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diff --git a/old/60970-h/60970-h.htm b/old/60970-h/60970-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 04e9f0c..0000000 --- a/old/60970-h/60970-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12427 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ben Bruce, by Horatio Alger, Jr. - </title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - body {margin: 0 10%;} - .chapter, .section {page-break-before: always;} - h1,h2 {text-align: center; clear: both;} - h2 {font-size: 1.4em; line-height: 2em;} - h2 span {font-size: .8em;} - p {margin-top: 1em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 1em; text-indent: 1em;} - blockquote {margin: 1.5em 3em;} - .line-height2 {line-height: 2em;} - .p120 {font-size: 1.2em;} - .p180 {font-size: 1.8em;} - cite, em {font-style: italic;} - - /* General */ - .noi {text-indent: 0;} - .center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0;} - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - .mt0 {margin-top: 0em;} - .mb0 {margin-bottom: 0em;} - .mt3 {margin-top: 3em;} - .pdl8 {padding-left: 8em;} - .margin4 {margin-left: -4em;} - .right {text-align: right;} - .right2 {text-align: right; padding-right: 2em;} - - /* Table */ - table {margin: auto; border-collapse: collapse;} - th {font-size: .8em;} - td {padding: .2em;} - .tdl {text-align: left; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 2em; text-indent: -1em;} - .tdr {text-align: right; padding-right: 1em;} - .tdr2 {text-align: right; padding-left: 1em;} - - /* Horizontal rules */ - hr {width: 60%; margin: 2em 20%; clear: both;} - hr.divider {width: 65%; margin: 4em 17.5%;} - hr.divider2 {width: 45%; margin: 4em 27.5%;} - hr.tb {width: 20%; margin: 0 40% 0 40%;} - - /* Page numbers */ - .pagenum {position: absolute; right: 2%; text-indent: 0em; - text-align: right; font-size: x-small; - font-weight: normal; font-variant: normal; font-style: normal; - letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; - color: #999; border-top: 1px solid; border-bottom: 1px solid; - background-color: inherit; padding: .01em .4em;} - - /* Images */ - img {max-width: 100%; width: 100%; height: auto;} - .figcenter {clear: both; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; max-width: 100%;} - .width400 {width: 400px;} - .caption {text-align: center;} - - /* Notes */ - .tn {max-width: 30em; margin: 2em auto; padding: .5em 1em;} - .background {background: #e3e4e4;} - ins {text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dotted #dcdcdc;} - li {margin-bottom: .5em; list-style: square;} - - @media print { - hr.divider, hr.divider2 {border-width: 0; margin: 0;} - .page-break-print {page-break-after: always;} - a {color: inherit; text-decoration: none;} - } - - @page {margin: 2em 1%;} - - @media handheld { - body {margin: .5em; padding: 0; width: 98%;} - .hidehand {display: none;} - p {margin-top: .1em; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: .1em; text-indent: 1em;} - hr.divider, hr.divider2 {border-width: 0; margin: 0;} - img {max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto;} - table {width: 96%; margin: 0 2%;} - .tn {width: 80%; margin: 0 10%; background: #e3e4e4;} - a {color: inherit; text-decoration: none;} - } - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben Bruce, by Horatio Alger - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Ben Bruce - Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy - -Author: Horatio Alger - -Illustrator: J. Watson Davis - -Release Date: December 20, 2019 [EBook #60970] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN BRUCE *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Sue Clark, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<hr class="divider" /> -<h1 class="page-break-print">BEN BRUCE<br /> -<small>SCENES IN THE LIFE OF A -BOWERY NEWSBOY.</small></h1> - - -<div class="hidehand"> -<hr class="divider2" /> -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/cover2.jpg" width="400" height="640" alt="Cover" /> -</div> -</div> - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider2" /> -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/p-frontis.jpg" width="400" height="647" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="noi mb0">“Why, Ben, how came you here?” and looking up Ben recognized his cousin -Adelbert.—Page <a href="#why">58</a>.</p> -<p class="right mt0"><i>Ben Bruce.</i></p></div> -</div> -</div> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -</div> - -<p class="center p180">BEN BRUCE.</p> - -<p class="center p120">SCENES IN THE LIFE OF A<br /> -BOWERY NEWSBOY.</p> - -<p class="center p120 mt3 smcap">By HORATIO ALGER, Jr.,</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Author of “Joe’s Luck,” “Tom the Bootblack,” “Dan the<br /> -Newsboy,” “The Errand Boy,” etc., etc.</i></p> - -<p class="center mt3">WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY J. WATSON DAVIS.</p> - -<p class="center margin4 p120 mt3">A. L. BURT COMPANY,<br /> -<span class="pdl8">PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK</span></p> - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider2" /> -<p class="center">Copyright, 1892, by <span class="smcap">Frank A. Munsey</span>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center">Copyright, 1901, by <span class="smcap">A. L. Burt</span>.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center mb0">BEN BRUCE.</p> -<p class="center mt0">By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></p> -</div> - - - - - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">iii</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="contents" id="contents"></a>CONTENTS.</h2> - -<table summary="Contents"> -<tr> -<th class="tdr">CHAPTER</th> -<th class="tdl"> </th> -<th class="tdr2">PAGE</th> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">I.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben and His Stepfather</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#i">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">II.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Witnesses an Explosion</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ii">9</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">III.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Mr. Winter’s Savings Bank</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iii">13</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">IV.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">An Exciting Encounter</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#iv">21</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">V.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">A Midnight Call</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#v">29</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VI.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">A Disappointed Burglar</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vi">34</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Forms a Sudden Determination</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#vii">42</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">VIII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Arrives in Boston</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#viii">51</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">IX.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Becomes a Hero</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#ix">60</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">X.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Dines in Mt. Vernon Street</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#x">68</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XI.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Has a Narrow Escape</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xi">76</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">A New Acquaintance</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xii">84</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben is Introduced to a Poet</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiii">93</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIV.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Things at Wrayburn</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xiv">102</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XV.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Gets Employment</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xv">111</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVI.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Visits Mr. Simpson</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvi">120</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Rivals in Business</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xvii">129</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XVIII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Rehearsing</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xviii">133</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XIX.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Makes His <a name="debut" id="debut"></a><ins title="Original -has 'Debut'">Début</ins></td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xix">146</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">iv</a></span> -XX.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben’s Letter Home</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xx">155</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXI.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Meets with a Loss</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxi">164</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">George Grayson Comes to Grief</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxii">173</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXIII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">A Strange Adventure</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiii">177</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXIV.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Plays a Part</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxiv">181</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXV.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">The Mystery Deepens</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxv">189</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXVI.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben’s Strange Prosperity</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxvi">198</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXVII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Mrs. Harcourt’s Sudden Resolution</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxvii">206</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXVIII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Makes Some Titled Friends</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxviii">215</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXIX.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">The Mordaunt Family</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxix">223</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXX.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben’s Progress</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxx">231</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXI.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Unwelcome -<a name="News" id="News"></a><ins title="Original has 'Home'">News</ins></td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxi">239</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Jacob Winter</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxii">247</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXIII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">A Startling Incident</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxiii">255</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXIV.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Mrs. Harcourt’s Letter</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxiv">263</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXV.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Basil Wentworth Reaches Geneva</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxv">271</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXVI.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Mr. Snodgrass Suggests an Investment</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxvi">280</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXVII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Frank Mordaunt</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxvii">288</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXVIII.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Overhears an Important Conversation</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxviii">294</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XXXIX.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Ben Consults a Lawyer</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xxxix">300</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr">XL.</td> -<td class="tdl smcap">Conclusion</td> -<td class="tdr2"><a href="#xl">309</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">1</a></span> -</div> - -<p class="center line-height2"><strong><span class="p180">BEN BRUCE:</span><br /> -SCENES IN THE LIFE OF A BOWERY NEWSBOY.</strong></p> - -<hr class="divider2" /> - -<h2><a name="i" id="i"></a>CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span>BEN AND HIS STEPFATHER.</span></h2> - - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Come</span> here, you, sir!”</p> - -<p>These words were spoken in a stern voice by -Jacob Winter, and emphasized by a heavy frown. -The speaker was rather an undersized man, with -a rugged, weather-beaten face. He had seen but -fifty years, though his wrinkles and bowed -shoulders indicated ten more.</p> - -<p>The boy addressed had a bright, intelligent face -and a fearless look. Ben Bruce detected the -danger signals in the tone and face of his stepfather, -but without a sign of hesitation he walked -up to the farmer, and responded, “Here I am, -sir.”</p> - -<p>The man seemed aching to lay hold of the fearless -boy, but something in his steadfast look appeared -to deter him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">2</a></span> -“Ain’t you ashamed of yourself, sir?” exploded -Jacob Winters.</p> - -<p>“Please let me know what I am to be ashamed -of, Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>“Ez if you didn’t know,” ejaculated Jacob.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll tell you. Yesterday when I was -away drivin’ your mother to the sewin’ circle two -tramps came to the door, and you took it upon -yourself to give ’em a loaf of bread and a pint of -milk. Deny it if you dare!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t deny it,” answered Ben boldly.</p> - -<p>“You don’t!”</p> - -<p>“No, why should I?”</p> - -<p>“That’s the way my substance is wasted on the -shiftless and undeservin’!”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Winter, the two tramps, as you call them, -were hungry, thin, and miserable. The man -looked as if he had just got up from a fit of sickness. -The boy was about ten and looked pale and -famished. Wouldn’t you have given them something -if you had been in my place?”</p> - -<p>“No, I wouldn’t,” snarled Jacob.</p> - -<p>“Then it seems to me you are the one that -ought to feel ashamed.”</p> - -<p>“What? what?” gasped Jacob, aghast. -“You dare to stand there, Benjamin Bruce, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">3</a></span> -tell me to my face that I’d ought to be ashamed. -You a mere boy, and I your stepfather!”</p> - -<p>“I can’t help it if you are my stepfather. I’m -sorry enough for it. If my mother had taken my -advice she wouldn’t have married you.”</p> - -<p>“Wuss and wuss!” ejaculated Jacob. “I -didn’t know you was such a bad boy. You’ll -come to the gallows some day, see if you -don’t!”</p> - -<p>“Look here, Mr. Winter; you call yourself a -Christian, don’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Of course I do. I’ve been a member of the -church for nine and thirty years.”</p> - -<p>“And you believe in the Bible, don’t you?”</p> - -<p>“I won’t answer your impudent question.”</p> - -<p>“Yet,” continued Ben, “you blame me for -feeding the hungry.”</p> - -<p>“You fed ’em with my provisions,” snarled -Jacob.</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll make it up to you. I’ll go without -my supper.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve a mighty independent way of talkin’, -Benjamin Bruce, you that I feed and clothe.”</p> - -<p>“I do work enough to pay for my keeping, Mr. -Winter. Besides, you forget that you have got -my mother’s money, which if she hadn’t married -you would have been part mine.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">4</a></span> -Jacob Winter winced. It was true that Mrs. -Bruce had brought him two thousand dollars, -which he had coolly deposited to his own account -in a savings bank.</p> - -<p>“That ain’t any of your business,” he said. -“Now go out and feed the cows, and mind you -don’t throw away any of my substance agin on -beggars.”</p> - -<p>Ben left the room without a reply, but his lip -curled, for he thoroughly despised his stepfather -for his meanness.</p> - -<p>On the way to the barn he fell in with his -mother, who was returning from the village.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter, Ben?” she said, for she -saw signs of disturbance in her son’s face.</p> - -<p>“I have had a little conversation with Mr. -Winter.”</p> - -<p>“Did he—scold you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, because I gave some bread and milk to -two poor people who called at the door yesterday. -Mother, if there’s a mean man in the world, it is -Jacob Winter.”</p> - -<p>“Hush, Ben! Don’t speak so of your stepfather.”</p> - -<p>“Mother, why did you marry him? Why did -you make him my stepfather?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter looked troubled.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">5</a></span> -“I—I thought it was for the best, Ben,” she -faltered. “We had so little, and he was rich.”</p> - -<p>“Then you didn’t marry him from affection?”</p> - -<p>“No, no; he understood that.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad of that, mother. You made a mistake.”</p> - -<p>“It may be so, but I must make the best of it.”</p> - -<p>“We could have got along on what money you -had and what I could earn, and we should have -been far happier by ourselves, mother.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t say any more. The past cannot be -recalled.”</p> - -<p>“You mustn’t blame me if I don’t stay here -very long, mother. I can’t stand Mr. Winter and -his mean, tyrannical ways.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Ben, you wouldn’t go away and leave -me?”</p> - -<p>“If I do it will only be that I may get on in -the world, and offer you a better home than you -have now.”</p> - -<p>“But you are only a boy, only fifteen years old. -You must stay here till you have got an education. -You have graduated from the grammar -school, and are now ready for the high school.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think Mr. Winter will allow me to -go.”</p> - -<p>“Why do you say that?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">6</a></span> -“Because Albert Graham heard Mr. Winter -tell his father that he thought I had education -enough, and he was going to keep me at home to -work on the farm.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sure of that?” asked Mrs. Winter -in agitation.</p> - -<p>“Yes; I know Albert wouldn’t say so if it -wasn’t so.”</p> - -<p>“But he promised me when we married that -you should have a good education.”</p> - -<p>“He doesn’t always keep his promises.”</p> - -<p>“If he hadn’t agreed to this I wouldn’t have -married him.”</p> - -<p>“Then I wish he hadn’t agreed to it. You will -see that I am right. Next Monday the high -school will begin its term.”</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you go and fodder the cows, as I -told you?” came in a shrill voice from an open -window.</p> - -<p>Mother and son looked toward it and saw the -frowning face of Jacob Winter peering out.</p> - -<p>“I was talking to my mother,” answered Ben.</p> - -<p>“You’d better wait till you have more time,” -growled the farmer.</p> - -<p>Ben did not reply, but went on his way to the -barn, while Mrs. Winter entered the house.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Winter,” said her husband fretfully,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">7</a></span> -“that boy of yours is gettin’ very impudent and -sassy.”</p> - -<p>“I hadn’t observed it,” she answered coldly.</p> - -<p>“You’re his mother, and you think he’s an -angel.”</p> - -<p>“There are no angels in this house, Mr. -Winter,” said his wife significantly.</p> - -<p>“Is that meant as a personal reflection on me, -Mrs. Winter?”</p> - -<p>“No more than on myself.”</p> - -<p>“Well, well, I am glad you didn’t mean any -offense. But I’m serious about Ben. I’ve left -him in your hands too long. I’m goin’ to manage -him myself now.”</p> - -<p>“Then, Mr. Winter, I have one thing to say. -Ben is not a bad boy, but he has spirit, and if you -undertake to drive him he will be sure to rebel.”</p> - -<p>“You needn’t worry about that, Mrs. W. He -ain’t nothing but a boy, and if I can’t manage -him I’ll give up.”</p> - -<p>“He may be nothing but a boy, but he has his -rights. You must bear in mind your promise to -me before we married.”</p> - -<p>“What promise do you refer to, Mrs. W.?”</p> - -<p>“That he should have an education.”</p> - -<p>“Well, ain’t he been to school ever since, and -now he’s gradooated.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">8</a></span> -“At the grammar school. He is now ready -for the high school.”</p> - -<p>“He ain’t a-goin’ to the high school.”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean that, Mr. Winter?” said his -wife with an angry flush upon her cheek.</p> - -<p>“Certainly I do. He’s got to work on the -farm. He knows all he need to. He’s as well -eddicated as I am.”</p> - -<p>“I admit that, but——”</p> - -<p>“Say no more, Mrs. W. I’ve put my foot -down, and the thing is settled. He shan’t go to -the high school.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">9</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="ii" id="ii"></a>CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span>BEN WITNESSES AN EXPLOSION.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">After</span> attending to his chores, Ben decided to -take a walk—not in the direction of the village, -but away from it. A quarter of a mile to the -westward there was a river with a rapid current -which had yielded Ben plenty of enjoyment in -the way of fishing and boating.</p> - -<p>Across from shore to shore was a dam, by means -of which the water was made available for a factory -for the manufacture of leather board. The -superintendent of this factory, a Mr. Foster, was -one of Ben’s special friends.</p> - -<p>Ben overtook the superintendent sauntering -along beside the river.</p> - -<p>“How are you, Ben?” said the superintendent -kindly.</p> - -<p>“Very well, thank you, Mr. Foster.”</p> - -<p>“You are going to the high school next term, -I suppose.”</p> - -<p>“I expected to do so, but I am likely to be disappointed.”</p> - -<p>“How is that?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">10</a></span> -“My stepfather, Jacob Winter, is not in favor -of my going.”</p> - -<p>“What is his reason?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose he wants me to work on the farm.”</p> - -<p>“And you don’t like farming?”</p> - -<p>“No. I hope you won’t think I don’t like work, -Mr. Foster, for I enjoy nothing better; but to -work on a farm, and especially under Mr. Winter, -would be very disagreeable to me.”</p> - -<p>“How would you like to work in the factory?”</p> - -<p>“Much better than on the farm, but I will say -frankly that I have not secured the education -which I desire, and I shall be much disappointed -if I can’t go to the high school.”</p> - -<p>“You were always fond of study, Ben. My -boys don’t care much for it. Well, I suppose -tastes differ. Have you ever thought of your -future?”</p> - -<p>“I have thought of it a good deal. A good -many things will be open to me if I am well educated, -which would otherwise be closed to me.”</p> - -<p>“I see, and I understand why you want a better -education.”</p> - -<p>“I am not likely to get it, however. If the -choice lies between working on a farm and working -in your factory, I will work for you if I can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">11</a></span> -get the chance. The wages I got would hire a -boy to work on the farm, and there are boys who -would be willing to do it.”</p> - -<p>“We employ about thirty at present, but I -could make room for a boy of your age and ability. -What pay would you want?”</p> - -<p>“It is for you to fix that.”</p> - -<p>“I might give you five dollars a week to begin -with.”</p> - -<p>“That would be satisfactory. Would I be preparing -myself for higher work?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I would put you in the way of that.”</p> - -<p>“I would certainly rather work for you than -for Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>“I am to consider that a compliment, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but not much of a one. Any one would -be better than Jacob Winter.”</p> - -<p>“Man proposes, but God disposes.” Even -while they were talking unseen forces were at -work which were to defeat all their plans. Suddenly, -as they stood on the river bank, a strange -rumbling noise was heard, and before their astonished -eyes there rose into the air fragments of -wood mingled with stones and dirt, like a volcanic -eruption.</p> - -<p>“Good Heavens!” exclaimed the superintendent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">12</a></span> -in great excitement, “the dam has been undermined -and blown up!”</p> - -<p>“But how?”</p> - -<p>“It must be by dynamite or giant powder.”</p> - -<p>“But who could have done it?”</p> - -<p>“I dismissed two workmen two weeks since. -They must have done it from revenge.”</p> - -<p>“And what will be the consequence?”</p> - -<p>“The factory must shut down till the dam is -rebuilt.”</p> - -<p>“And then ends my hopes of employment -under you?”</p> - -<p>“I am sorry to say—yes.”</p> - -<p>“I wish that were all the harm likely to come -of it. Will it take long to repair the dam?”</p> - -<p>“A good while, I fear.”</p> - -<p>“At any rate, one thing I am resolved upon. -I won’t work for Mr. Winter. I will run away -first.”</p> - -<p>Ben’s face assumed a look of resolution as he -left the superintendent and wended his way back -to the farmhouse.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">13</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="iii" id="iii"></a>CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span>MR. WINTER’S SAVINGS BANK.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">There</span> was very little conversation at the supper -table after Ben had told the story of the explosion. -Mrs. Winter was indignant at her husband’s -breaking his promise to her that Ben should -receive a thorough education. She had not yet -had an opportunity to tell Ben, but she did so -after the meal, when Mr. Winter had gone out to -visit a neighbor.</p> - -<p>“Ben,” she said, “you are not to go to the -high school.”</p> - -<p>“Who says so, mother?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>“Does he give any reason?”</p> - -<p>“He says you have had education enough, that -you are as well educated as himself.”</p> - -<p>“Did he say <em>educated</em>?” asked Ben with a -twinkle in his eye.</p> - -<p>“Well, he said ‘eddicated,’” responded his -mother with a faint smile.</p> - -<p>“So, I suppose. He is right there. I should -be very sorry if I hadn’t as much education as he.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">14</a></span> -He cares more for money than books, and always -did.”</p> - -<p>“I am very sorry, Ben.”</p> - -<p>“So am I. I need education to help me succeed -in life. I suppose he expects me to stay at -home and help him on the farm.”</p> - -<p>“So he says.”</p> - -<p>“Then,” said Ben quietly, “he will be disappointed.”</p> - -<p>“But Ben, what can you do?”</p> - -<p>“I can leave home and seek my fortune elsewhere.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter looked very sober.</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe you know what you are undertaking, -Ben,” she said. “You will have a hard -time.”</p> - -<p>“I expect to—at first.”</p> - -<p>“Besides Mr. Winter won’t let you go, I am -afraid.”</p> - -<p>“He can’t stop me. I would rather stay at -home if he would let me go to the high school.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think I can persuade him to do -that.”</p> - -<p>“Then, mother, I must leave you.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t go without letting me know.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t, mother, I will let him know too. I -am not going to run away. I’ll give him fair<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">15</a></span> -warning of my intention. Now, mother, if you’ll -excuse me I’ll go over and tell Albert Graham -about my plans.”</p> - -<p>Albert lived not more than half a mile away. -He was about as old as Ben, but at least two -inches shorter. The two were great chums. To -him Ben communicated his purpose.</p> - -<p>“Where do you talk of going?” asked Albert.</p> - -<p>“To New York.”</p> - -<p>“Ain’t you afraid to go alone to such a big -city?”</p> - -<p>“No; why should I be?”</p> - -<p>“There are a good many bad people there, I’ve -heard.”</p> - -<p>“And still more good people. I think I shall -have a better chance in a large city than in the -country.”</p> - -<p>“How far away is New York?”</p> - -<p>“It is a little more than two hundred miles -from Boston.”</p> - -<p>“And we are fifty miles from Boston. Won’t -it cost a good deal to go there?”</p> - -<p>“No; there is a rivalry between the steamboat -lines and the fare has been put down to one -dollar.”</p> - -<p>This statement, which may surprise some of my -readers, was strictly correct. For a short time,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">16</a></span> -some years ago, it was possible to travel between -these two cities for this small sum.</p> - -<p>“It will cost a dollar and a quarter to get to -Boston from here.”</p> - -<p>“I know it.”</p> - -<p>“Are you well provided with money, Ben?”</p> - -<p>“Not very.”</p> - -<p>“Then I tell you what I’ll do. I’ll lend you -five dollars.”</p> - -<p>“But how do you happen to have as much, -Albert?”</p> - -<p>“You know I rode as a jockey at the last agricultural -fair. I was to get ten dollars if I succeeded -in winning the race, and you know I did -win.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I know.”</p> - -<p>“So I can lend you the money as well as not.”</p> - -<p>“You are a good fellow, Albert, but I don’t -think I ought to take the money.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, you can pay it back—with interest, if -you insist upon it.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Albert. I won’t refuse so kind -an offer. My mother would let me have the -money, but she was foolish enough when she -married to give all she had to Mr. Winter, and -now he doles her out a quarter at a time, and she -has to ask for that. You won’t hardly believe me,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">17</a></span> -Albert, but she hasn’t had a new dress for a -year.”</p> - -<p>“I can believe it fast enough. Jacob Winter -is the meanest man I ever heard of, and everybody -in town says so. I don’t blame you at all for -leaving him. Won’t you be sorry to be away -from your mother?”</p> - -<p>“I can’t tell you how much I shall miss her, -Albert,” answered Ben, gravely, “but I hope to -provide her a better home some day. I can’t do -it by staying here. You must go over and see -her some time, Albert.”</p> - -<p>“So I will. Of course you will write to -me.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, if I have any good news.”</p> - -<p>“By the way, Ben, how much money did your -mother have?”</p> - -<p>“Two thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>“And she handed it all over to old Winter? -Excuse my speaking so disrespectfully of your -stepfather.”</p> - -<p>“That won’t worry me any.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose Mr. Winter is worth a good deal of -money?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose so, but I don’t want any of it. I -only wish mother had back what she brought him -and could go with me to New York.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">18</a></span> -“By the way, Ben, have you any idea what Mr. -Winter does with his money?”</p> - -<p>“I suppose he puts it in the banks. I never -thought much about the matter.”</p> - -<p>“Probably he does put some there, but I heard -that he was rather afraid of banks. Some years -ago a savings bank failed and he lost fifty dollars, -so I heard.”</p> - -<p>“That accounts for it.”</p> - -<p>“Accounts for what?”</p> - -<p>“For what I am going to tell you. Last -Wednesday evening I was crossing the four-acre -lot—a part of Mr. Winter’s farm—when I saw him -coming across the field with a box in his hand. -It was rather dark, so he could not see me very -well, for you know he is short-sighted.</p> - -<p>“I had a curiosity to find out what he was going -to do, so I followed him. Oh, I forgot to say -that he had a spade in his hand. Well, when he -got to the big oak tree about the center of the -place he halted. There was a smaller tree near -by, and I hid behind it so I could see what he -was doing.”</p> - -<p>“What did he do?” asked Ben, who was by -this time intensely interested.</p> - -<p>“He began to dig, and kept on till he had dug -a hole about two feet deep. Then he took the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">19</a></span> -box and put it down in the hole and covered it -up with dirt. After finishing he got a little -brushwood and laid it down careless like over the -spot so as to hide the dirt, and then went away, -without knowing that any one had seen him.”</p> - -<p>“What do you think was in the box, Albert?” -asked Ben, in excitement.</p> - -<p>“Money,” answered Albert, sententiously. -“It may have been gold or silver or bills. I -didn’t see the contents of the box and so of course -I can’t tell.”</p> - -<p>“It seems to me he was very foolish to put his -money there.”</p> - -<p>“So I think, but he was scared by the failure -of the savings bank and was afraid to trust them -any more.”</p> - -<p>“The money would be safer in any savings -bank than in a hole where anybody could dig it -up.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the way I feel about it. I wonder if -that is the only hiding place he has for his gold.”</p> - -<p>“Albert, when it gets a little darker suppose -we go out to see the place. I feel some curiosity -on the subject.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Ben, I’ll go. Just go round to the -store with me. I have a few things to buy for -mother. Then we’ll start across the fields.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">20</a></span> -“All right.”</p> - -<p>When they reached Albert’s house from the -store it was too early for their expedition. So -Albert proposed a game of checkers. They played -two, and when the second was completed the -church clock pealed out the hour of nine.</p> - -<p>“We must go at once or it will be too late,” -said Ben.</p> - -<p>“It isn’t very far.”</p> - -<p>They went out of the house and struck across -the fields.</p> - -<p>“This is just about the hour I came last -Wednesday evening,” said Albert.</p> - -<p>They neared the tree, when suddenly Albert -uttered an exclamation:</p> - -<p>“By gracious, Ben,” he said, clutching his -companion by the arm, “if there isn’t old Winter -coming again. He hasn’t got a box, but he has a -spade in his hand. I wonder what he’s up to now. -Come with me, and we’ll get behind the other -tree and watch. Don’t cough or make any noise. -We don’t want him to see us.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">21</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="iv" id="iv"></a>CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span>AN EXCITING ENCOUNTER.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">From</span> their place of concealment the two boys -watched attentively. They were rather mystified -as to Mr. Winter’s intentions. It occurred to -them, however, that he might have in his pocket -some gold coins to add to the hoard underneath.</p> - -<p>At any rate he began to dig, occasionally pausing -to rest, for he was not very robust, and the -labor of digging affected his back.</p> - -<p>At last he reached the box, and getting down -on his knees, pulled it out of the hole.</p> - -<p>He raised the cover and began to count the -contents. These contents consisted entirely of -gold pieces.</p> - -<p>In a low voice, which, however, was audible to the boys, he counted -“<a name="Ninety" id="Ninety"></a><ins title="Original has 'Ninty-six'">Ninety-six</ins>, -ninety-seven, ninety-eight, ninety-nine.”</p> - -<p>Then in an alarmed tone he added: “There’s -one short. There ought to be a hundred, making -five hundred dollars—can any one have found -the box and taken one out? I’ll count again.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">22</a></span> -Once more he counted, and this time he made -full number, much to his relief.</p> - -<p>Then from his vest-pocket he drew out two -more gold pieces and added them to the pile.</p> - -<p>“That makes a hundred and two,” he said in -a tone of satisfaction.</p> - -<p>He was preparing to replace the box in its place -of concealment when something unexpected happened.</p> - -<p><a name="ill" id="ill"></a>An ill-looking fellow, a tramp in appearance, -who had crept up without being observed either -by Mr. Winter or the boys, suddenly sprang out -from behind a large tree, and throwing himself -upon the old farmer tried to pull the box from -him.</p> - -<p>“Gimme that money, old man!” he cried in a -hoarse voice, “or I’ll kill ye!”</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter uttered a cry of dismay, but he -clung to the box.</p> - -<p>“Go away!” he gasped. “It’s my money. -I’ll have yer arrested.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead and do it, but I’ll take the money -first.”</p> - -<p>The fellow’s fierce face was distinctly seen by -the boys. He was a man of about thirty, with a -coarse sensual look and blotched skin, the result, -doubtless, of intemperate habits.</p> - -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/p022.jpg" width="400" height="661" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="noi mb0">An ill-looking fellow suddenly sprang out from behind a tree and throwing -himself upon the old farmer, tried to pull the box from him.—Page <a href="#ill">22</a>.</p> -<p class="right mt0"><i>Ben Bruce.</i></p></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">23</a></span> -“Go away, you robber!” ejaculated the farmer, -clinging to his treasure with the energy of -<a name="despair" id="despair"></a><ins title="Original has 'depair'">despair</ins>. -He was evidently more afraid of losing -that than of receiving bodily injury, though the -wicked eyes of his assailant might well have -inspired physical apprehension.</p> - -<p>The conflict was unequal. Mr. Winter was -probably sixty years of age, while his assailant -was only half that, and was a larger man in -every way.</p> - -<p>“Look here, old man,” said the tramp, angered -by the farmer’s resistance, “you’d better -give up your money or you’ll get hurt!”</p> - -<p>“I’ll send you to jail!” shrieked Jacob Winter.</p> - -<p>“Maybe you will, if I don’t get away too -quick,” laughed the tramp.</p> - -<p>“Aren’t you ashamed to rob a poor old -man?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I guess you’ve got some more money. -You won’t die in the poorhouse.”</p> - -<p>By this time the man had got the box into his -hands, and now prepared to walk off with it.</p> - -<p>“Help! help!” shrieked the farmer.</p> - -<p>The tramp laughed.</p> - -<p>“There ain’t no help near,” he said. “Go -home and go to bed, and thank your lucky stars -I didn’t brain ye.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">24</a></span> -The two boys had listened in a fever of excitement. -Neither liked Jacob Winter, but all their -sympathies were with him. There was something -coarse and repulsive about the tramp, and -they could not bear to have him succeed.</p> - -<p>“Are we going to stand this, Albert?” whispered -Ben.</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Stand by me, and I’ll do what I can.”</p> - -<p>Ben had already espied the spade, and had made -up his mind what he would do with it.</p> - -<p>He sprang out from behind the tree, dashed -forward and seized the implement without being -heard by the tramp. With a look toward Albert, -whose help he expected to need, he made another -rush forward and fetched the unsuspecting robber -a blow upon the back of his head.</p> - -<p>Though it was a boy’s blow it was a heavy -one, and with a cry of dismay the tramp dropped -the box and raised his hand to the injured -spot. Albert ran up, seized the box, and darted -back.</p> - -<p>“Wha—what’s all this?” exclaimed the tramp, -turning back.</p> - -<p>Knowing nothing of the <a name="presence" id="presence"></a><ins title="Original has 'preseace'">presence</ins> -of the boys he was under the impression that the old man had -made the attack. He saw Jacob Winter looking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">25</a></span> -as much amazed as he felt himself. Then observing -the two boys, he quickly comprehended what -had taken place.</p> - -<p>“Why you young cubs!” he cried, his face -looking fiercer and more threatening, “you must -be crazy. I’ll kill ye both.”</p> - -<p>He sprang towards Albert Graham, for it was -Albert who held the box of treasure, and was -about to make an attack upon him. But he failed -to take account of Ben, who was still armed with -the dangerous spade.</p> - -<p>Now Ben’s blood was up, and he was ready to -carry on hostilities. He had no intention of -deserting his young comrade.</p> - -<p>He rushed up and dealt the tramp another blow, -heavier than the first, that literally laid him out. -He sank to the ground stunned, and temporarily -lost consciousness.</p> - -<p>“Now, Mr. Winter,” said Ben, who seemed -naturally to take command, “take the box and -go to the house as quick as you can. I have -stunned the robber, but he’ll come to in a short -time and then we shall be in danger. Albert, -come with us.”</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter said nothing, but it was clear -that he considered the advice good. He grasped -the box and started for home on a half run,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">26</a></span> -followed by the two boys. Not a word was said -till they reached the farmyard.</p> - -<p>Then as he stopped to wipe the perspiration from -his face, he ejaculated, “Boys, this is terrible.”</p> - -<p>“So it is,” said Ben, “but we’ve saved the -money.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think you—you killed him?” asked -Jacob, with a shudder.</p> - -<p>“No, I only stunned him. If I hadn’t we’d -have all been in danger.”</p> - -<p>“He’s an awful man—looks as if he’d escaped -from State’s prison.”</p> - -<p>“If he hasn’t he’s likely to go there. It’s -lucky we were there or you’d have lost your -money.”</p> - -<p>“How did you happen to be there?” asked the -farmer, beginning to be curious.</p> - -<p>“You see Albert and I were taking a walk. He -was going to see me part way home.”</p> - -<p>“You weren’t spying on me, were you?” asked -Jacob in a tone of suspicion. “It kind of looks -like that.”</p> - -<p>“No matter what it looks like, Mr. Winter, it -was lucky for you that we were around. That’s -all I’ve got to say.”</p> - -<p>“Well, mebbe it was; mebbe it was.”</p> - -<p>“But, Mr. Winter, don’t you think it’s risky<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">27</a></span> -putting your money in such a place? Some one -would be sure to find it sooner or later.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t put it there again,” muttered Jacob. -“Do you—see anythin’ of that man? Your -eyes are better than mine.”</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t see him. I don’t believe he would -dare to follow us as far as the house.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll go and report him to the constable first -thing to-morrow mornin’. I don’t feel safe with -such a man ’round. It’s gettin’ late, Ben. We’d -better be gettin’ to bed.”</p> - -<p>“Albert, won’t you sleep with me to-night? -I don’t like to have you go home alone. You -might meet the tramp.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I guess I’ll stay, Ben. Mother won’t -be frightened. She’ll know I stayed with -you.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Albert, you can stay,” said Jacob with -unusual complaisance. “If—if that terrible -man comes in the night there’ll be three of us to -meet him.”</p> - -<p>Usually Mr. Winter did not make any effort -to be agreeable to Ben’s friends, and under ordinary -circumstances he would have objected to -Ben’s having a boy stay with him, but fear had -softened his asperities and made him more amiable -than usual.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">28</a></span> -“Mr. Winter, will you let me take the gun -up to my room?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Do you know how to fire it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>On several occasions when Mr. Winter was -away from home Ben had gone out gunning, and -in this way had learned how to manage firearms. -The farmer, however, did not ask any uncomfortable -or disagreeable questions, but asked, -“What do you want with the gun, Ben?”</p> - -<p>“I thought the robber might come here in -the middle of the night, and I could fire at him -out of the window.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know as it’s prudent, Ben.”</p> - -<p>“If you would rather fire at him yourself, -Mr. Winter, of course I won’t ask for the gun.”</p> - -<p>“No, no,” said Jacob hastily, “you can take -it if you want to. But be keerful, be keerful!”</p> - -<p>So Ben took the gun and carried it up to the -attic chamber where he and Albert were to sleep.</p> - -<p>“Is it loaded, Ben?” asked Albert.</p> - -<p>“Yes, it’s loaded with bird shot. I don’t want -to kill the man, but I’ll give him a scare.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">29</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="v" id="v"></a>CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span>A MIDNIGHT CALL.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Probably</span> no more astonished man lived than -the tramp when his consciousness returned and -he found himself lying on his back under the -big oak tree. He lifted himself on his elbow and -tried to remember what had happened.</p> - -<p>“Something struck me,” he said. “What was -it and who did it?”</p> - -<p>Even in his half-dazed state it never occurred -to him to think of Jacob Winter as his assailant.</p> - -<p>“Ha! I remember now. It was the boys,” -he said after an effort of memory. “They’ve -got twice as much pluck as the old man. But -I’d like to smash ’em for all that. They’ve -stepped in between me and a good bit of money. -But I’ll have it yet.”</p> - -<p>The tramp rose to his feet and began to take -an inventory of his bodily disabilities. His head -ached and felt sore, and there was a bruise where -he had been hit by the shovel. His limbs were all -right, however.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">30</a></span> -“I wonder how long I’ve been lying here,” he -thought, “and where that gold is?”</p> - -<p>He was not long in deciding that the farmer -had carried the pieces home. He knew where -this was, for he had been lurking about the -town for a couple of days, and had made inquiries.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to get it yet,” he said to himself. “I -might break into the house and carry it off.”</p> - -<p>The more he thought of this the better the plan -pleased him. Without knowing positively he -thought it probable that Jacob Winter was the -only man in the house, and for his prowess he -felt absolute contempt.