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diff --git a/59904-0.txt b/59904-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..fb8de8c --- /dev/null +++ b/59904-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11292 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 59904 *** + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustrations. + See 59904-h.htm or 59904-h.zip: + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/59904/59904-h/59904-h.htm) + or + (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/59904/59904-h.zip) + + + Images of the original pages are available through + Internet Archive. See + https://archive.org/details/tonyheroorbraveb00alge + + +Transcriber's note: + + Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). + + Text enclosed by plus signs is in bold face (+bold+). + + + + + +[Illustration: Tony set to work with rapid hands to tie the prostrate +tramp hand and foot.--(See page 73.)] + + +TONY, THE HERO; + +--Or,-- + +A Brave Boy's Adventures With a Tramp. + +BY HORATIO ALGER, JR., + +Author of +"Tom, the Bootblack;" "Joe's Luck;" "Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy;" +"Tom Temple's Career;" "Tom Thatcher's Fortune;" +"The Errand Boy," etc., etc. + +Illustrated. + + +[Illustration: Logo] + + + + + + +New York. +A. L. Burt, Publisher. + +Copyright 1890, by A. L. Burt. + + + +CONTENTS. + + CHAPTER PAGE + I. THE TWO WANDERERS. 7 + II. THE FARM-HOUSE. 14 + III. RUDOLPH'S DISAPPOINTMENT. 20 + IV. SETTING A TRAP. 26 + V. AN ATTEMPT AT BURGLARY. 33 + VI. ABNER'S RUSE. 37 + VII. A STRANGE HOTEL. 47 + VIII. TONY HIRES OUT AS A COOK AND HOUSEKEEPER. 54 + IX. THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. 61 + X. THE TRAMP'S UNEXPECTED DEFEAT. 68 + XI. THE PRISONER. 74 + XII. TONY STARTS OUT ONCE MORE. 81 + XIII. TONY GETS A PLACE. 88 + XIV. TONY'S RIVAL. 92 + XV. THE BOYS' DUEL. 96 + XVI. RUDOLPH ESCAPES AND SEES AN ADVERTISEMENT. 103 + XVII. THE LADY AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. 110 + XVIII. TWO CONSPIRATORS. 116 + XIX. THE WICKED COMPACT. 123 + XX. THE FIGHTING QUAKER. 130 + XXI. RUDOLPH HEARS OF TONY. 134 + XXII. RUDOLPH FINDS TONY. 137 + XXIII. THE NEGLECTED WELL. 142 + XXIV. THE DEED IS DONE. 145 + XXV. "I HOLD YOU TO THE BOND." 152 + XXVI. TONY'S ESCAPE. 159 + XXVII. TONY IS DISCHARGED. 166 + XXVIII. THE WORLD BEFORE HIM. 173 + XXIX. A STRANGE ADVENTURE. 180 + XXX. BREAKFAST AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. 187 + XXXI. TONY AND HIS GUARDIAN SET UP HOUSEKEEPING. 194 + XXXII. HOME AGAIN. 201 + XXXIII. CAPTAIN GREGORY LOVELL. 208 + XXXIV. TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FRIENDS. 215 + XXXV. TONY'S BAD LUCK. 223 + XXXVI. "I HATE YOU!" 230 + XXXVII. MRS. MIDDLETON AND HER LOVER. 236 + XXXVIII. A STORMY INTERVIEW. 240 + XXXIX. TONY'S ESCAPE. 243 + XL. ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL. 249 + WHITMARSH'S REVENGE. 254 + THE BOY IN THE BUSH. 264 + THE MIDNIGHT RIDE. 273 + A THOUSAND A YEAR. 281 + A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS 1 + + + +TONY, THE HERO. + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +THE TWO WANDERERS. + + +A man and a boy were ascending a steep street in a country town in +Eastern New York. The man was tall and dark-complexioned, with a +sinister look which of itself excited distrust. He wore a slouch hat, +which, coming down over his forehead, nearly concealed from view his +low, receding brow. A pair of black, piercing eyes looked out from +beneath the brim. The first impression produced upon those who met him +was that he was of gipsy blood, and the impression was a correct one. +Where he was born no one seemed to know; perhaps he did not himself +know, for all his life he had been a wanderer, but English was the +tongue that he spoke, and, apart from the gipsy dialect, he knew no +other. + +His companion was a boy of fourteen. Between the two there was not +the slightest resemblance. Though embrowned by exposure to the sun +and the wind, it was easy to see that the boy was originally of light +complexion. His hair was chestnut and his eyes blue. His features were +regular and strikingly handsome, though, owing to the vagrant life +he was compelled to lead, he was not able to pay that attention to +cleanliness which he might have done if he had had a settled home. + +It was five o'clock in the afternoon, and the boy looked weary. He +seemed scarcely able to drag one foot after the other. His companion +turned upon him roughly. + +"What are you dawdling that way for, Tony?" he demanded. "You creep +like a boy of three." + +"I can't help it, Rudolph," said the boy, wearily; "I'm tired." + +"What business have you to be tired?" + +"I've walked far to-day." + +"You've walked no farther than I. I don't dawdle like you." + +"You're a man. You're stronger than I am, Rudolph." + +"And you're a milksop," said the man contemptuously. + +"I'm nothing of the sort," said the boy, with a flash of spirit. "I'm +not made of cast-iron, and that's why I can't stand walking all day +long. Besides, I have had no dinner." + +"That isn't my fault, is it?" + +"I didn't say it was, but it makes me weak for all that." + +"Well," said Rudolph, "perhaps you're right. I feel like eating +something myself. We'll go to some house and ask for supper." + +Tony looked dissatisfied. + +"I wish we were not obliged to beg our meals," he said; "I don't like +it." + +"Oh, you're getting proud, are you?" sneered Rudolph. "If you've got +money to pay for your supper, we won't beg, as you call it." + +"Why can't we do as other people do?" asked Tony. + +"What's that?" + +"Live somewhere, and not go tramping round the country all the time. It +would be a good deal pleasanter." + +"Not for me. I'm a vagrant by nature. I can't be cooped up in one +place. I should die of stagnation. I come of a roving stock. My mother +and father before me were rovers, and I follow in their steps." + +The man spoke with animation, his eye flashing as he gazed about him, +and unconsciously quickened his pace. + +"Then, I'm not like you," said Tony, decidedly. "I don't want to be a +tramp. Were my father and mother rovers like yours?" + +"Of course they were," answered Rudolph, but not without hesitation. +"Ain't I your uncle?" + +"I don't know. Are you?" returned Tony, searchingly. + +"Haven't I told you so a hundred times?" demanded Rudolph, impatiently. + +"Yes," said the boy, slowly, "but there's no likeness between us. +You're dark and I am light." + +"That proves nothing," said the elder tramp, hastily. "Brothers are +often as unlike. Perhaps you don't want to look upon me as a relation?" + +The boy was silent. + +"Are you getting ashamed of me?" demanded Rudolph, in a harsh tone. + +"I am ashamed of myself," said Tony, bitterly. "I'm nothing but +a tramp, begging my bread from door to door, sleeping in barns, +outhouses, in the fields, anywhere I can. I'm as ignorant as a boy of +eight. I can just read and that's all." + +"You know as much I do." + +"That don't satisfy me. When I grow up I don't want to be----" + +Tony hesitated. + +"You don't want to be like me. Is that it?" asked Rudolph, angrily. + +"No, I don't want to be like you," answered Tony, boldly. "I want to +have a home, and a business, and to live like other people." + +"Humph!" muttered Rudolph, fixing his eyes thoughtfully upon his young +companion. "This is something new. You never talked like that before." + +"But I've felt like that plenty of times. I'm tired of being a tramp." + +"Then you're a fool. There's no life so free and independent. You can +go where you please, with no one to order you here nor there, the scene +changing always, instead of being obliged to look always upon the same +people and the same fields." + +"What's the good of it all? I'm tired of it. I've got no home, and +never had any." + +"You've got no spirit. You're only fit for a farm-boy or an apprentice." + +"I wish I was either one." + +"Sit down here if you are tired," said the man, abruptly, throwing +himself down under a wide-spreading tree by the roadside. + +Tony stretched himself out at a little distance, and uttered a sign of +relief as he found himself permitted to rest. + +"Have you been thinking of this long?" asked Rudolph. + +"Of what?" + +"Of not liking to be a tramp?" + +"Yes." + +"You have not spoken of it before." + +"I've been thinking of it more lately." + +"How did that come?" + +"I'll tell you," said Tony. "Don't you remember last week when we +passed by a school house? It was recess, and the boys were out at play. +While you were away a few minutes, one of the boys sat down by me and +talked. He told me what he was studying, and what he was going to do +when he got older, and then he asked me about myself." + +"What did you tell him?" + +"What did I tell him?" said Tony, bitterly. "I told him that I was a +tramp, and that when I got older I should be a tramp still." + +"Well," said Rudolph, sharply, "what then?" + +"The boy told me I ought to get some regular work to do, and grow into +a respectable member of society. He said that his father would help me, +he thought; and----" + +"So you want to leave me, do you?" demanded Rudolph, fiercely. "Is that +what you're coming to, my chicken?" + +"It isn't that so much as the life you make me lead. I want to leave +that, Rudolph." + +"Well, you can't do it," said the man, shortly. + +"Why not?" + +"I say so, and that's enough." + +Tony was silent for a moment. He was not greatly disappointed, for he +expected a refusal. He changed the subject. + +"Rudolph," he said, "there's something else I want to ask you about." + +"Well?" + +"Who am I?" + +"Who are you? A young fool," muttered the tramp, but he appeared a +little uneasy at the question. + +"I want to know something about my father and mother." + +"Your mother was my sister. She died soon after you were born." + +"And my father?" + +"He was put in jail for theft, and was shot in trying to make his +escape. Does that satisfy you?" + +"No, it doesn't, and what's more, I don't believe it," said Tony, +boldly. + +"Look here," said Rudolph, sternly. "I've had enough of your insolence. +Do you see this strap?" + +He produced a long leather strap, which he drew through his fingers +menacingly. + +"Yes, I see it." + +"You'll feel it if you ain't careful. Now get up. It's time to be +moving." + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +THE FARM-HOUSE. + + +"Where are we going to stop to-night?" asked Tony ten minutes later. + +"There," answered Rudolph, pointing out a farm-house, a little to the +left. + +"Suppose they won't let us." + +"They will admit us into their barn, at least, if we play our cards +right. Listen to what I say. You are to be my son." + +"But I am not your son." + +"Be silent!" said the other tramp, "and don't you dare to contradict +me. You have been sick, and are too weak to go farther." + +"That is a lie, Rudolph." + +"That doesn't matter. If they believe it, they won't turn us away. +Perhaps they will let you sleep in the house." + +"Away from you?" + +"Yes." + +Tony was puzzled. It seemed as if Rudolph wanted him to be more +comfortably provided for than himself, but the boy knew him too well +not to suspect that there was some concealed motive for this apparent +kindness. + +"Well, what are you thinking about?" demanded Rudolph, suspiciously, as +he observed the boy's earnest gaze. + +"Why do you want me to sleep in the house?" he asked. + +"I will tell you. When all the family are asleep, I want you to steal +down stairs, open the back door, and let me in." + +"What for?" asked the boy, startled. + +"Never you mind. Do as I tell you!" + +"But I don't want to do it. You never asked me to do that before." + +"Didn't I? Well, I had no occasion. I ask you now." + +"What are you going to do? Are you going to harm any one?" + +"No. I'll tell you what I'm going to do, but mind you, if you breathe a +word to any being, I'll cut your tongue out." + +Tony looked troubled, but not frightened. + +"Go on," he said. + +Rudolph continued in a rapid tone. + +"I want money to carry out a plan of importance. This farm belongs to a +farmer who is rich, and who keeps a part of his money in the house." + +"How do you know that?" + +"A friend of mine stopped there last week, and found out. He put me on +the scent. The old man keeps from two to three hundred dollars in his +desk. I must have that money." + +"I don't want to help you in this, Rudolph," said Tony. "I won't betray +you, but you mustn't compel me to be a thief." + +"I can't get along without you, and help me you must." + +"Suppose we fail?" + +"Then we must take to our legs. If we're caught we're both in the same +box. I don't ask you to take any risk that I don't run myself." + +Tony was about to remonstrate further, but it was too late. They had +already reached the farm house, and caught sight of the owner standing +under a tree in the front yard. + +"Remember!" hissed the older tramp. "Follow my lead, or I'll beat you +till you are half dead. Good evening, sir." + +This last was said in a humble tone to the farmer, who advanced to the +gate. + +"Good evening," said the farmer, ingeniously. + +He was a man of sixty, roughly dressed to suit his work, with grizzled +hair, a form somewhat bowed, and a face seamed with wrinkles. He had +been a hard worker, and showed abundant traces of it in his appearance. + +"We are very tired and hungry, my boy and I," whined Rudolph. "We've +traveled many miles since morning. Would you kindly give us some supper +and a night's lodging?" + +"My wife'll give you something to eat," said the old man. "Thank +Heaven! we've got enough for ourselves and a bit for the poor besides. +But I don't know about lodging. I don't like to take in strangers that +I know nothing about." + +"I don't blame you, sir," said Rudolph, in a tone of affected humility. +"There's many rogues going round the country, I've heard, but I'm a +poor, hardworking man." + +"Then why are you not at work?" + +"Times are hard, and I can get nothing to do. I am in search of work. I +can do almost anything. I'm a carpenter by trade." + +Rudolph knew no more of the carpenter's trade than the man in the moon, +but that would do as well as any other. + +"Where are you from?" + +"From Buffalo," he answered, with slight hesitation. + +"Is business dull there?" + +"Nothing doing." + +"Well, my friend, you haven't come to the right place. There's nothing +but farming done here." + +"I don't know anything about that," said Rudolph, hastily, for he had +no disposition to be set to work in the fields. + +"I don't need any extra hands," said the farmer. + +"I am glad of that," thought the tramp. + +"Go round to the back door, and I will speak to my wife about supper," +said the old man. + +"Come, Tony," said Rudolph, motioning to take the boy's hand, but Tony +did not see fit to notice the movement, and walked in silence by his +side. + +A motherly-looking old woman made her appearance at the back door. + +"Come in," she said. "Come right in, and sit down to the table. Abner, +make room for the poor man and his son." + +Abner was a stalwart youth of eighteen, hard-handed and muscular. He +was the only permanent "hired man" employed on the farm. In haying +time there were others transiently employed. + +A farmer's table is plentiful, though homely. The two tramps made an +abundant meal, both doing justice to the homely fare. The farmer's wife +looked on with hospitable satisfaction. She could not bear to have +anybody hungry under her roof. + +"You'll excuse our appetite, ma'am," said Rudolph, "but we've had +nothing to eat since breakfast." + +"Eat as much as you like," said she. "We never stint anybody here. Is +that your son?" + +"Yes, ma'am." + +Tony bent his eyes upon his plate, and frowned slightly. He wanted to +deny it, but did not dare. + +"He don't look a bit like you," said the woman. "He's light, and you're +very dark." + +"His mother was light," said Rudolph. "He takes after her." + +"How old is he?" + +"Tony, tell the lady how old you are." + +"Fourteen." + +"He is well grown of his age." + +"Yes; he will make a good-sized man. He's been sick." + +"Has he? What has been the matter?" + +"I don't know. Poor folks like us can't call in a doctor." + +"He don't look sick," said the farmer's wife, thoughtfully. + +"He's delicate, though he don't look it. It's sleeping out in the open +air, I expect." + +"Do you have to sleep out in the open air?" + +"Yes; we can't afford to pay for lodgings, and people won't take us +into their houses. I don't mind myself--I'm tough--but Tony can't stand +it as well as I can." + +While this conversation was going on, Tony fixed his eyes upon his +plate. He was annoyed to have such falsehoods told about him; but if he +should utter a word of objection he knew there would be an explosion of +wrath on the part of his guardian, and he remained silent. + +The farmer's wife was a simple-minded, kind-hearted woman, and though +Tony did not look at all delicate, she never thought of questioning +the statement of Rudolph. Indeed she was already revolving in her mind +inviting the boy to sleep in the house. She was rather prejudiced in +favor of Rudolph by his show of parental solicitude. + +When supper was over, having in the meantime consulted her husband, she +said to Rudolph: + +"My husband says you may sleep in the barn, if you don't smoke. We can +find a bed for your son with Abner. You won't mind taking him into your +room?" + +"He can come," said Abner, good-naturedly. + +So it was arranged. At half-past eight, for they retired at that early +hour in the farm house, Rudolph left the fireside, and sought the barn. +As he left the room he looked suspiciously at Tony, and shook his head +warningly. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +RUDOLPH'S DISAPPOINTMENT. + + +Abner slept in a large room in the attic. It had been roughly +partitioned off, and was not even plastered. The beams were plainly +visible. Upon nails which had been driven into them hung Abner's +limited wardrobe. There were two cot-beds in the room, as a part of the +year the farmer employed more than one hired man. + +"You can sleep there, youngster," said Abner, pointing to one of the +beds. "This is my bed." + +"Thank you," said Tony, politely. + +"I s'pose you've traveled round considerable," said Abner, with +curiosity. + +"Yes, a good deal." + +"Do you like it?" + +"No; I'm tired of it." + +"How do you make your livin'?" + +"As we can. We often go hungry." + +"Why don't your father settle down somewhere?" + +Tony thought of disclaiming the relationship implied, but he reflected +that Rudolph would be angry, and merely answered: + +"He prefers to travel round." + +"Was you ever in New York?" asked Abner. + +"Do you mean the city of New York? Yes." + +"I'd like to see it," said Abner, regarding Tony with new respect. +"I've heard a sight about it. It's powerful big, isn't it?" + +"It's very large." + +"There's as many as a thousand houses, isn't there?" + +"There's a hundred thousand, I should think," answered Tony. + +"Sho? you don't say so!" exclaimed Abner, awestruck. "I'd like to go +there." + +"Didn't you ever visit the city?" + +"No; I never traveled any. I never was more'n fifteen miles from home. +Dad wouldn't let me. When I'm a man, I'm bound to see the world." + +"Ain't you a man now?" inquired Tony, surveying his Herculean +proportions with astonishment. + +"No; I'm only eighteen." + +"You're as big as a man." + +"Yes, I'm pooty big," said Abner, with a complacent grin. "I can do a +man's work." + +"I should think you might. I thought you were more than four years +older than me. I'm fourteen." + +"I guess I weigh twice as much as you." + +"I'm not small of my age," said Tony, jealously. + +"Maybe not. I'm a regular bouncer. That's what dad says. Why, I'm half +as big again as he is." + +"Does he ever lick you?" asked Tony, smiling. + +"I'd like to see him try it," said Abner, bursting into a roar of +laughter. "He'd have to get upon a milkin' stool. Does your dad lick +you?" + +"No," answered Tony, shortly. + +"He looks as if he might sometimes. He's kinder fractious-looking." + +Tony did not care to say much on the subject of Rudolph. He felt that +it was his policy to be silent. If he said anything he might say too +much, and if it got to Rudolph's ears, the man's vindictive temper +would make it dangerous for him. + +"We get along pretty well," he said, guardedly. "Do you get up early?" + +"Four o'clock. You won't have to, though." + +"What time do you get breakfast?" + +"Half-past five, after I've milked and done the chores. You must be up +by that time, or you won't get anything to eat." + +"That's pretty early," thought Tony. "I don't see the use of getting up +so early." + +"I guess I'll go to sleep," said Abner. "I'm tuckered out." + +"Good-night, then," said Tony. + +"Good-night." + +The young giant turned over, closed his eyes, and in five minutes was +asleep. + +Tony did not compose himself to sleep so readily, partly because Abner +began to snore in a boisterous manner, partly because he felt disturbed +by the thought of the treachery which Rudolph required at his hands. + +Tony was only a tramp, but he had an instinct of honor in him. In the +farm house he had been kindly treated and hospitably entertained. He +felt that it would be very mean to steal down in the dead of night +and open the door to his companion in order that he might rob the +unsuspecting farmer of his money. On the other hand, if he did not do +this, he knew that he would be severely beaten by Rudolph. + +"Why am I tied to this man?" he thought. "What chance is there of my +ever being anything but a tramp while I stay with him?" + +He had thought this before now, but the circumstances in which he now +found himself placed made the feeling stronger. He had been often +humiliated by being forced to beg from door to door, by the thought +that he was a vagrant, and the companion of a vagrant, but he had not +been urged to actual crime until now. He knew enough to be aware that +he ran the risk of arrest and imprisonment if he obeyed Rudolph. On the +other hand, if he refused, he was sure of a beating. + +What should he do? + +It was certainly a difficult question to decide, and Tony debated it in +his own mind for some time. Finally he came to a determination. Rudolph +might beat him, but he would not be guilty of this treachery. + +He felt better after he had come to this resolve, and the burden being +now off his mind, he composed himself to sleep. + +He did not know how long he slept, but he had a troubled dream. He +thought that in compliance with his companion's order he rose and +opened the door to him. While Rudolph was opening the farmer's desk, +he thought that heavy steps were heard, and Abner and the farmer +entered the room, provided with a lantern. He thought that Rudolph and +himself were overpowered and bound. Just as he reached this part he +awaked, and was reassured by hearing Abner's heavy breathing. + +"I'm glad it's a dream," he thought, breathing a sigh of relief. + +At this instant his attention was called by a noise upon the panes of +the only window in the room. + +He listened, and detected the cause. + +Some one was throwing gravel stones against it. + +"It's Rudolph!" he thought instantly. "He's trying to call my +attention." + +He thought of pretending to be asleep, and taking no notice of the +signal. But he feared Abner would awake, and ascertain the meaning of +it. He decided to go to the window, show himself, and stop the noise if +he could. + +He rose from his bed, and presented himself at the window. Looking +down, he saw the dark figure of Rudolph leaning against the well-curb, +with his eyes fixed on the window. + +"Oh, you're there at last," growled Rudolph. "I thought I'd never wake +you up. Is the man asleep?" + +"Yes," said Tony. + +"Then come down and let me in." + +"I would rather not," said Tony, uneasily. + +"What's the fool afraid of?" answered Rudolph, in a low, menacing tone. + +"The man might wake up." + +"No danger. Such animals always sleep heavily. There's no danger, I +tell you." + +"I don't want to do it," said Tony. "It would be mean. They've treated +me well, and I don't want to help rob them." + +"Curse the young idiot!" exclaimed Rudolph, in low tones of +concentrated passion. "Do you mean to disobey me?" + +"I can't do as you wish, Rudolph. Ask me anything else." + +"I wish I could get at him!" muttered Rudolph, between his teeth. "He +never dared to disobey me before. Once more! Will you open the door to +me?" demanded Rudolph. + +Tony bethought himself of an expedient. He might pretend that Abner was +waking up. + +"Hush!" he said, in feigned alarm. "The man is waking up. Get out of +sight quick." + +He disappeared from the window, and Rudolph, supposing there was really +danger of detection, hurriedly stole away to the barn where he had been +permitted to lodge. + +He came out half an hour later, and again made the old signal, but this +time Tony did not show himself. He had made up his mind not to comply +with the elder tramp's demands, and it would do no good to argue the +point. + +"I wish I knew whether he was asleep, or only pretending, the young +rascal," muttered Rudolph. "I must manage to have him stay here another +night. That money must and shall be mine, and he shall help to get it +for me." + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +SETTING A TRAP. + + +At half-past five Tony got up. He would have liked to remain in bed +two hours longer, but there was no chance for late resting at the farm +house. Rudolph, too, was awakened by Abner, and the two tramps took +their seats at the breakfast table with the rest of the family. + +Rudolph furtively scowled at Tony. To him he attributed the failure of +his plans the night before, and he was furious against him--the more so +that he did not dare to say anything in presence of the farmer's family. + +"Where are you going to-day?" asked the farmer, addressing Rudolph. + +"I am going to walk to Crampton. I may get employment there." + +"It is twelve miles away. That's a good walk." + +"I don't mind it for myself. I mind it for my son," said Rudolph, +hypocritically. + +"He can stay here till you come back," said the farmer, hospitably. + +"If you're willing to have him, I will leave him for one more night," +said Rudolph. "It'll do him good to rest." + +"He can stay as well as not," said the farmer. "When are you coming +back?" + +"Perhaps to-night, but I think not till to-morrow." + +"Don't trouble yourself about your son. He will be safe here." + +"You are very kind," said the elder tramp. "Tony, thank these good +people for their kindness to you." + +"I do thank them," said Tony, glancing uneasily at the other. + +When breakfast was over, Rudolph took his hat, and said: + +"I'll get started early. I've a long walk before me." + +Tony sat still, hoping that he would not be called upon to join him. +But he was destined to be disappointed. + +"Come and walk a piece with me, Tony," said Rudolph. + +Reluctantly Tony got his hat, and set out with him. + +As long as they were in sight and hearing, Rudolph spoke to him gently, +but when they were far enough for him to throw off the mask safely, he +turned furiously upon the boy. + +"Now, you young rascal," he said, roughly, "tell me why you didn't obey +me last night." + +"It wasn't safe," said Tony. "We should both have been caught." + +"Why should we? Wasn't the man asleep?" + +"He stirred in his sleep. If I had moved about much, or opened the +door, it would have waked him up." + +"You are a coward," sneered Rudolph. "When I was of your age, I +wouldn't have given up a job so easily. Such men sleep sound. No matter +if they do move about, they won't wake up. If you had had a little more +courage, we should have succeeded last night in capturing the money." + +"I wish you'd give it up, Rudolph," said Tony, earnestly. + +"You don't know what you're talking about," said the tramp, harshly. +"You're a milksop. The world owes us a living, and we must call for it." + +"I'd rather work than steal." + +"There's no work to be had, and we must have money. More depends on it +than you think. But we've got one more night to work in." + +"What do you mean to do?" asked Tony, uneasily. + +"Thanks to my management, you will sleep in the same room to-night. +Look round the house during the day; see if the key's in the desk. If +you can get hold of the money, all the better. In that case, come and +hide it in that hollow tree, and we can secure it after the hue and cry +is over. Do you hear?" + +"Yes." + +"But, if there is no chance of that, look out for me at midnight. I +will throw gravel against your window as a signal. When you hear it, +steal down stairs, with your shoes in your hands, and open the door to +me. I will attend to the rest. And mind," he added, sternly, "I shall +take no excuses." + +"Suppose I am caught going down stairs?" + +"Say you are taken sick. It will be easy enough to make an excuse." + +"Are you going to Crampton?" asked Tony. + +"Of course not. Do you think I am such a fool as to take a long walk +like that?" + +"You said you were going." + +"Only to put them off the scent. I shall hide in yonder wood till +night. Then I will find my way back to the farmhouse." + +"Do you want me to go any farther with you?" + +"No; you can go back now if you want to. Don't forget my directions." + +"I will remember them," said Tony, quietly. + +The two parted company, and Tony walked slowly back to the farm. He was +troubled and perplexed. He was in a dilemma, and how to get out of it +he did not know. + +It was not the first time that he thought over his relations to Rudolph. + +As far back as he could remember he had been under the care of this +man. Sometimes the latter had been away for months, leaving him in +the charge of a woman whose appearance indicated that she also was +of Gipsy descent. He had experienced hunger, cold, neglect, but had +lived through them all, tolerably contented. Now, however, he saw that +Rudolph intended to make a criminal of him, and he was disposed to +rebel. That his guardian was himself a thief, he had reason to know. He +suspected that some of his periodical absences were spent in prison +walls. Would he be content to follow his example? + +Tony answered unhesitatingly, "No." Whatever the consequences might be, +he would make a stand there. He had reason to fear violence, but that +was better than arrest and imprisonment. If matters came to the worst, +he would run away. + +When he had come to a decision he felt better. He returned to the farm +and found Abner just leaving the yard with a hoe in his hand. + +"Where are you going?" he asked. + +"To the corn field." + +"May I go with you?" + +"If you want to." + +So Tony went out to the field with the stalwart "hired man," and kept +him company through the forenoon. + +"That's easy work," said Tony, after a while. + +"Do you think you can do it?" + +"Let me try." + +Tony succeeded tolerably well, but he could not get over the ground so +fast as Abner. + +"Why don't you hire out on a farm?" asked Abner, as he took back the +hoe. + +"I would if I could," answered Tony. + +"Why can't you? Won't your father let you?" + +"He wants me to go round with him," answered Tony. + +"Wouldn't he take me instead of you?" asked Abner, grinning. "I'd like +to travel round and see the world. You could stay here and do farm +work." + +"If he and the farmer agree to the change, I will," answered Tony, with +a smile. + +At noon they went back to the farm house to dinner. Tony stared with +astonishment at the quantity of food Abner made away with. He concluded +that farm work was favorable to the appetite. + +The afternoon passed rapidly away, and night came. Again Tony went up +into the attic to share Abner's room. He got nervous as the night wore +on. He knew what was expected of him, and he shrank from Rudolph's +anger. He tried to go to sleep, but could not. + +At last the expected signal came. There was a rattling of gravel stones +upon the window. + +"Shall I lie here and take no notice?" thought Tony. + +In this case Rudolph would continue to fling gravel stones, and +Abner might wake up. He decided to go to the window and announce his +determination. + +When Rudolph saw him appear at the window, he called out: + +"Come down quick, and open the door." + +"I would rather not," answered Tony. + +"You must!" exclaimed Rudolph, with a terrible oath. "If you dare to +refuse, I'll flay you alive." + +"I can't do it," said Tony, pale but resolute. "You have no right to +ask it of me." + +Just then Tony was startled by a voice from the bed: + +"Is that your father? What does he want?" + +"I would rather not tell," said Tony. + +"You must!" said Abner, sternly. + +"He wants me to open the door and let him into the house," Tony +confessed, reluctantly. + +"What for?" + +"He wants to get your master's money." + +"Ho, ho!" said Abner. "Well, we'll go down and let him in." + +"What!" exclaimed Tony, in surprise. + +"Call from the window that you will be down directly." + +"I don't want to get him into trouble." + +"You must, or I shall think you are a thief, too." + +Thus constrained, Tony called out that he would come down at once. + +"I thought you'd think better of it," muttered Rudolph. "Hurry down, +and waste no time." + +Five minutes later, Abner and Tony crept down stairs, the former armed +with a tough oak stick. + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +AN ATTEMPT AT BURGLARY. + + +Unsuspicious of danger, Rudolph took a position on the door-step. +He was incensed with Tony for having given him so much unnecessary +trouble, and he was resolved to give the boy a lesson. + +It was quite dark in the shadow of the house, and when the door opened, +Rudolph, supposing, of course, it was Tony who had opened it, seized +the person, whom he saw but dimly, by the arm, exclaiming venomously, +as he tried to reach him: + +"I'll teach you to keep me waiting, you young rascal." + +He was not long in finding out his mistake. + +Abner was considerably larger and more muscular than the tramp, and he +returned the compliment by shaking off Rudolph's grasp, and seizing him +in his own vise-like grasp. + +"You'll teach me, will you, you villain," retorted Abner. "I'll teach +you to come here like a thief." + +"Let go," exclaimed the tramp, as he felt himself shaken roughly. + +"Not till I've given you a good drubbing," returned Abner, and he began +to use his cudgel with effect on the back and shoulders of the tramp. +"You've come to the wrong house, you have." + +Rudolph ground his teeth with ineffectual rage. He lamented that he +had not a knife or pistol with him, but he had made so sure of easy +entrance into the house, and no resistance, that he had not prepared +himself. As to brute force, he was no match for Abner. + +"The boy betrayed me!" he shrieked. "I'll have his life." + +"Not much," said Abner. "You'll be lucky to get away with your own. It +isn't the boy. I was awake, and heard you ask him to let you in. Now +take yourself off." + +As he said this he gave a powerful push, and Rudolph reeled a moment +and sank upon the ground, striking his head with violence. + +"He won't try it again," said Abner, as he shut to the door and bolted +it. "I guess he's got enough for once." + +Tony stood by, ashamed and mortified. He was afraid Abner would class +him with the tramp who had just been ignominiously expelled from the +house. He was afraid he, too, would be thrust out of doors, in which +case he would be exposed to brutal treatment from Rudolph. But he +did not need to fear this. Abner had seen and heard enough to feel +convinced that Tony was all right in the matter, and he did not mean to +make the innocent suffer for the guilty. + +"Now let us go to bed, Tony," he said in a friendly manner. "You don't +want to go with him, do you?" + +"No," said Tony. "I never want to see him again." + +"I shouldn't think you would. He's a rascal and a thief." + +"I hope you don't think I wanted to rob the house," said Tony. + +"No; I don't believe you're a bit like him; what makes you go with him?" + +"I won't any more." + +"He isn't your father?" + +"No; I don't know who my father is." + +"That's strange," said Abner, who had seen but little of the world. +Every one that he knew had a father, and knew who that father was. He +could not realize that any one could have an experience like Tony's. + +"I wish I did know my father," said Tony, thoughtfully. "I'm alone in +the world now." + +"What do you mean to do?" + +"I'll go off by myself to-morrow, away from Rudolph. I never want to +see him again." + +"Have you got any money?" + +They had now got back into the chamber, and were taking off their +clothes. + +"I've got five cents," answered Tony. + +"Is that all?" + +"Yes; but I don't mind; I'll get along somehow." + +Tony had always got along somehow. He had never--at least not for long +at a time--known what it was to have a settled home or a permanent +shelter. Whether the world owed him a living or not, he had always got +one, such as it was, and though he had often been cold and hungry, +here he was at fourteen; well and strong, and with plenty of pluck +and courage to carry with him into the life struggle that was opening +before him. Abner's training had been different, and he wondered at the +coolness with which Tony contemplated the future. But he was too sleepy +to wonder long at anything, and with a yawn he lapsed into slumber. + +Tony did not go to sleep immediately. He had need to be thoughtful. +He had made up his mind to be his own master henceforth, but Rudolph, +he knew, would have a word to say on that point. In getting away +the next morning he must manage to give the tramp a wide berth. It +would be better for him to go to some distant place, where, free from +interference, he could make his own living. + +There was another thought that came to him. Somewhere in the world he +might come across a father or mother, or more distant relative--one of +whom he would not be ashamed, as he was of the companion who tried to +draw him into crime. This was the last thought in his mind, as he sank +into a sound sleep from which he did not awaken till he was called to +breakfast. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +ABNER'S RUSE. + + +To say that Rudolph was angry when he recovered from the temporary +insensibility occasioned by his fall, would be a very mild expression. +He had not only been thwarted in his designs, but suffered violence and +humiliation in presence of the boy of whom he regarded himself as the +guardian. He thirsted for revenge, if not on Abner, then on Tony, whom +it would be safer to maltreat and abuse. + +Anger is unreasonable, and poor Tony would have fared badly, if he had +fallen into Rudolph's clutches just then. It made no difference that +Abner had exonerated Tony from any share in the unpleasant surprise he +had met. He determined to give him a severe beating, nevertheless. + +There is an old proverb: "You must catch your hare before you cook it." +This did not occur to the tramp. He never supposed Tony would have the +hardihood or courage to give him the slip. + +The remainder of the night spent by Tony in sleeping was less +pleasantly spent by Rudolph in the barn. + +He meant to be up early, as he knew he was liable to arrest on account +of his last night's attempt, and lie in wait for Tony, who, he +supposed, would wait for breakfast. + +He was right there. Tony did remain for breakfast. The farmer--Mr. +Coleman--had already been informed of Rudolph's attempted burglary, and +he did Tony the justice to exonerate him from any share in it. + +"What are you going to do, my boy?" he asked at the breakfast table. + +"I am going to set up for myself," answered Tony, cheerfully. + +"That's right. Have nothing more to do with that man. He can only do +you harm. Have you got any money?" + +"I've got five cents." + +"That isn't enough to buy a farm." + +"Not a very large one," said Tony, smiling. + +Abner nearly choked with laughter. This was a joke which he could +appreciate. + +"I don't think I'll go to farming," continued Tony. + +"You can stay here a week or two," said the farmer, hospitably, "till +you get time to look round." + +"Thank you," said Tony. "You are very kind, but I don't think it will +be safe. Rudolph will be on the watch for me." + +"The man you came with?" + +"Yes." + +"Guess he won't touch you while I'm round," said Abner. + +"I don't think he'll want to tackle you again," said Tony. + +"Didn't I lay him out though?" said Abner, with a grin. "He thought it +was you, ho! ho!" + +"He didn't think so long," said Tony. "I haven't got such an arm as +you." + +Abner was pleased with this compliment to his prowess, and wouldn't +have minded another tussle with the tramp. + +"Where do you think that chap you call Rudolph is?" he asked. + +"He's searching for me, I expect," said Tony. "If I'm not careful he'll +get hold of me." + +Just then a neighbor's boy, named Joe, came to the house on an errand. +He was almost Tony's size. He waited about, not seeming in any hurry to +be gone. + +"Abner," said the farmer, "if you've got nothing else to do, you may +load up the wagon with hay, and carry it to Castleton. We shall have +more than we want." + +"All right," said Abner. + +"May I go, too? May I ride on the hay?" asked Joe, eagerly. + +"Will your father let you?" asked the farmer. + +"Oh, yes; he won't mind." + +"Then you may go," was the reply. "Do you want to go, too, Tony?" + +Tony was about to say yes, when an idea seized him. + +"If the other boy goes, Rudolph will think it is I, and he will follow +the wagon. That will give me a chance of getting off in another +direction." + +"So it will," said Abner. "What a head-piece you've got," he added, +admiringly. "I wouldn't have thought of that." + +Abner's head-piece was nothing to boast of. He had strength of body, +but to equalize matters his mind was not equally endowed. + +The plan was disclosed to Joe, who willingly agreed to enter into it. +This was the more feasible because he was of about Tony's size, and +wore a hat just like his. + +The hay was loaded, and the wagon started off with Abner walking +alongside. Joe was perched on top, nearly buried in the hay, but with +his hat rising from the mass. This was about all that could be seen of +him. + +They had gone about half a mile when from the bushes by the roadside +Rudolph emerged. He had seen the hat, and felt sure that Tony was +trying to escape him in this way. + +"Well," said Abner, with a grin, as he recognized his midnight foe, +"how do you feel this morning?" + +"None the better for you, curse you!" returned the tramp, roughly. + +Abner laughed. + +"That's what I thought," he said, cracking his whip. + +Rudolph would like to have punished him then and there for his +humiliation of the night before, but Abner looked too powerful as he +strode along manfully with vigorous steps. Besides, he had a heavy whip +in his hand, which the tramp suspected would be used unhesitatingly if +there were occasion. The prospect was not inviting. But, at any rate, +Rudolph could demand that Tony be remitted to his custody. + +"Where's my boy?" asked the tramp, keeping at a safe distance. + +"Didn't know you had a boy," said Abner. + +"I mean that villain Tony. Is that he on the load of hay?" + +"Kinder looks like him," answered Abner, grinning. + +Rudolph looked up and caught sight of the hat. + +"Come down here, Tony," he said sternly. + +Joe, who had been instructed what to do, answered not a word. + +"Come down here, if you know what's best for you," continued the tramp. + +"Guess he's hard of hearing," laughed Abner. + +"Stop your wagon," said Rudolph, furiously; "I want to get hold of him." + +"Couldn't do it," said Abner, coolly. "I'm in a hurry." + +"Will you give me the boy or not?" demanded the tramp, hoarsely. + +"He can get off and go along with you if he wants to," said Abner. "Do +you want to get down, Tony?" + +"No!" answered the supposed Tony. + +"You see, squire, he prefers to ride," said Abner. "Can't blame him +much. I'd do it in his place." + +"Where are you going?" demanded the tramp, who hadn't discovered that +the voice was not that of Tony. + +"I'm going to Castleton," answered Abner. + +"Are you going to leave the hay there?" + +"Yes, that's what I calc'late to do." + +"How far is it?" + +"Six miles." + +"I'll walk along, too." + +"Better not, squire, you'll get tired." + +"I'll risk that." + +Of course Rudolph's plan was manifest. When the hay was unloaded, of +course Tony would have to get down. Then he would get hold of him. + +"You can do just as you've a mind to," said Abner. "You'll be company +to Tony and me, but you needn't put yourself out on our account, hey, +Tony?" + +There was a smothered laugh on top of the hay, which the tramp heard. +His eyes snapped viciously, and he privately determined to give Tony a +settlement in full for all his offenses just as soon as he got hold of +him. + +So they jogged on, mile after mile. Abner walked on one side, swinging +his whip, and occasionally cracking it. The tramp walked on the other +side of the road, and the boy rode along luxuriously embedded in his +fragrant couch of hay. Abner from time to time kept up the tramp's +illusions by calling out, "Tony, you must take keer, or you'll fall +off." + +"I'll catch him if he does," said Rudolph, grimly. + +"So you will," chuckled Abner. "You'd like to, wouldn't you?" + +"Certainly. He is my son," said Rudolph. + +"Do you hear that, Tony? He says you're his son," said Abner, grinning +again. + +There was another laugh from the boy on the load of hay. + +"You won't find anything to laugh at when I get hold of you," muttered +Rudolph. + +So they rode into Castleton. + +From time to time Abner, as he thought how neatly the tramp had been +sold, burst into a loud laugh, which was echoed from the hay wagon. +Rudolph was not only angry, but puzzled. + +"Does the boy hope to escape me?" he asked himself. "If so, he will +find himself badly mistaken. He will find that I am not to be trifled +with." + +"Say, squire, what makes you look so glum?" asked Abner. "Maybe it's +because I didn't let you in when you called so late last night. We +don't receive visitors after midnight." + +Rudolph scowled, but said nothing. + +"How long has the boy been with you?" asked Abner, further. + +"Since he was born," answered the tramp. "Ain't I his father?" + +"I don't know. If it's a conundrum I give it up." + +"Well, I am, and no one has a right to keep him from me," said the +tramp, in a surly manner. + +"I wouldn't keep him from you for a minute," said Abner, innocently. + +"You are doing it now." + +"No, I ain't." + +"I can't get at him on that hay." + +"He can come down if he wants to. I don't stop him. You can come down +if you want to, Tony," he said, looking up to where the boy's hat was +visible. + +Tony did not answer, and Abner continued: + +"You see he don't want to come. He'd rather ride. You know he's been +sick," said Abner, with a grin, "and he's too delicate to walk. He +ain't tough, like you and me." + +"He'll need to be tough," muttered the tramp, as he thought of the +flogging he intended to give Tony. + +"What did you say?" + +"Never mind." + +"Oh, I don't mind," said Abner. "You can say what you want to. This is +a free country, only you can't do what you've a mind to." + +Rudolph wished that he had a double stock of strength. It was very +provoking to be laughed at and derided by Abner without being able +to revenge himself. A pistol or a knife would make him even with the +countryman, but Rudolph was too much of a coward to commit such serious +crimes when there was so much danger of detection and punishment. + +At last they entered Castleton. + +The hay was to be delivered to a speculator, who collected large +quantities of it, and forwarded over the railroad to a large city. + +It had to be weighed, and Abner drove at once to the hay scales. + +"Now," thought Rudolph, with exultation, "the boy must come down, and I +shall get hold of him." + +"I guess you'd better slide down," said Abner. "I can't sell you for +hay, Tony." + +There was a movement, and then the boy slid down, Abner catching him as +he descended. + +Rudolph's face changed ominously when he saw that it wasn't Tony who +made his appearance. + +"What does this mean?" he demanded furiously. + +"What's the matter?" + +"This isn't Tony." + +"Come to look at him, it isn't," said Abner, with a twinkle in his eye. + +"Didn't you say it was Tony?" asked the tramp, exasperated. + +"I guess I was mistaken, squire," said Abner, grinning. + +"Where is he?" + +"I don't know, I'm sure. It seems he didn't come. Guess he must have +given us the slip." + +The tramp, unable to control his rage, burst into a volley of +execrations. + +"Hope you feel better, squire," said Abner, when he got through. + +The tramp strode off, vowing dire vengeance against both Abner and +Tony. + +[Illustration: "What does this mean?" demanded the tramp furiously. +"This isn't Tony."