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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..61c26a9 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #64169 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64169) diff --git a/old/64169-0.txt b/old/64169-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 0ad7bf1..0000000 --- a/old/64169-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,11054 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Tom Newcombe, by Harry Castlemon - -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 -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Tom Newcombe - The Boy of Bad Habits - -Author: Harry Castlemon - -Release Date: December 29, 2020 [eBook #64169] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: David Edwards, Susan Carr and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was - produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital - Library.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TOM NEWCOMBE *** - - - - -[Illustration: TOM LEARNING TO BE A SAILOR.--Page 59.] - - - - - _THE GO-AHEAD SERIES._ - - TOM NEWCOMBE; - - OR, - - THE BOY OF BAD HABITS. - - BY - - HARRY CASTLEMON, - - AUTHOR OF “THE GUN-BOAT SERIES,” “THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN - SERIES,” ETC. - - - THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO. - PHILADELPHIA - CHICAGO TORONTO - - - - - FAMOUS CASTLEMON BOOKS. - - -GUNBOAT SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 6 vols. 12mo. - - FRANK THE YOUNG NATURALIST. FRANK ON A GUNBOAT. - FRANK IN THE WOODS. FRANK BEFORE VICKSBURG. - FRANK ON THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI. FRANK ON THE PRAIRIE. - - -ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - FRANK AMONG THE RANCHEROS. FRANK AT DON CARLOS’ RANCH. - FRANK IN THE MOUNTAINS. - - -SPORTSMAN’S CLUB SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - THE SPORTSMAN’S CLUB IN THE SADDLE. - THE SPORTSMAN’S CLUB AFLOAT. - THE SPORTSMAN’S CLUB AMONG THE TRAPPERS. - - -FRANK NELSON SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - SNOWED UP. FRANK IN THE FORECASTLE. THE BOY TRADERS. - - -BOY TRAPPER SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - THE BURIED TREASURE. THE BOY TRAPPER. THE MAIL-CARRIER. - - -ROUGHING IT SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - GEORGE IN CAMP. GEORGE AT THE WHEEL. GEORGE AT THE FORT. - - -ROD AND GUN SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - DON GORDON’S SHOOTING BOX. ROD AND GUN CLUB. - THE YOUNG WILD FOWLERS. - - -GO-AHEAD SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - TOM NEWCOMBE. GO-AHEAD. NO MOSS. - - -FOREST AND STREAM SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - JOE WAYRING. SNAGGED AND SUNK. STEEL HORSE. - - -WAR SERIES. By HARRY CASTLEMON. 5 vols. 12mo. Cloth. - - TRUE TO HIS COLORS. RODNEY THE PARTISAN. - RODNEY THE OVERSEER. MARCY THE BLOCKADE-RUNNER. - MARCY THE REFUGEE. - - - _Other Volumes in Preparation._ - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by - - R. W. CARROLL & CO., - - In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - COPYRIGHT, 1896, BY CHARLES A. FOSDICK. - - - - - CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. TOM’S HABITS, 5 - - II. THE FISHER-BOY, 20 - - III. TOM GOES TO SEA, 31 - - IV. LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE, 47 - - V. HOMEWARD BOUND, 63 - - VI. TOM GOES INTO BUSINESS, 81 - - VII. HOW TOM SUCCEEDED, 94 - - VIII. TOM MAKES NEW BARGAINS, 103 - - IX. THE MYSTERY IN A STORM, 116 - - X. TOM’S GAME CHICKENS, 126 - - XI. TOM DECIDES TO BE A FARMER, 138 - - XII. TOM’S NEW HOME, 152 - - XIII. LIFE ON A FARM, 163 - - XIV. THE “NIGHT-HAWKS,” 177 - - XV. THE NIGHT-HAWKS IN ACTION, 190 - - XVI. THE MILITARY SCHOOL, 208 - - XVII. TOM WANTS TO BE COLONEL, 226 - - XVIII. TOM HAS AN IDEA, 238 - - XIX. THE CONSPIRATORS, 251 - - XX. PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS, 267 - - XXI. THE ESCAPE, 280 - - XXII. THE PURSUIT COMMENCED, 297 - - XXIII. THE CRUISE OF THE SWALLOW, 309 - - XXIV. A CHANGE OF COMMANDERS, 321 - - XXV. CONCLUSION, 332 - - - - - ILLUSTRATIONS. - - TOM LEARNING TO BE A SAILOR. Frontispiece - - TOM CAPTURED BY THE SQUIRE. 205 - - THE ESCAPE FROM THE ACADEMY. 286 - - - - - TOM NEWCOMBE; - - OR, - - THE BOY OF BAD HABITS. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - TOM’S HABITS. - - -“O now, I can’t learn this lesson, I know I can’t, and there’s no use -in trying! I am the most unlucky boy in the whole world!” - -Thus spoke Tom Newcombe, as he lay under one of the trees in his -father’s yard, rolling about on the grass, and tossing his heels in -the air, as if he scarcely knew what to do with himself. - -Tom was not a happy boy, although all his playmates thought he ought -to be. His father was the wealthiest man in the village--owned more -than half the vessels that sailed from that port, and Tom lived in a -large house, where he had every thing a boy of his age could ask for -to make his life pass pleasantly. He owned the swiftest sail-boat -about the village; had more fish-poles, foot-balls, and playthings of -every description than he could possibly find use for; and, in the -stable, was a fine little Shetland pony, which had been bought for -Tom’s express benefit. But, in spite of his pleasant surroundings, -the hero of our story was very discontented; his face always wore a -gloomy expression, and he invariably acted as if he were angry about -something. - -Tom was about fourteen years of age, as smart as any boy in the -village, and might have been of some use in the world, had it not -been for his numerous bad habits, which kept him in constant trouble, -and were the sole cause of all his unhappiness. One of these bad -habits was carelessness. He thought it was too much trouble to -carry out the motto he had so often heard--“A place for every thing -and every thing in its place”--and the consequence was, he was not -unfrequently compelled to waste half the day in searching for some -article he happened to want. His cap, especially, was the source of -a great deal of annoyance and vexation to him. For example, when -he came in to his meals, he would take off his cap on entering -the house, and throw it somewhere, not caring where it landed; -and as soon as he was ready to go out of doors again, his first -question--spoken in a slow, drawling tone, as if he were almost ready -to drop down with fatigue--would be: - -“Now, mother, where’s my cap?” - -“I am sure I don’t know, my son,” would be the answer. “What did you -do with it when you came in?” - -“I hung it right here!” Tom would say, pointing to the hat-rack in -the hall, or to a nail behind the door, which had been placed there -for his especial benefit. “I know I hung it up, but it isn’t here -now. I do wish folks would let my things alone! Something’s always -bothering me!” - -Then Tom would begin a search in all the rooms of the house, tumbling -chairs about and moving tables and sofas, and the missing article -would be found, sometimes in the “play-house,” sometimes under the -bed, but more frequently under the trees in the yard, or on the -portico. - -We have spoken of Tom’s “play-house.” It was a room in the attic, -nicely furnished, with carpet, tables, and chairs, and provided with -a stove, so that he could be comfortable there in cold weather. In -this room he kept his playthings, or rather, part of them. Those -that were lost--and about half of them were missing--would have been -found, some in the barn, others scattered about the yard, while the -rest had been thrown under the house for safe keeping, where Tom -could not get at them without soiling his clothes, and that was -something he did not like to do. To have taken a single glance at -the articles in his play-house, one would have thought that he ought -never to have been at a loss to know how to employ himself; and that -a single glance would also have been sufficient to convince any one -that he never took the least care of what was given him. The only -thing that ever interested Tom for any length of time, was a fine -model of a ship, with sails and ropes complete, which an old sailor -had given him, and which had been placed on a stand opposite the -entrance to his play-house. But, having been carelessly mounted, -it had fallen to the floor, and Tom, in one of his angry moods, -had kicked it under the table, where it lay with its masts broken, -and its sails torn, looking very much like a vessel that had been -wrecked at sea. His playthings were scattered about the room in all -directions. Foot-balls, bows and arrows, Chinese puzzles, base-ball -bats, a magic lantern, models of vessels, fish poles, hats and boots -were mixed up in the most complete confusion, and every article bore -evidence to the fact that it had received the roughest usage. Indeed, -there was but one thing in the room that was entire, and that was a -little fire-engine--a birthday present from his mother. But then this -had only come into Tom’s possession two days before the commencement -of our story, and it was yet new to him. - -Tom was always complaining that he never could find a thing when he -wanted it; and no one about the house wondered at it in the least. -To his mother’s oft-repeated inquiry why he did not put his room in -order, and have a certain place for each particular thing, he would -answer: - -“O, now, I can’t; I haven’t got time. Let somebody else do it!” - -Tom’s room, we ought to remark, was placed in perfect order every -day, but it was only time and labor wasted; for, if he happened to -want a fish-pole, or a ball bat, he would tumble the things about -until he found the article in question, and then go out leaving the -room in the greatest confusion. - -Another bad trait in Tom’s character was his unconquerable pride. He -was ashamed to work, and he would not do so if there was any possible -way for him to avoid it. On a cold day, when it stormed too violently -for him to go out of doors, he would remain in his room, with -benumbed hands and chattering teeth, before he would take the trouble -to build a fire. His father often asked him why he stayed there in -the cold, and Tom replied: “O, there’s no wood up here!” - -“Well, you know where the wood-shed is. Go and get some.” - -“O, I can’t,” Tom would invariably answer. “Let somebody else go. It -wouldn’t look well for me to do it.” - -Once or twice during the previous winter, for some offense that he -had committed, he was compelled to remove the snow from the side-walk -in front of the house. On these occasions, Tom, being very much -afraid of soiling his gloves, handled the shovel with the ends of -his fingers, and when any one passed by, he hung his head as if he -did not wish to be recognized. Work of any kind was the severest -punishment that could be inflicted upon him. In his estimation, it -was a disgrace that never could be wiped out. - -Tom also had a bad habit of saying, “O, I can’t; I know I can’t, and -what’s the use in trying?” This was his favorite expression--one that -he made use of at all times, and upon all occasions. If his lesson -was hard, instead of going manfully at work to learn it, he would -read it over carelessly a few times; and if he failed to remember -it, or if he found it more difficult than he had expected, he would -throw down his book, exclaiming: “O, I can’t get it. It’s too hard. -Something’s always bothering me;” and that was the end of it as far -as he was concerned. - -“Tom,” his father would say, when he heard the boy make use of this -expression, “don’t you remember the words of the old song, ‘If at -first you don’t succeed, try--’” - -But Tom, as soon as he found out what was coming, would interrupt him -with-- - -“O, now, father, that’s all useless. What good does it do a fellow -to try, when he _knows_ he can’t succeed? It’s only time wasted. I’m -quite sure the person who wrote that song never had any very hard -things to do.” - -At school, Tom never made any progress. Promised rewards or -threatened punishments seldom had any lasting effect on him, and -the result was, that all the boys of his age in the village soon -left him far behind. He disliked very much to be beaten, and always -wanted to be first in every thing; but even this failed to arouse -him, and, as his school-mates termed it, he was “promoted backward,” -until, at last, he found himself in a class with boys who were much -younger than himself, but who, in spite of the difference in their -ages, always had their lessons better than he. Finally, Mr. Newcombe, -almost discouraged, took Tom out of school, and placed him under the -charge of a private teacher, who lived at the mansion. When this -change was made, Tom looked upon himself as a most fortunate boy; but -he soon discovered a very disagreeable feature in the arrangement, -and that was, his father was always in the school-room when he -recited his lessons. This made Tom very uneasy. He did not wish to -make a display of his ignorance before his father, and, besides, -he knew that if the merchant took the matter into his own hands, -something unpleasant would happen. On several occasions, he had -assured Mr. Newcombe that he could recite his lessons much better if -he were not present; but the latter, taking a different view of the -case, was always at home during the recitations, and Tom had more -than once been soundly scolded for his failures. - -Tom was also sadly wanting in firmness of purpose. Like many boys of -his age, he looked forward with impatience to the day when he should -become a man; and the question that troubled him not a little, was, -what should he do when he became his “own master,” as he termed it. -He was full of what he considered to be glorious ideas, but, when -he had determined to enter upon any particular calling, he always -found something unpleasant in it. For instance, during the previous -winter he had informed his father that it was his intention to become -a sailor, and that nothing could induce him to change his mind. As -usual with him, he wanted to begin at once, and he scarcely allowed -his father a moment’s rest, teasing him from morning until night, -for permission to go to sea on one of the vessels as cabin-boy. But -Mr. Newcombe, who had once been a cabin-boy himself, and who knew -what Tom would be compelled to endure, would not give his consent. He -was not at all opposed to his son’s going to sea, for, having been -a sailor himself, he looked upon a sea-faring man as a most useful -and honorable member of society; but he knew that on ship-board, -Tom’s uneasy, discontented disposition would keep him in constant -trouble; and before he allowed him out of his sight he wanted him to -abandon his bad habits. Besides, he did not wish his son to remain -a foremast hand all his life, and he knew that if Tom wished to win -promotion, he must first go to school and pay more attention to his -books. So Mr. Newcombe told Tom that he could not go, and this made -the boy very miserable indeed. Several of his playmates, who were -much younger than himself, had been to sea on three or four voyages, -and why couldn’t he go as well as any body? He could see no good -reason for a refusal, and in order to punish his father for not -allowing him to have his own way, he went into the sulks, and, for a -day or two, scarcely spoke to any one. This was Tom’s favorite way -of taking revenge on his father and mother, and no doubt it was the -source of great satisfaction to him. But had he known how foolish he -was, and how all the sensible boys of his acquaintance laughed at -him, he might have taken some pains to conceal his ugly temper. He -resolved that he would never abandon his idea of becoming a sailor, -and every moment that he could snatch from school, was spent on the -wharf, where he stood looking at the vessels, and wishing that he -was his “own master,” so that he could do as he pleased. One night -he took his stand on the wharf, and saw one of his father’s vessels -towed into the harbor almost a wreck. Her foremast was gone, her -deck and shrouds were coated with ice, her rigging all frozen, the -sails useless, and those of the crew that were left, were in the most -pitiable condition. This was an incident in the life of a sailor that -had never entered into Tom’s calculations; and when he had seen the -vessel moored at the wharf, and heard her captain tell his father -that the crew, besides being badly frost-bitten, had been without -food for two days, Tom started homeward, fully resolved that he would -never follow the sea. - -For a day or two after that, he was a most miserable boy. He did -not know what to decide upon next; and he never was happy unless -he had something to dream about. But, one afternoon, as he stood -in his father’s office, a well-to-do farmer drove up with a load -of grain, and Tom suddenly saw the way out of his quandary. There -were four horses hitched to the sled, and they were so slick and -fat, and the farmer seemed to be so happy and contented, that Tom -could not resist the thought that he would like to be a farmer. In -fact, after a few moment’s consideration, he decided that he would -be one, and he resolved to act upon his decision at once. After a -little maneuvering, he commenced a conversation with the farmer, -during which, he asked him if he “didn’t want to hire a boy!” The man -replied that he did, that he was just looking for one, and, that, if -Tom would go home with him, he would soon make a first-class farmer -of him. Tom, delighted with the idea, at once sought an interview -with his father, to whom he hurriedly explained his new scheme. Mr. -Newcombe, too busy to be interrupted, answered his request that he -might be permitted to go home with the farmer in the negative; but -Tom, who was a great tease, was not to be put off so easily. - -“You don’t understand what I want, father!” he began. - -“Yes I do!” replied the merchant. “I know all about it. But there’s -one thing I don’t know, and that is, what foolish notion you’ll get -into your head next!” - -“But, father!” said Tom impatiently, “may I go? That’s what I want to -know!” - -“No, sir, you may stay at home!” - -“O, now, why can’t I go?” whined Tom. “Say, father, _why_ can’t I go? -I want to learn to be a farmer.” - -How long Tom would have continued to tease his father, it is -impossible to say, had not the merchant, well-nigh out of patience, -ordered his son to “go home, and stay there, until he should learn -not to bother persons when they were busy.” Tom reluctantly obeyed; -but the moment he reached the house again went into the sulks. - -This last idea, he thought, would suit him much better than any thing -he had ever before thought of. Heretofore, when he had explained his -plans to his father, that gentleman had invariably said, - -“Tom, you don’t know enough! Go to school and pay more attention to -your books. Get your education first, and decide upon your business -afterward.” But this was something the boy did not like to do. He -could not bear to study, and all his calculations, as to what trade -or profession he should follow when he became a man, had been made -with reference to this particular object--namely, to discover some -business which could be successfully conducted without a knowledge of -arithmetic and geography, two things that Tom thoroughly despised. -But now he had hit upon the very thing--farming; a farmer had nothing -to do but drive horses, take care of cows, and spread hay; and that -did not require a knowledge of arithmetic or geography. That was just -the business for him; and he resolved that some day he would be a -farmer. - -During the remainder of the winter, Tom held firmly to this -determination. He thought, and dreamed about nothing else; and a -farmer’s sled or wagon was an object of great curiosity to him; -at least all his playmates thought so, for every morning and -evening, before and after school, and all day Saturdays, Tom was -seen loitering about the market-houses, looking at the horses, and -talking with the farmers. This state of things, we repeat, continued -until spring, and then all these ideas were driven out of his head as -suddenly as they had entered it. - -Among other things of which the village of Newport could boast, -was its military school. This institution was attended by boys of -all ages, from almost all parts of the state, and, in addition -to being prepared either for business or college, they were -instructed in military science. The students wore a uniform of gray -trimmed with blue, the “commissioned” officers being designated by -shoulder-straps, and the “non-commissioned,” by two or three stripes -worn on the right arm, above the elbow. Every thing in and about the -academy was conducted in military order. The officers were always -addressed according to their rank, captain, lieutenant, or sergeant, -as the case might be, and punishment for serious offenses against -the rules of the school was adjudged by courts-martial, composed of -some of the teachers and students. Every spring and fall the members -of the academy, with their professors at their head, went into camp, -where they generally remained about two weeks; and it was during one -of these camping frolics that Tom, after having witnessed a series of -parades, during which, the students behaved like veteran soldiers, -lost all desire to become a farmer, and decided to turn his attention -to the military school. Tom had often wished that his father would -permit him to sign the muster-rolls of the academy, and, in fact, he -had, for a long time, been unable to determine whether he was “cut -out” for a soldier or a sailor. On this point he had often debated -long and earnestly. It must not be supposed that Tom was endeavoring -to decide in which of these two callings he could do the most good, -and be of the most use to his fellow-men! Quite the contrary. He -cared for no one but himself. It made no difference to him how much -others were troubled or inconvenienced, as long as he could get along -smoothly; and the question he was trying to answer was, Which calling -held out the better promise of a life of ease? There was another -question that Tom had never been able to answer to his satisfaction, -and that was, of what use would his military education be to him -after he left the academy? But one day, just before the camp broke -up, this problem was solved by one of the students, who informed -Tom that he had passed a successful examination, and had received -the appointment of cadet at West Point. This showed Tom the way out -of his difficulty, and, at the same time, opened before his lively -imagination a scene of glory of which he had never before dreamed. - -“That’s the thing for me!” he soliloquised, as he bent his steps -homeward. “That’s the very place I always wanted to go to. If father -would let me join this school, I’d certainly be appointed captain of -one of the academy companies in two or three weeks; then, after I get -through there, I’d go to West Point. I’d stay there until I completed -my military education, and then go into the army. Then I would be -sent off somewhere to fight the Indians, and, if I was a brave man, -I might be promoted to colonel or brigadier-general. Wouldn’t that -be glorious, and wouldn’t I feel gay riding around on my fine horse, -with my body-guard galloping after me? It’s an easy life, too; I know -it would