</p> - -<p>“I’ll scare him out of his seven senses,” the -tramp concluded with an amused smile. “The -man is about as brave as a mouse.”</p> - -<p>Of course it would not be prudent to make the -visit he meditated just yet. Towards twelve -o’clock there would be more chance of finding -everybody asleep.</p> - -<p>Now let us go back to the attic room where -Ben and Albert Graham were snugly ensconced -in bed.</p> - -<p>“I wonder whether he’ll come,” said Albert.</p> - -<p>“That is uncertain,” returned Ben, “but if he -does we must be ready for him.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">31</a></span> -“The trouble is, I’m terribly sleepy. He might -come and rummage all over the house without my -hearing him.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll tell you what we’d better do. Do -you think you can stay awake for an hour?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I can if I set out to.”</p> - -<p>“Then we’ll take turns sleeping. I’ll go to -sleep now, and when an hour has passed you -wake me up, and then I’ll keep watch. There’s -a clock in the room, and there are some matches -on the washstand in a box, so that you will know -when to call me.”</p> - -<p>“All right! Can you go to sleep right off?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; it won’t take many minutes.”</p> - -<p>In less than five minutes Ben’s quiet breathing -was sufficient evidence that he was in the -land of dreams. Albert made a determined effort -and managed to keep awake till he thought -an hour must have been passed.</p> - -<p>He got up, lit a match, and found that Ben -had been asleep an hour and a quarter in place -of an hour.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter? Is it morning?” asked -Ben drowsily when Albert shook him.</p> - -<p>“No; but your time is out, and I want to take -a nap. You remember you are to watch for -the robber.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">32</a></span> -“All right!” said Ben, now broad awake. -“Did I sleep an hour?”</p> - -<p>“An hour and a quarter.”</p> - -<p>“Is that so? It doesn’t seem more than five -minutes.”</p> - -<p>“Do you think you can keep awake now, -Ben?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I can keep awake till midnight. If -he doesn’t come by that time he won’t come at -all. Then we can sleep, both of us, with an easy -mind.”</p> - -<p>Ben had stipulated to sleep first because he felt -that the attack would be more likely to come after -half-past ten, when his vigil commenced, and he -preferred to deal directly with the robber himself.</p> - -<p>After Albert was asleep he got up and examined -the gun to see if it was all right. Somehow he did -not feel sleepy at all now. He rather hoped his -acquaintance of the fields would come, for he was -a boy who was fond of excitement and adventure.</p> - -<p>It would be a man against a boy, or rather -against two boys, for Ben did not count on much -help from his stepfather, but he did not feel afraid. -As Ben is my hero, I am rather pleased to say -that, though not foolhardy, he possessed a good -share of courage.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">33</a></span> -He lay in bed listening for any noise, but an -hour passed before his attention was roused. -Then a little sound as of something touching the -house enlisted his attention.</p> - -<p>He got out of bed and went to the window. It -may be remarked that his room was directly -over that occupied by his stepfather. “By -gracious!” he exclaimed under his breath, “I -am just in time.”</p> - -<p>A ladder was leaning against the house, and -half way up he saw his antagonist of the fields. -The ladder was so placed that the unauthorized -intruder could enter Mr. Winter’s chamber -through the open window.</p> - -<p>“There’s no time to be lost!” thought Ben. -“I’ll get the gun.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">34</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="vi" id="vi"></a>CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span>A DISAPPOINTED BURGLAR.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ben</span> hesitated whether to address the burglar -or not before firing the gun. Certainly the -intruder had no claim to a warning, but Ben -decided to be generous and give him the chance -to retire in good order.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, half leaning out of the window, -he called out: “What do you want here?”</p> - -<p>The burglar was startled, but looking up and -seeing only a boy, he took courage, and his -native impudence asserted itself.</p> - -<p>“Say, kid,” he responded, “where does the -old man sleep?”</p> - -<p>“That is none of your business,” answered Ben -manfully.</p> - -<p>“You’d better look out, or I’ll give you a lesson. -I know well enough. He sleeps in that room.”</p> - -<p>“What do you want with him?”</p> - -<p>“I want that gold. I am sure it is in his -chamber.”</p> - -<p>“Go right down that ladder, or you’ll be -sorry.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">35</a></span> -“I’ll throw you out of that window when I get -into the house.”</p> - -<p>“I have given you warning. Will you go?”</p> - -<p>“No, I won’t. What do you take me for? -You’re the most impudent kid I ever met.”</p> - -<p>Ben wasted no more words upon the intruder, -but, thrusting the muzzle of the gun out of the -window, fired.</p> - -<p>The birdshot took effect in the burglar’s face -and neck, and with a cry of surprise and dismay -he lost his grip and dropped to the ground, -upsetting the ladder in his fall.</p> - -<p>At the sound of the discharge Albert awoke, as -did also Jacob Winter in the room below.</p> - -<p>“What’s up, Ben?” cried Albert in excitement, -jumping out of bed.</p> - -<p>“I am,” answered Ben coolly, “and now you -appear to be.”</p> - -<p>“I mean what has happened?”</p> - -<p>“I’ve shot a burglar.”</p> - -<p>Albert rushed to the window and looked down. -So did Jacob Winter, who was frightened almost -out of his wits.</p> - -<p>In a tremor of curiosity and alarm he thrust -his head out of the window, and asked, “Who’s -there?”</p> - -<p>It was an unfortunate movement for him. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">36</a></span> -burglar had risen from the ground, mad through -and through, and eager for revenge.</p> - -<p>He intended first to wreak his vengeance upon -Ben, but seeing Mr. Winter’s protruding head, -changed his mind. He picked up a stone and fired -with only too accurate aim.</p> - -<p>The stone hit Jacob Winter in the ear, and the -unhappy farmer, with a terrified cry, fell back -from the window and lay down on the floor.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter, Mr. Winter?” asked his -wife.</p> - -<p>“I’m killed!” answered the farmer in agonizing -tones, clapping his hand to his injured organ. -“The tramp has shot me.”</p> - -<p>He was too bewildered to observe that the -burglar had no weapon, and really believed for -the moment that he had been shot.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter hastily lit the kerosene lamp and -went to the help of her husband.</p> - -<p>“Where were you hit?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“Here!” answered her husband in a hollow voice. -“The bullet must have gone to my brain.”</p> - -<p>“What’s this?” she asked, picking up a -pebble. “This isn’t a bullet.”</p> - -<p>“What is it?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Its only a pebble,” she answered. “You -have been hit with a stone.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">37</a></span> -“It almost killed me,” said Jacob, but he felt -reassured.</p> - -<p>“Who did it?”</p> - -<p>“It’s that tramp, the man that tried to steal -my gold.”</p> - -<p>At this moment there was a knock at the -door.</p> - -<p>“There he is!” cried Jacob in fresh alarm. -“He’s got into the house and is forcing his way -into the chamber.”</p> - -<p>“The door is bolted,” said his wife, “but I -don’t think it can be the robber.”</p> - -<p>But Jacob Winter could not so readily give -up the idea.</p> - -<p>“Go away, you, sir!” he called out in quavering -tones. “Go away or I’ll have you arrested.”</p> - -<p>“It’s only I, Mr. Winter,” said a young voice -outside.</p> - -<p>“It’s Ben.”</p> - -<p>Feeling relieved, Mr. Winter himself opened -the door.</p> - -<p>“Did you fire the gun, Ben?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mr. Winter. The robber had the ladder -up against the house, and was going to get into -your window.”</p> - -<p>“Where is he now? This is terrible!” groaned -the farmer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">38</a></span> -“I peppered him with the gun, and I guess he’s -gone off.”</p> - -<p>“He fired a rock at me. He ought to have fired -it at you. I wasn’t the one that shot him.”</p> - -<p>“Is this the rock?” asked Ben, picking up the -pebble with a smile.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“It ain’t very large.”</p> - -<p>“Neither is a bullet, but it hurts me awfully. -Are you sure that man’s gone?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll go to the window and see.”</p> - -<p>Ben went to the open window and looked out. -By the partial light he could see the baffled -burglar in full retreat several hundred feet -distant.</p> - -<p>“He’s gone, Mr. Winter. That is, he’s going.”</p> - -<p>“He may come back. Where is the ladder?”</p> - -<p>“Outside on the ground where it fell.”</p> - -<p>“He may come back and try to climb up again. -You’d better go out and take it to the barn.”</p> - -<p>“But the man might come back and hurt Ben,” -said Mrs. Winter anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Don’t be afraid, mother. I’ll take the gun -with me, and Albert will come and help me.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes, go, there’s a good boy!” said Jacob, -who was afraid his wife might expect him to go -himself. The very thought made him shudder.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">39</a></span> -Ben smiled a little at his stepfather’s evident -alarm, but had no thought of refusing the -service asked of him. Indeed he wanted to go -out.</p> - -<p>“Come down, Albert!” he called at the foot -of the attic stairs. “I want you to help me take -away the ladder.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll be down in a jiffy,” said Albert.</p> - -<p>The two boys descended the stairs and went out -into the yard. They picked up the ladder and -carried it to the barn, in which they placed it.</p> - -<p>“This is a regular lark!” said Albert. “I -wouldn’t have missed it for a dollar. How -does Mr. Winter take it?”</p> - -<p>“He’s scared out of his wits.”</p> - -<p>“It’s lucky there were two able-bodied men -on hand,” said Albert with a comical look, “or -the house would have been robbed. Has Mr. -Winter got the gold in his room?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I saw the box standing in one corner.”</p> - -<p>“It’s lucky for us we ain’t rich. We needn’t -be afraid of burglars.”</p> - -<p>At the breakfast table Mrs. Winter said, “I -do hope, Mr. Winter, you’ll take that gold to the -bank. We don’t want any more midnight -callers.”</p> - -<p>“So I will,” answered her husband, with unwonted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">40</a></span> -meekness, “but—but suppose the robber -should stop me on the way.”</p> - -<p>The savings bank was in the next town.</p> - -<p>“Take me with you, Mr. Winter,” suggested -Ben. “I guess you and I will be more than -a match for the robber.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know but I will, Ben,” said Jacob, -relieved at the suggestion. “Of course you are -only a boy, but——”</p> - -<p>“I can hold the horse while you are fighting -the robber,” put in Ben, his eyes twinkling with -suppressed fun.</p> - -<p>“That’s so,” said Jacob, coughing, but he -looked a little alarmed at the suggestion.</p> - -<p>“Shall I take the gun with me?”</p> - -<p>“Well, perhaps you may as well. What will -you carry the gold in?”</p> - -<p>“There’s an empty butter keg in the shed,” -said Mrs. Winter.</p> - -<p>“We’ll put the money in that, and people -will think it’s a keg of butter,” remarked -Ben.</p> - -<p>“That’s a good plan. Be sure to load the gun -before you set out.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve attended to that already, Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>Soon after breakfast the buggy came around to -the door and Ben and his stepfather got in, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">41</a></span> -latter carrying the keg with its important contents.</p> - -<p>They reached the next town, only five miles -away, and drove at once to the savings bank.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know as the bank is safe,” said Jacob -Winter, “but it’s better to have my money here -than where robbers can get at it.”</p> - -<p>“I agree with you, Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>The money was handed to the receiving teller -of the savings bank, and Jacob received a bank -book, which he put into his pocket with a sigh of -relief. In the bank Ben picked up a copy of a -Boston daily paper, and read the following paragraph:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>The low price of tickets to New York since the last cut of -the steamboat lines has greatly increased the volume of travel. -There are few who cannot afford the journey, now that the -fare has been reduced to one dollar.</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>“Only one dollar to New York!” thought Ben. -“Now is my time to go, if ever!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">42</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="vii" id="vii"></a>CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span>BEN FORMS A SUDDEN DETERMINATION.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jacob Winter</span> felt, though he hardly liked -to confess it, that but for Ben he would have -been the loser of five hundred dollars. He was -not a liberal man, but he determined to make some -acknowledgment of his stepson’s services.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, when he had returned from the -savings bank, he drew a twenty-five cent piece -from his pocket and handed it to Ben with the -remark: “Benjamin, you have behaved very -well. Here is a quarter for you. Be keerful not -to spend it foolishly.”</p> - -<p>Ben was considerably surprised. It was the -first gift he ever remembered to have received -from his stepfather, and he hardly knew whether -to be amused or grateful.</p> - -<p>If he accepted it, he knew that Mr. Winter -would feel that he had squared up his obligations. -But Ben preferred to leave the matter open. So -he quickly decided not to accept the money.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Winter,” he said, “but I -would rather not take it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">43</a></span> -“You refuse money!” exclaimed Jacob in -amazement.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir. I only did my duty.”</p> - -<p>“I guess you’d better take it. Quarters don’t -grow on every bush.”</p> - -<p>“They don’t for me, Mr. Winter,” said Ben -smiling. “I’m just as much obliged, but I would -rather not take any money for what I’ve done. -It was good fun.”</p> - -<p>“Good fun!” ejaculated his stepfather. “It -isn’t my idea of fun to have a ruffian try to rob -me.”</p> - -<p>“Well, he didn’t make much out of his attempt. -I don’t care for the money, Mr. Winter, but I’ll -ask something else instead.”</p> - -<p>“What is it?” asked Jacob cautiously.</p> - -<p>“I want to leave the farm and go to New York.”</p> - -<p>“Go to New York! You—a mere boy! What -do you want to go to New York for?”</p> - -<p>“I want to get work.”</p> - -<p>“There’s plenty of work here, Benjamin.”</p> - -<p>“I know there is, but it isn’t the kind I like. -I should never be a successful farmer.”</p> - -<p>“It wasn’t exactly the farmin’ business I meant -to put you to.”</p> - -<p>“What then?” asked Ben, whose turn it was -to be surprised.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">44</a></span> -“Silas Flack has made an offer to take you and -teach you the shoemakin’ business. I did at first -think of havin’ you work on the farm, but I guess -you might as well learn the shoemakin’?”</p> - -<p>“When did he make the offer, Mr. Winter?”</p> - -<p>“Day afore yesterday.”</p> - -<p>“And why didn’t you speak to me about it -before?”</p> - -<p>“You’re too young to know what’s good for -yourself.”</p> - -<p>“But I have no wish to learn shoemaking.”</p> - -<p>“Boys like you don’t seem to realize that they -must earn their livin’.”</p> - -<p>“I am ready to earn my living, but I want to -have something to say about the way I am to -earn it. I intend to make my living in New -York.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t let you go. I’ve given my word to -Silas Flack.”</p> - -<p>Ben was exasperated, but they had reached the -farm, and he concluded to take a short time to -think over his stepfather’s proposal. One thing -he determined upon, and that was to see Mr. -Flack and find out what negotiations had passed -between the shoemaker and Mr. Winter.</p> - -<p>In the middle of the afternoon, being sent on an -errand, he went a little out of his way to visit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">45</a></span> -Silas Flack’s shop. It was a tiny place, for Silas -did business only in a small way. Entering the -shop he began:</p> - -<p>“Good day, Mr. Flack.”</p> - -<p>“Good day, Ben,” answered the shoemaker, -resting his eye approvingly on Ben’s sturdy frame -and bright, honest face.</p> - -<p>“I called to see what proposal you made to Mr. -Winter about me,” said Ben abruptly. “You -promised to teach me the business, didn’t you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I agreed to take you till you were twenty-one.”</p> - -<p>“And Mr. Winter thought favorable of it, did -he?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; he said you might come.”</p> - -<p>“What benefit is Mr. Winter to get out of it?” -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“How old be you now?”</p> - -<p>“Fifteen.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I agreed to take care of you till you -were twenty-one, and pay him fifty dollars a year -over and above for your services. Seems to me -that’s a fair offer.”</p> - -<p>“Oho!” thought Ben, “now I understand. -It’s the fifty dollars a year that Jacob Winter is -after. Money is his idol, and he expects to make -about three hundred dollars out of me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">46</a></span> -“Did Mr. Winter tell you I would come?” he -asked after a pause.</p> - -<p>“Yes; he said it struck him favorable.”</p> - -<p>“But I don’t like the business, Mr. Flack.”</p> - -<p>“That’s only a boy’s idee. You may as well -make your livin’ that way as any other.”</p> - -<p>“When did Mr. Winter say I could begin?”</p> - -<p>“The first week in September.”</p> - -<p>“That’s the time the high school commences. -I was expecting to attend there.”</p> - -<p>“Jacob Winter thinks you’ve got eddication -enough. You’ve got as much as he or I.”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you ever think you would like to know -more than you do, Mr. Flack?”</p> - -<p>“What’s the good? I know enough for my -business, and I’m gen’rally respected in town. -I’ve been selec’man once, and I’m overseer of the -poor now.”</p> - -<p>Ben smiled. He saw that Mr. Flack was well -satisfied with his success in life, but he felt within -himself yearnings and aspirations which probably -were unknown to the shoemaker.</p> - -<p>“Well, good day, Mr. Flack!” he said after a -brief pause.</p> - -<p>“Good day, Ben! I guess you and me will get -along well. I’ve heard that you are good to -work, and I’ll do the right thing by you. Besides<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">47</a></span> -what I promised your stepfather, I’ll give you a -new suit of clothes when you are twenty-one, and -after that you can get good wages, as much as a -dollar-fifty per day likely.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll think over what you have said, Mr. Flack,” -said Ben gravely.</p> - -<p>He turned and left the shop. He felt that he -had reached an important point in his life. He -resented the utter selfishness which actuated his -stepfather in thus mapping out his future life, -dooming him to an uncongenial occupation for the -paltry sum of fifty dollars a year paid to himself.</p> - -<p>Had Jacob Winter been a poor man, there -would have been some excuse for his course, but -he was far from being poor. There were no very -rich men in Wrayburn, but he was one of the -most prominent in the amount of his worldly -possessions.</p> - -<p>Moreover, he had managed to get into his -possession the two thousand dollars belonging to -his mother. And it was for a paltry fifty dollars -a year that Ben was to be deprived of the advantages -of a high-school education.</p> - -<p>“It’s a shame!” he cried hotly.</p> - -<p>“What’s a shame, Ben?”</p> - -<p>Turning around Ben recognized in the speaker -his friend, Albert Graham.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">48</a></span> -“Was I speaking aloud?” Ben asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes, and with considerable emphasis. What -is it all about?”</p> - -<p>“I find my precious stepfather has agreed to -bind me apprentice to Silas Flack, the shoemaker, -in consideration of fifty dollars a year paid to him -annually till I am twenty-one.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t mean it, Ben?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, it’s true. Mr. Winter told me himself, -though he didn’t speak of the fifty dollars. That -was told me by Mr. Flack.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t wonder you call it a shame,” said -Albert warmly.</p> - -<p>“That is why Mr. Winter isn’t willing to have -me attend the high school; that wouldn’t bring -him in any money.”</p> - -<p>“I see. Have you told your mother about it -yet?”</p> - -<p>“No, but I shall as soon as I go home.”</p> - -<p>“Then you are to grow up a shoemaker, Ben?”</p> - -<p>“Not much,” exclaimed Ben decidedly. “Mr. -Winter hasn’t got my consent.”</p> - -<p>“What will you do?”</p> - -<p>“Go to New York.”</p> - -<p>“Won’t he try to stop you?”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps so,” said Ben quietly, “but I shall go -all the same.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">49</a></span> -“Well, I can’t blame you, Ben. You weren’t -cut out for a shoemaker.”</p> - -<p>“Nor for a farmer either. I feel that I must -take the responsibility into my own hands.”</p> - -<p>“When are you going to start and what are -your plans?”</p> - -<p>“I shall start as soon as I can. I find that I -can go to New York from Boston for a dollar, -and I shall never have any better chance.”</p> - -<p>“You will take the five dollars I offered you, -Ben?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Albert, as a loan, and thank you for your -friendly aid. If ever I can do you a favor I will.”</p> - -<p>In reply Albert held out his hand, and the two -boys interchanged a hearty grasp.</p> - -<p>“Well, Ben, you have my best wishes, you -know that. You will be sure to write me?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Albert. I will write to you and to my -mother.”</p> - -<p>Ben had a conference with his mother and -obtained her consent to his plan. She was as -angry as he at the cold-blooded selfishness of her -husband.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know whether it’s best or not, Ben,” -she said, “but there seems to be no other way. -I begin to see my folly now in marrying Jacob -Winter.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">50</a></span> -“In a few years, mother, I hope you can leave -him and come to live with me.”</p> - -<p>The next morning when Mr. Winter went up to -Ben’s attic chamber to call him, he found that -the bird had flown.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">51</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="viii" id="viii"></a>CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span>BEN ARRIVES IN BOSTON.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jacob Winter</span> came bounding down-stairs -angry and bewildered. He sought out his wife -in the kitchen.</p> - -<p>“What has become of Ben?” he demanded -abruptly.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter turned and surveyed her husband -calmly.</p> - -<p>“Why do you ask?” she inquired.</p> - -<p>“Because I went up to call him just now and -found that his bed had not been slept in. Do -you think he went over to sleep with Albert -Graham?”</p> - -<p>“He said nothing to me about going.”</p> - -<p>“If he went without leave I will give him a -sound thrashing.”</p> - -<p>“Threats are cheap, Mr. Winter,” said his wife -with something of contempt in her voice.</p> - -<p>“What do you think has become of the boy, -Mrs. W.?”</p> - -<p>“Probably he has gone away.”</p> - -<p>“But where?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">52</a></span> -“He found out yesterday that you had apprenticed -him without his permission to Silas Flack.”</p> - -<p>“He found out because I told him so.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, he has no taste for shoemaking.”</p> - -<p>“Or for any other kind of work.”</p> - -<p>“That is not true, Mr. Winter, and you know -it. Ben is industrious, but he wants to be consulted -about his occupation.”</p> - -<p>“Why, isn’t shoemaking a good business?”</p> - -<p>“It is—for some, but Ben doesn’t like it. -What put it into your mind to select that business -for Ben?”</p> - -<p>“I thought he would make a good living at -it.”</p> - -<p>“And that was all?”</p> - -<p>“Wasn’t that enough?”</p> - -<p>“Ben learned that you intended to make money -out of him. Mr. Flack was to pay you fifty -dollars a year for his services, and this you intended -to put into your own pocket. That was -your object in making the arrangement.”</p> - -<p>“I only did what I had a right to do. But you -haven’t told me where the boy is.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know, but he had some idea of going -to New York.”</p> - -<p>“Did he tell you this?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">53</a></span> -“Then why didn’t you tell me?”</p> - -<p>“Because I thought the boy had enough to -contend against without his mother turning -against him.”</p> - -<p>“It seems to me you have very peculiar ideas -of the duties of a wife, Mrs. W.”</p> - -<p>“And you have strange notions of your duty -to your stepson.”</p> - -<p>“Will you tell me when Ben left the house and -what route he took?”</p> - -<p>“I can’t answer either question.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll find out in spite of you and bring him -back,” said Jacob angrily. “Did you give him -any money to go away with?”</p> - -<p>“I am not likely to have much money to give -to any one. However I gave him two dollars.”</p> - -<p>“So you connived at his escape? You ought -to be ashamed of yourself, Mrs. W.”</p> - -<p>“My conscience is clear. I will only say that -had you treated Ben as he had a right to expect, -he would not have left the house.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps, Mrs. W., you will favor me with -your idea of how he ought to have been treated,” -said Mr. Winter, with what he thought to be -withering sarcasm.</p> - -<p>“I will. You should have let him go to the -high school.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">54</a></span> -“Anything more?”</p> - -<p>“And given him better clothes. He does not -dress as well as boys of much smaller means.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t mean to pamper him, or dress him in -purple and fine linen, Mrs. Winter. He has left -a good home and will probably repent it in dust -and ashes before many weeks are over. Is breakfast -ready?”</p> - -<p>“It will be ready in five minutes.”</p> - -<p>“I want to start in pursuit of Ben as soon as -possible. I feel that I have a responsibility about -the boy, if you don’t, Mrs. Winter.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter smiled. She understood very -well why her husband wanted to recover Ben. -The fifty dollars a year promised by Mr. Flack -he was not willing to surrender if there was any -possible chance of securing it.</p> - -<p>Mr. Winter harnessed up and drove to the -nearest railroad station, five miles away, but he -saw nothing of the fugitive. Ben had taken the -five o’clock train, having slept with his friend -Albert Graham the night before.</p> - -<p>On the way home Mr. Winter met Albert, and -knowing the intimacy between the two boys, he -stopped his horse and inquired: “When did you -see Ben last?”</p> - -<p>“Early this morning,” answered Albert.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">55</a></span> -“You did, hey? Where did you see him?”</p> - -<p>“He slept at my house last night.”</p> - -<p>“Is he there now?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Where is he then?”</p> - -<p>“I guess he must be in Boston now.”</p> - -<p>“In Boston?” repeated the farmer. “Why, -why, how could he get there so quick?”</p> - -<p>“He meant to take the five o’clock train from -Grafton.”</p> - -<p>“He’s a fool! He can’t get any further than -Boston. He only had two dollars with him.”</p> - -<p>“Is that all?” asked Albert significantly.</p> - -<p>“Yes; his mother gave him two dollars, and -that wouldn’t much more than get him to Boston.”</p> - -<p>Albert did not contradict his statement, but he -happened to know that Ben had five dollars more -lent by himself.</p> - -<p>“Did Ben tell you he was going to run away?” -said Jacob, returning to the charge.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t you come and tell me?”</p> - -<p>“What do you take me for?” asked Albert -scornfully. “Do you think I would betray my -friend?”</p> - -<p>“I see you are in league with him,” returned -Jacob angrily. “I ain’t sure but I can have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">56</a></span> -you arrested for aidin’ and abettin’ him in his -unlawful doin’s.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead and do it if you think best,” said -Albert, in no way frightened.</p> - -<p>“I’ll see about it. I’ll consult with Lawyer -Cole, and you may spend the night in jail.”</p> - -<p>Albert took no particular notice of this threat, -and did not borrow any trouble on account -of it.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile the boy who had created such a -commotion in the Winter household had reached -Boston. He had never before been so far from -home, and it must be confessed that, as he stepped -from the car and followed the rest of the passengers -into the front part of the Boston and -Albany station, he felt a sense of loneliness, -mingled with apprehension.</p> - -<p>Had he done wisely in leaving his country home -to seek the crowded city? He could not tell, but -just for a moment his heart sank within him, -and he almost wished himself back in Wrayburn.</p> - -<p>But the feeling soon passed away, and as he -stepped out of the depot, and, following the crowd, -walked on to Washington Street, he became more -cheerful and hopeful.</p> - -<p>On the way he passed a small restaurant. -There was a bill of fare displayed at the door.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">57</a></span> -The prices seemed reasonable, and he decided to -enter.</p> - -<p>He had got up very early, walked about five -miles to the station, and though he had been -provided by Albert with a couple of slices of -bread and butter, he felt very hungry.</p> - -<p>He went into the restaurant and scanning the -bill of fare, called for a plate of baked beans and -a cup of coffee. They were brought, and he -partook of them with great relish.</p> - -<p>The cost was only fifteen cents. He would have -liked to order more, but he felt that he must -husband his money, as he did not know when he -would obtain employment.</p> - -<p>He reached Washington Street, and walked -down it looking in at the shop windows. There -were comparatively few people out, as it was still -early, but to Ben’s rural eyes there seemed to be -a crowd. He passed the Adams House, and -when he reached Winter Street, he glanced up it -and saw a vista of green grass and sturdy old -trees, that reminded him of the country.</p> - -<p>“What is that field over there?” he asked of a -young man at his side.</p> - -<p>“That is the common,” answered the other -with a smile.</p> - -<p>Ben hurried and pushed on till he reached the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">58</a></span> -famous square. Passing between some posts he -found himself on the mall, and seated himself on -a long bench under the trees.</p> - -<p>He looked with interest at the passers-by. It -was a bright and animated spectacle. It was a -glimpse of the world quite unlike any with which -Ben had been acquainted hitherto.</p> - -<p>“I wish somebody was with me,” he said to -himself.</p> - -<p>As if in answer to his wish a boy rather older -than himself stopped in front of the bench and -greeted him in a surprised voice. <a name="why" id="why"></a>“Why, Ben, -how came you here?”</p> - -<p>Looking up he recognized his cousin Adelbert -Bruce, who lived, as he remembered, in a town -not far from Boston.</p> - -<p>“Adelbert!” exclaimed Ben joyfully, rising -and grasping his cousin’s hand. “I never -thought of seeing you.”</p> - -<p>“I have come to Boston to buy some clothes,” -said Adelbert, “but what brings you here?”</p> - -<p>“I have left home,” answered Ben.</p> - -<p>“But why?”</p> - -<p>“Wait till you have a stepfather, and then -you will know.”</p> - -<p>“Are you trying to find a place in Boston?”</p> - -<p>“No; I am going to New York.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">59</a></span> -“You don’t mean it! Do you know any one -there?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Then I should think you would be afraid to -go.”</p> - -<p>“I have to go somewhere. Mr. Winter would -have apprenticed me to a shoemaker if I had -stayed in Wrayburn.”</p> - -<p>“Did your mother know you were going to -leave home?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I wouldn’t go without telling her.”</p> - -<p>Adelbert sat down by Ben and the two talked -earnestly. All at once they became sensible of -a commotion, then of men, women and children -running by them in excitement, the more timid -uttering cries of alarm.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“<em>It’s a mad dog</em>,” answered his cousin, turning -pale, “<em>and he’s coming our way!</em>”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">60</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="ix" id="ix"></a>CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span>BEN BECOMES A HERO.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> two boys rose from the bench, fully appreciating -the danger to which they were exposed, -and uncertain what it was safest to do. The dog -was of medium size, weighing perhaps forty -pounds.</p> - -<p>It was foaming at the mouth and might well -inspire alarm. As is customary in such cases, it -followed a straight course, turning neither to the -right nor the left.</p> - -<p>“We are safe,” said Ben, “if we stay where -we are.”</p> - -<p>Directly in front of the dog was a gentleman -of middle age holding by the hand a small boy of -ten. Among the flying crowd this pair seemed -most exposed to peril. The man’s face was pale, -for he felt the dangerous position in which they -stood.</p> - -<p>“Hurry, Paul, hurry!” he cried.</p> - -<p>“I can’t run any faster, papa!” said the little -boy, gasping for breath.</p> - -<p>Two legs are no match for four, and the dog was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">61</a></span> -within six feet of the boy, whom it had selected -as its victim.</p> - -<p>To Adelbert’s surprise, Ben sprang forward -and made a dash for the dog. He had pulled off -his sack-coat, and just as the dog was about to -fasten his teeth in Paul’s leg, he threw the coat -over the animal’s head and held it tight.</p> - -<p>But the dog struggled so powerfully that Ben -was in peril. Help came when it was needed.</p> - -<p>A mechanic, strong and muscular, rushed to -his assistance, and between them they held the -dog firmly muzzled till a policeman arrived, and -drawing a revolver shot the frantic animal -through the head.</p> - -<p>With a hoarse cry the dog stretched himself -out in the agonies of death.</p> - -<p>“Your little boy has been saved from a -terrible death,” said a bystander to Paul’s -father.</p> - -<p>The latter breathed a deep sigh of relief. He -turned his eyes in the direction of Ben, who was -holding up his coat and gazing at it with a rueful -look.</p> - -<p>“It is spoiled,” said Adelbert. “You can -never wear it again.”</p> - -<p>“And it is my only one,” rejoined Ben.</p> - -<p>He felt a touch upon his arm, and turning, saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">62</a></span> -that it was the little boy’s father who had thus -called his attention.</p> - -<p>“My dear boy,” he said, in a tone of deep emotion, -“how can I thank you for what you have -done? By your bravery you have in all probability -saved my son from a terrible death.”</p> - -<p>“I am so glad,” was Ben’s reply. “When I -saw his danger I couldn’t help trying to save him. -Any one would have done it,” he added modestly.</p> - -<p>“No one did it but you,” said the father significantly. -“What is your name?”</p> - -<p>“Ben Bruce.”</p> - -<p>“Do you live in Boston?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir; I am on my way to New York.”</p> - -<p>“Are you—excuse my asking—in limited circumstances?”</p> - -<p>“I have to make my own way,” answered -Ben. “I am going to New York to seek my fortune.”</p> - -<p>“And this boy with you—is he your brother?”</p> - -<p>“No,” answered Adelbert, “I am Ben’s cousin, -and proud of the relationship,” he added. “I -didn’t think Ben had so much pluck.”</p> - -<p>“I think I heard you say that this was your -only coat.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” answered Ben shyly.</p> - -<p>“You can never wear it any more. The least<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">63</a></span> -I can do is to replace it. Are you acquainted in -Boston?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, but Adelbert is.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know where to find the clothing house -of A. Shuman?” asked the gentleman, addressing -Adelbert.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; I am going there myself to buy a -suit of clothes.”</p> - -<p>“Then take your cousin with you and help him -select a suit.”</p> - -<p>“But, sir, I only lost my coat.”</p> - -<p>“I certainly can do no less than buy you a complete -suit. Then I shall hope to have the pleasure -of entertaining you both at dinner at my house in -Mt. Vernon Street. We dine at two o’clock. -Wait a minute and I will give you an order on -Mr. Shuman for a suit.”</p> - -<p>He tore a leaf from his memorandum book and -wrote upon it these words:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>“Allow the bearer to select clothing to the -amount of thirty-five dollars, and charge the same -to my account.</p> - -<p class="right">“<span class="smcap">Franklin Wentworth.</span>”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>“Please read this,” he said to Ben.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t that a great deal to spend for a suit, -sir?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">64</a></span> -“Yes; I advise you to use only part of it for a -suit, and buy other articles such as you need to -make up the balance. I dare say you can make -use of other things.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you sir. You are quite right.”</p> - -<p>“I will bid you good morning now, and will -expect to see you at dinner. Here is my card.”</p> - -<p>“Franklin Wentworth,” repeated Adelbert, -looking at the latter. “He is a broker in State -Street, and is considered a rich man. You are -in luck, Ben. The folks will be -<a name="surprised1" id="surprised1"></a><ins title="Original has 'suprised'">su’prised</ins> -when they hear that I have taken dinner at his house.”</p> - -<p>“What shall I do with this coat, Adelbert?” -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Give it to me,” said a ragged boy, who overheard -the question.</p> - -<p>“But it is spoiled. It has the dog’s saliva on -it.”</p> - -<p>“Mother will clean it for me. It’s better than -any I have got.”</p> - -<p>“You are welcome to it,” said Ben, “but be -careful to clean it thoroughly.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I will,” and the boy walked away with -a pleased expression.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to get a new suit at once, Del,” said -Ben. “I feel queer walking in Boston without -a coat.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">65</a></span> -“We’ll go down Bromfield Street to Washington. -That will bring us out very near Shuman’s.”</p> - -<p>The two boys walked down to Washington -Street, Ben attracting attention from the crowd, -some of whom knew that he was the boy who had -helped capture the mad dog. They crossed the -street and entered the large, handsome store of -A. Shuman & Co. In the windows was a fine -display of fashionable clothing.</p> - -<p>One of the salesmen stepped up and met the -two boys, his curiosity a little excited by Ben’s -appearance.</p> - -<p>Ben showed the memorandum.</p> - -<p>“My coat was spoiled by an accident,” he said, -“but I guess I can get a better one here.”</p> - -<p>“I think we shall be able to fit you out.”</p> - -<p>Ben finally selected a stylish suit for twenty-five -dollars, and invested the remaining ten dollars -in underclothing and an extra pair of -trousers.</p> - -<p>“Will you have the clothes sent home?” asked -the salesman.</p> - -<p>“I should like to take off the clothes I have on -and put on the whole new suit.”</p> - -<p>“Very well.”</p> - -<p>“I will take the rest in a bundle,” went on Ben.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">66</a></span> -“I am only passing through Boston, and have -no place to send it to.”</p> - -<p>“It will be rather awkward to carry the bundle -around,” said Adelbert.</p> - -<p>“We will keep it here for you subject to your -order,” interposed the salesman. “When will -you call for it?”</p> - -<p>“About half-past four,” suggested Adelbert. -“My cousin is going to New York by the Fall -River boat.”</p> - -<p>“Very good.”</p> - -<p>In ten minutes Ben left the store looking very -much better than when he entered it, so far as -clothing was concerned. He had hardly reached -the street when a brisk-looking young man -stepped up to him.</p> - -<p>“I beg your pardon,” he said, “but are you -the boy who tackled the mad dog on the Common -twenty minutes since?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir,” answered Ben, rather surprised.</p> - -<p>“I thought so. I am a reporter of the Boston -<cite>Globe</cite>. Please step around to the office with me, -and help me fix up an account of it for our -paper.”</p> - -<p>“Really, Ben, you are getting to be a prominent -character,” said Adelbert, laughing.</p> - -<p>“It seems so,” answered Ben.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">67</a></span> -Both boys walked to the <cite>Globe</cite> office not far -away, and Ben was asked several questions, -which he answered promptly.</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” said the young man. “Now, -if you have no objection, I will take you out and -have your picture taken.”</p> - -<p>“What for?” asked Ben, puzzled.</p> - -<p>“To reproduce in our evening edition.”</p> - -<p>“You mean to put my picture in the paper?” -asked Ben, almost frightened.</p> - -<p>“Yes; the young people will like to see it.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, have it taken, Ben,” said Adelbert, “I -will take one home to Natick, and won’t the folks -be surprised!”</p> - -<p>So Ben submitted. He felt that it was quite -the most wonderful day in his life.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">68</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="x" id="x"></a>CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span>BEN DINES IN MT. VERNON STREET.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> there was considerable time to be filled up, -Ben went about the city under the guidance of -Adelbert, and got a fair idea of it. Never before -having been in any city, he was quite impressed -with the size of Boston.</p> - -<p>“I suppose New York is still larger,” he said -to his cousin.</p> - -<p>“So I hear, but I have never been there.”</p> - -<p>“It will seem strange to me living in so large -a place.”</p> - -<p>“Large places seem to agree with you. This -is your first day in Boston, and you have already -made thirty-five dollars.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t expect to follow it up with such luck.”</p> - -<p>“Probably not. If you could make that sum -once a week you would do better than most boys -of your age.”</p> - -<p>A little before two o’clock the boys rang the -bell at Mr. Wentworth’s house on Mt. Vernon -Street.</p> - -<p>The door was opened by a well-dressed serving-man,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">69</a></span> -who greeted them with a smile, and relieved -them of any embarrassment by saying, “Please -follow me. You are expected.”</p> - -<p>He led the way up-stairs to a handsome apartment, -which appeared to be fitted up as a sitting-room -and library.</p> - -<p>“Be seated, please.”</p> - -<p>They sat down and had begun to examine some -of the books on the table, when an attractive -lady entered the room, leading by the hand little -Paul.</p> - -<p>“Which of you boys saved the life of my little -boy?” she asked with emotion.</p> - -<p>“My cousin Ben,” answered Adelbert.</p> - -<p>She grasped Ben’s hand warmly, saying, “I -shall never forget the service you have done me, -my brave boy.”</p> - -<p>Ben blushed and felt uncomfortable, for he was -modest and did not think he deserved such a -warm tribute.</p> - -<p>“Won’t you come and sit by me, Paul?” he -asked, for he was fond of little boys.</p> - -<p>Paul went up at once and sat beside him on the -sofa.</p> - -<p>“Were you very much afraid?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Wasn’t I just? I thought the dog was going -to bite me. Were you frightened?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">70</a></span> -“I was at first, but I forgot all about it when -I saw your danger.”</p> - -<p>“This wasn’t the coat you threw over the dog’s -head?”</p> - -<p>“No; I gave that to a boy who asked for it.”</p> - -<p>“You wouldn’t want to wear it again?”</p> - -<p>“No. It would always make me think of the -mad dog.”</p> - -<p>“Have you got any little brothers?”</p> - -<p>“No; I wish I had. I should like a little -brother like you.”</p> - -<p>“Do you live in the city?” asked Mrs. Wentworth -of Adelbert.</p> - -<p>“No; I live about eighteen miles from here, -in the country.”</p> - -<p>“Does your cousin live with you?”</p> - -<p>“No; I have not seen him for four years. He -is on his way to New York.”</p> - -<p>“I hope he will prosper. He deserves to -do so.”</p> - -<p>Just then Mr. Wentworth entered and dinner -was announced.</p> - -<p>“I will sit by Ben,” said Paul, who by this -time felt quite at home with his preserver.</p> - -<p>“You seem to have won Paul’s heart,” remarked -Mrs. Wentworth with a smile.</p> - -<p>Of course the dinner was excellent and well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">71</a></span> -served. It must be confessed that both boys -were very hungry and did full justice to it.</p> - -<p>When the last course was served Mr. Wentworth -rose from the table.</p> - -<p>“You must excuse me, young gentlemen,” he -said, “but I have a business appointment at a -quarter past three and I have barely time to meet -it. Don’t hurry, however; Mrs. Wentworth -and Paul will entertain you. Before going let -me say,” he was addressing Ben now, “if ever -you get into trouble or need a friend don’t hesitate -to write to me. And now good-by, and good -luck.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, sir,” said Ben gratefully. The -boys remained twenty minutes longer, and then -rose to go.</p> - -<p>“Wait a minute,” said Mrs. Wentworth. -“Come with me, Paul.”</p> - -<p>The two left the room, but immediately returned. -Paul held in his hand a silver hunting -watch with a neat chain attached to it.</p> - -<p>“This is for you, Ben,” he said.</p> - -<p>Ben looked surprised and pleased. He had always -wanted a watch.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Mrs. Wentworth, “you are to -consider this a gift from Paul. I hope it will do -you good service.