--(See page 45.)] + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +A STRANGE HOTEL. + + +From the upper window in the farm house, which was situated on elevated +ground, Tony saw his old guardian follow Abner. Thus the way was opened +for his escape. He waited, however, a short time to make sure that all +was safe, and then bade farewell to the farmer and his wife, thanking +them heartily for their kindness to him. + +"Won't you stay longer with us?" asked the farmer. "You can as well as +not." + +"Thank you," answered Tony, "but I wouldn't dare to. Rudolph may be +back for me, and I want to get away before he has a chance." + +"Are you going to walk?" asked the farmer's wife. + +"Yes," said Tony. "I've only got five cents in my pocket, and I can't +ride far on that." + +"I'm afraid you will be tired," said she, sympathetically. + +"Oh, I'm used to tramping," returned Tony, lightly. "I don't mind that +at all." + +"Can't you put up some dinner for him, wife?" suggested the farmer. +"It'll make him hungry, walking." + +"To be sure I will," she replied, and a large supply of eatables were +put in a paper, sufficient to last Tony twenty-four hours, at least. + +The farmer deliberated whether he should not offer our hero half +a dollar besides, but he was naturally close, so far as money was +concerned, and he decided in the negative. + +So Tony set out, taking a course directly opposite to that pursued +by Abner. In this way he thought he should best avoid the chance of +meeting Rudolph. + +He walked easily, not being in any special hurry, and whenever he felt +at all tired he stopped by the way side to rest. Early in the afternoon +he lay down under a tree in the pasture and fell asleep. He was roused +by a cold sensation, and found that a dog had pressed his cold nose +against his cheek. + +"Haven't you any more manners, sir?" demanded Tony, good-naturedly. + +The dog wagged his tail, and looked friendly. + +"It's a hint that I must be on my journey," he thought. + +About five o'clock he felt that it was about time to look out for a +night's rest. A hotel was, of course, out of the question, and he +looked about for a farm house. The nearest dwelling was a small one, of +four rooms, setting back from the road, down a lane. + +"Perhaps I can get in there," thought Tony. + +An old man, with a patriarchal beard, whose neglected and squalid dress +seemed to indicate poverty, was sitting on the door-step. + +"Good evening," said Tony. + +"Who are you?" demanded the old man, suspiciously. + +"I am a poor traveler," said Tony. + +"A tramp!" said the old man, in the same suspicious tone. + +"Yes, I suppose so," said Tony, although he did not like the title +overmuch. + +"Well, I've got nothing for you," said the old man, roughly. + +"I don't want anything except the chance to sleep." + +"Don't you want any supper?" + +"No, I've got my supper here," returned our hero, producing his paper +of provisions. + +"What have you got there?" asked the old man, with an eager look. + +"Some bread and butter and cold meat." + +"It looks good," said the other, with what Tony thought to be a longing +look. + +"I'll share it with you, if you'll let me sleep here to-night," said +Tony. + +"Will you?" the other answered. + +"Yes; there's enough for both of us." + +The old man was a miser, as Tony suspected. He was able to live +comfortably, but he deprived himself of the necessaries of life in +order to hoard away money. His face revealed that to Tony. He had +nearly starved himself, but he had not overcome his natural appetites, +and the sight of Tony's supper gave him a craving for it. + +"I don't know," he said, doubtfully. "If I let you sleep here you might +get up in the night and rob me." + +Tony laughed. + +"You don't look as if you had anything worth stealing," he said, +candidly. + +"You're right, quite right," said old Ben Hayden, for this was his +name. "I've only saved a little money--a very little--to pay my funeral +expenses. You wouldn't want to take that?" + +"Oh, no," said Tony. "I wouldn't take it if you'd give it to me." + +"You wouldn't? why not?" + +"Because you need it yourself. If you were a rich man it would be +different." + +"So it would," said old Hayden. "You're a good boy--an excellent boy. +I'll trust you. You can stay." + +"Then let us eat supper," said Tony. + +He sat down on the door-step, and gave the old man half of his supply +of food. He was interested to see the avidity with which he ate it. + +"Is it good?" he asked. + +"I haven't eaten anything so good for a long time. I couldn't afford to +buy food." + +"I am sorry for you." + +"You haven't got any left for breakfast," said the old man. + +"Oh, somebody will give me breakfast," said Tony. "I always get taken +care of somehow." + +"You are young and strong." + +"Yes." + +"Do you travel around all the time?" + +"Yes; but I hope to get a chance to go to work soon; I'd rather live in +one place." + +"You might live with me if I were not so poor," said the old man. + +"Thank you," answered Tony, politely; but it did not appear to him that +it was exactly such a home as he would choose. + +"Do you live alone?" he asked. + +"Yes." + +"I didn't know but you might be married." + +"I was married when I was a young man, but my wife died long ago." + +"Why don't you marry again?" inquired Tony, half in fun. + +"I couldn't afford it," answered Hayden, frightened at the suggestion. +"Women have terrible appetites." + +"Have they?" returned Tony, amused. + +"And I can't get enough for myself to eat." + +"Have you always lived here?" + +"No; I lived in England when I was a young man." + +"What made you leave it?" + +"Why do you ask me that?" demanded old Ben, suspiciously. + +"Oh, if it's a secret, don't tell me," said Tony, indifferently. + +"Who said it was a secret?" said the old man, irritably. + +"Nobody that I know of." + +"Then why do you ask me such questions?" + +The old man surveyed Tony with a look of doubt, as if he thought the +boy were laying a trap for him. + +"Don't answer anything you don't want to," said our hero. "I only asked +for the sake of saying something." + +"I don't mind telling," said old Ben, more calmly. "It was because I +was so poor. I thought I could do better in America." + +"And didn't you?" + +"When I was able to work. Now I'm weak and poor, and can't always get +enough to eat." + +"Do you own this place?" + +"Yes, but it's a very poor place. It isn't worth much." + +"I shouldn't think it was," said Tony. + +"You're a good lad--an excellent lad. You see how poor I am." + +"Of course I do, and I'm sorry for you. I would help you, only I am +very poor myself." + +"Have you got any money?" asked Ben, with interest. + +"I've got five cents," answered Tony, laughing. "I hope you've got more +than that." + +"A little more--a very little more," said Ben, cautiously. + +The old miser began to consider whether he couldn't charge Tony five +cents for his lodging, but sighed at the recollection that Tony had +already paid for it in advance by giving him a supper. + +When eight o'clock came the miser suggested going to bed. + +"I haven't any lights," he said; "candles cost so much. Besides, a +body's better off in bed." + +"I'm willing to go to bed," said Tony. "I've walked a good deal to-day, +and I'm tired." + +They went into the house. There was a heap of rags in the corner of the +room when they entered. + +"That's my bed," said old Ben; "it's all I have." + +"I can sleep on the floor," said Tony. + +He took off his jacket, and rolled it up for a pillow, and stretched +himself out on the bare floor. He had often slept so before. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +TONY HIRES OUT AS A COOK AND HOUSEKEEPER. + + +Tony was not slow in going to sleep. Neither his hard bed nor his +strange bed-chamber troubled him. He could sleep anywhere. That was one +of the advantages of his checkered life. + +Generally he slept all night without awaking, but to-night, for some +unknown reason, he awoke about two o'clock. It was unusually light for +that hour, and so he was enabled to see what at first startled him. The +old man was out of bed, and on his knees in the center of the room. He +had raised a plank, forming a part of the flooring, and had raised from +beneath it a canvass bag full of gold pieces. He was taking them out +and counting them, apparently quite unconscious of Tony's presence. + +Tony raised himself on his elbow, and looked at him. It occurred to him +that for a man so suspicious it was strange that he should expose his +hoard before a stranger. Something, however, in the old man's look led +him to think that he was in a sleepwalking fit. + +"Ninety-five, ninety-six, ninety-seven," Tony heard him count; "that +makes nine hundred and seventy dollars, all gold, good, beautiful gold. +Nobody knows the old man is so rich. There's another bag, too. There +are one hundred pieces in that. Three more, and this will be full, too. +Nobody must know, nobody must know." + +He put back the pieces, replaced the bag in its hiding-place, and then +putting back the plank, laid down once more on his heap of rags. + +"How uneasy he would be," thought Tony, "if he knew I had seen his +treasures. But I wouldn't rob him for the world, although the money +would do me good, and he makes no use of it except to look at it." + +If Tony was honest, it was an instinctive feeling. It could not have +been expected of one reared as he had been. But, singular as it may +seem, beyond a vague longing, he felt no temptation to deprive old Ben +of his money. + +"Let him get what satisfaction he can from it," he said to himself. "I +hope he'll keep it till he dies. I am only afraid that some night some +one will see him counting the gold who will want to take it." + +Tony went to bed again, and slept till six. Then he was awakened by a +piteous groaning, which he soon found proceeded from the other bed. + +"What's the matter?" he asked. + +"Who's there?" demanded Ben, terrified. + +"It's only I. Don't you remember you let me sleep here last night?" + +"O, yes; I remember now. I'm sick; very sick." + +"How do you feel?" + +"I'm aching and trembling all over. Do you think I am going to die?" +he asked, with a startled look. + +"Oh, no, I guess not," said Tony, reassuringly. "Everybody is sick now +and then." + +"I never felt so before," groaned Ben. "I'm an old man. Don't you +think--don't you really think I shall die?" + +He looked appealingly at Tony, as if the fiat of life and death lay +with him. + +Tony, of course, knew nothing of medicine or of diseases, but he had +the sense to understand that the old man would be more likely to +recover if his terror could be allayed, and he said, lightly: + +"Oh, it's only a trifle. You've taken cold, very likely. A cup of hot +tea would be good for you." + +"I haven't any tea," groaned Ben. "It costs a great deal, and I'm very +poor. I can't afford to buy it." + +Tony smiled to himself, remembering the hoard of gold under the floor, +but he would not refer to it, at least not at present. + +"Are you sure you haven't got a little money?" he asked. "If you want +to get well, you must be made comfortable." + +"It's hard to be poor," whined Ben. + +"I guess you've got some money," said Tony. "You'd better let me go to +the store, and buy some tea and a fresh roll for you." + +"How much will it cost?" asked Ben. + +"I can get some bread, and tea, and sugar for thirty or forty cents," +answered Tony. + +"Forty cents! It's frightful!" exclaimed Ben. "I--I guess I'll do +without it." + +"Oh, well, if you prefer to lie there and die its none of my business," +said Tony, rather provoked at the old man's perverse folly. + +"But I don't want to die," whined Ben. + +"Then do as I tell you." + +Tony jumped out of bed, unrolled his coat, and put it on. + +"Now," said he, "I'm ready to go for you, if you'll give me the money." + +"But you may take it, and not come back," said the old man, +suspiciously. + +"If you think you can't trust me, you needn't," said Tony. "I've +offered to do you a favor." + +"I think I'll go myself," said Ben. + +He tried to raise himself, but a twinge of pain compelled him to lie +down again. + +"No, I can't," he said. + +"Well, do you want me to go for you?" + +"Yes," answered Ben, reluctantly. + +"Then give me the money." + +Still more reluctantly Ben produced twenty-five cents from his pocket. + +"Isn't that enough?" he asked. + +"Better give me more," said Tony. + +He produced ten cents more, and vowed it was all the money he had in +the world. + +Tony decided not to contradict his assertion, but to make this go as +far as it would. He put on his hat and started out. He meant also to +call at the doctor's, and asked him to call round, for he thought it +possible that the old man might be seriously sick. + +First, however, he went to the grocery store, which had only just been +opened, and obtained the articles which he had mentioned to Ben as +likely to do him good. + +Next he called at the house of the village doctor, obtaining the +direction from the storekeeper. In a few words he made known his errand. + +"Old Ben sick!" said Doctor Compton. "What's the matter with him?" + +Tony explained how he appeared to be affected. + +"How did you happen to be in his house?" asked the doctor, with +curiosity. "You are not a relation of his, are you?" + +Tony laughed. + +"I don't think he would let me into the house if I were," he said. "He +would be suspicious of me." + +"Then how does it happen that you were with him?" + +Tony explained. + +"He has been repaid for taking you in," said the doctor. "I'll put on +my hat, and go right over with you." + +After Tony left the house, old Ben lay and tormented himself with the +thought that the boy would never come back. "Just as like as not," he +thought, "he will go off with the money, and leave me here to die." + +Then he tried to sit up, but without success. + +Half an hour later he was relieved by seeing the door open, and Tony +enter. But he looked dismayed when he saw the doctor. + +"What did you come for?" he asked, peevishly. + +"To see what I can do for you, Mr. Hayden. Let me feel your pulse." + +"But I can't afford to have a doctor. I am poor, and can't pay you," +whined old Ben. + +"We'll talk about that afterward." + +"You can't charge when I didn't send for you." + +"Make your mind easy. I won't charge for this visit. Let me feel your +pulse." + +Old Ben no longer opposed medical treatment, finding it would cost +nothing. + +"Am I going to die?" he asked, with an anxious look. + +"You need nourishing food and care, that is all," was the reply. "You +have had a chill, and you are reduced by insufficient food." + +"I have some bread and tea here," said Tony. + +"Do you know how to make the tea?" asked the doctor. + +"Yes," said Tony. + +"Then make a fire, and boil it at once. And, by the way, Mr. Hayden +needs somebody to be with him for a few days. Can you stay with him and +look after him?" + +"If he will give me money enough to buy what he needs," said Tony. + +"Will you do it, Mr. Hayden?" asked the doctor. + +Old Ben whined that he was poor, and had no money, but the doctor +interrupted him impatiently. + +"That's all nonsense," he said. "You may not have much money, but +you've got some, and you'll die if you don't spend some on yourself. +If you don't agree to it, I shall advise this boy here to leave you to +your fate. Then your only resource will be to go to the poor-house." + +This proposal was not acceptable to Ben, who was unwilling to leave +the house where his treasures were concealed. He therefore reluctantly +acceded to the doctor's conditions, and Tony got his breakfast. Despite +his sickness, he relished the tea and toast, and for the moment forgot +what it cost. + +"Well," thought Tony to himself with a smile, "I've got a situation as +plain cook and housekeeper. I wonder how long it will last, and what'll +come of it. I don't believe Rudolph will look for me here." + +But in this Tony was mistaken. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. + + +Tony was not only cook and housekeeper, but he was sick-nurse as well. +Nor were his duties easy. The main difficulty was about getting money +to buy what was absolutely necessary. This was very aggravating, +especially since Tony knew what he did about Ben's hidden treasure. +Moreover, he had reason to suspect that Ben had more money concealed +elsewhere. + +One morning Tony went to Ben for money, saying: + +"There isn't a scrap of food in the house, except a little tea." + +"You can make some tea. That will do," said Ben. + +"It may do for you, but it won't for me," said Tony, resolutely. "I +ain't going to stay here to starve." + +"It costs a sight to support two people," whined the old man. + +"I don't know about that. I've only spent two dollars in six days. You +don't call that much, do you?" + +"Two dollars!" ejaculated the old man, terrified. "O, it's too much. I +am ruined!" + +"Are you?" said Tony, coolly. "Then all I can say is, you're easy +ruined. I want half a dollar." + +"I shan't give it to you," snarled Ben. + +"Do you mean to starve?" + +"I won't part with all I have. You are robbing me." + +"That won't make much difference, as you'll be dead in three days," +said Tony. + +"What?" almost shrieked Ben, in dismay. "Who told you so? The doctor?" + +"No." + +"You ain't goin' to murder me, are you?" + +"No; you are going to murder yourself." + +"What do you mean?" demanded Ben, peevishly. + +"You're not willing to buy anything to eat," explained Tony, "and you +can't live above three days on nothing." + +"Is that all? What made you frighten me so?" complained Ben, angrily. + +"I only told you the truth. Are you going to give me the money?" + +"Perhaps you'll tell me where I am to get so much money?" said Ben, in +the same tone. + +"I will tell you if you want me to," answered Tony. + +"Where?" asked Ben, eagerly. + +"Under the floor," returned Tony, composedly. + +"What!" screamed Ben, in consternation. + +"Just where I said. There's plenty of money under that plank." + +"Who told you?" groaned the old man, livid with terror. "Have--have you +taken any?" + +"Not a dollar. It's all there. You needn't be frightened." + +"Have you been spying when I was asleep?" demanded Ben, incensed. + +"No, I haven't. That ain't my style," answered Tony, independently. + +"You did. I know you did." + +"Then you know too much." + +"How could you find out, then?" + +"If you want to know, I'll tell you. The first night I was here you got +up in your sleep and took up the board. Then you drew out two bags of +gold pieces and counted them." + +"Oh, I'm ruined! I'm undone!" lamented Ben, when he found that his +secret had been discovered. + +"I don't see how you are." + +"I shall be robbed. There's only a little there--only a few dollars to +bury me." + +"I guess you mean to have a tall funeral, then," said Tony, coolly. +"There's as much as a thousand dollars there." + +"No, no--only fifty," answered the old man. + +"There's no use talking, I know better. If you don't believe it, +suppose I take up the bags and count the pieces." + +"No, no!" + +"Just as you say. All is, you've got plenty of money, and I know it, +and if you ain't willing to use some of it, I'll go off and leave you +alone." + +"Don't go," said Ben, hastily. "You're a good boy. You wouldn't rob a +poor old man, would you?" + +"Nor a rich old man either; but I don't mean to starve. So give me +fifty cents, and I'll go over to the store and get some fresh bread and +butter, and tea and sugar." + +"No matter about the butter. It costs too much." + +"I want butter myself. My constitution requires it," said Tony. "You +needn't eat it if you don't want to." + +Ben groaned again, but he produced the money required, and Tony soon +returned from the grocery store with small supplies of the articles he +had named. + +"Now we'll have some breakfast," said Tony, cheerfully. "Don't you feel +hungry?" + +"A--a little," acknowledged Ben, reluctantly. "I wish I wasn't. It +costs so much to live." + +"I don't think it costs you much," said Tony. "This morning I'm going +to give you a boiled egg besides your tea and toast." + +"Where did you get it?" + +"I bought it at the store." + +"I can't afford it," groaned the old man. + +"You may as well eat it as it's here. I bought two, one for myself." + +"How much did you pay?" + +"Three cents for two." + +Ben groaned again, but when breakfast was ready he showed an unusually +good appetite, and did not refrain from partaking of the egg, expensive +as it was. + +Dr. Compton came in the next morning, and pronounced the old man better +and stronger. + +"Shall I be able to get up soon, doctor?" asked Ben. + +"In a day or two, I think." + +Ben heaved a sigh of relief. + +"I'm glad of it," he said. "I can't afford to be sick." + +"Has it cost you much?" asked the doctor, amused. + +"It costs a sight to live. He eats a good deal," indicating Tony. + +"He's a growing boy; but he's worth all he costs you. You'd better +ask him to stay with you a few weeks, till your strength is entirely +recovered." + +"No, no; I can't afford it," said Ben, hastily. "He's a good boy; but +he's very hearty--very hearty." + +Tony laughed. + +"Don't vex him, doctor," said our hero. "I'm tired of staying here. I +want to get out on the road again. There isn't much fun in staying shut +up here." + +Ben looked relieved. He had feared that Tony would be reluctant to go. + +"Right, boy," he said, "you're right. It's a dull place. You'll be +better off to go." + +"You have been lucky to have him here during your sickness," said the +doctor. "Without his care, or that of some one else, you would probably +have died." + +"But I won't die now?" asked old Ben, anxiously, peering up into the +doctor's face. + +"Not at present, I hope. But you must live better than you have been +accustomed to do or you will fall sick again." + +"I shall be glad to get away," said Tony, hurriedly, to the doctor, +outside of the house. "I'm used to tramping, and I can't stand it much +longer. There's one thing I want to tell you before I go, and I might +as well do it now." + +"Go on, my boy." + +"I'm afraid the old man will be robbed some time." + +"Is there anything to steal?" + +"Yes; I think I had better tell you about it." + +Tony, in a low tone, imparted to Dr. Compton the discovery he had made +of the old miser's hoards. + +"I suspected as much," said the doctor. "I will do what I can to induce +Ben to have the gold moved to a place of safety, but I don't feel +confident of my ability to do it. Such men generally like to have their +hoards within their own reach." + + * * * * * * + +Two nights later, Tony woke shortly after midnight. It was a bright, +moonlight night, as on the first night he slept there. Again he saw Ben +crouched on the floor, with the plank removed from its place, engaged +in counting his hoards. The old man had recovered enough strength to +get out of bed without assistance. This time, too, he was broad awake. + +Tony was not the only witness of the spectacle. Casting his eyes toward +the window he was startled by seeing a dark, sinister face, pressed +against the pane, almost devouring the old man and his gold. + +It was a face he well knew, and he trembled not alone for Ben, but for +himself. + +_It was the face of Rudolph, the tramp._ + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +THE TRAMP'S UNEXPECTED DEFEAT. + + +"Has Rudolph tracked me, or is it only accident that has brought him +here?" + +This was the thought which naturally suggested itself to our hero, as +in a very disturbed state of mind he stared at Rudolph through the +uncertain light. + +He decided that it was accident, for as yet the tramp did not appear +to have discovered him. His eyes were fastened upon old Ben with +unmistakable cupidity. It was the gold that attracted him, and between +him and the possession of the gold it seemed as if there were no +obstacle to intervene. What was the old man's feeble strength, more +feeble still through disease, against this powerful man? + +Tony felt the difficulties of the position. Not only would the gold be +taken, but as soon as Rudolph discovered him, as he would, he too would +fall into the power of the tramp. + +Old Ben had not yet discovered the sinister face at the window. He was +too busily occupied with his pleasant employment of counting over his +gold for the hundredth time, it might be, to be aware of the dangerous +witness at the window. + +But he was speedily aroused by the noise of the window being raised +from the outside. + +Then he turned with a startled look which quickly deepened into +astonishment and dismay as he caught the lowering look fixed upon him. +There was more than this. There was recognition besides. + +"You here?" he gasped, mechanically gathering up the gold in his +trembling fingers, with the intention of replacing it in the bag. + +"Yes, Ben, it's me," answered the tramp, with a sneer. "May I come in?" + +"No, no!" ejaculated the old man, hastily. + +"I think I must," returned the tramp, in the same mocking tone. "I came +to see you as an old friend, but I never dreamed you were so rich. +That's a pretty lot of gold you have there." + +"Rich!" repeated Ben, with his usual whine. "I'm very poor." + +"That looks like it." + +"It's only a few dollars--enough to bury me." + +"Very well, Ben, I'll take charge of it, and when you need burial I'll +attend to it. That's fair, isn't it?" + +Rudolph, who had paused outside, now raised the window to its full +height, and despite the old man's terrified exclamations, bounded +lightly into the room. + +"Help! help! thieves!" screamed Ben, almost beside himself with terror, +as he spread his feeble hands over the gold which he had so imprudently +exposed. + +"Hold your jaw, you driveling old idiot," said Rudolph, harshly, "or +I'll give you something to yell about." + +"Help, Tony, help!" continued the old man. + +The tramp's eyes, following the direction of Ben's, discovered our hero +on his rude bed in the corner of the room. A quick gleam of exultation +shot from them as he made this discovery. + +"Ho, ho!" he laughed with a mirth that boded ill to Tony, "so I've +found you at last, have I? You served me a nice trick the other day, +didn't you? I owe you something for that." + +"I hoped I should never set eyes on you again," said Tony. + +"I've no doubt you did. You undertook to run away from me, did you? I +knew I should come across you sooner or later." + +While this conversation was going on, Ben glanced from one to the other +in surprise, his attention momentarily drawn away from his own troubles. + +"Do you know this boy, Rudolph?" he inquired. + +"I should think I did," answered the tramp, grimly. "You can ask him." + +"_Who is he?_" asked Ben, evidently excited. + +"What is that to you?" returned Rudolph. "It's a boy I picked up, and +have taken care of, and this is his gratitude to me, and I've had a +long chase to find him." + +"Is this true?" asked Ben, turning to Tony. + +"Some of it is true," said our hero. "I've been with him ever since +I could remember, and I ran away because he wanted me to join him in +robbing a house. He calls me his son sometimes, but I know he is not my +father." + +"How do you know?" demanded the tramp sternly. + +"Didn't you say so just now?" + +"It was none of the old man's business, and I did not care what I told +him." + +"There's something within me tells me that there's no relationship +between us," said Tony, boldly. + +"Is there, indeed," sneered the tramp. "Is there anything within you +tells you you are going to get a good flogging?" + +"No, there isn't." + +"Then you needn't trust it, for that is just what is going to happen." + +He advanced toward Tony in a threatening manner, when he was diverted +from his purpose by seeing the old man hastily gathering up the gold +with the intention of putting it away. Punishment could wait, he +thought, but the gold must be secured now. + +"Not so fast, Ben!" he said. "You must lend me some of that." + +"I can't," said Ben, hurrying all the faster. "It's all I have, and I +am very poor." + +"I am poorer still, for I haven't a red to bless myself with. Come, I +won't take all, but some I must have." + +He stooped over, and began to grasp at the gold pieces, some of which +were heaped up in piles upon the floor. + +Even the weakest are capable of harm when exasperated, and Ben, feeble +as he was, was gifted with supernatural strength when he saw himself +likely to lose the hoards of a lifetime, and his anger rose to fever +heat against the scoundrel whom he had known years before to be utterly +unprincipled. + +With a cry like that of a wild beast he sprang upon the tramp, who, in +his crouching position, was unable to defend himself against a sudden +attack. Rudolph fell with violence backward, striking his head with +great force against the brick hearth. Strong as he was, it was too much +for him, and he lay stunned and insensible, with the blood gushing from +a wound in his head. + +The old man stood appalled at the consequence of his sudden attack. + +"Have I killed him? Shall I be hanged?" he asked, with anguish. + +"No, he's only stunned!" said Tony, springing over the floor with all +his wits about him. "We have no time to lose." + +"To run away? I can't leave my gold," said Ben. + +"I don't mean that. We must secure him against doing us any harm when +he recovers. Have you got some stout cord?" + +"Yes, yes," said Ben, beginning to understand our hero's design. "Stay, +I'll get it right away." + +"You'd better, for he may come to any minute." + +The old man fumbled round until in some out-of-the-way corner, where +he had laid away a store of odds and ends, he discovered a quantity of +stout cord. + +"Will that do?" he asked. + +"Just the thing," said Tony. + +The boy set to work with rapid hands to tie the prostrate tramp hand +and foot. He was only afraid Rudolph would rouse to consciousness while +the operation was going on, but the shock was too great, and he had +sufficient time to do the job effectually and well. + +"How brave you are," exclaimed the old man, admiringly. "I wouldn't +dare to touch him." + +"Nor I if he were awake. I didn't think you were so strong. He went +over as if he were shot." + +"Did he?" asked the old man, bewildered. "I don't know how I did it. I +feel as weak as a baby now." + +"It's lucky for us you threw yourself upon him as you did. A little +more cord, Mr. Hayden. I want to tie him securely. You'd better be +gathering up that gold, and putting it away before he comes to." + +"So I will, so I will," said Ben, hastily. + +Scarcely was the money put away in its place of concealment, when the +tramp recovered from his fit of unconsciousness, and looked stupidly +around him. Then he tried to move, and found himself hampered by his +bonds. Looking up, he met the terrified gaze of old Ben, and the steady +glance of Tony. Then the real state of the case flashed upon him, and +he was filled with an overpowering rage at the audacity of his late +charge, to whom he rightly attributed his present humiliating plight. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +THE PRISONER. + + +"Let me up!" roared Rudolph, struggling vigorously with the cords that +bound him. + +Ben was terrified by his demonstration, and had half a mind to comply +with his demand. But Tony had his wits about him, and felt that there +was no safety in such a course. + +"Don't you do it, Mr. Hayden!" he exclaimed, hastily. + +"What! young jackanapes," said the tramp, scowling fiercely. "You dare +to give him this advice?" + +"Yes, I do," said Tony, boldly. "He will be a fool if he releases you." + +"If he don't I'll kill him and you too," returned Rudolph. + +"What shall I do?" added Ben, hopelessly. + +He turned for advice to the boy, who was fifty years his junior. Strong +and resolute spirits naturally assume the place of leading at any age. + +"Do you know what he'll do if you untie him?" asked Tony. + +"What will I do?" demanded Rudolph. + +"You will steal this old man's money. It was what you were about to do +when you fell over backwards." + +"He threw me over," said the tramp, now gazing resentfully at Ben. + +"I didn't mean to," said the terrified old man. + +"You almost stunned me." + +"I'm very sorry," stammered Ben. + +"If you're very sorry, untie them cords and let me up." + +"I didn't tie you." + +"Who did?" + +"The--the boy." + +"You _dared_ to do it?" exclaimed Rudolph, turning upon Tony with +concentrated fury. + +"Yes, I did," said Tony, calmly. "It was the only way to keep you out +of mischief." + +"Insolent puppy; if I only had my hands free I would strangle you both." + +"You hear what he says?" said Tony, turning to old Ben. "Are you in +favor of untying him now?" + +"No, no!" exclaimed Ben, trembling. "He is a dreadful man. O, why did +he come here?" + +"I came for your gold, you fool, and I'll have it yet," said Rudolph, +losing sight of all considerations of prudence. + +"What shall I do?" asked the old man, wringing his hands in the excess +of his terror. + +"Let me up, and I won't hurt you," said the tramp, finding that he must +control his anger for the present. + +"Just now you said you would strangle the both of us, Rudolph." + +"I'll strangle you, you cub, but I will do no harm to the old man." + +"You will take his gold." + +"No." + +"Don't you trust him, Mr. Hayden," said Tony. "He will promise anything +to get free, but he will forget all about it when he is unbound." + +"I'd like to choke you!" muttered Rudolph, who meant thoroughly what he +said. + +"But what shall I do, Tony? I can't have him in here all the time." + +"I'll go and call for help to arrest him," said Tony. + +"And leave me alone with him?" asked Ben, terrified. + +"No; we will lock the door, and you shall go and stay outside till I +come back." + +Tony's proposal was distasteful to Rudolph. He had a wholesome dread +of the law, and didn't fancy the prospect of an arrest, especially as +he knew that the testimony of Tony and the old man would be sufficient +to insure him a prolonged term of imprisonment. He made a fresh and +violent struggle which portended danger to his captors. + +"Come out quick," said Tony, hastily. "It is not safe for you to stay +here any longer." + +The old man followed him nothing loth, and Tony locked the door on the +outside. + +"Do you think he will get free?" asked Ben, nervously. + +"He may, and if he does there is no safety for either of us till he is +caught again." + +"The door is locked." + +"But he may get out of the window." + +"Oh, my gold! my gold!" groaned Ben. "He may get it." + +"Yes, he may; our only hope is to secure him as soon as possible." + +"I am so weak I can't go fast. I am trembling in every limb." + +"You must conceal yourself somewhere, and let me run on," said Tony, +with decision. "There is no time to be lost." + +"I don't know of any place." + +"Here's a place. You will be safe here till I come for you." + +Tony pointed to an old ruined shed, which they had just reached. + +"Will you be sure and come for me." + +"Yes; don't be alarmed. Only don't show yourself till you hear my +voice." + +Ben crept into the temporary shelter, glad that in his weakened +condition he should not be obliged to go any farther. To be sure he +tormented himself with the thought that even now the desperate tramp +might be robbing him of his treasures. Still he had great confidence in +what Tony had told him, and hope was mingled with his terror. + +"He's a brave boy," he murmured. "I am glad he was with me, though he +does eat a sight. Oh, how many wicked men there are in the world." + +Tony hurried on to the village, where he lost no time in arousing +a sufficient number to effect the capture of the burglar. He no +longer felt any compunction in turning against his quondam guardian, +recognizing him as his own enemy and the enemy of society. + +"I owe him nothing," thought Tony. "What has he ever done for me? He is +not my father. Probably he kidnapped me from my real home, and has made +me an outcast and a tramp like himself. But I will be so no longer. I +will learn a trade, or do something else to earn an honest livelihood. +I mean to become a respectable member of society, if I can." + +It took him half an hour before he could rouse the half-dozen men whom +he considered necessary to effect the arrest and get them under way. + +Meanwhile Rudolph was not idle. + +It may be thought strange that he should have so much difficulty in +freeing himself from the cords with which Tony had bound him. But it +must be remembered that the boy had done his work well. The cord was +stout and strong, and he had had time to tie it in many knots, so that +even if one had been untied, the tramp would have found himself almost +as far from liberty as ever. + +After he had been locked in, Rudolph set about energetically to obtain +release. He succeeded in raising himself to his feet, but as his ankles +were tied together this did not do him much good. By main strength he +tried to break the cords, but the only result was to chafe his wrists. + +"What a fool I am," he exclaimed at length. "The old man must have +some table-knives about somewhere. With these I can cut the cords." + +It was not till some time had elapsed, however, that this very obvious +thought came to him. Further time was consumed in finding the knives. +When found, they--there were two--proved so dull that even if he had +had free use of one of his hands it would not have been found easy to +make them of service. But when added to this was the embarrassment of +his fettered hands, it will not excite surprise that it required a long +time to sever the tough cords which bound him. But success came at +length. + +His arms were free, and he stretched them with exultation. + +His ankles next demanded attention, but this was a much easier task. + +"Now for revenge!" thought the tramp. "The boy shall rue this night's +task, or my name is not Rudolph." + +Whatever else he might do, he must secure the miser's gold. He had seen +the hiding-place. + +He removed the plank, and there, beneath him, visible in the moonlight, +lay the much-coveted bags of golden treasure. + +He rose from the floor, and, with the bags in his hand, jumped out of +the still opened window. + +But he was too late. Two strong men seized him, each by an arm, and +said, sternly: + +"You are our prisoner." + +[Illustration: Tony set to work with rapid hands to tie the prostrate +tramp hand and foot.--(See page 73.)] + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +TONY STARTS OUT ONCE MORE. + + +It was not until after Rudolph's seizure that Ben, who had followed the +extemporized police, discovered the bags of gold in the hands of the +tramp. + +"Give me my money!" he shrieked, in excitement and anguish. "Don't let +him carry it off." + +"It's safe, Ben," said one of the captors. "But who would have supposed +you had so much money?" + +"It isn't much," faltered the old man. + +"The bags are pretty heavy," was the significant rejoinder. "Will you +take two hundred dollars apiece for them?" + +"No," said the old man, embarrassed. + +"Then it seems there is considerable after all. But never mind. Take +them, and take better care of them hereafter." + +Ben advanced with as much alacrity as he could summon in his weakness, +and stooped to pick up the bags. He had got hold of them when the +tramp, whose feet were unconfined, aimed a kick at him which completely +upset him. + +Even though he fell, however, he did not lose his grip of the bags, but +clung to them while crying with pain. + +"Take that, you old fool!" muttered the tramp. "It's the first +instalment of the debt I owe you." + +"Take him away, take him away! He will murder me!" exclaimed old Ben, +in terror. + +"Come along. You've done mischief enough," said his captors, sternly, +forcing the tramp along. + +"I'll do more yet," muttered Rudolph. + +He turned to Tony, who stood at a little distance watching the fate of +his quondam companion. + +"I've got a score to settle with you, young traitor. The day will come +for that yet." + +"I'm sorry for you, Rudolph," said Tony; "but you brought it on +yourself." + +"Bah! you hypocrite!" retorted the tramp. "I don't want any of your +sorrow. It won't save you when the day of reckoning comes." + +He was not allowed to say more, but was hurried away to the village +lockup for detention until he could be conveyed to more permanent +quarters. + +Doctor Compton was among the party who had been summoned by Tony. He +lingered behind, and took Ben apart. + +"Mr. Hayden," he said, "I want to give you a piece of advice." + +"What is it?" asked the old man. + +"Don't keep this gold in your house. It isn't safe." + +"Who do you think will take it?" asked Ben, with a scared look. + +"None of those here this morning, unless this tramp should escape from +custody." + +"Do you think he will?" asked the old man, in terror. + +"I think not; but he may." + +"If he don't, what danger is there?" + +"It will get about that you have money secreted here, and I venture to +say it will be stolen before three months are over." + +"It will kill me," said Ben, piteously. + +"Then put it out of reach of danger." + +"Where?" + +"I am going over to the county town, where there is a bank. Deposit it +there, and whenever you want any, go and get it." + +"But banks break sometimes," said Ben, in alarm. + +"This is an old, established institution. You need not be afraid of it. +Even if there is some danger, there is far less than here." + +"But I can't see the money--I can't count it," objected Ben. + +"You can see the deposit record in a book. Even if that doesn't suit +you as well, you can sleep comfortably, knowing that you are not liable +to be attacked and murdered by burglars." + +The old man vacillated, but finally yielded to the force of the +doctor's reasoning. A day or two later he rode over to the neighboring +town, and saw his precious gold deposited in the vaults of the bank. +He heaved a sigh as it was locked up, but on the whole was tolerably +reconciled to the step he had taken. + +We are anticipating, however. + +When the confusion incident to the arrest was over, Tony came forward. + +"Mr. Hayden," he said, "you are so much better that I think you can +spare me now." + +"But," said the old man, startled at the boy's question, "suppose +Rudolph comes back." + +"I don't think he can. He will be put in prison." + +"I suppose he will. What a bold, bad man." + +"Yes, he is a bad man, but I am sorry for him. I don't like to think +of one I have been with so long in the walls of a prison. I suppose it +can't be helped, though." + +"How did you come to be with him?" asked the old man, in a tone of +interest. + +"I don't know. I have been with him as long as I can remember. You used +to know him, didn't you?" + +"A little," said the old man, hastily. + +"Where was it?" + +"In England--long ago." + +"In England. Was he born in England?" asked Tony, in surprise. + +"Yes." + +"And you, too?" + +"Yes, I am an Englishman." + +"Do you think I am English, too?" asked the boy, eagerly. + +"I think so; yes, I think so," answered Ben, cautiously. + +"Have you any idea who I am--who were my parents?" + +"No, I don't know," said Ben, slowly. + +"Can you guess?" + +"Don't trouble me now," said Ben, peevishly. "I am not well. My head is +confused. Some day I will think it over and tell you what I know." + +"But if I am not here?" + +"I will write it down and give it to the doctor." + +"That will do," said Tony. "I know he will keep it for me. Now, +good-by." + +"Are you going?" + +"Yes, I have my own way to make in the world. I can't live on you any +longer." + +"To be sure not," said Ben, hastily. "I am too poor to feed two +persons, and you have a very large appetite." + +"Yes," said Tony, laughing, "I believe I have a healthy appetite. I'm +growing, you know." + +"It must be that," said old Ben, with the air of one to whom a mystery +had just been made clear. "What is your name?" + +"Tony," answered our hero, in surprise at the question. + +"No. I mean your full name." + +"That is more than I know. I have always been called Tony, or Tony the +Tramp. Rudolph's last name is Rugg, and he pretends that I am his son. +If I were, I should be Tony Rugg." + +"You are not his son. He never had any son." + +"I am glad to hear that. I shan't have to say now that my father is in +jail for robbery. Good-by, Mr. Hayden." + +"Good-by," said Ben, following the boy thoughtfully with his eyes till +he had disappeared round a turn in the road. + +"Well," thought Tony, "I've set up for myself now in earnest. Rudolph +can't pursue me, and there is no one else to interfere with me. I must +see what fortune waits me in the great world." + +With a light heart, and a pocket still lighter, Tony walked on for +several miles. Then he stopped at a country grocery store, and bought +five cents worth of crackers. These he ate with a good appetite, +slaking his thirst at a wayside spring. + +He was lying carelessly on the green sward, when a tin peddler's cart +drove slowly along the road. + +"Hallo, there!" said the peddler. + +"Hallo!" said Tony. + +"Are you travelin'?" + +"Yes." + +"Do you want a lift?" + +"Yes," said Tony, with alacrity. + +"Then get up here. There's room enough for both of us. You can hold the +reins when I stop anywhere." + +"It's a bargain," said Tony. + +"Are you travelin' for pleasure?" asked the peddler, who was gifted +with his share of curiosity. + +"On business," said Tony. + +"What is your business? You're too young for an agent." + +"I want to find work," said Tony. + +"You're a good, stout youngster. You'd ought to get something to do." + +"So I think," said Tony. + +"Ever worked any?" + +"No." + +"Got any folks?" + +"If you mean wife and children, I haven't," answered our hero, with a +smile. + +"Ho, ho!" laughed the peddler. "I guess not. I mean father or mother, +uncles or aunts, and such like." + +"No, I am alone in the world." + +"Sho! you don't say so. Well, that's a pity. Why, I've got forty-'leven +cousins and a mother-in-law to boot. I'll sell her cheap." + +"Never mind!" said Tony. "I won't deprive you of her." + +"I'll tell you what," said the peddler, "I feel interested in you. I'll +take you round with me for a day or two, and maybe I can get you a +place. What do you say?" + +"Yes, and thank you," said Tony. + +"Then it's settled. Gee up, Dobbin!" + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +TONY GETS A PLACE. + + +Toward the close of the next day the tin-peddler halted in front of a +country tavern, situated in a village of moderate size. + +"I'm going to stay here over night," he said. + +"Maybe they'll let me sleep in the barn," said Tony. + +"In the barn! Why not in the house?" + +"I haven't got any money, you know, Mr. Bickford." + +"What's the odds? They won't charge anything extra for you to sleep +with me." + +"You're very kind, Mr. Bickford, but they won't keep me for nothing, +and I don't want you to pay for me." + +At this moment the landlord came out on the piazza, and asked the +hostler: + +"Where's Sam?" + +"Gone home--says he's sick," answered James. + +"Drat that boy! It's my opinion he was born lazy. That's what's the +matter with him." + +"I guess you're right, Mr. Porter," said James. "The boy don't earn his +salt." + +"I wouldn't take him back if I had anybody to take his place." + +"Do you hear that, Tony?" said the peddler, nudging our hero. + +Tony was quick to take the hint. + +He walked to the landlord, and said: + +"I'll take his place." + +"Who are you?" asked the landlord, in surprise. "I never saw you +before." + +"I have just come," said Tony. "I am looking for a place." + +"What can you do?" + +"Anything you want me to do." + +"Have you any references?" + +"I can refer to him," said Tony, pointing to the tin peddler. + +"Oh, Mr. Bickford," said the landlord, with a glance of recognition. +"Well, that's enough. I'll take you. James, take this boy to the +kitchen, and give him some supper. Then tell him what's to be done. +What's your name, boy?" + +"Tony Rugg." + +"Very well, Tony, I'll give you three dollars a week and your board as +long as we suit each other." + +"I've got into business sooner than I expected," thought Tony. + +The hostler set him to work in the barn, and though he was new to the +work, he quickly understood what was wanted, and did it. + +"You work twice as fast as Sam," said the hostler, approvingly. + +"Won't Sam be mad when he finds I have taken his place?" asked Tony. + +"Probably he will, but it's his own fault." + +"Not if he's sick." + +"He's no more sick than I am. He only wants to get a day or two off." + +"Well, I'm glad he left a vacancy for me," said Tony. + +"Where did you work last?" asked the hostler. + +"Nowhere." + +"Never worked? Then how did you live?" + +"I traveled with my guardian." + +"Were you rich?" asked James, rather impressed by Tony's answer. + +"No; I just went round and lived as I could. I didn't like it, but I +couldn't help it. I had to go where Rudolph chose to lead me." + +"Where is he now?" + +"I don't know. I got tired of being a tramp, and ran away from him." + +"You did right," said James, who was a steady man, and looked forward +to a snug home of his own ere long. "All the same, Mr. Porter wouldn't +have taken you if he had known you were a tramp." + +"I hope you won't tell him, then. I don't want to be a tramp any +longer." + +"No; I won't tell him. I want you to stay here. I'd rather have you +than Sam." + +"Thank you. I'll try to suit." + +Tony was assigned to a room in the attic. There were two beds in this +chamber, one being occupied by James. He slept soundly, and was up +betimes in the morning. After breakfast, Mr. Bickford, the tin peddler, +made ready to start. + +"Good-by, Tony," he said, in a friendly manner. "I'm glad you've got a +place." + +"I wouldn't have got it if I hadn't you to refer to," said Tony. + +"The landlord didn't ask how long I'd known you," said Bickford, +smiling. "However, I guess I know enough of you to give you a +recommend. Good luck to you." + +As the peddler drove away, Tony noticed a big, overgrown boy, who was +just entering the hotel yard. + +"That's Sam," said the hostler. "He don't know he's lost his place." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +TONY'S RIVAL. + + +Sam was about two inches taller than Tony, red haired and freckled, +with a big frame, loosely put together. He was a born bully; and many +were the tricks he had played on smaller boys in the village. He liked +his place at the hotel because he was no longer obliged to go to +school; but he was too lazy to fulfill the duties satisfactorily. His +father was a blacksmith, of surly disposition, very much like Sam's, +who was generally believed to ill-treat his wife, a meek, uncomplaining +woman, who filled the position of a household drudge. + +Sam strutted into the yard with the air of a proprietor. He took no +particular notice of Tony, but accosted James. The latter made a signal +to Tony to be silent. + +"Well, have you just got along?" asked the hostler. + +"Ye-es," drawled Sam. + +"What made you go home yesterday afternoon, and not come back?" + +"I didn't feel well," said Sam, nonchalantly. + +"What was the matter with you?" + +"I had a sort of headache." + +"Do you think Mr. Porter can afford to pay you wages and let you go +home three times a week in the middle of the afternoon?" + +"I couldn't work when I was sick of course," said Sam. + +"You're mighty delicate, getting sick two or three times a week." + +"Couldn't help it," said Sam, unconcerned. + +"I suppose you have come to work this morning?" + +"Ye-es, but I can't work very hard--I ain't quite got over my headache." + +"Then you'll be glad to hear that you won't have to work at all." + +"Ain't there anything to do?" asked Sam, with an air of relief. + +"Yes, there's plenty to do, but your services ain't required. You're +discharged!" + +"What!" exclaimed Sam, his eyes lighting up with anger. + +"Mr. Porter's got tired of your delicate health; it interferes too much +with business. He's got a tougher boy to take your place." + +"Where is he?" demanded Sam, with an ominous frown. + +"There," answered the hostler, pointing out our hero, who stood quietly +listening to the conversation. + +Sam regarded Tony with a contemptuous scowl. So this was the boy +who had superseded him. He hated him already for his presumption in +venturing to take his place. + +"Who are you?" he demanded, roughly. + +"Your successor," answered Tony, coolly. + +He knew that his answer would make Sam very angry, but he was not +afraid of him, and felt under no particular obligations to be polite. + +"You won't be my successor long," retorted Sam. + +"Why not?" + +"What business had you to take my place?" + +"The landlord hired me." + +"I don't care if he did. He hired me first." + +"Then you'd better go to him and complain about it. It's none of my +business----" + +"It's _my_ business," said Sam, with emphasis. + +"Just as you like." + +"Will you give up the place?" + +"No," said Tony. "You must think I'm a fool. What should I give it up +for?" + +"Because it belongs to me." + +"I don't see that; I suppose Mr. Porter has a right to hire anybody he +likes." + +"He had no right to give you my place." + +"That's his business. What shall I do next, James?" + +"Go to the barn and shake down some hay for the horses." + +"All right." + +Sam walked off, deeply incensed, muttering threats of vengeance against +Tony. + +Three days later a boy entered the stable, and calling for Tony, +presented the following missive: + + + "If you ain't a coward, meet me to-morrow night at seven o'clock, + back of the school house, and we'll settle, by fighting, which + shall have the place, you or I. If you get whipped, you must clear + out, and leave it to me. + + "SAM PAYSON." + + +Tony showed the note to the hostler. + +"Well, Tony, what are you going to do about it?" asked James, curiously. + +"I'll be on hand," said Tony, promptly. "He won't find it so easy to +whip me as he thinks." + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THE BOYS' DUEL. + + +Sam Payson felt perfectly safe in challenging Tony to single combat. He +had measured him with his eye, and seen that he was two inches shorter, +and probably twenty pounds lighter. But appearances were deceitful, and +he had no idea that Tony had received special training, which he lacked. + +This was the way it had happened: + +In the course of his extensive wanderings, Tony had attracted the +attention of a certain pugilist who was a friend of Rudolph. + +"I'll tell you what, Rudolph," said the pugilist, "you can make +something of that boy." + +"How?" asked the tramp. + +"I'll teach him to box, and you can get an engagement for him in a +circus." + +"Do it if you like," said the tramp. "It won't do him any harm." + +So Tony received a gratuitous course of lessons in boxing, which were +at last interrupted by a little difficulty between his teacher and the +officers of the law, resulting in the temporary confinement of the +former. The lessons were never resumed, but they had gone so far that +Tony was quite a skillful boxer for a boy. + +He, too, had measured Sam, and felt quite sure of being able to conquer +him, and that with ease. He did not, however, mention the grounds of +his confidence to James, when the latter expressed some apprehension +that he would find Sam too much for him. + +"Don't be alarmed, James," said Tony, quietly. "I'm enough for him." + +"He's bigger than you," said James. + +"I know that, but he's clumsy." + +"He's slow, but he's pretty strong." + +"So am I." + +"You've got pluck, and you deserve to beat, Tony," said his friend. + +"I mean to," answered Tony. "Come along and see that it's all fair." + +"I will if I can get away. Will you give up your place if you are +licked?" + +"Yes," replied Tony, "I'll give up my place and leave the village." + +"I don't believe Mr. Porter will take Sam back." + +"I see you are expecting I will be whipped," said Tony, laughing; "but +you're mistaken. Sam isn't able to do it." + +James feared that Tony overestimated his prowess, but earnestly hoped +that the boy, in whom he already felt a strong interest, would achieve +the victory. + +Meanwhile, Sam had made known the duel which was about to take place. +He confidently anticipated victory, and wanted the village boys to +be witnesses of the manner in which he was going to polish off that +interloper. + +"I'll learn him to cut me out of my place," he said, boastfully; "I'll +learn him to mind his own business." + +"Will you get your place again if you lick him?" asked one of his +companions. + +"Of course I will." + +"Suppose he won't give it up?" + +"Then I'll lick him every day till he's glad to clear out. All you boys +know I don't stand no nonsense." + +The result of Sam's boastful talk was that about a hundred boys +collected about the school house to witness the boys' duel. + +Many of them who had suffered from Sam's bullying disposition would +have been glad to see him worsted, but none anticipated it. + +Nothing was known of Tony except that he was considerably smaller and +lighter, and probably weaker. It was generally thought that he would +not be able to hold out long, and that Sam would achieve an easy +victory. + +Tony tried to be on hand at the time appointed, but he had more than +usual to do, and it was five minutes past seven when he entered the +field, accompanied by James. + +There had been various speculations as to the cause of his delay. + +"He won't come," said Sam, with a sneer; "he's afraid." + +"What'll you do if he don't come?" asked John Nolan. + +"What will I do? I'll pitch into him wherever I see him." + +"Didn't he accept your challenge?" + +"Yes, he accepted, but he's thought better of it, likely." + +"There he comes!" shouted a small boy. + +All eyes were turned upon Tony, as he entered the field, with James at +his side. + +"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, boys," said our hero, politely. + +"We concluded you'd backed out," said Sam, with a sneer. + +"That isn't my style," returned Tony, with a quiet smile. "I had more +to do than usual to-night." + +"You've still more to do," said Sam, jeeringly. "I pity you." + +"Do you? You're very kind," said Tony, unmoved. + +"Oh, don't thank me too soon." + +"Then I won't. When are the exercises to commence?" + +"He takes it cool," said Nolan. + +"Oh, it's only show off," said Sam. "You'll see how he'll wilt down +when I get hold of him." + +The two boys stripped off coat and vest, and faced each other. Tony was +wary and watchful, and quietly looked into the eyes of his adversary, +showing no disposition to begin. + +Sam began business by thrusting his right fist violently in his face, +or rather trying to do so. With scarcely an effort Tony parried the +blow, and returned it quick as lightning, striking Sam full in the nose. + +Sam was not only maddened, but disagreeably surprised, especially when +he discovered that blood was trickling from the injured organ. He was +still more incensed by the murmur of applause which followed from the +crowd of boys. Had the applause been elicited by his success, he would +have enjoyed it, but now it was quite a different matter. + +He breathed an audible curse, and, losing all prudence, began to let +drive at Tony with each fist in rapid succession, with the intention +of overpowering him. But, unfortunately for him, this exposed him to +attack, and a couple of forcible blows in his face warned him that this +was too dangerous. + +Tony stood upright, as cool and collected as at first. He had warded +off every blow of his adversary, and thus far was untouched. + +There was a murmur of surprise among the boys. They had come to see +Tony used up, and all the using up had proved to be from the other +side. James was as much delighted as surprised. He could not repress +clapping his hands, a movement which was quickly imitated by the boys. + +"Tony knows how to take care of himself," he thought. "That's why he +took matters so coolly. I didn't half believe him when he told me there +was no danger." + +Sam felt humiliated and maddened. He regretted now that he had +undertaken a task which seemed every moment more formidable. What! was +it possible that he, Sam Payson, the crack fighter of the village, was +being ignominiously whipped, and that by a smaller boy. He felt that if +he permitted this his prestige would be forever gone, and with it the +influence which he so much prized. He must make one desperate effort. + +"If I can only get hold of him," he thought, "I can shake the life out +of him." + +He tried to grasp Tony round the body, intending to throw him violently +down upon the ground; but our hero was too quick for him, and showered +the blows upon him with such rapidity that, blinded and overwhelmed, +Sam himself fell on his back. + +Instead of following up the victory, Tony drew off and let his +adversary rise. Sam renewed the attack so wildly that in two minutes he +was again lying flat. + +"That's enough, Sam! You're whipped," shouted the boys. + +But Sam was not convinced. He renewed the attack once more, but there +was no hope for him now. + +He got up sullenly, and, in a voice nearly choked with rage, said: + +"I'll be even with you yet, see if I don't." + +"Hurrah for the stranger!" shouted the boys enthusiastically, as they +crowded around our hero. + +"Boys," said Tony, modestly, "I'm much obliged to you for your +congratulations. Was it a fair fight?" + +"Yes, yes." + +"Then it's all right. Don't say anything to him about it. He feels bad, +as I should do in his place. I haven't any ill will toward him, and I +hope he hasn't toward me." + +This speech made Tony a still greater favorite and the boys, making a +rush, took him on their shoulders, and bore him in triumph to the inn. +Poor Sam slunk home, suffering keener mortification than he had ever +before experienced in his life. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +RUDOLPH ESCAPES AND SEES AN ADVERTISEMENT. + + +Leaving Tony for a short time, we must return to Rudolph, whom we +left in charge of a self-constituted body of police on his way to the +station-house. + +Of course there was no regular prison in the village. There was not +properly even a station-house. But under the engine house was a +basement room, which was used as a lock-up. It was not often used, for +few rogues of a serious character disturbed the tranquility of the +village. Occasionally a man was put in who had disturbed the peace +while under the influence of liquor, but even such cases were rare. + +When first arrested Rudolph was disposed to be violent and abusive. +His disappointment was keen, for he was just congratulating himself on +the possession of the miser's gold. Five minutes later, and he would +probably have been able to make good his escape. Mingled with his +disappointment was a feeling of intense hostility against Tony for his +part in defeating his plans. + +"I'll be revenged upon him yet," he muttered between his teeth. + +"What did you say?" asked one of his captors. + +"Nothing," answered Rudolph. + +"I thought I heard you say something." + +"I said I was tired." + +"Then you will have a chance to rest in the lock-up." + +Rudolph frowned, but said nothing. + +They reached the lockup. The door was opened, and he was led in. A +small oil lamp was lighted, and set on the floor. + +"Where are the handcuffs?" asked one of the captors. + +"I don't know. They haven't been needed for so long that they have been +mislaid." + +"They won't be needed now. The man can't get out." + +Rudolph's face betrayed satisfaction, but he thought it prudent to say +nothing. + +"There's your bed," says Moses Hunt, who had Rudolph by the arm, +pointing to a rude cot in the corner. + +Rudolph threw himself upon it. + +"I'm dead tired," he said, and closed his eyes. + +"He'll be quiet enough. We can leave him alone," said Hunt. + +"All right." + +The door was locked, and Rudolph was left alone. + +When five minutes had elapsed--time enough for his captors to get +away--he rose in bed, and looked about him. + +Beside the bed in which he was lying there was no other furniture in +the room than a wooden chair. + +He got up and walked about. + +"I must get away from this if I can," thought the tramp, "and before +morning. I am glad they didn't put on handcuffs. Let me see, how shall +I manage it." + +He looked about him thoughtfully. + +It was a basement room, lighted only by windows three feet wide and a +foot high in the upper part of the room. + +"I should like to set fire to the building, and burn it up," thought +the tramp. "That would cost them something. But it wouldn't be safe. +Like as not I would be burnt up myself, or, at any rate, be taken again +in getting away. No, no; that won't do." + +"I wonder if I can get through one of those windows?" was the next +thought that came into his mind. + +He stood on the chair, and as the room was low-slatted he found he +could easily reach the windows in question. + +He shook them, and found to his joy that it would be a comparatively +easy thing to remove one of them. + +"What fools they are," he muttered contemptuously. "Did they really +expect to keep me here. They must think I am a green hand." + +He removed the window, and by great effort succeeded in raising himself +so that he might have a chance of drawing himself through the aperture. +It did not prove so easy as he expected. He did, however, succeed at +length, and drew a long breath of satisfaction as he found himself +once more in the possession of his liberty. + +"I'm a free man once more," he said. "What next?" + +He would have been glad to return to the miser's house, and possessed +himself of some of his gold, but the faint gray of dawn was already +perceptible, and there was too much risk attending it. He felt that +this must be deferred to a more fitting occasion. + +A few days later the tramp found himself in the streets of New York. + +For the time he had given up the pursuit of Tony. Indeed, he had wholly +lost the clew. Moreover, prudence dictated his putting as great a +distance as possible between himself and the village where he had been +arrested. + +The hundred miles intervening between New York and that place he had +got over in his usual way, begging a meal at one house, and a night's +lodging at another. He was never at a loss for a plausible story. At +one place where he was evidently looked upon with suspicion, he said: + +"I ain't used to beggin'. I'm a poor, hard-workin' man, but I've heard +that my poor daughter is sick in New York, and she's in the hospital. +Poor girl! I'm afraid she'll suffer." + +"What took her to New York?" asked the farmer whom he addressed. + +"She went to take a place in a store," said Rudolph readily, "but she's +been taken sick, and she's in the hospital. Poor girl! I'm afraid +she'll suffer." + +"I'm sorry for you," said the farmer's wife, sympathizingly. "Ephraim, +can't we help along this poor man?" + +"If we can believe him. There's many impostors about." + +"I hope you don't take me for one," said Rudolph, meekly. "Poor Jane; +what would she think if she knew how poor father was so misunderstood." + +"Poor man! I believe you," said the farmer's wife. "You shall sleep in +Jonathan's bed. He's away now." + +So Rudolph was provided with two abundant meals and a comfortable bed. +The farmer's wife never doubted his story, though she could not help +feeling that his looks were not prepossessing. But, was her charitable +thought, the poor man can't help his looks. + +Of course Rudolph had been in New York often, and his familiar haunts. +As a general thing, however, he shunned the city, for he was already +known to the police, and he felt that watchful eyes would be upon him +as soon as it was known that he was back again. + +On the second day he strolled into a low drinking place in the lower +part of the city. + +A man in shirt sleeves, and with unhealthy complexion, was mixing +drinks behind the bar. + +"Hallo, Rudolph! Back again?" was his salutation. + +"Yes," said the tramp, throwing himself down in a seat. + +"What's the news with you? Been prospering?" + +"No." + +"Where have you been?" + +"Tramping round the country." + +"Where's the boy you used to have with you?" + +"Run away; curse him!" returned the tramp with a fierce scowl. + +"Got tired of your company, eh?" + +"He wants to be honest and respectable," answered Rudolph, with a sneer. + +"And he thought he could learn better under another teacher, did he?" +said the bartender, with a laugh. + +"Yes, I suppose so. I'd like to wring his neck," muttered the tramp. + +"You're no friend to the honest and respectable, then?" + +"No, I'm not." + +"Then, there's no love lost, for they don't seem to fancy you. What'll +you have to drink?" + +"I've got no money." + +"I'll trust. You'll have some some time?" + +"Give me some whisky, then," said the tramp. + +The whisky was placed in his hands. He gulped it down, and breathed a +sigh of satisfaction. + +Then resuming his seat, he took up a morning paper. At first he read it +listlessly, but soon his face assumed a look of eager interest. + +This was the paragraph that arrested his attention: + +"Should this meet the eye of Rudolph Rugg, who left England in the +fall of 1857, he is requested to communicate with Jacob Morris, +attorney-at-law, Room 11, No. --, Nassau street." + +Rudolph rose hurriedly. + +"Going?" asked the bartender. + +"Yes; I'll be back again soon." + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +THE LADY AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. + + +When Rudolph reached the sidewalk he stopped a moment to reflect on the +probable meaning of the advertisement. + +"Perhaps it is a trap," he thought. "Perhaps, after so many years, they +want to punish me. Shall I go?" + +His hesitation was only temporary. + +"There's nothing to be afraid of," he concluded. "Very likely I shall +hear something to my advantage. I will go." + +Ten minutes' walk brought him to Nassau street. He ascended two flights +of stairs, opened the door of No. --, and found himself in a lawyer's +office. A tall man of forty was seated at a desk, with some papers and +books lying before him. + +"Well," he said inquiringly, "what can I do for you, sir?" + +The address was not very cordial, for Rudolph did not have the look of +one likely to be a profitable client. + +"Are you Mr. Jacob Morris, attorney-at-law?" asked the tramp. + +"That is my name." + +"I am Rudolph Rugg." + +"Rudolph Rugg!" exclaimed the lawyer, briskly, jumping from his chair, +"you don't say so. I am very glad to see you. Take a chair, please." + +Reassured by this reception, Rudolph took the seat indicated. + +"So you saw my advertisement?" said the lawyer, brushing away the +papers with which he had been occupied. + +"Yes, sir. I only saw it this morning." + +"It has been inserted for the last two weeks, daily. How happens it +that you did not see it sooner?" + +"I have been away from the city. I have been traveling. It was only an +accident that I happened to see it to-day." + +"A lucky accident, Mr. Rugg." + +"I hope it is, sir, for I have been out of luck myself, and I've been +hoping something would turn up for me. What is the business, sir?" + +"My business has been to find you. I can't say anything more." + +"To find me?" + +"Yes." + +"What for?" + +"For a client of mine--an English lady." + +"A lady?" ejaculated the tramp, with unconcealed surprise. + +"Yes." + +"Who is it?" + +"I suppose I am at liberty to tell. The lady is Mrs. Harvey Middleton, +of Middleton Hall, England." + +A peculiar expression swept over Rudolph's face, but he only said: + +"I have heard the name of Harvey Middleton. Is--is the lady in New +York?" + +"Yes; she is staying at the St. Nicholas Hotel." + +"And she wants to find me?" + +"Yes, she authorized me to seek you out?" + +"Well," said Rudolph, after a brief pause, "I'm found. What next?" + +"I shall at once send a messenger to Mrs. Middleton, and await her +orders. You will stay here." + +He went to the door and called "John," in a loud voice. + +"Look here," said Rudolph, suspiciously, "just tell me one thing. There +ain't any trap is there?" + +"Trap, my good friend? What can you possibly mean?" + +"You ain't sending for the police?" + +"To be sure not. Besides, why should a gentleman like you fear the +police?" + +"Oh, that's all gammon. I do fear the police uncommon. But if you tell +me it's all on the square, I'll believe you." + +"On my honor, then, it's all on the square, as you call it. No harm +whatever is designed you. Indeed, I have reason to think that you will +make considerable money out of it. Now, hark ye, my friend, a word in +confidence. We can do each other good." + +"Can we?" asked the tramp, surveying the lawyer, in surprise. + +"Yes, and I'll tell you how. This lady, Mrs. Middleton, appears to be +rich." + +"She is rich." + +"So much the better for us. I mean to give her the idea that I have +been at great trouble and expense in finding you." + +"I see," said Rudolph, smiling. "You mean to charge it in the bill." + +"Of course, I shall represent that I sent out messengers in search of +you, and you were found by one of them." + +"Very good." + +"So you need not say anything about the advertisement." + +"All right, sir." + +"Grant me a moment while I pencil a note to the lady." + + * * * * * * * + +In a private parlor at the St. Nicholas sat a lady of middle age. She +had a haughty face, and stern, compressed lips. She was one to repel +rather than to attract. She had a note before her, which she threw down +with an exclamation of impatience. + +"So he has heard nothing yet. For three weeks I have been wasting +my time at this hotel, depending on this lawyer, and he has done +absolutely nothing. And the issue is so important. I may have to employ +another person, and that will be a fresh bill of expense." + +At this moment a light knock was heard at the door. + +"Enter," said the lady. + +"A note for Mrs. Middleton," announced a servant. + +She took the missive and hastily opened it. It read thus: + + + "MY DEAR MADAM--At last, after unwearied exertions, I + have succeeded. The man, Rudolph Rugg, has been found by one of my + messengers, and is at this moment in my office, ready to obey your + summons. Shall I send him to you? + + "Yours, respectfully, + "JACOB MORRIS." + + "P. S.--I assured you at the outset that if he were living I would + find him. I am sure you will appreciate my exertions in your + behalf." + + +"That means a larger bill," thought the lady. "However, I am willing to +pay handsomely. The man is found, and he can, doubtless, produce the +boy." + +"Wait!" she said, in an imperious tone, to the servant, who was about +to withdraw. "There is an answer." + +She hastily penciled the following note: + +"I am very glad you have found Rudolph Rugg. I wish to speak to him at +once. Send him here directly." + +"Short and not sweet!" commented the lawyer, when it was placed in his +hands. "She says nothing about the compensation." + +"Is it about me?" asked the tramp, watching the lawyer's face eagerly. + +"Yes; it is from Mrs. Middleton. She wants you to come to the hotel at +once. But, my friend, if you will excuse the suggestion, I would advise +you, since you are about to call upon a lady, to put on a better suit +of clothes." + +The tramp scowled at the hint. + +"How am I to do it," he demanded roughly, "when these are all the +clothes I have?" + +The lawyer whistled. + +"A pretty looking figure to call upon a lady at a fashionable hotel!" +he thought. + +"You must go as you are," he said. "Wait a minute." + +He took a blank card and wrote upon it the name: + + + RUDOLPH RUGG. + + +"When you reach the hotel," he said, "inquire for Mrs. Middleton, and +send that card up to her." + +"Very well, sir." + +The tramp started for the hotel, his mind busily occupied. + +"What does she want with me? She wasn't Mrs. Middleton when I knew her; +she was Miss Vincent, the governess. I suppose she's a great lady now. +So she got Mr. Harvey to marry her. That ain't surprisin'. She looked +like a schemer even then, and I was a fool not to see what she was at. +Likely she was up to the other thing. Well, I shall soon know." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +TWO CONSPIRATORS. + + +"You want to see Mrs. Middleton?" demanded the hotel clerk, surveying +Mr. Rugg's exterior with a glance which betokened suspicion. + +"Yes," said the tramp. + +"I don't think she'll see one of your sort." + +"That's where you're mistaken, young feller," said Rudolph, loftily. +"She wants to see me uncommon." + +"You're a strange visitor for a lady." + +"What if I am? There's my card. Just you send it up, and see if she +won't see me." + +The clerk took the card, and looked at it doubtfully. Then summoning an +attendant, he said: + +"Take this up to 57." + +Presently the servant returned. + +"The gentleman is to go up," he said. + +Rudolph looked at the clerk triumphantly. + +"What did I tell you?" he said. + +"Show the _gentleman_ up," said the clerk, purposely emphasizing the +word. + +As Rudolph entered the handsome parlor occupied by Mrs. Middleton, she +said: + +"Take a seat, sir." Then to the attendant: "You may go. You are Rudolph +Rugg?" she commenced when they were alone. + +"Yes, ma'am," he answered; "and you are Miss Vincent, the governess. I +haven't forgotten you." + +"I am Mrs. Harvey Middleton," she said haughtily. + +"Excuse me, ma'am. I hadn't heard as you had changed your condition. +You was the governess when I knowed you." + +"You never knew me," she said, in the same haughty tone. + +"Well, I knowed Mr. Harvey, at any rate." + +"That is not to the purpose. Do you know why I have sought you out?" + +"I couldn't guess, ma'am," said Rudolph, cunningly. + +He could guess, but he wanted to force her to speak out. + +"Where is the boy? Is he living?" she demanded, eagerly. + +"What boy?" asked Rudolph, vacantly. + +"You know very well. Robert Middleton, my husband's cousin, whom you +stole away when he was scarcely more than an infant." + +"Can you prove what you say, Miss Vincent--I mean Mrs. Middleton?" + +"Yes. It is idle to beat about the bush. My husband has told me all." + +"Then he has told you that he hired me to carry the boy off, in order +that he might inherit the estate?" + +The tramp looked searchingly in the lady's face as he said this. + +"Yes, he told me that," she answered, composedly. + +"Well, I didn't think he'd own up to that," said the tramp, in surprise. + +"My husband and I had no secrets," said the lady, coldly. + +"What does he want of the boy now?" asked Rudolph. + +"It is I that want to find the boy." + +"Without his knowledge?" + +"If you refer to my husband, he is dead." + +"Dead! You don't say so?" + +"He died six months ago." + +"Well, I didn't expect that. Who has got the estate?" + +"I have." + +The tramp whistled, and surveyed the lady with genuine admiration. Here +was a poor governess, who had succeeded in life with a vengeance. When +he knew her she was not worth fifty pounds in the world. Now she was a +mistress of a fine English estate, with a rental of two thousand pounds. + +"Wasn't there no heirs?" he asked. + +"Only this boy." + +"And if this boy was alive would the estate be his?" + +The lady paused, meanwhile fixing her eyes steadily upon the man before +her. Then, as if rapidly making up her mind, she approached him, and +placed her jeweled hand on his arm. + +"Rudolph Rugg," she said, "do you want to be comfortable for life?" + +"Yes, ma'am, that's exactly what I do want. I've been wanting it ever +since I was old enough to know the power of money, but it has never +come to me." + +"It will come to you now if you say the word," she said. + +"I'll say it quick enough. Tell me what you want." + +"You talk like a sensible man. But first tell me, is the boy living?" + +"He is alive and well." + +She frowned slightly, as if the intelligence didn't please her. + +"Do you know where he is?" + +"Yes," answered Rudolph. + +It was false, of course, but he thought it was for his interest to +answer in the affirmative. + +"When did you see him last?" + +"Last week." + +"Very well, you know where he is. That is important. Now, in order that +you may understand what service I want of you, I must tell you a little +of my circumstances. I told you that my husband left me the estate." + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"But only in trust." + +"For the boy?" asked the tramp, in excitement. + +"Precisely." + +"Well, I'll be blowed." + +"What excites you, Mr. Rugg?" + +"To think that Tony, the tramp, should be the owner of a splendid +estate in old Hingland, and not know anything about it." + +"I am the owner," said the lady, frowning. + +"But you're only takin' care of it for him." + +"I don't mean that he shall ever know it." + +Rudolph whistled. + +"I wish you would forbear whistling in the presence of a lady. It is +unmannerly," said Mrs. Middleton, annoyed. + +"I ain't much used to associating with ladies," said the tramp. + +"Bear it in mind, then," she said, sharply. "Now to business." + +"Yes, ma'am, to business." + +"My husband secured the inheritance, as you are aware, through the +disappearance of his young cousin. And mighty well he managed it. + +"But after he fell into ill health, and was given over by the doctors, +he became a prey to superstitious fears, the result of his weakness, +and at times experienced great regret for the hand he had in the +abduction of the boy." + +"You surprise me, ma'am. He wasn't that sort when I knew him." + +"No; he was then in perfect health, and was bold and resolute. Ill +health and the approach of death made him superstitious." + +"You ain't that way, ma'am, I take it," said Rudolph, with a leer. + +"No; I have a stronger will and greater resolution, I hope." + +Her face did not belie her words. There was a cold look in her +light-gray eyes, and a firmness in her closely-pressed lips, which made +it clear that she was not likely to be affected by ordinary weakness. +She was intensely selfish, and thoroughly unscrupulous as to the means +which she employed to carry out her selfish ends. + +"So you're afraid the boy'll turn up, ma'am?" asked Rudolph. + +"Precisely." + +"Then why do you look for him?" + +"I want to guard against his ever turning up. I hoped you would be able +to tell me he was dead." + +"He don't know about the property." + +"But he might have learned, or you might. My husband, with the idea of +reparation, left the property to me, in trust, but if it should ever +be fully ascertained that the boy had died, then it was to be mine +absolutely. There must be clear proof." + +"I begin to see what you're driving at, ma'am." + +"You say the boy is alive?" + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"And well?" + +"Stout and hearty, ma'am. He's been under my care ever since he was a +young 'un, ma'am, and I've treated him like he was my own." + +"Indeed!" + +"Yes, ma'am. I'm poor, but I've always shared my crust with him, givin' +him the biggest half." + +"Very kind, I'm sure," said the lady, sarcastically. "I suppose you're +very fond of him." + +"Of course I am," said Rudolph, "but," he added, after a slight pause, +"there's one thing I like better." + +"What is that?" + +"Money." + +"Good!" said the lady, her face lighting up with satisfaction. "I see +we understand one another." + +"That's so, ma'am. You needn't be afraid to say anything to me. +Business is business." + +"Draw your chair near mine, Mr. Rugg," said Mrs. Middleton, affably. + +The tramp did so. He foresaw what was coming, but did not flinch. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +THE WICKED COMPACT. + + +"It appears to me, Mr. Rugg, that you have prospered," said the lady. + +"That's where you're right, ma'am, and you couldn't be righter." + +"I'm as poor as I can be." + +"So am I," said the tramp, adding, with a cunning look, "but times will +be better now." + +"Why will they be better?" asked Mrs. Middleton, suspiciously. + +"Tony won't see me want when he comes into ten thousand a year." + +"Who said he was coming into it?" demanded the lady, coldly. + +"You said he was the heir." + +"He hasn't got the estate, and I don't mean he shall have it." + +"How will you prevent that ma'am?" + +Mrs. Middleton again put her hand on the man's tattered coat sleeve, +and in a voice scarcely above a whisper, said: + +"Mr. Rugg, you must prevent it." + +"How can I prevent it?" asked the tramp, with an assumption of +innocence. + +"I take it, you are not a religious man?" + +"Not much," answered the tramp, with a short laugh. + +"You are not afraid--to do wrong?" + +"Yes, I am, ma'am; but if I was paid for it I might not mind." + +"You shall be paid, and paid well." + +"What do you want me to do?" + +Mrs. Middleton said, with slow significance: + +"This boy is in my way. Don't you think he might manage to get sick and +die?" + +"Perhaps he might," said Rudolph, who did not appear to be shocked at +the suggestion. + +"Couldn't you manage it?" she asked, her eyes fixed upon the tramp. + +"I might," he answered, shrewdly, "if it was going to do me any good." + +"Then the only question is as to pay," she continued. + +"That's about it ma'am. It's a big risk, you know. I might get caught, +and then money wouldn't do me much good." + +"Nothing venture, nothing have. You don't want to be a pauper all your +life?" + +"No, I don't," answered the tramp with energy. "I'm tired of tramping +round the country, sleeping in barns and under hay-stacks, and picking +up meals where I can. I've had enough of it." + +"Do as I wish, and you need never suffer such privations again," said +the tempter. + +"How much will you give me?" asked Rudolph, in a business-like manner. + +"Five hundred dollars down and five hundred dollars income as long as +you live." + +This was good fortune of which Rudolph had never dreamed, but he +understood how to make the best of the situation. + +"It is not enough," he said, shaking his head. + +"Not enough!" exclaimed Mrs. Middleton, with a look of displeasure. +"Why, it seems to me very liberal. You can live comfortably all your +life just for doing one thing." + +"A thing which may bring me to the gallows. It's all very well to talk, +but I can't risk my neck for that." + +The lady was not surprised. She had expected that she would be +compelled to drive a bargain, and and she had named a sum less than she +was willing to pay. + +"You see," continued Rudolph, "it's going to be a great thing for +you. You'll be sure of a big estate and an income of two thousand +pounds--that's ten thousand dollars--a year, and it'll be me that gives +it to you." + +"You overestimate your services, Mr. Rugg," she said, coldly. "If I +decline to proceed further the estate will be mine." + +"Not if I bring on the boy, and say he's the real heir." + +"I shall deny it," said the lady, composedly, "and challenge you to the +proof." + +"You will?" queried the tramp, disconcerted. + +"Of course I shall." + +"Then I'll prove it," he continued, in tone of triumph. + +"Who will believe you?" asked Mrs. Middleton, quietly. + +"Why shouldn't they?" + +"You are a tramp, and a discreditable person. Your appearance would be +against you. I suspect the boy is one of the same sort." + +"No, he isn't. I don't like him overmuch, but he's a handsome chap, +looks the gentleman every inch, even if he is dressed a little shabby." + +"I should charge you with conspiracy, Mr. Rugg. You'd find it uphill +work fighting me without influence and without money. To begin with, +how would you get over to England?" + +As presented by Mrs. Middleton, certainly the chances did not look +flattering. + +But an idea occurred to Rudolph, and he instantly expressed it: + +"Then, if there ain't no danger from me or the boy, why do you offer me +anything to put him out of the way?" + +Mrs. Middleton hesitated. + +"I may as well tell you," she said, after a moment's pause. "I take it +for granted you will keep the matter secret." + +"Of course I will." + +"Then it is this: I married Mr. Harvey Middleton to secure a home and a +position. I didn't love him." + +"Quite right, ma'am." + +"I was a poor governess. It was a great thing for me to marry Mr. +Middleton." + +"I should think so." + +"I made him a good wife. He had no reason to complain of me, and when +he died he left me in charge of the estate." + +"For the boy?" + +"Yes, for the boy, and this has given me trouble." + +"He hasn't never troubled you." + +"Not yet, and but for one thing I would not have come to America in +search of him." + +"What is that?" + +"That is the secret I am going to tell you. I want to marry again." + +The tramp whistled. + +Mrs. Middleton frowned, but went on: + +"This time I love the man I want to marry. He is from an excellent +family, but he is a younger son, and has little or nothing himself. If +the estate were mine absolutely, there would be no opposition on the +part of his family to his marrying me to-morrow, but with the knowledge +that the boy may turn up at any time, nothing will be done." + +"I see," said the tramp, nodding. + +"But for this, I never would have stirred in the matter at all. I did +not think it probable that the boy would ever hear of his inheritance." + +"He don't even know who he is," said Rudolph. + +"You never told him, then?" said the lady in a tone of satisfaction. + +"No. What was the good?" + +"There was no good, and you did wisely. Now I have told you how matters +stand, and I renew the offer which I made you a few minutes since." + +"It is too little," said the tramp, shaking his head. + +"Tell me what you expect. Mind, I don't say that I will meet your views +if they are extravagant. Still I might agree to pay you a little more." + +"I want just double what you offered me, ma'am." + +"Why, that's extortion." + +"That's as you choose to consider it, ma'am. It'll leave you money +enough. It's one-tenth." + +"Suppose I refuse." + +"Then I'll go and see a lawyer, and he'll tell me what I had better do." + +"Even if you succeeded, and got the boy in possession, do you think he +would give you any more than I offered?" + +This was a consideration which had not occurred to the tramp. He had +only thought of punishing the lady for not acceding to his terms. He +asked himself, moreover, did he really wish Tony to come into such a +piece of good fortune, and that after the boy had been instrumental in +having him arrested. No, anything but that! He decided to work for Mrs. +Middleton, and make the best terms he could. + +"I'll tell you what I'll do ma'am," he said. "I'll say eight hundred +dollars down, and the same every year." + +To this sum Mrs. Middleton finally agreed. + +"You say you know where the boy is?" she asked. + +"Yes, ma'am." + +"Then there need be no delay." + +"Only a little. But I shall want some money. I haven't a penny." + +Mrs. Middleton took out her purse. + +"Here are a hundred dollars," she said. "The rest shall be paid you +when you have earned it." + +Rudolph rose to go, and as he went down stairs thoughtfully, he said to +himself: + +"That woman's a case if ever there was one. How coolly she hires me to +kill the boy. I don't half like the job. It's too risky. But there's +money in it, and I can't refuse. The first thing is to find him!" + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +THE FIGHTING QUAKER. + + +The tramp decided that the best way to find Tony would be to return +to that part of the country where he had lost him, and make inquiries +for a boy of his description. He could do it more comfortably now, +being provided with funds, thanks to Mrs. Middleton. He was now able to +command fair accommodations, and this was satisfactory. + +But there was another difficulty which, at times, gave him uneasiness. +He had escaped from the custody of the law, and was liable to be +arrested. This would have disconcerted him, and interfered seriously +with the purpose he had in view. + +"I must disguise myself," thought Rudolph. "It won't do to run any +risk. When I was a tramp I didn't care, but now I've got something to +live for." + +It was not the first time in his varied experience that he had felt +the need of a disguise, and he knew just where to go to find one. In +the lower part of the city there was a shop well provided with such +articles as he required. He lost no time in seeking it out. + +"What can I do for you, Mr. Rugg?" asked the old man who kept the +establishment. + +"I want a disguise." + +"Then you've come to the right shop. What will you be--a sailor, a +Quaker, a--" + +"Hold, there," said Rudolph. "You've named the very thing." + +"What?" + +"A Quaker. Can you make me a good broad-brim?" + +"Yea, verily," answered the old man, laughing, "I can suit thee to a T." + +"Do so, then." + +From out a pile of costumes of various styles and fashions the old man +drew a suit of drab and a broad-brimmed hat. + +"How will that do?" he asked. + +"Capital!" answered Rudolph, with satisfaction, "that is, if it will +fit." + +"I'll answer for that. It's made for a man of your size. Will you try +it on?" + +"First tell me the price." + +"Thirty dollars." + +"Thirty dollars!" exclaimed the tramp, aghast. "Do you think I am made +of money?" + +"Look at the quality, my good friend. Look at the cloth." + +"Why, I may not want the things for more than a week." + +"Then, I'll tell you what I'll do. If you only use them a week, you +shall bring them back, and I will pay you back twenty-five dollars; +that is," added the old man cautiously, "if you don't hurt 'em too +much." + +"That's better," said Rudolph. "I'll try them on." + +He went into an inner room, provided for the purpose, and soon came out +entirely transformed. In addition to the drab suit, a gray wig had been +supplied, which gave him the appearance of a highly respectable old +Quaker. + +The old man laughed heartily, for he had a merry vein. + +"How dost thee like it?" he asked. + +"Capital," said Rudolph; "would you know me?" + +"I wouldn't dream it was you. But, Mr. Rugg, there's one thing you +mustn't forget." + +"What's that?" + +"To use the Quaker lingo. Just now you said, 'Would you know me?' That +isn't right." + +"What should I say?" + +"Would thee know me?" + +"All right. I'll get it after a while. There's your money." + +"There you are again. You must say thy money." + +"I see you know all about it. You've been a Quaker yourself, haven't +you?" + +"Not I; but I was brought up in Philadelphia, and I have seen plenty of +the old fellows. That's right. Now, don't forget how to talk. Where are +you going?" + +"Into the country on a little expedition," said Rudolph. + +"When will you be back?" + +"In a week, if all goes well." + +"Well, good luck to you." + +"I wish thee good luck, too," said the tramp. + +"Ha, ha! You've got it; you'll do." + +The tramp emerged into the street, a very fair representative of a +sedate Quaker. At first he forgot his gray hair, and walked with +a briskness that was hardly in character with his years. He soon +attracted the attention of some street boys, who, not suspecting his +genuineness, thought him fair game. + +"How are you, old Broadbrim?" said one. + +Rudolph didn't resent this. He felt rather pleased at this compliment +to his get up. + +"You'd make a good scarecrow, old buffer," said another. + +Still the tramp kept his temper. + +A third boy picked up a half-eaten apple and fired it at him. + +This was too much for the newly-converted disciple of William Penn. + +"Just let me catch you, you little rascal," he exclaimed, "and I'll +give you the worst licking you ever had." + +The boys stared open mouthed at such language from the sedate old +gentlemen. + +"He's a fighting Quaker," said the first one, "keep out of his way." + +"If thee don't, thee'll catch it," said Rudolph, fortunately +remembering how he must talk. + +He had thought of pursuing the disturbers of his peace, but motives of +prudence prevented him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +RUDOLPH HEARS OF TONY. + + +Four days afterward Rudolph arrived in the town where Tony was +employed. He had not been drawn thither by any clew, but by pure +accident. + +He put up for the night at the hotel where our hero had found work. He +enrolled himself on the register as "Obadiah Latham, Philadelphia." + +This, he thought, would answer very well for a Quaker name, much +better, certainly, than Rudolph Rugg, which on other accounts also was +objectionable. + +"Can thee give me a room, friend?" he inquired at the desk. + +"Certainly, sir," was the polite reply. "Here, Henry, show this old +gentleman up to No. 6. No. 6 is one of our best rooms, Mr. Latham." + +"I thank thee," said the tramp, who, by this time, was quite accustomed +to the peculiar phraseology of the Friends. + +"The Quakers are always polite," said the bookkeeper. "They are good +pay, too, and never give any trouble. I wish we had more of them stop +here." + +"If all your customers were of that description, your bar wouldn't pay +very well." + +"That is true." + +But later in the evening the speaker was obliged to change his opinion. + +The Quaker came up to the bar, and asked: + +"Will thee give me a glass of brandy?" + +"Sir?" said the barkeeper, astounded, and hardly believing his ears. + +"A glass of brandy!" repeated Rudolph, irritably. "Where is thy ears?" + +"I beg pardon, sir, but I was surprised. I did not know that gentlemen +of your faith ever drank liquor." + +"Thee is right," said the tramp, recollecting himself. "It is only for +my health. Thee may make it strong, so that I may feel better soon." + +Rudolph drained the glass, and then after a little hesitation, he said: + +"I feel better. Will thee mix me another glass, and a little stronger?" + +A stronger glass was given him, and he poured it down rapidly. + +The barkeeper looked at him shrewdly. + +"Quaker as he is, he is evidently used to brandy," he said to himself. +"If he wasn't those two glasses would have upset him." + +But Rudolph did not appear to be upset, or, indeed, to be in the least +affected. + +He put his broad-brimmed hat more firmly on his head, and went outside. +He determined to take a walk about the village. This was his usual +custom on arriving in a new place. On such occasions he kept his eyes +open, and looked about, in the hope that he might somewhere see the +object of his search. He little suspected that Tony was at that very +moment in the stable-yard in the rear of the hotel. + +He walked on for perhaps a quarter of a mile, and then leaned against a +fence to rest. As he stood here, two boys passed him slowly, conversing +as they walked. + +"I was surprised, Sam, at Tony Rugg's whipping you," said the first. + +"He couldn't do it again," said Sam, sullenly. + +Rudolph's attention was at once drawn. + +Tony Rugg! Why, there could be but one Tony Rugg. + +He advanced toward the boys. + +"Boys," he asked, "did thee mention the name of Tony Rugg?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"Does thee know such a boy?" + +"Yes, sir. He is working at the hotel. He got my place away from me," +said Sam. "Do you know him?" + +"I once knew such a boy. But no! his name was Charles." + +"Perhaps he's a relation." + +"Perhaps thee are right." + +This the tramp said cunningly, not wishing Tony to hear that he had +been inquiring after him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +RUDOLPH FINDS TONY. + + +Rudolph was very much elated at what he had heard. His object then was +already attained, and the boy was found. + +"Well, good luck has come to me at last," he said to himself. "The +young scoundrel is found, and now I must consider how to get him into +my hands once more." + +The Quaker, to designate him according to his present appearance, at +once made his way back to the hotel. He wanted to see Tony and verify +the information he had obtained from the boys, though he saw no reason +to doubt it. + +"There can't be two Tony Ruggs in the world," he said to himself. "I am +sure this is the boy." + +On reaching the hotel he sauntered out into the stable-yard in the rear +of the house. His eyes lighted with pleasure, for he at once caught +sight of Tony, standing beside James, the hostler. + +"There comes old Broadbrim," said James in a low voice. "The barkeeper +told me he took two stiff horns of brandy. He's a queer sort of Quaker +in my opinion." + +Tony gave a curious glance at the disguised tramp, but entertained no +suspicion of his not being what he represented. The white hair and +costume made it difficult to doubt. + +"I never saw a Quaker before," he said. + +"Didn't you?" + +Meantime Rudolph came nearer. His disguise had been so successful that +he felt perfectly safe from discovery. + +"Does thee keep many horses?" he asked. + +"Yes, sir; we have twelve." + +"That is a large number. Yea, verily, it is," said the tramp. + +"Well, it is, but we need them all. There's a good deal of carting to +do for the hotel, besides Mr. Porter keeps a livery stable. Was you +ever this way before?" asked James, thinking he might as well ask a few +questions also. + +"Nay, verily." + +"Where might you be from?" + +"From Philadelphia." + +"I've heard there's a good many Quakers out that way." + +"Yea, verily, my friend, thee is right." + +"Are you going away to-morrow morning?" + +"Nay, friend, I think I shall tarry a day or two. Is that lad thy son?" + +"Tony, he asks if you are my son," said James, laughing. "No, his name +is Tony Rugg, while mine is James Woodley." + +"Anthony, was thee born in this town?" asked the tramp, boldly defying +detection. + +"No, sir," answered Tony. "I only came here a few weeks ago." + +"Yea, verily," was the only comment Rudolph made. + +"I'd like to choke the boy. I can hardly keep my hands off him," he +said to himself. "But I'd better be going. He is looking at me closely. +He might suspect something." + +"Good-night," he said, and the two responded civilly to the salutation. + +"Well, Tony, what do you think of Broadbrim?" asked James. + +"I don't know, there's something in his voice that sounds familiar to +me." + +"Perhaps you may have met him somewhere before," suggested the hostler. + +"No, I am sure I have not. I never met any Quaker before." + +"Well, there's strange likenesses sometimes. Did I ever tell you my +adventure out in Maine?" + +"No, what was it?" + +"I went down East to see a sister of mine that is married down near +Augusta. When, as I was goin' through Portland, a woman came up and +made a great ado about my deserting her. She took me for her husband, +and came near having me arrested for desertion. You see I and her +husband was as like as two peas, that's what some of her neighbors +said." + +"How did you get off?" + +"Luckily I had documents in my pocket showing who I was. Besides, my +brother-in-law happened to be in the city, and he identified me." + +Rudolph sat in the public room of the hotel for a time, and then +he went up to his room, partly to be out of the way of possible +recognition, partly to think how he could manage to get Tony into +his clutches once more, without betraying himself, or exciting any +interference. + +He had a back room, the window of which looked out upon the +stable-yard. He seated himself at this window, and in this position +could easily see and hear all that passed there. + +Tony and the hostler were lounging about, the latter smoking a clay +pipe, their work being done for the day. + +"Tony," said the hostler, "I almost forgot to tell you, you're to go to +Thornton to-morrow." + +"What for?" + +"There's a top-buggy Mr. Porter has sold to a man there. You're to take +it over, and lead the horse back." + +"How far is it?" + +"About five miles." + +"All right. I'd just as leave go as stay here. Can I find the road +easily?" + +"There's no trouble about that. It's straight all the way. Part of it +runs through the woods--about a mile, I should say." + +"Did Mr. Porter say when he wanted me to start?" + +"About nine o'clock; by that time you'll be through your chores." + +"Well, I'm willing." + +Rudolph heard this conversation with no little pleasure. + +"It's the very chance I was waiting for," he said to himself. "I'll lie +in wait for him as he comes back. I can easily hide in the woods." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +THE NEGLECTED WELL. + + +Rudolph took care to breakfast in good season the next morning. He felt +that this day was to make his fortune. The deed which would entitle him +to a life support was to be perpetrated on that day. He shuddered a +little when he reflected that in order to compass this a life must be +sacrificed, and that the life of the boy who had been for years under +his guardianship, who had slept at his side, and borne with him the +perils and privations of his adventurous career. He was a reckless man, +but he had never before shed blood, or at any rate taken the life of a +human being. He would have been less than human if the near approach of +such a crime had not made him nervous and uncomfortable. + +But against this feeling he fought strenuously. + +"What's the odds?" he said to himself. "The boy's got to die some time +or other, and his dying now will make me comfortable for life. No +more hungry tramps for me. I'll settle down and be respectable. Eight +hundred dollars a year will relieve me from all care, and I shall only +need to enjoy myself after this." + +Rudolph must have had strange notions of respectability to think it +could be obtained by crime; but in fact his idea was that a man who +could live on his own means was from that very power respectable, and +there are plenty of persons of a higher social grade who share in this +delusion. + +At a few minutes after nine Tony set out on his journey. It never +occurred to him that the old Quaker in suit of sober drab, who sat on +the piazza and saw him depart, was a man who cherished sinister designs +upon him. In fact, he had forgotten all about him, and was intent upon +his journey alone. Most boys like to drive, and our friend Tony was no +exception to this general rule. He thought it much better than working +about the stable-yard. + +"Take care of yourself, Tony," said James, the hostler, in a friendly +tone. + +"Oh, yes, I'll do that," said Tony, little dreaming how necessary the +admonition was likely to prove. + +"I may as well be starting too," thought Rudolph, and some ten minutes +afterward he started at a walk along the road which led to Thornton. + +"I'll keep on as far as the woods," he thought, "and then I'll form +my plans. The boy must not escape me, for I may never have as good a +chance to dispose of him again." + +About two miles on began the woods to which reference has already been +made. The tramp selected this as probably the best part of the road to +accomplish his criminal design. + +They extended for nearly a mile on either side of the road, and this +was likely to facilitate his purpose. + +"I'll explore a little," thought Rudolph. "I shall have plenty of time +before the boy comes back." + +Some forty rods from the road on the right hand side, the tramp +discovered a ruined hut, which had once belonged to a recluse who had +for years lived apart from his kind. This had now fallen into decay, +for the former occupant had been for some time dead, and no one had +been tempted to succeed him. + +The general appearance of the building satisfied Rudolph that it was +deserted. Impelled partly by curiosity, he explored the neighborhood of +the house. + +A rod to the east there was a well, open to the view, the curb having +decayed, and being in a ruined condition, Rudolph looked down into it, +and judged that it might be about twenty feet deep. + +A diabolical suggestion came to him. If he could only lure Tony to this +well and dispose of him forever. + +"I'll do it," he muttered to himself, and started to return to the +road, where he hoped to intercept our hero. + +Poor Tony! he little dreamed of the danger that menaced him. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +THE DEED IS DONE. + + +Tony drove rapidly to Thornton and sought the purchaser of the buggy. +There was a delay of half an hour in finding him, but at last his +business was done, and he set out for home. + +It was not quite so amusing leading the horse as sitting in a buggy and +driving him. But all our pleasures have to be paid for, and Tony was +ready to pay the price of this one. After all, he reflected, it was +quite as amusing as working about the stable yard, especially after it +occurred to him to mount the animal and thus spare himself fatigue. + +Everything went smoothly till he entered the woody part of the road. + +"Now I shall be home soon," he said to himself. "But, hallo! who's +that?" as a figure stepped out from the side of the road. "Oh, it's the +Quaker. I wonder what brought him here?" + +"Friend, is thee in a hurry?" asked the impostor. + +"I suppose I ought to get back as soon as I can," said Tony. "Why, +what's up?" + +"Thee is the boy from the hotel, is thee not?" asked Rudolph. + +"Yes. You're the Quaker gentleman that is stopping there?" + +"Yes." + +"Well, what do you want of me?" + +"There's a man in the woods that has fallen down a well, and I fear he +is badly hurt." + +"A man fallen down a well!" exclaimed Tony. + +"Yes." + +"Where is the well?" + +"Back in the woods." + +"How did you find him?" + +"I was walking for amusement when I heard groans, and looking down I +could see the poor man." + +Tony never thought of doubting this statement, and said, in a tone of +genuine sympathy: "Poor fellow!" + +"Will thee go with me and help get him out?" asked the Quaker. + +"Yes," said Tony, readily, "I'll do it. Never mind if I am a little +late. Where shall I put the horse?" + +"Lead him into the woods and tie him to a tree." + +"All right. I guess that'll be the best way." + +The horse was disposed of as had been suggested, and the two set forth +on what Tony supposed to be their charitable errand. + +"I don't see what made you go into the woods?" said our hero, a little +puzzled. + +"I was brought up in the woods, my young friend. It reminds me of the +time when I was a boy like thee." + +"Oh, that's it. Well, it was lucky for the man, that is if we can get +him out. Did you speak to him?" + +"Yes, verily." + +"And did he answer?" + +"He groaned. I think he was insensible. I saw that I should need help, +and I came to the road again. Luckily thee came by." + +"Had you been waiting long?" + +"Only five minutes," answered Rudolph. + +In reality he had been compelled to wait near an hour, much to his +disgust. In fact, he had been led to fear that there might be some +other road by which one could return from Thornton, and that Tony had +taken it. Should this be the case, his elaborate trap would be useless. + +They had come quite near the ruined dwelling, and already the curb of +the well was visible. + +"Is that the well?" asked Tony. + +"Yes," answered the Quaker. + +"Let us hurry, then," said Tony. + +But the time had come when Tony was to have revealed to him the real +character of his companion. A branch, which hung unusually low, knocked +off the hat and wig of the pseudo Quaker, and Tony was petrified with +dismay when he saw revealed the black, cropped head and sinister face +of Rudolph, the tramp. + +"Rudolph!" he exclaimed, stopping short in his amazement. + +"Yes," said the tramp, avowing himself, now that he saw disguise was +useless; "it's Rudolph. At last I have you, you young scamp!" and he +seized the boy's arm as in the grip of a vise. + +Tony tried to shake off the grip, but what could a boy do against an +athletic man. + +"It's no use," said the tramp, between his teeth, "I've got you, and I +don't mean to let you go." + +"What do you mean to do, Rudolph?" asked Tony, uneasily. + +"What do I mean to do? I mean to make you repent of what you've done to +me, you young whelp." + +"What have I done?" + +"What haven't you done? You've betrayed me, and sold me to my enemies. +That's what you've done." + +"I've only done what I was obliged to do. I don't want to do you any +more harm. Let me go, and I won't meddle with you any more, nor say a +word about you at the hotel." + +"Really," said Rudolph, with a disagreeable sneer, "I feel very much +obliged to you. You are very kind, upon my soul. So you won't tell them +at the hotel that the Quaker gentleman is only a tramp after all." + +"No, I will say nothing about you." + +"I don't think you are to be trusted, boy." + +"Did you ever know me to tell a lie, Rudolph?" asked Tony, proudly. "I +don't pretend to be a model boy, but there's one thing I won't do, and +that is lie." + +"I think I had better make sure that you don't say anything about me," +said the tramp, significantly. + +"How?" asked Tony. + +"I don't mean to let you go back to the hotel at all." + +"But I must go back. I must drive the horse back." + +"That's of no importance." + +"Yes, it is," persisted Tony, anxiously. "They will think I have stolen +it." + +"Let them think so." + +"But I don't want them to think me a thief." + +"I can't help it." + +"What are you going to do with me? Where are we going?" + +"Before I tell you that I will tell you something more. You have often +asked me who you were." + +"You always told me I was your son." + +"It was not true," said Rudolph, calmly. "You are not related to me." + +"I felt sure of it." + +"Oh, you did!" sneered the tramp. "You are glad that you are not my +son!" + +"Who am I?" + +"I will tell you this much, that you are the heir to a fortune." + +"I the heir to a fortune!" exclaimed Tony, in natural excitement. + +"Yes; and I could help you to secure it if I pleased." + +Tony knew not what to say or to think. Was it possible that he--Tony, +the tramp--was a gentleman's son, and heir to a fortune? It was almost +incredible. Moreover, what was the object of Rudolph in imparting this +secret, and at this time, when he sought revenge upon him. + +"Is this true?" he asked. + +"Perfectly true." + +"And you know my real name and family?" + +"Yes, I do." + +"Oh, Rudolph, tell me who I am," Tony said, imploringly. "Help me to +the fortune which you say I am entitled to, and I will take care that +you are rewarded." + +Rudolph surveyed the boy, whom he still held in his firm grasp, and +watched his excitement with malicious satisfaction. + +"There is one objection to my doing that, boy," he said. + +"What is that?" + +"I'll tell you," he hissed, as his grasp grew tighter, and his dark +face grew darker yet with passion, "_I hate you!_" + +This he uttered with such intensity that Tony, brave as he was, was +startled and dismayed. + +"Then why did you tell me?" he asked. + +"That you might know what you are going to lose--that you might repent +betraying me," answered Rudolph, rapidly. "You ask me what I am going +to do with you? I am going to throw you down that well, and leave you +there--to die!" + +Then commenced a struggle between the man and boy. Tony knew what he +had to expect, and he fought for dear life. Rudolph found that he had +undertaken no light task, but he, too, was desperate. He succeeded at +last in dragging Tony to the well-curb, and, raising him in his sinewy +arms, he let him fall. + +Then, without waiting to look down, he hurried out of the wood with all +speed. He reached the hotel, settled his bill, and paid to have himself +carried over to the nearest railroad station. + +Not until he was fairly seated in the cars, and was rushing through +the country at the rate of thirty miles an hour, did he pause to +congratulate himself. + +"Now for an easy life!" he ejaculated. "My fortune is made! I shall +never have to work any more." + + + + +CHAPTER XXV. + +"I HOLD YOU TO THE BOND." + + +On reaching New York, Rudolph made his way at once to the shop from +which he had obtained his Quaker dress. + +"Has thee come back?" asked the old man, in a jocular tone. + +"Yea, verily," answered Rudolph. + +"How do you like being a Quaker?" + +"I've had enough of it. I want you to take them back. You promised to +return me twenty-five dollars." + +"Let me look at them," said the old man, cautiously. + +"They've seen hard usage," he said. "Look at that rip, and that spot." + +"Humbug!" answered Rudolph. "There's nothing but what you can set +straight in half an hour, and five dollars is handsome pay for that." + +But the old man stood out for seven, and finally the tramp, though +grumbling much, was obliged to come to his terms. + +"Where have you been?" asked the old man, whose curiosity was aroused +as to what prompted Rudolph to obtain the disguise. + +"That's my business," said Rudolph, who had his reasons for secrecy, as +we know. + +"I meant no offense--I only wondered if you left the city." + +"Yes, I've been into New Jersey," answered the tramp, who thought it +politic to put the customer on the wrong scent. "You see I've got an +old uncle--a Quaker--living there. The old man's got plenty of money, +and I thought if I could only make him think me a good Quaker, I should +stand a good chance of being remembered in his will." + +"I see--a capital idea. Did it work?" + +"I can't tell yet. He gave me four dollars and his blessing for the +present," said Rudolph, carelessly. + +"That's a lie every word of it," said the old man to himself, after +the tramp went out. "You must try to fix up a more probable story next +time, Mr. Rudolph. He's been up to some mischief, probably. However, +it's none of my business, I've made seven dollars out of him, and that +pays me well--yes, it pays me well." + +When Rudolph left the costumer's, it occurred to him that the tramp's +dress which he had resumed had better be changed, partly because he +thought it probable that a journey lay before him. He sought out a +large ready-made clothing establishment on Fulton street, and with the +money which had been returned to him obtained a respectable-looking +suit, which quite improved his appearance. He regarded his reflection +in a long mirror with considerable satisfaction. He felt that he would +now be taken for a respectable citizen, and that in discarding his old +dress he had removed all vestiges of the tramp. In this, however, he +was not wholly right. His face and general expression he could not +change. A careful observer could read in them something of the life he +had lead. Still he was changed for the better, and it pleased him. + +"Now," he reflected, "I had better go and see Mrs. Harvey Middleton. I +have done the work, and I shall claim the reward." + +He hurried to the St. Nicholas, and, experienced now in the ways of +obtaining access to a guest, he wrote his name on a card and sent it up. + +"The lady will see you," was the answer brought back by the servant. + +"Of course she will," thought Rudolph. "She'll want to know whether +it's all settled, and she has no further cause for fear." + +Mrs. Middleton looked up as he entered. + +"Sit down, Mr. Rugg," she said, politely. + +Her manner was cool and composed; but when the servant had left the +room, she rose from her chair, and in a tone which showed the anxiety +which she had till then repressed, she asked, abruptly: "Well, Mr. +Rugg, have you any news for me?" + +"Yes, ma'am, I have," he answered, deliberately. + +"What is it? Don't keep me in suspense," she said, impatiently. + +"The job's done," said Rudolph briefly. + +"You mean that the boy--" + +"Accidentally fell down a well, and was killed," said the visitor, +finishing the sentence. + +"Horrible!" murmured the lady. + +"Wasn't it?" said Rudolph, with a grin. "He must have been very +careless." + +Mrs. Middleton did not immediately speak. Though she was responsible +for this crime, having instigated it, she was really shocked when it +was brought home to her. + +"You are sure he is dead?" she said, after a pause. + +"When a chap pitches head-first down a well thirty feet deep, there +isn't much hope for him, is there?" + +"No, I suppose not. Where did this accident happen?" asked the lady. + +"That ain't important," answered Rudolph. "It's happened--that's all +you need to know. Tony won't never come after that estate of his." + +"It would have done him little good. He was not fitted by education to +assume it." + +"No; but he might have been educated. But that's all over now. It's +yours. Nobody can take it from you." + +"True!" said Mrs. Middleton, and a look of pleasure succeeded the +momentary horror. "You will be ready to testify that the boy is dead?" + +"There won't be any danger, will there? They won't ask too many +questions?" + +"As to that, I think we had better decide what we will say. It won't be +necessary to say how the boy died." + +"Won't it?" + +"No. Indeed, it will be better to give a different account." + +"Will that do just as well?" + +"Yes. You can say, for instance, that he died of small-pox while under +your care in St. Louis, or any other place." + +"And that I tended him to the last with the affection of a father," +added Rudolph, grinning. + +"To be sure. You must settle upon all the details of the story, so as +not to be caught in any discrepancies." + +"What's that?" asked the tramp, rather mystified. + +"Your story must hang together. It mustn't contradict itself." + +"To be sure. How long are you going to stay in New York?" + +"There is no further occasion for my staying here. I shall sail to +England in a week." + +"Will it be all right about the money?" asked Rudolph, anxiously. + +"Certainly." + +"How am I to be sure of that?" + +"The word of a lady, sir," said Mrs. Middleton, haughtily, "ought to be +sufficient for you." + +"That's all very well, but suppose you should get tired of paying me +the money?" + +"Then you could make it very disagreeable for me by telling all you +know about the boy. However, there will be no occasion for that. I +shall keep my promise. Will you be willing to sail for England next +week." + +"Do you mean that I am to go with you?" + +"I mean that you are to go. Your testimony must be given on the other +side, in order to make clear my title to the estate." + +"I see, ma'am. If I'd known that I wouldn't have had no fears about the +money." + +"You need have none, Mr. Rugg," said Mrs. Middleton, coldly. "The fact +is, we are necessary to each other. Each can promote the interests of +the other." + +"That's so, ma'am. Let's shake hands on that," said Rudolph, advancing +with outstretched hand. + +"No, thank you," said Mrs. Middleton, coldly. "You forget yourself, +sir. Do not forget that I am a lady, and that you are--" + +"We are equal, ma'am in this matter," said Rudolph, offended. "You +needn't shrink from shaking hands with me." + +"That is not in the agreement," said Mrs. Middleton, haughtily. "I +shall do what I have agreed, but except so far as it is necessary in +the way of business, I wish you to keep yourself away from me. We +belong to different grades in society." + +"Why didn't you say that the other day, ma'am?" said Rudolph, frowning. + +"Because I didn't suppose it to be necessary. You did not offer to +shake hands with me then. Besides, at that time you had not--" + +"Pushed the boy down the well, if that's what you mean," said Rudolph, +bluntly. + +"Hush! don't refer to that. I advise you this for your own sake." + +"And for the sake of somebody else." + +"Mr. Rugg, all this discussion is idle. It can do no good. For whatever +service you have rendered, you shall be well paid. That you understand. +But it is best that we should know as little of each other henceforth +as possible. It might excite suspicion, as you can understand." + +"Perhaps you are right, ma'am," said Rudolph, slowly. + +"Call here day after to-morrow, and I will let you know by what +steamer I take passage for England, that you may obtain a ticket. Good +afternoon." + +Rudolph left the lady's presence not wholly pleased. + +"Why wouldn't she shake my hand?" he muttered to himself. "She's as +deep in it as I am." + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI. + +TONY'S ESCAPE. + + +We must now return to our young hero, who was certainly in a critical +position. Though strong of his age, the reader will hardly be surprised +that he should have been overpowered by a man like Rudolph. + +When the false Quaker's hat and wig were taken off, though he was at +first surprised, he for the first time understood why the man's face +and voice had seemed familiar to him from the time they first met. + +He struggled in vain against the fate in store for him. He felt that +with him it was to be a matter of life and death, and taken by surprise +though he was, he was on the alert to save his life if he could. + +The well curb was partially destroyed, as we have said, but the rope +still hung from it. At the instant of his fall, Tony managed while in +transit to grasp the rope by one hand. He swung violently from one side +to the other, and slipped a few feet downward. This Rudolph did not +see, for as soon as he had hurled the boy into the well he hurried away. + +Tony waited for the rope to become steady before attempting to ascend +hand over hand. Unfortunately for his purpose the rope was rotten, and +broke just above where he grasped it, precipitating him to the bottom +of the well. But he was already so far from the opening that his fall +was not over ten feet. Luckily also the water was not over two feet +in depth. Therefore, though he was jarred and startled by the sudden +descent, he was not injured. + +"Well," thought Tony, "I'm as low as I can get--that's one comfort. Now +is there any chance of my getting out?" + +He looked up, and it gave him a peculiar sensation to look up at the +blue sky from the place where he stood. He feared that Rudolph was +still at hand and would resist any efforts he might make to get out of +the well. + +"If he don't interfere I'm bound to get out," he said to himself, +pluckily. + +His feet were wet, of course, and this was far from comfortable. + +He made a brief examination of the situation, and then decided upon his +plan. The well, like most in the country, was provided by a wall of +stones, piled one upon another. In parts it looked rather loose, and +Tony shuddered as he thought of the possibility of the walls falling, +and his being buried in the ruins. + +"It would be all up with me, then," he thought, "I must get out of +this as soon as I can. If I can only climb up as far as the rope I can +escape." + +This, in fact, seemed to be his only chance. Using the wall as a +ladder, he began cautiously to ascend. More than once he came near +falling a second time, but by greatest exertion he finally reached the +rope. He did not dare to trust to it entirely, but contrived to ascend +as before, clinging to the rope with his hands. He was in constant fear +that it would break a second time, but the strain upon it was not so +great, and finally, much to his delight, he reached the top. + +He breathed a deep sigh of relief when he found himself once more on +_terra firma_. He looked about him cautiously, under the apprehension +that Rudolph might be near by, and ready to attack him again. But, as +we know, his fears were groundless. + +"He made sure that I was disposed of," thought Tony. "What could have +induced him to attempt my life? Can it be true, as he said, that I am +heir to a fortune? Why couldn't he tell me? I would have paid him well +for the information when I got my money. Then he said he knew who I +was--I care more for that than the money." + +But Tony could not dwell upon these thoughts. The claims of duty were +paramount. He must seek the horse, and go back to the hotel. He had +been detained already for nearly three-quarters of an hour, and they +would be wondering what had become of him. + +He made his way as quickly as possible to where he had tied the horse. +But he looked for him in vain. He had been untied and led away--perhaps +stolen. Tony felt assured that the horse of himself could not leave the +spot. + +"It must be Rudolph," he said to himself. "He has made off with the +horse. Now I am in trouble. What will Mr. Porter say to me?" + +Tony was in error, as we know, in concluding that Rudolph had carried +away the horse. The tramp had no use for him. Besides, he knew that +such a proceeding would have exposed him to suspicion, which it was +very important for him to avoid. + +Who, then, had taken the horse? That is a question which we are able to +answer, though Tony could not. + +Fifteen minutes before Sam Payson, whose place Tom had taken, with a +companion, Ben Hardy, while wandering through the woods had espied a +horse. + +"Hallo!" said Ben, "here's a horse." + +"So it is," said Sam. "It's rather odd that he should be tied here." + +"I wonder whose it is?" + +Sam had been examining him carefully, and had recognized him. + +"It's Mr. Porter's Bill. Don't you see that white spot? That's the way +I know him. I have harnessed that horse fifty times." + +"But how did he come here? That's the question?" + +"I'll tell you," said Sam. "I was at the hotel this morning, and heard +that that boy Tony was to go over to Thornton with him." + +"That don't explain why he is tied here, does it?" + +"Tony must have tied him while he was taking a tramp in the woods. +Wouldn't Porter be mad if he knew it?" + +"I shouldn't wonder if Tony would get bounced." + +"Nor I. I tell you what, Ben, I've a great mind to untie the horse, and +take him back myself." + +"What's the good? It would be an awful job. We came out here to have +some fun," grumbled Ben. + +"This would be fun to me. I'll get Tony into trouble, and very likely +get back the place he cheated me out of. I guess it'll pay." + +"All right, Sam. I didn't think of that. I'd like to see how Tony looks +when he comes back, and finds the horse gone." + +"It'll serve him right," said Sam. "What business had he to interfere +with me, I'd like to know." + +"If you're going to do it you'd better hurry up. He may go back any +time." + +"That's so. Here goes, then." + +In a trice Bill was untied, and Sam taking the halter led him away. +When Tony came up he was not in sight. + +Though Tony felt convinced that Rudolph had carried away the horse, he +felt it to be his duty to look about for it. There was a bare chance +that he might find it somewhere in the wood. In this way he lost +considerable time. Had he started for the hotel immediately he would +very likely have overtaken the two boys. + +Sam kept on his way, and finally arrived at the hotel. + +As he led the horse into the stable-yard James, the hostler, exclaimed +in surprise: + +"How came you by that horse, Sam Payson?" + +"Is that the way you thank me for bringing him back?" asked Sam. + +"He left the stable under the charge of Tony Rugg this morning." + +"Pretty care he takes of him, then." + +"What do you mean? Where did you find him?" + +"Down in the woods?" + +"What woods?" + +"Between here and Thornton." + +"Wasn't Tony with him?" + +"No." + +"Are you sure of that? Are you sure you two boys didn't attack Tony and +take the horse away?" demanded James, suspiciously. + +"No, we didn't. If you don't believe me, you may ask Ben." + +"How was it, Ben?" he asked. + +"Just as Sam has said. We found the horse alone in the woods. We +thought he might be stolen, and we brought him home. It was a good deal +of trouble, for it's full two miles." + +James looked from one to the other in perplexity. + +"I don't understand it at all," he said. "It don't look like Tony to +neglect his duty that way." + +"You've got too high an opinion of that boy entirely," said Sam, +sneeringly. + +[Illustration: Tony sprung forward and seized the would-be murderer by +the arm. (See page 182.)] + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII. + +TONY IS DISCHARGED. + + +Presently Tony came into the yard. He was looking very sober. He had +lost the horse, and he didn't know how to excuse himself. He didn't +feel that he had been to blame, but he suspected that he should be +blamed nevertheless. + +"What did you do with the horse, Tony?" asked James. + +"He was stolen from me," answered Tony. + +"How could that be?" + +"I expect it was the Quaker." + +"The Quaker!" repeated James, in amazement. "Are you sure you're not +crazy--or drunk?" + +"Neither one," said Tony. "It's a long story and----" + +"You must tell it to Mr. Porter then. He wants to see you right off. +But I'll tell you for your information that the horse is here." + +"Is here? Who brought it?" + +"Sam Payson brought it a short time since." + +"Sam Payson! Where did he say he found it?" + +"In the woods." + +"Then he might have left it there," said Tony, indignantly. "What +business had he to untie it, and give me all this trouble?" + +"You can speak to Mr. Porter about that." + +"Where is he?" + +"In the office." + +Tony entered the office. + +Mr. Porter regarded him with a frown. + +"How is this, Tony?" he began. "You leave my horse in the woods to be +brought home by another boy. He might have been stolen, do you know +that?" + +"I've been deceived, and led into a trap," said Tony. + +"What on earth do you mean? Who has deceived and trapped you?" + +"The Quaker who was stopping here. Has he come back?" + +"He has settled his bill and left the hotel. What cock-and-bull story +is this you have hatched up?" + +"It is a true story, Mr. Porter. This man was not a Quaker at all. He +was a tramp." + +"Take care what you say, Tony. Do you take me for a fool?" + +"He is a man I used to know. When I was coming home he was waiting for +me in the woods, only I didn't know who he really was. He told me there +was a man who had fallen into a well in the woods, and he wanted my +help to get him out. So I tied the horse and went with him. I wouldn't +have left him but for the story of the man in the well." + +"Go on," said the landlord. "I warn you I don't believe a word of this +wonderful story of yours." + +"I can't help it," said Tony, desperately. "It's true." + +"Go on, and I'll give you my opinion of it afterward." + +"Just before we got to the well a branch took off his hat and wig, and +I saw that he was no Quaker, but my enemy, Rudolph Rugg." + +"Rudolph Rugg! A very good name for a romance." + +Tony proceeded: + +"Then I tried to get away, but it was too late. The man seized me and +threw me down the well. But first he told me that he knew who I was, +and that I was heir to a large fortune." + +"Indeed! How happens it that you are not at the bottom of the well +still?" + +"I got out." + +"So I see; but how?" + +"I climbed up by the stones till I reached the rope, and then I found +it easy. I hurried to where I had left the horse, but it was gone. I +supposed that the Quaker had taken it, but James tells me Sam Payson +found it and brought it back." + +"Look here, boy," said the landlord, sternly, "do you expect me to +believe this romance of yours?" + +"I don't know whether you will or not, sir. All I can say is that it is +the exact truth." + +"I cannot keep you in my employ any longer. I have been deceived by +you, and should no longer trust you. You certainly have mistaken your +vocation. You are not fit to be a stable boy." + +"I should like to know what I am fit for," said Tony, despondently. + +"I will tell you, then. Judging from the story you have told me, I +should think you might succeed very well in writing a romance. I don't +know whether it pays, but you can try it." + +"Some time you will find out that I have told the truth," said Tony. + +"Perhaps so, but I doubt it." + +"When do you want me to go?" + +"You can stay till to-morrow morning. Wait a minute. Here is a +five-dollar bill. That is a fair price for the time you have been with +me." + +As Tony was going out he came near having a collision with Sam Payson. + +Sam looked at him inquiringly. + +"Have you been discharged?" he asked. + +"Yes," said Tony. "It was your fault. What made you take that horse?" + +"I was afraid Mr. Porter might lose it. Is he in?" + +"Yes. You can apply for my place, if you want to." + +"I mean to." + +Sam went in, and addressed the landlord. + +"I brought your horse back," he said. + +"Thank you. Here's two dollars for your trouble." + +Sam tucked it away with an air of satisfaction. + +"Tony tells me he is going away." + +"Yes. He don't suit me." + +"Wouldn't I suit you?" asked Sam, in an ingratiating tone. + +"No; I've tried you, and you won't suit," was the unexpected reply. + +"But I brought back the horse," pleaded Sam, crest-fallen. + +"I've paid you for that," said the landlord. "Didn't I pay you enough?" + +"Yes, sir; but I thought you'd take me back again." + +"I know you too well, Sam Payson, to try any such experiment. The Widow +Clark told me yesterday that she wanted to get her boy into a place, +and I am going to offer it to him." + +"He don't know anything about horses," said Sam. + +"He will soon learn. He is a good boy, and industrious. I am sure he +will suit me better than you." + +"I wish I hadn't brought back his old horse," muttered Sam, as he left +the office and went back into the yard. He hoped to triumph over Tony +by telling him that he had taken his place, but the opportunity was not +allowed him. + +"Well, Sam, are you going to take my place?" asked Tony. + +"No, I'm not," said Sam. + +"Didn't you ask for it?" + +"The old man had promised it to another boy," said Sam, sourly. + +"He's been pretty quick about it, then," said James. + +"A boy that don't know the first thing about horses," grumbled Sam. + +"Who is it?" + +"Joe Clark." + +"He's a good boy; I'm glad he's coming, though I'm sorry to lose Tony." + +"Thank you, James," said Tony. "I'd like to stay, but I can't blame Mr. +Porter for not believing my story. It was a strange one, but it's true +for all that." + +James shrugged his shoulders. + +"Then you believe you're heir to a fortune, as he told you?" + +"Yes; he had no reason to tell me a lie." + +"What's that?" asked Sam. + +"The Quaker gentleman who was here told Tony that he was heir to a +large fortune." + +"Ho, ho!" laughed Sam, boisterously. "That's a likely story, that is." + +"Why isn't it?" asked Tony, frowning. + +"You heir to a fortune--a clodhopper like you! Oh! I shall split!" said +Sam, giving way to another burst of merriment. + +"I am no more a clodhopper than you are," said Tony, "and I advise you +not to laugh too much, or I may make you laugh on the other side of +your mouth." + +"It'll take more than you to do it," said Sam, defiantly. + +"I have done it already, Sam Payson, and I'm ready to try it again +before I leave town." + +"I wouldn't dirty my hands with you," said Sam, scornfully. + +"You'd better not." + +When Sam had gone, Tony turned to James. + +"I wonder whether I shall ever see you again, James?" he said, +thoughtfully. + +"I hope so, Tony. I'm sorry you're going; but you couldn't expect Mr. +Porter to believe such a story as that." + +"Then you don't believe it, James? I'll come back some day just to +prove to you that it is true." + +"Come back at any rate; I shall be glad to see you. When do you go?" + +"To-morrow morning." + +"Where shall you go first?" + +"To New York; but I'll help you till I go." + +So Tony did his work as usual for the remainder of the day. He felt +rather sober. Just as he had found a home his evil genius, in the +character of Rudolph, appeared and deprived him of it. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII. + +THE WORLD BEFORE HIM. + + +Though Tony was out of a place he was considerably better off than he +had generally been. He had five dollars in his pocket for the first +time in his life. A few weeks ago he would have considered himself rich +with this amount, and would have been in high spirits. But now he took +a different view of life. He had known what it was to have a settled +home, and to earn an honest living, and he had learned to like it. But +fortune was against him, and he must go. + +"Good-by, James," he said, soberly, to the hostler the next morning. + +"Good-by, Tony, and good luck," said the kind-hearted hostler. + +"I hope I shall have good luck, but I don't expect it," said Tony. + +"Pooh, nonsense! You're young, and the world is before you." + +"That's so, James, but so far the world has been against me." + +"Come here a minute, Tony," said James, lowering his voice. + +As Tony approached, he thrust a bank-note hastily into his hand. + +"Take it," he said, quickly. "I don't need it, and you may." + +Tony looked at the bill, and found it was a ten-dollar note. + +"You're very kind, James," he said, touched by a kindness to which he +was unaccustomed, "but I can't take it." + +"Why not? I shan't need it." + +"Nor I, James. I've got some money. It isn't much, but I'm used to +roughing it. I've done it all my life. I always come down on my feet +like a cat." + +"But you may get hard up." + +"If I do, I'll let you know." + +"Will you promise that?" + +"Honor bright." + +So James took back the money reluctantly, and Tony bade him good-by. + +It was a rainy day when Tony arrived in New York. The stores were +deserted, and the clerks lounged idly behind the counter. Only those +who were actually obliged to be out appeared in the streets. If Tony's +hopes had been high they would have been lowered by the dreary weather. +He wandered aimlessly about the streets, having no care about his +luggage for he had brought none, looking about him listlessly. He found +himself after a while in the lower part of Broadway, not far from the +Battery. It is here, as my city readers know, the most of the European +steamer lines have their offices. + +At once Tony saw a figure that attracted his eager attention. + +It was Rudolph Rugg, his old comrade, and now bitter enemy. + +"Where is he going?" thought Tony. + +This question was soon solved. + +Rudolph entered the office of the Anchor Line of steamers. + +"What can he want there?" thought Tony. "I'll watch him." + +He took a position near by, yet far enough off to avoid discovery, +and waited patiently for Rudolph to reappear. He waited about fifteen +minutes. Then he saw the tramp come out with a paper in his hand, which +he appeared to regard with satisfaction. He turned and went up Broadway. + +As soon as he thought it safe Tony crossed the street and entered the +office. He made his way up to the counter and inquired the price of +passage. The rates were given him. + +"Can you tell me," he asked, carelessly, "if a Mr. Rugg is going across +on one of your steamers?" + +"Mr. Rugg? Why, it is the man who just left the office." + +"Did he buy a passage ticket?" + +"Yes." + +"When does he sail?" + +"On Saturday." + +"And where does he go?" + +"To Liverpool, of course. Can I sell you a ticket?" + +"I haven't decided," said Tony. + +"If you go, you will find it to your advantage to go by our line." + +"I'll go by your line, if I go at all," said Tony. "I wonder whether +he'd be so polite if he knew I had but three dollars and a quarter in +my pocket?" said our hero to himself. + +Then he began to wonder how it happened that Rudolph was going. First, +it was a mystery where he could have obtained the money necessary for +the purchase of a ticket. Next, what could be his reason for leaving +America. + +"Probably he has picked somebody's pocket," thought Tony. + +That disposed of the difficulty, but, as we know, Tony was mistaken. It +was money that he had received for a worse deed, but Tony never thought +of connecting the state of Rudolph's purse with the attempt that had +been made upon his own life. + +When Tony came to think of it he felt glad that Rudolph was going +abroad. He felt that his own life would be safer with an ocean flowing +between him and the man who latterly had exhibited such an intense +hatred for him. As to his motive, why perhaps he thought that he would +be safer in London than in New York. + +Tony bethought himself of securing a temporary home. He was not a +stranger in New York, and knew exactly where to go. There was a house +not far from Greenwich street, where he had lodged more than once +before, and where he was known. It was far from a fashionable place, +but the charge was small, and that was a necessary consideration with +Tony. + +He rang the bell, and the proprietor, a hard-favored woman of fifty, +came to open it. + +"How do you do, Mrs. Blodgett?" said Tony. + +"Why, it's Tony," said the woman, not unkindly. "Where have you been +this long time?" + +"In the country," answered our hero. + +"And where is your father?" + +"Do you mean the man I used to be with?" + +"Yes. He was your father, wasn't he?" + +"No. He was no relation of mine," said Tony, hastily. "We used to go +together, that is all." + +"Where is he?" + +"I don't know exactly. We had a falling out, and we've parted." + +"Well, Tony, what can I do for you?" + +"Have you got any cheap room to let, Mrs. Blodgett?" + +"I've got a room in the attic. It's small, but if it'll suit you, you +can have it for a dollar a week." + +"It's just the thing," said Tony, in a tone of satisfaction. "Can I go +right up?" + +"Yes, if you want to. I generally want a week's pay in advance, but +you've been here before----" + +"No matter for that. Here's the money," said Tony. + +"I'll show you the way up." + +"All right. I guess I'll lie down awhile. I've been about the streets +all day, and am pretty tired." + +The room was quite small, and the furniture was shabby and well-worn; +but Tony was not particular. He threw himself on the bed, and soon fell +asleep. + +How long he slept he did not know, but when he woke up the room was +quite dark. He stretched, and did not immediately remember where he +was; but it flashed upon him directly. + +"I wonder what time it is?" he asked himself. "I must have slept a long +time. I feel as fresh as a lark. I'll get up a take and tramp." + +When he went down stairs he found that it was already ten o'clock. + +"I feel as fresh as if it were morning," thought Tony. "I'll go out on +Broadway and watch some of the theatres when the people come out." + +Ten o'clock seems late in the country; it is the usual hour for +retiring for many families; but in the city it is quite different. +There are still many to be seen in the streets, and for many it is the +commencement of a season of festivity. + +Tony walked for half an hour. He was so thoroughly rested that he +felt no fatigue. Presently he stepped into a crowded billiard-room, +and seating himself, began to watch a game between a young man of +twenty-five and a man probably fifteen years his senior. The first was +evidently a gentleman by birth and education; his dress and manners +evinced this. The other looked like an adventurer, though he was +well-dressed. + +"Come, let us play for drinks," said the elder. + +"I've drank enough," said the young man. + +"Nonsense. You can stand a little more." + +"Just as you say." + +The game terminated in favor of the elder, and the drinks were brought. + +This went on for some time. The young man was evidently affected. +Finally he threw down his cue, and said; + +"I won't play again." + +"Why not?" + +"My hand is unsteady. I have drank too much." + +"I've drank as much as you, but I am all right." + +"You can stand more than I. I'll settle for the drinks and games and go +home." + +"Shan't I see you home?" asked the elder. + +"I don't want to trouble you." + +"No trouble at all." + +The young man paid at the bar, displaying a well-filled pocketbook. +There was something in his companion's expression which made Tony +suspicious. He formed a sudden resolve. + +"I'll follow them," he said, and when they left the room he was close +behind them. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIX. + +A STRANGE ADVENTURE. + + +The young man leaned on the arm of his companion. He was affected +by the potations in which he had indulged, and was sensible of his +condition. + +"I ought not to have drank so much," he said, in unsteady accents. + +"Pooh! it's nothing," said the other, lightly. "Where are you stopping?" + +"St. Nicholas." + +"We'd better walk; it will do you good to walk." + +"Just as you say." + +"Of course, I would only advise you for your good." + +"I know it; but old fellow, why did you make me drink so much?" + +"I thought you could stand it better. I'm as cool as a cucumber." + +He pressed the young man's arm, and led him into a side street. + +"What's that for? This ain't the way to St. Nicholas." + +"I know it." + +"Why don't you go up Broadway?" + +"You are not fit to go in yet. You need a longer walk, so that your +condition will not be noticed when you go in." + +"Go along old fellow; you're right." + +Still Tony kept behind. All seemed right enough, but somehow he could +not help feeling suspicious of the older man. + +"I'll watch him," he thought, "and if he attempts any mischief I'll +interfere." + +The two men walked in a westerly direction, crossing several streets. + +"Look here," said the young man, "we'd better turn back." + +Now was the time. + +The other looked swiftly around, but did not notice Tony, who was +tracking him in the darkness. + +"Give me your watch and money at once, or I'll blow your brains out." + +"Look here, you're only trying to play a joke on me." + +"You're mistaken. I'm a desperate man. I will do as I say." + +"Then you're a villain," said the young man, with spirit. "You've made +me drunk in order to rob me." + +"Precisely. Your money or your life. That's about what I mean." + +"I'll call the police." + +"If you do it will be your last word. Now make up your mind." + +The young man, instead of complying, endeavored to break away, but in +his intoxication he had lost half his strength, and was no match for +the other. + +"You fool! your blood be on your own hands!" said his companion, and he +drew a pistol from his side pocket. + +An instant and he would have fired, but Tony was on the alert. He +sprang forward, seized the would-be murderer by the arm, and the pistol +went off, but the bullet struck a brick wall on the opposite side of +the street. + +"Police!" shouted Tony, at the top of his lungs. + +"Confusion!" exclaimed the villain. "I must be getting out of this." + +He turned to fly, but Tony seized him by the coat, and he struggled +fiercely, but in vain. + +"Let go, you young scoundrel!" he shouted, "or I'll shoot you." + +"With an unloaded pistol?" asked Tony. "That don't scare much." + +A quick step was heard, and a policeman turned the corner. + +"What's the matter?" he asked. + +"I charge this man with an attempt at murder," said Tony. + +"The boy is right," said the young man. + +"They are both lying," said the adventurer, furiously. "It's a plot +against me." + +"I know you, Bill Jones," said the policeman, after a careful scrutiny +of the man's features. "You're a hard ticket. Come along with me. You +two must go with me to prefer your charge." + +"Let me have your arm, my boy," said the young man; "I'm ashamed to own +that I need your help. It is the last time I will allow liquor to get +the better of me." + +"I guess you're about right there," said Tony. "You've had a narrow +escape." + +"I owe my life to you," said the young man, warmly. "How did you happen +to come up just in the nick of time?" + +"I suspected the man meant you no good. I followed you from the +billiard saloon, where I saw you playing." + +"You were sharper than I. I never suspected harm. You have done me the +greatest possible service." + +"Curse the young brat!" muttered the man in custody. "I'd like a good +chance to wring your neck." + +"I've no doubt of it," said Tony. "I'll keep out of your way." + +The station house was not far off. The party entered. The charge was +formally made, and Tony and the young man went out. + +"Won't your father and mother feel anxious about your being out so +late?" asked George Spencer, for this was the young man's name. + +"I don't think they will," answered Tony. "I haven't got any for that +matter." + +"Who do you live with then?" + +"I take care of myself." + +"Have you no one belonging to you?" + +"Not one." + +"Are you poor?" asked Spencer, for the first time taking notice of +Tony's rather shabby apparel. + +"Oh, no," said our hero. "I've got a little over two dollars in my +pocket." + +"Is that all?" + +"Yes, and it's a good deal more than I generally have." + +"You don't say so. How do you make your living?" + +"Any way I can. Any way that's honest." + +"And don't you ever get discouraged--down in the mouth?" + +"Not often," answered Tony. "I've always got along, and I guess +something will turn up for me. But there's one thing I'm sorry for." + +"What's that?" + +"I would like to get some sort of an education; I don't know much." + +"Can you read?" + +"A little, and write a little. I mostly picked it up myself." + +The young man whistled. + +"Have you any place to sleep to-night?" + +"I've hired an attic room for a week." + +"What do you pay?" + +"A dollar a week." + +"Of course, it's a poor room?" + +"Yes; but it's all I can expect, and better than I often have. Why, +I've slept in barns and under haystacks plenty of times." + +"What is your name?" + +"Tony Rugg." + +"Well, Tony, you must come and stop with me to-night." + +"With you?" + +"Yes; at the St. Nicholas Hotel. You can help me get there, and share +my room." + +Tony hesitated. + +"Do you mean it?" he asked. + +"Why shouldn't I?" + +"Because you're a gentleman, and I--do you know what they call me?" + +"What?" + +"Tony, the Tramp." + +"It is your misfortune and not your fault. I repeat my invitation--will +you come?" + +"I will," answered Tony. + +He saw that the young man was in earnest, and he no longer persisted in +his refusal. + +"To-morrow morning I will talk with you further about your affairs. I +want to do something for you." + +"You are very kind." + +"I ought to be. Haven't you saved my life? But there is the hotel." + +Tony and his new friend entered the great hotel. It was brilliantly +lighted, though it was now nearly midnight. + +Mr. Spencer went up to the desk. + +"My key," he said; "No. 169." + +"Here it is, sir." + +"This young man will share my room; I will enter his name." + +The clerk looked at Tony in surprise. He looked rather shabby for a +guest of the great caravansery. + +"Has he luggage?" asked the clerk. + +"None to-night; I will pay his bill." + +"All right, sir." + +They got into the elevator, and presently came to a stop. Mr. Spencer +opened the door of 169. + +It was a good-sized and handsomely furnished chamber, containing two +beds. + +"You will sleep in that bed, Tony," said Spencer. "I feel dead tired. +Will you help me off with my coat?" + +Scarcely was the young man in bed than he fell asleep. Tony lay awake +some time, thinking of his strange adventure. + +"It's the first time in my life," he said to himself, "when I've had +two beds--one here and the other at my lodgings. What would Rudolph say +if he knew I was stopping at a fashionable hotel, instead of being at +the bottom of the well, where he threw me?" + + + + +CHAPTER XXX. + +BREAKFAST AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. + + +When Tony woke up in the morning he looked about him with momentary +bewilderment, wondering where he was. + +George Spencer was already awake. + +"How did you sleep, Tony?" he asked. + +"First rate." + +"It must be late. Please look at my watch and tell me what time it is." + +"Half-past eight," said Tony, complying with his request. "Why, it's +late." + +"Not very. I didn't get up until ten yesterday. Well, what do you say +to getting up and having some breakfast?" + +"Am I to breakfast with you, Mr. Spencer?" + +"To be sure you are, unless you have another engagement," added +Spencer, jocosely. + +"If I have it can wait," said Tony. "How much do they charge here for +board, Mr. Spencer?" + +"Four or five dollars a day. I really don't know exactly how much." + +"Four or five dollars a day!" exclaimed Tony, opening his eyes in +amazement. "How much I shall cost you!" + +"I expect you will cost me a good deal, Tony," said the young man. "Do +you know, I have a great mind to adopt you!" + +"Do you really mean it, Mr. Spencer?" + +"Yes; why shouldn't I. I like what I have seen of you, and I have +plenty of money." + +"It must be a nice thing to have plenty of money," said Tony, +thoughtfully. + +"There is danger in it, too, Tony. I am ashamed to tell you how much I +have spent in gambling and dissipation." + +"I wouldn't do it, Mr. Spencer," said Tony, soberly. + +"Capital advice, Tony. I am going to keep you with me for fear I might +forget, that is, if you think you will like me well enough to stay." + +"I am sure to like you, Mr. Spencer, but you may get tired of me." + +"I'll let you know when I do, Tony. How much income do you think I +have?" + +"A thousand dollars!" guessed Tony, who considered that this would be a +very large income. + +Spencer laughed. + +"It is over ten thousand," he said. + +"Ten thousand!" exclaimed Tony. "How can you spend it all?" + +"I did spend it all, last year, Tony, and got a thousand dollars in +debt. I gambled, and most of it went that way. But I'll leave that off. +I shall have you to take up my time, now." + +"Did you know that man you played billiards with last night, Mr. +Spencer?" + +"I made his acquaintance in a gambling house, and I was well punished +for keeping company with such a man." + +Tony was now nearly dressed. + +"You didn't get your clothing from a fashionable tailor, I should +judge," said his new guardian. + +"No," said Tony, "I haven't been to fashionable tailors much." + +"After breakfast I must go with you and see you properly clothed. If +you are to be my ward, I must have your appearance do me credit." + +"How very kind you are to me, Mr. Spencer," said Tony, gratefully. "I +don't know how to repay you." + +"You've done something in that way already." + +"It seems like a dream that a poor boy like me should be adopted by a +rich gentleman." + +"It is a dream you won't wake up from very soon. Now if you are ready +we will go down to breakfast." + +Tony hung back. + +"Won't you be ashamed to have me seen with you in these clothes?" he +asked. + +"Not a bit. Besides you will soon be in better trim. Come along, Tony." + +They went down together, and entered the breakfast room. A considerable +number of persons were there. Several stared in surprise at Tony as he +entered and took his seat. Our hero noticed it, and it made him nervous. + +"Do you see how they look at me?" he said. + +"Don't let it affect your appetite, Tony," said his friend. "When you +appear among them again you will have no reason to feel ashamed." + +A speech which Tony heard from a neighboring table did not serve to +reassure him. + +An over-dressed lady of fifty said to a tall, angular young lady, her +daughter: + +"Elvira, do you see that very common-looking boy at the next table?" + +"Yes, ma." + +"He looks low. He is not as well dressed as our servants. It is very +strange they should let him eat at an aristocratic hotel like this." + +"Isn't he with that gentleman, ma?" + +"It looks like it. He maybe the gentleman's servant. I really think it +an imposition to bring him here." + +Mr. Spencer smiled. + +"Don't mind it, Tony," he said. "I know those people by sight. They +are parvenus. I suppose you don't understand the word. They are vulgar +people who have become rich by a lucky speculation. They will change +their tune presently. What will you have for breakfast?" + +"There's such a lot of things," said Tony, "I don't know what to +choose." + +"You'll get used to that. I'll order breakfast for both." + +The waiter appeared, and Mr. Spencer gave the order. + +The waiter looked uncomfortable. + +"Mr. Spencer," he said, "it's against the rules for you to bring your +servant to the table with you." + +"I have not done so," said Mr. Spencer, promptly. "This young gentleman +is my ward." + +"Oh, excuse me," said the waiter, confused. + +"Has any one prompted you to speak to me about him?" + +"Those ladies at the next table." + +"Then those ladies owe an apology to my ward," said the young man, loud +enough for the ladies to hear. + +The shot told. The ladies looked confused and embarrassed, and Tony and +his guardian quietly finished their breakfast. + +There was another lady who noticed Tony, and this was Mrs. Harvey +Middleton. She was to sail for England in the afternoon. + +As Tony and Mr. Spencer were going out of the breakfast-room, they met +her entering. + +She started at the sight of Tony, and scanned his face eagerly. + +"Who are you, boy?" she asked, quickly, laying her hand on his arm. + +Tony was too surprised to answer, and Mr. Spencer answered for him. + +"It is my ward, madame," he answered. "He has been roughing it in the +country, which accounts for the state of his wardrobe." + +"O, I beg pardon, sir," said Mrs. Middleton. "I thought his face looked +familiar." + +"You see, Tony, that your appearance attracts attention," said Mr. +Spencer, laughing. "Now we'll go out, and I'll get you a fit-out." + +They went to a well-known clothier's, and Mr. Spencer purchased two +handsome suits for our hero, one of which he put on at once. At another +place a plentiful supply of under-clothing was purchased. Next a hat +and shoes were procured. Tony's hair was cut, he took a bath, and +in a couple of hours he was transformed into a young gentleman of +distinguished appearance. + +"Really, Tony, I shouldn't have known you," said his friend. + +"I shouldn't have known myself," said Tony. "I almost think it must be +some other boy. Who'd think I was Tony, the Tramp, now?" + +"You are not to be a tramp any longer. I have not yet formed my plans +for you, but I shall soon. I suppose, Tony, your education has been +neglected." + +"I should think it had," answered Tony. "I'm as ignorant as a horse." + +"Then you ought to learn something." + +"I wish I could." + +"You shall, but, as I said, I must arrange details later." + + * * * * * * * + +About this time Rudolph and Mrs. Middleton were conversing, preparatory +to starting for the steamer. + +"You are sure the boy is dead?" she said. + +"Sure? I ought to be. Didn't I see him dead with my own eyes?" + +"I saw a boy this morning who looked as I suppose the boy would have +looked--of the same age, too." + +"Where did you see him?" + +"He was with a gentleman, coming out of the breakfast-room as I was +entering it." + +"It couldn't have been he," said Rudolph, positively. "Even if he were +alive, he wouldn't be here. But he's dead, I tell you. There's no doubt +of it." + +"There are strange resemblances," said the lady. "But, of course, it +couldn't have been the boy. Indeed, the gentleman with him told me that +it was his ward." + +Rudolph laughed. + +"Tony wasn't likely to have a gentleman for a guardian," he said. + +But Rudolph would have felt less easy in his mind if he had known that +the boy whom he supposed dead at the bottom of a well was really in the +hotel at that very moment. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXI. + +TONY AND HIS GUARDIAN SET UP HOUSEKEEPING. + + +"Now, Tony," said George Spencer, after dinner, "I want to tell you +what plans I have formed for you and myself. I have got tired of hotel +life, and want a home. I shall seek a couple of handsomely-furnished +rooms up town, make it social and pleasant with books and pictures, and +we will settle down and enjoy ourselves." + +"I am afraid you will get tired of me, Mr. Spencer," said Tony, +modestly. "I am too ignorant to be much company for you." + +"Ignorance, like poverty, can be remedied," said the young man. "I +shall obtain a private tutor for you, and expect you to spend some +hours daily in learning." Tony's face brightened up. + +"That is just what I would like," he said. + +"You would like it better than going to school?" + +"Yes, for at school I should be obliged to go into a class with much +younger boys." + +"While with a tutor you can go on as fast as you please." + +"Yes, sir." + +"To-night we both need a little recreation. Suppose we go to some place +of amusement. Have you ever been to Barnum's?" + +"Yes, sir, but I didn't take a reserved seat." + +"I suppose not." + +"I sat in the upper gallery." + +"To-night you shall be fashionable. Have you a pair of kid gloves?" + +"The last pair I had is worn out," said Tony, laughing. + +"Then you must have another pair. We will get a pair on our way there." + +It was already time to start. + +At eight o'clock Tony found himself occupying an orchestra chair near +the stage, his hands encased in a pair of gloves of faultless fit, +and looking enough like a young patrician to pass muster among his +fashionable neighbors. + +"How does it seem, Tony?" asked Spencer, smiling. + +"Tip-top," answered Tony: "but how queer kid gloves feel. I never had a +pair on in my life before." + +"There are the two ladies who found fault with your appearance at the +breakfast table this morning." + +"They are looking at me through an opera-glass." + +"Wondering if you can be the same boy. I have no doubt they are puzzled +to account for your transformation." + +Mr. Spencer was right. The two ladies were at the same moment +exchanging remarks about our hero. + +"Goodness, Elvira! there is that boy that was at breakfast this morning +at the hotel." + +"The boy that was so shabbily dressed, mamma? Where?" + +"Just to the left. He isn't shabby now. See how he is decked out. Who +would have thought it?" + +"It's queer, isn't it?" + +"I think we must have been mistaken about him. He looks like a young +gentleman now. But why should he have worn such clothes before?" + +"I can't tell, I am sure." + +"That's a nice-looking young man, Elvira. I wish he would take a fancy +to you." + +"La! mamma, how you talk," said Elvira, bridling and smiling. + +"Depend upon it, Tony, those ladies will be polite to you if they get a +chance," said Spencer, laughing. + +"It makes a great deal of difference how a boy is dressed," said Tony. + +"You are right, Tony. Remember you are fashionable now." + +"There's a gentleman in front that I know," said Tony, suddenly. + +"Where." + +"The man with a partly bald head." + +"How do you know him?" + +"He was staying two or three days at the country hotel where I was +stable boy." + +"Do you think he would know you now?" + +"May I see?" + +"Yes, but don't let him find you out. It won't do in society to let it +be known that you were ever a stable-boy." + +"All right." + +Tony leaned over, and addressing the gentleman, said: + +"Would you be kind enough to lend me your programme a minute, sir?" + +"Certainly," was the reply. Then, looking at Tony: "Your face looks +very familiar. Where have I seen you before?" + +"Perhaps at the St. Nicholas, sir," said Tony; "I am stopping there." + +"No; I never go to the St. Nicholas. Bless me! You're the very image of +a boy I have seen somewhere." + +"Am I?" said Tony. "I hope he was good-looking?" + +"He was; but he was not dressed like you. In fact--I remember now--he +was employed as stable-boy in a country hotel." + +"A stable boy!" exclaimed Tony, with comic horror. "I hope you don't +think I am the boy." + +"Of course not. But really the resemblance is striking." + +"Mr. Spencer," said Tony, "this gentleman has met a stable boy who +looks like me." + +"I really beg your pardon," said the gentleman; "I meant no offense." + +"My ward would not think of taking offense," said Mr. Spencer, +courteously. + +Tony smiled to himself; he had a strong sense of humor, and was much +amused. + +It is needless to say that he enjoyed the performance--all the more so +from his luxurious seat and nearness to the stage. + +"It's a good deal better than sitting in the gallery," he said, in a +whisper to his companion. + +"I should think so. I never sat up there, Tony." + +"And I never sat anywhere else." + +As they were leaving the house, they found themselves close to the +ladies whom they had noticed at breakfast. + +Elvira chanced to drop her handkerchief, probably intentionally. + +Tony stooped and picked it up. Though he had led the life of a tramp, +he had the instincts of a gentleman. + +"Thank you, young gentleman," said Elvira. "You are very polite." + +"Oh, don't mention it," said Tony. + +"Really, Mamma, he is a born gentleman," said Elvira, later, to her +mother. "How could we make such a mistake." + +"His clothes were certainly very shabby, my dear." + +"Very likely he had been out hunting or something. We must not judge so +hastily next time." + +The ladies were foiled in their intentions of cultivating the +acquaintance of Tony and his guardian, as two days later they left +the hotel, and installed themselves in an elegant boarding-house on +Madison avenue. + +"Now," said Mr. Spencer, "we must go to work." + +"I must," said Tony. + +"And I too," said Spencer. + +"What can you have to do?" + +"I have received a proposal to invest a part of my money--only +one-fourth--in a business down town, and shall accept. I don't need +to increase my income, but I think I shall be less likely to yield to +temptation if I have some fixed employment. I shall be so situated +that I can do as much or as little as I please. As to yourself I have +put an advertisement in a morning paper for a teacher, and expect some +applicants this morning. I want you to choose for yourself." + +"I am afraid I shan't be a very good judge of teachers. Shall I examine +them to see if they know enough?" + +"I think, from what you say of your ignorance, that any of them will +know enough to teach you for the present. The main thing is to select +one who knows how to teach, and whom you will like." + +"I wish you were a teacher, Mr. Spencer." + +"Why?" + +"Because then I should have a teacher whom I liked." + +"Thank you, Tony," said the young man, evidently gratified. "The liking +is mutual. I think myself fortunate in having you for my companion." + +"The luck is on my side, Mr. Spencer. What would I be but for you. I +wouldn't be a tramp any more, for I am tired enough of that, but I +should have to earn my living as a newsboy or a bootblack, and have no +chance of getting an education." + +So the relations between Tony and his new friend became daily more +close, until Mr. Spencer came to regard him as a young brother, in +whose progress he was warmly interested. + +A tutor was selected, and Tony began to study. His ambition was roused. +He realized for the first time how ignorant he was, and it is not too +much to say that he learned in one month as much as most boys learn in +three. He got rid of the uncouth words he had acquired in early life, +and adapted his manners to the new position which he found himself +occupying in society. Mr. Spencer, too, was benefited by his new +friend. He gave up drink and dissipation, and contented himself with +pleasures in which he could invite Tony to participate. + +Meanwhile Mrs. Harvey Middleton and Rudolph had arrived in England, and +we must leave our hero, for a time and join them. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXII. + +HOME AGAIN. + + +When Mrs. Harvey Middleton reached England, she delayed but a day +in London to attend to necessary business. This business was solely +connected with her mission to America. Rudolph Rugg accompanied her to +the chambers of a well-known lawyer, and testified to having had the +charge of Tony, closing with the description of his death. Of course +nothing was said of the well, or about his having thrown him in, for +Rudolph was not a fool. The details of a probable story had been got +up by Mrs. Middleton and Rugg in concert. According to them and the +written testimony, Tony had been run over by a train on the Erie +railway, and a newspaper paragraph describing such an accident to an +unknown boy was produced in corroboration. + +It was an ingenious fabrication, and Mrs. Middleton plumed herself upon +it. + +"Poor boy!" she said, with a hypocritical sigh, "his was a sad fate." + +"It was, indeed," said the lawyer; "but," he added, dryly, "you have no +cause to regret it, since it secures the estate." + +"Don't mention it, Mr. Brief. It is sad to profit by such a tragedy." + +"You don't take a business view of it, madame. Such things happen, and +if we can't prevent them, we may as well profit by them." + +"Of course I will not refuse what has fallen in my way," said Mrs. +Middleton; "but I had formed the plan, if I found the boy alive, of +bringing him home and educating him for his position. He would not have +let me want." + +"Don't she do it well, though?" thought Rudolph, who heard all this +with a cynical admiration for the ex-governess. "If I was a gentleman, +I'd make up to her, and make her Mrs. Rugg if she'd say the word." + +"You think this man's evidence will substantiate my claim to the +estate?" she asked, after a pause. + +"I should say there was no doubt on that point, unless, of course, his +evidence is impeached or contradicted." + +"That is hardly likely, Mr. Brief. The poor man suffered much at the +death of the boy, to whom he was ardently attached." + +"So you loved the boy, Mr. Rugg?" said the lawyer. + +"Oh, uncommon," said Rudolph. "He was my pet, and the apple of my eye. +We was always together, Tony and I." + +"And I suppose he loved you." + +"He couldn't bear me out of his sight; he looked upon me as a father, +sir." + +"If he'd come into the estate, he would probably have provided for +you," suggested the lawyer, watching him keenly. + +"It's likely, sir. I wish he had." + +"So it's a personal loss to you--the death of the boy." + +"Yes, sir." + +"Mrs. Middleton probably will not forget your services to the boy." + +"No, sir. I shall, of course, do something for Mr. Rugg, though not as +much, perhaps, as my poor cousin would have done. Mr. Rugg, will you +see me to my carriage?" + +"Certainly, ma'am." + +Mrs. Middleton was anxious to go away. The conversation had taken a +turn which she did not like. It almost seemed as if the lawyer was +trying to find out something, and she thought it best to get Rudolph +away from the influence, lest Mr. Brief should catechise him, and draw +out something to her disadvantage. + +"Mr. Rugg," she said, as they were going down stairs, "I advise you not +to go near Mr. Brief again." + +"Why not, ma'am?" + +"These lawyers are crafty. Before you knew what he was after, he would +extract the secret from you, and there would be trouble for both of us." + +"Do you think so, ma'am? I didn't see nothing of it?" + +"I think he suspects something. That matters nothing if it does not go +beyond suspicion. Unless he can impeach your testimony and draw you +into contradictions, we are safe, and you are sure of an income for +life." + +"You needn't be afraid for me, ma'am. We are in the same boat." + +She frowned a little at the familiar tone in which he spoke. It +was as if he put himself on an equality with her. But it was true, +nevertheless, and it was unpleasant for her to think of. + +Was there nothing else that was unpleasant? Did she not think of the +poor boy who, as she thought, was killed, and at her instigation? Yes, +she thought often of him, but as much as she could she kept the subject +away from her thoughts. + +"He's better off," she said to herself. "He didn't know anything of the +property, and he wasn't fit to possess it. All the troubles of life are +over for him." + +"What are your plans, Mr. Rugg?" she asked. + +"I have a mind to go down to Middleton Hall with you, ma'am. I used to +live there years ago, and I might find some of my old cronies." + +"For that very reason you must not go," she said, hastily. "They +would be asking you all sorts of questions, and you'd be letting out +something." + +"They wouldn't get nothing out of me." + +"If you made no answer it would be as bad. They would suspect you." + +"And you, too." + +"Precisely." + +"It's rather hard, Mrs. Middleton, I can't see my old friends." + +"You can make new ones. A man with money can always find friends." + +"That's true, ma'am," said Rudolph, brightening up. "Then you'd +recommend me to stay in London?" + +"In London, or anywhere else that you like better. Only don't come +within twenty miles of Middleton Hall." + +"Well, ma'am, you're wiser than I am, and you know better what it's +best to do." + +"Of course I do. You are safe in being guided by me." + +"But about the money, ma'am. How am I to get that if I don't see you?" + +"Once a quarter I will pay in forty pounds to your account at any bank +you choose. You can let me know." + +"All right, ma'am. It's strange to me to think of having a bank +account." + +"It need not be strange henceforth. And now, Mr. Rugg, we must part. +I must hasten down to Middleton Hall to look after the estate. I have +been absent from it now for nearly three months." + +"I suppose you are in a hurry to see your young man," said Rudolph, +with a grin. + +"Mr. Rugg," said the lady, haughtily, "I beg you will make no reference +to my private affairs. You speak as if I were a nursery maid." + +"I beg your pardon, ma'am. No offense was meant." + +"Then none is taken. But remember my caution." + +She stepped into the hansom which was waiting for her, and Rudolph +remained standing on the sidewalk. + +"She's puttin' on airs," said the tramp, frowning. "She forgets all +about her bein' a governess once, without five pounds in the world. She +acts as if she were a lady born. I don't like it. She may try her airs +on others, but not on Rudolph Rugg. He knows a little too much about +Mrs. Harvey Middleton. Rich as you are, you're in his power, and if he +was so inclined he could bring you down from your high place, so he +could." + +But Rudolph's anger was only transient. He was too astute not to +understand clearly that he could not harm Mrs. Middleton without +harming himself quite as much. As things stood, he was securely +provided for. No more tramping about the country for him in all +weathers. He had enough to lodge and feed him, and provide all the beer +and tobacco he could use. This was certainly a comfortable reflection. +So he sought out a comfortable lodging and installed himself before +night, determined to get what enjoyment he could out of London and the +income he had so foully won. + +And Mrs. Middleton, she, too, congratulated herself. + +She leaned back in the cab and gave herself up to joyful anticipations +of future happiness and security. + +"Thank Heaven, I have got rid of that low fellow," she ejaculated, +inwardly. "I never want to see the brute again. He was necessary to +my purpose, and I employed him, but I should be glad if he would get +drowned, or be run over, or end his miserable life in some way, so that +I might never see or hear of him again." + +But the thought of Rudolph did not long trouble her. She thought rather +of the handsome Captain Lovell, whom she loved, and to marry whom she +had committed this crime, and the hard woman's face softened, and a +smile crept over it. + +"I shall soon see him, my Gregory," she murmured. "He will soon be +mine, and I shall be repaid for my long, wearisome journey." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIII. + +CAPTAIN GREGORY LOVELL. + + +A carriage drove rapidly up the avenue leading to Middleton Hall. + +The hall was not large, but was handsome and well proportioned, and +looked singularly attractive, its gray walls forming a harmonious +contrast with the bright green ivy that partially covered them, and the +broad, smooth lawn that stretched out in front. + +Mrs. Middleton regarded her home with unmingled satisfaction. It was +to be her home now as long as she lived. Now that the boy was dead no +one could wrest it from her. She would live there, but not in solitary +grandeur. The news of her success would bring Captain Gregory Lovell +to her side, and their marriage would follow as soon as decency would +permit. If afterward he should desire to have the name of the residence +changed to Lovell Hall, Mrs. Middleton decided that she would not +object. Why should she? She had no superstitious love for her present +name, while Lovell had for her the charm which love always gives to the +name of the loved one. + +The housekeeper, stout and matronly, received her mistress at the door. + +"Welcome home, Mrs. Middleton," she said; "how long it seems since you +went away." + +"How do you do, Sarah," said her mistress, graciously. "I can assure +you I am glad to be back." + +"You will find everything in order, mum, I hope and believe," said +Sarah. "We expected to see you sooner." + +"I hoped to be back sooner, but the business detained me longer than I +desired." + +"And did you succeed, mum, if I may be so bold," inquired the +housekeeper, curiously. + +"As I expected, Sarah. I found that the poor boy was dead." + +"Indeed, mum." + +"I hoped to bring him back with me, according to my poor husband's +desire, but it was ordered otherwise by an inscrutable Providence." + +Sarah coughed. + +"It is very sad," she said, but she looked curiously at her mistress. + +She knew very well that this sad news rejoiced the heart of Mrs. +Middleton, and the latter knew that she could not for a moment impose +upon her clear-sighted housekeeper. But the farce must be kept up for +the sake of appearances. + +"Come up to my chamber with me, Sarah. I want to ask you what has been +going on since I went away? Have you heard from Lady Lovell's family? +Are they all well?" + +Lady Lovell was the mother of Captain Gregory Lovell, and the question +was earnestly put. + +"They are all well except the captain," answered Sarah. + +"Is he sick?" demanded her mistress, turning upon her swiftly. + +"No, mum; I only meant to say that the captain was gone away." + +"Gone away! When? Where?" + +"He's ordered to India, I believe, mum. He went away a month ago." + +Mrs. Middleton sank into her chair, quite overcome. Her joy was +clouded, for the reward of her long and toilsome journey was snatched +from her. + +"Did he not leave any message?" she asked. "Did he not call before he +went away?" + +"Yes, mum. He left a note." + +"Give it to me quick. Why did you not mention it to me before?" + +"It's the first chance I got, mum. The letter is in my own chamber. I +took the best care of it. I will get it directly." + +"Do go, Sarah." + +Mrs. Middleton awaited the return of Sarah with nervous impatience. +Perhaps the captain had thrown her over, after all, and, loving him as +she did, this would have torn the heart of the intriguing woman, who, +cold and selfish as she was so far as others were concerned, really +loved the handsome captain. + +Sarah speedily reappeared with the letter. + +"Here it is, mum," she said. "I have taken the best care of it." + +Mrs. Middleton tore it open with nervous haste This is the way it ran: + + + "MY DEAR JANE--I am about to set out for India--not + willingly, but my regiment is ordered there, and I must obey or + quit the service. This, as you well know, I cannot do; for apart + from my official pay, I have but a paltry two hundred pounds a + year, and that is barely enough to pay my tailor's bill. I am + sorry to go away in your absence. If I were only sure you would + bring home good news, I could afford to sell my commission and + wait. But it is so uncertain that I cannot take the risk. + + "I need not say, my dear Jane, how anxious I am to have all the + impediments to our union removed. I am compelled to be mercenary. + It is, alas! necessary for me, as a younger son, to marry a woman + with money. I shall be happy, indeed, if interest and love go + hand in hand, as they will if your absolute claim to your late + husband's estate is proved beyond a doubt. I append my India + address, and shall anxiously expect a communication from you on + your return. If you have been successful, I will arrange to return + at once, and our union can be solemnized without delay. Once more, + farewell. + + "Your devoted + "GREGORY LOVELL." + + +Mrs. Middleton, after reading this letter, breathed a sigh of relief. +He was still hers, and she had only to call him back. There would be a +vexatious delay, but that must be submitted to. She had feared to lose +him, and this apprehension, at least, might be laid aside. + +To some the letter would have seemed too mercenary. Even Mrs. Middleton +could not help suspecting that, between love and interest, the latter +was far the most powerful in the mind of Captain Lovell. But she +purposely closed her eyes to this unpleasant suspicion. She was in love +with the handsome captain, and it was the great object of her life to +become his wife. She decided to answer the letter immediately. + +Her desk was at hand, and she opened it at once, and wrote a brief +letter to her absent lover: + + + "DEAR GREGORY--I have just returned. I am deeply + disappointed to find you absent, for, my darling, I have + succeeded. I have legal proof--proof that cannot be disputed--that + the boy, my husband's cousin, is dead. The poor boy was + accidentally killed. I have the sworn affidavit of the man who + took him to America, and who was his constant companion there. + + "It is a sad fate for the poor boy. I sincerely deplore his + tragical end--he was run over by a train of cars--yet (is it + wicked?), my grief is mitigated by the thought that it removes all + obstacle to our union. I do not for an instant charge you with + interested motives. I am sure of your love, but I also comprehend + the necessities of your position. You have been brought up as a + gentleman, and you have the tastes of a gentleman. You cannot + surrender your social position. It is necessary that, if you + marry, you should have an adequate income to live upon. My darling + Gregory, I am proud and happy in the thought that I can make you + such. You know my estate. The rental is two thousand pounds, and + that is enough to maintain our social rank. Come home, then, as + soon, as you receive this letter. I am awaiting you impatiently, + and can hardly reconcile myself to the delay that must be. Make it + as short as possible, and let me hear from you at once. + + "Your own, + "JANE MIDDLETON." + + +There was unexpected delay in the reception of this letter. It was +three months before it came into the hands of Captain Lovell. When at +length it was received, he read it with a mixture of emotions. + +"Decidedly," he said, removing the cigar from his mouth, "the old girl +is fond of me. I wish I were fond of her, for I suppose I must marry +her. It will be rather a bad pill to swallow, but it is well gilded. +Two thousand pounds a year are not to be thrown away by a fellow in my +straits. The prospect might be brighter, but I suppose I have no right +to complain. It will make me comfortable for life. I must take care to +have the estate settled upon me, and then the sooner the old girl dies +the better." + +So Captain Lovell wrote at once, saying that he would return home as +soon as he could make arrangements for doing so--that every day would +seem a month till he could once more embrace his dear Jane. The letter +was signed, "Your devoted Gregory." + +Mrs. Middleton read it with unfeigned delight. Her plans had succeeded, +and the reward would soon be hers. + +But there was fresh delay. Arrangements to return could not be made so +easily as Captain Lovell anticipated. It was seven months from the day +Mrs. Middleton reached England when Captain Lovell was driven to his +hotel in London. Meanwhile events had occurred which were to have an +effect upon Mrs. Middleton's plans. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIV. + +TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FRIENDS. + + +"Tony," said George Spencer one evening, "you have been making +wonderful progress in your studies. In six months you have accomplished +as much as I did at boarding school in two years when at your age." + +"Do you really mean it, Mr. Spencer?" said Tony, gratified. + +"I am quite in earnest." + +"I am very glad of it," said Tony. "When I began I was almost +discouraged. I was so much behind boys of my age." + +"And now your attainments raise you above the average. Your tutor told +me so yesterday when I made inquiries." + +"I am rejoiced to hear it, Mr. Spencer, I was very much ashamed of +myself at first, and I did not like to speak before your friends for +fear they would find out what sort of a life I led. That is what made +me work so hard." + +"Well, Tony, you may congratulate yourself on having succeeded. I think +you can venture now to take a little vacation." + +"A vacation! I don't need one." + +"Suppose it were spent in Europe?" + +"What!" exclaimed Tony, eagerly, "you don't think of our going abroad?" + +"Yes. The house with which I am connected wants me to go abroad on +business. If I go you may go with me if you would like it." + +"Like it!" exclaimed Tony, impetuously. "There is nothing I would like +better." + +"So I supposed," said George Spencer, smiling. "I may as well tell you +that our passage is taken for next Saturday, by the Russia." + +"And this is Monday evening. How soon it seems!" + +"There won't be much preparation to make--merely packing your trunk." + +"Mr. Spencer," said Tony, "I want to ask a favor." + +"What is it?" + +"I have told you about being employed at a country hotel, just before I +came to the city and found you." + +"Yes." + +"I would like to go back there for a day, just to see how all my old +friends are." + +"You don't mean to apply again for your old place?" + +"Not unless you turn me off, and I have to find work somewhere." + +"Turn you off, Tony! Why, I shouldn't know how to get along without +you. You are like a younger brother to me," said the young man, +earnestly. + +"Thank you, Mr. Spencer. You seem like an older brother to me. +Sometimes I can hardly believe that I was once a tramp." + +"It was your misfortune, Tony, not your fault. So you want to go back +and view your former home?" + +"Yes, Mr. Spencer." + +"Then you had better start to-morrow morning, so as to be back in good +time to prepare for the journey." + +"Do you know, Mr. Spencer," said Tony, "I've got an idea. I'll go back +wearing the same clothes I had on when I left there." + +"Have you got them still?" + +"Yes, I laid them away, just to remind me of my old life. I'll take my +other clothes in a bundle, and after a while I can put them on." + +"What is your idea in doing this, Tony?" asked the young man. + +"I want to give them a surprise." + +"Very well, do as you please. Only don't stay away too long." + + * * * * * * + +Tony proceeded to carry out the plan he had proposed. + +He traveled by rail to a village near by, and then with his bundle +suspended to a stick, took up his march to the tavern. + +He entered the familiar stable yard. All looked as it did the day +he left. There was only one person in the yard, and that one Tony +recognized at once as his old enemy, Sam Payson, who appeared to be +filling his old position, as stable boy. + +"Hallo, Sam!" said Tony, whose entrance had not been observed. + +Sam looked up and whistled. + +"What, have you come back?" he said, not appearing overjoyed at the +sight of Tony. + +"Yes, Sam," said Tony. + +"Where have you been all the time?" + +"In New York part of the time." + +"What have you been doing for a living?" + +"Well, I lived with a gentleman there." + +"What did you do--black his boots?" + +"Not exactly." + +"Did he turn you off?" + +"No; but he's going to Europe next Saturday." + +"So you're out of a place?" + +"I have no employment." + +"What made you come back here?" demanded Sam, suspiciously. + +"I thought I'd like to see you all again." + +"That don't go down," said Sam roughly. "I know well enough what you're +after." + +"What am I after?" + +"You're after my place. You're hoping Mr. Porter will take you on +again. But it's no use. There ain't any chance for you." + +"How long have you been back again, Sam?" + +"Three months, and I am going to stay, too. You got me turned off once, +but you can't do it again." + +"I don't want to." + +"Oh, no, I presume not," sneered Sam. "Of course, you don't. You've got +on the same clothes you wore away, haven't you?" + +"Yes, it's the same suit, but I've got some more things in my bundle." + +"I guess you haven't made your fortune, by the looks." + +"The fact is, Sam, I haven't earned much since I went away." + +"I knew you wouldn't. You ain't so smart as people think." + +"I didn't know anybody thought me smart." + +"James, the hostler, is always talking you up to me, but I guess I can +rub along as well as you." + +"You talk as if I was your enemy, Sam, instead of your friend." + +"I don't want such a friend. You're after my place, in spite of all you +say." + +Just then James, the hostler, came out of the stable. + +"What, is it you, Tony?" he asked, cordially. + +"Yes, James; I hope you're well." + +"Tip-top; and how are you?" asked the hostler, examining Tony, +critically. + +"I'm well." + +"Have you been doing well?" + +"I haven't wanted for anything. I've been with a gentleman in New York." + +Here Mr. Porter appeared on the scene. + +He too, recognized Tony. + +"What! back again, Tony?" he said. + +"I thought I'd just look in, sir." + +"Do you want a place!" + +"What sort of a place?" + +"Your old place." + +Sam heard this, and looked the picture of dismay. He took it for +granted that Tony would accept at once, and privately determined that +if he did he would give him a flogging, if it were a possible thing. + +He was both relieved and surprised when Tony answered: + +"I am much obliged to you, Mr. Porter, but I wouldn't like to cut out +Sam. Besides, I have a place engaged in New York." + +"I would rather have you than Sam, any day." + +"Thank you, sir, but I've made an arrangement, and can't break it." + +"How long are you going to stay here?" + +"If you've a spare room, I'll stay over till to-morrow." + +"All right. Go into the office, and they'll give you one." + +"I say, Tony," said Sam, after the landlord had gone, "you're a better +fellow than I thought you were. I thought you'd take my place when it +was offered you." + +"You see you were mistaken, Sam. I'll see you again." + +Tony went into the hotel--went up to a small chamber that had been +assigned him, changed his clothes for a handsome suit in his bundle, +took a handsome gold watch and chain from his pocket and displayed +them on his vest, and then came down again. + +As he entered the yard again, Sam stared in amazement. + +"It can't be you, Tony!" he said. "Where'd you get them clothes, and +that watch?" + +"I came by them honestly, Sam." + +"But I can't understand it," said Sam, scratching his head. "Ain't you +poor, and out of work?" + +"I'm out of work, but not poor. I've been adopted by a rich gentleman, +and am going to sail for Europe on Saturday." + +"Cracky! who ever heard the like? Wouldn't he adopt me, too?" + +"I believe there is no vacancy," said Tony, smiling. + +"Was that the reason you wouldn't take my place?" + +"One reason." + +"James!" called Sam, "just look at Tony now." + +James stared, and when an explanation was made, heartily congratulated +our hero. + +"Sam," said Tony, producing a couple of showy neck-ties, "to prove to +you that I am not your enemy, I have brought you these." + +"They're stunning!" exclaimed the enraptured Sam. "I always thought you +was a good fellow, Tony. Are they really for me?" + +"To be sure they are, but I'm afraid, Sam, you didn't always think +quite so well of me." + +"Well, I do now. You're a trump." + +"And, James, I've brought you a present too." Here Tony produced a +handsome silver watch with a silver chain appended. "It's to remember +me by." + +"I'd remember you without it, Tony, but I'm very much obliged too. It's +a real beauty." + +When the landlord was told of Tony's good fortune, he was as much +surprised as the rest. Our hero was at once changed to the handsomest +room in the hotel, and was made quite a lion during the remainder of +his stay. + +There is something in success after all. + +"Good-by, Tony," said Sam heartily, when our hero left the next day. +"You're a gentleman, and I always said so." + +"Thank you, Sam. Good luck to you!" responded Tony, smiling. + +"I'm a much finer fellow than when I was a tramp," he said to himself. +"Sam says so, and he ought to know. I suppose it's the way of the +world. And now for Europe!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXXV. + +TONY'S BAD LUCK. + + +Two weeks later Tony and his friend were guests at a popular London +hotel, not far from Charing Cross. + +"We will postpone business till we have seen a little of London," said +George Spencer. "Luckily my business is not of a pressing character, +and it can wait." + +"You have been in London before, Mr. Spencer," said Tony. "I am afraid +you will find it a bore going round with me." + +"Not at all. I spent a week here when a boy of twelve, and saw nothing +thoroughly, so I am at your disposal. Where shall we go first?" + +"I should like to see Buckingham Palace, where the queen lives." + +"She doesn't live there much. However, we'll go to see it, but we'll +take the Parliament House and Westminster Abbey on the way." + +In accordance with this programme they walked--for the distance was +but short--to Westminster Abbey. It would be out of place for me to +describe here that wonderful church where so much of the rank and +talent of past ages lies buried. It is enough to say that Tony enjoyed +it highly. He afterward visited the Parliament House. This occupied +another hour. When they came out Mr. Spencer said: + +"Tony, I have got to go to my banker's. Do you care to come?" + +"No, thank you, Mr. Spencer, I would rather walk round by myself." + +"Very well, Tony, just as you please. Only don't get lost." + +"I'll take care of that; I'm used to cities." + +"You are not used to London. It is one of the blindest cities in the +world; it is a complete labyrinth." + +"I don't mean to get lost. You'll find me at the hotel at four o'clock." + +"Very well. That will be early enough." + +So George Spencer went his way, and Tony set out upon his rambles. + +He found plenty to amuse him in the various buildings and sights of the +great metropolis. But after awhile he began to wonder where he was. He +had strayed into a narrow street, scarcely more than a lane, with a row +of tumble-down dwellings on either side. + +"There's nothing worth seeing here," said our hero. "I'll inquire my +way to Charing Cross." + +He went into a small beer house, and preferred his request. + +"Charing Cross!" repeated the publican. "It's a good ways from 'ere." + +"How far?" asked Tony. + +"A mile easy, and there's no end of turns." + +"Just start me, then," said Tony, "and I'll reach there. Which way is +it?" + +"Turn to the left when you go out of this shop." + +"All right, and thank you." + +Tony noticed that there were three or four men seated at tables in +the back part of the shop, but he had not the curiosity to look at +them. If he had, he would have been startled, for among these men was +Rudolph Rugg, more disreputable than ever in appearance, for he had +been drinking deeply for the last six months. He stared at Tony as one +dazed, for he supposed him dead long ago at the bottom of a well three +thousand miles away. + +"What's the matter, Rugg?" asked his companion. "You look as if you'd +seen a ghost." + +"So I have," muttered Rugg, starting for the door. + +"Where are you going?" + +"I've got a headache," said Rudolph. + +"You've left your drink." + +"I don't want it." + +"What's come over him?" said his late companion, in surprise. + +"No matter. He'll be back soon." + +Rudolph swiftly followed Tony. He wanted to find out whether it was +really the boy whom he had sought to murder or not. Then what did his +appearance in London mean? Was he possibly in search of him--Rugg? It +was wonderful, certainly. How had he obtained the means of coming to +England?--as a gentleman, too, for Rudolph had not failed to notice +his rich clothes. Had he obtained rich and powerful friends, and was he +in search of the inheritance that had been wrongfully kept from him? + +Rudolph asked himself all these questions, but he could not answer one. + +"If I could only ask him," he thought, "but that wouldn't be safe." + +By this time he had come in sight of Tony, who was walking along +slowly, not feeling in any particular hurry. + +An idea struck Rudolph. + +A boy who had been employed in begging was standing on the sidewalk. + +"Gi'me a penny, sir," he said. + +Rudolph paused. + +"Walk along with me, and I'll show you how you can earn half a crown," +he said. + +"Will you?" said the boy, his face brightening. + +"Yes, I will, and you won't find it hard work, either." + +"Go ahead, gov'nor." + +"Do you see that boy ahead?" + +"That young gentleman?" + +"Yes," said Rudolph. + +"I see him." + +"I want you to manage to get him up to my room; it's No. 7 ---- street, +top floor, just at the head of the stairs." + +"Shall I tell him you want to see him?" + +"No, he wouldn't come. Tell him your poor grandfather is sick in +bed--anything you like, only get him to come." + +"S'posin' he won't come?" + +"Then follow him, and find out where he is staying. Do you understand?" + +"Yes, gov'nor. I'll bring him." + +"Go ahead, and I'll hurry round to the room. I'll be in bed." + +"All right." + +The boy was a sharp specimen of the juvenile London beggar. He was up +to the usual tricks of his class, and quite competent to the task which +Rudolph had engaged him to perform. + +He came up to Tony, and then began to whimper. + +"What's the matter, Johnny?" said Tony, addressing him by the usual New +York name for an unknown boy. + +"Oh, my poor grandfather is so sick," said the boy. + +"What's the matter with him?" + +"I don't know. I guess he's goin' to die." + +"Why don't you send for a doctor?" + +"He wouldn't come--we're so poor." + +"Do you live near here?" + +"Oh, yes, sir; only a little way." + +"I want to go to Charing Cross--is it much out of the way?" + +"No, sir; it's right on the way there." + +"Then, if you'll show me the way to Charing Cross afterward, I will +go round with you and look at your grandfather. Perhaps I can do +something for him." + +"Oh, sir, how kind you are! I know'd you was a gentleman when I fust +saw you." + +"When was your grandfather taken sick?" + +"Two days ago," said the boy. + +"Is he in bed?" + +"Yes, sir. Leastways, he was when I came out. We didn't have no +breakfast." + +"I am sorry for that. Don't you want to buy something to take to him?" + +"If you'll give me a shillin', sir, I'll ask him what he can eat. Sick +folks can't eat the same things as the rest of us." + +"To be sure. You are right. Well, here's a shilling." + +"The boy little thinks that I have known many a time what it is to +be without breakfast or money to buy any," thought Tony. "I'll do +something for the poor man, if only to show how grateful I am for my +own good fortune." + +He followed the boy for about ten minutes, until they reached rather a +shabby building. This was No. 7. + +"Come right up after me," said the boy. + +The two went up till they reached the room indicated by Rudolph. The +boy pushed the door open. + +A sound of groaning proceeded from the bed. + +"Grandfather, I've brought a kind young gentleman," said the boy. + +"Come here," muttered the person in bed. + +Tony came up to the bed. + +In an instant Rudolph had thrown off the clothes and had him seized by +the arm. + +"There's your money, boy. Go!" he said to the other, flinging a +half-crown. + +"I've got you at last!" he shouted. "Now, you young villain, I'll get +even with you!" + +His face was almost fiendish with rage, as he uttered these words. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVI. + +"I HATE YOU!" + + +To say that Tony was not startled would not be true. Without a moment's +warning he found himself in the power of his old enemy--completely in +his power, knowing, too, the desperate character of the man, which +would let him stick at nothing. + +Rudolph enjoyed his evident surprise. + +"I've been waiting for this," he said. "It's a great joy to me to have +you here in my power." + +By this time Tony had collected himself, and had become composed. + +"Rudolph," he said, "what makes you hate me so?" + +"Haven't you tried to injure me--didn't you get me arrested? Do you +forget that night in the old miser's hut?" + +"No, I don't forget it, but you forced me to act as I did. But even if +I did injure you, you took your revenge." + +"When, and how?" + +"When you threw me into the well. How could you do such a dark deed? +What had I done that you should seek to murder me?" + +"How did you get out?" asked Rudolph, giving way to curiosity. + +"I climbed out." + +"How?" + +"By means of the wall that lined the well. Finally I got hold of the +rope." + +"So that was the way, was it? I ought to have made surer of your fate." + +"How could you do that?" + +"By throwing some rocks down on you," answered the tramp, with a +malignant frown. + +"I am glad I have not such a wicked disposition as you, Rudolph," said +Tony, looking at him fixedly. + +"Take care how you insult me, boy!" said Rudolph, angrily. + +"I have no wish to insult you. Now tell me why you have lured me here? +I suppose you hired the boy." + +"I did, and he did the work well," said the tramp, triumphantly. + +"Well, now I am here, what do you want of me?" + +"First, tell me how you happen to be in London? Did you know I was +here?" + +"I knew you crossed the Atlantic." + +"How?" + +"I saw you buy your ticket." + +"What?" exclaimed the tramp, in surprise. "Did you reach New York so +soon?" + +"Yes. I lost my situation at the inn, for they did not believe my story +about having been thrown down the well by a Quaker." + +Rudolph laughed. + +"It was a good disguise," he said. "So they discharged you? That was +good." + +"I did not think so at the time, but it proved to be the luckiest thing +that could happen to me." + +"How was that?" + +"It led me to go to New York. There I found a rich and generous friend. +I have been with him ever since." + +"As a servant?" + +"No; as his adopted brother. He supplied me with teachers, and in +little more than six months I have acquired as much as most boys do in +two or three years." + +"So you have gone in for education, have you?" said Rudolph, sneering. + +"Yes. Could I go in for anything better?" + +"And you consider yourself a young gentleman, now, do you?" + +"That is the rank I hold in society," said Tony, calmly. + +"And you forget that you were once Tony, the Tramp?" + +"No, Rudolph, I have not forgotten that. It was not my fault, and I am +not ashamed of it. But I should be ashamed if I had not left that kind +of life as soon as I was able." + +"By Heaven, you shall go back to it!" said Rudolph, malignantly. + +"I never will," answered Tony, gently, but firmly. + +"I will force you to it." + +"Neither you nor any one else can force me to it. I will black boots in +the street first." + +"That will suit me just as well," said the tramp, laughing maliciously. +"You have grown too proud. I want to lower your pride, young popinjay." + +"I am not afraid of anything you can do to me, Rudolph," said Tony, +bravely. + +"Suppose I choose to kill you?" + +"You won't dare do it. We are not in the woods now." + +Tony had hit the truth. Rudolph did not dare to kill him, though he +would have been glad to. But he knew that he would himself be arrested, +and he had more to live for now than formerly. He had an income, +and comfortably provided for, and he did not choose to give up this +comfortable and independent life. + +"No," he said, "I won't kill you; but I will be revenged for all that. +First, I will keep you from that generous friend of yours." + +"What will he think has become of me?" thought Tony, uneasily. + +A thought came to him. He would appeal to the man's love of money. + +"Rudolph," he said, "I am afraid my friend will be uneasy about me. If +you will let me go I will give you ten pounds that I have in my pocket." + +"I don't believe you have so much money," said Rudolph, cunningly. + +Tony fell into the snare unsuspectingly. He drew out his pocket-book +and displayed two five-pound notes on the Bank of England. + +Rudolph quickly snatched them from him. + +"They are mine already," he said, with a mocking laugh. + +"So I see," said Tony, coolly; "but I was about to offer you fifty +pounds besides." + +"Have you the money in your pocketbook?" + +"No, I haven't, but I could get it from Mr. Spencer." + +"It don't go down, Tony," said Rudolph, shaking his head. "I am not so +much in need of money as to pay so dearly for it. Listen to me. If you +have been lucky, so have I. I have an income, safe and sure, of one +hundred and fifty pounds." + +"You have!" exclaimed Tony, surprised. + +"Yes." + +"Do you hold any position?" + +"No; I merely promise to keep my mouth shut." + +"Is it about me?" + +"Yes. The long and short of it is that there is an English estate, +bringing in two thousand pounds rental, that of right belongs to you." + +"To me--an estate of two thousand pounds a year?" exclaimed Tony, in +astonishment. + +"Yes; the party who owns it pays me an income as hush money. I have +only to say the word, and the estate will be yours, Tony." + +"Say the word, Rudolph, and you shall have the same income," entreated +Tony. "It isn't the money I so much care for, but I want to know who +I am. I want to be restored to my rightful place in society. Is my +mother living?" + +"No." + +"Nor my father?" + +"No." + +Tony looked sober. + +"Then I should not care so much for the money. Still it ought to be +mine." + +"Of course it ought," said Rudolph, gloating over the boy's emotion. + +"You shall lose nothing by telling me--by becoming my friend. I will +never refer to the past--never speak of what happened in America." + +"No doubt," sneered Rudolph, "but it can't be." + +"Why can't it be?" + +"_Because I hate you!_" hissed the tramp, with a baleful look. "Not +another word. It's no use, I shall lock you up here for the present, +while I am out. When I come back I will let you know what I am going to +do to you." + +He left the room, locking the door behind him. + +Tony sat down to reflect upon the strange position in which he was +placed. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVII. + +MRS. MIDDLETON AND HER LOVER. + + +When Rudolph left Tony imprisoned, he began to think over the situation +with regard to his own interest. + +He was already dissatisfied with the income he received from Mrs. +Middleton; though at the time it seemed to him large, he found that he +could easily spend more. He did not have expensive lodgings--in fact, +they were plain, and quite within his means, but he drank and gambled, +and both these amusements were expensive. He had already made up his +mind to ask for a larger income, and Tony's offer stimulated him to ask +at once. + +"If Mrs. Middleton won't, the boy will," he said to himself. + +Mrs. Middleton was in London. In fact, at that moment she was +conversing with Captain Lovell, to whom she had been formally +betrothed. He had satisfied himself that the prospects were all right, +and then had renewed his offer. The marriage was to take place in a +month, and Mrs. Middleton was in town to make suitable preparations for +it. She was perfectly happy, for she was about to marry a man she loved. + +As for Captain Lovell, he was well enough contented. He did not care +much for the lady as regards love, but he was decidedly in love with +her property. + +"It will make me comfortable for life," he said, with a shrug of the +shoulders, "and after marriage I can pay as little attention to Mrs. +Lovell as I choose. She must be content with marrying my name." + +The widow had taken handsome apartments at a West End boarding house. +There she received callers. + +Captain Lovell was lounging in an easy chair, looking rather bored. His +_fiancee_ was inspecting an array of dry goods which had been sent in +from a fancy London shop. + +"Don't you think this silk elegant, Gregory!" she asked, displaying a +pattern. + +"Oh, ah, yes, I suppose so," he answered with a yawn. + +"I would like to have your taste, Gregory." + +"I have no taste, my dear Mrs. Middleton, about such matters." + +"Don't you think it will become me?" + +"Why, to be sure; everything becomes you, you know." + +She laughed. + +"Would a yellow turban become me?" she asked. + +"Well, perhaps not," he said, "but of course you know best." + +"How little you men know about a lady's dress!" + +"I should think so. The fact is, my dear Mrs. Middleton, that part of +my education was neglected." + +"When I am your wife, Gregory, I shall always appeal to your taste." + +"Will you?" he said, rather frightened. "'Pon my honor, I hope you +won't now." + +"And I shall expect you to consult me about your wardrobe." + +"What, about my trousers and coats? Really, that's very amusing; 'pon +my honor it is." + +"Don't you think I feel an interest in how my dear Gregory is dressed?" + +"I don't know, I'm sure." + +"But I do, and shall I tell you why?" + +"If you want to." + +"Because I love you," she said softly, and she rose from her chair, and +crossing, laid her hand affectionately on his shoulder. + +He shrank, just the least in the world, and felt annoyed, but didn't +like to say so. She might be angry, and though he did not love her, he +did want to marry her, and so escape from his money troubles. + +"Of course, I'm ever so much obliged to you," he said, "and all that +sort of thing." + +"And you love me, Gregory, don't you?" she asked, tenderly. + +"Did you ever! I wish she'd stop," he said to himself. "She makes me +awful uncomfortable." + +"Don't you love me, Gregory?" + +"If I didn't love you, do you think I would have asked you to become +Mrs. Lovell?" he said, evading the question. + +"To be sure, Gregory," she replied, trying to look satisfied. + +"And now I must go; I must, 'pon my honor," he said, rising. + +"You have been here so short a time," she pleaded. + +"But I promised to be at the club. I'm to meet a fellow officer, and +it's the hour now." + +"Then I must let you go. But you'll come again soon?" + +"Yes, 'pon honor," and the captain kissed his hand to his _fiancee_. + +"I wonder if he really loves me!" she said to herself, wistfully. + +At this moment the servant entered. + +"Please, ma'am, there's a rough-looking man below, who says he wants to +see you. His name is Rugg." + +"Admit him," said Mrs. Middleton, looking annoyed. + + + + +CHAPTER XXXVIII. + +A STORMY INTERVIEW. + + +"Why are you here Mr. Rugg?" demanded Mrs. Middleton, coolly. + +"On business," said the tramp, throwing himself, uninvited upon the +same chair from which Captain Lovell had just risen. + +Mrs. Middleton flushed with anger, but she did not dare to treat his +insolence as it deserved. + +"What business can you have with me?" she asked, coldly. + +"It's about the allowance." + +"It was paid punctually, was it not?" + +"Yes." + +"Then you can have no business with me. Have I not told you that you +are not to call upon me at any time? My agent attends to that." + +"I want the allowance raised," said Rudolph, abruptly. + +"Raised?" + +"Yes, you must double it." + +Mrs. Middleton was now really angry. + +"I never heard such insolence," she said. "You have taken your trouble +for nothing. I shall not give you a pound more." + +"You'd better, Mrs. Middleton," said Rudolph, "or I may tell all I +know." + +"You would only ruin yourself, and lose your entire income." + +"I should ruin you, too." + +"Not at all. No one would believe you against me. Besides, are you +ready to be tried for murder?" + +"Who has committed murder?" + +"You have." + +"Prove it." + +"Didn't you kill the boy?" + +"No." + +"You swore to me he was dead." + +"Suppose he didn't die." + +"You are wasting your time, Mr. Rugg," said Mrs. Middleton, coldly. "Of +course I understand your motives. You have been extravagant, and wasted +your money, hoping to get more out of me. But it is useless." + +"You'll be sorry for this, ma'am," said Rugg, angrily. + +"I don't think I shall. Before doing anything that _you_ will be sorry +for, consider that to a man in your position the income I give you is +very liberal." + +"Liberal! It isn't one-tenth of what you get." + +"Very true, but the case is different." + +"You may believe me or not, but the boy is alive, and I know where he +is." + +Mrs. Middleton did not believe one word of what he said. She was +convinced that Tony had been killed by the man before her, and was +indignant at the trick which she thought he was trying to play upon +her. She felt that if she yielded to his importunity, it would only be +the beginning of a series of demands. She had courage and firmness, and +she decided to discourage him once for all in his exactions. + +"I don't believe you," she said, "and I am not afraid." + +"Then you won't increase my income," he said. + +"No, I will not. Neither now nor at any other time will I do it. What I +have agreed to do I will do, but I will not give you a penny more. Do +you understand me, Mr. Rugg?" + +"I believe I do," said Rudolph, rising, "and I tell you you'll be sorry +for what you are saying." + +"I will take the risk," she said, contemptuously. + +Rudolph's face was distorted with passion as he left the room. + +"I hate her more than the boy," he muttered. "He shall have the estate." + + + + +CHAPTER XXXIX. + +TONY'S ESCAPE. + + +When Tony found himself left a prisoner in his enemy's room, he did +not immediately make an effort to escape, in fact, he did not feel +particularly alarmed. + +"I am in a large city, and there are other lodgers in this building. +There can be no danger. I will wait awhile and think over what Rudolph +has told me. Can it be true that I am heir to a large estate in +England, and that he can restore me to it if he will? He can have no +motive for deceiving me. It must be true." + +Tony felt that he would give a great deal to know more. Where was this +estate, and who now held it? It occurred to him that some where about +the room he might find some clew to the mystery. He immediately began +to explore it. + +Rudolph was not a literary man. He had neither books nor papers whose +tell-tale testimony might convict him. In fact, the best of his +personal possessions was very small. A few clothes were lying about +the room. Tony decided to examine the pockets of these, in the hope of +discovering something in his interest. Finally, he found in the pocket +of a shooting coat a small memorandum book, in which a few entries, +chiefly of bets, had been made. In these Tony felt no interest, and he +was about to throw down the book, when his eye caught this entry: + +"Dead broke. Must write to Mrs. Middleton for more money." + +Tony's heart beat rapidly. + +This must be the person from whom Rudolph received his income, and, by +consequence the person who was in fraudulent possession of the estate +that was rightfully his. + +"Mrs. Middleton!" + +"I wish I knew where she lives," thought our hero. "No doubt there are +hundreds of the name in England." + +This might be, but probably there was but one Mrs. Middleton in the +possession of an estate worth two thousand pounds rental. + +"I am on the track," thought Tony. "Now let me get away, and consult +George Spencer." + +It was easier said than done. The door was locked, and it was too +strong to break down. + +"There must be somebody in the room below," thought Tony. "I'll pound +till they hear me." + +He jumped up and down with such force that it did attract attention in +the room below. Presently he heard a querulous voice at the key-hole: + +"What's the matter? Are you mad?" + +"No, but I'm locked in," said Tony. "Can't you let me out?" + +"I have no key to the door, but the landlady has." + +"Won't you please to ask her to let me out? I'll be ever so much +obliged." + +"Stop pounding then." + +"I will." + +Scarcely two minutes had elapsed when a key was heard in the lock and +the door was opened. + +"How came you here, sir?" asked the landlady, a short, stout +woman--suspiciously. + +"The gentleman locked me in--in a joke," said Tony. + +"Maybe you're a burglar," said the landlady, eyeing him doubtfully. + +Tony laughed. + +"Do I look like it?" he asked. + +"Well, no," the landlady admitted, "but appearances are deceitful." + +"Not with me, I assure you. I am really sorry to put you to so much +trouble to let me out. Won't you accept of this?" and Tony produced a +half sovereign. + +"Really, sir, I see that you are quite the gentleman," said the +landlady, pocketing the piece with avidity. "Can't I do anything for +you?" + +"Only, if you'll be kind enough to give this to the gentleman when he +returns." + +Tony hastily wrote a line on a card, and gave it to the now complacent +dame. + +Fifteen minutes after Tony's departure Rudolph returned. + +He sprang up stairs only to find the room empty and the bird flown. + +"What's come of the boy!" he exclaimed in dismay; "how did he get out?" + +He summoned the landlady quickly. + +"Do you know anything of the boy that was in my room, Mrs. Jones?" + +"Yes, Mr. Rugg, I let him out. He said you locked him in in fun." + +"Humph! what else did he say?" + +"He left this card for you." + +Rugg seized it hastily, and read with startled eyes: + + + "I am at Morley's. Come and see me soon, or I will go to Mrs. + Middleton. + + "TONY." + + +"Confusion? where did the boy find out?" thought the tramp. "I must do +something, or I am ruined." + +It was a mystery to him how Tony had learned so much, and he naturally +concluded that he knew a good deal more. He felt that no time was to be +lost, and started at once for Morley's. Inquiring for Tony, he was at +once admitted to the presence of Tony and George Spencer. + +"So you got my card!" said Tony. + +"Yes. What do you know about Mrs. Middleton?" demanded Rudolph. + +"That she possesses the estate that ought to be mine. That's about it, +isn't it?" + +"Yes," said Rudolph, "but you can't get it without me." + +"Why not?" + +"I was the man that was hired to abduct you when you was a boy." + +"Can you prove that?" asked Spencer. + +"I can." + +"Will your story be believed?" + +"Yes. The tenantry will remember me. I was one of them at the time." + +"Are you ready to help my young friend here to recover his rights?" +asked Spencer. + +"This morning I said no. Now I say yes, if he'll do the fair thing by +me." + +A conference was entered into and a bargain was finally made. Rudolph +was to receive two hundred pounds a year as a reward for his services, +if successful. + +When this arrangement had been completed, an appointment was made for +the next morning; at which hour a lawyer of repute was also present. +After listening attentively to Rudolph's statement, he said, decisively: + +"Your young friend has a strong case, but I advise you to see Mrs. +Middleton privately. It may not be necessary to bring the matter into +court; and this would be preferable, as it would avoid scandal." + +"I put myself in your hands," said Tony, promptly. + +"Mrs. Harvey Middleton is in London," said the lawyer. "I will call +this afternoon." + + + + +CHAPTER XL. + +ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL. + + +Mrs. Harvey Middleton sat in her boudoir, trying to read a novel. But +it failed to interest her. She felt uneasy, she scarcely knew why. +The evening previous she had been at the Haymarket Theatre, and had +been struck by a boy's face. Ten feet from her sat Tony, with his +friend, George Spencer. He looked wonderfully like his father, as she +remembered him, and she was startled. She did not know Tony, but Rugg's +angry warning struck her. + +"Was he right? Can this be the boy I have so much reason to dread?" she +asked herself. + +She was thinking of this when the servant entered the room with a card. + +"C. Barry," she repeated, "wishes to see Mrs. Middleton on business of +the greatest importance." + +"Ask him to come up," she said, uneasily. + +It was the lawyer, as the reader may have suspected. + +"Mrs. Middleton," he said, with a bow, "I must apologize for my +intrusion." + +"You say your business is important," said the lady. + +"It is--of the first importance." + +"Explain yourself, I beg." + +"I appear before you, madame, in behalf of your late husband's cousin, +Anthony Middleton, who is the heir of the estate which you hold in +trust." + +It was out now, and Mrs. Middleton was at bay. + +"There is no such person," she said. "The boy you refer to is dead." + +"What proof have you of his decease?" + +"I have the sworn statement of the man who saw him die." + +"And this man's name?" + +"Is Rudolph Rugg." + +"I thought so. Mr. Rugg swore falsely. He is ready to contradict his +former statement." + +"He has been tampered with!" exclaimed Mrs. Middleton, pale with +passion. + +"That may be," said the lawyer; but he added, significantly, "Not by +us." + +"The boy is an impostor," said Mrs. Middleton, hotly. "I will not +surrender the estate." + +"I feel for your disappointment, madame; but I think you are hasty." + +"Who will believe the statement of a common tramp?" + +"_You_ relied upon it before, madame. But we have other evidence," +continued the lawyer. + +"What other evidence?" + +"The striking resemblance of my young friend to the family." + +"Was--was he at the Haymarket Theatre last evening?" + +"He was. Did you see him?" + +"I saw the boy I suppose you mean. He had a slight look like Mr. +Middleton." + +"He is his image." + +"Suppose--suppose this story to be true, what do you offer me?" asked +Mrs. Middleton, sullenly. + +"An income of three hundred pounds from the estate," said the lawyer. +"If the matter comes to court, this Rugg, I am bound to tell you, has +an ugly story to tell, in which you are implicated." + +Mrs. Middleton knew well enough what it meant. If the conspiracy should +be disclosed, she would be ostracised socially. She rapidly made up her +mind. + +"Mr. Barry," she said, "I will accept your terms, on a single +condition." + +"Name it, madame." + +"That you will give me six weeks' undisturbed possession of the estate, +keeping this matter secret meanwhile." + +"If I knew your motive, I might consent." + +"I will tell you in confidence. Within that time I am to be married. +The abrupt disclosure of this matter might break off the marriage." + +"May I ask the name of the bridegroom?" + +"Captain Gregory Lovell." + +The lawyer smiled. He knew of Captain Lovell, and owed him a grudge. He +suspected that the captain was mercenary in his wooing, and he thought +that it would be a fitting revenge to let matters go on. + +"I consent, upon my own responsibility," he said. + +"Thank you," said Mrs. Middleton, with real gratitude. + +She would not lose the man she loved, after all. + + * * * * * * * + +A month later the marriage of Captain Gregory Lovell, of Her Majesty's +service, and Mrs. Harvey Middleton, of Middleton Hall, was celebrated. +There was a long paragraph in the Morning "Post," and Mrs. Lovell was +happy. + +When, a week later, at Paris, the gallant captain was informed of the +trick that had been played upon him, there was a terrible scene. He +cursed his wife, and threatened to leave her. + +"But, Gregory, I have three hundred pounds income," she pleaded. "We +can live abroad." + +"And I have sold myself for that paltry sum!" he said, bitterly. + +But he concluded to make the best of a bad bargain. Between them they +had an income of five hundred pounds, and on this they made shift +abroad, where living is cheap. But the marriage was not happy. He was +brutal at times, and his wife realized sadly that he had never loved +her. But she has all the happiness she deserves, and so has he. + +Rudolph drank himself to death in six months. So the income which he +was to receive made but a slight draft upon the Middleton estate. + +And Tony!--no longer Tony the Tramp, but the Hon. Anthony Middleton, +of Middleton Hall--he has just completed a course at Oxford, and is +now the possessor of an education which will help fit him for the +responsibilities he is to assume. His frank, off-hand manner makes him +an immense favorite with the circle to which he now belongs. He says +little of his early history, and it is seldom thought of now. He has +made a promise to his good friend, George Spencer, to visit the United +States, and will doubtless do so. He means at that time to visit once +more the scenes with which he became familiar when he was A POOR +BOY. + + + + +WHITMARSH'S REVENGE. + + +Roger Blake and Belcher Whitmarsh were both called quite good boys, +but for different reasons. As their friends used sometimes to put it, +Belcher was liked _because_ of his temper, and Roger was liked _in +spite of_ his temper. + +Roger was quick to fly into a passion, and as quick to get over it, +while Belcher was almost always good natured, but when once really +offended remembered the offense like an Indian. + +The broad play-green in front of the country schoolhouse, where the +boys spent their term times together, was surrounded by trees and rocky +pasture lots. A pretty brook ran through it. On the sides of the brook +and in the rain-gulleys there were plenty of pebbles and small stones. + +One noon, when the boys had begun a trial of skill in firing stones at +a mark, an unlucky turn was given to this small "artillery practice" by +the thoughtless challenge of one of the youngsters to a playmate: + +"I stump you to hit _me_." + +The stones soon began to fly promiscuously, and the play grew more +lively than safe. The boys became excited and ran in all directions, +exclaiming "Hit _me_, hit _me_!" The missiles were dodged with exultant +laughter, and the shots returned with interest. + +As must be supposed, some of the players were really hit, and sore +heads, and backs, and limbs made the sham skirmish before long a good +deal like a real battle. + +Belcher Whitmarsh was about the only really cool fellow on the ground. + +"Come, fellows," he remonstrated, "this is getting dangerous. What's +the good of throwing stones when you're mad? It's poor play, any way." + +"Ho, you're afraid," shouted Roger Blake, and in this he was joined by +several others. + +Roger had received one rather hard thump, and feeling quite fiery about +it determined to be "even with somebody." He kept on hurling right and +left reckless of consequences. + +Belcher paid no attention to the derision with which his words were +treated. He was preparing, with one or two companions, to leave the +playground when he saw Roger near him with a heavy stone in his hand +drawing back for a furious throw. + +Partly in sport and partly out of regard for the lad aimed at, he +stepped behind the excited boy and caught his arm. + +Roger whirled about instantly in a great heat. As Belcher stepped +quickly backward, laughing, he let fly the stone at him with all his +force, crying: + +"Take it yourself, then!" + +The stone struck Belcher full in the face, breaking two of his front +teeth and knocking him down. + +Seeing what he had done, Blake sobered in an instant and ran to the aid +of his fallen schoolfellow. + +"I didn't mean to, Belcher," said Roger, bending over him remorsefully, +and evidently afraid he had killed him. + +The boys began to express their indignation quite loudly, but Blake +made no attempt to defend himself, only hanging over the injured lad, +and declaring how sorry he was. + +"Come," pleaded he, "try to get up, and let me help you down to the +schoolhouse--I'll pay the doctor anything in the world to make you well +again." + +But Whitmarsh, as soon as he recovered a little, showed that he +resented his sympathy as bitterly as he did his blow. + +Pushing away his hand spitefully, he staggered to his feet with the +help of another boy, and holding his handkerchief to his bloody face +moved off the green, sobbing with pain and revengeful rage. + +By the time school commenced he had been assisted to wash and bind up +his bleeding mouth, when he started for home, giving Roger a look which +was very seldom seen on his face, but which meant plainly enough: + +"I'll have the worth of this out of your skin some day, see if I don't!" + +That afternoon the boys received a sound lecture from the teacher on +the evil of throwing stones, and a penalty was imposed upon the leaders +in the reckless sport, Roger among them, who, however, in consideration +of his penitence, was only charged with a message to his parents, +making full confession and submitting his case entirely to their +judgment. + +Days passed, and everything went on much as before at the school, save +that Belcher Whitmarsh was missed, being at home healing his wound. + +Every day that his absence was noticed was to Roger's quick feelings +like a new condemnation. + +No one was more pleased, then, than Roger Blake to see Belcher, after a +little more than a week had passed, back at his place in school. + +He soon found, however, that bygones were not to be bygones between +them. + +Belcher not only refused to respond to his hearty congratulations, but +showed by his manner and words (hissed through his broken teeth) that +so far from forgiving Roger's offense he meant to lay it up against him. + +Several times when thrown in close company with him Blake tried to +disarm his dislike. + +"Come," he would say, "now, Belch, shake hands and say quits." + +But Whitmarsh would only answer with a surly half threat, or grin +significantly, to expose the notch in his gums where the teeth were +gone. + +The boys saw this unreasonable dislike, and gradually transferred their +sympathy to Roger. + +At last the school closed, and though Belcher was not cordial the +whole affair between the two lads seemed likely to be soon forgotten. + +One day during vacation, as Roger was picking whortleberries with two +other boys in a lonely pasture, he was unexpectedly joined by Belcher, +who had come thither on the same errand. + +It was not noticed that they greeted each other very differently from +the usual manner of boys, and during the whole time they were together +Belcher behaved himself in a way that made neither Blake nor his +companions feel any the less at ease for his company. Least of all had +they any reason to suspect that he still harbored his old revenge. + +A ruined house, many years deserted, stood in sight of the spot where +the boys were picking, and growing tired of their work they agreed to +go and examine the old building, and perhaps take a game of "hi spy" +there. + +As they went over the house they found a trap-door opening into +a small vault, which had evidently once been used for the family +cellar--for the ancient dwelling was rather cramped in size and +accommodations--and, boy-like, they all went down into the moldy hole. + +As the last boy was descending the rotten ladder tumbled to pieces +under his weight, and the adventurous youngsters found themselves +caught like the fox and goat in the well. + +Philip Granger, however, being a lad of quick resources, soon hit upon +the fox's plan of getting out, which was that each should climb the +shoulders of a comrade, and when all but one were safely above ground +these should join in pulling out the last. + +The plan was varied a little in practice, as it was awkward business to +decide who of them should be the "goat." + +Phil got up first, climbing over Frank Staples, and then aided his +helper out. + +Belcher, who had made a ladder of Roger Blake, was performing the +pulling of his generous companion toward the opening, when a sudden +yell was heard outside, and crying out "There come Dirk Avery and Ben +Trench!" Frank and Phil darted away, running as if for their lives. + +Seized with their panic, Belcher instantly dropped Roger, and +regardless of his terrified calls rushed from the hut in a twinkling. + +The jar of the hurried departure of the boys over the rickety floor +brought down the trap-door with a bang, and Roger was left a prisoner +indeed. + +Dirk Avery and Ben Trench were two bad characters who lived a sort of +half-vagabond life, rarely doing any honest work, and whose savage +looks and cruel natures made them the terror of all the children of the +neighborhood. + +Their appearance in any place was the signal for a general stampede of +the young people who happened to be about. There was not one in our +little whortleberry party who was not as much afraid of them as if they +had actually worn horns and hoofs. + +On this occasion they were out on a fishing tramp, and the contents +of a bottle of cheap rum that each of them carried had made them more +wicked than usual. + +Accordingly, they were in just the mood to take all possible advantage +of the fright they had caused, and when the boys fled so precipitately +from the ruined house they pursued them with horrible threats and +shouts of hoarse laughter. + +Frank and Phil ran toward the lot where they had hidden their baskets, +the loud voice of Dirk crying, "Skin the rascals! Wring their necks!" + +Dirk, however, soon overdid himself, for the two boys were fleet of +foot, and saved their breath. They finally got away, with their berries. + +Belcher struck a bee-line for home, forgetting his basket, and though +Ben gave him a hot chase he succeeded in distancing him. + +Poor Roger! For some minutes after he found himself shut fast in the +vault his mortal fear of being found by the two roughs left him no +courage to cry out, and gave him no time to think whether he ought to +blame Belcher or not. + +Judging his act by his own feelings then, he could not say but he +should have done the same. + +But the immediate fright soon passed, and he began to feel the real +misery of his situation. + +Nobody but Whitmarsh knew where he was. What if he _should_ leave him +there, for the old grudge? And then it came to him how singular it +was that the one on whom he depended to help him out should be just +_he_--the boy who had threatened him. + +Wearily enough passed the time to Roger down there in the dismal hole. + +Neither shout nor scream would help him. No one lived within half a +mile of the house; or if his cries should chance to be heard it might +be Avery and Trench, and they would certainly bring him more hurt than +good. + +Suddenly he heard footsteps. A hand seized the trap-door and lifted it. +Belcher Whitmarsh's face looked into the vault. + +"Hollo," said Roger joyfully, "I thought you'd be back before long. Now +let's get out of this--I've had enough of it, I'm sure." + +But Belcher only grinned, showing the vacancy in his front teeth, and +replied coolly: + +"Want me to help you out?" + +"Of course. Don't be fooling now," pleaded Roger. + +"Well," said Belcher, "I've thought it over, and seeing you're in there +so nicely _I've concluded I won't_. I've an old score against you. +Perhaps you'd like to pay it now." + +With that he dropped the trap-door, and made off. + +He had come after his basket of berries. Would he be heartless enough +to go home now and leave his schoolmate in that damp hole, pestilent +with mildew and haunted, perhaps, by sliding adders and loathsome +creatures? + +Meantime the parents of Roger, when the hour passed at which he was +expected home, began to make inquiries for him. Frank Staples and +Philip Granger, who both supposed he had climbed out of the vault and +ran away with Belcher from the hut, were much surprised when asked +where he was, and told that he had not returned. + +Their story of the encounter with Dirk Avery and Ben Trench made the +parents still more anxious. + +Possibly their boy had come to some harm at the hands of those drunken +ruffians. Would Philip mind going over to the pasture again and showing +just where it all happened? + +Philip gladly consented, and getting leave from home accompanied Mr. +Blake to the lot where they had gathered their berries. + +Roger's basket was found untouched, precisely where he had been seen to +hide it. Mr. Blake looked pale and Phil began to feel frightened. + +"Let's go down to Mr. Whitmarsh's," said Mr. Blake, "and see Belcher." + +It was now about sundown, but as the old house lay not far out of the +way it was decided to visit it. + +No sooner had they reached it and looked in than Phil exclaimed, "The +trap-door is shut. I'm sure 'twas open when we left it." + +In a moment more they had uncovered the vault and found poor Roger. + +Overjoyed, they helped him out, a good deal the worse for the hunger +and fear he had undergone. + +The story of Belcher's mean revenge was soon noised abroad. He excused +himself by saying he meant to leave Roger only a little while for a +joke, but his father made him go to Mr. Blake's and apologize for his +wanton trick. + +We must do Belcher the justice to say that he performed the duty +promptly and with apparent frankness and sincerity. There is no +doubt, however, that he meant harm--not such serious harm as might +have occurred--but sufficient injury to his playfellow to satisfy his +malignant feelings and glut his revenge. The spirit he exhibited was +the same in kind, although not in degree, as that which makes a man a +murderer. + +A true man never allows anger to get the permanent control of his +feelings. He knows its mean and dangerous tendencies, and remembers the +words of Him who spake as never man spake: "If ye forgive not men their +trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." + + + + +THE BOY IN THE BUSH. + + +"The impudent scoundrel! Just look at this, mamma. I should like to see +him at it," exclaimed Sydney Lawson in great wrath, as he handed his +mother a very dirty note which a shepherd had brought home. On coarse, +crumpled grocer's paper these words were written in pencil: + + + "Master Sidney i Want your Mare the chesnit with the white starr, + soe You Send her to 3 Mile flat first thing Tomorrer Or i Shall + Have to cum an Fetch Her. + + "WARRIGAL." + + +"Sam says," Sydney went on to say, "that the fellow was coward enough +to give it him just down by the slip-panels. He wouldn't have dared to +talk about sticking us up if he hadn't known father was away. Send him +my mare Venus! I seem to see myself doing it!" + +Sidney Lawson, who made this indignant speech, was a tall, slim lad +of fourteen. He and his mother had been left in charge of the station +while his father took some cattle to Port Philip. + +Sydney was very proud of his charge; he thought himself a man now, and +was very angry that Warrigal, a well-known desperado, should think he +could be frightened "like a baby." + +Warrigal was a bushranger who with one or two companions wandered about +in that part of New South Wales, doing pretty much as he liked. They +stopped the mail, and robbed draymen and horsemen on the road by the +two and three dozen together. The police couldn't get hold of them. + +The note that Sydney had received caused a great deal of excitement in +the little station. + +Miss Smith, who helped Mrs. Lawson in the house, and taught Sydney's +sisters and his brother Harry, was in a great fright. + +"Oh! pray send him the horse, Master Sydney," she cried, "or we +shall all be murdered. You've got so many horses one can't make any +difference." + +Mrs. Lawson was as little disposed as Sydney to let Mr. Warrigal do +as he liked. She knew that her husband would have run the risk of +being "nabbed," if he had been at home, rather than have obeyed the +bushranger's orders; and that he would be very pleased if they could +manage to defy the rascal. + +Still it was a serious matter to provoke Messrs. Warrigal & Co. to pay +the house a visit. She felt sure that Sydney would fight and she meant +to fire at the robbers herself if they came; but would she and Sydney +be able to stand against three armed men? + +Not a shepherd, or stockman, or horse-breaker about the place was to +be depended on; and Ki Li, the Chinaman cook, though a very good kind +of fellow, would certainly go to bed in his hut if the robbers came +by day, and stay in bed if the robbers came by night. John Jones, the +plowman, whose wife was Mrs. Lawson's servant, slept in the house, and +he was too honest to band with the bushrangers in any way; "but then, +he's such a _sheep_, you know, mamma," said Sydney. + +There was time to send word to the police in Jerry's Town; but who was +to go? + +Ki Li would be afraid to go out in the dark, and John Jones would be +afraid to ride anything but one of the plow horses, and that only at an +amble. It wouldn't do for Sydney to leave the place, since he was the +only male on it who was to be depended upon, so what was to be done? + +Little Harry had heard his mother and brother talking; and as soon as +he made out their difficulty he looked up and said: + +"Why, mamma, _I_ can go. Syd, lend me your stock-whip and let me have +Guardsman." + +Neither mother nor brother had any fear about Harry's horsemanship, but +they scarcely liked to turn the little fellow out for a long ride by +night. + +However, he knew the way well enough, and if he did not fall in with +any of the Warrigal gang nobody would harm him. + +So Sydney put the saddle and bridle on Guardsman and brought him +round to the garden-gate, where Harry stood flicking about Sydney's +stock-whip very impatiently, while his mamma kissed him and tied a +comforter round his neck. + +Harry shouted "Good-night," gave Guardsman his head, and was off like a +wild boy. + +Sydney stabled Venus, his favorite mare, and--an unusual +precaution--turned the key in the rusty padlock; and when he had given +a look about the outbuildings it was time for him to go in to supper +and family prayers. + +He read the chapter and Mrs. Lawson read the prayers. She was a brave +woman, but with her little girls about her and her little boy away she +couldn't keep her voice from trembling a little when she said, "Lighten +our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord; and by Thy great mercy defend us +from all perils and dangers of this night." + +Sydney went into his mother's bedroom and looked at the blunderbuss +that stood by the bedhead (Mrs. Lawson had selected the blunderbuss as +her weapon, because she thought she "must be sure to hit with that big +thing") and he showed her once more how to pull the trigger. + +Then he bade her "good-night," and went along the veranda to his own +little room at one end, where he locked himself in, and drew the charge +of his rifle and loaded it again, and looked at the chambers of his +revolver, and put the caps on, and laid it down on a chair, ready to +his hand. + +When his preparations were completed he said his prayers and tumbled +into bed with his clothes on. + +Harry wasn't expected home until the next day. He had been told to +sleep at the tavern in Jerry's Town, when he had left his message at +the barracks, and come home at his leisure in the morning. + +About four miles from Wonga-Wonga, the dreariest part of the road to +Jerry's Town, begins a two-mile stretch of dismal scrub. Harry put his +heels into Guardsman's sides to make him go even faster than he was +going when they got into the scrub, and was pleased to hear a horse's +hoofs coming toward him from the other end. + +He thought it was a neighbor riding home to the next station; but it +was Warrigal. As soon as Harry pulled up Guardsman to chat a minute, +Warrigal laid hold of the bridle and pulled Harry on to the saddle +before him. + +"Let's see, you're one of the Wonga-Wonga" (that was the name of his +father's station) "kids, ain't you?" said the robber. "And where are +you off to this time of night? Oh, oh, to fetch the traps, I guess; but +I'll put a stop to that little game." + +Just then Harry gave a _coo-ey_. He couldn't give a very loud one, for +he was lying on a sack on the robber's horse; but it made Warrigal very +savage. + +He put the cold muzzle of a pistol against Harry's face and said, "You +screech again, youngster, and you won't do it no more." + +And then Warrigal took Harry and the horses into the scrub, and gagged +Harry with a bit of iron he took out of his pocket, and tied him up to +a crooked old honeysuckle-tree with a long piece of rope he carried in +his saddle-bags. + +"Don't frighten yourself, I'll tell yer mar where you are, and you'll +be back by breakfast," said Warrigal, as he got on Guardsman and rode +off, driving his own tired horse before him. + +Next morning, just as the day was breaking, Warrigal and his two mates, +with crape masks on, rode up to Wonga-Wonga. + +They made as little noise as they could; but the dogs began to bark and +woke Sydney. + +When he woke, however, Warrigal had got his little window open, and was +covering him with a pistol. + +Sydney put out his hand for his revolver, and though Warrigal shouted, +"Throw up your hands, boy, or I'll shoot you through the head," he +jumped out of bed and fired. + +He missed Warrigal, and Warrigal missed him; but Warrigal's bullet +knocked Sydney's revolver out of his hand, and one of Warrigal's +mates made a butt against the bedroom door and smashed it; and he and +Warrigal rushed into the room, and threw Sydney down on the bed, and +pinioned his arms with a sheet. + +The other bushranger was watching the horses. + +By this time the whole station was aroused. The men peeped out of their +huts, half frightened, half amused; not one of them came near the +house. John Jones and his wife piled their boxes against their room +door, and then crept under the bed. + +Miss Smith went into hysterics; and Gertrude and her sisters couldn't +help looking as white as their night-dresses. + +Mrs. Lawson had fired off her blunderbuss, but it had only broken +two panes of the parlor window, and riddled the veranda posts; so +Wonga-Wonga was at the bushrangers' mercy. + +They ransacked the house, and took possession of any little plate, and +jewelry, and other portable property they could find. When the robbers +had packed up what they called the "swag," and put it on one of their +horses, they pulled Ki Li out of bed, and made him light a fire, and +cook some chops and boil some tea. + +Then they marched Mrs. Lawson, and Miss Smith, and Sydney, and his +sisters, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones, and Ki Li, into the keeping-room, and +sat down to breakfast, with pistols in their belts, and pistols laid, +like knives and forks, on the table. + +The bushrangers tried to be funny, and pressed Mrs. Lawson and the +other ladies to make themselves at home, and take a good meal. One of +the robbers was going to kiss Miss Smith; but Sydney, pinioned as he +was, ran at him, and butted him like a ram. + +He was going to strike Sydney; but Gertrude ran between them, calling +out, "Oh, you great coward!" and Warrigal felt ashamed, and told the +man to sit down. + +"We call him Politeful Bill," Warrigal remarked, in apology; "but he +ain't much used to ladies' serciety." + +When breakfast was over, Warrigal asked Sydney where the mare was. + +"Find her yourself," said Sydney. + +"Well, there won't be much trouble about that," answered Warrigal. +"She's in the stable, I know; and you've locked her in, for I tried +the door. I suppose you are too game to give up the key, my young +fighting-cock? But since you're so sarcy, Master Sydney, you shall see +me take your mare. You might as well ha' sent her instead of sending +for the police, and then I shouldn't ha' got the bay horse too;" and he +pointed to Guardsman, hung up on the veranda. + +There was no time to ask what had become of Harry. + +Warrigal hurried Sydney by the collar to the stable, while the other +men mounted their horses, and unhooked Guardsman, to be ready for their +captain. + +Warrigal blew off the padlock with his pistol; but Venus was fractious, +and wouldn't let him put on her halter. While he was dodging about the +stable with her, Sydney heard hoofs in the distance. Nearer and nearer +came the _tan-ta-ta-tan-ta-ta-tan-ta-ta_. + +Four bluecoats galloped up to the slip-panels, three troopers and a +sergeant; the sergeant with Harry on his saddlebow. + +In a second Harry was down, and in three seconds the slip-panels were +down too. + +The waiting bushrangers saw the morning sun gleaming on their carbines, +as the police dashed between the aloes and the prickly pears, and +letting Guardsman go, were off like a shot. + +Sydney banged to the stable door; and, setting his back against it, +shouted for help. His mother, Gertrude, and even John Jones, as the +police were close at hand, ran to his aid; and up galloped the troopers. + +Warrigal fired a bullet or two through the door, and talked very big +about not being taken alive; but he thought better of it, and in an +hour's time he was jogging off to Jerry's Town with handcuffs on, and +his legs tied under his horse's belly. + +If Warrigal had not taken up little Harry, most likely he would not +have been caught; for when Harry had got to Jerry's Town, he would have +found all the troopers away except one. In the scrub, however, Harry +heard the sergeant and his men returning from a wild-goose chase they +had been sent on by the bush telegraphs; and managing at last to spit +the gag out of his mouth, he had given a great _co-oo-oo-oo-oo-ey_. + +After that night Miss Smith always called Sydney _Mr._ Sydney; and +Sydney let Harry ride Venus as often as he liked. + + + + +THE MIDNIGHT RIDE. + + +It was half-a-dozen years before the war that Godfrey Brooks made a +visit to his Cousin Sydney in Virginia. It was his first glimpse of +plantation life, and he was not sparing of his questions or comments. +Boys in a strange place find it hard to carry about with them the +politeness or reticence which are such easy fitting garments at home. + +The two boys were standing on the piazza one sunny morning looking down +to the distant swamp. + +"You mean to tell me," said Godfrey hotly, "that gentlemen hunted their +runaway slaves out of the swamp with bloodhounds? Bloodhounds?" + +"No, I don't. Gentlemen, of course, do no such dirty work. In the +first place, our people (we don't call them slaves) never run away. +Why, bless you, old Uncle Peter there, was a boy with my grandfather, +and I'm sure I like him a deal better. Of all the hundreds of men and +women my father owns, there's not one that don't respect and love him. +But there's a class of whites who are not so respected, and when their +people escape they bring them back--that's all." + +"It's brutal," muttered Godfrey. + +"A man has a right to reclaim his property," said Syd coolly. + +Now neither of the boys knew much of the intrinsic merits of the +question. They only echoed the words and arguments their elders threw +back and forth unceasingly. When Syd began to give the details of +the late hunt after a runaway horse-thief in the swamp, therefore, +Godfrey's moral indignation cooled in the borrowed ardor of the chase. + +"You see," Syd said in conclusion, "Boosey was really a criminal of +the worst sort, as well as a slave, and he belonged to old Johnson. +Johnson's the man that owns the hounds. That's his place beyond the +hill. He's a whiskey distiller, and raises slaves for the market. Oh, +of course he's tabooed. Even a decent laborer looks down on a man that +raises slaves for the market." + +The boys went out fishing presently, and Godfrey looked with a thrill +of horror into the dark thicket of laurel and poisonous ivy as they +passed where Boosey was still hidden. Down in his secret soul there +was an idea of the fierce and terrible zest of hunting anything--even +a man--with a bloodhound, through that tragic dusk and quagmire. It +would be akin to the gladiatorial combats between man and beast of old +Rome, or the bull-fights of the plaza, which his gentle Cousin Anne had +learned to relish in Madrid. + +"What do you say to riding over to Col. Page's to-night?" said Syd at +supper. "The girls want to practice some new music before the next +party. It's only six now. We can ride over in an hour." + +"All right," said Godfrey. + +"Remember, boys," said Dr. Brooks, "you are to be at home and in bed by +ten." For Syd's father, while he bestowed horses, guns, every accessory +to pleasure upon his son with an unstinting hand, yet held a tight rein +on him and never allowed him to fancy that he was a man and not in +reality a child. + +"We'll be home by ten, sir," the boys said promptly. + +Now Godfrey was but a schoolboy, and at home only snubbed and kept +in place by a half-dozen grown brothers and sisters. This riding out +at night, therefore, on a pony, which