just suit me. and I am resolved that some day I will be a -soldier.” - -By the time Tom reached home he had worked himself up to the highest -pitch of excitement, by imagining all sorts of pleasant things that -would happen when he should become a general in the regular army; but -what was his disappointment when his father--after he had explained -to him his glowing schemes--refused to permit him to join the -military academy. - -“I might have expected it,” said Tom to himself, as he walked -sullenly out of the house. “I always was the most unlucky boy in the -whole world. I never can do any thing like other fellows, for father -don’t want me to enjoy myself if he can help it. But I’ll be my own -master one of these fine days, and then I’ll do as I please.” - -Tom was decidedly wrong when he said that his father did not want him -to enjoy himself, for Mr. Newcombe used his best endeavors to make -his son happy and contented; and this was the reason he had never -allowed Tom to carry out any of his numerous schemes. He knew that -the boy’s bad habits would render him unhappy wherever he went, and -in whatever he engaged; but he hoped that, as he grew in years, he -would also grow in wisdom; that he would learn that his only chance -for success in any undertaking was to “turn over a new leaf,” abandon -all his bad habits, and begin work in earnest. But Tom, attributing -his father’s refusal to entirely different motives, went into the -sulks, and for a week scarcely spoke to any one about the house. For -two months he fretted and scolded almost constantly, and all this -time he was endeavoring to conjure up some plan by which he might -induce his father to grant his request. He declared, more than once, -that he was “bound to be a general,” and that he “never would give -up his idea of joining the military academy.” But one day an event -transpired that caused him to forget all these resolutions, and -turned his thoughts and desires into another channel. - -A full-rigged ship, which had been launched at the yards early in the -spring, was completed, and Tom saw her start on her first voyage. He -had never before seen so beautiful an object as that ship, and, as -she sailed majestically out of the harbor, the thought occurred to -Tom how grand he would feel if he was the master of a vessel like -that. From that hour the military school was at a discount, and Tom -had again resolved to be a sailor--not a common foremast hand, but -the captain of a full-rigged ship. - -These are but few of the instances that might be cited to illustrate -the fact that Tom was utterly lacking in firmness of purpose, for -there was scarcely a trade or profession that he had not, at some -time or another, wanted to follow. For a time he imagined that a man -who could build and run a steam-engine ought to be very proud, and -able to make his living easily, and then he wanted to be a machinist. -Then he thought that the village doctor, a fat, jolly man, who rode -about in his gig, and appeared to take the world very easily, ought -to be a happy man, and then Tom wanted to study medicine. Next, after -listening for a few moments to a Fourth of July speech, delivered -by a prominent member of the bar, he decided to be a lawyer; and, -after that, a civil engineer; but, upon inquiry, he found that all -these involved a long course of study and preparation; so they were -speedily dismissed as unworthy of his attention. - -Tom, we repeat, had often thought of these and many other trades and -professions; but, at the period when our story commences, he was, -perhaps, for the hundredth time, firmly settled in his determination -to become a sailor. Mr. Newcombe had often talked to his son about -his bad habits, especially his want of stability, his propensity to -build air-castles, and his aversion to study; but, it is needless to -say, the boy paid very little attention to what was said to him. The -truth was, he did not believe that his father knew any thing at all -about the matter. Besides being very stubborn--holding to his own -ideas, no matter what was said against them--he had a most exalted -opinion of himself, and had often made himself ridiculous by saying, -“They can’t teach _me_--I know just what I am about.” - -Tom lived to be an old man; and perhaps we shall see what he thought -of these things in after life; whether or not he never regretted that -he had not followed the advice of those who, being older and more -experienced than himself, knew what was best for him. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - THE FISHER-BOY. - - -The house in which Tom lived stood on a hill that commanded a fine -view of the village of Newport and the adjacent bay, and before it -was a wide lawn, that sloped gently down to the water’s edge, shaded -by grand old trees. On the day we introduce Tom to our readers, he -had been sent out of the school-room in disgrace, not having mastered -his arithmetic lesson. He lay at full length under one of the trees, -stretching his arms and yawning, throwing his book about, and looking -out over the bay at the vessels that were sailing in and out of the -harbor. Now and then he would think of his lesson, but the thought -was always dismissed with an impatient “O, I can’t learn it; I know -I can’t, and what’s the use in trying?” But it was evident that he -did not intend to abandon it altogether, for he would occasionally -open his book and study for a few moments, with his mouth twisted on -one side, as if he were on the point of crying. The fact was, Mr. -Newcombe was present at the recitation that morning, when his son had -made a worse failure than usual; and as he was about to leave the -school-room, he turned to Tom and told him, in language too plain -to be misunderstood, that if he “didn’t have that lesson by five -o’clock that afternoon, he would get his jacket dusted in a way that -would make him open his eyes.” Tom remembered the threat, and he -would now and then turn to his task with a listless, discouraged air, -as if he regarded it as far beyond his comprehension. His mind, as -usual, was wandering off over the bay, and to save his life he could -not learn the rule for addition. - -His lesson, however, was not the only thing that troubled him just -then; a more important matter was on his mind, and perplexed him -exceedingly. He had that morning found an insurmountable obstacle in -his path--one that shut him out from all hopes of ever becoming a -sailor. - -When the sight of that fine ship had again turned Tom’s attention to -the sea, he laid a regular siege to his father, and tried every plan -he could think of to obtain his consent to ship as boy on one of his -vessels; and that morning he had asked permission to go out on the -“Savannah,” a schooner that was to sail in a week or two. - -Mr. Newcombe had, for a long time, patiently borne his fretting and -teasing; and, finally, to set the matter at rest at once and forever, -he said to Tom: - -“My son, when you can add up a column of figures without counting -your fingers, and can tell me the capital of every State in the -Union, and where it is situated, you may go to sea. Now, wake up, and -see if you can’t display a little energy. The Savannah will not sail -under two weeks, so you will have plenty of time to do all this.” - -“O no, father,” drawled Tom, (he always spoke in a very low tone, and -so slowly that it made one nervous to listen to him,) “I can’t learn -all that in two weeks. It’s too hard.” - -Mr. Newcombe did not wait to hear what Tom had to say, but picked up -his cane and started for his office, leaving his son pondering upon -this new and wholly unexpected turn of events. - -This was a death-blow to Tom’s hopes. It was, in his estimation, a -task that would have made a Hercules hesitate. Learn all that in -two weeks! Did his father take him for a walking arithmetic and -geography, that he expected him to accomplish so much in so short -a space of time? It was simply impossible, and he was astonished -at his father for proposing such a thing. Under almost any other -circumstances, Tom would have said, “Then I can’t be a sailor,” and -would have immediately turned his attention to something else. But -he remembered how grand that ship looked as she sailed out of the -harbor, and he could not bear the thought of forever giving up all -hopes of becoming the captain of a vessel like that. - -Tom regarded this as one of his unlucky days. His lesson was very -hard. He had been promised a whipping if he did not get it. There was -that tremendous obstacle that had so suddenly risen up before him, -and altogether he felt most discontented and miserable. It was no -wonder he could not learn the rule. - -“O, I do wish I could be a sailor,” said he, at length; “then I -wouldn’t have any teachers to bother me, and ask why I place units -under units, and tens under tens, when I want to add figures, and -why I carry the left-hand figure to the next column when the amount -exceeds nine. What good will it do me to learn all this? I can -manage a vessel without it. And then, if I was on board ship, there -wouldn’t be any one to tell me that he’d dust my jacket for me if I -didn’t get my lesson. Ah, that would be glorious! But I can’t be a -sailor now; I can’t add figures, and tell the capitals of all the -States--there’s too many of them. O, dear, what shall I do? I always -was an unlucky boy, and something is always happening to bother me. -Now, there’s Bob Jennings! He ought to be a happy fellow, having -nothing to do but row about the harbor all day, ferrying and catching -fish. He’s a lucky chap, and I wish I was in his place. Hullo, Bob, -come up here!” - -Tom’s thoughts were turned into this channel by discovering a boy, -about his own age, rowing a scow up the bay. The fisher-boy had seen -Tom rolling about on the grass, and, if the latter could have known -the thoughts that passed through his mind, no doubt he would have -been greatly astonished. - -Bob Jennings was the son of a poor widow who lived in the village. -His father, like the majority of men in Newport, had followed the sea -for a livelihood, but, having been washed overboard from his vessel -during a storm, Bob was left as the only support for his mother and -two little brothers. From the time he was strong enough to handle -an oar, he had been accustomed to work, and, unlike Tom, he was not -ashamed of it. He was ready to undertake any thing that would enable -him to turn an honest penny; and many a dime found its way into his -mother’s slim purse, that Bob had earned by running errands after his -day’s work was over. But, if he was obliged to work hard while his -father was living, he was compelled to redouble his exertions now, -for the pittance his mother earned by sewing and washing could not -go far toward feeding and clothing four persons. Bob well understood -this, and he worked hard and incessantly. Every morning, rain or -shine, he was on hand at pier Number 2, which he regarded as his own -particular “claim,” ready to ferry the workmen across the harbor to -the ship-yards. After this was done, he pulled down the bay to his -fishing grounds, from which he returned in time to be at his pier -when the six o’clock bell rang in the evening. - -Bob was ambitious, and he longed to follow in the footsteps of -his father. Like all the boys in Newport, who seemed to inhale a -passionate love of salt water with the air they breathed, he looked -forward to the day when he should become the master of a fine vessel. -But his mother could not live without his assistance. His earnings, -however small, were needed to procure the common necessities of life; -and, thus far, Bob had been unable to take the first step toward -attaining his long-cherished object. A few weeks previous to the -commencement of our story, he had entered into an agreement with -his mother, to the effect, that as soon as he could lay by a sum -sufficient to support her and his brothers for two months, he was -to be allowed so go on a short voyage. This served as an incentive -to extra exertion, and Bob worked early and late to accomplish the -desired end. Every cent he earned, he placed in his mother’s hands; -and so impatient was he to save the amount required, that he reserved -not a penny for himself, but went about his work ragged, shoeless, -and almost hatless. How often, as he rowed by the elegant mansion in -which Tom Newcombe lived, had he given utterance to the wish that he -could find some way in which he might earn as much money as the rich -ship-owner allowed his son to spend foolishly every month. He was -confident that it would amount to double the sum required to support -his mother while he was gone on his first voyage, and would have -placed it in his power to enter upon his chosen work at once. Nearly -every day, as he pulled by in his leaky, flat-bottomed boat, he saw -Tom rolling about under the trees; and, when he drew a contrast -between their stations in life, it almost discouraged him. - -Hearing Tom calling to him, Bob turned his boat toward the shore, and -in a few moments reached the spot where the young student was seated. -There was a great difference between the two boys. The rich man’s son -was neatly clad, while Bob was barefooted, wore a brimless hat on -his head, and his clothes were patched in a hundred places, and with -different kinds of cloth, so that it was almost an impossibility to -tell their original color. The fisher-boy thought his garments looked -worse than ever by thus being brought in contrast with those of the -well-dressed student, and he involuntarily seated himself on the -ground, with his feet under him, as if to hide them from the gaze of -his more fortunate companion. But the difference did not cease here. -About the one, there were virtues that could not be hidden by ragged -clothes; and in the other, there were glaring defects that made -themselves apparent in spite of his well-blacked boots and broadcloth -jacket; and, had a total stranger been standing by, with an errand he -wished promptly executed, the successful accomplishment of which was -of the utmost importance, he would, without hesitation, have selected -Bob as the more reliable. There was an honest, resolute look about -him, which showed that he was ready for any thing, and that he felt -within him the power to overcome all obstacles; while Tom had a -listless, die-away manner of moving and talking, that led one to -believe that he had been utterly exhausted by hard labor. - -“You’re a lucky chap, Bob Jennings,” said Tom, at length, throwing -down his book rather spitefully, and seating himself on the grass -opposite the fisher-boy. “A most lucky chap.” - -Bob looked down at his clothes, but made no reply. - -“You have no arithmetic lesson to learn, as I have,” continued Tom. -“All you have to do is to row about in your boat all day, and be your -own master. That must be fun!” - -For a moment Bob gazed at his companion in utter astonishment. Was it -fun that he was compelled to work day after day, through storm and -sunshine, and at such small wages that his mother could scarcely lay -by half a dollar a week? Was it fun for him to pull five miles down -the bay, in a leaky boat, and back, without catching a single fish, -as he had done that day? If there was any fun in that, the fisher-boy -thought he had never before understood the meaning of the word. - -“No, I don’t see much sport in it,” answered Bob. “I call it -downright hard work, and so would you if you could trade places with -me for a few days. You are the one that sees all the fun. You have no -work to do.” - -It was now Tom’s turn to be astonished. He started up in perfect -amazement, and looked at the fisher-boy for a moment without -speaking. - -“I see all the fun, do I?” said he, when he had recovered somewhat -from his surprise. “Bob Jennings, let me tell you that you don’t know -what hard work is. Did your father ever tell you that he’d dust your -jacket for you if you didn’t get a difficult arithmetic lesson?” - -“No,” answered, Bob, slowly. - -“Well, that’s just what my father told me this morning,” continued -Tom, “and he also informed me that I can’t go to sea until I can add -up a column of figures, and tell him the capitals of all the States. -Now, that’s a harder job than you ever had laid out for you.” - -The fisher-boy did not act as though he considered that a very -difficult task, for he brightened up, and said: - -“I wish somebody would give me that job, and agree to support my -mother while I was at sea; I’d sign shipping articles in three days. -Don’t you want that book?” he added, as Tom picked up his arithmetic -and threw it down the bank toward the water, as if he wished it as -far as possible out of his sight. “If that book was mine I wouldn’t -fling it about that way. I’d study it and try to learn something.” - -“Why, I thought you wanted to be a sailor,” said Tom. - -“So I do. But I don’t want to be before the mast all my life. I want -to be captain; and I will, too, if I live to be a man.” - -“So will I. I am going to be master of a full-rigged ship, like -the one that left port about two months ago. But what’s the use of -studying arithmetic?” - -“Why, you can’t be captain until you understand navigation,” said -Bob; “and you can’t learn that unless you know something about -figures.” - -As Tom heard this very disheartening piece of news, he stretched -himself at full length on the grass, drew on a long face, and twisted -his mouth on one side, as if he had half a mind to cry. He looked at -the fisher-boy a moment, then out over the bay, and finally drawled -out, “Then I can’t be a sailor! I didn’t know they had to study -arithmetic. I can’t learn it, and there’s no use in trying.” - -As Tom said this, he happened to glance toward the gate, and saw his -father approaching. Remembering the whipping that had been promised -if he again failed in his lesson, he hastily sprang to his feet -and ran down the bank after his book; while Bob, thinking that the -gentleman regarded him rather suspiciously, retreated to his boat and -pulled toward home. - -Mr. Newcombe always returned from his office at five o’clock; and -Tom, knowing that it was time to recite his lesson, applied himself -to his task with much more energy than he was accustomed to display. -But, as usual, his mind was upon something else; for, as he read -over the rule, he was pondering upon what the fisher-boy had told -him--that a sailor, in order to win promotion, must know something -about arithmetic. Here was another obstacle in his way. All that day -Tom had cherished the hope that he might, in some manner, be able -to avoid the task his father had imposed upon him, of committing to -memory the capitals of the different States, and learning to add -without counting his fingers; but here was something that could not -be got over. In building his air-castles (for he was continually -dreaming about something) he thought only of the happiness he -would experience when he should be able to grasp the object of -his ambition. He did not believe that whatever is worth having is -worth striving for! He never reflected upon the toil and privation -to which he must submit before he could work his way up from “boy” -to the responsible position of captain! Work! That was something he -never intended to do. His idea was, that, when he arrived at the -proper age, he would, in some mysterious manner, be placed in the -position at which he aimed, without the necessity of labor. He was -hopeful if he was unlucky; and, although he had suffered repeated -disappointments in the failure of his grand schemes, he clung to the -belief that, at some time during his life, something would “turn up” -in his favor, and that then he would have plain sailing. There was -but one way out of his present difficulty that he could discover, -and that was to hope that the fisher-boy was mistaken. What did -Bob Jennings--a boy who had never been to school three months in -his life--know about such things? He was just as liable to make -mistakes as any body; and Tom at first hoped, and ended with finally -believing, that Bob knew nothing about the matter. - -As these thoughts passed through Tom’s mind, he was industriously -studying his lesson, but of course without comprehending one word -of it, and presently the ringing of a bell summoned him to the -school-room. The sound acted like a charm on Tom, for, as he arose -to his feet and walked slowly toward the house, he began to study -earnestly, and to such good advantage--for he learned very readily -when he set himself resolutely to work--that he began to hope he -might pass a creditable recitation. When he entered the school-room, -he found his father and the teacher waiting for him. A hasty glance -at the former served to convince him that the threatened whipping -would certainly be forthcoming if he failed, and just then he looked -upon himself as the most abused boy in the world. The recitation -commenced, and with considerable assistance from his teacher Tom -managed to blunder through his lesson, but it is certain that he -knew no more about it when he got through than he did when he began. -Although Mr. Newcombe was far from being satisfied, Tom escaped -without a whipping, and that was all he cared for. - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - TOM GOES TO SEA. - - -Tom, having managed to get safely through his arithmetic lesson, -put his book away in his desk, and again sauntered out on the lawn, -where he threw himself under one of the trees, and thought over his -hard lot in life. Study hours being over for the day, he was now at -liberty to amuse himself about home in any way he chose; but, as -was generally the case with him, he was at a loss to know how to -pass the time until dark. He never took a book of any description -in his hands if he could avoid it. Reading, he thought, was a very -dull, uninteresting way of passing the time. He never looked at a -newspaper, and if some one had asked him the name of the President -of the United States, it would have been a question that he could -not answer. As for play, he never saw any fun in that, but he was as -ready to engage in any kind of mischief as any boy in the village. - -Newport, like every other place, had its two “sets” of boys, who -went by the names of “Spooneys” and “Night-hawks.” The former were, -in fact, the good boys of the village. They played foot-ball on -the common until dark, and then went home and stayed there. With -these Tom rarely had intercourse. On two or three occasions he had -mustered up energy enough to engage in a game of ball with them, and -each time he came home crying, and complaining that “the boys played -too rough,” and that “some fellow had shoved him down in the dirt.” -The fact was, Tom did not like these boys, because he could not be -their leader. They could all beat him running; the smallest boy on -the common could kick a foot-ball further than he could; and, in -choosing the sides for the game, Tom was always the last one taken. -The reason for this was that Tom, besides being a very poor player, -never entered into the sport as though he had any life about him. He -was very much afraid of soiling his clothes, or getting dust on his -boots; and this was so different from the wild, rollicking ways of -his playmates, that they soon learned to despise him; and, if Tom was -now and then pushed into the