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">72</a></span> -“I thank you and him very much,” said Ben -gratefully. “Paul, you must let me kiss you.”</p> - -<p>The little boy threw his arms around the -neck of his new friend and kissed him warmly.</p> - -<p>“You must come and see me again,” he said.</p> - -<p>“I hope to do so some time.”</p> - -<p>The two boys left the house, much pleased with -their visit.</p> - -<p>“This is a lucky day for you, Ben,” said Adelbert. -“I hope your luck will continue.”</p> - -<p>“I feel a good deal better than I did yesterday -at this time,” responded Ben. “What nice -people they are!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but I am sure you will find plenty more -such in New York. You must write to me, -Ben.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I will be sure to do so.”</p> - -<p>“And look out for pickpockets when you are -on the boat. Don’t let them steal your watch.”</p> - -<p>“It seems odd to have anything worth stealing, -Del.”</p> - -<p>“It would have been a good while before your -stepfather gave you a watch.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; he is about as mean a man as I ever -met. Mother made a great mistake in marrying -him. When I am able I shall ask her to -leave him and come to live with me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">73</a></span> -“Why can’t you go up to Natick to-night with -me, and stay over till to-morrow?”</p> - -<p>“I feel in a hurry to reach New York and see -what I can do there. I am anxious to know how -I am going to make out.”</p> - -<p>“Then I will excuse you this time. Perhaps -you can come and see me next year.”</p> - -<p>“If I am lucky I may be able to do so.”</p> - -<p>At half-past four they went to Shuman’s and -Ben got his bundle. Adelbert also made choice -of a suit, but one not so expensive as Ben’s. “I -can’t afford to go high as you did, Ben,” he said.</p> - -<p>On their way to the depot they met a newsboy -who called out. “Evenin’ papers! <cite>Record</cite> and -<cite>Globe</cite>! All about the mad dog!”</p> - -<p>This attracted Adelbert’s attention.</p> - -<p>“Why, it’s about you, Ben,” he said. “Give -me the <cite>Globe</cite>.”</p> - -<p>“And me, too,” added Ben.</p> - -<p>They hastily opened it, and Ben flushed with -pleasure to see his picture staring at him from -the fourth page. There was quite a full account -of the capture of the dog, and Ben was highly -praised for his bravery and presence of mind.</p> - -<p>“Does the <cite>Globe</cite> go to Wrayburn?” asked -Adelbert.</p> - -<p>“Yes, but Mr. Winter doesn’t take it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">74</a></span> -“He will hear of it. I should like to be present -when he reads the account and sees your picture.”</p> - -<p>“So should I. He won’t know anything of -the presents I received.”</p> - -<p>Though the Fall River train did not start till -six the boys reached the Old Colony station at -half-past five, and then Adelbert left his cousin, -as he wished to take a train to his country home. -When the train was ready Ben, with his bundle -in his hand, joined the moving crowd of passengers -and entered the cars.</p> - -<p>The low rate of fare increased the crowd considerably, -and it was evident that the steamer -would be well filled. Ben had some difficulty in -finding a seat, and there were quite a number -standing in each of the cars that composed the -train.</p> - -<p>In an hour and a half the brakeman put his -head in and announced “Fall River!”</p> - -<p>All the passengers got out, Ben among them, -and made their way to the mammoth steamer -waiting to convey them to New York.</p> - -<p>Every stateroom was taken, and every berth, -so that Ben found he should have to sit up. He -was not alone, however, for there was a considerable -number in the same predicament. He did -not know what to do with his bundle till one of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">75</a></span> -the passengers directed him to the baggage-room -on the lower deck. He carried his package -thither and received a check in return, which he -put into his pocket. Then he went up-stairs -again.</p> - -<p>Presently he felt hungry, and learning that -supper could be had below, he went down-stairs. -He had to wait a considerable time before there -was a vacant seat at the tables and he was allowed -to enter. The prices he found higher than -at the restaurant where he had taken breakfast, -but then it must be stated that the quality of the -food provided was much better.</p> - -<p>Ben made as economical a supper as he could, -ordering a cup of coffee and some boiled eggs. -When he had finished he still felt hungry, but he -reflected that his finances were limited, and refrained -from ordering more, but partook heartily -of the bread which was liberally supplied.</p> - -<p>He was wandering about the boat after supper, -when, happening to go down to the main deck, -he saw a commonly dressed man smoking a clay -pipe.</p> - -<p>There was something familiar in the fellow’s -look.</p> - -<p>“Where have I seen that face before?” Ben -asked himself.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">76</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xi" id="xi"></a>CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span>BEN HAS A NARROW ESCAPE.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">At</span> first Ben was puzzled, but all at once it -flashed upon him that the man was the one who -had tried to rob his stepfather and afterward to -enter the house. He could see in his face some -of the fine bird shot which had entered it when -he fired the old musket at him.</p> - -<p>Now it often happens that a fixed and steady -gaze will in some strange manner be felt by the -person observed. At any rate, in this instance -Tom Tidd at first looked uneasy, then turning -returned Ben’s look. He, too, was struck by -something familiar in the boy’s face, but his new -clothes made recognition more difficult.</p> - -<p>“What are you starin’ at, kid?” he growled.</p> - -<p>“Did you address me, sir?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I did. Do you think you’ll know me -next time?”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps so,” answered Ben.</p> - -<p>“Where do you hang out, any way?”</p> - -<p>“On this boat at present.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">77</a></span> -“Where are you going?”</p> - -<p>“To New York.”</p> - -<p>“I’m blamed if you don’t look like a young -rascal that peppered me with bird shot two or -three nights ago.”</p> - -<p>“How did that happen? Did the gun go off -by accident?”</p> - -<p>“No, he meant it, confound him!”</p> - -<p>“I don’t wonder you don’t like my looks if that -is the case.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I guess you ain’t him. If you was -I’d——”</p> - -<p>Here the conversation dropped, and Tom Tidd -returned to his pipe, while Ben, congratulating -himself that his unpleasant neighbor’s suspicions -had not been confirmed, walked away to another -part of the boat.</p> - -<p>At ten o’clock Ben settled himself as comfortably -as he could for the night. It might have -been the excitement that prevented his sleeping -well. At any rate he woke up from a troubled -nap about midnight, and finding the atmosphere -rather close, decided to go on deck for a breath -of fresh air.</p> - -<p>Walking along the starboard side of the -steamer in a narrow passage lined with staterooms, -his attention was attracted to a shambling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">78</a></span> -figure looking into one of the rooms with his head -protruding through the open window.</p> - -<p>Instantly Ben stopped in excited attention. As -the man withdrew his head for an instant and -showed his side face, Ben saw that it was his -country acquaintance Tom Tidd, and he understood -at once that his object was robbery.</p> - -<p>While he was standing irresolute Tom thrust -in his hand, and drew out the vest of the sleeping -passenger, from the pocket of which he proceeded -to draw out a gold watch with a chain -attached.</p> - -<p>Without thinking of the imprudence of the -step, Ben ran forward, and seizing the thief by the -arm, cried in a tone of authority, “Drop that!”</p> - -<p>Tom Tidd whirled round instantly, naturally -startled, as one might well be detected in such an -act.</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s you, you young rascal!” he exclaimed -in a furious tone. “I’ll give you a lesson.”</p> - -<p>He seized Ben in a vise-like-grip, and lifting -him from the deck, prepared to throw him overboard. -Ben’s heart failed him, as he saw the -seething waters into which he would probably be -thrown. He struggled to release himself, and -gained a temporary advantage, slipping eel-like -from the grasp of the burglar.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">79</a></span> -By a happy inspiration he snatched a whistle -from his pocket and blew a loud blast following -it up by loud cries of “Help! Murder!”</p> - -<p>“You’re too late,” hissed the burglar, making -another effort to throw the boy overboard.</p> - -<p>He lifted him above the rail and held him there -suspended. Ben gave himself up for lost.</p> - -<p>It is hard to tell how many thoughts came into -his mind in the few seconds in which he felt himself -at the mercy of the burly ruffian. It seemed -likely that his career would then and there be cut -off, in which case this story would never have -been written.</p> - -<p>But help was at hand. The door of the stateroom -was thrown open, and the occupant, a -strong, muscular man, weighing at least two -hundred pounds, entered upon the scene.</p> - -<p>Quickly comprehending the situation, he -grasped Tom Tidd in his powerful arms, tore Ben -from his clutches, and then demanded sternly, -“What does all this mean?”</p> - -<p>“This man was going to throw me into the -water,” gasped Ben.</p> - -<p>“And you deserved it, too,” growled the discomfited -burglar.</p> - -<p>“What had you done?” asked the passenger, -addressing himself to Ben.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">80</a></span> -“He was getting into your stateroom through -the window,” exclaimed Ben. “He had hold of -your vest when I came up and tackled him.”</p> - -<p>“Is this so? Where, then, is the vest?”</p> - -<p>“He must have dropped it on the floor inside -the stateroom.”</p> - -<p>“Go in and see if it’s there.”</p> - -<p>“Lemme go!” exclaimed Tom Tidd, trying to -wriggle out of the grasp of the muscular passenger.</p> - -<p>“Not yet, my friend! I haven’t done with you.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll throw you into the Sound.”</p> - -<p>“You may do it if you can. I haven’t belonged -to the Manhattan Athletic Club for the last five -years for nothing.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve found the vest,” said Ben from inside the -stateroom.</p> - -<p>“Is the watch in it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Good! that watch cost me five hundred dollars -in Geneva.”</p> - -<p>Tom Tidd groaned inwardly. What a chance -he had lost!</p> - -<p>“Now go and call some one. This fellow -must be secured.”</p> - -<p>“Let me go!” pleaded Tidd, becoming alarmed. -“I won’t try to enter your stateroom again.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">81</a></span> -“I don’t mean that you shall have the chance.”</p> - -<p>“Let me go!” continued the burglar fiercely, -making a hard struggle to get free.</p> - -<p>“Can’t think of it, my fine fellow. For the sake -of the community I shall see that you are secured.”</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Ben had run into the saloon and -returned with two men—one an employee of the -boat. Help came none too soon.</p> - -<p>Tom Tidd had managed to thrust his hand into -his pocket, drawing out a large jackknife, which -he was trying to open. Had he done so it might -have fared ill with his captor.</p> - -<p>Ben was the first to see the knife.</p> - -<p>“Take his knife away!” he exclaimed in excitement.</p> - -<p>The two men threw themselves upon the ruffian -and managed to deprive him of his ugly weapon, -throwing it into the water. Then some strong -cord was obtained, and the fellow, in spite of his -struggles, was tied securely.</p> - -<p>“You are the cause of all this!” he exclaimed, -glaring at Ben. “Now tell me who you are. -Haven’t I met you before?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Ben.</p> - -<p>“Where?”</p> - -<p>“When I last saw you I was looking out of a -third story window at midnight.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">82</a></span> -“By gum, I thought so. And it was you that -peppered me with bird shot.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; but I wouldn’t have done so if I hadn’t -felt obliged to.”</p> - -<p>“And to think I’ve been foiled twice by a kid!” -exclaimed Tom Tidd with an expression of disgust. -“I’ll get even with you yet.”</p> - -<p>“What does he mean?” asked Grant Griswold, -the occupant of the stateroom.</p> - -<p>Ben explained.</p> - -<p>“Evidently the man is a confirmed rogue. -How did you happen to be on deck so late?”</p> - -<p>“It was close in the saloon and I came up to -get a breath of fresh air.”</p> - -<p>“Luckily for me. Have you a stateroom?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Then, if you like, occupy mine. There is an -upper berth at your service.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you sir. I will accept your invitation.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t talk any more with you now, but in -the morning I will ask you to breakfast with me, -and you can tell me more about yourself. I suppose -as my caller is now secured it won’t hurt to -keep my window open.”</p> - -<p>The rest of the night was uneventful. Both -Ben and his new friend slept soundly, and only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">83</a></span> -waked up when the steamer was passing under -Brooklyn Bridge.</p> - -<p>“Are you awake, my young friend?” asked Mr. -Griswold, after he had performed his ablutions.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Ben, rubbing his eyes.</p> - -<p>“And do you know where you are?” went on -his companion, smiling.</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“We are near the pier in New York and I advise -you to get up and prepare for landing.”</p> - -<p>“That won’t take long, sir, as I didn’t undress.”</p> - -<p>Ben secured his bundle and the two left the -steamer. Ben looked about curiously.</p> - -<p>“Are you expecting any one to meet you, -Ben?” asked Mr. Griswold, who had inquired -the name of his young roommate.</p> - -<p>“No, sir; I know no one in New York.”</p> - -<p>“We will go up to the Astor House to breakfast.”</p> - -<p>Ben had heard of the Astor House, but had no -particular idea with regard to it. At the suggestion -of his new friend his bundle was left in -the package room of the hotel and they went up-stairs -into the dining-saloon. Two gentlemen -at a neighboring table recognized Mr. Griswold, -and looked rather curiously at Ben.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">84</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xii" id="xii"></a>CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span>A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.</span></h2> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">I</span> say, Griswold,” said a gentleman seated at a -neighboring table, “is that your son?”</p> - -<p>Grant Griswold smiled.</p> - -<p>“Hardly,” he said. “Ben, how old are you?”</p> - -<p>“Nearly sixteen.”</p> - -<p>“And I am only thirty-two, so that hypothesis -lacks probability. We are only recent acquaintances, -or, let me say, friends, but I hope our -friendship will continue.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, sir,” said Ben. “I hope so too.”</p> - -<p>As the meal progressed Mr. Griswold questioned -Ben as to his plans.</p> - -<p>“I want to make a living,” said Ben, “but I -know so little about the city that I can’t tell yet -which will be the best way.”</p> - -<p>“I would look out for something for you, but -unfortunately I sail for Europe next Saturday, -to be gone for three months. Have you any -friends in New York?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“You will need a recommendation, and I will<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">85</a></span> -write you one before I leave town. I haven’t -known you long, but what I have seen of you -gives me confidence in your good qualities. By -the way, I shall need some one to help me pack, -and I will keep you with me till I start for Europe. -It will only be three days, but that will -give you a chance to look about you, and will -enable you to say you have been in my employ.”</p> - -<p>“You are very kind, Mr. Griswold,” said Ben -gratefully. “I didn’t expect to meet such a -friend so soon.”</p> - -<p>After breakfast Ben, accompanying Mr. Griswold, -went up-town to a large building on lower -Fifth Avenue, where Mr. Griswold rented a suite -of rooms.</p> - -<p>“You will occupy the small bedroom adjoining -mine,” said Griswold, “and I will set you to -work while I go out and make a few calls.”</p> - -<p>During the day Ben was sent on several errands, -and though a stranger to the city he managed to -acquit himself creditably, making inquiries about -locations when he was at fault.</p> - -<p>Three days later he went to see his patron off on -the Etruria.</p> - -<p>Mr. Griswold handed him a ten-dollar bill and -bade him good-by.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">86</a></span> -“I wish you good luck, Ben,” he said. “Be -sure to call on me when I return.”</p> - -<p>Ben waited on the dock till the floating hotel -was fairly under way, and then turned away, -feeling very lonely. He could hardly realize that -the friend whom he so much regretted had been -utterly unknown to him four days previous. -Now he had no one to lean upon. He must rely -wholly upon himself.</p> - -<p>Two things must be done at once. He must -find a room and employment. He had taken -down two or three names of lodging-houses from -the New York <cite>Herald</cite>, which Mr. Griswold took -in every morning. One of them was on West -Twelfth Street. He took a car and went up there. -The door was opened by a woman of ample proportions, -who regarded Ben with a critical eye.</p> - -<p>“Well, young man?” she said in a tone of -business-like inquiry.</p> - -<p>“I want to hire a room,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“Will you occupy it alone?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, madam.”</p> - -<p>“Do you wish a large or a small room?”</p> - -<p>“I want a low-priced room.”</p> - -<p>“That means a small room.”</p> - -<p>“I have no objection to a large room if the -price is low,” said Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">87</a></span> -“No doubt. Well, follow me up-stairs.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Robinson was stout and unwieldy, and -seemed to find it difficult to go up-stairs. At -the head of the second flight she threw open the -door of a small hall bedroom very plainly furnished.</p> - -<p>“You can have that room for two dollars a -week,” she said.</p> - -<p>“It is very small,” remarked Ben doubtfully.</p> - -<p>“It is as good as you can expect for two dollars. -I can give you a fine square room for five -dollars.”</p> - -<p>“That is more than I can afford to pay. I -think I will take this room for a short time and -see how I like it.”</p> - -<p>“Are you in any business?”</p> - -<p>“I am looking for a place.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Robinson’s face changed slightly.</p> - -<p>“I require the first week in advance,” she said -significantly.</p> - -<p>“Very well.”</p> - -<p>Ben took out his pocketbook and tendered her a -ten-dollar bill, the one he had just received from -Mr. Griswold.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Robinson, seeing the denomination of -the bill, regarded Ben with increased respect.</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I can’t change a ten,” she said.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">88</a></span> -“I believe I have a two here,” returned Ben, -exploring his wallet.</p> - -<p>“Very well. I will write you a receipt. What -is your name?”</p> - -<p>“Ben—that is, Benjamin Bruce.”</p> - -<p>“I think we shall get along very well, Mr. -Bruce,” said the landlady graciously. “I hope -you will have success in getting a place.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you.”</p> - -<p>“Do you wish to sleep here to-night?”</p> - -<p>Ben answered in the affirmative, and Mrs. -Robinson gave him a latch-key.</p> - -<p>“That will let you in at any time, but I hope -you are a steady young man and don’t keep very -late hours.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t expect to,” answered Ben, with a -smile.</p> - -<p>“I had a young man in this room last spring -who annoyed me very much by coming home -drunk and disturbing the house in his efforts to -get up-stairs.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t expect to trouble you in that way,” -said Ben. “I don’t know many people in the -city” (he didn’t like to say “any,” though he -might have done so truthfully), “and shall not -be tempted to keep late hours.”</p> - -<p>It did not take long for Ben to establish himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">89</a></span> -in his new room. He went out and took a -walk on Broadway.</p> - -<p>He thought he would defer looking for a place -till the next morning. He stayed out several -hours, and then feeling fatigued, went back to -the lodging-house.</p> - -<p>He lay down on the bed in his clothes, but had -hardly been there ten minutes when there was a -knock on his door.</p> - -<p>Ben was rather surprised at having a caller so -soon, but he turned his face to the door and said, -“Come in!”</p> - -<p>A young man, apparently about twenty-five, -entered. He had long black hair, and a broad, -high forehead.</p> - -<p>“Excuse me,” he said, “but you are a new -lodger.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Let me introduce myself then. My name is -Sylvanus Snodgrass, and I occupy the small -room across the hall.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to see you, Mr. Snodgrass. Won’t -you sit down? You will excuse my sitting on -the bed as I have but one chair.”</p> - -<p>“It is the same in my room. May I ask your -name?”</p> - -<p>“Ben Bruce.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">90</a></span> -“Excuse me, but are you literary?”</p> - -<p>“Not at all,” answered Ben, rather surprised.</p> - -<p>“You have a good name for an author, both -names beginning with the same letter.”</p> - -<p>“Are you literary, Mr. Snodgrass?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered the young man complacently. -“Do you ever read the <cite>Weekly Bugle</cite>, a literary -paper?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think I have.”</p> - -<p>“I am having a serial story run through it. -It is called ‘The Ragpicker’s Curse.’”</p> - -<p>Ben was not much of a judge of literature, but -it didn’t seem to him that this title suggested a -high order of literary merit.</p> - -<p>“Did it take you long to write it?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“I wrote it in four weeks. It is in forty -chapters. I was greatly enthused when I wrote -it.”</p> - -<p>“Were you?”</p> - -<p>“I was so much interested that one day I wrote -eight hours on a stretch, and then fainted away.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass mentioned this little circumstance -in a very complacent tone.</p> - -<p>“The literary life is a very absorbing one,” he -continued. “When I have finished a story I am -simply exhausted.”</p> - -<p>“I hope it pays well,” said Ben.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">91</a></span> -“Not as it should, Mr. Bruce, not as it should. -But money is not everything. I hope to acquire -fame, to live in the hearts of future generations,” -and the young man’s pale cheeks flushed.</p> - -<p>Ben doubted whether such stories as “The -Ragpicker’s Curse” would be likely to win enduring -fame for the author, but out of consideration -for the feelings of Mr. Snodgrass he kept silent -on this point.</p> - -<p>“I hear that Howells makes a good deal of -money by his novels,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Howells!” repeated Mr. Snodgrass scornfully. -“He couldn’t write a story for the <cite>Weekly -Bugle</cite>. There isn’t excitement enough in his productions.”</p> - -<p>“Still, I think I should like to be in his shoes.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no doubt there is some merit in his -stories,” said Sylvanus Snodgrass condescendingly, -“but I don’t admire them for my part. -They lack snap and fire.”</p> - -<p>“Probably he couldn’t write a story like ‘The -Ragpicker’s Curse.’”</p> - -<p>“I won’t express any opinion on that subject,” -said Mr. Snodgrass modestly. “If you ever feel -inclined to write a story, Mr. Bruce, I shall be -glad to introduce you to our editor.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Snodgrass, you are very kind.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">92</a></span> -“Oh, don’t mention it, Mr. Bruce. I know -what it is to struggle and I like to help young -writers. By the way, have you had supper?”</p> - -<p>“Not yet.”</p> - -<p>“Suppose we go out together. I like company -when I eat.”</p> - -<p>Ben accepted the suggestion. Lonely as he felt -he welcomed the companionship even of Sylvanus -Snodgrass. He put on his hat, and they walked -down-stairs together.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">93</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xiii" id="xiii"></a>CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span>BEN IS INTRODUCED TO A POET.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mr. Snodgrass</span> led the way to a small restaurant -two or three streets distant, and the two -went in and seated themselves at a table covered -with a cloth of far from immaculate whiteness.</p> - -<p>Taking up the bill of fare, Ben was pleased to -find that the prices were very moderate.</p> - -<p>“Do you often come here, Mr. Snodgrass?” he -asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes, except when I have occasion to be down -town. Then I go into a restaurant on Park -Row.”</p> - -<p>“The only place I ever heard mentioned before -I came here is Delmonico’s.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Mr. Snodgrass. “Del keeps -a fine place, but I seldom go there. In a small -place like this you are more apt to meet men and -women of brains. One evening I met here Gloriana -Podd, the great poetess. Of course you have -heard of her?”</p> - -<p>“I am not sure that I have.”</p> - -<p>“She writes for several of the popular weeklies,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">94</a></span> -and I am told that her poems are sometimes copied -in the London papers. I am surprised that you -haven’t heard of her.”</p> - -<p>“My stepfather didn’t take any weekly papers. -He thought too much of his money.”</p> - -<p>“Then I presume you had never heard of <em>me</em>.”</p> - -<p>Ben acknowledged that he had not.</p> - -<p>“You were evidently buried in the country. -Now that you are in a great metropolis you will -live—and learn.”</p> - -<p>“I hope so.”</p> - -<p>“Of course I will do all I can for you. I will -introduce you to our editor at any time.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, but I will wait a little. I think -he would not care to meet a boy.”</p> - -<p>“Any friend of mine would be welcome, Mr. -Bruce. But here comes the waiter. What will -you have?”</p> - -<p>“Give your order first, Mr. Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p>“A plate of corned beef hash and a cup of -coffee,” said Mr. Snodgrass.</p> - -<p>“You may bring me some fried eggs and a cup -of tea,” added Ben.</p> - -<p>The hash was brought and with it a few slices -of bread and a square of pale butter. The hash -did not look very inviting, but the novelist partook -of it with evident relish.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">95</a></span> -“I think I will take a piece of pie,” he said, as -the last mouthful of hash disappeared, “Ralph -Waldo Emerson ate pie at every meal. Of course -you have heard of Emerson.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; did he write for the <cite>Bugle</cite>?” asked Ben -with a smile.</p> - -<p>“No; our readers prefer romance. It may -seem presumptuous in me to say so, but I really -believe they enjoy my productions better than the -essays of Emerson.”</p> - -<p>“I have no doubt of it. I hope, Mr. Snodgrass, -you will give me a chance to read some of your -stories.”</p> - -<p>“I will with pleasure. I have several of them -in weekly numbers of the <cite>Bugle</cite>.”</p> - -<p>Ben, too, ventured upon a piece of pie. He did -not wholly enjoy the dishes provided at the restaurant. -He felt that he should have preferred -his mother’s cooking. The charges, however, were -moderate. Only twenty cents for each person.</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass rose from the table and took up -his check.</p> - -<p>Then he thrust his hand into his pockets, and -after a little his face wore an air of perplexity.</p> - -<p>“I really believe I haven’t any money with -me,” he said. “I must have left it in the pockets -of my other trousers. Awkward, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">96</a></span> -“I will advance you the money, Mr. Snodgrass,” -said Ben.</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” rejoined the novelist with an air -of relief. “You shall soon have it back. The -publisher of the <cite>Bugle</cite> is owing me a balance of -ten dollars on my serial, and that I shall probably -collect to-morrow. I shall be glad to reimburse -you.”</p> - -<p>“No hurry, Mr. Snodgrass!”</p> - -<p>“You are very kind, Mr. Bruce. I am really -delighted to have made your acquaintance.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you. Were you always an author, -Mr. Snodgrass?”</p> - -<p>“I was a schoolboy once,” said the novelist -facetiously.</p> - -<p>“Of course, but when were you old enough to -go to work?”</p> - -<p>“I used to work at Macy’s, but I felt it was -drudgery. It was poor business for a man of intellect -and imagination. I wrote a few short -stories for the weeklies, and one day, having a -little difference with my employer, I resigned, -and boldly threw myself upon literature as an -avocation.”</p> - -<p>“How long ago was that?”</p> - -<p>“Almost a year since.”</p> - -<p>“And have you got along pretty well?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">97</a></span> -“I have had to live a life of self-denial, but I -am working for the future. Some day I mean -to make the name of Sylvanus Snodgrass renowned. -What will my old friends at Macy’s -say then?”</p> - -<p>“They will congratulate you, I should think.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass shook his head.</p> - -<p>“No, they will be jealous of my fame,” he said. -“Some of them even now turn up their noses at -me. They have no soul above the goods they sell. -They do not realize that my stories are read all -over the United States. An old schoolmate of -mine in San Francisco wrote me last week that he -read everything I wrote.”</p> - -<p>“That must be very gratifying,” remarked -Ben.</p> - -<p>“It is, Mr. Bruce. I hope you may be induced -to try your hand at a story.”</p> - -<p>“I will think of it after I have a place.”</p> - -<p>“I shall be glad to give you points and read -your productions critically. Have you had any -place yet?”</p> - -<p>“I was for a short time in the employ of Mr. -Grant Griswold, living on Fifth Avenue, but he -sailed for Europe this morning.”</p> - -<p>“So you are out of a place.”</p> - -<p>“At present, yes.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">98</a></span> -“Suppose we walk up to Union Square and -take a seat on one of the benches.”</p> - -<p>“Very well.”</p> - -<p>They found an unoccupied bench and sat down.</p> - -<p>Presently a rather short young man with dark -hair and a small mustache approached.</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass pointed him out.</p> - -<p>“That is Cornelius Clyde, the poet,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Indeed!”</p> - -<p>“Would you like to be introduced?”</p> - -<p>“I have no objection.”</p> - -<p>“It is a great privilege to know Clyde,” said -Mr. Snodgrass, who thought Ben spoke too indifferently. -“How are you, Mr. Clyde?”</p> - -<p>“I am well, thanks,” rejoined the poet.</p> - -<p>“Won’t you sit down? I should like to introduce -you to my friend, Ben Bruce.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to meet you, Mr. Bruce. Are you -one of us?”</p> - -<p>“I am not a writer.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, it’s a pity.”</p> - -<p>“I shall try to draw Mr. Bruce into our circle,” -said Sylvanus. “I have offered to introduce a -story, if he will write one, to the notice of our -editor.”</p> - -<p>“Story? Ah yes,” said the poet condescendingly. -“Do you ever write verse, Mr. Bruce?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">99</a></span> -“I have never tried. I don’t think I could.”</p> - -<p>“Of course it is much more difficult than to -write stories.”</p> - -<p>“Have you written anything new lately, -Clyde?” asked Mr. Snodgrass.</p> - -<p>“I have just sent one to the office of the -<cite>Weekly Tomahawk</cite>. I would have sent it to the -<cite>Atlantic Monthly</cite>, but that magazine is run by a -clique, and no outsider stands any chance of getting -in.”</p> - -<p>“That is too bad!” said Sylvanus Snodgrass -sympathizingly.</p> - -<p>“But I shall yet succeed,” went on the poet, -earnestly. “The time will come when they will -apply to me, and ask me to name my own terms.”</p> - -<p>“I hope so, I am sure. I experience the same -difficulty. I offered a serial story to the <cite>Century</cite> -three months ago, but it was respectfully declined. -What do you think of that?”</p> - -<p>“I should have expected it,” answered Clyde.</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass looked at the poet to see whether -the words contained any hidden meaning, but he -was apparently satisfied that no slight was intended, -and began to discuss writers and publishers -with Mr. Clyde. The names introduced -were unknown to Ben, and he was not, therefore, -very much interested.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">100</a></span> -“I hear that Gloriana Podd is to bring out a -new volume of poems soon,” said Snodgrass. -“I wonder you don’t do the same.”</p> - -<p>“Has she found a publisher to take the risk?”</p> - -<p>“No; it is printed at her own expense.”</p> - -<p>“So I supposed. Now I object to that. I shall -wait till some publisher asks the privilege of -bringing me out in book form.”</p> - -<p>Presently the poet rose.</p> - -<p>“I have a poem to finish ere I sleep,” he said. -“Good night to you both.”</p> - -<p>“Good night.”</p> - -<p>“Is writing poetry Mr. Clyde’s only business?” -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Well no, not exactly. He couldn’t live on it, -you know. He works in a down-town barber -shop, but he has his evenings to himself.”</p> - -<p>“I should think that would be disagreeable -business for a poet,” said Ben in surprise.</p> - -<p>“It is not wholly congenial, but he tells me -that when he is shaving or cutting hair the most -beautiful poetic fancies come to him at times. -Then when Saturday night arrives and he pockets -his salary, he feels repaid. It is hard for a poet -or a romancer when he cannot pay his board.”</p> - -<p>“I should think so,” returned Ben.</p> - -<p>Just as they parted for the night Mr. Snodgrass<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">101</a></span> -observed casually, “I am going to ask a little -favor of you, Mr. Bruce.”</p> - -<p>“What is it?” asked Ben cautiously.</p> - -<p>“I am owing Mrs. Robinson for a week’s room -rent. It should have been paid yesterday. If -you could kindly lend me two dollars till to-morrow -afternoon I will go in and pay her to-night.”</p> - -<p>“It is quite out of the question, Mr. Snodgrass,” -said Ben decidedly. “I have but a little -money, and don’t know when I shall get a place.”</p> - -<p>“It is immaterial!” returned Snodgrass. “I -thought it possible you could oblige me. Good -night!”</p> - -<p>“Good night!”</p> - -<p>Ben began to think he had better avoid too -great intimacy with Sylvanus Snodgrass.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">102</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xiv" id="xiv"></a>CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span>THINGS AT WRAYBURN.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">While</span> Ben is considering how he can find -employment, we will go back to Wrayburn.</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter felt very sorry over Ben’s running -away. His stepson was a strong boy and -would have been of considerable service on the -farm even if Mr. Flack had not agreed to take -him. But what troubled Jacob most was the -fifty dollars a year which the shoemaker had -agreed to pay him.</p> - -<p>Then, too, he felt that Ben had defied his -authority, and had come out victorious. It was -not pleasant to be worsted by a boy.</p> - -<p>He felt obliged to go round to Silas Flack’s -shop and inform him of what had happened. -The shoemaker looked up when the farmer entered -the store.</p> - -<p>“Good morning, Mr. Winter. How are you -this morning?”</p> - -<p>“Tollable, but I’ve had something to vex me.”</p> - -<p>“What’s that?”</p> - -<p>“Ben has gone away.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">103</a></span> -“Gone away? Where?”</p> - -<p>“He’s run away, I expect.”</p> - -<p>“What’s he run away for?”</p> - -<p>“Well, he didn’t like the idee of goin’ to work -in a shoe-shop.”</p> - -<p>“He was over here and had a talk with me -yesterday. He didn’t seem to like the idee, but -I thought it was only a boy’s notion. You don’t -mean to say he’s run away on that account?”</p> - -<p>“When I went up this mornin’ to call him I -couldn’t find any trace of him.”</p> - -<p>“Hadn’t the bed been slept in?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Then he must have gone away last night.”</p> - -<p>“He went over and slept with the Graham -boy. He tells me that Ben got up early this -mornin’ and walked over to the railroad and took -the cars for Boston.”</p> - -<p>“Did he have any money with him?”</p> - -<p>“He had two dollars given him by his mother.”</p> - -<p>“Did <em>she</em> know he was going to run away?”</p> - -<p>“Well, she surmised it, and she upholds the -boy in it. She wanted him to go to the high -school.”</p> - -<p>“That was all foolishness. He knows as much -as you or I now and maybe more.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I’ve done my duty by Ben in givin’ him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">104</a></span> -an eddication. What’s enough for you and me is -enough for him.”</p> - -<p>“That’s so. Well, how about our engagement?”</p> - -<p>“It’ll be carried out,” said Jacob firmly. “I’ll -get the boy back, but it may be a leetle later than -I calculated.”</p> - -<p>“What steps have you taken? Did you say -he went to Boston?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Shall you go to Boston and bring him back?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I might not find him easy, and it costs -money to travel. But I expect he’ll be comin’ -back himself. Two dollars won’t last him very -long, and he’ll be glad enough to come home.”</p> - -<p>“Will he have money enough to get back?”</p> - -<p>“He may have to foot it, but it will do him -good. He ought to suffer a little for his foolishness. -Just keep the place open for him, Silas, -and I’ll see that he comes as soon as he gets back.”</p> - -<p>“All right, Mr. Winter. I always thought Ben -was smart even if he is a bit headstrong, and I’d -be glad to have him with me.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Winter left the shoemaker’s somewhat -encouraged. The place was still open to Ben, -and he had not yet lost the fifty dollars a year -which he was to receive by contract.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">105</a></span> -“We’ll see if a boy’s goin’ to get the best of -me,” he soliloquized, nodding his head emphatically. -“Ben’s got his mother on his side, but -when Jacob Winter puts down his foot that -settles it.”</p> - -<p>The next morning, as Mrs. Winter was at work -in the kitchen, there was a knock at the side door. -Opening it she found her caller to be a man well -known about the village, Jonathan Smith by -name. He was elderly and a bachelor, and acted -as janitor of one of the churches.</p> - -<p>“How are you, Jonathan?” she said.</p> - -<p>“I’m so’s to be round, Mrs. Winter. I hear your -boy Ben has gone away.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he has gone to Boston.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you ain’t heerd of him since he went -away?”</p> - -<p>“No; have you any news of him?” asked Mrs. -Winter, detecting some significance in Jonathan’s -tone.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Jonathan complacently, and -he began to open a copy of the Boston <cite>Globe</cite>, -considerably to Mrs. Winter’s surprise. What -could Ben have to do with the <cite>Globe</cite>?</p> - -<p>Opening the paper Jonathan pointed out Ben’s -picture, saying, “What do you say to that?”</p> - -<p>“Why, it’s Ben!” exclaimed Mrs. Winter in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">106</a></span> -surprise and agitation. “What’s happened? -Has he met with any accident?”</p> - -<p>“No; he’s saved a boy from being bit by a -mad dog. You just read it, and it’ll tell you -all about it.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter did read it, and she felt proud of -Ben’s bravery.</p> - -<p>“It’s kind of smart of Ben gettin’ into the -paper,” remarked Jonathan.</p> - -<p>“Can you leave me the paper, Jonathan?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I reckon so. I know where I can get -another.”</p> - -<p>“Let me pay you for it, and come in and -eat a piece of mince pie. I’ve got one fresh-baked. -You were kind to bring me round the -paper.”</p> - -<p>“You see Ben always treated me well. Some -of the boys plague me, but he never did.”</p> - -<p>About an hour later Mr. Winter came into -the house. He was rather cross, for he had been -doing some chores which would have fallen to -Ben had he been home.</p> - -<p>“I wish I had Ben here,” he said in a grumbling -tone. “Like as not, he’s sufferin’ for his -foolishness. I shouldn’t wonder if he was hungry -and wished himself home. What can a boy like -that do in Boston?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">107</a></span> -“He seems to have done himself credit there, -Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>“What?” demanded Jacob. “You hain’t -heard from him, have you?”</p> - -<p>“Only through the paper.”</p> - -<p>“What do you mean by that, Mrs. W.? Is -there anything about Ben in the paper?”</p> - -<p>“Look at that, Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter put on his glasses, and stared -open-mouthed at Ben’s picture in the <cite>Globe</cite>.</p> - -<p>“Well, that beats all!” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“I guess a boy like that can make his way,” -said the mother proudly.</p> - -<p>Mr. Winter read carefully the account of Ben -and his exploit, and hardly knew what to say.</p> - -<p>“He won’t have to fight a mad dog every day,” -he observed at length.</p> - -<p>“No, I hope not,” returned the mother fervently, -“but it shows he’s brave. I think this -man will prove a friend to him.”</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter went out to the barn in a thoughtful -mood. He began to think it less likely that -Ben would “foot it back” to Wrayburn. But -none the less he wished him back. Such a boy -would eventually be a source of profit to him.</p> - -<p>The next day Albert Graham came to the house.</p> - -<p>“I’ve had a letter from Ben,” he said.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">108</a></span> -“Is it possible? Where did he write from?” -asked Mrs. Winter eagerly.</p> - -<p>“From New York. Here it is.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter read the letter eagerly. It ran as -follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="noi">“<span class="smcap">Dear Albert</span>:</p> - -<p>“You see I have got to New York safe and -sound. I had a little adventure in Boston which -got into the Boston <cite>Globe</cite>. I know your folks -take that paper, so I need not say any more -about it, except that Mr. Wentworth, whose boy -I saved from being bitten by a mad dog, treated -me very kindly and generously. As my coat was -spoiled he gave me an order on a tailor for a new -suit, and told me to spare no expense. My suit -cost twenty-five dollars, so you can judge that it -is a fine one. The coat I had on when I left home -was old and shabby, and I was glad to give it up. -A poor boy asked me for it, and I gave it to him.</p> - -<p>“That was not all. When the thing happened -my cousin Adelbert was with me. Mr. Wentworth -invited us both to dinner at his house on -Mt. Vernon Street. He lives in a fine house, and -we had a tip-top dinner. You see I was pretty -well paid.</p> - -<p>“But that was not all. A new silver watch and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">109</a></span> -chain was given to me before I left the house, and -I was told that I must consider that a present -from Paul, the little boy. You just ought to -see me, Albert, in my new clothes and with my -silver watch. Mr. Winter would open his eyes if -he should see me. I haven’t any reason to be -sorry yet that I left home.</p> - -<p>“Now about coming to New York. On the boat -I came across the burglar that tried to rob Mr. -Winter, and I caught him robbing a gentleman’s -stateroom. I was in time to give the alarm. -The gentleman is a Mr. Griswold, a member of -an athletic club in New York. He has taken me -into his employ for three or four days till he starts -for Europe. I wish he were going to stay in the -city, for I think he would give me a permanent -place. However, I have fared so well already -that I guess I can get along. Please let mother -read this letter. I write you, for I am afraid -Mr. Winter might intercept any letter I wrote to -her. I will write her soon and send it to your care. -Mr. Griswold has just come in and I must close.</p> - -<p class="right2 mb0">“Your affectionate friend,</p> -<p class="right mt0">“<span class="smcap">Ben</span>.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>“Isn’t Ben having splendid luck, Mrs. Winter?” -said Albert.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">110</a></span> -“Yes, and I have reason to feel thankful.”</p> - -<p>When Mr. Winter came in and suggested that -Ben was probably “footin’ it home,” his wife only -smiled.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">111</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xv" id="xv"></a>CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span>BEN GETS EMPLOYMENT.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Though</span> Ben was well dressed and had a watch, -his stock of money was small. Every day diminished -this, and matters began to look serious.</p> - -<p>He made application at various places for employment, -but generally found some one ahead -of him. He was, however, offered one place at -two dollars and a half a week, and another at -three dollars, but neither of these sums would -pay his expenses, and if he accepted he would be -prevented from securing a more remunerative -post.</p> - -<p>After paying in advance the third week’s rent -for his room, Ben found that he had but a dollar -and thirty-seven cents left.</p> - -<p>“Haven’t you found a place yet?” asked the -landlady.</p> - -<p>“Not yet,” answered Ben soberly, “but I hope -to obtain one this week.”</p> - -<p>“I hope you will, I’m sure, for I am a poor -widow, and though I should hate to send you -away I must look out for my own interest.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">112</a></span> -“I can’t blame you for that, Mrs. Robinson.”</p> - -<p>“There’s Mr. Snodgrass don’t pay me regular. -He’s owing me for two weeks, and it’s inconvenient. -Still he has work, and I’ll be paid some -time. Couldn’t he get you something to do -where he works?”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I couldn’t write stories,” said -Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>“Is that what he does? I thought it was -copying.”</p> - -<p>Sylvanus Snodgrass would have felt deeply -hurt had he supposed that any one took him—a -famous author—for a copyist.