Johnny had gone, Mr. Reynolds said: “Grant, I need not caution +you not to breathe a word of this. I begin to think that there is a +conspiracy against you; but whether Willis Ford is alone in it, or +has a confederate I cannot decide. My housekeeper does not appear to +like you.” + +“No, sir, I am sorry to say she does not; but I don't think she is +in this plot. I think she honestly believes that I stole her bonds.” + +“I have too great confidence in you to believe it. I own I was a +little shaken when the key was found. You have no idea how it came +in your pocket, I suppose?” + +“No, sir, I can't guess. I might suspect Mr. Ford of putting it +there, but I can't see how he managed it.” + +“Well, we will let matters take their course. You will go to work as +usual, and not speak a word of what has happened this evening.” + +“Thank you, sir.” + +Meanwhile, we must follow Willis Ford. When he left the house, he +was by no means in a comfortable frame of mind. He felt that it was +absolutely necessary to see Jim Morrison, and have an understanding +with him. What arrangements he could make with him, or how he could +reconcile him to the loss of the money which he had expected to +receive from the sale of the bonds, he could not yet imagine. +Perhaps he would be willing to receive the other four bonds in part +payment. In that case Willis himself would not profit as much as he +had hoped from the theft; but there seemed no alternative. He had +got himself into a scrape, and he must get out of it the best way +possible. + +Though he did not know where to find Morrison, he thought it likely +that he might be seen at the White Elephant, a large and showy +billiard room on Broadway, near Thirtieth Street. There were several +gambling houses near by, and there or in that neighborhood he +thought that Morrison might be met. + +He was right. On entering the billiard room he found the man he +sought playing a game of billiards with Tom Calder, at the first +table. + +“I want to see you, Morrison,” he said, in a low voice. “Is the game +'most finished?” + +“I have only six points more to make. I shall probably run out this +time.” + +He was right in his estimate. Two minutes later the two went out of +the saloon together, accompanied by Tom. + +“Well, what is it?” he asked. + +“Let us turn into a side street.” + +They turned into Thirtieth Street, which was much less brilliantly +lighted than Broadway, and sauntered leisurely along. + +“Did you buy the bonds of that boy?” asked Morrison, anxiously. + +“Yes.” + +“Then it's all right. Have you brought me the money?” + +“How should I?” returned Ford, impatiently. “I couldn't pay him, and +keep the money myself.” + +“Oh, well, it doesn't matter. He is to meet me to-morrow morning and +hand over the money.” + +“I am afraid you will be disappointed.” “Disappointed,” repeated +Morrison, quickly. “What do you mean? The boy hasn't made off with +the money, has he? If he has---” and the sentence ended with an +oath. + +“No, it isn't as you suppose.” + +“Then why won't he pay me the money, I'd like to know?” + +“There is some trouble about the bonds. It is charged that they are +stolen.” + +“How is that? You gave them to me,” said Morrison, suspiciously. + +Now came the awkward moment. However, Ford had decided on the story +he would tell. + +“They were given me by a person who owed me money,” he said, +plausibly. “How was I to know they were stolen?” + +“They were stolen, then?” + +“I suppose so. In fact, I know so.” + +“How do you know?” + +“Well--in fact, they were stolen from my stepmother.” + +Morrison whistled. + +“Well,” he said. + +“Of course you mustn't say that I gave them to you. You would get me +into trouble.” + +“So you want to save yourself at my expense? I am to be suspected of +stealing the bonds, am I? That's a decidedly cool proposal, but it +won't do. I shall clear myself, by telling just where I got the +bonds.” + +“That's what I want you to do.” + +“You do!” ejaculated the gambler, in surprise. + +“Yes. You are to say that the boy gave them to you.” + +“Why should I say that?” + +“Because he is already suspected of stealing the bonds.” + +“But I gave them to him to sell.” + +“You mustn't admit it. There is no proof of it except his word.” + +“What's your game? Whatever it is, it is too deep for me.” + +“I've got it all arranged. You are to say that the boy owed you a +gambling debt, and agreed to meet you to-morrow morning to pay it. +Of the bonds, you are to know nothing, unless you say that he told +you he had some which he was going to sell, in order to get money to +pay you.” + +“What advantage am I to get out of all this?” + +“What advantage? Why, you will save yourself from suspicion.” + +“That isn't enough. I didn't take the bonds, and you know it. I +believe you did it yourself.” + +“Hush!” said Willis Ford, looking around him nervously. + +“Look here, Ford, I gave up your I O U, and now I find I've got to +whistle for my money.” + +“Go with me to my room, and you shall have four hundred dollars +to-night.” + +“In cash?” + +“No; in bonds.” + +“Some more of the same kind? No, thank you, I want ready money.” + +“Then give me a little more time, and I will dispose of them--when +this excitement blows over.” + +Finally Morrison gave a sulky assent, and the conspirators parted. + + + +CHAPTER XX -- AT THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL + + + +“If I thought he was playing me false,” said Jim Morrison, after +Ford and himself had parted company, “I'd make him smart for it.” + +“I guess it's all right,” said Tom, who was less experienced and +less suspicious than his companion. + +“It may be so, but I have my suspicions. I don't trust Willis Ford.” + +“Shall you go round to the Fifth Avenue Hotel to meet Grant +to-morrow morning.” + +“Of course I shall. I want to see what the boy says. It may be a +put-up job between him and Ford.” + +The very same question was put by Grant to Mr. Reynolds. + +“Shall I go round to the hotel to-morrow morning to see Morrison and +Tom Calder?” + +The broker paused a moment and looked thoughtful. + +“Yes,” he answered, after a pause. “You may.” + +“And what shall I say when he demands the money?” + +Upon this Mr. Reynolds gave Grant full instructions as to what he +desired him to say. + +About quarter after eight o'clock the next morning a quiet-looking +man, who looked like a respectable bookkeeper entered the Fifth +Avenue Hotel and walked through the corridor, glancing, as it +seemed, indifferently, to the right and left. Finally he reached +the door of the reading room and entered. His face brightened as at +the further end he saw two persons occupying adjoining seats. They +were, in fact, Morrison and Tom Calder. + +The newcomer selected a Boston daily paper, and, as it seemed, by +chance, settled himself in a seat not six feet away from our two +acquaintances, so that he could, without much effort, listen to +their conversation. + +“It's almost time for Grant to come,” said Tom, after a pause. + +“Yes,” grumbled Morrison, “but as he won't have any money for me, I +don't feel as anxious as I should otherwise.” + +“What'll you say to him?” + +“I don't know yet. I want to find out whether Ford has told the +truth about the bonds. I believe he stole 'em himself.” + +Five minutes later Grant entered the reading-room. A quick glance +showed him, not only the two he had come to meet, but the quiet, +little man who was apparently absorbed in a copy of the Boston +Journal. He went up at once to meet them. + +“I believe I am in time,” he said. + +“Yes,” answered Jim Morrison. “Have you brought the money?” + +“No.” + +“Why not?” demanded Morrison, with a frown. + +“There was something wrong about the bonds you gave me to sell.” + +“Weren't they all right? They weren't counterfeit, were they?” + +“They were genuine, but---” + +“But what?” + +“A lady claims that they belong to her--that they were stolen from +her. Of course you can explain how they came into your hands?” + +“They were given me by a party that owed me money. If he's played a +trick on me, it will be the worse for him. Did you sell them?” + +“Yes.” + +“Then give me the money.” + +“Mr. Reynolds won't let me.” + +“Does he think I took the bonds?” asked Morrison, hastily. + +“No, he doesn't,” answered Grant, proudly, “but he would like to +have an interview with you, and make some inquiries, so that he may +form some idea as to the person who did take them. They belonged to +his housekeeper, Mrs. Estabrook, who is the stepmother of Mr. Ford, +a young man employed in our office.” + +Tom Calder and Jim Morrison exchanged glances. Grant's story agreed +with Ford's, and tended to confirm their confidence in his good +faith. + +“When does he want to see me?” asked Morrison. + +“Can you call at his house this evening at eight o'clock?” + +“Where does he live?” + +Grant mentioned the street and number. + +“I will be there,” he said, briefly. + +“Can I come, too?” asked Tom Calder, addressing the question to +Grant. + +“There will be no objection, I think.” + +“Tell him we'll be on hand.” + +The three left the hotel together, Grant taking a Broadway stage at +the door. The quiet man seemed no longer interested in the Boston +Journal, for he hung it up in its place, and sauntered out of the +hotel. He had not attracted the attention of Jim Morrison or Tom. + +When Grant entered the office, and with his usual manner asked Ford +if he should go to the post-office, the young man eyed him +curiously. + +“Are you to remain in the office?” he said. + +“Yes, I suppose so.” + +“After what you have done?” + +“What have I done, Mr. Ford?” asked Grant, eyeing the young man, +steadily. + +“I don't think you need to have me tell you,” he said, with a sneer. +“I don't think Mr. Reynolds is very prudent to employ a boy +convicted of dishonesty.” + +“Do you believe me guilty, Mr. Ford?” asked our hero, calmly. + +“The evidence against you is overwhelming. My mother ought to have +you arrested.” + +“The person who stole the bonds may be arrested.” + +“What do you mean?” asked Willis Ford, flushing, and looking +disconcerted. + +“I mean that I have no concern in the matter. Shall I go to the +post-office?” + +“Yes,” snapped Ford, “and take care you don't steal any of the +letters.” + +Grant did not reply. He knew that his vindication was certain, and +he was willing to wait. + +If Willis Ford had been prudent he would have dropped the matter +there, but his hatred of Grant was too great to be easily concealed. +When a few minutes later the broker entered the office and inquired, +“Where is Grant?” Ford, after answering, “he has gone to the +post-office,” could not help saying, “Are you going to keep that +boy, Mr. Reynolds?” + +“Why should I not?” the broker replied. + +“I thought a boy in his position ought to be honest.” + +“I agree with you, Mr. Ford,” said the broker, quietly. + +“After taking my mother's bonds, that can hardly be said of Grant +Thornton.” + +“You seem to be sure he did take them, Mr. Ford.” + +“The discovery of the key settled that to my mind.” + +“Grant says he has no knowledge of the key.” + +Ford laughed scornfully. + +“Of course he would say so,” he replied. + +“I propose to investigate the matter further,” said the broker. “Can +you make it convenient to call at my house this evening? Possibly +something may be discovered by that time.” + +“Yes, sir; I will come, with pleasure. I have no feeling in regard +to the boy, except that I don't think it safe to employ him in a +business like yours.” + +“I agree with you, Mr. Ford. One who is capable of stealing bonds +from a private house is unfit to be employed in an office like +mine.” + +“Yet you retain the boy, sir?” + +“For the present. It is not fair to assume that he is guilty till we +have demonstrated it beyond a doubt.” + +“I think there will be no difficulty about that, Mr. Reynolds,” said +Willis Ford, well pleased at these words. + +“I sincerely hope that his innocence may be proved.” + +Soon afterward Mr. Reynolds went to the Stock Exchange, and Willis +Ford returned to his routine duties. + +“With the testimony of Jim Morrison I shall be able to fix you, my +young friend,” he said to himself, as Grant returned from the +post-office. + +No further allusion was made to the matter during the day. Grant and +Willis Ford were both looking forward to the evening, but for +different reasons. Grant expected to be vindicated, while Ford hoped +he could convince the broker of the boy's guilt. + + + +CHAPTER XXI -- THE THIEF IS DISCOVERED + + + +Willis Ford ascended the steps of the broker's residence with a +jaunty step. The servant admitted him, but he met Grant in the hall. + +“Won't you come upstairs, Mr. Ford?” he said. + +Willis Ford nodded superciliously. + +“Your stay in the house will be short, young man,” he thought. “You +had better make the most of it.” + +He was ushered not into the housekeeper's room, but into a +sitting-room on the second floor. He found Mr. Reynolds and his +stepmother there already. Both greeted him, the broker gravely, but +his stepmother cordially. Grant did not come in. + +“I have come as you requested, Mr. Reynolds,” he said. “I suppose +it's about the bonds. May I ask if you have discovered anything +new?” + +“I think I have,” answered the broker, slowly. + +The housekeeper looked surprised. If anything new had been +discovered, she at least had not heard it. + +“May I ask what it is?” Ford inquired, carelessly. + +“You shall know in good time. Let me, however, return the question. +Have you heard anything calculated to throw light on the mystery?” + +“No, sir, I can't say I have. To my mind there is no mystery at all +about the affair.” + +“I presume I understand what you mean. Still I will ask you to +explain yourself.” + +“Everything seems to throw suspicion upon that boy, Grant Thornton. +Nobody saw him take the bonds, to be sure, but he has had every +opportunity of doing so, living in the same house, as he does. +Again, a key has been found in his pocket, which will open the +bureau drawer in which the bonds were kept; and, thirdly, I can +testify, and the boy admits, that he presented them at our office +for sale, and received the money for them. I think, sir, that any +jury would consider this accumulation of proof conclusive.” + +“It does seem rather strong,” said the broker, gravely. “I +compliment you on the way you have summed up, Mr. Ford.” + +Willis Ford looked much gratified. He was susceptible to flattery, +and he was additionally pleased, because, as he thought, Mr. +Reynolds was impressed by the weight of evidence. + +“I have sometimes thought,” he said, complacently, “that I ought +to have become a lawyer. I always had a liking for the profession.” + +“Still,” said the broker, deliberately, “we ought to consider +Grant's explanation of the matter. He says that the bonds were +intrusted to him for sale by a third party.” + +“Of course he would say something like that,” returned Willis, +shrugging his shoulders. “He can hardly expect anyone to be taken in +by such a statement as that.” + +“You think, then, that he had no dealings with this Morrison?” + +“I don't say that, sir,” said Ford, remembering the story which he +and Morrison had agreed upon. It may be stated here that he had been +anxious to meet Morrison before meeting the coming appointment, in +order to ascertain what had passed between him and Grant. With this +object in view, he had gone to the usual haunts of the gambler, but +had been unable to catch sight of him. However, as he had seen him +the evening previous, and agreed upon the story to be told, he +contented himself with that. + +“You think, then, that Morrison may have given Grant the bonds?” + said Mr. Reynolds. + +“No, sir; that is not my idea.” + +“Have you any other notion?” + +“I think the boy may have been owing him money, and took this method +of raising it.” + +“But how should he owe him money?” asked the broker, curiously. + +“I don't wish to say anything against Morrison, but I have been told +that he is a gambler. Grant may have lost money to him at play.” + +“Or you,” thought the broker; but he said: + +“Your suggestion is worth considering, but I don't think Grant has +had any opportunity to lose money in that way, as he spends his +evenings usually at home.” + +“It wouldn't take long to lose a great deal of money, sir.” + +“That explains it,” said the housekeeper, speaking for the first +time. “I have no doubt Willis is right, and the boy gambles.” + +“I presume, Mr. Ford,” said the broker, with a peculiar look, “that +you do not approve of gambling?” + +“Most certainly not, sir,” said Ford, his face expressing the horror +which a so-well-conducted young man must naturally feel for so +pernicious a habit. + +“I am glad to hear it. Will you excuse me a moment?” + +After the broker had left the room, Mrs. Estabrook turned to Willis +and said: “You are pretty sharp, Willis. You have found out this +wretched boy, and now I think we shall get rid of him.” + +“I flatter myself, mother,” said Willis, complacently, “that I +have given the old man some new ideas as to the character of his +favorite. I don't think we shall see him in the office again.” + +As he spoke, his ears caught the sound of ascending footsteps on the +stairs without. He was rather puzzled. He conjectured that Grant had +been summoned to confront his accuser, but there seemed, from the +sound, to be more than two approaching. When the door opened, and +the broker gravely ushered in Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, both +looking ill at ease, followed by Grant Thornton, he looked amazed +and perplexed. + +“I believe you know these gentlemen,” said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. “I +have thought it best to make our present investigation thorough and +complete.” + +“I have met the gentlemen before,” said Ford, uncomfortably. + +“You also have met them, Grant, have you not?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“Have you had any business transaction with either?” + +“Yes, sir. Mr. Morrison met me on Wall Street and handed me two +bonds, with a request that I would sell them for him, and hand him +the money the next morning, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.” + +“Were these the same bonds that you sold to Mr. Ford?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“I think the boy is lying, sir,” burst out Ford. + +“What have you to say to the boy's story, Mr. Morrison?” asked the +broker. + +“He's made a little mistake,” answered Jim Morrison, who by this +time was feeling more at his ease. “I didn't give him no bonds.” + +Willis Ford looked triumphant, and Grant amazed. + +“How, then, could there be any business between you?” + +“I may as well own up that I am a gambler,” replied Morrison, with +virtuous frankness. “The boy lost the money to me at play, and said +he'd meet and pay me at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. I didn't know where +he was goin' to get the money, but I expect he must have stolen the +bonds, and got it that way.” + +Considering the damaging nature of the revelation, Grant showed +considerable self-command. He did not turn pale, nor did he look +guilty and conscience-stricken. + +“What have you to say to this charge, Grant?” asked the broker. + +“It is not true, sir.” + +“What a hardened young villain!” said the housekeeper, in a low, but +audible voice. + +“Mr. Reynolds will hardly believe you,” said Ford, turning upon our +hero and speaking in a tone of virtuous indignation. “You see, sir,” + he continued, addressing the broker, “that I was right in my +conjecture.” + +“I am not quite satisfied yet,” said Mr. Reynolds. “Grant, call the +boy.” + +Great was the perplexity of Willis Ford and his friends when Grant +left the room, and almost immediately reappeared with a small boy in +blue uniform. Not one of them recognized him. + +“Have you ever seen any of these gentlemen before, my boy?” asked +the broker. + +“I've seed 'em all, sir,” answered the boy. + +“State where you saw them last.” + +“I seed him, and him, and him,” said Johnny, pointing out Willis +Ford, Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, “at the Grand Central Hotel +yesterday mornin'.” + +Ford started and became very pale. + +“What passed between them?” + +“He,” indicating Ford, “gave some bonds to him,” indicating +Morrison, “and got back a bit of paper. I don't know what was on +it.” + +“It is false!” ejaculated Willis Ford, hoarsely. + + + +CHAPTER XXII -- WILLIS FORD AT BAY + + + +The telegraph boy's evidence overwhelmed Willis Ford and his +confederates with dismay. The feeling was greater in Ford, for it +tended to fasten the theft upon him, while Jim Morrison and Tom +Calder, though convicted of falsehood, were at all events sustained +by the consciousness that nothing worse could be alleged against +them. + +“It is false!” asserted Willis Ford, with a flushed face. + +“It is true!” declared the telegraph boy, sturdily. + +“I don't believe a word of it,” said the housekeeper, angrily. + +“This is a startling revelation, Mr. Ford,” said the broker, +gravely. + +“It is a base conspiracy, sir,” returned Ford, hoarsely. “I submit, +sir, that the word of a boy like that ought not to weigh against +mine. Besides, these gentlemen,” indicating Jim Morrison and Tom +Calder, “will corroborate my statement.” + +“Of course we do,” blustered Morrison. “That boy is a liar!” + +“I have spoken the truth, sir, and they know it,” asserted Johnny, +resolutely. + +“How much did Grant Thornton pay you for telling this lie?” demanded +Willis Ford, furiously. + +“I will answer that question, Mr. Ford,” said Grant, thinking it +time to speak for himself. “I paid him nothing, and did not know +till last evening that he had witnessed the interview between you +and Mr. Morrison.” + +“Your word is of no value,” said Ford, scornfully. + +“That is a matter for Mr. Reynolds to consider,” answered Grant, +with composure. + +“Mr. Ford,” said the broker, gravely, “I attach more importance to +the testimony of this telegraph boy than you appear to; but then it +is to be considered that you are an interested party.” + +“Am I to be discredited on account of what a wretched telegraph boy +chooses to say?” asked Ford, bitterly. “Even supposing him worthy of +credence, my two friends sustain me, and it is three against one.” + +“They are your friends, then?” asked Mr. Reynolds, significantly. + +Willis Ford flushed. It was not to his credit to admit that an +acknowledged gambler was his friend, yet he knew that to deny it +would make Morrison angry, and perhaps lead him to make some awkward +revelations. + +“I have not known them long, sir,” he answered, embarrassed, “but I +believe they feel friendly to me. One of them,” he added, +maliciously, “is an old friend of Grant Thornton.” + +“Yes,” answered Grant, by no means disconcerted. “Tom Calder is from +the same town as myself, and I wish him well.” + +Tom looked pleased at this friendly declaration on the part of +Grant, whom, indeed, he personally liked better than Willis Ford, +who evidently looked down upon him, and had more than once snubbed +him. + +“You see,” said Ford, adroitly, “that Grant Thornton's old friend +testifies against him. I don't think I need say any more except to +deny, in toto, the statement of that low telegraph boy.” + +“I'm no lower than you are,” retorted Johnny, angrily. + +“None of your impertinence, boy!” said Ford, loftily. + +“I must say,” interposed the housekeeper, “that this seems a very +discreditable conspiracy against my stepson. I am sure, Mr. +Reynolds, you won't allow his reputation to be injured by such a +base attack.” + +“Mr. Ford,” said the broker, “I have listened attentively to what +you have said. I ought to say that a telegraph boy has as much right +to be believed as yourself.” + +“Even when there are three against him?” + +“The three are interested parties.” + +“I have no doubt he is also. I presume he has an understanding with +Grant Thornton, who is a suspected thief.” + +“I deny that, Mr. Ford,” exclaimed Grant, indignantly. + +“You are certainly suspected of stealing my stepmother's bonds.” + +“And I have no doubt you took them,” declared the housekeeper, +venomously. + +At this time the doorbell was heard to ring. + +“Excuse me for a moment,” said the broker. “I will be back +directly.” + +When he had left the room, the parties left behind looked at each +other uncomfortably. Willis Ford, however, was too angry to keep +silence. + +He turned to Grant, and made an attack upon him. + +“You won't accomplish anything, you young rascal, by your plotting +and contriving! I give you credit for a good deal of cunning in +bringing this boy to give the testimony he has; but it won't do you +any good. Mr. Reynolds isn't a fool, and he will see through your +design.” + +“That he will, Willis,” said the housekeeper. “After all the +kindness that boy has received in this house, he might be better +employed than in stealing my bonds, and then trying to throw it upon +a man like you.” + +“I don't care to argue with you, Mr. Ford,” said Grant, quietly. +“You know as well as I do that I didn't steal the bonds, and you +know,” he added, significantly, “who did.” + +“I have a great mind to break your head, you impudent boy!” + +“That would be a very poor argument. The truth has already come out, +and I am vindicated.” + +“I don't know whether you expect Mr. Reynolds to shield you or not, +but, if my mother takes my advice, she will have you arrested, +whatever happens.” + +“I intend to,” said the housekeeper, nodding spitefully. “If you had +returned the bonds, I did not mean to let the matter drop, but since +you have tried to throw suspicion on my son, who has always been +devoted to me, I mean to punish you as severely as the law allows.” + +“I think you will change your mind, Mrs. Estabrook, and let the +thief go unpunished,” said Grant, in no ways disturbed. + +“Not unless you make a full confession; and even then I think you +ought to suffer for your base wickedness.” + +“You are making a mistake, Mrs. Estabrook. I referred to the thief.” + +“That is yourself.” + +Grant shrugged his shoulders. He was spared the necessity of +answering the attack, for just then the door opened, and Mr. +Reynolds re-entered. He did not enter alone, however. + +A small man of quiet manner, attired in a sober suit of brown, +closely followed him. + +All present looked at him in surprise. Who was this man, and what +had he to do with the matter that concerned them all? + +They were not destined to remain long in doubt, + +“Mr. Graham, gentlemen!” said the broker, with a wave of the hand. + +The detective bowed courteously. + +“Mr. Graham, permit me to ask,” continued the broker, “if you have +seen any of these gentlemen before?” + +“Yes,” answered Graham, and he indicated Grant Thornton, Jim +Morrison and Tom Calder. + +“When did you see them, and where?” + +“At the Fifth Avenue Hotel this morning.” + +“What passed between them?” + +“They were talking about some bonds, which that gentleman,” + indicating Morrison, “acknowledged giving to the boy to sell. He +asked for the proceeds, but the boy told him there was something +wrong about the bonds, and his employer wouldn't allow him to pass +over the money. Upon this, Morrison, as I understand him to be +called, said they were given him by a party that owed him money, and +threatened that, if he had played a trick upon him, it would be the +worse for him.” + +“Who is that man, Mr. Reynolds?” asked Ford, in nervous excitement. + +“One of the best known detectives in the city,” quietly answered the +broker. “What have you to say to his evidence?” + +“That it doesn't concern me. I may be wrong about the boy taking the +bonds, but that doesn't involve me. There may have been another +party.” + +“You forget the testimony of the telegraph boy--that he saw you give +the bonds to your friend there.” + +“The boy told a falsehood!” + +“I am in a position to confirm the boy's testimony,” said the +detective. + +Willis Ford gasped for breath and seemed ready to sink into the +floor. What was coming next? + + + +CHAPTER XXIII -- JUSTICE TRIUMPHS + + + +Mr. Graham turned to the broker and addressed further remarks to +him. + +“Your statement that four hundred dollars remained to be accounted +for, led me to conclude that they would be found in the possession +of the party who had abstracted the others. I therefore obtained a +search warrant and visited the room occupied by that gentleman, +whose name I believe is Willis Ford.” + +This was an unexpected stroke. Ford did not speak, but kept his eyes +fixed upon the detective in evident panic. + +“I have just come from Mr. Ford's room,” he resumed. “These are what +I found there.” + +He drew from his pocket a long envelope, from which he took four +government bonds. + +“Will you be kind enough, Mrs. Estabrook,” said the broker, gravely, +“to examine these bonds and determine whether they are yours?” + +The housekeeper took them mechanically and examined them. + +“They are mine,” she said; “but I cannot believe Willis took them.” + +“I did not,” said Ford, hoarsely, but his eyes were downcast. + +“Will you account for their being in your room, then, Mr. Ford?” + inquired the broker, sternly. + +“That boy must have put them there. I know nothing of them. I am as +much surprised as you are.” + +“We have had enough of this, Mr. Ford,” said the broker, coldly. +“Your guilt is evident. In robbing your stepmother you have +committed a serious crime; but in attempting to throw the guilt upon +an innocent boy, you have been guilty of an offense still more +detestable, and one which I cannot forgive. You cannot remain in my +employment another day. If you will call at the office in the +morning, I will pay your salary to the end of the month. That will +end all relations between us.” + +Willis Ford looked like a convicted criminal. For the moment all his +hardihood and bravado deserted him. + +“Can this be true, Willis?” wailed his stepmother. “Is it possible +that you took my bonds, and would have left me to an old age of +poverty?” + +“No,” answered Ford, with a return of his usual assurance. “I am as +innocent as a babe unborn. I am the victim of a conspiracy. As Mr. +Reynolds is determined to shield his favorite by throwing the blame +on it, I must submit. The time will come when he will acknowledge my +innocence. Mother, I will satisfy you later, but I do not believe +you will think me guilty. Gentlemen, I bid you all good-evening.” + +No one spoke as he withdrew from the room, and not even Morrison +offered to follow him. + +When he was fairly out of the room, the broker turned to Morrison. + +“Mr. Morrison,” he said, “I have a question or two to put to you. I +think you will find it to your interest to answer correctly. Do you +still maintain that these bonds were given you by Grant Thornton?” + +“I may as well make a clean breast of it,” said Morrison. “They were +given me by Willis Ford.” + +“To satisfy a gambling debt, was it not?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“I take it for granted you did not know they were stolen?” + +“If I had known it I wouldn't have touched them. I might have been +suspected of stealing them myself.” + +“I believe you.” + +“You're a gentleman,” said Morrison, gratified that his word was +accepted. + +“Of course you have lost the amount which you consider due you. To +be entirely candid with you, I do not feel any sympathy with you. +Money won at play must be classed among ill-gotten gains. I hope you +will realize this, and give up a discreditable profession.” + +“I have no doubt your advice is good, sir. Do you want me and Tom +any longer?” + +“You are at liberty to go. I am indebted to you for coming. You have +helped to clear up the mystery of the theft.” + +“He's a little hard on us, Tom,” said Morrison, as they went down +the front steps, “but he's treated us like a gentleman. That Ford is +a rascal.” + +“I think so, too,” Tom assented. + +“And I shall never see a cent of that six hundred dollars,” + continued Jim Morrison, ruefully. + +“If you'll excuse me, I'll go to my own room,” said Mrs. Estabrook, +pertly. “I want to think quietly of all this.” + +“Go, by all means,” said the broker, courteously. “To-morrow morning +your property shall be restored to you.” + +Next the detective and the telegraph boy withdrew, the latter rich +by a five-dollar note, which Mr. Reynolds presented him. + +Johnny's eyes sparkled. + +“That will make mother happy,” he said. “She'll think I am in luck.” + +“Keep your eyes open, my boy, and be faithful to your employer, and +this won't be the last piece of luck that will come your way.” + +When they were alone Mr. Reynolds turned to Grant and said kindly, +“I congratulate you, Grant, on your complete vindication. Those who +have wickedly conspired against you have come to grief, and you come +out of the trial unscathed. As I am to part with Willis Ford, though +you are not competent to take his place, your duties will be +somewhat enlarged, and I will take care that your compensation shall +be increased.” + +“I am afraid, Mr. Reynolds, I already receive more than I earn.” + +“That may be, but I am only anticipating a little. How much do I pay +you now?” + +“Six dollars a week, sir.” + +“I will allow you four dollars more, but this additional sum I will +keep in my own hands, and credit you with. It is time you were +saving something for future use. Will this be satisfactory to you?” + +“You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds,” said Grant. “I don't know how to +thank you.” + +“Then I will tell you--be faithful in your duties in the office and +continue your kindness to Herbert.” + +“Gladly, sir.” + +Grant decided not to write to his mother about his increase in +salary. He preferred to wait till his savings amounted to a +considerable sum, and then surprise her by the announcement of his +good fortune. In six months, he estimated, he would have more than a +hundred dollars, and this to the country minister's son seemed a +large sum. At any rate, when he was twenty-one he might hope to be +the possessor of a thousand dollars. This opened to Grant a +brilliant prospect. It was probably all his father was worth, +including all his possessions. + +“In spite of my uncle's opposition,” thought Grant, “I think I acted +wisely in preferring business to college. Now I shall be able to +make the family more comfortable.” + +When Willis Ford called at the office the next morning Grant was +gone to the post office. As he returned he met Ford coming out with +a check in his hand. + +“So it's you, is it?” sneered Ford, stopping short. + +“Yes, Mr. Ford.” + +“I suppose you are exulting over your victory?” + +“You are mistaken,” said Grant. “It was not my wish that anything +unpleasant should happen.” + +“I suppose not,” said Ford, in an unpleasant tone. + +“For some reason you have shown a dislike to me from the first,” + Grant proceeded. “I don't know why. I have always treated you with +respect and tried to do my duty faithfully.” + +“You are a little angel, to be sure.” + +“Have you any objection to telling me why you dislike me?” he asked. + +“Yes, I'll tell you. It is because I see how you are trying to worm +yourself into the confidence of Mr. Reynolds. You have plotted +against me, and now, thanks to you, I have lost my place.” + +“I don't consider myself the cause of that, Mr. Ford.” + +“I do. But you needn't exult too much. I generally pay my debts, and +I shan't forget what I owe you. I will be even with you some day.” + +So saying, he walked off, and Grant returned to his work. + +“I can't understand why Mr. Ford should hate me so,” he thought. + + + +CHAPTER XXIV -- STARTLING NEWS + + + +Willis Ford's feelings were far from enviable when he took leave of +the office in which he had long enjoyed an excellent position. He +was conscious, though scarcely willing to admit it, that his +misfortunes had been brought upon him by his own unwise, not to say +criminal, course. None the less, however, was he angry with those +whom he had connected with the disaster that had come upon him. He +had always disliked Grant Thornton. Now he hated him, and thirsted +for an opportunity to do him mischief. Next he felt embittered +against Mr. Reynolds, who had discharged him, though it is hardly +possible to see how the broker could have done otherwise. This +dislike was increased within a few days, and for this reason. + +Ford addressed a letter to Mr. Reynolds, requesting a certificate of +good character, which would enable him to procure a new situation. + +To this request the broker answered substantially as follows: + +“I shall be glad to hear that you have changed your course, and have +decided to lead an honest lift; but, for the same reason that I am +not willing to retain you in my employment, I am unwilling to +recommend you without reserve to another business man. If you are +willing to refer him to me, on condition that I tell the truth, I +will cheerfully testify that you have discharged your office duties +to my satisfaction.” + +“The old fool!” muttered Ford, angrily crushing the letter in his +hand. “What use would such a recommendation be to me? Not content +with discharging me, he wants to keep me out of employment.” + +In truth, Willis Ford hardly knew where to turn. He had saved no +money, and was earning nothing. In his dilemma he turned to his +stepmother. + +One forenoon, after he knew the broker and Grant would be out of the +way, he rang the bell, and inquired for the housekeeper. + +Mrs. Estabrook was agitated when she saw her step-son. She did not +like to believe that he had robbed her, but it was hard to believe +otherwise. + +“Oh, Willis!” she said almost bursting into tears, “how could you +take my small savings? I would not have believed you capable of it!” + +“You don't mean to say, mother,” returned Willis, with +well-dissembled and reproachful sorrow, “that you believe this +monstrous slander?” + +“I don't want to believe it, Willis, heaven knows. But were not the +bonds found in your room?” + +“I admit it,” said Ford; “but how did they get there?” + +“Did you not put them there?” + +“Certainly not, mother. I thought you knew me better than that.” + +“But who, then--” began his step-mother, looking bewildered. + +“Who should it be but that boy?” + +“Grant Thornton?” + +“Yes.” + +“Have you any proof of this?” asked the housekeeper, eagerly. + +“I will tell you what I have found out. I learn that a boy called, +on the day in question, at my room and asked to see me. Being told +that I was out, he asked leave to go up and wait for me. As the +servant had no suspicion, he was allowed to go up. I don't know how +long he stayed; but no doubt he had the bonds with him and concealed +them where they were found.” + +“Did you ask for a description of the boy? Was it like Grant?” asked +the housekeeper, quickly. + +“Unfortunately, the girl did not take particular notice of him. I +have no doubt that it was either Grant or the telegraph boy, who +seems to have been in the plot.”' + +Now, this story was an audacious fiction, and should not have +imposed upon a person of ordinary intelligence; but the housekeeper +was anxious to believe her step-son innocent and Grant guilty. She +therefore accepted it without question, and was loud in her +denunciation of that “artful young rascal.” + +“You ought to tell Mr. Reynolds of this, Willis,” she said. + +“It would be of no use, mother. He is too strongly prejudiced +against me. What do you think? He has refused me a letter of +recommendation. What does he care if I starve?” concluded Willis, +bitterly. + +“But I care, Willis. I will not desert you,” said Mrs. Estabrook, in +a tone of sympathy. + +This was just the mood in which Ford desired his step-mother to be. +He was desirous of effecting a loan, and after a time succeeded in +having transferred to him two of the one-hundred-dollar bonds. He +tried hard to obtain the five hundred, but Mrs. Estabrook was too +prudent and too much attached to her savings to consent to this. +Ford had to be satisfied with considerably less. + +“Ought I to stay with Mr. Reynolds after he has treated you in this +way, Willis?” asked his step-mother, anxiously. + +“By all means, mother. You don't want to throw away a good +position.” + +“But it will be hard to see that boy high in Mr. Reynolds' +confidence, after all his wickedness.” + +“You must dissemble, mother. Treat him fairly, and watch your +opportunity to harm him and serve me. Don't say much about me, for +it would do no good; but keep your hold on Reynolds.” + +“If you think it best, Willis,” said his stepmother, not without a +feeling of relief, for she was reluctant to relinquish a good home +and liberal salary, “I will remain.” + +“Do so by all means. We may as well make all we can out of the +enemy, for Mr. Reynolds has treated me very shabbily. And now I must +bid you good-by.” + +“What are your plans, Willis?” + +“I can't tell you, but I think I shall go West.” + +“And I shall never see you!” + +“You will hear from me, and I hope I shall have good news to write.” + +Willis Ford left the house, and, going to the Grand Central Depot, +bought a ticket for Chicago. + +Now came quite a pleasant period after the trouble and excitement. +Grant found his duties at the office increased, and it was pleasant +to see that his employer reposed confidence in him. His relations +with others in the office were pleasant, now that Willis Ford was +away, and every day he seemed to get new insight into the details of +the business. Whether Jim Morrison and Tom Calder were in the city, +he did not know. At all events, they were never seen in the +neighborhood of Wall Street. Grant was not sorry to have them pass +out of his life, for he did not consider that he was likely to draw +any benefit from their presence and companionship. + +He was still a member of Mr. Reynolds' house-hold. Herbert appeared +to be as much attached to him as if he were an older brother, and +the broker looked with pleasure upon the new happiness that beamed +from the face of his son. + +As to Mrs. Estabrook, Grant had feared that she would continue to +show animosity toward him, but he had nothing to complain of. She +certainly did not show any cordiality in her necessary intercourse +with him; but then, on the other hand, she did not manifest any +desire to injure him. This was all Grant desired. He felt that under +no circumstances could he have made a friend of the housekeeper. He +was content to have her leave him alone. + +After the lapse of six months Grant expressed a desire to go home to +pass a day or two. His mother's birthday was close at hand, and he +had bought for her a present which he knew would be acceptable. +Permission was readily accorded, and Grant passed four happy days at +home. His parents were pleased that he was so highly regarded by his +employer, and had come to think that Grant's choice had been a wise +one. + +When Grant returned he went at once to the office. He found it a +scene of excitement. + +“What has happened?” he asked, eagerly. + +“Herbert Reynolds has disappeared, and his father is almost beside +himself with grief!” was the startling reply. + + + +CHAPTER XXV -- ANXIOUS INQUIRIES + + + +After a while Grant learned the particulars about Herbert's +disappearance. He had gone out to play in the street about three +o'clock in the afternoon. Generally he waited for Grant to +return-home, but during his absence he had found other companions. +When his father returned home, he inquired of the housekeeper: +“Where is Herbert?” + +“He went out to play,” said Mrs. Estabrook, indifferently. + +“In the street?” + +“I believe so.” + +“He ought to be in by this time.” + +“Probably he went to walk with some of his companions. As he had no +watch, he might not know that it is so late.” + +This seemed very plausible to Mr. Reynolds. + +“Yes,” he said; “Herbert seems lost without Grant. He will be glad +to see him back.” + +To this Mrs. Estabrook did not reply. She had learned, to her cost, +that it would not be politic to speak against Grant, and she was not +disposed to praise him. She seldom mentioned him at all. + +The dinner bell rang, and still Herbert had not returned. His father +began to feel anxious. + +“It is strange that Herbert remains so long away,” he said. + +“I shouldn't wonder if he had gone to Central Park on some +excursion,” returned the housekeeper calmly. + +“You think there is nothing wrong?” asked the broker, anxiously. + +“How could there be here, sir?” answered Mrs. Estabrook, with +unruffled demeanor. + +This answer helped to calm Mr. Reynolds, who ordered dinner delayed +half an hour. + +When, however, an hour--two hours--passed, and the little boy still +remained absent, the father's anxiety became insupportable. He +merely tasted a few spoonfuls of soup, and found it impossible to +eat more. The housekeeper, on the contrary, seemed quite +unconcerned, and showed her usual appetite. + +“I am seriously anxious, Mrs. Estabrook,” said the broker. “I will +take my hat and go out to see if I can gain any information. Should +Herbert return while I am away, give him his supper, and, if he is +tired, let him go to bed, just finding out why he was out so late.” + +“Very well, sir.” + +When Mr. Reynolds had left the house a singular expression of +gratified malice swept over the housekeeper's face. “It is just +retribution,” she murmured. “He condemned and discharged my stepson +for the sin of another. Now it is his own heart that bleeds.” + +Only a few steps from his own door the broker met a boy about two +years older than Herbert, with whom the latter sometimes played. + +“Harvey,” he said, “have you seen Herbert this afternoon?” + +“Yes, sir; I saw him about three o'clock.” + +“Where?” asked the broker, anxiously. + +“Just 'round the corner of the block,” answered Harvey Morrison. + +“Was he alone?” + +“No; there was a young man with him--about twenty, I should think.” + +“A young man! Was it one you had ever saw before?” + +“No, sir.” + +“What was his appearance?” + +Harvey described Herbert's companion as well as he could, but the +anxious father did not recognize the description. + +“Did you speak to Herbert? Did you ask where he was going?” + +“Yes, sir. He told me that you had sent for him to go on an +excursion.” + +“Did he say that?” asked the father, startled. + +“Yes, sir.” + +“Then there is some mischief afoot. I never sent for him,” said the +agitated father. + +Mr. Reynolds requested Harvey to accompany him to the nearest police +station, and relate all that he knew to the officer in charge, that +the police might be put on the track. He asked himself in vain what +object any one could have in spiriting away the boy, but no probable +explanation occurred to him. + +On his return to the house he communicated to the housekeeper what +he had learned. + +“What do you think of it?” he asked. + +“It may be only a practical joke,” answered the housekeeper calmly. + +“Heaven grant it may be nothing more! But I fear it is something far +more serious.” + +“I dare say it's only a boy's lark, Mr. Reynolds.” + +“But you forget--it was a young man who was seen in his company.” + +“I really don't know what to think of it, then. I don't believe the +boy will come to any harm.” + +Little sleep visited the broker's pillow that night, but the +housekeeper looked fresh and cheerful in the morning. + +“Has the woman no feeling?” thought the anxious father, as he +watched the tranquil countenance of the woman who for five years had +been in charge of his house. + +When she was left alone in the house Mrs. Estabrook took from her +workbasket a letter, bearing date a month previous, and read slowly +the following paragraph: “I have never forgotten the wrong done me +by Mr. Reynolds. He discharged me summarily from his employment and +declined to give me a recommendation which would secure me a place +elsewhere. I swore at the time that I would get even with him, and I +have never changed my resolution. I shall not tell you what I +propose to do. It is better that you should not know. But some day +you will hear something that will surprise you. When that time +comes, if you suspect anything, say nothing. Let matters take their +course.” + +The letter was signed by Willis Ford. + + + +CHAPTER XXVI -- A WESTERN CABIN + + + +“Abner!” + +The speaker was a tall, gaunt woman, in a loose, faded, calico +dress, and she stood at the door of a cabin in a Western clearing. + +“What yer want?” came as a reply from a tall, unhealthy-looking boy +in overalls, who was sitting on a log in the yard. + +“I want you to split some wood for the stove.” + +“I'm tired,” drawled the boy. + +“I'll tire you!” said the mother, sharply. “You tall, lazy, +good-for-nothing drone! Here I've been up since five o'clock, +slavin' for you and your drunken father. Where's he gone?” + +“To the village, I reckon.” + +“To the tavern, I reckon. It's there that he spends all the money he +gets hold of; he never gives me a cent. This is the only gown I've +got, except an old alpaca. Much he cares!” + +“It isn't my fault, is it?” asked the boy, indifferently. + +“You're a-follerin' in his steps. You'll be just another Joel +Barton--just as shif'less and lazy. Just split me some wood before I +get hold of yer!” + +Abner rose slowly, went to the shed for an ax, and in the most +deliberate manner possible began to obey his mother's commands. + +The cabin occupied by Abner and his parents was far from being a +palace. It contained four rooms, but the furniture was of the most +primitive description. Joel Barton, the nominal head of the family, +was the possessor of eighty acres of land, from which he might have +obtained a comfortable living, for the soil was productive; but he +was lazy, shiftless and intemperate, as his wife had described him. +Had he been as active and energetic as she was, he might have been +in very different circumstances. It is no wonder that the poor woman +was fretted and irritated almost beyond endurance, seeing how all +her industry was neutralized by her husband's habits. Abner took +after his father, though he had not yet developed a taste for drink, +and was perfectly contented with their poor way of living, as long +as he was not compelled to work hard. What little was required of +him he would shirk if he possibly could. + +This cabin was situated about a mile from the little village which +had gathered round the depot. The name of the township was Scipio, +though it is doubtful if one in fifty of the inhabitants knew after +whom it was named. In fact, the name was given by a schoolmaster, +who had acquired some rudiments of classical learning at a country +academy. + +To the depot we must transport the reader, on the arrival of the +morning train from Chicago. But two passengers got out. One of them +was a young man under twenty. The other was a boy, apparently about +ten years of age, whom he held firmly by the hand. + +He was a delicate-looking boy, and, though he was dressed in a +coarse, ill-fitting suit, he had an appearance of refinement and +gentle nature, as if he had been brought up in a luxurious home. He +looked sad and anxious, and the glances he fixed on his companion +indicated that he held him in fear. + +“Where are you going?” he asked timidly, looking about him +apprehensively. + +“You'll know soon enough,” was the rough reply. + +“When are you going to take me home, Mr. Ford?” asked the boy, in a +pleading tone. + +“Don't trouble yourself about that.” + +“Papa will be so anxious about me--papa and Grant!” + +The young man's brow contracted. + +“Don't mention the name of that boy! I hate him.” + +“He was always good to me. I liked so much to be with him.” + +“He did all he could to injure me. I swore to be even with him, and +I will!” + +“But I have never injured you, Mr. Ford.” + +“How could you--a baby like you?” said Ford, contemptuously. + +“Then why did you take me from home, and make me so unhappy?” + +“Because it was the only way in which I could strike a blow at your +father and Grant Thornton. When your father dismissed me, without a +recommendation, not caring whether I starved or not, he made me his +enemy.” + +“But he wouldn't if you hadn't--” + +“Hadn't what?” demanded Ford, sternly. + +“Taken Mrs. Estabrook's bonds.” + +“Dare to say that again, and I will beat you,” said Willis Ford, +brutally. + +Herbert trembled, for he had a timid nature, and an exquisite +susceptibility to pain. + +“I didn't mean to offend you,” he said. + +“You'd better not. Wait here a minutes, while I look around for some +one of whom I can make inquiries. Here, sit down on that settee, +and, mind you, don't stir till I come back. Will you obey me?” + +“Yes,” answered the boy, submissively. + + + +CHAPTER XXVII -- THE RIDE TO BARTON'S + + + +Willis Ford went to the station master, who stood at the door with a +cheap cigar in his mouth. + +“Is there a man named Joel Barton living hereabouts?” he asked. + +The station master took his cigar from his mouth and surveyed his +questioner with some curiosity. + +“Does he owe you money?” he inquired. + +“No,” answered Ford, impatiently. “Will you answer my question?” + +“You needn't be in such a pesky hurry,” drawled the station master. +“Yes, he lives up the road a piece.” + +“How far is a piece?” + +“Well, maybe a mile.” + +“Straighten?” + +“Yes.” + +“Is there any way of riding?” + +“Well, stranger, I've got a team myself. Is that boy with you?” + +“Yes.” + +“I'll take you over for half a dollar.” + +“Can you go at once?” + +“Yes.” + +“Then it's a bargain.” + +The station master, whose house was only three minutes' walk away, +appeared in a reasonable time with a farm wagon, drawn by an old +horse that had seen better days, it is to be hoped, for she was a +miserable-looking mare. + +“Jump in, Herbert,” said Ford. + +The boy obeyed, and sat on the front seat, between the driver and +his abductor. + +“I suppose the horse is warranted not to run away?” said Ford, +regarding the animal with a smile. + +“He ran away with me once,” was the unexpected answer. + +“When was that?” + +“'Bout fifteen years ago,” replied the driver, with grim humor. “I +reckon he's steadied down by this time.” + +“It looks like it,” said Ford. + +“Know Joel Barton?” asked the station master, after a pause. + +“I saw him once when I was a boy.” + +“Any relation?” + +“He married a cousin of my stepmother. What sort of a man is he?” + +“He's a no-account man--shif'less, lazy--drinks.” + +“That agrees with what I have heard. How about his wife?” + +“She's smart enough. If he was like her they'd live comfortably. She +has a hard time with him and Abner--Abner's her son, and just like +his father, only doesn't drink yet. Like as not he will when he gets +older.” + +Willis Ford was not the only listener to this colloquy. Herbert paid +attention to every word, and in the poor boy's mind there was the +uncomfortable query, “Why are we going to these people?” He would +know soon, probably, but he had a presentiment of trouble. + +“Yes,” continued the station master, “Mrs. Barton has a hard row to +hoe; but she's a match for Joel.” + +“What do you mean by that?” + +“She's got a temper of her own, and she can talk a man deaf, dumb, +and blind. She gives Barton a piece of her mind whenever he comes +home full.” + +“She ought to have that satisfaction. From what you tell me, I don't +feel very proud of my unknown relatives.” + +“Goin' to stay there any length of time?” + +“I don't know my own plans yet,” answered Willis Ford, with a glance +at the boy. He foresaw a scene when he announced his purpose to +leave Herbert in this unpromising place, but he did not wish to +anticipate it. + +“I suppose Barton is a farmer?” he suggested. + +“He pretends to be, but his farm doesn't pay much.” + +“What supports them?” + +“His wife takes in work from the tailors in the the village. Then +they've got a cow, and she makes butter. As for Joel, he brings in +precious little money. He might pick up a few dollars hirin' out by +the day, if he wasn't so lazy. I had a job for him myself one day, +but he knocked off at noon--said he was tuckered out, and wanted me +to pay him for that half day. I knew well enough where the money +would go, so I told him I wouldn't pay him unless he worked until +sunset.” + +“Did he do it?” + +“Yes, he did; but he grumbled a good deal. When he got his pay he +went over to Thompson's saloon, and he didn't leave it until all the +money was spent. When his wife heard of it she was mad, and I expect +she gave Joel a taste of the broom handle.” + +“I wouldn't blame her much.” + +“Nor I. But here we are. Yonder's Barton's house. Will you get out?” + +“Yes.” + +Abner, who was sitting on a stump, no sooner saw the team stop than +he ran into the house, in some excitement, to tell the news. + +“Marm,” he said, “there's a team stopped, and there's a man and boy +gettin' out; 'spect they're coming here.” + +“Lord's sake! Who be they?” + +“Dunno.” + +“Well, go out and tell 'em I'll see' em in a minute.” + +Abner met them in front of the house. + +“Are you Joel Barton's son?” asked Ford. + +“That's what the old man says,” returned Abner, with a grin. + +“Is your mother at home?” + +“Marm will be right out. She's slickin' up. Who be you?” + +“You'll know in good time, my boy.” “Who's he? Is he your son?” + +“No,” answered Herbert promptly. + +Willis Ford turned upon his young ward with a frown. He understood +the boy's tone. + +“It will be time to speak when you are spoken to,” he said sharply. + +“Here's marm'” said Abner, as his mother's tall figure appeared in +the doorway. + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII -- HERBERT IS PROVIDED WITH A NEW HOME + + + +Mrs. Barton regarded the newcomers with a wondering stare. + +“Did you want to see Joel?” she asked. + +“I shall be glad to see him in due time, Mrs. Barton,” returned +Willis Ford, with unwonted politeness; “but I came principally to +see you.” + +“Who be you?” inquired Mrs. Barton, unceremoniously; “I don't know +you no more'n the dead.” + +“There is a slight connection between us, however. I am the stepson +of Pauline Estabrook, of New York, who is a cousin of yours.” + +“You don't say Pauline is your mother?” ejaculated the lady of the +house. “Well, I never expected to see kith or kin of hers out here. +Is that your son?” + +“No, Mrs. Barton; but he is under my charge.” + +Herbert was about to disclaim this, but an ominous frown from Willis +Ford intimidated him. + +“My name is Willis Ford; his is Sam Green.” + +Herbert's eyes opened wide with astonishment at this statement. + +“My name is--” he commenced. + +“Silence!” hissed Ford, with a menacing look. “You must not +contradict me.” + +“I s'pose I ought to invite you to stay here,” said Mrs. Barton, +awkwardly; “but he's so shif'less, and such a poor provider, that I +ain't got anything in the house fit for dinner.” + +“Thank you,” returned Ford, with an inward shudder. “I shall dine at +the hotel; but I have a little business matter to speak of, Mrs. +Barton, and I would wish to speak in private. I will come into the +house, with your permission, and we will leave the two boys +together.” + +“Come right in,” said Mrs. Barton, whose curiosity was aroused. +“Here, you Abner, just take care of the little boy.” + +Abner proceeded to do this, first thinking it necessary to ask a few +questions. + +“Where do you live when you're at home, Sam?” he asked. + +“In New York; but my name isn't Sam,” replied Herbert. + +“What is it, then?” + +“Herbert.” + +“What makes him call you Sam, then?” asked Abner, with a jerk of the +finger toward the house. + +“I don't know, except he is afraid I will be found.” + +Abner looked puzzled. + +“Is he your guardeen?” he asked. + +“No; he was my father's clerk.” + +“Ho! Did your father have clerks?” + +“Yes; he is a rich man and does business in New York.” + +“What made him send you out here?” + +“He didn't.” + +“Then why did you come?” + +“Mr. Ford was mad with papa, and stole me away.” + +“He wouldn't steal me away easy!” said Abner, defiantly; “but, then, +I ain't a little kid like you.” + +“I'm not a kid,” said Herbert, who was not used to slang. + +“Oh, you don't know what I mean--you're a little boy and couldn't do +nothin'. If he tried to take me, he'd find his hands full.” + +Herbert, who was not very much prepossessed by Abner's appearance, +thought it very doubtful whether any one would ever attempt to +kidnap him. + +“What's he goin' to do with you?” continued Abner. + +“I don't know. I expect he'll make papa pay a good sum to get me +back.” + +“Humph!” remarked Abner, surveying with some contempt the small +proportions of the boy before him. “You ain't much good. I don't +believe he'll pay much for you.” + +Tears sprang to the eyes of the little boy, but he forced them back. + +“My papa would think differently,” he said. + +“Papa!” mimicked Abner. “Oh, how nice we are! Why don't you say dad, +like I do?” + +“Because it isn't a nice name. Papa wouldn't like to have me call +him so.” + +“Where did you get them clothes? I don't think much of 'em.” + +“Nor I,” answered Herbert. “They're not my own clothes. Mr. Ford +bought them for me in Chicago.” + +“He must like you, to buy you new clothes.” + +“No, he doesn't. My own clothes were much nicer. He sold them. He +was afraid some one would know me in the others.” + +“I wonder what he and marm are talking about so long?” + +This question Herbert was unable to answer. He did not guess how +nearly this conversation affected him. + +No sooner had the two entered the house than Willis Ford began. + +“Mrs. Barton,” he said, “I'll tell you now what brought me here.” + +“Go ahead,” said the lady, encouragingly. + +“I want you to take the boy I have brought with me to board.” + +“Land sakes! I don't keep a boardin' house!” + +“No; but if I will make it worth your while you will take him, won't +you?” + +“How much will you give?” asked Mrs. Barton, shrewdly. + +“Four dollars a week.” + +“He'll be a sight of trouble,” said the lady; but there was +something in her tone that satisfied Ford that she was favorably +inclined to the proposal. + +“Oh, no, he won't. He's so small that you can twist him round your +finger. Besides, Abner will be company for him. He will be with him +most of the time.” + +“Say five dollars and it's a bargain,” said Mrs. Barton. + +Ford hesitated. He did not care to spend more than he was obliged +to, but it was of importance to obtain at least a temporary refuge +for the boy, of whose care he was heartily tired. It seemed to him +that five dollars would be enough to support the whole family in the +style in which they were apparently accustomed to live. However, it +was politic to make the sum sufficient to interest these people in +retaining charge of the boy. + +“Well,” he said, after a pause, “it's more than I expected to pay, +but I suppose I shall have to accept your terms. I conclude Mr. +Barton will not object to your taking a boarder?” + +“Oh, Joel is of no account,” returned Mrs. Barton, contemptuously. +“I run this house!” + +Willis Ford suppressed a smile. He could easily believe from Mrs. +Barton's appearance that she was the head of the establishment. + +“There's one thing more,” added Mrs. Barton; “you're to pay the +money to me. Jest as sure as it goes into Joel's hands, it'll go for +drink. The way that man carries on is a disgrace.” + +“I should prefer to pay the money to you,” said Ford. + +“You'll have to pay somethin' in advance, if you want the boy to +have anythin' to eat. I've got to send to the village, and I haven't +got a cent in the house.” + +Willis Ford took out a pocketbook. Extracting therefrom four +five-dollar bills, he handed them to Mrs. Barton. + +“There's money for four weeks,” he said. “When that time is up I'll +send you more.” + +Mrs. Barton's eyes sparkled, and she eagerly clutched the money. + +“I ain't seen so much money for years,” she said. “I'll jest look +out Joel don't get hold of it. Don't you tell Joel or Abner how much +you've paid me.” + +“I'll take care of that, Mrs. Barton. By the way, I must caution you +not to believe any of the boy's stories. He's the son of a friend of +mine, who's put him under my care. The boy's weak-minded, and has +strange fancies. He thinks his name isn't Sam Green, and that his +father is rich. Why, only the other day he insisted his name was +George Washington.” + +“Land's sake! How cur'us!” “Of course; you won't pay any attention +to what he says. He may take it into his head to run away. If he +does, you must get him back.” + +“You can trust me to do that!” said Mrs. Barton, with emphasis. “I +ain't goin' to let no five-dollar boarder slip through my fingers!” + +“That's well! Now I must be going. You will hear from me from time +to time.” + +He passed through the front door into the yard. + +“Good-by!” he said. + +Herbert was about to follow him, but he waived him back. + +“You are not to come with me, Sam,” he said. “I shall leave you for +a few weeks with this good lady.” + +Herbert stared at him in dismay. This was something he had never +dreamed of. + + + +CHAPTER XXIX -- INTRODUCES MR. BARTON + + + +When Herbert realized that he was to be left behind he ran after +Willis Ford, and pleaded for the privilege of accompanying him. +“Don't leave me here, Mr. Ford!” he said. “I should die of +homesickness!” + +“So you would rather go with me?” Ford said, with an amused smile. + +“Oh, yes, much rather!” + +“I had not supposed you valued my company so highly. I ought to feel +complimented. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I shall have to +leave you here for a few weeks. This good lady will take good care +of you.” + +Herbert stole a glance at Mrs. Barton, who was watching him with +mingled contempt and impatience, but he did not become any more +reconciled to the prospect. He reiterated his request. + +“I have had enough of this,” said Ford, sternly. “You will stop +making a fuss if you know what is best for yourself. Good-by! You +will hear from me soon.” + +Herbert realized the uselessness of his resistance, and sank +despondently upon the grass. + +“Is he goin' to stay here, marm?” asked Abner, curiously. + +“Yes; he's goin' to board with us.” + +“Ho, ho!” laughed Abner; “he'll have a nice boardin' place!” + +“Abner, you jest shut up, or I'll take a stick to you! You needn't +make him any more homesick than he is. Just try ef you can't amuse +him.” + +“Say, Sam, I guess we'll have a stavin' time together,” said Abner, +really pleased to have a companion. “What'll we do? Want to play +leapfrog?” + +“I don't feel like playing,” answered Herbert, despondently. + +“We might go fishin',” suggested Abner. “There's a pond only a +quarter of a mile from here.” + +“I don't know how to fish,” said Herbert. + +“Don't know how to fish? What do you know how to do?” + +“We don't have any chance in New York.” + +“Say,” exclaimed Abner, with sudden interest, “is New York a nice +place?” + +“I wish I was back there. I never shall be happy anywhere's else.” + +“Tell me what you fellows do there. I dunno but I'd like to go +myself.” + +Before Herbert had a chance to answer Mrs. Barton broke in: + +“Abner, you take care of Sam while I go to the village.” + +“What are you goin' there for, marm?” + +“I'm going to buy some sausages for dinner. We haven't got anything +in the house.” + +“Me and Sam will go, if you'll give us the money.” + +“I know you too well, Abner Barton. I won't trust you with the +money. Ef I gave you a five-dollar bill, I'd never see any on't back +again.” + +“Say, mam, you haven't got a five-dollar bill, have you?” asked +Abner, with distended eyes. + +“Never you mind!” + +“I'll tell dad ef you don't give me some.” + +“You jest dare to do it!” returned Mrs. Barton, in a menacing tone. +“Your father ain't got nothin' to do with it. It's money for Sam's +board.” + +“My name isn't Sam,” expostulated Herbert, who had a natural +preference for his own appellation. + +“That's what I'm goin' to call you. You can call yourself George +Washington, or General Jackson, ef you want to. Mebbe you're +Christopher Columbus.” + +“My name is Herbert Reynolds,” said Herbert, annoyed. + +“That's what you call yourself to-day. There's no knowin' who you'll +be to-morrow.” + +“Don't you believe me, Mrs. Barton?” asked Herbert, distressed. + +“No, I don't. The man who brung you--I dis-remember his name--” + +“Willis Ford.” + +“Well, Willis Ford, then! It seems you know his name. Well, he told +me you was loony, and thought you was somebody else than your own +self.” + +“He told you that I was crazy?” ejaculated Herbert. + +“Yes; and I have no doubt it's so.” + +“It's a wicked lie!” exclaimed Herbert, indignantly; “and I'd like +to tell him so to his face.” + +“Well, you won't have a chance for some time. But I can't stand here +talkin'. I must be goin' to the store. You two behave yourselves +while I'm gone!” + +Herbert felt so dull and dispirited that he did not care to speak, +but Abner's curiosity had been excited about New York, and he plied +his young companion with questions, which Herbert answered wearily. +Though he responded listlessly, and did not say any more than he +felt obliged to, he excited Abner's interest. + +“I mean to go to New York some time,” he said. “Is it far?” + +“It's as much as a thousand miles. It may be more.” + +“Phew! That's a big distance. How did you come?” + +“We came in the cars.” + +“Did it cost much?” + +“I don't know. Mr. Ford paid for the tickets.” + +“Has he got plenty of money?” + +“I don't think he has. He used to be pa's clerk.” + +“I wish we had enough money. You and me would start some fine +mornin', and mebbe your father would give me something to do when we +got there.” + +For the first time Herbert began to feel an interest in the +conversation. + +“Oh, I wish we could,” he said, fervently. “I know pa would give you +a lot of money for bringing me back.” + +“Do you really think he would?” asked Abner, briskly. + +“I know he would. But your mother wouldn't let us go.” + +“She wouldn't know it,” said Abner, winking. + +“You wouldn't run away from home?” questioned Herbert. + +“Why wouldn't I? What's to keep me here? Marm's always scoldin', and +dad gets drunk whenever he has any money to spend for drink. I +reckon they wouldn't care much if I made myself scarce.” + +Herbert was not sure whether he ought not to feel shocked. He +admitted to himself, however, that if he had a father and mother +answering the description of Abner's, that he would not so much +regret leaving them. At any rate, Abner's words awoke a hope of +sometime getting away from the place he already hated, and returning +to his city home, now more valued than ever. + +“We can't go without money,” he said, in a troubled voice. + +“Couldn't we walk?” + +“It's too far, and I'm not strong.” + +“I could walk it, ef I took time enough,” asserted Abner, +positively. “Hello! there's dad!” + +Herbert looked up, and, following Abner's glance, saw a man +approaching the farmhouse. Mr. Barton--for it was he--was a tall +man, shabbily attired, his head crowned with a battered hat, whose +gait indicated a little uncertainty, and betrayed some difficulty +about the maintenance of his equilibrium. + +“Is that your father?” asked Herbert. + +“It's the old man, sure enough. He's about half full.” + +“What's that?” + +“He's been drinkin', as usual; but he didn't drink enough to make +him tight. Guess his funds give out.” + +Herbert was rather shocked at Abner's want of respect in speaking of +his father, but even to him Mr. Barton hardly seemed like a man who +could command a son's respect. + +“Wonder whether dad met marm on the way?” said Abner, musing. + +By this time, Mr. Barton had entered the yard, and caught sight of +his son and Herbert. + +“Abner,” said he, in a thick voice, “who's that boy?” + +“Then he didn't meet marm,” thought Abner. “He's a boy that's goin' +to board with us, dad,” he answered. + +“You don't say! Glad to make your acquaintance, boy,” he said, +straightening up. + +“Thank you, sir,” answered Herbert, faintly. + + + +CHAPTER XXX -- A MODEL HOUSEHOLD + + + +“When did you come?” asked Barton, steadying himself against a tree. + +“Half an hour ago,” answered Abner, for Herbert was gazing, with a +repulsion he found it difficult to conceal, at Barton, whose flushed +face and thick utterance indicated his condition very clearly. + +“Who came with him?” continued Barton. + +“You'd better ask marm. She attended to the business. It was a young +man.” + +“Where is she?” + +“Gone to the village to buy some sassiges for dinner.” + +“Good!” exclaimed Barton, in a tone of satisfaction. “I'll stay at +home to dinner to-day. Did the man pay your mother any money?” + +“I s'pose so, or she wouldn't be buyin' sassiges. Old Schickman +won't trust us any more.” + +“The money should have been paid to me. I'll see about it when your +marm comes back from the store.” + +“You'd spend it all for drink, dad,” said Abner. + +“How dare you speak so to your father, you ungrateful young dog!” + +He essayed to reach Abner to strike him, but his dutiful son dodged +easily, and his father, being unsteady on his legs, fell on the +ground. + +Abner laughed, but Herbert was too much shocked to share in his +enjoyment. + +“Come here and help me up, you Abner!” said his father. + +“Not much, dad! If you hadn't tried to lick me you wouldn't have +fallen!” + +“Let me help you, sir!” said Herbert, conquering his instinctive +disgust and approaching the fallen man. + +“You're a gentleman!” murmured Barton, as he took the little boy's +proffered hand and, after considerable ado, raised himself to a +standing position. “You're a gentleman; I wish I had a boy like +you.” + +Herbert could not join in the wish. He felt that a father like Joel +Barton would be a great misfortune. + +But just then Mrs. Barton entered the yard, marching with long +strides like a man's. + +“Here's marm!” announced Abner. + +Barton steadied himself as he turned to look at his wife. + +“I want to see you, Mrs. B.,” he said. “When are you goin' to have +dinner?” + +“Never, if I depended on you to supply the vittles!” she answered, +bluntly. + +“Don't speak so before a stranger,” said Barton, with a hiccough. +“You hurt my feelin's.” + +“Your feelin's are tough, and so are mine by this time.” + +“What have you got there?” + +“Some sassiges. Ef you want your share, you'll have to be on time. I +shan't save you any.” + +“How much money did the man pay you, Mrs. B.?” + +“That's my business!” retorted his wife, shortly. + +“Mrs. B.,” said her husband, straightening up, “I want you to +understand that I'm the master of this house, and it's my right to +take care of the money. You'll oblige me by handin' it over.” + +“I'll do nothing of the sort, Joel Barton! You'd only spend it for +drink.” + +“Would you grudge me the few pennies I spend for drink? My system +requires it. That's what the doctor says.” + +“Then you must find the money for it yourself. My system requires +something to eat, and, ef I take a boarder, he's got to have +something to eat, too.” + +“Mrs. B., I didn't think your heart was so hard,” said Barton, in a +maudlin tone. + +“Look here, Joel Barton; you might as well stop such foolish talk. +It won't do no good. I can't stay here all day. I must go and be +gettin' dinner.” + +Had Barton succeeded in raising money from his wife, he would +probably have returned at once to the tavern, and his place would +have been vacant at the dinner table. Failing in this, he lay back +and fell asleep, and was not roused till dinner time. + +Mrs. Barton was a fair cook, and Herbert ate with an unexpected +relish. It is needless to say that Abner also did full justice to +the meal. + +“I say, Sam,” he said, “I'm glad you've come.” + +Herbert was hardly prepared to agree with him. + +“Now we'll have to live better,” Abner explained. “Mam and I +gen'ally have to skirmish round for vittles. We don't often get +meat.” + +This frank confession rather alarmed Herbert. He was not over +self-indulgent, but he had never lacked for nourishing food, and the +prospect of an uncertain supply was not encouraging. + +When dinner was over--there was no second course--they left the +table. Joel Barton made a fresh attempt to extort a small sum from +his wife, but was met with an inflexible refusal. Mrs. Barton proved +deaf alike to entreaties and threats. She was a strong, resolute +woman, and not one to be intimidated. + +When Barton left the house, his look of disappointment had given +place to one of cunning. + +“Come here, Abner!” he said, beckoning to his son and heir. + +“What for?” + +“Never you mind.” + +“But I do mind. Do you want to catch hold of me?” + +“No; it's only a little matter of business. It's for your good.” + +Abner accompanied his father as far as the fence. + +“Now, what do you want?” he asked, with his eyes warily fixed on his +father. + +“I want you to find out where your marm keeps that money,” said +Barton, in a coaxing tone. + +“What for?” + +“You're to take it and bring it to me.” + +“And go without eatin'?” + +“I'll buy the provisions myself. I'm the head of the family.” + +“Do you want me to hook money from marm?” + +“'Twon't be hookin'. The money by right belongs to me. Ain't I the +head of the family?” + +“I dunno about that. Marm's the boss, and always has been,” chuckled +Abner. + +Joel frowned, but immediately tried another attack. + +“Of course I'll give you some of it, Abner,” he resumed. “If there's +five dollars I'll give you a quarter.” + +“I'll see about it, dad.” + +“Get it for me before evenin', if you can. I shall need it then.” + +Abner returned to Herbert, and frankly related the conversation that +had taken place between himself and his father. + +Herbert was shocked. He did not know what to think of the singular +family he had got into. + +“You won't do it, will you?” he asked, startled. + +“No, I won't. I want a quarter bad enough, but I'd rather mam would +keep the money. She'll spend it for vittles, and dad would spend it +for drink. Wouldn't you like to go a-fishin'? It's fine weather, and +we'll have fun.” + +Herbert assented, not knowing how to dispose of his time. Abner +turned the conversation again on New York. What Herbert had already +told him had powerfully impressed his imagination. + +“Haven't you got any money?” he asked. + +“No,” answered Herbert. “Mr. Ford took away all I had, except this.” + +He drew from his pocket a nickel. + +“That won't do no good,” said Abner, disappointed. “Stop a minute, +though,” he added, after a minute's pause. “Wouldn't your folks send +you some money, if you should write to them?” + +“Yes,” answered Herbert, his face brightening. “Why didn't I think +of that before? If I could get me paper and ink I'd write at once to +papa. I know he'd either send the money or come for me.” + +“We'll go to the post office,” said Abner. “There you can buy some +paper and a postage stamp. You've got just money enough. There's a +pen and ink there.” + +“Let us go at once,” said Herbert, eagerly. + +The boys took their way to the village. The letter was written and +posted, and a burden was lifted from the boy's mind. He felt that +his father would seek him out at once, and he could bear his present +position for a short time. But, alas! for poor Herbert--the letter +never came into his father's hands. Why, the reader will learn in +the next chapter. + + + +CHAPTER XXXI -- THE HOUSEKEEPER'S CRIME + + + +It is not to be supposed that during this time the family of the +missing boy were idle. The mysterious disappearance of his only son +filled his father's heart with anguish, and he took immediate steps +to penetrate the mystery. Not only was the fullest information given +to the police, but an experienced detective connected with a private +agency was detailed for the search. The matter also got into the +papers, and Herbert, in his Western home, little suspected that his +name had already become a household word in thousands of families. + +Days passed, and in spite of the efforts that were being made to +discover him, no clew had been obtained by Herbert's friends, either +as to his whereabouts, or as to the identity of the party or parties +hat had abducted him. It is needless to say that Grant heartily +sympathized with the afflicted father, and was sad on his own +account, for he had become warmly attached to the little boy whose +instant companion he had been in his hours of leisure. + +The only one in the house who took the matter coolly was Mrs. +Estabrook, the housekeeper. She even ventured to suggest that +Herbert had run away. + +“What do you mean, Mrs. Estabrook?” exclaimed the father, +impatiently. “You ought to know my poor boy better than that!” + +“Boys are a worrisome set,” returned the housekeeper, composedly. +“Only last week I read in the Herald about two boys who ran away +from good homes and went out to kill Indians.” + +“Herbert was not that kind of a boy,” said Grant. “He had no +fondness for adventure.” + +“I have known Herbert longer than you, young man,” retorted the +housekeeper, with a sneer. + +“It is very clear that you didn't know him as well,” said Mr. +Reynolds. + +Mrs. Estabrook sniffed, but said nothing. Without expressly saying +so, it was evident that she dissented from Mr. Reynolds' opinion. + +The broker's loss unfitted him for work, and he left the details of +office work to his subordinates, while nearly all his time was spent +in interviews with the police authorities or in following up faint +clews. His loss seemed to strengthen the intimacy and attachment +between him and Grant, in whom he confided without reserve. When at +home in the evening he talked over with Grant, whom he found a +sympathetic listener, the traits of the stolen boy, and brought up +reminiscences, trifling, perhaps, but touching, under the +circumstances. To Mrs. Estabrook he seldom spoke of his son. Her +cold and unsympathetic temperament repelled him. She had never +preferred to feel any attachment for Herbert, and the boy, quick to +read her want of feeling, never cared to be with her. + +One morning, after Mr. Reynolds and Grant had gone out, Mrs. +Estabrook, on going to the hall, saw a letter on the table, which +had been left by the postman. As curiosity was by no means lacking +in the housekeeper's composition, she took it up, and peered at the +address through her glasses. + +It was directed to Mr. Reynolds in a round, schoolboy hand. + +Mrs. Estabrook's heart gave a sudden jump of excitement. + +“It's Herbert's handwriting,” she said to herself. + +She examined the postmark, and found that it was mailed at Scipio, +Illinois. + +She held the letter in her hand and considered what she should do. +Should the letter come into the hands of Mr. Reynolds, the result +would doubtless be that the boy would be recovered, and would reveal +the name of his abductor. This would subject her favorite, Willis +Ford, to arrest, and probably imprisonment. + +“He should have been more careful, and not allowed the boy to +write,” said the housekeeper to herself. “Willis must have been very +imprudent. If I only knew what was in the letter!” + +The housekeeper's curiosity became so ungovernable that she decided +to open it. By steaming it, she could do it, and if it seemed +expedient, paste it together again. She had little compunction in +the matter. In a few minutes she was able to withdraw the letter +from the envelope and read its contents. + +This is what Herbert wrote: + +“Scipio, ILL. + +“DEAR PAPA: I know you must have been very anxious about me. I would +have written you before, but I have had no chance. Willis Ford found +me playing in the street, and got me to go with him by saying you +had sent for me. I thought it strange you should have sent Mr. Ford, +but I didn't like to refuse, for fear it was true. We went on board +a steamer in the harbor, and Mr. Ford took me in a stateroom. Then +he put a handkerchief to my face, and I became sleepy. When I waked +up, we were at sea. I don't know where I went, but when we came to +land, some time the next day, we got into the cars and traveled for +a couple of days. I begged Mr. Ford to take me home, but it made him +cross. I think he hates you and Grant, and I think he took me away +to spite you. I am sure he is a very wicked man. + +“Finally we came to this place. It is a small place in Illinois. The +people who live here are Mr. and Mrs. Barton and their son Abner. +Mr. Joel Barton is a drunkard. He gets drunk whenever he has money +to buy whisky. Mrs. Barton is a hard-working woman, and she does +about all the work that is done. Mr. Ford paid her some money in +advance. She is a tall woman, and her voice sounds like a man's. She +does not ill treat me, but I wish I were at home. Abner is a big, +rough boy, a good deal older and larger than I am, but he is kind to +me and he wants to come to New York. He says he will run away and +take me with him, if we can get enough money to pay our fares. I +don't think we could walk it so far. Abner might, for he is a good +deal stronger than I am, but I know I should get very tired. + +“Now, dear papa, if you will send me money enough to pay for +railroad tickets, Abner and I will start just as soon as we get it. +I don't know as he ought to run away from home, but he says his +father and mother don't care for him, and I don't believe they do. +His father doesn't care for anything but whisky, and his mother is +scolding him all the time. I don't think she would do that if she +cared much for him, do you? + +“I have filled the paper, and must stop. Be sure to send the money +to your loving son, + +“HERBERT REYNOLDS.” + +“How easy you write!” said Abner, in wonder, as he saw Herbert's +letter growing long before his eyes. “It would take me a week to +write as long a letter as that, and then I couldn't do it.” + +“I can't write so easy generally,” said the little boy, “but, you +see, I have a good deal to write about.” + +“Then there's another thing,” said Abner. “I shouldn't know how to +spell so many words. You must be an awful good scholar.” + +“I always liked to study,” said Herbert. “Don't you like to read and +study?” + +“No; I'd rather play ball or go fishin', wouldn't you?” + +“I like to play part of the time, but I wouldn't like to grow up +ignorant.” + +“I expect I'll always be a know-nothin', but I reckon I know as much +as dad. The old man's awful ignorant. He don't care for nothin' but +whisky.” + +“And I hope you won't be like him in that, Abner.” + +“No, I won't. I wouldn't like to have the boys flingin' stones at +me, as they did at dad once when he was tight. I licked a couple of +'em.” + +Mrs. Estabrook read Herbert's letter with intense interest. She saw +that the little boy's testimony would seriously incriminate Willis +Ford, if he were recovered, as he would be if this letter came into +his father's hands. + +“There's only one thing to do,” the housekeeper reflected, closing +her thin lips tightly. + +She lit the gas jet in her chamber, and, without a trace of +compunction, held the letter in the flame until it was thoroughly +consumed. + + + +CHAPTER XXXII -- HOPE DEFERRED + + + +Day after day Herbert and Abner went to the post office and inquired +for letters, but alas! none came. Poor Herbert was in despair. He +thought his father would have instantly sent the money, or come out +himself to take him home. Was it possible his father had forgotten +him, or was indifferent to his absence? He could not believe it, but +what was he to think? + +“I reckon your father didn't get the letter,” suggested Abner. + +Herbert hailed this suggestion with relief. + +“Or, maybe, marm has told the postmaster to give her any letters +that come.” + +This suggestion, too, seemed not improbable. + +“What can we do?” asked Herbert, helplessly. “I reckon we'd better +run away.” + +“Without money?” + +“We'll hire out to somebody for a week or two and write from where +we are.” + +“I'm afraid I couldn't do much work,” said the little boy. + +“Then I'll work for both,” said Abner, stoutly. “I've got tired of +stayin' at home, anyway.” + +“I'll do whatever you say,” said Herbert, feeling that any change +would be for the better. + +“I'll tell you when I'm ready,” said Abner. “We'll start some time +when marm's gone to the village.” + +There was another reason for Herbert's being dissatisfied with his +new home. A month had passed--the full time for which Willis Ford +had paid the boy's board--and there were no indications that any +more was to be paid. During the the first week the fare had been +tolerable, though Mrs. Barton was not a skillful cook; but now there +was no money left, and the family fell back upon what their limited +resources could supply. Mush and milk now constituted their +principal diet. It is well enough occasionally, but, when furnished +at every meal, both Herbert and Abner became tired of it. + +“Haven't you got anything else for dinner, marm?” asked Abner, +discontentedly. + +“No, I haven't,” answered the mother, snappishly. + +“You used to have sassiges and bacon.” + +“That was when I had money to buy 'em.” + +“Where's all that money gone the man left with him?” indicating +Herbert. + +“It's spent, and I wish Willis Ford would send along some more +mighty quick. He needn't expect me to take a free boarder.” + +She looked severely at Herbert, as if he were in fault. Certainly +the poor boy had no desire to live on the liberality of Mrs. Barton. + +“Maybe he's sent you some money in a letter,” suggested Abner. + +“Well, I never thought of that. It's a bright idee, ef it did come +from you, Abner Barton. Jest go up to the postoffice after dinner, +and ask if there's any letter for me. Ef there is, mind you, don't +open it.” + +“All right, marm.” + +“Come along, bub,” said Abner. + +This was the name he gave to Herbert, whom he liked in his own rough +way. + +“I don't think,” said Herbert, as they walked along, “that your +mother can have got any letter written by my father. If she had, she +would not be out of money.” + +“I reckon you're right. Do you think that Ford feller will send +money for your board?” + +“I think he will, if he can, for he wants to keep me here; but I +don't think he has much money with him.” + +“All the worse for marm.” + +“Abner,” said Herbert, after a pause, during which he had been +thinking seriously, “would you mind running away pretty soon?” + +“No, bub; I'm ready any time. Are you in a hurry?” + +“You see, Abner, I don't want to live on your mother. She isn't +rich--” + +“No, I guess not. Ef she hadn't married sech a good-for-nothin' as +dad--” + +“I wouldn't speak so of your father, Abner.” + +“Why not? Isn't it the truth? Dad's no grit. He gits drunk whenever +he has a chance. Marm's a good, hard-workin' woman. She'd git along +well enough ef she was alone.” + +“At any rate, she can't afford to board me for nothing. So I am +ready to start whenever you are, Abner.” + +“Suppose we get up early to-morror and start?” + +“How early?” + +“Three o'clock. Marm gets up at five. We must be on the road before +that time.” + +“I'm willing, Abner. You must wake me up in time.” + +“You'd better go to bed early, bub, and git all the sleep you can. +We'll have a hard day to-morrer.” + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII -- THE JOURNEY BEGINS + + + +“Wake up, there.” + +The little boy stirred in his sleep, and finally opened his eyes. By +the faint light that entered through the window, he saw Abner +bending over him. + +“What is it?” he asked, drowsily. + +“The kitchen clock's just struck three,” whispered Abner. “You +haven't forgotten that we are going to run away, have you?” + +“I'll get right up,” said Herbert, rubbing his eyes. + +In two minutes the boys were dressed and ready for a start. It had +taken a great deal longer for Herbert to dress at home, but he had +become less particular as to his toilet now. + +The boys took their shoes in their hands, and stole out in their +stocking feet. As they passed the door of the room in which Mr. and +Mrs. Barton slept, they heard the deep breathing of both, and knew +that they were not likely to be heard. + +Outside the door they put on their shoes, and were now ready to +start. + +“Wait a minute, bub,” said Abner. + +He re-entered the house, and presently came out holding half a loaf +in his hand. + +“That'll do for our breakfast,” he said. “We won't eat it now. We'll +wait till five o'clock. Then we'll be hungry.” + +By five o'clock they were as many miles on their way. They had +reached the middle of the next town. + +“Do you feel tired, bub?” asked Abner. + +“A little. I feel hungry. Don't you think we can eat the bread now?” + +“Yes, we'd better. I feel kind o' gone myself.” + +They sat down under a tree, and Abner divided the bread fairly. + +“You ought to have more than I,” protested Herbert. “You're bigger +than I, and need more.” + +“Never mind that! You'll need it to keep up your strength.” + +Abner was not naturally unselfish, but he was manly enough to feel +that he ought to be generous and kind to a boy so much smaller, and +he felt repaid for his self-denial by noticing the evident relish +with which Herbert ate his allowance of bread, even to the smallest +crumb. + +They found a spring, which yielded them a cool, refreshing draught, +and soon were on their way once more. They had proceeded perhaps two +miles further, when the rumbling of wheels was heard behind them, +and a farm wagon soon came up alongside. The driver was a man of +about thirty--sunburned and roughly clad. + +“Whoa, there,” he said. + +The horse stopped. + +“Where are you two goin'?” he asked. + +“We're travelin',” answered Abner, noncommittally. + +“Where's your home?” + +“Some ways back.” + +“Where are you goin'?” + +“I'm after work,” answered Abner. + +“Well, you'd orter be a good hand at it. You look strong. Is that +little feller your brother?” + +“No; he's my cousin.” + +Herbert looked up in surprise at this avowal of relationship, but he +thought it best not to say anything that would conflict with Abner's +statement. + +“Is he after work, too?” asked the driver, with a smile. + +“No; he's goin' to his father.” + +“Where does he live?” + +“Further on.” + +“Have you walked fur?” + +“Pretty fur.” + +“Ef you want to ride, I'll give you a lift for a few miles.” + +“Thank you,” said Abner, prompt to accept the offer. “I'll help you +in, bub.” + +The two boys took their seats beside the driver, Herbert being in +the middle. The little boy was really tired, and he found it very +pleasant to ride, instead of walking. He had walked seven miles +already, and that was more than he had ever before walked at one +time. + +They rode about three miles, when the driver pulled up in front of a +comfortable-looking house. + +“This is where I stop,” he said. “My aunt lives here, and my sister +has been paying her a visit. I've come to take her home.” + +The front door was opened, and his aunt and sister came out. + +“You're just in time for breakfast, John,” said his aunt. “Come in +and sit down to the table. Bring in the boys, too.” + +“Come in, boys,” said the young man. “I guess you can eat something, +can't you?” + +“We've had---” Herbert began, but Abner checked him. + +“Come along, bub,” he said. “What's a bit of bread? I ain't half +full.” + + + +CHAPTER XXIV -- MRS. BARTON'S SURPRISE + + + +A hearty breakfast, consisting of beefsteak, potatoes, corn bread, +fresh butter and apple sauce, made Abner's eyes glisten, for he had +never in his remembrance sat down at home to a meal equally +attractive. He wielded his knife and fork with an activity and +energy which indicated thorough enjoyment. Even Herbert, though in +the city his appetite had been delicate, and he had already eaten +part of a loaf of bread, did excellent justice to the good things +set before him. He was himself surprised at his extraordinary +appetite, forgetting the stimulating effect of a seven-mile walk. + +After breakfast they set out again on their tramp. At sunset, having +rested several hours in the middle of the day, they had accomplished +twenty miles. Abner could have gone further, but Herbert was well +tired out. They obtained permission from a friendly farmer to spend +the night in his barn, and retired at half-past seven. Mr. Reynolds +would have been shocked had he known that his little son was +compelled to sleep on a pile of hay, but it may truthfully be said +that Herbert had seldom slept as soundly or felt more refreshed. + +“How did you sleep, Abner?” he asked. + +“Like a top. How was it with you, bub?” + +“I didn't wake up all night,” answered the little boy. + +“I wonder what dad and marm thought when they found us gone?” said +Abner, with a grin. + +“Won't they feel bad?” + +“Not much,” said Abner. “They ain't that kind. I reckon it won't +spoil their appetite.” + +When they descended from the haymow, the farmer was milking his +cows. + +“Well, youngsters,” he said, “so you're up and dressed?” + +“Yes, sir.” + +“And ready for breakfast, I'll be bound.” + +“I reckon I should feel better for eatin',” said Abner, promptly. + +“Jest you wait till I get through milkin', and we'll see what Mrs. +Wiggins has got for us.” + +Abner heard these words with joy, for he was always possessed of a +good appetite. + +“I say, bub, I'm glad I run away,” he remarked, aside, to Herbert. +“We live enough sight better than we did at home.” + +Leaving the boys to pursue their journey, we will return to the +bereaved parents, and inquire how they bore their loss. + +When Mrs. Barton rose to commence the labors of the day, she found +that no wood was on hand for the kitchen fire. + +“Abner's gittin' lazier and lazier,” she soliloquized. “I'll soon +have him up.” + +She went to the foot of the stairs, and called “Abner!” in a voice +by no means low or gentle. + +There was no answer. + +“That boy would sleep if there was an earthquake,” she muttered. +“Come down here and split some wood, you lazy boy!” she cried, still +louder. + +Again no answer. + +“He hears, fast enough, but he don't want to work. I'll soon have +him down.” + +She ascended the stairs, two steps at a time, and opened the door of +her son's room. + +If Abner had been in bed his mother would have pulled him out, for +her arm was vigorous, but the bed was empty. + +“Well, I vum!” she ejaculated, in surprise. “Ef that boy isn't up +already. That's a new wrinkle. And the little boy gone, too. What +can it mean?” + +It occurred to Mrs. Barton that Abner and Herbert might have got up +early to go fishing, though she had never known him to make so early +a start before. + +“I reckon breakfast'll bring 'em round,” she said to herself. “I +reckon I shall have to split the wood myself.” + +In half an hour breakfast was ready. It was of a very simple +character, for the family resources were limited. Mr. Barton came +downstairs, and looked discontentedly at the repast provided. + +“This is a pretty mean breakfast, Mrs. B.,” he remarked. “Where's +your meat and taters?” + +“There's plenty of 'em in the market,” answered Mrs. Barton. + +“Then, why didn't you buy some?” + +“You ought to know, Joel Barton. You give me the money, and I'll see +that you have a good breakfast.” + +“Where's all the money that man Ford gave you?” + +“Where is it? It's eaten up, Mr. Barton, and you did your share. Ef +you'd had your way, you'd have spent some of the money for drink.” + +“Why don't he send you some more, then?” + +“Ef you see him anywheres, you'd better ask him. It's your business +to provide me with money; you can't expect one boy's board to +support the whole family.” + +“It's strange where them boys are gone,” said Joel, desirous of +changing the subject. “Like as not, they hid under the bed, and +fooled you.” + +“Ef they did, I'll rout 'em out,” said Mrs. Barton, who thought the +supposition not improbable. + +Once more she ascended the stairs and made an irruption into the +boy's chamber. She lifted the quilt, and peered under the bed. But +there were no boys there. Looking about the room, however, she +discovered something else. On the mantelpiece was a scrap of paper, +which appeared to be so placed as to invite attention. + +“What's that?” said Mrs. Barton to herself. + +A moment later she was descending the staircase more rapidly than +she had gone up just before. + +“Look at that,” she exclaimed, holding out a scrap of paper to Joel +Barton. + +“I don't see nothin' but a bit of paper,” said her husband. + +“Don't be a fool! Read what it is.” + +“Read it aloud. I ain't got my specks.” + +“The boys have run away. Abner writ it. Listen to this.” + +Rudely written on the paper, for Abner was by no means a skillful +penman, were these words: + +“Bub and I have runned away. You needn't worry. I reckon we can get +along. We're going to make our fortunes. When we're rich, we'll come +back. ABNER.” + +“What do you think of that, Joel Barton?” demanded his wife. + +Joel shrugged his shoulders. + +“I shan't worry much,” he said. “They'll be back by to-morrer, +likely.” + +“Then you'll have to split some wood to-day, Joel. You can't expect +a delicate woman like me to do such rough work.” + +“You're stronger'n I be, Mrs. B.” + +“Perhaps you'll find I am if you don't go to work.” + +“I'll do it this afternoon.” + +“All right. Then we'll have dinner in the even-in'. No wood, no +dinner.” + +“Seems to me you're rather hard on me, Mrs. B. I don't feel well.” + +“Nor you won't till you give up drinkin'.” + +Much against his will, Mr. Barton felt compelled by the stress of +circumstances to do the work expected of him. It made him feel angry +with Abner, whom he did not miss for any other reason. + +“I'll break that boy's neck when he comes back,” he muttered. “It's +a shame to leave all this work for his poor, old dad.” + +To-morrow came, but the boys did not. A week slipped away, and still +they were missing. Mrs. Barton was not an affectionate mother, but +it did seem lonesome without Abner. As for Herbert, she did not care +for his absence. If Willis Ford did not continue to pay his board, +she felt that she would rather have him away. + +On the sixth day after the departure of the boys there came a +surprise for Mrs. Barton. + +As she was at work in the kitchen, she heard a loud knock at the +door. + +“Can it be Abner?” she thought. “He wouldn't knock.” + +She went to the door, however, feeling rather curious as to who +could be her visitor, and on opening it started in surprise to see +Willis Ford. + +“Mr. Ford!” she ejaculated. + +“I thought I would make you a call,” answered Ford. “How's the boy +getting along?” + +“If you mean the boy you left here,” she answered, composedly, “he's +run away, and took my boy with him.” + +“Run away!” ejaculated Ford, in dismay. + +“Yes; he made tracks about a week ago. He and my Abner have gone off +to make their fortunes.” + +“Why didn't you take better care of him, woman?” exclaimed Ford, +angrily. “It's your fault, his running away!” + +“Look here, Ford,” retorted Mrs. Barton; “don't you sass me, for I +won't stand it. Ef it hadn't been for you, Abner would be at home +now.” + +“I didn't mean to offend you, my dear Mrs. Barton,” said Ford, +seeing that he had made a false step. “Tell me all you can, and I'll +see if I can't get the boys back.” + +“Now you're talkin',” said Mrs. Barton, smoothing her ruffled +plumage. “Come into the house, and I'll tell you all I know.” + + + +CHAPTER XXXV -- HERBERT BREAKS DOWN + + + +“I don't think I can walk any further, Abner. I feel sick,” faltered +Herbert. + +Abner, who had been walking briskly, turned round to look at his +young companion. Herbert was looking very pale, and had to drag one +foot after the other. Day after day he had tried to keep up with +Abner, but his strength was far inferior to that of the other boy, +and he had finally broken down. + +“You do look sick, bub,” said Abner, struck by Herbert's pallid +look. “Was I walking too fast for you?” + +“I feel very weak,” said Herbert. “Would you mind stopping a little +while? I should like to lie under a tree and rest.” + +“All right, bub. There's a nice tree.” “Don't you feel tired, +Abner?” + +“No; I feel as strong as hearty as a horse.” + +“You are bigger than I am. I guess that is the reason.” + +Abner was a rough boy, but he showed unusual gentleness and +consideration for the little boy, whose weakness appealed to his +better nature. He picked out a nice, shady place for Herbert to +recline upon, and, taking off his coat, laid it down for a pillow on +which his young companion might rest his head. + +“There, bub; I reckon you'll feel better soon,” he said. + +“I hope so, Abner. I wish I was as strong as you are.” + +“So do I. I reckon I was born tough. I was brought up different from +you.” + +“I wish I were at home,” sighed Herbert. “Is it a long way from +here?” + +“I reckon it is, but I don't know,” answered Abner, whose +geographical notions were decidedly hazy. + +An hour passed, and still Herbert lay almost motionless, as if rest +were a luxury, with his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the clouds that +could be seen through the branches floating lazily above. + +“Don't you feel any better, bub?” asked Abner. + +“I feel better while I am lying here, Abner.” + +“Don't you feel strong enough to walk a little further?” + +“Must I?” asked Herbert, sighing. “It is so nice to lie here.” + +“I am afraid we shall never get to New York if we don't keep goin'.” + +“I'll try,” said Herbert, and he rose to his feet, but he only +staggered and became very white. + +“I am afraid I need to rest a little more,” he said. + +“All right, bub. Take your time.” + +More critically Abner surveyed his young companion. He was not used +to sickness or weakness, but there was something in the little boy's +face that startled him. + +“I don't think you're fit to walk any further today,” he said. “I +wish we had some good place to stay.” + +At this moment a carriage was seen approaching. It was driven by a +lady of middle age, with a benevolent face. Her attention was drawn +to the two boys, and especially to Herbert. Her experienced eyes at +once saw that he was sick. + +She halted her horse. + +“What is the matter with your brother?” she said to Abner. + +“I reckon he's tuckered out,” said Abner, tacitly admitting the +relationship. “We've been travelin' for several days. He ain't so +tough as I am.” + +“He looks as if he were going to be sick. Have you any friends near +here?” + +“No, ma'am. The nighest is over a hundred miles off.” + +The lady reflected a moment. Then she said: “I think you had better +come to my house. My brother is a doctor. He will look at your +little brother and see what can be done for him.” + +“I should like it very much,” said Abner, “but we haven't got any +money to pay for doctors and sich.” + +“I shan't present any bill, nor will my brother,” said the lady, +smiling. “Do you think you can help him into the carriage?” + +“Oh, yes, ma'am.” + +Abner helped Herbert into the carriage, and then, by invitation, got +in himself. + +“May I drive?” he asked, eagerly. + +“Yes, if you like.” + +The kind lady supported with her arm Herbert's drooping head, and so +they drove on for a mile, when she indicated that they were to stop +in front of a large, substantial, square house, built after the New +England style. + +Herbert was taken out, and, after Abner helped him upstairs, into a +large, square chamber, with four windows. + +“What is his name?” asked the lady. + +“Herbert.” + +“And yours?” + +“Abner.” + +“He had better lie down on the bed, and, as soon as my brother +comes, I will send him up.” + +Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction, as he reclined on the +comfortable bed, which was more like the one he slept in at home +than the rude, straw bed which he had used when boarding with Mr. +and Mrs. Barton. + +Half an hour passed, and the doctor came into the room, and felt +Herbert's pulse. + +“The boy is tired out,” he said. “That is all. His strength has been +exhausted by too severe physical effort.” + +“What shall we do to bring him round?” asked his sister. + +“Rest and nourishing food are all that is required.” + +“Shall we keep him here? Have you any objection?” + +“I should object to letting him go in his present condition. He will +be a care to you, Emily.” + +“I shall not mind that. We shall have to keep the other boy, too.” + +“Certainly. There's room enough for both.” + +When Abner was told that for a week to come they were to stay in Dr. +Stone's comfortable house, his face indicated his satisfaction. + +“Ef you've got any chores to do, ma'am,” he said, “I'll do 'em. I'm +strong, and not afraid to work.” + +“Then I will make you very useful,” said Miss Stone, smiling. + +The next day, as she was sitting in Herbert's chamber, she said: +“Herbert, you don't look at all like your brother.” + +“Do you mean Abner, Miss Stone?” Herbert asked. + +“Yes; have you any other brother?” + +“Abner is not my brother at all.” + +“How, then, do you happen to be traveling together?” + +“Because we've both run away.” + +“I am sorry to hear that. I don't approve of boys running away. +Where do you live?” + +“In New York.” + +“In New York!” repeated Miss Stone, much surprised. “Surely, you +have not walked from there?” + +“No, Miss Stone; I was stolen from my home in New York about a month +ago, and left at Abner's house. It was a poor cabin, and very +different from anything I was accustomed to. I did not like Mr. and +Mrs. Barton; but Abner was always kind to me.” + +“Is your father living?” asked Miss Stone, who had become +interested. + +“Yes; he is a broker.” + +“And no doubt you have a nice home?” + +“Yes, very nice. It is a brownstone house uptown. I wonder whether I +shall ever see it again?” + +“Surely you will. I am surprised that you have not written to tell +your father where you are. He must be feeling very anxious about +you.” + +“I did write, asking him to send me money to come home. Abner was +going with me. But no answer came to my letter.” + +“That is strange. Your father can't have received the letter.” + +“So I think, Miss Stone; but I directed it all right.” + +“Do you think any one would intercept it?” + +“Mrs. Estabrook might,” said Herbert, after a pause for +consideration. + +“Who is she?” + +“The housekeeper.” + +“What makes you think so? Didn't she like you?” + +“No; besides, it was her nephew who carried me off.” + +Miss Stone asked further questions, and Herbert told her all the +particulars with which the reader is already acquainted. When he had +finished, she said: “My advice is, that you write to your boy +friend, Grant Thornton, or tell me what to write, and I will write +to him. His letters will not be likely to be tampered with.” + +“I think that will be a good idea,” said Herbert; “Grant will tell +papa, and then he'll send for me.” + +Miss Stone brought her desk to the bedside, and wrote a letter to +Grant at Herbert's dictation. This letter she sent to the village +postoffice immediately by Abner. + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI -- GRANT RECEIVES A LETTER + + + +Mr. Reynolds had spared no expense in his efforts to obtain tidings +of his lost boy. None of his agents, however, had succeeded in +gaining the smallest clew to Herbert's whereabouts. Through the +public press the story had been widely disseminated, and in +consequence the broker began to receive letters from various points, +from persons professing to have seen such a boy as the one +described. One of these letters came from Augusta, Ga., and +impressed Mr. Reynolds to such an extent that he decided to go there +in person, and see for himself the boy of whom his correspondent +wrote. + +The day after he started Grant, on approaching the house at the +close of business, fell in with the postman, just ascending the +steps. + +“Have you got a letter for me?” he asked. + +“I have a letter for Grant Thornton,” was the reply. + +“That is my name,” said Grant. + +He took the letter, supposing it to be from home. He was surprised +to find that it had a Western postmark. He was more puzzled by the +feminine handwriting. + +“Have you heard anything from the little boy?” asked the postman, +for Mr. Reynolds' loss was well known. + +Grant shook his head. + +“Nothing definite,” he said. “Mr. Reynolds has gone to Georgia to +follow up a clew.” + +“Two weeks since,” said the postman, “I left a letter here dated at +Scipio, Ill. It was in a boy's handwriting. I thought it might be +from the lost boy.” + +“A letter from Scipio, in a boy's handwriting!” repeated Grant, +surprised. “Mr. Reynolds has shown me all his letters. He has +received none from there.” + +“I can't understand it. I left it here, I am positive of that.” + +“At what time in the day?” asked Grant, quickly. + +“About eleven o'clock in the forenoon.” + +“Can you tell to whom you gave it?” + +“To the servant.” + +“It is very strange,” said Grant, thoughtfully. “And it was in a +boy's handwriting?” + +“Yes; the address was in a round, schoolboy hand. The servant +couldn't have lost it, could she?” + +“No; Sarah is very careful.” + +“Well, I must be going.” + +By this time Grant had opened the letter. He had glanced rapidly at +the signature, and his face betrayed excitement. + +“This is from Herbert,” he said. “You may listen, if you like.” + +He rapidly read the letter, which in part was as follows: + +“DEAR GRANT: I write to you, or rather I have asked Miss Stone, who +is taking care of me, to do so, because I wrote to papa two weeks +since, and I am afraid he did not get the letter, for I have had no +answer. I wrote from the town of Scipio, in Illinois-- + +“Just what I said,” interrupted the postman. + +“I wrote that Mr. Ford had carried me away and brought me out West, +where he put me to board in a poor family, where I had scarcely +enough to eat. Mr. Barton had one son, Abner, who treated me well, +and agreed to run away with me to New York, if we could get money +from papa. But we waited and waited, and no letter came. So at last +we decided to run away at any rate, for I was afraid Mr. Ford would +come back and take me somewhere else. I can't tell you much about +the journey, except that we walked most of the way, and we got very +tired--or, at least, I did, for I am not so strong as Abner--till I +broke down. I am stopping now at the house of Dr. Stone, who is very +kind, and so is his sister, who is writing this letter for me. Will +you show papa this letter, and ask him to send for me, if he cannot +come himself? I do so long to be at home once more. I hope he will +come before Willis Ford finds me out. I think he has a spite against +papa, and that is why he stole me away. Your affectionate friend, + +“HERBERT REYNOLDS.” + +“Please say nothing about this,” said Grant to the postman. “I don't +want it known that this letter has come.” + +“What will you do?” + +“I shall start for the West myself to-night.” + +“Mrs. Estabrook intercepted that letter,” said Grant to himself. “I +am sure of it.” + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII -- WILLIS FORD FINDS THE RUNAWAYS + + + +“I shall be absent for a few days, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Grant to +the housekeeper, as he entered the house. + +“Where are you going?” she inquired. + +“I can't tell you definitely.” + +“Hadn't you better wait till Mr. Reynolds gets back?” + +“No; business is not very pressing in the office, and I can be +spared.” + +The housekeeper concluded that Grant was going to Colebrook, and did +not connect his journey with the lost boy. + +“Oh, well, I suppose you understand your own business best. Herbert +will miss you if he finds you away when his father brings him back.” + +“Do you think he will?” asked Grant, eyeing the housekeeper sharply. + +“I'm sure I don't know. I suppose he expects to, or he would not +have traveled so far in search of him.” + +“Shall you be glad to see him back, Mrs. Estabrook?” + +“Of course! What makes you doubt it?” demanded the housekeeper, +sharply. + +“I thought you didn't like Herbert.” + +“I wasn't always petting him. It isn't in my way to pet boys.” + +“Do you often hear from Willis Ford?” + +“That is my business,” answered Mrs. Estabrook, sharply. “Why do you +ask?” + +“I was wondering whether he knew that Herbert had been abducted.” + +“That is more than we know. Very likely the boy ran away.” + +Grant called on the cashier at his private residence, confided to +him his plan, and obtained a sum of money for traveling expenses. He +left the Grand Central Depot by the evening train, and by morning +was well on his way to Chicago. + +Meanwhile, Willis Ford had left no stone unturned to obtain news of +the runaways. This he did not find difficult, though attended with +delay. He struck the right trail, and then had only to inquire, as +he went along, whether two boys had been seen, one small and +delicate, the other large and well-grown, wandering through the +country. Plenty had seen the two boys, and told him so. + +“Are they your sons, mister?” asked a laborer of whom he inquired. + +“Not both of them--only the smaller,” answered Ford, with unblushing +falsehood. + +“And what made them run away now?” + +“My son probably did not like the boarding place I selected for +him.” + +“Why didn't he write to you?” + +“He didn't know where to direct.” + +“Who is the other lad?” + +“The son of the man I placed him with. I think he may have induced +Sam to run away.” + +Finally Ford reached Claremont, the town where the boys had actually +found refuge. Here he learned that two boys had been taken in by Dr. +Stone, answering to the description he gave. One, the younger one, +had been sick, but now was better. This information he obtained at +the hotel. + +Ford's eyes sparkled with exultation. He had succeeded in his quest, +and once more Herbert was in his hands, or would be very soon. + +He inquired the way to Dr. Stone's. Everybody knew where the doctor +lived, and he had no trouble in securing the information he sought. +Indeed, before he reached the house, he caught sight of Abner, +walking in the same direction with himself, but a few rods ahead. + +He quickened his pace, and laid his hand on the boy's shoulder. + +Abner turned, and an expression of dismay overspread his face. + +“Ha, my young friend! I see that you remember me,” said Ford, +ironically. + +“Well, what do you want?” asked Abner, sullenly. + +“You know well enough. I want the boy you have persuaded to run away +with you.” + +“I didn't persuade him.” + +“Never mind about quibbling. I know where the boy is, and I mean to +have him.” + +“Do you want me, too?” + +“No; I don't care where you go.” + +“I reckon Herbert won't go with you.” + +“And I reckon he will. That is Dr. Stone's, isn't it? Never mind +answering. I know well enough it is.” + +“He'll have bub sure,” said Abner, disconsolately. “But I'll follow +'em, and I'll get him away, as sure as my name's Abner Barton.” + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII -- FORD TAKES A BOLD STEP, BUT FAILS + + + +“I wish to see Miss Stone,” said Willis Ford, to the servant. + +“I'll tell her. What name shall I say?” + +“Never mind about the name. I wish to see her on business of +importance.” + +“I don't like his looks,” thought the maid. “Shure he talks as if he +was the boss.” + +She told Miss Stone, however, that a gentleman wished to see her, +who would not tell his name. + +Miss Stone was in Herbert's chamber, and the boy--now nearly well, +quite well, in fact, but for a feeling of languor and weakness--heard +the message. + +“What is he like?” he asked, anxiously. + +“He's slender like, with black hair and a black mustache, and he +talks like he was the master of the house.” + +“I think it is Willis Ford,” said Herbert, turning pale. + +“The man who abducted you?” ejaculated Miss Stone. + +“Yes, the same man. Don't let him take me away,” implored Herbert. + +“I wish my brother were here,” said Miss Stone, anxiously. + +“Won't he be here soon?” + +“I am afraid not. He has gone on a round of calls. Bridget, tell the +young man I will be down directly.” + +Five minutes later Miss Stone descended, and found Willis Ford +fuming with impatience. + +“I am here, sir,” she said, coldly. “I understand you wish to see +me.” + +“Yes, madam; will you answer me a few questions?” + +“Possibly. Let me hear what they are.” + +“You have a boy in this house, named Herbert Reynolds?” + +“Yes.” + +“A boy who ran away from Mr. Joel Barton, with whom I placed him?” + +“What right had you to place him anywhere, Mr. Ford?” demanded the +lady. + +“That's my business. Permit me to say that it is no affair of +yours.” + +“I judge differently. The boy is sick and under my charge.” + +“I am his natural guardian, madam.” + +“Who made you so, Mr. Ford?” + +“I shall not argue that question. It is enough that I claim him as +my cousin and ward.” + +“Your cousin?” + +“Certainly. That doubtless conflicts with what he has told you. He +was always a liar.” + +“His story is, that you beguiled him from his home in New York, and +brought him against his will to this part of the country.” + +“And you believe him?” sneered Ford. + +“I do.” + +“It matters little whether you do or not. He is my sister's child, +and is under my charge. I thought fit to place him with Mr. Joel +Barton, of Scipio, but the boy, who is flighty, was induced to run +away with Barton's son, a lazy, shiftless fellow.” + +“Supposing this to be so, Mr. Ford, what is your object in calling?” + +“To reclaim him. It does not suit me to leave him here.” + +Ford's manner was so imperative that Miss Stone became alarmed. + +“The boy is not fit to travel,” she said. “Wait till my brother +comes, and he will decide, being a physician, whether it is safe to +have him go.” + +“Madam, this subterfuge will not avail,” said Ford, rudely. “I will +not wait till your brother comes. I prefer to take the matter into +my own hands.” + +He pressed forward to the door of the room, and before Miss Stone +could prevent it, was on his way upstairs. She followed as rapidly +as she could, but before she could reach him, Ford had dashed into +the room where Herbert lay on the bed. + +Herbert was stricken with terror when he saw the face of his enemy. + +“I see you know me,” said Ford, with an evil smile. “Get up at once, +and prepare to go with me.” + +“Leave me here, Mr. Ford. I can't go with you; Indeed, I can't,” + said Herbert. + +“We'll see about that,” said Ford. “I give you five minutes to rise +and put on your clothes. If you don't obey me, I will flog you.” + +Looking into his cruel face, Herbert felt that he had no other +resource. Trembling, he slipped out of bed, and began to draw on his +clothes. He felt helpless, but help was nearer than he dreamed. + +“Mr. Ford, I protest against this high-handed proceeding,” exclaimed +Miss Stone, indignantly, as she appeared at the door of the chamber. +“What right have you to go over my house without permission?” + +“If it comes to that,” sneered Ford, “what right have you to keep my +ward from me?” + +“I am not his ward,” said Herbert, quickly. + +“The boy is a liar,” exclaimed Ford, harshly. + +“Get back into the bed, Herbert,” said Miss Stone. “This man shall +not take you away.” + +“Perhaps you will tell me how you are going to help it,” retorted +Ford, with an evil smile. + +“If my brother were here---” + +“But your brother is not here, and if he were, I would not allow him +to interfere between me and my cousin. Herbert, unless you continue +dressing, I shall handle you roughly.” + +But sounds were heard upon the stairs, and Ford, as well as Miss +Stone, turned their eyes to the door. + +The first to enter was Abner. + +“Oh, it's you, is it?” said Ford, contemptuously. + +He had thought it might be Dr. Stone, whom he was less inclined to +face than he professed. + +“Yes, it is. What are you doing here?” + +“It is none of your business, you cub. He's got to come with me.” + +“Maybe you want me, too?” + +“I wouldn't take you as a gift.” + +“Ho, ho,” laughed Abner, “I reckon you'd find me a tough customer. +You won't take bub, either.” + +“Who is to prevent me?” + +“I will!” said a new voice, and Grant Thornton, who had fallen in +with Abner outside, walked quietly into the room. + +Willis Ford started back in dismay. Grant was the last person he +expected to meet here. He had no idea that any one of the boy's home +friends had tracked him this far. He felt that he was defeated, but +he hated to acknowledge it. + +“How are you going to prevent me, you young whippersnapper?” he +said, glaring menacingly at Grant. + +“Mr. Willis Ford, unless you leave this room and this town at once,” + said Grant, firmly, “I will have you arrested. There is a local +officer below whom I brought with me, suspecting your object in +coming here.” + +“Oh, Grant, how glad I am to see you! Is papa with you?” exclaimed +Herbert, overjoyed. + +“I will tell you about it soon, Herbert.” + +“You won't let him take me away?” + +“There is no danger of that,” said Grant, reassuringly. “I shall +take you home to New York as soon as this good lady says you are +well enough to go.” + +Ford stood gnawing his nether lip. If it had been Mr. Reynolds, he +would not have minded so much; but for a mere boy, like Grant +Thornton, to talk with such a calm air of superiority angered him. + +“Boy,” he said, “it sounds well for you to talk of arrest--you who +stole my aunt's bonds, and are indebted to her forbearance for not +being at this moment in State's prison.” + +“Your malicious charge does not affect me, Mr. Ford,” returned +Grant. “It was proved before you left New York that you were the +thief, and even your stepmother must have admitted it. Mr. Reynolds +discharged you from his employment, and this is the mean revenge you +have taken--the abduction of his only son.” + +“I will do you an injury yet, you impudent boy,” said Ford, +furiously. + +“I shall be on my guard, Mr. Ford,” answered Grant. “I believe you +capable of it.” + +“Don't you think you had better leave us, sir?” said Miss Stone. + +“I shall take my own time about going,” he answered, impudently. + +But his words were heard by Dr. Stone, who had returned sooner than +he anticipated, and was already at the door of the room. He was a +powerful man, and of quick temper. His answer was to seize Ford by +the collar and fling him downstairs. + +“This will teach you to be more polite to a lady,” he said. “Now, +what does all this mean, and who is this man?” + +The explanation was given. + +“I wish I had been here before,” said the doctor. + +“You were in good time,” said Grant, smiling. “I see that Herbert +has found powerful friends.” + +Willis Ford, angry and humiliated, picked himself up, but did not +venture to return to the room he had left so ignominiously. Like +most bullies, he was a coward, and he did not care to encounter the +doctor again. + +Within an hour, Grant telegraphed to the broker at his office: “I +have found Herbert, and will start for New York with him to-morrow.” + Mr. Reynolds had only just returned from his fruitless Southern +expedition, weary and dispirited. But he forgot all his fatigue when +he read this message. “God bless Grant Thornton!” he ejaculated. + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX -- THE HOUSEKEEPER'S RETRIBUTION + + + +The train from Chicago had just reached the Grand Central Depot. +From the parlor car descended two boys who are well known to us, +Grant Thornton and Herbert Reynolds. + +Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction. + +“Oh, Grant,” he said, “how glad I am to see New York once more! I +wonder if papa knows we are to come by this train?” + +The answer came speedily. + +The broker, who had just espied them, hurried forward, and his lost +boy was lifted to his embrace. + +“Thank God, I have recovered you, my dear son,” he exclaimed, +fervently. + +“You must thank Grant, too, papa,” said the little boy. “It was he +who found me and prevented Mr. Ford stealing me again.” + +Mr. Reynolds grasped Grant's hand and pressed it warmly. + +“I shall know how to express my gratitude to Grant in due time,” he +said. + +On their way home Grant revealed to Mr. Reynolds for the first time +the treachery of the housekeeper, who had suppressed Herbert's +letter to his father, and left the latter to mourn for his son when +she might have relieved him of the burden of sorrow. + +As Mr. Reynolds listened, his face became stern. + +“That woman is a viper!” he said. “In my house she has enjoyed every +comfort and every consideration, and in return she has dealt me this +foul blow. She will have cause to regret it.” + +When they entered the house Mrs. Estabrook received them with false +smiles. + +“So you are back again, Master Herbert,” she said. “A fine fright +you gave us!” + +“You speak as if Herbert went away of his own accord,” said the +broker sternly. “You probably know better.” + +“I know nothing, sir, about it.” + +“Then I may inform you that it was your stepson, Willis Ford, who +stole my boy--a noble revenge, truly, upon me for discharging him.” + +“I don't believe it,” said the housekeeper. “I presume it is your +office boy who makes this charge?” she added, pressing her thin lips +together. + +“There are others who are cognizant of it, Mrs. Estabrook. Grant +succeeded in foiling Mr. Ford in his attempt to recover Herbert, who +had run away from his place of confinement.” + +“You are prejudiced against my son, Mr. Reynolds,” said Mrs. +Estabrook, her voice trembling with anger. + +“Not more than against you, Mrs. Estabrook. I have a serious charge +to bring against you.” + +“What do you mean, sir?” asked the housekeeper, nervously. + +“Why did you suppress the letter which my boy wrote to me revealing +his place of imprisonment?” + +“I don't know what you mean, sir,” she answered, half defiantly. + +“I think you do.” + +“Did Master Herbert write such a letter?” “Yes.” + +“Then it must have miscarried.” + +“On the contrary, the postman expressly declares that he delivered +it at this house. I charge you with concealing or suppressing it.” + +“The charge is false. You can't prove it, sir.” + +“I shall not attempt to do so; but I am thoroughly convinced of it. +After this act of treachery, I cannot permit you to spend another +night in my house. You will please pack at once, and arrange for a +removal.” + +“I am entitled to a month's notice, Mr. Reynolds.” + +“You shall have a month's wages in lieu of it. I would as soon have +a serpent in my house.” + +Mrs. Estabrook turned pale. She had never expected it would come +to this. She thought no one would ever be able to trace the +suppressed letter to her. She was not likely again to obtain so +comfortable and desirable a position. Instead of attributing her ill +fortune to her own malice and evil doing, she chose to attribute it +to Grant. + +“I am to thank you for this, Grant Thornton,” she said, in sudden +passion. “I was right in hating you as soon as I first saw you. If +ever I am able I will pay you up for this.” + +“I don't doubt it, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Grant, quietly, “but I +don't think you will have it in your power.” + +She did not deign to answer, but hurried out of the room. In half an +hour she had left the house. + +“Now I can breathe freely,” said the broker. “That woman was so full +of malice and spite that it made me uncomfortable to feel that she +was in the house.” + +“I am so glad that she has gone, papa,” said Herbert. + +That evening, after Herbert had gone to bed, Mr. Reynolds invited +Grant into his library. + +“My boy,” he said, “I have settled accounts with Mrs. Estabrook; now +I want to settle with you.” + +“Not in the same way, I hope, sir,” said Grant. + +“Yes, in the same way, according to your deserts. You have done me a +service, that which none can be greater. You have been instrumental +in restoring to me my only son.” + +“I don't want any reward for that, sir.” + +“Perhaps not; but I owe it to myself to see that this service is +acknowledged. I shall raise your salary to fifteen dollars a week.” + +“Thank you, sir,” said Grant, joyfully. “How glad my mother will +be.” + +“When you tell her this, you may also tell her that I have deposited +on your account in the Bowery Savings Bank the sum of five thousand +dollars.” + +“This is too much, Mr. Reynolds,” said Grant, quite overwhelmed. +“Why, I shall feel like a man of fortune.” + +“So you will be in time, if you continue as faithful to business as +in the past.” + +“It seems to me like a dream,” said Grant. + +“I will give you a week's leave of absence to visit your parents, +and tell them of your good fortune.” + + + +CHAPTER XL -- CONCLUSION + + + +There were anxious hearts in the parsonage at Colebrook. For some +weeks the minister had shown signs of overwork. His appetite had +failed, and he seemed weary and worn. + +“He needs change,” said the doctor. “A run over to Europe would do +him good. He has no disease; he only wants change.” + +“A trip to Europe,” said Mr. Thornton, shaking his head. “It is +impossible. It has been the dream of my life, but a country minister +could not, in half a dozen years, save money enough for that.” + +“If your brother Godfrey would lend you the money, Grant might, in +time, help you to pay it.” + +Godfrey never had forgiven Grant for running counter to his plans. + +“I wish I could spare the money myself, Mr. Thornton,” said the +doctor. “Five hundred dollars would be sufficient, and it would make +a new man of you.” + +“It might as well be five thousand,” said the minister, shaking +his head. “No, my good friend, I must toil on as well as I can, and +leave European trips to more favored men.” + +It was noised about through the parish that the minister was sick, +and the doctor recommended a European trip. + +“It's ridikilus,” was Deacon Gridley's comment. “I work harder than +the minister, and I never had to go to Europe. It's just because +it's fashionable.” + +“Mr. Thornton is looking pale and haggard,” said Mrs. Gridley. + +“What if he is? He ought to work outdoors like me. Then he'd know +what work was. Ac-cordin' to my notion, ministers have a pooty easy +time.” + +Mr. Tudor was of the same opinion. + +“It's all nonsense, deacon,” he said. “Father wanted me to be a +minister, and I'd have had a good deal easier time if I had followed +his advice.” + +“You wouldn't have had so much money, Mr. Tudor,” said Miss Lucretia +Spring, who heard this remark. + +“Mebbe not; but what I've got I've worked for.” + +“For my part, although I am not near as rich as you are, I'd give +twenty dollars toward sending the minister abroad,” said kindly Miss +Spring. + +“I wouldn't give a cent,” said Mr. Tudor, with emphasis. + +“Nor I,” said Deacon Gridley. “I don't believe in humorin' the +clergy.” + +Saturday came, and the minister was worse. It seemed doubtful if he +would be able to officiate the next day. No wonder he became +dispirited. + +Just before supper the stage drove up to the door, and Grant jumped +out. + +“I am afraid he has been discharged,” said Mr. Thornton, nervously. + +“He does not look like it,” said Mrs. Thornton, noticing Grant's +beaming countenance. + +“What is the matter with father?” asked Grant, stopping short as he +entered. + +“He is not feeling very well, Grant. He has got run down.” + +“What does the doctor say?” + +“He says your father ought to take a three-months trip to Europe.” + +“Which, of course, is impossible,” said Mr. Thornton, smiling +faintly. + +“Not if your brother would open his heart, and lend you the money.” + +“He would not do it.” + +“And we won't ask him,” said Grant, quickly, “but you shall go, all +the same, father.” + +“My son, it would cost five hundred dollars.” + +“And for twice as much, mother, could go with you; you would need +her to take care of you. Besides she needs a change, too.” + +“It is a pleasant plan, Grant; but we must not think of it.” + +“That's where I don't agree with you. You and mother shall go as +soon as you like, and I will pay the expenses.” + +“Is the boy crazy?” said the minister. + +“I'll answer that for myself, father. I have five thousand dollars +in the Bowery Savings Bank, in New York, and I don't think I can +spend a part of it better than in giving you and mother a European +trip.” + +Then the explanation came, and with some difficulty the minister was +made to understand that the dream of his life was to be realized, +and that he and his wife were really going to Europe. + +“Well, well! who'd have thought it?” ejaculated Deacon Gridley. +“That boy of the minister's must be plaguey smart. I never thought +he'd be so successful. All the same, it seems to me a mighty poor +investment to spend a thousand dollars on racin' to Europe. That +money would buy quite a sizable farm.” + +Others, however, less narrow in their notions, heartily approved of +the European trip. When three months later the minister came home, +he looked like a new man. His eye was bright, his face bronzed and +healthy, his step elastic, and he looked half a dozen years younger. + +“This all comes of having a good son,” he said, smiling, in reply to +congratulations, “a son who, in helping himself, has been alive to +help others.” + +Half a dozen years have passed. Grant Thornton is now a young man, +and junior partner of Mr. Reynolds. He has turned his money to good +account, and is counted rich for one of his age. He has renewed his +acquaintance with Miss Carrie Clifton, whom he met for the first +time as a summer boarder in Colebrook, and from their intimacy it +wouldn't be surprising if Grant should some day become the wealthy +jeweler's son-in-law. + +Uncle Godfrey has become reconciled to Grant's following his own +course. It is easy to become reconciled to success. + +Willis Ford is confined in a penitentiary in a Western State, having +been convicted of forgery, and there is small chance of his +amendment. He has stripped his stepmother of her last penny, and she +is compelled to live on the charity of a relative, who accords her a +grudging welcome, and treats her with scant consideration. The +bitterest drop in her cup of humiliation is the prosperity of Grant +Thornton, toward whom she feels a fierce and vindictive hatred. As +she has sown, so she reaps. Malice and uncharitableness seldom bring +forth welcome fruit. + +THE END + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Helping Himself, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HELPING HIMSELF *** + +***** This file should be named 5833-0.txt or 5833-0.