for the time was his own; this +calling on young ladies to whom he was known as Mr. Brooks, of New +York, was an ecstatic taste of adult freedom which almost intoxicated +the boy. When nine o'clock came, and Syd beckoned him from the sofa, +where he was reading "Locksley Hall" to Miss Amelia Page, he rose so +unwillingly as to cause Joe Page to look from his game of backgammon. + +"It's too bad in the doctor to put your cousin into strict prison +regulations, Syd," he said. "I'll go, however, and see about your +horses." + +He came back with a queer twinkle in his eye. "Sam declares he hitched +them securely; but they're gone now. Sit down, boys, sit down. You may +as well make the best of it. The fellows are after them. They'll be +here by and by." + +Syd looked annoyed. "I believe Joe unhitched them, himself. I promised +father I'd be back early." However he sat down quietly and waited. +Godfrey had no annoyance to hide. + +It wanted but ten minutes to eleven o'clock that night when the ponies +were brought to the door, and the boys, after many hand-shakings and +cordial invitations, were allowed to depart for home. + +Then the glow of gallantry and manhood began to cool in Godfrey's +bosom, and the unpleasant tremor to take its place which was wont to +overcome him when he was late at school. + +"I say, Syd, I wish we were at home," he said, mounting. + +"I wish we were," gloomily. + +"Will your father be very angry?" + +"It isn't that. But I never broke my word to him before, never. I know +what he thinks of a man that breaks his word. The road is heavy. It's a +good ride for an hour and a half," shutting his watch with a snap. + +"Is there no short cut?" + +"Yes, there's one," looking at him dubiously; "but it's through +Johnson's place." + +"The dogs--they're not loose, eh?" + +"That I don't know. He keeps them chained in daytime, of course, but +whether the scoundrel looses them at night or not I never heard. It +would be just like him." + +The boys rode on in silence. Suddenly Syd drew up with a jerk. "Here's +the gate into Johnson's, and I tell you what it is I must go this way, +dogs or no dogs. I'm in honor bound to try to keep my promise as nearly +as I can, no matter what lies in the way. You can ride down the hill; +I'll wait for you at the house." + +"No, sir; I'm with you," feeling himself every inch a man at the +chance of an adventure. "Open the gate, Syd. Now come on!" and giving +their horses the rein they struck into a gallop down the road leading +close by Johnson's house and stables. It was so heavily covered with +tan-bark that the sound of the hoofs was deadened, and the boys spoke +in whispers, afraid to stir the midnight silence. + +Syd nodded toward a low kennel, back of the stables. + +"There!" he motioned with his lips. "There's where they were when they +took them to hunt Boosey." + +But kennel and stables were silent and motionless in the cold moonlight. + +The tan-bark was replaced by pebbles near the house. The boys took +their ponies up on the short velvet turf, on which their swift feet +fell with a crisp, soft thud, a noise hardly sufficient to rouse the +most watchful dog, but which drove the blood from Godfrey's cheeks. His +short-lived courage had oozed out. + +"A man one could fight," he thought. "But to be throttled like a beast +by a dog." The gladiatorial fights of Rome did not thrill him so much +now as the thought of them had sometimes done. + +Thud--thud. Every beat of the hoofs upon the grass sounded through the +boys' brains. They were up to the kennels--past them--safe. Two minutes +passed and not a sound. Godfrey drew a long breath, when--hark! + +A long, deep bay, like thunder, sounded through the night. + +"God save us! They're loose and are after us," gasped Syd. + +Glancing back they saw two enormous black shapes darting from behind +the shadow of the porch, and coming down the slope behind them. + +"Now, Pitch and Tar!" sang out Syd, "it all rests on you." He shouted +as cheerily, Godfrey thought, as though he were chasing a hare. Chasing +and being chased were different matters, both the boys thought; though +there was a reckless, gay defiance about the Southern boy which his +cousin lacked, courageous as he was. + +The ponies seemed to catch the meaning of Syd's call. They looked back. +Their feet scarcely touched the sward, their nostrils were red, their +eyes distended. + +After the first fierce howl the dogs followed in silence. They had no +time to give tongue; they had work to do. + +A long stretch of pebbly road lay before the boys, then there was a +thick patch of bushes, and beyond, the gate. + +There was no doubt of the horses keeping up their pace. Terror served +them for muscle and blood. But the hounds were swifter of foot at any +time. They gained with every minute. The distance was about fifty yards. + +"Can we do it?" Godfrey asked. His tongue was hot and parched. + +"Of course we'll do it, unless the gate is locked." + +After this new dread came they were silent. Godfrey thought of home, +his mother, and poor little Nell; wished he had not snubbed her as he +used to do. + +Syd felt desperately in his pockets, where he found only a penknife. +Why would not his father let him carry firearms as the other boys? + +Suddenly turning to Godfrey he made a gesture, and turned his horse +full on the hedge of privet. It leaped boldly--Godfrey's followed. But +the hounds followed, relentless as fate, and dashed through the lower +branches. They were closer than before. + +"The gate! the gate!" cried Syd. He had reached it and fumbled for the +bolt. Godfrey, a dozen paces behind, fancied he felt the tramp of the +powerful beasts shake the ground. He turned, saw them coming with open +jaws, closer, closer. + +Would the gate never open? There was a creak and crash, and it rolled +back on its rusty hinges. The horses darted through so violently as to +throw Godfrey on the ground. When he looked up Syd was standing beside +him, and from the other side of the iron bars came the baffled roar of +the angry beasts. + +The boys rode home without a word. + +"What about reclaiming property by means of bloodhounds, Syd?" asked +Godfrey. + +"It's brutal," cried Syd vehemently, and then he laughed. "I tell you, +Godfrey, one must actually take another man's place before he can be +quite just to him, eh?" + + + + +A THOUSAND A YEAR. + + +"I am afraid Daniel must give up his studies," Mrs. Brooks said, sadly. +"I've been thinking how we are to meet the expenses of another year, +and it seems quite impossible to get money enough to do so." + +"Oh, it would be such a pity, and brother so nearly through," Susan +said, looking up in a distressed way. "He mustn't leave college now, +when he is so near graduating! There _must_ be a way of helping him +through." + +Mrs. Brooks stooped to kiss the pale, tender face upturned to hers. + +"You have a wise little head, Susan, but I am afraid there is a problem +here you cannot solve," said the widow, mournfully. + +"How much will be needed?" + +"At least a hundred dollars besides what he will earn himself. You know +there are always extra expenses for the graduating class." + +Susan's countenance fell. It was a great sum in her estimation, and it +was already difficult for them to meet their weekly expenses. + +"Everything depends upon brother's success," Susan said, presently. +"We must give up everything for him." + +"I cannot forget I have _two_ children," the mother said, kissing the +girl again more tenderly than before. + +"Two children; but only one that will be a blessing to you," Susan +said, brushing away a tear. + +"Don't say that, Susie. I am proud of Daniel, I do not deny that--but I +love you, too, all the same." + +"But you never can be proud of me, weak and deformed as I am! Oh, +mother, why are some flowers made so beautiful and fragrant, and some +so dark and noisome? Why was my brother so fair, so talented, and I so +repulsive?" + +"No, no, no, not repulsive; don't say that," the widow cried, putting +her arms around the girl in a sheltering way. + +"Do you think Daniel will let me go to see him take his diploma, +mother?" + +"You would not be able, dear." + +The girl laughed bitterly. + +"No; brother would say I was not able, too. But I should be glad, so +very glad to see him graduate. I think I would be willing to die then." + +"Hush, my darling," the mother cried, with a sharp pain in her voice. +"When you are gone I shall soon follow. Daniel will be satisfied with +his laurels, but women--ah, my child--women must love something, and +you are all that is left me to love." + +Susan nestled her head in her mother's bosom without speaking, and lay +there so long that her mother thought she was sleeping. Suddenly she +opened her eyes and said: + +"I have thought it all out, mother. Daniel can graduate, and we will go +see him take his diploma. Mr. Green needs girls to braid straw hats. +You know I am nimble with my fingers, and I could braid a thousand a +year, and that would be how much?" + +"But it would be wicked for me to allow you to overtask yourself in +that way, darling. I am not sure but it might ruin your health, feeble +as you are. No, no, it is not to be thought of." + +"How many might I undertake, mother?" + +"Not half that amount; not a third, even." + +"Would Daniel be willing for me to braid, do you think?" + +"I don't know. We will ask him." + +"Mother," Susan said, looking into her eyes, "I believe this is my +mission, to educate Daniel. You know we have given him everything--my +portion of the property and yours. I think I could hold out to do this +last, and you will consent when you come to reflect upon what it will +be to brother, and to you, when I am gone. But he must not know it. It +would wound his pride, and he would get some false notion in his head +that he could not use money I had earned in that way. Now, promise me, +that let what will come, you will never tell him that I braided straw +hats that he might complete his education." + +"I cannot promise _never_ to tell him, darling, because I cannot +foresee the future, but I should not like him to be humbled and +wounded, more than yourself. I am too old to learn readily, but perhaps +I, too, could earn something by braiding." + +The determination was now fully settled in the mind of each, that the +young man must graduate, and that the bills must be met by them. The +patronage of Mr. Green was solicited, and it was agreed the work should +be taken home, and that a thousand hats should be braided for ten cents +each, which he assured them was more than he would think of paying to +any one else, and only to Susan in consideration of her infirmity. + +We ought, perhaps, to explain that Susan had been early afflicted with +a curvature of the spine, which had sadly deformed her. She would never +have been a beautiful girl, Daniel having inherited not only all the +family talent, but its beauty as well. But her eyes were wondrously +attractive, with their loving, yearning persuasiveness, and few could +remember her deformity who had felt the warmth of her generous nature. + +In due time, the anticipated letter of inquiry came from Daniel, +asking what the prospects were for the coming year. It was full of +dismal forebodings and egotistical complaints of the hard fortune that +made him dependent upon his mother, but there was no regret that she +suffered too; no longing to be a man that he might take this lonely +couple in his strong arms and bear them tenderly over the rough places +of life; only vague, ambitious dreamings of what he was to be to the +world, and the world to him. + +The widow laid down the letter with a sigh. Susan read the pages over +and over again. So grounded was she in her love for this earthly idol +that the selfishness was less apparent to her than to her mother. + +Its sadness seemed like tenderness, and he could not speak too often +or too much of the genius which she believed he possessed, and which +would some time break upon the world like the meteor to which he rather +tritely compared himself. + +"Ah, we shall be so proud of him!" Susan said, folding the letter and +laying it away near her heart, where it rested many and many a day, +while she wove the strands of straw in and out, thinking how ten times +ten made one dollar, and how the dollars would some time count up to a +hundred, and that sum, which her fingers had wrought out, would save +her brother from discouragement, if not from despair. + +The first twenty-five dollars was earned, and the money was sent the +brother. + +"He was very glad of it," he said. "He had begun to fear lest they +would fail him." There was no inquiry how it had been obtained; +no solicitude lest those who loved him had deprived themselves of +luxuries, perhaps necessities, to meet his demands. + +The next twenty-five dollars was earned, with greater difficulty. The +widow was awkward at braiding, and her work unsatisfactory, and so +some of it was returned to Susan. She sat up later nights, that her +mother should not see how hard the work pressed upon her; but the +twenty-five dollars came at last, and was sent to the student. Then +there was another letter of thanks. + +"If you would but rest, darling," the mother would say, when some look +more wan than another startled her into keener anxiety. + +"When it is done we will rest together," was all the reply the +solicitude brought. + +It was too late to retract now, the mother thought; and Daniel so +nearly through! So they pinched a little from their daily meals, a +little from the store of candles, a little from the evening fire, and +prayed that every penny might be multiplied like the widow's meal. + +One night Mrs. Brooks had gone to bed exhausted and hysterical with +overlabor. Susan pressed the blankets tenderly around her mother's +shoulders, and having given her the good-night kiss, and quieted her +with many promises of soon following her, she went back to the kitchen +fire and resumed the weary braiding. + +She had not completed her usual task that week, and the idea occurred +to her that her mother having fallen asleep, she could braid another +hat before retiring. So she set up new strands and the thin fingers +wove them patiently in and out, until sharp pain clutched her with +merciless teeth, and she leaned forward, her head falling upon the +table, in a dead faint. + +It was long past midnight when Susan found herself in this position. +Shivering with cold, she crept to her mother's side and lay the +remainder of the night, racked by alternate fevers and chills. + +How could the poor child tell her mother of what she knew was creeping +so steadily toward her? Would she make a final effort to save her own +life and let Daniel struggle with his fortunes as he best could? + +Poor, brave little heart, with the chill of the grave stealing over +it, but warmed back into life and renewed suffering by the wonderful +strength of its undying love! + +Another twenty five dollars was forwarded to Daniel, and a few lines +came flying back by the return post, for Daniel was a man of business +habits, and punctual in all things. + +Susan looked it all over carefully for some loving message to her; some +sign answering to what she felt in her own heart toward him, but there +was nothing there but "_With love to Susan, I remain, etc., Daniel._" + +A dry sob escaped the poor child as she laid it by, and took up the +weary, rustling braids. The sound rasped upon her nerves now. The very +odor of the strands nauseated her. Every kink in the braids fretted +her; and when one hat was finished and laid aside, it seemed such a +mountainous task to commence another. + +Sometimes hours would pass by without a round being accomplished, then +again the nimble fingers would be inspired, and the work would grow as +of old. + +"If I could only go and see Daniel take his diploma," she would say, +"I think it would make me strong again. I would wear my white muslin +frock, with the blue sash, and he would not be ashamed of me." + +But it was not to be. The one thousand hats were braided, and Susan's +task was done. Nothing remained for her but to lie down in her modest +casket and sleep with folded hands until the blessed Saviour shall bid +her approach to receive His welcome--"Well done, thou good and faithful +servant." + +Daniel returned with his collegiate honors only to listen to the sad +story of her labors and death. His mother told it as they stood by the +coffin. There were the worn letters she had cherished, blistered all +over with tears. + +He was conscience stricken when he looked them over, and saw how cold +and egotistical they were, and how thoughtless he had always been of +the treasure that death had taken. He took the thin hands in his--the +hands that had braided and plaited while he slept, and wrought out +the treasure-trove that molded the key to his success, and he made +solemn resolutions for the future. Let us hope that, in her broken +life, he learned how beautiful in the sight of God and angels is the +self-sacrifice of the lowly in heart: and how much better it is to +die in the struggle to bless others than it is to live to a selfish, +unloving, unsanctified old age. + + +THE END. + + + + +A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS For Young People BY POPULAR WRITERS. +97-99-101 Reade Street, New York. + + + +Bonnie Prince Charlie+: A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden. + By G. A. HENTY. With 12 full-page Illustrations by + GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The adventures of the son of a Scotch officer in French service. The +boy, brought up by a Glasgow bailie, is arrested for aiding a Jacobite +agent, escapes, is wrecked on the French coast, reaches Paris, and +serves with the French army at Dettingen. He kills his father's foe +in a duel, and escaping to the coast, shares the adventures of Prince +Charlie, but finally settles happily in Scotland. + + "Ronald, the hero, is very like the hero of 'Quentin Durward.' + The lad's journey across France, and his hairbreadth escapes, + make up as good a narrative of the kind as we have ever read. + For freshness of treatment and variety of incident Mr. Henty has + surpassed himself."--_Spectator._ + + + +With Clive in India+; or, the Beginnings of an Empire. + By G. A. HENTY. With 12 full-page Illustrations by + GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The period between the landing of Clive as a young writer in India and +the close of his career was critical and eventful in the extreme. At +its commencement the English were traders existing on sufferance of +the native princes. At its close they were masters of Bengal and of +the greater part of Southern India. The author has given a full and +accurate account of the events of that stirring time, and battles and +sieges follow each other in rapid succession, while he combines with +his narrative a tale of daring and adventure, which gives a lifelike +interest to the volume. + + "He has taken a period of Indian history of the most vital + importance, and he has embroidered on the historical facts a story + which of itself is deeply interesting. Young people assuredly will + be delighted with the volume."--_Scotsman._ + + + +The Lion of the North+: A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the Wars + of Religion. By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by + JOHN SCHÖNBERG. 12 mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +In this story Mr. Henty gives the history of the first part of the +Thirty Years' War. The issue had its importance, which has extended +to the present day, as it established religious freedom in Germany. +The army of the chivalrous king of Sweden was largely composed of +Scotchmen, and among these was the hero of the story. + + "The tale is a clever and instructive piece of history, and as + boys may be trusted to read it conscientiously, they can hardly + fail to be profited."--_Times._ + + + +The Dragon and the Raven+; or, The Days of King Alfred. By G. + A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by _C. J. Staniland, R.I._ + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +In this story the author gives an a count of the fierce struggle +between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents a vivid +picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was reduced by the +ravages of the sea-wolves. The hero, a young Saxon thane, takes part +in all the battles fought by King Alfred. He is driven from his home, +takes to the sea and resists the Danes on their own element, and being +pursued by them up the Seine, is present at the long and desperate +siege of Paris. + + "Treated in a manner most attractive to the boyish + reader."--_Athenæum._ + + + +The Young Carthaginian+: A Story of the Times of Hannibal. + By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by C. J. + STANILAND, R.I. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Boys reading the history of the Punic Wars have seldom a keen +appreciation of the merits of the contest. That it was at first a +struggle for empire, and afterward for existence on the part of +Carthage, that Hannibal was a great and skillful general, that he +defeated the Romans at Trebia, Lake Trasimenus, and Cannæ, and all but +took Rome, represents pretty nearly the sum total of their knowledge. +To let them know more about this momentous struggle for the empire of +the world Mr. Henty has written this story, which not only gives in +graphic style a brilliant description of a most interesting period +of history, but is a tale of exciting adventure sure to secure the +interest of the reader. + + "Well constructed and vividly told. From first to last nothing + stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a + stream whose current varies in direction, but never loses its + force."--_Saturday Review._ + + + +In Freedom's Cause+: A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By + G. A. HENTY. With full page Illustrations by GORDON + BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +In this story the author relates the stirring tale of the Scottish +War of Independence. The extraordinary valor and personal prowess of +Wallace and Bruce rival the deeds of the mythical heroes of chivalry, +and indeed at one time Wallace was ranked with these legendary +personages. The researches of modern historians have shown, however, +that he was a living, breathing man--and a valiant champion. The +hero of the tale fought under both Wallace and Bruce, and while the +strictest historical accuracy has been maintained with respect to +public events, the work is full of "hairbreadth 'scapes" and wild +adventure. + + "It is written in the author's best style. Full of the wildest + and most remarkable achievements, it is a tale of great interest, + which a boy, once he has begun it, will not willingly put on one + side."--_The Schoolmaster._ + + + +With Lee in Virginia+: A Story of the American Civil War. + By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The story of a young Virginian planter, who, after bravely proving his +sympathy with the slaves of brutal masters, serves with no less courage +and enthusiasm under Lee and Jackson through the most exciting events +of the struggle. He has many hairbreadth escapes, is several times +wounded and twice taken prisoner; but his courage and readiness and, in +two cases, the devotion of a black servant and of a runaway slave whom +he had assisted, bring him safely through all difficulties. + + "One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet + written. The picture is full of life and color, and the stirring + and romantic incidents are skillfully blended with the personal + interest and charm of the story."--_Standard._ + + + +By England's Aid+; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands + (1585-1604). By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations + by ALFRED PEARSE, and Maps. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The story of two English lads who go to Holland as pages in the service +of one of "the fighting Veres." After many adventures by sea and land, +one of the lads finds himself on board a Spanish ship at the time of +the defeat of the Armada, and escapes only to fall into the hands of +the Corsairs. He is successful in getting back to Spain under the +protection of a wealthy merchant, and regains his native country after +the capture of Cadiz. + + "It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with + stirring incident and exciting adventure, and the color of the era + and of the scene are finely reproduced. The illustrations add to + its attractiveness."--_Boston Gazette._ + + + +By Right of Conquest+; or, With Cortez in Mexico. By + G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by W. S. + STACEY, and Two Maps. 12mo, cloth, price $1.50. + +The conquest of Mexico by a small band of resolute men under the +magnificent leadership of Cortez is always rightly ranked among the +most romantic and daring exploits in history. With, this as the ground +work of his story Mr. Henty has interwoven the adventures of an English +youth, Roger Hawkshaw, the sole survivor of the good ship Swan, which +had sailed from a Devon port to challenge the mercantile supremacy +of the Spaniards in the New World. He is beset by many perils among +the natives, but is saved by his own judgment and strength, and by +the devotion of an Aztec princess. At last by a ruse he obtains the +protection of the Spaniards, and after the fall of Mexico he succeeds +in regaining his native shore, with a fortune and a charming Aztec +bride. + + "'By Right of Conquest' is the nearest approach to a + perfectly successful historical tale that Mr. Henty has yet + published."--_Academy._ + + + +In the Reign of Terror+: The Adventures of a Westminster + Boy. By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by J. SCHÖNBERG. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Harry Sandwith, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at the chateau +of a French marquis, and after various adventures accompanies the +family to Paris at the crisis of the Revolution. Imprisonment and death +reduce their number, and the hero finds himself beset by perils with +the three young daughters of the house in his charge. After hairbreadth +escapes they reach Nantes. There the girls are condemned to death in +the coffin-ships, but are saved by the unfailing courage of their boy +protector. + + "Harry Sandwith, the Westminster boy, may fairly be said to beat + Mr. Henry's record. His adventures will delight boys by the + audacity and peril they depict.... The story is one of Mr. Henty's + best."--_Saturday Review._ + + + +With Wolfe in Canada+; or, The Winning of a Continent. By + G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +In the present volume Mr. Henty gives an account of the struggle +between Britain and France for supremacy in the North American +continent. On the issue of this war depended not only the destinies +of North America, but to a large extent those of the mother countries +themselves. The fall of Quebec decided that the Anglo-Saxon race should +predominate in the New World; that Britain, and not France, should take +the lead among the nations of Europe; and that English and American +commerce, the English language, and English literature, should spread +right round the globe. + + "It is not only a lesson in history as instructively as + it is graphically told, but also a deeply interesting and + often thrilling tale of adventure and peril by flood and + field."--_Illustrated London News._ + + + +True to the Old Flag+: A Tale of the American War + of Independence. By G. A. HENTY. With full-page + Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +In this story the author has gone to the accounts of officers who +took part in the conflict, and lads will find that in no war in which +American and British soldiers have been engaged did they behave with +greater courage and good conduct. The historical portion of the book +being accompanied with numerous thrilling adventures with the redskins +on the shores of Lake Huron, a story of exciting interest is interwoven +with the general narrative and carried through the book. + + "Does justice to the pluck and determination of the British + soldiers during the unfortunate struggle against American + emancipation. The son of an American loyalist, who remains true + to our flag, falls among the hostile redskins in that very Huron + country which has been endeared to us by the exploits of Hawkeye + and Chingachgook."--_The Times._ + + + +The Lion of St. Mark+: A Tale of Venice in the Fourteenth + Century. By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by + GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +A story of Venice at a period when her strength and splendor were put +to the severest tests. The hero displays a fine sense and manliness +which carry him safely through an atmosphere of intrigue, crime, and +bloodshed. He contributes largely to the victories of the Venetians at +Porto d'Anzo and Chioggia, and finally wins the hand of the daughter of +one of the chief men of Venice. + + "Every boy should read 'The Lion of St. Mark.' Mr. Henty has + never produced a story more delightful, more wholesome, or more + vivacious."--_Saturday Review._ + + + +A Final Reckoning+: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia, By + G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by W. B. WOLLEN. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00, + +The hero, a young English lad, after rather a stormy boyhood, emigrates +to Australia, and gets employment as an officer in the mounted police. +A few years of active work on the frontier, where he has many a brush +with both natives and bushrangers, gain him promotion to a captaincy, +and he eventually settles down to the peaceful life of a squatter. + + "Mr. Henty has never published a more readable, a more carefully + constructed, or a better written story than this."--_Spectator._ + + + +Under Drake's Flag+: A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. + A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +A story of the days when England and Spain struggled for the supremacy +of the sea. The heroes sail as lads with Drake in the Pacific +expedition, and in his great voyage of circumnavigation. The historical +portion of the story is absolutely to be relied upon, but this will +perhaps be less attractive than the great variety of exciting adventure +through which the young heroes pass in the course of their voyages. + + "A book of adventure, where the hero meets with experience enough, + one would think, to turn his hair gray."--_Harper's Monthly + Magazine._ + + + +By Sheer Pluck+: A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. + A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the details +of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a witness. His hero, +after many exciting adventures in the interior, is detained a prisoner +by the king just before the outbreak of the war but escapes, and +accompanies the English expedition on their march to Coomassie. + + "Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys' stories. + 'By Sheer Pluck' will be eagerly read."--_Athenæum._ + + + +By Pike and Dyke+: A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. + By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by MAYNARD BROWN, + and 4 Maps. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +In this story Mr. Henty traces the adventures and brave deeds of an +English boy in the household of the ablest man of his age--William the +Silent. Edward Martin, the son of an English sea-captain, enters the +service of the Prince as a volunteer, and is employed by him in many +dangerous and responsible missions, in the discharge of which he passes +through the great sieges of the time. He ultimately settles down as Sir +Edward Martin. + + "Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with + the book, while the rest who only care for adventure will be + students in spite of themselves."--_St. James' Gazette._ + + + +St. George for England+: A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By + G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +No portion of English history is more crowded with great events than +that of the reign of Edward III. Cressy and Poitiers; the destruction +of the Spanish fleet; the plague of the Black Death; the Jacquerie +rising; these are treated by the author in "St. George for England." +The hero of the story, although of good family, begins life as a London +apprentice, but after countless adventures and perils becomes by valor +and good conduct the squire, and at last the trusted friend of the +Black Prince. + + "Mr. Henty has developed for himself a type of historical + novel for boys which bids fair to supplement, on their behalf, + the historical labors of Sir Walter Scott in the land of + fiction."--_The Standard._ + + + +Captain's Kidd's Gold+: The True Story of an Adventurous + Sailor Boy. By JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very +idea of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy +Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming +eyes--sinister-looking fellows who once on a time haunted the Spanish +Main, sneaking out from some hidden creek in their long, low schooner, +of picaroonish rake and sheer, to attack an unsuspecting trading +craft. There were many famous sea rovers in their day, but none more +celebrated than Capt. Kidd. Perhaps the most fascinating tale of all is +Mr. Fitts' true story of an adventurous American boy, who receives from +his dying father an ancient bit of vellum, which the latter obtained +in a curious way. The document bears obscure directions purporting +to locate a certain island in the Bahama group, and a considerable +treasure buried there by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this book, +Paul Jones Garry, is an ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water New +England ancestry, and his efforts to reach the island and secure the +money form one of the most absorbing tales for our youth that has come +from the press. + + + +Captain Bayley's Heir+: A Tale of the Gold Fields of California + By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by H. M. PAGET. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +A frank, manly lad and his cousin are rivals in the heirship of a +considerable property. The former falls into a trap laid by the latter, +and while under a false accusation of theft foolishly leaves England +for America. He works his passage before the mast, joins a small band +of hunters, crosses a tract of country infested with Indians to the +Californian gold diggings, and is successful both as digger and trader. + + "Mr. Henty is careful to mingle instruction with entertainment; + and the humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl, + the Westminster dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have + excelled."--_Christian Leader._ + + + +For Name and Fame+; or, Through Afghan Passes. By G. + A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +An interesting story of the last war in Afghanistan. The hero, after +being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures among the +Malays, finds his way to Calcutta and enlists in a regiment proceeding +to join the army at the Afghan passes. He accompanies the force under +General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, is wounded, taken prisoner, +carried to Cabul, whence he is transferred to Candahar, and takes part +in the final defeat of the army of Ayoub Khan. + + "The best feature of the book--apart from the interest of its + scenes of adventure--is its honest effort to do justice to the + patriotism of the Afghan people."--_Daily News._ + + + +Captured by Apes+: The Wonderful Adventures of a Young + Animal Trainer. By HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, $1.00. + +The scene of this tale is laid on an island in the Malay Archipelago. +Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, of New York, sets +sail for Eastern seas in quest of a new stock of living curiosities. +The vessel is wrecked off the coast of Borneo and young Garland, the +sole survivor of the disaster, is cast ashore on a small island and +captured by the apes that overrun the place. The lad discovers that the +ruling spirit of the monkey tribe is a gigantic and vicious baboon, +whom he identifies as Goliah, an animal at one time in his possession +and with whose instruction he had been especially diligent. The brute +recognizes him, and with a kind of malignant satisfaction puts his +former master through the same course of training he had himself +experienced with a faithfulness of detail which shows how astonishing +is monkey recollection. Very novel indeed is the way by which the young +man escapes death. Mr. Prentice has certainly worked a new vein on +juvenile fiction, and the ability with which he handles a difficult +subject stamps him as a writer of undoubted skill. + + + +The Bravest of the Brave+; or, With Peterborough in Spain. + By G. A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by H. M. PAGET. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +There are few great leaders whose lives and actions have so completely +fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peterborough. This is +largely due to the fact that they were overshadowed by the glory and +successes of Marlborough. His career as general extended over little +more than a year, and yet, in that time, he showed a genius for warfare +which has never been surpassed. + + "Mr. Henty never loses sight of the moral purpose of his work--to + enforce the doctrine of courage and truth. Lads will read 'The + Bravest of the Brave' with pleasure and profit; of that we are + quite sure."--_Daily Telegraph._ + + + +The Cat of Bubastes+: A Story of Ancient Egypt. By G. A. + HENTY. With full-page Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +A story which will give young readers an unsurpassed insight into the +customs of the Egyptian people. Amuba, a prince of the Rebu nation, is +carried with his charioteer Jethro into slavery. They become inmates +of the house of Ameres, the Egyptian high-priest, and are happy in his +service until the priest's son accidentally kills the sacred cat of +Bubastes. In an outburst of popular fury Ameres is killed, and it rests +with Jethro and Amuba to secure the escape of the high-priest's son and +daughter. + + "The story, from the critical moment of the killing of the sacred + cat to the perilous exodus into Asia with which it closes, is very + skillfully constructed and full of exciting adventures. It is + admirably illustrated."--_Saturday Review._ + + + +With Washington at Monmouth+: A Story of Three Philadelphia + Boys. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Three Philadelphia boys, Seth Graydon "whose mother conducted a +boarding-house which was patronized by the British officers;" Enoch +Ball, "son of that Mrs. Ball whose dancing school was situated on +Letitia Street," and little Jacob, son of "Chris, the Baker," serve +as the principal characters. The story is laid during the winter when +Lord Howe held possession of the city, and the lads aid the cause by +assisting the American spies who make regular and frequent visits from +Valley Forge. One reads here of home-life in the captive city when +bread was scarce among the people of the lower classes, and a reckless +prodigality shown by the British officers, who passed the winter in +feasting and merry-making while the members of the patriot army but +a few miles away were suffering from both cold and hunger. The story +abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully drawn, and the +glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are given show that the work +has not been hastily done, or without considerable study. + + + +For the Temple+: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A. + HENTY, With full-page Illustrations by S. J. SOLOMON. + 12mo, cloth, price $1,00. + +Mr. Henty here weaves into the record of Josephus an admirable and +attractive story. The troubles in the district of Tiberias, the +march of the legions, the sieges of Jotapata, of Gamala, and of +Jerusalem, form the impressive and carefully studied historic setting +to the figure of the lad who passes from the vineyard to the service +of Josephus, becomes the leader of a guerrilla band of patriots, +fights bravely for the Temple, and after a brief term of slavery at +Alexandria, returns to his Galilean home with the favor of Titus. + + "Mr. Henty's graphic prose pictures of the hopeless Jewish + resistance to Roman sway add another leaf to his record of the + famous wars of the world."--_Graphic._ + + + +Facing Death+; or, The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale + of the Coal Mines. By G. A. HENTY. With full-page + Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +"Facing Death" is a story with a purpose. It is intended to show that +a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that he will rise +in life, and who is prepared to face toil and ridicule and hardship +to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. The hero of the +story is a typical British boy, dogged, earnest, generous, and though +"shamefaced" to a degree, is ready to face death in the discharge of +duty. + + "The tale is well written and well illustrated, and there is + much eanty in the characters. If any father, clergyman, or + schoolmaster is on the lookout for a good book to give as a + present to a boy who is worth his salt, this is the book we would + recommend."--_Standard._ + + + +Tom Temple's Career.+ By HORATIO ALGER. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Tom Temple, a bright, self-reliant lad, by the death of his father +becomes a boarder at the home of Nathan Middleton, a penurious +insurance agent. Though well paid for keeping the boy, Nathan and his +wife endeavor to bring Master Tom in line with their parsimonious +habits. The lad ingeniously evades their efforts and revolutionizes the +household. As Tom is heir to $40,000, he is regarded as a person of +some importance until by an unfortunate combination of circumstances +his fortune shrinks to a few hundreds. He leaves Plympton village to +seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to +California, around which center the most exciting incidents of his +young career. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling +that the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall +have been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating +style, and is bound to please the very large class of boys who regard +this popular author as a prime favorite. + + + +Maori and Settler+: A Story of the New Zealand War. By G. + A. HENTY. With full-page Illustrations by ALFRED PEARSE. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The Renshaws emigrate to New Zealand during the period of the war +with the natives. Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant, courageous lad, is +the mainstay of the household. He has for his friend Mr. Atherton, a +botanist and naturalist of herculean strength and unfailing nerve and +humor. In the adventures among the Maoris, there are many breathless +moments in which the odds seem hopelessly against the party, but they +succeed in establishing themselves happily in one of the pleasant New +Zealand valleys. + + "Brimful of adventure, of humorous and interesting conversation, + and vivid pictures of colonial life."--_Schoolmaster._ + + + +Julian Mortimer+: A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and + Fortune. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Here is a story that will warm every boy's heart. There is mystery +enough to keep any lad's imagination wound up to the highest pitch. +The scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi river, in the days +when emigrants made their perilous way across the great plains to the +land of gold. One of the startling features of the book is the attack +upon the wagon train by a large party of Indians. Our hero is a lad +of uncommon nerve and pluck, a brave young American in every sense of +the word. He enlists and holds the reader's sympathy from the outset. +Surrounded by an unknown and constant peril, and assisted by the +unswerving fidelity of a stalwart trapper, a real rough diamond, our +hero achieves the most happy results. Harry Castlemon has written many +entertaining stories for boys, and it would seem almost superfluous to +say anything in his praise, for the youth of America regard him as a +favorite author. + + + +"Carrots:"+ Just a Little Boy. By MRS. MOLESWORTH. + With Illustrations by WALTER CRANE. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "One of the cleverest and most pleasing stories it has been our + good fortune to meet with for some time. Carrots and his sister + are delightful little beings, whom to read about is at once to + become very fond of."--_Examiner._ + + "A genuine children's book; we've seen 'em seize it, and read + it greedily. Children are first-rate critics, and thoroughly + appreciate Walter Crane's illustrations."--_Punch._ + + + +Mopsa the Fairy.+ By JEAN INGELOW. With Eight page + Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "Miss Ingelow is, to our mind, the most charming of all living + writers for children, and 'Mopsa' alone ought to give her a kind + of pre-emptive right to the love and gratitude of our young folks. + It requires genius to conceive a purely imaginary work which must + of necessity deal with the supernatural, without running into a + mere riot of fantastic absurdity; but genius Miss Ingelow has and + the story of 'Jack' is as careless and joyous, but as delicate, as + a picture of childhood."--_Eclectic._ + + + +A Jaunt Through Java+: The Story of a Journey to the Sacred + Mountain. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The central interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures +of two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip across the +island of Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where +the Royal Bengal tiger runs at large; where the rhinoceros and other +fierce beasts are to be met with at unexpected moments; it is but +natural that the heroes of this book should have a lively experience. +Hermon not only distinguishes himself by killing a full grown tiger +at short range, but meets with the most startling adventure of the +journey. There is much in this narrative to instruct as well as +entertain the reader, and so deftly has Mr. Ellis used his material +that there is not a dull page in the book. The two heroes are brave, +manly young fellows, bubbling over with boyish independence. They cope +with the many difficulties that arise during the trip in a fearless way +that is bound to win the admiration of every lad who is so fortunate as +to read their adventures. + + + +Wrecked on Spider Island+; or, How Ned Rogers Found the + Treasure. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +A "down-east" plucky lad who ships as cabin boy, not from love of +adventure, but because it is the only course remaining by which he +can gain a livelihood. While in his bunk, seasick, Ned Rogers hears +the captain and mate discussing their plans for the willful wreck of +the brig in order to gain the insurance. Once it is known he is in +possession of the secret the captain maroons him on Spider Island, +explaining to the crew that the boy is afflicted with leprosy. While +thus involuntarily playing the part of a Crusoe, Ned discovers a wreck +submerged in the sand, and overhauling the timbers for the purpose +of gathering material with which to build a hut finds a considerable +amount of treasure. Raising the wreck; a voyage to Havana under sail; +shipping there a crew and running for Savannah; the attempt of the crew +to seize the little craft after learning of the treasure on board, and, +as a matter of course, the successful ending of the journey, all serve +to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most captious boy +could desire. + + + +Geoff and Jim+: A Story of School Life. By ISMAY THORN. + Illustrated by A. G. WALKER. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "This is a prettily told story of the life spent by two motherless + bairns at a small preparatory school. Both Geoff and Jim are very + lovable characters, only Jim is the more so; and the scrapes he + gets into and the trials he endures will, no doubt, interest a + large circle of young readers."--_Church Times._ + + "This is a capital children's story, the characters + well portrayed, and the book tastefully bound and well + illustrated."--_Schoolmaster._ + + "The story can be heartily recommended as a present for + boys."--_Standard._ + + + +The Castaways+; or, On the Florida Reefs. By JAMES OTIS. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +This tale smacks of the salt sea. It is just the kind of story that +the majority of boys yearn for. From the moment that the Sea Queen +dispenses with the services of the tug in lower New York bay till the +breeze leaves her becalmed off the coast of Florida, one can almost +hear the whistle of the wind through her rigging, the creak of her +straining cordage as she heels to the leeward, and feel her rise to +the snow-capped waves which her sharp bow cuts into twin streaks of +foam. Off Marquesas Keys she floats in a dead calm. Ben Clark, the hero +of the story, and Jake, the cook, spy a turtle asleep upon the glassy +surface of the water. They determine to capture him, and take a boat +for that purpose, and just as they succeed in catching him a thick fog +cuts them off from the vessel, and then their troubles begin. They +take refuge on board a drifting hulk, a storm arises and they are cast +ashore upon a low sandy key. Their adventures from this point cannot +fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young people Mr. Otis is a +prime favorite. His style is captivating, and never for a moment does +he allow the interest to flag. In "The Castaways" he is at his best. + + + +Tom Thatcher's Fortune.+ By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Like all of Mr. Alger's heroes, Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, +unselfish boy. He supports his mother and sister on meager wages earned +as a shoe-pegger in John Simpson's factory. The story begins with Tom's +discharge from the factory, because Mr. Simpson felt annoyed with the +lad for interrogating him too closely about his missing father. A few +days afterward Tom learns that which induces him to start overland +for California with the view of probing the family mystery. He meets +with many adventures. Ultimately he returns to his native village, +bringing consternation to the soul of John Simpson, who only escapes +the consequences of his villainy by making full restitution to the +man whose friendship he had betrayed. The story is told in that +entertaining way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so +many homes. + + + +Birdie+: A Tale of Child Life. By H. L. + CHILDE-PEMBERTON. Illustrated by H. W. RAINEY. 