</p> - -<p>“I will try to get something to do this week,” -went on Ben. “At any rate I don’t want to -keep the room longer than I can pay for it.”</p> - -<p>Two days later the dollar was gone and but -thirty-seven cents remained. Though cheerful -and sanguine naturally, poor Ben felt despondent.</p> - -<p>“I will take any employment that offers,” he -said to himself, as he left the house at an early -hour.</p> - -<p>He directed his steps eastward, and soon found -himself on the Bowery.</p> - -<p>He had not yet eaten breakfast. He was in -search of a restaurant where the prices would not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">113</a></span> -be too great for his limited means. At last he -found one, where plates of meat were advertised -for ten cents, baked beans five cents, and coffee -or tea three cents.</p> - -<p>He entered and seating himself at a table ordered -a cup of coffee and some beans. With the -latter were brought two triangular slices of bread -and a small pat of butter that was probably oleomargarine. -This made his meal ticket eight -cents, which certainly could not be regarded as -extravagant.</p> - -<p>When he was paying for his breakfast something -led him to inquire of the proprietor, who -acted as his own cashier, if he knew of any place -he could get.</p> - -<p>“Do you want work?” asked the restaurant -keeper, eying Ben with some surprise.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“How is that? You’ve got good clothes, and -have a watch.”</p> - -<p>“That is true, but I have only a very little -money.”</p> - -<p>“Do you mind what you do?”</p> - -<p>“No,” answered Ben desperately, “I am willing -to do anything.”</p> - -<p>“Then maybe I can offer you a job.”</p> - -<p>Ben wondered what it could be. Perhaps he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">114</a></span> -was to be offered the position of waiter. He did -not think he should like this, and doubted whether -he could safely carry a pile of dishes without -endangering their safety and soiling his clothes.</p> - -<p>“What is it?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“You can stand at the door and distribute -some of my bills.”</p> - -<p>This was distinctly better than waiting in the -restaurant.</p> - -<p>“What will you pay?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll give you three meals a day.”</p> - -<p>Considering the character of the meals Ben -felt that this would not be quite satisfactory. -He could probably live better on three dollars a -week.</p> - -<p>“I think I ought to have more than that,” he -said.</p> - -<p>“It’s easy work,” rejoined the proprietor persuasively.</p> - -<p>“But I shall need a little money.”</p> - -<p>Finally Ben succeeded in making a bargain for -his meals and twenty-five cents a day, payable -at seven o’clock when his duties would close. -This was not much, and he could not tell where -he could get enough to pay his weekly rent, but -in the low state of his finances he did not feel -justified in refusing the offer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">115</a></span> -“All right,” he said, “I’ll try it for a while.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t give to everybody—only to those who -are likely to come in and eat. I had a boy working -for me last week who gave circulars to five-year -old kids, and I had to run up a big printing -bill to keep him supplied. I only gave him his -meals, but he was a ragged boy, and you are so -well dressed that it will give tone to my establishment.”</p> - -<p>Ben felt glad that his good clothes were likely -to increase his earnings. He took his stand outside -the restaurant and began to distribute circulars.</p> - -<p>Evidently he created a favorable impression, -for several persons of a grade higher than the -ordinary frequenters of the restaurant took the -bills and entered, considerably to the satisfaction -of the watchful landlord. But they were not -all satisfied.</p> - -<p>“I say, Johnny,” said a florid-looking man, as -he left the eating house, “I don’t think much of -your hotel. I thought from your looks it was -something away up. Do you eat there?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Then I don’t admire your taste. Are you -the landlord’s son?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">116</a></span> -“You needn’t expect me to go in again.”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, I won’t. I am sorry you were not -pleased.”</p> - -<p>“I shall have to go somewhere else and get a -decent meal.”</p> - -<p>“I wish I could,” thought Ben.</p> - -<p>At twelve o’clock Ben felt hungry. His breakfast -had been scanty and did not seem to have -staying power.</p> - -<p>“Can I have my dinner now?” he asked as he -entered the restaurant.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>Ben sat down at a table and looked over the -bill of fare. Among the items was “Roast -Chicken—25 cents.”</p> - -<p>“You may bring me roast chicken and a cup -of coffee,” he told the waiter.</p> - -<p>The latter went up to the proprietor and spoke -to him in a low voice. Then he returned.</p> - -<p>“The boss says you can have any ten cent -plate of meat,” he said. “He never gives roast -chicken to his help.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you get it?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>Ben felt disappointed. Hungry as he was he -felt the need of a good dinner.</p> - -<p>“You can bring me the chicken,” he said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">117</a></span> -“and I will pay ten cents extra. Will that -do?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; that will be satisfactory.”</p> - -<p>The chicken was hardly as good as would have -been given at a high-priced restaurant. In fact -it was rather tough, but then Ben’s teeth were -good, and hungry as he was he enjoyed it.</p> - -<p>He found that he was entitled to a piece of -pudding or pie, and accordingly ordered a plate -of apple pudding.</p> - -<p>After finishing his meal he felt better. He resumed -his place at the door, and half an hour -later was greeted by a familiar voice. Looking -up he met the astonished gaze of Sylvanus Snodgrass.</p> - -<p>“What does this mean, Bruce?” he asked.</p> - -<p>Ben felt rather embarrassed, for it was not a -business that he was proud of.</p> - -<p>“It means that I have found work,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Distributing bills for a beanery,” said the -romancer.</p> - -<p>“That’s about it.”</p> - -<p>“Well, let me see one of the bills.”</p> - -<p>Ben handed him one.</p> - -<p>“Seems cheap,” said Sylvanus, “and suits my -purse, for I’m pretty short to-day. Can you recommend -it?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">118</a></span> -“I can recommend the prices,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll risk it. I would rather eat at Delmonico’s, -but I have no credit there, and I must -e’en take up with a restaurant of a lower grade.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass entered the place and emerged -therefrom in twenty minutes.</p> - -<p>“How did you like it?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“I have eaten at worse places, but not much -worse,” answered the “novelist.” “I say, Bruce, -if you have any influence with the boss, ask him -to supply a better article of butter, I’m not stuck -on oleo.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I haven’t much influence with -the ‘boss,’ as you call him.”</p> - -<p>“You might hint to him that I am the great -Sylvanus Snodgrass—perhaps he reads the <cite>Bugle</cite>—and -he may treat me better than the rest of his -customers.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid he is not literary, Mr. Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p>“Very likely. He doesn’t look intellectual. -But Bruce, I am surprised that you should take -such a place.”</p> - -<p>“You wouldn’t be <a name="surprised2" id="surprised2"></a><ins title="Original has 'suprised'">su’prised</ins> -if you knew how little money there is in my purse.”</p> - -<p>“I was about to strike you for half a dollar. -I suppose it wouldn’t be any use.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">119</a></span> -“No, it wouldn’t. I haven’t as much money -as that. Perhaps Mr. Clyde would oblige you.”</p> - -<p>“I owe him fifty already. I hate to speak ill -of Cornelius, but he is close. He doesn’t understand -the obligations of friendship. Well, ta, ta! -I will see you to-night.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">120</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xvi" id="xvi"></a>CHAPTER XVI.<br /> -<span>BEN VISITS MR. SIMPSON.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ben</span> kept at work for the remainder of the -week, but felt far from satisfied with his position -and pay. He found that his three meals a day -included only the cheapest and least desirable -dishes, and having the hearty appetite of a healthy -boy he felt obliged to supplement them by ordering -extra food at his own expense.</p> - -<p>So it happened that at the week’s end he had -but forty cents coming to him. Another week’s -rent was due, and this was all he had to meet it.</p> - -<p>“What shall I do?” he asked Mr. Snodgrass, -in perplexity.</p> - -<p>“Haven’t you got something to hock?” asked -the writer.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean by ‘hock?’” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Pawn, of course. Where were you educated?”</p> - -<p>“I never heard the word ‘hock’ before. I -know the meaning of pawn.”</p> - -<p>“There’s your watch, now. You might hock -that.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">121</a></span> -“I wouldn’t like to part with it. It was a present.”</p> - -<p>“Bless your soul, nobody likes to pawn his -valuables, but everybody has to do it some time. -Did you ever notice that I don’t carry a watch?”</p> - -<p>“You have a chain.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but that is all. Sometimes people ask -me what time it is, and I answer that my watch -isn’t going. So I keep up the illusion. The -funniest thing is that a pickpocket tried one day -to relieve me of my watch. When he pulled out -the chain and found nothing attached to it he -looked foolish, I tell you.”</p> - -<p>“I should think he would,” said Ben, laughing. -“But where is your watch?”</p> - -<p>“It’s reposing in Simpson’s safe, my dear boy.”</p> - -<p>“But who is Simpson?”</p> - -<p>“Never heard of Simpson?” ejaculated Sylvanus, -arching his eyebrows. “Why, he’s the -poor man’s friend; that is, they are, for there’s -more than one of them. The particular Simpson -I mean has an office half way down the -Bowery.”</p> - -<p>“Would he lend me something on my watch?”</p> - -<p>“Of course he would. Let me look at it.”</p> - -<p>Ben submitted the watch to Mr. Snodgrass for -examination.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">122</a></span> -“That’s a good watch,” said the author. “It -probably cost eighteen or twenty dollars. You -could possibly get five dollars on it.”</p> - -<p>“No more?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, if you want to sell it; but you are only -hocking it.”</p> - -<p>“How long can I have to redeem it?”</p> - -<p>“A year. The first six months you pay three -per cent. a month interest.”</p> - -<p>“Three per cent. a month!” ejaculated Ben in -dismay.</p> - -<p>“Of course. You don’t suppose pawnbrokers -carry on business for fun, do you?”</p> - -<p>“But that seems a good deal to pay.”</p> - -<p>“The second six months you only pay two per -cent. monthly.”</p> - -<p>“That is a good deal, too.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you don’t have to hock it, you know.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I must,” said Ben with a sigh. “I -must pay my rent.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll go down to Simpson’s with you,” -said Snodgrass briskly. “I know the ropes.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you. I shouldn’t like to go alone.”</p> - -<p>“No; you wouldn’t know how to manage. -Come along.”</p> - -<p>The two friends walked to Simpson’s, neither -having any spare money to pay car fare. They<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">123</a></span> -entered the loan office and waited their turn, for -several were ahead of them.</p> - -<p>An old Irish woman was haggling for a larger -loan on a worn and dirty shawl.</p> - -<p>“Sure it’s very little you’re givin’ me,” she -protested. “What will I do with a quarter?”</p> - -<p>“We don’t want it, any way. You’d better -take it somewhere else.”</p> - -<p>“Give me the money, then.”</p> - -<p>The next person was a slender dude, who had a -silk umbrella to offer.</p> - -<p>“A dollar,” said the clerk.</p> - -<p>“Aw, that’s vewry little, don’t you know,” -drawled the young man. “It was bought at -Tiffany’s, it was, ’pon me honah.”</p> - -<p>“That is all we can give.”</p> - -<p>“Then I must wesign myself to the sacrifice. -<a name="Pass" id="Pass"></a><ins title="Original has 'pass'">Pass</ins> -over the spondulicks.”</p> - -<p>The next person was a young lady with spectacles -and wearing a look of Bostonian culture. -She had a broad flat parcel in her hand.</p> - -<p>“What will you loan me on this?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“What is it?”</p> - -<p>“It is a novel in manuscript. I should like a -hundred dollars, please.”</p> - -<p>The clerk looked at her sharply as if questioning -her sanity.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">124</a></span> -“A hundred dollars!” he repeated.</p> - -<p>“Yes; I expect to get five hundred for it. -Surely a fifth of that sum is not too much to -ask.”</p> - -<p>“We have no use for such articles.”</p> - -<p>“If you would kindly read the first few chapters, -sir, I think you would see that it had a marked -value. Probably I shall redeem it in a few days.”</p> - -<p>“Better take it to a publisher and obtain an -advance on it. It is out of our line.”</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t mind paying a little extra interest -on the loan,” said the young lady, persuasively.</p> - -<p>“Couldn’t think of it. Next!”</p> - -<p>“I only wish I could hock some of my old manuscript -stories,” whispered Mr. Snodgrass to Ben. -“I’d write some expressly for the purpose.”</p> - -<p>“What can I do for you, young man?” asked -the clerk, turning to Ben.</p> - -<p>“What will you give me on this watch?” said -Ben.</p> - -<p>The clerk scanned it briefly and asked in return, -“How much do you want?”</p> - -<p>“Eight dollars,” answered Ben, following the -advice of his companion.</p> - -<p>“I will give you five.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>A ticket was quickly made out, and Ben left<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">125</a></span> -the office with that and a five-dollar bill in his -hand.</p> - -<p>“You are in luck,” said Sylvanus, when they -reached the street. “I wasn’t sure they would -give you five on it.”</p> - -<p>“I shall miss it,” returned Ben seriously. “I -don’t know when I can redeem it.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, don’t borrow trouble! Mine is in for -two fifty, and has been in for ten months. I -should have to pay about three and a half to get -it out.”</p> - -<p>“It’s an expensive way of getting money.”</p> - -<p>“So it is, but money is money when you want -it. Now I have a proposition to make.”</p> - -<p>“What is it?”</p> - -<p>“Let us go the theater. There’s a good play -on at the People’s. A dollar will buy two seats.”</p> - -<p>“Then you expect me to pay for both tickets?” -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Yes; I’ll treat another evening.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t afford it. I have only five dollars and -am not earning a living. I must hoard every -penny.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, trust to luck!” said Mr. Snodgrass easily. -“Something will turn up before that money is -spent.”</p> - -<p>“It may, but there is no certainty.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">126</a></span> -“At any rate let us go in and get an ice cream.”</p> - -<p>“No, Mr. Snodgrass, I must be very economical.”</p> - -<p>“You ought to have a little amusement now -and then,” urged the author, not concealing his -disappointment.</p> - -<p>“So I will when I can afford it.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass endeavored to shake Ben’s determination, -but without success, for Ben was -prudent and felt that he had no money to spare.</p> - -<p>On his return he paid a week’s room rent to -Mrs. Robinson. This left him three dollars for a -reserve fund.</p> - -<p>“I wish I knew how I was coming out,” he reflected -anxiously. “I should hate awfully to -fail. What would Mr. Winter say? He would -gloat over it. Any way I can never go back to -him. I would rather black boots.”</p> - -<p>Once or twice that employment had suggested -itself to Ben, but he had never looked upon it -with favor. It was an honest business, though a -lowly one, but he felt it was unsuited to one of -his education and advantages.</p> - -<p>Selling papers seemed a shade higher and more -respectable, and he decided to inquire into the -pay.</p> - -<p>One afternoon, as he bought a paper of a newsboy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">127</a></span> -he asked, “How does selling papers -pay?”</p> - -<p>Tommy Hooper, the boy addressed, answered, -“I make about seventy-five cents a day, but I -have to hustle.”</p> - -<p>Seventy-five cents a day! That would be -four dollars and a half a week, or deducting -two dollars for rent he would have two dollars -and a half for his work, and he felt that on that -sum he could live as well as he did now, since -he knew of a place where he could buy a ticket -good for three dollars’ worth of meals for two dollars -and a half.</p> - -<p>“Was you goin’ into the business?” asked -Tom.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know but I may.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t b’lieve you’d like it.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?”</p> - -<p>“You’ve got too good clothes on.”</p> - -<p>“What difference does that make?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know of no newsboy dressed like you.”</p> - -<p>“It wouldn’t prevent my selling papers, would -it?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Then I wish you’d give me a few points. I -think I will try it.”</p> - -<p>“Ain’t you <a name="workin" id="workin"></a><ins title="Original has 'workin'">workin’</ins> -now?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">128</a></span> -“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“What are you doin’?”</p> - -<p>Ben explained.</p> - -<p>“Are you goin’ to give up your place?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, if I find that I can sell papers.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll change -work with you. You give me a recommend to -your boss, and you can take my business. I’ve -got a small route. I serve about half a dozen -families with papers.”</p> - -<p>After some negotiation this plan was carried -out, and Tom Hooper was accepted at the restaurant -as Ben’s successor.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">129</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xvii" id="xvii"></a>CHAPTER XVII.<br /> -<span>RIVALS IN BUSINESS.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Just</span> at first Ben failed to make the money that -he expected. There is a way to sell papers as -there is to do any other kind of business, and it -took a little time to learn.</p> - -<p>But Ben meant to succeed and in the end he did. -The first day he cleared but forty-five cents, the -second, sixty-four, the third, seventy, and the -fourth, eighty cents.</p> - -<p>His good clothes attracted attention, not only -on the part of customers, but also from other boys -in the same kind of business.</p> - -<p>This was especially the case with two boys who -sold papers near Ben. These boys, whose names -were Patsy Blake and Mike Parley, eyed Ben -askance, and both took a violent prejudice against -him, not only because he was a new comer, but -also on account of his wearing clothes better than -they could afford. This dislike was intensified -when Ben began to be successful.</p> - -<p>“Patsy,” said Mike, “did you take notice of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">130</a></span> -that dude that’s sellin’ papers near Houston -Street?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Patsy, the one that’s dressed like a Fifth -Avenue swell.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he’s the one.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t he put on style, though? I never dressed -like him.”</p> - -<p>“Thrue for you, Mike, nor I either.”</p> - -<p>As Patsy was dressed in a ragged suit two or -three sizes too large for him, and Mike’s suit was -correspondingly small and equally shabby, the -speakers were unquestionably right.</p> - -<p>“Do you know his name, Mike?”</p> - -<p>“I’ve heern him called Ben. I don’t know de -udder name.”</p> - -<p>“Any way, it’s a mane thing to take the -bread out of the mouths of poor boys like you -an’ me.”</p> - -<p>“So it is, Patsy. Do you know him?”</p> - -<p>“I went up to him last evenin’, and asked him -for the loan of a cigarette, and what do you think -he said?”</p> - -<p>“What was it?”</p> - -<p>“He said he never smoked cigarettes.”</p> - -<p>“Likely he had some in his pocket.”</p> - -<p>“Or else he smokes cigars.”</p> - -<p>“Any way he wouldn’t give me one. I asked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">131</a></span> -him would he go to Tony Pastor’s wid me, and -he said he had an engagement.”</p> - -<p>“I say, Mike, he looks down on the likes of us. -What shall we do about it?”</p> - -<p>“Lick him,” said Mike sententiously.</p> - -<p>“We’ll give him a warnin’ to go somewhere -else and not cut into our trade.”</p> - -<p>“I’m with you, Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“When will we do it?”</p> - -<p>“Now.”</p> - -<p>“Come on, then.”</p> - -<p>Ben had just sold a paper when he saw the two -boys approaching. It did not occur to him that -they had any hostile intent till they stopped -opposite and accosted him.</p> - -<p>“I say, Fifth Averner, how’s business?”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean me?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Yes, we means you.”</p> - -<p>“It is pretty fair.”</p> - -<p>“How much yer made to-day?”</p> - -<p>“About sixty cents.”</p> - -<p>“And I’ve made only forty.”</p> - -<p>“And I forty-two.”</p> - -<p>“I am sorry you haven’t done better,” said Ben -sincerely.</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, much ye’re sorry,” returned Patsy -jeeringly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">132</a></span> -“Why shouldn’t I be? You work hard, and I -shall be glad to have you succeed.”</p> - -<p>“Hear him talk, Mike.”</p> - -<p>“It’s you that keeps us from earnin’ money.”</p> - -<p>“How is that?”</p> - -<p>“Because you get away with our trade. It’s -a shame, so it is, to take the bread out’n our -mouths.”</p> - -<p>“You’re mistaken, boys. I only want my share -of success.”</p> - -<p>“You’ve got away two of my customers. I -seed ’em buyin’ papers of you yest’erday afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t tell your customers. When a man -wants to buy a paper of me of course I sell to him. -Isn’t that right?”</p> - -<p>“No, it isn’t.”</p> - -<p>“Well, what do you want me to do? I suppose -you came here for some purpose.”</p> - -<p>“We want you to go away from dis corner. -You can go on Broadway, and den you won’t interfere -wid me and Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“But I may interfere with some other boys.”</p> - -<p>“Dat’s nothing to us. Dis is your last day -here. To-morrer you must sell somewhere else.”</p> - -<p>Ben was a boy of spirit, and he did not fancy -being ordered away by rival newsboys. He felt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">133</a></span> -that he had just as much right to sell papers on -the Bowery as any one else, and he did not propose -to submit to dictation.</p> - -<p>“Well, what do you say?” asked Mike.</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t it be just as well,” suggested Ben -composedly, “for you and your friend to leave -the Bowery?”</p> - -<p>“Hear till him, Patsy. Get onto his cheek!”</p> - -<p>“It seems to me, boys, that you would do -better to attend to business. I’ve sold four papers -while you have been talking to me.”</p> - -<p>“We’re givin’ you a warnin’! Now, what yer -goin’ to do about it?”</p> - -<p>“I’m going to stay where I am,” said Ben -firmly. “I have as much right to be here as -you.”</p> - -<p>“It’s mane business for a boy like you to rob -poor boys of their customers.”</p> - -<p>“You talk about poor boys,” retorted Ben, -“I’m a poor boy myself.”</p> - -<p>“You look like it, wid them clothes!” said -Patsy, with withering sarcasm.</p> - -<p>“I wear good clothes, I admit, but they were -given me by a gentleman in Boston. It was a -piece of good luck. I haven’t any more money -than either of you. I have to live on what I -make.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">134</a></span> -This statement the two newsboys did not -believe, and their looks showed that they did -not.</p> - -<p>“Me and Patsy are in earnest,” went on Mike. -“You’ve got to keep away from this corner.”</p> - -<p>“And what if I don’t?”</p> - -<p>“Den we’ll lick you.”</p> - -<p>By this time Ben’s spirit was roused.</p> - -<p>“You can do it now if you want to,” he said -defiantly.</p> - -<p>The challenge was accepted. Mike dropped his -papers and aimed a blow at Ben. It was returned -in good earnest, and then Patsy sailed in.</p> - -<p><a name="proceeded" id="proceeded"></a>Ben now proceeded to business. There was for -about a minute a lively tussle, during which it -was hard to tell which was uppermost and which -underneath. But at the end of the first round -the two invaders were lying on their backs, Patsy -with a bloody nose, and Mike with a black eye, -while Ben stood erect with a flushed face and -somewhat disordered clothing, a victor.</p> - -<p>Just then a policeman rounded the corner, and -hastened to the scene of conflict.</p> - -<p>“What’s all this?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Only a little scrap,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“The two boys jumped on this one,” put in a -bystander, “and tried to lick him.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/p134.jpg" width="400" height="665" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="noi mb0">Ben now proceeded to business, and at the end of the first round Patsy had -a bloody nose, and Mike a black eye.—Page <a href="#proceeded">134</a>.</p> -<p class="right mt0"><i>Ben Bruce.</i></p></div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">135</a></span> -The policeman was disposed to take the side of -Ben as the best dressed.</p> - -<p>“Do you want to complain of them?” he asked, -turning to Ben.</p> - -<p>“No,” answered Ben, “they are friends of -mine. We were having a little fun.”</p> - -<p>“If they try it again I’ll have some fun with -them,” said the officer. “Now get up and go -along with you.”</p> - -<p>Patsy and Mike got up, looking rather sheepish. -But Ben’s conduct impressed them favorably. -But for him they would probably have been -arrested and held for disorderly conduct.</p> - -<p>“I say,” said Patsy, “you’re a brick, even if -you do wear good clothes. You saved us from -the cop, you did. Here’s my hand.”</p> - -<p>Ben took it unhesitatingly, though it stood in -decided need of washing.</p> - -<p>“Here’s mine too,” added Mike. “You know -how to fight, you do.”</p> - -<p>“But you won’t make me fight any more, will -you?” said Ben, smiling, as he shook Mike’s -hand cordially.</p> - -<p>“No, we won’t. You can stay here and sell -papers as long as you like, and if anybody lays -for you just call on me and Patsy.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">136</a></span> -“I will,” said Ben. “I will look upon you as -my friends.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose that is ‘conquering a peace,’” -<a name="he" id="he"></a><ins title="Original has 'he he'">he</ins> -reflected as the two newsboys left the scene of -the conflict.</p> - -<p>“I say, you fought well,” said a tall, well -dressed man, who had watched the fight with -interest. “What was up?”</p> - -<p>“They warned me not to sell papers here. -They said I was interfering with them.”</p> - -<p>“And you wouldn’t have it? Good! I admire -your pluck. How many papers have you got -left?”</p> - -<p>“Eight.”</p> - -<p>“Here, give them to me.”</p> - -<p>“But they are all the same.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind! I want to help you along. -Here’s a quarter. Never mind the change.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, sir.”</p> - -<p>“How long have you been at this business?”</p> - -<p>“Four days.”</p> - -<p>“Does it pay?”</p> - -<p>“Better than the business I left.”</p> - -<p>“What is that?”</p> - -<p>“Distributing circulars for a restaurant.”</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s satisfactory. Would you like to -work in the evening also?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">137</a></span> -“Yes, sir; I should like to increase my income.”</p> - -<p>“Then come round to the People’s Theater -with me. They are bringing out a piece of mine -where a newsboy is introduced. I guess you can -play the part.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll try,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>There was a halo of romance about the theater -to Ben’s eyes, and he felt that he should be proud -of treading the boards in even so humble a rôle -as that of newsboy.</p> - -<p>“Come along, then! I will introduce you to -the manager. The play is to be produced for the -first time to-morrow evening. We thought we -had a boy engaged, but he hasn’t shown up and -we can’t wait for him.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">138</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xviii" id="xviii"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> -<span>REHEARSING.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ben’s</span> companion led the way through the stage -door into the green-room. He appeared to be -known, for he was at once admitted by the door-keeper.</p> - -<p>“Is the manager in?” asked the author.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mr. Wilkins.”</p> - -<p>“There he is,” he added, as a pleasant-looking -gentleman emerged from the wings.</p> - -<p>“Halloa, Wilkins,” said the manager. “How -shall we manage about the boy?”</p> - -<p>“I have brought you one,” replied Wilkins, -calling attention to Ben.</p> - -<p>“Do you know him? Will he do?”</p> - -<p>“I think he will.”</p> - -<p>“What’s your name, young man?”</p> - -<p>“Ben Bruce.”</p> - -<p>“Ha! A good stage name. Have you ever -acted?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, except at exhibitions.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">139</a></span> -“Are you easily frightened? Can you face a -crowd?”</p> - -<p>“I am not bashful,” answered Ben with a -smile.</p> - -<p>“Then come here for rehearsal to-morrow at -two o’clock. Mr. Wilkins, you can furnish him -with his part.”</p> - -<p>“All right, sir. I’ll take him in charge.”</p> - -<p>The manager, who seemed to be a very busy -man, noted down Ben’s name and hurried to -another part of the stage.</p> - -<p>“Well, Ben, it is all settled,” said the dramatic -author. “I want you to do yourself credit, -and help on the success of my piece. You have -no engagement for the rest of the day and evening, -have you?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Then come home and take supper with me. -This evening I will train you in your part.”</p> - -<p>“I shall be glad to have you do so.”</p> - -<p>“I live on Lexington Avenue near Thirtieth -Street. We are a quiet family. My mother and -I make the whole of it.”</p> - -<p>Ben submitted himself to the guidance of his -companion, and taking a Third Avenue horse-car -soon arrived at Thirtieth Street, where they -struck off for Lexington Avenue. The house was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">140</a></span> -a plain one, three stories in height, but looked -home-like and comfortable.</p> - -<p>“I’ll take you up to my den, where I do my -work,” said Mr. Wilkins. “It is my chamber -as well and you will find arrangements for washing. -Then I will go down and let my mother -know that I have invited a young actor to -supper.”</p> - -<p>Ben laughed. It seemed a good joke to him to -be referred to as a young actor.</p> - -<p>In fifteen minutes Mr. Wilkins returned. He -found that Ben had availed himself of the interval -to make his toilet.</p> - -<p>“Have you written many plays, Mr. Wilkins?” -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“No. This is only the third. I do some literary -work for papers and magazines, but plays, if -successful, pay much better. You see I have a few -books here. You may like to look them over.”</p> - -<p>There were book shelves near the writing desk, -containing a miscellaneous assortment of books, -perhaps three hundred in number.</p> - -<p>“You like reading, Ben?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir, very much.”</p> - -<p>“You are welcome to borrow books from my -library, such as it is.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you; I should like to do so. I ought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">141</a></span> -to tell you,” he added smiling, “that I have the -privilege of living in the same house with an -author.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed! Who is it?”</p> - -<p>“Sylvanus Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think I know him.”</p> - -<p>“He writes novelettes for the <cite>Weekly Bugle</cite>.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I am not familiar with the -authors who write for that publication. What -is your friend’s best known story?”</p> - -<p>“I think he prides himself most on ‘The Ragpicker’s -Curse.’”</p> - -<p>Mr. Wilkins smiled.</p> - -<p>“I suppose it is hardly in the style of Howells,” -he said.</p> - -<p>“No; Mr. Snodgrass is confident that Howells -could not write such a story.”</p> - -<p>“I have no doubt he is correct. But there is -the supper bell. Let us go down.”</p> - -<p>A neatly-dressed old lady was already seated -behind the tea-urn.</p> - -<p>“Mother,” said Mr. Wilkins, “let me introduce -my young friend, Benjamin Bruce.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to see thee, Benjamin,” said Mrs. -Wilkinson, with a kindly smile.</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” said Ben, feeling drawn to the -kindly old lady.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">142</a></span> -“My mother was brought up a Quaker,” explained -Mr. Wilkinson, “and keeps up the -Quaker speech. I have fallen away from it, but -I have a great respect for my mother’s church, -or rather meeting.”</p> - -<p>“Thee is very young for an actor, Benjamin,” -said Mrs. Wilkins.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Ben, “but I can hardly call -myself an actor yet. Your son is going to make -me one.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid thee is ill advised, John,” said the -old lady. “An actor’s life is full of temptation.”</p> - -<p>“True, mother, but Ben is a good boy, and I -am sure he will resist temptation.”</p> - -<p>“I hope so indeed, John.”</p> - -<p>“My mother is hardly reconciled to my writing -plays, Ben,” remarked John Wilkins. “I cannot -induce her to go to the theater and see my -piece.”</p> - -<p>“I judge not others,” said Mrs. Wilkins, “but -I have never been to the playhouse, and I am too -old to change.”</p> - -<p>“Still you will wish me success, mother!”</p> - -<p>“I always wish thee success in all things good, -John.”</p> - -<p>“Then I hope the play will prove a good one.”</p> - -<p>The supper was plain but palatable. Ben<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">143</a></span> -relished the hot tea, the buttered toast, the cold -meat, and preserves, and ate heartily. It was in -refreshing contrast to the cheap restaurant on -the Bowery where he had been eating lately.</p> - -<p>When supper was over Mr. Wilkins rose from -the table.</p> - -<p>“Now for business, Ben,” he said. “We must -see what preparations we can make for to-morrow -evening.”</p> - -<p>He handed Ben a small manuscript book when -they reached the study.</p> - -<p>“This is your part,” he said. “Before each -speech you will see a few words. That is the cue. -They are the concluding words of the previous -speaker.”</p> - -<p>The little book contained ten pages, but nearly -half of it was taken up by the cues.</p> - -<p>“It is a disadvantage to you not to know the -other parts and the general drift of the story, but -these I can give you some idea of.”</p> - -<p>Two hours were devoted to coaching Ben in his -rôle. He was a quick student and had always -been fond of public speaking. Also he had taken -part at home in various little plays at Sunday-school -and other entertainments, and Mr. Wilkins -was much gratified by the rapidity with which -he seemed to master his part.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">144</a></span> -“There, Ben, I think that will do,” he said -when the clock struck nine. “You have done -a good evening’s work, and I think you will -make a good impression at rehearsal. Will you -meet me at the stage door at two o’clock, or let -us say, a little earlier?”</p> - -<p>“I will be there twenty minutes before the -time, Mr. Wilkins.”</p> - -<p>“By the way, Ben, I forgot to say that you -will be paid at least fifteen dollars a week, or possibly -more.”</p> - -<p>Fifteen dollars a week! It quite took away -Ben’s breath. Even a single week at that -rate of remuneration would set him on his -feet.</p> - -<p>“That is more than I earn at selling papers,” -he said with a smile.</p> - -<p>“So I suppose. I think it will be better for -you to give up selling papers on the street while -you are an actor.”</p> - -<p>“I can hire Tom Hooper to sell for me. He -took my place at the restaurant, but he has got -tired of it already.”</p> - -<p>“That would be a good idea.”</p> - -<p>The next morning Ben met Tom Hooper on -the Bowery and proposed to him to take his -place for a time.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">145</a></span> -“Why?” asked Tom. “Are you goin’ out of -de business?”</p> - -<p>“Not exactly. I am going to sell papers every -evening at the People’s Theater.”</p> - -<p>“At de theayter? Where?”</p> - -<p>“On the stage.”</p> - -<p>“Will you be let?” asked Tom, puzzled.</p> - -<p>“I am going to play the part of the newsboy -in the new play.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t say!” <a name="ejaculated" id="ejaculated"></a><ins title="Original has 'ejeculated'">ejaculated</ins> -Tom, opening his eyes wide. “Be you an actor?”</p> - -<p>“I am going to try it.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll go and see you.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t come the first evening, Tom. I don’t -know how I shall get along.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll come the second evening.”</p> - -<p>“I shan’t mind that so much. But I must be -going to rehearsal.”</p> - -<p>Ben acquitted himself at rehearsal very well, so -well that the manager patted him on the shoulder -and said, “You’ll do, my son!” and Mr. -Wilkins shook his hand cordially.</p> - -<p>“You did fine, Ben,” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Thanks to your training, Mr. Wilkins.”</p> - -<p>“And to your own talent.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">146</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xix" id="xix"></a>CHAPTER XIX.<br /> -<span>BEN MAKES HIS DÉBUT.</span></h2> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Where</span> are you going this evening, Ben?” -asked Sylvanus Snodgrass of his young friend.</p> - -<p>Ben did not care to have Sylvanus Snodgrass for -an auditor the first evening and he answered evasively, -“I have an engagement with a friend.”</p> - -<p>“Do I know him? Who is he?”</p> - -<p>“A Mr. Wilkins, living on Lexington Avenue.”</p> - -<p>“May I come too?” asked Snodgrass, who was -by no means bashful.</p> - -<p>“I don’t feel at liberty to invite you, Mr. Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t seem to see anything of you lately,” -grumbled Sylvanus. “You were away last -evening.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I was with Mr. Wilkins.”</p> - -<p>“He seems to have cut me out,” said Mr. Snodgrass, -displaying some jealousy.</p> - -<p>“It is because I have a little business with -him,” explained Ben.</p> - -<p>“Ha! business? What kind of business?”</p> - -<p>“I may be able to tell you to-morrow.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">147</a></span> -“It seems there is a mystery,” said the novelist, -not half pleased.</p> - -<p>“It won’t be a mystery long.”</p> - -<p>Ben managed to slip away unobserved, for he -feared that Mr. Snodgrass might be disposed to -follow him. He arrived at the theater in good -season, and there on the large poster in front of -the building it gave him a peculiar sensation to -see in the list of characters in the play—</p> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Jed</span>, the newsboy, <span class="smcap">Ben Bruce</span>.</p> - -<p>“I wonder if any one will see my name and -know who it is,” he asked himself.</p> - -<p>“Hallo, Ben!”</p> - -<p>Turning, Ben saw Patsy Blake looking over his -shoulder.</p> - -<p>“Are you goin’ into de teayter?” asked Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to go if I had the price of a ticket.”</p> - -<p>An impulse led Ben to say, “I’ll pay your -way in, Patsy,” and he handed his newsboy rival -twenty-five cents.</p> - -<p>“Bully for you! Will we sit together?”</p> - -<p>“I can’t very well. I shall be on the stage.”</p> - -<p>“What!” exclaimed Patsy.</p> - -<p>“Do you see that name?” asked Ben, pointing -to the poster.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">148</a></span> -“Are you goin’ to act?” inquired Patsy, awe-stricken.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“How did you get the chance?”</p> - -<p>“The manager hired me. The boy who was -to act didn’t show up.”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t know you was smart enough to act,” -said Patsy, eyeing Ben curiously.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know whether I am or not, but I am -going to try.”</p> - -<p>“Won’t Mike be su’prised. I wish he could -go.”</p> - -<p>At this very moment Mike Farley came up, -and Patsy enjoyed his astonishment when the -great news was imparted to him that the boy -they had been fighting with the day before was -going to act on the stage.</p> - -<p>Ben gave him a quarter also, and felt sure of -two friendly auditors.</p> - -<p>“I must go now, boys,” he said. “It is time -to get ready.”</p> - -<p>“Who’d have thought Ben was an actor!” -ejaculated Mike. “I wish I was in his shoes.”</p> - -<p>“So do I.”</p> - -<p>“P’raps he’ll give you an’ me a chance, Patsy.”</p> - -<p>“You couldn’t act, Mike Farley.”</p> - -<p>“I kin act as well as you, Patsy Blake.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">149</a></span> -Hostilities seemed imminent, but fortunately a -mutual friend came up and they were averted.</p> - -<p>Ben had to dress for his part. His ordinary -suit was thought to be too good for a poor newsboy, -and one was supplied by the management -not much better than those worn by Patsy and -Mike.</p> - -<p>Ben was destined to have another auditor -known to him. Mr. Snodgrass, finding that his -evening was likely to be a lonely one, suddenly -decided to go to the theater. On looking over the -evening announcements, he was led to think that -he would enjoy “The Belle of the Bowery,” at -the People’s Theater.</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass was not always in funds, but he -had received two dollars and a half that day from -the <cite>Weekly Bugle</cite> for a column sketch, and he felt -that he was justified in attending the play. He -accordingly purchased a fifty-cent ticket, which -gave him a seat in the balcony.</p> - -<p>“I’d have taken Ben if he hadn’t gone off -with that Mr. Wilkins,” said Sylvanus to himself. -“I suppose he can’t afford to buy a -ticket.”</p> - -<p>Soon the curtain rose. There was a street -scene, in which the characters were an old man -from the country and a tough. There was a little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">150</a></span> -altercation, and the countryman seemed likely -to get the worst of it, when a newsboy ran in -from the wings and sprang to his defense.</p> - -<p>At the first words of the boy Mr. Snodgrass -craned his head forward in amazement. The -voice seemed very familiar. Was it—could it -be Ben? A few words more, and he was forced -to admit that it was.</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll be blowed!” he ejaculated.</p> - -<p>I am afraid that these words were hardly in -keeping with the character of a distinguished romancer, -but they were actually used by Sylvanus -Snodgrass.</p> - -<p>It is needless to say that Mr. Snodgrass followed -the play with the utmost attention, particularly -when Ben was on the stage. Before the curtain -fell on the last act he saw reason to feel proud of -his friend and fellow-lodger, for Ben scored an -unqualified success. He was perfectly at his -ease, and threw himself earnestly into the part. -He was not aware of the presence of Mr. Snodgrass, -but he looked up to the gallery and saw -Patsy and Mike applauding vociferously.</p> - -<p>Toward the end of the third act enthusiasm -was created by a bouquet which was thrown from -one of the orchestra seats, evidently intended for -Ben.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">151</a></span> -“Take it up and bow!” whispered the actor -nearest him.</p> - -<p>Ben was quick to accept the suggestion. He -stooped and lifting the bouquet, bowed gracefully -in the direction whence it had been thrown. -This brought out a volley of applause.</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass felt proud of his connection -with the hero of the evening.</p> - -<p>“I know that boy,” he whispered to his next -neighbor.</p> - -<p>“Do you indeed? He is smart.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; we are very intimate friends. He occupies -a room in the same house with me.”</p> - -<p>Patsy and Mike also were pleased with Ben’s -success. They led the applause in the gallery, -and were by no means backward in their expressions -of satisfaction.</p> - -<p>“I say, Mike, he’s a corker,” said Patsy.</p> - -<p>“That’s so.”</p> - -<p>“I wished I could act like him.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know him?” asked Dick Flanagan.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I know him as well as I know you. He -paid my ticket in.”</p> - -<p>“And mine too,” added Mike.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know him,” said Dick enviously.</p> - -<p>“I’ll give you an introduce some time,” rejoined -Patsy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">152</a></span> -The curtain fell at the end of the last act, and -Mr. Wilkins, the anxious author, realized with -gratification that the play was a success. He -went round to the stage door, and entering gave -Ben’s hand a hearty shake.</p> - -<p>“You did yourself proud, my boy!” he said.</p> - -<p>“I am glad you were pleased,” returned Ben -modestly.</p> - -<p>Others, too, offered their congratulations, including -Mr. Thornton, who played the leading -part.</p> - -<p>“You are one of us, Ben,” he said, as he shook -hands with the boy. “I confess I was afraid -when I heard that you had never been on the -stage before, but I soon found that there was no -reason for apprehension.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Thornton,” said Ben, most -gratified.</p> - -<p>“I congratulate you, Mr. Wilkins, on the success -of your play,” said Ben, turning to his friend -and patron.</p> - -<p>“You helped bring it about. A good deal -depended on your part being well played.”</p> - -<p>When Ben emerged from the theater he found -Mr. Snodgrass waiting for him.</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t you tell me, Ben?” asked the -novelist reproachfully.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">153</a></span> -“Were you here?” asked Ben, surprised.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Who told you I was to appear?”