mud during the excitement of the game, -no one pitied him or stopped to help him out. - -But with the Night-hawks--those that took possession of the common -at dark--Tom was a great favorite. They knew how to manage him. He -was easily duped, and, if the boys wished to engage in any mischief, -Tom was generally the one selected to do the work, for he made an -excellent “cat’s-paw.” A few words of flattery would completely blind -him, and, not unfrequently, call forth a display of recklessness -that made every body wonder. If the Night-hawks wished to remove the -doctor’s sign, and place it in front of a millinery store, or if -they wished to fasten a string across the sidewalk, to knock off the -hats of those that passed by, one of them would say to Tom: “Now, -Newcombe, you do it. You are the strongest and bravest fellow in the -party. You are not afraid of any thing.” These words never failed -to have the desired effect; for Tom would instantly volunteer his -services in any scheme the Night-hawks had to propose. Any mischief -that was done, anywhere within two miles of the village, was laid -to these boys; but had the matter been investigated, it would have -been discovered that Tom was the guilty one, for he did all the work, -while his companions stood at a safe distance and looked on. - -Of course Mr. Newcombe knew nothing of this. His orders to Tom were -to remain in the yard after dark; but the latter regarded this as -another deliberate abridgment of his privileges. The merchant often -said that there was something in the night air particularly injurious -to the morals of boys, but Tom did not believe it. He did not like to -remain in the house while other boys were out enjoying themselves. -However, he always promised obedience to his father’s commands, -while, perhaps, at that very moment he was studying up some plan -by which he might be able to evade them, and was revolving in his -mind some scheme for mischief which he intended to propose to the -Night-hawks that evening. Mr. Newcombe was a shrewd business man; he -could calculate the rise and fall of the produce market to a nicety, -but he was not shrewd enough to discover that Tom, in spite of the -readiness with which he promised obedience to all his requirements, -was deceiving him every night of his life. Perhaps he thought that -Tom would not dare to disobey him; or he may have imagined that -he was a boy of too high principle; but, whatever may have been -his thoughts, he never troubled himself about his son after giving -him orders to remain in the yard, and Tom, having always escaped -detection, grew bolder by degrees, until, at last, he became the -acknowledged leader of the Night-hawks. He would rack his brain for -days and weeks to perfect some plan for mischief, and follow it up -with a patience and perseverance which, if exhibited in the line of -study, would have placed him at the head of his class in a month. He -was willing to work harder to obtain the approbation of a dozen young -rogues like the Night-hawks, than to gain that knowledge that would -enable him to be of some use in the world. - -On the evening in question, Tom was sadly troubled with the “blues.” -He was almost discouraged, for several things had “happened to bother -him” during the day, and among them was the very disheartening piece -of news which the fisher-boy had communicated to him. If it was -true--and sometimes Tom almost believed that it was, for that would -be “just his luck”--he knew that he must do one of two things--either -abandon the idea of becoming a sailor, or pay more attention to his -books. If there had been any alternative, Tom would certainly have -discovered it, for he was very expert in finding a way out of a -difficulty. But now, either his good fortune, in this respect, had -deserted him, or else he was in a predicament from which there was no -escape, for he lay thinking under the trees for nearly an hour, and -finally answered the summons to supper without having been able to -discover a way out of his quandary. - -Tom ate his supper in silence, and so did Mr. Newcombe, who was -pondering upon the same subject that was at that moment occupying his -son’s mind. - -The result of the recitation that afternoon had convinced the -merchant that something ought to be done. Tom was making no progress -whatever in his studies. He had been under the charge of his private -teacher for nearly six weeks, and he had not yet completed the -first rule of his arithmetic. The reason for this was, that Tom had -been so long in the habit of dreaming, that any thing like study or -work, had become distasteful to him. The question was, how to arouse -him--how to convince him that if he ever expected to be any body in -the world, he must work for it. This could not be done by keeping him -at his books, for that plan had been repeatedly tried, and had as -often failed. He did not want to send him to the military school, or -allow him to go to sea; for he knew that Tom would not be contented -in either place. But something must be done; and, after thinking the -matter over calmly, the merchant finally decided upon his course. -He said nothing, however, during the meal, to Tom, who, when he had -finished his supper, hunted up his cap, went out of the house, and -walked down the lawn toward the beach, where his sail-boat, which he -called the Mystery, lay at her anchorage. He had started with the -intention of taking a sail; but, on second thought, he knew that -he could not enjoy it, for his troubles weighed too heavily on his -mind. He therefore abandoned the idea, and seating himself on the -grass, pondered upon what the fisher-boy had told him, and, for the -hundredth time, wondered what he should do next. - -It had now begun to grow dark, and the shouts that came from the -common bore evidence to the fact that the Night-hawks were ready -to begin operations. Occasionally he heard a long, loud whistle, -which, under almost any other circumstances, would have been promptly -answered by Tom, for it told him, as plainly as words, that he was -wanted. But he did not feel at all inclined to engage in any mischief -that night, so the boys were obliged to get along the best they could -without him. It was fortunate for Tom that he resolved to stay at -home, for scarcely had he come to this determination, when he heard -his father calling him. Tom obeyed the summons, and when he entered -the room where Mr. Newcombe sat, the latter inquired: - -“Well, Tom, have you completed your task?” - -“O, no, I haven’t,” was the answer. “I can’t learn the capitals of so -many States.” - -“Have you tried?” asked the father. - -“O, now, don’t I know what I can learn without trying?” asked Tom, -throwing his cap into one corner of the room, and seating himself -near his father. “If a fellow knows he can’t do a thing, what is the -use of his trying? It’s only time thrown away.” - -Mr. Newcombe, knowing that it would be of no use to argue the point -just then, changed the subject by inquiring: - -“Have you learned any thing at all during the last month?” - -“O, I don’t know,” answered Tom. “I can’t study all alone. There’s -no fun in it. Say, father, can’t I go to sea without learning the -capitals of all the States?” - -“What could you do on board a vessel, Tom? You would be a foremast -hand all your life.” - -“O, no, I wouldn’t! I would soon be captain. Say, father, may I go? I -want to go.” - -“You would have to go on a great many voyages before you could be -master of a vessel. I went to sea thirteen years before any one -called me captain.” - -“Well, now, may I go? Say, father, may I go?” - -“The discipline is very strict,” continued the merchant. “A sailor is -not allowed to stop and grumble at any orders he receives. Besides, -you will have to take a very low position; you will be nothing but a -boy.” - -“I don’t care!” said Tom, impatiently. “May I go? That’s what I want -to know!” - -“There are other things you must bear in mind also,” said Mr. -Newcombe; but Tom, fearing that his father was about to begin a long, -uninteresting lecture, interrupted him with: - -“Now, why don’t you tell me whether or not I can go? Say, father may -I go?” - -The merchant, however, did not immediately answer his question; and -Tom, giving it up in disgust, threw himself back in his chair with -the air of one who expected to listen to something very unpleasant. - -“You must remember,” said his father, “that there is nothing romantic -about a sailor’s life. It is all drudgery and toil from one year’s -end to another; and if a man wins promotion, he does it by his own -abilities. How would you like to be in a vessel that was cast away?” - -Tom thought of the wreck he had seen towed into the harbor, and, for -a moment, he hesitated, but it was only for a moment; for when he -remembered how grand that ship looked as she started on her voyage, -and thought how proud he would feel if he could only be the captain -of a vessel like that, he decided that he would willingly risk -the shipwreck, if that would enable him to gain the object of his -ambition. - -“And how would you like to go aloft and take in sail during a storm?” -asked Mr. Newcombe. - -“I wouldn’t care!” was the answer. “I wouldn’t do it long. I’d soon -be captain.” - -If Tom once got an idea into his head, no matter how ridiculous it -was, he clung to it, and stubbornly refused to be convinced that -it was impracticable. This notion of his, that he could soon learn -enough about seamanship and navigation to be intrusted with the -management of a vessel, was one of his pet ideas; and if all the -sailors in the world had endeavored to show him that the thing was -impossible, he would still have held firmly to his opinion. Mr. -Newcombe had often tried to convince his son of his error, and he had -discovered that there was but one way to do it, and that was to let -Tom learn in the hard school of experience. A few months at sea would -drive all such improbable ideas out of his head. - -“Very well,” said the merchant, picking up his paper. “That’s all, -Tom!” - -“O, no, it isn’t, father! Why don’t you tell me whether or not I may -go. Say! _Say!_” - -But Mr. Newcombe, who appeared to be deeply interested in his paper, -took no further notice of him; and Tom, vexed and disappointed, -picked up his cap, went out of the house, and walked up and down the -lawn. The shouts that now and then came to his ears, told him that -the Night-hawks still held possession of the common, and Tom had half -a mind to go down and join them. But he knew, by the way his father -spoke, that he had some idea of allowing him to go to sea, and he did -not wish to destroy, by an act of disobedience, all the bright hopes -he had so long cherished, and which he imagined could be realized if -he was permitted to ship as cabin-boy on some vessel. - -“I always wanted to go to sea,” said Tom to himself, as he walked -impatiently up and down the lawn; “and I’d like to know why I can’t -go as well as any body? I wonder why father didn’t tell me what he -is going to do about it? What good does it do to plague a fellow -this way? Now, if I can go out in the Savannah, I’ll certainly learn -enough to be second mate by the time we get home; then, after that, -I’ll be first mate, and then captain. Then, if a war should break -out, I would go into the navy, and I might be promoted to captain of -a man-o’-war. Wouldn’t that be glorious!” - -Tom became amazed when he saw what a bright prospect was suddenly -opened up before him, and he resolved that he would not allow his -father a moment’s rest until he had obtained his permission to go to -sea on the Savannah. - -Before he went to sleep that night, Tom had made up what he regarded -as an unanswerable argument, which he intended to present for his -father’s consideration in the morning. But he was saved that trouble; -for, at the breakfast table, Mr. Newcombe informed him that he had -decided to allow him to go to sea on the Savannah; at the same time -giving him advice which, had he seen fit to follow it, would have -made him a better and wiser boy, and would have saved him a great -deal of trouble. Tom was in ecstasies. He made the most extravagant -promises in regard to good behavior and prompt obedience of orders, -and repeatedly assured his father that he was “cut out” for a sailor, -and that it would not be long before he would be the master of a fine -vessel. - -“Don’t build your hopes too high on that, Tom,” said Mr. Newcombe. -“Do your duty faithfully as boy, and don’t waste your time in -dreaming about being a captain; for that can only come after years of -hard work.” - -But Tom did not believe that. He had read about boys but little older -than himself being masters of vessels, and if he wasn’t as smart as -they were, he would like to know the reason why. - -Tom ate but very little breakfast that morning, for the joy he -experienced in receiving his father’s permission to go to sea had -taken away all his appetite. He hastily swallowed a few mouthfuls, -and then, catching up his cap, started toward the wharf to -communicate the good news to the captain of the Savannah. Tom was -well acquainted with all the officers and some of the crew of the -schooner, and he looked upon them as the finest men in the world. -The captain, especially, was his beau ideal of a sailor. He always -wore wide pants, a tremendous neck-tie, and, when he walked, he -rolled from side to side, like a vessel in a gale of wind--a style of -locomotion that Tom had more than once vainly endeavored to imitate. -With the older members of the crew he had always been a great -favorite. Whenever they returned from a voyage, they always brought -something for Tom; and, besides, they invariably spoke of him as “Our -young skipper,” a title which pleased the boy exceedingly. - -Tom had long ago decided that his first voyage to sea should be made -in the Savannah, and, for a time, it had been the height of his -ambition to obtain the command of a vessel exactly like her. But now -he had set his mark higher; a topsail schooner was not good enough -for him--he wanted a full-rigged ship. However, the Savannah would -answer his purpose just then, for he considered that it would be much -pleasanter to go to sea with friends who would always treat him with -the respect due the son of the owner of the vessel, than to make his -first voyage in company with total strangers. He had often talked to -the captain about going out with him, and that gentleman, with all a -sailor’s fondness for his chosen calling, had spoken so encouragingly -to him, and had appeared to take so much interest in his affairs, -that Tom concluded he would be happy to know that he was to have a -new cabin-boy. Toward the wharf, then, he went at the top of his -speed, and reaching the Savannah, he clambered over the rail, and ran -down into the cabin, where the captain was eating his breakfast. - -“It’s all right, now!” shouted Tom, as the skipper shook hands with -him. “It’s all right! I am going out with you!” - -“I am glad to hear that,” said the captain, “for I am always happy to -have good company. You are going out just for the fun of the thing, I -suppose?” - -“Yes, I expect to see plenty of fun, but I’m going to ship as boy. -I want you to teach me all you can, for I intend to be master of -a ship one of these days. Now, captain,” he added, glancing at the -doors of the different state-rooms in the cabin, “which is my room?” - -“Why, if you ship as boy,” said the captain, “you’ll have to sleep -with the sailors in the forecastle.” - -“Will I?” exclaimed Tom in astonishment. “Not if I know it. Do you -suppose that I am going to bunk with the hands? No, sir! I’m going to -have one of these rooms, and mess with you.” - -“I understood you to say that you wanted to learn all about the -vessel!” said the captain. - -“So I do!” replied Tom. “I want to be the best navigator and seaman -that ever sailed salt water!” - -“That’s an object well worth working for,” said the skipper. “But our -best sailors never obtained their responsible positions by creeping -in at the cabin windows. They came in at the hawse-hole for’ard, and -worked their way aft.” - -“That’s all well enough for those who are obliged to do it,” replied -Tom. “I know I can learn just as much about a vessel by living in the -cabin as I can by staying in the forecastle.” - -As Tom said this he made a hurried examination of the two unoccupied -rooms in the cabin, and, selecting the one he thought would suit him -best, he continued: - -“Now, captain, this is my room. Lock it up, and keep every body out -of it! As soon as I can get my bedding ready, I will have it brought -down here.” - -The captain, no doubt, thought that Tom was assuming considerable -authority for one who was to rate as “boy” on the shipping articles, -but he made no remark, knowing that in due time he would hear -the full particulars of the matter from Mr. Newcombe. Tom spent -some time in looking about his room, and deciding what articles -of furniture he ought to bring down in order to set it off to the -best advantage, and finally he left the vessel and walked toward -his father’s office. A few moments later Mr. Newcombe went on board -the schooner, and, after a long conversation with the captain, he -returned to his office, where he found his son waiting for him. - -“Now, Tom,” said the merchant, as he seated himself in a chair beside -the boy, “I suppose you want to know something of the life you will -lead for the next six months!” - -“O, I know all about it now,” said Tom. “I’ll have a jolly time.” - -Mr. Newcombe, however, thought differently, and he began to tell his -son exactly what he might expect if he shipped on board the schooner. -In the first place, he would be treated, in all respects as one of -the crew. He would be allowed no liberties that were not granted to -others; and he would begin his career as a sailor, as his father had -done before him--at the “lowest round of the ladder.” All the duties -expected of a boy on board ship would be required of him, and, if he -disobeyed orders, he would be liable to punishment. He would receive -boy’s pay--forty-eight dollars for the voyage--and when he returned -home, his father would give him the money due him, and he might use -it as he thought proper. If he wanted to be a speculator on a small -scale, (as Tom had often thought he would be if he only had some -money,) that would be capital enough for him to commence with. - -“O, no, father,” said Tom, confidently, “I have given up all idea of -being a trader. I’ll go to sea again at once. You seem to think that -I will soon grow tired of a sailor’s life.” - -Those were exactly the thoughts that were at that moment passing -through the merchant’s mind; but, seeing that his son still -stubbornly held to his own opinions, and knowing that he could not be -talked out of them, he brought the interview to a close by turning -to his desk and picking up some letters that had just been brought -in. Tom was left to himself, and being too uneasy to sit still, even -for a moment, he loitered about the office for a short time, and then -started for home. - -“Father doesn’t know what he is talking about,” he soliloquized. -“I never saw a man with such funny ideas. Does he suppose that the -captain of the Savannah is going to make me work? No, sir; he won’t -do it. He won’t dare do it; for my father owns that schooner, and I -guess I shall have a right to do as I please. I expect to go aloft -and take in sail, but I don’t call that work. The captain and I -understand each other, and I know that I shall get along finely.” - -Tom thought the day on which the schooner was to sail never would -arrive, for never before had the time hung so heavily on his hands. -He was very cross and fretful, and spent the entire week in walking -about the wharf, with his hands in his pockets. His private teacher -had left the mansion as soon as it was decided that his pupil was -to go to sea; and when Tom saw him go out of the yard, he drew a -long breath of relief, as if a heavy load had been removed from his -shoulders. Had he dared to do so, he would have thrown his desk and -all his books out after him; but as it was, he contented himself with -believing that he would never again be required to open an arithmetic -or geography. - -How he pitied his unfortunate acquaintances who were obliged to -attend school, and how they all envied Tom, when they learned that -he was about to go on a voyage to Callao. Every one of them said -that Callao was in Peru; but Tom stoutly maintained that it was -in England, and that when he arrived there, he would persuade the -skipper to take him to see the Queen. - -“Look at your geography,” said one of the boys, “and you will see -that you are mistaken.” - -“O, no, I won’t do it,” drawled Tom. “I said I never would open that -book again if I could help it, and I’m going to stick to it.” - -At last, to Tom’s immense relief, the long-expected day arrived. -From daylight until dark he sat on the wharf, watching the workmen -who were engaged in loading the vessel, and when he went home to -supper with his father, the latter informed him that the schooner -would be ready to sail by ten o’clock that evening. At nine o’clock, -Tom bade his mother good-by, and returned to the wharf, accompanied -by his father. He was dressed in a full sailor’s “rig,” with wide -pants, a blue flannel shirt, a tarpaulin, which he wore as far back -on his head as he could get it; a neck-tie, that looked altogether -too large for him, and, when his father was not looking at him, he -tried to imitate the captain’s walk. If clothes made the sailor, Tom -could certainly lay claim to that honor. Shortly after he reached the -vessel, his bedding and extra clothing arrived, and Tom gave orders -to have them carried into the cabin. Had he taken the trouble to -see how the command was obeyed, he would have found that his bundle -was unceremoniously thrown down into the forecastle. At last, when -every thing was ready for the start, a steamer came along-side to tow -the schooner out of the harbor. Mr. Newcombe took leave of the young -sailor, and sprang upon the wharf, after which, the lines were cast -off, and the Savannah began her voyage. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE. - - -Tom, delighted to find himself at last on board an outward-bound -vessel, remained on deck until the schooner was fairly out of the -harbor. He took his stand beside the captain, thrust his hands -deep into his pockets, pushed his hat on one side, and watched the -movements of the sailors, who ran about the deck executing the -different orders, as if he perfectly understood the meaning of -every command, and had long been accustomed to every thing he saw. -Occasionally he turned his eyes toward the rapidly receding lights -on the wharf, but, far from experiencing a single feeling of regret -at leaving home, he felt like shouting for joy. In fact, according -to Tom’s way of thinking, he had nothing to be sorry for. At home -he was always unhappy, something was forever happening to trouble -him; but in the life before him he saw nothing but sunshine. He was -entering upon the easy and romantic life of a sailor. He would soon -learn enough about seamanship and navigation to be intrusted with the -command of a vessel; and, when he arose in the morning, instead of -looking forward to six hours’ work at his arithmetic and geography -lessons, he would find before him a day of uninterrupted enjoyment. - -“Ah, this is glorious!” said Tom to himself, as the schooner, having -cleared the harbor, began to move more rapidly over the waves. “This -is fine! This is just the life for me! I’m a land-lubber no longer! -I’m a sailor; and I wouldn’t be the least bit sorry if I should never -see Newport.” - -Tom’s soliloquy was interrupted by an event that was as sudden as it -was unexpected. He had taken no pains to keep out of the way of the -sailors; and, when the crew came aft to hoist the mainsail, he was -so absorbed in his reverie that he took no notice of them until he -was aroused by the exclamation: “Here you are! Always in the way! Get -out o’ this!” accompanied by a violent push, which sent him at full -length on the deck. - -“Now, look here!” drawled Tom, as he hastily arose to his feet. “I’d -like to know what you are about! I’ll tell the captain.” - -Surprised and indignant at such treatment, he at once started off to -find the skipper, whom he at length discovered standing in the waist. - -“Captain!” he exclaimed. “Did you see that fellow push me down?” - -“No!” replied the captain, in a tone which implied that he was not at -all interested in the matter, “I didn’t see him.” - -“Well, somebody did push me down, flat on the deck,” said Tom, -angrily. “I want you to haul that man up for it, for I won’t stand -it.” - -“Well, then,” said the captain, coolly, as he turned on his heel and -walked aft, “you must keep your eyes open, and not get in any body’s -way.” - -Tom was astonished to find that the skipper did not sympathize with -him; but, believing that he did not fully understand his complaint, -he started to follow him, intending to state his case more clearly, -when he was roughly jostled by the second mate, who was hurrying -forward to execute some order. - -“Look here!” shouted Tom. “Don’t you know that this is my father’s -vessel? I want you to be a little more careful about pushing me -around this way. You are nothing but a mate.” - -“Ay ay, my hearty!” interrupted the sailor. “I know all about that. -But now, just take my advice and keep out of the way, or you’ll go -overboard.” - -“I will, will I?” exclaimed Tom. “I’ll tell the captain! Look here!” -he continued, as he approached the skipper, who was standing beside -the man at the wheel. “What do your men mean by pushing me about? I -want you to remember that my father owns this vessel. I won’t stand -such treatment; and I want you to put a stop to it; that’s all about -it.” - -Tom certainly stated his case plain enough this time, and he fully -expected that the captain would at once punish the men who had -treated him so disrespectfully; but what was his surprise and -disappointment when that gentleman turned on his heel and walked off -whistling. Tom was more than surprised at this; as the sailors would -have expressed it, “he was taken all aback,” and, for a moment, he -stood looking after the retreating form of the captain, as if he -was utterly unable to understand what had caused this sudden change -in him. Undoubtedly he had been sadly mistaken in the man. While on -shore, he was good natured, and had always appeared to take great -interest in every thing Tom had to say; but now, he was exactly the -reverse. He not only did not offer to protect him from the men, but -he seemed anxious to keep as much as possible out of his way. Tom, -who was not dull of comprehension, began to realize the fact that he -had got himself into a most unpleasant situation. He had built his -hopes high upon the captain only to be disappointed; and, with his -mouth twisted on one side, as if he were on the point of crying, he -went down into the cabin to arrange his bed. He went to the room he -had picked out for his own use, and was astonished to discover that -it had already been taken. A bed was made up in the bunk, and in one -corner stood a large sea-chest, with the name J. H. Robson painted on -it, showing that the room was in the possession of the second mate. -His own bed-clothes where nowhere to be seen. Almost too angry to -breathe, Tom was about to start in search of the captain, when he met -that gentleman coming down the companion-way. - -“Look here, captain!” exclaimed Tom, pointing to the bed, “your -second-mate has taken possession of my room.” - -“Your room!” repeated the captain. “That room doesn’t belong to you.” - -“Why, captain!” said Tom, in surprise, “I picked it out for my own -use, and told you to lock it up, and to allow no one in it. Don’t you -remember?” - -“Yes, I recollect. But I told you, at the same time, that sailors -sleep in the forecastle.” - -“And I also told you that I was going to sleep in the cabin, and mess -with you,” said Tom, decidedly. “Tell somebody to take that bed out -of there.” - -“Where will Mr. Robson sleep, then?” asked the captain. “The second -mate always occupies that room.” - -“Well, you can put him somewhere else. I’m bound to have that room.” - -“I think, Tom,” said the skipper, quietly, “that you will have to go -into the forecastle. There’s where you belong. You rate as ‘boy’ on -the shipping articles.” - -“But I didn’t agree to go among the men,” said Tom, “and I won’t -do it. What do you suppose my father would say if he knew that you -wanted me to bunk in the forecastle?” - -“I say, captain,” shouted the second mate down the companion-way at -this moment, “is that young sea-monkey down there? Ah, here you are!” -he continued, discovering Tom. “Lay for’ard into the forecastle, and -take care of your donnage. Up you come with a jump.” - -“Now what’s my baggage doing in the forecastle?” asked Tom, growing -more and more astonished at each new turn of events. “Who put it in -there? Tell one of your men to bring it into the cabin at once.” - -“Sonny,” replied the mate, shaking his finger at Tom, “come up here!” - -There was something in the sailor’s tone and manner that a little -alarmed Tom, and led him to draw closer to the captain, as if -seeking his protection. But the latter, after pulling off his coat -and hanging it up in his state-room, seated himself at the table, -and began to examine his chart; and Tom, finding that he was left -to fight his battles alone, resolved to do so to the best of his -ability. Turning to the mate he replied, angrily: - -“I’ve got no business on deck. I can’t be of any use up there; -besides, I am sleepy, and I want to go to bed.” - -“Well, then, lay for’ard into the forecastle, where you belong,” said -the mate. - -“I tell you I don’t belong there!” exclaimed Tom, almost ready to -cry with vexation; “and, what’s more, I am not going there. I want -you to remember that this is my father’s vessel, and you had better -mind what you are about. And, see here, Mr. Robson! you have put your -baggage in my room, and I want you to take it out of there at once. -That’s my room.” - -The mate, instead of replying, came down the stairs, and, seizing -Tom’s arm with a grip that brought tears to his eyes, exclaimed: - -“I want no nonsense, now! If you don’t obey orders, I’ll take a bit -of a rope’s-end to you. Now go for’ard on the run.” - -Tom struggled desperately to free himself from the mate’s grasp, but, -finding that his efforts were unavailing, he appealed to the captain -for protection. - -“See here, captain!” he shouted, “are you going to sit there and see -me abused in this manner, when my father owns this vessel?” - -“I can’t help you, Tom!” replied the captain. “That gentleman is one -of the officers of this schooner, and must be obeyed. If you will -take my advice, you will do just what he orders you to do.” - -Tom, however, did not see fit to follow this advice, but still -continued to struggle with the mate, when the latter tightened his -grasp on his arm, and, pulling him up the stairs in spite of his -resistance, he hurried him across the deck, and pushed him down into -the forecastle, exclaiming: - -“Now, then, stay there! If I catch a glimpse of your ugly figure-head -on deck again to-night, I’ll use a rope’s-end on you. Now, that’s -gospel!” - -There were several sailors in the forecastle arranging their beds, -and nothing but pride restrained Tom from giving full vent to -his troubled feelings in a flood of tears. But even here he was -not safe; he had escaped from one source of annoyance only to be -immediately assailed by another; for, as he came rapidly down the -stairs, assisted by a violent push from the mate, one of the sailors -exclaimed: - -“Here he comes! Just look at him! Mates, that’s the chap as wants to -learn to be a cap’in.” - -“You don’t tell me so!” chimed in another. “Sonny does your mother -know you’re here?” - -“Just look at his riggin’!” said another, having reference to Tom’s -suit of new clothes. “He looks like a Dutch galliot scudding under -bare poles!” - -“An’ them white hands,” said the one who had first spoken, “they’re -just the thing for a tar-bucket.” - -These were but few of the greetings Tom received upon his advent into -the forecastle. Had he been wise, he would have listened to them as -good-naturedly as possible; but the tone in which they were spoken -irritated him, and he took no pains to conceal the fact. - -“Now, you hush up,” he shouted. “This is my father’s vessel. I’ll -have you taught better manners the minute we get ashore again.” - -This only made matters worse. The sailors gathered about him, pulling -him first one way and then another, all the while ridiculing his -dress or his appearance, until Tom, unable to escape from their -clutches, or to endure their taunts, began to cry. - -“Look at that! He’s pumping for salt water!” said one. - -“Now, see here, shipmates!” exclaimed another, an old sailor with -whom Tom had always been a great favorite, “it has gone far enough, -now. Don’t bother the life out of the lad. Never mind ’em, sonny,” he -added, patting Tom on the head, “you’ve got the right stuff in you, -and you’ll make a sailor-man yet. Jack, just throw his donnage over -this way. Now, Tommy, here’s a bunk that don’t seem to be in use; let -me tumble up your bed for you.” - -The man meant to do Tom a kindness; and the sailors, seeing him thus -defended, at once ceased tormenting him; and, it is probable that if -he had kept silent, he might have been allowed to sleep in peace. -But Tom’s ill-nature could not be suppressed. He considered that he -had been grossly insulted by both the captain and the second mate. -He was very indignant at the sailors for addressing him in such -disrespectful language, and he was resolved to show them, one and -all, that he regarded them as beneath his notice. Roughly jerking his -bed-clothes from the sailor’s hand, he pushed him away from the bunk, -exclaiming: - -“Let me alone. I don’t want any of your help. I’ll have you all -discharged the moment we reach home again. You forget that my father -owns this schooner.” - -“No, I don’t, Tommy,” said the sailor. “But don’t be foolish, now. -You’ll always have a friend in Jack Waters.” - -“Get away from me,” shouted Tom. “I don’t want your friendship. All I -ask of you is, to let me alone.” - -The man, seeing that Tom was in a very bad humor, sprang into his -bunk, leaving the young sailor to himself. The latter soon had cause -to regret that he had been so imprudent, for the new members of the -crew, who were all strangers to Tom, began to laugh at and ridicule -him worse than ever. Every exhibition of anger on his part only -brought loud shouts of derision from the sailors; and Tom, seeing -there was no chance for escape, finally spread his bed in one of the -bunks, and, crawling into it, covered his head with the blankets. -There he lay, thinking over his situation, and studying up plans -to revenge himself upon the sailors. He was surprised, angry, and -discouraged; surprised, because there had been a great change in the -captain and the older members of the crew, for which he could not -account. On shore, they had always treated him with the greatest -respect; but now, they seemed to take pleasure in tormenting him. He -was angry, because he--Tom Newcombe, the son of the richest man in -Newport--had been addressed as “sonny.” Besides, the second mate had -dared to lay violent hands upon him, and the sailors seemed ready to -carry out the system of persecution that had been commenced in the -cabin. And he was discouraged, because he saw all his bright hopes of -one day becoming the master of a fine vessel disappearing like the -mists of the morning. What encouragement had he to persevere in his -determination to become an accomplished navigator and seaman, if he -was to be subjected to such treatment as he had just received? None -whatever. If the two hours he had passed on board the schooner were -a fair sample of the life he would be compelled to lead for the next -six months, he had already had enough of following the sea. - -“O, I can’t stand it!” said Tom to himself. “I didn’t think I would -have to sleep in the forecastle. That captain isn’t the gentleman I -thought he was. I wonder what made father send me to sea? I knew I -couldn’t be a sailor, and there’s no use in trying. I wish I was at -home again!” - -It was long after midnight before he fell asleep, and, even then, -he was not allowed to rest in peace. It seemed to him that he -was awakened every five minutes by orders shouted down into the -forecastle. Some one was constantly moving about; and every man that -passed by his bunk, brushed against him and pulled the blankets off -on the deck. The air of the forecastle was hot and almost stifling; -and this, together with the rocking of the vessel, presently made Tom -sea-sick as well as home-sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally -began to be afraid that he was going to die. The sailors, who were -not long in finding out what was the matter with him, again began to -torment him, and finally, in his desperation, Tom heartily wished -that the schooner and all on board, himself included, might go to -the bottom. Rolling and tossing about on his hard bed, he passed a -most uncomfortable night, and morning brought him no relief from his -troubles. At the first peep of day, the second mate came into the -forecastle; but, seeing at a glance, poor Tom’s condition, he again -went on deck, leaving him to his meditations. Shortly after this, a -sailor entered, bearing in his hand a covered dish, with which he -approached Tom’s bunk, saying: - -“Can’t you eat a little, my hearty? Here’s a nice bit I have brought -you.” - -As he spoke, he uncovered the dish and exposed to Tom’s view a piece -of fat pork swimming in gravy. - -If there is any thing a sea-sick person dislikes, it is the sight of -greasy meat; and the thought of eating a piece of that the sailor -brought him, operated on Tom like an emetic. It was fully an hour -before he recovered from this new plan of torture; and when he became -able to think the matter over, he resolved to go to the captain and -have the sailor punished. Shortly after noon, having become somewhat -accustomed to the rocking of the vessel, his sickness began to abate, -and Tom thought he might muster up strength enough to walk to the -cabin. - -Slowly rising from his bunk, he crawled up the stairs, and the first -man he met, when he reached the deck, was the second mate, the very -one of all others he most dreaded to see. - -“Ah! You’re up again, are you?” exclaimed the officer. “I hope you -feel better!” - -Tom was surprised to be addressed in so kind a tone by the man who -had treated him so roughly the night before, and he began to think -that, perhaps, the mate was not so bad after all. - -“Where are you going?” continued the officer, as Tom moved toward the -companion-way. - -“I am going to see the skipper,” was the answer. “I want some of -these men put in irons!” - -“Well, Tommy!” said the mate, “never mind the captain now. He’s -asleep, and you had better not disturb him. He’ll be better natured -if you let him have his after-dinner nap out. But what have the men -been doing to you?” - -“Why, they won’t let me alone!” said Tom. “They keep bothering me all -the time; and I won’t stand it, when my father owns the schooner. I -came here to learn to be a sailor, not to be laughed at, and told -that I look like a ‘Dutch galliot under bare poles.’” - -“Well, I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” said the mate. “If you’ll obey -all orders promptly, and to the very letter, I’ll stand by you, and -see that nobody bothers you. But you say you want to learn to be a -sailor. Come here; I have something to show you!” - -The mate’s face wore a good-natured smile, and his words were spoken -in a tone that, under any other circumstances, would have won Tom’s -heart. But, as it was, he could not be easily deceived, and he had a -suspicion that the officer was about to show him some work he wished -him to do. The mate evidently guessed the thoughts that were passing -through his mind, for he continued: - -“Of course we don’t intend to work you hard at the start, Tommy. I’ll -give you an easy job. Are you fond of horses?” - -“Yes, I am!” replied Tom, eagerly. “Have you horses on board?” - -“Yes, we’ve got one--a regular old sea-horse. He’s been with us -now--let me see--this is the fifth voyage. Would you like to take -care of him? That’s the job we always give to boys when they first -come on board vessels.” - -“All right,” said Tom. “Where is he?” - -“Come this way, and I’ll show him to you,” said the mate, as he led -Tom toward the galley, where a negro was engaged in sawing wood. - -“Now, Tommy,” he continued, “can you do that kind of work?” - -“Saw wood!” exclaimed the young sailor, in surprise. “No, I can’t do -that. But where’s the horse?” - -“Here it is! I meant the saw-horse,” said the mate. “By the time you -have made as many voyages as he has, you’ll know something about a -ship. You say you can’t do that kind of work?” - -“O, no, I can’t!” drawled Tom. - -“Well, then, that’s the first thing you’ll have to learn. You never -can be an able seaman until you understand every thing about a -vessel, you know. Snow-ball!” he added, turning to the negro, who was -the cook of the schooner, “here’s your new boy. He’ll saw all the -wood you want.” - -The negro dropped the saw, and the officer, again turning to Tom, -said: - -“Now, then, bear a hand!” - -“O, now, I can’t saw wood!” whined Tom. “I didn’t ship for that, and -I won’t do it.” - -The whole appearance of the mate instantly changed. Stepping to the -foremast, he uncoiled a heavy rope from one of the cleats, and, again -approaching Tom, exclaimed: - -“Now bear a hand, sonny, or I’ll use this rope.” - -Tom saw that the mate was in earnest, and that the only way to escape -punishment was to obey. Reluctantly picking up one of the smallest -sticks of wood he could find, he placed it upon the saw-horse, and -took his first lesson in the duties of a sailor. He had never -attempted work of that kind before, and it was a most tedious task to -saw that stick of wood; but it was accomplished at last, and Tom drew -a long breath of relief, for he thought that his work was done. - -“That’s the way to do it,” said the mate, approvingly. “You’ll make -a sailor yet. You’ll be captain one of these fine days. Now try -another!” - -Tom looked first at the wood-pile, then at the rope which the mate -still held in his hand, and, not daring to refuse, he placed another -stick on the saw-horse, and again went to work, his eyes so blinded -with tears that he could scarcely see what he was about. For an hour -the mate stood by watching his movements, and, seeing that Tom began -to make more rapid headway, he said, as he returned the rope to its -place: - -“You begin to understand how it is done. Now, I want you to listen -to me, and I will tell you all your duties. In the morning, you must -be up at five o’clock. Your first job will be to black the captain’s -boots; then come here and saw wood till breakfast time. After that, -you will make up the bunks in the cabin, and then come back here to -the wood-pile. When this is gone, I’ll find more for you. Those are -your duties. Mark you, now, no more nonsense, or I’ll make you sup -sorrow with a big spoon.” - -As the mate ceased speaking, he turned and walked aft, leaving Tom -lost in wonder. Every hour he spent on board the schooner, developed -some new and most unpleasant features in the life of a sailor, upon -which he had never made any calculations. Sawing wood was one of -them, and blacking the captain’s boots another. Had he, while at -home, been told to perform such work, he would have indignantly -refused; and, as it was, he had half a mind to arouse the captain -and demand his protection. But there was the second mate pacing the -deck between him and the companion-way; and the young sailor knew, -from what he had already experienced, that, if he left his work, the -officer would not hesitate to fulfill his threat of using a rope’s -end. Poor Tom was already “supping sorrow with a big spoon.” Besides -being homesick, he had seen more than enough of a sailor’s life; and -he firmly resolved that, if he again put his foot on shore in his -native village, he would stay there. - -But why had the mate selected him to perform these very disagreeable -duties? There was another boy on board, whose name was Bob White. He -was nothing but the son of a sailor, and, according to Tom’s way of -thinking, _he_ was the one that ought to do the work. While he was -compelled to saw wood like a laborer, Bob was walking up and down the -deck, putting on as much style as if he had been the commander of the -vessel. Of course he had duties to perform, but they were very light -and pleasant compared with those imposed upon Tom; and the latter -resolved that, as soon as he could see the captain, he would have -matters arranged differently. - -“Come, come, bear a hand; no skulking here!” came the voice of the -second mate, abruptly terminating his meditations; and Tom fearing -the rope’s end, again took up the saw and went to work. Observing -that the officer kept close watch of all his movements, the young -sailor applied himself steadily to his task, and, as he saw his pile -of wood growing larger by degrees, he began to hope that the cook -would have fuel enough to last two or three days. But when the middle -of the afternoon came, the negro began the work of cooking supper; -and when he had carried three armfuls into the galley, Tom’s pile of -wood was all gone. - -“Why, boy!” exclaimed the cook “what ’count be you on board this -vessel? Go back from dar!” Pushing Tom away, he seized the saw, and, -in a few moments, had fuel enough to finish cooking the supper. - -This was another severe blow. Even the negro cook scolded him; -and, for the first time in his life, Tom made to himself what he -considered to be a most humiliating confession; namely, that the -position a person occupies among his fellow-men, depends not upon -his father’s wealth or influence, but upon his own abilities. The -sailors all knew that Tom was the son of the richest man in Newport, -but that had no weight with them. In their estimation, he was nothing -but a “surly young land-lubber,” and of no possible use in the world. -Tom, we repeat, realized the position in which he was placed, and one -would suppose that he would have seen the necessity of submitting to -his fate with as good a grace as he could command, and of improving -every