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/8/3/5833/ + +Produced by Carrie Fellman + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Helping Himself + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: June, 2004 [EBook #5833] +Last Updated: March 3, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HELPING HIMSELF *** + + + + +Produced by Carrie Fellman and David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + HELPING HIMSELF + </h1> + <h3> + Or + </h3> + <h1> + Grant Thornton's Ambition + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Horatio Alger, Jr. + </h2> + <h4> + New York + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I — THE MINISTER'S SON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II — GRANT MAKES TWO BUSINESS CALLS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III — GRANT WALKS TO SOMERSET </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV — A TIMELY RESCUE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V — MRS. THORNTON'S PEARLS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI — GRANT GETS INTO UNEXPECTED + TROUBLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII — MRS. SIMPSON COMES TO GRIEF + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII — GRANT TAKES A DECISIVE STEP + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX — 'UNCLE GODFREY PARTS FROM + GRANT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X — A DAY IN WALL STREET </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI — GRANT MAKES A FRIEND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII — MRS. ESTABROOK'S PLANS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII — TWO VIEWS OF TOM CALDER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV — WILLIS FORD'S NEW FRIENDS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV — AN ARTFUL TRAP </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI — GRANT FALLS UNDER SUSPICION + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII — THE TELLTALE KEY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII — GRANT'S ENEMIES TRIUMPH + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX — IMPORTANT EVIDENCE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX — AT THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI — THE THIEF IS DISCOVERED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII — WILLIS FORD AT BAY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII — JUSTICE TRIUMPHS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV — STARTLING NEWS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV — ANXIOUS INQUIRIES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI — A WESTERN CABIN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII — THE RIDE TO BARTON'S </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII — HERBERT IS PROVIDED WITH A + NEW HOME </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX — INTRODUCES MR. BARTON </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX — A MODEL HOUSEHOLD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI — THE HOUSEKEEPER'S CRIME </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII — HOPE DEFERRED </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII — THE JOURNEY BEGINS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXIV — MRS. BARTON'S SURPRISE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV — HERBERT BREAKS DOWN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI — GRANT RECEIVES A LETTER + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII — WILLIS FORD FINDS THE + RUNAWAYS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII — FORD TAKES A BOLD STEP, + BUT FAILS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX — THE HOUSEKEEPER'S + RETRIBUTION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL — CONCLUSION </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I — THE MINISTER'S SON + </h2> + <p> + “I wish we were not so terribly poor, Grant,” said Mrs. Thornton, in a + discouraged tone. + </p> + <p> + “Is there anything new that makes you say so, mother?” answered the boy of + fifteen, whom she addressed. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing new, only the same old trouble. Here is a note from Mr. Tudor, + the storekeeper.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see it, mother.” + </p> + <p> + Grant took a yellow envelope from his mother's hand, and drew out the + inclosure, a half sheet of coarse letter paper, which contained the + following lines: + </p> + <p> + “July 7, 1857. + </p> + <p> + REV. JOHN THORNTON: + </p> + <p> + DEAR SIR: Inclosed you will find a bill for groceries and other goods + furnished to you in the last six months, amounting to sixty-seven dollars + and thirty-four cents ($67.34). It ought to have been paid before. How + you, a minister of the Gospel, can justify yourself in using goods which + you don't pay for, I can't understand. If I remember rightly, the Bible + says: 'Owe no man anything.' As I suppose you recognize the Bible as an + authority, I expect you to pay up promptly, and oblige, + </p> + <p> + Yours respectfully, THOMAS TUDOR.” + </p> + <p> + Grant looked vexed and indignant. “I think that is an impudent letter, + mother,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “It is right that the man should have his money, Grant.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true, but he might have asked for it civilly, without taunting my + poor father with his inability to pay. He would pay if he could.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven knows he would, Grant,” said his mother, sighing. + </p> + <p> + “I would like to give Mr. Tudor a piece of my mind.” “I would rather pay + his bill. No, Grant, though he is neither kind nor considerate, we must + admit that his claim is a just one. If I only knew where to turn for + money!” + </p> + <p> + “Have you shown the bill to father?” asked Grant. + </p> + <p> + “No; you know how unpractical your father is. It would only annoy and make + him anxious, and he would not know what to do. Your poor father has no + business faculty.” + </p> + <p> + “He is a very learned man,” said Grant, proudly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he graduated very high at college, and is widely respected by his + fellow ministers, but he has no aptitude for business.” + </p> + <p> + “You have, mother. If you had been a man, you would have done better than + he. Without your good management we should have been a good deal worse off + than we are. It is the only thing that has kept our heads above water.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you think so, Grant. I have done the best I could, but no + management will pay bills without money.” + </p> + <p> + It was quite true that the minister's wife was a woman of excellent + practical sense, who had known how to make his small salary go very far. + In this respect she differed widely from her learned husband, who in + matters of business was scarcely more than a child. But, as she intimated + with truth, there was something better than management, and that was ready + cash. + </p> + <p> + “To support a family on six hundred dollars a year is very hard, Grant, + when there are three children,” resumed his mother. + </p> + <p> + “I can't understand why a man like father can't command a better salary,” + said Grant. “There's Rev. Mr. Stentor, in Waverley, gets fifteen hundred + dollars salary, and I am sure he can't compare with father in ability.” + </p> + <p> + “True, Grant, but your father is modest, and not given to blowing his own + trumpet, while Mr. Stentor, from all I can hear, has a very high opinion + of himself.” + </p> + <p> + “He has a loud voice, and thrashes round in his pulpit, as if he were a—prophet,” + said Grant, not quite knowing how to finish his sentence. + </p> + <p> + “Your father never was a man to push himself forward. He is very modest.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose that is not the only bill that we owe,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “No; our unpaid bills must amount to at least two hundred dollars more,” + answered his mother. + </p> + <p> + Grant whistled. + </p> + <p> + Two hundred and sixty-seven dollars seemed to him an immense sum, and so + it was, to a poor minister with a family of three children and a salary of + only six hundred dollars. Where to obtain so large a sum neither Grant nor + his mother could possibly imagine. Even if there were anyone to borrow it + from, there seemed no chance to pay back so considerable a sum. + </p> + <p> + Mother and son looked at each other in perplexity. Finally, Grant broke + the silence. + </p> + <p> + “Mother,” he said, “one thing seems pretty clear. I must go to work. I am + fifteen, well and strong, and I ought to be earning my own living.” + </p> + <p> + “But your father has set his heart upon your going to college, Grant.” + </p> + <p> + “And I should like to go, too; but if I did it would be years before I + could be anything but an expense and a burden, and that would make me + unhappy.” + </p> + <p> + “You are almost ready for college, Grant, are you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Very nearly. I could get ready for the September examination. I have only + to review Homer, and brush up my Latin.” + </p> + <p> + “And your uncle Godfrey is ready to help you through.” + </p> + <p> + “That gives me an idea, mother. It would cost Uncle Godfrey as much as + nine hundred dollars a year over and above all the help I could get from + the college funds, and perhaps from teaching school this winter. Now, if + he would allow me that sum for a single year and let me go to work, I + could pay up all father's debts, and give him a new start. It would save + Uncle Godfrey nine hundred dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “He has set his heart on your going to college. I don't think he would + agree to help you at all if you disappoint him.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, I could try the experiment. Something has got to be done, + mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Grant, there is no doubt of that. Mr. Tudor is evidently in earnest. + If we don't pay him, I think it very likely he will refuse to let us have + anything more on credit. And you know there is no other grocery store in + the village.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any money to pay him on account, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “I have eight dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me have that, and go over and see what I can do with him. We can't + get along without groceries. By the way, mother, doesn't the parish owe + father anything?” + </p> + <p> + “They are about sixty dollars in arrears on the salary.” + </p> + <p> + “And the treasurer is Deacon Gridley?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll tell you what I will do. I'll first go over to the deacon's and + try to collect something. Afterward I will call on Mr. Tudor.” + </p> + <p> + “It is your father's place to do it, but he has no business faculty, and + could not accomplish anything. Go, then, Grant, but remember one thing.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “You have a quick temper, my son. Don't allow yourself to speak hastily, + or disrespectfully, even if you are disappointed. Mr. Tudor's bill is a + just one, and he ought to have his money.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll do the best I can, mother.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II — GRANT MAKES TWO BUSINESS CALLS + </h2> + <p> + Deacon Gridley had a small farm, and farming was his chief occupation, but + he had a few thousand dollars laid away in stocks and bonds, and, being a + thrifty man, not to say mean, he managed to save up nearly all the + interest, which he added to his original accumulation. He always coveted + financial trusts, and so it came about that he was parish treasurer. It + was often convenient for him to keep in his hands, for a month at a time, + money thus collected which ought to have been paid over at once to the + minister, but the deacon was a thoroughly selfish man, and cared little + how pressed for money Mr. Thornton might be, as long as he himself derived + some benefit from holding on to the parish funds. + </p> + <p> + The deacon was mowing the front yard of his house when Grant came up to + his front gate. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning, Deacon Gridley,” said the minister's son. + </p> + <p> + “Mornin', Grant,” answered the deacon. “How's your folks?” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty well in health,” returned Grant, coming to business at once, “but + rather short of money.” + </p> + <p> + “Ministers most gen'ally are,” said Deacon Gridley, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “I should think they might be, with the small salaries they get,” said + Grant, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Some of 'em do get poorly paid,” replied the deacon; “but I call six + hundred dollars a pooty fair income.” + </p> + <p> + “It might be for a single man; but when a minister has a wife and three + children, like my father, it's pretty hard scratching.” + </p> + <p> + “Some folks ain't got faculty,” said the deacon, adding, complacently, “it + never cost me nigh on to six hundred dollars a year to live.” + </p> + <p> + The deacon had the reputation of living very penuriously, and Abram Fish, + who once worked for him and boarded in the family, said he was half + starved there. + </p> + <p> + “You get your milk and vegetables off the farm,” said Grant, who felt the + comparison was not a fair one. “That makes a great deal of difference.” + </p> + <p> + “It makes some difference,” the deacon admitted, “but not as much as the + difference in our expenses. I didn't spend more'n a hundred dollars cash + last year.” + </p> + <p> + This excessive frugality may have been the reason why Mrs. Deacon Gridley + was always so shabbily dressed. The poor woman had not had a new bonnet + for five years, as every lady in the parish well knew. + </p> + <p> + “Ministers have some expenses that other people don't,” persisted Grant. + </p> + <p> + “What kind of expenses, I'd like to know?” + </p> + <p> + “They have to buy books and magazines, and entertain missionaries, and + hire teams to go on exchanges.” + </p> + <p> + “That's something,” admitted the deacon. “Maybe it amounts to twenty or + thirty dollars a year.” + </p> + <p> + “More likely a hundred,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “That would be awful extravagant sinful waste. If I was a minister, I'd be + more keerful.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Deacon Gridley, I don't want to argue with you. I came to see if + you hadn't collected some money for father. Mr. Tudor has sent in his + bill, and he wants to be paid.” + </p> + <p> + “How much is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Sixty-seven dollars and thirty-four cents.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't tell me!” said the deacon, scandalized. “You folks must be + terrible extravagant.” + </p> + <p> + Grant hardly knew whether to be more vexed or amused. + </p> + <p> + “If wanting to have enough to eat is extravagant,” he said, “then we are.” + </p> + <p> + “You must live on the fat of the land, Grant.” + </p> + <p> + “We haven't any of us got the gout, nor are likely to have,” answered + Grant, provoked. “But let us come back to business. Have you got any money + for father?” + </p> + <p> + Now it so happened that Deacon Gridley had fifty dollars collected, but he + thought he knew where he could let it out for one per cent, for a month, + and he did not like to lose the opportunity. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sorry to disappoint you, Grant,” he answered, “but folks are slow + about payin' up, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you got any money collected?” asked Grant, desperately. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what I'll do,” said the deacon, with a bright idea. “I've + got fifty dollars of my own—say for a month, till I can make + collections.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be very kind,” said Grant, feeling that he had done the deacon + an injustice. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” the deacon resumed, hastily, “I should have to charge + interest. In fact, I was goin' to lend out the money to a neighbor for a + month at one per cent; but I'd just as lieve let your father have it at + that price.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't that more than legal interest?” asked Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see, money is worth good interest nowadays. Ef your father + don't want it, no matter. I can let the other man have it.” + </p> + <p> + Grant rapidly calculated that the interest would only amount to fifty + cents, and money must be had. + </p> + <p> + “I think father'll agree to your terms,” he said. “I'll let you know this + afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Grant. It don't make a mite of difference to me, but if your + father wants the money he'll have to speak for it to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see that the matter is attended to,” said Grant, and he went on his + way, pleased with the prospect of obtaining money for their impoverished + household, even on such hard terms. + </p> + <p> + Next he made his way to Mr. Tudor's store. + </p> + <p> + It was one of those country variety stores where almost everything in the + way of house supplies can be obtained, from groceries to dry goods. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Tudor was a small man, with a parchment skin and insignificant + features. He was in the act of weighing out a quantity of sugar for a + customer when Grant entered. + </p> + <p> + Grant waited till the shopkeeper was at leisure. + </p> + <p> + “Did you want to see me, Grant?” said Tudor. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Tudor. You sent over a bill to our house this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “And you've come to pay it. That's right. Money's tight, and I've got + bills to pay in the city.” + </p> + <p> + “I've got a little money for you on account,” said Grant, watching Tudor's + face anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “How much?” asked the storekeeper, his countenance changing. + </p> + <p> + “Eight dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Eight dollars!” ejaculated Tudor, indignantly. “Only eight dollars out of + sixty-seven! That's a regular imposition, and I don't care ef your father + is a minister, I stick to my words.” + </p> + <p> + Grant was angry, but he remembered his mother's injunction to restrain his + temper. + </p> + <p> + “We'd like to pay the whole, Mr. Tudor, if we had the money, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think I can trust the whole neighborhood, and only get one dollar + in ten of what's due me?” spluttered Mr. Tudor. “Ministers ought to set a + better example.” + </p> + <p> + “Ministers ought to get better pay,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “There's plenty don't get as much as your father. When do you expect to + pay the rest, I'd like to know? I s'pose you expect me to go on trustin', + and mebbe six months from now you'll pay me another eight dollars,” said + the storekeeper, with withering sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + “I was going to tell you, if you hadn't interrupted me,” said Grant, “that + we should probably have some more money for you to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “How much?” + </p> + <p> + “Twenty-five dollars,” answered the boy, knowing that part of the money + borrowed must go in other quarters. “Will that be satisfactory?” + </p> + <p> + “That's more like!” said Tudor, calming down. “Ef you'll pay that I'll + give you a leetle more time on the rest. Do you want anything this + mornin'? I've got some prime butter just come in.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll call for some articles this afternoon, Mr. Tudor. Here are the eight + dollars. Please credit us with that sum.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I've accomplished something,” said Grant to himself as he plodded + homeward. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III — GRANT WALKS TO SOMERSET + </h2> + <p> + GODFREY THORNTON, Grant's uncle, lived in the neighboring town of + Somerset. He was an old bachelor, three years older than his brother, the + minister, and followed the profession of a lawyer. His business was not + large, but his habits were frugal, and he had managed to save up ten + thousand dollars. Grant had always been a favorite with him, and having no + son of his own he had formed the plan of sending him to college. He was + ambitious that he should be a professional man. + </p> + <p> + It might have been supposed that he would have felt disposed to assist his + brother, whose scanty salary he knew was inadequate to the needs of a + family. But Godfrey Thornton was an obstinate man, and chose to give + assistance in his own way, and no other. It would be a very handsome + thing, he thought, to give his nephew a college education. And so, indeed, + it would. But he forgot one thing. In families of limited means, when a + boy reaches the age of fifteen or sixteen he is very properly expected to + earn something toward the family income, and this Grant could not do while + preparing for college. If his uncle could have made up his mind to give + his brother a small sum annually to make up for this, all would have been + well. Not that this idea had suggested itself to the Rev. John Thorn-ton. + He felt grateful for his brother's intentions toward Grant, and had bright + hopes of his boy's future. But, in truth, pecuniary troubles affected him + less than his wife. She was the manager, and it was for her to contrive + and be anxious. + </p> + <p> + After Grant had arranged the matters referred to in the preceding chapter, + he told his mother that he proposed to go to Somerset to call on his + uncle. + </p> + <p> + “No, Grant, I don't object, though I should be sorry to have you lose the + chance of an education.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a very fair education already, mother. Of course I should like to + go to college, but I can't bear to have you and father struggling with + poverty. If I become a business man, I may have a better chance to help + you. At any rate, I can help you sooner. If I can only induce Uncle + Godfrey to give you the sum my education would cost him, I shall feel + perfectly easy.” + </p> + <p> + “You can make the attempt, my son, but I have doubts about your success.” + </p> + <p> + Grant, however, was more hopeful. He didn't see why his uncle should + object, and it would cost him no more money. It seemed to him very plain + sailing, and he set out to walk to Somerset, full of courage and hope. + </p> + <p> + It was a pretty direct road, and the distance—five miles—was + not formidable to a strong-limbed boy like Grant. In an hour and a half he + entered the village, and soon reached the small one-story building which + served his uncle as an office. + </p> + <p> + Entering, he saw his uncle busy with some papers at his desk. + </p> + <p> + The old lawyer raised his eyes as the door opened. + </p> + <p> + “So it's you, Grant, is it?” he said. “Nobody sick at home, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Uncle Godfrey, we are all well.” + </p> + <p> + “I was afraid some one might be sick, from your coming over. However, I + suppose you have some errand in Somerset.” + </p> + <p> + “My only errand is to call upon you, uncle.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose I am to consider that a compliment,” said the old bachelor, not + ill pleased. “Well, and when are you going to be ready for college?” + </p> + <p> + “I can be ready to enter in September,” replied Grant. + </p> + <p> + “That is good. All you will have to do will be to present yourself for + examination. I shall see you through, as I have promised.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind, Uncle Godfrey,” said Grant; and then he hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “It's Thornton family pride, Grant. I want my nephew to be somebody. I + want you to be a professional man, and take a prominent place in the + world.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't I be somebody without becoming a professional man, or—-” + </p> + <p> + “Or, what?” asked his uncle, abruptly. + </p> + <p> + “Getting a college education?” continued Grant. + </p> + <p> + “What does this mean?” asked the old lawyer, knitting his brow. “You're + not getting off the notion of going to college, I hope?” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to go to college, uncle.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad to hear that,” said Godfrey Thornton, relieved. “I thought you + might want to grow up a dunce, and become a bricklayer or something of + that kind.” + </p> + <p> + Somehow Grant's task began to seem more difficult than he had anticipated. + </p> + <p> + “But,” continued Grant, summoning up his courage, “I am afraid it will be + rather selfish.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't say I understand you, Grant. As long as I am willing to pay your + college bills, I don't see why there is anything selfish in your accepting + my offer.” + </p> + <p> + “I mean as regards father and mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't I take you off their hands? What do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean this, Uncle Godfrey,” said Grant, boldly, “I ought to be at work + earning money to keep them. Father's income is very small, and—” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say you want to give up going to college?” said Godfrey + Thornton, hastily. + </p> + <p> + “I think I ought to, uncle.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?” + </p> + <p> + “So that I can find work and help father along. You see, I should be four + years in college, and three years studying a profession, and all that time + my brother and sister would be growing older and more expensive, and + father would be getting into debt.” + </p> + <p> + Uncle Godfrey's brow wore a perceptible frown. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me who has put this idea into your head?” he said. “I am sure it + isn't your father.” + </p> + <p> + “No one put it into my head, Uncle Godfrey. It's my own idea.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph! old heads don't grow on young shoulders, evidently. You are a + foolish boy, Grant. With a liberal education you can do something for your + family.” + </p> + <p> + “But it is so long to wait,” objected Grant. + </p> + <p> + “It will be a great disappointment to me to have you give up going to + college, but of course I can't force you to go,” said his uncle, coldly. + “It will save me three hundred dollars a year for four years-I may say for + seven, however. You will be throwing away a grand opportunity.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't think I undervalue the advantage of a college training, uncle,” + said Grant, eagerly. “It isn't that. It's because I thought I might help + father. In fact, I wanted to make a proposal to you.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “You say it will cost three hundred dollars a year to keep me in college?” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Would you be willing to give father two hundred a year for the next four + years, and let me take care of myself in some business place?” + </p> + <p> + “So this is your proposal, is it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “All I have got to say is, that you have got uncommon assurance. You + propose to defeat my cherished plan, and want me to pay two hundred + dollars a year in acknowledgment of your consideration.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry you look upon it in that light, Uncle Godfrey.” + </p> + <p> + “I distinctly decline your proposal. If you refuse to go to college, I + wash my hands of you and your family. Do you understand that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Uncle Godfrey,” answered Grant, crestfallen. + </p> + <p> + “Go home and think over the matter. My offer still holds good. You can + present yourself at college in September, and, if you are admitted, notify + me.” + </p> + <p> + The lawyer turned back to his writing, and Grant understood that the + interview was over. + </p> + <p> + In sadness he started on his return walk from Somerset. He had + accomplished nothing except to make his uncle angry. He could not make up + his mind what to do. + </p> + <p> + He had walked about four miles when his attention was sharply drawn by a + cry of terror. Looking up quickly, he saw a girl of fourteen flying along + the road pursued by a drunken man armed with a big club. They were not + more than thirty feet apart, and the situation was critical. + </p> + <p> + Grant was no coward, and he instantly resolved to rescue the girl if it + were a possible thing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV — A TIMELY RESCUE + </h2> + <p> + “I will save her if I can,” said Grant to himself. + </p> + <p> + The task, however, was not an easy one. The drunken man was tall and + strongly made, and his condition did not appear to interfere with his + locomotion. He was evidently half crazed with drink, and his pursuit of + the young girl arose probably from a blind impulse; but it was likely to + be none the less serious for her. Grant saw at once that he was far from + being a match for the drunkard in physical strength. If he had been timid, + a regard for his personal safety would have led him to keep aloof. But he + would have despised himself if he had not done what he could for the girl—stranger + though she was—who was in such peril. + </p> + <p> + It chanced that Grant had cut a stout stick to help him on his way. This + suggested his plan of campaign. He ran sideways toward the pursuer, and + thrust his stick between his legs, tripping him up. The man fell violently + forward, and lay as if stunned, breathing heavily. Grant was alarmed at + first, fearing that he might be seriously hurt, but a glance assured him + that his stupor was chiefly the result of his potations. + </p> + <p> + Then he hurried to overtake the girl, who, seeing what had taken place, + had paused in her flight. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be frightened,” said Grant. “The man can't get up at present. I + will see you home if you will tell me where you live.” + </p> + <p> + “I am boarding at Mrs. Granger's, quarter of a mile back, mamma and I,” + answered the girl, the color, temporarily banished by fright, returning to + her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you fall in with this man?” inquired Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I was taking a walk,” answered the girl, “and overtook him. I did not + take much notice of him at first, and was not aware of his condition till + he began to run after me. Then I was almost frightened to death, and I + don't think I ever ran so fast in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “You were in serious danger. He was fast overtaking you.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw that he was, and I believe I should have dropped if you had not + come up and saved me. How brave you were!” + </p> + <p> + Grant colored with pleasure, though he disclaimed the praise. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it was nothing!” he said, modestly. “But we had better start at once, + for he may revive.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, let us go then,” exclaimed the girl in terror, and, hardly knowing + what she did, she seized Grant's arm. “See, he is beginning to stir. Do + come quickly!” + </p> + <p> + Clinging to Grant's arm, the two hastened away, leaving the inebriate on + the ground. + </p> + <p> + Grant now had leisure to view more closely the girl he had rescued. She + was a very pretty girl, a year or two younger than himself, with a bright, + vivacious manner, and her young rescuer thought her very attractive. + </p> + <p> + “Do you live round here?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “I live in Colebrook, the village close by. I was walking from Somerset.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to know the name of the one who has done me so great a + service.” + </p> + <p> + “We will exchange names, if you like,” said Grant, smiling. “My name is + Grant Thornton. I am the son of Rev. John Thornton, who is minister in + Colebrook.” + </p> + <p> + “So you are a minister's son. I have always heard that minister's sons are + apt to be wild,” said the girl, smiling mischievously. + </p> + <p> + “I am an exception,” said Grant, demurely. + </p> + <p> + “I am ready to believe it,” returned his companion. “My name is Carrie + Clifton; my mother is a minister's daughter, so I have a right to think + well of ministers' families.” + </p> + <p> + “How long have you been boarding in this neighborhood, Miss Carrie?” + </p> + <p> + “Only a week. I am afraid I shan't dare to stay here any longer.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not often you would meet with such an adventure as this. I hope you + won't allow it to frighten you away.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know that drunken man? Does he live nearby?” + </p> + <p> + “I think he is a stranger—a tramp. I never saw him before, and I + know almost everybody who lives about here.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad he doesn't live here.” + </p> + <p> + “He will probably push on his way and not come this way again during the + summer.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you are right. He might try to revenge himself on you for tripping + him up.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think he saw me to recognize me. He was so drunk that he didn't + know what he was about. When he gets over his intoxication he probably + won't remember anything that has happened.” + </p> + <p> + By this time they had reached the gate of the farmhouse where Carrie was + boarding, and Grant prepared to leave her. + </p> + <p> + “I think you are safe now,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but I shan't let you go yet,” said the girl. “You must come in and + see mother.” + </p> + <p> + Grant hesitated, but he felt that he should like to meet the mother of a + young lady who seemed to him so attractive, and he allowed himself to be + led into the yard. Mrs. Clifton was sitting in a rustic chair under a tree + behind the house. There Grant and his companion found her. Carrie poured + forth her story impetuously, and then drawing Grant forward, indicated him + as her rescuer. + </p> + <p> + Her mother listened with natural alarm, shuddering at the peril from which + her daughter had so happily escaped. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot tell how grateful I am to you for the service you have done my + daughter,” she said, warmly. “You are a very brave boy. There is not one + in ten who would have had the courage to act as you did.” + </p> + <p> + “You praise me more than I deserve, Mrs. Clifton. I saw the man was drunk, + and I did not really run much risk in what I did. I am very thankful that + I was able to be of service to Miss Carrie.” + </p> + <p> + “It is most fortunate that you were at hand. My daughter might have been + killed.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think, mother? He is a minister's son,” said Carrie, + vivaciously. + </p> + <p> + “That certainly is no objection in my eyes,” said Mrs. Clifton, smiling, + “for I am a minister's daughter. Where does your father preach?” + </p> + <p> + “His church is only a mile distant, in the village.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall hear him, then, next Sunday. Last Sunday Carrie and I were both + tired, and remained at home, but I have always been accustomed to go to + church somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Papa will be here next Sunday,” said Carrie. “He can only come Saturday + night on account of his business.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he do business in New York?” asked Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; his store is on Broadway.” + </p> + <p> + “We live on Madison Avenue, and whenever you are in the city we shall be + very glad to have you call,” said Mrs. Clifton, graciously. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you; I should like to call very much,” answered Grant, who was + quite sincere in what he said. “But I don't often go to New York.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you will get a place there some time,” suggested Carrie. + </p> + <p> + “I should like to,” replied Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Then your father does not propose to send you to college?” It was Mrs. + Clifton who said this. + </p> + <p> + “He wishes me to go, but I think I ought to go to work to help him. He has + two other children besides me.” + </p> + <p> + “Is either one a girl?” asked Carrie. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I have a sister of thirteen, named Mary.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you would bring her here to see me,” said Carrie. “I haven't got + acquainted with any girls yet.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Clifton seconded the invitation, and Grant promised that he would do + so. In fact, he was pleased at the opportunity it would give him of + improving his acquaintance with the young lady from New York. He returned + home very well pleased with his trip to Somerset, though he had failed in + the object of his expedition. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V — MRS. THORNTON'S PEARLS + </h2> + <p> + The next Sunday Mrs. Clifton and her daughter appeared at church, and + Grant had the pleasure of greeting them. He was invited with his sister to + take supper with them on the next Monday afternoon, and accepted the + invitation. About sunset he met his new friends walking, with the addition + of the husband and father, who, coming Saturday evening from New York, had + felt too fatigued to attend church. Mr. Clifton, to whom he was + introduced, was a portly man in middle life, who received Grant quite + graciously, and made for himself acknowledgment of the service which our + hero had rendered his daughter. + </p> + <p> + “If I ever have the opportunity of doing you a favor, Master Thornton, you + may call upon me with confidence,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Grant thanked him, and was better pleased than if he had received an + immediate gift. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Deacon Gridley kept his promise, and advanced the minister fifty + dollars, deducting a month's interest. Even with this deduction Mrs. + Thornton was very glad to obtain the money. Part of it was paid on account + to Mr. Tudor, and silenced his importunities for a time. As to his own + plans, there was nothing for Grant to do except to continue his studies, + as he might enter college after all. + </p> + <p> + If any employment should offer of a remunerative character, he felt that + it would be his duty to accept it, in spite of his uncle's objections; but + such chances were not very likely to happen while he remained in the + country, for obvious reasons. + </p> + <p> + Three weeks passed, and again not only Mr. Tudor, but another creditor, + began to be troublesome. + </p> + <p> + “How soon is your father going to pay up his bill?” asked Tudor, when + Grant called at the store for a gallon of molasses. + </p> + <p> + “Very soon, I hope,” faltered Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, too,” answered the grocer, grimly. + </p> + <p> + “Only three weeks ago I paid you thirty-three dollars,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “And you have been increasing the balance ever since,” said Tudor, + frowning. + </p> + <p> + “If father could get his salary regularly—” commenced Grant. + </p> + <p> + “That's his affair, not mine,” rejoined the grocer. “I have to pay my + bills regular, and I can't afford to wait months for my pay.” + </p> + <p> + Grant looked uncomfortable, but did not know what to say. + </p> + <p> + “The short and the long of it is, that after this week your father must + either pay up his bill, or pay cash for what articles he gets hereafter.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Grant, coldly. He was too proud to remonstrate. + Moreover, though he felt angry, he was constrained to admit that the + grocer had some reason for his course. + </p> + <p> + “Something must be done,” he said to himself, but he was not wise enough + to decide what that something should be. + </p> + <p> + Though he regretted to pain his mother, he felt obliged to report to her + what the grocer had said. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be troubled, mother,” he said, as he noticed the shade of anxiety + which came over her face. “Something will turn up.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Thornton shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “It isn't safe to trust to that, Grant,” she said; “we must help + ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew how,” said Grant, perplexed. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I shall have to make a sacrifice,” said Mrs. Thornton, not + addressing Grant, but rather in soliloquy. + </p> + <p> + Grant looked at his mother in surprise. What sacrifice could she refer to? + Did she mean that they must move into a smaller house, and retrench + generally? That was all that occurred to him. + </p> + <p> + “We might, perhaps, move into a smaller house, mother,” said he, “but we + have none too much room here, and the difference in rent wouldn't be + much.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mean that, Grant. Listen, and I will tell you what I do mean. + You know that I was named after a rich lady, the friend of my mother?” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard you say so.” + </p> + <p> + “When she died, she left me by will a pearl necklace and pearl bracelets, + both of very considerable value.” + </p> + <p> + “I have never seen you wear them, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “No; I have not thought they would be suitable for the wife of a poor + minister. My wearing them would excite unfavorable comment in the parish.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see whose business it would be,” said Grant, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, just or not, I knew what would be said,” Mrs. Thornton + replied. + </p> + <p> + “How is it you have never shown the pearl ornaments to me, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “You were only five years old when they came to me, and I laid them away + at once, and have seldom thought of them since. I have been thinking that, + as they are of no use to me, I should be justified in selling them for + what I can get, and appropriating the proceeds toward paying your father's + debts.” + </p> + <p> + “How much do you think they are worth, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “A lady to whom I showed them once said they must have cost five hundred + dollars or more.” + </p> + <p> + Grant whistled. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mind showing them to me, mother?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Thornton went upstairs, and brought down the pearl necklace and + bracelets. They were very handsome and Grant gazed at them with + admiration. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what the ladies would say if you should wear them to the sewing + circle,” he said, humorously. + </p> + <p> + “They would think I was going over to the vanities of this world,” + responded his mother, smiling. “They can be of no possible use to me now, + or hereafter, and I believe it will be the best thing I can do to sell + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Where can you sell them? No one here can afford to buy them.” + </p> + <p> + “They must be sold in New York, and I must depend upon you to attend to + the business for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you trust me, mother? Wouldn't father—” + </p> + <p> + “Your father has no head for business, Grant. He is a learned man, and + knows a great deal about books, but of practical matters he knows very + little. You are only a boy, but you are a very sensible and trustworthy + boy, and I shall have to depend upon you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do the best I can, mother. Only tell me what you want me to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you to take these pearls, and go to New York. You can find a + purchaser there, if anywhere. I suppose it will be best to take them to + some jewelry store, and drive the best bargain you can.” + </p> + <p> + “When do you wish me to go, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “There can be no advantage in delay. If tomorrow is pleasant, you may as + well go then.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall you tell father your plan?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Grant, it might make him feel bad to think I was compelled to make a + sacrifice, which, after all, is very little of a sacrifice to me. Years + since I decided to trouble him as little as possible with matters of + business. It could do no good, and, by making him anxious, unfitted him + for his professional work.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Thornton's course may not be considered wise by some, but she knew + her husband's peculiar mental constitution, and her object at least was + praiseworthy, to screen him from undue anxiety, though it involved an + extra share for herself. + </p> + <p> + The next morning Grant took an early breakfast, and walked briskly toward + the depot to take the first train for New York. + </p> + <p> + The fare would be a dollar and a quarter each way, for the distance was + fifty miles, and this both he and his mother felt to be a large outlay. + If, however, he succeeded in his errand it would be wisely spent, and this + was their hope. + </p> + <p> + At the depot Grant found Tom Calder, a youth of eighteen, who had the + reputation of being wild, and had been suspected of dishonesty. He had + been employed in the city, so that Grant was not surprised to meet him at + the depot. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Grant! Where are you bound?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I am going to New York.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “A little business,” Grant answered, evasively. Tom was the last person he + felt inclined to take into his confidence. + </p> + <p> + “Goin' to try to get a place?” + </p> + <p> + “If any good chance offers I shall accept it—that is, if father and + mother are willing.” + </p> + <p> + “Let's take a seat together—that's what I'm going for myself.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI — GRANT GETS INTO UNEXPECTED TROUBLE + </h2> + <p> + TOM CALDER was not the companion Grant would have chosen, but there seemed + no good excuse for declining his company. He belonged to a rather + disreputable family living in the borders of the village. If this had been + all, it would not have been fair to object to him, but Tom himself bore + not a very high reputation. He had been suspected more than once of + stealing from his school companions, and when employed for a time by Mr. + Tudor, in the village store, the latter began to miss money from the till; + but Tom was so sly that he had been unable to bring the theft home to him. + However, he thought it best to dispense with his services. + </p> + <p> + “What kind of a situation are you goin' to try for?” asked Tom, when they + were fairly on their way. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know. They say that beggars mustn't be choosers.” + </p> + <p> + “I want to get into a broker's office if I can,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Do you consider that a very good business?” asked Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I should say so,” responded Tom, emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “Do they pay high wages?” + </p> + <p> + “Not extra, but a feller can get points, and make something out of the + market.” + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” asked Grant, puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I forgot. You ain't used to the city,” responded Tom, emphatically. + “I mean, you find out when a stock is going up, and you buy for a rise.” + </p> + <p> + “But doesn't that take considerable money?” asked Grant, wondering how Tom + could raise money to buy stocks. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you can go to the bucket shops,” answered Tom. + </p> + <p> + “But what have bucket shops to do with stocks?” asked Grant, more than + ever puzzled. + </p> + <p> + Tom burst into a loud laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Ain't you jolly green, though?” he ejaculated. + </p> + <p> + Grant was rather nettled at this. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see how I could be expected to understand such talk,” he said, + with some asperity. + </p> + <p> + “That's where it is—you can't,” said Tom. “It's all like A, B, C to + me, and I forgot that you didn't know anything about Wall Street. A bucket + shop is where you can buy stock in small lots, putting down a dollar a + share as margin. If stocks go up, you sell out on the rise, and get back + your dollar minus commission.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose they go down?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you lose what you put up.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't it rather risky?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course there's some risk, but if you have a good point there isn't + much.” + </p> + <p> + This was Tom Calder's view of the matter. As a matter of fact, the great + majority of those who visit the bucket shops lose all they put in, and are + likely sooner or later to get into difficulty; so that many employers will + at once discharge a clerk or boy known to speculate in this way. + </p> + <p> + “If I had any money I'd buy some stock to-day; that is, as soon as I get + to the city,” continued Tom. “You couldn't lend me five dollars, could + you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I couldn't,” answered Grant, shortly. + </p> + <p> + “I'd give you half the profits.” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't got the money,” Grant explained. + </p> + <p> + “That's a pity. The fact is, I'm rather short. However, I know plenty of + fellows in the city, and I guess I can raise a tenner or so.” + </p> + <p> + “Then your credit must be better in New York than in Colebrook,” thought + Grant, but he fore-bore to say so. + </p> + <p> + Grant was rather glad the little package of pearls was in the pocket + furthest away from Tom, for his opinion of his companion's honesty was not + the highest. + </p> + <p> + When half an hour had passed, Tom vacated his seat. + </p> + <p> + “I'm going into the smoking car,” he said, “to have a smoke. Won't you + come with me?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you. I don't smoke.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it's time you began. I've got a cigarette for you, if you'll try + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Much obliged, but I am better off without it.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll soon get over that little-boy feeling. Why, boys in the city of + half your age smoke.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, ta-ta! I'll be back soon.” + </p> + <p> + Grant was not sorry to have Tom leave him. He didn't enjoy his company, + and besides he foresaw that it would be rather embarrassing if Tom should + take a fancy to remain with him in the city. He didn't care to have + anyone, certainly not Tom, learn on what errand he had come to the city. + </p> + <p> + Two minutes had scarcely elapsed after Tom vacated his seat, when a + pleasant-looking gentleman of middle age, who had been sitting just behind + them, rose and took the seat beside Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I will sit with you if you don't object,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “I should be glad of your company,” said Grant, politely. + </p> + <p> + “You live in the country, I infer?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I overheard your conversation with the young man who has just left you. I + suspect you are not very much alike.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, sir. Perhaps Tom would say the same, for he thinks me green.” + </p> + <p> + “There is such a thing as knowing too much—that isn't desirable to + know. So you don't smoke?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish more boys of your age could say as much. Do I understand that you + are going to the city in search of employment?” + </p> + <p> + “That is not my chief errand,” answered Grant, with some hesitation. + “Still, if I could hear of a good chance, I might induce my parents to let + me accept it.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you live, my young friend?” + </p> + <p> + “In Colebrook. My father is the minister there.” + </p> + <p> + “That ought to be a recommendation, for it is to be supposed you have been + carefully trained. Some of our most successful business men have been + ministers' sons.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you in business in New York, sir?” asked Grant, thinking he had a + right by this time to ask a question. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; here is my card.” + </p> + <p> + Taking the card, Grant learned that his companion was Mr. Henry Reynolds + and was a broker, with an office in New Street. + </p> + <p> + “I see you are a broker, sir,” said Grant. “Tom Calder wants to get a + place in a broker's office.” + </p> + <p> + “I should prefer that he would try some other broker,” said Mr. Reynolds, + smiling. “I don't want a boy who deals with the bucket shops.” + </p> + <p> + At this point Tom re-entered the car, having finished his cigarette. + Observing that his place had been taken, he sat down at a little distance. + </p> + <p> + “When you get ready to take a place,” said the broker, “call at my office, + and though I won't promise to give you a place, I shall feel well disposed + to if I can make room for you.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Grant, gratefully. “I hope if I ever do enter your + employment, I shall merit your confidence.” + </p> + <p> + “I have good hopes of it. By the way, you may as well give me your name.” + </p> + <p> + “I am Grant Thornton, of Colebrook,” said our hero. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds entered the name in a little pocket diary, and left the seat, + which Tom Calder immediately took. + </p> + <p> + “Who's that old codger?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “The gentleman who has just left me is a New York business man.” + </p> + <p> + “You got pretty thick with him, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “We talked a little.” + </p> + <p> + Grant took care not to mention that Mr. Reynolds was a broker, as he knew + that Tom would press for an introduction in that case. + </p> + <p> + When they reached New York, Tom showed a disposition to remain with Grant, + but the latter said: “We'd better separate, and we can meet again after we + have attended to our business.” + </p> + <p> + A meeting place was agreed upon, and Tom went his way. + </p> + <p> + Now came the difficult part of Grant's task. Where should he go to dispose + of his pearls? He walked along undecided, till he came to a large jewelry + store. It struck him that this would be a good place for his purpose, and + he entered. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do for you, young man?” asked a man of thirty behind the + counter. + </p> + <p> + “I have some pearl ornaments I would like to sell,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said the clerk, fixing a suspicious glance upon Grant; “let me + see them.” + </p> + <p> + Grant took out the necklace and bracelets, and passed them over. No sooner + had he done so than a showily dressed lady advanced to the place where he + was standing, and held out her hand for the ornaments, exclaiming: “I + forbid you to buy those articles, sir. They are mine. The boy stole them + from me, and I have followed him here, suspecting that he intended to + dispose of them.” + </p> + <p> + “That is false,” exclaimed Grant, indignantly. “I never saw that woman + before in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “So you are a liar as well as a thief!” said the woman. “You will please + give me those pearls, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk looked at the two contestants in indecision. He was disposed to + believe the lady's statement. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII — MRS. SIMPSON COMES TO GRIEF + </h2> + <p> + “Surely I have a right to my own property,” said the showily dressed lady + in a tone of authority, which quite imposed upon the weak-minded salesman. + </p> + <p> + “I dare say you are right, ma'am,” said he, hesitatingly. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I am,” said she. + </p> + <p> + “If you give her those pearls, which belong to my mother, I will have you + arrested,” said Grant, plucking up spirit. + </p> + <p> + “Hoity-toity!” said the lady, contemptuously. “I hope you won't pay any + regard to what that young thief says.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk looked undecided. He beckoned an older salesman, and laid the + matter before him. The latter looked searchingly at the two. Grant was + flushed and excited, and the lady had a brazen front. + </p> + <p> + “Do you claim these pearls, madam?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I do,” she answered, promptly. + </p> + <p> + “How did you come by them?” + </p> + <p> + “They were a wedding present from my husband.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask your name?” + </p> + <p> + The lady hesitated a moment, then answered: + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Simpson.” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you live?” + </p> + <p> + There was another slight hesitation. Then came the answer: + </p> + <p> + “No.—Madison Avenue.” + </p> + <p> + Now Madison Avenue is a fashionable street, and the name produced an + impression on the first clerk. + </p> + <p> + “I think the pearls belong to the lady,” he whispered. + </p> + <p> + “I have some further questions to ask,” returned the elder salesman, in a + low voice. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know this boy whom you charge with stealing your property?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered the lady, to Grant's exceeding surprise; “he is a poor boy + whom I have employed to do errands.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he had the run of your house?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's the way of it. He must have managed to find his way to the + second floor, and opened the bureau drawer where I kept the pearls.” + </p> + <p> + “What have you to say to this?” asked the elder salesman. + </p> + <p> + “Please ask the lady my name,” suggested Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you know your own name?” demanded the lady, sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but I don't think you do.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you answer the boy's question, Mrs. Simpson?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I can. His name is John Cavanaugh, and the very suit he has on + I gave him.” + </p> + <p> + Grant was thunderstruck at the lady's brazen front. She was outwardly a + fine lady, but he began to suspect that she was an impostor. + </p> + <p> + “I am getting tired of this,” said the so-called Mrs. Simpson, + impatiently. “Will you, or will you not, restore my pearls?” “When we are + satisfied that they belong to you, madam,” said the elder salesman, + coolly. “I don't feel like taking the responsibility, but will send for my + employer, and leave the matter to him to decide.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope I won't have long to wait, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I will send at once.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a pretty state of things when a lady has her own property kept from + her,” said Mrs. Simpson, while the elder clerk was at the other end of the + store, giving some instructions to a boy. + </p> + <p> + “I don't in the least doubt your claim to the articles, Mrs. Simpson,” + said the first salesman, obsequiously. “Come, boy, you'd better own up + that you have stolen the articles, and the lady will probably let you off + this time.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I will let him off this time,” chimed in the lady. “I don't want to + send him to prison.” + </p> + <p> + “If you can prove that I am a thief, I am willing to go,” said Grant, + hotly. + </p> + <p> + By this time the elder salesman had come back. + </p> + <p> + “Is your name John Cavanaugh, my boy?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever see this lady before?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The lady threw up her hands in feigned amazement. + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't have believed the boy would lie so!” she said. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Grant Thornton. I live in Colebrook, and my father is Rev. + John Thornton.” + </p> + <p> + “I know there is such a minister there. To whom do these pearls belong?” + </p> + <p> + “To my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “A likely story that a country minister's wife should own such valuable + pearls,” said Mrs. Simpson, in a tone of sarcasm. + </p> + <p> + “How do you account for it?” asked the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “They were given my mother years since, by a rich lady who was a good + friend of hers. She has never had occasion to wear them.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Simpson smiled significantly. + </p> + <p> + “The boy has learned his story,” she said. “I did not give you credit for + such an imagination, John Cavanaugh.” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Grant Thornton, madam,” said our hero, gravely. + </p> + <p> + Five minutes later two men entered the store. One was a policeman, the + other the head of the firm. When Grant's eye fell on the policeman he felt + nervous, but when he glanced at the gentleman his face lighted up with + pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “Why, it's Mr. Clifton,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Grant Thornton,” said the jeweler, in surprise. “Why, I thought—” + </p> + <p> + “You will do me justice, Mr. Clifton,” said Grant, and thereupon he + related the circumstances already known to the reader. + </p> + <p> + When Mrs. Simpson found that the boy whom she had selected as an easy + victim was known to the proprietor of the place, she became nervous, and + only thought of escape. + </p> + <p> + “It is possible that I am mistaken,” she said. “Let me look at the pearls + again.” + </p> + <p> + They were held up for her inspection. + </p> + <p> + “They are very like mine,” she said, after a brief glance; “but I see + there is a slight difference.” + </p> + <p> + “How about the boy, madam?” asked the elder clerk. + </p> + <p> + “He is the very image of my errand boy; but if Mr. Clifton knows him, I + must be mistaken. I am sorry to have given you so much trouble. I have an + engagement to meet, and must go.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop, madam!” said Mr. Clifton, sternly, interposing an obstacle to her + departure, “we can't spare you yet.” + </p> + <p> + “I really must go, sir. I give up all claim to the pearls.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not sufficient. You have laid claim to them, knowing that they + were not yours. Officer, have you ever seen this woman before?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I know her well.” + </p> + <p> + “How dare you insult me?” demanded Mrs. Simpson; but there was a tremor in + her voice. + </p> + <p> + “I give her in charge for an attempted swindle,” said Mr. Clifton. + </p> + <p> + “You will have to come with me, madam,” said the policeman. “You may as + well go quietly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the game is up,” said the woman, with a careless laugh. + </p> + <p> + “It came near succeeding, though.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, my boy,” said the jeweler, “I will attend to your business. You want + to sell these pearls?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; they are of no use to mother, and she needs the money.” + </p> + <p> + “At what do you value them?” + </p> + <p> + “I leave that to you, sir. I shall be satisfied with what you think them + worth.” + </p> + <p> + The jeweler examined them attentively. After his examination was + concluded, he said: “I am willing to give four hundred dollars for them. + Of course they cost more, but I shall have to reset them.” + </p> + <p> + “That is more than I expected,” said Grant, joyfully. “It will pay all our + debts, and give us a little fund to help us in future.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish the money now? There might be some risk in a boy like you + carrying so much with you.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you advise, Mr. Clifton?” + </p> + <p> + “That you take perhaps a hundred dollars, and let me bring the balance + next Saturday night, when I come to pass Sunday at Colebrook.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir; if it won't be too much trouble for you.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII — GRANT TAKES A DECISIVE STEP + </h2> + <p> + Grant came home a messenger of good tidings, as his beaming face plainly + showed. His mother could hardly believe in her good fortune, when Grant + informed her that he had sold the pearls for four hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that will pay up all your father's debts,” she said, “and we shall + once more feel independent.” + </p> + <p> + “And with a good reserve fund besides,” suggested Grant. + </p> + <p> + On Saturday evening he called on Mr. Clifton, and received the balance of + the purchase money. On Monday, with a little list of creditors, and his + pocket full of money, he made a round of calls, and paid up everybody, + including Mr. Tudor. + </p> + <p> + “I told you the bill would be paid, Mr. Tudor,” he said, quietly, to the + grocer. + </p> + <p> + “You mustn't feel hard on me on account of my pressing you, Grant,” said + the grocer, well pleased, in a conciliatory tone. “You see, I needed money + to pay my bills.” + </p> + <p> + “You seemed to think my father didn't mean to pay you,” said Grant, who + could not so easily get over what he had considered unfriendly conduct on + the part of Mr. Tudor. + </p> + <p> + “No, I didn't. Of course I knew he was honest, but all the same I needed + the money. I wish all my customers was as honest as your folks.” + </p> + <p> + With this Grant thought it best to be contented. The time might come again + when they would require the forbearance of the grocer; but he did not mean + that it should be so if he could help it. For he was more than ever + resolved to give up the project of going to college. The one hundred and + fifty dollars which remained after paying the debts would tide them over a + year, but his college course would occupy four; and then there would be + three years more of study to fit him for entering a profession, and so + there would be plenty of time for the old difficulties to return. If the + parish would increase kis father's salary by even a hundred dollars, they + might get along; but there was such a self-complacent feeling in the + village that Mr. Thornton was liberally paid, that he well knew there was + no chance of that. + </p> + <p> + Upon this subject he had more than one earnest conversation with his + mother. + </p> + <p> + “I should be sorry to have you leave home,” she said; “but I acknowledge + the force of your reasons.” + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't be happy at college, mother,” responded Grant, “if I thought + you were pinched at home.” + </p> + <p> + “If you were our only child, Grant, it would be different.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true; but there are Frank and Mary who would suffer. If I go to + work I shall soon be able to help you take care of them.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a good and unselfish boy, Grant,” said his mother. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know about that, mother; I am consulting my own happiness as well + as yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you would like to go to college?” + </p> + <p> + “If we had plenty of money, not otherwise. I don't want to enjoy + advantages at the expense of you all.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Uncle Godfrey will be very angry,” said Mrs. Thornton, thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose he will, and I shall be sorry for it. I am grateful to him for + his good intentions toward me, and I have no right to expect that he will + feel as I do about the matter. If he is angry, I shall be sorry, but I + don't think it ought to influence me.” + </p> + <p> + “You must do as you decide to be best, Grant. It is you who are most + interested. But suppose you make up your mind to enter upon a business + career, what chance have you of obtaining a place?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall call upon Mr. Reynolds, and see if he has any place for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is Mr. Reynolds?” asked his mother, in some surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I forgot that I didn't tell you of the gentleman whose acquaintance I + made on my way up to the city. He is a Wall Street broker. His attention + was drawn to me by something that he heard, and he offered to help me, if + he could, to get employment.” + </p> + <p> + “It would cost something to go to New York, and after all there is no + certainty that he could help you,” said Mrs. Thornton, cautiously. + </p> + <p> + “That is true, mother, but I think he would do something for me.” + </p> + <p> + However Grant received a summons to New York on other business. Mrs. + Simpson, as she called herself, though she had no right to the name, was + brought up for trial, and Grant was needed as a witness. Of course his + expenses were to be paid. He resolved to take this opportunity to call at + the office of Mr. Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + I do not propose to speak of Mrs. Simpson's trial. I will merely say that + she was found guilty of the charge upon which she had been indicted, and + was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + When Grant was released from his duties as witness, he made his way to + Wall Street, or rather New Street, which branches out from the great + financial thoroughfare, and had no difficulty in finding the office of Mr. + Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + “Can I see Mr. Reynolds?” he asked of a young man, who was writing at a + desk. + </p> + <p> + “Have you come to deliver stock? If so, I will take charge of it.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Grant; “I wish to see him personally.” + </p> + <p> + “He is at the Stock Exchange just at present. If you will take a seat, he + will be back in twenty minutes, probably.” + </p> + <p> + Grant sat down, and in less than the time mentioned, Mr. Reynolds entered + the office. The broker, who had a good memory for faces, at once + recognized our hero. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, my young friend from the country,” he said; “would you like to see + me?” + </p> + <p> + “When you are at leisure, sir,” answered Grant, well pleased at the prompt + recognition. + </p> + <p> + “You will not have to wait long. Amuse yourself as well as you can for a + few minutes.” + </p> + <p> + Promptness was the rule in Mr. Reynolds' office. Another characteristic of + the broker was, that he was just as polite to a boy as to his best + customer. This is, I am quite aware, an unusual trait, and, therefore, the + more to be appreciated when we meet with it. + </p> + <p> + Presently Mr. Reynolds appeared at the door of his inner office, and + beckoned to Grant to enter. + </p> + <p> + “Take a seat, my young friend,” he said; “and now let me know what I can + do for you.” + </p> + <p> + “When I met you in the cars,” said Grant, “you invited me, if I ever + wanted a position, to call upon you, and you would see if you could help + me.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, I did. Have you made up your mind to seek a place?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Are your parents willing you should come to New York?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. That is, my mother is willing, and my father will agree to + whatever she decides to be best.” + </p> + <p> + “So far so good. I wouldn't engage any boy who came against his parents' + wishes. Now let me tell you that you have come at a very favorable time. I + have had in my employ for two years the son of an old friend, who has + suited me in every respect; but now he is to go abroad with his father for + a year, and I must supply his place. You shall have the place if you want + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing would suit me better,” said Grant, joyfully. “Do you think I + would be competent to fulfill the duties?” + </p> + <p> + “Harry Becker does not leave me for two weeks. He will initiate you into + your duties, and if you are as quick as I think you are at learning, that + will be sufficient.” + </p> + <p> + “When shall I come, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Next Monday morning. It is now Thursday, and that will give you time to + remove to the city.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I had better come Saturday, so as to get settled in a + boarding-house before going to work. Could you recommend some moderate + priced boarding-house, Mr. Reynolds?” + </p> + <p> + “For the first week you may come to my house as my guest. That will give + you a chance to look about you. I live at 58 West 3-th Street. You had + better take it down on paper. You can come any time on Monday. That will + give you a chance to spend Sunday at home, and you need not go to work + till Tuesday.” + </p> + <p> + Grant expressed his gratitude in suitable terms, and left the office + elated at his good fortune. A surprise awaited him. At the junction of + Wall and New Streets he came suddenly upon a large-sized bootblack, whose + face looked familiar. + </p> + <p> + “Tom Calder!” he exclaimed. “Is that you?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX — 'UNCLE GODFREY PARTS FROM GRANT + </h2> + <p> + When Tom Calder turned round and saw who had addressed him, he turned red + with mortification, and he tried to hide his blacking box. He was terribly + mortified to have it known that he had been forced into such a business. + If Tom had nothing worse to be ashamed of he need not have blushed, but he + was suffering from false shame. + </p> + <p> + “When did you come to the city?” he stammered. + </p> + <p> + “Only this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you are surprised to see me in this business,” said Tom, + awkwardly. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing to be ashamed of,” said Grant. “It is an honest + business.” + </p> + <p> + “It's an awful come down for me,” said Tom, uncomfortably. “The fact is, + I've had hard luck.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear that,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I expected a place in Wall Street, but I came just too late, and things + are awful dull anyway. Then I was robbed of my money.” + </p> + <p> + “How much?” asked Grant, curiously, for he didn't believe a word of it. + </p> + <p> + “Eight dollars and thirty-three cents,” replied Tom, glibly. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you were too smart to be robbed,” said Grant, slyly. “If it had + been a green boy from the country like me, now, it wouldn't have been + surprising.” + </p> + <p> + “I was asleep when I was robbed,” explained Tom, hurriedly. “A fellow got + into my room in the night, and picked my pocket. I couldn't help that, + now, could I?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose not.” + </p> + <p> + “So I had to get something to do, or go back to Colebrook. I say, Grant—-” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you tell any of the fellers at home what business I'm in, that's a + good fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't if you don't want me to,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “You see, it's only a few days till I can get something else to do.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a great deal better blacking boots than being idle, in my opinion,” + said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “That's the way I look at it. But you didn't tell me what you came to the + city for?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm coming here for good,” announced Grant. + </p> + <p> + “You haven't got a place, have you?” ejaculated Tom, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am to enter the office of Mr. Reynolds, a stock broker. There is + his sign.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't say so I. Why, that's just the sort of place I wanted. How did + you get the chance?” + </p> + <p> + “I got acquainted with Mr. Reynolds on board the cars that day we came to + New York together.” + </p> + <p> + “And you asked him for the place?” + </p> + <p> + “I asked him this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “You might have given me the chance,” grumbled Tom, enviously. “You knew + it was the sort of place I was after.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think I was called upon to do that,” said Grant, smiling. + “Besides, he wouldn't have accepted you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? Ain't I as smart as you, I'd like to know?” retorted Tom Calder, + angrily. + </p> + <p> + “He heard us talking in the cars, and didn't like what you said.” + </p> + <p> + “What did I say?” + </p> + <p> + “He doesn't approve of boys smoking cigarettes and going to bucket shops. + You spoke of both.” + </p> + <p> + “How did he hear?” + </p> + <p> + “He was sitting just behind us.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it that old chap that was sittin' with you when I came back from the + smoking car?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Just my luck,” said Tom, ruefully. + </p> + <p> + “When are you goin' to work?” asked Tom, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Next Monday.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going to board? We might take a room together, you know. It + would be kind of social, as we both come from the same place.” + </p> + <p> + It did not occur to Grant that the arrangement would suit him at all, but + he did not think it necessary to say so. He only said: “I am going to Mr. + Reynolds' house, just at first.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't say so! Why, he's taken a regular fancy to you.” + </p> + <p> + “If he has, I hope he won't get over it.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose he lives in a handsome brownstone house uptown.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely; I've never seen the house.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, some folks has luck, but I ain't one of 'em,” grumbled Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Your luck is coming, I hope, Tom.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish it would come pretty soon, then; I say, suppose your folks won't + let you take the place?” he asked, suddenly, brightening up. + </p> + <p> + “They won't oppose it.” “I thought they wanted you to go to college.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't afford it. It would take too long before I could earn anything, + and I ought to be helping the family.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm goin' to look out for number one,” said Tom, shrugging his shoulders. + “That's all I can do.” + </p> + <p> + Tom's mother was a hard-working woman, and had taken in washing for years. + But for her the family would often have lacked for food. His father was a + lazy, intemperate man, who had no pride of manhood, and cared only for + himself. In this respect Tom was like him, though the son had not as yet + become intemperate. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think there is any chance of my giving up the place,” answered + Grant. “If I do, I will mention your name.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a good fellow.” + </p> + <p> + Grant did not volunteer to recommend Tom, for he could not have done so + with a clear conscience. This omission, however, Tom did not notice. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Tom, I must be going. Good-by, and good luck.” + </p> + <p> + Grant went home with a cheerful face, and announced his good luck to his + mother. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you are going to your employer's house,” she said. “I wish you + could remain there permanently.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I, mother; but I hope at any rate to get a comfortable boarding + place. Tom Calder wants to room with me.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you won't think of it,” said Mrs. Thornton, alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “Not for a moment. I wish Tom well, but I shouldn't like to be too + intimate with him. And now, mother, I think I ought to write to Uncle + Godfrey, and tell him what I have decided upon.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be proper, Grant.” Grant wrote the following letter, and mailed + it at once: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR UNCLE GODFREY: + </p> + <p> + I am afraid you won't like what I have to tell you, but I think it is my + duty to the family to give up the college course you so kindly offered me, + in view of father's small salary and narrow means. I have been offered a + place in the office of a stock broker in New York, and have accepted it. I + enter upon my duties next Monday morning. I hope to come near paying my + own way, and before very long to help father. I know you will be + disappointed, Uncle Godfrey, and I hope you won't think I don't appreciate + your kind offer, but I think it would be selfish in me to accept it. + Please do forgive me, and believe me to be + </p> + <p> + Your affectionate nephew, GRANT THORNTON.” + </p> + <p> + In twenty-four hours an answer came to this letter. It ran thus: + </p> + <p> + “NEPHEW GRANT: + </p> + <p> + I would not have believed you would act so foolishly and ungratefully. It + is not often that such an offer as mine is made to a boy. I did think you + were sensible enough to understand the advantages of a professional + education. I hoped you would do credit to the name of Thornton, and keep + up the family reputation as a man of learning and a gentleman. But you + have a foolish fancy for going into a broker's office, and I suppose you + must be gratified. But you needn't think I will renew my offer. I wash my + hands of you from this time forth, and leave you to your own foolish + course. The time will come when you will see your folly. + </p> + <p> + GODFREY THORNTON.” + </p> + <p> + Grant sighed as he finished reading this missive. He felt that his uncle + had done him injustice. It was no foolish fancy, but a conscientious sense + of duty, which had led him to sacrifice his educational prospects. + </p> + <p> + On Monday morning he took the earliest train for New York. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X — A DAY IN WALL STREET + </h2> + <p> + Grant went at once on his arrival in the city to Mr. Reynolds' office. He + had in his hand a well-worn valise containing his small stock of clothing. + The broker was just leaving the office for the Stock Exchange as Grant + entered. + </p> + <p> + “So you are punctual,” he said, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I always on time.” + </p> + <p> + “That is an excellent habit. Here, Harry.” + </p> + <p> + In answer to this summons, Harry Becker, a boy two years older and + correspondingly larger than Grant, came forward. He was a pleasant-looking + boy, and surveyed Grant with a friendly glance. + </p> + <p> + “Harry,” said Mr. Reynolds, “this is your successor. Do me the favor of + initiating him into his duties, so that when you leave me he will be + qualified to take your place.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The broker hurried over to the Exchange, and the two boys were left + together. + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” asked the city boy. + </p> + <p> + “Grant Thornton.” + </p> + <p> + “Mine is Harry Becker. Are you accustomed to the city?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I am afraid you will find me very green,” answered Grant. + </p> + <p> + “You are not the boy to remain so long,” said Harry, scrutinizing him + attentively. + </p> + <p> + “I hope not. You are going to Europe, Mr. Reynolds tells me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the governor is going to take me.” + </p> + <p> + “The governor?” + </p> + <p> + “My father, I mean,” said Harry, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you are not sorry to go?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no; I expect to have a tip-top time. How would you like it?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much, if I could afford it, but at present I would rather fill your + place in the office. I am the son of a poor country minister, and must + earn my own living.” + </p> + <p> + “How did you get in with Mr. Reynolds?” asked Harry. + </p> + <p> + Grant told him. “Is he easy to get along with?” he inquired, a little + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “He is very kind and considerate. Still he is stanch, and expects a boy to + serve him faithfully.” + </p> + <p> + “He has a right to expect that.” + </p> + <p> + “As I am to break you in, you had better go about with me everywhere. + First, we will go to the post-office.” + </p> + <p> + The two boys walked to Nassau Street, where the New York post-office was + then located. Harry pointed out the box belonging to the firm, and + producing a key opened it, and took out half a dozen letters. + </p> + <p> + “There may be some stock orders in these letters,” he said; “we will go + back to the office, give them to Mr. Clark to open, and then you can go + with me to the Stock Exchange.” + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later they entered the large room used by the brokers as an + Exchange. Grant looked about him in undisguised astonishment. It seemed + like a pandemonium. The room was full of men, shouting, gesticulating and + acting like crazy men. The floor was littered with fragments of paper, and + on a raised dais were the officers of the Exchange, the chief among them, + the chairman, calling rapidly the names of a long list of stocks. Each + name was followed by a confused shouting, which Grant learned afterward to + be bids for the stock named. There were several groups of brokers, each + apparently interested in some leading security. In each of the galleries, + one at each end, overlooking the stock room, curious spectators were + watching what was going on. + </p> + <p> + Harry Decker was amused at Grant's look of surprise and bewilderment. + </p> + <p> + “You'll get used to it in time,” he said. “Say—there is Mr. + Reynolds. I must speak to him.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds stood near a placard on which, in prominent letters, was + inscribed “Erie.” Harry handed him a paper, which he took, glanced at + quickly, and then resumed his bidding. + </p> + <p> + “He has just bought one thousand Erie,” said Harry, aside, to Grant. + </p> + <p> + “One thousand?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a thousand shares, at fifty-five.” + </p> + <p> + “Fifty-five dollars?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, that will make fifty-five thousand dollars,” ejaculated Grant, in + wonder. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is one of the orders I brought over just now.” + </p> + <p> + “A man must have a great deal of capital to carry on this business, if + that is only an item of a single day's business.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but not so much as you may imagine. I can't explain now, but you'll + understand better as you go on. Now we'll go back and see if there's + anything to do in the office.” + </p> + <p> + Not long afterward Harry had to come back to the Exchange again, and Grant + came with him. He found something new to surprise him. + </p> + <p> + A tall man of dignified presence was walking across the floor, when a + fellow member with a sly stroke sent his tall hat spinning across the + floor. When the victim turned the mischief-maker was intent upon his + memorandum book, and the tall man's suspicions fell upon a short, stout + young man beside him. With a vigorous sweep he knocked the young man's hat + off, saying, “It's a poor rule that don't work both ways.” + </p> + <p> + This led to a little scrimmage, in which a dozen were involved. The + brokers, staid, middle-aged men, most of them, seemed like a pack of + school boys at recess. Grant surveyed the scene with undisguised + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “What does it mean, Harry?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that's a very common occurrence,” said Harry, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “I never saw grown men acting so. Won't there be a fight?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's all fun. The brokers are unlike any other class of men in + business hours,” explained Harry. “It's one of the customs of the place.” + </p> + <p> + Just then, to his astonishment, Grant saw his employer, Mr. Reynolds, + pursuing his hat, which was rolling over the floor. He was about to run to + his assistance, but Harry stopped him. + </p> + <p> + “No interference is allowed,” he said. “Leave them to their fun. I used to + think it strange myself, when I first came into the Exchange, but I'm used + to it now. Now we may as well go back to the office.” + </p> + <p> + There is no occasion to follow the boys through the day's routine. Grant + found his companion very obliging, and very ready to give him the + information he needed. Many boys would have been supercilious and perhaps + been disposed to play tricks on a country boy, but Harry was not one of + them. He took a friendly interest in Grant, answered all his questions, + and did his best to qualify him for the position he was to assume. + </p> + <p> + Before the office closed, Grant and his new friend went to the bank to + make a deposit of money and checks. The deposit amounted to about twenty + thousand dollars. + </p> + <p> + “There must be plenty of money in New York,” said Grant. “Why, up in + Colebrook, if a man were worth twenty thousand dollars he would be + considered a rich man.” + </p> + <p> + “It takes a good deal more than that to make a man rich in New York. In + the stock business a man is likely to do a larger business in proportion + to his capital than in the mercantile business.” + </p> + <p> + On their way back from the bank, Grant came face to face with Tom Calder. + Tom was busily engaged in talking to a companion, some years older than + himself, and didn't observe Grant. Grant was by no means prepossessed in + favor of this young man, whose red and mottled face, and bold glance made + him look far from respectable. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know those fellows?” asked Harry Becker. + </p> + <p> + “The youngest one is from Colebrook.” + </p> + <p> + “He is in bad company. I hope he is not an intimate friend of yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Far from it. Still, I know him, and am sorry to see him with such a + companion.” + </p> + <p> + At four o'clock Mr. Reynolds proposed to go home. He beckoned to Grant to + accompany him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI — GRANT MAKES A FRIEND + </h2> + <p> + “What do you think of your first day in Wall Street?” asked Mr. Reynolds, + kindly. + </p> + <p> + “I have found it very interesting,” answered Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think you shall like the business?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, I think so.” + </p> + <p> + “Better than if you had been able to carry out your original plan, and go + to college?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, under the circumstances, for I have a better prospect of + helping the family.” + </p> + <p> + “That feeling does you credit. Have you any brothers and sisters?” + </p> + <p> + “One of each, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I have but one boy, now nine years old. I am sorry to say he is not + strong in body, though very bright and quick, mentally. I wish he were + more fond of play and would spend less time in reading and study.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think that is a common complaint among boys, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I judge not from my own remembrance and observation. My wife is dead, + and I am such a busy man that I am not able to give my boy as much + attention as I wish I could. My boy's health is the more important to me + because I have no other child.” + </p> + <p> + Grant's interest was excited, and he looked forward to meeting his + employer's son, not without eagerness. He had not long to wait. + </p> + <p> + The little fellow was in the street in front of the house when his father + reached home. He was a slender, old-fashioned boy in appearance, who + looked as if he had been in the habit of keeping company with grown + people. His frame was small, but his head was large. He was pale, and + would have been plain, but for a pair of large, dark eyes, lighting up his + face. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome home, papa,” he said, running up to meet Mr. Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + The broker stooped over and kissed his son. Then he said: “I have brought + you some company, Herbert. This is Grant Thornton, the boy I spoke to you + about.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to make your acquaintance,” said the boy, with old-fashioned + courtesy, offering his hand. + </p> + <p> + “And I am glad to meet you, Herbert,” responded Grant, pleasantly. + </p> + <p> + The little boy looked up earnestly in the face of his father's office boy. + </p> + <p> + “I think I shall like you,” he said. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds looked pleased, and so did Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure we shall be very good friends,” said our hero. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert,” said his father, “will you show Grant the room he is to + occupy?” + </p> + <p> + “It is next to mine, isn't it, papa?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my son.” + </p> + <p> + “Come with me,” said Herbert, putting his hand in Grant's. “I will show + you the way.” + </p> + <p> + Grant, who was only accustomed to the plain homes in his native village, + was impressed by the evidence of wealth and luxury observable in the house + of the stock broker. The room assigned to him was small, but it was very + handsomely furnished, and he almost felt out of place in it. But it was + not many days, to anticipate matters a little, before he felt at home. + </p> + <p> + Herbert took Grant afterward into his own room. + </p> + <p> + “See my books,” he said, leading the way to a bookcase, containing perhaps + a hundred volumes, the majority of a juvenile character, but some suited + to more mature tastes. “Do you like reading?” asked Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I have read all the books you see here,” answered Herbert, “and some of + papa's besides. I like to read better than to play.” + </p> + <p> + “But you ought to spend some of your time in play, or you will not grow up + healthy.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what papa says. I try to play some, but I don't care much about + it.” + </p> + <p> + Grant was no longer surprised at the little boy's delicacy. It was clear + that he needed more amusement and more exercise. “Perhaps,” he thought, “I + can induce Herbert to exercise more.” + </p> + <p> + “When do you take dinner?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “At half-past six. There is plenty of time.” + </p> + <p> + “Then suppose we take a little walk together. We shall both have a better + appetite.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to,” replied Herbert; “that is, with you. I don't like to + walk alone.” + </p> + <p> + “How far is Central Park from here?” + </p> + <p> + “A little over a mile.” + </p> + <p> + “I have never seen it. Would you mind walking as far as that?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no.” + </p> + <p> + So the two boys walked out together. They were soon engaged in an animated + conversation, consisting, for the most part, of questions proposed by + Grant, and answers given by Herbert. + </p> + <p> + Not far from the park they came to a vacant lot where some boys were + playing ball. + </p> + <p> + “Now, if we only had a ball, Herbert,” said Grant, “we might have a little + amusement.” + </p> + <p> + “I've got a ball in my pocket, but I don't use it much.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see it.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert produced the ball, which proved to be an expensive one, better + than any Grant had ever owned. + </p> + <p> + “There, Herbert, stand here, and I will place myself about fifty feet + away. Now, throw it to me, no matter how swiftly.” + </p> + <p> + They were soon engaged in throwing the ball to each other. Grant was a + good ball player, and he soon interested the little boy in the sport. Our + hero was pleased to see Herbert's quiet, listless manner exchanged for the + animation which seemed better suited to a boy. + </p> + <p> + “You are improving, Herbert,” he said, after a while. “You would make a + good player in time.” + </p> + <p> + “I never liked it before,” said the little boy. “I never knew there was so + much fun in playing ball.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall have to try it every day. I suppose it is about time to go home + to supper.” + </p> + <p> + “And we haven't been to Central Park, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “That will do for another day. Are boys allowed to play ball in the park?” + </p> + <p> + “Two afternoons in the week, I believe, but I never played there.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall have to try it some day.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to play—with you.” + </p> + <p> + They reached home in full time for dinner. At the dinner table Mr. + Reynolds was struck by the unusually bright and animated face of his son, + and his good appetite. + </p> + <p> + “What have you been doing to make you so hungry, Herbert?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I took a walk with Grant, and we had a fine game of ball.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it,” said the broker, much pleased. “If you want to + become stout and strong like Grant, that is the best thing for you to do.” + </p> + <p> + “I never liked playing ball before, papa.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a compliment to you, Grant,” said the broker, smiling. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” he said to the prim, elderly lady who presided over the + household, acting as housekeeper, “Herbert will be the better for having a + boy in the house.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know about that,” said Mrs. Estabrook, stiffly. “When he came + into the house he had mud on his clothes. He never did that till this boy + came.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't complain of that, if his health is improved.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook, who was a poor relation of Herbert's mother, pursed up her + mouth, but did not reply. In her eyes, it was more important that a boy + should keep his clothes whole and clean than to have color in his cheeks, + and health in his frame. + </p> + <p> + “I hope that boy won't stay here long,” she thought, referring, of course, + to Grant. “He'll quite spoil Herbert by making him rough and careless of + his appearance.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Herbert, and how do you like Grant?” asked Mr. Reynolds, as his son + was bidding him good-night before going to bed. + </p> + <p> + “I am so glad you brought him here, papa. I shall have good times now. + You'll let him stay all the time, won't you?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see about it, Herbert,” answered his father, smiling. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII — MRS. ESTABROOK'S PLANS + </h2> + <p> + Grant was going home with Mr. Reynolds at the close of the fourth day, + when it occurred to him to say what had been in his mind for some time: + “Isn't it time, Mr. Reynolds, for me to be looking out for a boarding + place?” + </p> + <p> + The broker smiled, and said with assumed concern: “Are you dissatisfied + with your present boarding place?” + </p> + <p> + “How could I be, sir?” returned Grant, earnestly. “But you told me I could + stay with you a week, while I was looking about for a suitable place to + board.” + </p> + <p> + “That is true. Now, however, there is a difficulty about your making a + change.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert would not give his consent. The fact is, Grant, Herbert finds so + much pleasure in your society, and derives so much advantage from the + increased exercise you lead him to take, that I think you will have to + make up your mind to stay.” + </p> + <p> + Grant's face showed the pleasure he felt. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be very glad to stay, Mr. Reynolds,” he answered, “if you are + willing to have me.” + </p> + <p> + “I had this in view from the first,” said the broker, “but I wanted to see + how you and Herbert got along. I wished to be sure, also, that your + influence on him would be good. Of that I can have no doubt, and I am glad + to receive you as a member of my family.” + </p> + <p> + There was one member of the household, however, who was not so well + pleased with the proposed arrangement. This was Mrs. Estabrook, the + housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + As the week drew to a close, she said, one evening after the boys had + retired: + </p> + <p> + “How much longer is the office boy to stay here, Mr. Reynolds?” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you ask?” inquired the broker. + </p> + <p> + “Only with reference to domestic arrangements,” answered the housekeeper, + disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + “He will remain for a considerable time, Mrs. Estabrook.” + </p> + <p> + “I—I thought he was only going to stay a week.” + </p> + <p> + “He is company for Herbert, and I think it desirable to keep him.” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert soils his clothes a deal more now than he used to do,” said the + housekeeper, discontentedly. “I am sure I don't know where the other boy + carries him.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I, but I am not afraid to trust him with Grant. As to the clothes, I + consider them of very small account, compared with my boy's health.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook knitted in silence for five minutes. She was by no means + pleased with her employer's plan, having taken a dislike to Grant, for + which, indeed, her chief reason was jealousy. She had a stepson, a young + man of twenty-one, in Mr. Reynolds' office, whom she would like to have in + the house in place of Grant. But Mr. Reynolds had never taken notice of + her occasional hints to that effect. The housekeeper's plans were + far-reaching. She knew that Herbert was delicate, and doubted if he would + live to grow up. In that case, supposing her stepson had managed to + ingratiate himself with the broker, why might he not hope to become his + heir? Now this interloper, as she called Grant, had stepped into the place + which her own favorite—his name was Willis Ford—should have + had. Mrs. Estabrook felt aggrieved, and unjustly treated, and naturally + incensed at Grant, who was the unconscious cause of her disappointment. + She returned to the charge, though, had she been wiser, she would have + foreborne. + </p> + <p> + “Do you think a poor boy like this Grant Thornton is a suitable companion + for a rich man's son, Mr. Reynolds? Excuse me for suggesting it, but I am + so interested in dear Herbert.” + </p> + <p> + “Grant Thornton is the son of a country minister, and has had an excellent + training,” said the broker, coldly. “The fact that he is poor is no + objection in my eyes. I think, Mrs. Estabrook, we will dismiss the + subject. I think myself competent to choose my son's associates.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will excuse me,” said the housekeeper, seeing that she had + gone too far. “I am so attached to the dear child.” + </p> + <p> + “If you are, you will not object to the extra trouble you may have with + his clothes, since his health is benefited.” + </p> + <p> + “That artful young beggar has wound his way into his employer's + confidence,” thought Mrs. Estabrook, resentfully, “but it may not be + always so.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes later, when the housekeeper was in her own sitting-room, she + was told that Willis Ford wanted to see her. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook's thin face lighted up with pleasure, for she was devotedly + attached to her stepson. + </p> + <p> + “Bring him up here at once,” she said. + </p> + <p> + A minute later the young man entered the room. He was a thin, + sallow-complexioned young man, with restless, black eyes, and a + discontented expression—as of one who thinks he is not well used by + the world. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, my dear boy,” said the housekeeper, warmly. “I am so glad to see + you.” + </p> + <p> + Willis submitted reluctantly to his stepmother's caress, and threw himself + into a rocking chair opposite her. + </p> + <p> + “Are you well, Willis?” asked Mrs. Estabrook, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'm well enough,” muttered the young man. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you looked out of sorts.” + </p> + <p> + “I feel so.” + </p> + <p> + “Is anything the matter?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I'm sick of working at such starvation wages.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought fifteen dollars a week a very good salary. Only last January + you were raised three dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “And I expected to be raised three dollars more on the first of July.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you apply to Mr. Reynolds?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and he told me I must wait till next January.” + </p> + <p> + “I think he might have raised you, if only on account of the connection + between our families.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he would if you would ask him, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “I will when there is a good opportunity. Still, Willis, I think fifteen + dollars a week very comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't know a young man's expenses, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “How much do you pay for board, Willis?” + </p> + <p> + “Six dollars a week. I have a room with a friend, or I should have to pay + eight.” + </p> + <p> + “That leaves you nine dollars a week for all other expenses. I think you + might save something out of that.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't. I have clothes to buy, and sometimes I want to go to the + theatre, and in fact, nine dollars don't go as far as you think. Of + course, a woman doesn't need to spend much. It's different with a young + man.” + </p> + <p> + “Your income would be a good deal increased if you had no board to pay.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course. You don't know any generous minded person who will board me + for nothing, do you?” + </p> + <p> + “There's a new office boy in your office, isn't there?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a country boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you know he was boarding here?” + </p> + <p> + “No; is he?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Reynolds told me to-night he was going to keep him here permanently, + as a companion for his little son.” + </p> + <p> + “Lucky for him.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish Mr. Reynolds would give you a home here.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather he would make it up in money, and let me board where I + please.” + </p> + <p> + “But you forget. It would give you a chance to get him interested in you, + and if Herbert should die, you might take his place as heir.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be a splendid idea, but there's no prospect of it. It isn't + for me.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be for the office boy. He's an artful boy, and that's what he's + working for, in my opinion.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't think the little beggar was so evil-headed. He seems quiet + enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Still waters run deep. You'd better keep an eye on him, and I'll do the + same.” + </p> + <p> + “I will.” + </p> + <p> + The next day Grant was puzzled to understand why Willis Ford spoke so + sharply to him, and regarded him with such evident unfriendliness. + </p> + <p> + “What have I done to offend you?” he thought. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII — TWO VIEWS OF TOM CALDER + </h2> + <p> + Thus far nothing had been said about the compensation Grant was to receive + for his work in the broker's office. He did not like to ask, especially as + he knew that at the end of the first week the matter would be settled. + When he found that he was to remain for the present at the house of his + employer he concluded that his cash pay would be very small, perhaps a + dollar a week. However, that would be doing quite as well as if he paid + his own board elsewhere, while he enjoyed a much more agreeable and + luxurious home. He would be unable to assist his father for a year or two; + but that was only what he had a right to expect. + </p> + <p> + When Saturday afternoon came, Mr. Reynolds said: “By the way, Grant, I + must pay you your week's wages. I believe no sum was agreed upon.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “We will call it six dollars. Will that be satisfactory?” + </p> + <p> + “Very much so, Mr. Reynolds; but there will be a deduction for board.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds smiled. + </p> + <p> + “That is a different matter,” he said. “That comes to you as Herbert's + companion. It is worth that to me to have my boy's happiness increased.” + </p> + <p> + Grant was overjoyed at the bright prospect opened before him, and he said, + with glowing face: “You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds. Now I shall be able + to help my father.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very creditable to you, my boy. Willis, you may pay Grant six + dollars.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford did so, but he looked very glum. He estimated that, including + his board, Grant would be in receipt of twelve dollars a week, or its + equivalent, and this was only three dollars less than he himself received, + who had been in the office five years and was a connection of the broker. + </p> + <p> + “It's a shame,” he thought, “that this green, country boy should be paid + nearly as much as I—I must call and tell mother.” + </p> + <p> + Grant was a very happy boy that evening. He resolved to lay aside three + dollars a week to send to his mother, to save up a dollar a week and + deposit it in some savings bank, and make the other two dollars answer for + his clothing and miscellaneous expenses. + </p> + <p> + On the next Monday afternoon Grant walked home alone, Mr. Reynolds having + some business which delayed him. He thought he would walk up Broadway, as + there was much in that crowded thoroughfare to amuse and interest him. + </p> + <p> + Just at the corner of Canal Street he came across Tom Calder. Tom was + standing in a listless attitude with his hands in his pockets, with + apparently no business cares weighing upon his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, Grant!” he said, with sudden recognition. + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Tom?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm all right, but I'm rather hard up.” + </p> + <p> + Grant was not surprised to hear that. + </p> + <p> + “You see, there's a feller owes me seven dollars, and I can't get it till + next week,” continued Tom, watching Grant's face to see if he believed it. + </p> + <p> + Grant did not believe it, but did not think it necessary to say so. + </p> + <p> + “That's inconvenient,” he remarked. + </p> + <p> + “I should say it was. You couldn't lend me a couple of dollars, could + you?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think I could.” + </p> + <p> + Tom looked disappointed. + </p> + <p> + “How much do you get?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Six dollars a week.” + </p> + <p> + “That's pretty good, for a boy like you. I wish you'd take a room with me. + It would come cheaper.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall stay where I am for the present,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + He did not care to mention, unless he were asked, that he was making his + home at the house of Mr. Reynolds, as it might either lead to a call from + Tom, whom he did not particularly care to introduce to his new friends, or + might lead to a more pressing request for a loan. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you boarding?” asked Grant, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “In Clinton Place. I have a room there, and get my meals where I like. + There's a chap from your office that lives in the same house.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” asked Grant, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “It's Willis Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so?” returned Grant, in surprise. “Do you know him?” + </p> + <p> + “Only a little. I don't like him. He's too stuck up.” + </p> + <p> + Grant made no comment, but in his heart he agreed with Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Are you doing anything?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Not just yet,” answered Tom, “I expect a good job soon. You haven't a + quarter to spare, have you?” Grant produced the desired sum and handed it + to his companion. He didn't fancy Tom, but he was willing to help him in a + small way. + </p> + <p> + “Thanks,” said Tom. “That'll buy my supper. I'll give it back to you in a + day or two.” + </p> + <p> + Grant did not think there was much likelihood of that, but felt that he + could afford to lose this small sum. + </p> + <p> + Four days later he met Tom in Wall Street. But what a change! He was + attired in a new suit, wore a fancy necktie, while a chain, that looked + like gold, dangled from his watch pocket. Grant stared at him in + amazement. + </p> + <p> + “How are you, Grant?” said Tom, patronizingly. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you are a-doin' well.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well. You seem to be prosperous.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Tom, languidly, evidently enjoying his surprise. “I told + you I expected to get into something good. By the way, I owe you a quarter—there + it is. Much obliged for the accommodation.” + </p> + <p> + Grant pocketed the coin, which he had never expected to receive, and + continued to regard Tom with puzzled surprise. He could not understand + what business Tom could have found that had so altered his circumstances. + He ventured to inquire. + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't mind tellin' you,” answered Tom, “but, you see, it's kind of + confidential. I'm a confidential agent; that's it.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to be a pretty good business,” remarked Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is; I don't work for nothin', I can tell you that.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm glad of your good luck, Tom,” said Grant, and he spoke sincerely. “I + hope you'll keep your agency.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I guess I will! A feller like me is pretty sure of a good livin', + anyway. Hello, Jim!” + </p> + <p> + This last was addressed to a flashily dressed individual—the same + one, in fact, that Grant had seen on a former occasion with Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Who's your friend?” asked Jim, with a glance at Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Grant Thornton. He's from my place in the country. He's in the office of + Mr. Reynolds, a broker in New Street.” + </p> + <p> + “Introduce me.” + </p> + <p> + “Grant, let me make you acquainted with my friend, Jim Morrison,” said + Tom, with a flourish. + </p> + <p> + “Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Thornton,” said Jim Morrison, + jauntily, offering his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Grant, in a reserved tone; for he was not especially + attracted by the look of Tom's friend. He shook hands, however. + </p> + <p> + “Come 'round and see us some evenin', Grant,” said Tom. “We'll take you + round, won't we, Jim?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course we will. Your friend should see something of the city.” + </p> + <p> + “You're the feller that can show him. Well, we must be goin'. It's lunch + time.” + </p> + <p> + Tom pulled out a watch, which, if not gold, was of the same color as gold, + and the two sauntered away. + </p> + <p> + “What in the world can Tom have found to do?” Grant wondered. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV — WILLIS FORD'S NEW FRIENDS + </h2> + <p> + When Harry Decker left the office at the end of two weeks, Grant was fully + able to take his place, having, with Harry's friendly assistance, + completely mastered the usual routine of a broker's office. He had also + learned the names and offices of prominent operators, and was, in all + respects, qualified to be of service to his employer. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds always treated him with friendly consideration, and appeared + to have perfect confidence in him. For some reason which he could not + understand, however, Willis Ford was far from cordial, often addressing + him in a fault-finding tone, which at first disturbed Grant. When he found + that it arose from Ford's dislike, he ceased to trouble himself about it, + though it annoyed him. He had discovered Ford's relationship to Mrs. + Estabrook, who treated him in the same cool manner. + </p> + <p> + “As it appears I can't please them,” Grant said to himself, “I won't make + any special effort to do so.” He contented himself with doing his work + faithfully, and so satisfying his own conscience. + </p> + <p> + One evening some weeks later, Grant was returning from a concert, to which + the broker had given him a ticket, when, to his great surprise, he met + Willis Ford walking with Tom Calder and Jim Morrison. The three were + apparently on intimate terms. + </p> + <p> + “Good-evenin', Grant,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Good-evening, Tom.” + </p> + <p> + Grant looked at Willis Ford, but the latter's lip curled and he did not + speak. Grant, however, bowed and passed on. He was surprised at the + intimacy which had grown up between Ford and those two, knowing Ford's + spirit of exclusiveness. He would have been less surprised had he known + that Morrison had first ingratiated himself with Ford by offering to lend + him money, and afterward had lured him into a gambling house, where Ford, + not knowing that he was a dupe, had been induced to play, and was now a + loser to the extent of several hundred dollars, for which Morrison held + his notes. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know when I can pay you,” said Ford, gloomily, when he came to + realize his situation. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, something will turn up.” said Jim Morrison, lightly. “I shan't + trouble you.” + </p> + <p> + Two weeks later, however, he lay in wait for Ford when he left Wall + Street. + </p> + <p> + “I want to speak to you a moment, Mr. Ford,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is it?” asked Ford, uncomfortably. + </p> + <p> + “I am hard up.” + </p> + <p> + “So am I,” responded Willis Ford. + </p> + <p> + “But you owe me a matter of six hundred dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, but you said you wouldn't trouble me.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't expect I should be obliged to,” said Morrison, smoothly. “But + 'Circumstances alter cases,' you know. I shall have to ask you for it.” + </p> + <p> + “That's all the good it will do,” said Willis, irritably. “I haven't a + cent to my name.” + </p> + <p> + “When do you expect to have?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven knows; I don't.” + </p> + <p> + Ford was about to leave his companion and walk away, but Morrison had no + intention of allowing the matter to end so. He laid his hand on Ford's + shoulder and said, firmly: “Mr. Ford, this won't do. Yours is a debt of + honor, and must be paid.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you be kind enough to let me know how it is to be paid?” demanded + Ford, with an ugly sneer. + </p> + <p> + “That is your business, not mine, Mr. Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, if it is my business, I'll give you notice when I can pay you. And + now, good-afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + He made another attempt to walk away, but again there was a hand placed + upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Understand, Mr. Ford, that I am in earnest,” said Morrison. “I can't + undertake to tell you how you are to find the money, but it must be + found.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose it isn't?” said Ford, with a look of defiance. + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall seek an interview with your respected employer, tell him of + the debt, and how it was incurred, and I think he would look for another + clerk.” + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't do that!” said Ford, his face betraying consternation. + </p> + <p> + “I would, and I will, unless you pay what you owe me.” + </p> + <p> + “But, man, how am I to do it? You will drive me to desperation.” + </p> + <p> + “Take three days to think of it. If you can't raise it, I may suggest a + way.” + </p> + <p> + The two parted, and Willis Ford was left to many uncomfortable + reflections. He knew of no way to raise the money; yet, if he did not do + it, he was menaced with exposure and ruin. Would his stepmother come to + his assistance? He knew that Mrs. Estabrook had a thousand dollars in + government bonds. If he could only induce her to give him the custody of + them on any pretext, he could meet the demand upon him, and he would never + again incur a debt of honor. He cursed his folly for ever yielding to the + temptation. Once let him get out of this scrape, and he would never get + into another like it. + </p> + <p> + The next evening he made a call upon Mrs. Estabrook, and made himself + unusually agreeable. The cold-hearted woman, whose heart warmed to him + alone, smiled upon him with affection. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to see you in such good spirits, Willis,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “If she only knew how I really felt,” thought her stepson. But it was for + his interest to wear a mask. + </p> + <p> + “The fact is, mother,” he said, “I feel very cheerful. I've made a little + turn in stocks, and realized three hundred dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you, indeed, Willis? I congratulate you, my son. No doubt you will + find the money useful.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt of that. If I had the capital, I could make a good deal more.” + </p> + <p> + “But there would be the danger of losing,” suggested Mrs. Estabrook. + </p> + <p> + “That danger is very small, mother. I am in a situation to know all about + the course of stocks. I wouldn't advise another to speculate, unless he + has some friend in the Stock Exchange; but for me it is perfectly safe.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray be careful, Willis.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes. I am sure to be. By the way, mother, haven't you got some money + in government bonds?” + </p> + <p> + “A little,” answered Mrs. Estabrook, cautiously. + </p> + <p> + “How much, now?” + </p> + <p> + “About a thousand dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me manage it for you, and I will make it two thousand inside of a + month.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook had a large share of acquisitiveness, but she had also a + large measure of caution, which she had inherited from her Scotch + ancestry. + </p> + <p> + “No, Willis,” she said, shaking her head, “I can't take any risk. This + money it has taken me years to save. It is the sole dependence I have for + my old age, and I can't run the risk of losing it.” + </p> + <p> + “But two thousand dollars will be better than one, mother. Just let me + tell you what happened to a customer of ours: He had above five hundred + dollars in the savings bank, drawing four per cent interest—only + twenty dollars a year. He had a friend in the Stock Exchange who took + charge of it, bought stocks judiciously on a margin, then reinvested, and + now, after three months, how much do you think it amounts to?” + </p> + <p> + “How much?” asked the housekeeper, with interest. + </p> + <p> + “Six thousand five hundred dollars—just thirteen times as much!” + answered Willis, glibly. + </p> + <p> + This story, by the way, was all a fabrication, intended to influence his + stepmother. Mrs. Estabrook never doubted Ford's statement, but her + instinctive caution saved her from falling into the trap. + </p> + <p> + “It looks tempting, Willis,” she said, “but I don't dare to take the + risk.” Ford was deeply disappointed, but did not betray it. + </p> + <p> + “It is for you to decide,” said he, carelessly, then drifted to other + subjects. + </p> + <p> + Ten minutes later he pressed his hand upon his breast, while his features + worked convulsively. “I believe I am sick,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “What can I do for you, my dear son?” asked the housekeeper, in alarm. + </p> + <p> + “If you have a glass of brandy!” gasped Willis. + </p> + <p> + “I will go downstairs and get some,” she said, hurriedly. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had she left the room than Willis sprang to his feet, locked the + door, then went to the bureau, unlocked the upper drawer—he had a + key in his pocket which fitted the lock and, thrusting in his hand, drew + out a long envelope containing one five-hundred-dollar government bond and + five bonds of one hundred dollars each, which he thrust into his side + pocket. Then, closing the drawer, he unlocked the door of the room, and + when his step-mother returned he threw himself back in his chair, + groaning. He took the glass of brandy the housekeeper brought him, and, + after a few minutes, professing himself much better, left the house. + </p> + <p> + “Saved!” he exclaimed, triumphantly. “Now I shall be all right again.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV — AN ARTFUL TRAP + </h2> + <p> + Willis Ford was anxious to get away. He feared that Mrs. Estabrook might + go to the bureau and discover the loss before he got out of the house, + which would make it awkward for him. Once out in the street, he breathed + more freely. He had enough with him to pay his only debt, and give him + four hundred dollars extra. It might be supposed he would feel some + compunction at robbing his stepmother of her all. Whatever her faults, she + was devoted to him. But Willis Ford had a hard, selfish nature, and the + only thought that troubled him was the fear that he might be found out. + Indeed, the housekeeper's suspicions would be likely to fall upon him + unless they could be turned in some other direction. Who should it be? + There came to him an evil suggestion which made his face brighten with + relief and malicious joy. The new boy, Grant Thornton, was a member of the + household. He probably had the run of the house. What more probable than + that he should enter Mrs. Estabrook's chamber and search her bureau? This + was the way Willis reasoned. He knew that his stepmother hated Grant, and + would be very willing to believe anything against him. He would take care + that suspicion should fall in that direction. He thought of a way to + heighten that suspicion. What it was my readers will learn in due time. + </p> + <p> + The next day, at half-past eight o'clock in the morning, on his way down + Broadway, Willis Ford dropped into the Grand Central Hotel, and walked + through the reading room in the rear. Here sat Jim Morrison and Tom + Calder, waiting for him by appointment. + </p> + <p> + Ford took a chair beside them. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning,” he said, cheerfully. + </p> + <p> + “Have you brought the money?” asked Morrison, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! don't speak so loud,” said Ford, cautiously. “We don't want + everybody to know our business.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Morrison, in a lower voice; “but have you brought it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “You're a trump!” said Morrison, his face expressing his joy. + </p> + <p> + “That is to say, I've brought what amounts to the same thing.” + </p> + <p> + “If it's your note,” said Morrison, with sharp disappointment, “I don't + want it.” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't a note. It's what will bring the money.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “It's government bonds for six hundred dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know anything about bonds,” said Morrison. “Besides, the amount + is more than six hundred dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “These bonds are worth a hundred and twelve, amounting in all to six + hundred and seventy-two dollars. That's forty more than I owe you. I won't + make any account of that, however, as you will have to dispose of them.” + </p> + <p> + “I may get into trouble,” said Morrison, suspiciously. “Where did they + come from?” + </p> + <p> + “That does not concern you,” said Ford, haughtily. “Don't I give them to + you?” + </p> + <p> + “But where did you get them?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my business. If you don't want them, say the word, and I'll take + them back.” + </p> + <p> + “And when will you pay the money?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” answered Ford, curtly. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe he'll sell 'em for us himself,” suggested Tom Calder. + </p> + <p> + “Good, Tom! Why can't you sell 'em and give me the money? Then you can pay + the exact sum and save the forty dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't choose to do so,” said Ford. “It seems to me you are treating me + in a very strange manner. I offer you more than I owe you, and you make no + end of objections to receiving it.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I'll get into trouble if I offer the bonds for sale,” said + Morrison, doggedly. “I don't know anybody in the business except you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you do,” said Ford, a bright idea occurring to him. + </p> + <p> + “Who?” + </p> + <p> + “You know the boy in our office.” + </p> + <p> + “Grant Thornton?” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Grant Thornton. Manage to see him, and ask him to dispose of the + bonds for you. He will bring them to our office, and I will dispose of + them without asking any questions.” + </p> + <p> + “First rate!” said Tom. “That'll do, won't it, Jim?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see why it won't,” answered Morrison, appearing satisfied. + </p> + <p> + “I would suggest that you see him some time today.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! Hand over the bonds.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford had already separated the bonds into two parcels, six hundred + in one and four hundred in the other. The first of these he passed over to + Jim Morrison. + </p> + <p> + “Put it into your pocket at once,” he said. “We don't want anyone to see + them. There is a telegraph boy looking at us.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to see if it is all there,” muttered Morrison; and he drew from + the envelope the two bonds, and ascertained, by a personal inspection, + that they were as represented. + </p> + <p> + “It's all right,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “You might have taken my word for it,” said Willis Ford, offended. + </p> + <p> + “In matters of business I take no one's word,” chuckled the confidence + man. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what they're up to,” said the little telegraph boy to himself. + “I know one of them fellers is a gambler. Wonder who that feller with him + is? Them must be gov'ment bonds.” + </p> + <p> + Johnny Cavanagh was an observing boy, and mentally photographed upon his + memory the faces of the entire group, though he never expected to see any + of them again. + </p> + <p> + When Grant was hurrying through Wall Street about noon he came upon Tom + Calder and Morrison. + </p> + <p> + “Hello, there, Grant,” said Tom, placing his hand upon his shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “What's the matter, Tom? I'm in a hurry,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Jim Morrison's got a little business for you.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “He wants you to sell gov'ment bonds for him.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better take them round to our office.” + </p> + <p> + “I haven't got time,” said Morrison. “Just attend to them, like a good + fellow, and I'll give you a dollar for your trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “How much have you got?” + </p> + <p> + “Six hundred—a five hundred and a one.” + </p> + <p> + “Are they yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I've had 'em two years, but now I've got to raise money.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you want for them?” + </p> + <p> + “Regular price, whatever it is.” + </p> + <p> + “When will you call for the money?” + </p> + <p> + “Meet me at Fifth Avenue Hotel with it tomorrow morning at nine o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall have to meet you earlier—say half-past eight.” + </p> + <p> + “All right. Here's the bonds.” + </p> + <p> + Grant put the envelope into his pocket, and hurried to the Exchange. + </p> + <p> + When he returned to the office he carried the bonds to Willis Ford. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ford,” he said, “an acquaintance of mine handed them to me to be + sold.” + </p> + <p> + “Some one you know?” queried Ford. + </p> + <p> + “I know him slightly.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose it's all right. I'll make out a check to your order, and + you can collect the money at the bank.” + </p> + <p> + Grant interposed no objection, and put the check in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + “The boy's fallen into the trap,” said Willis to himself, exultantly, as + he proceeded to enter the transaction on the books. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI — GRANT FALLS UNDER SUSPICION + </h2> + <p> + In furtherance of his scheme to throw suspicion upon Grant, Willis Ford + decided to make another call upon his stepmother the succeeding evening. + It occurred to him that she might possibly connect his visit of the + evening before with her loss, and he wished to forestall this. + </p> + <p> + “Is Mrs. Estabrook at home?” he asked of the servant. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + When the housekeeper made her appearance he carefully scrutinized her + face. She was calm and placid, and it was clear that she had not + discovered the abstraction of the bonds. + </p> + <p> + “I dare say you are surprised to see me so soon again,” he commenced. + </p> + <p> + “I am always glad to see you, Willis,” she said. “Come upstairs.” + </p> + <p> + “What a pleasant room you have, mother!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am very comfortable. Have you had any return of your sickness?” + she asked, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “No, I have been perfectly well. By the way, mother, I have a special + object in calling.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, Willis?” + </p> + <p> + “I want to speak to you about those bonds of yours. If you will only sell + them out, and invest in Erie, I am sure you will make in six months a sum + equal to several years interest.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be, Willis, but I am very timid about taking a risk. Those bonds + represent all the property I have.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford's conscience pricked him a little, when he heard her speaking + thus of the property he had so heartlessly stolen; but he did not show it + in his manner. + </p> + <p> + “What is the date of your bonds, mother?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know. Does that make any difference?” + </p> + <p> + “It makes some difference. Those that have longest to run are most + valuable.” + </p> + <p> + “I can easily tell,” said the housekeeper, as she rose from her chair and + opened the bureau drawer, in full confidence that the bonds were safe. + </p> + <p> + It was an exciting moment for Willis Ford, knowing the sad discovery that + awaited her. + </p> + <p> + She put her hand in that part of the drawer where she supposed the bonds + to be, and found nothing. A shade of anxiety overspread her face, and she + searched hurriedly in other parts of the drawer. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you find them, mother?” asked Willis. + </p> + <p> + “It is very strange,” said Mrs. Estabrook, half to herself. + </p> + <p> + “What is strange?” + </p> + <p> + “I always kept the bonds in the right-hand corner of this drawer.” + </p> + <p> + “And you can't find them?” + </p> + <p> + “I have looked all over the drawer.” + </p> + <p> + “You may have put them, by mistake, in one of the other drawers.” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven grant it!” said Mrs. Estabrook, her face white with anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Let me help you, mother,” said Willis, rising. + </p> + <p> + She did not object, for her hands trembled with nervousness. + </p> + <p> + The other drawers were opened and were thoroughly searched, but, of + course, the bonds were not found. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook seemed near fainting. + </p> + <p> + “I have been robbed,” she said. “I am ruined.” + </p> + <p> + “But who could have robbed you?” asked Ford, innocently. + </p> + <p> + “I-don't-know. Oh, Willis! it was cruel!” and the poor woman burst into + tears. “All these years I have been saving, and now I have lost all. I + shall die in the poorhouse after all.” + </p> + <p> + “Not while I am living, mother,” said Willis. “But the bonds must be + found. They must be mislaid.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no! they are stolen. I shall never see them again.” + </p> + <p> + “But who has taken them? Ha! I have an idea.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked the housekeeper, faintly. + </p> + <p> + “That boy—Grant Thornton—he lives in the house, doesn't he?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Mrs. Estabrook, in excitement. “Do you think he can have + robbed me?” + </p> + <p> + “What a fool I am! I ought to have suspected when—-” + </p> + <p> + “When what?” + </p> + <p> + “When he brought some bonds to me to-day to sell.” + </p> + <p> + “He did!” exclaimed Mrs. Estabrook; “what were they?” + </p> + <p> + “A five-hundred-dollar and a hundred-dollar bond.” + </p> + <p> + “I had a five-hundred and five one-hundred-dollar bonds. They were mine—the + young villain!” + </p> + <p> + “I greatly fear so, mother.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to have kept them, Willis. Oh! why didn't you? Where is the + boy? I will see Mr. Reynolds at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute, till I tell you all I know. The boy said the bonds were + handed to him by an acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a falsehood.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know the number of your bonds, mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have them noted down, somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Good! I took the number of those the boy gave me for sale.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook found the memorandum. It was compared with one which Willis + Ford brought with him, and the numbers were identical. Four numbers, of + course, were missing from Ford's list. + </p> + <p> + “That seems pretty conclusive, mother. The young rascal has stolen your + bonds, and offered a part of them for sale. It was certainly bold in him + to bring them to our office. Is he in the house?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll go and see.” + </p> + <p> + “And bring Mr. Reynolds with you, if you can find him.” + </p> + <p> + In an excited state, scarcely knowing what she did, the housekeeper went + downstairs and found both parties of whom she was in search in the same + room. She poured out her story in an incoherent manner, inveighing against + Grant as a thief. + </p> + <p> + When Grant, with some difficulty, understood what was the charge against + him, he was almost speechless with indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say I stole your bonds?” he demanded. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do; and it was a base, cruel act.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you in that, Mrs. Estabrook. It was base and cruel, but I + had nothing to do with it.” + </p> + <p> + “You dare to say that, when you brought the bonds to my son, Willis, to be + sold to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Is this true, Grant?” asked Mr. Reynolds. “Did you sell any bonds at the + office to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + The broker looked grave. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get them?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “They were handed to me by an acquaintance in Wall Street.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was he?” + </p> + <p> + “His name is James Morrison.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you know of him? Is he in any business?” + </p> + <p> + “I know very little of him, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you handed him the money?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, + and pay him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why doesn't he call at the office?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” answered Grant, puzzled. “I suggested to him to bring the + bonds to the office himself, but he said he was in haste, and offered me a + dollar to attend to the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “This seems a mysterious case.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, Mr. Reynolds, but I think it is plain enough,” said the + housekeeper, spitefully. “That boy opened my bureau drawer, and stole the + bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not true, Mr. Reynolds,” exclaimed Grant, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “How did you know the bonds were offered for sale at my office to-day, + Mrs. Estabrook?” inquired the broker. + </p> + <p> + “My son—Willis Ford—told me.” + </p> + <p> + “When did you see him?” + </p> + <p> + “Just now.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he in the house?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. I left him in my room.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask him to be kind enough to accompany you here.” + </p> + <p> + The housekeeper left the room. Grant and his employer remained silent + during her absence. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII — THE TELLTALE KEY + </h2> + <p> + Willis Ford entered the presence of his employer with an air of confidence + which he did not feel. Knowing his own guilt, he felt ill at ease and + nervous; but the crisis had come and he must meet it. + </p> + <p> + “Take a seat, Mr. Ford,” said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. “Your stepmother + tells me that she has lost some government bonds?” + </p> + <p> + “All I had in the world,” moaned the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; I regret to say that she has been robbed.” + </p> + <p> + “I learn, moreover, that a part of the bonds were brought to my office for + sale to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And by Grant Thornton?” + </p> + <p> + “He can answer that question for himself, sir. He is present.” + </p> + <p> + “It is true,” said Grant, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Did you ask him where the bonds came from?” + </p> + <p> + “He volunteered the information. He said they were intrusted to him for + sale by a friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Acquaintance,” corrected Grant. + </p> + <p> + “It may have been so. I understood him to say friend.” + </p> + <p> + “You had no suspicions that anything was wrong?” asked the broker. + </p> + <p> + “No; I felt perfect confidence in the boy.” + </p> + <p> + Grant was rather surprised to hear this. If this were the case, Willis + Ford had always been very successful, in concealing his real sentiments. + </p> + <p> + “How did you pay him?” + </p> + <p> + “In a check to his own order.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you collected the money on that check, Grant?” asked Mr. Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you paid it out to the party from whom you obtained the bonds?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford's countenance changed when he heard this statement. He + supposed that Jim Morrison already had his money and was safely off with + it. Now it was clear that Grant would not be allowed to pay it to him, and + his own debt would remain unpaid. That being the case, Morrison would be + exasperated, and there was no knowing what he would say. + </p> + <p> + “What do you know of this man, Grant?” + </p> + <p> + “Very little, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “How does he impress you—as an honest, straightforward man?” + </p> + <p> + Grant shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yet you took charge of his business for him?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; but not willingly. He offered me a dollar for my trouble, and + as I did not know there was anything wrong, I consented. Besides—-” + Here Grant paused. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” + </p> + <p> + “Will you excuse my continuing, Mr. Reynolds?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered the broker, firmly. “On the other hand, I insist upon your + saying what you had in your mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Having seen Mr. Ford in this man's company, I concluded he was all + right.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford flushed and looked disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + “Is this true, Mr. Ford?” asked the broker. “Do you know this man?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you say his name was, Thornton?” asked Ford, partly to gain time. + </p> + <p> + “James Morrison.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I know him. He was introduced to me by an intimate friend of that + boy,” indicating Grant. + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford smiled triumphantly. He felt that he had checkmated our hero. + </p> + <p> + “Is this true, Grant?” + </p> + <p> + “I presume so,” answered Grant, coolly. “You refer to Tom Calder, do you + not, Mr. Ford?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe that is his name.” + </p> + <p> + “He is not an intimate friend of mine, but we came from the same village. + It is that boy who was with me when I first met you, Mr. Reynolds.” + </p> + <p> + The broker's face cleared. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I remember him. But how do you happen to know Tom Calder, Mr. Ford?” + </p> + <p> + “He had a room at the same house with me. He introduced himself as a + friend of this boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know anything of him—how he earns his living?” + </p> + <p> + “Haven't the faintest idea,” answered Ford. “My acquaintance with him is + very slight.” + </p> + <p> + “There seems a mystery here,” said the broker. “This Morrison gives Grant + two bonds to dispose of, which are identified as belonging to my + housekeeper. How did he obtain possession of them? That is the question.” + </p> + <p> + “There isn't much doubt about that,” said Mrs. Estabrook. “This boy whom + you have taken into your family has taken them.” + </p> + <p> + “You are entirely mistaken, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Grant, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Of course you say so!” retorted the housekeeper; “but it stands to reason + that that is the way it happened. You took them and gave them to this man—that + is, if there is such a man.” + </p> + <p> + “Your son says there is, Mrs. Estabrook,” said the broker, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't intend to say how it happened. Likely enough the man is a + thief, and that boy is his accomplice.” + </p> + <p> + “You will oblige me by not jumping at conclusions, Mrs. Estabrook,” said + Mr. Reynolds. “Whoever has taken the bonds is likely to be discovered. + Meanwhile your loss will, at all events, be partially made up, since Grant + has the money realized from the sale of the greater part of them.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to place the money in your hands, Mr. Reynolds,” said + Grant. + </p> + <p> + “But it belongs to me,” said the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “That is undoubtedly true,” said her employer; “but till the matter is + ascertained beyond a doubt I will retain the money.” + </p> + <p> + “How can there be any doubt?” asked the housekeeper, discontented. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think there is; but I will tell you now. You claim that your + bonds were marked by certain numbers, two of which belong to those which + were bought by Mr. Ford at the office to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, you and your stepson have had time to compare notes, and you + have had a chance to learn his numbers.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook turned livid. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't expect to have such a charge brought against me, Mr. Reynolds, + and by you,” she said, her voice trembling with passion. + </p> + <p> + “I have brought no such charge, Mrs. Estabrook. I have only explained how + there may be doubt of your claim to the money.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you knew me better, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I do, and I also think I know Grant better than to think him + capable of abstracting your bonds. Yet you have had no hesitation in + bringing this serious charge against him.” + </p> + <p> + “That is different, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, I can see no difference. He has the same right that you have + to be considered innocent till he is proved to be guilty.” + </p> + <p> + “You must admit, sir,” said Willis Ford, “that appearances are very much + against Grant.” + </p> + <p> + “I admit nothing, at present; for the affair seems to be complicated. + Perhaps, Mr. Ford, you can offer some suggestion that will throw light + upon the mystery.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think it very mysterious, sir. My mother kept her bonds in the + upper drawer of her bureau. This boy had the run of the house. What was to + prevent his entering my mother's room, opening the drawer, and taking + anything he found of value?” + </p> + <p> + “What was to prevent some one else doing it, Mr. Ford—myself, for + example?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course that is different, Mr. Reynolds.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I don't know. I am honest, and so, I believe, is Grant.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Grant, gratefully. + </p> + <p> + “It just occurred to me,” said Ford, “to ask my mother if she has at any + time lost or mislaid her keys.” + </p> + <p> + “Well thought of, Mr. Ford,” and Mr. Reynolds turned to his housekeeper + for a reply. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Mrs. Estabrook. “I keep my keys in my pocket, and I have + them there yet.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she produced four keys attached to a ring. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” continued Ford, “if Grant chances to have a key which will fit the + bureau drawer, that would be evidence against him.” + </p> + <p> + “Show me any keys you may have, Grant,” said the broker. + </p> + <p> + Grant thrust his hand in his pocket and drew out two keys. He looked at + them in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “One of them unlocks my valise,” he said. “The other is a strange key. I + did not know I had it.” + </p> + <p> + Ford smiled maliciously. “Let us see if it will open the bureau drawer,” + he said. + </p> + <p> + The party adjourned to the housekeeper's room. The key was put into the + lock of the bureau drawer and opened it at once. + </p> + <p> + “I think there is no more to be said,” said Willis Ford, triumphantly. + </p> + <p> + Grant looked the picture of surprise and dismay. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII — GRANT'S ENEMIES TRIUMPH + </h2> + <p> + It is not too much to say that Grant was overwhelmed by the unexpected + discovery, in his pocket, of a key that fitted the housekeeper's drawer. + He saw at once how strong it made the evidence against him, and yet he + knew himself to be innocent. The most painful thought was, that Mr. + Reynolds would believe him to be guilty. + </p> + <p> + In fact, the broker for the first time began to think that Grant might + possibly have yielded to temptation. + </p> + <p> + “Can't you account for the possession of that key?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” answered Grant, in painful embarrassment. “I have occasion to + use but one key, and that is the key to my valise.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you had occasion to use the other,” sneered Ford. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ford,” retorted Grant, indignantly, “you are determined to think me + guilty; but I care nothing for your opinion. I should be very sorry if Mr. + Reynolds should think me capable of such baseness.” + </p> + <p> + “Your guilt seems pretty clear,” said Ford, sarcastically; “as I have no + doubt Mr. Reynolds will agree.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak for yourself, Mr. Ford,” said the banker, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you are not going to shield that young thief, Mr. Reynolds,” said + the housekeeper. “His guilt is as clear as noonday. I think he ought to be + arrested.” + </p> + <p> + “You are rather in a hurry, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Mr. Reynolds; “and I + must request you to be careful how you make charges against me.” + </p> + <p> + “Against you?” asked the housekeeper, alarmed at his tone. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered the broker, sternly. “You have insinuated that I intend to + shield a supposed thief. I have only to say that at present the theft is + to be proved.” + </p> + <p> + “I submit, sir,” said Ford, “that the evidence is pretty strong. The boy + is proved to have had the bonds in his possession, he admits that he sold + a part of them and has the money in his possession, and a key is found in + his possession which will open the drawer in which the bonds were kept.” + </p> + <p> + “Who put the key in my pocket?” demanded Grant, quickly. + </p> + <p> + For a moment Willis Ford looked confused, and his momentary confusion was + not lost upon Grant or the banker. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt you put it there yourself,” he answered, sharply, after a + monent's pause. + </p> + <p> + “That matter will be investigated,” said the broker. + </p> + <p> + “I think the money ought to be paid to me,” said the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “Can you prove your ownership of the bonds?” asked the broker. + </p> + <p> + “I can,” answered Willis Ford, flippantly. “I have seen them.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like some additional evidence,” said Mr. Reynolds. “You are + related to Mrs. Esta-brook, and may be supposed to have some interest in + the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “What proof can I have?” asked the housekeeper, disturbed by this + unexpected obstacle. + </p> + <p> + “Have you the memorandum of the broker who bought you the bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you had better look.” + </p> + <p> + The housekeeper searched the drawer, and produced, triumphantly, a + memorandum to the effect that she had purchased the bonds of a well-known + house in Wall Street. + </p> + <p> + “So far, so good!” said the broker. “It appears that besides the bonds + sold you had four one-hundred-dollar bonds?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “You had not parted with them?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “They will some time be put on the market, and then we shall have a clew + to the mystery.” + </p> + <p> + “That boy has probably got them,” said the housekeeper, nodding her head + emphatically. + </p> + <p> + “You are at liberty to search my chamber, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Grant, + quietly. + </p> + <p> + “He may have passed them over to that man Morrison,” suggested the + housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + “I hardly think that likely,” said Willis Ford, who saw danger to himself + in any persecution of Jim Morrison. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds noticed his defense of Morrison, and glanced at him + thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Estabrook,” he said, “I am satisfied that you possessed the bonds + which you claim, and I will relieve your mind by saying that I will + guarantee you against loss by their disappearance. You need have no + further anxiety on the subject. I will undertake to investigate the + matter, which at present appears to be involved in mystery. Whether or not + I succeed in solving it will not matter to you, since you are saved from + loss.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said the housekeeper, feeling considerably relieved; “it + wasn't much, but it was my all. I depended upon it to use when old age + prevented me from earning my living.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad you are so wise in providing for the future.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't let that boy escape?” the housekeeper could not help adding. + </p> + <p> + “If you refer to Grant Thornton, I think I may say for him that he has no + intention of leaving us.” + </p> + <p> + “Is he to stay in the house?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course; and I expect him to aid me in coming to the truth. Let me + request, Mrs. Estabrook, that you discontinue referring to him in + offensive terms, or I may withdraw my offer guaranteeing you from loss. + Grant, if you will accompany me, I have some questions to put to you.” + </p> + <p> + Grant and his employer left the room together. + </p> + <p> + “He won't let the boy be punished, though he must know he's guilty,” said + Mrs. Estabrook, spitefully. + </p> + <p> + “He makes a fool of himself about that boy,” said Willis Ford, + disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + “He's an artful young vagabond,” said the housekeeper. “I know he took the + bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he did,” Ford assented, though he had the best of reasons for + knowing that Grant was innocent. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” he continued, “you are all right, mother, since Mr. + Reynolds agrees to make up the value of the bonds to you. When you get + your money, just consult me about investing it. Don't put it into bonds, + for they may be stolen.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps I'd better put it into the savings bank,” said his stepmother. + </p> + <p> + “You'll get very small interest there; I can invest it so you can make + quite as much. However, there will be time enough to speak of that when + you've got the money. Now, mother, I shall have to bid you good-evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't you stay longer, Willis? I feel so upset that I don't like to be + left alone. I don't know what that boy may do.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you are safe,” said Willis Ford, secretly amused. But, as he left + the house, he felt seriously disquieted. There was danger that Jim + Morrison, when he found the money which he was to receive withheld, would + be incensed and denounce Ford, who had received back his evidence of + indebtedness. Should he divulge that the bonds had been given him by Ford, + Grant would be cleared, and he would be convicted of theft. + </p> + <p> + As Ford was leaving the house a telegraph boy was just ascending the + steps. It was John Cavanagh, already referred to. + </p> + <p> + As his eyes rested on Ford, he said to himself: “Where have I seen that + feller? I know his face.” + </p> + <p> + Then it flashed upon the boy that he had seen Ford at the Grand Central + Hotel, in the act of giving bonds to Jim Morrison. + </p> + <p> + “It's queer I should meet him here,” said the telegraph boy to himself. “I + wonder what game he's up to.” + </p> + <p> + Johnny was introduced into the presence of Mr. Reynolds, for whom he had a + message. On his way out he met Grant in the hall. The two boys were + acquainted, Grant having at one time advanced Johnny two dollars toward + paying his mother's rent. + </p> + <p> + “Do you live here?” asked the telegraph boy. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I met a feller goin' out that I've seen before. Who was it?” + </p> + <p> + “Willis Ford, a clerk of Mr. Reynolds.” + </p> + <p> + “I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel yesterday givin' some bonds to a + suspicious-lookin' chap.” + </p> + <p> + “You did,” exclaimed Grant. “Come right up and tell that to Mr. Reynolds,” + and he seized the astonished telegraph boy by the arm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX — IMPORTANT EVIDENCE + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds looked rather surprised when Grant appeared, drawing the + telegraph boy after him. + </p> + <p> + “This boy has got something to tell you about Mr. Ford,” said Grant, + breathless with excitement. + </p> + <p> + “About Mr. Ford?” repeated the broker. “What do you know about Willis + Ford?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know his name,” replied Johnny. “It's the chap that just went out + of the house.” + </p> + <p> + “It was Mr. Ford,” explained Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what you know about him,” said the broker, encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + “I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel, givin' some bond to a + flashy-lookin' man. There was a boy wid him, a big boy.” + </p> + <p> + “With whom—Mr. Ford?” + </p> + <p> + “No, wid the other chap.” + </p> + <p> + “I know who he means, sir,” said Grant. “It was Tom Calder.” + </p> + <p> + “And the man?” + </p> + <p> + “Was Jim Morrison, the same man that gave me the bonds to sell.” + </p> + <p> + “That seems important,” said Mr. Reynolds. “I did not believe Ford capable + of such rascality.” + </p> + <p> + “He had as good a chance to take the bonds as I, sir. He was here last + evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Was he?” asked the broker, quickly. “I did not know that.” + </p> + <p> + “He was here for an hour at least. I saw him come in and go out.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds asked several more questions of the telegraph boy, and + enjoined him to silence. + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” he said, “come here to-morrow evening at half-past seven. I may + want you.” + </p> + <p> + “I will, sir, if I can get away. I shall be on duty.” + </p> + <p> + “Say to the telegraph company that I have an errand for you. Your time + will be paid for.” + </p> + <p> + “That will make it all right, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And, meanwhile, here is a dollar for your own use.” + </p> + <p> + Johnny's eyes sparkled, for with his limited earnings this sum would come + in very handy. He turned away, nearly forgetting the original errand that + brought him to the house, but luckily it occurred in time. The nature of + it has nothing to do with this story. + </p> + <p> + When Johnny had gone, Mr. Reynolds said: “Grant, I need not caution you + not to breathe a word of this. I begin to think that there is a conspiracy + against you; but whether Willis Ford is alone in it, or has a confederate + I cannot decide. My housekeeper does not appear to like you.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I am sorry to say she does not; but I don't think she is in this + plot. I think she honestly believes that I stole her bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “I have too great confidence in you to believe it. I own I was a little + shaken when the key was found. You have no idea how it came in your + pocket, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I can't guess. I might suspect Mr. Ford of putting it there, but + I can't see how he managed it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we will let matters take their course. You will go to work as + usual, and not speak a word of what has happened this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, we must follow Willis Ford. When he left the house, he was by + no means in a comfortable frame of mind. He felt that it was absolutely + necessary to see Jim Morrison, and have an understanding with him. What + arrangements he could make with him, or how he could reconcile him to the + loss of the money which he had expected to receive from the sale of the + bonds, he could not yet imagine. Perhaps he would be willing to receive + the other four bonds in part payment. In that case Willis himself would + not profit as much as he had hoped from the theft; but there seemed no + alternative. He had got himself into a scrape, and he must get out of it + the best way possible. + </p> + <p> + Though he did not know where to find Morrison, he thought it likely that + he might be seen at the White Elephant, a large and showy billiard room on + Broadway, near Thirtieth Street. There were several gambling houses near + by, and there or in that neighborhood he thought that Morrison might be + met. + </p> + <p> + He was right. On entering the billiard room he found the man he sought + playing a game of billiards with Tom Calder, at the first table. + </p> + <p> + “I want to see you, Morrison,” he said, in a low voice. “Is the game 'most + finished?” + </p> + <p> + “I have only six points more to make. I shall probably run out this time.” + </p> + <p> + He was right in his estimate. Two minutes later the two went out of the + saloon together, accompanied by Tom. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what is it?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Let us turn into a side street.” + </p> + <p> + They turned into Thirtieth Street, which was much less brilliantly lighted + than Broadway, and sauntered leisurely along. + </p> + <p> + “Did you buy the bonds of that boy?” asked Morrison, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it's all right. Have you brought me the money?” + </p> + <p> + “How should I?” returned Ford, impatiently. “I couldn't pay him, and keep + the money myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well, it doesn't matter. He is to meet me to-morrow morning and hand + over the money.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid you will be disappointed.” “Disappointed,” repeated Morrison, + quickly. “What do you mean? The boy hasn't made off with the money, has + he? If he has—-” and the sentence ended with an oath. + </p> + <p> + “No, it isn't as you suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why won't he pay me the money, I'd like to know?” + </p> + <p> + “There is some trouble about the bonds. It is charged that they are + stolen.” + </p> + <p> + “How is that? You gave them to me,” said Morrison, suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + Now came the awkward moment. However, Ford had decided on the story he + would tell. + </p> + <p> + “They were given me by a person who owed me money,” he said, plausibly. + “How was I to know they were stolen?” + </p> + <p> + “They were stolen, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose so. In fact, I know so.” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know?” + </p> + <p> + “Well—in fact, they were stolen from my stepmother.” + </p> + <p> + Morrison whistled. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Of course you mustn't say that I gave them to you. You would get me into + trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “So you want to save yourself at my expense? I am to be suspected of + stealing the bonds, am I? That's a decidedly cool proposal, but it won't + do. I shall clear myself, by telling just where I got the bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what I want you to do.” + </p> + <p> + “You do!” ejaculated the gambler, in surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. You are to say that the boy gave them to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I say that?” + </p> + <p> + “Because he is already suspected of stealing the bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “But I gave them to him to sell.” + </p> + <p> + “You mustn't admit it. There is no proof of it except his word.” + </p> + <p> + “What's your game? Whatever it is, it is too deep for me.” + </p> + <p> + “I've got it all arranged. You are to say that the boy owed you a gambling + debt, and agreed to meet you to-morrow morning to pay it. Of the bonds, + you are to know nothing, unless you say that he told you he had some which + he was going to sell, in order to get money to pay you.” + </p> + <p> + “What advantage am I to get out of all this?” + </p> + <p> + “What advantage? Why, you will save yourself from suspicion.” + </p> + <p> + “That isn't enough. I didn't take the bonds, and you know it. I believe + you did it yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said Willis Ford, looking around him nervously. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Ford, I gave up your I O U, and now I find I've got to whistle + for my money.” + </p> + <p> + “Go with me to my room, and you shall have four hundred dollars to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “In cash?” + </p> + <p> + “No; in bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “Some more of the same kind? No, thank you, I want ready money.” + </p> + <p> + “Then give me a little more time, and I will dispose of them—when + this excitement blows over.” + </p> + <p> + Finally Morrison gave a sulky assent, and the conspirators parted. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX — AT THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL + </h2> + <p> + “If I thought he was playing me false,” said Jim Morrison, after Ford and + himself had parted company, “I'd make him smart for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess it's all right,” said Tom, who was less experienced and less + suspicious than his companion. + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, but I have my suspicions. I don't trust Willis Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall you go round to the Fifth Avenue Hotel to meet Grant to-morrow + morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course I shall. I want to see what the boy says. It may be a put-up + job between him and Ford.” + </p> + <p> + The very same question was put by Grant to Mr. Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + “Shall I go round to the hotel to-morrow morning to see Morrison and Tom + Calder?” + </p> + <p> + The broker paused a moment and looked thoughtful. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he answered, after a pause. “You may.” + </p> + <p> + “And what shall I say when he demands the money?” + </p> + <p> + Upon this Mr. Reynolds gave Grant full instructions as to what he desired + him to say. + </p> + <p> + About quarter after eight o'clock the next morning a quiet-looking man, + who looked like a respectable bookkeeper entered the Fifth Avenue Hotel + and walked through the corridor, glancing, as it seemed, indifferently, to + the right and left. Finally he reached the door of the reading room and + entered. His face brightened as at the further end he saw two persons + occupying adjoining seats. They were, in fact, Morrison and Tom Calder. + </p> + <p> + The newcomer selected a Boston daily paper, and, as it seemed, by chance, + settled himself in a seat not six feet away from our two acquaintances, so + that he could, without much effort, listen to their conversation. + </p> + <p> + “It's almost time for Grant to come,” said Tom, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” grumbled Morrison, “but as he won't have any money for me, I don't + feel as anxious as I should otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “What'll you say to him?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know yet. I want to find out whether Ford has told the truth + about the bonds. I believe he stole 'em himself.” + </p> + <p> + Five minutes later Grant entered the reading-room. A quick glance showed + him, not only the two he had come to meet, but the quiet, little man who + was apparently absorbed in a copy of the Boston Journal. He went up at + once to meet them. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I am in time,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Jim Morrison. “Have you brought the money?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” demanded Morrison, with a frown. + </p> + <p> + “There was something wrong about the bonds you gave me to sell.” + </p> + <p> + “Weren't they all right? They weren't counterfeit, were they?” + </p> + <p> + “They were genuine, but—-” + </p> + <p> + “But what?” + </p> + <p> + “A lady claims that they belong to her—that they were stolen from + her. Of course you can explain how they came into your hands?” + </p> + <p> + “They were given me by a party that owed me money. If he's played a trick + on me, it will be the worse for him. Did you sell them?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then give me the money.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Reynolds won't let me.” + </p> + <p> + “Does he think I took the bonds?” asked Morrison, hastily. + </p> + <p> + “No, he doesn't,” answered Grant, proudly, “but he would like to have an + interview with you, and make some inquiries, so that he may form some idea + as to the person who did take them. They belonged to his housekeeper, Mrs. + Estabrook, who is the stepmother of Mr. Ford, a young man employed in our + office.” + </p> + <p> + Tom Calder and Jim Morrison exchanged glances. Grant's story agreed with + Ford's, and tended to confirm their confidence in his good faith. + </p> + <p> + “When does he want to see me?” asked Morrison. + </p> + <p> + “Can you call at his house this evening at eight o'clock?” + </p> + <p> + “Where does he live?” + </p> + <p> + Grant mentioned the street and number. + </p> + <p> + “I will be there,” he said, briefly. + </p> + <p> + “Can I come, too?” asked Tom Calder, addressing the question to Grant. + </p> + <p> + “There will be no objection, I think.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him we'll be on hand.” + </p> + <p> + The three left the hotel together, Grant taking a Broadway stage at the + door. The quiet man seemed no longer interested in the Boston Journal, for + he hung it up in its place, and sauntered out of the hotel. He had not + attracted the attention of Jim Morrison or Tom. + </p> + <p> + When Grant entered the office, and with his usual manner asked Ford if he + should go to the post-office, the young man eyed him curiously. + </p> + <p> + “Are you to remain in the office?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I suppose so.” + </p> + <p> + “After what you have done?” + </p> + <p> + “What have I done, Mr. Ford?” asked Grant, eyeing the young man, steadily. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think you need to have me tell you,” he said, with a sneer. “I + don't think Mr. Reynolds is very prudent to employ a boy convicted of + dishonesty.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you believe me guilty, Mr. Ford?” asked our hero, calmly. + </p> + <p> + “The evidence against you is overwhelming. My mother ought to have you + arrested.” + </p> + <p> + “The person who stole the bonds may be arrested.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” asked Willis Ford, flushing, and looking disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + “I mean that I have no concern in the matter. Shall I go to the + post-office?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” snapped Ford, “and take care you don't steal any of the letters.” + </p> + <p> + Grant did not reply. He knew that his vindication was certain, and he was + willing to wait. + </p> + <p> + If Willis Ford had been prudent he would have dropped the matter there, + but his hatred of Grant was too great to be easily concealed. When a few + minutes later the broker entered the office and inquired, “Where is + Grant?” Ford, after answering, “he has gone to the post-office,” could not + help saying, “Are you going to keep that boy, Mr. Reynolds?” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I not?” the broker replied. + </p> + <p> + “I thought a boy in his position ought to be honest.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you, Mr. Ford,” said the broker, quietly. + </p> + <p> + “After taking my mother's bonds, that can hardly be said of Grant + Thornton.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to be sure he did take them, Mr. Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “The discovery of the key settled that to my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Grant says he has no knowledge of the key.” + </p> + <p> + Ford laughed scornfully. + </p> + <p> + “Of course he would say so,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “I propose to investigate the matter further,” said the broker. “Can you + make it convenient to call at my house this evening? Possibly something + may be discovered by that time.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; I will come, with pleasure. I have no feeling in regard to the + boy, except that I don't think it safe to employ him in a business like + yours.” + </p> + <p> + “I agree with you, Mr. Ford. One who is capable of stealing bonds from a + private house is unfit to be employed in an office like mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet you retain the boy, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “For the present. It is not fair to assume that he is guilty till we have + demonstrated it beyond a doubt.” + </p> + <p> + “I think there will be no difficulty about that, Mr. Reynolds,” said + Willis Ford, well pleased at these words. + </p> + <p> + “I sincerely hope that his innocence may be proved.” + </p> + <p> + Soon afterward Mr. Reynolds went to the Stock Exchange, and Willis Ford + returned to his routine duties. + </p> + <p> + “With the testimony of Jim Morrison I shall be able to fix you, my young + friend,” he said to himself, as Grant returned from the post-office. + </p> + <p> + No further allusion was made to the matter during the day. Grant and + Willis Ford were both looking forward to the evening, but for different + reasons. Grant expected to be vindicated, while Ford hoped he could + convince the broker of the boy's guilt. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI — THE THIEF IS DISCOVERED + </h2> + <p> + Willis Ford ascended the steps of the broker's residence with a jaunty + step. The servant admitted him, but he met Grant in the hall. + </p> + <p> + “Won't you come upstairs, Mr. Ford?” he said. + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford nodded superciliously. + </p> + <p> + “Your stay in the house will be short, young man,” he thought. “You had + better make the most of it.” + </p> + <p> + He was ushered not into the housekeeper's room, but into a sitting-room on + the second floor. He found Mr. Reynolds and his stepmother there already. + Both greeted him, the broker gravely, but his stepmother cordially. Grant + did not come in. + </p> + <p> + “I have come as you requested, Mr. Reynolds,” he said. “I suppose it's + about the bonds. May I ask if you have discovered anything new?” + </p> + <p> + “I think I have,” answered the broker, slowly. + </p> + <p> + The housekeeper looked surprised. If anything new had been discovered, she + at least had not heard it. + </p> + <p> + “May I ask what it is?” Ford inquired, carelessly. + </p> + <p> + “You shall know in good time. Let me, however, return the question. Have + you heard anything calculated to throw light on the mystery?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, I can't say I have. To my mind there is no mystery at all about + the affair.” + </p> + <p> + “I presume I understand what you mean. Still I will ask you to explain + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Everything seems to throw suspicion upon that boy, Grant Thornton. Nobody + saw him take the bonds, to be sure, but he has had every opportunity of + doing so, living in the same house, as he does. Again, a key has been + found in his pocket, which will open the bureau drawer in which the bonds + were kept; and, thirdly, I can testify, and the boy admits, that he + presented them at our office for sale, and received the money for them. I + think, sir, that any jury would consider this accumulation of proof + conclusive.” + </p> + <p> + “It does seem rather strong,” said the broker, gravely. “I compliment you + on the way you have summed up, Mr. Ford.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford looked much gratified. He was susceptible to flattery, and he + was additionally pleased, because, as he thought, Mr. Reynolds was + impressed by the weight of evidence. + </p> + <p> + “I have sometimes thought,” he said, complacently, “that I ought to have + become a lawyer. I always had a liking for the profession.” + </p> + <p> + “Still,” said the broker, deliberately, “we ought to consider Grant's + explanation of the matter. He says that the bonds were intrusted to him + for sale by a third party.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he would say something like that,” returned Willis, shrugging + his shoulders. “He can hardly expect anyone to be taken in by such a + statement as that.” + </p> + <p> + “You think, then, that he had no dealings with this Morrison?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't say that, sir,” said Ford, remembering the story which he and + Morrison had agreed upon. It may be stated here that he had been anxious + to meet Morrison before meeting the coming appointment, in order to + ascertain what had passed between him and Grant. With this object in view, + he had gone to the usual haunts of the gambler, but had been unable to + catch sight of him. However, as he had seen him the evening previous, and + agreed upon the story to be told, he contented himself with that. + </p> + <p> + “You think, then, that Morrison may have given Grant the bonds?” said Mr. + Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; that is not my idea.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any other notion?” + </p> + <p> + “I think the boy may have been owing him money, and took this method of + raising it.” + </p> + <p> + “But how should he owe him money?” asked the broker, curiously. + </p> + <p> + “I don't wish to say anything against Morrison, but I have been told that + he is a gambler. Grant may have lost money to him at play.” + </p> + <p> + “Or you,” thought the broker; but he said: + </p> + <p> + “Your suggestion is worth considering, but I don't think Grant has had any + opportunity to lose money in that way, as he spends his evenings usually + at home.” + </p> + <p> + “It wouldn't take long to lose a great deal of money, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “That explains it,” said the housekeeper, speaking for the first time. “I + have no doubt Willis is right, and the boy gambles.” + </p> + <p> + “I presume, Mr. Ford,” said the broker, with a peculiar look, “that you do + not approve of gambling?” + </p> + <p> + “Most certainly not, sir,” said Ford, his face expressing the horror which + a so-well-conducted young man must naturally feel for so pernicious a + habit. + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear it. Will you excuse me a moment?” + </p> + <p> + After the broker had left the room, Mrs. Estabrook turned to Willis and + said: “You are pretty sharp, Willis. You have found out this wretched boy, + and now I think we shall get rid of him.” + </p> + <p> + “I flatter myself, mother,” said Willis, complacently, “that I have given + the old man some new ideas as to the character of his favorite. I don't + think we shall see him in the office again.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, his ears caught the sound of ascending footsteps on the + stairs without. He was rather puzzled. He conjectured that Grant had been + summoned to confront his accuser, but there seemed, from the sound, to be + more than two approaching. When the door opened, and the broker gravely + ushered in Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, both looking ill at ease, followed + by Grant Thornton, he looked amazed and perplexed. + </p> + <p> + “I believe you know these gentlemen,” said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. “I have + thought it best to make our present investigation thorough and complete.” + </p> + <p> + “I have met the gentlemen before,” said Ford, uncomfortably. + </p> + <p> + “You also have met them, Grant, have you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you had any business transaction with either?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. Mr. Morrison met me on Wall Street and handed me two bonds, + with a request that I would sell them for him, and hand him the money the + next morning, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.” + </p> + <p> + “Were these the same bonds that you sold to Mr. Ford?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I think the boy is lying, sir,” burst out Ford. + </p> + <p> + “What have you to say to the boy's story, Mr. Morrison?” asked the broker. + </p> + <p> + “He's made a little mistake,” answered Jim Morrison, who by this time was + feeling more at his ease. “I didn't give him no bonds.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford looked triumphant, and Grant amazed. + </p> + <p> + “How, then, could there be any business between you?” + </p> + <p> + “I may as well own up that I am a gambler,” replied Morrison, with + virtuous frankness. “The boy lost the money to me at play, and said he'd + meet and pay me at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. I didn't know where he was + goin' to get the money, but I expect he must have stolen the bonds, and + got it that way.” + </p> + <p> + Considering the damaging nature of the revelation, Grant showed + considerable self-command. He did not turn pale, nor did he look guilty + and conscience-stricken. + </p> + <p> + “What have you to say to this charge, Grant?” asked the broker. + </p> + <p> + “It is not true, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “What a hardened young villain!” said the housekeeper, in a low, but + audible voice. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Reynolds will hardly believe you,” said Ford, turning upon our hero + and speaking in a tone of virtuous indignation. “You see, sir,” he + continued, addressing the broker, “that I was right in my conjecture.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not quite satisfied yet,” said Mr. Reynolds. “Grant, call the boy.” + </p> + <p> + Great was the perplexity of Willis Ford and his friends when Grant left + the room, and almost immediately reappeared with a small boy in blue + uniform. Not one of them recognized him. + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever seen any of these gentlemen before, my boy?” asked the + broker. + </p> + <p> + “I've seed 'em all, sir,” answered the boy. + </p> + <p> + “State where you saw them last.” + </p> + <p> + “I seed him, and him, and him,” said Johnny, pointing out Willis Ford, Jim + Morrison and Tom Calder, “at the Grand Central Hotel yesterday mornin'.” + </p> + <p> + Ford started and became very pale. + </p> + <p> + “What passed between them?” + </p> + <p> + “He,” indicating Ford, “gave some bonds to him,” indicating Morrison, “and + got back a bit of paper. I don't know what was on it.” + </p> + <p> + “It is false!” ejaculated Willis Ford, hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII — WILLIS FORD AT BAY + </h2> + <p> + The telegraph boy's evidence overwhelmed Willis Ford and his confederates + with dismay. The feeling was greater in Ford, for it tended to fasten the + theft upon him, while Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, though convicted of + falsehood, were at all events sustained by the consciousness that nothing + worse could be alleged against them. + </p> + <p> + “It is false!” asserted Willis Ford, with a flushed face. + </p> + <p> + “It is true!” declared the telegraph boy, sturdily. + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe a word of it,” said the housekeeper, angrily. + </p> + <p> + “This is a startling revelation, Mr. Ford,” said the broker, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “It is a base conspiracy, sir,” returned Ford, hoarsely. “I submit, sir, + that the word of a boy like that ought not to weigh against mine. Besides, + these gentlemen,” indicating Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, “will + corroborate my statement.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course we do,” blustered Morrison. “That boy is a liar!” + </p> + <p> + “I have spoken the truth, sir, and they know it,” asserted Johnny, + resolutely. + </p> + <p> + “How much did Grant Thornton pay you for telling this lie?” demanded + Willis Ford, furiously. + </p> + <p> + “I will answer that question, Mr. Ford,” said Grant, thinking it time to + speak for himself. “I paid him nothing, and did not know till last evening + that he had witnessed the interview between you and Mr. Morrison.” + </p> + <p> + “Your word is of no value,” said Ford, scornfully. + </p> + <p> + “That is a matter for Mr. Reynolds to consider,” answered Grant, with + composure. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ford,” said the broker, gravely, “I attach more importance to the + testimony of this telegraph boy than you appear to; but then it is to be + considered that you are an interested party.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to be discredited on account of what a wretched telegraph boy + chooses to say?” asked Ford, bitterly. “Even supposing him worthy of + credence, my two friends sustain me, and it is three against one.” + </p> + <p> + “They are your friends, then?” asked Mr. Reynolds, significantly. + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford flushed. It was not to his credit to admit that an + acknowledged gambler was his friend, yet he knew that to deny it would + make Morrison angry, and perhaps lead him to make some awkward + revelations. + </p> + <p> + “I have not known them long, sir,” he answered, embarrassed, “but I + believe they feel friendly to me. One of them,” he added, maliciously, “is + an old friend of Grant Thornton.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Grant, by no means disconcerted. “Tom Calder is from the + same town as myself, and I wish him well.” + </p> + <p> + Tom looked pleased at this friendly declaration on the part of Grant, + whom, indeed, he personally liked better than Willis Ford, who evidently + looked down upon him, and had more than once snubbed him. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” said Ford, adroitly, “that Grant Thornton's old friend + testifies against him. I don't think I need say any more except to deny, + in toto, the statement of that low telegraph boy.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm no lower than you are,” retorted Johnny, angrily. + </p> + <p> + “None of your impertinence, boy!” said Ford, loftily. + </p> + <p> + “I must say,” interposed the housekeeper, “that this seems a very + discreditable conspiracy against my stepson. I am sure, Mr. Reynolds, you + won't allow his reputation to be injured by such a base attack.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ford,” said the broker, “I have listened attentively to what you have + said. I ought to say that a telegraph boy has as much right to be believed + as yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Even when there are three against him?” + </p> + <p> + “The three are interested parties.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt he is also. I presume he has an understanding with Grant + Thornton, who is a suspected thief.” + </p> + <p> + “I deny that, Mr. Ford,” exclaimed Grant, indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “You are certainly suspected of stealing my stepmother's bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “And I have no doubt you took them,” declared the housekeeper, venomously. + </p> + <p> + At this time the doorbell was heard to ring. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me for a moment,” said the broker. “I will be back directly.” + </p> + <p> + When he had left the room, the parties left behind looked at each other + uncomfortably. Willis Ford, however, was too angry to keep silence. + </p> + <p> + He turned to Grant, and made an attack upon him. + </p> + <p> + “You won't accomplish anything, you young rascal, by your plotting and + contriving! I give you credit for a good deal of cunning in bringing this + boy to give the testimony he has; but it won't do you any good. Mr. + Reynolds isn't a fool, and he will see through your design.” + </p> + <p> + “That he will, Willis,” said the housekeeper. “After all the kindness that + boy has received in this house, he might be better employed than in + stealing my bonds, and then trying to throw it upon a man like you.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't care to argue with you, Mr. Ford,” said Grant, quietly. “You know + as well as I do that I didn't steal the bonds, and you know,” he added, + significantly, “who did.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a great mind to break your head, you impudent boy!” + </p> + <p> + “That would be a very poor argument. The truth has already come out, and I + am vindicated.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know whether you expect Mr. Reynolds to shield you or not, but, + if my mother takes my advice, she will have you arrested, whatever + happens.” + </p> + <p> + “I intend to,” said the housekeeper, nodding spitefully. “If you had + returned the bonds, I did not mean to let the matter drop, but since you + have tried to throw suspicion on my son, who has always been devoted to + me, I mean to punish you as severely as the law allows.” + </p> + <p> + “I think you will change your mind, Mrs. Estabrook, and let the thief go + unpunished,” said Grant, in no ways disturbed. + </p> + <p> + “Not unless you make a full confession; and even then I think you ought to + suffer for your base wickedness.” + </p> + <p> + “You are making a mistake, Mrs. Estabrook. I referred to the thief.” + </p> + <p> + “That is yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Grant shrugged his shoulders. He was spared the necessity of answering the + attack, for just then the door opened, and Mr. Reynolds re-entered. He did + not enter alone, however. + </p> + <p> + A small man of quiet manner, attired in a sober suit of brown, closely + followed him. + </p> + <p> + All present looked at him in surprise. Who was this man, and what had he + to do with the matter that concerned them all? + </p> + <p> + They were not destined to remain long in doubt, + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Graham, gentlemen!” said the broker, with a wave of the hand. + </p> + <p> + The detective bowed courteously. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Graham, permit me to ask,” continued the broker, “if you have seen + any of these gentlemen before?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Graham, and he indicated Grant Thornton, Jim Morrison and + Tom Calder. + </p> + <p> + “When did you see them, and where?” + </p> + <p> + “At the Fifth Avenue Hotel this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “What passed between them?” + </p> + <p> + “They were talking about some bonds, which that gentleman,” indicating + Morrison, “acknowledged giving to the boy to sell. He asked for the + proceeds, but the boy told him there was something wrong about the bonds, + and his employer wouldn't allow him to pass over the money. Upon this, + Morrison, as I understand him to be called, said they were given him by a + party that owed him money, and threatened that, if he had played a trick + upon him, it would be the worse for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is that man, Mr. Reynolds?” asked Ford, in nervous excitement. + </p> + <p> + “One of the best known detectives in the city,” quietly answered the + broker. “What have you to say to his evidence?” + </p> + <p> + “That it doesn't concern me. I may be wrong about the boy taking the + bonds, but that doesn't involve me. There may have been another party.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget the testimony of the telegraph boy—that he saw you give + the bonds to your friend there.” + </p> + <p> + “The boy told a falsehood!” + </p> + <p> + “I am in a position to confirm the boy's testimony,” said the detective. + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford gasped for breath and seemed ready to sink into the floor. + What was coming next? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII — JUSTICE TRIUMPHS + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Graham turned to the broker and addressed further remarks to him. + </p> + <p> + “Your statement that four hundred dollars remained to be accounted for, + led me to conclude that they would be found in the possession of the party + who had abstracted the others. I therefore obtained a search warrant and + visited the room occupied by that gentleman, whose name I believe is + Willis Ford.” + </p> + <p> + This was an unexpected stroke. Ford did not speak, but kept his eyes fixed + upon the detective in evident panic. + </p> + <p> + “I have just come from Mr. Ford's room,” he resumed. “These are what I + found there.” + </p> + <p> + He drew from his pocket a long envelope, from which he took four + government bonds. + </p> + <p> + “Will you be kind enough, Mrs. Estabrook,” said the broker, gravely, “to + examine these bonds and determine whether they are yours?” + </p> + <p> + The housekeeper took them mechanically and examined them. + </p> + <p> + “They are mine,” she said; “but I cannot believe Willis took them.” + </p> + <p> + “I did not,” said Ford, hoarsely, but his eyes were downcast. + </p> + <p> + “Will you account for their being in your room, then, Mr. Ford?” inquired + the broker, sternly. + </p> + <p> + “That boy must have put them there. I know nothing of them. I am as much + surprised as you are.” + </p> + <p> + “We have had enough of this, Mr. Ford,” said the broker, coldly. “Your + guilt is evident. In robbing your stepmother you have committed a serious + crime; but in attempting to throw the guilt upon an innocent boy, you have + been guilty of an offense still more detestable, and one which I cannot + forgive. You cannot remain in my employment another day. If you will call + at the office in the morning, I will pay your salary to the end of the + month. That will end all relations between us.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford looked like a convicted criminal. For the moment all his + hardihood and bravado deserted him. + </p> + <p> + “Can this be true, Willis?” wailed his stepmother. “Is it possible that + you took my bonds, and would have left me to an old age of poverty?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Ford, with a return of his usual assurance. “I am as + innocent as a babe unborn. I am the victim of a conspiracy. As Mr. + Reynolds is determined to shield his favorite by throwing the blame on it, + I must submit. The time will come when he will acknowledge my innocence. + Mother, I will satisfy you later, but I do not believe you will think me + guilty. Gentlemen, I bid you all good-evening.” + </p> + <p> + No one spoke as he withdrew from the room, and not even Morrison offered + to follow him. + </p> + <p> + When he was fairly out of the room, the broker turned to Morrison. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Morrison,” he said, “I have a question or two to put to you. I think + you will find it to your interest to answer correctly. Do you still + maintain that these bonds were given you by Grant Thornton?” + </p> + <p> + “I may as well make a clean breast of it,” said Morrison. “They were given + me by Willis Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “To satisfy a gambling debt, was it not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I take it for granted you did not know they were stolen?” + </p> + <p> + “If I had known it I wouldn't have touched them. I might have been + suspected of stealing them myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you.” + </p> + <p> + “You're a gentleman,” said Morrison, gratified that his word was accepted. + </p> + <p> + “Of course you have lost the amount which you consider due you. To be + entirely candid with you, I do not feel any sympathy with you. Money won + at play must be classed among ill-gotten gains. I hope you will realize + this, and give up a discreditable profession.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt your advice is good, sir. Do you want me and Tom any + longer?” + </p> + <p> + “You are at liberty to go. I am indebted to you for coming. You have + helped to clear up the mystery of the theft.” + </p> + <p> + “He's a little hard on us, Tom,” said Morrison, as they went down the + front steps, “but he's treated us like a gentleman. That Ford is a + rascal.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, too,” Tom assented. + </p> + <p> + “And I shall never see a cent of that six hundred dollars,” continued Jim + Morrison, ruefully. + </p> + <p> + “If you'll excuse me, I'll go to my own room,” said Mrs. Estabrook, + pertly. “I want to think quietly of all this.” + </p> + <p> + “Go, by all means,” said the broker, courteously. “To-morrow morning your + property shall be restored to you.” + </p> + <p> + Next the detective and the telegraph boy withdrew, the latter rich by a + five-dollar note, which Mr. Reynolds presented him. + </p> + <p> + Johnny's eyes sparkled. + </p> + <p> + “That will make mother happy,” he said. “She'll think I am in luck.” + </p> + <p> + “Keep your eyes open, my boy, and be faithful to your employer, and this + won't be the last piece of luck that will come your way.” + </p> + <p> + When they were alone Mr. Reynolds turned to Grant and said kindly, “I + congratulate you, Grant, on your complete vindication. Those who have + wickedly conspired against you have come to grief, and you come out of the + trial unscathed. As I am to part with Willis Ford, though you are not + competent to take his place, your duties will be somewhat enlarged, and I + will take care that your compensation shall be increased.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid, Mr. Reynolds, I already receive more than I earn.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be, but I am only anticipating a little. How much do I pay you + now?” + </p> + <p> + “Six dollars a week, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I will allow you four dollars more, but this additional sum I will keep + in my own hands, and credit you with. It is time you were saving something + for future use. Will this be satisfactory to you?” + </p> + <p> + “You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds,” said Grant. “I don't know how to thank + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will tell you—be faithful in your duties in the office and + continue your kindness to Herbert.” + </p> + <p> + “Gladly, sir.” + </p> + <p> + Grant decided not to write to his mother about his increase in salary. He + preferred to wait till his savings amounted to a considerable sum, and + then surprise her by the announcement of his good fortune. In six months, + he estimated, he would have more than a hundred dollars, and this to the + country minister's son seemed a large sum. At any rate, when he was + twenty-one he might hope to be the possessor of a thousand dollars. This + opened to Grant a brilliant prospect. It was probably all his father was + worth, including all his possessions. + </p> + <p> + “In spite of my uncle's opposition,” thought Grant, “I think I acted + wisely in preferring business to college. Now I shall be able to make the + family more comfortable.” + </p> + <p> + When Willis Ford called at the office the next morning Grant was gone to + the post office. As he returned he met Ford coming out with a check in his + hand. + </p> + <p> + “So it's you, is it?” sneered Ford, stopping short. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Mr. Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you are exulting over your victory?” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken,” said Grant. “It was not my wish that anything + unpleasant should happen.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose not,” said Ford, in an unpleasant tone. + </p> + <p> + “For some reason you have shown a dislike to me from the first,” Grant + proceeded. “I don't know why. I have always treated you with respect and + tried to do my duty faithfully.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a little angel, to be sure.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any objection to telling me why you dislike me?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I'll tell you. It is because I see how you are trying to worm + yourself into the confidence of Mr. Reynolds. You have plotted against me, + and now, thanks to you, I have lost my place.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't consider myself the cause of that, Mr. Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “I do. But you needn't exult too much. I generally pay my debts, and I + shan't forget what I owe you. I will be even with you some day.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he walked off, and Grant returned to his work. + </p> + <p> + “I can't understand why Mr. Ford should hate me so,” he thought. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV — STARTLING NEWS + </h2> + <p> + Willis Ford's feelings were far from enviable when he took leave of the + office in which he had long enjoyed an excellent position. He was + conscious, though scarcely willing to admit it, that his misfortunes had + been brought upon him by his own unwise, not to say criminal, course. None + the less, however, was he angry with those whom he had connected with the + disaster that had come upon him. He had always disliked Grant Thornton. + Now he hated him, and thirsted for an opportunity to do him mischief. Next + he felt embittered against Mr. Reynolds, who had discharged him, though it + is hardly possible to see how the broker could have done otherwise. This + dislike was increased within a few days, and for this reason. + </p> + <p> + Ford addressed a letter to Mr. Reynolds, requesting a certificate of good + character, which would enable him to procure a new situation. + </p> + <p> + To this request the broker answered substantially as follows: + </p> + <p> + “I shall be glad to hear that you have changed your course, and have + decided to lead an honest lift; but, for the same reason that I am not + willing to retain you in my employment, I am unwilling to recommend you + without reserve to another business man. If you are willing to refer him + to me, on condition that I tell the truth, I will cheerfully testify that + you have discharged your office duties to my satisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + “The old fool!” muttered Ford, angrily crushing the letter in his hand. + “What use would such a recommendation be to me? Not content with + discharging me, he wants to keep me out of employment.” + </p> + <p> + In truth, Willis Ford hardly knew where to turn. He had saved no money, + and was earning nothing. In his dilemma he turned to his stepmother. + </p> + <p> + One forenoon, after he knew the broker and Grant would be out of the way, + he rang the bell, and inquired for the housekeeper. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook was agitated when she saw her step-son. She did not like to + believe that he had robbed her, but it was hard to believe otherwise. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Willis!” she said almost bursting into tears, “how could you take my + small savings? I would not have believed you capable of it!” + </p> + <p> + “You don't mean to say, mother,” returned Willis, with well-dissembled and + reproachful sorrow, “that you believe this monstrous slander?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want to believe it, Willis, heaven knows. But were not the bonds + found in your room?” + </p> + <p> + “I admit it,” said Ford; “but how did they get there?” + </p> + <p> + “Did you not put them there?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, mother. I thought you knew me better than that.” + </p> + <p> + “But who, then—” began his step-mother, looking bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “Who should it be but that boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Grant Thornton?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you any proof of this?” asked the housekeeper, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you what I have found out. I learn that a boy called, on the + day in question, at my room and asked to see me. Being told that I was + out, he asked leave to go up and wait for me. As the servant had no + suspicion, he was allowed to go up. I don't know how long he stayed; but + no doubt he had the bonds with him and concealed them where they were + found.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you ask for a description of the boy? Was it like Grant?” asked the + housekeeper, quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately, the girl did not take particular notice of him. I have no + doubt that it was either Grant or the telegraph boy, who seems to have + been in the plot.”' + </p> + <p> + Now, this story was an audacious fiction, and should not have imposed upon + a person of ordinary intelligence; but the housekeeper was anxious to + believe her step-son innocent and Grant guilty. She therefore accepted it + without question, and was loud in her denunciation of that “artful young + rascal.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to tell Mr. Reynolds of this, Willis,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “It would be of no use, mother. He is too strongly prejudiced against me. + What do you think? He has refused me a letter of recommendation. What does + he care if I starve?” concluded Willis, bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “But I care, Willis. I will not desert you,” said Mrs. Estabrook, in a + tone of sympathy. + </p> + <p> + This was just the mood in which Ford desired his step-mother to be. He was + desirous of effecting a loan, and after a time succeeded in having + transferred to him two of the one-hundred-dollar bonds. He tried hard to + obtain the five hundred, but Mrs. Estabrook was too prudent and too much + attached to her savings to consent to this. Ford had to be satisfied with + considerably less. + </p> + <p> + “Ought I to stay with Mr. Reynolds after he has treated you in this way, + Willis?” asked his step-mother, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “By all means, mother. You don't want to throw away a good position.” + </p> + <p> + “But it will be hard to see that boy high in Mr. Reynolds' confidence, + after all his wickedness.” + </p> + <p> + “You must dissemble, mother. Treat him fairly, and watch your opportunity + to harm him and serve me. Don't say much about me, for it would do no + good; but keep your hold on Reynolds.” + </p> + <p> + “If you think it best, Willis,” said his stepmother, not without a feeling + of relief, for she was reluctant to relinquish a good home and liberal + salary, “I will remain.” + </p> + <p> + “Do so by all means. We may as well make all we can out of the enemy, for + Mr. Reynolds has treated me very shabbily. And now I must bid you + good-by.” + </p> + <p> + “What are your plans, Willis?” + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell you, but I think I shall go West.” + </p> + <p> + “And I shall never see you!” + </p> + <p> + “You will hear from me, and I hope I shall have good news to write.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford left the house, and, going to the Grand Central Depot, bought + a ticket for Chicago. + </p> + <p> + Now came quite a pleasant period after the trouble and excitement. Grant + found his duties at the office increased, and it was pleasant to see that + his employer reposed confidence in him. His relations with others in the + office were pleasant, now that Willis Ford was away, and every day he + seemed to get new insight into the details of the business. Whether Jim + Morrison and Tom Calder were in the city, he did not know. At all events, + they were never seen in the neighborhood of Wall Street. Grant was not + sorry to have them pass out of his life, for he did not consider that he + was likely to draw any benefit from their presence and companionship. + </p> + <p> + He was still a member of Mr. Reynolds' house-hold. Herbert appeared to be + as much attached to him as if he were an older brother, and the broker + looked with pleasure upon the new happiness that beamed from the face of + his son. + </p> + <p> + As to Mrs. Estabrook, Grant had feared that she would continue to show + animosity toward him, but he had nothing to complain of. She certainly did + not show any cordiality in her necessary intercourse with him; but then, + on the other hand, she did not manifest any desire to injure him. This was + all Grant desired. He felt that under no circumstances could he have made + a friend of the housekeeper. He was content to have her leave him alone. + </p> + <p> + After the lapse of six months Grant expressed a desire to go home to pass + a day or two. His mother's birthday was close at hand, and he had bought + for her a present which he knew would be acceptable. Permission was + readily accorded, and Grant passed four happy days at home. His parents + were pleased that he was so highly regarded by his employer, and had come + to think that Grant's choice had been a wise one. + </p> + <p> + When Grant returned he went at once to the office. He found it a scene of + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened?” he asked, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert Reynolds has disappeared, and his father is almost beside himself + with grief!” was the startling reply. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV — ANXIOUS INQUIRIES + </h2> + <p> + After a while Grant learned the particulars about Herbert's disappearance. + He had gone out to play in the street about three o'clock in the + afternoon. Generally he waited for Grant to return-home, but during his + absence he had found other companions. When his father returned home, he + inquired of the housekeeper: “Where is Herbert?” + </p> + <p> + “He went out to play,” said Mrs. Estabrook, indifferently. + </p> + <p> + “In the street?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe so.” + </p> + <p> + “He ought to be in by this time.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably he went to walk with some of his companions. As he had no watch, + he might not know that it is so late.” + </p> + <p> + This seemed very plausible to Mr. Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he said; “Herbert seems lost without Grant. He will be glad to see + him back.” + </p> + <p> + To this Mrs. Estabrook did not reply. She had learned, to her cost, that + it would not be politic to speak against Grant, and she was not disposed + to praise him. She seldom mentioned him at all. + </p> + <p> + The dinner bell rang, and still Herbert had not returned. His father began + to feel anxious. + </p> + <p> + “It is strange that Herbert remains so long away,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I shouldn't wonder if he had gone to Central Park on some excursion,” + returned the housekeeper calmly. + </p> + <p> + “You think there is nothing wrong?” asked the broker, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “How could there be here, sir?” answered Mrs. Estabrook, with unruffled + demeanor. + </p> + <p> + This answer helped to calm Mr. Reynolds, who ordered dinner delayed half + an hour. + </p> + <p> + When, however, an hour—two hours—passed, and the little boy + still remained absent, the father's anxiety became insupportable. He + merely tasted a few spoonfuls of soup, and found it impossible to eat + more. The housekeeper, on the contrary, seemed quite unconcerned, and + showed her usual appetite. + </p> + <p> + “I am seriously anxious, Mrs. Estabrook,” said the broker. “I will take my + hat and go out to see if I can gain any information. Should Herbert return + while I am away, give him his supper, and, if he is tired, let him go to + bed, just finding out why he was out so late.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well, sir.” + </p> + <p> + When Mr. Reynolds had left the house a singular expression of gratified + malice swept over the housekeeper's face. “It is just retribution,” she + murmured. “He condemned and discharged my stepson for the sin of another. + Now it is his own heart that bleeds.” + </p> + <p> + Only a few steps from his own door the broker met a boy about two years + older than Herbert, with whom the latter sometimes played. + </p> + <p> + “Harvey,” he said, “have you seen Herbert this afternoon?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; I saw him about three o'clock.” + </p> + <p> + “Where?” asked the broker, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Just 'round the corner of the block,” answered Harvey Morrison. + </p> + <p> + “Was he alone?” + </p> + <p> + “No; there was a young man with him—about twenty, I should think.” + </p> + <p> + “A young man! Was it one you had ever saw before?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “What was his appearance?” + </p> + <p> + Harvey described Herbert's companion as well as he could, but the anxious + father did not recognize the description. + </p> + <p> + “Did you speak to Herbert? Did you ask where he was going?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir. He told me that you had sent for him to go on an excursion.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he say that?” asked the father, startled. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then there is some mischief afoot. I never sent for him,” said the + agitated father. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds requested Harvey to accompany him to the nearest police + station, and relate all that he knew to the officer in charge, that the + police might be put on the track. He asked himself in vain what object any + one could have in spiriting away the boy, but no probable explanation + occurred to him. + </p> + <p> + On his return to the house he communicated to the housekeeper what he had + learned. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of it?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “It may be only a practical joke,” answered the housekeeper calmly. + </p> + <p> + “Heaven grant it may be nothing more! But I fear it is something far more + serious.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say it's only a boy's lark, Mr. Reynolds.” + </p> + <p> + “But you forget—it was a young man who was seen in his company.” + </p> + <p> + “I really don't know what to think of it, then. I don't believe the boy + will come to any harm.” + </p> + <p> + Little sleep visited the broker's pillow that night, but the housekeeper + looked fresh and cheerful in the morning. + </p> + <p> + “Has the woman no feeling?” thought the anxious father, as he watched the + tranquil countenance of the woman who for five years had been in charge of + his house. + </p> + <p> + When she was left alone in the house Mrs. Estabrook took from her + workbasket a letter, bearing date a month previous, and read slowly the + following paragraph: “I have never forgotten the wrong done me by Mr. + Reynolds. He discharged me summarily from his employment and declined to + give me a recommendation which would secure me a place elsewhere. I swore + at the time that I would get even with him, and I have never changed my + resolution. I shall not tell you what I propose to do. It is better that + you should not know. But some day you will hear something that will + surprise you. When that time comes, if you suspect anything, say nothing. + Let matters take their course.” + </p> + <p> + The letter was signed by Willis Ford. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI — A WESTERN CABIN + </h2> + <p> + “Abner!” + </p> + <p> + The speaker was a tall, gaunt woman, in a loose, faded, calico dress, and + she stood at the door of a cabin in a Western clearing. + </p> + <p> + “What yer want?” came as a reply from a tall, unhealthy-looking boy in + overalls, who was sitting on a log in the yard. + </p> + <p> + “I want you to split some wood for the stove.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm tired,” drawled the boy. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tire you!” said the mother, sharply. “You tall, lazy, + good-for-nothing drone! Here I've been up since five o'clock, slavin' for + you and your drunken father. Where's he gone?” + </p> + <p> + “To the village, I reckon.” + </p> + <p> + “To the tavern, I reckon. It's there that he spends all the money he gets + hold of; he never gives me a cent. This is the only gown I've got, except + an old alpaca. Much he cares!” + </p> + <p> + “It isn't my fault, is it?” asked the boy, indifferently. + </p> + <p> + “You're a-follerin' in his steps. You'll be just another Joel Barton—just + as shif'less and lazy. Just split me some wood before I get hold of yer!” + </p> + <p> + Abner rose slowly, went to the shed for an ax, and in the most deliberate + manner possible began to obey his mother's commands. + </p> + <p> + The cabin occupied by Abner and his parents was far from being a palace. + It contained four rooms, but the furniture was of the most primitive + description. Joel Barton, the nominal head of the family, was the + possessor of eighty acres of land, from which he might have obtained a + comfortable living, for the soil was productive; but he was lazy, + shiftless and intemperate, as his wife had described him. Had he been as + active and energetic as she was, he might have been in very different + circumstances. It is no wonder that the poor woman was fretted and + irritated almost beyond endurance, seeing how all her industry was + neutralized by her husband's habits. Abner took after his father, though + he had not yet developed a taste for drink, and was perfectly contented + with their poor way of living, as long as he was not compelled to work + hard. What little was required of him he would shirk if he possibly could. + </p> + <p> + This cabin was situated about a mile from the little village which had + gathered round the depot. The name of the township was Scipio, though it + is doubtful if one in fifty of the inhabitants knew after whom it was + named. In fact, the name was given by a schoolmaster, who had acquired + some rudiments of classical learning at a country academy. + </p> + <p> + To the depot we must transport the reader, on the arrival of the morning + train from Chicago. But two passengers got out. One of them was a young + man under twenty. The other was a boy, apparently about ten years of age, + whom he held firmly by the hand. + </p> + <p> + He was a delicate-looking boy, and, though he was dressed in a coarse, + ill-fitting suit, he had an appearance of refinement and gentle nature, as + if he had been brought up in a luxurious home. He looked sad and anxious, + and the glances he fixed on his companion indicated that he held him in + fear. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going?” he asked timidly, looking about him apprehensively. + </p> + <p> + “You'll know soon enough,” was the rough reply. + </p> + <p> + “When are you going to take me home, Mr. Ford?” asked the boy, in a + pleading tone. + </p> + <p> + “Don't trouble yourself about that.” + </p> + <p> + “Papa will be so anxious about me—papa and Grant!” + </p> + <p> + The young man's brow contracted. + </p> + <p> + “Don't mention the name of that boy! I hate him.” + </p> + <p> + “He was always good to me. I liked so much to be with him.” + </p> + <p> + “He did all he could to injure me. I swore to be even with him, and I + will!” + </p> + <p> + “But I have never injured you, Mr. Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “How could you—a baby like you?” said Ford, contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “Then why did you take me from home, and make me so unhappy?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it was the only way in which I could strike a blow at your father + and Grant Thornton. When your father dismissed me, without a + recommendation, not caring whether I starved or not, he made me his + enemy.” + </p> + <p> + “But he wouldn't if you hadn't—” + </p> + <p> + “Hadn't what?” demanded Ford, sternly. + </p> + <p> + “Taken Mrs. Estabrook's bonds.” + </p> + <p> + “Dare to say that again, and I will beat you,” said Willis Ford, brutally. + </p> + <p> + Herbert trembled, for he had a timid nature, and an exquisite + susceptibility to pain. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mean to offend you,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better not. Wait here a minutes, while I look around for some one + of whom I can make inquiries. Here, sit down on that settee, and, mind + you, don't stir till I come back. Will you obey me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered the boy, submissively. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII — THE RIDE TO BARTON'S + </h2> + <p> + Willis Ford went to the station master, who stood at the door with a cheap + cigar in his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Is there a man named Joel Barton living hereabouts?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + The station master took his cigar from his mouth and surveyed his + questioner with some curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Does he owe you money?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Ford, impatiently. “Will you answer my question?” + </p> + <p> + “You needn't be in such a pesky hurry,” drawled the station master. “Yes, + he lives up the road a piece.” + </p> + <p> + “How far is a piece?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, maybe a mile.” + </p> + <p> + “Straighten?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there any way of riding?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, stranger, I've got a team myself. Is that boy with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll take you over for half a dollar.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you go at once?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it's a bargain.” + </p> + <p> + The station master, whose house was only three minutes' walk away, + appeared in a reasonable time with a farm wagon, drawn by an old horse + that had seen better days, it is to be hoped, for she was a + miserable-looking mare. + </p> + <p> + “Jump in, Herbert,” said Ford. + </p> + <p> + The boy obeyed, and sat on the front seat, between the driver and his + abductor. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose the horse is warranted not to run away?” said Ford, regarding + the animal with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “He ran away with me once,” was the unexpected answer. + </p> + <p> + “When was that?” + </p> + <p> + “'Bout fifteen years ago,” replied the driver, with grim humor. “I reckon + he's steadied down by this time.” + </p> + <p> + “It looks like it,” said Ford. + </p> + <p> + “Know Joel Barton?” asked the station master, after a pause. + </p> + <p> + “I saw him once when I was a boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Any relation?” + </p> + <p> + “He married a cousin of my stepmother. What sort of a man is he?” + </p> + <p> + “He's a no-account man—shif'less, lazy—drinks.” + </p> + <p> + “That agrees with what I have heard. How about his wife?” + </p> + <p> + “She's smart enough. If he was like her they'd live comfortably. She has a + hard time with him and Abner—Abner's her son, and just like his + father, only doesn't drink yet. Like as not he will when he gets older.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford was not the only listener to this colloquy. Herbert paid + attention to every word, and in the poor boy's mind there was the + uncomfortable query, “Why are we going to these people?” He would know + soon, probably, but he had a presentiment of trouble. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” continued the station master, “Mrs. Barton has a hard row to hoe; + but she's a match for Joel.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” + </p> + <p> + “She's got a temper of her own, and she can talk a man deaf, dumb, and + blind. She gives Barton a piece of her mind whenever he comes home full.” + </p> + <p> + “She ought to have that satisfaction. From what you tell me, I don't feel + very proud of my unknown relatives.” + </p> + <p> + “Goin' to stay there any length of time?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know my own plans yet,” answered Willis Ford, with a glance at + the boy. He foresaw a scene when he announced his purpose to leave Herbert + in this unpromising place, but he did not wish to anticipate it. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose Barton is a farmer?” he suggested. + </p> + <p> + “He pretends to be, but his farm doesn't pay much.” + </p> + <p> + “What supports them?” + </p> + <p> + “His wife takes in work from the tailors in the the village. Then they've + got a cow, and she makes butter. As for Joel, he brings in precious little + money. He might pick up a few dollars hirin' out by the day, if he wasn't + so lazy. I had a job for him myself one day, but he knocked off at noon—said + he was tuckered out, and wanted me to pay him for that half day. I knew + well enough where the money would go, so I told him I wouldn't pay him + unless he worked until sunset.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he do it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he did; but he grumbled a good deal. When he got his pay he went + over to Thompson's saloon, and he didn't leave it until all the money was + spent. When his wife heard of it she was mad, and I expect she gave Joel a + taste of the broom handle.” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't blame her much.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I. But here we are. Yonder's Barton's house. Will you get out?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + Abner, who was sitting on a stump, no sooner saw the team stop than he ran + into the house, in some excitement, to tell the news. + </p> + <p> + “Marm,” he said, “there's a team stopped, and there's a man and boy + gettin' out; 'spect they're coming here.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord's sake! Who be they?” + </p> + <p> + “Dunno.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go out and tell 'em I'll see' em in a minute.” + </p> + <p> + Abner met them in front of the house. + </p> + <p> + “Are you Joel Barton's son?” asked Ford. + </p> + <p> + “That's what the old man says,” returned Abner, with a grin. + </p> + <p> + “Is your mother at home?” + </p> + <p> + “Marm will be right out. She's slickin' up. Who be you?” + </p> + <p> + “You'll know in good time, my boy.” “Who's he? Is he your son?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Herbert promptly. + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford turned upon his young ward with a frown. He understood the + boy's tone. + </p> + <p> + “It will be time to speak when you are spoken to,” he said sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Here's marm'” said Abner, as his mother's tall figure appeared in the + doorway. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII — HERBERT IS PROVIDED WITH A NEW HOME + </h2> + <p> + Mrs. Barton regarded the newcomers with a wondering stare. + </p> + <p> + “Did you want to see Joel?” she asked. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be glad to see him in due time, Mrs. Barton,” returned Willis + Ford, with unwonted politeness; “but I came principally to see you.” + </p> + <p> + “Who be you?” inquired Mrs. Barton, unceremoniously; “I don't know you no + more'n the dead.” + </p> + <p> + “There is a slight connection between us, however. I am the stepson of + Pauline Estabrook, of New York, who is a cousin of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't say Pauline is your mother?” ejaculated the lady of the house. + “Well, I never expected to see kith or kin of hers out here. Is that your + son?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Mrs. Barton; but he is under my charge.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert was about to disclaim this, but an ominous frown from Willis Ford + intimidated him. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Willis Ford; his is Sam Green.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert's eyes opened wide with astonishment at this statement. + </p> + <p> + “My name is—” he commenced. + </p> + <p> + “Silence!” hissed Ford, with a menacing look. “You must not contradict + me.” + </p> + <p> + “I s'pose I ought to invite you to stay here,” said Mrs. Barton, + awkwardly; “but he's so shif'less, and such a poor provider, that I ain't + got anything in the house fit for dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” returned Ford, with an inward shudder. “I shall dine at the + hotel; but I have a little business matter to speak of, Mrs. Barton, and I + would wish to speak in private. I will come into the house, with your + permission, and we will leave the two boys together.” + </p> + <p> + “Come right in,” said Mrs. Barton, whose curiosity was aroused. “Here, you + Abner, just take care of the little boy.” + </p> + <p> + Abner proceeded to do this, first thinking it necessary to ask a few + questions. + </p> + <p> + “Where do you live when you're at home, Sam?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “In New York; but my name isn't Sam,” replied Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert.” + </p> + <p> + “What makes him call you Sam, then?” asked Abner, with a jerk of the + finger toward the house. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know, except he is afraid I will be found.” + </p> + <p> + Abner looked puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “Is he your guardeen?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No; he was my father's clerk.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho! Did your father have clerks?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; he is a rich man and does business in New York.” + </p> + <p> + “What made him send you out here?” + </p> + <p> + “He didn't.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why did you come?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ford was mad with papa, and stole me away.” + </p> + <p> + “He wouldn't steal me away easy!” said Abner, defiantly; “but, then, I + ain't a little kid like you.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm not a kid,” said Herbert, who was not used to slang. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you don't know what I mean—you're a little boy and couldn't do + nothin'. If he tried to take me, he'd find his hands full.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert, who was not very much prepossessed by Abner's appearance, thought + it very doubtful whether any one would ever attempt to kidnap him. + </p> + <p> + “What's he goin' to do with you?” continued Abner. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know. I expect he'll make papa pay a good sum to get me back.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” remarked Abner, surveying with some contempt the small + proportions of the boy before him. “You ain't much good. I don't believe + he'll pay much for you.” + </p> + <p> + Tears sprang to the eyes of the little boy, but he forced them back. + </p> + <p> + “My papa would think differently,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Papa!” mimicked Abner. “Oh, how nice we are! Why don't you say dad, like + I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it isn't a nice name. Papa wouldn't like to have me call him so.” + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get them clothes? I don't think much of 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I,” answered Herbert. “They're not my own clothes. Mr. Ford bought + them for me in Chicago.” + </p> + <p> + “He must like you, to buy you new clothes.” + </p> + <p> + “No, he doesn't. My own clothes were much nicer. He sold them. He was + afraid some one would know me in the others.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what he and marm are talking about so long?” + </p> + <p> + This question Herbert was unable to answer. He did not guess how nearly + this conversation affected him. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had the two entered the house than Willis Ford began. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Barton,” he said, “I'll tell you now what brought me here.” + </p> + <p> + “Go ahead,” said the lady, encouragingly. + </p> + <p> + “I want you to take the boy I have brought with me to board.” + </p> + <p> + “Land sakes! I don't keep a boardin' house!” + </p> + <p> + “No; but if I will make it worth your while you will take him, won't you?” + </p> + <p> + “How much will you give?” asked Mrs. Barton, shrewdly. + </p> + <p> + “Four dollars a week.” + </p> + <p> + “He'll be a sight of trouble,” said the lady; but there was something in + her tone that satisfied Ford that she was favorably inclined to the + proposal. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, he won't. He's so small that you can twist him round your finger. + Besides, Abner will be company for him. He will be with him most of the + time.” + </p> + <p> + “Say five dollars and it's a bargain,” said Mrs. Barton. + </p> + <p> + Ford hesitated. He did not care to spend more than he was obliged to, but + it was of importance to obtain at least a temporary refuge for the boy, of + whose care he was heartily tired. It seemed to him that five dollars would + be enough to support the whole family in the style in which they were + apparently accustomed to live. However, it was politic to make the sum + sufficient to interest these people in retaining charge of the boy. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said, after a pause, “it's more than I expected to pay, but I + suppose I shall have to accept your terms. I conclude Mr. Barton will not + object to your taking a boarder?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Joel is of no account,” returned Mrs. Barton, contemptuously. “I run + this house!” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford suppressed a smile. He could easily believe from Mrs. Barton's + appearance that she was the head of the establishment. + </p> + <p> + “There's one thing more,” added Mrs. Barton; “you're to pay the money to + me. Jest as sure as it goes into Joel's hands, it'll go for drink. The way + that man carries on is a disgrace.” + </p> + <p> + “I should prefer to pay the money to you,” said Ford. + </p> + <p> + “You'll have to pay somethin' in advance, if you want the boy to have + anythin' to eat. I've got to send to the village, and I haven't got a cent + in the house.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford took out a pocketbook. Extracting therefrom four five-dollar + bills, he handed them to Mrs. Barton. + </p> + <p> + “There's money for four weeks,” he said. “When that time is up I'll send + you more.