</p> - -<p>“No one. I didn’t know anything about it till -you appeared on the stage. I was so surprised -that you might have knocked me down with a -feather. You never told me that you were an -actor.”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t know it myself. This is my first -appearance on any stage.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t mean to say that you never acted -before?”</p> - -<p>“Only at school exhibitions and such like.”</p> - -<p>“Then you’re a born genius, and I am proud -of you.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p>“And who is Mr. Wilkins—the gentleman you -spoke of?”</p> - -<p>“He is the author of the piece. He engaged -me to act the newsboy’s part.”</p> - -<p>“And why didn’t you let me know?”</p> - -<p>“Because I didn’t know how I was coming out. -I shouldn’t like to have had my friend see me -fail.”</p> - -<p>“There is no such word as fail—for you, Ben.”</p> - -<p>“I hope so.”</p> - -<p>As Ben reached the Bowery he espied his two<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">154</a></span> -humble friends, Patsy and Mike, eyeing him -wistfully.</p> - -<p>“How are you, Patsy? How are you, Mike?” -he said, offering his hand, to the great pride of -the newsboys. “How did you like the play?”</p> - -<p>“It was tip-top, and so was you,” answered -Patsy enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>“I saw you up in the gallery,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“Did you now?” asked the delighted Mike.</p> - -<p>“Didn’t I tell you I knowed him, boys?” he -added, turning to two or three friends when Ben -had passed on.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">155</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xx" id="xx"></a>CHAPTER XX.<br /> -<span>BEN’S LETTER HOME.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ben</span> slept later than usual the next morning. -He was awakened by his neighbor, Mr. Snodgrass, -who entered his room, his face glowing -with excitement. In his hand he held a morning -paper.</p> - -<p>“Ben, you’re famous!” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“Am I?” asked Ben, drowsily.</p> - -<p>“Yes; look at this paragraph in the <cite>Herald</cite>. -Or, stay. I’ll read it.”</p> - -<p>He read as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>“At the People’s Theater last evening a new -play was produced, ‘The Belle of the Bowery,’ -by the well-known dramatist, Mr. John Wilkins. -It is a local play, and was received very favorably. -It is well put on the stage, and on the whole was -well played. Mr. William Thornton acquitted -himself well, as usual, and Jed the Newsboy, was -remarkably well played by Ben Bruce. We have -seldom seen so young an actor who gave so much -promise of future achievements.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">156</a></span> -“That is very complimentary,” said Ben, whose -face flushed with natural pleasure.</p> - -<p>“I should say so. You have achieved fame at -one bound. The time may come, and that soon, -when your name will be as well known as mine.” -Ben was tempted to smile at the harmless -vanity of his companion, but he appreciated his -friendly feelings, and thanked him for his favorable -opinion.</p> - -<p>Ben dressed himself and went out to breakfast -with Mr. Snodgrass. On the way he bought the -<cite>Sun</cite> and <cite>World</cite>, both of which spoke well of his -acting.</p> - -<p>At the end of the first week Ben was notified -that his salary was ready. It was handed to him -in an envelope. He opened it and to his delight -found that it contained five bills of five dollars -each. The manager appreciated the hit his -young recruit had made.</p> - -<p>“Twenty-five dollars!” he exclaimed in astonishment. -“Is it possible that I have earned as -much as this in a single week!</p> - -<p>“Now,” he thought, “I can return Albert -Graham the five dollars he lent me.”</p> - -<p>He went into the reading-room of an uptown -hotel, and sitting down at the table wrote the -following letter.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="noi"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">157</a></span> -“<span class="smcap">Dear Albert</span>:</p> - -<p>“You will find inclosed a five-dollar bill which -is sent in return for your very kind loan. Don’t -think I am pinching myself, as I have twenty -dollars left in my pocketbook. Just at present -I am doing remarkably well, but I have seen -some anxious days since I left Wrayburn. I -wouldn’t advise any boy to leave home unless he -has as good reasons as I, or has a good prospect -ahead. I must tell you that before I got steady -work I was reduced to thirty-seven cents, and -knew that in two days I had to meet a rent bill -of two dollars. I fully expected to be turned out -into the streets, for my landlady, though kind-hearted -is poor, and could not afford to keep me -unless I paid my rent regularly.</p> - -<p>“You will be interested to hear what I am working -at. Well, for a time I sold papers on the -Bowery, clearing about seventy-five cents a day. -But my first situation was distributing circulars, -or rather bills of fare for a cheap restaurant on -the same street. I was paid chiefly in meals, and -such meals! Often and often I wished myself at -my mother’s table, or at yours, where I could get -good wholesome food. But I had a chance to -change my business. You will hardly believe me -when I tell you that I am <em>acting</em> at the People’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">158</a></span> -Theater. I am taking the part of a newsboy. -How well I succeed you can judge from two or -three newspaper clippings I send you. I don’t -know how long my present employment will last. -I hope a good while, for I am much better paid -than I could hope to be in any other line of -business.</p> - -<p>“Now how are things going on in Wrayburn? -Do you often see my mother? Please show her -this letter and the newspaper clippings. Give her -my love, but you needn’t trouble yourself to give -any such message to my stepfather, to whom I -owe no debt of gratitude.</p> - -<p>“How I wish you could walk into my room and -have an old-fashioned chat. Have you ridden at -any races lately? If you have I hope you were -successful. Write soon to</p> - -<p class="right2 mb0">“Your true friend,</p> -<p class="right mt0">“<span class="smcap">Ben Bruce</span>.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>Albert Graham no sooner received this letter -than he went over to see Mrs. Winter. Jacob -Winter had gone to a neighboring town on an -errand, and Albert was glad to find Ben’s mother -at home alone.</p> - -<p>“You have heard from Ben,” exclaimed Mrs. -Winter, noticing his bright face.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">159</a></span> -“Yes, Mrs. Winter.”</p> - -<p>“How is he? Is he getting on comfortably? -Last night I dreamed that the poor boy was penniless -and suffering for food.”</p> - -<p>“Dreams go by contraries, you know. The -letter contained five dollars which he sent me in -payment for the money I lent him when he went -away.”</p> - -<p>“Then he must be doing well!” said Mrs. -Winter gladly.</p> - -<p>“He writes that he has twenty dollars left in -his pocketbook.”</p> - -<p>“What in the world can he be doing?”</p> - -<p>“Read his letter and you will see.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter read the letter eagerly. Her face -showed the surprise she felt.</p> - -<p>“Ben acting in a theater!” she exclaimed. -“It hardly seems possible.”</p> - -<p>“Read these newspaper clippings and you will -see that he is acting well.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter read the notices, and her eyes -lighted up with gladness and pride.</p> - -<p>“I shall feel much happier now,” she said. -“I have been worrying about Ben, and fancying -that he might be suffering.”</p> - -<p>“Ben is smart. He will make his way.”</p> - -<p>When Jacob Winter came home he said to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">160</a></span> -his wife, “Have you heard from that boy of -yours?”</p> - -<p>“Not directly. Albert Graham had a letter.”</p> - -<p>“Beggin’ for money as like as not. I wonder -he got money enough for postage.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter made no reply.</p> - -<p>“If you write to him you can tell him I’ll take -him back if he’ll promise to obey me in all things -and work stiddy.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I’ll tell him, but I don’t think he’ll come.”</p> - -<p>“Then he’s a fool. He can’t make his expenses -in York.”</p> - -<p>“Will you pay his expenses back to Wrayburn, -Mr. Winter?”</p> - -<p>“No,” answered Jacob cautiously. “I couldn’t -do that. Why, it would cost six or seven dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Then how is he to come back?”</p> - -<p>“He can foot it, and beg his victuals on the -way,” suggested Mr. Winter.</p> - -<p>“Ben would be too proud to do that,” said his -mother promptly.</p> - -<p>“That’s what’s the matter with him,” exclaimed -Jacob. “He’s too proud. He had a -good home here, but he got uppish and must try -his luck outside. You mark my words Mrs. W., -he’ll see his folly, and that before very long.”</p> - -<p>If Mrs. Winter had not read Ben’s letter to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">161</a></span> -Albert Graham she might have felt troubled by -these words, but as it was she remained calm and -composed.</p> - -<p>The fact was that Jacob Winter was beginning -to miss Ben. The latter had done a great many -chores, and attended to many little duties about the -farm, which now devolved upon his stepfather.</p> - -<p>Mr. Winter had thought of hiring a boy, but -found that none could be induced to work for -him at the wages he was willing to pay. In this -emergency he thought of Ben, who he was persuaded -was in a state of distress, but much as he -desired to get him back he was not willing to -advance the money for his traveling expenses.</p> - -<p>The next morning he chanced to fall in with -Albert Graham.</p> - -<p>“I hear you’ve had a letter from Ben,” said the -farmer, halting his horse.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Where did he write from?”</p> - -<p>“From New York.”</p> - -<p>“Did he say how he was doin’?”</p> - -<p>“He didn’t complain any.”</p> - -<p>“What is he doin’?”</p> - -<p>“He has been selling papers on the Bowery.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a mis’rable business. Like as not he -doesn’t make over twenty-five cents a day.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">162</a></span> -“I think he must make more than that.”</p> - -<p>“Did he say he was sorry he left a good -home?”</p> - -<p>“No, he didn’t say so.”</p> - -<p>“He’s too proud, I reckon. When you write -him tell him that if he’ll come home and apologize -for runnin’ away I’ll take him back.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell him, Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>“Here he had enough to eat, and likely he -don’t get it where he is. Have you got his letter -with you?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to read it.”</p> - -<p>“Ben wouldn’t want me to show it.”</p> - -<p>“Sho! are there any secrets in it?”</p> - -<p>“You see Ben writes confidentially to me, Mr. -Winter.”</p> - -<p>“I s’pose he wouldn’t like to have me know -what hard times he has had. Well, you write -him what I tole you.”</p> - -<p>“All right, sir, but suppose he hasn’t got money -enough to bring him home?”</p> - -<p>“Tell him to foot it. He’s young and strong. -He can stop at houses on the way, and ask for -somethin’ to eat.”</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t it be better for you to send him -five dollars to bring him back?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">163</a></span> -“No, Albert Graham, I ain’t such a fool. He -would keep the money, and stay where he is.”</p> - -<p>“There goes a mean man!” soliloquized Albert, -as Jacob whipped up his old gray horse and -rode away. “Ben won’t be in any hurry to come -back to him.”</p> - -<p>But Ben’s smooth waters were not to be of -long continuance, as the next chapter will show.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">164</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxi" id="xxi"></a>CHAPTER XXI.<br /> -<span>BEN MEETS WITH A LOSS.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ben</span> lost no time in calling at Simpson’s and redeeming -his watch. He felt very fortunate in -recovering it so soon.</p> - -<p>Mr. Snodgrass dropped a hint that he should -be glad to have Ben redeem <em>his</em> watch too, but -the young actor did not feel that his prosperity -was sure to be permanent, and ignored the suggestion. -In fact his engagement continued but -four weeks, as at the end of that time Mr. Wilkins’s -play had to give place to another attraction -at the People’s Theater.</p> - -<p>“I hope, Ben,” said Mr. Wilkins, “that the -piece may go on the road soon, but just at present -we have not been able to find a capitalist -willing to advance the necessary sum. If a new -company is organized I shall try to get your old -part for you.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Wilkins. Of course I should -like it. But the four weeks I have played have -been of great service to me. Besides paying a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">165</a></span> -debt and getting my watch out of pawn, I have -been able to save up sixty dollars, which are -safely deposited in the Union Dime Savings -Bank.”</p> - -<p>“That is good. And what do you propose to -do, Ben?”</p> - -<p>“I shall go back to my old business.”</p> - -<p>“Selling papers on the Bowery?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“It must be slow after being a popular favorite -on the stage.”</p> - -<p>“It will be, but I don’t want to be idle.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you are right. I will be on the look-out -for you, and if I find something more congenial -I will inform you at once.”</p> - -<p>Ben did find it slow work following his old -business. He missed the nightly applause, and -the pleasant consciousness that he was earning -three times his necessary expenses.</p> - -<p>But it was agreeable to think that he had some -money in the savings bank to fall back upon. -Mr. Snodgrass urged him to use a part of it, and -even hinted that he should be glad to borrow ten -dollars, but Ben knew the novelist too well to -feel that it would be a safe investment.</p> - -<p>It was about this time that a young man of -twenty took an unoccupied room at Mrs. Robinson’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">166</a></span> -house. He professed to be earning twelve -dollars a week in a counting house on Pearl -Street as assistant bookkeeper.</p> - -<p>He was dressed in quite a pretentious style, and -had a large stock of flashy neckties. He had seen -Ben on the stage at the People’s Theater, and this -led him to cultivate his acquaintance.</p> - -<p>“You must have saved up a lot of money while -you were acting,” he said one day.</p> - -<p>“A little, Mr. Grayson,” Ben admitted. “I -have sixty dollars in the Union Dime Savings -Bank.”</p> - -<p>“Humph! I don’t think much of savings -banks.”</p> - -<p>“What do you consider better?”</p> - -<p>“I’ve got a friend doing business in Wall Street. -Give it to me and I’ll get him to buy a few shares -of stock for you on a margin.”</p> - -<p>“I think I would prefer to leave the money -where it is.”</p> - -<p>“All you will get there is a paltry four per -cent.”</p> - -<p>“The interest doesn’t amount to much, to be -sure, but the money is safe.”</p> - -<p>George Grayson did not press the matter, but -invited Ben out to play pool at a place on Sixth -Avenue.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">167</a></span> -“I never played the game,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“No matter; you’ll pick it up directly.”</p> - -<p>“But I can’t afford to play it.”</p> - -<p>“It only costs five cents.”</p> - -<p>Knowing nothing of the game, Ben accepted -this as true, and curiosity led him to accompany -his new acquaintance.</p> - -<p>“I’ll coach you,” said Grayson.</p> - -<p>They made choice of tables and commenced -playing. Two other young men, friends of Grayson, -joined them.</p> - -<p>The game occupied only about ten minutes. -Ben succeeded in pocketing one ball, and naturally -stood last.</p> - -<p>“Well, Ben, you’re beaten!” said Grayson. -“The rule is to pay at the end of each game.”</p> - -<p>Ben took a nickel from his pocket and handed -it to the attendant.</p> - -<p>“What’s this for?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“My friend told me that the game cost five -cents.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, five cents a cue.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I only used one cue.”</p> - -<p>“Come, young feller, no fooling! There were -four played, and as you were beaten you pay for -the whole. Fifteen cents more.”</p> - -<p>“That’s straight, Ben,” said Grayson.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">168</a></span> -“But you told me it would be only five cents.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t argue the matter or all the boys will be -laughing at you.”</p> - -<p>Ben saw that he had been deceived, but took -the advice of his tricky companion.</p> - -<p>“Now for another game!” said Grayson.</p> - -<p>“You can count me out,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“What! Does it worry you so much to get -beaten?” sneered his companion.</p> - -<p>“No, but I can’t afford to play.”</p> - -<p>“You say that with sixty dollars in the bank!”</p> - -<p>“I shouldn’t have it there long, if I played pool -every evening.”</p> - -<p>Grayson whispered some words in the ear of the -next player and he laughed rather derisively. Ben -thought he caught the word “miser.” At any -rate he had had enough of pool playing, and soon -after left the hall.</p> - -<p>He did not feel very cordial towards Grayson, -but the latter made friendly advances, and as he -said no more about pool Ben gradually admitted -him to companionship.</p> - -<p>Two or three times he asked Grayson the street -and number of the business firm which employed -him, but only received an evasive answer.</p> - -<p>There came a dull time, so far as news was -concerned, and Ben found that the sale of papers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">169</a></span> -fell off, so that he was no longer able to earn -seventy-five cents a day. This was the very -smallest sum on which he could live even with -the strictest economy, and, reluctant as he was -to do it, he found that he must draw some money -from the savings bank.</p> - -<p>During Ben’s career as an actor he had increased -his stock of underclothing, and, having only a -gripsack, had invested in a small sized trunk, -which he found much more convenient.</p> - -<p>In the tray of this trunk he had placed his -savings bank book. He opened the trunk and -looked confidently for the book. But to his -surprise it was not to be found.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps I put it in the lower part of the -trunk,” he said to himself, though he felt sure it -had been in the tray. He continued his search, -but it proved to be vain.</p> - -<p>Ben sat down before the open trunk and tried -to recall all the incidents connected with the last -time of opening it. But the more he thought the -more puzzled he became.</p> - -<p>Then it flashed upon him that the book might -have been stolen. He went at once to the room -of his literary friend, Sylvanus Snodgrass, and -told him of his discovery.</p> - -<p>“It has been stolen!” said Sylvanus instantly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">170</a></span> -“I introduced an incident like this into my last -serial story for the <cite>Bugle</cite>.”</p> - -<p>“But who could have stolen it?” asked Ben, -perplexed. “The servant wouldn’t do it I am -sure.”</p> - -<p>“No, she is an honest <a name="Swedish" id="Swedish"></a><ins title="Original has 'Sweedish'">Swedish</ins> -girl. She wouldn’t be capable of it.”</p> - -<p>“I agree with you, but some one must have -taken it from the trunk.”</p> - -<p>“Of course! Let me think,” and the novelist -leaned his head on his hand and wrinkled up his -forehead in the throes of mental speculation.</p> - -<p>“I have it!” he exclaimed suddenly.</p> - -<p>“What! the bank book!”</p> - -<p>“No; I begin to understand the mystery.”</p> - -<p>Ben regarded him patiently. He knew that -Sylvanus would soon impart to him his suspicions.</p> - -<p>“Last evening I took a walk with Grayson,” -said the novelist. “I noticed a new and handsome -ring upon his finger. I asked him where it -came from. He said, ‘It was given me by a -friend,’ but he spoke hesitatingly. ‘It must have -cost as much as ten dollars,’ I said. ‘Fifteen!’ -he answered. ‘That is, I saw a ring like it in a -shop window for fifteen dollars.’</p> - -<p>“Depend upon it, Ben, that ring was bought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">171</a></span> -with your money, and George Grayson opened -your trunk and stole your bank book.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t like to think so,” said Ben, troubled.</p> - -<p>“I feel sure of it.”</p> - -<p>“What would you advise me to do?”</p> - -<p>“Go to the bank, give notice of your loss, and -find out whether any money has been drawn from -the bank on your account.”</p> - -<p>This seemed to be sensible advice, and Ben -acted upon it the next morning. Mr. Snodgrass -accompanied him to the banking house at the -junction of Broadway and Sixth Avenue at Thirty-second -Street.</p> - -<p>Ben went up to one of the windows—the one -where the paying teller pays over the money—and -gave notice of the loss of his book—giving the -number.</p> - -<p>“When did you see the book last?” asked the -official.</p> - -<p>“Wednesday.”</p> - -<p>“And to-day is Friday.”</p> - -<p>“I should like to know if any money has been -drawn on it?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>The books were referred to, and the answer -came, “Forty dollars were drawn day before -yesterday. Didn’t you sign the order?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">172</a></span> -The receipt was looked up, and the signature -examined.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t that your signature?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“Then it must have been imitated. The resemblance -is very close.”</p> - -<p>Ben was forced to admit that it was.</p> - -<p>At this moment Sylvanus, who had been looking out of the front window, -came up and said -<a name="hurriedly" id="hurriedly"></a><ins title="Original has 'hurridly'">hurriedly</ins>, -“Grayson is coming, and he has a bank book in his hand.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">173</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxii" id="xxii"></a>CHAPTER XXII.<br /> -<span>GEORGE GRAYSON COMES TO GRIEF.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ben</span> quickly informed the paying teller of the -new arrival, and he and Snodgrass took a position -on the left hand side of the main entrance, -where there was a chance of their escaping observation.</p> - -<p>Grayson entered the bank with a jaunty step -and walked up to the window of the paying -teller. He did not stop to write a check for the -sum he wished to withdraw, the check being -already drawn and inclosed in the book.</p> - -<p>According to custom he passed in the book and -waited for the money.</p> - -<p>The teller eyed him attentively, but did not do -so in a manner to excite suspicion.</p> - -<p>Opening the book he said, “You drew forty -dollars yesterday.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Grayson composedly, “I -thought that would be all I should need, but I -am making a little investment, and have drawn -fifteen dollars more.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">174</a></span> -“Very well.”</p> - -<p>The paying teller took the book and went to the -ledger, ostensibly to compare the signature with -that on the check. At the same time he whispered -to a young employee, who immediately left the -bank to summon a policeman.</p> - -<p>George Grayson kept his place at the window, -looking more cool and unconcerned than he would -had he known what was going on.</p> - -<p>Somehow there seemed to be a good deal of -delay in getting the money. The paying teller -occupied a considerable time in turning over the -pages of the ledger.</p> - -<p>Apparently he had selected the wrong book, -for he then went to another and began to examine -that. Now and then he turned his eyes to the -front entrance.</p> - -<p>Grayson suspected nothing at first, but after a -while it occurred to him to wonder why he had -to wait so long, especially as two other persons -had come into the bank and were standing behind -him waiting for their turn.</p> - -<p>Thus far he had not discovered Ben and his -friend the novelist, but chancing to turn his head -after a time he caught sight of the two.</p> - -<p>Then he understood.</p> - -<p>“I must bolt,” he said to himself, and leaving<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">175</a></span> -his place he hurried to the door. But he met the -boy coming up the steps with a policeman.</p> - -<p>The boy spoke a word to the officer, who sprang -forward and grasped Grayson by the arm.</p> - -<p>“What do you mean?” demanded Grayson -haughtily, assuming a look of virtuous innocence.</p> - -<p>“Come back into the bank with me,” said the -policeman, “and you will learn.”</p> - -<p><a name="Grayson" id="Grayson"></a>“I am in great haste,” replied Grayson, trying -to shake off the officer’s hand.</p> - -<p>“Not so fast, my friend,” said the officer.</p> - -<p>“This is an outrage,” blustered Grayson. “I -have committed no wrong.”</p> - -<p>“In that case you won’t be detained long. -Come in.”</p> - -<p>Grayson, much against his will, had to obey.</p> - -<p>By this time the bank official had come out in -front of the partition.</p> - -<p>“This man has forged a draft on the account -of another person,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Is the owner of the book here?”</p> - -<p>The teller indicated Ben.</p> - -<p>“This is a conspiracy,” blustered Grayson, but -he was slow in meeting Ben’s eye.</p> - -<p>“Is your name Ben Bruce?” demanded the teller.</p> - -<p>“Ye-es,” answered Grayson in a tone of hesitation.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">176</a></span> -“That’s a lie,” broke in Sylvanus. “He has -always represented himself as George Grayson.”</p> - -<p>“I will take him to the station house,” said the -officer, “and depend on you to appear as prosecutor.”</p> - -<p>These words were addressed to Ben.</p> - -<p>Grayson’s face changed. He felt that he was -in a tight place.</p> - -<p>“Look here, Bruce,” he said insinuatingly, -“can’t we fix this thing? I’ve got a ring here -that I paid twelve dollars for, and I have a few -dollars in my pocket. I’ll give you them, and -agree to pay the balance as soon as possible if -you’ll let me go.”</p> - -<p>“Shall I be allowed to do this?” asked Ben, -who felt disposed to be lenient.</p> - -<p>“It is too late,” said the officer. “I will -trouble you to come to the station-house with me -to make known the charge.”</p> - -<p>Ben did so, and matters took their course. -After some delay he received back the savings-bank -book with the ring and about ten dollars. -George Grayson was sentenced to a term of imprisonment.</p> - -<p>Ben pitied him and would gladly have spared -him this, but the law was inexorable.</p> - -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/p176.jpg" width="400" height="652" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="noi mb0">Grayson tried to shake off the officer’s hand. “Not so fast, my friend,” said -the officer.—Page <a href="#Grayson">175</a>.</p> -<p class="right mt0"> <i>Ben Bruce.</i></p></div> -</div> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">177</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxiii" id="xxiii"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> -<span>A STRANGE ADVENTURE.</span></h2> - - -<p>The summer passed slowly. Business was unusually -dull even for this time of the year, and -Ben’s earnings were proportionately small. Week -by week he was obliged to draw from his fund in -the savings bank until he had less than five dollars -to his credit there.</p> - -<p>He had not written to his mother or to Albert -Graham for a considerable time, not having any -good news to communicate.</p> - -<p>How was he coming out? That was the question -which he anxiously asked himself without -obtaining any satisfactory answer. He began to -think that he might feel compelled to pawn his -watch once more, with a very remote chance of -redeeming it.</p> - -<p>It was about this time that he had a surprising -adventure. He was selling papers at ten o’clock -in the morning when suddenly a lady, handsomely -dressed, stopped opposite him and regarded -him attentively.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">178</a></span> -“Will you have a morning paper, ma’am?” -asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I will buy all you have,” was the unexpected -answer.</p> - -<p>“There are twenty-five cents’ worth,” said Ben, -counting them over. It occurred to him that the -lady was a philanthropist, who took this way of -helping him.</p> - -<p>“Here is a dollar. Never mind the change.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you. You are very kind. Will you -take the papers, or shall I carry them for you?”</p> - -<p>“Never mind! Leave them in that doorway, -or give them to some other newsboy. I want to -employ you for a time.”</p> - -<p>Tom Hooper happened to be passing, and Ben, -considerably to Tom’s surprise, went up to him -and handed him his -<a name="papers" id="papers"></a><ins title="Original has 'paper'">papers</ins>.</p> - -<p>“You can have these papers, Tom. They are -a present from this lady.”</p> - -<p>Tom accepted them with pleasure, for he felt -sure of disposing of -<a name="at" id="at"></a><ins title="Original has 'a'">at</ins> -least a part of them.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said Ben. “I am at your service, -madam.”</p> - -<p>“Please call a cab.”</p> - -<p>Ben complied with the lady’s request.</p> - -<p>“Help me in,” she went on, “and get in yourself.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">179</a></span> -As the coachman closed the door she said, -“Drive to the Fifth Avenue Hotel.”</p> - -<p>The mysterious lady sat on the back seat and -signed to Ben to place himself opposite to her.</p> - -<p>It began to look queer to Ben. If the lady intended -to employ him, it seemed odd that she -should treat him on such equal terms. However, -Ben was discreet, and feeling that he would know -in time forebore to ask questions.</p> - -<p>The cab stopped at the side door, or lady’s entrance.</p> - -<p>“You may follow me,” said the lady as she -paid and dismissed the cab driver.</p> - -<p>Ben followed the lady up-stairs to a room on the -second floor.</p> - -<p>The lady opened the door and entered.</p> - -<p>“Now sit down,” she said, “and we will have -a little conversation.”</p> - -<p>Ben seated himself in a large arm-chair and -waited for developments. The lady sat down -opposite him.</p> - -<p>“Are you a good actor?” she asked.</p> - -<p>“I acted a few weeks at the People’s Theater -on the Bowery,” answered Ben.</p> - -<p>It was the lady’s turn to look surprised.</p> - -<p>“Is it possible?” she exclaimed. “You—a -newsboy now—have been an actor?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">180</a></span> -“Yes, madam.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad of it. But how do you happen, -after such an engagement, to be reduced to selling -papers in the street?”</p> - -<p>“The play had to give place to another, and I -lost my engagement. I had to live and took up -selling papers for want of something better.”</p> - -<p>“I want you to play a part in a drama of real -life.”</p> - -<p>“At what theater, madam?”</p> - -<p>“At no theater. You are to personate my son. -You are to call me mother, and your name will -be Edwin Harcourt.”</p> - -<p>“But, madam, will any harm come of it?”</p> - -<p>“None whatever. You will be aiding the cause -of justice.”</p> - -<p>“Then I am willing.”</p> - -<p>“I have taken the adjoining bedroom for you: -go in and put on the suit of clothes you will find -on the bed. Brush your hair carefully, and try -to do me credit.”</p> - -<p>Ben smiled.</p> - -<p>“I will try to do so,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Of course I shall see that you are well paid.”</p> - -<p>“I have no doubt on that point. But——”</p> - -<p>“Ask no more questions now. Dress yourself -quickly, as we have a call to make.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">181</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxiv" id="xxiv"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> -<span>BEN PLAYS A PART.</span></h2> - - -<p>The suit which Ben had put on was of fine imported -cloth, and evidently expensive.</p> - -<p>It fitted marvelously well as Ben could see for -himself. It was better than the suit he had purchased -in Boston, and which was now half worn.</p> - -<p>When he was dressed he stepped into the adjoining -room.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt regarded him with evident -satisfaction.</p> - -<p>“The suit fits you admirably,” she said. “It -is very becoming.”</p> - -<p>“That is what I don’t understand,” said Ben. -“How could you select a suit for me before you -knew me?”</p> - -<p>The lady smiled.</p> - -<p>“Suppose I say that I looked for a boy to match -the suit? It shows that I have a correct eye, -does it not?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, madam.”</p> - -<p>Ben had still to submit to a critical inspection.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">182</a></span> -“Your shoes need polishing,” the lady said. -“Go down below and get a shine. You will find -a bootblack in the lower part of the hotel. Have -you change?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, madam.”</p> - -<p>“Say ‘yes, mother.’ It is as well that you -should get used to the name.”</p> - -<p>“But I have a mother. Won’t it do as well -to call you aunt?”</p> - -<p>“No; bear in mind that you are acting. On -the stage people are husbands and wives, mothers -and sons, for the occasion only.”</p> - -<p>“All right. I will look upon you as a stage -mother then.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but the illusion must be kept—during -our engagement.”</p> - -<p>“I will remember.”</p> - -<p>“Now go down-stairs and come back with better -looking shoes.”</p> - -<p>Ben went below and had his shoes blacked. -When the operation was ended he went up-stairs.</p> - -<p>He found Mrs. Harcourt dressed for the street.</p> - -<p>“Ring the bell, Edwin,” she said, “or rather -go down yourself and order a cab.”</p> - -<p>Ben started a little at the unfamiliar name. -Then he smiled as he reflected that he was playing -a part.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">183</a></span> -“All right, mother,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Good, Edwin. I see you are working into -your part.”</p> - -<p>In five minutes they were rattling up Fifth -Avenue in a cab. The driver, who had his instructions, -turned into East -<a name="seventh" id="seventh"></a><ins title="Original has 'Fifty-Seventh'">Fifty-seventh</ins> Street, -and paused in front of a handsome brown stone -house.</p> - -<p>“Is Mr. Anderson in?” asked the lady.</p> - -<p>“Yes, ma’am, but he isn’t feeling well. I -don’t know if he can see you.”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense!” exclaimed the lady sharply. -“Tell him his niece, Maria Harcourt, has just -arrived from Europe and wishes to see him.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, ma’am,” said the girl, overawed, -“I’ll tell him.”</p> - -<p>She went up-stairs and quickly returned, saying, -“He will see you.”</p> - -<p>“Of course he will. Edwin, you may stay here -until I return, unless you are sent for.”</p> - -<p>“All right, mother.”</p> - -<p>Ben was about to omit the designation -“Mother,” but a quick glance from Mrs. Harcourt -showed that she expected him to use it.</p> - -<p>We will follow Mrs. Harcourt up-stairs.</p> - -<p>In a room fitted up as a library, sat, or rather -reclined, in an easy-chair, an old man evidently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">184</a></span> -quite feeble. He essayed to rise, but Mrs. Harcourt -moving forward rapidly prevented him.</p> - -<p>“No, Uncle Henry,” she said, “don’t get up.”</p> - -<p>She bent forward and just touched his chin -with her lips.</p> - -<p>“I am glad to see you, Mamie,” he said. -“Have you just returned from Europe?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, uncle.”</p> - -<p>“Have you brought the boy with you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, uncle; he is down-stairs.”</p> - -<p>“Didn’t I hear that he was sick with typhoid -fever somewhere in—in——”</p> - -<p>“Geneva. Yes, uncle, my poor Edwin was -very sick, but fortunately he recovered and is -now the picture of health.”</p> - -<p>“Basil was under the impression that he was -dead.”</p> - -<p>“It was for the interest of Basil to report so, -Uncle Henry.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think he had any reason to misrepresent, -Maria.”</p> - -<p>“If Edwin should die, Basil’s income would be -increased by five thousand dollars, and the Mordaunts -would profit also.”</p> - -<p>“True, but——”</p> - -<p>“Well, we won’t discuss the matter. I will -try to think as well of him as I can. The fact is,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">185</a></span> -however, that Edwin is alive and well. If you -will give me an order on your bankers for the -last six months’ income I shall be glad.”</p> - -<p>“Can I not see the boy?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, Uncle Henry, but promise me not -to keep him long, as I have to take him to get -some clothes.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, Maria. I only wish to see him. -I don’t feel well enough for a prolonged interview.”</p> - -<p>“First, then, Uncle Henry, write me a letter -to your bankers, asking them to pay the boy’s income -now due, and you may as well tell them to -remit regularly without further instructions, as I -don’t want to trouble you every time.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, Maria.”</p> - -<p>When this business was over, Mrs. Harcourt -went down-stairs, where she found Ben waiting -patiently for her return.</p> - -<p>“Are you tired of waiting, Edwin?” she said -playfully.</p> - -<p>“Oh no.”</p> - -<p>“No, what?”</p> - -<p>“Mother,” said Ben a little awkwardly. He -had not yet accustomed himself to his new part.</p> - -<p>“Now, Edwin, listen attentively to what I say. -I am going to take you up-stairs to see an old<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">186</a></span> -gentleman, an uncle of mine, in fact, who is, -between ourselves, rather feeble in intellect. -Whatever he asks you answer in such a way as -to humor him, otherwise he will become violent. -For instance he may ask you about traveling in -Europe, perhaps about being sick. Fall into his -humor, and don’t let him suspect that you think -him queer.”</p> - -<p>“All right—mother.”</p> - -<p>“Remember, I trust to your discretion.”</p> - -<p>“I will do as well as I can. What is the name -of the gentleman?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Anderson. I call him my uncle Henry. -Now follow me.”</p> - -<p>Ben followed Mrs. Harcourt up the broad -staircase, and into the presence of the frail old -gentleman. Mr. Anderson looked up as they -entered the room and signed for Ben to approach.</p> - -<p>“Come here, my boy,” he said. “I have but -little eyesight left. I need to have you near me.”</p> - -<p>Ben approached and stood beside the easy-chair.</p> - -<p>“Why, you are looking fine,” said the old man -in some surprise. “You don’t look as if you -had been sick.”</p> - -<p>“No, sir.”</p> - -<p>“You feel perfectly well, then, in spite of your -recent sickness?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">187</a></span> -“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“I am very glad. And you enjoyed traveling?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>“You are very well grown. I did not expect -to find you so large.”</p> - -<p>“He has grown rapidly, Uncle Henry,” said -Mrs. Harcourt.</p> - -<p>“Basil would be glad to see you. He thought -you were dead!”</p> - -<p>“He looks very much alive, doesn’t he, Uncle -Henry?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, yes. And so you enjoyed Europe, did -you, Edwin?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> - -<p>Ben felt a little awkward as he said this, but -he remembered that the old gentleman was feeble-minded -and felt that he was justified in humoring -the delusion.</p> - -<p>“Won’t you stay to lunch, Maria?” asked Mr. -Anderson.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry we can’t do so, uncle, but Edwin -and I have some calls to make.”</p> - -<p>“Where are you staying?”</p> - -<p>“At the Fifth Avenue Hotel.”</p> - -<p>“I should be glad to have you stay here. The -house is large enough.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">188</a></span> -“I wouldn’t for the world interfere with your -quiet ways, uncle. Remember that you are an -invalid, and need to have things quiet around -you. Edwin is a boy of a lively temperament, -and he will feel more comfortable at the hotel.”</p> - -<p>“No doubt you are right, Maria. Shall you -stay long in the city?”</p> - -<p>“My plans are not formed yet, Uncle Henry, -but I will apprise you of them when I have made -up my mind. And now I must really say good -morning.”</p> - -<p>“Good morning, Maria. Good morning, Edwin.”</p> - -<p>Ben shook the old man’s hand, and followed -Mrs. Harcourt out of the room.</p> - -<p>“Well?” said the lady interrogatively. “What -do you think of him?”</p> - -<p>“He didn’t seem to me feeble-minded.”</p> - -<p>“Probably not. He was unduly quiet. He -has strange delusions, however. Last night he -fancied himself to be Christopher Columbus. I -don’t know if he has got over it yet.”</p> - -<p>“He seems to be a very pleasant old man.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, he was in a pleasant mood. Perhaps -when you next see him it may be different. Now -let us go to the carriage. I am going to Wall -Street.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">189</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxv" id="xxv"></a>CHAPTER XXV.<br /> -<span>THE MYSTERY DEEPENS.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> cab stopped in front of a handsome office -building on Wall Street.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt dismissed it.</p> - -<p>“I shall have some other calls to make, Edwin,” -she said, “and won’t take a carriage till I am -through. Now let us go up-stairs.</p> - -<p>“Remember,” she said, as they were ascending -the stairway, “we are for the present mother -and son.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll remember.”</p> - -<p>“Should anything be said to you answer as -briefly as possible.”</p> - -<p>“Very well.”</p> - -<p>Ben felt puzzled. He did not at all comprehend -what was going on, but concluded that it -was all “in the play.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt opened the door of a large office -and entered. Several clerks were working behind -a counter or partitioned wall, which separated -the inner from the outer office.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">190</a></span> -A young man came forward and said politely, -“What can I do for you, madam?”</p> - -<p>“Is Mr. Stormleigh in?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, madam.”</p> - -<p>“Give him my card.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly.”</p> - -<p>He returned presently with an invitation to -Mrs. Harcourt to follow him.</p> - -<p>“Stay here, Edwin, till I return or send for -you,” she said, and Ben seated himself in a chair -near the window.</p> - -<p>In the inner office sat a pleasant-looking man -of fifty.</p> - -<p>“I am glad to see you, Mrs. Harcourt,” he said -rising. “Let me see, how long is it since we -met?”</p> - -<p>“Five years.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed. You look as young as ever.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid you are a flatterer, Mr. Stormleigh.”</p> - -<p>“Your son——” began Mr. Stormleigh in a -tone of hesitation.</p> - -<p>“My son is in the outer office.”</p> - -<p>“What? I heard a rumor that he was dead.”</p> - -<p>“And that was probably the reason you did -not send me the last quarterly income due to me -as his guardian?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">191</a></span> -“Yes. Of course, if he were dead, it would no -longer be due.”</p> - -<p>“Thank Providence, the dear boy is in the best -of health.”</p> - -<p>“I am heartily glad of it. And you brought -him with you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“May I see him?”</p> - -<p>“I will call him.”</p> - -<p>Ben was summoned, and Mr. Stormleigh regarded -him with evident approval.</p> - -<p>“Really, Mrs. Harcourt, you have reason to -feel proud of such a fine-looking boy.”</p> - -<p>“Have I not? Edwin, shake hands with Mr. -Stormleigh. He is an old friend of mine, besides -being your trustee.”</p> - -<p>“Well, my boy, how old are you?”</p> - -<p>“Sixteen.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt looked relieved. The age tallied -exactly.</p> - -<p>“And now, Edwin,” said the lady, “I won’t -detain you. You may go down at once to the -Fifth Avenue Hotel and await me there. Or, if -you want two hours for yourself, meet me at the -end of that time at my room. I am not sure -whether you have any money. Here is a -<a name="dollar" id="dollar"></a><ins title="Original has 'ten-doldar'">ten-dollar</ins> -bill.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">192</a></span> -“Thank you—mother.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt remained fifteen minutes longer, -receiving a large check from Mr. Stormleigh, -which she deposited to her credit in the Park -National Bank.</p> - -<p>“What are your plans, my dear Mrs. Harcourt?” -asked the banker. “Shall you remain -in America?”</p> - -<p>“I am not sure. I may go back to Europe, -taking Edwin with me.”</p> - -<p>“Is he at school?”</p> - -<p>“I shall probably place him at school, but my -plans are not fully formed.”</p> - -<p>“He does not appear to have any resemblance -to the late Mr. Harcourt.”</p> - -<p>“Boys often change in looks as they get older.”</p> - -<p>“True.”</p> - -<p>“And you have not seen Edwin for several -years.”</p> - -<p>“And then I only had a glimpse of him.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I must really go. I have no doubt you -have important business, so that you will be glad -to get rid of me.”</p> - -<p>“I confess that I am quite busy this morning. -Call again, however, when you have an opportunity.”</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Ben went down-stairs, more and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">193</a></span> -more mystified. He thought Mrs. Harcourt a -very mysterious character.</p> - -<p>She had treated him handsomely, however. -He had on an elegant suit and a ten-dollar bill in -his pocket. His life seemed to be entirely changed.</p> - -<p>In the morning he had been a Bowery newsboy; -now he was boarding at the Fifth Avenue -Hotel. That reminded him that he must give -notice to his landlady that he would not sleep in -his room at present.</p> - -<p>“But how long will this last?” he asked himself.</p> - -<p>If only a week he might as well keep the room, -as the price was so small, and he was in funds. -Having no urgent business, he decided to walk -up Broadway.</p> - -<p>He sauntered along, looking in at shop windows, -and experienced the pleasure of feeling that -for the present, at least, he need feel no pecuniary -anxieties.</p> - -<p>About the corner of Bleecker Street he came -near running into his friend, the eminent novelist, -Mr. Sylvanus Snodgrass.</p> - -<p>“How are you, Mr. Snodgrass?” he said.</p> - -<p><a name="Sylvanus" id="Sylvanus"></a><ins title="Original has 'Syvanus'">Sylvanus</ins> -turned, and at the sight of Ben in his -elegant new suit he opened wide his astonished -eyes.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">194</a></span> -“Is it you, Ben?” he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>“No doubt of it, Mr. Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p>“When did you obtain that elegant suit? How -comes it that you are arrayed in purple and fine -linen? I didn’t imagine selling newspapers on -the Bowery paid so well.”