opportunity that was offered him to learn something about -his duties. But, unfortunately for him, this was very far from his -thoughts. The unexpected obstacles that had suddenly arisen in his -path, he regarded as altogether too great to be overcome, and he -deliberately resolved that he would do absolutely nothing except upon -compulsion. He was continually saying to himself: “O, I can’t be a -sailor; I know I can’t!” and that was the same as though he had said -“I sha’n’t try.” - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - HOMEWARD BOUND. - - -That night, after supper, the second mate informed Tom that he -belonged to the port watch, and that when that watch was called at -midnight, he would be expected to answer the summons with the others. -Tom was not at all pleased to hear this, for the night promised to be -a stormy one, and the thought of remaining on deck in the rain from -twelve o’clock until daylight was not an agreeable one. He sought his -bunk at an early hour, and being considerably wearied with his day’s -work, soon forgot his troubles in a sound sleep. It seemed to him -that he had scarcely closed his eyes, when a gruff voice shouted down -the hatchway: - -“Port watch ahoy! Roll out lively!” - -This was followed by a commotion among the sailors, who sprang out of -their bunks; and, as they commenced pulling on their pea-jackets, one -of them shook Tom by the shoulder, exclaiming: “Turn out, sonny! It’s -your watch on deck.” - -Tom was perfectly well aware of that fact, but, after listening a -moment, he heard the moaning of the wind through the shrouds, and the -pattering of the rain on the deck, and fearing the storm more than -the wrath of the second mate, he drawled out: - -“O, I can’t get up! It’s raining!” and thinking that he had settled -the matter, he pulled the blankets over his head, to shut out all -sounds of the storm, turned his face to the bulk-head, and in a few -moments was fast asleep again. But he was not allowed to remain -long undisturbed, for the second mate stood on deck as the watch -came up, and seeing that Tom was not among them, he ran down into -the forecastle, and, seizing the young sailor by the arms, pulled -him, bed and all, out of the bunk. Tom arose to his feet as soon as -he could throw off the blankets, and turning to the mate, angrily -exclaimed: - -“Now, see here, Mr. Robson! I tell you, once for all--” - -He suddenly paused, for the officer held a short piece of rope in -his hand, which he lifted in a threatening manner; and, Tom having -a wholesome fear of punishment, hastily pulled on his boots and -pea-jacket, and followed the mate to the deck. - -It was a dismal night. The wind sent the rain in blinding sheets -over the deck. The schooner rocked and plunged in a manner that -made it impossible for Tom to keep his feet without holding fast to -something, and, for the thousandth time, the young sailor heartily -wished himself safe at home. As the gale increased in force, it -became necessary to shorten sail; and Tom, as usual, being in -the way, was roughly pushed about, and even kicked, as if he had -been an unruly dog. When five o’clock came, he was holding on to -the foremast, pondering upon his hard lot, and thinking over the -complaints he would make to his father against the crew as soon as -the schooner returned home, when he was aroused by the voice of the -second mate, whom he regarded as his evil genius. - -“Didn’t you hear that bell, youngster?” inquired the officer. “It’s -five o’clock, and time for you to turn to.” - -Tom knew that “turn to” meant go to work; and he also remembered -that his first task was to black the captain’s boots. At first he -determined to flatly refuse to perform such work; but, on second -thought, he concluded to go into the cabin and tell the skipper how -badly he was treated, and again demand his protection. So, without -stopping to answer the mate, he sullenly walked aft, when the -officer, as if guessing his intention, said: - -“I’ll give you five minutes in which to black the captain’s boots; -and, if you are not on deck again at the end of that time, I shall be -after you.” - -Tom made no reply, but went down into the cabin, where he found the -captain seated at the table examining his chart. - -“Well!” exclaimed the latter, as Tom entered, “how do you like a -sailor’s life?” - -“O, I don’t like it at all!” was the answer. “I can’t imagine why my -father sent me to sea, to be kicked about and abused as I have been -on board this vessel. I am not treated right, captain. I didn’t ship -to saw wood or to black your boots, and I’m not going to do it. I am -here to learn to be a sailor.” - -The captain drummed with his fingers on the table, but made no reply. - -“And just see here, how wet I am!” continued Tom. “I’ve been out in -all this rain ever since midnight.” - -“O, that’s nothing,” said the captain, who could not refrain from -laughing. “We can’t always have pleasant weather, you know.” - -“I don’t mind the rain so much,” replied Tom. “I could stand that if -I was only treated half-way decent. I didn’t suppose that you would -make me work so hard.” - -“I think your duties are very light,” said the captain. “If you -intend to be a sailor, you must learn how to do all kinds of work. -When I was a boy, and made my first voyage, I had to do just the work -you are now called upon to do.” - -“What! black boots and saw wood!” exclaimed Tom, in utter amazement. - -“Exactly!” was the answer. - -“Then I can’t be a sailor. That’s settled. I can’t do such work. I -wouldn’t mind going aloft; but I can’t black boots. Why can’t Bob -White do it?” - -The captain made no reply, but again turned his attention to his -chart, while Tom helped himself to a chair, resolved, now that he was -again safe in the cabin, to remain there. Once or twice, his eyes -wandered to the captain’s boots, which had been placed just outside -the door of his state-room, and to the brush and box of blacking that -lay beside them; but he could not endure the thought of playing the -part of a boot-black. He remembered a little negro boy he had often -seen plying his trade on his father’s wharf, and he could not bear -the idea of placing himself on an equality with him. - -“Captain,” said Tom, at length, “must I black your boots?” - -“I have nothing to say,” answered that gentleman. “If the second -mate told you to do it, you must obey him, for I can’t countermand -his orders.” - -“Why didn’t he tell Bob White to do it?” whined Tom. “I can’t.” - -“You can try,” said the captain. - -“O, no, I can’t,” insisted Tom. “I never blacked boots in my life. It -wouldn’t look well for me to do it. Send for Bob White. He’s the one -that ought to do such work.” - -“I have nothing to do with the matter,” repeated the captain. “And my -advice to you is, to obey all orders you receive promptly, and to the -letter. You will fare much better if you do.” - -Tom made no reply, for he plainly saw that it was useless to hope for -assistance from the captain. Slowly rising to his feet, he picked -up the blacking brush between his thumb and finger, and, with his -eyes filled with tears, began the work of polishing the captain’s -boots, his every movement showing how distasteful was the work to -him. At this moment, the second mate appeared at the head of the -companion-way, and the sound of his voice infused new energy into -Tom, who, regardless of soiling his fingers, grasped the brush firmly -in his hand, and proceeded with his work as if he had been accustomed -to blacking boots all his life. The mate watched him for a moment, -and then said, approvingly: - -“That’s the way, sonny. You’ll make a fine sailor one of these days. -I’ll give you five minutes more, and be sure you have those boots -blacked by that time, for you must be at your wood-pile.” - -Tom was not at all pleased with the tone in which the mate addressed -him; for, although he appeared to be friendly, there was something -about him which told the young sailor that it would be well for him -to be at his wood-pile as soon as possible. - -The work of blacking the boots was finished at last, and it was like -every thing else Tom ever undertook--not more than half done. There -was no polish on them; but the captain, although he was far from -being satisfied with the work, pitied Tom, and when the latter handed -him his boots, he pulled them on without remark. Then, knowing that -his five minutes had nearly expired, Tom went on deck, and walked -slowly toward his wood-pile. The wood was wet, and in placing a stick -upon the saw-horse, Tom’s fingers and clothes were sadly soiled, and -he was almost on the point of crying with vexation when he saw what a -plight he was in. - -“Take hold of it, sonny,” exclaimed the second mate, who stood close -by, watching him. “Take hold of it. It can’t hurt you, so don’t be -afraid.” - -But Tom was very much afraid of soiling his clothes, and the -consequence was, that, although he worked steadily for two hours, -he did not saw wood enough for the cook to get breakfast with. This -brought him another scolding from the negro, who declared, “’Fore -Moses, I never did see sich a useless chile. I can’t see what boys -like you is made for, no how. Go ’way from dar.” - -Tom readily gave up the saw, glad indeed to be relieved, even for a -short time, from the work he so much despised. - -After breakfast, the men belonging to the port watch went below to -sleep until noon; all except Tom, who still had one duty to perform, -and that was, to make up the beds in the cabin. This he did in his -usual careless manner, so that, when night came, the captain and both -mates were obliged to make them over again. But Tom did the work to -his own satisfaction, that is, in the shortest possible space of time. - -When he returned to the deck, he found the second mate and Bob White -engaged in conversation. The latter was drenched to the skin, and -looked altogether like a person who had just been pulled out of the -water. The officer had one hand on the boy’s head, and in the other -he held a short piece of rope; and Tom, who, from some cause which he -himself would have found it difficult to explain, thoroughly hated -Bob, was in hopes the mate had been given him a whipping. But he -was soon undeceived, for, as he approached, he saw that Bob’s face -was lighted up with a smile of triumph, and he also heard the mate -speaking to him in the kindest possible tone, evidently praising him -for something he had just done. Tom was angry in an instant. The -mate had never praised him for any thing he had accomplished, and he -wondered what Bob had been doing to win the officer’s approbation. He -did not remain long in ignorance, for the mate, upon discovering him, -called out: - -“Come here, sonny! The captain tells me that you want to learn to go -aloft,” he continued, as he led Tom toward the mainmast; “and you -might as well begin now as any time. Do you see that Irish pennant -up there?” pointing to a piece of rope which fluttered in the wind -from the cross-trees, and which the officer had placed there but a -few moments before, on purpose to give Tom his first lesson in going -aloft; “do you see it? Well, go up and bring it down to me. Up you -go!” - -Tom looked at the mast, the top of which described almost a -half-circle in the air, as the schooner plowed through the waves, -and then at the mate, and finally drawled out, in his lazy way: “O, -I can’t! I wouldn’t mind going up there in calm weather, but the -schooner pitches so badly, I couldn’t hold on. I should certainly -fall down.” - -“Why, sonny, sailors can’t choose the weather for going aloft!” said -the mate. “I am surprised to hear a boy who expects some day to be -master of a vessel talk as if he was afraid; come, bear a hand; don’t -be a coward.” - -The officer had touched Tom in a very tender place. He did not like -to be called a coward, and, almost involuntarily, he started toward -the shrouds, as if he intended to convince the mate that he was not -wanting in courage. But just then the schooner gave a tremendous -lurch, and Tom, being taken unawares, was thrown flat upon the deck. -Slowly rising to his feet, he clung to the fife-rail for support, -and, again looking up at the mast, drawled out: - -“O, I can’t go up there! Why don’t you tell Bob to go? I have to do -all the work!” - -But Bob had, but a few moments before, performed the same experiment; -only the mate had placed the rope he wished him to bring on the -extreme end of the bowsprit, and securing it was a much more -unpleasant piece of work than Tom was now called upon to execute; -for, in addition to running the risk of being shaken overboard, he -had been almost smothered by the waves. Bob, however, had shipped for -the purpose of learning to be a sailor; and when the mate directed -him to bring the rope, he started at once to obey the order, and the -officer, pleased with his prompt obedience, patted him on the head -and praised him for his courage. The mate related this circumstance -to Tom; but the latter, although he disliked to be beaten in any -thing, could not muster up sufficient courage to make the attempt, -until the officer stepped to the mast and began to uncoil one of the -ropes. Then knowing that it was dangerous to hesitate any longer, Tom -reluctantly placed his hands on the ratlines, and began the ascent. -He slowly worked his way up until he reached the height of ten or -twelve feet from the deck, when he paused, and, looking down at the -mate, said, in a most pitiful voice: - -“O, I can’t go up there, I tell you! I shall certainly fall down.” - -“Go on, sonny!” replied the officer, shaking the rope. “Up you go; no -backing out.” - -Tom again began to work his way upward, stopping every few feet -to remonstrate with the mate, whose only answer was: “Up you go,” -accompanied by a flourish of the rope, which always seemed to infuse -new courage into Tom. At length the cross-trees were reached, the -rope was detached after considerable trouble, and Tom, feeling very -much relieved, descended in safety to the deck, and handed it to the -mate, who said: - -“That’s right, sonny! I tell you that you will be master of a -full-rigged ship some of these days. Now you may go and turn in until -noon.” - -Tom was very glad to hear this, for he was always delighted to have -even a short respite from his unpleasant duties. Precisely at twelve -o’clock, however, he was again called on deck by the second mate, -and compelled to resume his work. He managed to saw a very little -wood, and was twice sent aloft by the officer, who, as before, was -obliged to threaten the rope’s end in case of refusal. Day after day -was passed in this way, and, long before the schooner arrived at her -destination, Tom had lost all desire to become the commander of a -vessel. His position was far from being a pleasant one, but, in this -respect, he could blame no one but himself. He well knew what his -duties were, but he would never perform them except upon compulsion. -He was always ill-natured; and the consequence was, he was cordially -disliked by all on board, from the captain down to the negro cook. -The former scarcely ever spoke to him, except to repeat his advice in -regard to promptly obeying all orders (which, it is needless to say, -was advice wasted), and the latter scolded him continually for his -failure to keep the galley stove in fuel. The sailors tormented him -in every conceivable way, and invariably called him “Sonny”--a name -that Tom particularly disliked. - -But it was the severest blow of all to Tom to notice how kindly Bob -White was treated by both officers and men. The reason for this -was, that Bob always cheerfully and promptly obeyed all orders, -without waiting to be threatened with punishment. He was always -accommodating, and ready to do any thing to assist one of the crew; -and when he was spoken harshly to--as he was sometimes--he never -answered back. Tom, on the contrary, was always cross and sullen; -he moved about the deck as if he scarcely had strength to stand on -his feet; and when one of the sailors asked him to do an errand for -him, he would answer: “Wait on yourself! I didn’t ship to be every -body’s servant.” Under such circumstances, the only wonder was, that -he ever escaped severe punishment. He knew, as well as any one, that -he was entirely to blame; but he regarded the officers and crew of -the schooner as his inferiors, and he was resolved that he would obey -them only when he was forced to do so. - -One afternoon the second mate called Tom and Bob White; and, after -informing them that he was about to begin teaching them the names of -the different ropes, asked if they thought they could learn them. -Bob promptly replied that he could; but Tom, although he wanted some -excuse to leave his wood-pile, thought the task was too difficult. -He looked up and down the vessel, and at the numerous ropes which -crossed and recrossed each other in every direction, and finally -drawled out: - -“O, no, I can’t learn them, Mr. Robson. There’s too many of them.” - -“Get back to your wood-pile, then,” said the mate, beginning to get -discouraged, “and, sonny, remember what I tell you! You’ll never be -any body in the world so long as you say ‘I can’t!’ Why don’t you say -‘I’ll try!’” - -“O, now, what’s the use of trying!” whined Tom. “Don’t I know what I -can do, and what I can’t, without trying?” - -“Bear a hand at that wood-pile,” said the mate. “Come, now, Bob!” - -Tom went back to his work, while Bob walked about the schooner with -the mate, paying strict attention to all he said, and trying hard to -remember it. The result was that, by the time they reached Callao, -he could stand his watch at the wheel in fair weather, knew the names -of all the ropes, and had once assisted in taking in the sails. -In the meantime, Tom had learned that the right hand side of the -schooner, looking forward, was called starboard, and the left hand, -port; and that was the extent of his knowledge of a vessel. - -When the Savannah reached her destination, Tom drew a long breath of -relief, for he thought that his work for the present was over. But -the galley still needed wood, the bunks must be made every morning, -and the captain wanted his boots blacked as regularly as when at -sea; and by the time these duties were done, it was night; so that -Tom never once went ashore. He had always thought that he would -experience much pleasure in visiting foreign countries, but now he -was so absorbed in his troubles that he never took any notice of what -was going on; and when the vessel had discharged her cargo and been -reloaded, he knew no more about Callao than he did when he first -arrived there. - -One day, just before the schooner was ready to start on her homeward -voyage, the mate came forward where Tom was at work at his wood-pile, -and informed him that the captain wished to see him. Confident that -at last affairs had taken a turn in his favor, the young sailor -hurried aft, and as he entered the cabin, the skipper said: - -“Tom, I have noticed that you don’t admire your duties, so I have -concluded to make a sort of supercargo of you.” - -“Have you, captain?” exclaimed Tom, very eagerly. - -“Then I needn’t saw wood, or make up the bunks, or black your boots?” - -“No, if you suit me, Bob will have to do that work.” - -Tom was overjoyed to hear this, for, as we have already said, he -cordially disliked Bob, and had often wished that he could see “how -he would look sawing wood and blacking boots.” Besides, Bob had, of -late, rather looked down upon Tom as a “land-lubber,” which made the -latter very angry; and he was glad indeed that he was to be placed in -a position where he could pay Bob back in his own coin. Another idea -occurred to him. He knew that a supercargo was quite an important -personage on board a vessel, and perhaps, Tom imagined, he might have -authority enough to make Bob black _his_ boots. The bare thought that -he would thus be able to settle up all old scores, almost made him -beside himself. - -“I always wanted to be a supercargo,” said Tom; “and I think that’s -just what I was cut out for. I know that I’ll suit you.” - -“Well, then,” said the captain, going to his table and picking up -several sheets of paper, “let us begin work at once. Here are the -bills for some goods I bought a few days ago, and, as I want to go -ashore and settle up all our accounts, I wish you would add up these -figures and see if the amounts are correct.” - -These words of the captain were so many death-blows to all Tom’s -hopes. He walked up to the table and glanced over the bills, one -after the other, but the sight of those long columns of figures was -too much for him. - -“O, captain, I can’t add up all these figures,” said he. “There’s -too many of them. It would take me all day. I didn’t know that -supercargoes had to do such work as this.” - -“What!” exclaimed the captain, in surprise, “don’t you understand -addition? Why, Tom, what good did it do you to go to school? Didn’t -you study arithmetic?” - -“O, yes, I did; but it was too hard. Let me do something else. I -can’t add figures.” - -“Then you are of no earthly use to me,” said the captain. “Mr. -Robson,” he added, raising his voice, “send White here.” - -This was a turn of events that Tom had not expected. He knew that the -captain intended to give Bob the position, and he could not bear the -thought of seeing the one he so thoroughly hated placed so far above -him. - -“Captain,” he whined, “can’t I do something else besides add figures?” - -“No,” was the answer. “I only wanted you to do my writing and -ciphering.” - -“O, I can’t do such work as that. It’s too hard. I might as well go -to school and be done with it. Let me do something else.” - -“I have nothing else for you to do,” repeated the captain. “And now, -let me give you another piece of advice. When you get home again, go -to work at your books, and learn all you can. Above all, stop that -bad habit of saying ‘I can’t.’” - -“What shall I say, then?” asked Tom. “When I say that I can’t do a -thing, I mean it, and there’s no use of--” - -“Here you are!” interrupted the captain, turning to Bob White, who -at that moment entered the cabin. “Can you add figures?” - -“O, yes, sir!” replied Bob, with a smile, as much as to say, “I -thought any body could do that.” - -“Then see if the amounts of these bills are correct,” continued the -captain. “That will do, Tom. I am done with you.” - -The latter, however, made no move to leave the cabin, until the -second mate, who, standing at the head of the companion way, had -heard all that passed, exclaimed: - -“Up you come, sonny! Pitch into that wood-pile; and mark what I say,” -he continued, as Tom slowly and reluctantly ascended to the deck, his -face all wrinkled up as if he was on the point of crying--“mark what -I say! You’ll never be any thing but a foremast hand the longest day -you live.” - -Tom, too angry to reply, walked toward his wood-pile, and resumed his -work. This was, by far, the severest blow he had yet experienced, -and one would suppose that it ought to have convinced him that he -was sadly wanting in many things a boy of his age ought to know, -and that it would be well for him to lose no time in making up his -deficiencies. But, as usual, such was not the case. He had given up -all hopes of ever becoming a sailor, and, during the homeward voyage, -all attempts on the part of