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Barton's eyes sparkled, and she eagerly clutched the money. + </p> + <p> + “I ain't seen so much money for years,” she said. “I'll jest look out Joel + don't get hold of it. Don't you tell Joel or Abner how much you've paid + me.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll take care of that, Mrs. Barton. By the way, I must caution you not + to believe any of the boy's stories. He's the son of a friend of mine, + who's put him under my care. The boy's weak-minded, and has strange + fancies. He thinks his name isn't Sam Green, and that his father is rich. + Why, only the other day he insisted his name was George Washington.” + </p> + <p> + “Land's sake! How cur'us!” “Of course; you won't pay any attention to what + he says. He may take it into his head to run away. If he does, you must + get him back.” + </p> + <p> + “You can trust me to do that!” said Mrs. Barton, with emphasis. “I ain't + goin' to let no five-dollar boarder slip through my fingers!” + </p> + <p> + “That's well! Now I must be going. You will hear from me from time to + time.” + </p> + <p> + He passed through the front door into the yard. + </p> + <p> + “Good-by!” he said. + </p> + <p> + Herbert was about to follow him, but he waived him back. + </p> + <p> + “You are not to come with me, Sam,” he said. “I shall leave you for a few + weeks with this good lady.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert stared at him in dismay. This was something he had never dreamed + of. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX — INTRODUCES MR. BARTON + </h2> + <p> + When Herbert realized that he was to be left behind he ran after Willis + Ford, and pleaded for the privilege of accompanying him. “Don't leave me + here, Mr. Ford!” he said. “I should die of homesickness!” + </p> + <p> + “So you would rather go with me?” Ford said, with an amused smile. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, much rather!” + </p> + <p> + “I had not supposed you valued my company so highly. I ought to feel + complimented. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I shall have to leave you + here for a few weeks. This good lady will take good care of you.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert stole a glance at Mrs. Barton, who was watching him with mingled + contempt and impatience, but he did not become any more reconciled to the + prospect. He reiterated his request. + </p> + <p> + “I have had enough of this,” said Ford, sternly. “You will stop making a + fuss if you know what is best for yourself. Good-by! You will hear from me + soon.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert realized the uselessness of his resistance, and sank despondently + upon the grass. + </p> + <p> + “Is he goin' to stay here, marm?” asked Abner, curiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; he's goin' to board with us.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho!” laughed Abner; “he'll have a nice boardin' place!” + </p> + <p> + “Abner, you jest shut up, or I'll take a stick to you! You needn't make + him any more homesick than he is. Just try ef you can't amuse him.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, Sam, I guess we'll have a stavin' time together,” said Abner, really + pleased to have a companion. “What'll we do? Want to play leapfrog?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't feel like playing,” answered Herbert, despondently. + </p> + <p> + “We might go fishin',” suggested Abner. “There's a pond only a quarter of + a mile from here.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know how to fish,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Don't know how to fish? What do you know how to do?” + </p> + <p> + “We don't have any chance in New York.” + </p> + <p> + “Say,” exclaimed Abner, with sudden interest, “is New York a nice place?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I was back there. I never shall be happy anywhere's else.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what you fellows do there. I dunno but I'd like to go myself.” + </p> + <p> + Before Herbert had a chance to answer Mrs. Barton broke in: + </p> + <p> + “Abner, you take care of Sam while I go to the village.” + </p> + <p> + “What are you goin' there for, marm?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to buy some sausages for dinner. We haven't got anything in the + house.” + </p> + <p> + “Me and Sam will go, if you'll give us the money.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you too well, Abner Barton. I won't trust you with the money. Ef I + gave you a five-dollar bill, I'd never see any on't back again.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, mam, you haven't got a five-dollar bill, have you?” asked Abner, + with distended eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Never you mind!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell dad ef you don't give me some.” + </p> + <p> + “You jest dare to do it!” returned Mrs. Barton, in a menacing tone. “Your + father ain't got nothin' to do with it. It's money for Sam's board.” + </p> + <p> + “My name isn't Sam,” expostulated Herbert, who had a natural preference + for his own appellation. + </p> + <p> + “That's what I'm goin' to call you. You can call yourself George + Washington, or General Jackson, ef you want to. Mebbe you're Christopher + Columbus.” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Herbert Reynolds,” said Herbert, annoyed. + </p> + <p> + “That's what you call yourself to-day. There's no knowin' who you'll be + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you believe me, Mrs. Barton?” asked Herbert, distressed. + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't. The man who brung you—I dis-remember his name—” + </p> + <p> + “Willis Ford.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Willis Ford, then! It seems you know his name. Well, he told me you + was loony, and thought you was somebody else than your own self.” + </p> + <p> + “He told you that I was crazy?” ejaculated Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; and I have no doubt it's so.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a wicked lie!” exclaimed Herbert, indignantly; “and I'd like to tell + him so to his face.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you won't have a chance for some time. But I can't stand here + talkin'. I must be goin' to the store. You two behave yourselves while I'm + gone!” + </p> + <p> + Herbert felt so dull and dispirited that he did not care to speak, but + Abner's curiosity had been excited about New York, and he plied his young + companion with questions, which Herbert answered wearily. Though he + responded listlessly, and did not say any more than he felt obliged to, he + excited Abner's interest. + </p> + <p> + “I mean to go to New York some time,” he said. “Is it far?” + </p> + <p> + “It's as much as a thousand miles. It may be more.” + </p> + <p> + “Phew! That's a big distance. How did you come?” + </p> + <p> + “We came in the cars.” + </p> + <p> + “Did it cost much?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know. Mr. Ford paid for the tickets.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he got plenty of money?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think he has. He used to be pa's clerk.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish we had enough money. You and me would start some fine mornin', and + mebbe your father would give me something to do when we got there.” + </p> + <p> + For the first time Herbert began to feel an interest in the conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I wish we could,” he said, fervently. “I know pa would give you a lot + of money for bringing me back.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you really think he would?” asked Abner, briskly. + </p> + <p> + “I know he would. But your mother wouldn't let us go.” + </p> + <p> + “She wouldn't know it,” said Abner, winking. + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't run away from home?” questioned Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Why wouldn't I? What's to keep me here? Marm's always scoldin', and dad + gets drunk whenever he has any money to spend for drink. I reckon they + wouldn't care much if I made myself scarce.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert was not sure whether he ought not to feel shocked. He admitted to + himself, however, that if he had a father and mother answering the + description of Abner's, that he would not so much regret leaving them. At + any rate, Abner's words awoke a hope of sometime getting away from the + place he already hated, and returning to his city home, now more valued + than ever. + </p> + <p> + “We can't go without money,” he said, in a troubled voice. + </p> + <p> + “Couldn't we walk?” + </p> + <p> + “It's too far, and I'm not strong.” + </p> + <p> + “I could walk it, ef I took time enough,” asserted Abner, positively. + “Hello! there's dad!” + </p> + <p> + Herbert looked up, and, following Abner's glance, saw a man approaching + the farmhouse. Mr. Barton—for it was he—was a tall man, + shabbily attired, his head crowned with a battered hat, whose gait + indicated a little uncertainty, and betrayed some difficulty about the + maintenance of his equilibrium. + </p> + <p> + “Is that your father?” asked Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “It's the old man, sure enough. He's about half full.” + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” + </p> + <p> + “He's been drinkin', as usual; but he didn't drink enough to make him + tight. Guess his funds give out.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert was rather shocked at Abner's want of respect in speaking of his + father, but even to him Mr. Barton hardly seemed like a man who could + command a son's respect. + </p> + <p> + “Wonder whether dad met marm on the way?” said Abner, musing. + </p> + <p> + By this time, Mr. Barton had entered the yard, and caught sight of his son + and Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “Abner,” said he, in a thick voice, “who's that boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Then he didn't meet marm,” thought Abner. “He's a boy that's goin' to + board with us, dad,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “You don't say! Glad to make your acquaintance, boy,” he said, + straightening up. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” answered Herbert, faintly. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX — A MODEL HOUSEHOLD + </h2> + <p> + “When did you come?” asked Barton, steadying himself against a tree. + </p> + <p> + “Half an hour ago,” answered Abner, for Herbert was gazing, with a + repulsion he found it difficult to conceal, at Barton, whose flushed face + and thick utterance indicated his condition very clearly. + </p> + <p> + “Who came with him?” continued Barton. + </p> + <p> + “You'd better ask marm. She attended to the business. It was a young man.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is she?” + </p> + <p> + “Gone to the village to buy some sassiges for dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Good!” exclaimed Barton, in a tone of satisfaction. “I'll stay at home to + dinner to-day. Did the man pay your mother any money?” + </p> + <p> + “I s'pose so, or she wouldn't be buyin' sassiges. Old Schickman won't + trust us any more.” + </p> + <p> + “The money should have been paid to me. I'll see about it when your marm + comes back from the store.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd spend it all for drink, dad,” said Abner. + </p> + <p> + “How dare you speak so to your father, you ungrateful young dog!” + </p> + <p> + He essayed to reach Abner to strike him, but his dutiful son dodged + easily, and his father, being unsteady on his legs, fell on the ground. + </p> + <p> + Abner laughed, but Herbert was too much shocked to share in his enjoyment. + </p> + <p> + “Come here and help me up, you Abner!” said his father. + </p> + <p> + “Not much, dad! If you hadn't tried to lick me you wouldn't have fallen!” + </p> + <p> + “Let me help you, sir!” said Herbert, conquering his instinctive disgust + and approaching the fallen man. + </p> + <p> + “You're a gentleman!” murmured Barton, as he took the little boy's + proffered hand and, after considerable ado, raised himself to a standing + position. “You're a gentleman; I wish I had a boy like you.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert could not join in the wish. He felt that a father like Joel Barton + would be a great misfortune. + </p> + <p> + But just then Mrs. Barton entered the yard, marching with long strides + like a man's. + </p> + <p> + “Here's marm!” announced Abner. + </p> + <p> + Barton steadied himself as he turned to look at his wife. + </p> + <p> + “I want to see you, Mrs. B.,” he said. “When are you goin' to have + dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “Never, if I depended on you to supply the vittles!” she answered, + bluntly. + </p> + <p> + “Don't speak so before a stranger,” said Barton, with a hiccough. “You + hurt my feelin's.” + </p> + <p> + “Your feelin's are tough, and so are mine by this time.” + </p> + <p> + “What have you got there?” + </p> + <p> + “Some sassiges. Ef you want your share, you'll have to be on time. I + shan't save you any.” + </p> + <p> + “How much money did the man pay you, Mrs. B.?” + </p> + <p> + “That's my business!” retorted his wife, shortly. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. B.,” said her husband, straightening up, “I want you to understand + that I'm the master of this house, and it's my right to take care of the + money. You'll oblige me by handin' it over.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll do nothing of the sort, Joel Barton! You'd only spend it for drink.” + </p> + <p> + “Would you grudge me the few pennies I spend for drink? My system requires + it. That's what the doctor says.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you must find the money for it yourself. My system requires + something to eat, and, ef I take a boarder, he's got to have something to + eat, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. B., I didn't think your heart was so hard,” said Barton, in a + maudlin tone. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Joel Barton; you might as well stop such foolish talk. It + won't do no good. I can't stay here all day. I must go and be gettin' + dinner.” + </p> + <p> + Had Barton succeeded in raising money from his wife, he would probably + have returned at once to the tavern, and his place would have been vacant + at the dinner table. Failing in this, he lay back and fell asleep, and was + not roused till dinner time. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Barton was a fair cook, and Herbert ate with an unexpected relish. It + is needless to say that Abner also did full justice to the meal. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Sam,” he said, “I'm glad you've come.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert was hardly prepared to agree with him. + </p> + <p> + “Now we'll have to live better,” Abner explained. “Mam and I gen'ally have + to skirmish round for vittles. We don't often get meat.” + </p> + <p> + This frank confession rather alarmed Herbert. He was not over + self-indulgent, but he had never lacked for nourishing food, and the + prospect of an uncertain supply was not encouraging. + </p> + <p> + When dinner was over—there was no second course—they left the + table. Joel Barton made a fresh attempt to extort a small sum from his + wife, but was met with an inflexible refusal. Mrs. Barton proved deaf + alike to entreaties and threats. She was a strong, resolute woman, and not + one to be intimidated. + </p> + <p> + When Barton left the house, his look of disappointment had given place to + one of cunning. + </p> + <p> + “Come here, Abner!” he said, beckoning to his son and heir. + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “Never you mind.” + </p> + <p> + “But I do mind. Do you want to catch hold of me?” + </p> + <p> + “No; it's only a little matter of business. It's for your good.” + </p> + <p> + Abner accompanied his father as far as the fence. + </p> + <p> + “Now, what do you want?” he asked, with his eyes warily fixed on his + father. + </p> + <p> + “I want you to find out where your marm keeps that money,” said Barton, in + a coaxing tone. + </p> + <p> + “What for?” + </p> + <p> + “You're to take it and bring it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “And go without eatin'?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll buy the provisions myself. I'm the head of the family.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me to hook money from marm?” + </p> + <p> + “'Twon't be hookin'. The money by right belongs to me. Ain't I the head of + the family?” + </p> + <p> + “I dunno about that. Marm's the boss, and always has been,” chuckled + Abner. + </p> + <p> + Joel frowned, but immediately tried another attack. + </p> + <p> + “Of course I'll give you some of it, Abner,” he resumed. “If there's five + dollars I'll give you a quarter.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see about it, dad.” + </p> + <p> + “Get it for me before evenin', if you can. I shall need it then.” + </p> + <p> + Abner returned to Herbert, and frankly related the conversation that had + taken place between himself and his father. + </p> + <p> + Herbert was shocked. He did not know what to think of the singular family + he had got into. + </p> + <p> + “You won't do it, will you?” he asked, startled. + </p> + <p> + “No, I won't. I want a quarter bad enough, but I'd rather mam would keep + the money. She'll spend it for vittles, and dad would spend it for drink. + Wouldn't you like to go a-fishin'? It's fine weather, and we'll have fun.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert assented, not knowing how to dispose of his time. Abner turned the + conversation again on New York. What Herbert had already told him had + powerfully impressed his imagination. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you got any money?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Herbert. “Mr. Ford took away all I had, except this.” + </p> + <p> + He drew from his pocket a nickel. + </p> + <p> + “That won't do no good,” said Abner, disappointed. “Stop a minute, + though,” he added, after a minute's pause. “Wouldn't your folks send you + some money, if you should write to them?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Herbert, his face brightening. “Why didn't I think of that + before? If I could get me paper and ink I'd write at once to papa. I know + he'd either send the money or come for me.” + </p> + <p> + “We'll go to the post office,” said Abner. “There you can buy some paper + and a postage stamp. You've got just money enough. There's a pen and ink + there.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us go at once,” said Herbert, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + The boys took their way to the village. The letter was written and posted, + and a burden was lifted from the boy's mind. He felt that his father would + seek him out at once, and he could bear his present position for a short + time. But, alas! for poor Herbert—the letter never came into his + father's hands. Why, the reader will learn in the next chapter. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXI — THE HOUSEKEEPER'S CRIME + </h2> + <p> + It is not to be supposed that during this time the family of the missing + boy were idle. The mysterious disappearance of his only son filled his + father's heart with anguish, and he took immediate steps to penetrate the + mystery. Not only was the fullest information given to the police, but an + experienced detective connected with a private agency was detailed for the + search. The matter also got into the papers, and Herbert, in his Western + home, little suspected that his name had already become a household word + in thousands of families. + </p> + <p> + Days passed, and in spite of the efforts that were being made to discover + him, no clew had been obtained by Herbert's friends, either as to his + whereabouts, or as to the identity of the party or parties hat had + abducted him. It is needless to say that Grant heartily sympathized with + the afflicted father, and was sad on his own account, for he had become + warmly attached to the little boy whose instant companion he had been in + his hours of leisure. + </p> + <p> + The only one in the house who took the matter coolly was Mrs. Estabrook, + the housekeeper. She even ventured to suggest that Herbert had run away. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, Mrs. Estabrook?” exclaimed the father, impatiently. + “You ought to know my poor boy better than that!” + </p> + <p> + “Boys are a worrisome set,” returned the housekeeper, composedly. “Only + last week I read in the Herald about two boys who ran away from good homes + and went out to kill Indians.” + </p> + <p> + “Herbert was not that kind of a boy,” said Grant. “He had no fondness for + adventure.” + </p> + <p> + “I have known Herbert longer than you, young man,” retorted the + housekeeper, with a sneer. + </p> + <p> + “It is very clear that you didn't know him as well,” said Mr. Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook sniffed, but said nothing. Without expressly saying so, it + was evident that she dissented from Mr. Reynolds' opinion. + </p> + <p> + The broker's loss unfitted him for work, and he left the details of office + work to his subordinates, while nearly all his time was spent in + interviews with the police authorities or in following up faint clews. His + loss seemed to strengthen the intimacy and attachment between him and + Grant, in whom he confided without reserve. When at home in the evening he + talked over with Grant, whom he found a sympathetic listener, the traits + of the stolen boy, and brought up reminiscences, trifling, perhaps, but + touching, under the circumstances. To Mrs. Estabrook he seldom spoke of + his son. Her cold and unsympathetic temperament repelled him. She had + never preferred to feel any attachment for Herbert, and the boy, quick to + read her want of feeling, never cared to be with her. + </p> + <p> + One morning, after Mr. Reynolds and Grant had gone out, Mrs. Estabrook, on + going to the hall, saw a letter on the table, which had been left by the + postman. As curiosity was by no means lacking in the housekeeper's + composition, she took it up, and peered at the address through her + glasses. + </p> + <p> + It was directed to Mr. Reynolds in a round, schoolboy hand. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook's heart gave a sudden jump of excitement. + </p> + <p> + “It's Herbert's handwriting,” she said to herself. + </p> + <p> + She examined the postmark, and found that it was mailed at Scipio, + Illinois. + </p> + <p> + She held the letter in her hand and considered what she should do. Should + the letter come into the hands of Mr. Reynolds, the result would doubtless + be that the boy would be recovered, and would reveal the name of his + abductor. This would subject her favorite, Willis Ford, to arrest, and + probably imprisonment. + </p> + <p> + “He should have been more careful, and not allowed the boy to write,” said + the housekeeper to herself. “Willis must have been very imprudent. If I + only knew what was in the letter!” + </p> + <p> + The housekeeper's curiosity became so ungovernable that she decided to + open it. By steaming it, she could do it, and if it seemed expedient, + paste it together again. She had little compunction in the matter. In a + few minutes she was able to withdraw the letter from the envelope and read + its contents. + </p> + <p> + This is what Herbert wrote: + </p> + <p> + “Scipio, ILL. + </p> + <p> + “DEAR PAPA: I know you must have been very anxious about me. I would have + written you before, but I have had no chance. Willis Ford found me playing + in the street, and got me to go with him by saying you had sent for me. I + thought it strange you should have sent Mr. Ford, but I didn't like to + refuse, for fear it was true. We went on board a steamer in the harbor, + and Mr. Ford took me in a stateroom. Then he put a handkerchief to my + face, and I became sleepy. When I waked up, we were at sea. I don't know + where I went, but when we came to land, some time the next day, we got + into the cars and traveled for a couple of days. I begged Mr. Ford to take + me home, but it made him cross. I think he hates you and Grant, and I + think he took me away to spite you. I am sure he is a very wicked man. + </p> + <p> + “Finally we came to this place. It is a small place in Illinois. The + people who live here are Mr. and Mrs. Barton and their son Abner. Mr. Joel + Barton is a drunkard. He gets drunk whenever he has money to buy whisky. + Mrs. Barton is a hard-working woman, and she does about all the work that + is done. Mr. Ford paid her some money in advance. She is a tall woman, and + her voice sounds like a man's. She does not ill treat me, but I wish I + were at home. Abner is a big, rough boy, a good deal older and larger than + I am, but he is kind to me and he wants to come to New York. He says he + will run away and take me with him, if we can get enough money to pay our + fares. I don't think we could walk it so far. Abner might, for he is a + good deal stronger than I am, but I know I should get very tired. + </p> + <p> + “Now, dear papa, if you will send me money enough to pay for railroad + tickets, Abner and I will start just as soon as we get it. I don't know as + he ought to run away from home, but he says his father and mother don't + care for him, and I don't believe they do. His father doesn't care for + anything but whisky, and his mother is scolding him all the time. I don't + think she would do that if she cared much for him, do you? + </p> + <p> + “I have filled the paper, and must stop. Be sure to send the money to your + loving son, + </p> + <p> + “HERBERT REYNOLDS.” + </p> + <p> + “How easy you write!” said Abner, in wonder, as he saw Herbert's letter + growing long before his eyes. “It would take me a week to write as long a + letter as that, and then I couldn't do it.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't write so easy generally,” said the little boy, “but, you see, I + have a good deal to write about.” + </p> + <p> + “Then there's another thing,” said Abner. “I shouldn't know how to spell + so many words. You must be an awful good scholar.” + </p> + <p> + “I always liked to study,” said Herbert. “Don't you like to read and + study?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I'd rather play ball or go fishin', wouldn't you?” + </p> + <p> + “I like to play part of the time, but I wouldn't like to grow up + ignorant.” + </p> + <p> + “I expect I'll always be a know-nothin', but I reckon I know as much as + dad. The old man's awful ignorant. He don't care for nothin' but whisky.” + </p> + <p> + “And I hope you won't be like him in that, Abner.” + </p> + <p> + “No, I won't. I wouldn't like to have the boys flingin' stones at me, as + they did at dad once when he was tight. I licked a couple of 'em.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook read Herbert's letter with intense interest. She saw that + the little boy's testimony would seriously incriminate Willis Ford, if he + were recovered, as he would be if this letter came into his father's + hands. + </p> + <p> + “There's only one thing to do,” the housekeeper reflected, closing her + thin lips tightly. + </p> + <p> + She lit the gas jet in her chamber, and, without a trace of compunction, + held the letter in the flame until it was thoroughly consumed. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXII — HOPE DEFERRED + </h2> + <p> + Day after day Herbert and Abner went to the post office and inquired for + letters, but alas! none came. Poor Herbert was in despair. He thought his + father would have instantly sent the money, or come out himself to take + him home. Was it possible his father had forgotten him, or was indifferent + to his absence? He could not believe it, but what was he to think? + </p> + <p> + “I reckon your father didn't get the letter,” suggested Abner. + </p> + <p> + Herbert hailed this suggestion with relief. + </p> + <p> + “Or, maybe, marm has told the postmaster to give her any letters that + come.” + </p> + <p> + This suggestion, too, seemed not improbable. + </p> + <p> + “What can we do?” asked Herbert, helplessly. “I reckon we'd better run + away.” + </p> + <p> + “Without money?” + </p> + <p> + “We'll hire out to somebody for a week or two and write from where we + are.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I couldn't do much work,” said the little boy. + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll work for both,” said Abner, stoutly. “I've got tired of stayin' + at home, anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll do whatever you say,” said Herbert, feeling that any change would be + for the better. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you when I'm ready,” said Abner. “We'll start some time when + marm's gone to the village.” + </p> + <p> + There was another reason for Herbert's being dissatisfied with his new + home. A month had passed—the full time for which Willis Ford had + paid the boy's board—and there were no indications that any more was + to be paid. During the the first week the fare had been tolerable, though + Mrs. Barton was not a skillful cook; but now there was no money left, and + the family fell back upon what their limited resources could supply. Mush + and milk now constituted their principal diet. It is well enough + occasionally, but, when furnished at every meal, both Herbert and Abner + became tired of it. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't you got anything else for dinner, marm?” asked Abner, + discontentedly. + </p> + <p> + “No, I haven't,” answered the mother, snappishly. + </p> + <p> + “You used to have sassiges and bacon.” + </p> + <p> + “That was when I had money to buy 'em.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's all that money gone the man left with him?” indicating Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “It's spent, and I wish Willis Ford would send along some more mighty + quick. He needn't expect me to take a free boarder.” + </p> + <p> + She looked severely at Herbert, as if he were in fault. Certainly the poor + boy had no desire to live on the liberality of Mrs. Barton. + </p> + <p> + “Maybe he's sent you some money in a letter,” suggested Abner. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I never thought of that. It's a bright idee, ef it did come from + you, Abner Barton. Jest go up to the postoffice after dinner, and ask if + there's any letter for me. Ef there is, mind you, don't open it.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, marm.” + </p> + <p> + “Come along, bub,” said Abner. + </p> + <p> + This was the name he gave to Herbert, whom he liked in his own rough way. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think,” said Herbert, as they walked along, “that your mother can + have got any letter written by my father. If she had, she would not be out + of money.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon you're right. Do you think that Ford feller will send money for + your board?” + </p> + <p> + “I think he will, if he can, for he wants to keep me here; but I don't + think he has much money with him.” + </p> + <p> + “All the worse for marm.” + </p> + <p> + “Abner,” said Herbert, after a pause, during which he had been thinking + seriously, “would you mind running away pretty soon?” + </p> + <p> + “No, bub; I'm ready any time. Are you in a hurry?” + </p> + <p> + “You see, Abner, I don't want to live on your mother. She isn't rich—” + </p> + <p> + “No, I guess not. Ef she hadn't married sech a good-for-nothin' as dad—” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't speak so of your father, Abner.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not? Isn't it the truth? Dad's no grit. He gits drunk whenever he has + a chance. Marm's a good, hard-workin' woman. She'd git along well enough + ef she was alone.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate, she can't afford to board me for nothing. So I am ready to + start whenever you are, Abner.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose we get up early to-morror and start?” + </p> + <p> + “How early?” + </p> + <p> + “Three o'clock. Marm gets up at five. We must be on the road before that + time.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm willing, Abner. You must wake me up in time.” + </p> + <p> + “You'd better go to bed early, bub, and git all the sleep you can. We'll + have a hard day to-morrer.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIII — THE JOURNEY BEGINS + </h2> + <p> + “Wake up, there.” + </p> + <p> + The little boy stirred in his sleep, and finally opened his eyes. By the + faint light that entered through the window, he saw Abner bending over + him. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” he asked, drowsily. + </p> + <p> + “The kitchen clock's just struck three,” whispered Abner. “You haven't + forgotten that we are going to run away, have you?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll get right up,” said Herbert, rubbing his eyes. + </p> + <p> + In two minutes the boys were dressed and ready for a start. It had taken a + great deal longer for Herbert to dress at home, but he had become less + particular as to his toilet now. + </p> + <p> + The boys took their shoes in their hands, and stole out in their stocking + feet. As they passed the door of the room in which Mr. and Mrs. Barton + slept, they heard the deep breathing of both, and knew that they were not + likely to be heard. + </p> + <p> + Outside the door they put on their shoes, and were now ready to start. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a minute, bub,” said Abner. + </p> + <p> + He re-entered the house, and presently came out holding half a loaf in his + hand. + </p> + <p> + “That'll do for our breakfast,” he said. “We won't eat it now. We'll wait + till five o'clock. Then we'll be hungry.” + </p> + <p> + By five o'clock they were as many miles on their way. They had reached the + middle of the next town. + </p> + <p> + “Do you feel tired, bub?” asked Abner. + </p> + <p> + “A little. I feel hungry. Don't you think we can eat the bread now?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we'd better. I feel kind o' gone myself.” + </p> + <p> + They sat down under a tree, and Abner divided the bread fairly. + </p> + <p> + “You ought to have more than I,” protested Herbert. “You're bigger than I, + and need more.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that! You'll need it to keep up your strength.” + </p> + <p> + Abner was not naturally unselfish, but he was manly enough to feel that he + ought to be generous and kind to a boy so much smaller, and he felt repaid + for his self-denial by noticing the evident relish with which Herbert ate + his allowance of bread, even to the smallest crumb. + </p> + <p> + They found a spring, which yielded them a cool, refreshing draught, and + soon were on their way once more. They had proceeded perhaps two miles + further, when the rumbling of wheels was heard behind them, and a farm + wagon soon came up alongside. The driver was a man of about thirty—sunburned + and roughly clad. + </p> + <p> + “Whoa, there,” he said. + </p> + <p> + The horse stopped. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you two goin'?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “We're travelin',” answered Abner, noncommittally. + </p> + <p> + “Where's your home?” + </p> + <p> + “Some ways back.” + </p> + <p> + “Where are you goin'?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm after work,” answered Abner. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you'd orter be a good hand at it. You look strong. Is that little + feller your brother?” + </p> + <p> + “No; he's my cousin.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert looked up in surprise at this avowal of relationship, but he + thought it best not to say anything that would conflict with Abner's + statement. + </p> + <p> + “Is he after work, too?” asked the driver, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “No; he's goin' to his father.” + </p> + <p> + “Where does he live?” + </p> + <p> + “Further on.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you walked fur?” + </p> + <p> + “Pretty fur.” + </p> + <p> + “Ef you want to ride, I'll give you a lift for a few miles.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said Abner, prompt to accept the offer. “I'll help you in, + bub.” + </p> + <p> + The two boys took their seats beside the driver, Herbert being in the + middle. The little boy was really tired, and he found it very pleasant to + ride, instead of walking. He had walked seven miles already, and that was + more than he had ever before walked at one time. + </p> + <p> + They rode about three miles, when the driver pulled up in front of a + comfortable-looking house. + </p> + <p> + “This is where I stop,” he said. “My aunt lives here, and my sister has + been paying her a visit. I've come to take her home.” + </p> + <p> + The front door was opened, and his aunt and sister came out. + </p> + <p> + “You're just in time for breakfast, John,” said his aunt. “Come in and sit + down to the table. Bring in the boys, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Come in, boys,” said the young man. “I guess you can eat something, can't + you?” + </p> + <p> + “We've had—-” Herbert began, but Abner checked him. + </p> + <p> + “Come along, bub,” he said. “What's a bit of bread? I ain't half full.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV — MRS. BARTON'S SURPRISE + </h2> + <p> + A hearty breakfast, consisting of beefsteak, potatoes, corn bread, fresh + butter and apple sauce, made Abner's eyes glisten, for he had never in his + remembrance sat down at home to a meal equally attractive. He wielded his + knife and fork with an activity and energy which indicated thorough + enjoyment. Even Herbert, though in the city his appetite had been + delicate, and he had already eaten part of a loaf of bread, did excellent + justice to the good things set before him. He was himself surprised at his + extraordinary appetite, forgetting the stimulating effect of a seven-mile + walk. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast they set out again on their tramp. At sunset, having + rested several hours in the middle of the day, they had accomplished + twenty miles. Abner could have gone further, but Herbert was well tired + out. They obtained permission from a friendly farmer to spend the night in + his barn, and retired at half-past seven. Mr. Reynolds would have been + shocked had he known that his little son was compelled to sleep on a pile + of hay, but it may truthfully be said that Herbert had seldom slept as + soundly or felt more refreshed. + </p> + <p> + “How did you sleep, Abner?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Like a top. How was it with you, bub?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't wake up all night,” answered the little boy. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what dad and marm thought when they found us gone?” said Abner, + with a grin. + </p> + <p> + “Won't they feel bad?” + </p> + <p> + “Not much,” said Abner. “They ain't that kind. I reckon it won't spoil + their appetite.” + </p> + <p> + When they descended from the haymow, the farmer was milking his cows. + </p> + <p> + “Well, youngsters,” he said, “so you're up and dressed?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “And ready for breakfast, I'll be bound.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon I should feel better for eatin',” said Abner, promptly. + </p> + <p> + “Jest you wait till I get through milkin', and we'll see what Mrs. Wiggins + has got for us.” + </p> + <p> + Abner heard these words with joy, for he was always possessed of a good + appetite. + </p> + <p> + “I say, bub, I'm glad I run away,” he remarked, aside, to Herbert. “We + live enough sight better than we did at home.” + </p> + <p> + Leaving the boys to pursue their journey, we will return to the bereaved + parents, and inquire how they bore their loss. + </p> + <p> + When Mrs. Barton rose to commence the labors of the day, she found that no + wood was on hand for the kitchen fire. + </p> + <p> + “Abner's gittin' lazier and lazier,” she soliloquized. “I'll soon have him + up.” + </p> + <p> + She went to the foot of the stairs, and called “Abner!” in a voice by no + means low or gentle. + </p> + <p> + There was no answer. + </p> + <p> + “That boy would sleep if there was an earthquake,” she muttered. “Come + down here and split some wood, you lazy boy!” she cried, still louder. + </p> + <p> + Again no answer. + </p> + <p> + “He hears, fast enough, but he don't want to work. I'll soon have him + down.” + </p> + <p> + She ascended the stairs, two steps at a time, and opened the door of her + son's room. + </p> + <p> + If Abner had been in bed his mother would have pulled him out, for her arm + was vigorous, but the bed was empty. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I vum!” she ejaculated, in surprise. “Ef that boy isn't up already. + That's a new wrinkle. And the little boy gone, too. What can it mean?” + </p> + <p> + It occurred to Mrs. Barton that Abner and Herbert might have got up early + to go fishing, though she had never known him to make so early a start + before. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon breakfast'll bring 'em round,” she said to herself. “I reckon I + shall have to split the wood myself.” + </p> + <p> + In half an hour breakfast was ready. It was of a very simple character, + for the family resources were limited. Mr. Barton came downstairs, and + looked discontentedly at the repast provided. + </p> + <p> + “This is a pretty mean breakfast, Mrs. B.,” he remarked. “Where's your + meat and taters?” + </p> + <p> + “There's plenty of 'em in the market,” answered Mrs. Barton. + </p> + <p> + “Then, why didn't you buy some?” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to know, Joel Barton. You give me the money, and I'll see that + you have a good breakfast.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's all the money that man Ford gave you?” + </p> + <p> + “Where is it? It's eaten up, Mr. Barton, and you did your share. Ef you'd + had your way, you'd have spent some of the money for drink.” + </p> + <p> + “Why don't he send you some more, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Ef you see him anywheres, you'd better ask him. It's your business to + provide me with money; you can't expect one boy's board to support the + whole family.” + </p> + <p> + “It's strange where them boys are gone,” said Joel, desirous of changing + the subject. “Like as not, they hid under the bed, and fooled you.” + </p> + <p> + “Ef they did, I'll rout 'em out,” said Mrs. Barton, who thought the + supposition not improbable. + </p> + <p> + Once more she ascended the stairs and made an irruption into the boy's + chamber. She lifted the quilt, and peered under the bed. But there were no + boys there. Looking about the room, however, she discovered something + else. On the mantelpiece was a scrap of paper, which appeared to be so + placed as to invite attention. + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” said Mrs. Barton to herself. + </p> + <p> + A moment later she was descending the staircase more rapidly than she had + gone up just before. + </p> + <p> + “Look at that,” she exclaimed, holding out a scrap of paper to Joel + Barton. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see nothin' but a bit of paper,” said her husband. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be a fool! Read what it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Read it aloud. I ain't got my specks.” + </p> + <p> + “The boys have run away. Abner writ it. Listen to this.” + </p> + <p> + Rudely written on the paper, for Abner was by no means a skillful penman, + were these words: + </p> + <p> + “Bub and I have runned away. You needn't worry. I reckon we can get along. + We're going to make our fortunes. When we're rich, we'll come back. + ABNER.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of that, Joel Barton?” demanded his wife. + </p> + <p> + Joel shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “I shan't worry much,” he said. “They'll be back by to-morrer, likely.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you'll have to split some wood to-day, Joel. You can't expect a + delicate woman like me to do such rough work.” + </p> + <p> + “You're stronger'n I be, Mrs. B.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you'll find I am if you don't go to work.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll do it this afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + “All right. Then we'll have dinner in the even-in'. No wood, no dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Seems to me you're rather hard on me, Mrs. B. I don't feel well.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor you won't till you give up drinkin'.” + </p> + <p> + Much against his will, Mr. Barton felt compelled by the stress of + circumstances to do the work expected of him. It made him feel angry with + Abner, whom he did not miss for any other reason. + </p> + <p> + “I'll break that boy's neck when he comes back,” he muttered. “It's a + shame to leave all this work for his poor, old dad.” + </p> + <p> + To-morrow came, but the boys did not. A week slipped away, and still they + were missing. Mrs. Barton was not an affectionate mother, but it did seem + lonesome without Abner. As for Herbert, she did not care for his absence. + If Willis Ford did not continue to pay his board, she felt that she would + rather have him away. + </p> + <p> + On the sixth day after the departure of the boys there came a surprise for + Mrs. Barton. + </p> + <p> + As she was at work in the kitchen, she heard a loud knock at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Can it be Abner?” she thought. “He wouldn't knock.” + </p> + <p> + She went to the door, however, feeling rather curious as to who could be + her visitor, and on opening it started in surprise to see Willis Ford. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ford!” she ejaculated. + </p> + <p> + “I thought I would make you a call,” answered Ford. “How's the boy getting + along?” + </p> + <p> + “If you mean the boy you left here,” she answered, composedly, “he's run + away, and took my boy with him.” + </p> + <p> + “Run away!” ejaculated Ford, in dismay. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; he made tracks about a week ago. He and my Abner have gone off to + make their fortunes.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't you take better care of him, woman?” exclaimed Ford, angrily. + “It's your fault, his running away!” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Ford,” retorted Mrs. Barton; “don't you sass me, for I won't + stand it. Ef it hadn't been for you, Abner would be at home now.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't mean to offend you, my dear Mrs. Barton,” said Ford, seeing that + he had made a false step. “Tell me all you can, and I'll see if I can't + get the boys back.” + </p> + <p> + “Now you're talkin',” said Mrs. Barton, smoothing her ruffled plumage. + “Come into the house, and I'll tell you all I know.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXV — HERBERT BREAKS DOWN + </h2> + <p> + “I don't think I can walk any further, Abner. I feel sick,” faltered + Herbert. + </p> + <p> + Abner, who had been walking briskly, turned round to look at his young + companion. Herbert was looking very pale, and had to drag one foot after + the other. Day after day he had tried to keep up with Abner, but his + strength was far inferior to that of the other boy, and he had finally + broken down. + </p> + <p> + “You do look sick, bub,” said Abner, struck by Herbert's pallid look. “Was + I walking too fast for you?” + </p> + <p> + “I feel very weak,” said Herbert. “Would you mind stopping a little while? + I should like to lie under a tree and rest.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, bub. There's a nice tree.” “Don't you feel tired, Abner?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I feel as strong as hearty as a horse.” + </p> + <p> + “You are bigger than I am. I guess that is the reason.” + </p> + <p> + Abner was a rough boy, but he showed unusual gentleness and consideration + for the little boy, whose weakness appealed to his better nature. He + picked out a nice, shady place for Herbert to recline upon, and, taking + off his coat, laid it down for a pillow on which his young companion might + rest his head. + </p> + <p> + “There, bub; I reckon you'll feel better soon,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I hope so, Abner. I wish I was as strong as you are.” + </p> + <p> + “So do I. I reckon I was born tough. I was brought up different from you.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish I were at home,” sighed Herbert. “Is it a long way from here?” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon it is, but I don't know,” answered Abner, whose geographical + notions were decidedly hazy. + </p> + <p> + An hour passed, and still Herbert lay almost motionless, as if rest were a + luxury, with his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the clouds that could be + seen through the branches floating lazily above. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you feel any better, bub?” asked Abner. + </p> + <p> + “I feel better while I am lying here, Abner.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you feel strong enough to walk a little further?” + </p> + <p> + “Must I?” asked Herbert, sighing. “It is so nice to lie here.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid we shall never get to New York if we don't keep goin'.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll try,” said Herbert, and he rose to his feet, but he only staggered + and became very white. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I need to rest a little more,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “All right, bub. Take your time.” + </p> + <p> + More critically Abner surveyed his young companion. He was not used to + sickness or weakness, but there was something in the little boy's face + that startled him. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think you're fit to walk any further today,” he said. “I wish we + had some good place to stay.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a carriage was seen approaching. It was driven by a lady of + middle age, with a benevolent face. Her attention was drawn to the two + boys, and especially to Herbert. Her experienced eyes at once saw that he + was sick. + </p> + <p> + She halted her horse. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with your brother?” she said to Abner. + </p> + <p> + “I reckon he's tuckered out,” said Abner, tacitly admitting the + relationship. “We've been travelin' for several days. He ain't so tough as + I am.” + </p> + <p> + “He looks as if he were going to be sick. Have you any friends near here?” + </p> + <p> + “No, ma'am. The nighest is over a hundred miles off.” + </p> + <p> + The lady reflected a moment. Then she said: “I think you had better come + to my house. My brother is a doctor. He will look at your little brother + and see what can be done for him.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like it very much,” said Abner, “but we haven't got any money to + pay for doctors and sich.” + </p> + <p> + “I shan't present any bill, nor will my brother,” said the lady, smiling. + “Do you think you can help him into the carriage?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, ma'am.” + </p> + <p> + Abner helped Herbert into the carriage, and then, by invitation, got in + himself. + </p> + <p> + “May I drive?” he asked, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + The kind lady supported with her arm Herbert's drooping head, and so they + drove on for a mile, when she indicated that they were to stop in front of + a large, substantial, square house, built after the New England style. + </p> + <p> + Herbert was taken out, and, after Abner helped him upstairs, into a large, + square chamber, with four windows. + </p> + <p> + “What is his name?” asked the lady. + </p> + <p> + “Herbert.” + </p> + <p> + “And yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Abner.” + </p> + <p> + “He had better lie down on the bed, and, as soon as my brother comes, I + will send him up.” + </p> + <p> + Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction, as he reclined on the comfortable + bed, which was more like the one he slept in at home than the rude, straw + bed which he had used when boarding with Mr. and Mrs. Barton. + </p> + <p> + Half an hour passed, and the doctor came into the room, and felt Herbert's + pulse. + </p> + <p> + “The boy is tired out,” he said. “That is all. His strength has been + exhausted by too severe physical effort.” + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do to bring him round?” asked his sister. + </p> + <p> + “Rest and nourishing food are all that is required.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall we keep him here? Have you any objection?” + </p> + <p> + “I should object to letting him go in his present condition. He will be a + care to you, Emily.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not mind that. We shall have to keep the other boy, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. There's room enough for both.” + </p> + <p> + When Abner was told that for a week to come they were to stay in Dr. + Stone's comfortable house, his face indicated his satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Ef you've got any chores to do, ma'am,” he said, “I'll do 'em. I'm + strong, and not afraid to work.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will make you very useful,” said Miss Stone, smiling. + </p> + <p> + The next day, as she was sitting in Herbert's chamber, she said: “Herbert, + you don't look at all like your brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean Abner, Miss Stone?” Herbert asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; have you any other brother?” + </p> + <p> + “Abner is not my brother at all.” + </p> + <p> + “How, then, do you happen to be traveling together?” + </p> + <p> + “Because we've both run away.” + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear that. I don't approve of boys running away. Where do + you live?” + </p> + <p> + “In New York.” + </p> + <p> + “In New York!” repeated Miss Stone, much surprised. “Surely, you have not + walked from there?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miss Stone; I was stolen from my home in New York about a month ago, + and left at Abner's house. It was a poor cabin, and very different from + anything I was accustomed to. I did not like Mr. and Mrs. Barton; but + Abner was always kind to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Is your father living?” asked Miss Stone, who had become interested. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; he is a broker.” + </p> + <p> + “And no doubt you have a nice home?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, very nice. It is a brownstone house uptown. I wonder whether I shall + ever see it again?” + </p> + <p> + “Surely you will. I am surprised that you have not written to tell your + father where you are. He must be feeling very anxious about you.” + </p> + <p> + “I did write, asking him to send me money to come home. Abner was going + with me. But no answer came to my letter.” + </p> + <p> + “That is strange. Your father can't have received the letter.” + </p> + <p> + “So I think, Miss Stone; but I directed it all right.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think any one would intercept it?” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Estabrook might,” said Herbert, after a pause for consideration. + </p> + <p> + “Who is she?” + </p> + <p> + “The housekeeper.” + </p> + <p> + “What makes you think so? Didn't she like you?” + </p> + <p> + “No; besides, it was her nephew who carried me off.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Stone asked further questions, and Herbert told her all the + particulars with which the reader is already acquainted. When he had + finished, she said: “My advice is, that you write to your boy friend, + Grant Thornton, or tell me what to write, and I will write to him. His + letters will not be likely to be tampered with.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that will be a good idea,” said Herbert; “Grant will tell papa, + and then he'll send for me.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Stone brought her desk to the bedside, and wrote a letter to Grant at + Herbert's dictation. This letter she sent to the village postoffice + immediately by Abner. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVI — GRANT RECEIVES A LETTER + </h2> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds had spared no expense in his efforts to obtain tidings of his + lost boy. None of his agents, however, had succeeded in gaining the + smallest clew to Herbert's whereabouts. Through the public press the story + had been widely disseminated, and in consequence the broker began to + receive letters from various points, from persons professing to have seen + such a boy as the one described. One of these letters came from Augusta, + Ga., and impressed Mr. Reynolds to such an extent that he decided to go + there in person, and see for himself the boy of whom his correspondent + wrote. + </p> + <p> + The day after he started Grant, on approaching the house at the close of + business, fell in with the postman, just ascending the steps. + </p> + <p> + “Have you got a letter for me?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I have a letter for Grant Thornton,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “That is my name,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + He took the letter, supposing it to be from home. He was surprised to find + that it had a Western postmark. He was more puzzled by the feminine + handwriting. + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard anything from the little boy?” asked the postman, for Mr. + Reynolds' loss was well known. + </p> + <p> + Grant shook his head. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing definite,” he said. “Mr. Reynolds has gone to Georgia to follow + up a clew.” + </p> + <p> + “Two weeks since,” said the postman, “I left a letter here dated at + Scipio, Ill. It was in a boy's handwriting. I thought it might be from the + lost boy.” + </p> + <p> + “A letter from Scipio, in a boy's handwriting!” repeated Grant, surprised. + “Mr. Reynolds has shown me all his letters. He has received none from + there.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't understand it. I left it here, I am positive of that.” + </p> + <p> + “At what time in the day?” asked Grant, quickly. + </p> + <p> + “About eleven o'clock in the forenoon.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell to whom you gave it?” + </p> + <p> + “To the servant.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very strange,” said Grant, thoughtfully. “And it was in a boy's + handwriting?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; the address was in a round, schoolboy hand. The servant couldn't + have lost it, could she?” + </p> + <p> + “No; Sarah is very careful.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I must be going.” + </p> + <p> + By this time Grant had opened the letter. He had glanced rapidly at the + signature, and his face betrayed excitement. + </p> + <p> + “This is from Herbert,” he said. “You may listen, if you like.” + </p> + <p> + He rapidly read the letter, which in part was as follows: + </p> + <p> + “DEAR GRANT: I write to you, or rather I have asked Miss Stone, who is + taking care of me, to do so, because I wrote to papa two weeks since, and + I am afraid he did not get the letter, for I have had no answer. I wrote + from the town of Scipio, in Illinois— + </p> + <p> + “Just what I said,” interrupted the postman. + </p> + <p> + “I wrote that Mr. Ford had carried me away and brought me out West, where + he put me to board in a poor family, where I had scarcely enough to eat. + Mr. Barton had one son, Abner, who treated me well, and agreed to run away + with me to New York, if we could get money from papa. But we waited and + waited, and no letter came. So at last we decided to run away at any rate, + for I was afraid Mr. Ford would come back and take me somewhere else. I + can't tell you much about the journey, except that we walked most of the + way, and we got very tired—or, at least, I did, for I am not so + strong as Abner—till I broke down. I am stopping now at the house of + Dr. Stone, who is very kind, and so is his sister, who is writing this + letter for me. Will you show papa this letter, and ask him to send for me, + if he cannot come himself? I do so long to be at home once more. I hope he + will come before Willis Ford finds me out. I think he has a spite against + papa, and that is why he stole me away. Your affectionate friend, + </p> + <p> + “HERBERT REYNOLDS.” + </p> + <p> + “Please say nothing about this,” said Grant to the postman. “I don't want + it known that this letter has come.” + </p> + <p> + “What will you do?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall start for the West myself to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Estabrook intercepted that letter,” said Grant to himself. “I am + sure of it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVII — WILLIS FORD FINDS THE RUNAWAYS + </h2> + <p> + “I shall be absent for a few days, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Grant to the + housekeeper, as he entered the house. + </p> + <p> + “Where are you going?” she inquired. + </p> + <p> + “I can't tell you definitely.” + </p> + <p> + “Hadn't you better wait till Mr. Reynolds gets back?” + </p> + <p> + “No; business is not very pressing in the office, and I can be spared.” + </p> + <p> + The housekeeper concluded that Grant was going to Colebrook, and did not + connect his journey with the lost boy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, well, I suppose you understand your own business best. Herbert will + miss you if he finds you away when his father brings him back.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think he will?” asked Grant, eyeing the housekeeper sharply. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure I don't know. I suppose he expects to, or he would not have + traveled so far in search of him.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall you be glad to see him back, Mrs. Estabrook?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course! What makes you doubt it?” demanded the housekeeper, sharply. + </p> + <p> + “I thought you didn't like Herbert.” + </p> + <p> + “I wasn't always petting him. It isn't in my way to pet boys.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you often hear from Willis Ford?” + </p> + <p> + “That is my business,” answered Mrs. Estabrook, sharply. “Why do you ask?” + </p> + <p> + “I was wondering whether he knew that Herbert had been abducted.” + </p> + <p> + “That is more than we know. Very likely the boy ran away.” + </p> + <p> + Grant called on the cashier at his private residence, confided to him his + plan, and obtained a sum of money for traveling expenses. He left the + Grand Central Depot by the evening train, and by morning was well on his + way to Chicago. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Willis Ford had left no stone unturned to obtain news of the + runaways. This he did not find difficult, though attended with delay. He + struck the right trail, and then had only to inquire, as he went along, + whether two boys had been seen, one small and delicate, the other large + and well-grown, wandering through the country. Plenty had seen the two + boys, and told him so. + </p> + <p> + “Are they your sons, mister?” asked a laborer of whom he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Not both of them—only the smaller,” answered Ford, with unblushing + falsehood. + </p> + <p> + “And what made them run away now?” + </p> + <p> + “My son probably did not like the boarding place I selected for him.” + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't he write to you?” + </p> + <p> + “He didn't know where to direct.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is the other lad?” + </p> + <p> + “The son of the man I placed him with. I think he may have induced Sam to + run away.” + </p> + <p> + Finally Ford reached Claremont, the town where the boys had actually found + refuge. Here he learned that two boys had been taken in by Dr. Stone, + answering to the description he gave. One, the younger one, had been sick, + but now was better. This information he obtained at the hotel. + </p> + <p> + Ford's eyes sparkled with exultation. He had succeeded in his quest, and + once more Herbert was in his hands, or would be very soon. + </p> + <p> + He inquired the way to Dr. Stone's. Everybody knew where the doctor lived, + and he had no trouble in securing the information he sought. Indeed, + before he reached the house, he caught sight of Abner, walking in the same + direction with himself, but a few rods ahead. + </p> + <p> + He quickened his pace, and laid his hand on the boy's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + Abner turned, and an expression of dismay overspread his face. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, my young friend! I see that you remember me,” said Ford, ironically. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you want?” asked Abner, sullenly. + </p> + <p> + “You know well enough. I want the boy you have persuaded to run away with + you.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't persuade him.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind about quibbling. I know where the boy is, and I mean to have + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me, too?” + </p> + <p> + “No; I don't care where you go.” + </p> + <p> + “I reckon Herbert won't go with you.” + </p> + <p> + “And I reckon he will. That is Dr. Stone's, isn't it? Never mind + answering. I know well enough it is.” + </p> + <p> + “He'll have bub sure,” said Abner, disconsolately. “But I'll follow 'em, + and I'll get him away, as sure as my name's Abner Barton.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXVIII — FORD TAKES A BOLD STEP, BUT FAILS + </h2> + <p> + “I wish to see Miss Stone,” said Willis Ford, to the servant. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell her. What name shall I say?” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind about the name. I wish to see her on business of importance.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't like his looks,” thought the maid. “Shure he talks as if he was + the boss.” + </p> + <p> + She told Miss Stone, however, that a gentleman wished to see her, who + would not tell his name. + </p> + <p> + Miss Stone was in Herbert's chamber, and the boy—now nearly well, + quite well, in fact, but for a feeling of languor and weakness—heard + the message. + </p> + <p> + “What is he like?” he asked, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “He's slender like, with black hair and a black mustache, and he talks + like he was the master of the house.” + </p> + <p> + “I think it is Willis Ford,” said Herbert, turning pale. + </p> + <p> + “The man who abducted you?” ejaculated Miss Stone. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the same man. Don't let him take me away,” implored Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “I wish my brother were here,” said Miss Stone, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Won't he be here soon?” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid not. He has gone on a round of calls. Bridget, tell the young + man I will be down directly.” + </p> + <p> + Five minutes later Miss Stone descended, and found Willis Ford fuming with + impatience. + </p> + <p> + “I am here, sir,” she said, coldly. “I understand you wish to see me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, madam; will you answer me a few questions?” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly. Let me hear what they are.” + </p> + <p> + “You have a boy in this house, named Herbert Reynolds?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “A boy who ran away from Mr. Joel Barton, with whom I placed him?” + </p> + <p> + “What right had you to place him anywhere, Mr. Ford?” demanded the lady. + </p> + <p> + “That's my business. Permit me to say that it is no affair of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “I judge differently. The boy is sick and under my charge.” + </p> + <p> + “I am his natural guardian, madam.” + </p> + <p> + “Who made you so, Mr. Ford?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not argue that question. It is enough that I claim him as my + cousin and ward.” + </p> + <p> + “Your cousin?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly. That doubtless conflicts with what he has told you. He was + always a liar.” + </p> + <p> + “His story is, that you beguiled him from his home in New York, and + brought him against his will to this part of the country.” + </p> + <p> + “And you believe him?” sneered Ford. + </p> + <p> + “I do.” + </p> + <p> + “It matters little whether you do or not. He is my sister's child, and is + under my charge. I thought fit to place him with Mr. Joel Barton, of + Scipio, but the boy, who is flighty, was induced to run away with Barton's + son, a lazy, shiftless fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Supposing this to be so, Mr. Ford, what is your object in calling?” + </p> + <p> + “To reclaim him. It does not suit me to leave him here.” + </p> + <p> + Ford's manner was so imperative that Miss Stone became alarmed. + </p> + <p> + “The boy is not fit to travel,” she said. “Wait till my brother comes, and + he will decide, being a physician, whether it is safe to have him go.” + </p> + <p> + “Madam, this subterfuge will not avail,” said Ford, rudely. “I will not + wait till your brother comes. I prefer to take the matter into my own + hands.” + </p> + <p> + He pressed forward to the door of the room, and before Miss Stone could + prevent it, was on his way upstairs. She followed as rapidly as she could, + but before she could reach him, Ford had dashed into the room where + Herbert lay on the bed. + </p> + <p> + Herbert was stricken with terror when he saw the face of his enemy. + </p> + <p> + “I see you know me,” said Ford, with an evil smile. “Get up at once, and + prepare to go with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me here, Mr. Ford. I can't go with you; Indeed, I can't,” said + Herbert. + </p> + <p> + “We'll see about that,” said Ford. “I give you five minutes to rise and + put on your clothes. If you don't obey me, I will flog you.” + </p> + <p> + Looking into his cruel face, Herbert felt that he had no other resource. + Trembling, he slipped out of bed, and began to draw on his clothes. He + felt helpless, but help was nearer than he dreamed. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ford, I protest against this high-handed proceeding,” exclaimed Miss + Stone, indignantly, as she appeared at the door of the chamber. “What + right have you to go over my house without permission?” + </p> + <p> + “If it comes to that,” sneered Ford, “what right have you to keep my ward + from me?” + </p> + <p> + “I am not his ward,” said Herbert, quickly. + </p> + <p> + “The boy is a liar,” exclaimed Ford, harshly. + </p> + <p> + “Get back into the bed, Herbert,” said Miss Stone. “This man shall not + take you away.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you will tell me how you are going to help it,” retorted Ford, + with an evil smile. + </p> + <p> + “If my brother were here—-” + </p> + <p> + “But your brother is not here, and if he were, I would not allow him to + interfere between me and my cousin. Herbert, unless you continue dressing, + I shall handle you roughly.” + </p> + <p> + But sounds were heard upon the stairs, and Ford, as well as Miss Stone, + turned their eyes to the door. + </p> + <p> + The first to enter was Abner. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, it's you, is it?” said Ford, contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + He had thought it might be Dr. Stone, whom he was less inclined to face + than he professed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it is. What are you doing here?” + </p> + <p> + “It is none of your business, you cub. He's got to come with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe you want me, too?” + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't take you as a gift.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho, ho,” laughed Abner, “I reckon you'd find me a tough customer. You + won't take bub, either.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is to prevent me?” + </p> + <p> + “I will!” said a new voice, and Grant Thornton, who had fallen in with + Abner outside, walked quietly into the room. + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford started back in dismay. Grant was the last person he expected + to meet here. He had no idea that any one of the boy's home friends had + tracked him this far. He felt that he was defeated, but he hated to + acknowledge it. + </p> + <p> + “How are you going to prevent me, you young whippersnapper?” he said, + glaring menacingly at Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Willis Ford, unless you leave this room and this town at once,” said + Grant, firmly, “I will have you arrested. There is a local officer below + whom I brought with me, suspecting your object in coming here.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Grant, how glad I am to see you! Is papa with you?” exclaimed + Herbert, overjoyed. + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you about it soon, Herbert.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't let him take me away?” + </p> + <p> + “There is no danger of that,” said Grant, reassuringly. “I shall take you + home to New York as soon as this good lady says you are well enough to + go.” + </p> + <p> + Ford stood gnawing his nether lip. If it had been Mr. Reynolds, he would + not have minded so much; but for a mere boy, like Grant Thornton, to talk + with such a calm air of superiority angered him. + </p> + <p> + “Boy,” he said, “it sounds well for you to talk of arrest—you who + stole my aunt's bonds, and are indebted to her forbearance for not being + at this moment in State's prison.” + </p> + <p> + “Your malicious charge does not affect me, Mr. Ford,” returned Grant. “It + was proved before you left New York that you were the thief, and even your + stepmother must have admitted it. Mr. Reynolds discharged you from his + employment, and this is the mean revenge you have taken—the + abduction of his only son.” + </p> + <p> + “I will do you an injury yet, you impudent boy,” said Ford, furiously. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be on my guard, Mr. Ford,” answered Grant. “I believe you capable + of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think you had better leave us, sir?” said Miss Stone. + </p> + <p> + “I shall take my own time about going,” he answered, impudently. + </p> + <p> + But his words were heard by Dr. Stone, who had returned sooner than he + anticipated, and was already at the door of the room. He was a powerful + man, and of quick temper. His answer was to seize Ford by the collar and + fling him downstairs. + </p> + <p> + “This will teach you to be more polite to a lady,” he said. “Now, what + does all this mean, and who is this man?” + </p> + <p> + The explanation was given. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I had been here before,” said the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “You were in good time,” said Grant, smiling. “I see that Herbert has + found powerful friends.” + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford, angry and humiliated, picked himself up, but did not venture + to return to the room he had left so ignominiously. Like most bullies, he + was a coward, and he did not care to encounter the doctor again. + </p> + <p> + Within an hour, Grant telegraphed to the broker at his office: “I have + found Herbert, and will start for New York with him to-morrow.” Mr. + Reynolds had only just returned from his fruitless Southern expedition, + weary and dispirited. But he forgot all his fatigue when he read this + message. “God bless Grant Thornton!” he ejaculated. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXXIX — THE HOUSEKEEPER'S RETRIBUTION + </h2> + <p> + The train from Chicago had just reached the Grand Central Depot. From the + parlor car descended two boys who are well known to us, Grant Thornton and + Herbert Reynolds. + </p> + <p> + Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Grant,” he said, “how glad I am to see New York once more! I wonder + if papa knows we are to come by this train?” + </p> + <p> + The answer came speedily. + </p> + <p> + The broker, who had just espied them, hurried forward, and his lost boy + was lifted to his embrace. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God, I have recovered you, my dear son,” he exclaimed, fervently. + </p> + <p> + “You must thank Grant, too, papa,” said the little boy. “It was he who + found me and prevented Mr. Ford stealing me again.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Reynolds grasped Grant's hand and pressed it warmly. + </p> + <p> + “I shall know how to express my gratitude to Grant in due time,” he said. + </p> + <p> + On their way home Grant revealed to Mr. Reynolds for the first time the + treachery of the housekeeper, who had suppressed Herbert's letter to his + father, and left the latter to mourn for his son when she might have + relieved him of the burden of sorrow. + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Reynolds listened, his face became stern. + </p> + <p> + “That woman is a viper!” he said. “In my house she has enjoyed every + comfort and every consideration, and in return she has dealt me this foul + blow. She will have cause to regret it.” + </p> + <p> + When they entered the house Mrs. Estabrook received them with false + smiles. + </p> + <p> + “So you are back again, Master Herbert,” she said. “A fine fright you gave + us!” + </p> + <p> + “You speak as if Herbert went away of his own accord,” said the broker + sternly. “You probably know better.” + </p> + <p> + “I know nothing, sir, about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I may inform you that it was your stepson, Willis Ford, who stole my + boy—a noble revenge, truly, upon me for discharging him.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe it,” said the housekeeper. “I presume it is your office + boy who makes this charge?” she added, pressing her thin lips together. + </p> + <p> + “There are others who are cognizant of it, Mrs. Estabrook. Grant succeeded + in foiling Mr. Ford in his attempt to recover Herbert, who had run away + from his place of confinement.” + </p> + <p> + “You are prejudiced against my son, Mr. Reynolds,” said Mrs. Estabrook, + her voice trembling with anger. + </p> + <p> + “Not more than against you, Mrs. Estabrook. I have a serious charge to + bring against you.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, sir?” asked the housekeeper, nervously. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you suppress the letter which my boy wrote to me revealing his + place of imprisonment?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know what you mean, sir,” she answered, half defiantly. + </p> + <p> + “I think you do.” + </p> + <p> + “Did Master Herbert write such a letter?” “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it must have miscarried.” + </p> + <p> + “On the contrary, the postman expressly declares that he delivered it at + this house. I charge you with concealing or suppressing it.” + </p> + <p> + “The charge is false. You can't prove it, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not attempt to do so; but I am thoroughly convinced of it. After + this act of treachery, I cannot permit you to spend another night in my + house. You will please pack at once, and arrange for a removal.” + </p> + <p> + “I am entitled to a month's notice, Mr. Reynolds.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have a month's wages in lieu of it. I would as soon have a + serpent in my house.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Estabrook turned pale. She had never expected it would come to this. + She thought no one would ever be able to trace the suppressed letter to + her. She was not likely again to obtain so comfortable and desirable a + position. Instead of attributing her ill fortune to her own malice and + evil doing, she chose to attribute it to Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I am to thank you for this, Grant Thornton,” she said, in sudden passion. + “I was right in hating you as soon as I first saw you. If ever I am able I + will pay you up for this.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't doubt it, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Grant, quietly, “but I don't + think you will have it in your power.” + </p> + <p> + She did not deign to answer, but hurried out of the room. In half an hour + she had left the house. + </p> + <p> + “Now I can breathe freely,” said the broker. “That woman was so full of + malice and spite that it made me uncomfortable to feel that she was in the + house.” + </p> + <p> + “I am so glad that she has gone, papa,” said Herbert. + </p> + <p> + That evening, after Herbert had gone to bed, Mr. Reynolds invited Grant + into his library. + </p> + <p> + “My boy,” he said, “I have settled accounts with Mrs. Estabrook; now I + want to settle with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the same way, I hope, sir,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, in the same way, according to your deserts. You have done me a + service, that which none can be greater. You have been instrumental in + restoring to me my only son.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want any reward for that, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not; but I owe it to myself to see that this service is + acknowledged. I shall raise your salary to fifteen dollars a week.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, sir,” said Grant, joyfully. “How glad my mother will be.” + </p> + <p> + “When you tell her this, you may also tell her that I have deposited on + your account in the Bowery Savings Bank the sum of five thousand dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “This is too much, Mr. Reynolds,” said Grant, quite overwhelmed. “Why, I + shall feel like a man of fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “So you will be in time, if you continue as faithful to business as in the + past.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me like a dream,” said Grant. + </p> + <p> + “I will give you a week's leave of absence to visit your parents, and tell + them of your good fortune.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XL — CONCLUSION + </h2> + <p> + There were anxious hearts in the parsonage at Colebrook. For some weeks + the minister had shown signs of overwork. His appetite had failed, and he + seemed weary and worn. + </p> + <p> + “He needs change,” said the doctor. “A run over to Europe would do him + good. He has no disease; he only wants change.” + </p> + <p> + “A trip to Europe,” said Mr. Thornton, shaking his head. “It is + impossible. It has been the dream of my life, but a country minister could + not, in half a dozen years, save money enough for that.” + </p> + <p> + “If your brother Godfrey would lend you the money, Grant might, in time, + help you to pay it.” + </p> + <p> + Godfrey never had forgiven Grant for running counter to his plans. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I could spare the money myself, Mr. Thornton,” said the doctor. + “Five hundred dollars would be sufficient, and it would make a new man of + you.” + </p> + <p> + “It might as well be five thousand,” said the minister, shaking his head. + “No, my good friend, I must toil on as well as I can, and leave European + trips to more favored men.” + </p> + <p> + It was noised about through the parish that the minister was sick, and the + doctor recommended a European trip. + </p> + <p> + “It's ridikilus,” was Deacon Gridley's comment. “I work harder than the + minister, and I never had to go to Europe. It's just because it's + fashionable.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Thornton is looking pale and haggard,” said Mrs. Gridley. + </p> + <p> + “What if he is? He ought to work outdoors like me. Then he'd know what + work was. Ac-cordin' to my notion, ministers have a pooty easy time.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Tudor was of the same opinion. + </p> + <p> + “It's all nonsense, deacon,” he said. “Father wanted me to be a minister, + and I'd have had a good deal easier time if I had followed his advice.” + </p> + <p> + “You wouldn't have had so much money, Mr. Tudor,” said Miss Lucretia + Spring, who heard this remark. + </p> + <p> + “Mebbe not; but what I've got I've worked for.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part, although I am not near as rich as you are, I'd give twenty + dollars toward sending the minister abroad,” said kindly Miss Spring. + </p> + <p> + “I wouldn't give a cent,” said Mr. Tudor, with emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “Nor I,” said Deacon Gridley. “I don't believe in humorin' the clergy.” + </p> + <p> + Saturday came, and the minister was worse. It seemed doubtful if he would + be able to officiate the next day. No wonder he became dispirited. + </p> + <p> + Just before supper the stage drove up to the door, and Grant jumped out. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid he has been discharged,” said Mr. Thornton, nervously. + </p> + <p> + “He does not look like it,” said Mrs. Thornton, noticing Grant's beaming + countenance. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with father?” asked Grant, stopping short as he + entered. + </p> + <p> + “He is not feeling very well, Grant. He has got run down.” + </p> + <p> + “What does the doctor say?” + </p> + <p> + “He says your father ought to take a three-months trip to Europe.” + </p> + <p> + “Which, of course, is impossible,” said Mr. Thornton, smiling faintly. + </p> + <p> + “Not if your brother would open his heart, and lend you the money.” + </p> + <p> + “He would not do it.” + </p> + <p> + “And we won't ask him,” said Grant, quickly, “but you shall go, all the + same, father.” + </p> + <p> + “My son, it would cost five hundred dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “And for twice as much, mother, could go with you; you would need her to + take care of you. Besides she needs a change, too.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a pleasant plan, Grant; but we must not think of it.” + </p> + <p> + “That's where I don't agree with you. You and mother shall go as soon as + you like, and I will pay the expenses.” + </p> + <p> + “Is the boy crazy?” said the minister. + </p> + <p> + “I'll answer that for myself, father. I have five thousand dollars in the + Bowery Savings Bank, in New York, and I don't think I can spend a part of + it better than in giving you and mother a European trip.” + </p> + <p> + Then the explanation came, and with some difficulty the minister was made + to understand that the dream of his life was to be realized, and that he + and his wife were really going to Europe. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well! who'd have thought it?” ejaculated Deacon Gridley. “That boy + of the minister's must be plaguey smart. I never thought he'd be so + successful. All the same, it seems to me a mighty poor investment to spend + a thousand dollars on racin' to Europe. That money would buy quite a + sizable farm.” + </p> + <p> + Others, however, less narrow in their notions, heartily approved of the + European trip. When three months later the minister came home, he looked + like a new man. His eye was bright, his face bronzed and healthy, his step + elastic, and he looked half a dozen years younger. + </p> + <p> + “This all comes of having a good son,” he said, smiling, in reply to + congratulations, “a son who, in helping himself, has been alive to help + others.” + </p> + <p> + Half a dozen years have passed. Grant Thornton is now a young man, and + junior partner of Mr. Reynolds. He has turned his money to good account, + and is counted rich for one of his age. He has renewed his acquaintance + with Miss Carrie Clifton, whom he met for the first time as a summer + boarder in Colebrook, and from their intimacy it wouldn't be surprising if + Grant should some day become the wealthy jeweler's son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Godfrey has become reconciled to Grant's following his own course. + It is easy to become reconciled to success. + </p> + <p> + Willis Ford is confined in a penitentiary in a Western State, having been + convicted of forgery, and there is small chance of his amendment. He has + stripped his stepmother of her last penny, and she is compelled to live on + the charity of a relative, who accords her a grudging welcome, and treats + her with scant consideration. The bitterest drop in her cup of humiliation + is the prosperity of Grant Thornton, toward whom she feels a fierce and + vindictive hatred. As she has sown, so she reaps. Malice and + uncharitableness seldom bring forth welcome fruit. + </p> + <p> + THE END + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Helping Himself, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HELPING HIMSELF *** + +***** This file should be named 5833-h.htm or 5833-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/8/3/5833/ + +Produced by Carrie Fellman and David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Helping Himself + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: June, 2004 [EBook #5833] +Last Updated: August 15, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HELPING HIMSELF *** + + + + +Produced by Carrie Fellman + + + + + + +HELPING HIMSELF + +Or + +Grant Thornton's Ambition + +By Horatio Alger, Jr. + +New York + + + +HELPING HIMSELF + + + +CHAPTER I -- THE MINISTER'S SON + + +"I wish we were not so terribly poor, Grant," said Mrs. Thornton, in +a discouraged tone. + +"Is there anything new that makes you say so, mother?" answered the +boy of fifteen, whom she addressed. + +"Nothing new, only the same old trouble. Here is a note from Mr. +Tudor, the storekeeper." + +"Let me see it, mother." + +Grant took a yellow envelope from his mother's hand, and drew out +the inclosure, a half sheet of coarse letter paper, which contained +the following lines: + +"July 7, 1857. + +REV. JOHN THORNTON: + +DEAR SIR: Inclosed you will find a bill for groceries and other +goods furnished to you in the last six months, amounting to +sixty-seven dollars and thirty-four cents ($67.34). It ought to have +been paid before. How you, a minister of the Gospel, can justify +yourself in using goods which you don't pay for, I can't understand. +If I remember rightly, the Bible says: 'Owe no man anything.' As I +suppose you recognize the Bible as an authority, I expect you to pay +up promptly, and oblige, + +Yours respectfully, THOMAS TUDOR." + +Grant looked vexed and indignant. "I think that is an impudent +letter, mother," he said. + +"It is right that the man should have his money, Grant." + +"That is true, but he might have asked for it civilly, without +taunting my poor father with his inability to pay. He would pay if +he could." + +"Heaven knows he would, Grant," said his mother, sighing. + +"I would like to give Mr. Tudor a piece of my mind." "I would rather +pay his bill. No, Grant, though he is neither kind nor considerate, +we must admit that his claim is a just one. If I only knew where to +turn for money!" + +"Have you shown the bill to father?" asked Grant. + +"No; you know how unpractical your father is. It would only annoy +and make him anxious, and he would not know what to do. Your poor +father has no business faculty." + +"He is a very learned man," said Grant, proudly. + +"Yes, he graduated very high at college, and is widely respected by +his fellow ministers, but he has no aptitude for business." + +"You have, mother. If you had been a man, you would have done better +than he. Without your good management we should have been a good +deal worse off than we are. It is the only thing that has kept our +heads above water." + +"I am glad you think so, Grant. I have done the best I could, but no +management will pay bills without money." + +It was quite true that the minister's wife was a woman of excellent +practical sense, who had known how to make his small salary go very +far. In this respect she differed widely from her learned husband, +who in matters of business was scarcely more than a child. But, as +she intimated with truth, there was something better than +management, and that was ready cash. + +"To support a family on six hundred dollars a year is very hard, +Grant, when there are three children," resumed his mother. + +"I can't understand why a man like father can't command a better +salary," said Grant. "There's Rev. Mr. Stentor, in Waverley, gets +fifteen hundred dollars salary, and I am sure he can't compare +with father in ability." + +"True, Grant, but your father is modest, and not given to blowing +his own trumpet, while Mr. Stentor, from all I can hear, has a very +high opinion of himself." + +"He has a loud voice, and thrashes round in his pulpit, as if he +were a--prophet," said Grant, not quite knowing how to finish his +sentence. + +"Your father never was a man to push himself forward. He is very +modest." + +"I suppose that is not the only bill that we owe," said Grant. + +"No; our unpaid bills must amount to at least two hundred dollars +more," answered his mother. + +Grant whistled. + +Two hundred and sixty-seven dollars seemed to him an immense sum, +and so it was, to a poor minister with a family of three children +and a salary of only six hundred dollars. Where to obtain so large a +sum neither Grant nor his mother could possibly imagine. Even if +there were anyone to borrow it from, there seemed no chance to pay +back so considerable a sum. + +Mother and son looked at each other in perplexity. Finally, Grant +broke the silence. + +"Mother," he said, "one thing seems pretty clear. I must go to work. +I am fifteen, well and strong, and I ought to be earning my own +living." + +"But your father has set his heart upon your going to college, +Grant." + +"And I should like to go, too; but if I did it would be years before +I could be anything but an expense and a burden, and that would make +me unhappy." + +"You are almost ready for college, Grant, are you not?" + +"Very nearly. I could get ready for the September examination. I +have only to review Homer, and brush up my Latin." + +"And your uncle Godfrey is ready to help you through." + +"That gives me an idea, mother. It would cost Uncle Godfrey as much +as nine hundred dollars a year over and above all the help I could +get from the college funds, and perhaps from teaching school this +winter. Now, if he would allow me that sum for a single year and let +me go to work, I could pay up all father's debts, and give him a new +start. It would save Uncle Godfrey nine hundred dollars." + +"He has set his heart on your going to college. I don't think he +would agree to help you at all if you disappoint him." + +"At any rate, I could try the experiment. Something has got to be +done, mother." + +"Yes, Grant, there is no doubt of that. Mr. Tudor is evidently in +earnest. If we don't pay him, I think it very likely he will refuse +to let us have anything more on credit. And you know there is no +other grocery store in the village." + +"Have you any money to pay him on account, mother?" + +"I have eight dollars." + +"Let me have that, and go over and see what I can do with him. We +can't get along without groceries. By the way, mother, doesn't the +parish owe father anything?" + +"They are about sixty dollars in arrears on the salary." + +"And the treasurer is Deacon Gridley?" + +"Yes." + +"Then I'll tell you what I will do. I'll first go over to the +deacon's and try to collect something. Afterward I will call on Mr. +Tudor." + +"It is your father's place to do it, but he has no business faculty, +and could not accomplish anything. Go, then, Grant, but remember one +thing." + +"What is that, mother?" + +"You have a quick temper, my son. Don't allow yourself to speak +hastily, or disrespectfully, even if you are disappointed. Mr. +Tudor's bill is a just one, and he ought to have his money." + +"I'll do the best I can, mother." + + + +CHAPTER II -- GRANT MAKES TWO BUSINESS CALLS + + + +Deacon Gridley had a small farm, and farming was his chief +occupation, but he had a few thousand dollars laid away in stocks +and bonds, and, being a thrifty man, not to say mean, he managed to +save up nearly all the interest, which he added to his original +accumulation. He always coveted financial trusts, and so it came +about that he was parish treasurer. It was often convenient for him +to keep in his hands, for a month at a time, money thus collected +which ought to have been paid over at once to the minister, but the +deacon was a thoroughly selfish man, and cared little how pressed +for money Mr. Thornton might be, as long as he himself derived some +benefit from holding on to the parish funds. + +The deacon was mowing the front yard of his house when Grant came up +to his front gate. + +"Good-morning, Deacon Gridley," said the minister's son. + +"Mornin', Grant," answered the deacon. "How's your folks?" + +"Pretty well in health," returned Grant, coming to business at once, +"but rather short of money." + +"Ministers most gen'ally are," said Deacon Gridley, dryly. + +"I should think they might be, with the small salaries they get," +said Grant, indignantly. + +"Some of 'em do get poorly paid," replied the deacon; "but I call +six hundred dollars a pooty fair income." + +"It might be for a single man; but when a minister has a wife and +three children, like my father, it's pretty hard scratching." + +"Some folks ain't got faculty," said the deacon, adding, +complacently, "it never cost me nigh on to six hundred dollars a +year to live." + +The deacon had the reputation of living very penuriously, and Abram +Fish, who once worked for him and boarded in the family, said he was +half starved there. + +"You get your milk and vegetables off the farm," said Grant, who +felt the comparison was not a fair one. "That makes a great deal of +difference." + +"It makes some difference," the deacon admitted, "but not as much as +the difference in our expenses. I didn't spend more'n a hundred +dollars cash last year." + +This excessive frugality may have been the reason why Mrs. Deacon +Gridley was always so shabbily dressed. The poor woman had not had a +new bonnet for five years, as every lady in the parish well knew. + +"Ministers have some expenses that other people don't," persisted +Grant. + +"What kind of expenses, I'd like to know?" + +"They have to buy books and magazines, and entertain missionaries, +and hire teams to go on exchanges." + +"That's something," admitted the deacon. "Maybe it amounts to twenty +or thirty dollars a year." + +"More likely a hundred," said Grant. + +"That would be awful extravagant sinful waste. If I was a minister, +I'd be more keerful." + +"Well, Deacon Gridley, I don't want to argue with you. I came to see +if you hadn't collected some money for father. Mr. Tudor has sent in +his bill, and he wants to be paid." + +"How much is it?" + +"Sixty-seven dollars and thirty-four cents." + +"You don't tell me!" said the deacon, scandalized. "You folks must +be terrible extravagant." + +Grant hardly knew whether to be more vexed or amused. + +"If wanting to have enough to eat is extravagant," he said, "then we +are." + +"You must live on the fat of the land, Grant." + +"We haven't any of us got the gout, nor are likely to have," +answered Grant, provoked. "But let us come back to business. Have +you got any money for father?" + +Now it so happened that Deacon Gridley had fifty dollars collected, +but he thought he knew where he could let it out for one per cent, +for a month, and he did not like to lose the opportunity. + +"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Grant," he answered, "but folks are +slow about payin' up, and--" + +"Haven't you got any money collected?" asked Grant, desperately. + +"I'll tell you what I'll do," said the deacon, with a bright idea. +"I've got fifty dollars of my own--say for a month, till I can make +collections." + +"That would be very kind," said Grant, feeling that he had done the +deacon an injustice. + +"Of course," the deacon resumed, hastily, "I should have to charge +interest. In fact, I was goin' to lend out the money to a neighbor +for a month at one per cent; but I'd just as lieve let your father +have it at that price." + +"Isn't that more than legal interest?" asked Grant. + +"Well, you see, money is worth good interest nowadays. Ef your +father don't want it, no matter. I can let the other man have it." + +Grant rapidly calculated that the interest would only amount to +fifty cents, and money must be had. + +"I think father'll agree to your terms," he said. "I'll let you know +this afternoon." + +"All right, Grant. It don't make a mite of difference to me, but if +your father wants the money he'll have to speak for it to-day." + +"I'll see that the matter is attended to," said Grant, and he went +on his way, pleased with the prospect of obtaining money for their +impoverished household, even on such hard terms. + +Next he made his way to Mr. Tudor's store. + +It was one of those country variety stores where almost everything +in the way of house supplies can be obtained, from groceries to dry +goods. + +Mr. Tudor was a small man, with a parchment skin and insignificant +features. He was in the act of weighing out a quantity of sugar for +a customer when Grant entered. + +Grant waited till the shopkeeper was at leisure. + +"Did you want to see me, Grant?" said Tudor. + +"Yes, Mr. Tudor. You sent over a bill to our house this morning." + +"And you've come to pay it. That's right. Money's tight, and I've +got bills to pay in the city." + +"I've got a little money for you on account," said Grant, watching +Tudor's face anxiously. + +"How much?" asked the storekeeper, his countenance changing. + +"Eight dollars." + +"Eight dollars!" ejaculated Tudor, indignantly. "Only eight dollars +out of sixty-seven! That's a regular imposition, and I don't care ef +your father is a minister, I stick to my words." + +Grant was angry, but he remembered his mother's injunction to +restrain his temper. + +"We'd like to pay the whole, Mr. Tudor, if we had the money, and--" + +"Do you think I can trust the whole neighborhood, and only get one +dollar in ten of what's due me?" spluttered Mr. Tudor. "Ministers +ought to set a better example." + +"Ministers ought to get better pay," said Grant. + +"There's plenty don't get as much as your father. When do you expect +to pay the rest, I'd like to know? I s'pose you expect me to go on +trustin', and mebbe six months from now you'll pay me another eight +dollars," said the storekeeper, with withering sarcasm. + +"I was going to tell you, if you hadn't interrupted me," said Grant, +"that we should probably have some more money for you to-morrow." + +"How much?" + +"Twenty-five dollars," answered the boy, knowing that part of the +money borrowed must go in other quarters. "Will that be +satisfactory?" + +"That's more like!" said Tudor, calming down. "Ef you'll pay that +I'll give you a leetle more time on the rest. Do you want anything +this mornin'? I've got some prime butter just come in." + +"I'll call for some articles this afternoon, Mr. Tudor. Here are the +eight dollars. Please credit us with that sum." + +"Well, I've accomplished something," said Grant to himself as he +plodded homeward. + + + +CHAPTER III -- GRANT WALKS TO SOMERSET + + + +GODFREY THORNTON, Grant's uncle, lived in the neighboring town of +Somerset. He was an old bachelor, three years older than his +brother, the minister, and followed the profession of a lawyer. His +business was not large, but his habits were frugal, and he had +managed to save up ten thousand dollars. Grant had always been a +favorite with him, and having no son of his own he had formed the +plan of sending him to college. He was ambitious that he should be a +professional man. + +It might have been supposed that he would have felt disposed to +assist his brother, whose scanty salary he knew was inadequate to +the needs of a family. But Godfrey Thornton was an obstinate man, +and chose to give assistance in his own way, and no other. It would +be a very handsome thing, he thought, to give his nephew a college +education. And so, indeed, it would. But he forgot one thing. In +families of limited means, when a boy reaches the age of fifteen or +sixteen he is very properly expected to earn something toward the +family income, and this Grant could not do while preparing for +college. If his uncle could have made up his mind to give his +brother a small sum annually to make up for this, all would have +been well. Not that this idea had suggested itself to the Rev. John +Thorn-ton. He felt grateful for his brother's intentions toward +Grant, and had bright hopes of his boy's future. But, in truth, +pecuniary troubles affected him less than his wife. She was the +manager, and it was for her to contrive and be anxious. + +After Grant had arranged the matters referred to in the preceding +chapter, he told his mother that he proposed to go to Somerset to +call on his uncle. + +"No, Grant, I don't object, though I should be sorry to have you +lose the chance of an education." + +"I have a very fair education already, mother. Of course I should +like to go to college, but I can't bear to have you and father +struggling with poverty. If I become a business man, I may have a +better chance to help you. At any rate, I can help you sooner. If I +can only induce Uncle Godfrey to give you the sum my education would +cost him, I shall feel perfectly easy." + +"You can make the attempt, my son, but I have doubts about your +success." + +Grant, however, was more hopeful. He didn't see why his uncle should +object, and it would cost him no more money. It seemed to him very +plain sailing, and he set out to walk to Somerset, full of courage +and hope. + +It was a pretty direct road, and the distance--five miles--was not +formidable to a strong-limbed boy like Grant. In an hour and a half +he entered the village, and soon reached the small one-story +building which served his uncle as an office. + +Entering, he saw his uncle busy with some papers at his desk. + +The old lawyer raised his eyes as the door opened. + +"So it's you, Grant, is it?" he said. "Nobody sick at home, eh?" + +"No, Uncle Godfrey, we are all well." + +"I was afraid some one might be sick, from your coming over. +However, I suppose you have some errand in Somerset." + +"My only errand is to call upon you, uncle." + +"I suppose I am to consider that a compliment," said the old +bachelor, not ill pleased. "Well, and when are you going to be ready +for college?" + +"I can be ready to enter in September," replied Grant. + +"That is good. All you will have to do will be to present yourself +for examination. I shall see you through, as I have promised." + +"You are very kind, Uncle Godfrey," said Grant; and then he +hesitated. + +"It's Thornton family pride, Grant. I want my nephew to be somebody. +I want you to be a professional man, and take a prominent place in +the world." + +"Can't I be somebody without becoming a professional man, or---" + +"Or, what?" asked his uncle, abruptly. + +"Getting a college education?" continued Grant. + +"What does this mean?" asked the old lawyer, knitting his brow. +"You're not getting off the notion of going to college, I hope?" + +"I should like to go to college, uncle." + +"I'm glad to hear that," said Godfrey Thornton, relieved. "I thought +you might want to grow up a dunce, and become a bricklayer or +something of that kind." + +Somehow Grant's task began to seem more difficult than he had +anticipated. + +"But," continued Grant, summoning up his courage, "I am afraid it +will be rather selfish." + +"I can't say I understand you, Grant. As long as I am willing to pay +your college bills, I don't see why there is anything selfish in +your accepting my offer." + +"I mean as regards father and mother." + +"Don't I take you off their hands? What do you mean?" + +"I mean this, Uncle Godfrey," said Grant, boldly, "I ought to be at +work earning money to keep them. Father's income is very small, +and--" + +"You don't mean to say you want to give up going to college?" said +Godfrey Thornton, hastily. + +"I think I ought to, uncle." + +"Why?" + +"So that I can find work and help father along. You see, I should be +four years in college, and three years studying a profession, and +all that time my brother and sister would be growing older and more +expensive, and father would be getting into debt." + +Uncle Godfrey's brow wore a perceptible frown. + +"Tell me who has put this idea into your head?" he said. "I am sure +it isn't your father." + +"No one put it into my head, Uncle Godfrey. It's my own idea." + +"Humph! old heads don't grow on young shoulders, evidently. You are +a foolish boy, Grant. With a liberal education you can do something +for your family." + +"But it is so long to wait," objected Grant. + +"It will be a great disappointment to me to have you give up going +to college, but of course I can't force you to go," said his uncle, +coldly. "It will save me three hundred dollars a year for four +years-I may say for seven, however. You will be throwing away a +grand opportunity." + +"Don't think I undervalue the advantage of a college training, +uncle," said Grant, eagerly. "It isn't that. It's because I thought +I might help father. In fact, I wanted to make a proposal to you." + +"What is it?" + +"You say it will cost three hundred dollars a year to keep me in +college?" + +"Well?" + +"Would you be willing to give father two hundred a year for the next +four years, and let me take care of myself in some business place?" + +"So this is your proposal, is it?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"All I have got to say is, that you have got uncommon assurance. You +propose to defeat my cherished plan, and want me to pay two hundred +dollars a year in acknowledgment of your consideration." + +"I am sorry you look upon it in that light, Uncle Godfrey." + +"I distinctly decline your proposal. If you refuse to go to college, +I wash my hands of you and your family. Do you understand that?" + +"Yes, Uncle Godfrey," answered Grant, crestfallen. + +"Go home and think over the matter. My offer still holds good. You +can present yourself at college in September, and, if you are +admitted, notify me." + +The lawyer turned back to his writing, and Grant understood that the +interview was over. + +In sadness he started on his return walk from Somerset. He had +accomplished nothing except to make his uncle angry. He could not +make up his mind what to do. + +He had walked about four miles when his attention was sharply drawn +by a cry of terror. Looking up quickly, he saw a girl of fourteen +flying along the road pursued by a drunken man armed with a big +club. They were not more than thirty feet apart, and the situation +was critical. + +Grant was no coward, and he instantly resolved to rescue the girl if +it were a possible thing. + + + +CHAPTER IV -- A TIMELY RESCUE + + + +"I will save her if I can," said Grant to himself. + +The task, however, was not an easy one. The drunken man was tall and +strongly made, and his condition did not appear to interfere with +his locomotion. He was evidently half crazed with drink, and his +pursuit of the young girl arose probably from a blind impulse; but +it was likely to be none the less serious for her. Grant saw at once +that he was far from being a match for the drunkard in physical +strength. If he had been timid, a regard for his personal safety +would have led him to keep aloof. But he would have despised himself +if he had not done what he could for the girl--stranger though she +was--who was in such peril. + +It chanced that Grant had cut a stout stick to help him on his way. +This suggested his plan of campaign. He ran sideways toward the +pursuer, and thrust his stick between his legs, tripping him up. The +man fell violently forward, and lay as if stunned, breathing +heavily. Grant was alarmed at first, fearing that he might be +seriously hurt, but a glance assured him that his stupor was chiefly +the result of his potations. + +Then he hurried to overtake the girl, who, seeing what had taken +place, had paused in her flight. + +"Don't be frightened," said Grant. "The man can't get up at present. +I will see you home if you will tell me where you live." + +"I am boarding at Mrs. Granger's, quarter of a mile back, mamma and +I," answered the girl, the color, temporarily banished by fright, +returning to her cheeks. + +"Where did you fall in with this man?" inquired Grant. + +"I was taking a walk," answered the girl, "and overtook him. I did +not take much notice of him at first, and was not aware of his +condition till he began to run after me. Then I was almost +frightened to death, and I don't think I ever ran so fast in my +life." + +"You were in serious danger. He was fast overtaking you." + +"I saw that he was, and I believe I should have dropped if you had +not come up and saved me. How brave you were!" + +Grant colored with pleasure, though he disclaimed the praise. + +"Oh, it was nothing!" he said, modestly. "But we had better start at +once, for he may revive." + +"Oh, let us go then," exclaimed the girl in terror, and, hardly +knowing what she did, she seized Grant's arm. "See, he is beginning +to stir. Do come quickly!" + +Clinging to Grant's arm, the two hastened away, leaving the +inebriate on the ground. + +Grant now had leisure to view more closely the girl he had rescued. +She was a very pretty girl, a year or two younger than himself, with +a bright, vivacious manner, and her young rescuer thought her very +attractive. + +"Do you live round here?" she asked. + +"I live in Colebrook, the village close by. I was walking from +Somerset." + +"I should like to know the name of the one who has done me so great +a service." + +"We will exchange names, if you like," said Grant, smiling. "My name +is Grant Thornton. I am the son of Rev. John Thornton, who is +minister in Colebrook." + +"So you are a minister's son. I have always heard that minister's +sons are apt to be wild," said the girl, smiling mischievously. + +"I am an exception," said Grant, demurely. + +"I am ready to believe it," returned his companion. "My name is +Carrie Clifton; my mother is a minister's daughter, so I have a +right to think well of ministers' families." + +"How long have you been boarding in this neighborhood, Miss Carrie?" + +"Only a week. I am afraid I shan't dare to stay here any longer." + +"It is not often you would meet with such an adventure as this. I +hope you won't allow it to frighten you away." + +"Do you know that drunken man? Does he live nearby?" + +"I think he is a stranger--a tramp. I never saw him before, and I +know almost everybody who lives about here." + +"I am glad he doesn't live here." + +"He will probably push on his way and not come this way again during +the summer." + +"I hope you are right. He might try to revenge himself on you for +tripping him up." + +"I don't think he saw me to recognize me. He was so drunk that he +didn't know what he was about. When he gets over his intoxication he +probably won't remember anything that has happened." + +By this time they had reached the gate of the farmhouse where Carrie +was boarding, and Grant prepared to leave her. + +"I think you are safe now," he said. + +"Oh, but I shan't let you go yet," said the girl. "You must come in +and see mother." + +Grant hesitated, but he felt that he should like to meet the mother +of a young lady who seemed to him so attractive, and he allowed +himself to be led into the yard. Mrs. Clifton was sitting in a +rustic chair under a tree behind the house. There Grant and his +companion found her. Carrie poured forth her story impetuously, and +then drawing Grant forward, indicated him as her rescuer. + +Her mother listened with natural alarm, shuddering at the peril from +which her daughter had so happily escaped. + +"I cannot tell how grateful I am to you for the service you have +done my daughter," she said, warmly. "You are a very brave boy. +There is not one in ten who would have had the courage to act as you +did." + +"You praise me more than I deserve, Mrs. Clifton. I saw the man was +drunk, and I did not really run much risk in what I did. I am very +thankful that I was able to be of service to Miss Carrie." + +"It is most fortunate that you were at hand. My daughter might have +been killed." + +"What do you think, mother? He is a minister's son," said Carrie, +vivaciously. + +"That certainly is no objection in my eyes," said Mrs. Clifton, +smiling, "for I am a minister's daughter. Where does your father +preach?" + +"His church is only a mile distant, in the village." + +"I shall hear him, then, next Sunday. Last Sunday Carrie and I were +both tired, and remained at home, but I have always been accustomed +to go to church somewhere." + +"Papa will be here next Sunday," said Carrie. "He can only come +Saturday night on account of his business." + +"Does he do business in New York?" asked Grant. + +"Yes; his store is on Broadway." + +"We live on Madison Avenue, and whenever you are in the city we +shall be very glad to have you call," said Mrs. Clifton, graciously. + +"Thank you; I should like to call very much," answered Grant, who +was quite sincere in what he said. "But I don't often go to New +York." + +"Perhaps you will get a place there some time," suggested Carrie. + +"I should like to," replied Grant. + +"Then your father does not propose to send you to college?" It was +Mrs. Clifton who said this. + +"He wishes me to go, but I think I ought to go to work to help him. +He has two other children besides me." + +"Is either one a girl?" asked Carrie. + +"Yes; I have a sister of thirteen, named Mary." + +"I wish you would bring her here to see me," said Carrie. "I haven't +got acquainted with any girls yet." + +Mrs. Clifton seconded the invitation, and Grant promised that he +would do so. In fact, he was pleased at the opportunity it would +give him of improving his acquaintance with the young lady from New +York. He returned home very well pleased with his trip to Somerset, +though he had failed in the object of his expedition. + + + +CHAPTER V -- MRS. THORNTON'S PEARLS + + + +The next Sunday Mrs. Clifton and her daughter appeared at church, +and Grant had the pleasure of greeting them. He was invited with his +sister to take supper with them on the next Monday afternoon, and +accepted the invitation. About sunset he met his new friends +walking, with the addition of the husband and father, who, coming +Saturday evening from New York, had felt too fatigued to attend +church. Mr. Clifton, to whom he was introduced, was a portly man in +middle life, who received Grant quite graciously, and made for +himself acknowledgment of the service which our hero had rendered +his daughter. + +"If I ever have the opportunity of doing you a favor, Master +Thornton, you may call upon me with confidence," he said. + +Grant thanked him, and was better pleased than if he had received an +immediate gift. + +Meanwhile Deacon Gridley kept his promise, and advanced the minister +fifty dollars, deducting a month's interest. Even with this +deduction Mrs. Thornton was very glad to obtain the money. Part of +it was paid on account to Mr. Tudor, and silenced his importunities +for a time. As to his own plans, there was nothing for Grant to do +except to continue his studies, as he might enter college after all. + +If any employment should offer of a remunerative character, he felt +that it would be his duty to accept it, in spite of his uncle's +objections; but such chances were not very likely to happen while he +remained in the country, for obvious reasons. + +Three weeks passed, and again not only Mr. Tudor, but another +creditor, began to be troublesome. + +"How soon is your father going to pay up his bill?" asked Tudor, +when Grant called at the store for a gallon of molasses. + +"Very soon, I hope," faltered Grant. + +"I hope so, too," answered the grocer, grimly. + +"Only three weeks ago I paid you thirty-three dollars," said Grant. + +"And you have been increasing the balance ever since," said Tudor, +frowning. + +"If father could get his salary regularly--" commenced Grant. + +"That's his affair, not mine," rejoined the grocer. "I have to pay +my bills regular, and I can't afford to wait months for my pay." + +Grant looked uncomfortable, but did not know what to say. + +"The short and the long of it is, that after this week your father +must either pay up his bill, or pay cash for what articles he gets +hereafter." + +"Very well," said Grant, coldly. He was too proud to remonstrate. +Moreover, though he felt angry, he was constrained to admit that the +grocer had some reason for his course. + +"Something must be done," he said to himself, but he was not wise +enough to decide what that something should be. + +Though he regretted to pain his mother, he felt obliged to report to +her what the grocer had said. + +"Don't be troubled, mother," he said, as he noticed the shade of +anxiety which came over her face. "Something will turn up." + +Mrs. Thornton shook her head. + +"It isn't safe to trust to that, Grant," she said; "we must help +ourselves." + +"I wish I knew how," said Grant, perplexed. + +"I am afraid I shall have to make a sacrifice," said Mrs. Thornton, +not addressing Grant, but rather in soliloquy. + +Grant looked at his mother in surprise. What sacrifice could she +refer to? Did she mean that they must move into a smaller house, and +retrench generally? That was all that occurred to him. + +"We might, perhaps, move into a smaller house, mother," said he, +"but we have none too much room here, and the difference in rent +wouldn't be much." + +"I didn't mean that, Grant. Listen, and I will tell you what I do +mean. You know that I was named after a rich lady, the friend of my +mother?" + +"I have heard you say so." + +"When she died, she left me by will a pearl necklace and pearl +bracelets, both of very considerable value." + +"I have never seen you wear them, mother." + +"No; I have not thought they would be suitable for the wife of a +poor minister. My wearing them would excite unfavorable comment in +the parish." + +"I don't see whose business it would be," said Grant, indignantly. + +"At any rate, just or not, I knew what would be said," Mrs. Thornton +replied. + +"How is it you have never shown the pearl ornaments to me, mother?" + +"You were only five years old when they came to me, and I laid them +away at once, and have seldom thought of them since. I have been +thinking that, as they are of no use to me, I should be justified in +selling them for what I can get, and appropriating the proceeds +toward paying your father's debts." + +"How much do you think they are worth, mother?" + +"A lady to whom I showed them once said they must have cost five +hundred dollars or more." + +Grant whistled. + +"Do you mind showing them to me, mother?" he asked. + +Mrs. Thornton went upstairs, and brought down the pearl necklace and +bracelets. They were very handsome and Grant gazed at them with +admiration. + +"I wonder what the ladies would say if you should wear them to the +sewing circle," he said, humorously. + +"They would think I was going over to the vanities of this world," +responded his mother, smiling. "They can be of no possible use to me +now, or hereafter, and I believe it will be the best thing I can do +to sell them." + +"Where can you sell them? No one here can afford to buy them." + +"They must be sold in New York, and I must depend upon you to attend +to the business for me." + +"Can you trust me, mother? Wouldn't father--" + +"Your father has no head for business, Grant. He is a learned man, +and knows a great deal about books, but of practical matters he +knows very little. You are only a boy, but you are a very sensible +and trustworthy boy, and I shall have to depend upon you." + +"I will do the best I can, mother. Only tell me what you want me to +do." + +"I wish you to take these pearls, and go to New York. You can find a +purchaser there, if anywhere. I suppose it will be best to take them +to some jewelry store, and drive the best bargain you can." + +"When do you wish me to go, mother?" + +"There can be no advantage in delay. If tomorrow is pleasant, you +may as well go then." + +"Shall you tell father your plan?" + +"No, Grant, it might make him feel bad to think I was compelled to +make a sacrifice, which, after all, is very little of a sacrifice to +me. Years since I decided to trouble him as little as possible with +matters of business. It could do no good, and, by making him +anxious, unfitted him for his professional work." + +Mrs. Thornton's course may not be considered wise by some, but she +knew her husband's peculiar mental constitution, and her object at +least was praiseworthy, to screen him from undue anxiety, though it +involved an extra share for herself. + +The next morning Grant took an early breakfast, and walked briskly +toward the depot to take the first train for New York. + +The fare would be a dollar and a quarter each way, for the distance +was fifty miles, and this both he and his mother felt to be a large +outlay. If, however, he succeeded in his errand it would be wisely +spent, and this was their hope. + +At the depot Grant found Tom Calder, a youth of eighteen, who had +the reputation of being wild, and had been suspected of dishonesty. +He had been employed in the city, so that Grant was not surprised to +meet him at the depot. + +"Hello, Grant! Where are you bound?" he asked. + +"I am going to New York." + +"What for?" + +"A little business," Grant answered, evasively. Tom was the last +person he felt inclined to take into his confidence. + +"Goin' to try to get a place?" + +"If any good chance offers I shall accept it--that is, if father and +mother are willing." + +"Let's take a seat together--that's what I'm going for myself." + + + +CHAPTER VI -- GRANT GETS INTO UNEXPECTED TROUBLE + + + +TOM CALDER was not the companion Grant would have chosen, but there +seemed no good excuse for declining his company. He belonged to a +rather disreputable family living in the borders of the village. If +this had been all, it would not have been fair to object to him, but +Tom himself bore not a very high reputation. He had been suspected +more than once of stealing from his school companions, and when +employed for a time by Mr. Tudor, in the village store, the latter +began to miss money from the till; but Tom was so sly that he had +been unable to bring the theft home to him. However, he thought it +best to dispense with his services. + +"What kind of a situation are you goin' to try for?" asked Tom, when +they were fairly on their way. + +"I don't know. They say that beggars mustn't be choosers." + +"I want to get into a broker's office if I can," said Tom. + +"Do you consider that a very good business?" asked Grant. + +"I should say so," responded Tom, emphatically. + +"Do they pay high wages?" + +"Not extra, but a feller can get points, and make something out of +the market." + +"What's that?" asked Grant, puzzled. + +"Oh, I forgot. You ain't used to the city," responded Tom, +emphatically. "I mean, you find out when a stock is going up, and +you buy for a rise." + +"But doesn't that take considerable money?" asked Grant, wondering +how Tom could raise money to buy stocks. + +"Oh, you can go to the bucket shops," answered Tom. + +"But what have bucket shops to do with stocks?" asked Grant, more +than ever puzzled. + +Tom burst into a loud laugh. + +"Ain't you jolly green, though?" he ejaculated. + +Grant was rather nettled at this. + +"I don't see how I could be expected to understand such talk," he +said, with some asperity. + +"That's where it is--you can't," said Tom. "It's all like A, B, C to +me, and I forgot that you didn't know anything about Wall Street. A +bucket shop is where you can buy stock in small lots, putting down a +dollar a share as margin. If stocks go up, you sell out on the rise, +and get back your dollar minus commission." + +"Suppose they go down?" + +"Then you lose what you put up." + +"Isn't it rather risky?" + +"Of course there's some risk, but if you have a good point there +isn't much." + +This was Tom Calder's view of the matter. As a matter of fact, the +great majority of those who visit the bucket shops lose all they put +in, and are likely sooner or later to get into difficulty; so that +many employers will at once discharge a clerk or boy known to +speculate in this way. + +"If I had any money I'd buy some stock to-day; that is, as soon as I +get to the city," continued Tom. "You couldn't lend me five dollars, +could you?" + +"No, I couldn't," answered Grant, shortly. + +"I'd give you half the profits." + +"I haven't got the money," Grant explained. + +"That's a pity. The fact is, I'm rather short. However, I know +plenty of fellows in the city, and I guess I can raise a tenner or +so." + +"Then your credit must be better in New York than in Colebrook," +thought Grant, but he fore-bore to say so. + +Grant was rather glad the little package of pearls was in the pocket +furthest away from Tom, for his opinion of his companion's honesty +was not the highest. + +When half an hour had passed, Tom vacated his seat. + +"I'm going into the smoking car," he said, "to have a smoke. Won't +you come with me?" + +"No, thank you. I don't smoke." + +"Then it's time you began. I've got a cigarette for you, if you'll +try it." + +"Much obliged, but I am better off without it." + +"You'll soon get over that little-boy feeling. Why, boys in the city +of half your age smoke." + +"I am sorry to hear it." + +"Well, ta-ta! I'll be back soon." + +Grant was not sorry to have Tom leave him. He didn't enjoy his +company, and besides he foresaw that it would be rather embarrassing +if Tom should take a fancy to remain with him in the city. He didn't +care to have anyone, certainly not Tom, learn on what errand he had +come to the city. + +Two minutes had scarcely elapsed after Tom vacated his seat, when a +pleasant-looking gentleman of middle age, who had been sitting just +behind them, rose and took the seat beside Grant. + +"I will sit with you if you don't object," said he. + +"I should be glad of your company," said Grant, politely. + +"You live in the country, I infer?