</p> - -<p>“It doesn’t. This suit was a present.”</p> - -<p>“Which one of the Vanderbilts gave it to you?”</p> - -<p>“It is a gift from a lady.”</p> - -<p>“Is she mashed on you?”</p> - -<p>“The lady must be over forty. She has adopted -me for the time being. I am to call her mother.”</p> - -<p>“Doesn’t she want another son?” asked Sylvanus.</p> - -<p>“I am afraid you would be too old.”</p> - -<p>“Where does she live?”</p> - -<p>“Where I do—at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.”</p> - -<p>“You are joking, Ben.”</p> - -<p>“Not at all. I wish you would tell Mrs. Robinson -that I shall not sleep at home to-night, but -will keep my room for the present, as I don’t know -how long the arrangement will last.”</p> - -<p>“Then you are really staying at the Fifth -Avenue?”</p> - -<p>“I expect to dine there. My new patroness is -in Wall Street, but will be back by two o’clock.”</p> - -<p>“Do you receive a salary?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">195</a></span> -“I don’t know what arrangements I shall -make. I received this this morning,” and Ben -displayed the ten-dollar bill.</p> - -<p>“Is it genuine?” asked the novelist.</p> - -<p>“It looks all right, doesn’t it?”</p> - -<p>“I wish it were mine. I have a story at the -<cite>Bugle</cite> office, but I have not as yet received any payment -on it. I won’t tell you how little I have -in my pocketbook, but I can hardly afford to -provide myself with a lunch, and unluckily I am -very hungry.”</p> - -<p>“So am I, Mr. Snodgrass, and I can hardly -wait till I reach the hotel. I will invite you in -with me to lunch at the Sinclair House.”</p> - -<p>They had by this time reached the corner of -Eighth Street, the location of a hotel well known -to fastidious eaters.</p> - -<p>Ben ate only moderately, but Mr. Snodgrass, -who had not for a long time patronized a restaurant -of so high a grade, made an ample meal.</p> - -<p>“That does me good,” he said with a sigh of -satisfaction as they passed into the street. “I -wish I could dine here every day.”</p> - -<p>“When your genius is recognized like that of -Mr. Howells,” suggested Ben, “you may be able -to do so.”</p> - -<p>“It is strange, the infatuation about Howells,”<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">196</a></span> -said Sylvanus. “I am sure my stories are quite -as interesting as his.”</p> - -<p>“No doubt they suit the readers of the <cite>Bugle</cite> -better.”</p> - -<p>“You are right, and yet he gets his thousands -of dollars for a novel, while I—but——”</p> - -<p>“Better days may be in store for you, Mr. -Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p>Ben took a walk with his literary friend, and at -the end of the two hours reached the hotel just -as Mrs. Harcourt drove up in a cab.</p> - -<p>“I am quite tired, Edwin,” she said, as Ben -helped her out, “but I have done a good morning’s -work. Go up-stairs and brush your hair, and we -will go in to lunch.”</p> - -<p>When lunch was over she said: “Of course you -are not provided with suitable underclothing. -Go and buy a supply, and stop somewhere and -purchase a steamer trunk. Don’t buy any cheap -articles, but spare no expense. As my son you -must be suitably dressed. Here are seventy-five -dollars. Use it as far as it will go, and if necessary -you can complete your purchases to-morrow. -Have everything sent to Edwin Harcourt, Fifth -Avenue Hotel.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you. You are very kind,” said Ben, -who felt quite overwhelmed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">197</a></span> -“That is all right, Edwin. By the way, it is -only fair that I should make you an allowance. -I will begin next Monday morning. You shall -have fifteen dollars a week. That is only for -spending money. Clothing and all necessary articles -will be paid for separately.”</p> - -<p>Ben tried to thank her, but she appeared to -think it unnecessary.</p> - -<p>“All that is understood, my son,” she said. -“Now I must dismiss you, as I am fatigued, and -shall lie down to rest. There is another entrance -to your room. They will give you the key in the -office.”</p> - -<p>“When do you wish me to return?”</p> - -<p>“We will dine at seven. If you are not too -tired, you can make your purchases this afternoon.”</p> - -<p>“I wonder whether this is all a dream,” thought -the mystified Ben. “If it is I shall be sorry to -wake up.”</p> - -<p>He drew the roll of bills from his pocket, and -this gave him an assurance that it was no dream, -but a very fortunate reality.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">198</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxvi" id="xxvi"></a>CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> -<span>BEN’S STRANGE PROSPERITY.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ben</span> had been long enough in the city to know -where to go for his purchases. He laid in a great -stock of underclothing of excellent quality, and -bought a steamer trunk, as instructed by Mrs. -Harcourt.</p> - -<p>All the articles were sent to the hotel, and in -the evening he packed the trunk. He did not -understand why he was bidden to buy a steamer -trunk, as those of the ordinary kind were more -capacious.</p> - -<p>The next morning after breakfast Mrs. Harcourt -said suddenly, “Where do your friends -live? In the city?”</p> - -<p>“No; in the country.”</p> - -<p>“Have you parents?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, a mother and a stepfather.”</p> - -<p>“Where do they live?”</p> - -<p>“In Wrayburn.”</p> - -<p>“Where is that?”</p> - -<p>“In New Hampshire, near the Massachusetts -line.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">199</a></span> -“Do you write to your mother?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Have you written since you met me?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“Then I wish to caution you not to mention -our mutual arrangements.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you had better tell me what to -write,” suggested Ben.</p> - -<p>“A good thought. You may say that you -have fallen in with a lady who is disposed to befriend -you, and who will provide for you for the -present.”</p> - -<p>“I will do so.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t mention any names, however.”</p> - -<p>“Very well.”</p> - -<p>Ben would like to have asked why, but did -not feel at liberty to do so.</p> - -<p>“Are we going to stay here—in New York?” -he asked.</p> - -<p>“Not long. I can’t tell how long.”</p> - -<p>“How am I to spend my time while I am -here?”</p> - -<p>“As you please. I only exact that you shall -be here at meals. Of course I don’t want you to -get into any scrapes.”</p> - -<p>“I can promise that,” said Ben earnestly.</p> - -<p>“I believe you. You look like a steady boy.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">200</a></span> -“Do you wish me to go anywhere with you -this morning?”</p> - -<p>“No; you can do as you please.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you.”</p> - -<p>“By the way, you bought the underclothing -yesterday?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“I will look at it to see if I approve your -choice.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt looked over the trunk, and expressed -her satisfaction.</p> - -<p>“It is quite right,” she said. “I was afraid you -would not buy articles of good quality. Your -present position is very different from that in -which I found you, and I wish you to adapt yourself -to it.”</p> - -<p>Ben went out, and when walking through -Union Square he met Mr. Wilkins, the dramatic -author.</p> - -<p>“Is that you, Ben?” asked Wilkins in astonishment.</p> - -<p>“I believe so, Mr. Wilkins,” smiled Ben.</p> - -<p>“I can hardly believe my eyes. When I last -saw you, you were selling papers on the Bowery. -Now you look like a young prince. Is it possible -you have found the business so profitable?”</p> - -<p>“No, Mr. Wilkins, I have had a stroke of luck.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">201</a></span> -“That is easy to see, but of what kind?”</p> - -<p>“I have been adopted—for a time at least—by -a rich lady.”</p> - -<p>“How did that happen?”</p> - -<p>“She saw me selling papers on the Bowery -only yesterday morning, bought them all, took me -to the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and gave me the suit -I am wearing besides a trunk full of underwear. -I am boarding there with her.”</p> - -<p>“That is wonderful. Would it do for me to -call?”</p> - -<p>“I think not. She wishes me to pass as her -son, and doesn’t wish me to say much about our -arrangements.”</p> - -<p>“What plans has she for you?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know yet, but I think we shall leave -the city soon.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad you are able to give up selling -papers. I hoped my play would be brought out by -this time, but there is a hitch somewhere. I -should have offered you your old part.”</p> - -<p>“And I should have been glad to accept it, but -I don’t think I should feel at liberty to do so under -present circumstances.”</p> - -<p>It occurred to Ben that he would visit Prospect -Park in Brooklyn. Though he had spent some -months in New York he had only twice crossed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">202</a></span> -the ferry to the large city across the East River. -He entered one of the Fulton Ferry boats, and -pushed through to the second cabin.</p> - -<p>Crouching in the corner was a boy about -a year younger than himself, whose sad face and -listless air indicated that he was in some trouble. -A second glance enabled Ben to identify him as a -brother newsboy with whom he had a slight -acquaintance.</p> - -<p>“Is it you, Frank?” he said, taking a seat beside -the boy.</p> - -<p>Frank Mordaunt gave him a puzzled look.</p> - -<p>“I don’t remember you,” he said slowly.</p> - -<p>“And yet we have sold papers together,” said -Ben with a smile. “Don’t you remember Ben -Bruce?”</p> - -<p>“Are you Ben?” said the boy, eyeing Ben’s -fine suit in amazement.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Frank.”</p> - -<p>“Where’d you get that suit?”</p> - -<p>“The fact is, Frank, I have fallen in with a -rich lady, who has adopted me.”</p> - -<p>“When did all this happen?”</p> - -<p>“Yesterday morning.”</p> - -<p>“Then you don’t sell papers any more?”</p> - -<p>“No; I am staying at the Fifth Avenue Hotel.”</p> - -<p>“You’re in luck, then?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">203</a></span> -“And you look out of luck,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“You are right there. My mother is to be -turned out of her rooms to-morrow unless I can -raise five dollars to pay the rent.”</p> - -<p>“Where do you live?”</p> - -<p>“In Brooklyn.”</p> - -<p>“Have you only a mother?”</p> - -<p>“I have a little brother besides. His name is -Alvin. He is nine years old.”</p> - -<p>“And are you the only one of the family that -is earning any money?”</p> - -<p>“No; my mother takes in sewing, but she can -earn but little. I’ll tell you how we fell behind. -I was sick of a cold two weeks since, and for a -week I earned nothing.”</p> - -<p>“I remember missing you.”</p> - -<p>“So that we were not able to save up money -for the rent.”</p> - -<p>“Won’t your landlord wait?”</p> - -<p>“No; he is a hard man. Besides, there is -another family wanting our rooms, and ready to -move in when we move out. But for that he -would perhaps wait for us.”</p> - -<p>“It is pretty hard luck.”</p> - -<p>“That’s so. You see we can’t go in anywhere -else unless we have the rent money in advance. -So I don’t know what we shall do.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">204</a></span> -“I do.”</p> - -<p>Frank Mordaunt looked at Ben inquiringly.</p> - -<p>“I am going to supply you with the money. -It is five dollars, isn’t it?”</p> - -<p>“Do you mean it?” said Frank hopefully.</p> - -<p>By way of answer Ben drew from his pocket a -five-dollar bill and handed it to Frank.</p> - -<p>“But, Ben, can you spare this?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, easily. The lady who has adopted me -gave me ten dollars yesterday, and says I shall -have a weekly allowance of fifteen dollars just -for spending money. All my bills will be paid -separately.”</p> - -<p>“It will be a godsend to us, Ben. How kind -you are!”</p> - -<p>“I ought to be, as I have been so favored myself. -I hope you will see better days before long.”</p> - -<p>“It may be so. My mother may some day inherit -a large sum, in case a cousin of mine dies. -I would rather he would live, but a small part of -what we would then have would make us happy -now.”</p> - -<p>“Give me <a name="your" id="your"></a><ins title="Original has 'you'">your</ins> -address, Frank, and I may write to you when I am away from the city.”</p> - -<p>“Here it is.”</p> - -<p>“I will remember it. Here, take another -dollar; I can spare it, and you may need it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">205</a></span> -On the Brooklyn side the two boys separated. -Ben would have been very much surprised had he -known that Frank, the poor newsboy whom he -had befriended, was the nephew of Mrs. Harcourt, -his wealthy patroness.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">206</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxvii" id="xxvii"></a>CHAPTER XXVII.<br /> -<span>MRS. HARCOURT’S SUDDEN RESOLUTION.</span></h2> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Edwin</span>,” said Mrs. Harcourt at breakfast two -days later, “you remember the old gentleman at -whose house we called the first day you were -with me?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Anderson? Yes.”</p> - -<p>“We are invited to dine there to-day.”</p> - -<p>“At what time do you wish to start?”</p> - -<p>“I shall not take you. You would find it very -tedious, and embarrassing also if my uncle should -have one of his insane attacks.”</p> - -<p>“Very well; I am satisfied to do as you wish.”</p> - -<p>“I should prefer to stay away myself but I -have no good excuse. You had better make an -excursion somewhere as my uncle may insist on -sending to the hotel for you.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, I will go to Staten Island. I have -never been there.”</p> - -<p>In due time Mrs. Harcourt found herself at her -uncle’s residence, and was ushered into his presence.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">207</a></span> -The old man received her cordially, but appeared -to be looking for some one else.</p> - -<p>“Where is the boy?” he asked. “Where is -Edwin?”</p> - -<p>“You must excuse him, uncle. He had -a headache, and I sent him on an excursion.”</p> - -<p>The old man leaned back in apparent disappointment.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry,” he said feebly. “The sight of -him with youth, and his bright face, cheered me -up. I wished to see him again.”</p> - -<p>“I am really very sorry, uncle.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t you think he will come by and by?”</p> - -<p>“He may. If he gets rid of his headache.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know why it was that we thought -him dead. Basil thought so.”</p> - -<p>“Such unfounded rumors get currency, uncle; -I should not have been surprised if I had been reported -dead.”</p> - -<p>“I hope that will not be for a long time. You -look very well.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I am in excellent health, I am glad to -say. By the way, where is Basil?”</p> - -<p>“He is in Chicago, but I had a letter from him -yesterday in which he says he will be here next -Monday.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">208</a></span> -“Does he know I am in the city?” asked Mrs. -Harcourt abruptly.</p> - -<p>“I wrote him so. He is much pleased -to hear that Edwin is alive and well, and is -anxious to see him.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt’s face changed, but her uncle -was short-sighted and he did not observe it.</p> - -<p>“I shall be glad to see Basil,” she said in a constrained -tone. “When did you say he would be -here?”</p> - -<p>“Next Monday.”</p> - -<p>“That will come soon.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I shall feel very glad to have Basil back. -He is a great deal of company for me. He is -always kind, always considerate.”</p> - -<p>“So he is, uncle.”</p> - -<p>Those were Mrs. Harcourt’s words, but there -was a sneer upon her face which her uncle did -not see.</p> - -<p>“You had better keep him with you, uncle,” -she said.</p> - -<p>“I wish I could have you both with me.”</p> - -<p>“I am devoted to Edwin, you know. I am -anxious to have him well educated.”</p> - -<p>“And is that why you have remained in Europe -so long?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">209</a></span> -“I suppose he can speak both French and -German?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“If Basil were here he would like to converse -with the boy in French.”</p> - -<p>“Does Basil speak French?” asked Mrs. Harcourt, -in a tone of something like dismay.</p> - -<p>“Yes; he has been taking conversational -lessons for two years. He could read before.”</p> - -<p>“What was this for?”</p> - -<p>“French is always useful, and he had the -time.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; I suppose he doesn’t do much law business.”</p> - -<p>“He has a small income, and will have more, -so that he is in a measure independent of his profession.”</p> - -<p>“He will have more if my Edwin dies. I hope -he is not counting upon that. If he does I shall -hate him.”</p> - -<p>“How can you do Basil such injustice? I was -not alluding to that. I referred to his expectations -from me.”</p> - -<p>“That is different. In the course of nature he -will survive you.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and by many years, I hope. I shall not -forget Edwin either. There is something very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">210</a></span> -winning about your son, Maria. Even if there -were no ties of blood I think I should like -him.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt smiled—a peculiar smile.</p> - -<p>“You are very kind, uncle,” she said, “but -Edwin is very well provided for. He has an income -of ten thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>“True! I hope he will live long to enjoy it.”</p> - -<p>“By the way, where are the Mordaunts? They -and Basil would inherit my boy’s property if he -should unfortunately die.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know. I wish I could get track of -them.”</p> - -<p>“Where were they when you last heard of -them?”</p> - -<p>“Living in Springfield, Illinois.”</p> - -<p>“How were their circumstances?”</p> - -<p>“They were comfortably situated, but had no -means, I believe, outside of Mr. Mordaunt’s income -as a salesman. Basil wrote to a friend in -Springfield to inquire after them, but he could -not find them.”</p> - -<p>“Probably if they were poor they would let -you know,” suggested Mrs. Harcourt with a sneer.</p> - -<p>“No; Mrs. Mordaunt was always proud, and I -fear would suffer in silence rather than let their -wants be known.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">211</a></span> -About an hour after dinner Mrs. Harcourt -signified her intention of returning to the -hotel.</p> - -<p>“Don’t hurry, Maria,” said Mr. Anderson.</p> - -<p>“I have some things that require my attention. -I will call again soon.”</p> - -<p>“When Basil returns I shall send for you and -the boy to dine with me. Mind, you must bring -the boy then at any rate.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, without fail. And so Basil will be -here next Monday?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, that is when I expect him.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt went back to the hotel in a disturbed -state of mind.</p> - -<p>“Basil must not meet Edwin,” she said in a -tone of decision. “He would penetrate the imposture. -It is not safe for me to stay in New -York. I must leave the city, and that before -Basil returns. Where shall I go?”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt was a woman of energy and decision.</p> - -<p>She ordered a cab and drove to the offices of the -Cunard steamer.</p> - -<p>“What steamer sails next Saturday?” she -asked.</p> - -<p>“The Etruria.”</p> - -<p>“Have you any staterooms left?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">212</a></span> -“They were all taken, but this morning we -had two returned.”</p> - -<p>“I will take them.”</p> - -<p>“What names, please?”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. M. Harcourt and Edwin Harcourt.”</p> - -<p>“Very good.”</p> - -<p>“At what hour will it be necessary to embark?”</p> - -<p>“At nine in the morning.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt bowed.</p> - -<p>“We will be on hand.”</p> - -<p>She smiled a satisfied smile as she left the -office.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think Basil Wentworth will follow us -to Europe,” she reflected. “It would be dangerous -to have him and Edwin meet. By the help of -this boy, whose appearance does me credit, I shall -still be able to retain his ten thousand dollars a -year. I should be a fool to give it up.”</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Ben had made his visit to Staten -Island. Near the Astor House he had met Frank -Mordaunt selling papers.</p> - -<p>“Good morning, Frank,” he said. “I hope it -all came out right—about the rent, I mean.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Ben, thanks to your kindness—mother -felt very happy when I took in the money and -she knew there would be no need to move. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">213</a></span> -wants you to come over to supper some evening, -if you won’t mind our poor accommodations.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t -<a name="forget" id="forget"></a><ins title="Original has 'forgot'">forget</ins>, -Frank, that I am a poor boy -myself, or was till I fell in with the lady that is -taking care of me.”</p> - -<p>“What is her name, Ben?”</p> - -<p>“Harcourt.”</p> - -<p>Frank started.</p> - -<p>“We have relations of that name,” he said.</p> - -<p>“This lady is rich.”</p> - -<p>“So is the one I refer to. However, I suppose -it is a common name.”</p> - -<p>It was now Thursday.</p> - -<p>On Friday afternoon, Mrs. Harcourt said, “I -want you to pack up this evening, Edwin. We -leave this hotel to-morrow morning early.”</p> - -<p>“Where do we go—mother?”</p> - -<p>“I won’t tell you now, Edwin,” said Mrs. -Harcourt playfully. “I want it to be a surprise.”</p> - -<p>The next morning the cab called at an early -hour, and Ben and his patroness got in. Mrs. Harcourt -instructed the driver where to go in a low -voice. The door was closed, and they rattled down -town through Eighth Avenue.</p> - -<p>At length they reached the pier, and with some -difficulty threaded their way through the crowd<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">214</a></span> -of vehicles. The stately steamer was already -alive with passengers and their friends.</p> - -<p>“What steamer is that!” asked Ben in excitement.</p> - -<p>“It is the Etruria, and in an hour we shall be -on our way to Europe,” answered Mrs. Harcourt -composedly.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">215</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxviii" id="xxviii"></a>CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /> -<span>BEN MAKES SOME TITLED FRIENDS.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ben’s</span> astonishment on discovering that he was -starting for Europe was extreme. His pleasure -was as great.</p> - -<p>He had at times fancied that he should like -to cross the Atlantic, and visit the countries and -cities of which he had heard so much, but it had -never entered his imagination as likely to happen. -He was surprised that Mrs. Harcourt had said -nothing of her intention, but he was ready to -accept things as they were, and his spirits rose in -glad anticipation of the delightful experiences -that awaited him.</p> - -<p>“You look surprised,” said his patroness, after -communicating the startling news.</p> - -<p>“Yes, mother, I am indeed surprised.”</p> - -<p>“Are you sorry?”</p> - -<p>“No; I think it will be delightful,” said Ben -enthusiastically.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt looked pleased. It was important -that Ben should be satisfied with the arrangements -that were made for him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">216</a></span> -“Are we going to stay long in Europe?” asked -Ben.</p> - -<p>“You ask me a question which I cannot answer. -My plans I make as I go along.”</p> - -<p>“Excuse my asking. Of course I am satisfied.”</p> - -<p>On a large steamer like the Etruria it is expensive -to occupy a whole room. Ben found that -he had a roommate in the person of a young -Englishman about nineteen years old. He had -a pleasant, good-humored face, that invited confidence.</p> - -<p>“So we are to be together,” he said. “Well, -I am glad of it.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you.”</p> - -<p>“I feared some disagreeable person would be -put with me. I would much rather have a boy. -If you don’t mind let me know your name.”</p> - -<p>Ben was about to give his real name, but -thought in time.</p> - -<p>“Edwin Harcourt.”</p> - -<p>“And are you alone?”</p> - -<p>“No; my mother is on board.</p> - -<p>“You have not told me your name,” suggested -Ben.</p> - -<p>“True; there is my card.”</p> - -<p>Ben looked at the card, on which he read the -name—</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="center"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">217</a></span> -<span class="smcap">Hon. Cyril Augustus Bentley.</span></p> -</blockquote> - -<p>“Honorable!” he repeated, puzzled.</p> - -<p>Young Bentley smiled.</p> - -<p>“You are an American, and you don’t understand,” -he said. “I am the younger son of the -Earl of Bentley, and I have a title, but while in -America I don’t want to have it known. It -seemed to set up a barrier between me and young -fellows of my age. Besides, you Americans don’t -believe in titles.”</p> - -<p>“Is your father on board?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Yes, my father and mother both. That is -why I require a separate stateroom.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you are Lord Cyril,” said Ben, who -had read some English novels.</p> - -<p>“No, indeed. Call me Cyril and I will call -you Edwin.”</p> - -<p>As he spoke his face was lighted up by such a -pleasant smile that Ben was very much drawn -towards him.</p> - -<p>“I shall be glad to feel on such friendly terms,” -said Ben.</p> - -<p>“Then let us be sworn friends. Have you engaged -your place at the table?”</p> - -<p>“No. This is my first voyage, and I don’t -know the customs of the ship.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">218</a></span> -“Then let me engage seats for us both. -I want you next to me. Will your mother -mind?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think so, but I will speak to her.”</p> - -<p>“Do go, and at once, for there is no time to be -lost.”</p> - -<p>Ben went to Mrs. Harcourt’s stateroom.</p> - -<p>“My roommate wants me to sit beside him at -the table,” he said. “Do you mind?”</p> - -<p>“Who is your roommate?”</p> - -<p>“There is his card. He is a younger son of the -Earl of Bentley.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt was agreeably surprised.</p> - -<p>“Is it possible?” she asked. “I heard when -I engaged passage that the Earl and Countess of -Bentley would be on the list of passengers. How -old is this son?”</p> - -<p>“Nineteen. He seems to have taken a liking -to me.”</p> - -<p>“By all means, sit beside him if he desires it,” -said Mrs. Harcourt graciously. “I am glad you -have so desirable a roommate. You must introduce -me some time to-day.”</p> - -<p>“I will; I am sure you will like him.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt was one of that numerous class -of Americans who are impressed by a title, and -she congratulated herself that her newly-found<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">219</a></span> -protégé was likely to bring her into acquaintance -with the privileged classes.</p> - -<p>“My mother is quite willing,” said Ben on his -return. “She wishes me to introduce you to her.”</p> - -<p>“I shall be delighted, I am sure. She is awfully -kind to give you up to me.”</p> - -<p>“I am very glad she has, Cyril.”</p> - -<p>“We will take care of each other if we are -seasick.”</p> - -<p>During the day Ben led up his new friend to -Mrs. Harcourt.</p> - -<p>“Mother,” he said, “let me introduce my -roommate, Cyril Bentley.”</p> - -<p>“My dear Edwin, you forget his title.”</p> - -<p>“At my request, Mrs. Harcourt. I am ever -so much obliged to you for letting Edwin sit by -me.”</p> - -<p>“I am delighted, my lord——”</p> - -<p>“No, don’t call me that.”</p> - -<p>“Shall I call you Cyril, too?” smiled the delighted -Mrs. Harcourt.</p> - -<p>“Yes, if you will. Will you excuse me now, -as Edwin and I are going to play shuffleboard?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly, but I hope to see you again.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, we shall meet often.”</p> - -<p>Later on Cyril introduced Ben to the Earl and -Countess. The earl was rather roughly dressed,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">220</a></span> -as he had been on a visit to the Rocky Mountain -region. Both he and the countess were pleased -with Ben’s appearance, and greeted him with -kindly cordiality.</p> - -<p>“You don’t often meet handsomer boys than -Cyril and his young American friend,” he said to -the Countess. “I am very well pleased that -Cyril has found such a pleasant companion.”</p> - -<p>The next day, much to her gratification, Mrs. -Harcourt was introduced by Cyril to his father -and mother. In rather a fulsome way she expressed -her pleasure at the intimacy of Cyril with -Edwin.</p> - -<p>“You have reason to be proud of your son, Mrs. -Harcourt,” said the Earl politely. “He is a fine-looking -boy.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, my lord. You are indeed very -kind.”</p> - -<p>“Shall you remain in England any length of -time?” asked the Countess.</p> - -<p>“I may spend a month in London, Lady -Bentley.”</p> - -<p>“Then,” said the Earl, “let me ask on behalf -of Cyril that you will allow your son to spend a -week at Bentley Hall.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt would have enjoyed being herself -invited, but the invitation to Ben was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">221</a></span> -next thing to it, as he was supposed to be her -son.</p> - -<p>“Thank you for the invitation, my lord,” she -said. “I am sure Edwin will enjoy visiting -you.”</p> - -<p>Ben’s evident intimacy with Cyril (for the two -were quite inseparable) made him an object of -attention among the other passengers, who paid -court to him as a stepping-stone to acquaintance -with the earl and his son.</p> - -<p>One day a passenger, a New York merchant, -said carelessly to Ben, “Do you know there is a -striking resemblance between you and a boy who -played last season in the People’s Theater on the -Bowery?”</p> - -<p>“Indeed!” said Ben. “What was his name?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t remember. Mrs. Vincent, do you remember -the name of that young actor?”</p> - -<p>“It was Ben Bruce,” answered his wife.</p> - -<p>“I shall hope to see him act some time,” said -Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>“And I too,” added Cyril Bentley.</p> - -<p>“Wouldn’t you like just as well to see me act, -Cyril?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Yes, if you can act.”</p> - -<p>“I can try.”</p> - -<p>“You may have a chance to do so. We shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">222</a></span> -have some theatricals at the Hall while you are -there.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I am something of a humbug,” -thought Ben. “I wonder if Cyril would think -any the less of me if he knew that I had been a -newsboy on the Bowery.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">223</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxix" id="xxix"></a>CHAPTER XXIX.<br /> -<span>THE MORDAUNT FAMILY.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Leaving</span> Ben for a time we will go back to -Brooklyn and make the reader better acquainted -with the family of Frank Mordaunt, the newsboy -whom Ben had so generously assisted.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Mordaunt and her two boys occupied an -upper tenement in one of the obscure streets of -Brooklyn, about a mile from Fulton Ferry. -Frank’s earnings were their chief dependence, as -needlework is poorly paid, especially when it is -done for one of the cheap clothing houses.</p> - -<p>At seven o’clock Frank came home from New -York, where he had been selling evening papers.</p> - -<p>“How much did you make, Frank?” asked -Alvin, meeting his older brother on the sidewalk.</p> - -<p>“Forty-six cents. I didn’t do as well as usual.”</p> - -<p>“I wish mother would let me sell papers, too.”</p> - -<p>“You are only nine years old, Alvin.”</p> - -<p>“I am old enough to sell papers.”</p> - -<p>“It is a poor business, Alvin. I hope you will -never have to do it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">224</a></span> -By this time Frank had ascended the stairs and -had entered the humble room occupied by his -mother.</p> - -<p>“Frank, will you go to the baker’s and get a -loaf of bread?”</p> - -<p>“Let me go!” said Alvin.</p> - -<p>“Very well! Here are ten cents. Now come -back directly.”</p> - -<p>“Rent day is near at hand,” said Mrs. Mordaunt -anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Yes, mother, I think we shall be ready.”</p> - -<p>“I went to the clothing store to-day, Frank, -and they told me that business was dull and they -might not have any more for me to do for about -four weeks.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, well, we’ll try to get along, mother,” said -Frank, with forced cheerfulness.</p> - -<p>“It is such a contrast to our former way of -living,” said his mother sadly.</p> - -<p>“True. If father had not made such unwise -investments we should manage very comfortably.”</p> - -<p>“Doubtless he acted for the best, as he viewed -it.”</p> - -<p>“Don’t think I am blaming him, mother. But -I’ll tell you what is tantalizing. We are heirs to -a property of—how much is it?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">225</a></span> -“Your cousin Edwin has ten thousand dollars -a year. Should he die, this is to be divided between -Basil Wentworth and our family.”</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t for the world have Edwin die, but -if during his life he would give us one thousand -dollars, or even half that sum, how much it -would lighten our cares.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Frank,” sighed Mrs. Mordaunt.</p> - -<p>“Do you know where Basil is?”</p> - -<p>“He may be in New York.”</p> - -<p>“And you have an uncle who is rich?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; Henry Anderson.”</p> - -<p>“They cannot know how poor we are.”</p> - -<p>“No, Frank. I shrink from letting them know. -I don’t want to be considered a beggar.”</p> - -<p>“Nor I, mother. Yet if I were in their places -and had poor relations, I am sure I should want -to relieve them.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Frank, but all are not alike. I am afraid -we shall receive little outside aid.”</p> - -<p>Three days later the landlord called for the -rent. In spite of all they could do they had been -unable to make up the necessary amount. It was -a dollar short.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Grubb,” said Mrs. Mordaunt, in a tone of -apology, “I can pay you within a dollar. If you -will kindly——”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">226</a></span> -“That won’t do, Mrs. Mordaunt,” said the -landlord gruffly. “It seems to me all my tenants -are short this month.”</p> - -<p>“I am very sorry, but Frank will call at your -office by the middle of next week, and give you -the balance.”</p> - -<p>“But why don’t you pay it now, that is what -I want to know.”</p> - -<p>“For the simple reason that I have not got it, -Mr. Grubb.”</p> - -<p>“Then you ought to have it. You appear to -be very independent, Mrs. Mordaunt.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know what you infer that from. I -feel very far from independent, I can assure you.”</p> - -<p>“That doesn’t pay my rent.”</p> - -<p>“I will do as I promised, Mr. Grubb.”</p> - -<p>“And I will give you just twenty-four hours -to pay the extra dollar in. I don’t relish being -imposed upon.”</p> - -<p>And the landlord, after receiving what the -widow had to pay, left the room in a huff, slamming -the door behind him.</p> - -<p>Frank had listened to the colloquy in silent -indignation.</p> - -<p>“I should like to pitch the man down-stairs,” -he said.</p> - -<p>“You must neither do nor say anything rash,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">227</a></span> -my son. Remember we may need to ask his forbearance -to-morrow. I am afraid we can’t get -together the dollar he requires by that time.”</p> - -<p>At this moment the postman’s whistle was -heard below.</p> - -<p>“Go down, Alvin, and see if there is a letter -for us,” said his mother.</p> - -<p>Alvin returned in a minute with an envelope -in his hand.</p> - -<p>“It has a funny stamp on it,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Is the letter for me?”</p> - -<p>“No; it is for Frank.”</p> - -<p>“And mailed in London? It must be from -Ben Bruce,” said Frank with interest.</p> - -<p>He opened the letter, when two pieces of paper -slipped out and fell to the floor.</p> - -<p>Alvin picked them up.</p> - -<p>“What is this?” he asked. “See what funny -pieces of paper.”</p> - -<p>“They are Bank of England pound notes,” -said Mrs. Mordaunt joyfully.</p> - -<p>“Are they money? What funny money?”</p> - -<p>“The two are worth ten dollars. Heaven be -thanked! It relieves us from our present -troubles. What does Ben say?”</p> - -<p>This was the letter which Frank read aloud. -It was dated at Morley’s Hotel.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="noi"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">228</a></span> -“<span class="smcap">Dear Frank</span>:</p> - -<p>“Well, I have been in London now for three -days, and I am beginning to enjoy myself. My -patroness, or adopted mother, as I am instructed -to call her, is very kind and provides me liberally -with pocket money. I will slip into this letter -two one-pound notes, which I think you will find -a use for. Don’t think too much of it. All my -wants are supplied, and I can spare it just as well -as not. I haven’t forgotten though I am living in -luxury now, that I have been a poor newsboy on -the Bowery, and at times haven’t known where -my next rent money was coming from.</p> - -<p>“You will expect me to tell you something about -my voyage. Well, it was a very pleasant one, -and I wasn’t seasick at all. You will be very much -<a name="surprised3" id="surprised3"></a><ins title="Original has 'suprised'">su’prised</ins> -when I tell you that a young fellow -that shared my stateroom with me is the -younger son of an English earl—the Earl of -Bentley. His name is Cyril Augustus Bentley. -I must tell you also that I became very well acquainted -with the Earl and Countess, who were -also on board, and who appeared to form quite a -liking for me. I am even invited to visit them -at Bentley Hall, and go in about a week and a -half. Cyril was urgent to have me come, and his -parents seemed entirely willing to invite me. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">229</a></span> -presume I shall meet a good many people of title -there, but I shan’t forget that I am an American -boy, and have reason to feel proud of my birth. -I feel quite as much at home with the Earl as I -would with an American gentleman, and more -so than I would with some.</p> - -<p>“Of course my adopted mother is quite proud of -the attention I am receiving from Cyril’s family, -and I fancy she would have liked to receive an -invitation herself. But for some reason the invitation -was limited to me—I think it is on that -account that my allowance has been increased, -and that’s why I am able to send you the two -pounds.</p> - -<p>“I sometimes ask myself whether it is really Ben -Bruce, the Bowery newsboy, who is about to be -a guest in an earl’s family. I am sure that in -my case truth is more wonderful than romance. -I sometimes wander back in thought to my country -home, and my miserly old stepfather, Jacob -Winter, who wanted to bind me apprentice to a -shoemaker. I don’t think he would believe it if -I should write about the people I am associating -with.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know how long my prosperity is going to -last, but I shall try to save a little money, so that, -if I am suddenly cast upon the world, I may have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">230</a></span> -a little fund to draw from. I must tell you that -I have had presented to me an elegant gold watch, -for which my patroness paid fifty pounds in a -crack jeweler’s store in Regent Street. The plain -silver watch I have laid by, and when I go back -to America I shall ask your acceptance of it, as -I believe you have no watch.</p> - -<p>“Well, it is getting late, and I am tired. I hope -this letter will reach you safely, on account of -the remittance. After finishing this letter I -must write a few lines to Cyril.</p> - -<p class="right2 mb0">“Your sincere friend,</p> -<p class="right mt0">“<span class="smcap">Ben Bruce.</span>”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>“Ben is a trump, mother,” said Frank, his -face aglow.</p> - -<p>“He’s a friend worth having. Now we can -await Mr. Grubb’s call without anxiety.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">231</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxx" id="xxx"></a>CHAPTER XXX.<br /> -<span>BEN’S PROGRESS.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Basil Wentworth</span> returned home at the time -set. He had been accustomed to occupy a room -at the house of his uncle, and he repaired there at -once.</p> - -<p>When the first greetings were over, he said, “I -am anxious to meet Maria and Edwin.”</p> - -<p>“I have just received a note from the Fifth -Avenue Hotel which I will show you. It should -have reached me on Saturday.”</p> - -<p>It ran thus:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="noi">“<span class="smcap">Dear Uncle</span>:</p> - -<p>“I have just received news from England that -obliges me to sail thither at once with Edwin. I am -disappointed, as it will prevent my meeting Basil, -who you told me is expected on Monday. Please -remember me kindly to him, and tell him that I -may be able to return to America in a few months, -in which case I shall of course see him. I should -be very lonely if it were not for Edwin, though I -may place him at school. I am glad to say that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">232</a></span> -he has fully recovered from his illness, and as -you can testify from seeing him, he is now the -picture of health.</p> - -<p>“I will write you from England.</p> - -<p class="right2 mb0">“Your affectionate niece,</p> -<p class="right mt0">“<span class="smcap">Maria Harcourt</span>.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>Basil read this letter attentively.</p> - -<p>“Maria’s departure seems very sudden,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“Did she mention any affairs that were likely -to call her away?”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“How often did you see Edwin?”</p> - -<p>“She brought him here once. Then I invited -them both to dinner, but Maria only came. She -said Edwin had a headache.”</p> - -<p>“What were your impressions of the boy?”</p> - -<p>“He was a fine, attractive lad.”</p> - -<p>“And looked in perfect health?”</p> - -<p>“I never saw a healthier-looking boy.”</p> - -<p>“I am greatly disappointed at not meeting -him. It is strange that we should have heard of -his death,” said Basil thoughtfully. “Did Maria -speak of his sickness?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, she said he was very ill, but after his -recovery had been better than ever before.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">233</a></span> -“I’m truly glad to hear it.”</p> - -<p>“You are a good man, Basil. The boy’s death -would increase your income by five thousand -dollars.”</p> - -<p>“I would rather live on one thousand than -have that young life cut off.”</p> - -<p>“I believe you, Basil.”</p> - -<p>“Maria couldn’t have been in New York more -than a week.”</p> - -<p>“About a week, I should think.”</p> - -<p>“By the way, I wonder what has become of the -Mordaunts? Considering the fact that they are -so nearly related to us, we ought to know more -about them.”</p> - -<p>“I have no idea where they are. As you -ascertained they have left their western home, -but where they have gone I cannot imagine.”</p> - -<p>“If Edwin Harcourt had really died, it would -have been necessary to find them, as they would -have been joint heirs with me of my young -cousin’s property. I hope at least they are comfortable.”</p> - -<p>“I think Mr. Mordaunt left a little property.”</p> - -<p>Some weeks later when Basil came home in the -afternoon, his uncle said:</p> - -<p>“Well, I have had a letter from Maria.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed! what did she say?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">234</a></span> -“You can read the letter. There’s one passage -that will surprise you.”</p> - -<p>It was this:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>“And now, Uncle Henry, I have great news to -tell you. Where do you think Edwin is? He is -the guest of the Earl of Bentley, and staying at -his country house, Bentley Hall. You must know -that the Earl and his family were our fellow-passengers -on the Etruria, and Lord Cyril Bentley -occupied the same stateroom with Edwin. The -young nobleman took a great fancy to my boy, -and so did the Earl and Countess. They were inseparable -companions, that is Edwin and Cyril, -and when we reached England Edwin was invited -very cordially to visit Bentley Hall. Of -course I made him accept, though it will delay -my educational plans for him somewhat. But it -will be quite a feather in his cap to get into such -high society.</p> - -<p>“Edwin seems to have done himself credit -there. He consented to take part in some private -theatricals, and this is what the <cite>Morning Post</cite> of -yesterday says: ‘Among the guests of the Earl -and Countess of Bentley is a young American boy, -Edwin Harcourt, who has quite distinguished himself -by his success in private theatricals. We<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">235</a></span> -understand that he belongs to a family of high -social position in America, but should circumstances -ever make it necessary, he could doubtless -win success as an actor.’”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>“That is quite gratifying, and surprising also,” -said Basil. “Edwin, as I remember him, was -quite a retiring boy, and the last one that I should -have supposed would make a success as an -actor.”</p> - -<p>“Boys grow and develop wonderfully,” returned -Mr. Anderson. “I can imagine that -Maria is pleased. She was always ambitious.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know but we are entitled to feel -pleased also at the success of our young relative. -It makes me regret all the more that I did not -meet him.”</p> - -<p>In due time Mrs. Harcourt received letters from -Basil and also from her uncle, congratulating her -on Edwin’s success.</p> - -<p>She read them with a smile of exultation.</p> - -<p>“All is working well,” she said. “This unknown -boy whom I picked up in the Bowery is -turning out to be a star of the first magnitude. -I am bound to say that he is doing me more credit -than my own poor boy would have done. While -I can make my relations and trustees believe that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">236</a></span> -he is really my own son, I shall be entitled to -draw on his behalf the annual sum of ten thousand -dollars, which would otherwise go to Basil and -the Mordaunts. How will it all come out? I -don’t know, but with moderate prudence, and -especially if I can keep Basil and the boy apart, -it may last for years.”</p> - -<p>When Ben returned from Bentley Hall Mrs. -Harcourt received him with an unusual warmth -of manner.</p> - -<p>“I am proud of you, Edwin,” she said. “You -have reflected great credit on me as well as yourself. -Where did you learn to act?”