the officers to teach him any thing were -simply useless. Bob White pursued a different course. He attended -faithfully to his duties about decks, never failed to improve every -opportunity to pick up even the smallest items of information, and -nearly every day Tom enjoyed the satisfaction of hearing him praised -by both officers and men, while of himself they scarcely took any -notice whatever. Thus, week after week passed, and, as the Savannah -neared home, Tom, who had only been kept within bounds through fear -of punishment, began to place less restraint upon his actions. He -became, if possible, still more inattentive to his duties, and, what -little he did accomplish, was so badly done that some one was obliged -to do the work over after him. At last, the schooner arrived within -a day’s sail of Newport. If nothing unusual happened, she would be -safely moored at Mr. Newcombe’s wharf by the afternoon of the next -day. Tom was on watch until midnight; and when he turned into his -bunk, it was with the determination of doing no more work as long as -he remained on board the vessel. The next morning he was awakened -as usual, at five o’clock, but, instead of obeying the summons, he -remained in bed. The mate waited fully a quarter of an hour for -him; but finding that Tom was not likely to make his appearance, he -went down into the forecastle, resolved to give him a lesson, the -remembrance of which would go with him through that day, at least. -Tom heard him coming, and turning his face to the bulkhead, he closed -his eyes as if asleep. But this did not turn the officer from his -purpose, for, lifting Tom in his arms, he carried him to the deck, -and, in spite of his struggles and promises of better behavior in -future, threw him headlong into a cask that had that morning been -filled with salt water to wash down the decks. The cask was deep, -and, when Tom’s hands rested on the bottom, nothing but the soles of -his boots could be seen above the water. This bath seemed to have -washed all his bad habits out of him, especially his laziness, for -he kept steadily at work at his wood-pile during the entire day, -without once stopping, except for his dinner. His mind was fully as -busy as his arms, for he was constantly repeating to himself the -charges he intended to bring against the crew of the schooner, and -he could not repress a smile of triumph, when he thought how they -would feel when they found themselves discharged from his father’s -service. Four o’clock in the afternoon came at length, and, once, as -Tom looked toward the village which was then in plain view, he saw -a small steamer coming out of the harbor to meet them. He was not, -however, allowed to cease his work, for the mate kept him busy at his -wood-pile, until the Savannah was made fast to the wharf, and Tom -saw his father come on board. Taking no notice of his son’s pitiful -looks, which told him as plainly as words that he had not enjoyed the -voyage, Mr. Newcombe inquired, as soon as the greeting was over: - -“Well, Tom, how do you like a sailor’s life? I suppose you intend to -go out in the Savannah again!” - -“O, no, I don’t, either!” drawled Tom. “I knew I couldn’t learn to be -a sailor. I’ve been treated worse than a dog on board this vessel. -Now, father, I want you to discharge--” - -Tom was about to begin his complaints at once, but at this moment the -captain of the schooner approached, and Mr. Newcombe turned to speak -to him. He was provoked because his father did not pay more attention -to him, as he regarded his business of more importance then the -captain’s; besides, he saw several of the sailors, who knew what he -was about to say, laughing at him. - -However, knowing that he would have plenty of time in which to state -his grievances to his father, before the schooner sailed again, -Tom shook his head at them in a threatening manner, and went down -into the forecastle to pack his bed-clothes. As soon as this was -accomplished, he sprung ashore, and started for home at the top of -his speed. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - TOM GOES INTO BUSINESS. - - -Never before had Tom’s home appeared so pleasant or inviting. His -short experience on ship-board had fully convinced him that there -were much worse places in the world, and that his grand idea of -being his “own master” was not exactly what he had imagined it to -be. In regard to the future, he had not determined upon any course -of action. He had often heard his father say that he “couldn’t have -an idler about his house,” and Tom knew that he must do one of two -things--either attend school or go to work--a most disagreeable -alternative. In spite of all he could do to prevent it, the warning -of the second mate, that he would be a “foremast hand the longest -day he lived,” would occasionally ring in his ears; and once Tom -almost came to the sensible conclusion that, in order to prevent such -a calamity, he ought to go to school and try hard to make up his -deficiencies. But this resolution, like all the good ones Tom ever -made, was short lived. There were too many difficulties in his way. -He would have arithmetic and geography lessons to learn, and would be -obliged to remain a close prisoner six long hours during each day. So -this resolution was reconsidered, and Tom settled down, as he had -done a hundred times before, in the hope that something would soon -“turn up,” and that he would then be able to see his way clearly. - -That evening, after supper, in obedience to his father’s request, Tom -proceeded to give an account of all that had transpired on board the -Savannah during the voyage. He had a very retentive memory, if he -chose to exert it, and not even the smallest incident was omitted. He -told how he had been compelled to act the part of a servant in sawing -wood, blacking the captain’s boots, and making the beds; how he had -been thrust into the forecastle, when he had expected to sleep in the -cabin and mess with the officers; how all the sailors had tormented -him; and how the second mate had frequently threatened to beat him -with a rope’s end; and when he concluded, he settled back in his -chair, confident that he had made out a very black case against the -officers and crew of the Savannah, and fully expecting to hear his -father announce his intention of discharging them, one and all. Mr. -Newcombe sat for several minutes, looking down at the carpet, as if -revolving the subject in his mind, and finally inquired: - -“Did the mate ever use a rope’s end on you?” - -“No, sir,” answered Tom; and at that moment he almost wished the -officer had punished him, in order to make the evidence against him -complete. - -“Well,” said Mr. Newcombe, “that mate isn’t half the man I thought he -was.” - -“He’s no gentleman, or he would not have treated me that way,” chimed -in Tom, who thought his father was debating upon the punishment the -mate ought to receive. - -“He’s not a good officer, either,” said Mr. Newcombe, looking at his -son. - -“No, sir; he’s not. He’s not fit to be second mate.” - -“If he was a good officer,” continued the merchant, “he would have -taken a rope’s end to you every hour in the day.” - -Tom was thunderstruck! He could scarcely believe that he had heard -aright. All through his trials, which he regarded as much greater -than had ever before been endured by a boy of his age, he had been, -to a certain extent, sustained and encouraged by the thought that his -father would certainly sympathize with him; but could it be possible -that he was upholding the mate? It certainly looked like it. - -“O, now, father,” whined Tom, at length, “you don’t mean to say that -I ought to have been whipped?” - -“I mean to say that you ought to have been made to do your duty,” -answered Mr. Newcombe. “I have heard how you behaved yourself, and my -only wonder is, that you escaped as easily as you did.” - -“But, father,” said Tom, “when you made your first voyage, you didn’t -have to saw wood and black boots, did you?” - -“Certainly I did,” replied Mr. Newcombe. “What else could a green boy -do on board a ship? But what are you going to do now? Are you willing -to go to school?” - -“O, no,” drawled Tom, “I can’t.” - -“Well, then, do you want to go into the office?” - -“What will my duties be if I go there, and how much money can I -earn?” asked Tom. - -“Why, of course you will have to begin at the lowest round of the -ladder, and work your way up,” answered the merchant. “You must be on -hand at six o’clock in the morning, to sweep out the office, and make -the fires, if the weather is cold; and, during the day, you will have -to do errands about the village.” - -If there was any thing Tom had a horror of, it was running on -errands. The idea of going about the streets with a bundle under -his arm was intolerable to him; and the thought of building fires -and sweeping out the office was no less distasteful. What would his -aristocratic young friends say when they found that he was an errand -boy? - -“O, no,” answered Tom, at length, “I can’t do that. I can’t sweep, or -make fires, or run on errands. It wouldn’t look well, and I wouldn’t -do it for a hundred dollars a month. But I’ll do any thing else.” - -“What else can you do?” asked Mr. Newcombe. “Now, Tom, if you could -have any position in the office you wanted, what would you ask for?” - -Tom looked at his father, then out of the window, and rapidly called -to mind the occupations of the different clerks employed in his -father’s office. Suddenly a bright idea occurred to him, and Tom was -certain that he had at last discovered the very thing he wanted. - -“I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” said he. “I’ll be a book-keeper.” - -“Why, Tom!” exclaimed Mr. Newcombe, astonished at his son’s -ignorance, “how could you be a book-keeper? Here you are, fourteen -years old, and can’t tell how much six and eight are without counting -your fingers. You can’t fill a position of that kind until you pay -more attention to your arithmetic.” - -This was another piece of news to Tom. He was a good deal -disappointed, for he had suddenly taken it into his head that he -would like to be a book-keeper, but again that useful, but (as far -as Tom was concerned) much despised branch of education, arithmetic, -stood in his way. He looked at his father a moment, then down at the -carpet, and finally said: - -“I didn’t know that book-keepers had any thing to do with figures. I -can’t do that kind of work, either!” - -“I didn’t suppose you could,” said the merchant. “But of one thing -you may rest assured; if you don’t go to school you must go to work -at something. I can’t have idlers about me. To-morrow morning I want -to hear your decision.” - -As Mr. Newcombe ceased speaking, he picked up a newspaper and began -to read, thus intimating that the interview was at an end. Tom -lingered about the room for a few moments, but finding that his -father took no more notice of him, he sauntered out of the house and -threw himself under one of the trees in the yard, heartily disgusted -with himself and every one else in the world. - -The conversation he had with his father will serve to illustrate -some of his ideas. He wanted to fill some position in life where -he could be at his ease; but he was unwilling to make the least -exertion to accomplish the desired end. He had often noticed the -book-keepers in his father’s office; he imagined they must be happy -fellows, and he had suddenly taken it into his head that he would -like the same position. But when he learned that the book-keepers -had something to do with figures, he had no desire to become better -acquainted with their duties. He did not believe in what he had so -often heard of, “beginning at the foot of the ladder.” He wanted -to reach the top at a single leap; but, turn which way he would, he -found that some preparation was necessary to enable him to fill any -position in life. He was fairly at his wit’s end. He had his choice -between going to school and going to work, and the question was, -which of these two evils was the least? This point, however, was soon -decided against the school; and then, for fully an hour, Tom rolled -and tumbled about on the grass, trying to think of some business in -which he could engage that would enable him to make money without -labor; and, at last, an idea occurred to him that seemed to fill -all the requirements of the occasion. Without stopping to think the -matter over, for fear of discovering some defects in it that had not -appeared at first sight, Tom sprang to his feet, and running into the -house, burst into the room where his father sat, exclaiming: - -“I’ve got it now! I’ll tell you what I’ll do.” - -“Well,” said Mr. Newcombe, looking up from his paper. - -“You know,” began Tom, drawing a chair close to his father’s side, -“you know that I have forty-eight dollars due me, that I earned on -the Savannah, and if you will give it to me, I’ll speculate with it.” - -“Well,” said Mr. Newcombe, again, “what will you speculate in?” - -Tom’s bright hopes fell instantly. He had not thought of that. - -“I’ll tell you what you might do,” at length, said his father, who -saw that Tom’s new idea could be made profitable to him in more ways -than one, “you might contract with Bob Jennings to take all the -fish he can catch, at a certain price; but before you enter into an -agreement with him, go to some store--Mr. Henry’s, for instance--ask -what he is paying for fish per pound, and then you will know how much -to offer Bob. If Mr. Henry is paying four cents, you might agree to -give Bob two and a half, or three cents a pound.” - -“I understand,” said Tom. - -“Then there is another way you might make something,” continued Mr. -Newcombe. “Butter, eggs, potatoes, and chickens are cheaper up the -coast a few miles than they are here in the village, and you might -take a sail up there some day, purchase a cargo, and bring it down -here and sell it.” - -“I’ll do it!” exclaimed Tom, joyfully. “That’s just the very business -I always wanted to go into. I’ll be certain to make lots of money; -and it’s easy work, too.” - -Mr. Newcombe resumed his paper, without making any reply; and Tom, -being again left to his own resources, walked about the house so -uneasy that he hardly knew what to do with himself--for, having -determined upon his course, he was impatient to begin operations at -once. It was then about nine o’clock, and, of course, too late to -make arrangements for carrying out his new scheme that night; and -after loitering about the house for half an hour, he went to bed, -full of his glorious ideas for the future, and so restless that it -was almost midnight before he fell asleep. - -It may not be improper to remark, that the last plan suggested by -Mr. Newcombe, was one which, if properly managed, Tom might have -made profitable. Bob Jennings had often thought of it; and many a -time, as he rowed by the merchant’s house, had he wished that he was -the owner of a sail-boat like Tom’s, for then he would have turned -trader; and two months’ work, he was confident, would have enabled -him to lay by a sufficient sum to support his mother while he was -gone on his first voyage. But, as it was, he was powerless. His old, -leaky scow could not be trusted very far from shore, and thus Bob was -obliged to lose one source of income--one that, under his control, -would have yielded him more in one week than his fishing did in a -month. Mr. Newcombe had consented to his son’s scheme, for the reason -that he was in hopes that Tom, by being brought in contact with -business men, might be made to see his deficiencies so plainly that -he would be ashamed of them. He resolved to assist him, but, at the -same time, to allow him full control of his business, so that when he -failed (for the merchant fully expected that his scheme would result -in failure) he could have no one to blame but himself. - -The next morning, after breakfast, Mr. Newcombe started for his -office, and on the way, he stopped at a store, where he had a long -conversation with the proprietor, after which he resumed his walk. A -few moments afterward, Tom entered the store, and after the grocer -had concluded his inquiries concerning his voyage, (a matter about -which Tom said as little as possible,) he asked: - -“Mr. Henry, what do you pay for fish?” - -“What do I pay for them?” repeated the grocer. “Have you any to sell? -Are you going into that business?” - -“Yes,” answered Tom, with the air of one who was doing an immense -trade; “I am a speculator.” - -“Well, I hope you will succeed,” said Mr. Henry. “Fish are in good -demand now, and I’ll give you five cents a pound for all you will -bring me--large and small.” - -Tom was satisfied with the price offered, and after holding a short -conversation with the grocer concerning the business in hand, he left -the store, and hurried toward the home of the fisher-boy. He found -Bob just getting into his boat to begin his day’s work. In a few -words, Tom stated the object of his visit, and concluded by offering -Bob three cents a pound for all the fish he could catch. The latter -at once accepted the proposition. Heretofore he had only received -two cents a pound; and as he was not the only fisherman about the -village, he not unfrequently found it impossible to dispose of his -day’s work at any price. - -“Well, then!” said Tom, after they had talked the matter over. -“It’s a bargain. You are to bring me all the fish you can catch, -and I am to give you three cents a pound for them, here at your -house. Now, Bob, we ought to have that in writing. It will look more -business-like.” - -As Tom spoke, he drew from his pocket a memorandum-book and pencil. -He had often noticed that his father carried these articles, and, not -wishing to omit any thing that would make him appear like a business -man, he had taken care to provide himself with every thing necessary -before leaving home. He seated himself on the ground, and, after -considerable study, drew up the following: - - CONTRAK. - - be it known by all Men that ime Agreed To take all the Fish you can - ketch here at your house at three cents a pond every day When you - Get them. - - thomas newcombe. - -This he signed with a flourish, and handed to Bob, who was astonished -at the bad spelling and worse writing. But Tom evidently thought it -just right, for he tore another leaf out of his book, saying, as he -did so: “Bob, that’s yours to keep. Now I must have one too;” and he -proceeded to write a second contract, which ran thus: - - CONTRAK. - - be it known that You are Agreed To Give me all the fish you can - Ketch here at your Home Every day except sundays for three Cents a - pond Good wait and no cheeting. - -“Now, Bob,” he exclaimed, when he had finished the document, “sign -that, if you are an honest man.” - -The fisher-boy, after considerable trouble, deciphered the bad -writing and spelling; and, although he thought the contract might -have been better worded, he made no remark, for fear of offending his -customer, but took the pencil and signed his name so plainly that -even Tom could read it without stopping to spell it over. - -“Now,” said the young trader, as he carefully folded up his contract, -“we’re all right. Father says that whenever one man goes into -business with another, he ought to make him sign an agreement; then -both know just what is required of them. That’s the way I intend to -conduct my business. What time will you be back, Bob?” - -The fisher-boy answered that he would return at five o’clock; and, -after Tom had promised to be on hand, he put his memorandum-book into -his pocket, thrust his pencil behind his ear, and started toward -his father’s office. Mr. Newcombe, as usual, was very busy, but he -managed to obtain a few moments in which to attend to Tom, who, -delighted with the success that had attended him thus far, asked for -two dollars, with which to carry on his day’s business. The money was -counted out, and Tom was requested to write a receipt, in order, as -his father said, that he might learn “how to do business properly.” -Tom seated himself at his father’s desk, and tried hard to think how -a receipt ought to be written. He twisted about in his chair, bit his -pen, and, at the end of a quarter of an hour, handed his father a -slip of paper, on which was written the following: - - you Give me too dollars to by Fish. - - your affectionate Son - thomas newcombe. - -Mr. Newcombe put the receipt into his pocket, and then proceeded -to give Tom advice in regard to the manner in which his business -ought to be conducted. But the young trader shook his head in a very -knowing manner, as if to say: “I understand all about that;” and -presently he left the office, and walked about the wharf with his -hands in his pockets, and his pencil behind his ear. - -Tom was very well satisfied with himself that morning; he had -an object to accomplish, something to live for. He was a man of -business, and he took no little pride in the thought that he had -earned, with his own hands, the two dollars he carried in his pocket. -Besides that, he had forty-six dollars more, all his own money, which -would be counted out to him whenever he saw fit to call for it. His -immediate success he regarded as a thing beyond a doubt; and, giving -full sway to his fancy, he began to wonder what he should do with his -profits. - -He had often seen a neat little trading sloop, named the Swallow, -sailing in and out of the harbor, and, on the morning in question, -she was moored at his father’s wharf. As Tom stood looking at her, -admiring the graceful manner in which she rode the little swells that -came rolling into the harbor, he resolved that the first money he -made should be devoted to buying a sloop exactly like that. Then the -object of his ambition would be realized, for he would be the master -of his own vessel. Tom was elated with the idea, and to enable him -to think the matter over to the best advantage, he went into a store -close by, and invested twenty cents in candy. He then returned to the -wharf, where he sat watching the sloop, until he saw his father leave -his office at noon. - -The day was a long one to Tom, for he was impatient for five o’clock -to come, that he might transact his business with Bob Jennings. In -order that he might make the time pass more quickly, he employed -himself in eating candy, apples, and nuts, and in this way he managed -to spend a dollar and a quarter. During the afternoon he met several -boys of his acquaintance on the streets, and to them he explained -his business in the most glowing language, and even conducted them to -the wharf, to show them the sloop which was to serve as a model for -the one he intended to build. All his playmates looked upon him as a -“lucky boy;” and even Tom began to think that the object he had in -view was really worth working for. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - HOW TOM SUCCEEDED. - - -Four o’clock came at last, and Tom, having often heard his father -say that punctuality was of the utmost importance in all business -matters, bent his steps toward the fisher-boy’s home. He was obliged -to wait there fully an hour and a half, for Bob, having met with -better luck than usual, did not return until half-past five. When, -at last, he came in sight, the young trader’s patience was well-nigh -exhausted, and he even pondered upon the propriety of giving the -fisher-boy some advice in regard to being more punctual in his -business appointments. But, as Bob drew near, Tom saw that he had -secured a fine load of fish, and, in the excitement of counting his -prospective profits, the young trader forgot the lecture he had -intended to administer. - -After Bob had made his boat fast to the wharf, he went into the house -after a pair of scales with which to weigh the fish, and, as he -returned, he exclaimed: - -“Now, Tom, there’s more than you can carry. I’ll lend you my wagon!” - -As he spoke, he brought from behind the house the conveyance -in question, which he had made himself; consequently, it was a -rude-looking affair, with wooden wheels, that squeaked and grated at -a terrible rate as the fisher-boy drew it toward the bank. Bob then -sprang into his boat, and began to weigh out the fish, Tom standing -by and looking on with his hands in his pockets. Once it occurred to -him that a business man ought to examine the articles he purchased; -so he raised one of the smallest fish in the tips of his fingers, -looked at it a moment, and then finding that he was soiling his hand -by the operation, he threw it into the wagon with the others. One -thing that not a little surprised Tom, was the readiness with which -Bob added up the weights of the different fish. Occasionally the -latter would look up and ask, “Is that right?” and Tom would reply, -“Yes, that’s correct!” but the truth was, Bob calculated so rapidly -that the young trader could not keep pace with him. Once, when the -fisher-boy called out, “Fourteen and five are nineteen,” Tom was on -the point of counting his fingers to see if it was correct; but, -on taking a second thought, he knew that would not look well in a -business man, so he was compelled to rely entirely on Bob’s honesty. - -“Now, then,” said the latter, when he had weighed all the fish, -“there are just twenty-five pounds. Is that what you make it?” - -“Yes,” answered Tom, promptly, “that’s right. Now, twenty-five pounds -of fish, at three cents a pound, makes--makes--let me see!” - -“Seventy-five cents,” replied Bob, readily. - -“So it does!” exclaimed Tom; although, if the fisher-boy had told him -that the amount was a dollar and a half, he would have been just as -ready to believe it. Seventy-five cents was all the money he had left -of the two dollars he had drawn that morning. This he counted out to -Bob, who received it gladly, for it was a larger amount than he had -ever before made in one day. - -“If I have good luck, I’ll have as many more for you to-morrow,” said -he, as he returned from the house, where he had been to give the -money to his mother. “But what’s the matter? Don’t they suit you?” - -This question was addressed to the young trader, who stood looking -at his wagon-load of fish, with rather a doleful countenance. The -question had occurred to him, how he was to get them up to the store? -He knew that the wagon, when in motion, made a great noise with -its wooden wheels, which would be certain to attract the attention -of every one he met, and he did not think it would look well for a -man of business to be seen walking through the streets drawing a -wagon-load of fish after him. His pride was too great for that. - -“Bob,” said he, at length, a bright idea striking him, “I’ll give you -twenty-five cents if you will take those fish up to Mr. Henry’s store -for me.” - -The fisher-boy, who would gladly have undertaken the task for half -that sum, not deeming any way of earning an honest penny a disgrace, -at once took hold of the wagon-tongue and started off. Tom followed -him for a short distance; but, as he had expected, the loud creaking -of the wheels drew the attention of every person on the streets, who -looked first at the fisher-boy and then at Tom, until the latter, -unable to endure it longer, turned off and went around by the wharf, -leaving Bob to himself. When he arrived at Mr. Henry’s store, he -found the fisher-boy there, and the grocer had just finished weighing -out his fish. - -“Ah, here you are!” he exclaimed, as the young trader entered. -“Please come with me, and I will settle with you.” And Tom was -conducted to the office with as much ceremony as if he had just sold -Mr. Henry a bill of goods to the amount of hundreds of dollars. - -“Now then, Tom,” said the grocer, producing his pocket-book, -“twenty-five pounds of fish, at five cents a pound, makes just a -dollar, even change--eh, Tom?” - -Bob Jennings would promptly have answered, “No, sir;” but Tom could -not tell how much he ought to receive without stopping to count -his fingers, and, of course, that would not look well in a man of -business. So he replied: - -“Yes, sir; that’s right. A dollar is all I want.” - -During the conversation with Mr. Newcombe that morning, the grocer -had learned exactly how matters stood in regard to Tom; and in -withholding a quarter of a dollar that rightfully belonged to the -young trader, he was but carrying out Mr. Newcombe’s suggestion. The -latter wished Tom to learn, by experience, since he would not take -advice, that he could not be too particular. Besides, Mr. Henry was -losing money on all the fish he bought of Tom; for, while he paid him -five cents a pound, he could sell them for only three. But this was -another suggestion of Mr. Newcombe’s, who, of course, made good all -his losses. - -Although the merchant was considerably surprised at Tom’s answer, he -counted out the money, and the young trader walked to the door and -paid Bob his quarter of a dollar. - -The fisher-boy, highly elated with his good fortune--for he had made -just a dollar that day, besides what he had received for ferrying -the workmen across the harbor--started homeward with a light heart, -leaving his employer in deep thought. Tom appeared to be very much -absorbed in his reflections, for he stood in the doorway several -minutes, scarcely heeding the persons that jostled him as they passed -in and out of the store. Presently he walked back toward the office, -and, discovering a vacant space behind some barrels, where he would -be unobserved, he seated himself on the floor, drew his money out of -his pocket, and counted it. - -He had just three-quarters of a dollar. He counted it over and -over several times, in order to satisfy himself that he had made -no mistake, and finally searched all his pockets in the hope of -discovering more. But seventy-five cents was all he could find; and -gradually the unwelcome conviction forced itself upon Tom’s mind -that, in some utterly inexplicable manner, he had been a loser by the -day’s operation. He had started out that morning with two dollars, -and now, after his speculation had been accomplished, he had only -three-quarters of a dollar remaining. - -“Somebody has cheated me!” said Tom to himself, as he arose from -his concealment and walked thoughtfully out of the store. “It’s Bob -Jennings, that’s who it is; and the contract says there’s to be -no swindling. O, I can’t be a trader. I knew I couldn’t before I -commenced. This fish business doesn’t pay, anyhow. I thought I should -make at least three or four dollars to-day.” - -The young trader walked homeward with rather a crest-fallen air, and -his acquaintances, who met him on the streets, and to whom he had -that morning explained his scheme in such glowing language, had no -difficulty in discovering that Tom’s first attempt at speculating had -proved a failure. When he reached home and entered the room where -his father sat reading his paper, the latter also saw, at a glance, -that Tom had not been successful. We ought also to say that he knew -exactly where his son had made his mistake. He had seen him spending -his money foolishly in the morning; had met Bob Jennings as he was -taking the fish to the store; and the grocer had also told him that -he had withheld a quarter of a dollar of Tom’s money. He also knew -that if the young trader had managed his business properly, he would -have made just fifty cents by his day’s work. Thus, he was well -acquainted with all the facts of the case; but he wished to hear -Tom’s opinion of the matter. Appearing to take no notice of his son’s -gloomy looks, he asked, in a cheerful voice: - -“Well, how much have you made to-day?” - -“O, I haven’t made a red cent,” drawled Tom. “I’ve lost money. I knew -I couldn’t be a trader.” - -“Perhaps somebody cheated you,” said Mr. Newcombe. - -“O, I know they did,” replied Tom, in a gloomy voice. “There are a -good many swindlers about, and I believe Bob Jennings is one of ’em.” - -By adroit questioning--for Tom was so disgusted with the result -of his first attempt at speculating, that he did not seem at all -inclined to talk about it--Mr. Newcombe finally drew all the -particulars from his son; and when the latter told how much he had -received for his fish, the merchant exclaimed: - -“There’s where you lost some of your money. You ought to have -received more than that. Twenty-five pounds of fish, at five cents a -pound, makes a dollar and twenty-five cents.” - -“So it does!” said Tom, after thinking a moment; though the fact was, -he did not know whether his father was right or wrong. “I’ll go right -back to Mr. Henry and tell him that I want another quarter. Now, -father, where’s my cap?” - -“Never mind your cap now,” said the merchant. “It’s too late! The -mistake ought to have been rectified before you left the store. But -how does it come that you did not know how much was due you? Didn’t -you make any calculations?” - -“O, no, I didn’t,” drawled Tom. “I didn’t stop to make out any bill. -I supposed I was dealing with an honest man! I didn’t think Mr. Henry -would be mean enough to cheat me.” - -“That’s no excuse. If every man in the world was perfectly honest, -that would be no reason why business should be conducted in a -careless manner. Hereafter, when you sell any thing, be sure and make -out your bill beforehand, so that you will know just how much is -coming to you. Now, sit down here.” - -Tom obeyed, and Mr. Newcombe again commenced a lengthy lecture, -containing advice which he hardly expected his son would follow. -He endeavored to impress upon his mind the necessity of being very -particular in all his business transactions, and showed him how -impossible it was for him to succeed so long as he allowed his -pride to stand in his way. Any honorable labor, he said, was no -disgrace; an honest working man was always respected; and he that -could work, and would not, ought to starve. He easily cleared Bob -Jennings of the charge of swindling, and placed all the blame on -Tom’s shoulders--right where it belonged. No suggestion or item of -information that Mr. Newcombe thought would be of service to the -young trader was omitted, and, for once, Tom was almost convinced -that he, and he alone, was to blame for his failure. He brightened up -when he found where he had made his mistake, and resolved that, in -all his future operations, he would be careful to avoid the rock on -which his day’s hopes had been wrecked. He would not spend any of his -money foolishly, neither would he pay Bob Jennings another quarter -of a dollar for pulling a wagon-load of fish through the streets; he -would do it himself, no matter what his friends said about it. - -But trading in fish he still thought would not pay. If he made only -fifty cents a day, that would be but three dollars a week; and, at -that rate, it would take him at least a year to save enough to buy a -vessel like the trading sloop. Although he said nothing to his father -on the subject, he resolved that the next day he would commence -operations on a grander scale. So, on the following morning, as soon -as he had eaten his breakfast, he started to pay a visit to Mr. -Henry, the grocer. - -“Ah, Tom!” exclaimed the latter, as the young trader entered. “Any -more fish to-day?” - -“No, sir!” was the reply. “I intend to take a short sail up the -coast; so I thought I would stop and inquire if you want any eggs, -butter, or chickens!” - -“Yes, we want all we can get,” answered the grocer. “We pay the -highest market prices.” - -Tom, without thinking to inquire what the “highest market prices” -for each particular article were, left the store, and in a few -moments stood in the presence of his father, whom he asked for ten -dollars, to enable him to carry out his new project. The money was -duly paid, and the young trader, remembering his previous experience, -carefully counted it twice before he gave a receipt, which was worded -like the one he had given his father on a former occasion. Tom then -set out for the home of the fisher-boy, and, as before, found him -getting ready to begin his day’s work. He, however, at once abandoned -the idea, when Tom offered to give him a dollar, if he would assist -him in taking the Mystery on a short voyage up the bay. - -“I’m not going to speculate in fish any more,” said he. “It doesn’t -pay. I’m going to show you, now, how to make money.” - -In half an hour the Mystery lay at the wharf in front of the mansion, -with her sails hoisted, all ready for the start. In the forward part -of the boat were several boxes, baskets, and pails, in which the -young trader intended to bring home the articles he purchased; and -Captain Newcombe, as he now called himself, stood on the wharf with -his hands in his pockets, waiting for his first mate Bob, who had -gone to the house after some provisions that were necessary for the -trip. In a few moments the fisher-boy made his appearance, and when -the provisions had been carefully stowed away, the painter was cast -off, the captain took his stand in the stern-sheets, which he called -his quarter-deck, Bob seated himself at the helm, and the Mystery -began her first trading voyage. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - TOM MAKES NEW BARGAINS. - - -The wind being favorable, the little vessel, with all her sails set, -glided rapidly away from the shore; and Bob, in obedience to the -order of his employer, shaped her course toward a point about five -miles distant, where Tom, in one of his sailing excursions, had seen -a thrifty farm-house, at which he hoped to be able to purchase his -cargo. Captain Newcombe remained standing on his quarter-deck, now -and then looking up at the sails, as he had seen the skipper of the -Savannah do, until the Mystery was fairly under way; then he seated -himself in the stern-sheets, and began to talk with Bob; giving -him some insight into his new plan of operations. From some cause -or another, he always felt well satisfied with himself whenever he -had any new project in view; and the present expedition seemed more -to his liking than any thing he had ever before undertaken. As was -invariably the case with him, he confidently expected unbounded -success to attend his efforts, and he determined that, from that day -forward, he would make regular trips up the bay. This resolution he -communicated to Bob, and also began to explain to him the manner in -which he intended to dispose of his profits. - -“I shall make at least ten dollars to-day,” said he; “and, if I make -three trips each week, and clear ten dollars each trip, that will -be--that will be--let me see, how much?” (Tom never could calculate -his expenses or profits by the day; he always wanted to know how much -they would amount to in a week.) - -“That would be thirty dollars a week,” said Bob, who was rather -surprised at the magnitude of the young trader’s imaginary profits. - -“So it would! And that would amount to--to--how much a year? Five -hundred dollars, at least, wouldn’t it?” - -“Yes,” answered the fisher-boy, who did not know how much it was best -to assist Tom in his calculations. “It would make more than that.” - -“Well, now, the Swallow cost about a hundred and fifty dollars,” said -Captain Newcombe. “That’s lots of money; but if I made thirty dollars -a week, I could pay for her in--in--a few months, couldn’t I?” - -“Yes,” answered Bob, again. “It wouldn’t take long to pay for her at -that rate.” - -“Then,” said Tom, settling back on his elbow, “I have decided that -I shall follow trading for a business. It’s easy work, and I know -I shall be certain to succeed. Now, Bob,” and here he straightened -himself up again, “when we get into port, I want you to call me -captain. I am master of this vessel, you know; and if you intend -to be a sailor, you might as well learn one time as another how to -address your officers. I will call you Mr. Jennings, because you are -my first mate.” - -Bob thought this rather a droll proposition; but, as he could not -well afford to offend his employer, who was paying him much more -money for a day’s work than he could have earned by fishing, he -promised obedience, and Captain Newcombe again returned to the -subject of his profits. The amounts, according to Bob’s reckoning, -greatly exceeded his expectations, and he did not wish to talk -about any thing else. Once, the fisher-boy, who thought the young -trader was placing his mark rather high--in fact, altogether _too_ -high--ventured to remark that “perhaps he wouldn’t make quite thirty -dollars a week;” and Tom’s reply was: - -“Mr. Jennings, I am the captain of this vessel, and if I don’t know -my own business, it is time I was discharged, and some better man put -in my place. Don’t you suppose I can calculate figures? If I make -three trips each week--and there is nothing to prevent it--and clear -ten dollars each trip--and there’s nothing in the world to prevent -that, either--won’t that amount to thirty dollars a week?” and thus -Bob was silenced. - -Captain Newcombe thoroughly discussed the subject in all its -bearings, and he invariably arrived at the same conclusion--namely, -that in a few weeks, he would be the owner of the Swallow, or of a -sloop exactly like her. This made him more firm than ever in his -belief that he was right in his calculations; “for,” said he, “if I -was wrong, I wouldn’t get the same result every time, would I? Of -course I wouldn’t.” - -“Now, then, Bob,” he continued, “it’s a settled thing that I am to be -a trader, and that I am to own a sloop exactly like the Swallow. I’ll -need a crew, then, won’t I? How much will you take to go as my first -mate? You and I can manage her.” - -“Would I have regular work?” asked Bob. - -“Yes; all you can do. When we are not off on a voyage, you’ll have -to watch the vessel, keep her in order, and see that the tides, or a -storm, don’t wash her ashore.” - -“Well,” said the fisher-boy, after thinking a moment, “I’ll do it for -fifty cents a day.” - -“Fifty cents a day!” repeated Captain Newcombe, slowly. “That would -be--let me see--how much a week?” - -“Three dollars,” said Bob. - -“That’s cheaper than I expected,” continued Tom. “That’s too cheap. -I’ll give you seventy-five cents a day. Is that enough?” - -Bob was so amazed at this novel way of making a bargain that he did -not answer immediately; and the young trader, thinking that perhaps -he was not satisfied with his offer, exclaimed: - -“Isn’t that enough? Well, then, I’ll give you a dollar a day. Does -that suit you?” - -If Bob had still hesitated, Captain Newcombe might have made him an -offer of still higher wages, but he honestly replied: - -“A dollar a day is a man’s pay, and that is more than I can earn. But -if you think you can afford to give it to me, I am willing to work -hard for it!” - -“Of course I can give it to you,” said Tom. “We’ll put it down in -writing.” - -So saying, he produced his memorandum-book, and settling himself into -a comfortable position, began to study up a contract. - -The fisher-boy was not accustomed to this way of doing business, -neither was he at all pleased with it. He entertained very serious -misgivings as to Tom’s ability to carry out his grand ideas, and -he did not like to be promised such high wages unless he could -positively rely on receiving them. He did not wish to offend his -employer, but still he thought it prudent to suggest a delay in the -signing of the contract until they had made at least one trial of -Tom’s scheme. They would then be better able to judge whether or not -such an arrangement could be made. Captain Newcombe listened very -patiently, and, when Bob had ceased speaking, he straightened himself -up and answered: - -“Mr. Jennings, what kind of a trader would I be if I couldn’t make -my own calculations? Why, I would be swindled out of the last cent I -had. (Tom hesitated a little as he said this, for he remembered his -experience of the previous day.) But if a man does his own figuring, -no one can cheat him. Now I am just as certain that I shall make ten -dollars to-day as I am that I am now sitting in this boat. So, you -see, I can afford to pay you good wages. A dollar a day! that would -be--let me think a moment--how much a week!” - -“Six dollars,” said Bob. - -“Well, is it a bargain?” - -The fisher-boy, although far from being convinced, replied that -he would be more than satisfied with the wages offered, provided -the business could be carried on according to those calculations; -and Tom, thinking that he had made the matter perfectly clear to -Bob’s comprehension, again turned his attention to his contract -and shipping articles. The Mystery rocked considerably as she -glided over the little waves, and this had the effect of making -Tom’s writing look worse than ever. But he studied hard and worked -perseveringly to draw up the important document (and that was more -than he would have done had it been his arithmetic lesson), and -when it was finished he handed it to Bob, who, after a good deal of -trouble, made out the following: - - CONTRAK AND SHIPING ARTIKLES-- - - be it known to All men that you and i bob jennings and thomas - newcombe do Hearby agree that when i shall make Money enough to by - the Swalow, That i will Give you six dolers a weak to be my crew - and first Mait, every day except sundys, and That i will treat you - kindly and allways pay You the money when it is dew, if you do - Your work up square and no fooling when i get the Boat, and both - of us shall try To make us happy and friendly. witness my Hand and - yours.