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I overheard your conversation with the young man who has just left +you. I suspect you are not very much alike." + +"I hope not, sir. Perhaps Tom would say the same, for he thinks me +green." + +"There is such a thing as knowing too much--that isn't desirable to +know. So you don't smoke?" + +"No, sir." + +"I wish more boys of your age could say as much. Do I understand +that you are going to the city in search of employment?" + +"That is not my chief errand," answered Grant, with some hesitation. +"Still, if I could hear of a good chance, I might induce my parents +to let me accept it." + +"Where do you live, my young friend?" + +"In Colebrook. My father is the minister there." + +"That ought to be a recommendation, for it is to be supposed you +have been carefully trained. Some of our most successful business +men have been ministers' sons." + +"Are you in business in New York, sir?" asked Grant, thinking he had +a right by this time to ask a question. + +"Yes; here is my card." + +Taking the card, Grant learned that his companion was Mr. Henry +Reynolds and was a broker, with an office in New Street. + +"I see you are a broker, sir," said Grant. "Tom Calder wants to get +a place in a broker's office." + +"I should prefer that he would try some other broker," said Mr. +Reynolds, smiling. "I don't want a boy who deals with the bucket +shops." + +At this point Tom re-entered the car, having finished his cigarette. +Observing that his place had been taken, he sat down at a little +distance. + +"When you get ready to take a place," said the broker, "call at my +office, and though I won't promise to give you a place, I shall feel +well disposed to if I can make room for you." + +"Thank you, sir," said Grant, gratefully. "I hope if I ever do enter +your employment, I shall merit your confidence." + +"I have good hopes of it. By the way, you may as well give me your +name." + +"I am Grant Thornton, of Colebrook," said our hero. + +Mr. Reynolds entered the name in a little pocket diary, and left the +seat, which Tom Calder immediately took. + +"Who's that old codger?" he asked. + +"The gentleman who has just left me is a New York business man." + +"You got pretty thick with him, eh?" + +"We talked a little." + +Grant took care not to mention that Mr. Reynolds was a broker, as +he knew that Tom would press for an introduction in that case. + +When they reached New York, Tom showed a disposition to remain with +Grant, but the latter said: "We'd better separate, and we can meet +again after we have attended to our business." + +A meeting place was agreed upon, and Tom went his way. + +Now came the difficult part of Grant's task. Where should he go to +dispose of his pearls? He walked along undecided, till he came to a +large jewelry store. It struck him that this would be a good place +for his purpose, and he entered. + +"What can I do for you, young man?" asked a man of thirty behind the +counter. + +"I have some pearl ornaments I would like to sell," said Grant. + +"Indeed," said the clerk, fixing a suspicious glance upon Grant; +"let me see them." + +Grant took out the necklace and bracelets, and passed them over. No +sooner had he done so than a showily dressed lady advanced to the +place where he was standing, and held out her hand for the +ornaments, exclaiming: "I forbid you to buy those articles, sir. +They are mine. The boy stole them from me, and I have followed him +here, suspecting that he intended to dispose of them." + +"That is false," exclaimed Grant, indignantly. "I never saw that +woman before in my life." + +"So you are a liar as well as a thief!" said the woman. "You will +please give me those pearls, sir." + +The clerk looked at the two contestants in indecision. He was +disposed to believe the lady's statement. + + + +CHAPTER VII -- MRS. SIMPSON COMES TO GRIEF + + + +"Surely I have a right to my own property," said the showily dressed +lady in a tone of authority, which quite imposed upon the +weak-minded salesman. + +"I dare say you are right, ma'am," said he, hesitatingly. + +"Of course I am," said she. + +"If you give her those pearls, which belong to my mother, I will +have you arrested," said Grant, plucking up spirit. + +"Hoity-toity!" said the lady, contemptuously. "I hope you won't pay +any regard to what that young thief says." + +The clerk looked undecided. He beckoned an older salesman, and laid +the matter before him. The latter looked searchingly at the two. +Grant was flushed and excited, and the lady had a brazen front. + +"Do you claim these pearls, madam?" he said. + +"I do," she answered, promptly. + +"How did you come by them?" + +"They were a wedding present from my husband." + +"May I ask your name?" + +The lady hesitated a moment, then answered: + +"Mrs. Simpson." + +"Where do you live?" + +There was another slight hesitation. Then came the answer: + +"No.--Madison Avenue." + +Now Madison Avenue is a fashionable street, and the name produced an +impression on the first clerk. + +"I think the pearls belong to the lady," he whispered. + +"I have some further questions to ask," returned the elder salesman, +in a low voice. + +"Do you know this boy whom you charge with stealing your property?" + +"Yes," answered the lady, to Grant's exceeding surprise; "he is a +poor boy whom I have employed to do errands." + +"Has he had the run of your house?" + +"Yes, that's the way of it. He must have managed to find his way to +the second floor, and opened the bureau drawer where I kept the +pearls." + +"What have you to say to this?" asked the elder salesman. + +"Please ask the lady my name," suggested Grant. + +"Don't you know your own name?" demanded the lady, sharply. + +"Yes, but I don't think you do." + +"Can you answer the boy's question, Mrs. Simpson?" + +"Of course I can. His name is John Cavanaugh, and the very suit he +has on I gave him." + +Grant was thunderstruck at the lady's brazen front. She was +outwardly a fine lady, but he began to suspect that she was an +impostor. + +"I am getting tired of this," said the so-called Mrs. Simpson, +impatiently. "Will you, or will you not, restore my pearls?" "When +we are satisfied that they belong to you, madam," said the elder +salesman, coolly. "I don't feel like taking the responsibility, but +will send for my employer, and leave the matter to him to decide." + +"I hope I won't have long to wait, sir." + +"I will send at once." + +"It's a pretty state of things when a lady has her own property kept +from her," said Mrs. Simpson, while the elder clerk was at the other +end of the store, giving some instructions to a boy. + +"I don't in the least doubt your claim to the articles, Mrs. +Simpson," said the first salesman, obsequiously. "Come, boy, you'd +better own up that you have stolen the articles, and the lady will +probably let you off this time." + +"Yes, I will let him off this time," chimed in the lady. "I don't +want to send him to prison." + +"If you can prove that I am a thief, I am willing to go," said +Grant, hotly. + +By this time the elder salesman had come back. + +"Is your name John Cavanaugh, my boy?" he asked. + +"No, sir." + +"Did you ever see this lady before?" + +"No, sir." + +The lady threw up her hands in feigned amazement. + +"I wouldn't have believed the boy would lie so!" she said. + +"What is your name?" + +"My name is Grant Thornton. I live in Colebrook, and my father is +Rev. John Thornton." + +"I know there is such a minister there. To whom do these pearls +belong?" + +"To my mother." + +"A likely story that a country minister's wife should own such +valuable pearls," said Mrs. Simpson, in a tone of sarcasm. + +"How do you account for it?" asked the clerk. + +"They were given my mother years since, by a rich lady who was a +good friend of hers. She has never had occasion to wear them." + +Mrs. Simpson smiled significantly. + +"The boy has learned his story," she said. "I did not give you +credit for such an imagination, John Cavanaugh." + +"My name is Grant Thornton, madam," said our hero, gravely. + +Five minutes later two men entered the store. One was a policeman, +the other the head of the firm. When Grant's eye fell on the +policeman he felt nervous, but when he glanced at the gentleman his +face lighted up with pleasure. + +"Why, it's Mr. Clifton," he said. + +"Grant Thornton," said the jeweler, in surprise. "Why, I thought--" + +"You will do me justice, Mr. Clifton," said Grant, and thereupon he +related the circumstances already known to the reader. + +When Mrs. Simpson found that the boy whom she had selected as an +easy victim was known to the proprietor of the place, she became +nervous, and only thought of escape. + +"It is possible that I am mistaken," she said. "Let me look at the +pearls again." + +They were held up for her inspection. + +"They are very like mine," she said, after a brief glance; "but I +see there is a slight difference." + +"How about the boy, madam?" asked the elder clerk. + +"He is the very image of my errand boy; but if Mr. Clifton knows +him, I must be mistaken. I am sorry to have given you so much +trouble. I have an engagement to meet, and must go." + +"Stop, madam!" said Mr. Clifton, sternly, interposing an obstacle to +her departure, "we can't spare you yet." + +"I really must go, sir. I give up all claim to the pearls." + +"That is not sufficient. You have laid claim to them, knowing that +they were not yours. Officer, have you ever seen this woman before?" + +"Yes, sir, I know her well." + +"How dare you insult me?" demanded Mrs. Simpson; but there was a +tremor in her voice. + +"I give her in charge for an attempted swindle," said Mr. Clifton. + +"You will have to come with me, madam," said the policeman. "You may +as well go quietly." + +"Well, the game is up," said the woman, with a careless laugh. + +"It came near succeeding, though." + +"Now, my boy," said the jeweler, "I will attend to your business. +You want to sell these pearls?" + +"Yes, sir; they are of no use to mother, and she needs the money." + +"At what do you value them?" + +"I leave that to you, sir. I shall be satisfied with what you think +them worth." + +The jeweler examined them attentively. After his examination was +concluded, he said: "I am willing to give four hundred dollars for +them. Of course they cost more, but I shall have to reset them." + +"That is more than I expected," said Grant, joyfully. "It will pay +all our debts, and give us a little fund to help us in future." + +"Do you wish the money now? There might be some risk in a boy like +you carrying so much with you." + +"What would you advise, Mr. Clifton?" + +"That you take perhaps a hundred dollars, and let me bring the +balance next Saturday night, when I come to pass Sunday at +Colebrook." + +"Thank you, sir; if it won't be too much trouble for you." + + + +CHAPTER VIII -- GRANT TAKES A DECISIVE STEP + + + +Grant came home a messenger of good tidings, as his beaming face +plainly showed. His mother could hardly believe in her good fortune, +when Grant informed her that he had sold the pearls for four hundred +dollars. + +"Why, that will pay up all your father's debts," she said, "and we +shall once more feel independent." + +"And with a good reserve fund besides," suggested Grant. + +On Saturday evening he called on Mr. Clifton, and received the +balance of the purchase money. On Monday, with a little list of +creditors, and his pocket full of money, he made a round of calls, +and paid up everybody, including Mr. Tudor. + +"I told you the bill would be paid, Mr. Tudor," he said, quietly, to +the grocer. + +"You mustn't feel hard on me on account of my pressing you, Grant," +said the grocer, well pleased, in a conciliatory tone. "You see, I +needed money to pay my bills." + +"You seemed to think my father didn't mean to pay you," said Grant, +who could not so easily get over what he had considered unfriendly +conduct on the part of Mr. Tudor. + +"No, I didn't. Of course I knew he was honest, but all the same I +needed the money. I wish all my customers was as honest as your +folks." + +With this Grant thought it best to be contented. The time might come +again when they would require the forbearance of the grocer; but he +did not mean that it should be so if he could help it. For he was +more than ever resolved to give up the project of going to college. +The one hundred and fifty dollars which remained after paying the +debts would tide them over a year, but his college course would +occupy four; and then there would be three years more of study to +fit him for entering a profession, and so there would be plenty of +time for the old difficulties to return. If the parish would +increase kis father's salary by even a hundred dollars, they might +get along; but there was such a self-complacent feeling in the +village that Mr. Thornton was liberally paid, that he well knew +there was no chance of that. + +Upon this subject he had more than one earnest conversation with his +mother. + +"I should be sorry to have you leave home," she said; "but I +acknowledge the force of your reasons." + +"I shouldn't be happy at college, mother," responded Grant, "if I +thought you were pinched at home." + +"If you were our only child, Grant, it would be different." + +"That is true; but there are Frank and Mary who would suffer. If I +go to work I shall soon be able to help you take care of them." + +"You are a good and unselfish boy, Grant," said his mother. + +"I don't know about that, mother; I am consulting my own happiness +as well as yours." + +"Yet you would like to go to college?" + +"If we had plenty of money, not otherwise. I don't want to enjoy +advantages at the expense of you all." + +"Your Uncle Godfrey will be very angry," said Mrs. Thornton, +thoughtfully. + +"I suppose he will, and I shall be sorry for it. I am grateful to +him for his good intentions toward me, and I have no right to expect +that he will feel as I do about the matter. If he is angry, I shall +be sorry, but I don't think it ought to influence me." + +"You must do as you decide to be best, Grant. It is you who are most +interested. But suppose you make up your mind to enter upon a +business career, what chance have you of obtaining a place?" + +"I shall call upon Mr. Reynolds, and see if he has any place for +me." + +"Who is Mr. Reynolds?" asked his mother, in some surprise. + +"I forgot that I didn't tell you of the gentleman whose acquaintance +I made on my way up to the city. He is a Wall Street broker. His +attention was drawn to me by something that he heard, and he offered +to help me, if he could, to get employment." + +"It would cost something to go to New York, and after all there is +no certainty that he could help you," said Mrs. Thornton, +cautiously. + +"That is true, mother, but I think he would do something for me." + +However Grant received a summons to New York on other business. Mrs. +Simpson, as she called herself, though she had no right to the name, +was brought up for trial, and Grant was needed as a witness. Of +course his expenses were to be paid. He resolved to take this +opportunity to call at the office of Mr. Reynolds. + +I do not propose to speak of Mrs. Simpson's trial. I will merely say +that she was found guilty of the charge upon which she had been +indicted, and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. + +When Grant was released from his duties as witness, he made his way +to Wall Street, or rather New Street, which branches out from the +great financial thoroughfare, and had no difficulty in finding the +office of Mr. Reynolds. + +"Can I see Mr. Reynolds?" he asked of a young man, who was writing +at a desk. + +"Have you come to deliver stock? If so, I will take charge of it." + +"No," answered Grant; "I wish to see him personally." + +"He is at the Stock Exchange just at present. If you will take a +seat, he will be back in twenty minutes, probably." + +Grant sat down, and in less than the time mentioned, Mr. Reynolds +entered the office. The broker, who had a good memory for faces, at +once recognized our hero. + +"Ha, my young friend from the country," he said; "would you like to +see me?" + +"When you are at leisure, sir," answered Grant, well pleased at the +prompt recognition. + +"You will not have to wait long. Amuse yourself as well as you can +for a few minutes." + +Promptness was the rule in Mr. Reynolds' office. Another +characteristic of the broker was, that he was just as polite to a +boy as to his best customer. This is, I am quite aware, an unusual +trait, and, therefore, the more to be appreciated when we meet with +it. + +Presently Mr. Reynolds appeared at the door of his inner office, and +beckoned to Grant to enter. + +"Take a seat, my young friend," he said; "and now let me know what I +can do for you." + +"When I met you in the cars," said Grant, "you invited me, if I ever +wanted a position, to call upon you, and you would see if you could +help me." + +"Very true, I did. Have you made up your mind to seek a place?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Are your parents willing you should come to New York?" + +"Yes, sir. That is, my mother is willing, and my father will agree +to whatever she decides to be best." + +"So far so good. I wouldn't engage any boy who came against his +parents' wishes. Now let me tell you that you have come at a very +favorable time. I have had in my employ for two years the son of an +old friend, who has suited me in every respect; but now he is to go +abroad with his father for a year, and I must supply his place. You +shall have the place if you want it." + +"Nothing would suit me better," said Grant, joyfully. "Do you think +I would be competent to fulfill the duties?" + +"Harry Becker does not leave me for two weeks. He will initiate you +into your duties, and if you are as quick as I think you are at +learning, that will be sufficient." + +"When shall I come, sir?" + +"Next Monday morning. It is now Thursday, and that will give you +time to remove to the city." + +"Perhaps I had better come Saturday, so as to get settled in a +boarding-house before going to work. Could you recommend some +moderate priced boarding-house, Mr. Reynolds?" + +"For the first week you may come to my house as my guest. That will +give you a chance to look about you. I live at 58 West 3-th Street. +You had better take it down on paper. You can come any time on +Monday. That will give you a chance to spend Sunday at home, and you +need not go to work till Tuesday." + +Grant expressed his gratitude in suitable terms, and left the office +elated at his good fortune. A surprise awaited him. At the junction +of Wall and New Streets he came suddenly upon a large-sized +bootblack, whose face looked familiar. + +"Tom Calder!" he exclaimed. "Is that you?" + + + +CHAPTER IX -- 'UNCLE GODFREY PARTS FROM GRANT + + + +When Tom Calder turned round and saw who had addressed him, he +turned red with mortification, and he tried to hide his blacking +box. He was terribly mortified to have it known that he had been +forced into such a business. If Tom had nothing worse to be ashamed +of he need not have blushed, but he was suffering from false shame. + +"When did you come to the city?" he stammered. + +"Only this morning." + +"I suppose you are surprised to see me in this business," said Tom, +awkwardly. + +"There is nothing to be ashamed of," said Grant. "It is an honest +business." + +"It's an awful come down for me," said Tom, uncomfortably. "The fact +is, I've had hard luck." + +"I am sorry to hear that," said Grant. + +"I expected a place in Wall Street, but I came just too late, and +things are awful dull anyway. Then I was robbed of my money." + +"How much?" asked Grant, curiously, for he didn't believe a word of +it. + +"Eight dollars and thirty-three cents," replied Tom, glibly. + +"I thought you were too smart to be robbed," said Grant, slyly. "If +it had been a green boy from the country like me, now, it wouldn't +have been surprising." + +"I was asleep when I was robbed," explained Tom, hurriedly. "A +fellow got into my room in the night, and picked my pocket. I +couldn't help that, now, could I?" + +"I suppose not." + +"So I had to get something to do, or go back to Colebrook. I say, +Grant---" + +"Well?" + +"Don't you tell any of the fellers at home what business I'm in, +that's a good fellow." + +"I won't if you don't want me to," said Grant. + +"You see, it's only a few days till I can get something else to do." + +"It's a great deal better blacking boots than being idle, in my +opinion," said Grant. + +"That's the way I look at it. But you didn't tell me what you came +to the city for?" + +"I'm coming here for good," announced Grant. + +"You haven't got a place, have you?" ejaculated Tom, in surprise. + +"Yes, I am to enter the office of Mr. Reynolds, a stock broker. +There is his sign." + +"You don't say so I. Why, that's just the sort of place I wanted. +How did you get the chance?" + +"I got acquainted with Mr. Reynolds on board the cars that day we +came to New York together." + +"And you asked him for the place?" + +"I asked him this morning." + +"You might have given me the chance," grumbled Tom, enviously. "You +knew it was the sort of place I was after." + +"I don't think I was called upon to do that," said Grant, smiling. +"Besides, he wouldn't have accepted you." + +"Why not? Ain't I as smart as you, I'd like to know?" retorted Tom +Calder, angrily. + +"He heard us talking in the cars, and didn't like what you said." + +"What did I say?" + +"He doesn't approve of boys smoking cigarettes and going to bucket +shops. You spoke of both." + +"How did he hear?" + +"He was sitting just behind us." + +"Was it that old chap that was sittin' with you when I came back +from the smoking car?" + +"Yes." + +"Just my luck," said Tom, ruefully. + +"When are you goin' to work?" asked Tom, after a pause. + +"Next Monday." + +"Where are you going to board? We might take a room together, you +know. It would be kind of social, as we both come from the same +place." + +It did not occur to Grant that the arrangement would suit him at +all, but he did not think it necessary to say so. He only said: "I +am going to Mr. Reynolds' house, just at first." + +"You don't say so! Why, he's taken a regular fancy to you." + +"If he has, I hope he won't get over it." + +"I suppose he lives in a handsome brownstone house uptown." + +"Very likely; I've never seen the house." + +"Well, some folks has luck, but I ain't one of 'em," grumbled Tom. + +"Your luck is coming, I hope, Tom." + +"I wish it would come pretty soon, then; I say, suppose your folks +won't let you take the place?" he asked, suddenly, brightening up. + +"They won't oppose it." "I thought they wanted you to go to +college." + +"I can't afford it. It would take too long before I could earn +anything, and I ought to be helping the family." + +"I'm goin' to look out for number one," said Tom, shrugging his +shoulders. "That's all I can do." + +Tom's mother was a hard-working woman, and had taken in washing for +years. But for her the family would often have lacked for food. His +father was a lazy, intemperate man, who had no pride of manhood, and +cared only for himself. In this respect Tom was like him, though the +son had not as yet become intemperate. + +"I don't think there is any chance of my giving up the place," +answered Grant. "If I do, I will mention your name." + +"That's a good fellow." + +Grant did not volunteer to recommend Tom, for he could not have done +so with a clear conscience. This omission, however, Tom did not +notice. + +"Well, Tom, I must be going. Good-by, and good luck." + +Grant went home with a cheerful face, and announced his good luck to +his mother. + +"I am glad you are going to your employer's house," she said. "I +wish you could remain there permanently." + +"So do I, mother; but I hope at any rate to get a comfortable +boarding place. Tom Calder wants to room with me." + +"I hope you won't think of it," said Mrs. Thornton, alarmed. + +"Not for a moment. I wish Tom well, but I shouldn't like to be too +intimate with him. And now, mother, I think I ought to write to +Uncle Godfrey, and tell him what I have decided upon." + +"That will be proper, Grant." Grant wrote the following letter, and +mailed it at once: + +"DEAR UNCLE GODFREY: + +I am afraid you won't like what I have to tell you, but I think it +is my duty to the family to give up the college course you so kindly +offered me, in view of father's small salary and narrow means. I +have been offered a place in the office of a stock broker in New +York, and have accepted it. I enter upon my duties next Monday +morning. I hope to come near paying my own way, and before very long +to help father. I know you will be disappointed, Uncle Godfrey, and +I hope you won't think I don't appreciate your kind offer, but I +think it would be selfish in me to accept it. Please do forgive me, +and believe me to be + +Your affectionate nephew, GRANT THORNTON." + +In twenty-four hours an answer came to this letter. It ran thus: + +"NEPHEW GRANT: + +I would not have believed you would act so foolishly and +ungratefully. It is not often that such an offer as mine is made to +a boy. I did think you were sensible enough to understand the +advantages of a professional education. I hoped you would do credit +to the name of Thornton, and keep up the family reputation as a man +of learning and a gentleman. But you have a foolish fancy for going +into a broker's office, and I suppose you must be gratified. But you +needn't think I will renew my offer. I wash my hands of you from +this time forth, and leave you to your own foolish course. The time +will come when you will see your folly. + +GODFREY THORNTON." + +Grant sighed as he finished reading this missive. He felt that his +uncle had done him injustice. It was no foolish fancy, but a +conscientious sense of duty, which had led him to sacrifice his +educational prospects. + +On Monday morning he took the earliest train for New York. + + + +CHAPTER X -- A DAY IN WALL STREET + + + +Grant went at once on his arrival in the city to Mr. Reynolds' +office. He had in his hand a well-worn valise containing his small +stock of clothing. The broker was just leaving the office for the +Stock Exchange as Grant entered. + +"So you are punctual," he said, smiling. + +"Yes, sir, I always on time." + +"That is an excellent habit. Here, Harry." + +In answer to this summons, Harry Becker, a boy two years older and +correspondingly larger than Grant, came forward. He was a +pleasant-looking boy, and surveyed Grant with a friendly glance. + +"Harry," said Mr. Reynolds, "this is your successor. Do me the favor +of initiating him into his duties, so that when you leave me he will +be qualified to take your place." + +"All right, sir." + +The broker hurried over to the Exchange, and the two boys were left +together. + +"What is your name?" asked the city boy. + +"Grant Thornton." + +"Mine is Harry Becker. Are you accustomed to the city?" + +"No, I am afraid you will find me very green," answered Grant. + +"You are not the boy to remain so long," said Harry, scrutinizing +him attentively. + +"I hope not. You are going to Europe, Mr. Reynolds tells me." + +"Yes, the governor is going to take me." + +"The governor?" + +"My father, I mean," said Harry, smiling. + +"I suppose you are not sorry to go?" + +"Oh, no; I expect to have a tip-top time. How would you like it?" + +"Very much, if I could afford it, but at present I would rather fill +your place in the office. I am the son of a poor country minister, +and must earn my own living." + +"How did you get in with Mr. Reynolds?" asked Harry. + +Grant told him. "Is he easy to get along with?" he inquired, a +little anxiously. + +"He is very kind and considerate. Still he is stanch, and expects a +boy to serve him faithfully." + +"He has a right to expect that." + +"As I am to break you in, you had better go about with me +everywhere. First, we will go to the post-office." + +The two boys walked to Nassau Street, where the New York post-office +was then located. Harry pointed out the box belonging to the firm, +and producing a key opened it, and took out half a dozen letters. + +"There may be some stock orders in these letters," he said; "we will +go back to the office, give them to Mr. Clark to open, and then you +can go with me to the Stock Exchange." + +Ten minutes later they entered the large room used by the brokers as +an Exchange. Grant looked about him in undisguised astonishment. It +seemed like a pandemonium. The room was full of men, shouting, +gesticulating and acting like crazy men. The floor was littered with +fragments of paper, and on a raised dais were the officers of the +Exchange, the chief among them, the chairman, calling rapidly the +names of a long list of stocks. Each name was followed by a confused +shouting, which Grant learned afterward to be bids for the stock +named. There were several groups of brokers, each apparently +interested in some leading security. In each of the galleries, one +at each end, overlooking the stock room, curious spectators were +watching what was going on. + +Harry Decker was amused at Grant's look of surprise and +bewilderment. + +"You'll get used to it in time," he said. "Say--there is Mr. +Reynolds. I must speak to him." + +Mr. Reynolds stood near a placard on which, in prominent letters, +was inscribed "Erie." Harry handed him a paper, which he took, +glanced at quickly, and then resumed his bidding. + +"He has just bought one thousand Erie," said Harry, aside, to Grant. + +"One thousand?" + +"Yes, a thousand shares, at fifty-five." + +"Fifty-five dollars?" + +"Yes." + +"Why, that will make fifty-five thousand dollars," ejaculated Grant, +in wonder. + +"Yes, that is one of the orders I brought over just now." + +"A man must have a great deal of capital to carry on this business, +if that is only an item of a single day's business." + +"Yes, but not so much as you may imagine. I can't explain now, but +you'll understand better as you go on. Now we'll go back and see if +there's anything to do in the office." + +Not long afterward Harry had to come back to the Exchange again, and +Grant came with him. He found something new to surprise him. + +A tall man of dignified presence was walking across the floor, when +a fellow member with a sly stroke sent his tall hat spinning across +the floor. When the victim turned the mischief-maker was intent upon +his memorandum book, and the tall man's suspicions fell upon a +short, stout young man beside him. With a vigorous sweep he knocked +the young man's hat off, saying, "It's a poor rule that don't work +both ways." + +This led to a little scrimmage, in which a dozen were involved. The +brokers, staid, middle-aged men, most of them, seemed like a pack of +school boys at recess. Grant surveyed the scene with undisguised +astonishment. + +"What does it mean, Harry?" he asked. + +"Oh, that's a very common occurrence," said Harry, smiling. + +"I never saw grown men acting so. Won't there be a fight?" + +"Oh, it's all fun. The brokers are unlike any other class of men in +business hours," explained Harry. "It's one of the customs of the +place." + +Just then, to his astonishment, Grant saw his employer, Mr. +Reynolds, pursuing his hat, which was rolling over the floor. He was +about to run to his assistance, but Harry stopped him. + +"No interference is allowed," he said. "Leave them to their fun. I +used to think it strange myself, when I first came into the +Exchange, but I'm used to it now. Now we may as well go back to the +office." + +There is no occasion to follow the boys through the day's routine. +Grant found his companion very obliging, and very ready to give him +the information he needed. Many boys would have been supercilious +and perhaps been disposed to play tricks on a country boy, but Harry +was not one of them. He took a friendly interest in Grant, answered +all his questions, and did his best to qualify him for the position +he was to assume. + +Before the office closed, Grant and his new friend went to the bank +to make a deposit of money and checks. The deposit amounted to about +twenty thousand dollars. + +"There must be plenty of money in New York," said Grant. "Why, up in +Colebrook, if a man were worth twenty thousand dollars he would be +considered a rich man." + +"It takes a good deal more than that to make a man rich in New York. +In the stock business a man is likely to do a larger business in +proportion to his capital than in the mercantile business." + +On their way back from the bank, Grant came face to face with Tom +Calder. Tom was busily engaged in talking to a companion, some years +older than himself, and didn't observe Grant. Grant was by no means +prepossessed in favor of this young man, whose red and mottled face, +and bold glance made him look far from respectable. + +"Do you know those fellows?" asked Harry Becker. + +"The youngest one is from Colebrook." + +"He is in bad company. I hope he is not an intimate friend of +yours?" + +"Far from it. Still, I know him, and am sorry to see him with such a +companion." + +At four o'clock Mr. Reynolds proposed to go home. He beckoned to +Grant to accompany him. + + + +CHAPTER XI -- GRANT MAKES A FRIEND + + + +"What do you think of your first day in Wall Street?" asked Mr. +Reynolds, kindly. + +"I have found it very interesting," answered Grant. + +"Do you think you shall like the business?" + +"Yes, sir, I think so." + +"Better than if you had been able to carry out your original plan, +and go to college?" + +"Yes, sir, under the circumstances, for I have a better prospect of +helping the family." + +"That feeling does you credit. Have you any brothers and sisters?" + +"One of each, sir." + +"I have but one boy, now nine years old. I am sorry to say he is not +strong in body, though very bright and quick, mentally. I wish he +were more fond of play and would spend less time in reading and +study." + +"I don't think that is a common complaint among boys, sir." + +"No, I judge not from my own remembrance and observation. My wife is +dead, and I am such a busy man that I am not able to give my boy as +much attention as I wish I could. My boy's health is the more +important to me because I have no other child." + +Grant's interest was excited, and he looked forward to meeting his +employer's son, not without eagerness. He had not long to wait. + +The little fellow was in the street in front of the house when his +father reached home. He was a slender, old-fashioned boy in +appearance, who looked as if he had been in the habit of keeping +company with grown people. His frame was small, but his head was +large. He was pale, and would have been plain, but for a pair of +large, dark eyes, lighting up his face. + +"Welcome home, papa," he said, running up to meet Mr. Reynolds. + +The broker stooped over and kissed his son. Then he said: "I have +brought you some company, Herbert. This is Grant Thornton, the boy I +spoke to you about." + +"I am glad to make your acquaintance," said the boy, with +old-fashioned courtesy, offering his hand. + +"And I am glad to meet you, Herbert," responded Grant, pleasantly. + +The little boy looked up earnestly in the face of his father's +office boy. + +"I think I shall like you," he said. + +Mr. Reynolds looked pleased, and so did Grant. + +"I am sure we shall be very good friends," said our hero. + +"Herbert," said his father, "will you show Grant the room he is to +occupy?" + +"It is next to mine, isn't it, papa?" + +"Yes, my son." + +"Come with me," said Herbert, putting his hand in Grant's. "I will +show you the way." + +Grant, who was only accustomed to the plain homes in his native +village, was impressed by the evidence of wealth and luxury +observable in the house of the stock broker. The room assigned to +him was small, but it was very handsomely furnished, and he almost +felt out of place in it. But it was not many days, to anticipate +matters a little, before he felt at home. + +Herbert took Grant afterward into his own room. + +"See my books," he said, leading the way to a bookcase, containing +perhaps a hundred volumes, the majority of a juvenile character, but +some suited to more mature tastes. "Do you like reading?" asked +Grant. + +"I have read all the books you see here," answered Herbert, "and +some of papa's besides. I like to read better than to play." + +"But you ought to spend some of your time in play, or you will not +grow up healthy." + +"That is what papa says. I try to play some, but I don't care much +about it." + +Grant was no longer surprised at the little boy's delicacy. It was +clear that he needed more amusement and more exercise. "Perhaps," he +thought, "I can induce Herbert to exercise more." + +"When do you take dinner?" he asked. + +"At half-past six. There is plenty of time." + +"Then suppose we take a little walk together. We shall both have a +better appetite." + +"I should like to," replied Herbert; "that is, with you. I don't +like to walk alone." + +"How far is Central Park from here?" + +"A little over a mile." + +"I have never seen it. Would you mind walking as far as that?" + +"Oh, no." + +So the two boys walked out together. They were soon engaged in an +animated conversation, consisting, for the most part, of questions +proposed by Grant, and answers given by Herbert. + +Not far from the park they came to a vacant lot where some boys were +playing ball. + +"Now, if we only had a ball, Herbert," said Grant, "we might have a +little amusement." + +"I've got a ball in my pocket, but I don't use it much." + +"Let me see it." + +Herbert produced the ball, which proved to be an expensive one, +better than any Grant had ever owned. + +"There, Herbert, stand here, and I will place myself about fifty +feet away. Now, throw it to me, no matter how swiftly." + +They were soon engaged in throwing the ball to each other. Grant was +a good ball player, and he soon interested the little boy in the +sport. Our hero was pleased to see Herbert's quiet, listless manner +exchanged for the animation which seemed better suited to a boy. + +"You are improving, Herbert," he said, after a while. "You would +make a good player in time." + +"I never liked it before," said the little boy. "I never knew there +was so much fun in playing ball." + +"We shall have to try it every day. I suppose it is about time to go +home to supper." + +"And we haven't been to Central Park, after all." + +"That will do for another day. Are boys allowed to play ball in the +park?" + +"Two afternoons in the week, I believe, but I never played there." + +"We shall have to try it some day." + +"I should like to play--with you." + +They reached home in full time for dinner. At the dinner table Mr. +Reynolds was struck by the unusually bright and animated face of his +son, and his good appetite. + +"What have you been doing to make you so hungry, Herbert?" he asked. + +"I took a walk with Grant, and we had a fine game of ball." + +"I am glad to hear it," said the broker, much pleased. "If you want +to become stout and strong like Grant, that is the best thing for +you to do." + +"I never liked playing ball before, papa." + +"That is a compliment to you, Grant," said the broker, smiling. + +"I think," he said to the prim, elderly lady who presided over the +household, acting as housekeeper, "Herbert will be the better for +having a boy in the house." + +"I don't know about that," said Mrs. Estabrook, stiffly. "When he +came into the house he had mud on his clothes. He never did that +till this boy came." + +"I won't complain of that, if his health is improved." + +Mrs. Estabrook, who was a poor relation of Herbert's mother, pursed +up her mouth, but did not reply. In her eyes, it was more important +that a boy should keep his clothes whole and clean than to have +color in his cheeks, and health in his frame. + +"I hope that boy won't stay here long," she thought, referring, of +course, to Grant. "He'll quite spoil Herbert by making him rough and +careless of his appearance." + +"Well, Herbert, and how do you like Grant?" asked Mr. Reynolds, as +his son was bidding him good-night before going to bed. + +"I am so glad you brought him here, papa. I shall have good times +now. You'll let him stay all the time, won't you?" + +"I'll see about it, Herbert," answered his father, smiling. + + + +CHAPTER XII -- MRS. ESTABROOK'S PLANS + + + +Grant was going home with Mr. Reynolds at the close of the fourth +day, when it occurred to him to say what had been in his mind for +some time: "Isn't it time, Mr. Reynolds, for me to be looking out +for a boarding place?" + +The broker smiled, and said with assumed concern: "Are you +dissatisfied with your present boarding place?" + +"How could I be, sir?" returned Grant, earnestly. "But you told me I +could stay with you a week, while I was looking about for a suitable +place to board." + +"That is true. Now, however, there is a difficulty about your making +a change." + +"What is that, sir?" + +"Herbert would not give his consent. The fact is, Grant, Herbert +finds so much pleasure in your society, and derives so much +advantage from the increased exercise you lead him to take, that I +think you will have to make up your mind to stay." + +Grant's face showed the pleasure he felt. + +"I shall be very glad to stay, Mr. Reynolds," he answered, "if you +are willing to have me." + +"I had this in view from the first," said the broker, "but I wanted +to see how you and Herbert got along. I wished to be sure, also, +that your influence on him would be good. Of that I can have no +doubt, and I am glad to receive you as a member of my family." + +There was one member of the household, however, who was not so well +pleased with the proposed arrangement. This was Mrs. Estabrook, the +housekeeper. + +As the week drew to a close, she said, one evening after the boys +had retired: + +"How much longer is the office boy to stay here, Mr. Reynolds?" + +"Why do you ask?" inquired the broker. + +"Only with reference to domestic arrangements," answered the +housekeeper, disconcerted. + +"He will remain for a considerable time, Mrs. Estabrook." + +"I--I thought he was only going to stay a week." + +"He is company for Herbert, and I think it desirable to keep him." + +"Herbert soils his clothes a deal more now than he used to do," said +the housekeeper, discontentedly. "I am sure I don't know where the +other boy carries him." + +"Nor I, but I am not afraid to trust him with Grant. As to the +clothes, I consider them of very small account, compared with my +boy's health." + +Mrs. Estabrook knitted in silence for five minutes. She was by no +means pleased with her employer's plan, having taken a dislike to +Grant, for which, indeed, her chief reason was jealousy. She had a +stepson, a young man of twenty-one, in Mr. Reynolds' office, whom +she would like to have in the house in place of Grant. But Mr. +Reynolds had never taken notice of her occasional hints to that +effect. The housekeeper's plans were far-reaching. She knew that +Herbert was delicate, and doubted if he would live to grow up. In +that case, supposing her stepson had managed to ingratiate himself +with the broker, why might he not hope to become his heir? Now this +interloper, as she called Grant, had stepped into the place which +her own favorite--his name was Willis Ford--should have had. Mrs. +Estabrook felt aggrieved, and unjustly treated, and naturally +incensed at Grant, who was the unconscious cause of her +disappointment. She returned to the charge, though, had she been +wiser, she would have foreborne. + +"Do you think a poor boy like this Grant Thornton is a suitable +companion for a rich man's son, Mr. Reynolds? Excuse me for +suggesting it, but I am so interested in dear Herbert." + +"Grant Thornton is the son of a country minister, and has had an +excellent training," said the broker, coldly. "The fact that he is +poor is no objection in my eyes. I think, Mrs. Estabrook, we will +dismiss the subject. I think myself competent to choose my son's +associates." + +"I hope you will excuse me," said the housekeeper, seeing that she +had gone too far. "I am so attached to the dear child." + +"If you are, you will not object to the extra trouble you may have +with his clothes, since his health is benefited." + +"That artful young beggar has wound his way into his employer's +confidence," thought Mrs. Estabrook, resentfully, "but it may not be +always so." + +A few minutes later, when the housekeeper was in her own +sitting-room, she was told that Willis Ford wanted to see her. + +Mrs. Estabrook's thin face lighted up with pleasure, for she was +devotedly attached to her stepson. + +"Bring him up here at once," she said. + +A minute later the young man entered the room. He was a thin, +sallow-complexioned young man, with restless, black eyes, and a +discontented expression--as of one who thinks he is not well used by +the world. + +"Welcome, my dear boy," said the housekeeper, warmly. "I am so glad +to see you." + +Willis submitted reluctantly to his stepmother's caress, and threw +himself into a rocking chair opposite her. + +"Are you well, Willis?" asked Mrs. Estabrook, anxiously. + +"Yes, I'm well enough," muttered the young man. + +"I thought you looked out of sorts." + +"I feel so." + +"Is anything the matter?" + +"Yes; I'm sick of working at such starvation wages." + +"I thought fifteen dollars a week a very good salary. Only last +January you were raised three dollars." + +"And I expected to be raised three dollars more on the first of +July." + +"Did you apply to Mr. Reynolds?" + +"Yes, and he told me I must wait till next January." + +"I think he might have raised you, if only on account of the +connection between our families." + +"Perhaps he would if you would ask him, mother." + +"I will when there is a good opportunity. Still, Willis, I think +fifteen dollars a week very comfortable." + +"You don't know a young man's expenses, mother." + +"How much do you pay for board, Willis?" + +"Six dollars a week. I have a room with a friend, or I should have +to pay eight." + +"That leaves you nine dollars a week for all other expenses. I think +you might save something out of that." + +"I can't. I have clothes to buy, and sometimes I want to go to the +theatre, and in fact, nine dollars don't go as far as you think. Of +course, a woman doesn't need to spend much. It's different with a +young man." + +"Your income would be a good deal increased if you had no board to +pay." + +"Of course. You don't know any generous minded person who will board +me for nothing, do you?" + +"There's a new office boy in your office, isn't there?" + +"Yes, a country boy." + +"Did you know he was boarding here?" + +"No; is he?" + +"Mr. Reynolds told me to-night he was going to keep him here +permanently, as a companion for his little son." + +"Lucky for him." + +"I wish Mr. Reynolds would give you a home here." + +"I would rather he would make it up in money, and let me board where +I please." + +"But you forget. It would give you a chance to get him interested in +you, and if Herbert should die, you might take his place as heir." + +"That would be a splendid idea, but there's no prospect of it. It +isn't for me." + +"It may be for the office boy. He's an artful boy, and that's what +he's working for, in my opinion." + +"I didn't think the little beggar was so evil-headed. He seems quiet +enough." + +"Still waters run deep. You'd better keep an eye on him, and I'll do +the same." + +"I will." + +The next day Grant was puzzled to understand why Willis Ford spoke +so sharply to him, and regarded him with such evident unfriendliness. + +"What have I done to offend you?" he thought. + + + +CHAPTER XIII -- TWO VIEWS OF TOM CALDER + + + +Thus far nothing had been said about the compensation Grant was to +receive for his work in the broker's office. He did not like to ask, +especially as he knew that at the end of the first week the matter +would be settled. When he found that he was to remain for the +present at the house of his employer he concluded that his cash pay +would be very small, perhaps a dollar a week. However, that would be +doing quite as well as if he paid his own board elsewhere, while he +enjoyed a much more agreeable and luxurious home. He would be unable +to assist his father for a year or two; but that was only what he +had a right to expect. + +When Saturday afternoon came, Mr. Reynolds said: "By the way, Grant, +I must pay you your week's wages. I believe no sum was agreed upon." + +"No, sir." + +"We will call it six dollars. Will that be satisfactory?" + +"Very much so, Mr. Reynolds; but there will be a deduction for +board." + +Mr. Reynolds smiled. + +"That is a different matter," he said. "That comes to you as +Herbert's companion. It is worth that to me to have my boy's +happiness increased." + +Grant was overjoyed at the bright prospect opened before him, and he +said, with glowing face: "You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds. Now I +shall be able to help my father." + +"That is very creditable to you, my boy. Willis, you may pay Grant +six dollars." + +Willis Ford did so, but he looked very glum. He estimated that, +including his board, Grant would be in receipt of twelve dollars a +week, or its equivalent, and this was only three dollars less than +he himself received, who had been in the office five years and was a +connection of the broker. + +"It's a shame," he thought, "that this green, country boy should be +paid nearly as much as I--I must call and tell mother." + +Grant was a very happy boy that evening. He resolved to lay aside +three dollars a week to send to his mother, to save up a dollar a +week and deposit it in some savings bank, and make the other two +dollars answer for his clothing and miscellaneous expenses. + +On the next Monday afternoon Grant walked home alone, Mr. Reynolds +having some business which delayed him. He thought he would walk up +Broadway, as there was much in that crowded thoroughfare to amuse +and interest him. + +Just at the corner of Canal Street he came across Tom Calder. Tom +was standing in a listless attitude with his hands in his pockets, +with apparently no business cares weighing upon his mind. + +"Hello, Grant!" he said, with sudden recognition. + +"How are you, Tom?" + +"I'm all right, but I'm rather hard up." + +Grant was not surprised to hear that. + +"You see, there's a feller owes me seven dollars, and I can't get it +till next week," continued Tom, watching Grant's face to see if he +believed it. + +Grant did not believe it, but did not think it necessary to say so. + +"That's inconvenient," he remarked. + +"I should say it was. You couldn't lend me a couple of dollars, +could you?" + +"I don't think I could." + +Tom looked disappointed. + +"How much do you get?" he asked. + +"Six dollars a week." + +"That's pretty good, for a boy like you. I wish you'd take a room +with me. It would come cheaper." + +"I shall stay where I am for the present," said Grant. + +He did not care to mention, unless he were asked, that he was making +his home at the house of Mr. Reynolds, as it might either lead to a +call from Tom, whom he did not particularly care to introduce to his +new friends, or might lead to a more pressing request for a loan. + +"Where are you boarding?" asked Grant, after a pause. + +"In Clinton Place. I have a room there, and get my meals where I +like. There's a chap from your office that lives in the same house." + +"Who is it?" asked Grant, anxiously. + +"It's Willis Ford." + +"Is that so?" returned Grant, in surprise. "Do you know him?" + +"Only a little. I don't like him. He's too stuck up." + +Grant made no comment, but in his heart he agreed with Tom. + +"Are you doing anything?" he asked. + +"Not just yet," answered Tom, "I expect a good job soon. You haven't +a quarter to spare, have you?" Grant produced the desired sum and +handed it to his companion. He didn't fancy Tom, but he was willing +to help him in a small way. + +"Thanks," said Tom. "That'll buy my supper. I'll give it back to you +in a day or two." + +Grant did not think there was much likelihood of that, but felt that +he could afford to lose this small sum. + +Four days later he met Tom in Wall Street. But what a change! He was +attired in a new suit, wore a fancy necktie, while a chain, that +looked like gold, dangled from his watch pocket. Grant stared at him +in amazement. + +"How are you, Grant?" said Tom, patronizingly. + +"Very well, thank you." + +"I hope you are a-doin' well." + +"Very well. You seem to be prosperous." + +"Yes," answered Tom, languidly, evidently enjoying his surprise. "I +told you I expected to get into something good. By the way, I owe +you a quarter--there it is. Much obliged for the accommodation." + +Grant pocketed the coin, which he had never expected to receive, and +continued to regard Tom with puzzled surprise. He could not +understand what business Tom could have found that had so altered +his circumstances. He ventured to inquire. + +"I wouldn't mind tellin' you," answered Tom, "but, you see, it's +kind of confidential. I'm a confidential agent; that's it." + +"It seems to be a pretty good business," remarked Grant. + +"Yes, it is; I don't work for nothin', I can tell you that." + +"I'm glad of your good luck, Tom," said Grant, and he spoke +sincerely. "I hope you'll keep your agency." + +"Oh, I guess I will! A feller like me is pretty sure of a good +livin', anyway. Hello, Jim!" + +This last was addressed to a flashily dressed individual--the same +one, in fact, that Grant had seen on a former occasion with Tom. + +"Who's your friend?" asked Jim, with a glance at Grant. + +"Grant Thornton. He's from my place in the country. He's in the +office of Mr. Reynolds, a broker in New Street." + +"Introduce me." + +"Grant, let me make you acquainted with my friend, Jim Morrison," +said Tom, with a flourish. + +"Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Thornton," said Jim Morrison, +jauntily, offering his hand. + +"Thank you," said Grant, in a reserved tone; for he was not +especially attracted by the look of Tom's friend. He shook hands, +however. + +"Come 'round and see us some evenin', Grant," said Tom. "We'll take +you round, won't we, Jim?" + +"Of course we will. Your friend should see something of the city." + +"You're the feller that can show him. Well, we must be goin'. It's +lunch time." + +Tom pulled out a watch, which, if not gold, was of the same color as +gold, and the two sauntered away. + +"What in the world can Tom have found to do?" Grant wondered. + + + +CHAPTER XIV -- WILLIS FORD'S NEW FRIENDS + + + +When Harry Decker left the office at the end of two weeks, Grant was +fully able to take his place, having, with Harry's friendly +assistance, completely mastered the usual routine of a broker's +office. He had also learned the names and offices of prominent +operators, and was, in all respects, qualified to be of service to +his employer. + +Mr. Reynolds always treated him with friendly consideration, and +appeared to have perfect confidence in him. For some reason which he +could not understand, however, Willis Ford was far from cordial, +often addressing him in a fault-finding tone, which at first +disturbed Grant. When he found that it arose from Ford's dislike, he +ceased to trouble himself about it, though it annoyed him. He had +discovered Ford's relationship to Mrs. Estabrook, who treated him in +the same cool manner. + +"As it appears I can't please them," Grant said to himself, "I won't +make any special effort to do so." He contented himself with doing +his work faithfully, and so satisfying his own conscience. + +One evening some weeks later, Grant was returning from a concert, to +which the broker had given him a ticket, when, to his great +surprise, he met Willis Ford walking with Tom Calder and Jim +Morrison. The three were apparently on intimate terms. + +"Good-evenin', Grant," said Tom. + +"Good-evening, Tom." + +Grant looked at Willis Ford, but the latter's lip curled and he did +not speak. Grant, however, bowed and passed on. He was surprised at +the intimacy which had grown up between Ford and those two, knowing +Ford's spirit of exclusiveness. He would have been less surprised +had he known that Morrison had first ingratiated himself with Ford +by offering to lend him money, and afterward had lured him into a +gambling house, where Ford, not knowing that he was a dupe, had been +induced to play, and was now a loser to the extent of several +hundred dollars, for which Morrison held his notes. + +"I don't know when I can pay you," said Ford, gloomily, when he came +to realize his situation. + +"Oh, something will turn up." said Jim Morrison, lightly. "I shan't +trouble you." + +Two weeks later, however, he lay in wait for Ford when he left Wall +Street. + +"I want to speak to you a moment, Mr. Ford," he said. + +"Well, what is it?" asked Ford, uncomfortably. + +"I am hard up." + +"So am I," responded Willis Ford. + +"But you owe me a matter of six hundred dollars." + +"I know it, but you said you wouldn't trouble me." + +"I didn't expect I should be obliged to," said Morrison, smoothly. +"But 'Circumstances alter cases,' you know. I shall have to ask you +for it." + +"That's all the good it will do," said Willis, irritably. "I haven't +a cent to my name." + +"When do you expect to have?" + +"Heaven knows; I don't." + +Ford was about to leave his companion and walk away, but Morrison +had no intention of allowing the matter to end so. He laid his hand +on Ford's shoulder and said, firmly: "Mr. Ford, this won't do. Yours +is a debt of honor, and must be paid." + +"Will you be kind enough to let me know how it is to be paid?" +demanded Ford, with an ugly sneer. + +"That is your business, not mine, Mr. Ford." + +"Then, if it is my business, I'll give you notice when I can pay +you. And now, good-afternoon." + +He made another attempt to walk away, but again there was a hand +placed upon his shoulder. + +"Understand, Mr. Ford, that I am in earnest," said Morrison. "I +can't undertake to tell you how you are to find the money, but it +must be found." + +"Suppose it isn't?" said Ford, with a look of defiance. + +"Then I shall seek an interview with your respected employer, tell +him of the debt, and how it was incurred, and I think he would look +for another clerk." + +"You wouldn't do that!" said Ford, his face betraying consternation. + +"I would, and I will, unless you pay what you owe me." + +"But, man, how am I to do it? You will drive me to desperation." + +"Take three days to think of it. If you can't raise it, I may +suggest a way." + +The two parted, and Willis Ford was left to many uncomfortable +reflections. He knew of no way to raise the money; yet, if he did +not do it, he was menaced with exposure and ruin. Would his +stepmother come to his assistance? He knew that Mrs. Estabrook had a +thousand dollars in government bonds. If he could only induce her to +give him the custody of them on any pretext, he could meet the +demand upon him, and he would never again incur a debt of honor. He +cursed his folly for ever yielding to the temptation. Once let him +get out of this scrape, and he would never get into another like it. + +The next evening he made a call upon Mrs. Estabrook, and made +himself unusually agreeable. The cold-hearted woman, whose heart +warmed to him alone, smiled upon him with affection. + +"I am glad to see you in such good spirits, Willis," she said. + +"If she only knew how I really felt," thought her stepson. But it +was for his interest to wear a mask. + +"The fact is, mother," he said, "I feel very cheerful. I've made a +little turn in stocks, and realized three hundred dollars." + +"Have you, indeed, Willis? I congratulate you, my son. No doubt you +will find the money useful." + +"No doubt of that. If I had the capital, I could make a good deal +more." + +"But there would be the danger of losing," suggested Mrs. Estabrook. + +"That danger is very small, mother. I am in a situation to know all +about the course of stocks. I wouldn't advise another to speculate, +unless he has some friend in the Stock Exchange; but for me it is +perfectly safe." + +"Pray be careful, Willis." + +"Oh, yes. I am sure to be. By the way, mother, haven't you got some +money in government bonds?" + +"A little," answered Mrs. Estabrook, cautiously. + +"How much, now?" + +"About a thousand dollars." + +"Let me manage it for you, and I will make it two thousand inside of +a month." + +Mrs. Estabrook had a large share of acquisitiveness, but she had +also a large measure of caution, which she had inherited from her +Scotch ancestry. + +"No, Willis," she said, shaking her head, "I can't take any risk. +This money it has taken me years to save. It is the sole dependence +I have for my old age, and I can't run the risk of losing it." + +"But two thousand dollars will be better than one, mother. Just let +me tell you what happened to a customer of ours: He had above five +hundred dollars in the savings bank, drawing four per cent +interest--only twenty dollars a year. He had a friend in the Stock +Exchange who took charge of it, bought stocks judiciously on a +margin, then reinvested, and now, after three months, how much do +you think it amounts to?" + +"How much?" asked the housekeeper, with interest. + +"Six thousand five hundred dollars--just thirteen times as much!" +answered Willis, glibly. + +This story, by the way, was all a fabrication, intended to influence +his stepmother. Mrs. Estabrook never doubted Ford's statement, but +her instinctive caution saved her from falling into the trap. + +"It looks tempting, Willis," she said, "but I don't dare to take the +risk." Ford was deeply disappointed, but did not betray it. + +"It is for you to decide," said he, carelessly, then drifted to +other subjects. + +Ten minutes later he pressed his hand upon his breast, while his +features worked convulsively. "I believe I am sick," he said. + +"What can I do for you, my dear son?" asked the housekeeper, in +alarm. + +"If you have a glass of brandy!" gasped Willis. + +"I will go downstairs and get some," she said, hurriedly. + +No sooner had she left the room than Willis sprang to his feet, +locked the door, then went to the bureau, unlocked the upper +drawer--he had a key in his pocket which fitted the lock and, +thrusting in his hand, drew out a long envelope containing one +five-hundred-dollar government bond and five bonds of one hundred +dollars each, which he thrust into his side pocket. Then, closing +the drawer, he unlocked the door of the room, and when his +step-mother returned he threw himself back in his chair, groaning. +He took the glass of brandy the housekeeper brought him, and, after +a few minutes, professing himself much better, left the house. + +"Saved!" he exclaimed, triumphantly. "Now I shall be all right +again." + + + +CHAPTER XV -- AN ARTFUL TRAP + + + +Willis Ford was anxious to get away. He feared that Mrs. Estabrook +might go to the bureau and discover the loss before he got out of +the house, which would make it awkward for him. Once out in the +street, he breathed more freely. He had enough with him to pay his +only debt, and give him four hundred dollars extra. It might be +supposed he would feel some compunction at robbing his stepmother of +her all. Whatever her faults, she was devoted to him. But Willis +Ford had a hard, selfish nature, and the only thought that troubled +him was the fear that he might be found out. Indeed, the +housekeeper's suspicions would be likely to fall upon him unless +they could be turned in some other direction. Who should it be? +There came to him an evil suggestion which made his face brighten +with relief and malicious joy. The new boy, Grant Thornton, was a +member of the household. He probably had the run of the house. What +more probable than that he should enter Mrs. Estabrook's chamber and +search her bureau? This was the way Willis reasoned. He knew that +his stepmother hated Grant, and would be very willing to believe +anything against him. He would take care that suspicion should fall +in that direction. He thought of a way to heighten that suspicion. +What it was my readers will learn in due time. + +The next day, at half-past eight o'clock in the morning, on his way +down Broadway, Willis Ford dropped into the Grand Central Hotel, and +walked through the reading room in the rear. Here sat Jim Morrison +and Tom Calder, waiting for him by appointment. + +Ford took a chair beside them. + +"Good-morning," he said, cheerfully. + +"Have you brought the money?" asked Morrison, anxiously. + +"Hush! don't speak so loud," said Ford, cautiously. "We don't want +everybody to know our business." + +"All right," said Morrison, in a lower voice; "but have you brought +it?" + +"Yes." + +"You're a trump!" said Morrison, his face expressing his joy. + +"That is to say, I've brought what amounts to the same thing." + +"If it's your note," said Morrison, with sharp disappointment, "I +don't want it." + +"It isn't a note. It's what will bring the money." + +"What is it, then?" + +"It's government bonds for six hundred dollars." + +"I don't know anything about bonds," said Morrison. "Besides, the +amount is more than six hundred dollars." + +"These bonds are worth a hundred and twelve, amounting in all to six +hundred and seventy-two dollars. That's forty more than I owe you. I +won't make any account of that, however, as you will have to dispose +of them." + +"I may get into trouble," said Morrison, suspiciously. "Where did +they come from?" + +"That does not concern you," said Ford, haughtily. "Don't I give +them to you?" + +"But where did you get them?" + +"That is my business. If you don't want them, say the word, and I'll +take them back." + +"And when will you pay the money?" + +"I don't know," answered Ford, curtly. + +"Maybe he'll sell 'em for us himself," suggested Tom Calder. + +"Good, Tom! Why can't you sell 'em and give me the money? Then you +can pay the exact sum and save the forty dollars." + +"I don't choose to do so," said Ford. "It seems to me you are +treating me in a very strange manner. I offer you more than I owe +you, and you make no end of objections to receiving it." + +"I am afraid I'll get into trouble if I offer the bonds for sale," +said Morrison, doggedly. "I don't know anybody in the business +except you." + +"Yes, you do," said Ford, a bright idea occurring to him. + +"Who?" + +"You know the boy in our office." + +"Grant Thornton?" said Tom. + +"Yes, Grant Thornton. Manage to see him, and ask him to dispose of +the bonds for you. He will bring them to our office, and I will +dispose of them without asking any questions." + +"First rate!" said Tom. "That'll do, won't it, Jim?" + +"I don't see why it won't," answered Morrison, appearing satisfied. + +"I would suggest that you see him some time today." + +"Good! Hand over the bonds." + +Willis Ford had already separated the bonds into two parcels, six +hundred in one and four hundred in the other. The first of these he +passed over to Jim Morrison. + +"Put it into your pocket at once," he said. "We don't want anyone to +see them. There is a telegraph boy looking at us." + +"I'm going to see if it is all there," muttered Morrison; and he +drew from the envelope the two bonds, and ascertained, by a personal +inspection, that they were as represented. + +"It's all right," he said. + +"You might have taken my word for it," said Willis Ford, offended. + +"In matters of business I take no one's word," chuckled the +confidence man. + +"I wonder what they're up to," said the little telegraph boy to +himself. "I know one of them fellers is a gambler. Wonder who that +feller with him is? Them must be gov'ment bonds." + +Johnny Cavanagh was an observing boy, and mentally photographed upon +his memory the faces of the entire group, though he never expected +to see any of them again. + +When Grant was hurrying through Wall Street about noon he came upon +Tom Calder and Morrison. + +"Hello, there, Grant," said Tom, placing his hand upon his shoulder. + +"What's the matter, Tom? I'm in a hurry," said Grant. + +"Jim Morrison's got a little business for you." + +"What is it?" + +"He wants you to sell gov'ment bonds for him." + +"You'd better take them round to our office." + +"I haven't got time," said Morrison. "Just attend to them, like a +good fellow, and I'll give you a dollar for your trouble." + +"How much have you got?" + +"Six hundred--a five hundred and a one." + +"Are they yours?" + +"Yes; I've had 'em two years, but now I've got to raise money." + +"What do you want for them?" + +"Regular price, whatever it is." + +"When will you call for the money?" + +"Meet me at Fifth Avenue Hotel with it tomorrow morning at nine +o'clock." + +"I shall have to meet you earlier--say half-past eight." + +"All right. Here's the bonds." + +Grant put the envelope into his pocket, and hurried to the Exchange. + +When he returned to the office he carried the bonds to Willis Ford. + +"Mr. Ford," he said, "an acquaintance of mine handed them to me to +be sold." + +"Some one you know?" queried Ford. + +"I know him slightly." + +"Well, I suppose it's all right. I'll make out a check to your +order, and you can collect the money at the bank." + +Grant interposed no objection, and put the check in his pocket. + +"The boy's fallen into the trap," said Willis to himself, +exultantly, as he proceeded to enter the transaction on the books. + + + +CHAPTER XVI -- GRANT FALLS UNDER SUSPICION + + + +In furtherance of his scheme to throw suspicion upon Grant, Willis +Ford decided to make another call upon his stepmother the succeeding +evening. It occurred to him that she might possibly connect his +visit of the evening before with her loss, and he wished to +forestall this. + +"Is Mrs. Estabrook at home?" he asked of the servant. + +"Yes, sir." + +When the housekeeper made her appearance he carefully scrutinized +her face. She was calm and placid, and it was clear that she had not +discovered the abstraction of the bonds. + +"I dare say you are surprised to see me so soon again," he +commenced. + +"I am always glad to see you, Willis," she said. "Come upstairs." + +"What a pleasant room you have, mother!" + +"Yes, I am very comfortable. Have you had any return of your +sickness?" she asked, anxiously. + +"No, I have been perfectly well. By the way, mother, I have a +special object in calling." + +"What is it, Willis?" + +"I want to speak to you about those bonds of yours. If you will only +sell them out, and invest in Erie, I am sure you will make in six +months a sum equal to several years interest." + +"That may be, Willis, but I am very timid about taking a risk. Those +bonds represent all the property I have." + +Willis Ford's conscience pricked him a little, when he heard her +speaking thus of the property he had so heartlessly stolen; but he +did not show it in his manner. + +"What is the date of your bonds, mother?" he asked. + +"I don't know. Does that make any difference?" + +"It makes some difference. Those that have longest to run are most +valuable." + +"I can easily tell," said the housekeeper, as she rose from her +chair and opened the bureau drawer, in full confidence that the +bonds were safe. + +It was an exciting moment for Willis Ford, knowing the sad discovery +that awaited her. + +She put her hand in that part of the drawer where she supposed the +bonds to be, and found nothing. A shade of anxiety overspread her +face, and she searched hurriedly in other parts of the drawer. + +"Don't you find them, mother?" asked Willis. + +"It is very strange," said Mrs. Estabrook, half to herself. + +"What is strange?" + +"I always kept the bonds in the right-hand corner of this drawer." + +"And you can't find them?" + +"I have looked all over the drawer." + +"You may have put them, by mistake, in one of the other drawers." + +"Heaven grant it!" said Mrs. Estabrook, her face white with anxiety. + +"Let me help you, mother," said Willis, rising. + +She did not object, for her hands trembled with nervousness. + +The other drawers were opened and were thoroughly searched, but, of +course, the bonds were not found. + +Mrs. Estabrook seemed near fainting. + +"I have been robbed," she said. "I am ruined." + +"But who could have robbed you?" asked Ford, innocently. + +"I-don't-know. Oh, Willis! it was cruel!" and the poor woman burst +into tears. "All these years I have been saving, and now I have lost +all. I shall die in the poorhouse after all." + +"Not while I am living, mother," said Willis. "But the bonds must be +found. They must be mislaid." + +"No, no! they are stolen. I shall never see them again." + +"But who has taken them? Ha! I have an idea." + +"What is it?" asked the housekeeper, faintly. + +"That boy--Grant Thornton--he lives in the house, doesn't he?" + +"Yes," answered Mrs. Estabrook, in excitement. "Do you think he can +have robbed me?" + +"What a fool I am! I ought to have suspected when---" + +"When what?" + +"When he brought some bonds to me to-day to sell." + +"He did!" exclaimed Mrs. Estabrook; "what were they?" + +"A five-hundred-dollar and a hundred-dollar bond." + +"I had a five-hundred and five one-hundred-dollar bonds. They were +mine--the young villain!" + +"I greatly fear so, mother." + +"You ought to have kept them, Willis. Oh! why didn't you? Where is +the boy? I will see Mr. Reynolds at once." + +"Wait a minute, till I tell you all I know. The boy said the bonds +were handed to him by an acquaintance." + +"It was a falsehood." + +"Do you know the number of your bonds, mother?" + +"Yes, I have them noted down, somewhere." + +"Good! I took the number of those the boy gave me for sale." + +Mrs. Estabrook found the memorandum. It was compared with one which +Willis Ford brought with him, and the numbers were identical. Four +numbers, of course, were missing from Ford's list. + +"That seems pretty conclusive, mother. The young rascal has stolen +your bonds, and offered a part of them for sale. It was certainly +bold in him to bring them to our office. Is he in the house?" + +"I'll go and see." + +"And bring Mr. Reynolds with you, if you can find him." + +In an excited state, scarcely knowing what she did, the housekeeper +went downstairs and found both parties of whom she was in search in +the same room. She poured out her story in an incoherent manner, +inveighing against Grant as a thief. + +When Grant, with some difficulty, understood what was the charge +against him, he was almost speechless with indignation. + +"Do you mean to say I stole your bonds?" he demanded. + +"Yes, I do; and it was a base, cruel act." + +"I agree with you in that, Mrs. Estabrook. It was base and cruel, +but I had nothing to do with it." + +"You dare to say that, when you brought the bonds to my son, Willis, +to be sold to-day?" + +"Is this true, Grant?" asked Mr. Reynolds. "Did you sell any bonds +at the office to-day?" + +"Yes, sir." + +The broker looked grave. + +"Where did you get them?" he asked. + +"They were handed to me by an acquaintance in Wall Street." + +"Who was he?" + +"His name is James Morrison." + +"What do you know of him? Is he in any business?" + +"I know very little of him, sir." + +"Have you handed him the money?" + +"No, sir. I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth Avenue +Hotel, and pay him." + +"Why doesn't he call at the office?" + +"I don't know," answered Grant, puzzled. "I suggested to him to +bring the bonds to the office himself, but he said he was in haste, +and offered me a dollar to attend to the matter." + +"This seems a mysterious case." + +"Excuse me, Mr. Reynolds, but I think it is plain enough," said the +housekeeper, spitefully. "That boy opened my bureau drawer, and +stole the bonds." + +"That is not true, Mr. Reynolds," exclaimed Grant, indignantly. + +"How did you know the bonds were offered for sale at my office +to-day, Mrs. Estabrook?" inquired the broker. + +"My son--Willis Ford--told me." + +"When did you see him?" + +"Just now." + +"Is he in the house?" + +"Yes, sir. I left him in my room." + +"Ask him to be kind enough to accompany you here." + +The housekeeper left the room. Grant and his employer remained +silent during her absence. + + + +CHAPTER XVII -- THE TELLTALE KEY + + + +Willis Ford entered the presence of his employer with an air of +confidence which he did not feel. Knowing his own guilt, he felt ill +at ease and nervous; but the crisis had come and he must meet it. + +"Take a seat, Mr. Ford," said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. "Your +stepmother tells me that she has lost some government bonds?" + +"All I had in the world," moaned the housekeeper. + +"Yes, sir; I regret to say that she has been robbed." + +"I learn, moreover, that a part of the bonds were brought to my +office for sale to-day?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"And by Grant Thornton?" + +"He can answer that question for himself, sir. He is present." + +"It is true," said Grant, quietly. + +"Did you ask him where the bonds came from?" + +"He volunteered the information. He said they were intrusted to him +for sale by a friend." + +"Acquaintance," corrected Grant. + +"It may have been so. I understood him to say friend." + +"You had no suspicions that anything was wrong?" asked the broker. + +"No; I felt perfect confidence in the boy." + +Grant was rather surprised to hear this. If this were the case, +Willis Ford had always been very successful, in concealing his real +sentiments. + +"How did you pay him?" + +"In a check to his own order." + +"Have you collected the money on that check, Grant?" asked Mr. +Reynolds. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Have you paid it out to the party from whom you obtained the +bonds?" + +"No, sir; I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth Avenue +Hotel." + +Willis Ford's countenance changed when he heard this statement. He +supposed that Jim Morrison already had his money and was safely off +with it. Now it was clear that Grant would not be allowed to pay it +to him, and his own debt would remain unpaid. That being the case, +Morrison would be exasperated, and there was no knowing what he +would say. + +"What do you know of this man, Grant?" + +"Very little, sir." + +"How does he impress you--as an honest, straightforward man?" + +Grant shook his head. + +"Not at all," he said. + +"Yet you took charge of his business for him?" + +"Yes, sir; but not willingly. He offered me a dollar for my trouble, +and as I did not know there was anything wrong, I consented. +Besides---" Here Grant paused. + +"Well?" + +"Will you excuse my continuing, Mr. Reynolds?" + +"No," answered the broker, firmly. "On the other hand, I insist upon +your saying what you had in your mind." + +"Having seen Mr. Ford in this man's company, I concluded he was all +right." + +Willis Ford flushed and looked disconcerted. + +"Is this true, Mr. Ford?" asked the broker. "Do you know this man?" + +"What do you say his name was, Thornton?" asked Ford, partly to gain +time. + +"James Morrison." + +"Yes; I know him. He was introduced to me by an intimate friend of +that boy," indicating Grant. + +Willis Ford smiled triumphantly. He felt that he had checkmated our +hero. + +"Is this true, Grant?" + +"I presume so," answered Grant, coolly. "You refer to Tom Calder, do +you not, Mr. Ford?" + +"I believe that is his name." + +"He is not an intimate friend of mine, but we came from the same +village. It is that boy who was with me when I first met you, Mr. +Reynolds." + +The broker's face cleared. + +"Yes, I remember him. But how do you happen to know Tom Calder, Mr. +Ford?" + +"He had a room at the same house with me. He introduced himself as a +friend of this boy." + +"Do you know anything of him--how he earns his living?" + +"Haven't the faintest idea," answered Ford. "My acquaintance with +him is very slight." + +"There seems a mystery here," said the broker. "This Morrison gives +Grant two bonds to dispose of, which are identified as belonging to +my housekeeper. How did he obtain possession of them? That is the +question." + +"There isn't much doubt about that," said Mrs. Estabrook. "This boy +whom you have taken into your family has taken them." + +"You are entirely mistaken, Mrs. Estabrook," said Grant, +indignantly. + +"Of course you say so!" retorted the housekeeper; "but it stands to +reason that that is the way it happened. You took them and gave them +to this man--that is, if there is such a man." + +"Your son says there is, Mrs. Estabrook," said the broker, quietly. + +"Well, I don't intend to say how it happened. Likely enough the man +is a thief, and that boy is his accomplice." + +"You will oblige me by not jumping at conclusions, Mrs. Estabrook," +said Mr. Reynolds. "Whoever has taken the bonds is likely to be +discovered. Meanwhile your loss will, at all events, be partially +made up, since Grant has the money realized from the sale of the +greater part of them." + +"I should like to place the money in your hands, Mr. Reynolds," said +Grant. + +"But it belongs to me," said the housekeeper. + +"That is undoubtedly true," said her employer; "but till the matter +is ascertained beyond a doubt I will retain the money." + +"How can there be any doubt?" asked the housekeeper, discontented. + +"I do not think there is; but I will tell you now. You claim that +your bonds were marked by certain numbers, two of which belong to +those which were bought by Mr. Ford at the office to-day?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Meanwhile, you and your stepson have had time to compare notes, and +you have had a chance to learn his numbers." + +Mrs. Estabrook turned livid. + +"I didn't expect to have such a charge brought against me, Mr. +Reynolds, and by you," she said, her voice trembling with passion. + +"I have brought no such charge, Mrs. Estabrook. I have only +explained how there may be doubt of your claim to the money." + +"I thought you knew me better, sir." + +"I think I do, and I also think I know Grant better than to think +him capable of abstracting your bonds. Yet you have had no +hesitation in bringing this serious charge against him." + +"That is different, sir." + +"Pardon me, I can see no difference. He has the same right that you +have to be considered innocent till he is proved to be guilty." + +"You must admit, sir," said Willis Ford, "that appearances are very +much against Grant." + +"I admit nothing, at present; for the affair seems to be +complicated. Perhaps, Mr. Ford, you can offer some suggestion that +will throw light upon the mystery." + +"I don't think it very mysterious, sir. My mother kept her bonds in +the upper drawer of her bureau. This boy had the run of the house. +What was to prevent his entering my mother's room, opening the +drawer, and taking anything he found of value?" + +"What was to prevent some one else doing it, Mr. Ford--myself, for +example?" + +"Of course that is different, Mr. Reynolds." + +"Well, I don't know. I am honest, and so, I believe, is Grant." + +"Thank you, sir," said Grant, gratefully. + +"It just occurred to me," said Ford, "to ask my mother if she has at +any time lost or mislaid her keys." + +"Well thought of, Mr. Ford," and Mr. Reynolds turned to his +housekeeper for a reply. + +"No," answered Mrs. Estabrook. "I keep my keys in my pocket, and I +have them there yet." + +So saying, she produced four keys attached to a ring. + +"Then," continued Ford, "if Grant chances to have a key which will +fit the bureau drawer, that would be evidence against him." + +"Show me any keys you may have, Grant," said the broker. + +Grant thrust his hand in his pocket and drew out two keys. He looked +at them in astonishment. + +"One of them unlocks my valise," he said. "The other is a strange +key. I did not know I had it." + +Ford smiled maliciously. "Let us see if it will open the bureau +drawer," he said. + +The party adjourned to the housekeeper's room. The key was put into +the lock of the bureau drawer and opened it at once. + +"I think there is no more to be said," said Willis Ford, +triumphantly. + +Grant looked the picture of surprise and dismay. + + + +CHAPTER XVIII -- GRANT'S ENEMIES TRIUMPH + + + +It is not too much to say that Grant was overwhelmed by the +unexpected discovery, in his pocket, of a key that fitted the +housekeeper's drawer. He saw at once how strong it made the evidence +against him, and yet he knew himself to be innocent. The most +painful thought was, that Mr. Reynolds would believe him to be +guilty. + +In fact, the broker for the first time began to think that Grant +might possibly have yielded to temptation. + +"Can't you account for the possession of that key?" he asked. + +"No, sir," answered Grant, in painful embarrassment. "I have +occasion to use but one key, and that is the key to my valise." + +"I think you had occasion to use the other," sneered Ford. + +"Mr. Ford," retorted Grant, indignantly, "you are determined to +think me guilty; but I care nothing for your opinion. I should be +very sorry if Mr. Reynolds should think me capable of such +baseness." + +"Your guilt seems pretty clear," said Ford, sarcastically; "as I +have no doubt Mr. Reynolds will agree." + +"Speak for yourself, Mr. Ford," said the banker, quietly. + +"I hope you are not going to shield that young thief, Mr. Reynolds," +said the housekeeper. "His guilt is as clear as noonday. I think he +ought to be arrested." + +"You are rather in a hurry, Mrs. Estabrook," said Mr. Reynolds; "and +I must request you to be careful how you make charges against me." + +"Against you?" asked the housekeeper, alarmed at his tone. + +"Yes," answered the broker, sternly. "You have insinuated that I +intend to shield a supposed thief. I have only to say that at +present the theft is to be proved." + +"I submit, sir," said Ford, "that the evidence is pretty strong. +The boy is proved to have had the bonds in his possession, he admits +that he sold a part of them and has the money in his possession, and +a key is found in his possession which will open the drawer in which +the bonds were kept." + +"Who put the key in my pocket?" demanded Grant, quickly. + +For a moment Willis Ford looked confused, and his momentary +confusion was not lost upon Grant or the banker. + +"No doubt you put it there yourself," he answered, sharply, after a +monent's pause. + +"That matter will be investigated," said the broker. + +"I think the money ought to be paid to me," said the housekeeper. + +"Can you prove your ownership of the bonds?" asked the broker. + +"I can," answered Willis Ford, flippantly. "I have seen them." + +"I should like some additional evidence," said Mr. Reynolds. "You +are related to Mrs. Esta-brook, and may be supposed to have some +interest in the matter." + +"What proof can I have?" asked the housekeeper, disturbed by this +unexpected obstacle. + +"Have you the memorandum of the broker who bought you the bonds." + +"I don't know, sir." + +"Then you had better look." + +The housekeeper searched the drawer, and produced, triumphantly, a +memorandum to the effect that she had purchased the bonds of a +well-known house in Wall Street. + +"So far, so good!" said the broker. "It appears that besides the +bonds sold you had four one-hundred-dollar bonds?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You had not parted with them?" + +"No, sir." + +"They will some time be put on the market, and then we shall have a +clew to the mystery." + +"That boy has probably got them," said the housekeeper, nodding her +head emphatically. + +"You are at liberty to search my chamber, Mrs. Estabrook," said +Grant, quietly. + +"He may have passed them over to that man Morrison," suggested the +housekeeper. + +"I hardly think that likely," said Willis Ford, who saw danger to +himself in any persecution of Jim Morrison. + +Mr. Reynolds noticed his defense of Morrison, and glanced at him +thoughtfully. + +"Mrs. Estabrook," he said, "I am satisfied that you possessed the +bonds which you claim, and I will relieve your mind by saying that I +will guarantee you against loss by their disappearance. You need +have no further anxiety on the subject. I will undertake to +investigate the matter, which at present appears to be involved in +mystery. Whether or not I succeed in solving it will not matter to +you, since you are saved from loss." + +"Thank you, sir," said the housekeeper, feeling considerably +relieved; "it wasn't much, but it was my all. I depended upon it to +use when old age prevented me from earning my living." + +"I am glad you are so wise in providing for the future." + +"You won't let that boy escape?" the housekeeper could not help +adding. + +"If you refer to Grant Thornton, I think I may say for him that he +has no intention of leaving us." + +"Is he to stay in the house?" + +"Of course; and I expect him to aid me in coming to the truth. Let +me request, Mrs. Estabrook, that you discontinue referring to him in +offensive terms, or I may withdraw my offer guaranteeing you from +loss. Grant, if you will accompany me, I have some questions to put +to you." + +Grant and his employer left the room together. + +"He won't let the boy be punished, though he must know he's guilty," +said Mrs. Estabrook, spitefully. + +"He makes a fool of himself about that boy," said Willis Ford, +disconcerted. + +"He's an artful young vagabond," said the housekeeper. "I know he +took the bonds." + +"Of course he did," Ford assented, though he had the best of reasons +for knowing that Grant was innocent. + +"At any rate," he continued, "you are all right, mother, since Mr. +Reynolds agrees to make up the value of the bonds to you. When you +get your money, just consult me about investing it. Don't put it +into bonds, for they may be stolen." + +"Perhaps I'd better put it into the savings bank," said his +stepmother. + +"You'll get very small interest there; I can invest it so you can +make quite as much. However, there will be time enough to speak of +that when you've got the money. Now, mother, I shall have to bid you +good-evening." + +"Can't you stay longer, Willis? I feel so upset that I don't like to +be left alone. I don't know what that boy may do." + +"I think you are safe," said Willis Ford, secretly amused. But, as +he left the house, he felt seriously disquieted. There was danger +that Jim Morrison, when he found the money which he was to receive +withheld, would be incensed and denounce Ford, who had received back +his evidence of indebtedness. Should he divulge that the bonds had +been given him by Ford, Grant would be cleared, and he would be +convicted of theft. + +As Ford was leaving the house a telegraph boy was just ascending the +steps. It was John Cavanagh, already referred to. + +As his eyes rested on Ford, he said to himself: "Where have I seen +that feller? I know his face." + +Then it flashed upon the boy that he had seen Ford at the Grand +Central Hotel, in the act of giving bonds to Jim Morrison. + +"It's queer I should meet him here," said the telegraph boy to +himself. "I wonder what game he's up to." + +Johnny was introduced into the presence of Mr. Reynolds, for whom he +had a message. On his way out he met Grant in the hall. The two boys +were acquainted, Grant having at one time advanced Johnny two +dollars toward paying his mother's rent. + +"Do you live here?" asked the telegraph boy. + +"Yes," answered Grant. + +"I met a feller goin' out that I've seen before. Who was it?" + +"Willis Ford, a clerk of Mr. Reynolds." + +"I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel yesterday givin' some bonds +to a suspicious-lookin' chap." + +"You did," exclaimed Grant. "Come right up and tell that to Mr. +Reynolds," and he seized the astonished telegraph boy by the arm. + + + +CHAPTER XIX -- IMPORTANT EVIDENCE + + + +Mr. Reynolds looked rather surprised when Grant appeared, drawing +the telegraph boy after him. + +"This boy has got something to tell you about Mr. Ford," said Grant, +breathless with excitement. + +"About Mr. Ford?" repeated the broker. "What do you know about +Willis Ford?" + +"I don't know his name," replied Johnny. "It's the chap that just +went out of the house." + +"It was Mr. Ford," explained Grant. + +"Tell me what you know about him," said the broker, encouragingly. + +"I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel, givin' some bond to a +flashy-lookin' man. There was a boy wid him, a big boy." + +"With whom--Mr. Ford?" + +"No, wid the other chap." + +"I know who he means, sir," said Grant. "It was Tom Calder." + +"And the man?" + +"Was Jim Morrison, the same man that gave me the bonds to sell." + +"That seems important," said Mr. Reynolds. "I did not believe Ford +capable of such rascality." + +"He had as good a chance to take the bonds as I, sir. He was here +last evening." + +"Was he?" asked the broker, quickly. "I did not know that." + +"He was here for an hour at least. I saw him come in and go out." + +Mr. Reynolds asked several more questions of the telegraph boy, and +enjoined him to silence. + +"My boy," he said, "come here to-morrow evening at half-past seven. +I may want you." + +"I will, sir, if I can get away. I shall be on duty." + +"Say to the telegraph company that I have an errand for you. Your +time will be paid for." + +"That will make it all right, sir." + +"And, meanwhile, here is a dollar for your own use." + +Johnny's eyes sparkled, for with his limited earnings this sum would +come in very handy. He turned away, nearly forgetting the original +errand that brought him to the house, but luckily it occurred in +time. The nature of it has nothing to do with this story. + +When Johnny had gone, Mr. Reynolds said: "Grant, I need not caution +you not to breathe a word of this. I begin to think that there is a +conspiracy against you; but whether Willis Ford is alone in it, or +has a confederate I cannot decide. My housekeeper does not appear to +like you." + +"No, sir, I am sorry to say she does not; but I don't think she is +in this plot. I think she honestly believes that I stole her bonds." + +"I have too great confidence in you to believe it. I own I was a +little shaken when the key was found. You have no idea how it came +in your pocket, I suppose?" + +"No, sir, I can't guess. I might suspect Mr. Ford of putting it +there, but I can't see how he managed it." + +"Well, we will let matters take their course. You will go to work as +usual, and not speak a word of what has happened this evening." + +"Thank you, sir." + +Meanwhile, we must follow Willis Ford. When he left the house, he +was by no means in a comfortable frame of mind. He felt that it was +absolutely necessary to see Jim Morrison, and have an understanding +with him. What arrangements he could make with him, or how he could +reconcile him to the loss of the money which he had expected to +receive from the sale of the bonds, he could not yet imagine. +Perhaps he would be willing to receive the other four bonds in part +payment. In that case Willis himself would not profit as much as he +had hoped from the theft; but there seemed no alternative. He had +got himself into a scrape, and he must get out of it the best way +possible. + +Though he did not know where to find Morrison, he thought it likely +that he might be seen at the White Elephant, a large and showy +billiard room on Broadway, near Thirtieth Street. There were several +gambling houses near by, and there or in that neighborhood he +thought that Morrison might be met. + +He was right. On entering the billiard room he found the man he +sought playing a game of billiards with Tom Calder, at the first +table. + +"I want to see you, Morrison," he said, in a low voice. "Is the game +'most finished?" + +"I have only six points more to make. I shall probably run out this +time." + +He was right in his estimate. Two minutes later the two went out of +the saloon together, accompanied by Tom. + +"Well, what is it?" he asked. + +"Let us turn into a side street." + +They turned into Thirtieth Street, which was much less brilliantly +lighted than Broadway, and sauntered leisurely along. + +"Did you buy the bonds of that boy?" asked Morrison, anxiously. + +"Yes." + +"Then it's all right. Have you brought me the money?" + +"How should I?" returned Ford, impatiently. "I couldn't pay him, and +keep the money myself." + +"Oh, well, it doesn't matter. He is to meet me to-morrow morning and +hand over the money." + +"I am afraid you will be disappointed." "Disappointed," repeated +Morrison, quickly. "What do you mean? The boy hasn't made off with +the money, has he? If he has---" and the sentence ended with an +oath. + +"No, it isn't as you suppose." + +"Then why won't he pay me the money, I'd like to know?" + +"There is some trouble about the bonds. It is charged that they are +stolen." + +"How is that? You gave them to me," said Morrison, suspiciously. + +Now came the awkward moment. However, Ford had decided on the story +he would tell. + +"They were given me by a person who owed me money," he said, +plausibly. "How was I to know they were stolen?" + +"They were stolen, then?" + +"I suppose so. In fact, I know so." + +"How do you know?" + +"Well--in fact, they were stolen from my stepmother." + +Morrison whistled. + +"Well," he said. + +"Of course you mustn't say that I gave them to you. You would get me +into trouble." + +"So you want to save yourself at my expense? I am to be suspected of +stealing the bonds, am I? That's a decidedly cool proposal, but it +won't do. I shall clear myself, by telling just where I got the +bonds." + +"That's what I want you to do." + +"You do!" ejaculated the gambler, in surprise. + +"Yes. You are to say that the boy gave them to you." + +"Why should I say that?" + +"Because he is already suspected of stealing the bonds." + +"But I gave them to him to sell." + +"You mustn't admit it. There is no proof of it except his word." + +"What's your game? Whatever it is, it is too deep for me." + +"I've got it all arranged. You are to say that the boy owed you a +gambling debt, and agreed to meet you to-morrow morning to pay it. +Of the bonds, you are to know nothing, unless you say that he told +you he had some which he was going to sell, in order to get money to +pay you." + +"What advantage am I to get out of all this?" + +"What advantage? Why, you will save yourself from suspicion." + +"That isn't enough. I didn't take the bonds, and you know it. I +believe you did it yourself." + +"Hush!" said Willis Ford, looking around him nervously. + +"Look here, Ford, I gave up your I O U, and now I find I've got to +whistle for my money." + +"Go with me to my room, and you shall have four hundred dollars +to-night." + +"In cash?" + +"No; in bonds." + +"Some more of the same kind? No, thank you, I want ready money." + +"Then give me a little more time, and I will dispose of them--when +this excitement blows over." + +Finally Morrison gave a sulky assent, and the conspirators parted. + + + +CHAPTER XX -- AT THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL + + + +"If I thought he was playing me false," said Jim Morrison, after +Ford and himself had parted company, "I'd make him smart for it." + +"I guess it's all right," said Tom, who was less experienced and +less suspicious than his companion. + +"It may be so, but I have my suspicions. I don't trust Willis Ford." + +"Shall you go round to the Fifth Avenue Hotel to meet Grant +to-morrow morning." + +"Of course I shall. I want to see what the boy says. It may be a +put-up job between him and Ford." + +The very same question was put by Grant to Mr. Reynolds. + +"Shall I go round to the hotel to-morrow morning to see Morrison and +Tom Calder?" + +The broker paused a moment and looked thoughtful. + +"Yes," he answered, after a pause. "You may." + +"And what shall I say when he demands the money?" + +Upon this Mr. Reynolds gave Grant full instructions as to what he +desired him to say. + +About quarter after eight o'clock the next morning a quiet-looking +man, who looked like a respectable bookkeeper entered the Fifth +Avenue Hotel and walked through the corridor, glancing, as it +seemed, indifferently, to the right and left. Finally he reached +the door of the reading room and entered. His face brightened as at +the further end he saw two persons occupying adjoining seats. They +were, in fact, Morrison and Tom Calder. + +The newcomer selected a Boston daily paper, and, as it seemed, by +chance, settled himself in a seat not six feet away from our two +acquaintances, so that he could, without much effort, listen to +their conversation. + +"It's almost time for Grant to come," said Tom, after a pause. + +"Yes," grumbled Morrison, "but as he won't have any money for me, I +don't feel as anxious as I should otherwise." + +"What'll you say to him?" + +"I don't know yet. I want to find out whether Ford has told the +truth about the bonds. I believe he stole 'em himself." + +Five minutes later Grant entered the reading-room. A quick glance +showed him, not only the two he had come to meet, but the quiet, +little man who was apparently absorbed in a copy of the Boston +Journal. He went up at once to meet them. + +"I believe I am in time," he said. + +"Yes," answered Jim Morrison. "Have you brought the money?" + +"No." + +"Why not?" demanded Morrison, with a frown. + +"There was something wrong about the bonds you gave me to sell." + +"Weren't they all right? They weren't counterfeit, were they?" + +"They were genuine, but---" + +"But what?" + +"A lady claims that they belong to her--that they were stolen from +her. Of course you can explain how they came into your hands?" + +"They were given me by a party that owed me money. If he's played a +trick on me, it will be the worse for him. Did you sell them?" + +"Yes." + +"Then give me the money." + +"Mr. Reynolds won't let me." + +"Does he think I took the bonds?" asked Morrison, hastily. + +"No, he doesn't," answered Grant, proudly, "but he would like to +have an interview with you, and make some inquiries, so that he may +form some idea as to the person who did take them. They belonged to +his housekeeper, Mrs. Estabrook, who is the stepmother of Mr. Ford, +a young man employed in our office." + +Tom Calder and Jim Morrison exchanged glances. Grant's story agreed +with Ford's, and tended to confirm their confidence in his good +faith. + +"When does he want to see me?" asked Morrison. + +"Can you call at his house this evening at eight o'clock?" + +"Where does he live?" + +Grant mentioned the street and number. + +"I will be there," he said, briefly. + +"Can I come, too?" asked Tom Calder, addressing the question to +Grant. + +"There will be no objection, I think." + +"Tell him we'll be on hand." + +The three left the hotel together, Grant taking a Broadway stage at +the door. The quiet man seemed no longer interested in the Boston +Journal, for he hung it up in its place, and sauntered out of the +hotel. He had not attracted the attention of Jim Morrison or Tom. + +When Grant entered the office, and with his usual manner asked Ford +if he should go to the post-office, the young man eyed him +curiously. + +"Are you to remain in the office?" he said. + +"Yes, I suppose so." + +"After what you have done?" + +"What have I done, Mr. Ford?" asked Grant, eyeing the young man, +steadily. + +"I don't think you need to have me tell you," he said, with a sneer. +"I don't think Mr. Reynolds is very prudent to employ a boy +convicted of dishonesty." + +"Do you believe me guilty, Mr. Ford?" asked our hero, calmly. + +"The evidence against you is overwhelming. My mother ought to have +you arrested." + +"The person who stole the bonds may be arrested." + +"What do you mean?" asked Willis Ford, flushing, and looking +disconcerted. + +"I mean that I have no concern in the matter. Shall I go to the +post-office?" + +"Yes," snapped Ford, "and take care you don't steal any of the +letters." + +Grant did not reply. He knew that his vindication was certain, and +he was willing to wait. + +If Willis Ford had been prudent he would have dropped the matter +there, but his hatred of Grant was too great to be easily concealed. +When a few minutes later the broker entered the office and inquired, +"Where is Grant?" Ford, after answering, "he has gone to the +post-office," could not help saying, "Are you going to keep that +boy, Mr. Reynolds?" + +"Why should I not?" the broker replied. + +"I thought a boy in his position ought to be honest." + +"I agree with you, Mr. Ford," said the broker, quietly. + +"After taking my mother's bonds, that can hardly be said of Grant +Thornton." + +"You seem to be sure he did take them, Mr. Ford." + +"The discovery of the key settled that to my mind." + +"Grant says he has no knowledge of the key." + +Ford laughed scornfully. + +"Of course he would say so," he replied. + +"I propose to investigate the matter further," said the broker. "Can +you make it convenient to call at my house this evening? Possibly +something may be discovered by that time." + +"Yes, sir; I will come, with pleasure. I have no feeling in regard +to the boy, except that I don't think it safe to employ him in a +business like yours." + +"I agree with you, Mr. Ford. One who is capable of stealing bonds +from a private house is unfit to be employed in an office like +mine." + +"Yet you retain the boy, sir?" + +"For the present. It is not fair to assume that he is guilty till we +have demonstrated it beyond a doubt." + +"I think there will be no difficulty about that, Mr. Reynolds," said +Willis Ford, well pleased at these words. + +"I sincerely hope that his innocence may be proved." + +Soon afterward Mr. Reynolds went to the Stock Exchange, and Willis +Ford returned to his routine duties. + +"With the testimony of Jim Morrison I shall be able to fix you, my +young friend," he said to himself, as Grant returned from the +post-office. + +No further allusion was made to the matter during the day. Grant and +Willis Ford were both looking forward to the evening, but for +different reasons. Grant expected to be vindicated, while Ford hoped +he could convince the broker of the boy's guilt. + + + +CHAPTER XXI -- THE THIEF IS DISCOVERED + + + +Willis Ford ascended the steps of the broker's residence with a +jaunty step. The servant admitted him, but he met Grant in the hall. + +"Won't you come upstairs, Mr. Ford?" he said. + +Willis Ford nodded superciliously. + +"Your stay in the house will be short, young man," he thought. "You +had better make the most of it." + +He was ushered not into the housekeeper's room, but into a +sitting-room on the second floor. He found Mr. Reynolds and his +stepmother there already. Both greeted him, the broker gravely, but +his stepmother cordially. Grant did not come in. + +"I have come as you requested, Mr. Reynolds," he said. "I suppose +it's about the bonds. May I ask if you have discovered anything +new?" + +"I think I have," answered the broker, slowly. + +The housekeeper looked surprised. If anything new had been +discovered, she at least had not heard it. + +"May I ask what it is?" Ford inquired, carelessly. + +"You shall know in good time. Let me, however, return the question. +Have you heard anything calculated to throw light on the mystery?" + +"No, sir, I can't say I have. To my mind there is no mystery at all +about the affair." + +"I presume I understand what you mean. Still I will ask you to +explain yourself." + +"Everything seems to throw suspicion upon that boy, Grant Thornton. +Nobody saw him take the bonds, to be sure, but he has had every +opportunity of doing so, living in the same house, as he does. +Again, a key has been found in his pocket, which will open the +bureau drawer in which the bonds were kept; and, thirdly, I can +testify, and the boy admits, that he presented them at our office +for sale, and received the money for them. I think, sir, that any +jury would consider this accumulation of proof conclusive." + +"It does seem rather strong," said the broker, gravely. "I +compliment you on the way you have summed up, Mr. Ford." + +Willis Ford looked much gratified. He was susceptible to flattery, +and he was additionally pleased, because, as he thought, Mr. +Reynolds was impressed by the weight of evidence. + +"I have sometimes thought," he said, complacently, "that I ought +to have become a lawyer. I always had a liking for the profession." + +"Still," said the broker, deliberately, "we ought to consider +Grant's explanation of the matter. He says that the bonds were +intrusted to him for sale by a third party." + +"Of course he would say something like that," returned Willis, +shrugging his shoulders. "He can hardly expect anyone to be taken in +by such a statement as that." + +"You think, then, that he had no dealings with this Morrison?" + +"I don't say that, sir," said Ford, remembering the story which he +and Morrison had agreed upon. It may be stated here that he had been +anxious to meet Morrison before meeting the coming appointment, in +order to ascertain what had passed between him and Grant. With this +object in view, he had gone to the usual haunts of the gambler, but +had been unable to catch sight of him. However, as he had seen him +the evening previous, and agreed upon the story to be told, he +contented himself with that. + +"You think, then, that Morrison may have given Grant the bonds?" +said Mr. Reynolds. + +"No, sir; that is not my idea." + +"Have you any other notion?" + +"I think the boy may have been owing him money, and took this method +of raising it." + +"But how should he owe him money?" asked the broker, curiously. + +"I don't wish to say anything against Morrison, but I have been told +that he is a gambler. Grant may have lost money to him at play." + +"Or you," thought the broker; but he said: + +"Your suggestion is worth considering, but I don't think Grant has +had any opportunity to lose money in that way, as he spends his +evenings usually at home." + +"It wouldn't take long to lose a great deal of money, sir." + +"That explains it," said the housekeeper, speaking for the first +time. "I have no doubt Willis is right, and the boy gambles." + +"I presume, Mr. Ford," said the broker, with a peculiar look, "that +you do not approve of gambling?" + +"Most certainly not, sir," said Ford, his face expressing the horror +which a so-well-conducted young man must naturally feel for so +pernicious a habit. + +"I am glad to hear it. Will you excuse me a moment?" + +After the broker had left the room, Mrs. Estabrook turned to Willis +and said: "You are pretty sharp, Willis. You have found out this +wretched boy, and now I think we shall get rid of him." + +"I flatter myself, mother," said Willis, complacently, "that I +have given the old man some new ideas as to the character of his +favorite. I don't think we shall see him in the office again." + +As he spoke, his ears caught the sound of ascending footsteps on the +stairs without. He was rather puzzled. He conjectured that Grant had +been summoned to confront his accuser, but there seemed, from the +sound, to be more than two approaching. When the door opened, and +the broker gravely ushered in Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, both +looking ill at ease, followed by Grant Thornton, he looked amazed +and perplexed. + +"I believe you know these gentlemen," said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. "I +have thought it best to make our present investigation thorough and +complete." + +"I have met the gentlemen before," said Ford, uncomfortably. + +"You also have met them, Grant, have you not?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Have you had any business transaction with either?" + +"Yes, sir. Mr. Morrison met me on Wall Street and handed me two +bonds, with a request that I would sell them for him, and hand him +the money the next morning, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel." + +"Were these the same bonds that you sold to Mr. Ford?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I think the boy is lying, sir," burst out Ford. + +"What have you to say to the boy's story, Mr. Morrison?" asked the +broker. + +"He's made a little mistake," answered Jim Morrison, who by this +time was feeling more at his ease. "I didn't give him no bonds." + +Willis Ford looked triumphant, and Grant amazed. + +"How, then, could there be any business between you?" + +"I may as well own up that I am a gambler," replied Morrison, with +virtuous frankness. "The boy lost the money to me at play, and said +he'd meet and pay me at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. I didn't know where +he was goin' to get the money, but I expect he must have stolen the +bonds, and got it that way." + +Considering the damaging nature of the revelation, Grant showed +considerable self-command. He did not turn pale, nor did he look +guilty and conscience-stricken. + +"What have you to say to this charge, Grant?" asked the broker. + +"It is not true, sir." + +"What a hardened young villain!" said the housekeeper, in a low, but +audible voice. + +"Mr. Reynolds will hardly believe you," said Ford, turning upon our +hero and speaking in a tone of virtuous indignation. "You see, sir," +he continued, addressing the broker, "that I was right in my +conjecture." + +"I am not quite satisfied yet," said Mr. Reynolds. "Grant, call the +boy." + +Great was the perplexity of Willis Ford and his friends when Grant +left the room, and almost immediately reappeared with a small boy in +blue uniform. Not one of them recognized him. + +"Have you ever seen any of these gentlemen before, my boy?" asked +the broker. + +"I've seed 'em all, sir," answered the boy. + +"State where you saw them last." + +"I seed him, and him, and him," said Johnny, pointing out Willis +Ford, Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, "at the Grand Central Hotel +yesterday mornin'." + +Ford started and became very pale. + +"What passed between them?" + +"He," indicating Ford, "gave some bonds to him," indicating +Morrison, "and got back a bit of paper. I don't know what was on +it." + +"It is false!" ejaculated Willis Ford, hoarsely. + + + +CHAPTER XXII -- WILLIS FORD AT BAY + + + +The telegraph boy's evidence overwhelmed Willis Ford and his +confederates with dismay. The feeling was greater in Ford, for it +tended to fasten the theft upon him, while Jim Morrison and Tom +Calder, though convicted of falsehood, were at all events sustained +by the consciousness that nothing worse could be alleged against +them. + +"It is false!" asserted Willis Ford, with a flushed face. + +"It is true!" declared the telegraph boy, sturdily. + +"I don't believe a word of it," said the housekeeper, angrily. + +"This is a startling revelation, Mr. Ford," said the broker, +gravely. + +"It is a base conspiracy, sir," returned Ford, hoarsely. "I submit, +sir, that the word of a boy like that ought not to weigh against +mine. Besides, these gentlemen," indicating Jim Morrison and Tom +Calder, "will corroborate my statement." + +"Of course we do," blustered Morrison. "That boy is a liar!" + +"I have spoken the truth, sir, and they know it," asserted Johnny, +resolutely. + +"How much did Grant Thornton pay you for telling this lie?" demanded +Willis Ford, furiously. + +"I will answer that question, Mr. Ford," said Grant, thinking it +time to speak for himself. "I paid him nothing, and did not know +till last evening that he had witnessed the interview between you +and Mr. Morrison." + +"Your word is of no value," said Ford, scornfully. + +"That is a matter for Mr. Reynolds to consider," answered Grant, +with composure. + +"Mr. Ford," said the broker, gravely, "I attach more importance to +the testimony of this telegraph boy than you appear to; but then it +is to be considered that you are an interested party." + +"Am I to be discredited on account of what a wretched telegraph boy +chooses to say?" asked Ford, bitterly. "Even supposing him worthy of +credence, my two friends sustain me, and it is three against one." + +"They are your friends, then?" asked Mr. Reynolds, significantly. + +Willis Ford flushed. It was not to his credit to admit that an +acknowledged gambler was his friend, yet he knew that to deny it +would make Morrison angry, and perhaps lead him to make some awkward +revelations. + +"I have not known them long, sir," he answered, embarrassed, "but I +believe they feel friendly to me. One of them," he added, +maliciously, "is an old friend of Grant Thornton." + +"Yes," answered Grant, by no means disconcerted. "Tom Calder is from +the same town as myself, and I wish him well." + +Tom looked pleased at this friendly declaration on the part of +Grant, whom, indeed, he personally liked better than Willis Ford, +who evidently looked down upon him, and had more than once snubbed +him. + +"You see," said Ford, adroitly, "that Grant Thornton's old friend +testifies against him. I don't think I need say any more except to +deny, in toto, the statement of that low telegraph boy." + +"I'm no lower than you are," retorted Johnny, angrily. + +"None of your impertinence, boy!" said Ford, loftily. + +"I must say," interposed the housekeeper, "that this seems a very +discreditable conspiracy against my stepson. I am sure, Mr. +Reynolds, you won't allow his reputation to be injured by such a +base attack." + +"Mr. Ford," said the broker, "I have listened attentively to what +you have said. I ought to say that a telegraph boy has as much right +to be believed as yourself." + +"Even when there are three against him?" + +"The three are interested parties." + +"I have no doubt he is also. I presume he has an understanding with +Grant Thornton, who is a suspected thief." + +"I deny that, Mr. Ford," exclaimed Grant, indignantly. + +"You are certainly suspected of stealing my stepmother's bonds." + +"And I have no doubt you took them," declared the housekeeper, +venomously. + +At this time the doorbell was heard to ring. + +"Excuse me for a moment," said the broker. "I will be back +directly." + +When he had left the room, the parties left behind looked at each +other uncomfortably. Willis Ford, however, was too angry to keep +silence. + +He turned to Grant, and made an attack upon him. + +"You won't accomplish anything, you young rascal, by your plotting +and contriving! I give you credit for a good deal of cunning in +bringing this boy to give the testimony he has; but it won't do you +any good. Mr. Reynolds isn't a fool, and he will see through your +design." + +"That he will, Willis," said the housekeeper. "After all the +kindness that boy has received in this house, he might be better +employed than in stealing my bonds, and then trying to throw it upon +a man like you." + +"I don't care to argue with you, Mr. Ford," said Grant, quietly. +"You know as well as I do that I didn't steal the bonds, and you +know," he added, significantly, "who did." + +"I have a great mind to break your head, you impudent boy!" + +"That would be a very poor argument. The truth has already come out, +and I am vindicated." + +"I don't know whether you expect Mr. Reynolds to shield you or not, +but, if my mother takes my advice, she will have you arrested, +whatever happens." + +"I intend to," said the housekeeper, nodding spitefully. "If you had +returned the bonds, I did not mean to let the matter drop, but since +you have tried to throw suspicion on my son, who has always been +devoted to me, I mean to punish you as severely as the law allows." + +"I think you will change your mind, Mrs. Estabrook, and let the +thief go unpunished," said Grant, in no ways disturbed. + +"Not unless you make a full confession; and even then I think you +ought to suffer for your base wickedness." + +"You are making a mistake, Mrs. Estabrook. I referred to the thief." + +"That is yourself." + +Grant shrugged his shoulders. He was spared the necessity of +answering the attack, for just then the door opened, and Mr. +Reynolds re-entered. He did not enter alone, however. + +A small man of quiet manner, attired in a sober suit of brown, +closely followed him. + +All present looked at him in surprise. Who was this man, and what +had he to do with the matter that concerned them all? + +They were not destined to remain long in doubt, + +"Mr. Graham, gentlemen!" said the broker, with a wave of the hand. + +The detective bowed courteously. + +"Mr. Graham, permit me to ask," continued the broker, "if you have +seen any of these gentlemen before?" + +"Yes," answered Graham, and he indicated Grant Thornton, Jim +Morrison and Tom Calder. + +"When did you see them, and where?" + +"At the Fifth Avenue Hotel this morning." + +"What passed between them?" + +"They were talking about some bonds, which that gentleman," +indicating Morrison, "acknowledged giving to the boy to sell. He +asked for the proceeds, but the boy told him there was something +wrong about the bonds, and his employer wouldn't allow him to pass +over the money. Upon this, Morrison, as I understand him to be +called, said they were given him by a party that owed him money, and +threatened that, if he had played a trick upon him, it would be the +worse for him." + +"Who is that man, Mr. Reynolds?" asked Ford, in nervous excitement. + +"One of the best known detectives in the city," quietly answered the +broker. "What have you to say to his evidence?" + +"That it doesn't concern me. I may be wrong about the boy taking the +bonds, but that doesn't involve me. There may have been another +party." + +"You forget the testimony of the telegraph boy--that he saw you give +the bonds to your friend there." + +"The boy told a falsehood!" + +"I am in a position to confirm the boy's testimony," said the +detective. + +Willis Ford gasped for breath and seemed ready to sink into the +floor. What was coming next? + + + +CHAPTER XXIII -- JUSTICE TRIUMPHS + + + +Mr. Graham turned to the broker and addressed further remarks to +him. + +"Your statement that four hundred dollars remained to be accounted +for, led me to conclude that they would be found in the possession +of the party who had abstracted the others. I therefore obtained a +search warrant and visited the room occupied by that gentleman, +whose name I believe is Willis Ford." + +This was an unexpected stroke. Ford did not speak, but kept his eyes +fixed upon the detective in evident panic. + +"I have just come from Mr. Ford's room," he resumed. "These are what +I found there." + +He drew from his pocket a long envelope, from which he took four +government bonds. + +"Will you be kind enough, Mrs. Estabrook," said the broker, gravely, +"to examine these bonds and determine whether they are yours?" + +The housekeeper took them mechanically and examined them. + +"They are mine," she said; "but I cannot believe Willis took them." + +"I did not," said Ford, hoarsely, but his eyes were downcast. + +"Will you account for their being in your room, then, Mr. Ford?" +inquired the broker, sternly. + +"That boy must have put them there. I know nothing of them. I am as +much surprised as you are." + +"We have had enough of this, Mr. Ford," said the broker, coldly. +"Your guilt is evident. In robbing your stepmother you have +committed a serious crime; but in attempting to throw the guilt upon +an innocent boy, you have been guilty of an offense still more +detestable, and one which I cannot forgive. You cannot remain in my +employment another day. If you will call at the office in the +morning, I will pay your salary to the end of the month. That will +end all relations between us." + +Willis Ford looked like a convicted criminal. For the moment all his +hardihood and bravado deserted him. + +"Can this be true, Willis?" wailed his stepmother. "Is it possible +that you took my bonds, and would have left me to an old age of +poverty?" + +"No," answered Ford, with a return of his usual assurance. "I am as +innocent as a babe unborn. I am the victim of a conspiracy. As Mr. +Reynolds is determined to shield his favorite by throwing the blame +on it, I must submit. The time will come when he will acknowledge my +innocence. Mother, I will satisfy you later, but I do not believe +you will think me guilty. Gentlemen, I bid you all good-evening." + +No one spoke as he withdrew from the room, and not even Morrison +offered to follow him. + +When he was fairly out of the room, the broker turned to Morrison. + +"Mr. Morrison," he said, "I have a question or two to put to you. I +think you will find it to your interest to answer correctly. Do you +still maintain that these bonds were given you by Grant Thornton?" + +"I may as well make a clean breast of it," said Morrison. "They were +given me by Willis Ford." + +"To satisfy a gambling debt, was it not?