</p> - -<p>“I acted for four weeks at the People’s Theater -on the Bowery.”</p> - -<p>“Indeed! In what character?”</p> - -<p>“As Ted the Newsboy.”</p> - -<p>“I see. Do you think any one who saw you -on the stage at that time will be likely to recognize -you, if he meets you here?”</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t think so. You see,” Ben continued, -with a smile, “I am very differently -dressed.”</p> - -<p>“True. Dress makes a great change.”</p> - -<p>“Besides, I pass under a different name.”</p> - -<p>“Yes. Let me see, what is your real name?”</p> - -<p>“Ben Bruce.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">237</a></span> -“Oh, yes! And you say your mother lives in -the country?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, in a small New Hampshire town.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt seemed pleased to hear this.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you would like to hear my plans,” -she said after a pause.</p> - -<p>“Yes, mother.”</p> - -<p>“I expect to winter in Paris. And, by the -way, Edwin, I suppose you know nothing of the -French language.”</p> - -<p>“No.”</p> - -<p>“I shall get you a teacher at once, and wish -you to go about the city also—indeed I shall arrange -to have you go with him, in order that you -may learn to speak French as soon as possible.”</p> - -<p>“I should be glad to speak French. I will -study hard.”</p> - -<p>“That is well. That will gratify me.”</p> - -<p>Of course Mrs. Harcourt’s chief idea was to -enable Ben, should he ever meet Basil, to hold a -conversation with him in French, so that there -should be no suspicion that Ben was not what she -represented him.</p> - -<p>Ben thoroughly enjoyed his winter in Paris. -He seemed to have a special taste for languages, -for he picked up French with remarkable rapidity, -and made some progress in German.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">238</a></span> -“Your son is one marvel, Madam Harcourt,” -said Professor Fromont, Ben’s instructor. “I -nevaire have had a pupil more quick.”</p> - -<p>“He speaks French a great deal better than I -do, professor.”</p> - -<p>“That is not strange, madam. Young pupils -always learn much faster than their elders.”</p> - -<p>“And I, being an old woman, can hardly expect -to keep up with my boy.”</p> - -<p>“Old!” repeated the polite professor, holding -up his hands. “Madam hardly looks twenty-five.”</p> - -<p>“But as my son is sixteen, I must be rather -more than that,” said Mrs. Harcourt, well pleased -at the compliment, nevertheless.</p> - -<p>It was in April that Ben had a surprise. He -was coming out of the Gallery of the Louvre -when he met face to face John Wilkins, the -dramatic author, in whose play he had first won -success as an actor.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">239</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxxi" id="xxxi"></a>CHAPTER XXXI.<br /> -<span>UNWELCOME NEWS.</span></h2> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Ben</span> Bruce!” exclaimed Wilkins in surprise -and delight.</p> - -<p>“I am glad to meet you, Mr. Wilkins,” said -Ben, shaking his hand cordially.</p> - -<p>“I had lost sight of you. I did not know you -were abroad.”</p> - -<p>“I have been several months in Paris,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“But how in the world were you able to come? -You didn’t make a fortune by selling papers, I -take it.”</p> - -<p>“I must tell you that I have been adopted by a -wealthy lady, and my name is changed to Edwin -Harcourt. Mrs. Harcourt wants my past life -forgotten, so I will ask you not to allude to it, -nor to call me Ben Bruce. I am not ashamed of -it myself, but as Mrs. Harcourt has been kind to -me, I don’t wish to annoy her.”</p> - -<p>“I understand, Ben, or rather Edwin. I congratulate -you on the brilliant change in your -fortunes. Why, you are dressed like a prince.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">240</a></span> -“Mrs. Harcourt is particular about my appearance. -But, Mr. Wilkins, what brings you across -the water?”</p> - -<p>“I came to London, hoping to have my last -play brought out at some English theater, but -thus far I have met with no success. If I could -cast you for your old part, I should have some -hope.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Wilkins.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you have not played any in England?”</p> - -<p>“Only in private theatricals. Last October I -appeared at Bentley Hall.”</p> - -<p>“How in the world did you get a chance to -appear there?”</p> - -<p>“I was a guest at the Hall. The Honorable -Cyril Bentley is my intimate friend.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” ejaculated Wilkins, “the way you -have got on is something wonderful. Where are -you living?”</p> - -<p>“At the Grand Hotel. I will invite you to -come and see me if you will be careful to call -me by my new name. And, by the way, I -believe the Earl has considerable influence among -theater managers. I will give you a letter to him -when you go back to England.”</p> - -<p>“I should like nothing better. But I can’t get<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">241</a></span> -over my wonder, Ben—I beg pardon—at the idea -of your hobnobbing with an English earl.”</p> - -<p>“I know other noblemen also,” said Ben with -a smile. “They are very kind and agreeable, -but I like an American gentleman just as -well.”</p> - -<p>The next day Mr. Wilkins called upon Ben at -the hotel and was introduced to Mrs. Harcourt. -As he was circumspect and made no embarrassing -allusions to Ben’s New York experiences, he was -courteously received and made a favorable impression.</p> - -<p>A French gentleman also called, and Wilkins -was considerably impressed by hearing Ben converse -with him in his own language with easy -fluency.</p> - -<p>“I hope you had a pleasant voyage, Mr. -Wilkins,” said Mrs. Harcourt.</p> - -<p>“Very much so, thank you,” replied the dramatist.</p> - -<p>“Was the weather good?”</p> - -<p>“Not all the time, but I was not seasick. Besides, -we had quite an agreeable passenger list.”</p> - -<p>“Of course that would make a great difference.”</p> - -<p>“I was especially pleased with a gentleman -from New York—Mr. Basil Wentworth.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">242</a></span> -Mrs. Harcourt’s ready smile froze upon her face.</p> - -<p>“Basil Wentworth?” she ejaculated.</p> - -<p>“Yes, madam. Is he an acquaintance of -yours?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I know him,” answered Mrs. Harcourt -slowly. Then she continued after a pause. -“When did you arrive?”</p> - -<p>“A week since. My business was in London, -but as I have never before been abroad I could -not resist the temptation of running over to -Paris.”</p> - -<p>“Naturally,” she answered, but her attention -seemed to be wandering. “Do you know where -Mr. Wentworth is now?”</p> - -<p>“He is still in London, I believe.”</p> - -<p>“Did he mention,” she continued with studied -carelessness, “what business brought him over?”</p> - -<p>“I concluded that he came to see Europe. He -mentioned one day that this was his first European -trip.”</p> - -<p>“Very likely. Did he expect to come to -Paris?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; but he is seeing London and its environs -first. I think he has a friend or relative -over here somewhere, and hopes to meet him or -her.”</p> - -<p>The smiling suavity which Mrs. Harcourt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">243</a></span> -showed in the early part of the conversation was -gone. It seemed as if some anxiety were disturbing -her.</p> - -<p>But she felt that she had already said more -about this Mr. Wentworth than was prudent, and -dropped the subject.</p> - -<p>Mr. Wilkins extended his call to half an hour -and then rose to go.</p> - -<p>“I would ask you to call again, Mr. Wilkins,” -said Mrs. Harcourt, “but I am not sure how long -we shall remain in Paris.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, but my time is up, and I shall -leave for London this evening.”</p> - -<p>“Where are you staying, Mr. Wilkins?” asked -Ben.</p> - -<p>“At the Hotel Wagram.”</p> - -<p>“I will send round to you the letter to the -Earl of Bentley.”</p> - -<p>“What letter do you mean, Edwin?” asked -Mrs. Harcourt.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Wilkins wishes to produce one of his -plays in London, and I thought the Earl might be -of some service to him. You don’t object to my -writing?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, not at all. The Earl thinks a great deal -of you,” she added with an inflection of pride in -her voice.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">244</a></span> -“By the way, Edwin,” said Mrs. Harcourt -after her visitor was gone, “does this Mr. Wilkins -know something of your past history?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, mother.”</p> - -<p>“Then request him not to speak of it to any one. -I am perhaps foolishly sensitive, but I don’t wish -any one to suspect that you are not my real son.”</p> - -<p>“Your wishes shall be respected, mother.”</p> - -<p>When Mrs. Harcourt was alone she said to herself: -“The danger I have anticipated is at hand. -How fortunate that I know of Basil’s arrival in -Europe. He must not meet me or Edwin. He is -sharp, and the meeting may lead to an exposure -of my clever scheme. There is no help for it. -Edwin and I must leave here at once.”</p> - -<p>The next morning Mrs. Harcourt left Paris -suddenly, not letting Ben know where they were -bound.</p> - -<p>Two days later Basil Wentworth, who had -made inquiries in London and obtained directions, -reached Paris and presented himself at the Grand -Hotel, fully expecting to see his cousin.</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Harcourt?” said the concierge. “She -has gone away.”</p> - -<p>“She has gone away! Gone away?” repeated -Basil in surprise. “When did she start?”</p> - -<p>“Two days since—on Tuesday.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">245</a></span> -“Where did she go?”</p> - -<p>“Pardon, monsieur. I do not know.”</p> - -<p>“Did she leave no address, to forward her -letters to?”</p> - -<p>“No, monsieur.”</p> - -<p>“Did her departure seem to be sudden? I -mean had she been planning to go away at that -time?”</p> - -<p>“No, monsieur. I never heard her speak of -it.”</p> - -<p>“And the young man—her son—did she take -him with her?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, monsieur. Monsieur Edwin is always -with her.”</p> - -<p>“He is a—pleasant boy? Do you like him?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, monsieur. Every one likes Monsieur -Edwin. He is <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tres gentil</i>.”</p> - -<p>“Does he speak French?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes, he speaks French extremely well—and -German, too, but I do not know German. I -cannot tell whether he speaks it well—not so well, -I mean, as French. He speaks French better -than madam, his mother.”</p> - -<p>Basil could not explain why he asked these last -questions, but no doubt there was a momentary -suspicion in his mind that the boy with Mrs. Harcourt -was not his cousin. The fact that the boy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">246</a></span> -according to the testimony of the concierge, was -able to speak French and German, was calculated -to dissipate any suspicions he might have entertained.</p> - -<p>Had Basil known that Mrs. Harcourt was aware -of his being in Europe, the suspicions would have -been revived, but this he did not know, as he did -not meet Wilkins the dramatist again.</p> - -<p>Unable to get any clew to Mrs. Harcourt’s -whereabouts, Basil was compelled to leave Paris -unsatisfied. He left a note with his cousin’s -bankers, in which he wrote: “I regret very -much that I am obliged to return to America -without seeing you and Edwin, but in the state -of my uncle’s health I cannot stay longer. I -came over on a little business, but that was soon -accomplished, and I wished incidentally to see you—some -time, perhaps, I may be more fortunate. -Now I can only say good-by.”</p> - -<p>When some time later Mrs. Harcourt received -this letter at Geneva she breathed a sigh of relief.</p> - -<p>“The danger is over!” she ejaculated. “Thank -heaven!”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">247</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxxii" id="xxxii"></a>CHAPTER XXXII.<br /> -<span>JACOB WINTER.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Leaving</span> Ben for a time, we go back to his old -home to inquire how his mother and stepfather -were faring. Mr. Winter seemed to grow meaner -as he grew older. His wife often asked herself -how she could have been so foolish as to marry -him. All she had gained by it was a home for -herself, but her clothing she was obliged to purchase -at her own expense.</p> - -<p>One day Mr. Winter went to her with a smile -upon his face. Some one had handed him a copy -of a New York paper in which an account was -given of the robbery of an employer by a boy -named Bruce.</p> - -<p>“You see now what your model boy has come -to,” he said triumphantly.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter read the paragraph carefully.</p> - -<p>“That boy isn’t Ben,” she said decisively.</p> - -<p>“Oh, no,” sneered Jacob Winter, “of course it -isn’t Ben.”</p> - -<p>“Certainly not. Don’t you see that the age of -this Bruce is given at nineteen.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">248</a></span> -“No doubt that is a mistake. Mistakes are -often made about ages. Besides Ben is tall -and well grown, and could easily pass for nineteen.”</p> - -<p>“Ben isn’t filling any such position as that -mentioned.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know? When did you hear from -him last?”</p> - -<p>“Four weeks ago.”</p> - -<p>“A good deal may happen in four weeks, Mrs. -Winter.”</p> - -<p>“That is true, but you won’t make me believe -Ben has taken money.”</p> - -<p>“None so blind as those that won’t see. I knew -no good would ever come to Ben when he ran -away from a good home.”</p> - -<p>“I shan’t borrow any trouble, Mr. Winter. -You always were ready to believe anything bad -of Ben.”</p> - -<p>“Just wait and see, Mrs. W. You’ll find out -that I am right, before long.”</p> - -<p>And Mr. Winter with a smile of superiority -left the kitchen and went out to the barn.</p> - -<p>He had hardly gone out when Albert Graham -came into the house.</p> - -<p>“How do you do, Mrs. Winter?” he said. -“Have just heard from Ben.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">249</a></span> -“Have you? Oh, I am so glad. Look at this -paragraph, Albert, and tell me if it is true.”</p> - -<p>Albert read attentively the paragraph about the -young defaulter.</p> - -<p>He said indignantly: “You don’t think that -was Ben, do you, Mrs. Winter.”</p> - -<p>“No, I didn’t think so, but Mr. Winter insists -that it was Ben.”</p> - -<p>“Then Mr. Winter is mistaken. How could -Ben steal money in New York when he is in -England?”</p> - -<p>“What!” ejaculated Mrs. Winter, dropping -her rolling-pin on the floor in her surprise.</p> - -<p>“Look at that letter, Mrs. Winter! You see -it is mailed in London.”</p> - -<p>“Ben in London!” exclaimed the astonished -mother. “How did it happen?”</p> - -<p>“I will read you the letter:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>“You will be as much surprised to hear that I -am in London, as I was when I found myself on -board the Etruria, and was told by Mrs. Harcourt, -my patroness, that we were bound for a -voyage across the Atlantic. She has traveled a -good deal in Europe, but her start seems very -sudden. Well, we had a fine, smooth voyage, -which I very much enjoyed. I must tell you that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">250</a></span> -my most intimate friend on board was the son of -an Earl, and furthermore that I am invited to -make a visit to Bentley Hall, the seat of the Earl. -When you get this letter I expect to be the guest -of the Earl. I might feel awkward, like a cat in a -strange garret, as the saying is, but for my being -so intimate with Cyril. When I used to read -the stories of high life in England in some of the -New York story-papers, I never imagined that it -would be my lot to become acquainted with any of -the English aristocracy, but it has come about.</p> - -<p>“I wish you could see me, Albert. I am -dressed in the style, I assure you, for Mrs. Harcourt, -who considers me her adopted son, wishes -me to do her credit. Still, Albert, I am the same -boy at heart that I have always been, and nothing -would please me more than to spend an evening -at your house and play checkers. I believe you -beat me the last game we played together. It -may interest you to know that I played a game -on board ship with the Earl of Bentley, and I am -glad to say that I won. I don’t think his lordship -plays as good a game as you.</p> - -<p>“Please show this letter to my mother, and say -that I will soon write her under cover to you.</p> - -<p class="right2 mb0">“Your affectionate friend,</p> -<p class="right mt0">“<span class="smcap">Ben Bruce</span>.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">251</a></span> -“There, Mrs. Winter, what do you say to -that?” asked Albert.</p> - -<p>“Ben is getting on wonderfully,” said his -mother. “I can hardly believe it. It seems like -a romance.”</p> - -<p>“At any rate it shows that Ben couldn’t have -been stealing in New York.”</p> - -<p>“I am thankful for that, though I did not for -a moment believe it possible.”</p> - -<p>At supper time Mrs. Winter seemed so bright -and cheerful that her husband was not only -surprised but annoyed.</p> - -<p>“It seems to me, Mrs. W.,” he said, “that you -are unusually chipper, considerin’ that Ben has -got into such a scrape.”</p> - -<p>“I told you, Mr. Winter, that I had no faith in -the story—that is, applied to Ben.”</p> - -<p>“You say that, but I have no doubt that you -believe it.”</p> - -<p>“I have positive proof that Ben did not steal -any money in New York.”</p> - -<p>“Oho, you have positive proof, have you?” -sneered Jacob. “S’posin’ you tell me what your -proof is.”</p> - -<p>“I will, with pleasure. Ben is not in New York.”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t in New York, hey? Likely he isn’t. -He is probably in Sing Sing.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">252</a></span> -“Ben is not in this country.”</p> - -<p>“What? Did he escape and go to Canada?”</p> - -<p>“No; he is in England.”</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter paused as he was raising a cup -of tea to his mouth, and stared at his wife with -open mouth.</p> - -<p>“Say that again,” he ejaculated.</p> - -<p>“Ben is in England.”</p> - -<p>“How do you know?”</p> - -<p>“Albert Graham has been over here and told -me.”</p> - -<p>“That Graham boy has probably lied.”</p> - -<p>“He has received a letter from Ben mailed in -London.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t believe it till I see the letter.”</p> - -<p>“Then I will show you the letter,” and Mrs. -Winter drew it from the pocket of her dress.</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter put on his spectacles and read the -letter slowly, for he was not much of a scholar.</p> - -<p>“Do you believe that, Mrs. W.?” he asked -when he had finished and laid it down on the -tea-table.</p> - -<p>“Yes. Why shouldn’t I?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe it. It ain’t probable.”</p> - -<p>“I agree with you, Mr. Winter, that it is -very strange. Still it is possible, and as Ben has -written it I believe it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">253</a></span> -“If you want my opinion of it I’ll give it to -you right now. I believe it’s about the biggest -lie I ever read or heard of.”</p> - -<p>“Ben doesn’t lie, Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, no, of course not. Well, there’s your -letter. When you write to him send my respects -to the Earl, whatever his name is,” and Mr. Winter -laughed heartily at what he thought to be a very -witty remark.</p> - -<p>But Mrs. Winter’s mind was greatly relieved. -She fully believed in the truth of Ben’s statements, -and was glad to think that he was so happily -situated.</p> - -<p>That evening Mr. Winter had a call from a -nephew, a man of about thirty-five, who had been -a rolling stone ever since he had reached the age -of discretion. Mr. Winter received him coldly, -as he was apprehensive that Ezra would be asking -him for money.</p> - -<p>“How have you been a-doin’, Ezra?” he asked -cautiously.</p> - -<p>“I’ve been doing finely, Uncle Jacob,” replied -Ezra in an airy manner.</p> - -<p>“You don’t say so,” returned Jacob, considerably -surprised. “What kind of a business be -you in?”</p> - -<p>“Mining business, Uncle Jacob.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">254</a></span> -“You ain’t diggin’ for gold, be you?”</p> - -<p>“No; but I am the agent of some Western -mines. I have an office in New York. How -much money do you think I made last month?”</p> - -<p>“I couldn’t say.”</p> - -<p>“Six hundred dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Do tell! How’d you make it?”</p> - -<p>“By selling mining shares. I get a commission. -But what I made wasn’t a circumstance to -what some of my customers made. Why, one -man bought five hundred shares of stock of me, -and in three weeks the stock went up four dollars -a share. That’s two thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t say? Was the stock high priced?”</p> - -<p>“Only four dollars a share. It just doubled.”</p> - -<p>This was the beginning of a conversation which -finally ended in Jacob Winter’s giving his nephew -an order to buy a thousand dollars’ worth of -shares in the Muddy Gulch Mining Company of -Nevada. The purchase represented five hundred -shares at two dollars a share.</p> - -<p>“You think it’s safe, Ezra?” asked Jacob -anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Uncle Jacob, you’ll double your money in -three months, perhaps in one. Give me a power -of attorney and I’ll sell for you at the top of the -market.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">255</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxxiii" id="xxxiii"></a>CHAPTER XXXIII.<br /> -<span>A STARTLING INCIDENT.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Though</span> Mrs. Harcourt could have gone back -to Paris with safety after Basil’s return to New -York, she decided to remain in Geneva, and did -so through the winter. She engaged teachers for -Ben, who devoted several hours daily to study.</p> - -<p>He fully appreciated the advantages which he -had been unable to secure in Wrayburn, and not -knowing how long they might last, made the -most of them.</p> - -<p>He sometimes asked himself why Mrs. Harcourt -lavished so much expense upon him, and, -indeed, why she cared to have him with her; for -though always kind, she never showed any affection -for him. But he was content to accept -what she chose to bestow, and though he did -not love her, he felt sincerely grateful.</p> - -<p>At the hotel he became acquainted with some -American visitors, among them General Flint, -of Iowa. The general was a typical Western -man, of rough and ready manners, but a warm<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">256</a></span> -heart. He seemed to be especially interested in -Ben, and invited him on several excursions, including -one to the Mer de Glace. Mrs. Harcourt -had been there in a previous year, and did not -care to join the party.</p> - -<p>“Edwin,” he said one day, “it’s a great pity -you are not a poor boy.”</p> - -<p>“Why?” asked Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>“Because you would make your way. You -have grit.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad you judge so favorably of me, -General Flint.”</p> - -<p>Ben did not venture to tell his companion that -he was really a poor boy, as Mrs. Harcourt would -have been displeased to have it known that he -was not really her son.</p> - -<p>“Were you a poor boy?” asked Ben, after a -pause.</p> - -<p>“Yes. At your age I had to hustle for a living.”</p> - -<p>“You seem to have succeeded.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered the general complacently. -“I don’t like to boast, but I suppose I may be -worth not far from half a million dollars.”</p> - -<p>“I think I could live on the income of that,” -said Ben with a smile. “If you don’t mind telling -me, how did you make your money?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">257</a></span> -“I made the first thousand dollars in the -woods; in fact, as a woodchopper. Then I bought -a considerable tract of woodland, agreeing to pay -on instalments. I hired men to help me clear it, -and became quite a lumber king. I have large -tracts of land now, which yield me a handsome -revenue. I shouldn’t like to go through those -early days of hard work again.”</p> - -<p>“I can hardly imagine you chopping down -trees, General Flint.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps not, Edwin, but I could do it still,” -and the general straightened up his tall and slender -form. “Why, I’m only fifty-five, and there is -Gladstone, who is at least twenty years older, -makes nothing of going out before breakfast and -cutting down a tree. Do you remember your -father, Edwin?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Ben briefly, for he felt that -they were getting on dangerous ground.</p> - -<p>“Your mother seems to be pretty well fixed.”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“No doubt she’s as well off as I am,” suggested -the general, who was not without his share of -American curiosity.</p> - -<p>“She never speaks to me of her property,” said -Ben, “but we always travel in first-class style -and put up at the best hotels.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">258</a></span> -“So that I am afraid you will never have to -hustle for yourself.”</p> - -<p>Ben smiled.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know. Stranger things have happened,” -he answered.</p> - -<p>“Well, if it comes, you’ll always have a friend -in Obed Flint.</p> - -<p>“Do you think your mother would favor a -second marriage?” asked the general, after a -pause.</p> - -<p>Ben regarded his companion with surprise, but -he had such a matter-of-fact manner that he -concluded he must be in earnest, strange as the -question was.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know,” he answered. “I never heard -her express herself on the subject.”</p> - -<p>“You see, I am alone in the world. I was -married at twenty-two, but my wife died before -I was twenty-five, leaving neither chick nor -child. So I have remained unmarried. I have -sometimes thought I should like to build a fine -house in Davenport (that’s where I live) and have -a stylish woman at the head of it. Now, your -mother is very stylish; she would do me credit. -But perhaps you would object to her marrying -again?”</p> - -<p>“I should have no right to object, General Flint.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">259</a></span> -“I don’t know about that. As an only son -you might think it was some business of yours. -But I’ll say one thing, Edwin—I shouldn’t want -any of her money. I should be perfectly willing -that she should leave it all to you.”</p> - -<p>“If my mother were to marry again, I would -as soon have her marry you, as any one.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, my boy,” and the old general -clasped the hand of his young companion. “I -don’t know as I shall do anything about it, but -if I see the way clear, I may propose.”</p> - -<p>About a week later, to Mrs. Harcourt’s intense -astonishment, General Flint made her a matrimonial -offer.</p> - -<p>“I don’t want any of your money, ma’am,” he -said bluntly. “You can save it all for the boy. -I’ve got a good fortune myself, and I mean to -live in fine style.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, General Flint,” said the widow. -“I own that I am surprised, for I had no idea you -had thought of me in any such connection. I -hope,” she added smiling, “it won’t be a very -serious blow to your happiness if I say that I -should rather remain a widow.”</p> - -<p>“No, ma’am, I can’t say it will. When a -man is over fifty his heart gets a little tough. -Still I may say that I admire you very much and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">260</a></span> -look upon you as a very stylish woman. I should -like to introduce you to my friends as Mrs. General -Flint.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, general. In refusing your proposal -I don’t mind assuring you that I am not -likely to marry any one else.”</p> - -<p>“That’s something. Then you have no personal -objection to me?”</p> - -<p>“Not at all. I feel very friendly to you. May -I ask how you happened to think of marrying -me?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I took a notion to your son, Edwin, -first, and then it was natural that I should think -of his mother.”</p> - -<p>“Then I am indebted to Edwin for your offer, -general?” said Mrs. Harcourt, smiling.</p> - -<p>“Well, yes, in a measure. He’s a very fine boy.”</p> - -<p>“But you don’t find that he resembles me?”</p> - -<p>“No, I can’t see much resemblance.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think there is much.”</p> - -<p>“Probably he resembles his father.”</p> - -<p>“Very probably. I am not a judge on that -point.”</p> - -<p>Mrs. Harcourt’s refusal did not alter the -friendly relations between Ben and the general. -They continued to spend considerable time together. -Mrs. Harcourt was so familiar with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">261</a></span> -Switzerland that she did not care to go on many -excursions, while he enjoyed them. So he and -General Flint were often companions, and the -latter extended his stay in Geneva considerably -beyond his original intention.</p> - -<p>One day in early June on returning rather late -in the afternoon from an Alpine jaunt of three -days, Ben was received by the servant who admitted -him with a grave look.</p> - -<p>“Madame, your mother, is very sick, Monsieur -Edwin,” he said.</p> - -<p>Ben was startled.</p> - -<p>“What is the matter?”</p> - -<p>“She has had a shock, I think the doctor said.”</p> - -<p>“Can I see her?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, she wishes to see you.”</p> - -<p>Ben hastened to Mrs. Harcourt’s chamber. She -was lying on the bed, looking pale, with the -drawn face that suggests a paralytic stroke.</p> - -<p>“I am very sorry to see you in this state, -mother,” said Ben, in a tone of sympathy. -“When were you attacked?”</p> - -<p>“Yesterday,” said Mrs. Harcourt, speaking -with difficulty.</p> - -<p>“Are you feeling better now?”</p> - -<p>“No, Edwin. I have a presentiment that I shall -never be any better.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">262</a></span> -“Oh, don’t say that!” exclaimed Ben, really -grieved, for the thought of all the benefits he had -received from this woman, upon whom he had no -claim, gave rise to a strong feeling of gratitude.</p> - -<p>“I don’t think I am mistaken. I don’t think -I shall live long. It is necessary that I should -give you some directions in case of the worst. -You see my desk upon the table?”</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“If I am taken away, open it and you will find -a sealed letter addressed to yourself. You will -read it at once, for it contains my instructions to -you.”</p> - -<p>“I will do so, mother.”</p> - -<p>For a week Mrs. Harcourt lingered. She -seemed to like to have Ben with her, and he -showed the devotion of a real son. But on the -eighth day she died very suddenly of heart failure, -and Ben found himself alone in a strange land -with a heavy responsibility laid upon him.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">263</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxxiv" id="xxxiv"></a>CHAPTER XXXIV.<br /> -<span>MRS. HARCOURT’S LETTER.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was certainly a trying position in which Ben -was placed. He was only a boy of sixteen, and -he found a man’s responsibility thrown upon him. -In this juncture General Flint came to his assistance -and practically took charge of the funeral -arrangements.</p> - -<p>According to instructions Ben opened the desk -of his patroness, and found the sealed letter which -he opened. It had been written since Mrs. Harcourt -came to Geneva.</p> - -<p>There were parts of it that surprised Ben not a -little. The material portions are given below.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>“Though I am in perfect health, so far as I -know, there is a presentiment on my mind that I -shall not live long. Should any sudden end come -it is absolutely necessary that you should have an -explanation of my selecting you as my companion -and adopted son. I hope that what I may have -to say will not entirely destroy your regard for -me.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">264</a></span> -“My own son, Edwin, for whom you are -named, died about a year since and his body lies -in Lausanne. I will not dwell upon my grief -for the death of my only son. That will be understood. -But apart from this his death brought -me pecuniary embarrassment. He received by -the will of his grandfather an income of ten -thousand dollars a year, which was at my disposal. -For myself, I am comparatively poor. I -have about forty thousand dollars, but the income -of this would not be adequate to keep up the style -and rate of expenditure to which I have been accustomed. -I was tempted therefore to conceal -the poor boy’s death. I sailed for New York, -and on the Bowery I met you. You were of the -right age and bore a sufficient resemblance to -Edwin to enable me to carry on the imposture -which I planned. You know how I attached -you to myself, and dressed you so that you -might pass for my son. There was danger of -discovery. For this reason, though I carried -you with me to the house of my uncle, I only -made one call, and relied upon his short-sightedness -not to discover the deception. As he might -ask you some embarrassing questions, I warned -you that his mind was affected, so that they -might not give rise to any suspicions in your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">265</a></span> -mind, for I feared that you would not consent to -play the part I designed for you if you thought it -would be aiding and abetting fraud.</p> - -<p>“The person whom I feared most was my -cousin Basil Wentworth. He was not short-sighted, -and he might very possibly remember -my son Edwin, though he had not seen him for -several years. Of course I was delighted to find -that he was in Chicago. But suddenly, while -dining at my uncle’s table, I was informed that -in a few days he would be back in New York. I -decided at once to go back to Europe, and lest -you should object I said nothing to you about my -plan till we were on the Etruria. After the -steamer was under way I felt relieved. The -danger was passed.</p> - -<p>“On learning to know you better I found that -I had made a fortunate selection. You had the -looks and bearing of a gentleman and won the -favor of all, even those of high position, as in the -case of the Earl of Bentley and his family. I was -proud of your social successes, since it reflected -credit on me, who was supposed to be your -mother.</p> - -<p>“You remember how suddenly I left Paris. It -was because I heard that Basil was in London, -and likely any day to run over to Paris. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">266</a></span> -would undoubtedly ask you questions which -would reveal the deception which I had practised. -I came to Geneva, and finding it an agreeable -residence I have remained here.</p> - -<p>“Now let me tell you whom I have wronged. -The income of my poor boy was, at his death, to -to be divided equally between Basil Wentworth -and a cousin who married a man named Mordaunt, -and was at last accounts residing in Illinois.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>Ben started in surprise. He remembered that -Frank Mordaunt had told him of his former residence -in Illinois.</p> - -<p>“Can it be possible,” he asked himself, “that -Frank’s family will inherit five thousand dollars -income when this deception is made known? I -heartily hope so. It would relieve them from all -anxiety.”</p> - -<p>Ben was of a generous disposition, and the -thought of his own loss did not occur to him.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>“Should I be taken away, in which case and -only then, this letter will fall into your hands, I -desire as far as possible to repair the great wrong -which I have done. I therefore ask you to telegraph -at once to Basil Wentworth that I am dead, -and request him, if possible, to come immediately -to Europe, as you are too young to meet the responsibility -which would fall upon you. It is my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">267</a></span> -desire that the money due to Basil and the Mordaunts -should be given to them, and the year’s -income which has been paid to me for you should -be paid over by my bankers. I have a will in the -hands of John Munroe & Co., the Paris bankers, -and upon the receipt of an order it will be delivered -to Basil, whom I have designated as my -executor.</p> - -<p>“And now, Edwin, as I have learned to call -you, I will close this letter. I have made it -as definite as possible. During the time you have -been with me I have formed an attachment to -you. I earnestly hope that you may live long -and prosper, and that you will never regret meeting -with the mother of Edwin Harcourt.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>There was a certain pathos about this letter, -and the tears rose to Ben’s eyes. He could not -realize that the woman with whom he had been -constantly associated for nearly a year, was really -dead and that he would see her no more.</p> - -<p>“I suppose we ought to telegraph to Mrs. Harcourt’s -relatives,” said Ben, referring to General -Flint.</p> - -<p>“That seems to me the best thing to do, Ben. -Do you know where they live?”</p> - -<p>“Both in New York, and both in the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">268</a></span> -house. Mr. Anderson is the uncle of Mr. Wentworth.”</p> - -<p>In the desk Edwin found nearly a thousand -dollars, so that he was provided with money to -pay Mrs. Harcourt’s funeral expenses.</p> - -<p>“If there had been any difficulty, Edwin, I -would have seen you through,” said his friend -General Flint. “And that reminds me, your -adopted mother says nothing of any provision for -you.”</p> - -<p>“No,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“What will you do if you are left out in the -cold?”</p> - -<p>“I have about one hundred and fifty dollars saved -up from my allowance, which has been liberal.”</p> - -<p>“That won’t go far.”</p> - -<p>“No; but I won’t borrow trouble.”</p> - -<p>“There is no occasion to do so. You have a -friend in Obed Flint.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you,” said Ben gratefully. “If I need -a friend there is no one I would sooner apply to -than you.”</p> - -<p>This was the form of telegram which Ben sent -to Basil Wentworth:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>“Mrs. Harcourt is dead. Will you come on? -She instructed me to send for you.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">269</a></span> -This telegram, after some consideration, Ben -signed “Edwin” as he could not explain that he -had no claim to this name. The explanation -would come later on.</p> - -<p>He received an answer the same day. It ran -thus:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="noi">“<span class="smcap">Edwin Harcourt</span>:</p> - -<p>“I will sail by the next steamer. Accept my -sympathy.</p> - -<p class="right2 mb0">“<span class="smcap">Basil Wentworth.</span>”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>“You have done all you could, Edwin,” said -the general. “There is nothing to do but to -wait till Mr. Wentworth arrives.”</p> - -<p>“Will you stay also?” asked Ben anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Yes, my boy. General Obed Flint is not the -man to desert a friend when he needs him as -much as you do.”</p> - -<p>Ben also wrote a letter to Frank Mordaunt.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>“If you are nearly related to Mrs. Harcourt,” -he said, “I think you must be the heir to her son, -who died more than a year since. Mr. Basil -Wentworth, who is joint heir with you, is on his -way to Europe, and will communicate with you. -He had lost all traces of your family, but I think<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">270</a></span> -myself fortunate in being able to put him on your -track. Hereafter, Frank, you will have no -money troubles, and no one will rejoice more -over your good fortune than your friend Ben -Bruce.”</p> -</blockquote> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">271</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxxv" id="xxxv"></a>CHAPTER XXXV.<br /> -<span>BASIL WENTWORTH REACHES GENEVA.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ten</span> days later a servant came to Ben’s room -with a card.</p> - -<p>It bore the name of Basil Wentworth.</p> - -<p>“Show the gentleman up,” he said.</p> - -<p>As Basil entered the room, his face wore a look -of sympathy.</p> - -<p>“My dear Edwin,” he said, “I cannot tell you -how much I sympathize with you in your sudden -bereavement.”</p> - -<p>He surveyed Ben with interest and curiosity -and was forced to admit that he was a most -attractive boy.</p> - -<p>“You, at any rate look the picture of health,” -he said.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mr. Wentworth, but you are under a -mistake. My name is not Edwin Harcourt, but -Ben Bruce.”</p> - -<p>“Where then is Edwin?” asked Basil in great -surprise.</p> - -<p>“He died over a year since. Mrs. Harcourt -seems to have adopted me in his place.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">272</a></span> -“But in that case,” and Basil stopped short, -for he did not like to speak ill of the dead.</p> - -<p>“I know what you would say, Mr. Wentworth, -but if any wrong has been done it will be repaired. -I have a letter here written by Mrs. Harcourt, -which I opened after her death. It will explain -all.”</p> - -<p>Basil Wentworth read the letter in silence.</p> - -<p>“So far as I am concerned,” he said, “I freely -forgive my cousin the deception. Of course you -had no suspicion of the real state of things.”</p> - -<p>“No, Mr. Wentworth. I certainly should not -have consented to keep my friend Frank Mordaunt -and his family out of the money that justly -belongs to him.”</p> - -<p>“Do you know where the Mordaunts are living?” -asked Basil eagerly.</p> - -<p>“Yes; they live in Brooklyn, and are very -poor. Frank sells papers for a living, but you -know that this is a very poor dependence.”</p> - -<p>“But I thought that they had some property.”</p> - -<p>“It was lost, by speculation, I think.”</p> - -<p>“I will at once send them a hundred dollars, to -tide them over till the income which belongs to -them comes into their hands.”</p> - -<p>“I wish you would, Mr. Wentworth,” said Ben -earnestly. “They stand in great need of it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">273</a></span> -“But Edwin, or rather Ben, you don’t speak -of yourself. My cousin’s death will be a serious -loss to you.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but I think I shall get along.”</p> - -<p>“You are young and hopeful. Do you think -Mrs. Harcourt has provided for you?”</p> - -<p>“I know nothing about that. Her will, as she -writes, is in the hands of her bankers in Paris. -She has appointed you her executor.”</p> - -<p>“I will be your friend, Ben. I am sure that -you have been strictly honorable in this matter.”</p> - -<p>“I am rich in friends,” said Ben smiling. -“General Flint, an American, is in the hotel, and -he has been of great service to me in arranging -for the funeral.”</p> - -<p>“Were you provided with money sufficient to -defray the expenses?”</p> - -<p>“Yes; Mrs. Harcourt supplied me with all that -was needful.”</p> - -<p>“Will you be ready to accompany me to Paris -to-morrow? It is desirable that I should have -your testimony as to my poor cousin’s death.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Mr. Wentworth, I am at your disposal.”</p> - -<p>When General Flint learned that Ben was -about to leave Geneva for Paris, he decided to go -too.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">274</a></span> -“I should feel lonely without you, my lad,” he -said. “Besides, you may need a friend.”</p> - -<p>“I think Mr. Wentworth will be my friend, -but I hope to have your friendship also.”</p> - -<p>This was the letter that Basil Wentworth -wrote to his uncle:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p class="noi">“<span class="smcap">My dear Uncle</span>:</p> - -<p>“I have reached Geneva and found that it was -indeed true about my poor cousin’s death. I have -also had a great surprise. Edwin died more than -a year since, and the boy who came to your house -with Maria was only an adopted son whom she -had put in his place. The boy is a fine, manly -fellow, and had no idea that he was being used to -defeat the ends of justice. So far as I remember -Edwin, this boy is much his superior, and I should -be pleased to feel that he was a relative. Perhaps -Maria has provided for him by will. She left a -letter which he opened after her death, which revealed -to him for the first time the object of his -adoption. And now comes something truly remarkable. -This Ben Bruce, for that is his real -name, is well acquainted with the Mordaunts, -who are living in Brooklyn, and he speaks very -highly of Frank, a boy of his own age, who has -been reduced to selling papers for a living. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">275</a></span> -don’t know why his mother has steadfastly kept -aloof from her relatives in New York, but I think -it is on account of her pride. I have sent them a -hundred dollars to tide them over till they come -into possession of the income which will now fall -to them.</p> - -<p>“I shall stay as brief a time in Paris as I can, -and will then sail for New York with Ben. I -mean to help him if he is not provided for in my -cousin’s will.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>On arriving in Paris Basil Wentworth went at -once to the banking house of John Munroe & Co. -and gave notice of Mrs. Harcourt’s death. The -will was handed to him, and he opened it. He -read it through attentively and then turned to -Ben.</p> - -<p>“Ben,” he said, “you are left the sole heir to -Mrs. Harcourt’s property.”</p> - -<p>Ben looked the surprise which he felt.</p> - -<p>“I had no idea of this,” he said. “Will it -be right for me to accept it, not being a relative?”</p> - -<p>“Mrs. Harcourt’s relatives are well provided -for. They inherit Edwin’s income, which was -ten thousand dollars a year. I am sure that no -one will object to your inheritance. I must tell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">276</a></span> -you, however, that my poor cousin was by no -means rich. Probably she will not leave more -than forty thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>“That seems a great deal to me, but she wished -the last year’s income which she received wrongfully -for her son to be repaid.”</p> - -<p>“That will make ten thousand dollars. My -share of that will be half, and I will excuse you -from paying it. The half that goes to the Mordaunts -may be repaid.”</p> - -<p>“I shall be glad, Mr. Wentworth, if you will -act as my guardian. You have shown yourself -such a generous friend that I am sure I could -make no better selection.”</p> - -<p>“My dear boy,” said Basil warmly, “I will -accept the appointment, and you may be sure, -that I will protect your interests. You are a -fortunate boy.”</p> - -<p>When General Flint was told of Ben’s good -luck, he was quite delighted.</p> - -<p>“The only regret I have, my lad,” he said, “is -that you are now rich, and I shall not have the -pleasure of helping you.”</p> - -<p>“I will take the will for the deed, General -Flint. I don’t think you would have allowed me -to suffer.”</p> - -<p>“Not much, my boy. I hope you will come<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">277</a></span> -out to Iowa next year and make a visit. I shall -be glad to show you something of the great -West.”</p> - -<p>“I will come, general. I shall not soon forget -your kindness to me when I needed a friend.”