12mo, + cloth, price 75 cents. + + "The story is quaint and simple, but there is a freshness about it + that makes one hear again the ringing laugh and the cheery shout + of children at play which charmed his earlier years."--_New York + Express._ + + + +Popular Fairy Tales.+ By the BROTHERS GRIMM. + Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "From first to last, almost without exception, these stories are + delightful."--_Athenæum._ + + + +With Lafayette at Yorktown+: A Story of How Two Boys Joined the + Continental Army. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The two boys are from Portsmouth, N. H., and are introduced in August, +1781, when on the point of leaving home to enlist in Col. Scammell's +regiment, then stationed near New York City. Their method of traveling +is on horseback, and the author has given an interesting account of +what was expected from boys in the Colonial days. The lads, after no +slight amount of adventure, are sent as messengers--not soldiers--into +the south to find the troops under Lafayette. Once with that youthful +general they are given employment as spies, and enter the British +camp, bringing away valuable information. The pictures of camp-life +are carefully drawn, and the portrayal of Lafayette's character is +thoroughly well done. The story is wholesome in tone, as are all of Mr. +Otis' works. There is no lack of exciting incident which the youthful +reader craves, but it is healthful excitement brimming with facts which +every boy should be familiar with, and while the reader is following +the adventures of Ben Jaffreys and Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of +historical lore which will remain in his memory long after that which +he has memorized from text-books has been forgotten. + + + +Lost in the Canon+: Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great + Colorado. By ALFRED R. CALHOUN. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett, the hero, and the +fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad dies +before he shall have reached his majority. The Vigilance Committee of +Hurley's Gulch arrest Sam's father and an associate for the crime of +murder. Their lives depend on the production of the receipt given for +money paid. This is in Sam's possession at the camp on the other side +of the cañon. A messenger is dispatched to get it. He reaches the lad +in the midst of a fearful storm which floods the cañon. His father's +peril urges Sam to action. A raft is built on which the boy and his +friends essay to cross the torrent. They fail to do so, and a desperate +trip down the stream ensues. How the party finally escape from the +horrors of their situation and Sam reaches Hurley's Gulch in the very +nick of time, is described in a graphic style that stamps Mr. Calhoun +as a master of his art. + + + +Jack+: A Topsy Turvy Story. By C. M. CRAWLEY-BOEVEY. + With upward of Thirty Illustrations by H. J. A. MILES. + 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "The illustrations deserve particular mention, as they add largely + to the interest of this amusing volume for children. Jack falls + asleep with his mind full of the subject of the fishpond, and + is very much surprised presently to find himself an inhabitant + of Waterworld, where he goes though wonderful and edifying + adventures. A handsome and pleasant book."--_Literary World._ + + + +Search for the Silver City+: A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan. By + JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Two American lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam +yacht Day Dream for a short summer cruise to the tropics. Homeward +bound the yacht is destroyed by fire. All hands take to the boats, but +during the night the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They come +across a young American named Cummings, who entertains them with the +story of the wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians. +Cummings proposes with the aid of a faithful Indian ally to brave the +perils of the swamp and carry off a number of the golden images from +the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor for days their situation is +desperate. At last their escape is effected in an astonishing manner. +Mr. Otis has built his story on an historical foundation. It is so full +of exciting incidents that the reader is quite carried away with the +novelty and realism of the narrative. + + + +Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy.+ By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Thrown upon his own resources Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely +determines to make a living for himself and his foster-sister Grace. +Going to New York he obtains a situation as cash boy in a dry goods +store. He renders a service to a wealthy old gentleman named Wharton, +who takes a fancy to the lad. Frank, after losing his place as cash +boy, is enticed by an enemy to a lonesome part of New Jersey and held +a prisoner. This move recoils upon the plotter, for it leads to a +clue that enables the lad to establish his real identity. Mr. Alger's +stories are not only unusually interesting, but they convey a useful +lesson of pluck and manly independence. + + + +Budd Boyd's Triumph+; or, the Boy Firm of Fox Island. By + WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett +Bay, and the leading incidents have a strong salt water flavor. Owing +to the conviction of his father for forgery and theft, Budd Boyd is +compelled to leave his home and strike out for himself. Chance brings +Budd in contact with Judd Floyd. The two boys, being ambitious and +clear sighted, form a partnership to catch and sell fish. The scheme +is successfully launched, but the unexpected appearance on the scene +of Thomas Bagsley, the man whom Budd believes guilty of the crimes +attributed to his father, leads to several disagreeable complications +that nearly caused the lad's ruin. His pluck and good sense, however, +carry him through his troubles. In following the career of the +boys firm of Boyd & Floyd, the youthful reader will find a useful +lesson--that industry and perseverance are bound to lead to ultimate +success. + + + +The Errand Boy+; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By HORATIO + ALGER, JR. 12 mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a smart +country lad who at an early age was abandoned by his father. Philip +was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper named Brent. The death of +Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's subsequent troubles. Accident +introduces him to the notice of a retired merchant in New York, who +not only secures him the situation of errand boy but thereafter stands +as his friend. An unexpected turn of fortune's wheel, however, brings +Philip and his father together. In "The Errand Boy" Philip Brent is +possessed of the same sterling qualities so conspicuous in all of the +previous creations of this delightful writer for our youth. + + + +The Slate Picker+: The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal + Mines. By HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. +There are many thrilling situations, notably that of Ben Burton's +leap into the "lion's mouth"--the yawning shute in the breakers--to +escape a beating at the hands of the savage Spilkins, the overseer. +Gracie Gordon is a little angel in rags, Terence O'Dowd is a manly, +sympathetic lad, and Enoch Evans, the miner-poet, is a big-hearted, +honest fellow, a true friend to all whose burdens seem too heavy for +them to bear. Ben Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but +by grit and energy he advanced step by step until he found himself +called upon to fill the position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal +Company. + + + +A Runaway Brig+; or, An Accidental Cruise. By JAMES OTIS. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +"A Runaway Brig" is a sea tale, pure and simple, and that's where it +strikes a boy's fancy. The reader can look out upon the wide shimmering +sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with +Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back, Bob +Brace, on the brig Bonita, which lands on one of the Bahama keys. +Finally three strangers steal the craft, leaving the rightful owners +to shift for themselves aboard a broken-down tug. The boys discover +a mysterious document which enables them to find a buried treasure, +then a storm comes on and the tug is stranded. At last a yacht comes +in sight and the party with the treasure is taken off the lonely key. +The most exacting youth is sure to be fascinated with this entertaining +story. + + + +Fairy Tales and Stories.+ By HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN. + Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "If I were asked to select a child's library I should name these + three volumes 'English,' 'Celtic,' and 'Indian Fairy Tales,' with + Grimm and Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales."--_Independent._ + + + +The Island Treasure+; or, Harry Darrel's Fortune. By FRANK + H. CONVERSE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Harry Darrel, an orphan, having received a nautical training on a +school-ship, is bent on going to sea with a boyish acquaintance named +Dan Plunket. A runaway horse changes his prospects. Harry saves Dr. +Gregg from drowning and the doctor presents his preserver with a bit of +property known as Gregg's Island, and makes the lad sailing-master of +his sloop yacht. A piratical hoard is supposed to be hidden somewhere +on the island. After much search and many thwarted plans, at last Dan +discovers the treasure and is the means of finding Harry's father. Mr. +Converse's stories possess a charm of their own which is appreciated by +lads who delight in good healthy tales that smack of salt water. + + + +The Boy Explorers+: The Adventures of Two Boys in Alaska. By + HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Two boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel from San Francisco to +Alaska to join their father in search of their uncle, who, it is +believed, was captured and detained by the inhabitants of a place +called the "Heart of Alaska." On their arrival at Sitka the boys with +an Indian guide set off across the mountains. The trip is fraught +with perils that test the lads' courage to the utmost. Reaching the +Yukon River they build a raft and float down the stream, entering the +Mysterious River, from which they barely escape with their lives, only +to be captured by natives of the Heart of Alaska. All through their +exciting adventures the lads demonstrate what can be accomplished +by pluck and resolution, and their experience makes one of the most +interesting tales ever written. + + + +The Treasure Finders+: A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By + JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's +indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The +boys eagerly explore the dismantled temples of an extinct race and +discover three golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with +the greatest difficulty; by taking advantage of a festive gathering +they seize a canoe and fly down the river. Eventually they reach safety +with their golden prizes. Mr. Otis is the prince of story tellers, for +he handles his material with consummate skill. We doubt if he has ever +written a more entertaining story than "The Treasure Finders." + + + +Household Fairy Tales.+ By the BROTHERS GRIMM. + Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "As a collection of fairy tales to delight children of all ages + this work ranks second to none."--_Daily Graphic._ + + + +Dan the Newsboy.+ By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The reader is introduced to Dan Mordaunt and his mother living in a +poor tenement, and the lad is pluckily trying to make ends meet by +selling papers in the streets of New York. A little heiress of six +years is confided to the care of the Mordaunts. At the same time the +lad obtains a position in a wholesale house. He soon demonstrates +how valuable he is to the firm by detecting the bookkeeper in a bold +attempt to rob his employers. The child is kidnaped and Dan tracks the +child to the house where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy +aunt of the little heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many +good qualities that she adopts him as her heir, and the conclusion of +the book leaves the hero on the high road to every earthly desire. + + + +Tony the Hero+: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By + HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of +Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal, shiftless and lazy, spending his time +tramping about the country. After much abuse Tony runs away and gets a +job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a large estate +in England, and certain persons find it necessary to produce proof of +the lad's death. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws +him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided +for him, and by a brave act makes a rich friend, with whom he goes +to England, where he secures his rights and is prosperous. The fact +that Mr. Alger is the author of this entertaining book will at once +recommend it to all juvenile readers. + + + +A Young Hero+; or, Fighting to Win. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from +the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded ladies. Fred +Sheldon, the hero of this story and a friend of the old ladies, +undertakes to discover the thieves and have them arrested. After much +time spent in detective work, he succeeds in discovering the silver +plate and winning the reward for its restoration. During the narrative +a circus comes to town and a thrilling account of the escape of the +lion from its cage, with its recapture, is told in Mr. Ellis' most +fascinating style. Every boy will be glad to read this delightful book. + + + +The Days of Bruce+: A Story from Scottish History. By + GRACE AGUILAR. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "There is a delightful freshness, sincerity and vivacity about all + of Grace Aguilar's stories which cannot fail to win the interest + and admiration of every lover of good reading."--_Boston Beacon._ + + + +Tom the Bootblack+; or, The Road to Success. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the bootblack. He was not at all +ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better +himself. His guardian, old Jacob Morton, died, leaving him a small sum +of money and a written confession that Tom, instead of being of humble +origin, was the son and heir of a deceased Western merchant, and had +been defrauded out of his just rights by an unscrupulous uncle. The +lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. But three years +passed away before he obtained his first clue. Mr. Grey, the uncle, did +not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The plan failed, and +Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable fortune. +This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories. + + + +Captured by Zulus+: A story of Trapping in Africa. By + HARRY PRENTICE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob +Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa, for the purpose of obtaining a +supply of zoological curiosities. By stratagem the Zulus capture Dick +and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The lads +escape death by digging their way out of the prison hut by night. They +are pursued, and after a rough experience the boys eventually rejoin +the expedition and take part in several wild animal hunts. The Zulus +finally give up pursuit and the expedition arrives at the coast without +further trouble. Mr. Prentice has a delightful method of blending +fact with fiction. He tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure +specimens on their native stamping grounds, and these descriptions make +very entertaining reading. + + + +Tom the Ready+; or, Up from the Lowest. By RANDOLPH HILL. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless, +ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder--the gate of +the poorhouse--to wealth and the governorship of his native State. +Thomas Seacomb begins life with a purpose. While yet a schoolboy he +conceives and presents to the world the germ of the Overland Express +Co. At the very outset of his career jealousy and craft seek to +blast his promising future. Later he sets out to obtain a charter +for a railroad line in connection with the express business. Now he +realizes what it is to match himself against capital. Yet he wins +and the railroad is built. Only an uncommon nature like Tom's could +successfully oppose such a combine. How he manages to win the battle is +told by Mr. Hill in a masterful way that thrills the reader and holds +his attention and sympathy to the end. + + + +Roy Gilbert's Search+: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By WM. P. + CHIPMAN. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges +with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam +launch. The three boys leave Erie on the launch and visit many points +of interest on the lakes. Soon afterward the lad is conspicuous in the +rescue of an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sinking yacht. Later +on the cruise of the launch is brought to a disastrous termination +and the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The hero is a manly, +self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed with interest. + + + +The Young Scout+; The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By + EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the most +terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, in a +tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid. +The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point. +Ambitious to distinguish himself so as to win well-deserved promotion, +the young man takes many a desperate chance against the enemy and +on more than one occasion narrowly escapes with his life. The story +naturally abounds in thrilling situations, and being historically +correct, it is reasonable to believe it will find great favor with the +boys. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now +before the public. + + + +Adrift in the Wilds+: The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked + Boys. BY EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, price, $1.00. + +Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence, cousins and schoolmates, +accompanied by a lively Irishman called O'Rooney, are enroute for +San Francisco. Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. +The two boys and their companion reach the shore with several of the +passengers. While O'Rooney and the lads are absent inspecting the +neighborhood O'Rooney has an exciting experience and young Brandon +becomes separated from his party. He is captured by hostile Indians, +but is rescued by an Indian whom the lads had assisted. This is a very +entertaining narrative of Southern California in the days immediately +preceding the construction of the Pacific railroads. Mr. Ellis seems to +be particularly happy in this line of fiction, and the present story is +fully as entertaining as anything he has ever written. + + + +The Red Fairy Book.+ Edited by ANDREW LANG. + Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "A gift-book that will charm any child, and all older folk who + have been fortunate enough to retain their taste for the old + nursery stories."--_Literary World._ + + + +The Boy Cruisers+; or, Paddling in Florida. BY ST. GEORGE + RATHBORNE. 12mo, cloth, price, $1.00. + +Boys who like an admixture of sport and adventure will find this book +just to their taste. We promise them that they will not go to sleep +over the rattling experiences of Andrew George and Roland Carter, who +start on a canoe trip along the Gulf coast, from Key West to Tampa, +Florida. Their first adventure is with a pair of rascals who steal +their boats. Next they run into a gale in the Gulf and have a lively +experience while it lasts. After that they have a lively time with +alligators and divers varieties of the finny tribe. Andrew gets into +trouble with a band of Seminole Indians and gets away without having +his scalp raised. After this there is no lack of fun till they reach +their destination. That Mr. Rathborne knows just how to interest the +boys is apparent at a glance, and lads who are in search of a rare +treat will do well to read this entertaining story. + + + +Guy Harris+: The Runaway. BY HARRY CASTLEMON. 12mo, + cloth, price $1.00. + +Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the Great +Lakes. His head became filled with quixotic notions of going West to +hunt grizzlies, in fact, Indians. He is persuaded to go to sea, and +gets a glimpse of the rough side of life in a sailor's boarding house. +He ships on a vessel and for five months leads a hard life. He deserts +his ship at San Francisco and starts out to become a backwoodsman, but +rough experiences soon cure him of all desire to be a hunter. At St. +Louis he becomes a clerk and for a time he yields to the temptations of +a great city. The book will not only interest boys generally on account +of its graphic style, but will put many facts before their eyes in a +new light. This is one of Castlemon's most attractive stories. + + + +The Train Boy.+ BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother +and sister by selling books and papers on one of the trains running +between Chicago and Milwaukee. He detects a young man named Luke +Denton in the act of picking the pockets of a young lady, and also +incurs the enmity of his brother Stephen, a worthless follow. Luke and +Stephen plot to ruin Paul, but their plans are frustrated. In a railway +accident many passengers are killed, but Paul is fortunate enough to +assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude takes him into his +employ. Paul is sent to manage a mine in Custer City and executes his +commission with tact and judgment and is well started on the road to +business prominence. This is one of Mr. Alger's most attractive stories +and is sure to please all readers. + + + +Joe's Luck+: A Boy's Adventures in California. BY HORATIO + ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Without a doubt Joe Mason was a lucky boy, but he deserved the golden +chances that fell to his lot, for he had the pluck and ambition to push +himself to the front. Joe had but one dollar in the world when he stood +despondently on the California Mail Steamship Co.'s dock in New York +watching the preparations incident to the departure of the steamer. +The same dollar was still Joe's entire capital when he landed in the +bustling town of tents and one-story cabins--the San Francisco of '51, +and inside of the week the boy was proprietor of a small restaurant +earning a comfortable profit. The story is chock full of stirring +incidents, while the amusing situations are furnished by Joshua +Bickford, from Pumpkin Hollow, and the fellow who modestly styles +himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co., Missouri." Mr. Alger never +writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is certainly one of his best. + + + +Three Bright Girls+: A Story of Chance and Mischance. By + ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG. With full page Illustrations by + W. PARKINSON. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +By a sudden turn of fortune's wheel the three heroines of this story +are brought down from a household of lavish comfort to meet the +incessant cares and worries of those who have to eke out a very limited +income. And the charm of the story lies in the cheery helpfulness of +spirit developed in the girls by their changed circumstances; while the +author finds a pleasant ending to all their happy makeshifts. + + "The story is charmingly told, and the book can be warmly + recommended as a present for girls."--_Standard._ + + + +Giannetta+: A Girl's Story of Herself. By ROSA MULHOLLAND. + With full-page Illustrations by LOCKHART BOGLE. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The daughter of a gentleman, who had married a poor Swiss girl, was +stolen as an infant by some of her mother's relatives. The child having +died, they afterward for the sake of gain substitute another child for +it, and the changeling, after becoming a clever modeler of clay images, +is suddenly transferred to the position of a rich heiress. She develops +into a good and accomplished woman, and though the imposture of her +early friends is finally discovered, she has gained too much love and +devotion to be really a sufferer by the surrender of her estates. + + "Extremely well told and full of interest. Giannetta is a true + heroine--warm-hearted, self-sacrificing, and, as all good women + nowadays are, largely touched with enthusiasm of humanity. The + illustrations are unusually good. One of the most attractive gift + books of the season."--_The Academy._ + + + +Margery Merton's Girlhood.+ By ALICE CORKRAN. With + full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +The experiences of an orphan girl who in infancy is left by her +father--an officer in India--to the care of an elderly aunt residing +near Paris. The accounts of the various persons who have an after +influence on the story, the school companions of Margery, the sisters +of the Conventual College of Art, the professor, and the peasantry of +Fontainebleau, are singularly vivid. There is a subtle attraction about +the book which will make it a great favorite with thoughtful girls. + + "Another book for girls we can warmly commend. There is a + delightful piquancy in the experiences and trials of a young + English girl who studies painting in Paris."--_Saturday Review._ + + + +Under False Colors+: A Story from Two Girls' Lives. By + SARAH DOUDNEY. With full-page Illustrations by G. G. KILBURNE. + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +A story which has in it so strong a dramatic element that it will +attract readers of all ages and of either sex. The incidents of the +plot, arising from the thoughtless indulgence of a deceptive freak, +are exceedingly natural, and the keen interest of the narrative is +sustained from beginning to end. + + "Sarah Doudney has no superior as a writer of high-toned + stories--pure in style, original in conception, and with + skillfully wrought out plots; but we have seen nothing equal in + dramatic energy to this book."--_Christian Leader._ + + + +Down the Snow Stairs+; or, From Good-night to Good-morning. + By ALICE CORKRAN. With Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. + 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + +This is a remarkable story: full of vivid fancy and quaint originality. +In its most fantastic imaginings it carries with it a sense of reality, +and derives a singular attraction from that combination of simplicity, +originality, and subtle humor, which is so much appreciated by lively +and thoughtful children. Children of a larger growth will also be +deeply interested in Kitty's strange journey, and her wonderful +experiences. + + "Among all the Christmas volumes which the year has brought to + our table this one stands out _facile princeps_--a gem of the + first water, bearing upon every one of its pages the signet + mark of genius.... All is told with such simplicity and perfect + naturalness that the dream appears to be a solid reality. It is + indeed a Little Pilgrims Progress."--_Christian Leader._ + + + +The Tapestry Room+: A Child's Romance. By MRS. MOLESWORTH. + Illustrated by WALTER CRANE. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "Mrs. Molesworth is a charming painter of the nature and ways of + children; and she has done good service in giving us this charming + juvenile which will delight the young people."--_Athenæum_, London. + + + +Little Miss Peggy+: Only a Nursery Story. By MRS. MOLESWORTH. + With Illustrations by WALTER CRANE. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + +Mrs. Molesworth's children are finished studies. She is never +sentimental, but writes common sense in a straightforward manner. A +joyous earnest spirit pervades her work, and her sympathy is unbounded. +She loves them with her whole heart, while she lays bare their little +minds, and expresses their foibles, their faults, their virtues, their +inward struggles, their conception of duty, and their instinctive +knowledge of the right and wrong of things. She knows their characters, +she understands their wants, and she desires to help them. + + + +Polly+: A New Fashioned Girl. By L. T. MEADE. + Illustrated 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + +Few authors have achieved a popularity equal to Mrs. Meade as a writer +of stories for young girls. Her characters are living beings of flesh +and blood, not lay figures of conventional type. Into the trials and +crosses, and everyday experiences, the reader enters at once with zest +and hearty sympathy. While Mrs. Meade always writes with a high moral +purpose, her lessons of life, purity and nobility of character are +rather inculcated by example than intruded as sermons. + + + +Rosy.+ By MRS. MOLESWORTH. Illustrated by WALTER CRANE. + 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + +Mrs. Molesworth, considering the quality and quantity of her labors, +is the best story-teller for children England has yet known. This is a +bold statement and requires substantiation, Mrs. Molesworth, during the +last six years, has never failed to occupy a prominent place among the +juvenile writers of the season. + + "A very pretty story.... The writer knows children and + their ways well.... The illustrations are exceedingly well + drawn."--_Spectator._ + + + +Little Sunshine's Holiday+: A Picture from Life. By MISS + MULOCK. Illustrated by WALTER CRANE. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "This is a pretty narrative of baby life, describing the simple + doings and sayings of a very charming and rather precocious child + nearly three years old."--_Pall Mall Gazette._ + + "Will be delightful to those who have nurseries peopled by 'Little + Sunshines' of their own."--_Athenæum._ + + + +Esther+: A Book for Girls. By ROSA N. CAREY. + Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "She inspires her readers simply by bringing them in contact + with the characters, who are in themselves inspiring. Her + simple stories are woven in order to give her an opportunity + to describe her characters by their own conduct in seasons of + trial."--_Chicago Times._ + + + +Sweet Content.+ By MRS. MOLESWORTH. Illustrated by + W. RAINEY. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "It seems to me not at all easier to draw a lifelike child than + to draw a lifelike man or woman: Shakespeare and Webster were the + only two men of their age who could do it with perfect delicacy + and success. Our own age is more fortunate, on this single score + at least, having a larger and far nobler proportion of female + writers; among whom, since the death of George Eliot, there is + none left whose touch is so exquisite and masterly, whose love + is so thoroughly according to knowledge, whose bright and sweet + invention is so fruitful, so truthful, or so delightful as Mrs. + Molesworth."--A. C. SWINBURNE. + + + +One of a Covey.+ By the Author of "Honor Bright," "Miss + Toosey's Mission." With Numerous Illustrations by H. J. A. + MILES. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "Full of spirit and life, so well sustained throughout that + grown-up readers may enjoy it as much as children. This + 'Covey' consists of the twelve children of a hard-pressed Dr. + Partridge, out of which is chosen a little girl to be adopted + by a spoilt, fine lady.... It is one of the best books of the + season."--_Guardian._ + + "We have rarely read a story for boys and girls with greater + pleasure. One of the chief characters would not have disgraced + Dickens' pen."--_Literary World._ + + + +The Little Princess of Tower Hill.+ By L. T. MEADE. + Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "This is one of the prettiest books for children published, as + pretty as a pond-lily, and quite as fragrant. Nothing could be + imagined more attractive to young people than such a combination + of fresh pages and fair pictures; and while children will + rejoice over it--which is much better than crying for it--it is + a book that can be read with pleasure even by older boys and + girls."--_Boston Advertiser._ + + + +Honor Bright+; or, The Four-Leaved Shamrock. By the Author + of "One of a Covey," "Miss Toosey's Mission," etc., etc. With + full-page Illustrations, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "It requires a special talent to describe the sayings and doings + of children, and the author of 'Honor Bright,' 'One of a Covey,' + possesses that talent in no small degree."--_Literary Churchman._ + + "A cheery, sensible, and healthy tale."--_The Times._ + + + +The Cuckoo Clock.+ By MRS. MOLESWORTH. With + Illustrations by WALTER CRANE. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "A beautiful little story. It will be read with delight by every + child into whose hands it is placed.... The author deserves all + the praise that has been, is, and will be bestowed on 'The Cuckoo + Clock.' Children's stories are plentiful, but one like this is not + to be met with every day."--_Pall Mall Gazette._ + + + +Girl Neighbors+; or, The Old Fashion and the New. By + SARAH TYTLER. With full-page Illustrations by C. T. GARLAND. + 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "One of the most effective and quietly humorous of Miss Tytler's + stories. 'Girl Neighbors' is a pleasant comedy, not so much of + errors as of prejudices got rid of, very healthy, very agreeable, + and very well written."--_Spectator._ + + + +The Little Lame Prince.+ By MISS MULOCK. Illustrated, + cloth, price 75 cents. + + "No sweeter--that is the proper word--Christmas story for the + little folks could easily be found, and it is as delightful for + older readers as well. There is a moral to it which the reader + can find out for himself, if he chooses to think."--_Herald_, + Cleveland. + + + +The Adventures of a Brownie.+ As Told to my Child. By + MISS MULOCK. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "The author of this delightful little book leaves it in doubt all + through whether there actually is such a creature in existence as + a Brownie, but she makes us hope that there might be."--_Standard, + Chicago._ + + + +Only a Girl+: A Story of a Quiet Life. A Tale of Brittany. + Adapted from the French by C. A. JONES. Illustrated, + 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "We can thoroughly recommend this brightly written and homely + narrative."--_Saturday Review._ + + + +Little Rosebud+; or, Things Will Take a Turn. By + BEATRICE HARRADEN. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "A most delightful little book.... Miss Harraden is so bright, so + healthy, and so natural withal that the book ought, as a matter of + duty, to be added to every girl's library in the land."--_Boston + Transcript._ + + + +Little Miss Joy.+ By EMMA MARSHALL. Illustrated, + 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "A very pleasant and instructive story, told by a very charming + writer in such an attractive way as to win favor among its young + readers. The illustrations add to the beauty of the book."--_Utica + Herald._ + + + +Little Lucy's Wonderful Globe.+ By CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. + Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "This story is unique among tales intended for children, alike for + pleasant instruction, quaintness of humor, gentle pathos, and the + subtlety with which lessons moral and otherwise are conveyed to + children, and perhaps to their seniors as well."--_The Spectator._ + + + +Joan's Adventures at the North Pole and Elsewhere.+ By + ALICE CORKRAN. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "Wonderful as the adventures of Joan are, it must be admitted that + they are very naturally worked out and very plausibly presented. + Altogether this is an excellent story for girls."--_Saturday + Review._ + + + +Count Up the Sunny Days+: A Story for Boys and Girls. By + C. A. JONES. With full-page Illustrations, 12mo, cloth, + price 75 cents. + + "An unusually good children's story."--_Glasgow Herald._ + + + +Sue and I.+ By MRS. O'REILLY. Illustrated, 12mo, + cloth, price 75 cents. + + "A thoroughly delightful book, full of sound wisdom as well as + fun."--_Athenæum._ + + + +Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.+ By LEWIS CARROLL. + With 42 Illustrations by JOHN TENNIEL. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents. + + "From first to last, almost without exception, this story is + delightfully droll, humorous and illustrated in harmony with the + story."--_New York Express._ + + + +Celtic Fairy Tales.+ Edited by JOSEPH JACOBS. + Illustrated by J. D. BATTEN. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "A stock of delightful little narratives gathered chiefly from the + Celtic-speaking peasants of Ireland."--_Daily Telegraph._ + + "A perfectly lovely book. And oh! the wonderful pictures inside. + Get this book if you can; it is capital, all through."--_Pall Mall + Budget._ + + + +English Fairy Tales.+ Edited by JOSEPH JACOBS. + Illustrated by J. D. BATTEN. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "The tales are simply delightful. No amount of description can do + them justice. The only way is to read the book through from cover + to cover."--_Magazine and Book Review._ + + "The book is intended to correspond to 'Grimm's Fairy Tales,' and + it must be allowed that its pages fairly rival in interest those + of the well-known repository of folk-lore."--_Sydney Morning + Herald._ + + + +Indian Fairy Tales.+ Edited by JOSEPH JACOBS. + Illustrated by J. D. BATTEN. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "Mr. Jacobs brings home to us in a clear and intelligible manner + the enormous influence which 'Indian Fairy Tales' have had upon + European literature of the kind."--_Gloucester Journal._ + + "The present combination will be welcomed not alone by the little + ones for whom it is specially combined, but also by children of + larger growth and added years."--_Daily Telegraph._ + + + +The Blue Fairy Book.+ Edited by ANDREW LANG. + Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "The tales are simply delightful. No amount of description can do + them justice. The only way is to read the book through from cover + to cover."--_Magazine and Book Review._ + + + +The Green Fairy Book.+ Edited by ANDREW LANG. + Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "The most delightful book of fairy tales, taking form and contents + together, ever presented to children."--E. S. HARTLAND, + in _Folk-Lore_. + + + +The Yellow Fairy Book.+ Edited by ANDREW LANG. + Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "As a collection of fairy tales to delight children of all ages + ranks second to none."--_Daily Graphic_ (with illustrations). + + + +Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There.+ + By LEWIS CARROLL. With 50 Illustrations by JOHN TENNIEL. + + "A delight alike to the young people and their elders, extremely + funny both in text and illustrations."--_Boston Express._ + + + +The Heir of Redclyffe.+ By CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. + Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "A narrative full of interest from first, to last. It is told + clearly and in a straightforward manner and arrests the attention + of the reader at once, so that one feels afresh the unspeakable + pathos of the story to the end."--_London Graphic._ + + + +The Dove in the Eagle's Nest.+ By CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. + Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "Among all the modern writers we believe Miss Yonge first, not in + genius but in this, that she employs her great abilities for a + high and noble purpose. We know of few modern writers whose works + may be so safely commended as hers."--_Cleveland Times._ + + + +A Sweet Girl Graduate.+ By L. T. MEADE. + Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "One of this popular author's best. The characters are well + imagined and drawn. The story moves with plenty of spirit + and the interest does not flag until the end too quickly + comes."--_Providence Journal._ + + + +The Palace Beautiful+: A Story for Girls. By L. T. MEADE. + Illustrated, cloth, 12mo, price $1.00. + + "A bright and interesting story. The many admirers of Mrs. L. + T. Meade in this country will be delighted with the 'Palace + Beautiful' for more reasons than one."--_New York Recorder._ + + + +A World of Girls+: The Story of a School. By L. T. MEADE. + Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "One of those wholesome stories which it does one good to read. It + will afford pure delight to her numerous readers."--_Boston Home + Journal._ + + + +The Lady of the Forest+: A Story for Girls. By L. T. MEADE. + Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "This story is written in the author's well-known, fresh and easy + style. All girls fond of reading will be charmed by this well + written story. It is told with the author's customary grace and + spirit."--_Boston Times._ + + + +At the Back of the North Wind.+ By GEORGE MACDONALD. + Illustrated by GEORGE GROVES. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "A very pretty story, with much of the freshness and vigor of Mr. + Macdonald's earlier work.... It is a sweet, earnest, and wholesome + fairy story, and the quaint native humor is delightful. A most + delightful volume for young readers."--_Philadelphia Times._ + + + +The Water Babies+: A Fairy Tale for a Land Baby. By + CHARLES KINGSLEY. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00. + + "The strength of his work, as well as its peculiar charms, consist + in his description of the experiences of a youth with life under + water in the luxuriant wealth of which he revels with all the + ardor of a poetical nature."--_New York Tribune._ + + + + +The "Little Men" Series. + +Uniform Cloth Binding. + +Profusely Illustrated. + +PRICE 75 CENTS PER COPY. + + +This series of books has been selected from the writings of a large +number of popular authors of juvenile stories, and are particularly +adapted to interest and supply attractive reading for young boys. The +books are profusely illustrated, and any one seeking to find a book to +give a young boy cannot make a mistake by selecting from the following +list of titles. + +[Illustration] + ++_Black Beauty._+ The Autobiography of a Horse. By ANNA SEWELL. +Illustrated cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_Carrots_+: Just a Little Boy. By MRS. MOLESWORTH. +Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_Chunk, Fusky and Snout._+ A Story of Wild Pigs for Little +People. By GERALD YOUNG. Illus., cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_Daddy's Boy._+ By L. T. MEADE. Illus., cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_Geoff and Jim._+ A Story of School Life. By ISMAY THORN. +Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_Jackanapes._+ By JULIANA HORATIA EWING. Illustrated, +cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_Jack_+: A Topsy Turvy Story. By C. M. CRAWLEY-BOEVEY. +Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_Larry's Luck._+ By the author of "Miss Toosey's Mission," "Tom's +Opinion," "One of a Covey," etc. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_Mopsa the Fairy._+ By JEAN INGELOW. Illustrated cloth, +price 75 cents. + ++_Peter the Pilgrim._+ The Story of a Boy and His Pet Rabbit. By +L. T. MEADE. Illustrated by GORDON BROWNE, cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_Tom's Opinion._+ By the author of "Miss Toosey's Mission," "One +of a Covey," etc. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. + ++_We and the World._+ A Story for Boys. By JULIANA HORATIA +EWING. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents. + + +For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by +the publisher, +A. L. BURT, 97 Reade Street, New York+. + + + + +THE "LITTLE WOMEN" SERIES. + +Uniform Cloth Binding. + +Profusely Illustrated. + + +A series of most delightful stories for young girls. Selected from +the best-known writers for children. These stories are narrated in a +simple and lively fashion and cannot but prove irresistible with the +little ones, while throughout the volumes there is a comprehension of +and sympathy with child thought and feeling that is almost as rare out +of books as in. These stories are sunny, interesting, and thoroughly +winsome and wholesome. + +[Illustration] + ++Adventures of a Brownie+, As Told to My Child. By MISS MULOCK. +Illustrated. Price 75 cents. + ++Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.+ By LEWIS CARROLL. With 42 +Illustrations by John Tenniel. Price 75 cents. + ++Birdie.+ A Tale of Child Life. By H. L. CHILDE-PEMBERTON. Illustrated. +Price 5 cents. + ++Count Up the Sunny Days.+ A Story for Girls. By C. A. JONES. +Illustrated. Price 75 cents. + ++Cuckoo Clock, The.+ By MRS. MOLESWORTH. With 7 Illustrations by Walter +Crane. Price 75 cents. + ++Down the Snow Stairs+; or, From Good Night to Good Morning. By ALICE +CORKRAN. With 60 Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Price 75c. + ++Joan's Adventures.+ At the North Pole and Elsewhere. By ALICE CORKRAN. +Illustrated. Price 75 cents. + ++Little Lame Prince+, and His Traveling Cloak. By MISS MULOCK. +Illustrated. Price 75 cents. + ++Little Miss Joy.+ By EMMA MARSHALL. Illustrated. Price 75 cents. + ++Little Miss Peggy.+ Only a Nursery Story. By MRS. MOLESWORTH. With 13 +Illustrations by Walter Crane. Price 75 cents. + ++Little Princess of Tower Hill.+ By L. T. MEADE. Illustrated. Price 75 +cents. + ++Little Sunshine's Holiday.+ A Picture from Life. By MISS MULOCK. +Illustrated. Price 75 cents. + ++Little Lucy's Wonderful Globe.+ By CHARLOTTE M. YONGE. Illustrated. +Price 75 cents. + ++Little Rosebud+; or, Things Will Take a Turn. By BEATRICE HARRADEN. +Illustrated. Price 75 cents. + ++One of a Covey.+ By the author of "Honor Bright." With 19 +Illustrations by H. J. A. MILES. Price 75 cents. + ++Rosy.+ By MRS. MOLESWORTH. With 8 Illustrations by Walter Crane. +Price 75 cents. + ++Sweet Content.+ By MRS. MOLESWORTH. With 20 Illustrations by W. +Rainey. Price 75 cents. + ++Sue and I.+ By MRS. ROBERT O'REILLY. Illustrated. Price 75 cents. + ++Tapestry Room, The.+ By MRS. MOLESWORTH. Illustrated. Price 75 cts. + ++Through the Looking-Glass+, and What Alice Found There. By LEWIS +CARROLL. With 50 Illustrations by John Tenniel. Price 75 cents. + + +_+For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price +by the publisher, A. L. BURT, 97 Reade Street, New York.+_ + + + + +THE ALGER SERIES for BOYS + +Uniform with This Volume. + +This series affords wholesome reading for boys and girls, and all +volumes are extremely interesting.--_Cincinnati Commercial-Gazette._ + + + +JOE'S LUCK; or, A Brave Boy's Adventurer, in California.+ By + HORATIO ALGER, JR. + + +JULIAN MORTIMER; or, A Brave Boy's Struggles for Home and + Fortune.+ By HARRY CASTLEMON. + + +ADRIFT IN THE WILDS; or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked + Boys.+ By EDWARD S. ELLIS. + + +FRANK FOWLER, THE CASH BOY.+ By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + + +GUY HARRIS, THE RUNAWAY.+ By HARRY CASTLEMON. + + +THE SLATE-PICKER; A Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal + Mines.+ By HARRY PRENTICE. + + +TOM TEMPLE'S CAREER.+ By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + + +TOM, THE READY; or, Up from the Lowest.+ By RANDOLPH HILL. + + +THE CASTAWAYS; or, On the Florida Reefs.+ By JAMES OTIS. + + +CAPTAIN KIDD'S GOLD. The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor + Boy.+ By JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. + + +TOM THATCHER'S FORTUNE.+ By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + + +LOST IN THE CANON. The Story of Sam Willett's Adventures on the + Great Colorado of the West.+ By ALFRED R. CALHOUN. + + +A YOUNG HERO; or, Fighting to Win.+ By EDWARD S. ELLIS. + + +THE ERRAND BOY; or, How Phil Brent Won Success.+ By + HORATIO ALGER, JR. + + +THE ISLAND TREASURE; or, Harry Darrel's Fortune.+ By + FRANK H. CONVERSE. + + +A RUNAWAY BRIG; or, An Accidental Cruise.+ By JAMES OTIS. + + +A JAUNT THROUGH JAVA. The Story of a Journey to the Sacred + Mountain by Two American Boys.+ By E. S. ELLIS. + + +CAPTURED BY APES; or, How Philip Garland Became King of + Apeland.+ By HARRY PRENTICE. + + +TOM THE BOOT-BLACK; or, The Road to Success.+ By HORATIO + ALGER, JR. + + +ROY GILBERT'S SEARCH. A Tale of the Great Lakes.+ By + WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. + + +THE TREASURE-FINDERS. A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua.+ By + JAMES OTIS. + + +BUDD BOYD'S TRIUMPH; or, The Boy Firm of Fox Island.+ By + WILLIAM P. CHIPMAN. + + +TONY, THE HERO; or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a Tramp.+ + By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + + +CAPTURED BY ZULUS. A Story of Trapping in Africa.+ By + HARRY PRENTICE. + + +THE TRAIN BOY.+ By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + + +DAN THE NEWSBOY.+ By HORATIO ALGER, JR. + + +SEARCH FOR THE SILVER CITY. A Story of Adventure in + Yucatan.+ By JAMES OTIS. + + +THE BOY CRUISERS; or, Paddling in Florida.+ By ST. + GEORGE RATHBORNE. + + +_+The above stories are printed on extra paper, and bound in Handsome +Cloth Binding, in all respects uniform with this volume, at $1.00 per +copy.+_ + + +_For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent post-paid on receipt of +price, by the publisher, A. L. BURT, 66 Reade St., New York._ + + + + ++-------------------------------------------------+ +|Transcriber's note: | +| | +|Obvious typographic errors have been corrected. | +| | +|A Table of Contents has been added. | +| | ++-------------------------------------------------+ + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 59904 *** |