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I take it for granted you did not know they were stolen?" + +"If I had known it I wouldn't have touched them. I might have been +suspected of stealing them myself." + +"I believe you." + +"You're a gentleman," said Morrison, gratified that his word was +accepted. + +"Of course you have lost the amount which you consider due you. To +be entirely candid with you, I do not feel any sympathy with you. +Money won at play must be classed among ill-gotten gains. I hope you +will realize this, and give up a discreditable profession." + +"I have no doubt your advice is good, sir. Do you want me and Tom +any longer?" + +"You are at liberty to go. I am indebted to you for coming. You have +helped to clear up the mystery of the theft." + +"He's a little hard on us, Tom," said Morrison, as they went down +the front steps, "but he's treated us like a gentleman. That Ford is +a rascal." + +"I think so, too," Tom assented. + +"And I shall never see a cent of that six hundred dollars," +continued Jim Morrison, ruefully. + +"If you'll excuse me, I'll go to my own room," said Mrs. Estabrook, +pertly. "I want to think quietly of all this." + +"Go, by all means," said the broker, courteously. "To-morrow morning +your property shall be restored to you." + +Next the detective and the telegraph boy withdrew, the latter rich +by a five-dollar note, which Mr. Reynolds presented him. + +Johnny's eyes sparkled. + +"That will make mother happy," he said. "She'll think I am in luck." + +"Keep your eyes open, my boy, and be faithful to your employer, and +this won't be the last piece of luck that will come your way." + +When they were alone Mr. Reynolds turned to Grant and said kindly, +"I congratulate you, Grant, on your complete vindication. Those who +have wickedly conspired against you have come to grief, and you come +out of the trial unscathed. As I am to part with Willis Ford, though +you are not competent to take his place, your duties will be +somewhat enlarged, and I will take care that your compensation shall +be increased." + +"I am afraid, Mr. Reynolds, I already receive more than I earn." + +"That may be, but I am only anticipating a little. How much do I pay +you now?" + +"Six dollars a week, sir." + +"I will allow you four dollars more, but this additional sum I will +keep in my own hands, and credit you with. It is time you were +saving something for future use. Will this be satisfactory to you?" + +"You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds," said Grant. "I don't know how to +thank you." + +"Then I will tell you--be faithful in your duties in the office and +continue your kindness to Herbert." + +"Gladly, sir." + +Grant decided not to write to his mother about his increase in +salary. He preferred to wait till his savings amounted to a +considerable sum, and then surprise her by the announcement of his +good fortune. In six months, he estimated, he would have more than a +hundred dollars, and this to the country minister's son seemed a +large sum. At any rate, when he was twenty-one he might hope to be +the possessor of a thousand dollars. This opened to Grant a +brilliant prospect. It was probably all his father was worth, +including all his possessions. + +"In spite of my uncle's opposition," thought Grant, "I think I acted +wisely in preferring business to college. Now I shall be able to +make the family more comfortable." + +When Willis Ford called at the office the next morning Grant was +gone to the post office. As he returned he met Ford coming out with +a check in his hand. + +"So it's you, is it?" sneered Ford, stopping short. + +"Yes, Mr. Ford." + +"I suppose you are exulting over your victory?" + +"You are mistaken," said Grant. "It was not my wish that anything +unpleasant should happen." + +"I suppose not," said Ford, in an unpleasant tone. + +"For some reason you have shown a dislike to me from the first," +Grant proceeded. "I don't know why. I have always treated you with +respect and tried to do my duty faithfully." + +"You are a little angel, to be sure." + +"Have you any objection to telling me why you dislike me?" he asked. + +"Yes, I'll tell you. It is because I see how you are trying to worm +yourself into the confidence of Mr. Reynolds. You have plotted +against me, and now, thanks to you, I have lost my place." + +"I don't consider myself the cause of that, Mr. Ford." + +"I do. But you needn't exult too much. I generally pay my debts, and +I shan't forget what I owe you. I will be even with you some day." + +So saying, he walked off, and Grant returned to his work. + +"I can't understand why Mr. Ford should hate me so," he thought. + + + +CHAPTER XXIV -- STARTLING NEWS + + + +Willis Ford's feelings were far from enviable when he took leave of +the office in which he had long enjoyed an excellent position. He +was conscious, though scarcely willing to admit it, that his +misfortunes had been brought upon him by his own unwise, not to say +criminal, course. None the less, however, was he angry with those +whom he had connected with the disaster that had come upon him. He +had always disliked Grant Thornton. Now he hated him, and thirsted +for an opportunity to do him mischief. Next he felt embittered +against Mr. Reynolds, who had discharged him, though it is hardly +possible to see how the broker could have done otherwise. This +dislike was increased within a few days, and for this reason. + +Ford addressed a letter to Mr. Reynolds, requesting a certificate of +good character, which would enable him to procure a new situation. + +To this request the broker answered substantially as follows: + +"I shall be glad to hear that you have changed your course, and have +decided to lead an honest lift; but, for the same reason that I am +not willing to retain you in my employment, I am unwilling to +recommend you without reserve to another business man. If you are +willing to refer him to me, on condition that I tell the truth, I +will cheerfully testify that you have discharged your office duties +to my satisfaction." + +"The old fool!" muttered Ford, angrily crushing the letter in his +hand. "What use would such a recommendation be to me? Not content +with discharging me, he wants to keep me out of employment." + +In truth, Willis Ford hardly knew where to turn. He had saved no +money, and was earning nothing. In his dilemma he turned to his +stepmother. + +One forenoon, after he knew the broker and Grant would be out of the +way, he rang the bell, and inquired for the housekeeper. + +Mrs. Estabrook was agitated when she saw her step-son. She did not +like to believe that he had robbed her, but it was hard to believe +otherwise. + +"Oh, Willis!" she said almost bursting into tears, "how could you +take my small savings? I would not have believed you capable of it!" + +"You don't mean to say, mother," returned Willis, with +well-dissembled and reproachful sorrow, "that you believe this +monstrous slander?" + +"I don't want to believe it, Willis, heaven knows. But were not the +bonds found in your room?" + +"I admit it," said Ford; "but how did they get there?" + +"Did you not put them there?" + +"Certainly not, mother. I thought you knew me better than that." + +"But who, then--" began his step-mother, looking bewildered. + +"Who should it be but that boy?" + +"Grant Thornton?" + +"Yes." + +"Have you any proof of this?" asked the housekeeper, eagerly. + +"I will tell you what I have found out. I learn that a boy called, +on the day in question, at my room and asked to see me. Being told +that I was out, he asked leave to go up and wait for me. As the +servant had no suspicion, he was allowed to go up. I don't know how +long he stayed; but no doubt he had the bonds with him and concealed +them where they were found." + +"Did you ask for a description of the boy? Was it like Grant?" asked +the housekeeper, quickly. + +"Unfortunately, the girl did not take particular notice of him. I +have no doubt that it was either Grant or the telegraph boy, who +seems to have been in the plot."' + +Now, this story was an audacious fiction, and should not have +imposed upon a person of ordinary intelligence; but the housekeeper +was anxious to believe her step-son innocent and Grant guilty. She +therefore accepted it without question, and was loud in her +denunciation of that "artful young rascal." + +"You ought to tell Mr. Reynolds of this, Willis," she said. + +"It would be of no use, mother. He is too strongly prejudiced +against me. What do you think? He has refused me a letter of +recommendation. What does he care if I starve?" concluded Willis, +bitterly. + +"But I care, Willis. I will not desert you," said Mrs. Estabrook, in +a tone of sympathy. + +This was just the mood in which Ford desired his step-mother to be. +He was desirous of effecting a loan, and after a time succeeded in +having transferred to him two of the one-hundred-dollar bonds. He +tried hard to obtain the five hundred, but Mrs. Estabrook was too +prudent and too much attached to her savings to consent to this. +Ford had to be satisfied with considerably less. + +"Ought I to stay with Mr. Reynolds after he has treated you in this +way, Willis?" asked his step-mother, anxiously. + +"By all means, mother. You don't want to throw away a good +position." + +"But it will be hard to see that boy high in Mr. Reynolds' +confidence, after all his wickedness." + +"You must dissemble, mother. Treat him fairly, and watch your +opportunity to harm him and serve me. Don't say much about me, for +it would do no good; but keep your hold on Reynolds." + +"If you think it best, Willis," said his stepmother, not without a +feeling of relief, for she was reluctant to relinquish a good home +and liberal salary, "I will remain." + +"Do so by all means. We may as well make all we can out of the +enemy, for Mr. Reynolds has treated me very shabbily. And now I must +bid you good-by." + +"What are your plans, Willis?" + +"I can't tell you, but I think I shall go West." + +"And I shall never see you!" + +"You will hear from me, and I hope I shall have good news to write." + +Willis Ford left the house, and, going to the Grand Central Depot, +bought a ticket for Chicago. + +Now came quite a pleasant period after the trouble and excitement. +Grant found his duties at the office increased, and it was pleasant +to see that his employer reposed confidence in him. His relations +with others in the office were pleasant, now that Willis Ford was +away, and every day he seemed to get new insight into the details of +the business. Whether Jim Morrison and Tom Calder were in the city, +he did not know. At all events, they were never seen in the +neighborhood of Wall Street. Grant was not sorry to have them pass +out of his life, for he did not consider that he was likely to draw +any benefit from their presence and companionship. + +He was still a member of Mr. Reynolds' house-hold. Herbert appeared +to be as much attached to him as if he were an older brother, and +the broker looked with pleasure upon the new happiness that beamed +from the face of his son. + +As to Mrs. Estabrook, Grant had feared that she would continue to +show animosity toward him, but he had nothing to complain of. She +certainly did not show any cordiality in her necessary intercourse +with him; but then, on the other hand, she did not manifest any +desire to injure him. This was all Grant desired. He felt that under +no circumstances could he have made a friend of the housekeeper. He +was content to have her leave him alone. + +After the lapse of six months Grant expressed a desire to go home to +pass a day or two. His mother's birthday was close at hand, and he +had bought for her a present which he knew would be acceptable. +Permission was readily accorded, and Grant passed four happy days at +home. His parents were pleased that he was so highly regarded by his +employer, and had come to think that Grant's choice had been a wise +one. + +When Grant returned he went at once to the office. He found it a +scene of excitement. + +"What has happened?" he asked, eagerly. + +"Herbert Reynolds has disappeared, and his father is almost beside +himself with grief!" was the startling reply. + + + +CHAPTER XXV -- ANXIOUS INQUIRIES + + + +After a while Grant learned the particulars about Herbert's +disappearance. He had gone out to play in the street about three +o'clock in the afternoon. Generally he waited for Grant to +return-home, but during his absence he had found other companions. +When his father returned home, he inquired of the housekeeper: +"Where is Herbert?" + +"He went out to play," said Mrs. Estabrook, indifferently. + +"In the street?" + +"I believe so." + +"He ought to be in by this time." + +"Probably he went to walk with some of his companions. As he had no +watch, he might not know that it is so late." + +This seemed very plausible to Mr. Reynolds. + +"Yes," he said; "Herbert seems lost without Grant. He will be glad +to see him back." + +To this Mrs. Estabrook did not reply. She had learned, to her cost, +that it would not be politic to speak against Grant, and she was not +disposed to praise him. She seldom mentioned him at all. + +The dinner bell rang, and still Herbert had not returned. His father +began to feel anxious. + +"It is strange that Herbert remains so long away," he said. + +"I shouldn't wonder if he had gone to Central Park on some +excursion," returned the housekeeper calmly. + +"You think there is nothing wrong?" asked the broker, anxiously. + +"How could there be here, sir?" answered Mrs. Estabrook, with +unruffled demeanor. + +This answer helped to calm Mr. Reynolds, who ordered dinner delayed +half an hour. + +When, however, an hour--two hours--passed, and the little boy still +remained absent, the father's anxiety became insupportable. He +merely tasted a few spoonfuls of soup, and found it impossible to +eat more. The housekeeper, on the contrary, seemed quite +unconcerned, and showed her usual appetite. + +"I am seriously anxious, Mrs. Estabrook," said the broker. "I will +take my hat and go out to see if I can gain any information. Should +Herbert return while I am away, give him his supper, and, if he is +tired, let him go to bed, just finding out why he was out so late." + +"Very well, sir." + +When Mr. Reynolds had left the house a singular expression of +gratified malice swept over the housekeeper's face. "It is just +retribution," she murmured. "He condemned and discharged my stepson +for the sin of another. Now it is his own heart that bleeds." + +Only a few steps from his own door the broker met a boy about two +years older than Herbert, with whom the latter sometimes played. + +"Harvey," he said, "have you seen Herbert this afternoon?" + +"Yes, sir; I saw him about three o'clock." + +"Where?" asked the broker, anxiously. + +"Just 'round the corner of the block," answered Harvey Morrison. + +"Was he alone?" + +"No; there was a young man with him--about twenty, I should think." + +"A young man! Was it one you had ever saw before?" + +"No, sir." + +"What was his appearance?" + +Harvey described Herbert's companion as well as he could, but the +anxious father did not recognize the description. + +"Did you speak to Herbert? Did you ask where he was going?" + +"Yes, sir. He told me that you had sent for him to go on an +excursion." + +"Did he say that?" asked the father, startled. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then there is some mischief afoot. I never sent for him," said the +agitated father. + +Mr. Reynolds requested Harvey to accompany him to the nearest police +station, and relate all that he knew to the officer in charge, that +the police might be put on the track. He asked himself in vain what +object any one could have in spiriting away the boy, but no probable +explanation occurred to him. + +On his return to the house he communicated to the housekeeper what +he had learned. + +"What do you think of it?" he asked. + +"It may be only a practical joke," answered the housekeeper calmly. + +"Heaven grant it may be nothing more! But I fear it is something far +more serious." + +"I dare say it's only a boy's lark, Mr. Reynolds." + +"But you forget--it was a young man who was seen in his company." + +"I really don't know what to think of it, then. I don't believe the +boy will come to any harm." + +Little sleep visited the broker's pillow that night, but the +housekeeper looked fresh and cheerful in the morning. + +"Has the woman no feeling?" thought the anxious father, as he +watched the tranquil countenance of the woman who for five years had +been in charge of his house. + +When she was left alone in the house Mrs. Estabrook took from her +workbasket a letter, bearing date a month previous, and read slowly +the following paragraph: "I have never forgotten the wrong done me +by Mr. Reynolds. He discharged me summarily from his employment and +declined to give me a recommendation which would secure me a place +elsewhere. I swore at the time that I would get even with him, and I +have never changed my resolution. I shall not tell you what I +propose to do. It is better that you should not know. But some day +you will hear something that will surprise you. When that time +comes, if you suspect anything, say nothing. Let matters take their +course." + +The letter was signed by Willis Ford. + + + +CHAPTER XXVI -- A WESTERN CABIN + + + +"Abner!" + +The speaker was a tall, gaunt woman, in a loose, faded, calico +dress, and she stood at the door of a cabin in a Western clearing. + +"What yer want?" came as a reply from a tall, unhealthy-looking boy +in overalls, who was sitting on a log in the yard. + +"I want you to split some wood for the stove." + +"I'm tired," drawled the boy. + +"I'll tire you!" said the mother, sharply. "You tall, lazy, +good-for-nothing drone! Here I've been up since five o'clock, +slavin' for you and your drunken father. Where's he gone?" + +"To the village, I reckon." + +"To the tavern, I reckon. It's there that he spends all the money he +gets hold of; he never gives me a cent. This is the only gown I've +got, except an old alpaca. Much he cares!" + +"It isn't my fault, is it?" asked the boy, indifferently. + +"You're a-follerin' in his steps. You'll be just another Joel +Barton--just as shif'less and lazy. Just split me some wood before I +get hold of yer!" + +Abner rose slowly, went to the shed for an ax, and in the most +deliberate manner possible began to obey his mother's commands. + +The cabin occupied by Abner and his parents was far from being a +palace. It contained four rooms, but the furniture was of the most +primitive description. Joel Barton, the nominal head of the family, +was the possessor of eighty acres of land, from which he might have +obtained a comfortable living, for the soil was productive; but he +was lazy, shiftless and intemperate, as his wife had described him. +Had he been as active and energetic as she was, he might have been +in very different circumstances. It is no wonder that the poor woman +was fretted and irritated almost beyond endurance, seeing how all +her industry was neutralized by her husband's habits. Abner took +after his father, though he had not yet developed a taste for drink, +and was perfectly contented with their poor way of living, as long +as he was not compelled to work hard. What little was required of +him he would shirk if he possibly could. + +This cabin was situated about a mile from the little village which +had gathered round the depot. The name of the township was Scipio, +though it is doubtful if one in fifty of the inhabitants knew after +whom it was named. In fact, the name was given by a schoolmaster, +who had acquired some rudiments of classical learning at a country +academy. + +To the depot we must transport the reader, on the arrival of the +morning train from Chicago. But two passengers got out. One of them +was a young man under twenty. The other was a boy, apparently about +ten years of age, whom he held firmly by the hand. + +He was a delicate-looking boy, and, though he was dressed in a +coarse, ill-fitting suit, he had an appearance of refinement and +gentle nature, as if he had been brought up in a luxurious home. He +looked sad and anxious, and the glances he fixed on his companion +indicated that he held him in fear. + +"Where are you going?" he asked timidly, looking about him +apprehensively. + +"You'll know soon enough," was the rough reply. + +"When are you going to take me home, Mr. Ford?" asked the boy, in a +pleading tone. + +"Don't trouble yourself about that." + +"Papa will be so anxious about me--papa and Grant!" + +The young man's brow contracted. + +"Don't mention the name of that boy! I hate him." + +"He was always good to me. I liked so much to be with him." + +"He did all he could to injure me. I swore to be even with him, and +I will!" + +"But I have never injured you, Mr. Ford." + +"How could you--a baby like you?" said Ford, contemptuously. + +"Then why did you take me from home, and make me so unhappy?" + +"Because it was the only way in which I could strike a blow at your +father and Grant Thornton. When your father dismissed me, without a +recommendation, not caring whether I starved or not, he made me his +enemy." + +"But he wouldn't if you hadn't--" + +"Hadn't what?" demanded Ford, sternly. + +"Taken Mrs. Estabrook's bonds." + +"Dare to say that again, and I will beat you," said Willis Ford, +brutally. + +Herbert trembled, for he had a timid nature, and an exquisite +susceptibility to pain. + +"I didn't mean to offend you," he said. + +"You'd better not. Wait here a minutes, while I look around for some +one of whom I can make inquiries. Here, sit down on that settee, +and, mind you, don't stir till I come back. Will you obey me?" + +"Yes," answered the boy, submissively. + + + +CHAPTER XXVII -- THE RIDE TO BARTON'S + + + +Willis Ford went to the station master, who stood at the door with a +cheap cigar in his mouth. + +"Is there a man named Joel Barton living hereabouts?" he asked. + +The station master took his cigar from his mouth and surveyed his +questioner with some curiosity. + +"Does he owe you money?" he inquired. + +"No," answered Ford, impatiently. "Will you answer my question?" + +"You needn't be in such a pesky hurry," drawled the station master. +"Yes, he lives up the road a piece." + +"How far is a piece?" + +"Well, maybe a mile." + +"Straighten?" + +"Yes." + +"Is there any way of riding?" + +"Well, stranger, I've got a team myself. Is that boy with you?" + +"Yes." + +"I'll take you over for half a dollar." + +"Can you go at once?" + +"Yes." + +"Then it's a bargain." + +The station master, whose house was only three minutes' walk away, +appeared in a reasonable time with a farm wagon, drawn by an old +horse that had seen better days, it is to be hoped, for she was a +miserable-looking mare. + +"Jump in, Herbert," said Ford. + +The boy obeyed, and sat on the front seat, between the driver and +his abductor. + +"I suppose the horse is warranted not to run away?" said Ford, +regarding the animal with a smile. + +"He ran away with me once," was the unexpected answer. + +"When was that?" + +"'Bout fifteen years ago," replied the driver, with grim humor. "I +reckon he's steadied down by this time." + +"It looks like it," said Ford. + +"Know Joel Barton?" asked the station master, after a pause. + +"I saw him once when I was a boy." + +"Any relation?" + +"He married a cousin of my stepmother. What sort of a man is he?" + +"He's a no-account man--shif'less, lazy--drinks." + +"That agrees with what I have heard. How about his wife?" + +"She's smart enough. If he was like her they'd live comfortably. She +has a hard time with him and Abner--Abner's her son, and just like +his father, only doesn't drink yet. Like as not he will when he gets +older." + +Willis Ford was not the only listener to this colloquy. Herbert paid +attention to every word, and in the poor boy's mind there was the +uncomfortable query, "Why are we going to these people?" He would +know soon, probably, but he had a presentiment of trouble. + +"Yes," continued the station master, "Mrs. Barton has a hard row to +hoe; but she's a match for Joel." + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"She's got a temper of her own, and she can talk a man deaf, dumb, +and blind. She gives Barton a piece of her mind whenever he comes +home full." + +"She ought to have that satisfaction. From what you tell me, I don't +feel very proud of my unknown relatives." + +"Goin' to stay there any length of time?" + +"I don't know my own plans yet," answered Willis Ford, with a glance +at the boy. He foresaw a scene when he announced his purpose to +leave Herbert in this unpromising place, but he did not wish to +anticipate it. + +"I suppose Barton is a farmer?" he suggested. + +"He pretends to be, but his farm doesn't pay much." + +"What supports them?" + +"His wife takes in work from the tailors in the the village. Then +they've got a cow, and she makes butter. As for Joel, he brings in +precious little money. He might pick up a few dollars hirin' out by +the day, if he wasn't so lazy. I had a job for him myself one day, +but he knocked off at noon--said he was tuckered out, and wanted me +to pay him for that half day. I knew well enough where the money +would go, so I told him I wouldn't pay him unless he worked until +sunset." + +"Did he do it?" + +"Yes, he did; but he grumbled a good deal. When he got his pay he +went over to Thompson's saloon, and he didn't leave it until all the +money was spent. When his wife heard of it she was mad, and I expect +she gave Joel a taste of the broom handle." + +"I wouldn't blame her much." + +"Nor I. But here we are. Yonder's Barton's house. Will you get out?" + +"Yes." + +Abner, who was sitting on a stump, no sooner saw the team stop than +he ran into the house, in some excitement, to tell the news. + +"Marm," he said, "there's a team stopped, and there's a man and boy +gettin' out; 'spect they're coming here." + +"Lord's sake! Who be they?" + +"Dunno." + +"Well, go out and tell 'em I'll see' em in a minute." + +Abner met them in front of the house. + +"Are you Joel Barton's son?" asked Ford. + +"That's what the old man says," returned Abner, with a grin. + +"Is your mother at home?" + +"Marm will be right out. She's slickin' up. Who be you?" + +"You'll know in good time, my boy." "Who's he? Is he your son?" + +"No," answered Herbert promptly. + +Willis Ford turned upon his young ward with a frown. He understood +the boy's tone. + +"It will be time to speak when you are spoken to," he said sharply. + +"Here's marm'" said Abner, as his mother's tall figure appeared in +the doorway. + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII -- HERBERT IS PROVIDED WITH A NEW HOME + + + +Mrs. Barton regarded the newcomers with a wondering stare. + +"Did you want to see Joel?" she asked. + +"I shall be glad to see him in due time, Mrs. Barton," returned +Willis Ford, with unwonted politeness; "but I came principally to +see you." + +"Who be you?" inquired Mrs. Barton, unceremoniously; "I don't know +you no more'n the dead." + +"There is a slight connection between us, however. I am the stepson +of Pauline Estabrook, of New York, who is a cousin of yours." + +"You don't say Pauline is your mother?" ejaculated the lady of the +house. "Well, I never expected to see kith or kin of hers out here. +Is that your son?" + +"No, Mrs. Barton; but he is under my charge." + +Herbert was about to disclaim this, but an ominous frown from Willis +Ford intimidated him. + +"My name is Willis Ford; his is Sam Green." + +Herbert's eyes opened wide with astonishment at this statement. + +"My name is--" he commenced. + +"Silence!" hissed Ford, with a menacing look. "You must not +contradict me." + +"I s'pose I ought to invite you to stay here," said Mrs. Barton, +awkwardly; "but he's so shif'less, and such a poor provider, that I +ain't got anything in the house fit for dinner." + +"Thank you," returned Ford, with an inward shudder. "I shall dine at +the hotel; but I have a little business matter to speak of, Mrs. +Barton, and I would wish to speak in private. I will come into the +house, with your permission, and we will leave the two boys +together." + +"Come right in," said Mrs. Barton, whose curiosity was aroused. +"Here, you Abner, just take care of the little boy." + +Abner proceeded to do this, first thinking it necessary to ask a few +questions. + +"Where do you live when you're at home, Sam?" he asked. + +"In New York; but my name isn't Sam," replied Herbert. + +"What is it, then?" + +"Herbert." + +"What makes him call you Sam, then?" asked Abner, with a jerk of the +finger toward the house. + +"I don't know, except he is afraid I will be found." + +Abner looked puzzled. + +"Is he your guardeen?" he asked. + +"No; he was my father's clerk." + +"Ho! Did your father have clerks?" + +"Yes; he is a rich man and does business in New York." + +"What made him send you out here?" + +"He didn't." + +"Then why did you come?" + +"Mr. Ford was mad with papa, and stole me away." + +"He wouldn't steal me away easy!" said Abner, defiantly; "but, then, +I ain't a little kid like you." + +"I'm not a kid," said Herbert, who was not used to slang. + +"Oh, you don't know what I mean--you're a little boy and couldn't do +nothin'. If he tried to take me, he'd find his hands full." + +Herbert, who was not very much prepossessed by Abner's appearance, +thought it very doubtful whether any one would ever attempt to +kidnap him. + +"What's he goin' to do with you?" continued Abner. + +"I don't know. I expect he'll make papa pay a good sum to get me +back." + +"Humph!" remarked Abner, surveying with some contempt the small +proportions of the boy before him. "You ain't much good. I don't +believe he'll pay much for you." + +Tears sprang to the eyes of the little boy, but he forced them back. + +"My papa would think differently," he said. + +"Papa!" mimicked Abner. "Oh, how nice we are! Why don't you say dad, +like I do?" + +"Because it isn't a nice name. Papa wouldn't like to have me call +him so." + +"Where did you get them clothes? I don't think much of 'em." + +"Nor I," answered Herbert. "They're not my own clothes. Mr. Ford +bought them for me in Chicago." + +"He must like you, to buy you new clothes." + +"No, he doesn't. My own clothes were much nicer. He sold them. He +was afraid some one would know me in the others." + +"I wonder what he and marm are talking about so long?" + +This question Herbert was unable to answer. He did not guess how +nearly this conversation affected him. + +No sooner had the two entered the house than Willis Ford began. + +"Mrs. Barton," he said, "I'll tell you now what brought me here." + +"Go ahead," said the lady, encouragingly. + +"I want you to take the boy I have brought with me to board." + +"Land sakes! I don't keep a boardin' house!" + +"No; but if I will make it worth your while you will take him, won't +you?" + +"How much will you give?" asked Mrs. Barton, shrewdly. + +"Four dollars a week." + +"He'll be a sight of trouble," said the lady; but there was +something in her tone that satisfied Ford that she was favorably +inclined to the proposal. + +"Oh, no, he won't. He's so small that you can twist him round your +finger. Besides, Abner will be company for him. He will be with him +most of the time." + +"Say five dollars and it's a bargain," said Mrs. Barton. + +Ford hesitated. He did not care to spend more than he was obliged +to, but it was of importance to obtain at least a temporary refuge +for the boy, of whose care he was heartily tired. It seemed to him +that five dollars would be enough to support the whole family in the +style in which they were apparently accustomed to live. However, it +was politic to make the sum sufficient to interest these people in +retaining charge of the boy. + +"Well," he said, after a pause, "it's more than I expected to pay, +but I suppose I shall have to accept your terms. I conclude Mr. +Barton will not object to your taking a boarder?" + +"Oh, Joel is of no account," returned Mrs. Barton, contemptuously. +"I run this house!" + +Willis Ford suppressed a smile. He could easily believe from Mrs. +Barton's appearance that she was the head of the establishment. + +"There's one thing more," added Mrs. Barton; "you're to pay the +money to me. Jest as sure as it goes into Joel's hands, it'll go for +drink. The way that man carries on is a disgrace." + +"I should prefer to pay the money to you," said Ford. + +"You'll have to pay somethin' in advance, if you want the boy to +have anythin' to eat. I've got to send to the village, and I haven't +got a cent in the house." + +Willis Ford took out a pocketbook. Extracting therefrom four +five-dollar bills, he handed them to Mrs. Barton. + +"There's money for four weeks," he said. "When that time is up I'll +send you more." + +Mrs. Barton's eyes sparkled, and she eagerly clutched the money. + +"I ain't seen so much money for years," she said. "I'll jest look +out Joel don't get hold of it. Don't you tell Joel or Abner how much +you've paid me." + +"I'll take care of that, Mrs. Barton. By the way, I must caution you +not to believe any of the boy's stories. He's the son of a friend of +mine, who's put him under my care. The boy's weak-minded, and has +strange fancies. He thinks his name isn't Sam Green, and that his +father is rich. Why, only the other day he insisted his name was +George Washington." + +"Land's sake! How cur'us!" "Of course; you won't pay any attention +to what he says. He may take it into his head to run away. If he +does, you must get him back." + +"You can trust me to do that!" said Mrs. Barton, with emphasis. "I +ain't goin' to let no five-dollar boarder slip through my fingers!" + +"That's well! Now I must be going. You will hear from me from time +to time." + +He passed through the front door into the yard. + +"Good-by!" he said. + +Herbert was about to follow him, but he waived him back. + +"You are not to come with me, Sam," he said. "I shall leave you for +a few weeks with this good lady." + +Herbert stared at him in dismay. This was something he had never +dreamed of. + + + +CHAPTER XXIX -- INTRODUCES MR. BARTON + + + +When Herbert realized that he was to be left behind he ran after +Willis Ford, and pleaded for the privilege of accompanying him. +"Don't leave me here, Mr. Ford!" he said. "I should die of +homesickness!" + +"So you would rather go with me?" Ford said, with an amused smile. + +"Oh, yes, much rather!" + +"I had not supposed you valued my company so highly. I ought to feel +complimented. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I shall have to +leave you here for a few weeks. This good lady will take good care +of you." + +Herbert stole a glance at Mrs. Barton, who was watching him with +mingled contempt and impatience, but he did not become any more +reconciled to the prospect. He reiterated his request. + +"I have had enough of this," said Ford, sternly. "You will stop +making a fuss if you know what is best for yourself. Good-by! You +will hear from me soon." + +Herbert realized the uselessness of his resistance, and sank +despondently upon the grass. + +"Is he goin' to stay here, marm?" asked Abner, curiously. + +"Yes; he's goin' to board with us." + +"Ho, ho!" laughed Abner; "he'll have a nice boardin' place!" + +"Abner, you jest shut up, or I'll take a stick to you! You needn't +make him any more homesick than he is. Just try ef you can't amuse +him." + +"Say, Sam, I guess we'll have a stavin' time together," said Abner, +really pleased to have a companion. "What'll we do? Want to play +leapfrog?" + +"I don't feel like playing," answered Herbert, despondently. + +"We might go fishin'," suggested Abner. "There's a pond only a +quarter of a mile from here." + +"I don't know how to fish," said Herbert. + +"Don't know how to fish? What do you know how to do?" + +"We don't have any chance in New York." + +"Say," exclaimed Abner, with sudden interest, "is New York a nice +place?" + +"I wish I was back there. I never shall be happy anywhere's else." + +"Tell me what you fellows do there. I dunno but I'd like to go +myself." + +Before Herbert had a chance to answer Mrs. Barton broke in: + +"Abner, you take care of Sam while I go to the village." + +"What are you goin' there for, marm?" + +"I'm going to buy some sausages for dinner. We haven't got anything +in the house." + +"Me and Sam will go, if you'll give us the money." + +"I know you too well, Abner Barton. I won't trust you with the +money. Ef I gave you a five-dollar bill, I'd never see any on't back +again." + +"Say, mam, you haven't got a five-dollar bill, have you?" asked +Abner, with distended eyes. + +"Never you mind!" + +"I'll tell dad ef you don't give me some." + +"You jest dare to do it!" returned Mrs. Barton, in a menacing tone. +"Your father ain't got nothin' to do with it. It's money for Sam's +board." + +"My name isn't Sam," expostulated Herbert, who had a natural +preference for his own appellation. + +"That's what I'm goin' to call you. You can call yourself George +Washington, or General Jackson, ef you want to. Mebbe you're +Christopher Columbus." + +"My name is Herbert Reynolds," said Herbert, annoyed. + +"That's what you call yourself to-day. There's no knowin' who you'll +be to-morrow." + +"Don't you believe me, Mrs. Barton?" asked Herbert, distressed. + +"No, I don't. The man who brung you--I dis-remember his name--" + +"Willis Ford." + +"Well, Willis Ford, then! It seems you know his name. Well, he told +me you was loony, and thought you was somebody else than your own +self." + +"He told you that I was crazy?" ejaculated Herbert. + +"Yes; and I have no doubt it's so." + +"It's a wicked lie!" exclaimed Herbert, indignantly; "and I'd like +to tell him so to his face." + +"Well, you won't have a chance for some time. But I can't stand here +talkin'. I must be goin' to the store. You two behave yourselves +while I'm gone!" + +Herbert felt so dull and dispirited that he did not care to speak, +but Abner's curiosity had been excited about New York, and he plied +his young companion with questions, which Herbert answered wearily. +Though he responded listlessly, and did not say any more than he +felt obliged to, he excited Abner's interest. + +"I mean to go to New York some time," he said. "Is it far?" + +"It's as much as a thousand miles. It may be more." + +"Phew! That's a big distance. How did you come?" + +"We came in the cars." + +"Did it cost much?" + +"I don't know. Mr. Ford paid for the tickets." + +"Has he got plenty of money?" + +"I don't think he has. He used to be pa's clerk." + +"I wish we had enough money. You and me would start some fine +mornin', and mebbe your father would give me something to do when we +got there." + +For the first time Herbert began to feel an interest in the +conversation. + +"Oh, I wish we could," he said, fervently. "I know pa would give you +a lot of money for bringing me back." + +"Do you really think he would?" asked Abner, briskly. + +"I know he would. But your mother wouldn't let us go." + +"She wouldn't know it," said Abner, winking. + +"You wouldn't run away from home?" questioned Herbert. + +"Why wouldn't I? What's to keep me here? Marm's always scoldin', and +dad gets drunk whenever he has any money to spend for drink. I +reckon they wouldn't care much if I made myself scarce." + +Herbert was not sure whether he ought not to feel shocked. He +admitted to himself, however, that if he had a father and mother +answering the description of Abner's, that he would not so much +regret leaving them. At any rate, Abner's words awoke a hope of +sometime getting away from the place he already hated, and returning +to his city home, now more valued than ever. + +"We can't go without money," he said, in a troubled voice. + +"Couldn't we walk?" + +"It's too far, and I'm not strong." + +"I could walk it, ef I took time enough," asserted Abner, +positively. "Hello! there's dad!" + +Herbert looked up, and, following Abner's glance, saw a man +approaching the farmhouse. Mr. Barton--for it was he--was a tall +man, shabbily attired, his head crowned with a battered hat, whose +gait indicated a little uncertainty, and betrayed some difficulty +about the maintenance of his equilibrium. + +"Is that your father?" asked Herbert. + +"It's the old man, sure enough. He's about half full." + +"What's that?" + +"He's been drinkin', as usual; but he didn't drink enough to make +him tight. Guess his funds give out." + +Herbert was rather shocked at Abner's want of respect in speaking of +his father, but even to him Mr. Barton hardly seemed like a man who +could command a son's respect. + +"Wonder whether dad met marm on the way?" said Abner, musing. + +By this time, Mr. Barton had entered the yard, and caught sight of +his son and Herbert. + +"Abner," said he, in a thick voice, "who's that boy?" + +"Then he didn't meet marm," thought Abner. "He's a boy that's goin' +to board with us, dad," he answered. + +"You don't say! Glad to make your acquaintance, boy," he said, +straightening up. + +"Thank you, sir," answered Herbert, faintly. + + + +CHAPTER XXX -- A MODEL HOUSEHOLD + + + +"When did you come?" asked Barton, steadying himself against a tree. + +"Half an hour ago," answered Abner, for Herbert was gazing, with a +repulsion he found it difficult to conceal, at Barton, whose flushed +face and thick utterance indicated his condition very clearly. + +"Who came with him?" continued Barton. + +"You'd better ask marm. She attended to the business. It was a young +man." + +"Where is she?" + +"Gone to the village to buy some sassiges for dinner." + +"Good!" exclaimed Barton, in a tone of satisfaction. "I'll stay at +home to dinner to-day. Did the man pay your mother any money?" + +"I s'pose so, or she wouldn't be buyin' sassiges. Old Schickman +won't trust us any more." + +"The money should have been paid to me. I'll see about it when your +marm comes back from the store." + +"You'd spend it all for drink, dad," said Abner. + +"How dare you speak so to your father, you ungrateful young dog!" + +He essayed to reach Abner to strike him, but his dutiful son dodged +easily, and his father, being unsteady on his legs, fell on the +ground. + +Abner laughed, but Herbert was too much shocked to share in his +enjoyment. + +"Come here and help me up, you Abner!" said his father. + +"Not much, dad! If you hadn't tried to lick me you wouldn't have +fallen!" + +"Let me help you, sir!" said Herbert, conquering his instinctive +disgust and approaching the fallen man. + +"You're a gentleman!" murmured Barton, as he took the little boy's +proffered hand and, after considerable ado, raised himself to a +standing position. "You're a gentleman; I wish I had a boy like +you." + +Herbert could not join in the wish. He felt that a father like Joel +Barton would be a great misfortune. + +But just then Mrs. Barton entered the yard, marching with long +strides like a man's. + +"Here's marm!" announced Abner. + +Barton steadied himself as he turned to look at his wife. + +"I want to see you, Mrs. B.," he said. "When are you goin' to have +dinner?" + +"Never, if I depended on you to supply the vittles!" she answered, +bluntly. + +"Don't speak so before a stranger," said Barton, with a hiccough. +"You hurt my feelin's." + +"Your feelin's are tough, and so are mine by this time." + +"What have you got there?" + +"Some sassiges. Ef you want your share, you'll have to be on time. I +shan't save you any." + +"How much money did the man pay you, Mrs. B.?" + +"That's my business!" retorted his wife, shortly. + +"Mrs. B.," said her husband, straightening up, "I want you to +understand that I'm the master of this house, and it's my right to +take care of the money. You'll oblige me by handin' it over." + +"I'll do nothing of the sort, Joel Barton! You'd only spend it for +drink." + +"Would you grudge me the few pennies I spend for drink? My system +requires it. That's what the doctor says." + +"Then you must find the money for it yourself. My system requires +something to eat, and, ef I take a boarder, he's got to have +something to eat, too." + +"Mrs. B., I didn't think your heart was so hard," said Barton, in a +maudlin tone. + +"Look here, Joel Barton; you might as well stop such foolish talk. +It won't do no good. I can't stay here all day. I must go and be +gettin' dinner." + +Had Barton succeeded in raising money from his wife, he would +probably have returned at once to the tavern, and his place would +have been vacant at the dinner table. Failing in this, he lay back +and fell asleep, and was not roused till dinner time. + +Mrs. Barton was a fair cook, and Herbert ate with an unexpected +relish. It is needless to say that Abner also did full justice to +the meal. + +"I say, Sam," he said, "I'm glad you've come." + +Herbert was hardly prepared to agree with him. + +"Now we'll have to live better," Abner explained. "Mam and I +gen'ally have to skirmish round for vittles. We don't often get +meat." + +This frank confession rather alarmed Herbert. He was not over +self-indulgent, but he had never lacked for nourishing food, and the +prospect of an uncertain supply was not encouraging. + +When dinner was over--there was no second course--they left the +table. Joel Barton made a fresh attempt to extort a small sum from +his wife, but was met with an inflexible refusal. Mrs. Barton proved +deaf alike to entreaties and threats. She was a strong, resolute +woman, and not one to be intimidated. + +When Barton left the house, his look of disappointment had given +place to one of cunning. + +"Come here, Abner!" he said, beckoning to his son and heir. + +"What for?" + +"Never you mind." + +"But I do mind. Do you want to catch hold of me?" + +"No; it's only a little matter of business. It's for your good." + +Abner accompanied his father as far as the fence. + +"Now, what do you want?" he asked, with his eyes warily fixed on his +father. + +"I want you to find out where your marm keeps that money," said +Barton, in a coaxing tone. + +"What for?" + +"You're to take it and bring it to me." + +"And go without eatin'?" + +"I'll buy the provisions myself. I'm the head of the family." + +"Do you want me to hook money from marm?" + +"'Twon't be hookin'. The money by right belongs to me. Ain't I the +head of the family?" + +"I dunno about that. Marm's the boss, and always has been," chuckled +Abner. + +Joel frowned, but immediately tried another attack. + +"Of course I'll give you some of it, Abner," he resumed. "If there's +five dollars I'll give you a quarter." + +"I'll see about it, dad." + +"Get it for me before evenin', if you can. I shall need it then." + +Abner returned to Herbert, and frankly related the conversation that +had taken place between himself and his father. + +Herbert was shocked. He did not know what to think of the singular +family he had got into. + +"You won't do it, will you?" he asked, startled. + +"No, I won't. I want a quarter bad enough, but I'd rather mam would +keep the money. She'll spend it for vittles, and dad would spend it +for drink. Wouldn't you like to go a-fishin'? It's fine weather, and +we'll have fun." + +Herbert assented, not knowing how to dispose of his time. Abner +turned the conversation again on New York. What Herbert had already +told him had powerfully impressed his imagination. + +"Haven't you got any money?" he asked. + +"No," answered Herbert. "Mr. Ford took away all I had, except this." + +He drew from his pocket a nickel. + +"That won't do no good," said Abner, disappointed. "Stop a minute, +though," he added, after a minute's pause. "Wouldn't your folks send +you some money, if you should write to them?" + +"Yes," answered Herbert, his face brightening. "Why didn't I think +of that before? If I could get me paper and ink I'd write at once to +papa. I know he'd either send the money or come for me." + +"We'll go to the post office," said Abner. "There you can buy some +paper and a postage stamp. You've got just money enough. There's a +pen and ink there." + +"Let us go at once," said Herbert, eagerly. + +The boys took their way to the village. The letter was written and +posted, and a burden was lifted from the boy's mind. He felt that +his father would seek him out at once, and he could bear his present +position for a short time. But, alas! for poor Herbert--the letter +never came into his father's hands. Why, the reader will learn in +the next chapter. + + + +CHAPTER XXXI -- THE HOUSEKEEPER'S CRIME + + + +It is not to be supposed that during this time the family of the +missing boy were idle. The mysterious disappearance of his only son +filled his father's heart with anguish, and he took immediate steps +to penetrate the mystery. Not only was the fullest information given +to the police, but an experienced detective connected with a private +agency was detailed for the search. The matter also got into the +papers, and Herbert, in his Western home, little suspected that his +name had already become a household word in thousands of families. + +Days passed, and in spite of the efforts that were being made to +discover him, no clew had been obtained by Herbert's friends, either +as to his whereabouts, or as to the identity of the party or parties +hat had abducted him. It is needless to say that Grant heartily +sympathized with the afflicted father, and was sad on his own +account, for he had become warmly attached to the little boy whose +instant companion he had been in his hours of leisure. + +The only one in the house who took the matter coolly was Mrs. +Estabrook, the housekeeper. She even ventured to suggest that +Herbert had run away. + +"What do you mean, Mrs. Estabrook?" exclaimed the father, +impatiently. "You ought to know my poor boy better than that!" + +"Boys are a worrisome set," returned the housekeeper, composedly. +"Only last week I read in the Herald about two boys who ran away +from good homes and went out to kill Indians." + +"Herbert was not that kind of a boy," said Grant. "He had no +fondness for adventure." + +"I have known Herbert longer than you, young man," retorted the +housekeeper, with a sneer. + +"It is very clear that you didn't know him as well," said Mr. +Reynolds. + +Mrs. Estabrook sniffed, but said nothing. Without expressly saying +so, it was evident that she dissented from Mr. Reynolds' opinion. + +The broker's loss unfitted him for work, and he left the details of +office work to his subordinates, while nearly all his time was spent +in interviews with the police authorities or in following up faint +clews. His loss seemed to strengthen the intimacy and attachment +between him and Grant, in whom he confided without reserve. When at +home in the evening he talked over with Grant, whom he found a +sympathetic listener, the traits of the stolen boy, and brought up +reminiscences, trifling, perhaps, but touching, under the +circumstances. To Mrs. Estabrook he seldom spoke of his son. Her +cold and unsympathetic temperament repelled him. She had never +preferred to feel any attachment for Herbert, and the boy, quick to +read her want of feeling, never cared to be with her. + +One morning, after Mr. Reynolds and Grant had gone out, Mrs. +Estabrook, on going to the hall, saw a letter on the table, which +had been left by the postman. As curiosity was by no means lacking +in the housekeeper's composition, she took it up, and peered at the +address through her glasses. + +It was directed to Mr. Reynolds in a round, schoolboy hand. + +Mrs. Estabrook's heart gave a sudden jump of excitement. + +"It's Herbert's handwriting," she said to herself. + +She examined the postmark, and found that it was mailed at Scipio, +Illinois. + +She held the letter in her hand and considered what she should do. +Should the letter come into the hands of Mr. Reynolds, the result +would doubtless be that the boy would be recovered, and would reveal +the name of his abductor. This would subject her favorite, Willis +Ford, to arrest, and probably imprisonment. + +"He should have been more careful, and not allowed the boy to +write," said the housekeeper to herself. "Willis must have been very +imprudent. If I only knew what was in the letter!" + +The housekeeper's curiosity became so ungovernable that she decided +to open it. By steaming it, she could do it, and if it seemed +expedient, paste it together again. She had little compunction in +the matter. In a few minutes she was able to withdraw the letter +from the envelope and read its contents. + +This is what Herbert wrote: + +"Scipio, ILL. + +"DEAR PAPA: I know you must have been very anxious about me. I would +have written you before, but I have had no chance. Willis Ford found +me playing in the street, and got me to go with him by saying you +had sent for me. I thought it strange you should have sent Mr. Ford, +but I didn't like to refuse, for fear it was true. We went on board +a steamer in the harbor, and Mr. Ford took me in a stateroom. Then +he put a handkerchief to my face, and I became sleepy. When I waked +up, we were at sea. I don't know where I went, but when we came to +land, some time the next day, we got into the cars and traveled for +a couple of days. I begged Mr. Ford to take me home, but it made him +cross. I think he hates you and Grant, and I think he took me away +to spite you. I am sure he is a very wicked man. + +"Finally we came to this place. It is a small place in Illinois. The +people who live here are Mr. and Mrs. Barton and their son Abner. +Mr. Joel Barton is a drunkard. He gets drunk whenever he has money +to buy whisky. Mrs. Barton is a hard-working woman, and she does +about all the work that is done. Mr. Ford paid her some money in +advance. She is a tall woman, and her voice sounds like a man's. She +does not ill treat me, but I wish I were at home. Abner is a big, +rough boy, a good deal older and larger than I am, but he is kind to +me and he wants to come to New York. He says he will run away and +take me with him, if we can get enough money to pay our fares. I +don't think we could walk it so far. Abner might, for he is a good +deal stronger than I am, but I know I should get very tired. + +"Now, dear papa, if you will send me money enough to pay for +railroad tickets, Abner and I will start just as soon as we get it. +I don't know as he ought to run away from home, but he says his +father and mother don't care for him, and I don't believe they do. +His father doesn't care for anything but whisky, and his mother is +scolding him all the time. I don't think she would do that if she +cared much for him, do you? + +"I have filled the paper, and must stop. Be sure to send the money +to your loving son, + +"HERBERT REYNOLDS." + +"How easy you write!" said Abner, in wonder, as he saw Herbert's +letter growing long before his eyes. "It would take me a week to +write as long a letter as that, and then I couldn't do it." + +"I can't write so easy generally," said the little boy, "but, you +see, I have a good deal to write about." + +"Then there's another thing," said Abner. "I shouldn't know how to +spell so many words. You must be an awful good scholar." + +"I always liked to study," said Herbert. "Don't you like to read and +study?" + +"No; I'd rather play ball or go fishin', wouldn't you?" + +"I like to play part of the time, but I wouldn't like to grow up +ignorant." + +"I expect I'll always be a know-nothin', but I reckon I know as much +as dad. The old man's awful ignorant. He don't care for nothin' but +whisky." + +"And I hope you won't be like him in that, Abner." + +"No, I won't. I wouldn't like to have the boys flingin' stones at +me, as they did at dad once when he was tight. I licked a couple of +'em." + +Mrs. Estabrook read Herbert's letter with intense interest. She saw +that the little boy's testimony would seriously incriminate Willis +Ford, if he were recovered, as he would be if this letter came into +his father's hands. + +"There's only one thing to do," the housekeeper reflected, closing +her thin lips tightly. + +She lit the gas jet in her chamber, and, without a trace of +compunction, held the letter in the flame until it was thoroughly +consumed. + + + +CHAPTER XXXII -- HOPE DEFERRED + + + +Day after day Herbert and Abner went to the post office and inquired +for letters, but alas! none came. Poor Herbert was in despair. He +thought his father would have instantly sent the money, or come out +himself to take him home. Was it possible his father had forgotten +him, or was indifferent to his absence? He could not believe it, but +what was he to think? + +"I reckon your father didn't get the letter," suggested Abner. + +Herbert hailed this suggestion with relief. + +"Or, maybe, marm has told the postmaster to give her any letters +that come." + +This suggestion, too, seemed not improbable. + +"What can we do?" asked Herbert, helplessly. "I reckon we'd better +run away." + +"Without money?" + +"We'll hire out to somebody for a week or two and write from where +we are." + +"I'm afraid I couldn't do much work," said the little boy. + +"Then I'll work for both," said Abner, stoutly. "I've got tired of +stayin' at home, anyway." + +"I'll do whatever you say," said Herbert, feeling that any change +would be for the better. + +"I'll tell you when I'm ready," said Abner. "We'll start some time +when marm's gone to the village." + +There was another reason for Herbert's being dissatisfied with his +new home. A month had passed--the full time for which Willis Ford +had paid the boy's board--and there were no indications that any +more was to be paid. During the the first week the fare had been +tolerable, though Mrs. Barton was not a skillful cook; but now there +was no money left, and the family fell back upon what their limited +resources could supply. Mush and milk now constituted their +principal diet. It is well enough occasionally, but, when furnished +at every meal, both Herbert and Abner became tired of it. + +"Haven't you got anything else for dinner, marm?" asked Abner, +discontentedly. + +"No, I haven't," answered the mother, snappishly. + +"You used to have sassiges and bacon." + +"That was when I had money to buy 'em." + +"Where's all that money gone the man left with him?" indicating +Herbert. + +"It's spent, and I wish Willis Ford would send along some more +mighty quick. He needn't expect me to take a free boarder." + +She looked severely at Herbert, as if he were in fault. Certainly +the poor boy had no desire to live on the liberality of Mrs. Barton. + +"Maybe he's sent you some money in a letter," suggested Abner. + +"Well, I never thought of that. It's a bright idee, ef it did come +from you, Abner Barton. Jest go up to the postoffice after dinner, +and ask if there's any letter for me. Ef there is, mind you, don't +open it." + +"All right, marm." + +"Come along, bub," said Abner. + +This was the name he gave to Herbert, whom he liked in his own rough +way. + +"I don't think," said Herbert, as they walked along, "that your +mother can have got any letter written by my father. If she had, she +would not be out of money." + +"I reckon you're right. Do you think that Ford feller will send +money for your board?" + +"I think he will, if he can, for he wants to keep me here; but I +don't think he has much money with him." + +"All the worse for marm." + +"Abner," said Herbert, after a pause, during which he had been +thinking seriously, "would you mind running away pretty soon?" + +"No, bub; I'm ready any time. Are you in a hurry?" + +"You see, Abner, I don't want to live on your mother. She isn't +rich--" + +"No, I guess not. Ef she hadn't married sech a good-for-nothin' as +dad--" + +"I wouldn't speak so of your father, Abner." + +"Why not? Isn't it the truth? Dad's no grit. He gits drunk whenever +he has a chance. Marm's a good, hard-workin' woman. She'd git along +well enough ef she was alone." + +"At any rate, she can't afford to board me for nothing. So I am +ready to start whenever you are, Abner." + +"Suppose we get up early to-morror and start?" + +"How early?" + +"Three o'clock. Marm gets up at five. We must be on the road before +that time." + +"I'm willing, Abner. You must wake me up in time." + +"You'd better go to bed early, bub, and git all the sleep you can. +We'll have a hard day to-morrer." + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII -- THE JOURNEY BEGINS + + + +"Wake up, there." + +The little boy stirred in his sleep, and finally opened his eyes. By +the faint light that entered through the window, he saw Abner +bending over him. + +"What is it?" he asked, drowsily. + +"The kitchen clock's just struck three," whispered Abner. "You +haven't forgotten that we are going to run away, have you?" + +"I'll get right up," said Herbert, rubbing his eyes. + +In two minutes the boys were dressed and ready for a start. It had +taken a great deal longer for Herbert to dress at home, but he had +become less particular as to his toilet now. + +The boys took their shoes in their hands, and stole out in their +stocking feet. As they passed the door of the room in which Mr. and +Mrs. Barton slept, they heard the deep breathing of both, and knew +that they were not likely to be heard. + +Outside the door they put on their shoes, and were now ready to +start. + +"Wait a minute, bub," said Abner. + +He re-entered the house, and presently came out holding half a loaf +in his hand. + +"That'll do for our breakfast," he said. "We won't eat it now. We'll +wait till five o'clock. Then we'll be hungry." + +By five o'clock they were as many miles on their way. They had +reached the middle of the next town. + +"Do you feel tired, bub?" asked Abner. + +"A little. I feel hungry. Don't you think we can eat the bread now?" + +"Yes, we'd better. I feel kind o' gone myself." + +They sat down under a tree, and Abner divided the bread fairly. + +"You ought to have more than I," protested Herbert. "You're bigger +than I, and need more." + +"Never mind that! You'll need it to keep up your strength." + +Abner was not naturally unselfish, but he was manly enough to feel +that he ought to be generous and kind to a boy so much smaller, and +he felt repaid for his self-denial by noticing the evident relish +with which Herbert ate his allowance of bread, even to the smallest +crumb. + +They found a spring, which yielded them a cool, refreshing draught, +and soon were on their way once more. They had proceeded perhaps two +miles further, when the rumbling of wheels was heard behind them, +and a farm wagon soon came up alongside. The driver was a man of +about thirty--sunburned and roughly clad. + +"Whoa, there," he said. + +The horse stopped. + +"Where are you two goin'?" he asked. + +"We're travelin'," answered Abner, noncommittally. + +"Where's your home?" + +"Some ways back." + +"Where are you goin'?" + +"I'm after work," answered Abner. + +"Well, you'd orter be a good hand at it. You look strong. Is that +little feller your brother?" + +"No; he's my cousin." + +Herbert looked up in surprise at this avowal of relationship, but he +thought it best not to say anything that would conflict with Abner's +statement. + +"Is he after work, too?" asked the driver, with a smile. + +"No; he's goin' to his father." + +"Where does he live?" + +"Further on." + +"Have you walked fur?" + +"Pretty fur." + +"Ef you want to ride, I'll give you a lift for a few miles." + +"Thank you," said Abner, prompt to accept the offer. "I'll help you +in, bub." + +The two boys took their seats beside the driver, Herbert being in +the middle. The little boy was really tired, and he found it very +pleasant to ride, instead of walking. He had walked seven miles +already, and that was more than he had ever before walked at one +time. + +They rode about three miles, when the driver pulled up in front of a +comfortable-looking house. + +"This is where I stop," he said. "My aunt lives here, and my sister +has been paying her a visit. I've come to take her home." + +The front door was opened, and his aunt and sister came out. + +"You're just in time for breakfast, John," said his aunt. "Come in +and sit down to the table. Bring in the boys, too." + +"Come in, boys," said the young man. "I guess you can eat something, +can't you?" + +"We've had---" Herbert began, but Abner checked him. + +"Come along, bub," he said. "What's a bit of bread? I ain't half +full." + + + +CHAPTER XXIV -- MRS. BARTON'S SURPRISE + + + +A hearty breakfast, consisting of beefsteak, potatoes, corn bread, +fresh butter and apple sauce, made Abner's eyes glisten, for he had +never in his remembrance sat down at home to a meal equally +attractive. He wielded his knife and fork with an activity and +energy which indicated thorough enjoyment. Even Herbert, though in +the city his appetite had been delicate, and he had already eaten +part of a loaf of bread, did excellent justice to the good things +set before him. He was himself surprised at his extraordinary +appetite, forgetting the stimulating effect of a seven-mile walk. + +After breakfast they set out again on their tramp. At sunset, having +rested several hours in the middle of the day, they had accomplished +twenty miles. Abner could have gone further, but Herbert was well +tired out. They obtained permission from a friendly farmer to spend +the night in his barn, and retired at half-past seven. Mr. Reynolds +would have been shocked had he known that his little son was +compelled to sleep on a pile of hay, but it may truthfully be said +that Herbert had seldom slept as soundly or felt more refreshed. + +"How did you sleep, Abner?" he asked. + +"Like a top. How was it with you, bub?" + +"I didn't wake up all night," answered the little boy. + +"I wonder what dad and marm thought when they found us gone?" said +Abner, with a grin. + +"Won't they feel bad?" + +"Not much," said Abner. "They ain't that kind. I reckon it won't +spoil their appetite." + +When they descended from the haymow, the farmer was milking his +cows. + +"Well, youngsters," he said, "so you're up and dressed?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"And ready for breakfast, I'll be bound." + +"I reckon I should feel better for eatin'," said Abner, promptly. + +"Jest you wait till I get through milkin', and we'll see what Mrs. +Wiggins has got for us." + +Abner heard these words with joy, for he was always possessed of a +good appetite. + +"I say, bub, I'm glad I run away," he remarked, aside, to Herbert. +"We live enough sight better than we did at home." + +Leaving the boys to pursue their journey, we will return to the +bereaved parents, and inquire how they bore their loss. + +When Mrs. Barton rose to commence the labors of the day, she found +that no wood was on hand for the kitchen fire. + +"Abner's gittin' lazier and lazier," she soliloquized. "I'll soon +have him up." + +She went to the foot of the stairs, and called "Abner!" in a voice +by no means low or gentle. + +There was no answer. + +"That boy would sleep if there was an earthquake," she muttered. +"Come down here and split some wood, you lazy boy!" she cried, still +louder. + +Again no answer. + +"He hears, fast enough, but he don't want to work. I'll soon have +him down." + +She ascended the stairs, two steps at a time, and opened the door of +her son's room. + +If Abner had been in bed his mother would have pulled him out, for +her arm was vigorous, but the bed was empty. + +"Well, I vum!" she ejaculated, in surprise. "Ef that boy isn't up +already. That's a new wrinkle. And the little boy gone, too. What +can it mean?" + +It occurred to Mrs. Barton that Abner and Herbert might have got up +early to go fishing, though she had never known him to make so early +a start before. + +"I reckon breakfast'll bring 'em round," she said to herself. "I +reckon I shall have to split the wood myself." + +In half an hour breakfast was ready. It was of a very simple +character, for the family resources were limited. Mr. Barton came +downstairs, and looked discontentedly at the repast provided. + +"This is a pretty mean breakfast, Mrs. B.," he remarked. "Where's +your meat and taters?" + +"There's plenty of 'em in the market," answered Mrs. Barton. + +"Then, why didn't you buy some?" + +"You ought to know, Joel Barton. You give me the money, and I'll see +that you have a good breakfast." + +"Where's all the money that man Ford gave you?" + +"Where is it? It's eaten up, Mr. Barton, and you did your share. Ef +you'd had your way, you'd have spent some of the money for drink." + +"Why don't he send you some more, then?" + +"Ef you see him anywheres, you'd better ask him. It's your business +to provide me with money; you can't expect one boy's board to +support the whole family." + +"It's strange where them boys are gone," said Joel, desirous of +changing the subject. "Like as not, they hid under the bed, and +fooled you." + +"Ef they did, I'll rout 'em out," said Mrs. Barton, who thought the +supposition not improbable. + +Once more she ascended the stairs and made an irruption into the +boy's chamber. She lifted the quilt, and peered under the bed. But +there were no boys there. Looking about the room, however, she +discovered something else. On the mantelpiece was a scrap of paper, +which appeared to be so placed as to invite attention. + +"What's that?" said Mrs. Barton to herself. + +A moment later she was descending the staircase more rapidly than +she had gone up just before. + +"Look at that," she exclaimed, holding out a scrap of paper to Joel +Barton. + +"I don't see nothin' but a bit of paper," said her husband. + +"Don't be a fool! Read what it is." + +"Read it aloud. I ain't got my specks." + +"The boys have run away. Abner writ it. Listen to this." + +Rudely written on the paper, for Abner was by no means a skillful +penman, were these words: + +"Bub and I have runned away. You needn't worry. I reckon we can get +along. We're going to make our fortunes. When we're rich, we'll come +back. ABNER." + +"What do you think of that, Joel Barton?" demanded his wife. + +Joel shrugged his shoulders. + +"I shan't worry much," he said. "They'll be back by to-morrer, +likely." + +"Then you'll have to split some wood to-day, Joel. You can't expect +a delicate woman like me to do such rough work." + +"You're stronger'n I be, Mrs. B." + +"Perhaps you'll find I am if you don't go to work." + +"I'll do it this afternoon." + +"All right. Then we'll have dinner in the even-in'. No wood, no +dinner." + +"Seems to me you're rather hard on me, Mrs. B. I don't feel well." + +"Nor you won't till you give up drinkin'." + +Much against his will, Mr. Barton felt compelled by the stress of +circumstances to do the work expected of him. It made him feel angry +with Abner, whom he did not miss for any other reason. + +"I'll break that boy's neck when he comes back," he muttered. "It's +a shame to leave all this work for his poor, old dad." + +To-morrow came, but the boys did not. A week slipped away, and still +they were missing. Mrs. Barton was not an affectionate mother, but +it did seem lonesome without Abner. As for Herbert, she did not care +for his absence. If Willis Ford did not continue to pay his board, +she felt that she would rather have him away. + +On the sixth day after the departure of the boys there came a +surprise for Mrs. Barton. + +As she was at work in the kitchen, she heard a loud knock at the +door. + +"Can it be Abner?" she thought. "He wouldn't knock." + +She went to the door, however, feeling rather curious as to who +could be her visitor, and on opening it started in surprise to see +Willis Ford. + +"Mr. Ford!" she ejaculated. + +"I thought I would make you a call," answered Ford. "How's the boy +getting along?" + +"If you mean the boy you left here," she answered, composedly, "he's +run away, and took my boy with him." + +"Run away!" ejaculated Ford, in dismay. + +"Yes; he made tracks about a week ago. He and my Abner have gone off +to make their fortunes." + +"Why didn't you take better care of him, woman?" exclaimed Ford, +angrily. "It's your fault, his running away!" + +"Look here, Ford," retorted Mrs. Barton; "don't you sass me, for I +won't stand it. Ef it hadn't been for you, Abner would be at home +now." + +"I didn't mean to offend you, my dear Mrs. Barton," said Ford, +seeing that he had made a false step. "Tell me all you can, and I'll +see if I can't get the boys back." + +"Now you're talkin'," said Mrs. Barton, smoothing her ruffled +plumage. "Come into the house, and I'll tell you all I know." + + + +CHAPTER XXXV -- HERBERT BREAKS DOWN + + + +"I don't think I can walk any further, Abner. I feel sick," faltered +Herbert. + +Abner, who had been walking briskly, turned round to look at his +young companion. Herbert was looking very pale, and had to drag one +foot after the other. Day after day he had tried to keep up with +Abner, but his strength was far inferior to that of the other boy, +and he had finally broken down. + +"You do look sick, bub," said Abner, struck by Herbert's pallid +look. "Was I walking too fast for you?" + +"I feel very weak," said Herbert. "Would you mind stopping a little +while? I should like to lie under a tree and rest." + +"All right, bub. There's a nice tree." "Don't you feel tired, +Abner?" + +"No; I feel as strong as hearty as a horse." + +"You are bigger than I am. I guess that is the reason." + +Abner was a rough boy, but he showed unusual gentleness and +consideration for the little boy, whose weakness appealed to his +better nature. He picked out a nice, shady place for Herbert to +recline upon, and, taking off his coat, laid it down for a pillow on +which his young companion might rest his head. + +"There, bub; I reckon you'll feel better soon," he said. + +"I hope so, Abner. I wish I was as strong as you are." + +"So do I. I reckon I was born tough. I was brought up different from +you." + +"I wish I were at home," sighed Herbert. "Is it a long way from +here?" + +"I reckon it is, but I don't know," answered Abner, whose +geographical notions were decidedly hazy. + +An hour passed, and still Herbert lay almost motionless, as if rest +were a luxury, with his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the clouds that +could be seen through the branches floating lazily above. + +"Don't you feel any better, bub?" asked Abner. + +"I feel better while I am lying here, Abner." + +"Don't you feel strong enough to walk a little further?" + +"Must I?" asked Herbert, sighing. "It is so nice to lie here." + +"I am afraid we shall never get to New York if we don't keep goin'." + +"I'll try," said Herbert, and he rose to his feet, but he only +staggered and became very white. + +"I am afraid I need to rest a little more," he said. + +"All right, bub. Take your time." + +More critically Abner surveyed his young companion. He was not used +to sickness or weakness, but there was something in the little boy's +face that startled him. + +"I don't think you're fit to walk any further today," he said. "I +wish we had some good place to stay." + +At this moment a carriage was seen approaching. It was driven by a +lady of middle age, with a benevolent face. Her attention was drawn +to the two boys, and especially to Herbert. Her experienced eyes at +once saw that he was sick. + +She halted her horse. + +"What is the matter with your brother?" she said to Abner. + +"I reckon he's tuckered out," said Abner, tacitly admitting the +relationship. "We've been travelin' for several days. He ain't so +tough as I am." + +"He looks as if he were going to be sick. Have you any friends near +here?" + +"No, ma'am. The nighest is over a hundred miles off." + +The lady reflected a moment. Then she said: "I think you had better +come to my house. My brother is a doctor. He will look at your +little brother and see what can be done for him." + +"I should like it very much," said Abner, "but we haven't got any +money to pay for doctors and sich." + +"I shan't present any bill, nor will my brother," said the lady, +smiling. "Do you think you can help him into the carriage?" + +"Oh, yes, ma'am." + +Abner helped Herbert into the carriage, and then, by invitation, got +in himself. + +"May I drive?" he asked, eagerly. + +"Yes, if you like." + +The kind lady supported with her arm Herbert's drooping head, and so +they drove on for a mile, when she indicated that they were to stop +in front of a large, substantial, square house, built after the New +England style. + +Herbert was taken out, and, after Abner helped him upstairs, into a +large, square chamber, with four windows. + +"What is his name?" asked the lady. + +"Herbert." + +"And yours?" + +"Abner." + +"He had better lie down on the bed, and, as soon as my brother +comes, I will send him up." + +Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction, as he reclined on the +comfortable bed, which was more like the one he slept in at home +than the rude, straw bed which he had used when boarding with Mr. +and Mrs. Barton. + +Half an hour passed, and the doctor came into the room, and felt +Herbert's pulse. + +"The boy is tired out," he said. "That is all. His strength has been +exhausted by too severe physical effort." + +"What shall we do to bring him round?" asked his sister. + +"Rest and nourishing food are all that is required." + +"Shall we keep him here? Have you any objection?" + +"I should object to letting him go in his present condition. He will +be a care to you, Emily." + +"I shall not mind that. We shall have to keep the other boy, too." + +"Certainly. There's room enough for both." + +When Abner was told that for a week to come they were to stay in Dr. +Stone's comfortable house, his face indicated his satisfaction. + +"Ef you've got any chores to do, ma'am," he said, "I'll do 'em. I'm +strong, and not afraid to work." + +"Then I will make you very useful," said Miss Stone, smiling. + +The next day, as she was sitting in Herbert's chamber, she said: +"Herbert, you don't look at all like your brother." + +"Do you mean Abner, Miss Stone?" Herbert asked. + +"Yes; have you any other brother?" + +"Abner is not my brother at all." + +"How, then, do you happen to be traveling together?" + +"Because we've both run away." + +"I am sorry to hear that. I don't approve of boys running away. +Where do you live?" + +"In New York." + +"In New York!" repeated Miss Stone, much surprised. "Surely, you +have not walked from there?" + +"No, Miss Stone; I was stolen from my home in New York about a month +ago, and left at Abner's house. It was a poor cabin, and very +different from anything I was accustomed to. I did not like Mr. and +Mrs. Barton; but Abner was always kind to me." + +"Is your father living?" asked Miss Stone, who had become +interested. + +"Yes; he is a broker." + +"And no doubt you have a nice home?" + +"Yes, very nice. It is a brownstone house uptown. I wonder whether I +shall ever see it again?" + +"Surely you will. I am surprised that you have not written to tell +your father where you are. He must be feeling very anxious about +you." + +"I did write, asking him to send me money to come home. Abner was +going with me. But no answer came to my letter." + +"That is strange. Your father can't have received the letter." + +"So I think, Miss Stone; but I directed it all right." + +"Do you think any one would intercept it?" + +"Mrs. Estabrook might," said Herbert, after a pause for +consideration. + +"Who is she?" + +"The housekeeper." + +"What makes you think so? Didn't she like you?" + +"No; besides, it was her nephew who carried me off." + +Miss Stone asked further questions, and Herbert told her all the +particulars with which the reader is already acquainted. When he had +finished, she said: "My advice is, that you write to your boy +friend, Grant Thornton, or tell me what to write, and I will write +to him. His letters will not be likely to be tampered with." + +"I think that will be a good idea," said Herbert; "Grant will tell +papa, and then he'll send for me." + +Miss Stone brought her desk to the bedside, and wrote a letter to +Grant at Herbert's dictation. This letter she sent to the village +postoffice immediately by Abner. + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI -- GRANT RECEIVES A LETTER + + + +Mr. Reynolds had spared no expense in his efforts to obtain tidings +of his lost boy. None of his agents, however, had succeeded in +gaining the smallest clew to Herbert's whereabouts. Through the +public press the story had been widely disseminated, and in +consequence the broker began to receive letters from various points, +from persons professing to have seen such a boy as the one +described. One of these letters came from Augusta, Ga., and +impressed Mr. Reynolds to such an extent that he decided to go there +in person, and see for himself the boy of whom his correspondent +wrote. + +The day after he started Grant, on approaching the house at the +close of business, fell in with the postman, just ascending the +steps. + +"Have you got a letter for me?" he asked. + +"I have a letter for Grant Thornton," was the reply. + +"That is my name," said Grant. + +He took the letter, supposing it to be from home. He was surprised +to find that it had a Western postmark. He was more puzzled by the +feminine handwriting. + +"Have you heard anything from the little boy?" asked the postman, +for Mr. Reynolds' loss was well known. + +Grant shook his head. + +"Nothing definite," he said. "Mr. Reynolds has gone to Georgia to +follow up a clew." + +"Two weeks since," said the postman, "I left a letter here dated at +Scipio, Ill. It was in a boy's handwriting. I thought it might be +from the lost boy." + +"A letter from Scipio, in a boy's handwriting!" repeated Grant, +surprised. "Mr. Reynolds has shown me all his letters. He has +received none from there." + +"I can't understand it. I left it here, I am positive of that." + +"At what time in the day?" asked Grant, quickly. + +"About eleven o'clock in the forenoon." + +"Can you tell to whom you gave it?" + +"To the servant." + +"It is very strange," said Grant, thoughtfully. "And it was in a +boy's handwriting?" + +"Yes; the address was in a round, schoolboy hand. The servant +couldn't have lost it, could she?" + +"No; Sarah is very careful." + +"Well, I must be going." + +By this time Grant had opened the letter. He had glanced rapidly at +the signature, and his face betrayed excitement. + +"This is from Herbert," he said. "You may listen, if you like." + +He rapidly read the letter, which in part was as follows: + +"DEAR GRANT: I write to you, or rather I have asked Miss Stone, who +is taking care of me, to do so, because I wrote to papa two weeks +since, and I am afraid he did not get the letter, for I have had no +answer. I wrote from the town of Scipio, in Illinois-- + +"Just what I said," interrupted the postman. + +"I wrote that Mr. Ford had carried me away and brought me out West, +where he put me to board in a poor family, where I had scarcely +enough to eat. Mr. Barton had one son, Abner, who treated me well, +and agreed to run away with me to New York, if we could get money +from papa. But we waited and waited, and no letter came. So at last +we decided to run away at any rate, for I was afraid Mr. Ford would +come back and take me somewhere else. I can't tell you much about +the journey, except that we walked most of the way, and we got very +tired--or, at least, I did, for I am not so strong as Abner--till I +broke down. I am stopping now at the house of Dr. Stone, who is very +kind, and so is his sister, who is writing this letter for me. Will +you show papa this letter, and ask him to send for me, if he cannot +come himself? I do so long to be at home once more. I hope he will +come before Willis Ford finds me out. I think he has a spite against +papa, and that is why he stole me away. Your affectionate friend, + +"HERBERT REYNOLDS." + +"Please say nothing about this," said Grant to the postman. "I don't +want it known that this letter has come." + +"What will you do?" + +"I shall start for the West myself to-night." + +"Mrs. Estabrook intercepted that letter," said Grant to himself. "I +am sure of it." + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII -- WILLIS FORD FINDS THE RUNAWAYS + + + +"I shall be absent for a few days, Mrs. Estabrook," said Grant to +the housekeeper, as he entered the house. + +"Where are you going?" she inquired. + +"I can't tell you definitely." + +"Hadn't you better wait till Mr. Reynolds gets back?" + +"No; business is not very pressing in the office, and I can be +spared." + +The housekeeper concluded that Grant was going to Colebrook, and did +not connect his journey with the lost boy. + +"Oh, well, I suppose you understand your own business best. Herbert +will miss you if he finds you away when his father brings him back." + +"Do you think he will?" asked Grant, eyeing the housekeeper sharply. + +"I'm sure I don't know. I suppose he expects to, or he would not +have traveled so far in search of him." + +"Shall you be glad to see him back, Mrs. Estabrook?" + +"Of course! What makes you doubt it?" demanded the housekeeper, +sharply. + +"I thought you didn't like Herbert." + +"I wasn't always petting him. It isn't in my way to pet boys." + +"Do you often hear from Willis Ford?" + +"That is my business," answered Mrs. Estabrook, sharply. "Why do you +ask?" + +"I was wondering whether he knew that Herbert had been abducted." + +"That is more than we know. Very likely the boy ran away." + +Grant called on the cashier at his private residence, confided to +him his plan, and obtained a sum of money for traveling expenses. He +left the Grand Central Depot by the evening train, and by morning +was well on his way to Chicago. + +Meanwhile, Willis Ford had left no stone unturned to obtain news of +the runaways. This he did not find difficult, though attended with +delay. He struck the right trail, and then had only to inquire, as +he went along, whether two boys had been seen, one small and +delicate, the other large and well-grown, wandering through the +country. Plenty had seen the two boys, and told him so. + +"Are they your sons, mister?" asked a laborer of whom he inquired. + +"Not both of them--only the smaller," answered Ford, with unblushing +falsehood. + +"And what made them run away now?" + +"My son probably did not like the boarding place I selected for +him." + +"Why didn't he write to you?" + +"He didn't know where to direct." + +"Who is the other lad?" + +"The son of the man I placed him with. I think he may have induced +Sam to run away." + +Finally Ford reached Claremont, the town where the boys had actually +found refuge. Here he learned that two boys had been taken in by Dr. +Stone, answering to the description he gave. One, the younger one, +had been sick, but now was better. This information he obtained at +the hotel. + +Ford's eyes sparkled with exultation. He had succeeded in his quest, +and once more Herbert was in his hands, or would be very soon. + +He inquired the way to Dr. Stone's. Everybody knew where the doctor +lived, and he had no trouble in securing the information he sought. +Indeed, before he reached the house, he caught sight of Abner, +walking in the same direction with himself, but a few rods ahead. + +He quickened his pace, and laid his hand on the boy's shoulder. + +Abner turned, and an expression of dismay overspread his face. + +"Ha, my young friend! I see that you remember me," said Ford, +ironically. + +"Well, what do you want?" asked Abner, sullenly. + +"You know well enough. I want the boy you have persuaded to run away +with you." + +"I didn't persuade him." + +"Never mind about quibbling. I know where the boy is, and I mean to +have him." + +"Do you want me, too?" + +"No; I don't care where you go." + +"I reckon Herbert won't go with you." + +"And I reckon he will. That is Dr. Stone's, isn't it? Never mind +answering. I know well enough it is." + +"He'll have bub sure," said Abner, disconsolately. "But I'll follow +'em, and I'll get him away, as sure as my name's Abner Barton." + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII -- FORD TAKES A BOLD STEP, BUT FAILS + + + +"I wish to see Miss Stone," said Willis Ford, to the servant. + +"I'll tell her. What name shall I say?" + +"Never mind about the name. I wish to see her on business of +importance." + +"I don't like his looks," thought the maid. "Shure he talks as if he +was the boss." + +She told Miss Stone, however, that a gentleman wished to see her, +who would not tell his name. + +Miss Stone was in Herbert's chamber, and the boy--now nearly well, +quite well, in fact, but for a feeling of languor and weakness--heard +the message. + +"What is he like?" he asked, anxiously. + +"He's slender like, with black hair and a black mustache, and he +talks like he was the master of the house." + +"I think it is Willis Ford," said Herbert, turning pale. + +"The man who abducted you?" ejaculated Miss Stone. + +"Yes, the same man. Don't let him take me away," implored Herbert. + +"I wish my brother were here," said Miss Stone, anxiously. + +"Won't he be here soon?" + +"I am afraid not. He has gone on a round of calls. Bridget, tell the +young man I will be down directly." + +Five minutes later Miss Stone descended, and found Willis Ford +fuming with impatience. + +"I am here, sir," she said, coldly. "I understand you wish to see +me." + +"Yes, madam; will you answer me a few questions?" + +"Possibly. Let me hear what they are." + +"You have a boy in this house, named Herbert Reynolds?" + +"Yes." + +"A boy who ran away from Mr. Joel Barton, with whom I placed him?" + +"What right had you to place him anywhere, Mr. Ford?" demanded the +lady. + +"That's my business. Permit me to say that it is no affair of +yours." + +"I judge differently. The boy is sick and under my charge." + +"I am his natural guardian, madam." + +"Who made you so, Mr. Ford?" + +"I shall not argue that question. It is enough that I claim him as +my cousin and ward." + +"Your cousin?" + +"Certainly. That doubtless conflicts with what he has told you. He +was always a liar." + +"His story is, that you beguiled him from his home in New York, and +brought him against his will to this part of the country." + +"And you believe him?" sneered Ford. + +"I do." + +"It matters little whether you do or not. He is my sister's child, +and is under my charge. I thought fit to place him with Mr. Joel +Barton, of Scipio, but the boy, who is flighty, was induced to run +away with Barton's son, a lazy, shiftless fellow." + +"Supposing this to be so, Mr. Ford, what is your object in calling?" + +"To reclaim him. It does not suit me to leave him here." + +Ford's manner was so imperative that Miss Stone became alarmed. + +"The boy is not fit to travel," she said. "Wait till my brother +comes, and he will decide, being a physician, whether it is safe to +have him go." + +"Madam, this subterfuge will not avail," said Ford, rudely. "I will +not wait till your brother comes. I prefer to take the matter into +my own hands." + +He pressed forward to the door of the room, and before Miss Stone +could prevent it, was on his way upstairs. She followed as rapidly +as she could, but before she could reach him, Ford had dashed into +the room where Herbert lay on the bed. + +Herbert was stricken with terror when he saw the face of his enemy. + +"I see you know me," said Ford, with an evil smile. "Get up at once, +and prepare to go with me." + +"Leave me here, Mr. Ford. I can't go with you; Indeed, I can't," +said Herbert. + +"We'll see about that," said Ford. "I give you five minutes to rise +and put on your clothes. If you don't obey me, I will flog you." + +Looking into his cruel face, Herbert felt that he had no other +resource. Trembling, he slipped out of bed, and began to draw on his +clothes. He felt helpless, but help was nearer than he dreamed. + +"Mr. Ford, I protest against this high-handed proceeding," exclaimed +Miss Stone, indignantly, as she appeared at the door of the chamber. +"What right have you to go over my house without permission?" + +"If it comes to that," sneered Ford, "what right have you to keep my +ward from me?" + +"I am not his ward," said Herbert, quickly. + +"The boy is a liar," exclaimed Ford, harshly. + +"Get back into the bed, Herbert," said Miss Stone. "This man shall +not take you away." + +"Perhaps you will tell me how you are going to help it," retorted +Ford, with an evil smile. + +"If my brother were here---" + +"But your brother is not here, and if he were, I would not allow him +to interfere between me and my cousin. Herbert, unless you continue +dressing, I shall handle you roughly." + +But sounds were heard upon the stairs, and Ford, as well as Miss +Stone, turned their eyes to the door. + +The first to enter was Abner. + +"Oh, it's you, is it?" said Ford, contemptuously. + +He had thought it might be Dr. Stone, whom he was less inclined to +face than he professed. + +"Yes, it is. What are you doing here?" + +"It is none of your business, you cub. He's got to come with me." + +"Maybe you want me, too?" + +"I wouldn't take you as a gift." + +"Ho, ho," laughed Abner, "I reckon you'd find me a tough customer. +You won't take bub, either." + +"Who is to prevent me?" + +"I will!" said a new voice, and Grant Thornton, who had fallen in +with Abner outside, walked quietly into the room. + +Willis Ford started back in dismay. Grant was the last person he +expected to meet here. He had no idea that any one of the boy's home +friends had tracked him this far. He felt that he was defeated, but +he hated to acknowledge it. + +"How are you going to prevent me, you young whippersnapper?" he +said, glaring menacingly at Grant. + +"Mr. Willis Ford, unless you leave this room and this town at once," +said Grant, firmly, "I will have you arrested. There is a local +officer below whom I brought with me, suspecting your object in +coming here." + +"Oh, Grant, how glad I am to see you! Is papa with you?" exclaimed +Herbert, overjoyed. + +"I will tell you about it soon, Herbert." + +"You won't let him take me away?" + +"There is no danger of that," said Grant, reassuringly. "I shall +take you home to New York as soon as this good lady says you are +well enough to go." + +Ford stood gnawing his nether lip. If it had been Mr. Reynolds, he +would not have minded so much; but for a mere boy, like Grant +Thornton, to talk with such a calm air of superiority angered him. + +"Boy," he said, "it sounds well for you to talk of arrest--you who +stole my aunt's bonds, and are indebted to her forbearance for not +being at this moment in State's prison." + +"Your malicious charge does not affect me, Mr. Ford," returned +Grant. "It was proved before you left New York that you were the +thief, and even your stepmother must have admitted it. Mr. Reynolds +discharged you from his employment, and this is the mean revenge you +have taken--the abduction of his only son." + +"I will do you an injury yet, you impudent boy," said Ford, +furiously. + +"I shall be on my guard, Mr. Ford," answered Grant. "I believe you +capable of it." + +"Don't you think you had better leave us, sir?" said Miss Stone. + +"I shall take my own time about going," he answered, impudently. + +But his words were heard by Dr. Stone, who had returned sooner than +he anticipated, and was already at the door of the room. He was a +powerful man, and of quick temper. His answer was to seize Ford by +the collar and fling him downstairs. + +"This will teach you to be more polite to a lady," he said. "Now, +what does all this mean, and who is this man?" + +The explanation was given. + +"I wish I had been here before," said the doctor. + +"You were in good time," said Grant, smiling. "I see that Herbert +has found powerful friends." + +Willis Ford, angry and humiliated, picked himself up, but did not +venture to return to the room he had left so ignominiously. Like +most bullies, he was a coward, and he did not care to encounter the +doctor again. + +Within an hour, Grant telegraphed to the broker at his office: "I +have found Herbert, and will start for New York with him to-morrow." +Mr. Reynolds had only just returned from his fruitless Southern +expedition, weary and dispirited. But he forgot all his fatigue when +he read this message. "God bless Grant Thornton!" he ejaculated. + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX -- THE HOUSEKEEPER'S RETRIBUTION + + + +The train from Chicago had just reached the Grand Central Depot. +From the parlor car descended two boys who are well known to us, +Grant Thornton and Herbert Reynolds. + +Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction. + +"Oh, Grant," he said, "how glad I am to see New York once more! I +wonder if papa knows we are to come by this train?" + +The answer came speedily. + +The broker, who had just espied them, hurried forward, and his lost +boy was lifted to his embrace. + +"Thank God, I have recovered you, my dear son," he exclaimed, +fervently. + +"You must thank Grant, too, papa," said the little boy. "It was he +who found me and prevented Mr. Ford stealing me again." + +Mr. Reynolds grasped Grant's hand and pressed it warmly. + +"I shall know how to express my gratitude to Grant in due time," he +said. + +On their way home Grant revealed to Mr. Reynolds for the first time +the treachery of the housekeeper, who had suppressed Herbert's +letter to his father, and left the latter to mourn for his son when +she might have relieved him of the burden of sorrow. + +As Mr. Reynolds listened, his face became stern. + +"That woman is a viper!" he said. "In my house she has enjoyed every +comfort and every consideration, and in return she has dealt me this +foul blow. She will have cause to regret it." + +When they entered the house Mrs. Estabrook received them with false +smiles. + +"So you are back again, Master Herbert," she said. "A fine fright +you gave us!" + +"You speak as if Herbert went away of his own accord," said the +broker sternly. "You probably know better." + +"I know nothing, sir, about it." + +"Then I may inform you that it was your stepson, Willis Ford, who +stole my boy--a noble revenge, truly, upon me for discharging him." + +"I don't believe it," said the housekeeper. "I presume it is your +office boy who makes this charge?" she added, pressing her thin lips +together. + +"There are others who are cognizant of it, Mrs. Estabrook. Grant +succeeded in foiling Mr. Ford in his attempt to recover Herbert, who +had run away from his place of confinement." + +"You are prejudiced against my son, Mr. Reynolds," said Mrs. +Estabrook, her voice trembling with anger. + +"Not more than against you, Mrs. Estabrook. I have a serious charge +to bring against you." + +"What do you mean, sir?" asked the housekeeper, nervously. + +"Why did you suppress the letter which my boy wrote to me revealing +his place of imprisonment?" + +"I don't know what you mean, sir," she answered, half defiantly. + +"I think you do." + +"Did Master Herbert write such a letter?" "Yes." + +"Then it must have miscarried." + +"On the contrary, the postman expressly declares that he delivered +it at this house. I charge you with concealing or suppressing it." + +"The charge is false. You can't prove it, sir." + +"I shall not attempt to do so; but I am thoroughly convinced of it. +After this act of treachery, I cannot permit you to spend another +night in my house. You will please pack at once, and arrange for a +removal." + +"I am entitled to a month's notice, Mr. Reynolds." + +"You shall have a month's wages in lieu of it. I would as soon have +a serpent in my house." + +Mrs. Estabrook turned pale. She had never expected it would come +to this. She thought no one would ever be able to trace the +suppressed letter to her. She was not likely again to obtain so +comfortable and desirable a position. Instead of attributing her ill +fortune to her own malice and evil doing, she chose to attribute it +to Grant. + +"I am to thank you for this, Grant Thornton," she said, in sudden +passion. "I was right in hating you as soon as I first saw you. If +ever I am able I will pay you up for this." + +"I don't doubt it, Mrs. Estabrook," said Grant, quietly, "but I +don't think you will have it in your power." + +She did not deign to answer, but hurried out of the room. In half an +hour she had left the house. + +"Now I can breathe freely," said the broker. "That woman was so full +of malice and spite that it made me uncomfortable to feel that she +was in the house." + +"I am so glad that she has gone, papa," said Herbert. + +That evening, after Herbert had gone to bed, Mr. Reynolds invited +Grant into his library. + +"My boy," he said, "I have settled accounts with Mrs. Estabrook; now +I want to settle with you." + +"Not in the same way, I hope, sir," said Grant. + +"Yes, in the same way, according to your deserts. You have done me a +service, that which none can be greater. You have been instrumental +in restoring to me my only son." + +"I don't want any reward for that, sir." + +"Perhaps not; but I owe it to myself to see that this service is +acknowledged. I shall raise your salary to fifteen dollars a week." + +"Thank you, sir," said Grant, joyfully. "How glad my mother will +be." + +"When you tell her this, you may also tell her that I have deposited +on your account in the Bowery Savings Bank the sum of five thousand +dollars." + +"This is too much, Mr. Reynolds," said Grant, quite overwhelmed. +"Why, I shall feel like a man of fortune." + +"So you will be in time, if you continue as faithful to business as +in the past." + +"It seems to me like a dream," said Grant. + +"I will give you a week's leave of absence to visit your parents, +and tell them of your good fortune." + + + +CHAPTER XL -- CONCLUSION + + + +There were anxious hearts in the parsonage at Colebrook. For some +weeks the minister had shown signs of overwork. His appetite had +failed, and he seemed weary and worn. + +"He needs change," said the doctor. "A run over to Europe would do +him good. He has no disease; he only wants change." + +"A trip to Europe," said Mr. Thornton, shaking his head. "It is +impossible. It has been the dream of my life, but a country minister +could not, in half a dozen years, save money enough for that." + +"If your brother Godfrey would lend you the money, Grant might, in +time, help you to pay it." + +Godfrey never had forgiven Grant for running counter to his plans. + +"I wish I could spare the money myself, Mr. Thornton," said the +doctor. "Five hundred dollars would be sufficient, and it would make +a new man of you." + +"It might as well be five thousand," said the minister, shaking +his head. "No, my good friend, I must toil on as well as I can, and +leave European trips to more favored men." + +It was noised about through the parish that the minister was sick, +and the doctor recommended a European trip. + +"It's ridikilus," was Deacon Gridley's comment. "I work harder than +the minister, and I never had to go to Europe. It's just because +it's fashionable." + +"Mr. Thornton is looking pale and haggard," said Mrs. Gridley. + +"What if he is? He ought to work outdoors like me. Then he'd know +what work was. Ac-cordin' to my notion, ministers have a pooty easy +time." + +Mr. Tudor was of the same opinion. + +"It's all nonsense, deacon," he said. "Father wanted me to be a +minister, and I'd have had a good deal easier time if I had followed +his advice." + +"You wouldn't have had so much money, Mr. Tudor," said Miss Lucretia +Spring, who heard this remark. + +"Mebbe not; but what I've got I've worked for." + +"For my part, although I am not near as rich as you are, I'd give +twenty dollars toward sending the minister abroad," said kindly Miss +Spring. + +"I wouldn't give a cent," said Mr. Tudor, with emphasis. + +"Nor I," said Deacon Gridley. "I don't believe in humorin' the +clergy." + +Saturday came, and the minister was worse. It seemed doubtful if he +would be able to officiate the next day. No wonder he became +dispirited. + +Just before supper the stage drove up to the door, and Grant jumped +out. + +"I am afraid he has been discharged," said Mr. Thornton, nervously. + +"He does not look like it," said Mrs. Thornton, noticing Grant's +beaming countenance. + +"What is the matter with father?" asked Grant, stopping short as he +entered. + +"He is not feeling very well, Grant. He has got run down." + +"What does the doctor say?" + +"He says your father ought to take a three-months trip to Europe." + +"Which, of course, is impossible," said Mr. Thornton, smiling +faintly. + +"Not if your brother would open his heart, and lend you the money." + +"He would not do it." + +"And we won't ask him," said Grant, quickly, "but you shall go, all +the same, father." + +"My son, it would cost five hundred dollars." + +"And for twice as much, mother, could go with you; you would need +her to take care of you. Besides she needs a change, too." + +"It is a pleasant plan, Grant; but we must not think of it." + +"That's where I don't agree with you. You and mother shall go as +soon as you like, and I will pay the expenses." + +"Is the boy crazy?" said the minister. + +"I'll answer that for myself, father. I have five thousand dollars +in the Bowery Savings Bank, in New York, and I don't think I can +spend a part of it better than in giving you and mother a European +trip." + +Then the explanation came, and with some difficulty the minister was +made to understand that the dream of his life was to be realized, +and that he and his wife were really going to Europe. + +"Well, well! who'd have thought it?" ejaculated Deacon Gridley. +"That boy of the minister's must be plaguey smart. I never thought +he'd be so successful. All the same, it seems to me a mighty poor +investment to spend a thousand dollars on racin' to Europe. That +money would buy quite a sizable farm." + +Others, however, less narrow in their notions, heartily approved of +the European trip. When three months later the minister came home, +he looked like a new man. His eye was bright, his face bronzed and +healthy, his step elastic, and he looked half a dozen years younger. + +"This all comes of having a good son," he said, smiling, in reply to +congratulations, "a son who, in helping himself, has been alive to +help others." + +Half a dozen years have passed. Grant Thornton is now a young man, +and junior partner of Mr. Reynolds. He has turned his money to good +account, and is counted rich for one of his age. He has renewed his +acquaintance with Miss Carrie Clifton, whom he met for the first +time as a summer boarder in Colebrook, and from their intimacy it +wouldn't be surprising if Grant should some day become the wealthy +jeweler's son-in-law. + +Uncle Godfrey has become reconciled to Grant's following his own +course. It is easy to become reconciled to success. + +Willis Ford is confined in a penitentiary in a Western State, having +been convicted of forgery, and there is small chance of his +amendment. He has stripped his stepmother of her last penny, and she +is compelled to live on the charity of a relative, who accords her a +grudging welcome, and treats her with scant consideration. The +bitterest drop in her cup of humiliation is the prosperity of Grant +Thornton, toward whom she feels a fierce and vindictive hatred. As +she has sown, so she reaps. Malice and uncharitableness seldom bring +forth welcome fruit. + +THE END + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Helping Himself, by Horatio Alger + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HELPING HIMSELF *** + +***** This file should be named 5833.txt or 5833.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/8/3/5833/ + +Produced by Carrie Fellman + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: Helping Himself + +Author: Horatio Alger + +Release Date: June, 2004 [EBook #5833] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on September 10, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, HELPING HIMSELF *** + + + + +Produced by Carrie Fellman. + + + +HELPING HIMSELF + +Or + +Grant Thornton's Ambition + +By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + +NEW YORK + + + + + + +HELPING HIMSELF + +CHAPTER I + +THE MINISTER'S SON + + + + + +"I wish we were not so terribly poor, Grant," said Mrs. Thornton, in +a discouraged tone. + +"Is there anything new that makes you say so, mother?" answered the +boy of fifteen, whom she addressed. + +"Nothing new, only the same old trouble. Here is a note from Mr. +Tudor, the storekeeper." + +"Let me see it, mother." + +Grant took a yellow envelope from his mother's hand, and drew out +the inclosure, a half sheet of coarse letter paper, which contained +the following lines: + +"July 7, 1857. + +REV. JOHN THORNTON: + +DEAR SIR: Inclosed you will find a bill for groceries and other +goods furnished to you in the last six months, amounting to +sixty-seven dollars and thirty-four cents ($67.34). It ought to have +been paid before. How you, a minister of the Gospel, can justify +yourself in using goods which you don't pay for, I can't understand. +If I remember rightly, the Bible says: 'Owe no man anything.' As I +suppose you recognize the Bible as an authority, I expect you to pay +up promptly, and oblige, + +Yours respectfully, THOMAS TUDOR." + +Grant looked vexed and indignant. "I think that is an impudent +letter, mother," he said. + +"It is right that the man should have his money, Grant." + +"That is true, but he might have asked for it civilly, without +taunting my poor father with his inability to pay. He would pay if +he could." + +"Heaven knows he would, Grant," said his mother, sighing. + +"I would like to give Mr. Tudor a piece of my mind." "I would rather +pay his bill. No, Grant, though he is neither kind nor considerate, +we must admit that his claim is a just one. If I only knew where to +turn for money!" + +"Have you shown the bill to father?" asked Grant. + +"No; you know how unpractical your father is. It would only annoy +and make him anxious, and he would not know what to do. Your poor +father has no business faculty." + +"He is a very learned man," said Grant, proudly. + +"Yes, he graduated very high at college, and is widely respected by +his fellow ministers, but he has no aptitude for business." + +"You have, mother. If you had been a man, you would have done better +than he. Without your good management we should have been a good +deal worse off than we are. It is the only thing that has kept our +heads above water." + +"I am glad you think so, Grant. I have done the best I could, but no +management will pay bills without money." + +It was quite true that the minister's wife was a woman of excellent +practical sense, who had known how to make his small salary go very +far. In this respect she differed widely from her learned husband, +who in matters of business was scarcely more than a child. But, as +she intimated with truth, there was something better than +management, and that was ready cash. + +"To support a family on six hundred dollars a year is very hard, +Grant, when there are three children," resumed his mother. + +"I can't understand why a man like father can't command a better +salary," said Grant. "There's Rev. Mr. Stentor, in Waverley, gets +fifteen hundred dollars salary, and I am sure he can't compare +with father in ability." + +"True, Grant, but your father is modest, and not given to blowing +his own trumpet, while Mr. Stentor, from all I can hear, has a very +high opinion of himself." + +"He has a loud voice, and thrashes round in his pulpit, as if he +were a--prophet," said Grant, not quite knowing how to finish his +sentence. + +"Your father never was a man to push himself forward. He is very +modest." + +"I suppose that is not the only bill that we owe," said Grant. + +"No; our unpaid bills must amount to at least two hundred dollars +more," answered his mother. + +Grant whistled. + +Two hundred and sixty-seven dollars seemed to him an immense sum, +and so it was, to a poor minister with a family of three children +and a salary of only six hundred dollars. Where to obtain so large a +sum neither Grant nor his mother could possibly imagine. Even if +there were anyone to borrow it from, there seemed no chance to pay +back so considerable a sum. + +Mother and son looked at each other in perplexity. Finally, Grant +broke the silence. + +"Mother," he said, "one thing seems pretty clear. I must go to work. +I am fifteen, well and strong, and I ought to be earning my own +living." + +"But your father has set his heart upon your going to college, +Grant." + +"And I should like to go, too; but if I did it would be years before +I could be anything but an expense and a burden, and that would make +me unhappy." + +"You are almost ready for college, Grant, are you not?" + +"Very nearly. I could get ready for the September examination. I +have only to review Homer, and brush up my Latin." + +"And your uncle Godfrey is ready to help you through." + +"That gives me an idea, mother. It would cost Uncle Godfrey as much +as nine hundred dollars a year over and above all the help I could +get from the college funds, and perhaps from teaching school this +winter. Now, if he would allow me that sum for a single year and let +me go to work, I could pay up all father's debts, and give him a new +start. It would save Uncle Godfrey nine hundred dollars." + +"He has set his heart on your going to college. I don't think he +would agree to help you at all if you disappoint him." + +"At any rate, I could try the experiment. Something has got to be +done, mother." + +"Yes, Grant, there is no doubt of that. Mr. Tudor is evidently in +earnest. If we don't pay him, I think it very likely he will refuse +to let us have anything more on credit. And you know there is no +other grocery store in the village." + +"Have you any money to pay him on account, mother?" + +"I have eight dollars." + +"Let me have that, and go over and see what I can do with him. We +can't get along without groceries. By the way, mother, doesn't the +parish owe father anything?" + +"They are about sixty dollars in arrears on the salary." + +"And the treasurer is Deacon Gridley?" + +"Yes." + +"Then I'll tell you what I will do. I'll first go over to the +deacon's and try to collect something. Afterward I will call on Mr. +Tudor." + +"It is your father's place to do it, but he has no business faculty, +and could not accomplish anything. Go, then, Grant, but remember one +thing." + +"What is that, mother?" + +"You have a quick temper, my son. Don't allow yourself to speak +hastily, or disrespectfully, even if you are disappointed. Mr. +Tudor's bill is a just one, and he ought to have his money." + +"I'll do the best I can, mother." + + + + + + +CHAPTER II + +GRANT MAKES TWO BUSINESS CALLS + + + + + +Deacon Gridley had a small farm, and farming was his chief +occupation, but he had a few thousand dollars laid away in stocks +and bonds, and, being a thrifty man, not to say mean, he managed to +save up nearly all the interest, which he added to his original +accumulation. He always coveted financial trusts, and so it came +about that he was parish treasurer. It was often convenient for him +to keep in his hands, for a month at a time, money thus collected +which ought to have been paid over at once to the minister, but the +deacon was a thoroughly selfish man, and cared little how pressed +for money Mr. Thornton might be, as long as he himself derived some +benefit from holding on to the parish funds. + +The deacon was mowing the front yard of his house when Grant came up +to his front gate. + +"Good-morning, Deacon Gridley," said the minister's son. + +"Mornin', Grant," answered the deacon. "How's your folks?" + +"Pretty well in health," returned Grant, coming to business at once, +"but rather short of money." + +"Ministers most gen'ally are," said Deacon Gridley, dryly. + +"I should think they might be, with the small salaries they get," +said Grant, indignantly. + +"Some of 'em do get poorly paid," replied the deacon; "but I call +six hundred dollars a pooty fair income." + +"It might be for a single man; but when a minister has a wife and +three children, like my father, it's pretty hard scratching." + +"Some folks ain't got faculty," said the deacon, adding, +complacently, "it never cost me nigh on to six hundred dollars a +year to live." + +The deacon had the reputation of living very penuriously, and Abram +Fish, who once worked for him and boarded in the family, said he was +half starved there. + +"You get your milk and vegetables off the farm," said Grant, who +felt the comparison was not a fair one. "That makes a great deal of +difference." + +"It makes some difference," the deacon admitted, "but not as much as +the difference in our expenses. I didn't spend more'n a hundred +dollars cash last year." + +This excessive frugality may have been the reason why Mrs. Deacon +Gridley was always so shabbily dressed. The poor woman had not had a +new bonnet for five years, as every lady in the parish well knew. + +"Ministers have some expenses that other people don't," persisted +Grant. + +"What kind of expenses, I'd like to know?" + +"They have to buy books and magazines, and entertain missionaries, +and hire teams to go on exchanges." + +"That's something," admitted the deacon. "Maybe it amounts to twenty +or thirty dollars a year." + +"More likely a hundred," said Grant. + +"That would be awful extravagant sinful waste. If I was a minister, +I'd be more keerful." + +"Well, Deacon Gridley, I don't want to argue with you. I came to see +if you hadn't collected some money for father. Mr. Tudor has sent in +his bill, and he wants to be paid." + +"How much is it?" + +"Sixty-seven dollars and thirty-four cents." + +"You don't tell me!" said the deacon, scandalized. "You folks must +be terrible extravagant." + +Grant hardly knew whether to be more vexed or amused. + +"If wanting to have enough to eat is extravagant," he said, "then we +are." + +"You must live on the fat of the land, Grant." + +"We haven't any of us got the gout, nor are likely to have," +answered Grant, provoked. "But let us come back to business. Have +you got any money for father?" + +Now it so happened that Deacon Gridley had fifty dollars collected, +but he thought he knew where he could let it out for one per cent, +for a month, and he did not like to lose the opportunity. + +"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Grant," he answered, "but folks are +slow about payin' up, and--" + +"Haven't you got any money collected?" asked Grant, desperately. + +"I'll tell you what I'll do," said the deacon, with a bright idea. +"I've got fifty dollars of my own--say for a month, till I can make +collections." + +"That would be very kind," said Grant, feeling that he had done the +deacon an injustice. + +"Of course," the deacon resumed, hastily, "I should have to charge +interest. In fact, I was goin' to lend out the money to a neighbor +for a month at one per cent; but I'd just as lieve let your father +have it at that price." + +"Isn't that more than legal interest?" asked Grant. + +"Well, you see, money is worth good interest nowadays. Ef your +father don't want it, no matter. I can let the other man have it." + +Grant rapidly calculated that the interest would only amount to +fifty cents, and money must be had. + +"I think father'll agree to your terms," he said. "I'll let you know +this afternoon." + +"All right, Grant. It don't make a mite of difference to me, but if +your father wants the money he'll have to speak for it to-day." + +"I'll see that the matter is attended to," said Grant, and he went +on his way, pleased with the prospect of obtaining money for their +impoverished household, even on such hard terms. + +Next he made his way to Mr. Tudor's store. + +It was one of those country variety stores where almost everything +in the way of house supplies can be obtained, from groceries to dry +goods. + +Mr. Tudor was a small man, with a parchment skin and insignificant +features. He was in the act of weighing out a quantity of sugar for +a customer when Grant entered. + +Grant waited till the shopkeeper was at leisure. + +"Did you want to see me, Grant?" said Tudor. + +"Yes, Mr. Tudor. You sent over a bill to our house this morning." + +"And you've come to pay it. That's right. Money's tight, and I've +got bills to pay in the city." + +"I've got a little money for you on account," said Grant, watching +Tudor's face anxiously. + +"How much?" asked the storekeeper, his countenance changing. + +"Eight dollars." + +"Eight dollars!" ejaculated Tudor, indignantly. "Only eight dollars +out of sixty-seven! That's a regular imposition, and I don't care ef +your father is a minister, I stick to my words." + +Grant was angry, but he remembered his mother's injunction to +restrain his temper. + +"We'd like to pay the whole, Mr. Tudor, if we had the money, and--" + +"Do you think I can trust the whole neighborhood, and only get one +dollar in ten of what's due me?" spluttered Mr. Tudor. "Ministers +ought to set a better example." + +"Ministers ought to get better pay," said Grant. + +"There's plenty don't get as much as your father. When do you expect +to pay the rest, I'd like to know? I s'pose you expect me to go on +trustin', and mebbe six months from now you'll pay me another eight +dollars," said the storekeeper, with withering sarcasm. + +"I was going to tell you, if you hadn't interrupted me," said Grant, +"that we should probably have some more money for you to-morrow." + +"How much?" + +"Twenty-five dollars," answered the boy, knowing that part of the +money borrowed must go in other quarters. "Will that be +satisfactory?" + +"That's more like!" said Tudor, calming down. "Ef you'll pay that +I'll give you a leetle more time on the rest. Do you want anything +this mornin'? I've got some prime butter just come in." + +"I'll call for some articles this afternoon, Mr. Tudor. Here are the +eight dollars. Please credit us with that sum." + +"Well, I've accomplished something," said Grant to himself as he +plodded homeward. + + + + + + +CHAPTER III + +GRANT WALKS TO SOMERSET + + + + + +GODFREY THORNTON, Grant's uncle, lived in the neighboring town of +Somerset. He was an old bachelor, three years older than his +brother, the minister, and followed the profession of a lawyer. His +business was not large, but his habits were frugal, and he had +managed to save up ten thousand dollars. Grant had always been a +favorite with him, and having no son of his own he had formed the +plan of sending him to college. He was ambitious that he should be a +professional man. + +It might have been supposed that he would have felt disposed to +assist his brother, whose scanty salary he knew was inadequate to +the needs of a family. But Godfrey Thornton was an obstinate man, +and chose to give assistance in his own way, and no other. It would +be a very handsome thing, he thought, to give his nephew a college +education. And so, indeed, it would. But he forgot one thing. In +families of limited means, when a boy reaches the age of fifteen or +sixteen he is very properly expected to earn something toward the +family income, and this Grant could not do while preparing for +college. If his uncle could have made up his mind to give his +brother a small sum annually to make up for this, all would have +been well. Not that this idea had suggested itself to the Rev. John +Thorn-ton. He felt grateful for his brother's intentions toward +Grant, and had bright hopes of his boy's future. But, in truth, +pecuniary troubles affected him less than his wife. She was the +manager, and it was for her to contrive and be anxious. + +After Grant had arranged the matters referred to in the preceding +chapter, he told his mother that he proposed to go to Somerset to +call on his uncle. + +"No, Grant, I don't object, though I should be sorry to have you +lose the chance of an education." + +"I have a very fair education already, mother. Of course I should +like to go to college, but I can't bear to have you and father +struggling with poverty. If I become a business man, I may have a +better chance to help you. At any rate, I can help you sooner. If I +can only induce Uncle Godfrey to give you the sum my education would +cost him, I shall feel perfectly easy." + +"You can make the attempt, my son, but I have doubts about your +success." + +Grant, however, was more hopeful. He didn't see why his uncle should +object, and it would cost him no more money. It seemed to him very +plain sailing, and he set out to walk to Somerset, full of courage +and hope. + +It was a pretty direct road, and the distance--five miles--was not +formidable to a strong-limbed boy like Grant. In an hour and a half +he entered the village, and soon reached the small one-story +building which served his uncle as an office. + +Entering, he saw his uncle busy with some papers at his desk. + +The old lawyer raised his eyes as the door opened. + +"So it's you, Grant, is it?" he said. "Nobody sick at home, eh?" + +"No, Uncle Godfrey, we are all well." + +"I was afraid some one might be sick, from your coming over. +However, I suppose you have some errand in Somerset." + +"My only errand is to call upon you, uncle." + +"I suppose I am to consider that a compliment," said the old +bachelor, not ill pleased. "Well, and when are you going to be ready +for college?" + +"I can be ready to enter in September," replied Grant. + +"That is good. All you will have to do will be to present yourself +for examination. I shall see you through, as I have promised." + +"You are very kind, Uncle Godfrey," said Grant; and then he +hesitated. + +"It's Thornton family pride, Grant. I want my nephew to be somebody. +I want you to be a professional man, and take a prominent place in +the world." + +"Can't I be somebody without becoming a professional man, or---" + +"Or, what?" asked his uncle, abruptly. + +"Getting a college education?" continued Grant. + +"What does this mean?" asked the old lawyer, knitting his brow. +"You're not getting off the notion of going to college, I hope?" + +"I should like to go to college, uncle." + +"I'm glad to hear that," said Godfrey Thornton, relieved. "I thought +you might want to grow up a dunce, and become a bricklayer or +something of that kind." + +Somehow Grant's task began to seem more difficult than he had +anticipated. + +"But," continued Grant, summoning up his courage, "I am afraid it +will be rather selfish." + +"I can't say I understand you, Grant. As long as I am willing to pay +your college bills, I don't see why there is anything selfish in +your accepting my offer." + +"I mean as regards father and mother." + +"Don't I take you off their hands? What do you mean?" + +"I mean this, Uncle Godfrey," said Grant, boldly, "I ought to be at +work earning money to keep them. Father's income is very small, +and--" + +"You don't mean to say you want to give up going to college?" said +Godfrey Thornton, hastily. + +"I think I ought to, uncle." + +"Why?" + +"So that I can find work and help father along. You see, I should be +four years in college, and three years studying a profession, and +all that time my brother and sister would be growing older and more +expensive, and father would be getting into debt." + +Uncle Godfrey's brow wore a perceptible frown. + +"Tell me who has put this idea into your head?" he said. "I am sure +it isn't your father." + +"No one put it into my head, Uncle Godfrey. It's my own idea." + +"Humph! old heads don't grow on young shoulders, evidently. You are +a foolish boy, Grant. With a liberal education you can do something +for your family." + +"But it is so long to wait," objected Grant. + +"It will be a great disappointment to me to have you give up going +to college, but of course I can't force you to go," said his uncle, +coldly. "It will save me three hundred dollars a year for four +years-I may say for seven, however. You will be throwing away a +grand opportunity." + +"Don't think I undervalue the advantage of a college training, +uncle," said Grant, eagerly. "It isn't that. It's because I thought +I might help father. In fact, I wanted to make a proposal to you." + +"What is it?" + +"You say it will cost three hundred dollars a year to keep me in +college?" + +"Well?" + +"Would you be willing to give father two hundred a year for the next +four years, and let me take care of myself in some business place?" + +"So this is your proposal, is it?