</p> - -<p>Basil’s letter to Frank Mordaunt arrived at a -critical moment. On account of some delay in -the mail the two letters, Ben’s and Basil Wentworth’s, -reached them the same day.</p> - -<p>Things had gone badly with them. Frank had -been laid up for ten days by an attack of the grip, -and of course his earnings during that time were -suspended. They had no money laid aside, and -the rent was nearly due.</p> - -<p>Frank was of a cheerful disposition, but he -could not help feeling depressed.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know how we are coming out, Frank,” -said his mother sadly. “Life is such a struggle -that I don’t derive much pleasure from it.”</p> - -<p>“Wait till the clouds roll by, mother,” said -Frank with forced gayety.</p> - -<p>“They are a long time in rolling by. When did -you hear from Ben last?”</p> - -<p>“Not for two months.”</p> - -<p>At that moment the postman’s whistle was -heard, and Alvin ran down-stairs to meet -him.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">278</a></span> -“Two letters, mother,” he said. “They are -both for Frank.”</p> - -<p>“Let me see the address.”</p> - -<p>“One is in Ben’s handwriting,” said Frank, -and he tore it open.</p> - -<p>“Good news, mother!” he exclaimed in excitement. -“Our fortune has come.”</p> - -<p>“How’s that?”</p> - -<p>“Edwin Harcourt died over a year since, and -we come into an income of five thousand dollars. -All your troubles are over, mother.”</p> - -<p>“God be thanked, though I am sorry for the -poor boy’s death. From whom is your other -letter?”</p> - -<p>By this time Frank had opened it.</p> - -<p>To his great delight he found an order on a -New York banker for a hundred dollars.</p> - -<p>“Look at this, mother!” he cried. “One -hundred dollars! We shall be able to pay the -rent now.”</p> - -<p>The next morning Mr. Grubb the landlord came -in.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you can pay the rent, widder?” he -said.</p> - -<p>“I shall have it this afternoon, Mr. Grubb.”</p> - -<p>“That don’t go down,” said Grubb crossly. -“Why couldn’t you have it this morning?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">279</a></span> -“Because my son has gone to New York to -cash an order for one hundred dollars. That will -be enough to pay the rent, won’t it?”</p> - -<p>“Is that straight, widder?” asked the landlord -incredulously.</p> - -<p>“I am not in the habit of telling falsehoods, -Mr. Grubb,” said Mrs. Mordaunt indignantly.</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s all right. I’ll come around to-morrow. -I’m glad you’re so prosperous, widder.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t think we shall care to occupy your -rooms long, Mr. Grubb.”</p> - -<p>“I hope you haven’t taken offense, widder. -<a name="dup-I" id="dup-I"></a><ins title="Original has 'I I'">I</ins> -shall be glad to have you stay.”</p> - -<p>“We have become rich, Mr. Grubb, and shall -want to live in more commodious rooms.”</p> - -<p>“I have a better tenement near the Park, -ma’am.”</p> - -<p>“We may look at it, but our plans are not -made yet.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Grubb left the house with a greatly increased -respect for his tenants.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">280</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxxvi" id="xxxvi"></a>CHAPTER XXXVI.<br /> -<span>MR. SNODGRASS SUGGESTS AN INVESTMENT.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ben</span> and his guardian had a smooth and pleasant -return voyage.</p> - -<p>“Do you need any money?” asked Basil when -they landed. “As your guardian, as well as the -executor of Mrs. Harcourt’s estate, I am ready to -meet any reasonable demands.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Wentworth. I have two -hundred dollars with me, and this will answer for -the present.”</p> - -<p>“Where do you expect to stay?”</p> - -<p>“General Flint insists upon my being his guest -at the Fifth Avenue Hotel for a week. When he -goes back to Iowa I shall find a home in a private -house.”</p> - -<p>The first evening of his return Ben called at -Mrs. Robinson’s lodging house to see his literary -friend Sylvanus Snodgrass.</p> - -<p>The novelist was sincerely glad to see him.</p> - -<p>“Welcome home, Ben!” he said. “I have -missed you a great deal. And how is the lady -who took you to Europe with her?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">281</a></span> -“She is dead, Mr. Snodgrass,” replied Ben -gravely.</p> - -<p>“And you are thrown upon the world again? -Do you propose to go back to your old business?”</p> - -<p>“No,” answered Ben with a smile. “I don’t -think it will be necessary.”</p> - -<p>“Did the lady provide for you?”</p> - -<p>“She left me nearly forty thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Why, you are rich!” exclaimed Sylvanus. -“It is truly a romance in real life. Would you -be willing to have me weave your story into a -serial for the <cite>Weekly Bugle</cite>?”</p> - -<p>“I would a little rather not,” answered Ben. -“Mrs. Harcourt has relatives, and it might not -be agreeable for them.”</p> - -<p>“Of course I won’t without your permission. -Have you thought how you will invest your -money?”</p> - -<p>“No; I shall leave that to my guardian, Mr. -Basil Wentworth.”</p> - -<p>“I could suggest an investment that would -double, nay treble your fortune in five years.”</p> - -<p>“What is it?” asked Ben.</p> - -<p>“Start a literary weekly, after the style of the -<cite>Bugle</cite>. That paper -<a name="pays" id="pays"></a><ins title="Original has 'says'">pays</ins> -immensely.”</p> - -<p>“But I don’t know anything about the publication -of weekly papers.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">282</a></span> -“I do. Listen, Ben,” said the novelist with -enthusiasm. “You could count upon my assistance -and co-operation. I would assume the -editorship, and agree to have a story from my -pen running constantly. Gloriana Podd would, -I am sure, be glad to write for us. I know just -what the public want, and between ourselves, I -think the editor of the <cite>Bugle</cite> is often at fault. If -it was in my hands I would make a good deal -more out of it.”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid, Mr. Snodgrass, I should hardly -favor such an investment, and I am sure my -guardian would not. He says he can invest the -money so as to earn five per cent.”</p> - -<p>“What’s five per cent.?” asked Sylvanus scornfully.</p> - -<p>“Five per cent. on my legacy will make nearly -two thousand dollars a year.”</p> - -<p>“That is good, of course. I wish I had it, but -you might make a good deal more by following -my advice.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe in going into any business -which I don’t understand, Mr. Snodgrass. I hope -you have been prosperous while I have been -away.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I can’t complain. I retain my popularity -with American readers, but the publishers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">283</a></span> -don’t appreciate me as they should. I recently -asked the publisher of the <cite>Bugle</cite> if he wouldn’t -give me twenty-five dollars more for my serials, -but he declined. He intimated,” continued Mr. -Snodgrass with tragic scorn, “that he could get -along without me, and could easily supply my -place. Did you ever hear of such ingratitude?”</p> - -<p>“I am afraid he doesn’t appreciate you, Mr. -Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p>“No, Ben, he doesn’t. I furnish the brains and -he furnishes the capital. That’s about the way -the matter stands.”</p> - -<p>“You get enough to do?”</p> - -<p>“Well, yes, but the prices are so low, and it -costs a good deal to live in New York, even in the -humble style which I keep up. I am owing Mrs. -Robinson for two weeks’ rent, and I think she is -getting uneasy.”</p> - -<p>“How much does it amount to?”</p> - -<p>“Six dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Here is the money, Mr. Snodgrass. I am -glad to be of service to an old friend.”</p> - -<p>Sylvanus Snodgrass grasped Ben’s hand and -the tears came into his eyes, for his heart was -gentle, though he dealt in the most blood-curdling -romances. In one of his stories there were -no less than fifteen murders.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">284</a></span> -“You are a true friend, Ben,” he said. “I -shall always remember your kindness.”</p> - -<p>“Then let me give you something more to -remember. Your suit looks rather shabby. If -you will order a new one I will pay for it.”</p> - -<p>“You overwhelm me, Ben. I own that I am -sometimes ashamed to go along the street dressed -in this unseemly garb. Those who learn who I -am must be surprised that the well-known novelist, -whose name is familiar in all parts of the -United States, should go so poorly clad. Now I -shall feel more independent and self-respecting.”</p> - -<p>If misfortunes seldom come singly, it sometimes -happens, also, with strokes of good fortune. -The next day Mr. Snodgrass received an order for -six dime novels from a publisher of that class of -fiction, and it exhilarated him immensely.</p> - -<p>“You see, Ben,” he said, “genius will triumph -in the end. This is an offer that I never sought. -It comes from a new publisher. The editor of the -<cite>Bugle</cite> has thought he owned me, but his tyranny -is over.”</p> - -<p>“I hope you won’t break with him, Mr. Snodgrass.”</p> - -<p>“No, I do not wish to injure him, but hereafter -he will not monopolize me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">285</a></span> -The next day, as Ben was entering the Fifth -Avenue Hotel, he met Grant Griswold, of the -Manhattan Athletic Club, under whose care he -had originally come to New York.</p> - -<p>“How do you do, Mr. Griswold?” said Ben, -going up to his old friend and offering his hand.</p> - -<p>Mr. Griswold looked puzzled.</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I don’t remember you,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you remember the boy who came to -New York on the same steamer with you?”</p> - -<p>“Why, yes, it is Ben,” said the clubman, -looking pleased. “I have often thought of you. -And how have you prospered?”</p> - -<p>“Famously,” answered Ben with a smile.</p> - -<p>“Have you been in New York all the time?”</p> - -<p>“I only recently returned from Europe. I spent -nearly a year there.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Griswold looked surprised.</p> - -<p>“You were hardly in a position to make a -European trip when I parted with you,” he said.</p> - -<p>“No, but I attracted the attention of a lady -who had lost her son—a boy of my age—and she -took me in his place.”</p> - -<p>“I see, and you are with her.”</p> - -<p>“No; she is dead.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, I am sorry to hear that. It will make a -great difference to you.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">286</a></span> -“Not financially. She has provided well for -me.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to hear it, Ben. I took a liking to -you when I first met you. Where are you staying?”</p> - -<p>“At this hotel for a week, with my friend, -General Flint of Iowa.”</p> - -<p>“I am delighted to hear such good news of you, -Ben. You certainly did well to leave your -country home.”</p> - -<p>Ben seized the first opportunity after reaching -home to write to his mother. He did not go into -details as to the fortune that had been left him, -but said that he was very comfortably fixed.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Winter wrote in reply almost immediately. -Her letter was in part as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>“Mr. Winter has become more and more difficult -to get along with. Some relation of his, Ezra -Winter, induced him about a year since, to go into -mining stocks as a speculative investment. -He has been here several times from Boston, -where he has an office, and every time I think he -has induced Mr. Winter to invest more heavily. -I have no doubt the investment was unwise, and -has resulted in considerable losses. I had no confidence -in this Ezra; he looks sly and unreliable,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">287</a></span> -but he influenced Mr. Winter by promises of immense -profits. For three months Mr. Winter has -seemed very much troubled, and a week ago he -went to Boston to get some information out of -Ezra. He returned crosser and more querulous -than ever. He has begun to pinch about household -expenses, and insists upon my dispensing -with a servant, which compels me to work beyond -my strength. I realize more than ever -how unwise I was to marry Jacob Winter, but I -did so largely on your account. When you see -him you will be surprised to find how he has -aged. Ezra is at the bottom of it all. Mr. Winter -is so fond of money that his losses have -weighed upon him heavily.”</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>After reading this letter Ben decided that he -must make an early visit to Wrayburn to see -his mother.</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">288</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxxvii" id="xxxvii"></a>CHAPTER XXXVII.<br /> -<span>FRANK MORDAUNT.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Before</span> leaving New York for his return to his -old home, Ben took a brief trip over to Brooklyn -to see his friend Frank Mordaunt. He found the -family in a cheerful and happy mood.</p> - -<p>Frank welcomed him heartily.</p> - -<p>“It seems good to see you back, Ben,” he said.</p> - -<p>“I suppose you have given up selling papers, -Frank,” returned Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>“Yes, ever since the wonderful news you sent, -and the letter from Mr. Wentworth inclosing one -hundred dollars. It came just in the nick of -time. We were on the point of being ejected for -not being able to pay our rent.”</p> - -<p>“You will never have any such trouble again, -Frank. Mr. Wentworth has sent me over to -bring you to his office.”</p> - -<p>“Is it really true that we have come into five -thousand dollars a year income?”</p> - -<p>“There is no doubt about it, -<a name="Frank" id="Frank"></a><ins title="Original has 'Ben'">Frank</ins>. You ought -to have come into it a year ago. I am owing you -five thousand dollars back income.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">289</a></span> -“You!” exclaimed Frank in great surprise.</p> - -<p>“Yes. I am the heir of Mrs. Harcourt, and I -am pledged to pay back the money which she -wrongfully received.”</p> - -<p>“I hope you inherited a good sum, Ben.”</p> - -<p>“Forty thousand dollars; but out of it I am to -pay your back income. It will leave me thirty-five -thousand dollars, as Mr. Basil Wentworth -has kindly refused to accept his share.”</p> - -<p>“And we will do the same,” said Frank warmly. -“We ought to make some return for your kindness.”</p> - -<p>“But, Frank, it is only fair that I should pay -it.”</p> - -<p>“We can afford to give it up. Why, with five -thousand dollars a year we shall feel like millionaires.”</p> - -<p>“And with forty thousand dollars I shall be -very rich for a Bowery newsboy.”</p> - -<p>“It will only yield an income of two thousand -dollars a year, and we shall have five thousand. -Say no more, Ben; I will speak to my mother -and we will arrange matters with Mr. Basil -Wentworth. We can afford to be as generous -as he is.”</p> - -<p>To anticipate a little, Mrs. Mordaunt cordially -agreed to Frank’s proposal and Ben received the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">290</a></span> -entire fortune of his benefactress without incumbrance.</p> - -<p>On the Fulton ferryboat Frank called attention -to a boy sitting near, who was dudishly -dressed, and appeared to have a very high opinion -of himself.</p> - -<p>“Do you see that boy, Ben?” he asked.</p> - -<p>“Yes.”</p> - -<p>“I know him well. He lives only a block from -us, but in a much better house. He looks down -upon me as a poor newsboy, and when he speaks -to me it is in a tone of lofty condescension.”</p> - -<p>“What is his name?”</p> - -<p>“Herman Brooks.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose he belongs to a rich family.”</p> - -<p>“His father earns an income of two thousand -dollars a year in the New York Custom House, -but as he is an only son they are able to give him -a good supply of pocket money.”</p> - -<p>“Probably he will change his opinion of you -when he hears of your good fortune.”</p> - -<p>“No doubt. I think I will speak to him, so that -you may have a specimen of his manners.”</p> - -<p>Frank moved up to the seat next to Herman.</p> - -<p>“Good morning, Herman,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Oh, it’s you, is it?” said Herman Brooks -coldly. “How is the paper business nowadays?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">291</a></span> -“About the same as usual, I presume, but I -am out of it.”</p> - -<p>“Oh! I suppose you are looking for a position -in some office?”</p> - -<p>“I may by and by. By the way, Herman, I -see you have a new bicycle?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Herman with some interest, -for he felt quite proud of his new purchase.</p> - -<p>“Do you mind telling me where you bought -it?”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps you are thinking of buying one,” -said Herman, smiling in evident amusement.</p> - -<p>“I may do so. I always thought I should like -a bicycle.”</p> - -<p>“You can get one like mine for a hundred and -thirty-five dollars.”</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t mind paying that for a good -wheel.”</p> - -<p>“You must be crazy!” ejaculated Herman, -half amused, half angry. “It is nonsense for -you, a poor newsboy, to talk of buying a bicycle -like mine.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know why it is, as long as I can pay -for it.”</p> - -<p>“But you can’t pay for it. You must be -crazy, Frank Mordaunt.”</p> - -<p>Frank smiled in evident enjoyment of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">292</a></span> -surprise he was going to give his scornful companion.</p> - -<p>“Probably you didn’t know of the change in -our circumstances,” he said quietly.</p> - -<p>“What change?”</p> - -<p>“By the death of a relative we have come into -an income of five thousand dollars a year.”</p> - -<p>“Is this true?” asked Herman in amazement.</p> - -<p>“Entirely so.”</p> - -<p>Herman’s face underwent an instant change. -If there was anything for which he felt respect it -was money, and he realized that this hitherto despised -newsboy was much better off than himself.</p> - -<p>“Accept my congratulations,” he said, with -suavity. “You are remarkably fortunate. If -you want to buy a bicycle I will go over to New -York any time and help you select one. Why -won’t you come and spend the evening with me -soon.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, but I didn’t suppose you would -care to entertain a newsboy.”</p> - -<p>“You are not a newsboy now. You are a -gentleman.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you.”</p> - -<p>“Who is the young fellow with you?”</p> - -<p>“Ben Bruce. He has just returned from -spending a year in Europe.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">293</a></span> -“I should like to be introduced.”</p> - -<p>Smiling inwardly at the sudden change in -Herman’s manner, Frank called Ben and introduced -him to Herman.</p> - -<p>“I am glad to meet you, Mr. Bruce,” said -Herman. “How did you enjoy traveling in -Europe?”</p> - -<p>“Very much.”</p> - -<p>“My father has promised to take me there -some time.”</p> - -<p>“Probably Frank and I will go together in a -year or two.”</p> - -<p>This was a sudden thought of Ben, but it will -not be surprising if it is some time carried into -effect.</p> - -<p>By this time the boat had reached the New -York dock, and the boys separated.</p> - -<p>“Herman’s opinion of you has changed materially -in a short time,” said Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Frank, “and it would change -back again if I should lose my fortune.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">294</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxxviii" id="xxxviii"></a>CHAPTER XXXVIII.<br /> -<span>BEN OVERHEARS AN IMPORTANT CONVERSATION.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Two</span> days later found Ben a passenger bound -for Boston on one of the palatial steamers of the -Fall River line.</p> - -<p>He looked about him to see if among the eight -hundred passengers he could recognize any one. -He walked through the brilliant saloon and out -upon the open deck in the rear. There were but -few passengers outside, as the air was fresh and -chill. Ben looked about him carelessly, when his -gaze was suddenly arrested by one face.</p> - -<p>It was not an attractive face, but quite the -reverse. There was a sly and cunning expression, -and a mean, treacherous look about the eyes that -naturally excited distrust. All this would not -have attracted Ben’s notice, who had seen many -ill-looking faces in his wanderings, but there was -something familiar in the general appearance -of the man, some resemblance to a face that he -had known. He could not tell immediately whom -the man resembled, but it came to him after a -while.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">295</a></span> -The man before him, though probably twenty-five -years younger, bore a strong resemblance to -his stepfather, Jacob Winter.</p> - -<p>Then the thought occurred to him: “This must -be the Ezra Winter who has lured Mr. Winter -into mining speculations. If it is, he looks just -like a man who would have no scruple in swindling -him.”</p> - -<p>Ben next examined the man who was sitting -beside the supposed Ezra Winter.</p> - -<p>He was a man of the same type, evidently—a -man with a low forehead and small ferret-like -eyes. The two seemed to be engaged in a deeply -interesting and earnest conversation. <a name="Ben" id="Ben"></a>Ben was -curious to learn what they were talking about, -and did not scruple to sit down as near them as -possible, in the hope of learning.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said the first man, who was really Ezra -Winter, “I have made a pretty good thing out -of the Muddy Gulch Mining Company. I got in -at bottom figures, and have sold a large number -of shares at ten times what I gave for them.”</p> - -<p>“Is the stock worth anything, Ezra?”</p> - -<p>“Precious little. It looks well—on paper. I -have an old uncle up in the country—in Wrayburn, -New Hampshire, who is in to the extent of -three thousand dollars. The old man is tight as a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">296</a></span> -file, but I humbugged him into thinking I was -going to double his money within a year, and by -degrees I drew him in.</p> - -<p>“First he invested a thousand dollars after a -hundred questions. That was about a year ago. -I’ll tell you how I managed to get him in deeper. -At the end of three months I invented a ten per -cent. dividend, paying it all out of my own pocket. -It paid, for he almost immediately put in two -thousand dollars more. <em>There haven’t been any -dividends since!</em>”</p> - -<p>“Isn’t he uneasy?”</p> - -<p>“I should say so. I get a letter about every -week, asking how soon there is going to be another -dividend. A short time since the old man -came to Boston to make me a visit. It was the -first time he had been there since he was thirty -years old. I was dismayed when I saw him coming, -but I pulled myself together and gave him -exclusive news of a rich find of ore that would -carry up the price to twice what he paid for it.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know whether I quite deceived him -or not. He wanted me to sell out half his stock, -but I told him it would be at a great sacrifice. -In fact he couldn’t get more than fifty cents a -share, but I didn’t tell him that. He suggested -asking some other broker about it, but that would -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">297</a></span>never do. I told him I would keep him apprised -of the advance in the stock, and would write him -every week. So every week I have written him -an encouraging letter, but I am afraid every day -of seeing the rusty old man enter the office.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter width400"> -<img src="images/p296.jpg" width="400" height="645" alt="" /> -<div class="caption"><p class="noi mb0">Ben was curious to know what these two men were talking about, so he sat -down as near as possible, in the hope of learning something.—Page <a href="#Ben">295</a>.</p> -<p class="right mt0"><i>Ben Bruce.</i></p></div> -</div> - -<p>“Is he the only customer who gives you -trouble?”</p> - -<p>“Not by any manner of means. To tell the -truth, Barlow, Boston is getting too hot to hold -me. I have made a pretty good trip to New -York, and now I am prepared to carry out an old -plan of mine.”</p> - -<p>“How is that?”</p> - -<p>“In the first place I have been out to Nyack to -interview a young man of more money than -brains, and I have in my pocket a check for -twenty-five hundred dollars received in return -for stock.”</p> - -<p>“Good! You’re a sharp one, Ezra. Is it the -same old stock?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but the certificates are very handsome. -I have ordered some new ones. They look fine, as -I have already told you. Well, now, I have got -together about six thousand dollars, and I shall -take the next steamer for Liverpool.”</p> - -<p>“Leaving your victims in the lurch?”</p> - -<p>“That’s about the size of it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">298</a></span> -“Ezra, Ezra! I am afraid you are a trifle -unprincipled,” said his friend in gay remonstrance.</p> - -<p>“A man must look out for himself in this world, -Barlow.”</p> - -<p>“That’s so. You were born smart. I am -afraid I wasn’t. Don’t you want a private secretary?”</p> - -<p>“I may some time,” answered Ezra quite -seriously. “If I do, I will think of you, Barlow.”</p> - -<p>“How long shall you stay abroad?”</p> - -<p>“Till this affair blows over. I may be able to -do something over there. Six thousand dollars -won’t last me forever.”</p> - -<p>It may be imagined with what interest Ben -listened to this conversation. It revealed to him -the manner in which his stepfather had been -fleeced. Skinflint as he was, it was his love for -money that had made him a ready victim to Ezra -and his wiles.</p> - -<p>Though he had no love for Jacob Winter, he -felt that Ezra was far more contemptible, and it -made his blood boil to think of the cold-blooded -way in which he had swindled those who had -trusted to his plausible recommendations of the -fraudulent mine which appeared to have no intrinsic -value.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">299</a></span> -The two speakers had paid no especial attention -to the boy who sat near them gazing with -apparent absorption into the waters of the -Sound.</p> - -<p>At length Barlow noticed him and he breathed -a word of caution to Ezra.</p> - -<p>Ezra looked round, but he did not seem -alarmed.</p> - -<p>“Bah!” he said, “it’s only a kid.”</p> - -<p>“‘Little pitchers have large ears,’” suggested -Barlow.</p> - -<p>“Even if he has heard anything, he hasn’t -understood it.”</p> - -<p>“I dare say you are right. A boy of his age -isn’t likely to know much about business.”</p> - -<p>“It’s getting a little chilly. Let us go inside.”</p> - -<p>“Very well!” and the two entered the main -saloon and sat down to listen to the fine music -discoursed by the band.</p> - -<p>“What ought I to do?” Ben asked himself, -when he was left alone. “I don’t care much for -Jacob Winter, but I don’t like to see him swindled -in such a barefaced manner. If there is any -way in which I can balk the scheme I will.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">300</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xxxix" id="xxxix"></a>CHAPTER XXXIX.<br /> -<span>BEN CONSULTS A LAWYER.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">How</span> to foil Ezra Winter in his fraudulent -schemes Ben could not tell. Though he had -more experience than most boys of his age he was -not so familiar with villainy as some boys who -have been brought up amid different surroundings.</p> - -<p>“I must consult some one older and wiser than -myself,” he reflected.</p> - -<p>Arrived in Boston he grew impatient to start -for Wrayburn. It was more than a year—about -fifteen months—since he had left the quiet town, -and he felt a strong desire to see his mother. He -could have gone a -<a name="considerably" id="considerably"></a><ins title="Original has 'considerable'">considerably</ins> -longer time without -seeing Mr. Winter—indeed he would not -have mourned much if he knew he should never -see him again.</p> - -<p>But no boy who has a heart does not feel it throb -quicker at the thought of his mother. Ben’s -mother had always been kind, loving and indulgent, -and his recent good fortune he valued the -more because it would enable him to provide for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">301</a></span> -her more liberally than ever before, and save her -from all future anxiety and hard work.</p> - -<p>It was not over seventy miles from Boston to -Wrayburn. It had seemed to him when he first -made the journey a long one, but he had been -such a traveler in the fifteen months that had -elapsed since that it seemed to him a very short one.</p> - -<p>He looked about him eagerly to see if he could -see any familiar form. But no Wrayburn man -seemed to be returning from Boston. When he -was fifteen miles from Wrayburn, his heart -leaped with pleasure as a passenger with a -<a name="familiar" id="familiar"></a><ins title="Original has 'famiiar'">familiar</ins> -face entered the car.</p> - -<p>It was Mr. John Bentham, an elderly lawyer -who lived only about half a mile from Jacob -Winter’s farmhouse, and did what law business -was required by the people in Wrayburn and the -adjoining towns.</p> - -<p>Ben rose and went over to the lawyer’s seat.</p> - -<p>“How do you do, Mr. Bentham?” he said.</p> - -<p>The lawyer lifted his glasses and surveyed Ben -at first with a puzzled expression.</p> - -<p>“Don’t you know me, Mr. Bentham? I am -Ben Bruce.”</p> - -<p>“Why, so you are! Bless my soul how you -have grown! And where have you been this -long time?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">302</a></span> -“Chiefly in New York and Europe.”</p> - -<p>“In Europe? How on earth came you to go -there?”</p> - -<p>“My expenses were paid by a lady who took -an interest in me.”</p> - -<p>“You seem to have been born under a lucky -star. And now you are coming back to Wrayburn?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but not to stay. Only to see my mother.”</p> - -<p>“Then you don’t think you would enjoy working -on the farm again?”</p> - -<p>“I am sure I wouldn’t.”</p> - -<p>“I hope you are sure of making a living elsewhere. -It is better to live comfortably on a -farm than to live from hand to mouth in a large -city.”</p> - -<p>“That is true, but I am no longer a green -country boy. I am able to make my way in New -York.”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to hear it.”</p> - -<p>“Have you seen my mother lately, Mr. Bentham? -Is she well?”</p> - -<p>“Your mother is not sick, but I can’t say she -is looking altogether well. She seems rather thin -and careworn. Have you heard from her lately?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, and her letter made me anxious. She -says that Mr. Winter is getting very irritable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">303</a></span> -and hard to get along with. Of course, that -wears upon her.”</p> - -<p>“I suspect the old man has met with losses, -and that has a bad effect on his temper.”</p> - -<p>“I know he has, Mr. Bentham, and I want to -consult you professionally on the subject.”</p> - -<p>“I am quite at your service, Ben,” said the -lawyer, looking rather surprised.</p> - -<p>Ben proceeded to tell what he had heard on the -Fall River boat.</p> - -<p>Mr. Bentham listened with interest.</p> - -<p>“It is evident,” he said, “that your stepfather’s -unprincipled relative intends to plunder -him, and spread the proceeds of the robbery -abroad.”</p> - -<p>“Is there any way in which he can be stopped?” -asked Ben anxiously.</p> - -<p>“Yes, he can be arrested on Mr. Winter’s affidavit -that he believes he intends to go abroad -with property not rightfully his own. Have you -any idea how much of your stepfather’s money -he has secured?”</p> - -<p>“Mr. Winter, besides his farm, had about five -thousand dollars in cash. I think he has managed -to get nearly all this into his hands.”</p> - -<p>“The loss of this money would nearly kill -Jacob Winter.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">304</a></span> -“My mother writes that he has very much -aged of late.”</p> - -<p>“I have noticed that, but of course I did not -know the reason.”</p> - -<p>“Then you did not know of his speculations?”</p> - -<p>“No; he has been very secret about them.”</p> - -<p>“Have you seen this young Ezra Winter?”</p> - -<p>“If you describe him I will tell you.”</p> - -<p>Ben described the man on the boat as well as he -could.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I have seen him on two or three occasions -on his way to Mr. Winter’s house. I have not -been particularly impressed in his favor.”</p> - -<p>“Nor has any one else, I believe.”</p> - -<p>They were now approaching Wrayburn, and -Ben began to look out of the windows eagerly, -as the well-remembered localities came in sight.</p> - -<p>As Mr. Bentham rose to leave the car he said, -“If your stepfather wants my assistance,” he -said, “you can notify me.”</p> - -<p>Ben got out on the platform of the small depot, -with his gripsack in his hand. He had no sooner -set foot on the platform, when a glad voice greeted -him.</p> - -<p>“Why, Ben, is it you come back?”</p> - -<p>Turning he saw Albert Graham.</p> - -<p>“Yes, Albert, your friend has got back.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">305</a></span> -“And you are looking fine.”</p> - -<p>“I was never better.”</p> - -<p>“You have grown taller. I have tried to, but -I don’t think nature intended me for a six-footer.”</p> - -<p>“How is my mother?”</p> - -<p>“She is so as to be about, but I don’t think she -is looking as well as when you went away.”</p> - -<p>“How have you been getting on, Albert?”</p> - -<p>“I haven’t made a fortune, but last week I -made ten dollars by riding at the county fair.”</p> - -<p>“Good! I don’t think I shall ever make any -money that way.”</p> - -<p>“You will make more money in other ways.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Albert, I have been very fortunate.”</p> - -<p>“I suppose you have brought home a thousand -dollars,” said Albert joking.</p> - -<p>“A good deal more than that, Albert.”</p> - -<p>“Honest Indian?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Albert, it is a sober fact. I’ll tell you -all about it later. Now I am anxious to get -home as soon as I can.”</p> - -<p>When Ben reached the Winter farmhouse his -mother and his stepfather had sat down to -dinner. It was a plain boiled dinner, without a -pudding, for since Jacob’s losses he had begun to -pinch on the table.</p> - -<p>In a New England farmhouse, whatever the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">306</a></span> -parsimony of the farmer the table is not often -affected.</p> - -<p>“I ain’t got no appetite, Mrs. Winter,” said -the farmer with a querulous expression. “The -dinner don’t taste as good as usual.”</p> - -<p>“I think the fault is in you, Mr. Winter,” -replied his wife. “Your appetite has been very -poor lately.”</p> - -<p>“I’m on my way to the poorhouse,” said Jacob -gloomily. “Things have been going very -bad.”</p> - -<p>“Your crops are as good as usual.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t help it. I am poor, Mrs. Winter, -dreadfully poor.”</p> - -<p>“Well, we will hope that luck will turn.”</p> - -<p>At this moment the door of the kitchen where -the table was spread was thrown open, and Ben, -ruddy and glowing, stepped in.</p> - -<p>“Why, it’s Ben!” exclaimed Mrs. Winter, her -heart overflowing with joy.</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter stared in surprise, but said nothing -while Ben was embracing his mother.</p> - -<p>“And how well you are looking, Ben!”</p> - -<p>“But you have fallen off, mother. Mr. Winter, -I hope you are well.”</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter yielded his hand reluctantly to -the boy’s proffered grasp.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">307</a></span> -“We’re very badly off,” he said querulously, -“and now you’ve came back to live on us.”</p> - -<p>“I think I shall be able to pay my way,” said -Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>“I don’t believe you’ve got five dollars about -you.”</p> - -<p>Ben drew a five-dollar bill from his pocket. -Mr. Winter looked at it longingly. The sight of -money always made him feel covetous.</p> - -<p>“You owe me as much as that for goin’ away -suddenly, and leavin’ me in the lurch,” he said.</p> - -<p>“Take it, then. You are welcome to it.”</p> - -<p>With a look of satisfaction on his rugged face -Jacob drew out an immense wallet and tucked -the bill carefully away.</p> - -<p>“You shall have your turn soon, mother,” said -Ben, smiling.</p> - -<p>“Have you been doin’ well, Ben?” asked Jacob, -thawing a little.</p> - -<p>“Pretty well, thank you. I can pay my way, -Mr. Winter.”</p> - -<p>“You’d better stay at home and pay board. -I’ll take you for four dollars a week.”</p> - -<p>“I will think it over, Mr. Winter, but I think -business will keep me in New York. Who do -you suppose came from New York on the boat -with me, Mr. Winter?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">308</a></span> -“I ain’t good at guessin’.”</p> - -<p>“Ezra Winter.”</p> - -<p>Jacob half rose from the table, and his face -grew dark and stern.</p> - -<p>“That scoundrel!” he said. “He’s robbed me -of my money.”</p> - -<p>“He intends to sail for Europe with all the -money he can raise.”</p> - -<p>Jacob fell back in his chair pale and dismayed.</p> - -<p>“And I shall never see my money again!” he -murmured.</p> - -<p>“Yes; I have consulted Mr. Bentham the lawyer, -and he will go to Boston with you and have -him arrested. He will be over in a hour to talk -the matter over.”</p> - -<p>“I hope I’ll live long enough to see him rottin’ -in jail!” said Jacob vindictively. “He’s made -me a poor man. You’re a smart boy, Ben, and I -thank you.”</p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<hr class="divider" /> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">309</a></span> -</div> - -<h2><a name="xl" id="xl"></a>CHAPTER XL.<br /> -<span>CONCLUSION.</span></h2> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ezra Winter</span> was sitting in his office in the -Sears Building in Boston. All his plans had been -perfected, and he was prepared to reap the fruit -of his rascality.</p> - -<p>He had gathered in between six and seven thousand -dollars, and on this he calculated that he -could enjoy himself abroad for a considerable -time. Only two days more and he would sail.</p> - -<p>While he was indulging in pleasant reflections, -there was a knock at his office door.</p> - -<p>“Come in!” he cried.</p> - -<p>The door opened, and Jacob Winter entered, -followed by Ben.</p> - -<p>Ezra Winter frowned, for his uncle was the last -man he wished to see. But he reflected that he -was a simple old fellow, of whom he would easily -rid himself.</p> - -<p>“Uncle Jacob!” he said. “What brings you -to town?”</p> - -<p>“I want my money,” replied the old man piteously, -“I want the money you took from -me.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">310</a></span> -“Really, Uncle Jacob, I don’t understand you. -Your money is well invested, and perfectly -safe.”</p> - -<p>“I want it now.”</p> - -<p>“Very good! I will sell out the stock for you, -but you will have to wait till Monday—the usual -day for selling mining stock.”</p> - -<p>“That won’t do, Ezry. You are goin’ to Europe -on Saturday, and mean to take all my money!”</p> - -<p>“Who says this?” asked Ezra in great surprise, -for he did not know that his plan had leaked out.</p> - -<p>“I say it,” said Ben.</p> - -<p>“You—a mere boy! What do you know of -me and my plans?”</p> - -<p>“I was a passenger on the Fall River boat -Tuesday night, Mr. Ezra Winter, and I overheard -you detailing your plans to a friend. You -proposed to carry off the money of your uncle and -other customers and leave them out in the cold.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a lie!” said Ezra hoarsely, but he was -frightened.</p> - -<p>“It was not a lie.”</p> - -<p>“I am not going to Europe on Saturday!”</p> - -<p>“No, you are not, for we shall prevent you,” -said Ben firmly.</p> - -<p>“You, a half-grown boy!” rejoined Ezra contemptuously.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">311</a></span> -“No matter what I am. Your uncle wants -his money, and must have it.”</p> - -<p>Ezra leaned back in his chair and looked at his -visitors with an impudent smile.</p> - -<p>“Well, he can’t have it.”</p> - -<p>Ben went to the door and exchanged a word -with some one.</p> - -<p>Mr. Bentham, the lawyer, entered followed by -a policeman.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Winter,” said Bentham, “I hold a warrant -for your arrest on account of intended fraud. -I may or may not have it served, but my client -here, your uncle, must have his money, or you go -from here to the station-house.”</p> - -<p>At last Ezra was conquered. He was a coward -at heart and he dreaded the law.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps we can arrange this matter, gentlemen,” -he said.</p> - -<p>In half an hour Jacob Winter left the office with -two thousand, five hundred dollars. Mr. Bentham -recommended him to accept it as the best -settlement possible.</p> - -<p>Ezra breathed a sigh of relief. He would still -have four thousand dollars of his dishonest accumulations.</p> - -<p>But he reckoned without his host.</p> - -<p>As the party were leaving the office one of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">312</a></span> -Ezra’s customers saw them and his suspicions -were excited. He made some inquiries and it led -to his obtaining an order of arrest, so that Ezra, -instead of sailing for Europe on Saturday, passed -that day in a police station.</p> - -<p>He managed to escape trial and conviction by -agreeing to surrender his ill-gotten gains, and -then disappeared from the scene. He is understood -to be in Montreal, but his days of prosperity -are gone by.</p> - -<p>Jacob Winter went back to Wrayburn, but his -system had received a shock, and in about a year -he died. His property went to relatives, his wife -at Ben’s request declining to accept anything beyond -the two thousand dollars which she had -when she married him.</p> - -<p>Ben went back to New York, and after a year -spent in study accepted a position in a large commercial -house, in which he may some time own -an interest.</p> - -<p>Mr. Sylvanus Snodgrass is still electrifying -the readers of the <cite>Weekly Bugle</cite> by his startling -romances. Mr. Cornelius Clyde, the poet, still -sticks to his business as a barber, as he finds that -his poetry brings him fame, but not money. Gloriana -Podd’s name still appears in the Poet’s -Corner of weekly papers and magazines.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">313</a></span> -Ben, remembering his friends, has obtained a -good position for Albert Graham, and his cousin -Adelbert frequently visits him.</p> - -<p>Last year Ben -<a name="went" id="went"></a><ins title="Original has 'went went'">went</ins> -to England and -visited his friend, Cyril Bentley, at Bentley Hall. -But he is a true American, and much as he may -like individual Englishmen he will never become -an Anglicized American.</p> - -<p>He keeps up the most friendly relations with -Frank Mordaunt, who is now a student at Columbia -College, having a natural taste for study. -So the future looks bright for him, and those who -have read his story will agree that he really deserves -his prosperity.</p> - - -<p class="center mt3">THE END.</p> - - -<div class="section"> -<hr class="divider" /> -</div> -<div class="tn background"> -<p class="center">Transcriber’s Note:</p> - -<p class="noi">The cover image has been created by the transcriber and placed -in the public domain.</p> - -<p class="noi">Punctuation has been standardised. Spelling and hyphenation have -been retained as they appear in the original publication except -as follows:</p> - -<ul> -<li>Page iii<br /> -<span class="smcap">Ben Makes His Debut</span> <i>changed to</i><br /> -<span class="smcap">Ben Makes His <a href="#debut">Début</a></span></li> - -<li>Page iv<br /> -<span class="smcap">Unwelcome Home</span> <i>changed to</i><br /> -<span class="smcap">Unwelcome <a href="#News">News</a></span></li> - -<li>Page 21<br /> -he counted “Ninty-six, ninety-seven <i>changed to</i><br /> -he counted “<a href="#Ninety">Ninety-six</a>, ninety-seven</li> - -<li>Page 23<br /> -with the energy of depair <i>changed to</i><br /> -with the energy of <a href="#despair">despair</a></li> - -<li>Page 24<br /> -the preseace of the boys <i>changed to</i><br /> -the <a href="#presence">presence</a> of the boys</li> - -<li>Page 64<br /> -folks will be suprised when <i>changed to</i><br /> -folks will be <a href="#surprised1">su’prised</a> when</li> - -<li>Page 118<br /> -wouldn’t be suprised if you knew <i>changed to</i><br /> -wouldn’t be <a href="#surprised2">su’prised</a> if you knew</li> - -<li>Page 123<br /> -pass over the spondulicks <i>changed to</i><br /> -<a href="#Pass">Pass</a> over the spondulicks</li> - -<li>Page 127<br /> -Ain’t you workin now <i>changed to</i><br /> -Ain’t you <a href="#workin">workin’</a> now</li> - -<li>Page 136<br /> -‘conquering a peace,’” he he reflected <i>changed to</i><br /> -‘conquering a peace,’” <a href="#he">he</a> reflected</li> - -<li>Page 145<br /> -“You don’t say!” ejeculated Tom <i>changed to</i><br /> -“You don’t say!” <a href="#ejaculated">ejaculated</a> Tom</li> - -<li>Page 170<br /> -she is an honest Sweedish girl <i>changed to</i><br /> -she is an honest <a href="#Swedish">Swedish</a> girl</li> - -<li>Page 172<br /> -came up and said hurridly <i>changed to</i><br /> -came up and said <a href="#hurriedly">hurriedly</a></li> - -<li>Page 178<br /> -and handed him his paper <i>changed to</i><br /> -and handed him his <a href="#papers">papers</a></li> - -<li>Page 178<br /> -disposing of a least a part <i>changed to</i><br /> -disposing of <a href="#at">at</a> least a part</li> - -<li>Page 183<br /> -turned into East Fifty-Seventh Street <i>changed to</i><br /> -turned into East <a href="#seventh">Fifty-seventh</a> Street</li> - -<li>Page 191<br /> -Here is a ten-doldar bill <i>changed to</i><br /> -Here is a <a href="#dollar">ten-dollar</a> bill</li> - -<li>Page 193<br /> -Syvanus turned, and at the sight <i>changed to</i><br /> -<a href="#Sylvanus">Sylvanus</a> turned, and at the sight</li> - -<li>Page 204<br /> -Give me you address, Frank <i>changed to</i><br /> -Give me <a href="#your">your</a> address, Frank</li> - -<li>Page 213<br /> -Don t forgot, Frank, that I am a poor boy <i>changed to</i><br /> -Don’t <a href="#forget">forget</a>, Frank, that I am a poor boy</li> - -<li>Page 228<br /> -much suprised when I tell <i>changed to</i><br /> -much <a href="#surprised3">su’prised</a> when I tell</li> - -<li>Page 279<br /> -I I shall be glad to <i>changed to</i><br /> -<a href="#dup-I">I</a> shall be glad to</li> - -<li>Page 281<br /> -That paper says immensely <i>changed to</i><br /> -That paper <a href="#pays">pays</a> immensely</li> - -<li>Page 288<br /> -There is no doubt about it, Ben <i>changed to</i><br /> -There is no doubt about it, <a href="#Frank">Frank</a></li> - -<li>Page 300<br /> -considerable longer time without seeing <i>changed to</i><br /> -<a href="#considerably">considerably</a> longer time without seeing</li> - -<li>Page 301<br /> -passenger with a famiiar face <i>changed to</i><br /> -passenger with a <a href="#familiar">familiar</a> face</li> - -<li>Page 313<br /> -Ben went went to England <i>changed to</i><br /> -Ben <a href="#went">went</a> to England</li> -</ul> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ben Bruce, by Horatio Alger - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BEN BRUCE *** - -***** This file should be named 60970-h.htm or 60970-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/9/7/60970/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Sue Clark, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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