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"All I have got to say is, that you have got uncommon assurance. You +propose to defeat my cherished plan, and want me to pay two hundred +dollars a year in acknowledgment of your consideration." + +"I am sorry you look upon it in that light, Uncle Godfrey." + +"I distinctly decline your proposal. If you refuse to go to college, +I wash my hands of you and your family. Do you understand that?" + +"Yes, Uncle Godfrey," answered Grant, crestfallen. + +"Go home and think over the matter. My offer still holds good. You +can present yourself at college in September, and, if you are +admitted, notify me." + +The lawyer turned back to his writing, and Grant understood that the +interview was over. + +In sadness he started on his return walk from Somerset. He had +accomplished nothing except to make his uncle angry. He could not +make up his mind what to do. + +He had walked about four miles when his attention was sharply drawn +by a cry of terror. Looking up quickly, he saw a girl of fourteen +flying along the road pursued by a drunken man armed with a big +club. They were not more than thirty feet apart, and the situation +was critical. + +Grant was no coward, and he instantly resolved to rescue the girl if +it were a possible thing. + + + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +A TIMELY RESCUE + + + + + +"I will save her if I can," said Grant to himself. + +The task, however, was not an easy one. The drunken man was tall and +strongly made, and his condition did not appear to interfere with +his locomotion. He was evidently half crazed with drink, and his +pursuit of the young girl arose probably from a blind impulse; but +it was likely to be none the less serious for her. Grant saw at once +that he was far from being a match for the drunkard in physical +strength. If he had been timid, a regard for his personal safety +would have led him to keep aloof. But he would have despised himself +if he had not done what he could for the girl--stranger though she +was--who was in such peril. + +It chanced that Grant had cut a stout stick to help him on his way. +This suggested his plan of campaign. He ran sideways toward the +pursuer, and thrust his stick between his legs, tripping him up. The +man fell violently forward, and lay as if stunned, breathing +heavily. Grant was alarmed at first, fearing that he might be +seriously hurt, but a glance assured him that his stupor was chiefly +the result of his potations. + +Then he hurried to overtake the girl, who, seeing what had taken +place, had paused in her flight. + +"Don't be frightened," said Grant. "The man can't get up at present. +I will see you home if you will tell me where you live." + +"I am boarding at Mrs. Granger's, quarter of a mile back, mamma and +I," answered the girl, the color, temporarily banished by fright, +returning to her cheeks. + +"Where did you fall in with this man?" inquired Grant. + +"I was taking a walk," answered the girl, "and overtook him. I did +not take much notice of him at first, and was not aware of his +condition till he began to run after me. Then I was almost +frightened to death, and I don't think I ever ran so fast in my +life." + +"You were in serious danger. He was fast overtaking you." + +"I saw that he was, and I believe I should have dropped if you had +not come up and saved me. How brave you were!" + +Grant colored with pleasure, though he disclaimed the praise. + +"Oh, it was nothing!" he said, modestly. "But we had better start at +once, for he may revive." + +"Oh, let us go then," exclaimed the girl in terror, and, hardly +knowing what she did, she seized Grant's arm. "See, he is beginning +to stir. Do come quickly!" + +Clinging to Grant's arm, the two hastened away, leaving the +inebriate on the ground. + +Grant now had leisure to view more closely the girl he had rescued. +She was a very pretty girl, a year or two younger than himself, with +a bright, vivacious manner, and her young rescuer thought her very +attractive. + +"Do you live round here?" she asked. + +"I live in Colebrook, the village close by. I was walking from +Somerset." + +"I should like to know the name of the one who has done me so great +a service." + +"We will exchange names, if you like," said Grant, smiling. "My name +is Grant Thornton. I am the son of Rev. John Thornton, who is +minister in Colebrook." + +"So you are a minister's son. I have always heard that minister's +sons are apt to be wild," said the girl, smiling mischievously. + +"I am an exception," said Grant, demurely. + +"I am ready to believe it," returned his companion. "My name is +Carrie Clifton; my mother is a minister's daughter, so I have a +right to think well of ministers' families." + +"How long have you been boarding in this neighborhood, Miss Carrie?" + +"Only a week. I am afraid I shan't dare to stay here any longer." + +"It is not often you would meet with such an adventure as this. I +hope you won't allow it to frighten you away." + +"Do you know that drunken man? Does he live nearby?" + +"I think he is a stranger--a tramp. I never saw him before, and I +know almost everybody who lives about here." + +"I am glad he doesn't live here." + +"He will probably push on his way and not come this way again during +the summer." + +"I hope you are right. He might try to revenge himself on you for +tripping him up." + +"I don't think he saw me to recognize me. He was so drunk that he +didn't know what he was about. When he gets over his intoxication he +probably won't remember anything that has happened." + +By this time they had reached the gate of the farmhouse where Carrie +was boarding, and Grant prepared to leave her. + +"I think you are safe now," he said. + +"Oh, but I shan't let you go yet," said the girl. "You must come in +and see mother." + +Grant hesitated, but he felt that he should like to meet the mother +of a young lady who seemed to him so attractive, and he allowed +himself to be led into the yard. Mrs. Clifton was sitting in a +rustic chair under a tree behind the house. There Grant and his +companion found her. Carrie poured forth her story impetuously, and +then drawing Grant forward, indicated him as her rescuer. + +Her mother listened with natural alarm, shuddering at the peril from +which her daughter had so happily escaped. + +"I cannot tell how grateful I am to you for the service you have +done my daughter," she said, warmly. "You are a very brave boy. +There is not one in ten who would have had the courage to act as you +did." + +"You praise me more than I deserve, Mrs. Clifton. I saw the man was +drunk, and I did not really run much risk in what I did. I am very +thankful that I was able to be of service to Miss Carrie." + +"It is most fortunate that you were at hand. My daughter might have +been killed." + +"What do you think, mother? He is a minister's son," said Carrie, +vivaciously. + +"That certainly is no objection in my eyes," said Mrs. Clifton, +smiling, "for I am a minister's daughter. Where does your father +preach?" + +"His church is only a mile distant, in the village." + +"I shall hear him, then, next Sunday. Last Sunday Carrie and I were +both tired, and remained at home, but I have always been accustomed +to go to church somewhere." + +"Papa will be here next Sunday," said Carrie. "He can only come +Saturday night on account of his business." + +"Does he do business in New York?" asked Grant. + +"Yes; his store is on Broadway." + +"We live on Madison Avenue, and whenever you are in the city we +shall be very glad to have you call," said Mrs. Clifton, graciously. + +"Thank you; I should like to call very much," answered Grant, who +was quite sincere in what he said. "But I don't often go to New +York." + +"Perhaps you will get a place there some time," suggested Carrie. + +"I should like to," replied Grant. + +"Then your father does not propose to send you to college?" It was +Mrs. Clifton who said this. + +"He wishes me to go, but I think I ought to go to work to help him. +He has two other children besides me." + +"Is either one a girl?" asked Carrie. + +"Yes; I have a sister of thirteen, named Mary." + +"I wish you would bring her here to see me," said Carrie. "I haven't +got acquainted with any girls yet." + +Mrs. Clifton seconded the invitation, and Grant promised that he +would do so. In fact, he was pleased at the opportunity it would +give him of improving his acquaintance with the young lady from New +York. He returned home very well pleased with his trip to Somerset, +though he had failed in the object of his expedition. + + + + + + +CHAPTER V + +MRS. THORNTON'S PEARLS + + + + + +The next Sunday Mrs. Clifton and her daughter appeared at church, +and Grant had the pleasure of greeting them. He was invited with his +sister to take supper with them on the next Monday afternoon, and +accepted the invitation. About sunset he met his new friends +walking, with the addition of the husband and father, who, coming +Saturday evening from New York, had felt too fatigued to attend +church. Mr. Clifton, to whom he was introduced, was a portly man in +middle life, who received Grant quite graciously, and made for +himself acknowledgment of the service which our hero had rendered +his daughter. + +"If I ever have the opportunity of doing you a favor, Master +Thornton, you may call upon me with confidence," he said. + +Grant thanked him, and was better pleased than if he had received an +immediate gift. + +Meanwhile Deacon Gridley kept his promise, and advanced the minister +fifty dollars, deducting a month's interest. Even with this +deduction Mrs. Thornton was very glad to obtain the money. Part of +it was paid on account to Mr. Tudor, and silenced his importunities +for a time. As to his own plans, there was nothing for Grant to do +except to continue his studies, as he might enter college after all. + +If any employment should offer of a remunerative character, he felt +that it would be his duty to accept it, in spite of his uncle's +objections; but such chances were not very likely to happen while he +remained in the country, for obvious reasons. + +Three weeks passed, and again not only Mr. Tudor, but another +creditor, began to be troublesome. + +"How soon is your father going to pay up his bill?" asked Tudor, +when Grant called at the store for a gallon of molasses. + +"Very soon, I hope," faltered Grant. + +"I hope so, too," answered the grocer, grimly. + +"Only three weeks ago I paid you thirty-three dollars," said Grant. + +"And you have been increasing the balance ever since," said Tudor, +frowning. + +"If father could get his salary regularly--" commenced Grant. + +"That's his affair, not mine," rejoined the grocer. "I have to pay +my bills regular, and I can't afford to wait months for my pay." + +Grant looked uncomfortable, but did not know what to say. + +"The short and the long of it is, that after this week your father +must either pay up his bill, or pay cash for what articles he gets +hereafter." + +"Very well," said Grant, coldly. He was too proud to remonstrate. +Moreover, though he felt angry, he was constrained to admit that the +grocer had some reason for his course. + +"Something must be done," he said to himself, but he was not wise +enough to decide what that something should be. + +Though he regretted to pain his mother, he felt obliged to report to +her what the grocer had said. + +"Don't be troubled, mother," he said, as he noticed the shade of +anxiety which came over her face. "Something will turn up." + +Mrs. Thornton shook her head. + +"It isn't safe to trust to that, Grant," she said; "we must help +ourselves." + +"I wish I knew how," said Grant, perplexed. + +"I am afraid I shall have to make a sacrifice," said Mrs. Thornton, +not addressing Grant, but rather in soliloquy. + +Grant looked at his mother in surprise. What sacrifice could she +refer to? Did she mean that they must move into a smaller house, and +retrench generally? That was all that occurred to him. + +"We might, perhaps, move into a smaller house, mother," said he, +"but we have none too much room here, and the difference in rent +wouldn't be much." + +"I didn't mean that, Grant. Listen, and I will tell you what I do +mean. You know that I was named after a rich lady, the friend of my +mother?" + +"I have heard you say so." + +"When she died, she left me by will a pearl necklace and pearl +bracelets, both of very considerable value." + +"I have never seen you wear them, mother." + +"No; I have not thought they would be suitable for the wife of a +poor minister. My wearing them would excite unfavorable comment in +the parish." + +"I don't see whose business it would be," said Grant, indignantly. + +"At any rate, just or not, I knew what would be said," Mrs. Thornton +replied. + +"How is it you have never shown the pearl ornaments to me, mother?" + +"You were only five years old when they came to me, and I laid them +away at once, and have seldom thought of them since. I have been +thinking that, as they are of no use to me, I should be justified in +selling them for what I can get, and appropriating the proceeds +toward paying your father's debts." + +"How much do you think they are worth, mother?" + +"A lady to whom I showed them once said they must have cost five +hundred dollars or more." + +Grant whistled. + +"Do you mind showing them to me, mother?" he asked. + +Mrs. Thornton went upstairs, and brought down the pearl necklace and +bracelets. They were very handsome and Grant gazed at them with +admiration. + +"I wonder what the ladies would say if you should wear them to the +sewing circle," he said, humorously. + +"They would think I was going over to the vanities of this world," +responded his mother, smiling. "They can be of no possible use to me +now, or hereafter, and I believe it will be the best thing I can do +to sell them." + +"Where can you sell them? No one here can afford to buy them." + +"They must be sold in New York, and I must depend upon you to attend +to the business for me." + +"Can you trust me, mother? Wouldn't father--" + +"Your father has no head for business, Grant. He is a learned man, +and knows a great deal about books, but of practical matters he +knows very little. You are only a boy, but you are a very sensible +and trustworthy boy, and I shall have to depend upon you." + +"I will do the best I can, mother. Only tell me what you want me to +do." + +"I wish you to take these pearls, and go to New York. You can find a +purchaser there, if anywhere. I suppose it will be best to take them +to some jewelry store, and drive the best bargain you can." + +"When do you wish me to go, mother?" + +"There can be no advantage in delay. If tomorrow is pleasant, you +may as well go then." + +"Shall you tell father your plan?" + +"No, Grant, it might make him feel bad to think I was compelled to +make a sacrifice, which, after all, is very little of a sacrifice to +me. Years since I decided to trouble him as little as possible with +matters of business. It could do no good, and, by making him +anxious, unfitted him for his professional work." + +Mrs. Thornton's course may not be considered wise by some, but she +knew her husband's peculiar mental constitution, and her object at +least was praiseworthy, to screen him from undue anxiety, though it +involved an extra share for herself. + +The next morning Grant took an early breakfast, and walked briskly +toward the depot to take the first train for New York. + +The fare would be a dollar and a quarter each way, for the distance +was fifty miles, and this both he and his mother felt to be a large +outlay. If, however, he succeeded in his errand it would be wisely +spent, and this was their hope. + +At the depot Grant found Tom Calder, a youth of eighteen, who had +the reputation of being wild, and had been suspected of dishonesty. +He had been employed in the city, so that Grant was not surprised to +meet him at the depot. + +"Hello, Grant! Where are you bound?" he asked. + +"I am going to New York." + +"What for?" + +"A little business," Grant answered, evasively. Tom was the last +person he felt inclined to take into his confidence. + +"Goin' to try to get a place?" + +"If any good chance offers I shall accept it--that is, if father and +mother are willing." + +"Let's take a seat together--that's what I'm going for myself." + + + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +GRANT GETS INTO UNEXPECTED TROUBLE + + + + + +TOM CALDER was not the companion Grant would have chosen, but there +seemed no good excuse for declining his company. He belonged to a +rather disreputable family living in the borders of the village. If +this had been all, it would not have been fair to object to him, but +Tom himself bore not a very high reputation. He had been suspected +more than once of stealing from his school companions, and when +employed for a time by Mr. Tudor, in the village store, the latter +began to miss money from the till; but Tom was so sly that he had +been unable to bring the theft home to him. However, he thought it +best to dispense with his services. + +"What kind of a situation are you goin' to try for?" asked Tom, when +they were fairly on their way. + +"I don't know. They say that beggars mustn't be choosers." + +"I want to get into a broker's office if I can," said Tom. + +"Do you consider that a very good business?" asked Grant. + +"I should say so," responded Tom, emphatically. + +"Do they pay high wages?" + +"Not extra, but a feller can get points, and make something out of +the market." + +"What's that?" asked Grant, puzzled. + +"Oh, I forgot. You ain't used to the city," responded Tom, +emphatically. "I mean, you find out when a stock is going up, and +you buy for a rise." + +"But doesn't that take considerable money?" asked Grant, wondering +how Tom could raise money to buy stocks. + +"Oh, you can go to the bucket shops," answered Tom. + +"But what have bucket shops to do with stocks?" asked Grant, more +than ever puzzled. + +Tom burst into a loud laugh. + +"Ain't you jolly green, though?" he ejaculated. + +Grant was rather nettled at this. + +"I don't see how I could be expected to understand such talk," he +said, with some asperity. + +"That's where it is--you can't," said Tom. "It's all like A, B, C to +me, and I forgot that you didn't know anything about Wall Street. A +bucket shop is where you can buy stock in small lots, putting down a +dollar a share as margin. If stocks go up, you sell out on the rise, +and get back your dollar minus commission," + +"Suppose they go down?" + +"Then you lose what you put up." + +"Isn't it rather risky?" + +"Of course there's some risk, but if you have a good point there +isn't much." + +This was Tom Calder's view of the matter. As a matter of fact, the +great majority of those who visit the bucket shops lose all they put +in, and are likely sooner or later to get into difficulty; so that +many employers will at once discharge a clerk or boy known to +speculate in this way. + +"If I had any money I'd buy some stock to-day; that is, as soon as I +get to the city," continued Tom. "You couldn't lend me five dollars, +could you?" + +"No, I couldn't," answered Grant, shortly. + +"I'd give you half the profits." + +"I haven't got the money," Grant explained. + +"That's a pity. The fact is, I'm rather short. However, I know +plenty of fellows in the city, and I guess I can raise a tenner or +so." + +"Then your credit must be better in New York than in Colebrook," +thought Grant, but he fore-bore to say so. + +Grant was rather glad the little package of pearls was in the pocket +furthest away from Tom, for his opinion of his companion's honesty +was not the highest. + +When half an hour had passed, Tom vacated his seat. + +"I'm going into the smoking car," he said, "to have a smoke. Won't +you come with me?" + +"No, thank you. I don't smoke." + +"Then it's time you began. I've got a cigarette for you, if you'll +try it." + +"Much obliged, but I am better off without it." + +"You'll soon get over that little-boy feeling. Why, boys in the city +of half your age smoke." + +"I am sorry to hear it." + +"Well, ta-ta! I'll be back soon." + +Grant was not sorry to have Tom leave him. He didn't enjoy his +company, and besides he foresaw that it would be rather embarrassing +if Tom should take a fancy to remain with him in the city. He didn't +care to have anyone, certainly not Tom, learn on what errand he had +come to the city. + +Two minutes had scarcely elapsed after Tom vacated his seat, when a +pleasant-looking gentleman of middle age, who had been sitting just +behind them, rose and took the seat beside Grant. + +"I will sit with you if you don't object," said he. + +"I should be glad of your company," said Grant, politely. + +"You live in the country, I infer?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I overheard your conversation with the young man who has just left +you. I suspect you are not very much alike." + +"I hope not, sir. Perhaps Tom would say the same, for he thinks me +green." + +"There is such a thing as knowing too much--that isn't desirable to +know. So you don't smoke?" + +"No, sir." + +"I wish more boys of your age could say as much. Do I understand +that you are going to the city in search of employment?" + +"That is not my chief errand," answered Grant, with some hesitation. +"Still, if I could hear of a good chance, I might induce my parents +to let me accept it." + +"Where do you live, my young friend?" + +"In Colebrook. My father is the minister there." + +"That ought to be a recommendation, for it is to be supposed you +have been carefully trained. Some of our most successful business +men have been ministers' sons." + +"Are you in business in New York, sir?" asked Grant, thinking he had +a right by this time to ask a question. + +"Yes; here is my card." + +Taking the card, Grant learned that his companion was Mr. Henry +Reynolds and was a broker, with an office in New Street. + +"I see you are a broker, sir," said Grant. "Tom Calder wants to get +a place in a broker's office." + +"I should prefer that he would try some other broker," said Mr. +Reynolds, smiling. "I don't want a boy who deals with the bucket +shops." + +At this point Tom re-entered the car, having finished his cigarette. +Observing that his place had been taken, he sat down at a little +distance. + +"When you get ready to take a place," said the broker, "call at my +office, and though I won't promise to give you a place, I shall feel +well disposed to if I can make room for you." + +"Thank you, sir," said Grant, gratefully. "I hope if I ever do enter +your employment, I shall merit your confidence." + +"I have good hopes of it. By the way, you may as well give me your +name." + +"I am Grant Thornton, of Colebrook," said our hero. + +Mr. Reynolds entered the name in a little pocket diary, and left the +seat, which Tom Calder immediately took. + +"Who's that old codger?" he asked. + +"The gentleman who has just left me is a New York business man." + +"You got pretty thick with him, eh?" + +"We talked a little." + +Grant took care not to mention that Mr. Reynolds was a broker, as +he knew that Tom would press for an introduction in that case. + +When they reached New York, Tom showed a disposition to remain with +Grant, but the latter said: "We'd better separate, and we can meet +again after we have attended to our business." + +A meeting place was agreed upon, and Tom went his way. + +Now came the difficult part of Grant's task. Where should he go to +dispose of his pearls? He walked along undecided, till he came to a +large jewelry store. It struck him that this would be a good place +for his purpose, and he entered. + +"What can I do for you, young man?" asked a man of thirty behind the +counter. + +"I have some pearl ornaments I would like to sell," said Grant. + +"Indeed," said the clerk, fixing a suspicious glance upon Grant; +"let me see them." + +Grant took out the necklace and bracelets, and passed them over. No +sooner had he done so than a showily dressed lady advanced to the +place where he was standing, and held out her hand for the +ornaments, exclaiming: "I forbid you to buy those articles, sir. +They are mine. The boy stole them from me, and I have followed him +here, suspecting that he intended to dispose of them." + +"That is false," exclaimed Grant, indignantly. "I never saw that +woman before in my life." + +"So you are a liar as well as a thief!" said the woman. "You will +please give me those pearls, sir." + +The clerk looked at the two contestants in indecision. He was +disposed to believe the lady's statement. + + + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +MRS. SIMPSON COMES TO GRIEF + + + + + +"Surely I have a right to my own property," said the showily dressed +lady in a tone of authority, which quite imposed upon the +weak-minded salesman. + +"I dare say you are right, ma'am," said he, hesitatingly. + +"Of course I am," said she. + +"If you give her those pearls, which belong to my mother, I will +have you arrested," said Grant, plucking up spirit. + +"Hoity-toity!" said the lady, contemptuously. "I hope you won't pay +any regard to what that young thief says." + +The clerk looked undecided. He beckoned an older salesman, and laid +the matter before him. The latter looked searchingly at the two. +Grant was flushed and excited, and the lady had a brazen front. + +"Do you claim these pearls, madam?" he said. + +"I do," she answered, promptly. + +"How did you come by them?" + +"They were a wedding present from my husband." + +"May I ask your name?" + +The lady hesitated a moment, then answered: + +"Mrs. Simpson." + +"Where do you live?" + +There was another slight hesitation. Then came the answer: + +"No.--Madison Avenue." + +Now Madison Avenue is a fashionable street, and the name produced an +impression on the first clerk. + +"I think the pearls belong to the lady," he whispered. + +"I have some further questions to ask," returned the elder salesman, +in a low voice. + +"Do you know this boy whom you charge with stealing your property?" + +"Yes," answered the lady, to Grant's exceeding surprise; "he is a +poor boy whom I have employed to do errands." + +"Has he had the run of your house?" + +"Yes, that's the way of it. He must have managed to find his way to +the second floor, and opened the bureau drawer where I kept the +pearls." + +"What have you to say to this?" asked the elder salesman. + +"Please ask the lady my name," suggested Grant. + +"Don't you know your own name?" demanded the lady, sharply. + +"Yes, but I don't think you do." + +"Can you answer the boy's question, Mrs. Simpson?" + +"Of course I can. His name is John Cavanaugh, and the very suit he +has on I gave him." + +Grant was thunderstruck at the lady's brazen front. She was +outwardly a fine lady, but he began to suspect that she was an +impostor. + +"I am getting tired of this," said the so-called Mrs. Simpson, +impatiently. "Will you, or will you not, restore my pearls?" "When +we are satisfied that they belong to you, madam," said the elder +salesman, coolly. "I don't feel like taking the responsibility, but +will send for my employer, and leave the matter to him to decide." + +"I hope I won't have long to wait, sir." + +"I will send at once." + +"It's a pretty state of things when a lady has her own property kept +from her," said Mrs. Simpson, while the elder clerk was at the other +end of the store, giving some instructions to a boy. + +"I don't in the least doubt your claim to the articles, Mrs. +Simpson," said the first salesman, obsequiously. "Come, boy, you'd +better own up that you have stolen the articles, and the lady will +probably let you off this time." + +"Yes, I will let him off this time," chimed in the lady. "I don't +want to send him to prison." + +"If you can prove that I am a thief, I am willing to go," said +Grant, hotly. + +By this time the elder salesman had come back. + +"Is your name John Cavanaugh, my boy?" he asked. + +"No, sir." + +"Did you ever see this lady before?" + +"No, sir." + +The lady threw up her hands in feigned amazement. + +"I wouldn't have believed the boy would lie so!" she said. + +"What is your name?" + +"My name is Grant Thornton. I live in Colebrook, and my father is +Rev. John Thornton." + +"I know there is such a minister there. To whom do these pearls +belong?" + +"To my mother." + +"A likely story that a country minister's wife should own such +valuable pearls," said Mrs. Simpson, in a tone of sarcasm. + +"How do you account for it?" asked the clerk. + +"They were given my mother years since, by a rich lady who was a +good friend of hers. She has never had occasion to wear them." + +Mrs. Simpson smiled significantly. + +"The boy has learned his story," she said. "I did not give you +credit for such an imagination, John Cavanaugh." + +"My name is Grant Thornton, madam," said our hero, gravely. + +Five minutes later two men entered the store. One was a policeman, +the other the head of the firm. When Grant's eye fell on the +policeman he felt nervous, but when he glanced at the gentleman his +face lighted up with pleasure. + +"Why, it's Mr. Clifton," he said. + +"Grant Thornton," said the jeweler, in surprise. "Why, I thought--" + +"You will do me justice, Mr. Clifton," said Grant, and thereupon he +related the circumstances already known to the reader. + +When Mrs. Simpson found that the boy whom she had selected as an +easy victim was known to the proprietor of the place, she became +nervous, and only thought of escape. + +"It is possible that I am mistaken," she said. "Let me look at the +pearls again." + +They were held up for her inspection. + +"They are very like mine," she said, after a brief glance; "but I +see there is a slight difference." + +"How about the boy, madam?" asked the elder clerk. + +"He is the very image of my errand boy; but if Mr. Clifton knows +him, I must be mistaken. I am sorry to have given you so much +trouble. I have an engagement to meet, and must go." + +"Stop, madam!" said Mr. Clifton, sternly, interposing an obstacle to +her departure, "we can't spare you yet." + +"I really must go, sir. I give up all claim to the pearls." + +"That is not sufficient. You have laid claim to them, knowing that +they were not yours. Officer, have you ever seen this woman before?" + +"Yes, sir, I know her well." + +"How dare you insult me?" demanded Mrs. Simpson; but there was a +tremor in her voice. + +"I give her in charge for an attempted swindle," said Mr. Clifton. + +"You will have to come with me, madam," said the policeman. "You may +as well go quietly." + +"Well, the game is up," said the woman, with a careless laugh. + +"It came near succeeding, though." + +"Now, my boy," said the jeweler, "I will attend to your business. +You want to sell these pearls?" + +"Yes, sir; they are of no use to mother, and she needs the money." + +"At what do you value them?" + +"I leave that to you, sir. I shall be satisfied with what you think +them worth." + +The jeweler examined them attentively. After his examination was +concluded, he said: "I am willing to give four hundred dollars for +them. Of course they cost more, but I shall have to reset them." + +"That is more than I expected," said Grant, joyfully. "It will pay +all our debts, and give us a little fund to help us in future." + +"Do you wish the money now? There might be some risk in a boy like +you carrying so much with you." + +"What would you advise, Mr. Clifton?" + +"That you take perhaps a hundred dollars, and let me bring the +balance next Saturday night, when I come to pass Sunday at +Colebrook." + +"Thank you, sir; if it won't be too much trouble for you." + + + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +GRANT TAKES A DECISIVE STEP + + + + + +Grant came home a messenger of good tidings, as his beaming face +plainly showed. His mother could hardly believe in her good fortune, +when Grant informed her that he had sold the pearls for four hundred +dollars. + +"Why, that will pay up all your father's debts," she said, "and we +shall once more feel independent." + +"And with a good reserve fund besides," suggested Grant. + +On Saturday evening he called on Mr. Clifton, and received the +balance of the purchase money. On Monday, with a little list of +creditors, and his pocket full of money, he made a round of calls, +and paid up everybody, including Mr. Tudor. + +"I told you the bill would be paid, Mr. Tudor," he said, quietly, to +the grocer. + +"You mustn't feel hard on me on account of my pressing you, Grant," +said the grocer, well pleased, in a conciliatory tone. "You see, I +needed money to pay my bills." + +"You seemed to think my father didn't mean to pay you," said Grant, +who could not so easily get over what he had considered unfriendly +conduct on the part of Mr. Tudor. + +"No, I didn't. Of course I knew he was honest, but all the same I +needed the money. I wish all my customers was as honest as your +folks." + +With this Grant thought it best to be contented. The time might come +again when they would require the forbearance of the grocer; but he +did not mean that it should be so if he could help it. For he was +more than ever resolved to give up the project of going to college. +The one hundred and fifty dollars which remained after paying the +debts would tide them over a year, but his college course would +occupy four; and then there would be three years more of study to +fit him for entering a profession, and so there would be plenty of +time for the old difficulties to return. If the parish would +increase kis father's salary by even a hundred dollars, they might +get along; but there was such a self-complacent feeling in the +village that Mr. Thornton was liberally paid, that he well knew +there was no chance of that. + +Upon this subject he had more than one earnest conversation with his +mother. + +"I should be sorry to have you leave home," she said; "but I +acknowledge the force of your reasons." + +"I shouldn't be happy at college, mother," responded Grant, "if I +thought you were pinched at home." + +"If you were our only child, Grant, it would be different." + +"That is true; but there are Frank and Mary who would suffer. If I +go to work I shall soon be able to help you take care of them." + +"You are a good and unselfish boy, Grant," said his mother. + +"I don't know about that, mother; I am consulting my own happiness +as well as yours." + +"Yet you would like to go to college?" + +"If we had plenty of money, not otherwise. I don't want to enjoy +advantages at the expense of you all." + +"Your Uncle Godfrey will be very angry," said Mrs. Thornton, +thoughtfully. + +"I suppose he will, and I shall be sorry for it. I am grateful to +him for his good intentions toward me, and I have no right to expect +that he will feel as I do about the matter. If he is angry, I shall +be sorry, but I don't think it ought to influence me." + +"You must do as you decide to be best, Grant. It is you who are most +interested. But suppose you make up your mind to enter upon a +business career, what chance have you of obtaining a place?" + +"I shall call upon Mr. Reynolds, and see if he has any place for +me." + +"Who is Mr. Reynolds?" asked his mother, in some surprise. + +"I forgot that I didn't tell you of the gentleman whose acquaintance +I made on my way up to the city. He is a Wall Street broker. His +attention was drawn to me by something that he heard, and he offered +to help me, if he could, to get employment." + +"It would cost something to go to New York, and after all there is +no certainty that he could help you," said Mrs. Thornton, +cautiously. + +"That is true, mother, but I think he would do something for me." + +However Grant received a summons to New York on other business. Mrs. +Simpson, as she called herself, though she had no right to the name, +was brought up for trial, and Grant was needed as a witness. Of +course his expenses were to be paid. He resolved to take this +opportunity to call at the office of Mr. Reynolds. + +I do not propose to speak of Mrs. Simpson's trial. I will merely say +that she was found guilty of the charge upon which she had been +indicted, and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. + +When Grant was released from his duties as witness, he made his way +to Wall Street, or rather New Street, which branches out from the +great financial thoroughfare, and had no difficulty in finding the +office of Mr. Reynolds. + +"Can I see Mr. Reynolds?" he asked of a young man, who was writing +at a desk. + +"Have you come to deliver stock? If so, I will take charge of it." + +"No," answered Grant; "I wish to see him personally." + +"He is at the Stock Exchange just at present. If you will take a +seat, he will be back in twenty minutes, probably." + +Grant sat down, and in less than the time mentioned, Mr. Reynolds +entered the office. The broker, who had a good memory for faces, at +once recognized our hero. + +"Ha, my young friend from the country," he said; "would you like to +see me?" + +"When you are at leisure, sir," answered Grant, well pleased at the +prompt recognition. + +"You will not have to wait long. Amuse yourself as well as you can +for a few minutes." + +Promptness was the rule in Mr. Reynolds' office. Another +characteristic of the broker was, that he was just as polite to a +boy as to his best customer. This is, I am quite aware, an unusual +trait, and, therefore, the more to be appreciated when we meet with +it. + +Presently Mr. Reynolds appeared at the door of his inner office, and +beckoned to Grant to enter. + +"Take a seat, my young friend," he said; "and now let me know what I +can do for you." + +"When I met you in the cars," said Grant, "you invited me, if I ever +wanted a position, to call upon you, and you would see if you could +help me." + +"Very true, I did. Have you made up your mind to seek a place?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Are your parents willing you should come to New York?" + +"Yes, sir. That is, my mother is willing, and my father will agree +to whatever she decides to be best." + +"So far so good. I wouldn't engage any boy who came against his +parents' wishes. Now let me tell you that you have come at a very +favorable time. I have had in my employ for two years the son of an +old friend, who has suited me in every respect; but now he is to go +abroad with his father for a year, and I must supply his place. You +shall have the place if you want it." + +"Nothing would suit me better," said Grant, joyfully. "Do you think +I would be competent to fulfill the duties?" + +"Harry Becker does not leave me for two weeks. He will initiate you +into your duties, and if you are as quick as I think you are at +learning, that will be sufficient." + +"When shall I come, sir?" + +"Next Monday morning. It is now Thursday, and that will give you +time to remove to the city." + +"Perhaps I had better come Saturday, so as to get settled in a +boarding-house before going to work. Could you recommend some +moderate priced boarding-house, Mr. Reynolds?" + +"For the first week you may come to my house as my guest. That will +give you a chance to look about you. I live at 58 West 3-th Street. +You had better take it down on paper. You can come any time on +Monday. That will give you a chance to spend Sunday at home, and you +need not go to work till Tuesday." + +Grant expressed his gratitude in suitable terms, and left the office +elated at his good fortune. A surprise awaited him. At the junction +of Wall and New Streets he came suddenly upon a large-sized +bootblack, whose face looked familiar. + +"Tom Calder!" he exclaimed. "Is that you?" + + + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +'UNCLE GODFREY PARTS FROM GRANT + + + + + +When Tom Calder turned round and saw who had addressed him, he +turned red with mortification, and he tried to hide his blacking +box. He was terribly mortified to have it known that he had been +forced into such a business. If Tom had nothing worse to be ashamed +of he need not have blushed, but he was suffering from false shame. + +"When did you come to the city?" he stammered. + +"Only this morning." + +"I suppose you are surprised to see me in this business," said Tom, +awkwardly. + +"There is nothing to be ashamed of," said Grant. "It is an honest +business." + +"It's an awful come down for me," said Tom, uncomfortably. "The fact +is, I've had hard luck." + +"I am sorry to hear that," said Grant. + +"I expected a place in Wall Street, but I came just too late, and +things are awful dull anyway. Then I was robbed of my money." + +"How much?" asked Grant, curiously, for he didn't believe a word of +it. + +"Eight dollars and thirty-three cents," replied Tom, glibly. + +"I thought you were too smart to be robbed," said Grant, slyly. "If +it had been a green boy from the country like me, now, it wouldn't +have been surprising." + +"I was asleep when I was robbed," explained Tom, hurriedly. "A +fellow got into my room in the night, and picked my pocket. I +couldn't help that, now, could I?" + +"I suppose not." + +"So I had to get something to do, or go back to Colebrook. I say, +Grant---" + +"Well?" + +"Don't you tell any of the fellers at home what business I'm in, +that's a good fellow." + +"I won't if you don't want me to," said Grant. + +"You see, it's only a few days till I can get something else to do." + +"It's a great deal better blacking boots than being idle, in my +opinion," said Grant. + +"That's the way I look at it. But you didn't tell me what you came +to the city for?" + +"I'm coming here for good," announced Grant. + +"You haven't got a place, have you?" ejaculated Tom, in surprise. + +"Yes, I am to enter the office of Mr. Reynolds, a stock broker. +There is his sign." + +"You don't say so I. Why, that's just the sort of place I wanted. +How did you get the chance?" + +"I got acquainted with Mr. Reynolds on board the cars that day we +came to New York together." + +"And you asked him for the place?" + +"I asked him this morning." + +"You might have given me the chance," grumbled Tom, enviously. "You +knew it was the sort of place I was after." + +"I don't think I was called upon to do that," said Grant, smiling. +"Besides, he wouldn't have accepted you." + +"Why not? Ain't I as smart as you, I'd like to know?" retorted Tom +Calder, angrily. + +"He heard us talking in the cars, and didn't like what you said." + +"What did I say?" + +"He doesn't approve of boys smoking cigarettes and going to bucket +shops. You spoke of both." + +"How did he hear?" + +"He was sitting just behind us." + +"Was it that old chap that was sittin' with you when I came back +from the smoking car?" + +"Yes." + +"Just my luck," said Tom, ruefully. + +"When are you goin' to work?" asked Tom, after a pause. + +"Next Monday." + +"Where are you going to board? We might take a room together, you +know. It would be kind of social, as we both come from the same +place." + +It did not occur to Grant that the arrangement would suit him at +all, but he did not think it necessary to say so. He only said: "I +am going to Mr. Reynolds' house, just at first." + +"You don't say so! Why, he's taken a regular fancy to you." + +"If he has, I hope he won't get over it." + +"I suppose he lives in a handsome brownstone house uptown." + +"Very likely; I've never seen the house." + +"Well, some folks has luck, but I ain't one of 'em," grumbled Tom. + +"Your luck is coming, I hope, Tom." + +"I wish it would come pretty soon, then; I say, suppose your folks +won't let you take the place?" he asked, suddenly, brightening up. + +"They won't oppose it." "I thought they wanted you to go to +college." + +"I can't afford it. It would take too long before I could earn +anything, and I ought to be helping the family." + +"I'm goin' to look out for number one," said Tom, shrugging his +shoulders. "That's all I can do." + +Tom's mother was a hard-working woman, and had taken in washing for +years. But for her the family would often have lacked for food. His +father was a lazy, intemperate man, who had no pride of manhood, and +cared only for himself. In this respect Tom was like him, though the +son had not as yet become intemperate. + +"I don't think there is any chance of my giving up the place," +answered Grant. "If I do, I will mention your name." + +"That's a good fellow." + +Grant did not volunteer to recommend Tom, for he could not have done +so with a clear conscience. This omission, however, Tom did not +notice. + +"Well, Tom, I must be going. Good-by, and good luck." + +Grant went home with a cheerful face, and announced his good luck to +his mother. + +"I am glad you are going to your employer's house," she said. "I +wish you could remain there permanently." + +"So do I, mother; but I hope at any rate to get a comfortable +boarding place. Tom Calder wants to room with me." + +"I hope you won't think of it," said Mrs. Thornton, alarmed. + +"Not for a moment. I wish Tom well, but I shouldn't like to be too +intimate with him. And now, mother, I think I ought to write to +Uncle Godfrey, and tell him what I have decided upon." + +"That will be proper, Grant." Grant wrote the following letter, and +mailed it at once: + +"DEAR UNCLE GODFREY: + +I am afraid you won't like what I have to tell you, but I think it +is my duty to the family to give up the college course you so kindly +offered me, in view of father's small salary and narrow means. I +have been offered a place in the office of a stock broker in New +York, and have accepted it. I enter upon my duties next Monday +morning. I hope to come near paying my own way, and before very long +to help father. I know you will be disappointed, Uncle Godfrey, and +I hope you won't think I don't appreciate your kind offer, but I +think it would be selfish in me to accept it. Please do forgive me, +and believe me to be + +Your affectionate nephew, GRANT THORNTON." + +In twenty-four hours an answer came to this letter. It ran thus: + +"NEPHEW GRANT: + +I would not have believed you would act so foolishly and +ungratefully. It is not often that such an offer as mine is made to +a boy. I did think you were sensible enough to understand the +advantages of a professional education. I hoped you would do credit +to the name of Thornton, and keep up the family reputation as a man +of learning and a gentleman. But you have a foolish fancy for going +into a broker's office, and I suppose you must be gratified. But you +needn't think I will renew my offer. I wash my hands of you from +this time forth, and leave you to your own foolish course. The time +will come when you will see your folly. + +GODFREY THORNTON." + +Grant sighed as he finished reading this missive. He felt that his +uncle had done him injustice. It was no foolish fancy, but a +conscientious sense of duty, which had led him to sacrifice his +educational prospects. + +On Monday morning he took the earliest train for New York. + + + + + + +CHAPTER X + +A DAY IN WALL STREET + + + + + +Grant went at once on his arrival in the city to Mr. Reynolds' +office. He had in his hand a well-worn valise containing his small +stock of clothing. The broker was just leaving the office for the +Stock Exchange as Grant entered. + +"So you are punctual," he said, smiling. + +"Yes, sir, I always on time." + +"That is an excellent habit. Here, Harry." + +In answer to this summons, Harry Becker, a boy two years older and +correspondingly larger than Grant, came forward. He was a +pleasant-looking boy, and surveyed Grant with a friendly glance. + +"Harry," said Mr. Reynolds, "this is your successor. Do me the favor +of initiating him into his duties, so that when you leave me he will +be qualified to take your place." + +"All right, sir." + +The broker hurried over to the Exchange, and the two boys were left +together. + +"What is your name?" asked the city boy. + +"Grant Thornton." + +"Mine is Harry Becker. Are you accustomed to the city?" + +"No, I am afraid you will find me very green," answered Grant. + +"You are not the boy to remain so long," said Harry, scrutinizing +him attentively. + +"I hope not. You are going to Europe, Mr. Reynolds tells me." + +"Yes, the governor is going to take me." + +"The governor?" + +"My father, I mean," said Harry, smiling. + +"I suppose you are not sorry to go?" + +"Oh, no; I expect to have a tip-top time. How would you like it?" + +"Very much, if I could afford it, but at present I would rather fill +your place in the office. I am the son of a poor country minister, +and must earn my own living." + +"How did you get in with Mr. Reynolds?" asked Harry. + +Grant told him. "Is he easy to get along with?" he inquired, a +little anxiously. + +"He is very kind and considerate. Still he is stanch, and expects a +boy to serve him faithfully." + +"He has a right to expect that." + +"As I am to break you in, you had better go about with me +everywhere. First, we will go to the post-office." + +The two boys walked to Nassau Street, where the New York post-office +was then located. Harry pointed out the box belonging to the firm, +and producing a key opened it, and took out half a dozen letters. + +"There may be some stock orders in these letters," he said; "we will +go back to the office, give them to Mr. Clark to open, and then you +can go with me to the Stock Exchange." + +Ten minutes later they entered the large room used by the brokers as +an Exchange. Grant looked about him in undisguised astonishment. It +seemed like a pandemonium. The room was full of men, shouting, +gesticulating and acting like crazy men. The floor was littered with +fragments of paper, and on a raised dais were the officers of the +Exchange, the chief among them, the chairman, calling rapidly the +names of a long list of stocks. Each name was followed by a confused +shouting, which Grant learned afterward to be bids for the stock +named. There were several groups of brokers, each apparently +interested in some leading security. In each of the galleries, one +at each end, overlooking the stock room, curious spectators were +watching what was going on. + +Harry Decker was amused at Grant's look of surprise and +bewilderment. + +"You'll get used to it in time," he said. "Say--there is Mr. +Reynolds. I must speak to him." + +Mr. Reynolds stood near a placard on which, in prominent letters, +was inscribed "Erie." Harry handed him a paper, which he took, +glanced at quickly, and then resumed his bidding. + +"He has just bought one thousand Erie," said Harry, aside, to Grant. + +"One thousand?" + +"Yes, a thousand shares, at fifty-five." + +"Fifty-five dollars?" + +"Yes." + +"Why, that will make fifty-five thousand dollars," ejaculated Grant, +in wonder. + +"Yes, that is one of the orders I brought over just now." + +"A man must have a great deal of capital to carry on this business, +if that is only an item of a single day's business." + +"Yes, but not so much as you may imagine. I can't explain now, but +you'll understand better as you go on. Now we'll go back and see if +there's anything to do in the office." + +Not long afterward Harry had to come back to the Exchange again, and +Grant came with him. He found something new to surprise him. + +A tall man of dignified presence was walking across the floor, when +a fellow member with a sly stroke sent his tall hat spinning across +the floor. When the victim turned the mischief-maker was intent upon +his memorandum book, and the tall man's suspicions fell upon a +short, stout young man beside him. With a vigorous sweep he knocked +the young man's hat off, saying, "It's a poor rule that don't work +both ways." + +This led to a little scrimmage, in which a dozen were involved. The +brokers, staid, middle-aged men, most of them, seemed like a pack of +school boys at recess. Grant surveyed the scene with undisguised +astonishment. + +"What does it mean, Harry?" he asked. + +"Oh, that's a very common occurrence," said Harry, smiling. + +"I never saw grown men acting so. Won't there be a fight?" + +"Oh, it's all fun. The brokers are unlike any other class of men in +business hours," explained Harry. "It's one of the customs of the +place." + +Just then, to his astonishment, Grant saw his employer, Mr. +Reynolds, pursuing his hat, which was rolling over the floor. He was +about to run to his assistance, but Harry stopped him. + +"No interference is allowed," he said. "Leave them to their fun. I +used to think it strange myself, when I first came into the +Exchange, but I'm used to it now. Now we may as well go back to the +office." + +There is no occasion to follow the boys through the day's routine. +Grant found his companion very obliging, and very ready to give him +the information he needed. Many boys would have been supercilious +and perhaps been disposed to play tricks on a country boy, but Harry +was not one of them. He took a friendly interest in Grant, answered +all his questions, and did his best to qualify him for the position +he was to assume. + +Before the office closed, Grant and his new friend went to the bank +to make a deposit of money and checks. The deposit amounted to about +twenty thousand dollars. + +"There must be plenty of money in New York," said Grant. "Why, up in +Colebrook, if a man were worth twenty thousand dollars he would be +considered a rich man." + +"It takes a good deal more than that to make a man rich in New York. +In the stock business a man is likely to do a larger business in +proportion to his capital than in the mercantile business." + +On their way back from the bank, Grant came face to face with Tom +Calder. Tom was busily engaged in talking to a companion, some years +older than himself, and didn't observe Grant. Grant was by no means +prepossessed in favor of this young man, whose red and mottled face, +and bold glance made him look far from respectable. + +"Do you know those fellows?" asked Harry Becker. + +"The youngest one is from Colebrook." + +"He is in bad company. I hope he is not an intimate friend of +yours?" + +"Far from it. Still, I know him, and am sorry to see him with such a +companion." + +At four o'clock Mr. Reynolds proposed to go home. He beckoned to +Grant to accompany him. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +GRANT MAKES A FRIEND + + + + + +"What do you think of your first day in Wall Street?" asked Mr. +Reynolds, kindly. + +"I have found it very interesting," answered Grant. + +"Do you think you shall like the business?" + +"Yes, sir, I think so." + +"Better than if you had been able to carry out your original plan, +and go to college?" + +"Yes, sir, under the circumstances, for I have a better prospect of +helping the family." + +"That feeling does you credit. Have you any brothers and sisters?" + +"One of each, sir." + +"I have but one boy, now nine years old. I am sorry to say he is not +strong in body, though very bright and quick, mentally. I wish he +were more fond of play and would spend less time in reading and +study." + +"I don't think that is a common complaint among boys, sir." + +"No, I judge not from my own remembrance and observation. My wife is +dead, and I am such a busy man that I am not able to give my boy as +much attention as I wish I could. My boy's health is the more +important to me because I have no other child." + +Grant's interest was excited, and he looked forward to meeting his +employer's son, not without eagerness. He had not long to wait. + +The little fellow was in the street in front of the house when his +father reached home. He was a slender, old-fashioned boy in +appearance, who looked as if he had been in the habit of keeping +company with grown people. His frame was small, but his head was +large. He was pale, and would have been plain, but for a pair of +large, dark eyes, lighting up his face. + +"Welcome home, papa," he said, running up to meet Mr. Reynolds. + +The broker stooped over and kissed his son. Then he said: "I have +brought you some company, Herbert. This is Grant Thornton, the boy I +spoke to you about." + +"I am glad to make your acquaintance," said the boy, with +old-fashioned courtesy, offering his hand. + +"And I am glad to meet you, Herbert," responded Grant, pleasantly. + +The little boy looked up earnestly in the face of his father's +office boy. + +"I think I shall like you," he said. + +Mr. Reynolds looked pleased, and so did Grant. + +"I am sure we shall be very good friends," said our hero. + +"Herbert," said his father, "will you show Grant the room he is to +occupy?" + +"It is next to mine, isn't it, papa?" + +"Yes, my son." + +"Come with me," said Herbert, putting his hand in Grant's. "I will +show you the way." + +Grant, who was only accustomed to the plain homes in his native +village, was impressed by the evidence of wealth and luxury +observable in the house of the stock broker. The room assigned to +him was small, but it was very handsomely furnished, and he almost +felt out of place in it. But it was not many days, to anticipate +matters a little, before he felt at home. + +Herbert took Grant afterward into his own room. + +"See my books," he said, leading the way to a bookcase, containing +perhaps a hundred volumes, the majority of a juvenile character, but +some suited to more mature tastes. "Do you like reading?" asked +Grant. + +"I have read all the books you see here," answered Herbert, "and +some of papa's besides. I like to read better than to play." + +"But you ought to spend some of your time in play, or you will not +grow up healthy." + +"That is what papa says. I try to play some, but I don't care much +about it." + +Grant was no longer surprised at the little boy's delicacy. It was +clear that he needed more amusement and more exercise. "Perhaps," he +thought, "I can induce Herbert to exercise more." + +"When do you take dinner?" he asked. + +"At half-past six. There is plenty of time." + +"Then suppose we take a little walk together. We shall both have a +better appetite." + +"I should like to," replied Herbert; "that is, with you. I don't +like to walk alone." + +"How far is Central Park from here?" + +"A little over a mile." + +"I have never seen it. Would you mind walking as far as that?" + +"Oh, no." + +So the two boys walked out together. They were soon engaged in an +animated conversation, consisting, for the most part, of questions +proposed by Grant, and answers given by Herbert. + +Not far from the park they came to a vacant lot where some boys were +playing ball. + +"Now, if we only had a ball, Herbert," said Grant, "we might have a +little amusement." + +"I've got a ball in my pocket, but I don't use it much." + +"Let me see it." + +Herbert produced the ball, which proved to be an expensive one, +better than any Grant had ever owned. + +"There, Herbert, stand here, and I will place myself about fifty +feet away. Now, throw it to me, no matter how swiftly." + +They were soon engaged in throwing the ball to each other. Grant was +a good ball player, and he soon interested the little boy in the +sport. Our hero was pleased to see Herbert's quiet, listless manner +exchanged for the animation which seemed better suited to a boy. + +"You are improving, Herbert," he said, after a while. "You would +make a good player in time." + +"I never liked it before," said the little boy. "I never knew there +was so much fun in playing ball." + +"We shall have to try it every day. I suppose it is about time to go +home to supper." + +"And we haven't been to Central Park, after all." + +"That will do for another day. Are boys allowed to play ball in the +park?" + +"Two afternoons in the week, I believe, but I never played there." + +"We shall have to try it some day." + +"I should like to play--with you." + +They reached home in full time for dinner. At the dinner table Mr. +Reynolds was struck by the unusually bright and animated face of his +son, and his good appetite. + +"What have you been doing to make you so hungry, Herbert?" he asked. + +"I took a walk with Grant, and we had a fine game of ball." + +"I am glad to hear it," said the broker, much pleased. "If you want +to become stout and strong like Grant, that is the best thing for +you to do." + +"I never liked playing ball before, papa." + +"That is a compliment to you, Grant," said the broker, smiling. + +"I think," he said to the prim, elderly lady who presided over the +household, acting as housekeeper, "Herbert will be the better for +having a boy in the house." + +"I don't know about that," said Mrs. Estabrook, stiffly. "When he +came into the house he had mud on his clothes. He never did that +till this boy came." + +"I won't complain of that, if his health is improved." + +Mrs. Estabrook, who was a poor relation of Herbert's mother, pursed +up her mouth, but did not reply. In her eyes, it was more important +that a boy should keep his clothes whole and clean than to have +color in his cheeks, and health in his frame. + +"I hope that boy won't stay here long," she thought, referring, of +course, to Grant. "He'll quite spoil Herbert by making him rough and +careless of his appearance." + +"Well, Herbert, and how do you like Grant?" asked Mr. Reynolds, as +his son was bidding him good-night before going to bed. + +"I am so glad you brought him here, papa. I shall have good times +now. You'll let him stay all the time, won't you?" + +"I'll see about it, Herbert," answered his father, smiling. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +MRS. ESTABROOK'S PLANS + + + + + +Grant was going home with Mr. Reynolds at the close of the fourth +day, when it occurred to him to say what had been in his mind for +some time: "Isn't it time, Mr. Reynolds, for me to be looking out +for a boarding place?" + +The broker smiled, and said with assumed concern: "Are you +dissatisfied with your present boarding place?" + +"How could I be, sir?" returned Grant, earnestly. "But you told me I +could stay with you a week, while I was looking about for a suitable +place to board." + +"That is true. Now, however, there is a difficulty about your making +a change." + +"What is that, sir?" + +"Herbert would not give his consent. The fact is, Grant, Herbert +finds so much pleasure in your society, and derives so much +advantage from the increased exercise you lead him to take, that I +think you will have to make up your mind to stay." + +Grant's face showed the pleasure he felt. + +"I shall be very glad to stay, Mr. Reynolds," he answered, "if you +are willing to have me." + +"I had this in view from the first," said the broker, "but I wanted +to see how you and Herbert got along. I wished to be sure, also, +that your influence on him would be good. Of that I can have no +doubt, and I am glad to receive you as a member of my family." + +There was one member of the household, however, who was not so well +pleased with the proposed arrangement. This was Mrs. Estabrook, the +housekeeper. + +As the week drew to a close, she said, one evening after the boys +had retired: + +"How much longer is the office boy to stay here, Mr. Reynolds?" + +"Why do you ask?" inquired the broker. + +"Only with reference to domestic arrangements," answered the +housekeeper, disconcerted. + +"He will remain for a considerable time, Mrs. Estabrook." + +"I--I thought he was only going to stay a week." + +"He is company for Herbert, and I think it desirable to keep him." + +"Herbert soils his clothes a deal more now than he used to do," said +the housekeeper, discontentedly. "I am sure I don't know where the +other boy carries him." + +"Nor I, but I am not afraid to trust him with Grant. As to the +clothes, I consider them of very small account, compared with my +boy's health." + +Mrs. Estabrook knitted in silence for five minutes. She was by no +means pleased with her employer's plan, having taken a dislike to +Grant, for which, indeed, her chief reason was jealousy. She had a +stepson, a young man of twenty-one, in Mr. Reynolds' office, whom +she would like to have in the house in place of Grant. But Mr. +Reynolds had never taken notice of her occasional hints to that +effect. The housekeeper's plans were far-reaching. She knew that +Herbert was delicate, and doubted if he would live to grow up. In +that case, supposing her stepson had managed to ingratiate himself +with the broker, why might he not hope to become his heir? Now this +interloper, as she called Grant, had stepped into the place which +her own favorite--his name was Willis Ford--should have had. Mrs. +Estabrook felt aggrieved, and unjustly treated, and naturally +incensed at Grant, who was the unconscious cause of her +disappointment. She returned to the charge, though, had she been +wiser, she would have foreborne. + +"Do you think a poor boy like this Grant Thornton is a suitable +companion for a rich man's son, Mr. Reynolds? Excuse me for +suggesting it, but I am so interested in dear Herbert." + +"Grant Thornton is the son of a country minister, and has had an +excellent training," said the broker, coldly. "The fact that he is +poor is no objection in my eyes. I think, Mrs. Estabrook, we will +dismiss the subject. I think myself competent to choose my son's +associates." + +"I hope you will excuse me," said the housekeeper, seeing that she +had gone too far. "I am so attached to the dear child." + +"If you are, you will not object to the extra trouble you may have +with his clothes, since his health is benefited." + +"That artful young beggar has wound his way into his employer's +confidence," thought Mrs. Estabrook, resentfully, "but it may not be +always so." + +A few minutes later, when the housekeeper was in her own +sitting-room, she was told that Willis Ford wanted to see her. + +Mrs. Estabrook's thin face lighted up with pleasure, for she was +devotedly attached to her stepson. + +"Bring him up here at once," she said. + +A minute later the young man entered the room. He was a thin, +sallow-complexioned young man, with restless, black eyes, and a +discontented expression--as of one who thinks he is not well used by +the world. + +"Welcome, my dear boy," said the housekeeper, warmly. "I am so glad +to see you." + +Willis submitted reluctantly to his stepmother's caress, and threw +himself into a rocking chair opposite her. + +"Are you well, Willis?" asked Mrs. Estabrook, anxiously. + +"Yes, I'm well enough," muttered the young man. + +"I thought you looked out of sorts." + +"I feel so." + +"Is anything the matter?" + +"Yes; I'm sick of working at such starvation wages." + +"I thought fifteen dollars a week a very good salary. Only last +January you were raised three dollars." + +"And I expected to be raised three dollars more on the first of +July." + +"Did you apply to Mr. Reynolds?" + +"Yes, and he told me I must wait till next January." + +"I think he might have raised you, if only on account of the +connection between our families." + +"Perhaps he would if you would ask him, mother." + +"I will when there is a good opportunity. Still, Willis, I think +fifteen dollars a week very comfortable." + +"You don't know a young man's expenses, mother." + +"How much do you pay for board, Willis?" + +"Six dollars a week. I have a room with a friend, or I should have +to pay eight." + +"That leaves you nine dollars a week for all other expenses. I think +you might save something out of that." + +"I can't. I have clothes to buy, and sometimes I want to go to the +theatre, and in fact, nine dollars don't go as far as you think. Of +course, a woman doesn't need to spend much. It's different with a +young man." + +"Your income would be a good deal increased if you had no board to +pay." + +"Of course. You don't know any generous minded person who will board +me for nothing, do you?" + +"There's a new office boy in your office, isn't there?" + +"Yes, a country boy." + +"Did you know he was boarding here?" + +"No; is he?" + +"Mr. Reynolds told me to-night he was going to keep him here +permanently, as a companion for his little son." + +"Lucky for him." + +"I wish Mr. Reynolds would give you a home here." + +"I would rather he would make it up in money, and let me board where +I please." + +"But you forget. It would give you a chance to get him interested in +you, and if Herbert should die, you might take his place as heir." + +"That would be a splendid idea, but there's no prospect of it. It +isn't for me." + +"It may be for the office boy. He's an artful boy, and that's what +he's working for, in my opinion." + +"I didn't think the little beggar was so evil-headed. He seems quiet +enough." + +"Still waters run deep. You'd better keep an eye on him, and I'll do +the same." + +"I will." + +The next day Grant was puzzled to understand why Willis Ford spoke +so sharply to him, and regarded him with such evident unfriendliness. + +"What have I done to offend you?" he thought. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +TWO VIEWS OF TOM CALDER + + + + + +Thus far nothing had been said about the compensation Grant was to +receive for his work in the broker's office. He did not like to ask, +especially as he knew that at the end of the first week the matter +would be settled. When he found that he was to remain for the +present at the house of his employer he concluded that his cash pay +would be very small, perhaps a dollar a week. However, that would be +doing quite as well as if he paid his own board elsewhere, while he +enjoyed a much more agreeable and luxurious home. He would be unable +to assist his father for a year or two; but that was only what he +had a right to expect. + +When Saturday afternoon came, Mr. Reynolds said: "By the way, Grant, +I must pay you your week's wages. I believe no sum was agreed upon." + +"No, sir." + +"We will call it six dollars. Will that be satisfactory?" + +"Very much so, Mr. Reynolds; but there will be a deduction for +board." + +Mr. Reynolds smiled. + +"That is a different matter," he said. "That comes to you as +Herbert's companion. It is worth that to me to have my boy's +happiness increased." + +Grant was overjoyed at the bright prospect opened before him, and he +said, with glowing face: "You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds. Now I +shall be able to help my father." + +"That is very creditable to you, my boy. Willis, you may pay Grant +six dollars." + +Willis Ford did so, but he looked very glum. He estimated that, +including his board, Grant would be in receipt of twelve dollars a +week, or its equivalent, and this was only three dollars less than +he himself received, who had been in the office five years and was a +connection of the broker. + +"It's a shame," he thought, "that this green, country boy should be +paid nearly as much as I--I must call and tell mother." + +Grant was a very happy boy that evening. He resolved to lay aside +three dollars a week to send to his mother, to save up a dollar a +week and deposit it in some savings bank, and make the other two +dollars answer for his clothing and miscellaneous expenses. + +On the next Monday afternoon Grant walked home alone, Mr. Reynolds +having some business which delayed him. He thought he would walk up +Broadway, as there was much in that crowded thoroughfare to amuse +and interest him. + +Just at the corner of Canal Street he came across Tom Calder. Tom +was standing in a listless attitude with his hands in his pockets, +with apparently no business cares weighing upon his mind. + +"Hello, Grant!" he said, with sudden recognition. + +"How are you, Tom?" + +"I'm all right, but I'm rather hard up." + +Grant was not surprised to hear that. + +"You see, there's a feller owes me seven dollars, and I can't get it +till next week," continued Tom, watching Grant's face to see if he +believed it. + +Grant did not believe it, but did not think it necessary to say so. + +"That's inconvenient," he remarked. + +"I should say it was. You couldn't lend me a couple of dollars, +could you?" + +"I don't think I could." + +Tom looked disappointed. + +"How much do you get?" he asked. + +"Six dollars a week." + +"That's pretty good, for a boy like you. I wish you'd take a room +with me. It would come cheaper." + +"I shall stay where I am for the present," said Grant. + +He did not care to mention, unless he were asked, that he was making +his home at the house of Mr. Reynolds, as it might either lead to a +call from Tom, whom he did not particularly care to introduce to his +new friends, or might lead to a more pressing request for a loan. + +"Where are you boarding?" asked Grant, after a pause. + +"In Clinton Place. I have a room there, and get my meals where I +like. There's a chap from your office that lives in the same house." + +"Who is it?" asked Grant, anxiously. + +"It's Willis Ford." + +"Is that so?" returned Grant, in surprise. "Do you know him?" + +"Only a little. I don't like him. He's too stuck up." + +Grant made no comment, but in his heart he agreed with Tom. + +"Are you doing anything?" he asked. + +"Not just yet," answered Tom, "I expect a good job soon. You haven't +a quarter to spare, have you?" Grant produced the desired sum and +handed it to his companion. He didn't fancy Tom, but he was willing +to help him in a small way. + +"Thanks," said Tom. "That'll buy my supper. I'll give it back to you +in a day or two." + +Grant did not think there was much likelihood of that, but felt that +he could afford to lose this small sum. + +Four days later he met Tom in Wall Street. But what a change! He was +attired in a new suit, wore a fancy necktie, while a chain, that +looked like gold, dangled from his watch pocket. Grant stared at him +in amazement. + +"How are you, Grant?" said Tom, patronizingly. + +"Very well, thank you." + +"I hope you are a-doin' well." + +"Very well. You seem to be prosperous." + +"Yes," answered Tom, languidly, evidently enjoying his surprise. "I +told you I expected to get into something good. By the way, I owe +you a quarter--there it is. Much obliged for the accommodation." + +Grant pocketed the coin, which he had never expected to receive, and +continued to regard Tom with puzzled surprise. He could not +understand what business Tom could have found that had so altered +his circumstances. He ventured to inquire. + +"I wouldn't mind tellin' you," answered Tom, "but, you see, it's +kind of confidential. I'm a confidential agent; that's it." + +"It seems to be a pretty good business," remarked Grant. + +"Yes, it is; I don't work for nothin', I can tell you that." + +"I'm glad of your good luck, Tom," said Grant, and he spoke +sincerely. "I hope you'll keep your agency." + +"Oh, I guess I will! A feller like me is pretty sure of a good +livin', anyway. Hello, Jim!" + +This last was addressed to a flashily dressed individual--the same +one, in fact, that Grant had seen on a former occasion with Tom. + +"Who's your friend?" asked Jim, with a glance at Grant. + +"Grant Thornton. He's from my place in the country. He's in the +office of Mr. Reynolds, a broker in New Street." + +"Introduce me." + +"Grant, let me make you acquainted with my friend, Jim Morrison," +said Tom, with a flourish. + +"Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Thornton," said Jim Morrison, +jauntily, offering his hand. + +"Thank you," said Grant, in a reserved tone; for he was not +especially attracted by the look of Tom's friend. He shook hands, +however. + +"Come 'round and see us some evenin', Grant," said Tom. "We'll take +you round, won't we, Jim?" + +"Of course we will. Your friend should see something of the city." + +"You're the feller that can show him. Well, we must be goin'. It's +lunch time." + +Tom pulled out a watch, which, if not gold, was of the same color as +gold, and the two sauntered away. + +"What in the world can Tom have found to do?" Grant wondered. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +WILLIS FORD'S NEW FRIENDS + + + + + +When Harry Decker left the office at the end of two weeks, Grant was +fully able to take his place, having, with Harry's friendly +assistance, completely mastered the usual routine of a broker's +office. He had also learned the names and offices of prominent +operators, and was, in all respects, qualified to be of service to +his employer. + +Mr. Reynolds always treated him with friendly consideration, and +appeared to have perfect confidence in him. For some reason which he +could not understand, however, Willis Ford was far from cordial, +often addressing him in a fault-finding tone, which at first +disturbed Grant. When he found that it arose from Ford's dislike, he +ceased to trouble himself about it, though it annoyed him. He had +discovered Ford's relationship to Mrs. Estabrook, who treated him in +the same cool manner. + +"As it appears I can't please them," Grant said to himself, "I won't +make any special effort to do so." He contented himself with doing +his work faithfully, and so satisfying his own conscience. + +One evening some weeks later, Grant was returning from a concert, to +which the broker had given him a ticket, when, to his great +surprise, he met Willis Ford walking with Tom Calder and Jim +Morrison. The three were apparently on intimate terms. + +"Good-evenin', Grant," said Tom. + +"Good-evening, Tom." + +Grant looked at Willis Ford, but the latter's lip curled and he did +not speak. Grant, however, bowed and passed on. He was surprised at +the intimacy which had grown up between Ford and those two, knowing +Ford's spirit of exclusiveness. He would have been less surprised +had he known that Morrison had first ingratiated himself with Ford +by offering to lend him money, and afterward had lured him into a +gambling house, where Ford, not knowing that he was a dupe, had been +induced to play, and was now a loser to the extent of several +hundred dollars, for which Morrison held his notes. + +"I don't know when I can pay you," said Ford, gloomily, when he came +to realize his situation. + +"Oh, something will turn up." said Jim Morrison, lightly. "I shan't +trouble you." + +Two weeks later, however, he lay in wait for Ford when he left Wall +Street. + +"I want to speak to you a moment, Mr. Ford," he said. + +"Well, what is it?" asked Ford, uncomfortably. + +"I am hard up." + +"So am I," responded Willis Ford. + +"But you owe me a matter of six hundred dollars." + +"I know it, but you said you wouldn't trouble me." + +"I didn't expect I should be obliged to," said Morrison, smoothly. +"But 'Circumstances alter cases,' you know. I shall have to ask you +for it." + +"That's all the good it will do," said Willis, irritably. "I haven't +a cent to my name." + +"When do you expect to have?" + +"Heaven knows; I don't." + +Ford was about to leave his companion and walk away, but Morrison +had no intention of allowing the matter to end so. He laid his hand +on Ford's shoulder and said, firmly: "Mr. Ford, this won't do. Yours +is a debt of honor, and must be paid." + +"Will you be kind enough to let me know how it is to be paid?" +demanded Ford, with an ugly sneer. + +"That is your business, not mine, Mr. Ford." + +"Then, if it is my business, I'll give you notice when I can pay +you. And now, good-afternoon." + +He made another attempt to walk away, but again there was a hand +placed upon his shoulder. + +"Understand, Mr. Ford, that I am in earnest," said Morrison. "I +can't undertake to tell you how you are to find the money, but it +must be found." + +"Suppose it isn't?" said Ford, with a look of defiance. + +"Then I shall seek an interview with your respected employer, tell +him of the debt, and how it was incurred, and I think he would look +for another clerk." + +"You wouldn't do that!" said Ford, his face betraying consternation. + +"I would, and I will, unless you pay what you owe me." + +"But, man, how am I to do it? You will drive me to desperation." + +"Take three days to think of it. If you can't raise it, I may +suggest a way." + +The two parted, and Willis Ford was left to many uncomfortable +reflections. He knew of no way to raise the money; yet, if he did +not do it, he was menaced with exposure and ruin. Would his +stepmother come to his assistance? He knew that Mrs. Estabrook had a +thousand dollars in government bonds. If he could only induce her to +give him the custody of them on any pretext, he could meet the +demand upon him, and he would never again incur a debt of honor. He +cursed his folly for ever yielding to the temptation. Once let him +get out of this scrape, and he would never get into another like it. + +The next evening he made a call upon Mrs. Estabrook, and made +himself unusually agreeable. The cold-hearted woman, whose heart +warmed to him alone, smiled upon him with affection. + +"I am glad to see you in such good spirits, Willis," she said. + +"If she only knew how I really felt," thought her stepson. But it +was for his interest to wear a mask. + +"The fact is, mother," he said, "I feel very cheerful. I've made a +little turn in stocks, and realized three hundred dollars." + +"Have you, indeed, Willis? I congratulate you, my son. No doubt you +will find the money useful." + +"No doubt of that. If I had the capital, I could make a good deal +more." + +"But there would be the danger of losing," suggested Mrs. Estabrook. + +"That danger is very small, mother. I am in a situation to know all +about the course of stocks. I wouldn't advise another to speculate, +unless he has some friend in the Stock Exchange; but for me it is +perfectly safe." + +"Pray be careful, Willis." + +"Oh, yes. I am sure to be. By the way, mother, haven't you got some +money in government bonds?" + +"A little," answered Mrs. Estabrook, cautiously. + +"How much, now?" + +"About a thousand dollars." + +"Let me manage it for you, and I will make it two thousand inside of +a month." + +Mrs. Estabrook had a large share of acquisitiveness, but she had +also a large measure of caution, which she had inherited from her +Scotch ancestry. + +"No, Willis," she said, shaking her head, "I can't take any risk. +This money it has taken me years to save. It is the sole dependence +I have for my old age, and I can't run the risk of losing it." + +"But two thousand dollars will be better than one, mother. Just let +me tell you what happened to a customer of ours: He had above five +hundred dollars in the savings bank, drawing four per cent +interest--only twenty dollars a year. He had a friend in the Stock +Exchange who took charge of it, bought stocks judiciously on a +margin, then reinvested, and now, after three months, how much do +you think it amounts to?" + +"How much?" asked the housekeeper, with interest. + +"Six thousand five hundred dollars--just thirteen times as much!" +answered Willis, glibly. + +This story, by the way, was all a fabrication, intended to influence +his stepmother. Mrs. Estabrook never doubted Ford's statement, but +her instinctive caution saved her from falling into the trap. + +"It looks tempting, Willis," she said, "but I don't dare to take the +risk." Ford was deeply disappointed, but did not betray it. + +"It is for you to decide," said he, carelessly, then drifted to +other subjects. + +Ten minutes later he pressed his hand upon his breast, while his +features worked convulsively. "I believe I am sick," he said. + +"What can I do for you, my dear son?" asked the housekeeper, in +alarm. + +"If you have a glass of brandy!" gasped Willis. + +"I will go downstairs and get some," she said, hurriedly. + +No sooner had she left the room than Willis sprang to his feet, +locked the door, then went to the bureau, unlocked the upper +drawer--he had a key in his pocket which fitted the lock and, +thrusting in his hand, drew out a long envelope containing one +five-hundred-dollar government bond and five bonds of one hundred +dollars each, which he thrust into his side pocket. Then, closing +the drawer, he unlocked the door of the room, and when his step- +mother returned he threw himself back in his chair, groaning. He +took the glass of brandy the housekeeper brought him, and, after a +few minutes, professing himself much better, left the house. + +"Saved!" he exclaimed, triumphantly. "Now I shall be all right +again." + + + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +AN ARTFUL TRAP + + + + + +Willis Ford was anxious to get away. He feared that Mrs. Estabrook +might go to the bureau and discover the loss before he got out of +the house, which would make it awkward for him. Once out in the +street, he breathed more freely. He had enough with him to pay his +only debt, and give him four hundred dollars extra. It might be +supposed he would feel some compunction at robbing his stepmother of +her all. Whatever her faults, she was devoted to him. But Willis +Ford had a hard, selfish nature, and the only thought that troubled +him was the fear that he might be found out. Indeed, the +housekeeper's suspicions would be likely to fall upon him unless +they could be turned in some other direction. Who should it be? +There came to him an evil suggestion which made his face brighten +with relief and malicious joy. The new boy, Grant Thornton, was a +member of the household. He probably had the run of the house. What +more probable than that he should enter Mrs. Estabrook's chamber and +search her bureau? This was the way Willis reasoned. He knew that +his stepmother hated Grant, and would be very willing to believe +anything against him. He would take care that suspicion should fall +in that direction. He thought of a way to heighten that suspicion. +What it was my readers will learn in due time. + +The next day, at half-past eight o'clock in the morning, on his way +down Broadway, Willis Ford dropped into the Grand Central Hotel, and +walked through the reading room in the rear. Here sat Jim Morrison +and Tom Calder, waiting for him by appointment. + +Ford took a chair beside them. + +"Good-morning," he said, cheerfully. + +"Have you brought the money?" asked Morrison, anxiously. + +"Hush! don't speak so loud," said Ford, cautiously. "We don't want +everybody to know our business." + +"All right," said Morrison, in a lower voice; "but have you brought +it?" + +"Yes." + +"You're a trump!" said Morrison, his face expressing his joy. + +"That is to say, I've brought what amounts to the same thing." + +"If it's your note," said Morrison, with sharp disappointment, "I +don't want it." + +"It isn't a note. It's what will bring the money." + +"What is it, then?" + +"It's government bonds for six hundred dollars." + +"I don't know anything about bonds," said Morrison. "Besides, the +amount is more than six hundred dollars." + +"These bonds are worth a hundred and twelve, amounting in all to six +hundred and seventy-two dollars. That's forty more than I owe you. I +won't make any account of that, however, as you will have to dispose +of them." + +"I may get into trouble," said Morrison, suspiciously. "Where did +they come from?" + +"That does not concern you," said Ford, haughtily. "Don't I give +them to you?" + +"But where did you get them?" + +"That is my business. If you don't want them, say the word, and I'll +take them back." + +"And when will you pay the money?" + +"I don't know," answered Ford, curtly. + +"Maybe he'll sell 'em for us himself," suggested Tom Calder. + +"Good, Tom! Why can't you sell 'em and give me the money? Then you +can pay the exact sum and save the forty dollars." + +"I don't choose to do so," said Ford. "It seems to me you are +treating me in a very strange manner. I offer you more than I owe +you, and you make no end of objections to receiving it." + +"I am afraid I'll get into trouble if I offer the bonds for sale," +said Morrison, doggedly. "I don't know anybody in the business +except you." + +"Yes, you do," said Ford, a bright idea occurring to him. + +"Who?" + +"You know the boy in our office." + +"Grant Thornton?" said Tom. + +"Yes, Grant Thornton. Manage to see him, and ask him to dispose of +the bonds for you. He will bring them to our office, and I will +dispose of them without asking any questions." + +"First rate!" said Tom. "That'll do, won't it, Jim?" + +"I don't see why it won't," answered Morrison, appearing satisfied. + +"I would suggest that you see him some time today." + +"Good! Hand over the bonds." + +Willis Ford had already separated the bonds into two parcels, six +hundred in one and four hundred in the other. The first of these he +passed over to Jim Morrison. + +"Put it into your pocket at once," he said. "We don't want anyone to +see them. There is a telegraph boy looking at us." + +"I'm going to see if it is all there," muttered Morrison; and he +drew from the envelope the two bonds, and ascertained, by a personal +inspection, that they were as represented. + +"It's all right," he said. + +"You might have taken my word for it," said Willis Ford, offended. + +"In matters of business I take no one's word," chuckled the +confidence man. + +"I wonder what they're up to," said the little telegraph boy to +himself. "I know one of them fellers is a gambler. Wonder who that +feller with him is? Them must be gov'ment bonds." + +Johnny Cavanagh was an observing boy, and mentally photographed upon +his memory the faces of the entire group, though he never expected +to see any of them again. + +When Grant was hurrying through Wall Street about noon he came upon +Tom Calder and Morrison. + +"Hello, there, Grant," said Tom, placing his hand upon his shoulder. + +"What's the matter, Tom? I'm in a hurry," said Grant. + +"Jim Morrison's got a little business for you." + +"What is it?" + +"He wants you to sell gov'ment bonds for him." + +"You'd better take them round to our office." + +"I haven't got time," said Morrison. "Just attend to them, like a +good fellow, and I'll give you a dollar for your trouble." + +"How much have you got?" + +"Six hundred--a five hundred and a one." + +"Are they yours?" + +"Yes; I've had 'em two years, but now I've got to raise money." + +"What do you want for them?" + +"Regular price, whatever it is." + +"When will you call for the money?" + +"Meet me at Fifth Avenue Hotel with it tomorrow morning at nine +o'clock." + +"I shall have to meet you earlier--say half-past eight." + +"All right. Here's the bonds." + +Grant put the envelope into his pocket, and hurried to the Exchange. + +When he returned to the office he carried the bonds to Willis Ford. + +"Mr. Ford," he said, "an acquaintance of mine handed them to me to +be sold." + +"Some one you know?" queried Ford. + +"I know him slightly." + +"Well, I suppose it's all right. I'll make out a check to your +order, and you can collect the money at the bank." + +Grant interposed no objection, and put the check in his pocket. + +"The boy's fallen into the trap," said Willis to himself, +exultantly, as he proceeded to enter the transaction on the books. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +GRANT FALLS UNDER SUSPICION + + + + + +In furtherance of his scheme to throw suspicion upon Grant, Willis +Ford decided to make another call upon his stepmother the succeeding +evening. It occurred to him that she might possibly connect his +visit of the evening before with her loss, and he wished to +forestall this. + +"Is Mrs. Estabrook at home?" he asked of the servant. + +"Yes, sir." + +When the housekeeper made her appearance he carefully scrutinized +her face. She was calm and placid, and it was clear that she had not +discovered the abstraction of the bonds. + +"I dare say you are surprised to see me so soon again," he +commenced. + +"I am always glad to see you, Willis," she said. "Come upstairs." + +"What a pleasant room you have, mother!" + +"Yes, I am very comfortable. Have you had any return of your +sickness?" she asked, anxiously. + +"No, I have been perfectly well. By the way, mother, I have a +special object in calling." + +"What is it, Willis?" + +"I want to speak to you about those bonds of yours. If you will only +sell them out, and invest in Erie, I am sure you will make in six +months a sum equal to several years interest." + +"That may be, Willis, but I am very timid about taking a risk. Those +bonds represent all the property I have." + +Willis Ford's conscience pricked him a little, when he heard her +speaking thus of the property he had so heartlessly stolen; but he +did not show it in his manner. + +"What is the date of your bonds, mother?" he asked. + +"I don't know. Does that make any difference?" + +"It makes some difference. Those that have longest to run are most +valuable." + +"I can easily tell," said the housekeeper, as she rose from her +chair and opened the bureau drawer, in full confidence that the +bonds were safe. + +It was an exciting moment for Willis Ford, knowing the sad discovery +that awaited her. + +She put her hand in that part of the drawer where she supposed the +bonds to be, and found nothing. A shade of anxiety overspread her +face, and she searched hurriedly in other parts of the drawer. + +"Don't you find them, mother?" asked Willis. + +"It is very strange," said Mrs. Estabrook, half to herself. + +"What is strange?" + +"I always kept the bonds in the right-hand corner of this drawer." + +"And you can't find them?" + +"I have looked all over the drawer." + +"You may have put them, by mistake, in one of the other drawers." + +"Heaven grant it!" said Mrs. Estabrook, her face white with anxiety. + +"Let me help you, mother," said Willis, rising. + +She did not object, for her hands trembled with nervousness. + +The other drawers were opened and were thoroughly searched, but, of +course, the bonds were not found. + +Mrs. Estabrook seemed near fainting. + +"I have been robbed," she said. "I am ruined." + +"But who could have robbed you?" asked Ford, innocently. + +"I-don't-know. Oh, Willis! it was cruel!" and the poor woman burst +into tears. "All these years I have been saving, and now I have lost +all. I shall die in the poorhouse after all." + +"Not while I am living, mother," said Willis. "But the bonds must be +found. They must be mislaid." + +"No, no! they are stolen. I shall never see them again." + +"But who has taken them? Ha! I have an idea." + +"What is it?" asked the housekeeper, faintly. + +"That boy--Grant Thornton--he lives in the house, doesn't he?" + +"Yes," answered Mrs. Estabrook, in excitement. "Do you think he can +have robbed me?" + +"What a fool I am! I ought to have suspected when---" + +"When what?" + +"When he brought some bonds to me to-day to sell." + +"He did!" exclaimed Mrs. Estabrook; "what were they?" + +"A five-hundred-dollar and a hundred-dollar bond." + +"I had a five-hundred and five one-hundred-dollar bonds. They were +mine--the young villain!" + +"I greatly fear so, mother." + +"You ought to have kept them, Willis. Oh! why didn't you? Where is +the boy? I will see Mr. Reynolds at once." + +"Wait a minute, till I tell you all I know. The boy said the bonds +were handed to him by an acquaintance." + +"It was a falsehood." + +"Do you know the number of your bonds, mother?" + +"Yes, I have them noted down, somewhere." + +"Good! I took the number of those the boy gave me for sale." + +Mrs. Estabrook found the memorandum. It was compared with one which +Willis Ford brought with him, and the numbers were identical. Four +numbers, of course, were missing from Ford's list. + +"That seems pretty conclusive, mother. The young rascal has stolen +your bonds, and offered a part of them for sale. It was certainly +bold in him to bring them to our office. Is he in the house?" + +"I'll go and see." + +"And bring Mr. Reynolds with you, if you can find him." + +In an excited state, scarcely knowing what she did, the housekeeper +went downstairs and found both parties of whom she was in search in +the same room. She poured out her story in an incoherent manner, +inveighing against Grant as a thief. + +When Grant, with some difficulty, understood what was the charge +against him, he was almost speechless with indignation. + +"Do you mean to say I stole your bonds?" he demanded. + +"Yes, I do; and it was a base, cruel act." + +"I agree with you in that, Mrs. Estabrook. It was base and cruel, +but I had nothing to do with it." + +"You dare to say that, when you brought the bonds to my son, Willis, +to be sold to-day?" + +"Is this true, Grant?" asked Mr. Reynolds. "Did you sell any bonds +at the office to-day?" + +"Yes, sir." + +The broker looked grave. + +"Where did you get them?" he asked. + +"They were handed to me by an acquaintance in Wall Street." + +"Who was he?" + +"His name is James Morrison." + +"What do you know of him? Is he in any business?" + +"I know very little of him, sir." + +"Have you handed him the money?" + +"No, sir. I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth Avenue +Hotel, and pay him." + +"Why doesn't he call at the office?" + +"I don't know," answered Grant, puzzled. "I suggested to him to +bring the bonds to the office himself, but he said he was in haste, +and offered me a dollar to attend to the matter." + +"This seems a mysterious case." + +"Excuse me, Mr. Reynolds, but I think it is plain enough," said the +housekeeper, spitefully. "That boy opened my bureau drawer, and +stole the bonds." + +"That is not true, Mr. Reynolds," exclaimed Grant, indignantly. + +"How did you know the bonds were offered for sale at my office +to-day, Mrs. Estabrook?" inquired the broker. + +"My son--Willis Ford--told me." + +"When did you see him?" + +"Just now." + +"Is he in the house?" + +"Yes, sir. I left him in my room." + +"Ask him to be kind enough to accompany you here." + +The housekeeper left the room. Grant and his employer remained +silent during her absence. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +THE TELLTALE KEY + + + + + +Willis Ford entered the presence of his employer with an air of +confidence which he did not feel. Knowing his own guilt, he felt ill +at ease and nervous; but the crisis had come and he must meet it. + +"Take a seat, Mr. Ford," said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. "Your +stepmother tells me that she has lost some government bonds?" + +"All I had in the world," moaned the housekeeper. + +"Yes, sir; I regret to say that she has been robbed." + +"I learn, moreover, that a part of the bonds were brought to my +office for sale to-day?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"And by Grant Thornton?" + +"He can answer that question for himself, sir. He is present." + +"It is true," said Grant, quietly. + +"Did you ask him where the bonds came from?" + +"He volunteered the information. He said they were intrusted to him +for sale by a friend." + +"Acquaintance," corrected Grant. + +"It may have been so. I understood him to say friend." + +"You had no suspicions that anything was wrong?" asked the broker. + +"No; I felt perfect confidence in the boy." + +Grant was rather surprised to hear this. If this were the case, +Willis Ford had always been very successful, in concealing his real +sentiments. + +"How did you pay him?" + +"In a check to his own order." + +"Have you collected the money on that check, Grant?" asked Mr. +Reynolds. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Have you paid it out to the party from whom you obtained the +bonds?" + +"No, sir; I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth Avenue +Hotel." + +Willis Ford's countenance changed when he heard this statement. He +supposed that Jim Morrison already had his money and was safely off +with it. Now it was clear that Grant would not be allowed to pay it +to him, and his own debt would remain unpaid. That being the case, +Morrison would be exasperated, and there was no knowing what he +would say. + +"What do you know of this man, Grant?" + +"Very little, sir." + +"How does he impress you--as an honest, straightforward man?" + +Grant shook his head. + +"Not at all," he said. + +"Yet you took charge of his business for him?" + +"Yes, sir; but not willingly. He offered me a dollar for my trouble, +and as I did not know there was anything wrong, I consented. +Besides---" Here Grant paused. + +"Well?" + +"Will you excuse my continuing, Mr. Reynolds?" + +"No," answered the broker, firmly. "On the other hand, I insist upon +your saying what you had in your mind." + +"Having seen Mr. Ford in this man's company, I concluded he was all +right." + +Willis Ford flushed and looked disconcerted. + +"Is this true, Mr. Ford?" asked the broker. "Do you know this man?" + +"What do you say his name was, Thornton?" asked Ford, partly to gain +time. + +"James Morrison." + +"Yes; I know him. He was introduced to me by an intimate friend of +that boy," indicating Grant. + +Willis Ford smiled triumphantly. He felt that he had checkmated our +hero. + +"Is this true, Grant?" + +"I presume so," answered Grant, coolly. "You refer to Tom Calder, do +you not, Mr. Ford?" + +"I believe that is his name." + +"He is not an intimate friend of mine, but we came from the same +village. It is that boy who was with me when I first met you, Mr. +Reynolds." + +The broker's face cleared. + +"Yes, I remember him. But how do you happen to know Tom Calder, Mr. +Ford?" + +"He had a room at the same house with me. He introduced himself as a +friend of this boy." + +"Do you know anything of him--how he earns his living?" + +"Haven't the faintest idea," answered Ford. "My acquaintance with +him is very slight." + +"There seems a mystery here," said the broker. "This Morrison gives +Grant two bonds to dispose of, which are identified as belonging to +my housekeeper. How did he obtain possession of them? That is the +question." + +"There isn't much doubt about that," said Mrs. Estabrook. "This boy +whom you have taken into your family has taken them." + +"You are entirely mistaken, Mrs. Estabrook," said Grant, +indignantly. + +"Of course you say so!" retorted the housekeeper; "but it stands to +reason that that is the way it happened. You took them and gave them +to this man--that is, if there is such a man." + +"Your son says there is, Mrs. Estabrook," said the broker, quietly. + +"Well, I don't intend to say how it happened. Likely enough the man +is a thief, and that boy is his accomplice." + +"You will oblige me by not jumping at conclusions, Mrs. Estabrook," +said Mr. Reynolds. "Whoever has taken the bonds is likely to be +discovered. Meanwhile your loss will, at all events, be partially +made up, since Grant has the money realized from the sale of the +greater part of them." + +"I should like to place the money in your hands, Mr. Reynolds," said +Grant. + +"But it belongs to me," said the housekeeper. + +"That is undoubtedly true," said her employer; "but till the matter +is ascertained beyond a doubt I will retain the money." + +"How can there be any doubt?" asked the housekeeper, discontented. + +"I do not think there is; but I will tell you now. You claim that +your bonds were marked by certain numbers, two of which belong to +those which were bought by Mr. Ford at the office to-day?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Meanwhile, you and your stepson have had time to compare notes, and +you have had a chance to learn his numbers." + +Mrs. Estabrook turned livid. + +"I didn't expect to have such a charge brought against me, Mr. +Reynolds, and by you," she said, her voice trembling with passion. + +"I have brought no such charge, Mrs. Estabrook. I have only +explained how there may be doubt of your claim to the money." + +"I thought you knew me better, sir." + +"I think I do, and I also think I know Grant better than to think +him capable of abstracting your bonds. Yet you have had no +hesitation in bringing this serious charge against him." + +"That is different, sir." + +"Pardon me, I can see no difference. He has the same right that you +have to be considered innocent till he is proved to be guilty." + +"You must admit, sir," said Willis Ford, "that appearances are very +much against Grant." + +"I admit nothing, at present; for the affair seems to be +complicated. Perhaps, Mr. Ford, you can offer some suggestion that +will throw light upon the mystery." + +"I don't think it very mysterious, sir. My mother kept her bonds in +the upper drawer of her bureau. This boy had the run of the house. +What was to prevent his entering my mother's room, opening the +drawer, and taking anything he found of value?" + +"What was to prevent some one else doing it, Mr. Ford--myself, for +example?" + +"Of course that is different, Mr. Reynolds." + +"Well, I don't know. I am honest, and so, I believe, is Grant." + +"Thank you, sir," said Grant, gratefully. + +"It just occurred to me," said Ford, "to ask my mother if she has at +any time lost or mislaid her keys." + +"Well thought of, Mr. Ford," and Mr. Reynolds turned to his +housekeeper for a reply. + +"No," answered Mrs. Estabrook. "I keep my keys in my pocket, and I +have them there yet." + +So saying, she produced four keys attached to a ring. + +"Then," continued Ford, "if Grant chances to have a key which will +fit the bureau drawer, that would be evidence against him." + +"Show me any keys you may have, Grant," said the broker. + +Grant thrust his hand in his pocket and drew out two keys. He looked +at them in astonishment. + +"One of them unlocks my valise," he said. "The other is a strange +key. I did not know I had it." + +Ford smiled maliciously. "Let us see if it will open the bureau +drawer," he said. + +The party adjourned to the housekeeper's room. The key was put into +the lock of the bureau drawer and opened it at once. + +"I think there is no more to be said," said Willis Ford, +triumphantly. + +Grant looked the picture of surprise and dismay. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +GRANT'S ENEMIES TRIUMPH + + + + + +It is not too much to say that Grant was overwhelmed by the +unexpected discovery, in his pocket, of a key that fitted the +housekeeper's drawer. He saw at once how strong it made the evidence +against him, and yet he knew himself to be innocent. The most +painful thought was, that Mr. Reynolds would believe him to be +guilty. + +In fact, the broker for the first time began to think that Grant +might possibly have yielded to temptation. + +"Can't you account for the possession of that key?" he asked. + +"No, sir," answered Grant, in painful embarrassment. "I have +occasion to use but one key, and that is the key to my valise." + +"I think you had occasion to use the other," sneered Ford. + +"Mr. Ford," retorted Grant, indignantly, "you are determined to +think me guilty; but I care nothing for your opinion. I should be +very sorry if Mr. Reynolds should think me capable of such +baseness." + +"Your guilt seems pretty clear," said Ford, sarcastically; "as I +have no doubt Mr. Reynolds will agree." + +"Speak for yourself, Mr. Ford," said the banker, quietly. + +"I hope you are not going to shield that young thief, Mr. Reynolds," +said the housekeeper. "His guilt is as clear as noonday. I think he +ought to be arrested." + +"You are rather in a hurry, Mrs. Estabrook," said Mr. Reynolds; "and +I must request you to be careful how you make charges against me." + +"Against you?" asked the housekeeper, alarmed at his tone. + +"Yes," answered the broker, sternly. "You have insinuated that I +intend to shield a supposed thief. I have only to say that at +present the theft is to be proved." + +"I submit, sir," said Ford, "that the evidence is pretty strong. +The boy is proved to have had the bonds in his possession, he admits +that he sold a part of them and has the money in his possession, and +a key is found in his possession which will open the drawer in which +the bonds were kept." + +"Who put the key in my pocket?" demanded Grant, quickly. + +For a moment Willis Ford looked confused, and his momentary +confusion was not lost upon Grant or the banker. + +"No doubt you put it there yourself," he answered, sharply, after a +monent's pause. + +"That matter will be investigated," said the broker. + +"I think the money ought to be paid to me," said the housekeeper. + +"Can you prove your ownership of the bonds?" asked the broker. + +"I can," answered Willis Ford, flippantly. "I have seen them." + +"I should like some additional evidence," said Mr. Reynolds. "You +are related to Mrs. Esta-brook, and may be supposed to have some +interest in the matter." + +"What proof can I have?" asked the housekeeper, disturbed by this +unexpected obstacle. + +"Have you the memorandum of the broker who bought you the bonds." + +"I don't know, sir." + +"Then you had better look." + +The housekeeper searched the drawer, and produced, triumphantly, a +memorandum to the effect that she had purchased the bonds of a +well-known house in Wall Street. + +"So far, so good!" said the broker. "It appears that besides the +bonds sold you had four one-hundred-dollar bonds?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"You had not parted with them?" + +"No, sir." + +"They will some time be put on the market, and then we shall have a +clew to the mystery." + +"That boy has probably got them," said the housekeeper, nodding her +head emphatically. + +"You are at liberty to search my chamber, Mrs. Estabrook," said +Grant, quietly. + +"He may have passed them over to that man Morrison," suggested the +housekeeper. + +"I hardly think that likely," said Willis Ford, who saw danger to +himself in any persecution of Jim Morrison. + +Mr. Reynolds noticed his defense of Morrison, and glanced at him +thoughtfully. + +"Mrs. Estabrook," he said, "I am satisfied that you possessed the +bonds which you claim, and I will relieve your mind by saying that I +will guarantee you against loss by their disappearance. You need +have no further anxiety on the subject. I will undertake to +investigate the matter, which at present appears to be involved in +mystery. Whether or not I succeed in solving it will not matter to +you, since you are saved from loss." + +"Thank you, sir," said the housekeeper, feeling considerably +relieved; "it wasn't much, but it was my all. I depended upon it to +use when old age prevented me from earning my living." + +"I am glad you are so wise in providing for the future." + +"You won't let that boy escape?" the housekeeper could not help +adding. + +"If you refer to Grant Thornton, I think I may say for him that he +has no intention of leaving us." + +"Is he to stay in the house?" + +"Of course; and I expect him to aid me in coming to the truth. Let +me request, Mrs. Estabrook, that you discontinue referring to him in +offensive terms, or I may withdraw my offer guaranteeing you from +loss. Grant, if you will accompany me, I have some questions to put +to you." + +Grant and his employer left the room together. + +"He won't let the boy be punished, though he must know he's guilty," +said Mrs. Estabrook, spitefully. + +"He makes a fool of himself about that boy," said Willis Ford, +disconcerted. + +"He's an artful young vagabond," said the housekeeper. "I know he +took the bonds." + +"Of course he did," Ford assented, though he had the best of reasons +for knowing that Grant was innocent. + +"At any rate," he continued, "you are all right, mother, since Mr. +Reynolds agrees to make up the value of the bonds to you. When you +get your money, just consult me about investing it. Don't put it +into bonds, for they may be stolen." + +"Perhaps I'd better put it into the savings bank," said his +stepmother. + +"You'll get very small interest there; I can invest it so you can +make quite as much. However, there will be time enough to speak of +that when you've got the money. Now, mother, I shall have to bid you +good-evening." + +"Can't you stay longer, Willis? I feel so upset that I don't like to +be left alone. I don't know what that boy may do." + +"I think you are safe," said Willis Ford, secretly amused. But, as +he left the house, he felt seriously disquieted. There was danger +that Jim Morrison, when he found the money which he was to receive +withheld, would be incensed and denounce Ford, who had received back +his evidence of indebtedness. Should he divulge that the bonds had +been given him by Ford, Grant would be cleared, and he would be +convicted of theft. + +As Ford was leaving the house a telegraph boy was just ascending the +steps. It was John Cava-nagh, already referred to. + +As his eyes rested on Ford, he said to himself: "Where have I seen +that feller? I know his face." + +Then it flashed upon the boy that he had seen Ford at the Grand +Central Hotel, in the act of giving bonds to Jim Morrison. + +"It's queer I should meet him here," said the telegraph boy to +himself. "I wonder what game he's up to." + +Johnny was introduced into the presence of Mr. Reynolds, for whom he +had a message. On his way out he met Grant in the hall. The two boys +were acquainted, Grant having at one time advanced Johnny two +dollars toward paying his mother's rent. + +"Do you live here?" asked the telegraph boy. + +"Yes," answered Grant. + +"I met a feller goin' out that I've seen before. Who was it?" + +"Willis Ford, a clerk of Mr. Reynolds." + +"I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel yesterday givin' some bonds +to a suspicious-lookin' chap." + +"You did," exclaimed Grant. "Come right up and tell that to Mr. +Reynolds," and he seized the astonished telegraph boy by the arm. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +IMPORTANT EVIDENCE + + + + + +Mr. Reynolds looked rather surprised when Grant appeared, drawing +the telegraph boy after him. + +"This boy has got something to tell you about Mr. Ford," said Grant, +breathless with excitement. + +"About Mr. Ford?" repeated the broker. "What do you know about +Willis Ford?" + +"I don't know his name," replied Johnny. "It's the chap that just +went out of the house." + +"It was Mr. Ford," explained Grant. + +"Tell me what you know about him," said the broker, encouragingly. + +"I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel, givin' some bond to a +flashy-lookin' man. There was a boy wid him, a big boy." + +"With whom--Mr. Ford?" + +"No, wid the other chap." + +"I know who he means, sir," said Grant. "It was Tom Calder." + +"And the man?" + +"Was Jim Morrison, the same man that gave me the bonds to sell." + +"That seems important," said Mr. Reynolds. "I did not believe Ford +capable of such rascality." + +"He had as good a chance to take the bonds as I, sir. He was here +last evening." + +"Was he?" asked the broker, quickly. "I did not know that." + +"He was here for an hour at least. I saw him come in and go out." + +Mr. Reynolds asked several more questions of the telegraph boy, and +enjoined him to silence. + +"My boy," he said, "come here to-rnorrow evening at half-past seven. +I may want you." + +"I will, sir, if I can get away. I shall be on duty." + +"Say to the telegraph company that I have an errand for you. Your +time will be paid for." + +"That will make it all right, sir." + +"And, meanwhile, here is a dollar for your own use." + +Johnny's eyes sparkled, for with his limited earnings this sum would +come in very handy. He turned away, nearly forgetting the original +errand that brought him to the house, but luckily it occurred in +time. The nature of it has nothing to do with this story. + +When Johnny had gone, Mr. Reynolds said: "Grant, I need not caution +you not to breathe a word of this. I begin to think that there is a +conspiracy against you; but whether Willis Ford is alone in it, or +has a confederate I cannot decide. My housekeeper does not appear to +like you." + +"No, sir, I am sorry to say she does not; but I don't think she is +in this plot. I think she honestly believes that I stole her bonds." + +"I have too great confidence in you to believe it. I own I was a +little shaken when the key was found. You have no idea how it came +in your pocket, I suppose?" + +"No, sir, I can't guess. I might suspect Mr. Ford of putting it +there, but I can't see how he managed it." + +"Well, we will let matters take their course. You will go to work as +usual, and not speak a word of what has happened this evening." + +"Thank you, sir." + +Meanwhile, we must follow Willis Ford. When he left the house, he +was by no means in a comfortable frame of mind. He felt that it was +absolutely necessary to see Jim Morrison, and have an understanding +with him. What arrangements he could make with him, or how he could +reconcile him to the loss of the money which he had expected to +receive from the sale of the bonds, he could not yet imagine. +Perhaps he would be willing to receive the other four bonds in part +payment. In that case Willis himself would not profit as much as he +had hoped from the theft; but there seemed no alternative. He had +got himself into a scrape, and he must get out of it the best way +possible. + +Though he did not know where to find Morrison, he thought it likely +that he might be seen at the White Elephant, a large and showy +billiard room on Broadway, near Thirtieth Street. There were several +gambling houses near by, and there or in that neighborhood he +thought that Morrison might be met. + +He was right. On entering the billiard room he found the man he +sought playing a game of billiards with Tom Calder, at the first +table. + +"I want to see you, Morrison," he said, in a low voice. "Is the game +'most finished?" + +"I have only six points more to make. I shall probably run out this +time." + +He was right in his estimate. Two minutes later the two went out of +the saloon together, accompanied by Tom. + +"Well, what is it?" he asked. + +"Let us turn into a side street." + +They turned into Thirtieth Street, which was much less brilliantly +lighted than Broadway, and sauntered leisurely along. + +"Did you buy the bonds of that boy?" asked Morrison, anxiously. + +"Yes." + +"Then it's all right. Have you brought me the money?" + +"How should I?" returned Ford, impatiently. "I couldn't pay him, and +keep the money myself." + +"Oh, well, it doesn't matter. He is to meet me to-morrow morning and +hand over the money." + +"I am afraid you will be disappointed." "Disappointed," repeated +Morrison, quickly. "What do you mean? The boy hasn't made off with +the money, has he? If he has---" and the sentence ended with an +oath. + +"No, it isn't as you suppose." + +"Then why won't he pay me the money, I'd like to know?" + +"There is some trouble about the bonds. It is charged that they are +stolen." + +"How is that? You gave them to me," said Morrison, suspiciously. + +Now came the awkward moment. However, Ford had decided on the story +he would tell. + +"They were given me by a person who owed me money," he said, +plausibly. "How was I to know they were stolen?" + +"They were stolen, then?" + +"I suppose so. In fact, I know so." + +"How do you know?" + +"Well--in fact, they were stolen from my stepmother." + +Morrison whistled. + +"Well," he said. + +"Of course you mustn't say that I gave them to you. You would get me +into trouble." + +"So you want to save yourself at my expense? I am to be suspected of +stealing the bonds, am I? That's a decidedly cool proposal, but it +won't do. I shall clear myself, by telling just where I got the +bonds." + +"That's what I want you to do." + +"You do!" ejaculated the gambler, in surprise. + +"Yes. You are to say that the boy gave them to you." + +"Why should I say that?" + +"Because he is already suspected of stealing the bonds." + +"But I gave them to him to sell." + +"You mustn't admit it. There is no proof of it except his word." + +"What's your game? Whatever it is, it is too deep for me." + +"I've got it all arranged. You are to say that the boy owed you a +gambling debt, and agreed to meet you to-morrow morning to pay it. +Of the bonds, you are to know nothing, unless you say that he told +you he had some which he was going to sell, in order to get money to +pay you." + +"What advantage am I to get out of all this?" + +"What advantage? Why, you will save yourself from suspicion." + +"That isn't enough. I didn't take the bonds, and you know it. I +believe you did it yourself." + +"Hush!" said Willis Ford, looking around him nervously. + +"Look here, Ford, I gave up your I O U, and now I find I've got to +whistle for my money." + +"Go with me to my room, and you shall have four hundred dollars +to-night." + +"In cash?" + +"No; in bonds." + +"Some more of the same kind? No, thank you, I want ready money." + +"Then give me a little more time, and I will dispose of them--when +this excitement blows over." + +Finally Morrison gave a sulky assent, and the conspirators parted. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +AT THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL + + + + + +"If I thought he was playing me false," said Jim Morrison, after +Ford and himself had parted company, "I'd make him smart for it." + +"I guess it's all right," said Tom, who was less experienced and +less suspicious than his companion. + +"It may be so, but I have my suspicions. I don't trust Willis Ford." + +"Shall you go round to the Fifth Avenue Hotel to meet Grant +to-morrow morning." + +"Of course I shall. I want to see what the boy says. It may be a +put-up job between him and Ford." + +The very same question was put by Grant to Mr. Reynolds. + +"Shall I go round to the hotel to-morrow morning to see Morrison and +Tom Calder?" + +The broker paused a moment and looked thoughtful. + +"Yes," he answered, after a pause. "You may." + +"And what shall I say when he demands the money?" + +Upon this Mr. Reynolds gave Grant full instructions as to what he +desired him to say. + +About quarter after eight o'clock the next morning a quiet-looking +man, who looked like a respectable bookkeeper entered the Fifth +Avenue Hotel and walked through the corridor, glancing, as it +seemed, indifferently, to the right and. left. Finally he reached +the door of the reading room and entered. His face brightened as at +the further end he saw two persons occupying adjoining seats. They +were, in fact, Morrison and Tom Calder. + +The newcomer selected a Boston daily paper, and, as it seemed, by +chance, settled himself in a seat not six feet away from our two +acquaintances, so that he could, without much effort, listen to +their conversation. + +"It's almost time for Grant to come," said Tom, after a pause. + +"Yes," grumbled Morrison, "but as he won't have any money for me, I +don't feel as anxious as I should otherwise." + +"What'll you say to him?" + +"I don't know yet. I want to find out whether Ford has told the +truth about the bonds. I believe he stole 'em himself." + +Five minutes later Grant entered the reading-room. A quick glance +showed him, not only the two he had come to meet, but the quiet, +little man who was apparently absorbed in a copy of the Boston +Journal. He went up at once to meet them. + +"I believe I am in time," he said. + +"Yes," answered Jim Morrison. "Have you brought the money?" + +"No." + +"Why not?" demanded Morrison, with a frown. + +"There was something wrong about the bonds you gave me to sell." + +"Weren't they all right? They weren't counterfeit, were they?" + +"They were genuine, but---" + +"But what?" + +"A lady claims that they belong to her--that they were stolen from +her. Of course you can explain how they came into your hands?" + +"They were given me by a party that owed me money. If he's played a +trick on me, it will be the worse for him. Did you sell them?" + +"Yes." + +"Then give me the money." + +"Mr. Reynolds won't let me." + +"Does he think I took the bonds?" asked Morrison, hastily. + +"No, he doesn't," answered Grant, proudly, "but he would like to +have an interview with you, and make some inquiries, so that he may +form some idea as to the person who did take them. They belonged to +his housekeeper, Mrs. Estabrook, who is the stepmother of Mr. Ford, +a young man employed in our office." + +Tom Calder and Jim Morrison exchanged glances. Grant's story agreed +with Ford's, and tended to confirm their confidence in his good +faith. + +"When does he want to see me?" asked Morrison. + +"Can you call at his house this evening at eight o'clock?" + +"Where does he live?" + +Grant mentioned the street and number. + +"I will be there," he said, briefly. + +"Can I come, too?" asked Tom Calder, addressing the question to +Grant. + +"There will be no objection, I think." + +"Tell him we'll be on hand." + +The three left the hotel together, Grant taking a Broadway stage at +the door. The quiet man seemed no longer interested in the Boston +Journal, for he hung it up in its place, and sauntered out of the +hotel. He had not attracted the attention of Jim Morrison or Tom. + +When Grant entered the office, and with his usual manner asked Ford +if he should go to the post-office, the young man eyed him +curiously. + +"Are you to remain in the office?" he said. + +"Yes, I suppose so." + +"After what you have done?" + +"What have I done, Mr. Ford?" asked Grant, eyeing the young man, +steadily. + +"I don't think you need to have me tell you," he said, with a sneer. +"I don't think Mr. Reynolds is very prudent to employ a boy +convicted of dishonesty." + +"Do you believe me guilty, Mr. Ford?" asked our hero, calmly. + +"The evidence against you is overwhelming. My mother ought to have +you arrested." + +"The person who stole the bonds may be arrested." + +"What do you mean?" asked Willis Ford, flushing, and looking +disconcerted. + +"I mean that I have no concern in the matter. Shall I go to the +post-office?" + +"Yes," snapped Ford, "and take care you don't steal any of the +letters." + +Grant did not reply. He knew that his vindication was certain, and +he was willing to wait. + +If Willis Ford had been prudent he would have dropped the matter +there, but his hatred of Grant was too great to be easily concealed. +When a few minutes later the broker entered the office and inquired, +"Where is Grant?" Ford, after answering, "he has gone to the +post-office," could not help saying, "Are you going to keep that +boy, Mr. Rey-nolds?" + +"Why should I not?" the broker replied. + +"I thought a boy in his position ought to be honest." + +"I agree with you, Mr. Ford," said the broker, quietly. + +"After taking my mother's bonds, that can hardly be said of Grant +Thornton." + +"You seem to be sure he did take them, Mr. Ford." + +"The discovery of the key settled that to my mind." + +"Grant says he has no knowledge of the key." + +Ford laughed scornfully. + +"Of course he would say so," he replied. + +"I propose to investigate the matter further," said the broker. "Can +you make it convenient to call at my house this evening? Possibly +something may be discovered by that time." + +"Yes, sir; I will come, with pleasure. I have no feeling in regard +to the boy, except that I don't think it safe to employ him in a +business like yours." + +"I agree with you, Mr. Ford. One who is capable of stealing bonds +from a private house is unfit to be employed in an office like +mine." + +"Yet you retain the boy, sir?" + +"For the present. It is not fair to assume that he is guilty till we +have demonstrated it beyond a doubt." + +"I think there will be no difficulty about that, Mr. Reynolds," said +Willis Ford, well pleased at these words. + +"I sincerely hope that his innocence may be proved." + +Soon afterward Mr. Reynolds went to the Stock Exchange, and Willis +Ford returned to his routine duties. + +"With the testimony of Jim Morrison I shall be able to fix you, my +young friend," he said to himself, as Grant returned from the +post-office. + +No further allusion was made to the matter during the day. Grant and +Willis Ford were both looking forward to the evening, but for +different reasons. Grant expected to be vindicated, while Ford hoped +he could convince the broker of the boy's guilt. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE THIEF IS DISCOVERED + + + + + +Willis Ford ascended the steps of the broker's residence with a +jaunty step. The servant admitted him, but he met Grant in the hall. + +"Won't you come upstairs, Mr. Ford?" he said. + +Willis Ford nodded superciliously. + +"Your stay in the house will be short, young man," he thought. "You +had better make the most of it." + +He was ushered not into the housekeeper's room, but into a +sitting-room on the second floor. He found Mr. Reynolds and his +stepmother there already. Both greeted him, the broker gravely, but +his stepmother cordially. Grant did not come in. + +"I have come as you requested, Mr. Reynolds," he said. "I suppose +it's about the bonds. May I ask if you have discovered anything +new?" + +"I think I have," answered the broker, slowly. + +The housekeeper looked surprised. If anything new had been +discovered, she at least had not heard it. + +"May I ask what it is?" Ford inquired, carelessly. + +"You shall know in good time. Let me, however, return the question. +Have you heard anything calculated to throw light on the mystery?" + +"No, sir, I can't say I have. To my mind there is no mystery at all +about the affair." + +"I presume I understand what you mean. Still I will ask you to +explain yourself." + +"Everything seems to throw suspicion upon that boy, Grant Thornton. +Nobody saw him take the bonds, to be sure, but he has had every +opportunity of doing so, living in the same house, as he does. +Again, a key has been found in his pocket, which will open the +bureau drawer in which the bonds were kept; and, thirdly, I can +testify, and the boy admits, that he presented them at our office +for sale, and received the money for them. I think, sir, that any +jury would consider this accumulation of proof conclusive." + +"It does seem rather strong," said the broker, gravely. "I +compliment you on the way you have summed up, Mr. Ford." + +Willis Ford looked much gratified. He was susceptible to flattery, +and he was additionally pleased, because, as he thought, Mr. +Reynolds was impressed by the weight of evidence. + +"I have sometimes thought," he said, complacently, "that I ought +to have become a lawyer. I always had a liking for the profession." + +"Still," said the broker, deliberately, "we ought to consider +Grant's explanation of the matter. He says that the bonds were +intrusted to him for sale by a third party." + +"Of course he would say something like that," returned Willis, +shrugging his shoulders. "He can hardly expect anyone to be taken in +by such a statement as that." + +"You think, then, that he had no dealings with this Morrison?" + +"I don't say that, sir," said Ford, remembering the story which he +and Morrison had agreed upon. It may be stated here that he had been +anxious to meet Morrison before meeting the coming appointment, in +order to ascertain what had passed between him and Grant. With this +object in view, he had gone to the usual haunts of the gambler, but +had been unable to catch sight of him. However, as he had seen him +the evening previous, and agreed upon the story to be told, he +contented himself with that. + +"You think, then, that Morrison may have given Grant the bonds?" +said Mr. Reynolds. + +"No, sir; that is not my idea." + +"Have you any other notion?" + +"I think the boy may have been owing him money, and took this method +of raising it." + +"But how should he owe him money?" asked the broker, curiously. + +"I don't wish to say anything against Morrison, but I have been told +that he is a gambler. Grant may have lost money to him at play." + +"Or you," thought the broker; but he said: + +"Your suggestion is worth considering, but I don't think Grant has +had any opportunity to lose money in that way, as he spends his +evenings usually at home." + +"It wouldn't take long to lose a great deal of money, sir." + +"That explains it," said the housekeeper, speaking for the first +time. "I have no doubt Willis is right, and the boy gambles." + +"I presume, Mr. Ford," said the broker, with a peculiar look, "that +you do not approve of gambling?" + +"Most certainly not, sir," said Ford, his face expressing the horror +which a so-well-conducted young man must naturally feel for so +pernicious a habit. + +"I am glad to hear it. Will you excuse me a moment?" + +After the broker had left the room, Mrs. Estabrook turned to Willis +and said: "You are pretty sharp, Willis. You have found out this +wretched boy, and now I think we shall get rid of him." + +"I flatter myself, mother," said Willis, complacently, "that I +have given the old man some new ideas as to the character of his +favorite. I don't think we shall see him in the office again." + +As he spoke, his ears caught the sound of ascending footsteps on the +stairs without. He was rather puzzled. He conjectured that Grant had +been summoned to confront his accuser, but there seemed, from the +sound, to be more than two approaching. When the door opened, and +the broker gravely ushered in Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, both +looking ill at ease, followed by Grant Thornton, he looked amazed +and perplexed. + +"I believe you know these gentlemen," said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. "I +have thought it best to make our present investigation thorough and +complete." + +"I have met the gentlemen before," said Ford, uncomfortably. + +"You also have met them, Grant, have you not?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Have you had any business transaction with either?" + +"Yes, sir. Mr. Morrison met me on Wall Street and handed me two +bonds, with a request that I would sell them for him, and hand him +the money the next morning, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel." + +"Were these the same bonds that you sold to Mr. Ford?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I think the boy is lying, sir," burst out Ford. + +"What have you to say to the boy's story, Mr. Morrison?" asked the +broker. + +"He's made a little mistake," answered Jim Morrison, who by this +time was feeling more at his ease. "I didn't give him no bonds." + +Willis Ford looked triumphant, and Grant amazed. + +"How, then, could there be any business between you?" + +"I may as well own up that I am a gambler," replied Morrison, with +virtuous frankness. "The boy lost the money to me at play, and said +he'd meet and pay me at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. I didn't know where +he was goin' to get the money, but I expect he must have stolen the +bonds, and got it that way." + +Considering the damaging nature of the revelation, Grant showed +considerable self-command. He did not turn pale, nor did he look +guilty and conscience-stricken. + +"What have you to say to this charge, Grant?" asked the broker. + +"It is not true, sir." + +"What a hardened young villain!" said the housekeeper, in a low, but +audible voice. + +"Mr. Reynolds will hardly believe you," said Ford, turning upon our +hero and speaking in a tone of virtuous indignation. "You see, sir," +he continued, addressing the broker, "that I was right in my +conjecture." + +"I am not quite satisfied yet," said Mr. Reynolds. "Grant, call the +boy." + +Great was the perplexity of Willis Ford and his friends when Grant +left the room, and almost immediately reappeared with a small boy in +blue uniform. Not one of them recognized him. + +"Have you ever seen any of these gentlemen before, my boy?" asked +the broker. + +"I've seed 'em all, sir," answered the boy. + +"State where you saw them last." + +"I seed him, and him, and him," said Johnny, pointing out Willis +Ford, Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, "at the Grand Central Hotel +yesterday mornm'." + +Ford started and became very pale. + +"What passed between them?" + +"He," indicating Ford, "gave some bonds to him," indicating +Morrison, "and got back a bit of paper. I don't know what was on +it." + +"It is false!" ejaculated Willis Ford, hoarsely. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +WILLIS FORD AT BAY + + + + + +The telegraph boy's evidence overwhelmed Willis Ford and his +confederates with dismay. The feeling was greater in Ford, for it +tended to fasten the theft upon him, while Jim Morrison and Tom +Calder, though convicted of falsehood, were at all events sustained +by the consciousness that nothing worse could be alleged against +them. + +"It is false!" asserted Willis Ford, with a flushed face. + +"It is true!" declared the telegraph boy, sturdily. + +"I don't believe a word of it," said the housekeeper, angrily. + +"This is a startling revelation, Mr. Ford," said the broker, +gravely. + +"It is a base conspiracy, sir," returned Ford, hoarsely. "I submit, +sir, that the word of a boy like that ought not to weigh against +mine. Besides, these gentlemen," indicating Jim Morrison and Tom +Calder, "will corroborate my statement." + +"Of course we do," blustered Morrison. "That boy is a liar!" + +"I have spoken the truth, sir, and they know it," asserted Johnny, +resolutely. + +"How much did Grant Thornton pay you for telling this lie?" demanded +Willis Ford, furiously. + +"I will answer that question, Mr. Ford," said Grant, thinking it +time to speak for himself. "I paid him nothing, and did not know +till last evening that he had witnessed the interview between you +and Mr. Morrison." + +"Your word is of no value," said Ford, scornfully. + +"That is a matter for Mr. Reynolds to consider," answered Grant, +with composure. + +"Mr. Ford," said the broker, gravely, "I attach more importance to +the testimony of this telegraph boy than you appear to; but then it +is to be considered that you are an interested party." + +"Am I to be discredited on account of what a wretched telegraph boy +chooses to say?" asked Ford, bitterly. "Even supposing him worthy of +credence, my two friends sustain me, and it is three against one." + +"They are your friends, then?" asked Mr. Reynolds, significantly. + +Willis Ford flushed. It was not to his credit to admit that an +acknowledged gambler was his friend, yet he knew that to deny it +would make Morrison angry, and perhaps lead him to make some awkward +revelations. + +"I have not known them long, sir," he answered, embarrassed, "but I +believe they feel friendly to me. One of them," he added, +maliciously, "is an old friend of Grant Thornton." + +"Yes," answered Grant, by no means disconcerted. "Tom Calder is from +the same town as myself, and I wish him well." + +Tom looked pleased at this friendly declaration on the part of +Grant, whom, indeed, he personally liked better than Willis Ford, +who evidently looked down upon him, and had more than once snubbed +him. + +"You see," said Ford, adroitly, "that Grant Thornton's old friend +testifies against him. I don't think I need say any more except to +deny, in toto, the statement of that low telegraph boy." + +"I'm no lower than you are," retorted Johnny, angrily. + +"None of your impertinence, boy!" said Ford, loftily. + +"I must say," interposed the housekeeper, "that this seems a very +discreditable conspiracy against my stepson. I am sure, Mr. +Reynolds, you won't allow his reputation to be injured by such a +base attack." + +"Mr. Ford," said the broker, "I have listened attentively to what +you have said. I ought to say that a telegraph boy has as much right +to be believed as yourself." + +"Even when there are three against him?" + +"The three are interested parties." + +"I have no doubt he is also. I presume he has an understanding with +Grant Thornton, who is a suspected thief." + +"I deny that, Mr. Ford," exclaimed Grant, indignantly. + +"You are certainly suspected of stealing my stepmother's bonds." + +"And I have no doubt you took them," declared the housekeeper, +venomously. + +At this time the doorbell was heard to ring. + +"Excuse me for a moment," said the broker. "I will be back +directly." + +When he had left the room, the parties left behind looked at each +other uncomfortably. Willis Ford, however, was too angry to keep +silence. + +He turned to Grant, and made an attack upon him. + +"You won't accomplish anything, you young rascal, by your plotting +and contriving! I give you credit for a good deal of cunning in +bringing this boy to give the testimony he has; but it won't do you +any good. Mr. Reynolds isn't a fool, and he will see through your +design." + +"That he will, Willis," said the housekeeper. "After all the +kindness that boy has received in this house, he might be better +employed than in stealing my bonds, and then trying to throw it upon +a man like you." + +"I don't care to argue with you, Mr. Ford," said Grant, quietly. +"You know as well as I do that I didn't steal the bonds, and you +know," he added, significantly, "who did." + +"I have a great mind to break your head, you impudent boy!" + +"That would be a very poor argument. The truth has already come out, +and I am vindicated." + +"I don't know whether you expect Mr. Reynolds to shield you or not, +but, if my mother takes my advice, she will have you arrested, +whatever happens." + +"I intend to," said the housekeeper, nodding spitefully. "If you had +returned the bonds, I did not mean to let the matter drop, but since +you have tried to throw suspicion on my son, who has always been +devoted to me, I mean to punish you as severely as the law allows." + +"I think you will change your mind, Mrs. Estabrook, and let the +thief go unpunished," said Grant, in no ways disturbed. + +"Not unless you make a full confession; and even then I think you +ought to suffer for your base wickedness." + +"You are making a mistake, Mrs. Estabrook. I referred to the thief." + +"That is yourself." + +Grant shrugged his shoulders. He was spared the necessity of +answering the attack, for just then the door opened, and Mr. +Reynolds re-entered. He did not enter alone, however. + +A small man of quiet manner, attired in a sober suit of brown, +closely followed him. + +All present looked at him in surprise. Who was this man, and what +had he to do with the matter that concerned them all? + +They were not destined to remain long in doubt, + +"Mr. Graham, gentlemen!" said the broker, with a wave of the hand. + +The detective bowed courteously. + +"Mr. Graham, permit me to ask," continued the broker, "if you have +seen any of these gentlemen before?" + +"Yes," answered Graham, and he indicated Grant Thornton, Jim +Morrison and Tom Calder. + +"When did you see them, and where?" + +"At the Fifth Avenue Hotel this morning." + +"What passed between them?" + +"They were talking about some bonds, which that gentleman," +indicating Morrison, "acknowledged giving to the boy to sell. He +asked for the proceeds, but the boy told him there was something +wrong about the bonds, and his employer wouldn't allow him to pass +over the money. Upon this, Morrison, as I understand him to be +called, said they were given him by a party that owed him money, and +threatened that, if he had played a trick upon him, it would be the +worse for him." + +"Who is that man, Mr. Reynolds?" asked Ford, in nervous excitement. + +"One of the best known detectives in the city," quietly answered the +broker. "What have you to say to his evidence?" + +"That it doesn't concern me. I may be wrong about the boy taking the +bonds, but that doesn't involve me. There may have been another +party." + +"You forget the testimony of the telegraph boy--that he saw you give +the bonds to your friend there." + +"The boy told a falsehood!" + +"I am in a position to confirm the boy's testimony," said the +detective. + +Willis Ford gasped for breath and seemed ready to sink into the +floor. What was coming next? + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +JUSTICE TRIUMPHS + + + + + +Mr. Graham turned to the broker and addressed further remarks to +him. + +"Your statement that four hundred dollars remained to be accounted +for, led me to conclude that they would be found in the possession +of the party who had abstracted the others. I therefore obtained a +search warrant and visited the room occupied by that gentleman, +whose name I believe is Willis Ford." + +This was an unexpected stroke. Ford did not speak, but kept his eyes +fixed upon the detective in evident panic. + +"I have just come from Mr. Ford's room," he resumed. "These are what +I found there." + +He drew from his pocket a long envelope, from which he took four +government bonds. + +"Will you be kind enough, Mrs. Estabrook," said the broker, gravely, +"to examine these bonds and determine whether they are yours?" + +The housekeeper took them mechanically and examined them. + +"They are mine," she said; "but I cannot believe Willis took them." + +"I did not," said Ford, hoarsely, but his eyes were downcast. + +"Will you account for their being in your room, then, Mr. Ford?" +inquired the broker, sternly. + +"That boy must have put them there. I know nothing of them. I am as +much surprised as you are." + +"We have had enough of this, Mr. Ford," said the broker, coldly. +"Your guilt is evident. In robbing your stepmother you have +committed a serious crime; but in attempting to throw the guilt upon +an innocent boy, you have been guilty of an offense still more +detestable, and one which I cannot forgive. You cannot remain in my +employment another day. If you will call at the office in the +morning, I will pay your salary to the end of the month. That will +end all relations between us." + +Willis Ford looked like a convicted criminal. For the moment all his +hardihood and bravado deserted him. + +"Can this be true, Willis?" wailed his stepmother. "Is it possible +that you took my bonds, and would have left me to an old age of +poverty?" + +"No," answered Ford, with a return of his usual assurance. "I am as +innocent as a babe unborn. I am the victim of a conspiracy. As Mr. +Reynolds is determined to shield his favorite by throwing the blame +on it, I must submit. The time will come when he will acknowledge my +innocence. Mother, I will satisfy you later, but I do not believe +you will think me guilty. Gentlemen, I bid you all good-evening." + +No one spoke as he withdrew from the room, and not even Morrison +offered to follow him. + +When he was fairly out of the room, the broker turned to Morrison. + +"Mr. Morrison," he said, "I have a question or two to put to you. I +think you will find it to your interest to answer correctly. Do you +still maintain that these bonds were given you by Grant Thornton?" + +"I may as well make a clean breast of it," said Morrison. "They were +given me by Willis Ford." + +"To satisfy a gambling debt, was it not?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I take it for granted you did not know they were stolen?" + +"If I had known it I wouldn't have touched them. I might have been +suspected of stealing them myself." + +"I believe you." + +"You're a gentleman," said Morrison, gratified that his word was +accepted. + +"Of course you have lost the amount which you consider due you. To +be entirely candid with you, I do not feel any sympathy with you. +Money won at play must be classed among ill-gotten gains. I hope you +will realize this, and give up a discreditable profession." + +"I have no doubt your advice is good, sir. Do you want me and Tom +any longer?" + +"You are at liberty to go. I am indebted to you for coming. You have +helped to clear up the mystery of the theft." + +"He's a little hard on us, Tom," said Morrison, as they went down +the front steps, "but he's treated us like a gentleman. That Ford is +a rascal." + +"I think so, too," Tom assented. + +"And I shall never see a cent of that six hundred dollars," +continued Jim Morrison, ruefully. + +"If you'll excuse me, I'll go to my own room," said Mrs. Estabrook, +pertly. "I want to think quietly of all this." + +"Go, by all means," said the broker, courteously. "To-morrow morning +your property shall be restored to you." + +Next the detective and the telegraph boy withdrew, the latter rich +by a five-dollar note, which Mr. Reynolds presented him. + +Johnny's eyes sparkled. + +"That will make mother happy," he said. "She'll think I am in luck." + +"Keep your eyes open, my boy, and be faithful to your employer, and +this won't be the last piece of luck that will come your way." + +When they were alone Mr. Reynolds turned to Grant and said kindly, +"I congratulate you, Grant, on your complete vindication. Those who +have wickedly conspired against you have come to grief, and you come +out of the trial unscathed. As I am to part with Willis Ford, though +you are not competent to take his place, your duties will be +somewhat enlarged, and I will take care that your compensation shall +be increased." + +"I am afraid, Mr. Reynolds, I already receive more than I earn." + +"That may be, but I am only anticipating a little. How much do I pay +you now?" + +"Six dollars a week, sir." + +"I will allow you four dollars more, but this additional sum I will +keep in my own hands, and credit you with. It is time you were +saving something for future use. Will this be satisfactory to you?" + +"You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds," said Grant. "I don't know how to +thank you." + +"Then I will tell you--be faithful in your duties in the office and +continue your kindness to Herbert." + +"Gladly, sir." + +Grant decided not to write to his mother about his increase in +salary. He preferred to wait till his savings amounted to a +considerable sum, and then surprise her by the announcement of his +good fortune. In six months, he estimated, he would have more than a +hundred dollars, and this to the country minister's son seemed a +large sum. At any rate, when he was twenty-one he might hope to be +the possessor of a thousand dollars. This opened to Grant a +brilliant prospect. It was probably all his father was worth, +including all his possessions. + +"In spite of my uncle's opposition," thought Grant, "I think I acted +wisely in preferring business to college. Now I shall be able to +make the family more comfortable." + +When Willis Ford called at the office the next morning Grant was +gone to the post office. As he returned he met Ford coming out with +a check in his hand. + +"So it's you, is it?" sneered Ford, stopping short. + +"Yes, Mr. Ford." + +"I suppose you are exulting over your victory?" + +"You are mistaken," said Grant. "It was not my wish that anything +unpleasant should happen." + +"I suppose not," said Ford, in an unpleasant tone. + +"For some reason you have shown a dislike to me from the first," +Grant proceeded. "I don't know why. I have always treated you with +respect and tried to do my duty faithfully." + +"You are a little angel, to be sure." + +"Have you any objection to telling me why you dislike me?" he asked. + +"Yes, I'll tell you. It is because I see how you are trying to worm +yourself into the confidence of Mr. Reynolds. You have plotted +against me, and now, thanks to you, I have lost my place." + +"I don't consider myself the cause of that, Mr. Ford." + +"I do. But you needn't exult too much. I generally pay my debts, and +I shan't forget what I owe you. I will be even with you some day." + +So saying, he walked off, and Grant returned to his work. + +"I can't understand why Mr. Ford should hate me so," he thought. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +STARTLING NEWS + + + + + +Willis Ford's feelings were far from enviable when he took leave of +the office in which he had long enjoyed an excellent position. He +was conscious, though scarcely willing to admit it, that his +misfortunes had been brought upon him by his own unwise, not to say +criminal, course. None the less, however, was he angry with those +whom he had connected with the disaster that had come upon him. He +had always disliked Grant Thornton. Now he hated him, and thirsted +for an opportunity to do him mischief. Next he felt embittered +against Mr. Reynolds, who had discharged him, though it is hardly +possible to see how the broker could have done otherwise. This +dislike was increased within a few days, and for this reason. + +Ford addressed a letter to Mr. Reynolds, requesting a certificate of +good character, which would enable him to procure a new situation. + +To this request the broker answered substantially as follows: + +"I shall be glad to hear that you have changed your course, and have +decided to lead an honest lift; but, for the same reason that I am +not willing to retain you in my employment, I am unwilling to +recommend you without reserve to another business man. If you are +willing to refer him to me, on condition that I tell the truth, I +will cheerfully testify that you have discharged your office duties +to my satisfaction." + +"The old fool!" muttered Ford, angrily crushing the letter in his +hand. "What use would such a recommendation be to me? Not content +with discharging me, he wants to keep me out of employment." + +In truth, Willis Ford hardly knew where to turn. He had saved no +money, and was earning nothing. In his dilemma he turned to his +stepmother. + +One forenoon, after he knew the broker and Grant would be out of the +way, he rang the bell, and inquired for the housekeeper. + +Mrs. Estabrook was agitated when she saw her step-son. She did not +like to believe that he had robbed her, but it was hard to believe +otherwise. + +"Oh, Willis!" she said almost bursting into tears, "how could you +take my small savings? I would not have believed you capable of it!" + +"You don't mean to say, mother," returned Willis, with +well-dissembled and reproachful sorrow, "that you believe this +monstrous slander?" + +"I don't want to believe it, Willis, heaven knows. But were not the +bonds found in your room?" + +"I admit it," said Ford; "but how did they get there?" + +"Did you not put them there?" + +"Certainly not, mother. I thought you knew me better than that." + +"But who, then--" began his step-mother, looking bewildered. + +"Who should it be but that boy?" + +"Grant Thornton?" + +"Yes." + +"Have you any proof of this?" asked the housekeeper, eagerly. + +"I will tell you what I have found out. I learn that a boy called, +on the day in question, at my room and asked to see me. Being told +that I was out, he asked leave to go up and wait for me. As the +servant had no suspicion, he was allowed to go up. I don't know how +long he stayed; but no doubt he had the bonds with him and concealed +them where they were found." + +"Did you ask for a description of the boy? Was it like Grant?" asked +the housekeeper, quickly. + +"Unfortunately, the girl did not take particular notice of him. I +have no doubt that it was either Grant or the telegraph boy, who +seems to have been in the plot."' + +Now, this story was an audacious fiction, and should not have +imposed upon a person of ordinary intelligence; but the housekeeper +was anxious to believe her step-son innocent and Grant guilty. She +therefore accepted it without question, and was loud in her +denunciation of that "artful young rascal." + +"You ought to tell Mr. Reynolds of this, Willis," she said. + +"It would be of no use, mother. He is too strongly prejudiced +against me. What do you think? He has refused me a letter of +recommendation. What does he care if I starve?" concluded Willis, +bitterly. + +"But I care, Willis. I will not desert you," said Mrs. Estabrook, in +a tone of sympathy. + +This was just the mood in which Ford desired his step-mother to be. +He was desirous of effecting a loan, and after a time succeeded in +having transferred to him two of the one-hundred-dollar bonds. He +tried hard to obtain the five hundred, but Mrs. Estabrook was too +prudent and too much attached to her savings to consent to this. +Ford had to be satisfied with considerably less. + +"Ought I to stay with Mr. Reynolds after he has treated you in this +way, Willis?" asked his step-mother, anxiously. + +"By all means, mother. You don't want to throw away a good +position." + +"But it will be hard to see that boy high in Mr. Reynolds' +confidence, after all his wickedness." + +"You must dissemble, mother. Treat him fairly, and watch your +opportunity to harm him and serve me. Don't say much about me, for +it would do no good; but keep your hold on Reynolds." + +"If you think it best, Willis," said his stepmother, not without a +feeling of relief, for she was reluctant to relinquish a good home +and liberal salary, "I will remain." + +"Do so by all means. We may as well make all we can out of the +enemy, for Mr. Reynolds has treated me very shabbily. And now I must +bid you good-by." + +"What are your plans, Willis?" + +"I can't tell you, but I think I shall go West." + +"And I shall never see you!" + +"You will hear from me, and I hope I shall have good news to write." + +Willis Ford left the house, and, going to the Grand Central Depot, +bought a ticket for Chicago. + +Now came quite a pleasant period after the trouble and excitement. +Grant found his duties at the office increased, and it was pleasant +to see that his employer reposed confidence in him. His relations +with others in the office were pleasant, now that Willis Ford was +away, and every day he seemed to get new insight into the details of +the business. Whether Jim Morrison and Tom Calder were in the city, +he did not know. At all events, they were never seen in the +neighborhood of Wall Street. Grant was not sorry to have them pass +out of his life, for he did not consider that he was likely to draw +any benefit from their presence and companionship. + +He was still a member of Mr. Reynolds' house-hold. Herbert appeared +to be as much attached to him as if he were an older brother, and +the broker looked with pleasure upon the new happiness that beamed +from the face of his son. + +As to Mrs. Estabrook, Grant had feared that she would continue to +show animosity toward him, but he had nothing to complain of. She +certainly did not show any cordiality in her necessary intercourse +with him; but then, on the other hand, she did not manifest any +desire to injure him. This was all Grant desired. He felt that under +no circumstances could he have made a friend of the housekeeper. He +was content to have her leave him alone. + +After the lapse of six months Grant expressed a desire to go home to +pass a day or two. His mother's birthday was close at hand, and he +had bought for her a present which he knew would be acceptable. +Permission was readily accorded, and Grant passed four happy days at +home. His parents were pleased that he was so highly regarded by his +employer, and had come to think that Grant's choice had been a wise +one. + +When Grant returned he went at once to the office. He found it a +scene of excitement. + +"What has happened?" he asked, eagerly. + +"Herbert Reynolds has disappeared, and his father is almost beside +himself with grief!" was the startling reply. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +ANXIOUS INQUIRIES + + + + + +After a while Grant learned the particulars about Herbert's +disappearance. He had gone out to play in the street about three +o'clock in the afternoon. Generally he waited for Grant to +return-home, but during his absence he had found other companions. +When his father returned home, he inquired of the housekeeper: +"Where is Herbert?" + +"He went out to play," said Mrs. Estabrook, indifferently. + +"In the street?" + +"I believe so." + +"He ought to be in by this time." + +"Probably he went to walk with some of his companions. As he had no +watch, he might not know that it is so late." + +This seemed very plausible to Mr. Reynolds. + +"Yes," he said; "Herbert seems lost without Grant. He will be glad +to see him back." + +To this Mrs. Estabrook did not reply. She had learned, to her cost, +that it would not be politic to speak against Grant, and she was not +disposed to praise him. She seldom mentioned him at all. + +The dinner bell rang, and still Herbert had not returned. His father +began to feel anxious. + +"It is strange that Herbert remains so long away," he said. + +"I shouldn't wonder if he had gone to Central Park on some +excursion," returned the housekeeper calmly. + +"You think there is nothing wrong?" asked the broker, anxiously. + +"How could there be here, sir?" answered Mrs. Estabrook, with +unruffled demeanor. + +This answer helped to calm Mr. Reynolds, who ordered dinner delayed +half an hour. + +When, however, an hour--two hours--passed, and the little boy still +remained absent, the father's anxiety became insupportable. He +merely tasted a few spoonfuls of soup, and found it impossible to +eat more. The housekeeper, on the contrary, seemed quite +unconcerned, and showed her usual appetite. + +"I am seriously anxious, Mrs. Estabrook," said the broker. "I will +take my hat and go out to see if I can gain any information. Should +Herbert return while I am away, give him his supper, and, if he is +tired, let him go to bed, just finding out why he was out so late." + +"Very well, sir." + +When Mr. Reynolds had left the house a singular expression of +gratified malice swept over the housekeeper's face. "It is just +retribution," she murmured. "He condemned and discharged my stepson +for the sin of another. Now it is his own heart that bleeds." + +Only a few steps from his own door the broker met a boy about two +years older than Herbert, with whom the latter sometimes played. + +"Harvey," he said, "have you seen Herbert this afternoon?" + +"Yes, sir; I saw him about three o'clock." + +"Where?" asked the broker, anxiously. + +"Just 'round the corner of the block," answered Harvey Morrison. + +"Was he alone?" + +"No; there was a young man with him--about twenty, I should think." + +"A young man! Was it one you had ever saw before?" + +"No, sir." + +"What was his appearance?" + +Harvey described Herbert's companion as well as he could, but the +anxious father did not recognize the description. + +"Did you speak to Herbert? Did you ask where he was going?" + +"Yes, sir. He told me that you had sent for him to go on an +excursion." + +"Did he say that?" asked the father, startled. + +"Yes, sir." + +"Then there is some mischief afoot. I never sent for him," said the +agitated father. + +Mr. Reynolds requested Harvey to accompany him to the nearest police +station, and relate all that he knew to the officer in charge, that +the police might be put on the track. He asked himself in vain what +object any one could have in spiriting away the boy, but no probable +explanation occurred to him. + +On his return to the house he communicated to the housekeeper what +he had learned. + +"What do you think of it?" he asked. + +"It may be only a practical joke," answered the housekeeper calmly. + +"Heaven grant it may be nothing more! But I fear it is something far +more serious." + +"I dare say it's only a boy's lark, Mr. Reynolds." + +"But you forget--it was a young man who was seen in his company." + +"I really don't know what to think of it, then. I don't believe the +boy will come to any harm." + +Little sleep visited the broker's pillow that night, but the +housekeeper looked fresh and cheerful in the morning. + +"Has the woman no feeling?" thought the anxious father, as he +watched the tranquil countenance of the woman who for five years had +been in charge of his house. + +When she was left alone in the house Mrs. Estabrook took from her +workbasket a letter, bearing date a month previous, and read slowly +the following paragraph: "I have never forgotten the wrong done me +by Mr. Reynolds. He discharged me summarily from his employment and +declined to give me a recommendation which would secure me a place +elsewhere. I swore at the time that I would get even with him, and I +have never changed my resolution. I shall not tell you what I +propose to do. It is better that you should not know. But some day +you will hear something that will surprise you. When that time +comes, if you suspect anything, say nothing. Let matters take their +course." + +The letter was signed by Willis Ford. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +A WESTERN CABIN + + + + + +"Abner!" + +The speaker was a tall, gaunt woman, in a loose, faded, calico +dress, and she stood at the door of a cabin in a Western clearing. + +"What yer want?" came as a reply from a tall, unhealthy-looking boy +in overalls, who was sitting on a log in the yard. + +"I want you to split some wood for the stove." + +"I'm tired," drawled the boy. + +"I'll tire you!" said the mother, sharply. "You tall, lazy, +good-for-nothing drone! Here I've been up since five o'clock, +slavin' for you and your drunken father. Where's he gone?" + +"To the village, I reckon." + +"To the tavern, I reckon. It's there that he spends all the money he +gets hold of; he never gives me a cent. This is the only gown I've +got, except an old alpaca. Much he cares!" + +"It isn't my fault, is it?" asked the boy, indifferently. + +"You're a-follerin' in his steps. You'll be just another Joel +Barton--just as shif'less and lazy. Just split me some wood before I +get hold of yer!" + +Abner rose slowly, went to the shed for an ax, and in the most +deliberate manner possible began to obey his mother's commands. + +The cabin occupied by Abner and his parents was far from being a +palace. It contained four rooms, but the furniture was of the most +primitive description. Joel Barton, the nominal head of the famliy, +was the possessor of eighty acres of land, from which he might have +obtained a comfortable living, for the soil was productive; but he +was lazy, shiftless and intemperate, as his wife had described him. +Had he been as active and energetic as she was, he might have been +in very different circumstances. It is no wonder that the poor woman +was fretted and irritated almost beyond endurance, seeing how all +her industry was neutralized by her husband's habits. Abner took +after his father, though he had not yet developed a taste for drink, +and was perfectly contented with their poor way of living, as long +as he was not compelled to work hard. What little was required of +him he would shirk if he possibly could. + +This cabin was situated about a mile from the little village which +had gathered round the depot. The name of the township was Scipio, +though it is doubtful if one in fifty of the inhabitants knew after +whom it was named. In fact, the name was given by a schoolmaster, +who had acquired some rudiments of classical learning at a country +academy. + +To the depot we must transport the reader, on the arrival of the +morning train from Chicago. But two passengers got out. One of them +was a young man under twenty. The other was a boy, apparently about +ten years of age, whom he held firmly by the hand. + +He was a delicate-looking boy, and, though he was dressed in a +coarse, ill-fitting suit, he had an appearance of refinement and +gentle nature, as if he had been brought up in a luxurious home. He +looked sad and anxious, and the glances he fixed on his companion +indicated that he held him in fear. + +"Where are you going?" he asked timidly, looking about him +apprehensively. + +"You'll know soon enough," was the rough reply. + +"When are you going to take me home, Mr. Ford?" asked the boy, in a +pleading tone. + +"Don't trouble yourself about that." + +"Papa will be so anxious about me--papa and Grant!" + +The young man's brow contracted. + +"Don't mention the name of that boy! I hate him." + +"He was always good to me. I liked so much to be with him." + +"He did all he could to injure me. I swore to be even with him, and +I will!" + +"But I have never injured you, Mr. Ford." + +"How could you--a baby like you?" said Ford, contemptuously. + +"Then why did you take me from home, and make me so unhappy?" + +"Because it was the only way in which I could strike a blow at your +father and Grant Thornton. When your father dismissed me, without a +recommendation, not caring whether I starved or not, he made me his +enemy." + +"But he wouldn't if you hadn't--" + +"Hadn't what?" demanded Ford, sternly. + +"Taken Mrs. Estabrook's bonds." + +"Dare to say that again, and I will beat you," said Willis Ford, +brutally. + +Herbert trembled, for he had a timid nature, and an exquisite +susceptibility to pain. + +"I didn't mean to offend you," he said. + +"You'd better not. Wait here a minutes, while I look around for some +one of whom I can make inquiries. Here, sit dowp on that settee, +and, mind you, don't stir till I come back. Will you obey me?" + +"Yes," answered the boy, submissively. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE RIDE TO BARTON'S + + + + + +Willis Ford went to the station master, who stood at the door with a +cheap cigar in his mouth. + +"Is there a man named Joel Barton living hereabouts?" he asked. + +The station master took his cigar from his mouth and surveyed his +questioner with some curiosity. + +"Does he owe you money?" he inquired. + +"No," answered Ford, impatiently. "Will you answer my question?" + +"You needn't be in such a pesky hurry," drawled the station master. +"Yes, he lives up the road a piece." + +"How far is a piece?" + +"Well, maybe a mile." + +"Straighten?" + +"Yes." + +"Is there any way of riding?" + +"Well, stranger, I've got a team myself. Is that boy with you?" + +"Yes." + +"I'll take you over for half a dollar." + +"Can you go at once?" + +"Yes." + +"Then it's a bargain." + +The station master, whose house was only three minutes' walk away, +appeared in a reasonable time with a farm wagon, drawn by an old +horse that had seen better days, it is to be hoped, for she was a +miserable-looking mare. + +"Jump in, Herbert," said Ford. + +The boy obeyed, and sat on the front seat, between the driver and +his abductor. + +"I suppose the horse is warranted not to run away?" said Ford, +regarding the animal with a smile. + +"He ran away with me once," was the unexpected answer. + +"When was that?" + +"'Bout fifteen years ago," replied the driver, with grim humor. "I +reckon he's steadied down by this time." + +"It looks like it," said Ford. + +"Know Joel Barton?" asked the station master, after a pause. + +"I saw him once when I was a boy." + +"Any relation?" + +"He married a cousin of my stepmother. What sort of a man is he?" + +"He's a no-account man--shif'less, lazy--drinks." + +"That agrees with what I have heard. How about his wife?" + +"She's smart enough. If he was like her they'd live comfortably. She +has a hard time with him and Abner--Abner's her son, and just like +his father, only doesn't drink yet. Like as not he will when he gets +older." + +Willis Ford was not the only listener to this colloquy. Herbert paid +attention to every word, and in the poor boy's mind there was the +uncomfortable query, "Why are we going to these people?" He would +know soon, probably, but he had a presentiment of trouble. + +"Yes," continued the station master, "Mrs. Barton has a hard row to +hoe; but she's a match for Joel." + +"What do you mean by that?" + +"She's got a temper of her own, and she can talk a man deaf, dumb, +and blind. She gives Barton a piece of her mind whenever he comes +home full." + +"She ought to have that satisfaction. From what you tell me, I don't +feel very proud of my unknown relatives." + +"Goin' to stay there any length of time?" + +"I don't know my own plans yet," answered Willis Ford, with a glance +at the boy. He foresaw a scene when he announced his purpose to +leave Herbert in this unpromising place, but he did not wish to +anticipate it. + +"I suppose Barton is a farmer?" he suggested. + +"He pretends to be, but his farm doesn't pay much." + +"What supports them?" + +"His wife takes in work from the tailors in the the village. Then +they've got a cow, and she makes butter. As for Joel, he brings in +precious little money. He might pick up a few dollars hirin' out by +the day, if he wasn't so lazy. I had a job for him myself one day, +but he knocked off at noon--said he was tuckered out, and wanted me +to pay him for that half day. I knew well enough where the money +would go, so I told him I wouldn't pay him unless he worked until +sunset." + +"Did he do it?" + +"Yes, he did; but he grumbled a good deal. When he got his pay he +went over to Thompson's saloon, and he didn't leave it until all the +money was spent. When his wife heard of it she was mad, and I expect +she gave Joel a taste of the broom handle." + +"I wouldn't blame her much." + +"Nor I. But here we are. Yonder's Barton's house. Will you get out?" + +"Yes." + +Abner, who was sitting on a stump, no sooner saw the team stop than +he ran into the house, in some excitement, to tell the news. + +"Marm," he said, "there's a team stopped, and there's a man and boy +gettin' out; 'spect they're coming here." + +"Lord's sake! Who be they?" + +"Dunno." + +"Well, go out and tell 'em I'll see' em in a minute." + +Abner met them in front of the house. + +"Are you Joel Barton's son?" asked Ford. + +"That's what the old man says," returned Abner, with a grin. + +"Is your mother at home?" + +"Marm will be right out. She's slickin' up. Who be you?" + +"You'll know in good time, my boy." "Who's he? Is he your son?" + +"No," answered Herbert promptly. + +Willis Ford turned upon his young ward with a frown. He understood +the boy's tone. + +"It will be time to speak when you are spoken to," he said sharply. + +"Here's marm'" said Abner, as his mother's tall figure appeared in +the doorway. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +HERBERT IS PROVIDED WITH A NEW HOME + + + + + +Mrs. Barton regarded the newcomers with a wondering stare. + +"Did you want to see Joel?" she asked. + +"I shall be glad to see him in due time, Mrs. Barton," returned +Willis Ford, with unwonted politeness; "but I came principally to +see you." + +"Who be you?" inquired Mrs. Barton, unceremoniously; "I don't know +you no more'n the dead." + +"There is a slight connection between us, however. I am the stepson +of Pauline Estabrook, of New York, who is a cousin of yours." + +"You don't say Pauline is your mother?" ejaculated the lady of the +house. "Well, I never expected to see kith or kin of hers out here. +Is that your son?" + +"No, Mrs. Barton; but he is under my charge." + +Herbert was about to disclaim this, but an ominous frown from Willis +Ford intimidated him. + +"My name is Willis Ford; his is Sam Green." + +Herbert's eyes opened wide with astonishment at this statement. + +"My name is--" he commenced. + +"Silence!" hissed Ford, with a menacing look. "You must not +contradict me." + +"I s'pose I ought to invite you to stay here," said Mrs. Barton, +awkwardly; "but he's so shif-less, and such a poor provider, that I +ain't got anything in the house fit for dinner." + +"Thank you," returned Ford, with an inward shudder. "I shall dine at +the hotel; but I have a little business matter to speak of, Mrs. +Barton, and I would wish to speak in private. I will come into the +house, with your permission, and we will leave the two boys +together." + +"Come right in," said Mrs. Barton, whose curiosity was aroused. +"Here, you Abner, just take care of the little boy." + +Abner proceeded to do this, first thinking it necessary to ask a few +questions. + +"Where do you live when you're at home, Sam?" he asked. + +"In New York; but my name isn't Sam," replied Herbert. + +"What is it, then?" + +"Herbert." + +"What makes him call you Sam, then?" asked Abner, with a jerk of the +finger toward the house. + +"I don't know, except he is afraid I will be found." + +Abner looked puzzled. + +"Is he your guardeen?" he asked. + +"No; he was my father's clerk." + +"Ho! Did your father have clerks?" + +"Yes; he is a rich man and does business in New York." + +"What made him send you out here?" + +"He didn't." + +"Then why did you come?" + +"Mr. Ford was mad with papa, and stole me away." + +"He wouldn't steal me away easy!" said Abner, defiantly; "but, then, +I ain't a little kid like you." + +"I'm not a kid," said Herbert, who was not used to slang. + +"Oh, you don't know what I mean--you're a little boy and couldn't do +nothin'. If he tried to take me, he'd find his hands full." + +Herbert, who was not very much prepossessed by Abner's appearance, +thought it very doubtful whether any one would ever attempt to +kidnap him. + +"What's he goin' to do with you?" continued Abner. + +"I don't know. I expect he'll make papa pay a good sum to get me +back." + +"Humph!" remarked Abner, surveying with some contempt the small +proportions of the boy before him. "You ain't much good. I don't +believe he'll pay much for you." + +Tears sprang to the eyes of the little boy, but he forced them back. + +"My papa would think differently," he said. + +"Papa!" mimicked Abner. "Oh, how nice we are! Why don't you say dad, +like I do?" + +"Because it isn't a nice name. Papa wouldn't like to have me call +him so." + +"Where did you get them clothes? I don't think much of 'em." + +"Nor I," answered Herbert. "They're not my own clothes. Mr. Ford +bought them for me in Chicago." + +"He must like you, to buy you new clothes." + +"No, he doesn't. My own clothes were much nicer. He sold them. He +was afraid some one would know me in the others." + +"I wonder what he and marm are talking about so long?" + +This question Herbert was unable to answer. He did not guess how +nearly this conversation affected him. + +No sooner had the two entered the house than Willis Ford began. + +"Mrs. Barton," he said, "I'll tell you now what brought me here." + +"Go ahead," said the lady, encouragingly. + +"I want you to take the boy I have brought with me to board." + +"Land sakes! I don't keep a boardin' house!" + +"No; but if I will make it worth your while you will take him, won't +you?" + +"How much will you give?" asked Mrs. Barton, shrewdly. + +"Four dollars a week." + +"He'll be a sight of trouble," said the lady; but there was +something in her tone that satisfied Ford that she was favorably +inclined to the proposal. + +"Oh, no, he won't. He's so small that you can twist him round your +finger. Besides, Abner will be company for him. He will be with him +most of the time." + +"Say five dollars and it's a bargain," said Mrs. Barton. + +Ford hesitated. He did not care to spend more than he was obliged +to, but it was of importance to obtain at least a temporary refuge +for the boy, of whose care he was heartily tired. It seemed to him +that five dollars would be enough to support the whole family in the +style in which they were apparently accustomed to live. However, it +was politic to make the sum sufficient to interest these people in +retaining charge of the boy. + +"Well," he said, after a pause, "it's more than I expected to pay, +but I suppose I shall have to accept your terms. I conclude Mr. +Barton will not object to your taking a boarder?" + +"Oh, Joel is of no account," returned Mrs. Barton, contemptuously. +"I run this house!" + +Willis Ford suppressed a smile. He could easily believe from Mrs. +Barton's appearance that she was the head of the establishment. + +"There's one thing more," added Mrs. Barton; "you're to pay the +money to me. Jest as sure as it goes into Joel's hands, it'll go for +drink. The way that man carries on is a disgrace." + +"I should prefer to pay the money to you," said Ford. + +"You'll have to pay somethin' in advance, if you want the boy to +have anythin' to eat. I've got to send to the village, and I haven't +got a cent in the house." + +Willis Ford took out a pocketbook. Extracting therefrom four +five-dollar bills, he handed them to Mrs. Barton. + +"There's money for four weeks," he said. "When that time is up I'll +send you more." + +Mrs. Barton's eyes sparkled, and she eagerly clutched the money. + +"I ain't seen so much money for years," she said. "I'll jest look +out Joel don't get hold of it. Don't you tell Joel or Abner how much +you've paid me." + +"I'll take care of that, Mrs. Barton. By the way, I must caution you +not to believe any of the boy's stories. He's the son of a friend of +mine, who's put him under my care. The boy's weak-minded, and has +strange fancies. He thinks his name isn't Sam Green, and that his +father is rich. Why, only the other day he insisted his name was +George Washington." + +"Land's sake! How cur'us!" "Of course; you won't pay any attention +to what he says. He may take it into his head to run away. If he +does, you must get him back." + +"You can trust me to do that!" said Mrs. Barton, with emphasis. "I +ain't goin' to let no five-dollar boarder slip through my fingers!" + +"That's well! Now I must be going. You will hear from me from time +to time." + +He passed through the front door into the yard. + +"Good-by!" he said. + +Herbert was about to follow him, but he waived him back. + +"You are not to come with me, Sam," he said. "I shall leave you for +a few weeks with this good lady." + +Herbert stared at him in dismay. This was something he had never +dreamed of. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX + +INTRODUCES MR. BARTON + + + + + +When Herbert realized that he was to be left behind he ran after +Willis Ford, and pleaded for the privilege of accompanying him. +"Don't leave me here, Mr. Ford!" he said. "I should die of +homesickness!" + +"So you would rather go with me?" Ford said, with an amused smile. + +"Oh, yes, much rather!" + +"I had not supposed you valued my company so highly. I ought to feel +complimented. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I shall have to +leave you here for a few weeks. This good lady will take good care +of you." + +Herbert stole a glance at Mrs. Barton, who was watching him with +mingled contempt and impatience, but he did not become any more +reconciled to the prospect. He reiterated his request. + +"I have had enough of this," said Ford, sternly. "You will stop +making a fuss if you know what is best for yourself. Good-by! You +will hear from me soon." + +Herbert realized the uselessness of his resistance, and sank +despondently upon the grass. + +"Is he goin' to stay here, marm?" asked Abner, curiously. + +"Yes; he's goin' to board with us." + +"Ho, ho!" laughed Abner; "he'll have a nice boardin' place!" + +"Abner, you jest shut up, or I'll take a stick to you! You needn't +make him any more homesick than he is. Just try ef you can't amuse +him." + +"Say, Sam, I guess we'll have a stavin' time together," said Abner, +really pleased to have a companion. "What'll we do? Want to play +leapfrog?" + +"I don't feel like playing," answered Herbert, despondently. + +"We might go fishin'," suggested Abner. "There's a pond only a +quarter of a mile from here." + +"I don't know how to fish," said Herbert. + +"Don't know how to fish? What do you know how to do?" + +"We don't have any chance in New York." + +"Say," exclaimed Abner, with sudden interest, "is New York a nice +place?" + +"I wish I was back there. I never shall be happy anywhere's else." + +"Tell me what you fellows do there. I dunno but I'd like to go +myself." + +Before Herbert had a chance to answer Mrs. Barton broke in: + +"Abner, you take care of Sam while I go to the village." + +"What are you goin' there for, marm?" + +"I'm going to buy some sausages for dinner. We haven't got anything +in the house." + +"Me and Sam will go, if you'll give us the money." + +"I know you too well, Abner Barton. I won't trust you with the +money. Ef I gave you a five-dollar bill, I'd never see any on't back +again." + +"Say, mam, you haven't got a five-dollar bill, have you?" asked +Abner, with distended eyes. + +"Never you mind!" + +"I'll tell dad ef you don't give me some." + +"You jest dare to do it!" returned Mrs. Barton, in a menacing tone. +"Your father ain't got nothin' to do with it. It's money for Sam's +board." + +"My name isn't Sam," expostulated Herbert, who had a natural +preference for his own appellation. + +"That's what I'm goin' to call you. You can call yourself George +Washington, or General Jackson, ef you want to. Mebbe you're +Christopher Columbus." + +"My name is Herbert Reynolds," said Herbert, annoyed. + +"That's what you call yourself to-day. There's no knowin' who you'll +be to-morrow." + +"Don't you believe me, Mrs. Barton?" asked Herbert, distressed. + +"No, I don't. The man who brung you--I dis-remember his name--" + +"Willis Ford." + +"Well, Willis Ford, then! It seems you know his name. Well, he told +me you was loony, and thought you was somebody else than your own +self." + +"He told you that I was crazy?" ejaculated Herbert. + +"Yes; and I have no doubt it's so." + +"It's a wicked lie!" exclaimed Herbert, indignantly; "and I'd like +to tell him so to his face." + +"Well, you won't have a chance for some time. But I can't stand here +talkin'. I must be goin' to the store. You two behave yourselves +while I'm gone!" + +Herbert felt so dull and dispirited that he did not care to speak, +but Abner's curiosity had been excited about New York, and he plied +his young companion with questions, which Herbert answered wearily. +Though he responded listlessly, and did not say any more than he +felt obliged to, he excited Abner's interest. + +"I mean to go to New York some time," he said. "Is it far?" + +"It's as much as a thousand miles. It may be more." + +"Phew! That's a big distance. How did you come?" + +"We came in the cars." + +"Did it cost much?" + +"I don't know. Mr. Ford paid for the tickets." + +"Has he got plenty of money?" + +"I don't think he has. He used to be pa's clerk." + +"I wish we had enough money. You and me would start some fine +mornin', and mebbe your father would give me something to do when we +got there." + +For the first time Herbert began to feel an interest in the +conversation. + +"Oh, I wish we could," he said, fervently. "I know pa would give you +a lot of money for bringing me back." + +"Do you really think he would?" asked Abner, briskly. + +"I know he would. But your mother wouldn't let us go." + +"She wouldn't know it," said Abner, winking. + +"You wouldn't run away from home?" questioned Herbert. + +"Why wouldn't I? What's to keep me here? Marm's always scoldin', and +dad gets drunk whenever he has any money to spend for drink. I +reckon they wouldn't care much if I made myself scarce." + +Herbert was not sure whether he ought not to feel shocked. He +admitted to himself, however, that if he had a father and mother +answering the description of Abner's, that he would not so much +regret leaving them. At any rate, Abner's words awoke a hope of +sometime getting away from the place he already hated, and returning +to his city home, now more valued than ever. + +"We can't go without money," he said, in a troubled voice. + +"Couldn't we walk?" + +"It's too far, and I'm not strong." + +"I could walk it, ef I took time enough," asserted Abner, +positively. "Hello! there's dad!" + +Herbert looked up, and, following Abner's glance, saw a man +approaching the farmhouse. Mr. Barton--for it was he--was a tall +man, shabbily attired, his head crowned with a battered hat, whose +gait indicated a little uncertainty, and betrayed some difficulty +about the maintenance of his equilibrium. + +"Is that your father?" asked Herbert. + +"It's the old man, sure enough. He's about half full." + +"What's that?" + +"He's been drinkin', as usual; but he didn't drink enough to make +him tight. Guess his funds give out." + +Herbert was rather shocked at Abner's want of respect in speaking of +his father, but even to him Mr. Barton hardly seemed like a man who +could command a son's respect. + +"Wonder whether dad met marm on the way?" said Abner, musing. + +By this time, Mr. Barton had entered the yard, and caught sight of +his son and Herbert. + +"Abner," said he, in a thick voice, "who's that boy?" + +"Then he didn't meet marm," thought Abner. "He's a boy that's goin' +to board with us, dad," he answered. + +"You don't say! Glad to make your acquaintance, boy," he said, +straightening up. + +"Thank you, sir," answered Herbert, faintly. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXX + +A MODEL HOUSEHOLD + + + + + +"When did you come?" asked Barton, steadying himself against a tree. + +"Half an hour ago," answered Abner, for Herbert was gazing, with a +repulsion he found it difficult to conceal, at Barton, whose flushed +face and thick utterance indicated his condition very clearly. + +"Who came with him?" continued Barton. + +"You'd better ask marm. She attended to the business. It was a young +man." + +"Where is she?" + +"Gone to the village to buy some sassiges for dinner." + +"Good!" exclaimed Barton, in a tone of satisfaction. "I'll stay at +home to dinner to-day. Did the man pay your mother any money?" + +"I s'pose so, or she wouldn't be buyin' sassiges. Old Schickman +won't trust us any more." + +"The money should have been paid to me. I'll see about it when your +marm comes back from the store." + +"You'd spend it all for drink, dad," said Abner. + +"How dare you speak so to your father, you ungrateful young dog!" + +He essayed to reach Abner to strike him, but his dutiful son dodged +easily, and his father, being unsteady on his legs, fell on the +ground. + +Abner laughed, but Herbert was too much shocked to share in his +enjoyment. + +"Come here and help me up, you Abner!" said his father. + +"Not much, dad! If you hadn't tried to lick me you wouldn't have +fallen!" + +"Let me help you, sir!" said Herbert, conquering his instinctive +disgust and approaching the fallen man. + +"You're a gentleman!" murmured Barton, as he took the little boy's +proffered hand and, after considerable ado, raised himself to a +standing position. "You're a gentleman; I wish I had a boy like +you." + +Herbert could not join in the wish. He felt that a father like Joel +Barton would be a great misfortune. + +But just then Mrs. Barton entered the yard, marching with long +strides like a man's. + +"Here's marm!" announced Abner. + +Barton steadied himself as he turned to look at his wife. + +"I want to see you, Mrs. B.," he said. "When are you goin' to have +dinner?" + +"Never, if I depended on you to supply the vittles!" she answered, +bluntly. + +"Don't speak so before a stranger," said Barton, with a hiccough. +"You hurt my feelin's." + +"Your feelin's are tough, and so are mine by this time." + +"What have you got there?" + +"Some sassiges. Ef you want your share, you'll have to be on time. I +shan't save you any." + +"How much money did the man pay you, Mrs. B.?" + +"That's my business!" retorted his wife, shortly. + +"Mrs. B.," said her husband, straightening up, "I want you to +understand that I'm the master of this house, and it's my right to +take care of the money. You'll oblige me by handin' it over." + +"I'll do nothing of the sort, Joel Barton! You'd only spend it for +drink." + +"Would you grudge me the few pennies I spend for drink? My system +requires it. That's what the doctor says." + +"Then you must find the money for it yourself. My system requires +something to eat, and, ef I take a boarder, he's got to have +something to eat, too." + +"Mrs. B., I didn't think your heart was so hard," said Barton, in a +maudlin tone. + +"Look here, Joel Barton; you might as well stop such foolish talk. +It won't do no good. I can't stay here all day. I must go and be +gettin' dinner." + +Had Barton succeeded in raising money from his wife, he would +probably have returned at once to the tavern, and his place would +have been vacant at the dinner table. Failing in this, he lay back +and fell asleep, and was not roused till dinner time. + +Mrs. Barton was a fair cook, and Herbert ate with an unexpected +relish. It is needless to say that Abner also did full justice to +the meal. + +"I say, Sam," he said, "I'm glad you've come." + +Herbert was hardly prepared to agree with him. + +"Now we'll have to live better," Abner explained. "Mam and I +gen'ally have to skirmish round for vittles. We don't often get +meat." + +This frank confession rather alarmed Herbert. He was not over +self-indulgent, but he had never lacked for nourishing food, and the +prospect of an uncertain supply was not encouraging. + +When dinner was over--there was no second course--they left the +table. Joel Barton made a fresh attempt to extort a small sum from +his wife, but was met with an inflexible refusal. Mrs. Barton proved +deaf alike to entreaties and threats. She was a strong, resolute +woman, and not one to be intimidated. + +When Barton left the house, his look of disappointment had given +place to one of cunning. + +"Come here, Abner!" he said, beckoning to his son and heir. + +"What for?" + +"Never you mind." + +"But I do mind. Do you want to catch hold of me?" + +"No; it's only a little matter of business. It's for your good." + +Abner accompanied his father as far as the fence. + +"Now, what do you want?" he asked, with his eyes warily fixed on his +father. + +"I want you to find out where your marm keeps that money," said +Barton, in a coaxing tone. + +"What for?" + +"You're to take it and bring it to me." + +"And go without eatin'?" + +"I'll buy the provisions myself. I'm the head of the family." + +"Do you want me to hook money from marm?" + +"'Twon't be hookin'. The money by right belongs to me. Ain't I the +head of the family?" + +"I dunno about that. Marm's the boss, and always has been," chuckled +Abner. + +Joel frowned, but immediately tried another attack. + +"Of course I'll give you some of it, Abner," he resumed. "If there's +five dollars I'll give you a quarter." + +"I'll see about it, dad." + +"Get it for me before evenin', if you can. I shall need it then." + +Abner returned to Herbert, and frankly related the conversation that +had taken place between himself and his father. + +Herbert was shocked. He did not know what to think of the singular +family he had got into. + +"You won't do it, will you?" he asked, startled. + +"No, I won't. I want a quarter bad enough, but I'd rather mam would +keep the money. She'll spend it for vittles, and dad would spend it +for drink. Wouldn't you like to go a-fishin'? It's fine weather, and +we'll have fun." + +Herbert assented, not knowing how to dispose of his time. Abner +turned the conversation again on New York. What Herbert had already +told him had powerfully impressed his imagination. + +"Haven't you got any money?" he asked. + +"No," answered Herbert. "Mr. Ford took away all I had, except this." + +He drew from his pocket a nickel. + +"That won't do no good," said Abner, disappointed. "Stop a minute, +though," he added, after aminute's pause. "Wouldn't your folks send +you some money, if you should write to them?" + +"Yes," answered Herbert, his face brightening. "Why didn't I think +of that before? If I could get me paper and ink I'd write at once to +papa. I know he'd either send the money or come for me." + +"We'll go to the post office," said Abner. "There you can buy some +paper and a postage stamp. You've got just money enough. There's a +pen and ink there." + +"Let us go at once," said Herbert, eagerly. + +The boys took their way to the village. The letter was written and +posted, and a burden was lifted from the boy's mind. He felt that +his father would seek him out at once, and he could bear his present +position for a short time. But, alas! for poor Herbert--the letter +never came into his father's hands. Why, the reader will learn in +the next chapter. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI + +THE HOUSEKEEPER'S CRIME + + + + + +It is not to be supposed that during this time the family of the +missing boy were idle. The mystrerious disappearance of his only son +filled his father's heart with anguish, and he took immediate steps +to penetrate the mystery. Not only was the fullest information given +to the police, but an experienced detective connected with a private +agency was detailed for the search. The matter also got into the +papers, and Herbert, in his Western home, little suspected that his +name had already become a household word in thousands of families. + +Days passed, and in spite of the efforts that were being made to +discover him, no clew had been obtained by Herbert's friends, either +as to his whereabouts, or as to the identity of the party or parties +hat had abducted him. It is needless to say that Grant heartily +sympathized with the afflicted father, and was sad on his own +account, for he had become warmly attached to the little boy whose +instant companion he had been in his hours of leisure. + +The only one in the house who took the matter coolly was Mrs. +Estabrook, the housekeeper. She even ventured to suggest that +Herbert had run away. + +"What do you mean, Mrs. Estabrook?" exclaimed the father, +impatiently. "You ought to know my poor boy better than that!" + +"Boys are a worrisome set," returned the housekeeper, composedly. +"Only last week I read in the Herald about two boys who ran away +from good homes and went out to kill Indians." + +"Herbert was not that kind of a boy," said Grant. "He had no +fondness for adventure." + +"I have known Herbert longer than you, young man," retorted the +housekeeper, with a sneer. + +"It is very clear that you didn't know him as well," said Mr. +Reynolds. + +Mrs. Estabrook sniffed, but said nothing. Without expressly saying +so, it was evident that she dissented from Mr. Reynolds' opinion. + +The broker's loss unfitted him for work, and he left the details of +office work to his subordinates, while nearly all his time was spent +in interviews with the police authorities or in following up faint +clews. His loss seemed to strengthen the intimacy and attachment +between him and Grant, in whom he confided without reserve. When at +home in the evening he talked over with Grant, whom he found a +sympathetic listener, the traits of the stolen boy, and brought up +reminiscences, trifling, perhaps, but touching, under the +circumstances. To Mrs. Estabrook he seldom spoke of his son. Her +cold and unsympathetic temperament repelled him. She had never +preferred to feel any attachment for Herbert, and the boy, quick to +read her want of feeling, never cared to be with her. + +One morning, after Mr. Reynolds and Grant had gone out, Mrs. +Estabrook, on going to the hall, saw a letter on the table, which +had been left by the postman. As curiosity was by no means lacking +in the housekeeper's composition, she took it up, and peered at the +address through her glasses. + +It was directed to Mr. Reynolds in a round, schoolboy hand. + +Mrs. Estabrook's heart gave a sudden jump of excitement. + +"It's Herbert's handwriting," she said to herself. + +She examined the postmark, and found that it was mailed at Scipio, +Illinois. + +She held the letter in her hand and considered what she should do. +Should the letter come into the hands of Mr. Reynolds, the result +would doubtless be that the boy would be recovered, and would reveal +the name of his abductor. This would subject her favorite, Willis +Ford, to arrest, and probably imprisonment. + +"He should have been more careful, and not allowed the boy to +write," said the housekeeper to herself. "Willis must have been very +imprudent. If I only knew what was in the letter!" + +The housekeeper's curiosity became so ungovernable that she decided +to open it. By steaming it, she could do it, and if it seemed +expedient, paste it together again. She had little compunction in +the matter. In a few minutes she was able to withdraw the letter +from the envelope and read its contents. + +This is what Herbert wrote: + +"Scipio, ILL. + +"DEAR PAPA: I know you must have been very anxious about me. I would +have written you before, but I have had no chance. Willis Ford found +me playing in the street, and got me to go with him by saying you +had sent for me. I thought it strange you should have sent Mr. Ford, +but I didn't like to refuse, for fear it was true. We went on board +a steamer in the harbor, and Mr. Ford took me in a stateroom. Then +he put a handkerchief to my face, and I became sleepy. When I waked +up, we were at sea. I don't know where I went, but when we came to +land, some time the next day, we got into the cars and traveled for +a couple of days. I begged Mr. Ford to take me home, but it made him +cross. I think he hates you and Grant, and I think he took me away +to spite you. I am sure he is a very wicked man. + +"Finally we came to this place. It is a small place in Illinois. The +people who live here are Mr. and Mrs. Barton and their son Abner. +Mr. Joel Barton is a drunkard. He gets drunk whenever he has money +to buy whisky. Mrs. Barton is a hard-working woman, and she does +about all the work that is done. Mr. Ford paid her some money in +advance. She is a tall woman, and her voice sounds like a man's. She +does not ill treat me, but I wish I were at home. Abner is a big, +rough boy, a good deal older and larger than I am, but he is kind to +me and he wants to come to New York. He says he will run away and +take me with him, if we can get enough money to pay our fares. I +don't think we could walk it so far. Abner might, for he is a good +deal stronger than I am, but I know I should get very tired. + +"Now, dear papa, if you will send me money enough to pay for +railroad tickets, Abner and I will start just as soon as we get it. +I don't know as he ought to run away from home, but he says his +father and mother don't care for him, and I don't believe they do. +His father doesn't care for anything but whisky, and his mother is +scolding him all the time. I don't think she would do that if she +cared much for him, do you? + +"I have filled the paper, and must stop. Be sure to send the money +to your loving son, + +"HERBERT REYNOLDS." + +"How easy you write!" said Abner, in wonder, as he saw Herbert's +letter growing long before his eyes. "It would take me a week to +write as long a letter as that, and then I couldn't do it." + +"I can't write so easy generally," said the little boy, "but, you +see, I have a good deal to write about." + +"Then there's another thing," said Abner. "I shouldn't know how to +spell so many words. You must be an awful good scholar." + +"I always liked to study," said Herbert. "Don't you like to read and +study?" + +"No; I'd rather play ball or go fishin', wouldn't you?" + +"I like to play part of the time, but I wouldn't like to grow up +ignorant." + +"I expect I'll always be a know-nothin', but I reckon I know as much +as dad. The old man's awful ignorant. He don't care for nothin' but +whisky." + +"And I hope you won't be like him in that, Abner." + +"No, I won't. I wouldn't like to have the boys flingin' stones at +me, as they did at dad once when he was tight. I licked a couple of +'em." + +Mrs. Estabrook read Herbert's letter with intense interest. She saw +that the little boy's testimony would seriously incriminate Willis +Ford, if he were recovered, as he would be if this letter came into +his father's hands. + +"There's only one thing to do," the housekeeper reflected, closing +her thin lips tightly. + +She lit the gas jet in her chamber, and, without a trace of +compunction, held the letter in the flame until it was thoroughly +consumed. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII + +HOPE DEFERRED + + + + + +Day after day Herbert and Abner went to the post office and inquired +for letters, but alas! none came. Poor Herbert was in despair. He +thought his father would have instantly sent the money, or come out +himself to take him home. Was it possible his father had forgotten +him, or was indifferent to his absence? He could not believe it, but +what was he to think? + +"I reckon your father didn't get the letter," suggested Abner. + +Herbert hailed this suggestion with relief. + +"Or, maybe, marm has told the postmaster to give her any letters +that come." + +This suggestion, too, seemed not improbable. + +"What can we do?" asked Herbert, helplessly. "I reckon we'd better +run away." + +"Without money?" + +"We'll hire out to somebody for a week or two and write from where +we are." + +"I'm afraid I couldn't do much work," said the little boy. + +"Then I'll work for both," said Abner, stoutly. "I've got tired of +stayin' at home, anyway." + +"I'll do whatever you say," said Herbert, feeling that any change +would be for the better. + +"I'll tell you when I'm ready," said Abner. "We'll start some time +when marm's gone to the village." + +There was another reason for Herbert's being dissatisfied with his +new home. A month had passed--the full time for which Willis Ford +had paid the boy's board--and there were no indications that any +more was to be paid. During the the first week the fare had been +tolerable, though Mrs. Barton was not a skillful cook; but now there +was no money left, and the family fell back upon what their limited +resources could supply. Mush and milk now constituted their +principal diet. It is well enough occasionally, but, when furnished +at every meal, both Herbert and Abner became tired of it. + +"Haven't you got anything else for dinner, marm?" asked Abner, +discontentedly. + +"No, I haven't," answered the mother, snappishly. + +"You used to have sassiges and bacon." + +"That was when I had money to buy 'em." + +"Where's all that money gone the man left with him?" indicating +Herbert. + +"It's spent, and I wish Willis Ford would send along some more +mighty quick. He needn't expect me to take a free boarder." + +She looked severely at Herbert, as if he were in fault. Certainly +the poor boy had no desire to live on the liberality of Mrs. Barton. + +"Maybe he's sent you some money in a letter," suggested Abner. + +"Well, I never thought of that. It's a bright idee, ef it did come +from you, Abner Barton. Jest go up to the postoffice after dinner, +and ask if there's any letter for me. Ef there is, mind you, don't +open it." + +"All right, marm." + +"Come along, bub," said Abner. + +This was the name he gave to Herbert, whom he liked in his own rough +way. + +"I don't think," said Herbert, as they walked along, "that your +mother can have got any letter written by my father. If she had, she +would not be out of money." + +"I reckon you're right. Do you think that Ford feller will send +money for your board?" + +"I think he will, if he can, for he wants to keep me here; but I +don't think he has much money with him." + +"All the worse for marm." + +"Abner," said Herbert, after a pause, during which he had been +thinking seriously, "would you mind running away pretty soon?" + +"No, bub; I'm ready any time. Are you in a hurry?" + +"You see, Abner, I don't want to live on your mother. She isn't +rich--" + +"No, I guess not. Ef she hadn't married sech a good-for-nothin' as +dad--" + +"I wouldn't speak so of your father, Abner." + +"Why not? Isn't it the truth? Dad's no grit. He gits drunk whenever +he has a chance. Marm's a good, hard-workin' woman. She'd git along +well enough ef she was alone." + +"At any rate, she can't afford to board me for nothing. So I am +ready to start whenever you are, Abner." + +"Suppose we get up early to-morror and start?" + +"How early?" + +"Three o'clock. Marm gets up at five. We must be on the road before +that time." + +"I'm willing, Abner. You must wake me up in time." + +"You'd better go to bed early, bub, and git all the sleep you can. +We'll have a hard day to-morrer." + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII + +THE JOURNEY BEGINS + + + + + +"Wake up, there." + +The little boy stirred in his sleep, and finally opened his eyes. By +the faint light that entered through the window, he saw Abner +bending over him. + +"What is it?" he asked, drowsily. + +"The kitchen clock's just struck three," whispered Abner. "You +haven't forgotten that we are going to run away, have you?" + +"I'll get right up," said Herbert, rubbing his eyes. + +In two minutes the boys were dressed and ready for a start. It had +taken a great deal longer for Herbert to dress at home, but he had +become less particular as to his toilet now. + +The boys took their shoes in their hands, and stole out in their +stocking feet. As they passed the door of the room in which Mr. and +Mrs. Barton slept, they heard the deep breathing of both, and knew +that they were not likely to be heard. + +Outside the door they put on their shoes, and were now ready to +start. + +"Wait a minute, bub," said Abner. + +He re-entered the house, and presently came out holding half a loaf +in his hand. + +"That'll do for our breakfast," he said. "We won't eat it now. We'll +wait till five o'clock. Then we'll be hungry." + +By five o'clock they were as many miles on their way. They had +reached the middle of the next town. + +"Do you feel tired, bub?" asked Abner. + +"A little. I feel hungry. Don't you think we can eat the bread now?" + +"Yes, we'd better. I feel kind o' gone myself." + +They sat down under a tree, and Abner divided the bread fairly. + +"You ought to have more than I," protested Herbert. "You're bigger +than I, and need more." + +"Never mind that! You'll need it to keep up your strength." + +Abner was not naturally unselfish, but he was manly enough to feel +that he ought to be generous and kind to a boy so much smaller, and +he felt repaid for his self-denial by noticing the evident relish +with which Herbert ate his allowance of bread, even to the smallest +crumb. + +They found a spring, which yielded them a cool, refreshing draught, +and soon were on their way once more. They had proceeded perhaps two +miles further, when the rumbling of wheels was heard behind them, +and a farm wagon soon came up alongside. The driver was a man of +about thirty--sunburned and roughly clad. + +"Whoa, there," he said. + +The horse stopped. + +"Where are you two goin'?" he asked. + +"We're travelin'," answered Abner, noncommittally. + +"Where's your home?" + +"Some ways back." + +"Where are you goin'?" + +"I'm after work," answered Abner. + +"Well, you'd orter be a good hand at it. You look strong. Is that +little feller your brother?" + +"No; he's my cousin." + +Herbert looked up in surprise at this avowal of relationship, but he +thought it best not to say anything that would conflict with Abner's +statement. + +"Is he after work, too?" asked the driver, with a smile. + +"No; he's goin' to his father." + +"Where does he live?" + +"Further on." + +"Have you walked fur?" + +"Pretty fur." + +"Ef you want to ride, I'll give you a lift for a few miles." + +"Thank you," said Abner, prompt to accept the offer. "I'll help you +in, bub." + +The two boys took their seats beside the driver, Herbert being in +the middle. The little boy was really tired, and he found it very +pleasant to ride, instead of walking. He had walked seven miles +already, and that was more than he had ever before walked at one +time. + +They rode about three miles, when the driver pulled up in front of a +comfortable-looking house. + +"This is where I stop," he said. "My aunt lives here, and my sister +has been paying her a visit. I've come to take her home." + +The front door was opened, and his aunt and sister came out. + +"You're just in time for breakfast, John," said his aunt. "Come in +and sit down to the table. Bring in the boys, too." + +"Come in, boys," said the young man. "I guess you can eat something, +can't you?" + +"We've had---" Herbert began, but Abner checked him. + +"Come along, bub," he said. "What's a bit of bread? I ain't half +full." + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +MRS. BARTON'S SURPRISE + + + + + +A hearty breakfast, consisting of beefsteak, potatoes, corn bread, +fresh butter and apple sauce, made Abner's eyes glisten, for he had +never in his remembrance sat down at home to a meal equally +attractive. He wielded his knife and fork with an activity and +energy which indicated thorough enjoyment. Even Herbert, though in +the city his appetite had been delicate, and he had already eaten +part of a loaf of bread, did excellent justice to the good things +set before him. He was himself surprised at his extraordinary +appetite, forgetting the stimulating effect of a seven-mile walk. + +After breakfast they set out again on their tramp. At sunset, having +rested several hours in the middle of the day, they had accomplished +twenty miles. Abner could have gone further, but Herbert was well +tired out. They obtained permission from a friendly farmer to spend +the night in his barn, and retired at half-past seven. Mr. Reynolds +would have been shocked had he known that his little son was +compelled to sleep on a pile of hay, but it may truthfully be said +that Herbert had seldom slept as soundly or felt more refreshed. + +"How did you sleep, Abner?" he asked. + +"Like a top. How was it with you, bub?" + +"I didn't wake up all night," answered the little boy. + +"I wonder what dad and marm thought when they found us gone?" said +Abner, with a grin. + +"Won't they feel bad?" + +"Not much," said Abner. "They ain't that kind. I reckon it won't +spoil their appetite." + +When they descended from the haymow, the farmer was milking his +cows. + +"Well, youngsters," he said, "so you're up and dressed?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"And ready for breakfast, I'll be bound." + +"I reckon I should feel better for eatin'," said Abner, promptly. + +"Jest you wait till I get through milkin', and we'll see what Mrs. +Wiggins has got for us." + +Abner heard these words with joy, for he was always possessed of a +good appetite. + +"I say, bub, I'm glad I run away," he remarked, aside, to Herbert. +"We live enough sight better than we did at home." + +Leaving the boys to pursue their journey, we will return to the +bereaved parents, and inquire how they bore their loss. + +When Mrs. Barton rose to commence the labors of the day, she found +that no wood was on hand for the kitchen fire. + +"Abner's gittin' lazier and lazier," she soliloquized. "I'll soon +have him up." + +She went to the foot of the stairs, and called "Abner!" in a voice +by no means low or gentle. + +There was no answer. + +"That boy would sleep if there was an earthquake," she muttered. +"Come down here and split some wood, you lazy boy!" she cried, still +louder. + +Again no answer. + +"He hears, fast enough, but he don't want to work. I'll soon have +him down." + +She ascended the stairs, two steps at a time, and opened the door of +her son's room. + +If Abner had been in bed his mother would have pulled him out, for +her arm was vigorous, but the bed was empty. + +"Well, I vum!" she ejaculated, in surprise. "Ef that boy isn't up +already. That's a new wrinkle. And the little boy gone, too. What +can it mean?" + +It occurred to Mrs. Barton that Abner and Herbert might have got up +early to go fishing, though she had never known him to make so early +a start before. + +"I reckon breakfast'll bring 'em round," she said to herself. "I +reckon I shall have to split the wood myself." + +In half an hour breakfast was ready. It was of a very simple +character, for the family resources were limited. Mr. Barton came +downstairs, and looked discontentedly at the repast provided. + +"This is a pretty mean breakfast, Mrs. B.," he remarked. "Where's +your meat and taters?" + +"There's plenty of 'em in the market," answered Mrs. Barton. + +"Then, why didn't you buy some?" + +"You ought to know, Joel Barton. You give me the money, and I'll see +that you have a good breakfast." + +"Where's all the money that man Ford gave you?" + +"Where is it? It's eaten up, Mr. Barton, and you did your share. Ef +you'd had your way, you'd have spent some of the money for drink." + +"Why don't he send you some more, then?" + +"Ef you see him anywheres, you'd better ask him. It's your business +to provide me with money; you can't expect one boy's board to +support the whole family." + +"It's strange where them boys are gone," said Joel, desirous of +changing the subject. "Like as not, they hid under the bed, and +fooled you." + +"Ef they did, I'll rout 'em out," said Mrs. Barton, who thought the +supposition not improbable. + +Once more she ascended the stairs and made an irruption into the +boy's chamber. She lifted the quilt, and peered under the bed. But +there were no boys there. Looking about the room, however, she +discovered something else. On the mantelpiece was a scrap of paper, +which appeared to be so placed as to invite attention. + +"What's that?" said Mrs. Barton to herself. + +A moment later she was descending the staircase more rapidly than +she had gone up just before. + +"Look at that," she exclaimed, holding out a scrap of paper to Joel +Barton. + +"I don't see nothin' but a bit of paper," said her husband. + +"Don't be a fool! Read what it is." + +"Read it aloud. I ain't got my specks." + +"The boys have run away. Abner writ it. Listen to this." + +Rudely written on the paper, for Abner was by no means a skillful +penman, were these words: + +"Bub and I have runned away. You needn't worry. I reckon we can get +along. We're going to make our fortunes. When we're rich, we'll come +back. ABNER." + +"What do you think of that, Joel Barton?" demanded his wife. + +Joel shrugged his shoulders. + +"I shan't worry much," he said. "They'll be back by to-morrer, +likely." + +"Then you'll have to split some wood to-day, Joel. You can't expect +a delicate woman like me to do such rough work." + +"You're stronger'n I be, Mrs. B." + +"Perhaps you'll find I am if you don't go to work." + +"I'll do it this afternoon." + +"All right. Then we'll have dinner in the even-in'. No wood, no +dinner." + +"Seems to me you're rather hard on me, Mrs. B. I don't feel well." + +"Nor you won't till you give up drinkin'." + +Much against his will, Mr. Barton felt compelled by the stress of +circumstances to do the work expected of him. It made him feel angry +with Abner, whom he did not miss for any other reason. + +"I'll break that boy's neck when he comes back," he muttered. "It's +a shame to leave all this work for his poor, old dad." + +To-morrow came, but the boys did not. A week slipped away, and still +they were missing. Mrs. Barton was not an affectionate mother, but +it did seem lonesome without Abner. As for Herbert, she did not care +for his absence. If Willis Ford did not continue to pay his board, +she felt that she would rather have him away. + +On the sixth day after the departure of the boys there came a +surprise for Mrs. Barton. + +As she was at work in the kitchen, she heard a loud knock at the +door. + +"Can it be Abner?" she thought. "He wouldn't knock." + +She went to the door, however, feeling rather curious as to who +could be her visitor, and on opening it started in surprise to see +Willis Ford. + +"Mr. Ford!" she ejaculated. + +"I thought I would make you a call," answered Ford. "How's the boy +getting along?" + +"If you mean the boy you left here," she answered, composedly, "he's +run away, and took my boy with him." + +"Run away!" ejaculated Ford, in dismay. + +"Yes; he made tracks about a week ago. He and my Abner have gone off +to make their fortunes." + +"Why didn't you take better care of him, woman?" exclaimed Ford, +angrily. "It's your fault, his running away!" + +"Look here, Ford," retorted Mrs. Barton; "don't you sass me, for I +won't stand it. Ef it hadn't been for you, Abner would be at home +now." + +"I didn't mean to offend you, my dear Mrs. Barton," said Ford, +seeing that he had made a false step. "Tell me all you can, and I'll +see if I can't get the boys back." + +"Now you're talkin'," said Mrs. Barton, smoothing her ruffled +plumage. "Come into the house, and I'll tell you all I know." + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV + +HERBERT BREAKS DOWN + + + + + +"I don't think I can walk any further, Abner. I feel sick," faltered +Herbert. + +Abner, who had been walking briskly, turned round to look at his +young companion. Herbert was looking very pale, and had to drag one +foot after the other. Day after day he had tried to keep up with +Abner, but his strength was far inferior to that of the other boy, +and he had finally broken down. + +"You do look sick, bub," said Abner, struck by Herbert's pallid +look. "Was I walking too fast for you?" + +"I feel very weak," said Herbert. "Would you mind stopping a little +while? I should like to lie under a tree and rest." + +"All right, bub. There's a nice tree." "Don't you feel tired, +Abner?" + +"No; I feel as strong as hearty as a horse." + +"You are bigger than I am. I guess that is the reason." + +Abner was a rough boy, but he showed unusual gentleness and +consideration for the little boy, whose weakness appealed to his +better nature. He picked out a nice, shady place for Herbert to +recline upon, and, taking off his coat, laid it down for a pillow on +which his young companion might rest his head. + +"There, bub; I reckon you'll feel better soon," he said. + +"I hope so, Abner. I wish I was as strong as you are." + +"So do I. I reckon I was born tough. I was brought up different from +you." + +"I wish I were at home," sighed Herbert. "Is it a long way from +here?" + +"I reckon it is, but I don't know," answered Abner, whose +geographical notions were decidedly hazy. + +An hour passed, and still Herbert lay almost motionless, as if rest +were a luxury, with his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the clouds that +could be seen through the branches floating lazily above. + +"Don't you feel any better, bub?" asked Abner. + +"I feel better while I am lying here, Abner." + +"Don't you feel strong enough to walk a little further?" + +"Must I?" asked Herbert, sighing. "It is so nice to lie here." + +"I am afraid we shall never get to New York if we don't keep goin'." + +"I'll try," said Herbert, and he rose to his feet, but he only +staggered and became very white. + +"I am afraid I need to rest a little more," he said. + +"All right, bub. Take your time." + +More critically Abner surveyed his young companion. He was not used +to sickness or weakness, but there was something in the little boy's +face that startled him. + +"I don't think you're fit to walk any further today," he said. "I +wish we had some good place to stay." + +At this moment a carriage was seen approaching. It was driven by a +lady of middle age, with a benevolent face. Her attention was drawn +to the two boys, and especially to Herbert. Her experienced eyes at +once saw that he was sick. + +She halted her horse. + +"What is the matter with your brother?" she said to Abner. + +"I reckon he's tuckered out," said Abner, tacitly admitting the +relationship. "We've been travelin' for several days. He ain't so +tough as I am." + +"He looks as if he were going to be sick. Have you any friends near +here?" + +"No, ma'am. The nighest is over a hundred miles off." + +The lady reflected a moment. Then she said: "I think you had better +come to my house. My brother is a doctor. He will look at your +little brother and see what can be done for him." + +"I should like it very much," said Abner, "but we haven't got any +money to pay for doctors and sich." + +"I shan't present any bill, nor will my brother," said the lady, +smiling. "Do you think you can help him into the carriage?" + +"Oh, yes, ma'am." + +Abner helped Herbert into the carriage, and then, by invitation, got +in himself. + +"May I drive?" he asked, eagerly. + +"Yes, if you like." + +The kind lady supported with her arm Herbert's drooping head, and so +they drove on for a mile, when she indicated that they were to stop +in front of a large, substantial, square house, built after the New +England style. + +Herbert was taken out, and, after Abner helped him upstairs, into a +large, square chamber, with four windows. + +"What is his name?" asked the lady. + +"Herbert." + +"And yours?" + +"Abner." + +"He had better lie down on the bed, and, as soon as my brother +comes, I will send him up." + +Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction, as he reclined on the +comfortable bed, which was more like the one he slept in at home +than the rude, straw bed which he had used when boarding with Mr. +and Mrs. Barton. + +Half an hour passed, and the doctor came into the room, and felt +Herbert's pulse. + +"The boy is tired out," he said. "That is all. His strength has been +exhausted by too severe physical effort." + +"What shall we do to bring him round?" asked his sister. + +"Rest and nourishing food are all that is required." + +"Shall we keep him here? Have you any objection?" + +"I should object to letting him go in his present condition. He will +be a care to you, Emily." + +"I shall not mind that. We shall have to keep the other boy, too." + +"Certainly. There's room enough for both." + +When Abner was told that for a week to come they were to stay in Dr. +Stone's comfortable house, his face indicated his satisfaction. + +"Ef you've got any chores to do, ma'am," he said, "I'll do 'em. I'm +strong, and not afraid to work." + +"Then I will make you very useful," said Miss Stone, smiling. + +The next day, as she was sitting in Herbert's chamber, she said: +"Herbert, you don't look at all like your brother." + +"Do you mean Abner, Miss Stone?" Herbert asked. + +"Yes; have you any other brother?" + +"Abner is not my brother at all." + +"How, then, do you happen to be traveling together?" + +"Because we've both run away." + +"I am sorry to hear that. I don't approve of boys running away. +Where do you live?" + +"In New York." + +"In New York!" repeated Miss Stone, much surprised. "Surely, you +have not walked from there?" + +"No, Miss Stone; I was stolen from my home in New York about a month +ago, and left at Abner's house. It was a poor cabin, and very +different from anything I was accustomed to. I did not like Mr. and +Mrs. Barton; but Abner was always kind to me." + +"Is your father living?" asked Miss Stone, who had become +interested. + +"Yes; he is a broker." + +"And no doubt you have a nice home?" + +"Yes, very nice. It is a brownstone house uptown. I wonder whether I +shall ever see it again?" + +"Surely you will. I am surprised that you have not written to tell +your father where you are. He must be feeling very anxious about +you." + +"I did write, asking him to send me money to come home. Abner was +going with me. But no answer came to my letter." + +"That is strange. Your father can't have received the letter." + +"So I think, Miss Stone; but I directed it all right." + +"Do you think any one would intercept it?" + +"Mrs. Estabrook might," said Herbert, after a pause for +consideration. + +"Who is she?" + +"The housekeeper." + +"What makes you think so? Didn't she like you?" + +"No; besides, it was her nephew who carried me off." + +Miss Stone asked further questions, and Herbert told her all the +particulars with which the reader is already acquainted. When he had +finished, she said: "My advice is, that you write to your boy +friend, Grant Thornton, or tell me what to write, and I will write +to him. His letters will not be likely to be tampered with." + +"I think that will be a good idea," said Herbert; "Grant will tell +papa, and then he'll send for me." + +Miss Stone brought her desk to the bedside, and wrote a letter to +Grant at Herbert's dictation. This letter she sent to the village +postoffice immediately by Abner. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI + +GRANT RECEIVES A LETTER + + + + + +Mr. Reynolds had spared no expense in his efforts to obtain tidings +of his lost boy. None of his agents, however, had succeeded in +gaining the smallest clew to Herbert's whereabouts. Through the +public press the story had been widely disseminated, and in +consequence the broker began to receive letters from various points, +from persons professing to have seen such a boy as the one +described. One of these letters came from Augusta, Ga., and +impressed Mr. Reynolds to such an extent that he decided to go there +in person, and see for himself the boy of whom his correspondent +wrote. + +The day after he started Grant, on approaching the house at the +close of business, fell in with the postman, just ascending the +steps. + +"Have you got a letter for me?" he asked. + +"I have a letter for Grant Thornton," was the reply. + +"That is my name," said Grant. + +He took the letter, supposing it to be from home. He was surprised +to find that it had a Western postmark. He was more puzzled by the +feminine handwriting. + +"Have you heard anything from the little boy?" asked the postman, +for Mr. Reynolds' loss was well known. + +Grant shook his head. + +"Nothing definite," he said. "Mr. Reynolds has gone to Georgia to +follow up a clew." + +"Two weeks since," said the postman, "I left a letter here dated at +Scipio, I11. It was in a boy's handwriting. I thought it might be +from the lost boy." + +"A letter from Scipio, in a boy's handwriting!" repeated Grant, +surprised. "Mr. Reynolds has shown me all his letters. He has +received none from there." + +"I can't understand it. I left it here, I am positive of that." + +"At what time in the day?" asked Grant, quickly. + +"About eleven o'clock in the forenoon." + +"Can you tell to whom you gave it?" + +"To the servant." + +"It is very strange," said Grant, thoughtfully. "And it was in a +boy's handwriting?" + +"Yes; the address was in a round, schoolboy hand. The servant +couldn't have lost it, could she?" + +"No; Sarah is very careful." + +"Well, I must be going." + +By this time Grant had opened the letter. He had glanced rapidly at +the signature, and his face betrayed excitement. + +"This is from Herbert," he said. "You may listen, if you like." + +He rapidly read the letter, which in part was as follows: + +"DEAR GRANT: I write to you, or rather I have asked Miss Stone, who +is taking care of me, to do so, because I wrote to papa two weeks +since, and I am afraid he did not get the letter, for I have had no +answer. I wrote from the town of Scipio, in Illinois-- + +"Just what I said," interrupted the postman. + +"I wrote that Mr. Ford had carried me away and brought me out West, +where he put me to board in a poor family, where I had scarcely +enough to eat. Mr. Barton had one son, Abner, who treated me well, +and agreed to run away with me to New York, if we could get money +from papa. But we waited and waited, and no letter came. So at last +we decided to run away at any rate, for I was afraid Mr. Ford would +come back and take me somewhere else. I can't tell you much about +the journey, except that we walked most of the way, and we got very +tired--or, at least, I did, for I am not so strong as Abner--till I +broke down. I am stopping now at the house of Dr. Stone, who is very +kind, and so is his sister, who is writing this letter for me. Will +you show papa this letter, and ask him to send for me, if he cannot +come himself? I do so long to be at home once more. I hope he will +come before Willis Ford finds me out. I think he has a spite against +papa, and that is why he stole me away. Your affectionate friend, + +"HERBERT REYNOLDS." + +"Please say nothing about this," said Grant to the postman. "I don't +want it known that this letter has come." + +"What will you do?" + +"I shall start for the West myself to-night." + +"Mrs. Estabrook intercepted that letter," said Grant to himself. "I +am sure of it." + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII + +WILLIS FORD FINDS THE RUNAWAYS + + + + + +"I shall be absent for a few days, Mrs. Estabrook," said Grant to +the housekeeper, as he entered the house. + +"Where are you going?" she inquired. + +"I can't tell you definitely." + +"Hadn't you better wait till Mr. Reynolds gets back?" + +"No; business is not very pressing in the office, and I can be +spared." + +The housekeeper concluded that Grant was going to Colebrook, and did +not connect his journey with the lost boy. + +"Oh, well, I suppose you understand your own business best. Herbert +will miss you if he finds you away when his father brings him back." + +"Do you think he will?" asked Grant, eyeing the housekeeper sharply. + +"I'm sure I don't know. I suppose he expects to, or he would not +have traveled so far in search of him." + +"Shall you be glad to see him back, Mrs. Estabrook?" + +"Of course! What makes you doubt it?" demanded the housekeeper, +sharply. + +"I thought you didn't like Herbert." + +"I wasn't always petting him. It isn't in my way to pet boys." + +"Do you often hear from Willis Ford?" + +"That is my business," answered Mrs. Estabrook, sharply. "Why do you +ask?" + +"I was wondering whether he knew that Herbert had been abducted." + +"That is more than we know. Very likely the boy ran away." + +Grant called on the cashier at his private residence, confided to +him his plan, and obtained a sum of money for traveling expenses. He +left the Grand Central Depot by the evening train, and by morning +was well on his way to Chicago. + +Meanwhile, Willis Ford had left no stone unturned to obtain news of +the runaways. This he did not find difficult, though attended with +delay. He struck the right trail, and then had only to inquire, as +he went along, whether two boys had been seen, one small and +delicate, the other large and well-grown, wandering through the +country. Plenty had seen the two boys, and told him so. + +"Are they your sons, mister?" asked a laborer of whom he inquired. + +"Not both of them--only the smaller," answered Ford, with unblushing +falsehood. + +"And what made them run away now?" + +"My son probably did not like the boarding place I selected for +him." + +"Why didn't he write to you?" + +"He didn't know where to direct." + +"Who is the other lad?" + +"The son of the man I placed him with. I think he may have induced +Sam to run away." + +Finally Ford reached Claremont, the town where the boys had actually +found refuge. Here he learned that two boys had been taken in by Dr. +Stone, answering to the description he gave. One, the younger one, +had been sick, but now was better. This information he obtained at +the hotel. + +Ford's eyes sparkled with exultation. He had succeeded in his quest, +and once more Herbert was in his hands, or would be very soon. + +He inquired the way to Dr. Stone's. Everybody knew where the doctor +lived, and he had no trouble in securing the information he sought. +Indeed, before he reached the house, he caught sight of Abner, +walking in the same direction with himself, but a few rods ahead. + +He quickened his pace, and laid his hand on the boy's shoulder. + +Abner turned, and an expression of dismay overspread his face. + +"Ha, my young friend! I see that you remember me," said Ford, +ironically. + +"Well, what do you want?" asked Abner, sullenly. + +"You know well enough. I want the boy you have persuaded to run away +with you." + +"I didn't persuade him." + +"Never mind about quibbling. I know where the boy is, and I mean to +have him." + +"Do you want me, too?" + +"No; I don't care where you go." + +"I reckon Herbert won't go with you." + +"And I reckon he will. That is Dr. Stone's, isn't it? Never mind +answering. I know well enough it is." + +"He'll have bub sure," said Abner, disconsolately. "But I'll follow +'em, and I'll get him away, as sure as my name's Abner Barton." + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII + +FORD TAKES A BOLD STEP, BUT FAILS + + + + + +"I wish to see Miss Stone," said Willis Ford, to the servant. + +"I'll tell her. What name shall I say?" + +"Never mind about the name. I wish to see her on business of +importance." + +"I don't like his looks," thought the maid. "Shure he talks as if he +was the boss." + +She told Miss Stone, however, that a gentleman wished to see her, +who would not tell his name. + +Miss Stone was in Herbert's chamber, and the boy--now nearly well, +quite well, in fact, but for a feeling of languor and weakness--heard +the message. + +"What is he like?" he asked, anxiously. + +"He's slender like, with black hair and a black mustache, and he +talks like he was the master of the house." + +"I think it is Willis Ford," said Herbert, turning pale. + +"The man who abducted you?" ejaculated Miss Stone. + +"Yes, the same man. Don't let him take me away," implored Herbert. + +"I wish my brother were here," said Miss Stone, anxiously. + +"Won't he be here soon?" + +"I am afraid not. He has gone on a round of calls. Bridget, tell the +young man I will be down directly." + +Five minutes later Miss Stone descended, and found Willis Ford +fuming with impatience. + +"I am here, sir," she said, coldly. "I understand you wish to see +me." + +"Yes, madam; will you answer me a few questions?" + +"Possibly. Let me hear what they are." + +"You have a boy in this house, named Herbert Reynolds?" + +"Yes." + +"A boy who ran away from Mr. Joel Barton, with whom I placed him?" + +"What right had you to place him anywhere, Mr. Ford?" demanded the +lady. + +"That's my business. Permit me to say that it is no affair of +yours." + +"I judge differently. The boy is sick and under my charge." + +"I am his natural guardian, madam." + +"Who made you so, Mr. Ford?" + +"I shall not argue that question. It is enough that I claim him as +my cousin and ward." + +"Your cousin?" + +"Certainly. That doubtless conflicts with what he has told you. He +was always a liar." + +"His story is, that you beguiled him from his home in New York, and +brought him against his will to this part of the country." + +"And you believe him?" sneered Ford. + +"I do." + +"It matters little whether you do or not. He is my sister's child, +and is under my charge. I thought fit to place him with Mr. Joel +Barton, of Scipio, but the boy, who is flighty, was induced to run +away with Barton's son, a lazy, shiftless fellow." + +"Supposing this to be so, Mr. Ford, what is your object in calling?" + +"To reclaim him. It does not suit me to leave him here." + +Ford's manner was so imperative that Miss Stone became alarmed. + +"The boy is not fit to travel," she said. "Wait till my brother +comes, and he will decide, being a physician, whether it is safe to +have him go." + +"Madam, this subterfuge will not avail," said Ford, rudely. "I will +not wait till your brother comes. I prefer to take the matter into +my own hands." + +He pressed forward to the door of the room, and before Miss Stone +could prevent it, was on his way upstairs. She followed as rapidly +as she could, but before she could reach him, Ford had dashed into +the room where Herbert lay on the bed. + +Herbert was stricken with terror when he saw the face of his enemy. + +"I see you know me," said Ford, with an evil smile. "Get up at once, +and prepare to go with me." + +"Leave me here, Mr. Ford. I can't go with you; Indeed, I can't," +said Herbert. + +"We'll see about that," said Ford. "I give you five minutes to rise +and put on your clothes. If you don't obey me, I will flog you." + +Looking into his cruel face, Herbert felt that he had no other +resource. Trembling, he slipped out of bed, and began to draw on his +clothes. He felt helpless, but help was nearer than he dreamed. + +"Mr. Ford, I protest against this high-handed proceeding," exclaimed +Miss Stone, indignantly, as she appeared at the door of the chamber. +"What right have you to go over my house without permission?" + +"If it comes to that," sneered Ford, "what right have you to keep my +ward from me?" + +"I am not his ward," said Herbert, quickly. + +"The boy is a liar," exclaimed Ford, harshly. + +"Get back into the bed, Herbert," said Miss Stone. "This man shall +not take you away." + +"Perhaps you will tell me how you are going to help it," retorted +Ford, with an evil smile. + +"If my brother were here---" + +"But your brother is not here, and if he were, I would not allow him +to interfere between me and my cousin. Herbert, unless you continue +dressing, I shall handle you roughly." + +But sounds were heard upon the stairs, and Ford, as well as Miss +Stone, turned their eyes to the door. + +The first to enter was Abner. + +"Oh, it's you, is it?" said Ford, contemptuously. + +He had thought it might be Dr. Stone, whom he was less inclined to +face than he professed. + +"Yes, it is. What are you doing here?" + +"It is none of your business, you cub. He's got to come with me." + +"Maybe you want me, too?" + +"I wouldn't take you as a gift." + +"Ho, ho," laughed Abner, "I reckon you'd find me a tough customer. +You won't take bub, either." + +"Who is to prevent me?" + +"I will!" said a new voice, and Grant Thornton, who had fallen in +with Abner outside, walked quietly into the room. + +Willis Ford started back in dismay. Grant was the last person he +expected to meet here. He had no idea that any one of the boy's home +friends had tracked him this far. He felt that he was defeated, but +he hated to acknowledge it. + +"How are you going to prevent me, you young whippersnapper?" he +said, glaring menacingly at Grant. + +"Mr. Willis Ford, unless you leave this room and this town at once," +said Grant, firmly, "I will have you arrested. There is a local +officer below whom I brought with me, suspecting your object in +coming here." + +"Oh, Grant, how glad I am to see you! Is papa with you?" exclaimed +Herbert, overjoyed. + +"I will tell you about it soon, Herbert." + +"You won't let him take me away?" + +"There is no danger of that," said Grant, reassuringly. "I shall +take you home to New York as soon as this good lady says you are +well enough to go." + +Ford stood gnawing his nether lip. If it had been Mr. Reynolds, he +would not have minded so much; but for a mere boy, like Grant +Thornton, to talk with such a calm air of superiority angered him. + +"Boy," he said, "it sounds well for you to talk of arrest--you who +stole my aunt's bonds, and are indebted to her forbearance for not +being at this moment in State's prison." + +"Your malicious charge does not affect me, Mr. Ford," returned +Grant. "It was proved before you left New York that you were the +thief, and even your stepmother must have admitted it. Mr. Reynolds +discharged you from his employment, and this is the mean revenge you +have taken--the abduction of his only son." + +"I will do you an injury yet, you impudent boy," said Ford, +furiously. + +"I shall be on my guard, Mr. Ford," answered Grant. "I believe you +capable of it." + +"Don't you think you had better leave us, sir?" said Miss Stone. + +"I shall take my own time about going," he answered, impudently. + +But his words were heard by Dr. Stone, who had returned sooner than +he anticipated, and was already at the door of the room. He was a +powerful man, and of quick temper. His answer was to seize Ford by +the collar and fling him downstairs. + +"This will teach you to be more polite to a lady," he said. "Now, +what does all this mean, and who is this man?" + +The explanation was given. + +"I wish I had been here before," said the doctor. + +"You were in good time," said Grant, smiling. "I see that Herbert +has found powerful friends." + +Willis Ford, angry and humiliated, picked himself up, but did not +venture to return to the room he had left so ignominiously. Like +most bullies, he was a coward, and he did not care to encounter the +doctor again. + +Within an hour, Grant telegraphed to the broker at his office: "I +have found Herbert, and will start for New York with him to-morrow." +Mr. Reynolds had only just returned from his fruitless Southern +expedition, weary and dispirited. But he forgot all his fatigue when +he read this message. "God bless Grant Thornton!" he ejaculated. + + + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX + +THE HOUSEKEEPER'S RETRIBUTION + + + + + +The train from Chicago had just reached the Grand Central Depot. +From the parlor car descended two boys who are well known to us, +Grant Thornton and Herbert Reynolds. + +Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction. + +"Oh, Grant," he said, "how glad I am to see New York once more! I +wonder if papa knows we are to come by this train?" + +The answer came speedily. + +The broker, who had just espied them, hurried forward, and his lost +boy was lifted to his embrace. + +"Thank God, I have recovered you, my dear son," he exclaimed, +fervently. + +"You must thank Grant, too, papa," said the little boy. "It was he +who found me and prevented Mr. Ford stealing me again." + +Mr. Reynolds grasped Grant's hand and pressed it warmly. + +"I shall know how to express my gratitude to Grant in due time," he +said. + +On their way home Grant revealed to Mr. Reynolds for the first time +the treachery of the housekeeper, who had suppressed Herbert's +letter to his father, and left the latter to mourn for his son when +she might have relieved him of the burden of sorrow. + +As Mr. Reynolds listened, his face became stern. + +"That woman is a viper!" he said. "In my house she has enjoyed every +comfort and every consideration, and in return she has dealt me this +foul blow. She will have cause to regret it." + +When they entered the house Mrs. Estabrook received them with false +smiles. + +"So you are back again, Master Herbert," she said. "A fine fright +you gave us!" + +"You speak as if Herbert went away of his own accord," said the +broker sternly. "You probably know better." + +"I know nothing, sir, about it." + +"Then I may inform you that it was your stepson, Willis Ford, who +stole my boy--a noble revenge, truly, upon me for discharging him." + +"I don't believe it," said the housekeeper. "I presume it is your +office boy who makes this charge?" she added, pressing her thin lips +together. + +"There are others who are cognizant of it, Mrs. Estabrook. Grant +succeeded in foiling Mr. Ford in his attempt to recover Herbert, who +had run away from his place of confinement," + +"You are prejudiced against my son, Mr. Reynolds," said Mrs. +Estabrook, her voice trembling with anger. + +"Not more than against you, Mrs. Estabrook. I have a serious charge +to bring against you." + +"What do you mean, sir?" asked the housekeeper, nervously. + +"Why did you suppress the letter which my boy wrote to me revealing +his place of imprisonment?" + +"I don't know what you mean, sir," she answered, half defiantly. + +"I think you do." + +"Did Master Herbert write such a letter?" "Yes." + +"Then it must have miscarried." + +"On the contrary, the postman expressly declares that he delivered +it at this house. I charge you with concealing or suppressing it." + +"The charge is false. You can't prove it, sir." + +"I shall not attempt to do so; but I am thoroughly convinced of it. +After this act of treachery, I cannot permit you to spend another +night in my house. You will please pack at once, and arrange for a +removal." + +"I am entitled to a month's notice, Mr. Reynolds." + +"You shall have a month's wages in lieu of it. I would as soon have +a serpent in my house." + +Mrs. Estabrook turned pale. She had never expected it would come +to this. She thought no one would ever be able to trace the +suppressed letter to her. She was not likely again to obtain so +comfortable and desirable a position. Instead of attributing her ill +fortune to her own malice and evil doing, she chose to attribute it +to Grant. + +"I am to thank you for this, Grant Thornton," she said, in sudden +passion. "I was right in hating you as soon as I first saw you. If +ever I am able I will pay you up for this." + +"I don't doubt it, Mrs. Estabrook," said Grant, quietly, "but I +don't think you will have it in your power." + +She did not deign to answer, but hurried out of the room. In half an +hour she had left the house. + +"Now I can breathe freely," said the broker. "That woman was so full +of malice and spite that it made me uncomfortable to feel that she +was in the house." + +"I am so glad that she has gone, papa," said Herbert. + +That evening, after Herbert had gone to bed, Mr. Reynolds invited +Grant into his library. + +"My boy," he said, "I have settled accounts with Mrs. Estabrook; now +I want to settle with you." + +"Not in the same way, I hope, sir," said Grant. + +"Yes, in the same way, according to your deserts. You have done me a +service, that which none can be greater. You have been instrumental +in restoring to me my only son." + +"I don't want any reward for that, sir." + +"Perhaps not; but I owe it to myself to see that this service is +acknowledged. I shall raise your salary to fifteen dollars a week." + +"Thank you, sir," said Grant, joyfully. "How glad my mother will +be." + +"When you tell her this, you may also tell her that I have deposited +on your account in the Bowery Savings Bank the sum of five thousand +dollars." + +"This is too much, Mr. Reynolds," said Grant, quite overwhelmed. +"Why, I shall feel like a man of fortune." + +"So you will be in time, if you continue as faithful to business as +in the past." + +"It seems to me like a dream," said Grant. + +"I will give you a week's leave of absence to visit your parents, +and tell them of your good fortune." + + + + + + +CHAPTER XL + +CONCLUSION + + + + + +There were anxious hearts in the parsonage at Colebrook. For some +weeks the minister had shown signs of overwork. His appetite had +failed, and he seemed weary and worn. + +"He needs change," said the doctor. "A run over to Europe would do +him good. He has no disease; he only wants change." + +"A trip to Europe," said Mr. Thornton, shaking his head. "It is +impossible. It has been the dream of my life, but a country minister +could not, in half a dozen years, save money enough for that." + +"If your brother Godfrey would lend you the money, Grant might, in +time, help you to pay it." + +Godfrey never had forgiven Grant for running counter to his plans. + +"I wish I could spare the money myself, Mr. Thornton," said the +doctor. "Five hundred dollars would be sufficient, and it would make +a new man of you." + +"It might as well be five thousand," said the minister, shaking +his head. "No, my good friend, I must toil on as well as I can, and +leave European trips to more favored men." + +It was noised about through the parish that the minister was sick, +and the doctor recommended a European trip. + +"It's ridikilus," was Deacon Gridley's comment. "I work harder than +the minister, and I never had to go to Europe. It's just because +it's fashionable." + +"Mr. Thornton is looking pale and haggard," said Mrs. Gridley. + +"What if he is? He ought to work outdoors like me. Then he'd know +what work was. Ac-cordin' to my notion, ministers have a pooty easy +time." + +Mr. Tudor was of the same opinion. + +"It's all nonsense, deacon," he said. "Father wanted me to be a +minister, and I'd have had a good deal easier time if I had followed +his advice." + +"You wouldn't have had so much money, Mr. Tudor," said Miss Lucretia +Spring, who heard this remark. + +"Mebbe not; but what I've got I've worked for." + +"For my part, although I am not near as rich as you are, I'd give +twenty dollars toward sending the minister abroad," said kindly Miss +Spring. + +"I wouldn't give a cent," said Mr. Tudor, with emphasis. + +"Nor I," said Deacon Gridley. "I don't believe in humorin' the +clergy." + +Saturday came, and the minister was worse. It seemed doubtful if he +would be able to officiate the next day. No wonder he became +dispirited. + +Just before supper the stage drove up to the door, and Grant jumped +out. + +"I am afraid he has been discharged," said Mr. Thornton, nervously. + +"He does not look like it," said Mrs. Thornton, noticing Grant's +beaming countenance. + +"What is the matter with father?" asked Grant, stopping short as he +entered. + +"He is not feeling very well, Grant. He has got run down." + +"What does the doctor say?" + +"He says your father ought to take a three-months trip to Europe." + +"Which, of course, is impossible," said Mr. Thornton, smiling +faintly. + +"Not if your brother would open his heart, and lend you the money." + +"He would not do it." + +"And we won't ask him," said Grant, quickly, "but you shall go, all +the same, father." + +"My son, it would cost five hundred dollars." + +"And for twice as much, mother, could go with you; you would need +her to take care of you. Besides she needs a change, too." + +"It is a pleasant plan, Grant; but we must not think of it." + +"That's where I don't agree with you. You and mother shall go as +soon as you like, and I will pay the expenses." + +"Is the boy crazy?" said the minister. + +"I'll answer that for myself, father. I have five thousand dollars +in the Bowery Savings Bank, in New York, and I don't think I can +spend a part of it better than in giving you and mother a European +trip." + +Then the explanation came, and with some difficulty the minister was +made to understand that the dream of his life was to be realized, +and that he and his wife were really going to Europe. + +"Well, well! who'd have thought it?" ejaculated Deacon Gridley. +"That boy of the minister's must be plaguey smart. I never thought +he'd be so successful. All the same, it seems to me a mighty poor +investment to spend a thousand dollars on racin' to Europe. That +money would buy quite a sizable farm." + +Others, however, less narrow in their notions, heartily approved of +the European trip. When three months later the minister came home, +he looked like a new man. His eye was bright, his face bronzed and +healthy, his step elastic, and he looked half a dozen years younger. + +"This all comes of having a good son," he said, smiling, in reply to +congratulations, "a son who, in helping himself, has been alive to +help others." + +Half a dozen years have passed. Grant Thornton is now a young man, +and junior partner of Mr. Reynolds. He has turned his money to good +account, and is counted rich for one of his age. He has renewed his +acquaintance with Miss Carrie Clifton, whom he met for the first +time as a summer boarder in Colebrook, and from their intimacy it +wouldn't be surprising if Grant should some day become the wealthy +jeweler's son-in-law. + +Uncle Godfrey has become reconciled to Grant's following his own +course. It is easy to become reconciled to success. + +Willis Ford is confined in a penitentiary in a Western State, having +been convicted of forgery, and there is small chance of his +amendment. He has stripped his stepmother of her last penny, and she +is compelled to live on the charity of a relative, who accords her a +grudging welcome, and treats her with scant consideration. The +bitterest drop in her cup of humiliation is the prosperity of Grant +Thornton, toward whom she feels a fierce and vindictive hatred. As +she has sown, so she reaps. Malice and uncharitableness seldom bring +forth welcome fruit. + +THE END + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, HELPING HIMSELF *** + +This file should be named hlpng10.txt or hlpng10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, hlpng11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, hlpng10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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