--if i should happen to Slip up on getting The boat, then - this Contrak and shiping artikles is not of any use--and is not - Binding on said thomas newcombe and bob jennings. - -“Now,” said Tom, when the fisher-boy had finished reading the -document, “that is plain enough, isn’t it? Well, then, let me sign it -first, because I am the captain, you know.” - -After they had both affixed their signatures to the contract, Tom put -it carefully away in his pocket, and here the subject was dropped. -Even Captain Newcombe had grown weary of counting his imaginary -profits, and he began to wish they were at their journey’s end. As -usual with him, he became very uneasy. He grew tired of sitting -still, and first he wished that a sloop about the size of the Mystery -would come along, so that they could have a race. Then he wished -there was “some boy on board learning to be a sailor;” wouldn’t he -make him “sup sorrow with a big spoon,” in revenge for the manner in -which the second mate of the Savannah had treated him? Then he almost -wished that a storm would come up; and, turning to the fisher-boy, he -asked: - -“Do you believe that if a fellow whistles while on board a vessel, it -will get up a hurricane?” - -“Father used to say it would,” answered Bob. “But I never tried it, -and I don’t want to.” - -“I wish I could start up a little more breeze. I wouldn’t want a hard -one, for the Mystery couldn’t weather it. But I’ll run the risk;” -and, as Captain Newcombe ceased speaking, he began to whistle, at the -same time casting his eyes rather suspiciously around the horizon, -to see if the storm was coming. But there was not a single cloud -to obscure the sun, which beat mercilessly down upon them; and Tom -finally gave up his attempt in disgust, and again stretched himself -out in the stern-sheets, under the shade of the mainsail. - -Although the Mystery was making remarkably quick time, she did not -sail fast enough to suit her impatient captain, who, every few -minutes, raised himself on his elbow, and looked toward the point, -which still seemed as far off as when they left the wharf. But, -nevertheless, they were gradually drawing nearer to it, and, at the -end of an hour, Bob rounded-to and landed on the beach, a short -distance from the farm-house. - -As soon as the fisher-boy had hauled down the sails, Tom sprang -ashore, drew his memorandum-book from his pocket, thrust his pencil -behind his ear, and walked toward the house. Presently a man appeared -at the door, and, as soon as Tom arrived within speaking distance, he -inquired: - -“Have you any eggs, butter, or chickens to sell?” - -“Wal, yes,” replied the farmer, slowly surveying the young trader -from head to foot. “We’ve got some. Be you a buyin’?” - -“Yes,” answered Tom. “I am paying the highest market prices--the very -highest.” - -“Wal, yes! But how much?” asked the man. - -“That depends upon the quality of your goods,” replied Tom promptly, -assuming a very knowing look, as if he understood what he was talking -about. “Let me see what you have to sell, and then I’ll tell you what -I’ll give for it.” - -“Wal, sartin; step this way.” - -Captain Newcombe and his mate followed the farmer, who conducted -them around the building, and into a room, which he called the -“milk-house;” where he showed them a large basket of eggs, beside -which stood a tub that contained several rolls of fine fresh butter. - -“How many dozen have you?” asked Tom, after he had held one of the -eggs toward the sun to see if it was fresh, though, the fact was, he -knew as much about the matter before he made his examination as he -did afterward. - -“O, they are all right,” said the farmer. “If you can find a bad one -among ’em, I’ll give ’em all to you. Now, let me see how many there -are. There’s just twenty dozen an’ two over,” he continued, after he -had counted them--“call it even twenty dozen. Now, how much be you -payin’?” - -“Well,” answered Tom slowly, as if he was thinking the matter over, -“eggs are high now, and I’ll give you twenty cents a dozen for them.” - -“Twenty cents!” repeated the farmer, in surprise. “Wal, I should say -that eggs was high. Things must have riz up like mighty in Newport -lately. Mebbe I can find some more for you;” and going to the door of -the kitchen, he called out: “Betsy! Betsy! can’t you rake up a few -more eggs somewhere? There’s a chap out here payin’ a good price for -’em.” - -“Tom--I mean captain,” whispered Bob, pulling the young trader by his -coat-sleeve, “you can’t afford to give so much for those eggs. You’ll -certainly--” - -“Now, Mr. Jennings,” interrupted Tom, “you hold your tongue. I guess -I know what I am about.” - -“But, captain,” persisted the fisher-boy, “you can’t make a cent on--” - -“Now, look here,” said the young trader, angrily, “once for all, -will you keep still? What do you know about speculating? Those eggs -are worth as much to me as they are to him; and, if I had owned them -in the first place, I wouldn’t have sold them for less than twenty -cents. I don’t want to swindle the man. Now you go to the boat and -get some baskets and pails.” - -Bob reluctantly started off to obey the order, and, just at that -moment, the farmer returned, rubbing his hands with delight when he -thought of the bargain he had made. - -“Now, then,” said he, “the old woman says there’s ten pounds of -butter in that ar’ kag. What’s it wuth? You can see that it is fresh -an’ nice. Betsy always gets a higher price for her butter and eggs -than any one else in the country.” - -“Does she?” inquired Tom. “Then I’ll give you twenty-two cents a -pound for it.” - -“Wal, I declare to goodness!” ejaculated the farmer, “how things have -riz up! A feller can live easy when he can get such prices as them -for what he has to sell.” - -As the man spoke, he took down a pair of scales from a nail over the -door, and, having carefully tied the butter in a cloth, he said, as -he held the scales up so that Tom could see the weight: - -“A trifle over ten pounds; but we’ll call it even ten, ’cause the -cloth weighs something, you know.” - -“That’s all right,” said Tom. “So far, so good. Now, have you any -chickens to sell?” - -“Wal, no,” was the reply. “If eggs is worth that much, Betsy won’t -want to sell the chickens.” - -At this moment, Tom happened to look out at the door, and discovered -three very fine fowls walking about the yard. They were as white as -snow, and considerably larger than any the young trader had ever seen -before; and, from their great size, he at once put them down as game -chickens. He once heard of a man who had made a fortune by dealing -in property of that kind, and here was an opportunity too good to be -lost. Pointing to the chickens, he asked: - -“Can that rooster fight?” - -“Wal, yes,” answered the farmer; “he’s like four-cent sugar--all -grit. He beats all the other chickens on the place like two hundred.” - -“I thought so,” said Tom. “Do you want to sell him?” - -“Wal, no; I don’t care about it.” - -“I’ll give you three dollars for him and those two hens.” - -“Wal, I declare to gracious!” said the farmer, “has chickens riz up, -too? I’ll take that for ’em; but you’ll have to help me drive ’em -into the barn afore we can ketch ’em.” - -While this conversation was going on, Bob returned from the boat, -loaded with baskets and pails. The butter was first packed away in -one of the pails, and covered with a clean, white cloth, which the -farmer furnished them, and the fisher-boy then turned his attention -to the eggs. - -“Captain,” said he, “we ought to pack them in something. We’ll be -certain to break more than half of them if we carry them loose in -these baskets.” - -“Can’t you give us some oats or bran?” asked Tom, turning to the -farmer. - -“Wal, no,” answered the man. - -“Straw or hay would answer our purpose just as well,” said Bob; “and, -besides, it wouldn’t cost any thing.” - -“O, no; I can’t have my eggs packed in straw or hay,” drawled Tom. -“It wouldn’t look well. Did you ever see eggs come into Newport -packed in any thing besides oats or bran? Haven’t you any oats?” he -asked, again turning to the farmer. - -“Wal, yes; I’ve got some in the bundle. I’ll thrash out some for you -for half a dollar.” - -“Go and do it, then,” said Tom. - -As the man turned to leave the house, his wife entered, having -succeeded in finding another dozen of eggs. She also expressed her -astonishment that “things had riz up so fast;” to which Tom replied -that the articles were worth, to him, every cent he had paid for -them. The extra dozen were placed with the others; and then Tom, -seeing that the farmer was endeavoring to drive his game chickens -toward the barn, sent Bob out to assist him. The fowls were finally -secured, and, after the fisher-boy had taken them to the boat, he -returned to the place where he had left Tom, and showed him two or -three wounds on his hands, which he had received while capturing -the rooster. The young trader was delighted; and the thought then -occurred to him that he had done a very sensible thing when he bought -those chickens, for the rooster’s attack on Bob was conclusive -evidence that he was “grit to the backbone.” - -“That farmer don’t know much about chickens,” said he to Bob, “or he -would not have sold that rooster for a dollar. I’ll get more than -that for him. I knew I would be certain to succeed this time. Now,” -he continued, as he again produced his memorandum book, “I’ve got -every thing I want except the oats. Sit down here.” - -The fisher-boy seated himself beside his employer, who began to “make -out a bill” of the articles he had purchased. Tom did the writing and -Bob the calculating; and finally the book showed the following: - - - ACKOUNT OF EXPENSES. - - 21 duzen eggs At twenty cts. four dollers and 20 - 10 ponds butter At twenty 2 cts. too dollers and 20 - Three first class game chickens At one Doller 3 dollers - Oats for packing Eggs a half doller - making nine Dollers and 90 - -“There,” said Tom, gazing admiringly at his work, “that’s the first -bill I ever made out. I’ll show it to father when I get home. Now -I’ll have left just--just--let me see--” - -“Ten cents,” suggested Bob. - -“So I will. I’ll get some apples with that.” - -The fisher-boy thought that if the money had belonged to him, he -would have saved it; but he knew that it would do no good to offer -such advice to Tom; and, besides, his thoughts were turned into -another channel, by the arrival of the farmer with the oats. While -Bob busied himself in packing away the eggs, Tom went into the house -with the farmer, to settle his bill; and after this was done, the -man conducted him to the orchard, where he filled his pockets with -apples. He then walked about the yard with the farmer, until Bob had -carried all the articles he had purchased to the boat, when he took -his leave; and, promising to return in a day or two for another load, -he stepped on board the sloop, which filled away for home. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - THE MYSTERY IN A STORM. - - -Tom was perfectly satisfied with his day’s work--it could not have -been better, he thought, even had he desired it; and, as he again -took his stand on the quarter-deck and looked proudly over his cargo, -he began to think that he had at last found the road to fortune. -There were no obstacles in his way now; he thoroughly understood -his business, and, better than all, he had no work to do. The man, -whoever he was, that originated the old saying that “There is no -excellence without labor,” didn’t know any thing about the matter, -for it was sport for him to make bargains, pay out money, and count -his profits. If other people were obliged to work, it was their -own fault. Why didn’t they do as he had done, look about and find -some way of making a living without labor? Following the life of a -trader, even if he didn’t clear expenses, was much easier than going -to school, and poring for six hours in the day over uninteresting -lessons. That was all well enough for those who liked it; but, as -for himself, he would show people that he could get along through -the world without it. In short, Tom was delighted with the success -that had attended his efforts, for the business was still new to -him, and he had not yet found any thing unpleasant in it. He remained -standing on his quarter-deck, now and then turning to the fisher-boy, -who was seated at the helm, to give him some order in a loud voice, -so that the farmer, who stood on the beach watching them, might -understand that he was the captain of the vessel, but, as soon as -the man returned to the house, Tom walked forward to look at his -game chickens. The rooster, ever since he was put into the box, had -crowed most lustily, showing that his was a spirit which could not be -broken by confinement. Seeing Tom approach, he at once put himself -into an attitude of defense; and when the young trader forced his -hand between the bars on the box, he was saluted with a peck, and a -blow from the rooster’s spurs that brought tears to his eyes. But Tom -endured the pain without a murmur. He had received convincing proof -that the fowl was thorough game, and this gratifying knowledge served -as a balm for his wounds. He was, however, very careful not to put -his hand inside the box again; but, wishing to make the rooster give -a few more exhibitions of his pluck, Tom amused himself, for a long -time, by tormenting him with a stick. Finally, growing weary of this -sport, he walked aft, where the fisher-boy was seated, silent and -thoughtful. He was thinking over the events of the day, and wondering -if the results would meet the young trader’s expectations. Bob had -made many and careful calculations concerning the very business in -which they were then engaged, but his conclusions differed widely -from those of Captain Newcombe’s. Although he could not hope to share -in the profits, if the experiment proved a success, or be expected -to bear part of the expenses, if it should be a failure, he was -deeply interested in it. He hoped that Tom’s bright visions would be -realized, but he thought he had good reason to fear that his employer -would lose money. The young trader, however, was not troubled with -any gloomy forebodings. He looked upon what he had done as perfectly -correct, and he was unusually merry over it. He talked, laughed, and -sang; and was so full of his fun that he could not sit still, but -kept walking backward and forward over the boat, stopping now and -then to explain matters to Bob, who, he plainly saw, did not agree -with him. He again gave a full description of the manner in which he -intended to conduct his business, always taking as his starting-point -the assumed fact that he would “be certain to make ten dollars over -and above all expenses every trip;” and, standing on one of the -thwarts, with his hands in his pockets, he was endeavoring, for the -twentieth time, to make Bob “see through his grand scheme,” when the -fisher-boy suddenly pointed seaward, and interrupted him with-- - -“Just see there, captain!” - -Tom looked in the direction indicated, and the sight that met -his gaze drove all thoughts of business out of his head. A thick -milk-white cloud, followed by one as black as midnight, was rapidly -coming into view above the horizon, and, as the young trader looked -up, he heard the low muttering of distant thunder. Captain Newcombe -knew enough about storms to be well aware that the one then coming -up promised to give him ample opportunity to test the sea-going -qualities of his fine sloop. But he had no desire to be caught out -in that storm; and one, to have seen him at that moment, would -have been satisfied that he was wanting in a quality that was very -necessary to enable him to fill the position of commander of a -vessel--namely, courage. He knew that they were in danger, for the -Mystery was fully a mile and a half from the shore, and, if the storm -overtook her with all her sails spread, she would be capsized in a -moment. This knowledge seemed to deprive him of all power of action; -for he stood looking at the clouds, and listening to the peals of -thunder that every instant came more plainly to his ears, as if he -was at a loss to know what course to pursue. - -To increase Tom’s dismay, he noticed that a vessel, which he had -seen coming toward the harbor, had put about and was standing out -to sea again, while her crew was engaged in taking in the topsails, -and making every thing snug on board. Tom knew, by this, that her -captain, deeming it unsafe to attempt to reach the harbor, which -was a dangerous one to enter during a gale, had started seaward, -intending to “lay off and on” until the storm should abate. When -Captain Newcombe saw this maneuver, he knew that he ought to be -doing something also; but the sight of that black cloud in the west -disconcerted him, and he could not keep his wits about him long -enough to determine what ought to be done. It was an easy thing to be -master of a vessel in calm weather, but when a storm was brewing the -case was different. - -“Captain,” said the fisher-boy, “there’s the hurricane you whistled -for this morning.” - -“O, no,” drawled Tom; “now, don’t lay that on to me, for I didn’t -whistle for as hard a one as this is going to be; I said I only -wanted a little one.” - -“Well,” said Bob, “I believe now that whistling will get up a storm. -We’ll be in a bad fix if we don’t find shelter somewhere very soon. -What shall we do, captain? Give your orders.” - -“O, I’m sick,” answered Tom, looking up at the cloud, which seemed to -rise more rapidly. “You be captain, and if any thing happens you can -call me.” - -Tom’s terror was great, but his pride was greater. He did not wish to -acknowledge his utter inability to give the necessary orders, so he -resorted to this expedient, to shift all the responsibility on Bob’s -shoulders; and he thought that he was acting in a perfectly honorable -manner; for, while he was on board the Savannah, he once heard the -captain say to the first mate: “I am very unwell, and I wish you -would take charge of the vessel; carry as much or as little sail as -you please. If any thing happens, call me.” The captain then went -down into the cabin, and kept his bed for two days, during which time -the first mate sailed the schooner. So Tom, with this example before -him, thought that he had a perfect right to turn the command of the -Mystery over to his mate, if he chose to do so, and no one could -question his motives. - -Bob, at first, did not wish to take charge of the little vessel, but -Tom insisted, saying: - -“I will lie down here in the stern-sheets, and if any thing happens, -you can call me.” And, suiting the action to the words, he stretched -himself out at full length, and rested his head on his hands, as if -he were very ill indeed. - -“Well, then,” said the fisher-boy, “if I am the captain, I shall -shape her course toward the shore and take in that topsail and -flying-jib.” - -“Do as you like,” replied Tom; “carry as much or as little sail as -you please. I’m sick.” - -The fisher-boy accordingly headed the Mystery toward the beach, and, -again turning to Tom, said: - -“Now, if I am the captain, you must be the crew.” - -“O, no,” whined Tom, “I can’t.” - -“Well, somebody must be the crew,” said Bob, looking rather anxiously -toward the clouds. “Go aloft and take in that gaff topsail.” - -“O, I can’t,” answered Tom. “Suppose the storm should come up before -I got down, it would blow me overboard.” - -“Then you steer the boat, and I’ll do it.” - -“I can’t do that either; I’m sick.” - -Bob was amazed, and utterly at a loss to know how to act. Those sails -must come in, the sooner the better; for the chances were not one in -ten that the Mystery could reach the shore, before the storm would -burst upon them in all its fury. He was the captain of the vessel, -but he was powerless, for his crew would not obey his orders, and -he had no means of enforcing his commands. He could not leave the -tiller, in order to take in the sails, neither could he lash it fast; -for what little wind there was, was shifting, and somebody must be at -the helm, in order to keep the sloop headed toward the shore. - -For the first time, Bob felt a little alarmed, and, for a moment, he -sat calculating his chances for reaching the shore, should the boat -be capsized. But he knew that was no time for such thoughts. The -question then was, How to save the vessel and cargo? The fisher-boy -imagined that could be easily done, if Tom would only wake up and -lend his assistance. But how was he to arouse the young skipper, who -was so disgracefully deserting his vessel and crew, at a time when -his services were most needed? - -“Captain,” began the fisher-boy. - -“O, I am not the captain, now, I tell you,” interrupted Tom. “You are -the master of the Mystery. Do as you please.” - -“But I must have help,” said Bob. “I can’t do every thing alone. If -we don’t take in those sails very soon, we shall be swamped.” - -“I can’t help that,” said Tom, looking up at the clouds with a most -pitiful countenance. - -“You must help it. What would you do if you were in the water, a mile -and a half from the shore?” - -“O, I don’t know. I’m sick.” - -“You must work for your life, if you are sick,” said the fisher-boy. - -Tom, however, made no reply, neither did he move from his position. -Bob began to be discouraged. If the fear of losing his life would not -induce the young trader to put forth some exertion, it was probable -that nothing would. But there was one subject still untried, and at -that moment it occurred to the fisher-boy. - -“Captain--I mean Tom,” said he, “if we do capsize, what will become -of your eggs, and butter, and your fine game chickens? You’ll have to -look for your ten dollars profit at the bottom of the sea.” - -“So I would!” exclaimed Tom, straightening himself up, all his -sickness vanishing in an instant. “I can’t afford to lose those game -chickens. They’re worth more than ten dollars to me. But, Bob, this -is my last trip up the bay, I can tell you.” - -The fisher-boy had succeeded in waking Tom up at last. The latter -knew that not only his fine boat, but even his own life was in -danger; but it was not until Bob reminded him of the loss he -would sustain in his game chickens, in the event of the Mystery’s -capsizing, that he got up, ready to lend assistance. - -“Now, then,” said Bob, as the young trader took hold of the tiller, -“hold her steady, and I’ll take in that gaff topsail.” - -The topsail had formerly been arranged so that it could be spread or -taken in from the deck; but this did not “look enough like a ship” -to suit Tom, who, after considerable trouble, had made it as near -as possible like the topsail of a schooner; so that when he wanted -it taken in, some one had to go aloft to do it. It was sport for -Tom to ascend the mast in fair weather, when the Mystery was made -fast at her wharf; but he did not dare to attempt it at sea, in the -face of a storm; so this duty devolved upon the fisher-boy, who went -aloft, took in the sail, and threw it to the deck. Tom took more -pride in his boat than in any thing else, and he always liked to -see the canvas neatly stowed away; and had it been fair weather, he -would have scolded Bob for not doing the topsail up properly. But an -indistinct moaning sound, which came faintly to his ears, told him -that the storm was rapidly approaching, and he was so terrified, and -so anxious to reach the shore, that he hardly noticed the condition -the sail was in. The fisher-boy then descended to the deck, and, in -a few moments more, the flying-jib was securely stowed away, and a -double reef taken in the mainsail. Then, after placing all the boxes, -baskets, and pails under the thwarts, as much as possible out of the -way, he again took his seat at the helm, which Tom readily gave up to -him. - -It was not Bob’s intention to land on the beach; for there, when the -storm came, the Mystery would be in danger of being knocked to pieces -by the waves, which always ran high during a gale. He had resolved, -if possible, to run into a little cove about three miles from the -village, where they could find safe anchorage for their vessel, let -the wind blow never so hard. The fisher-boy thought he should be able -to accomplish his object; for, as he took the helm, a slight breath -of wind--the forerunner of the storm--filled the sails, and the -Mystery began to move more rapidly. Stronger and stronger grew the -breeze, causing the little vessel to careen, until she stood almost -on her beam-ends, and straining the mast until it seemed about to -break. Never before had the Mystery made such an exhibition of speed; -but, fast as she went, the boys saw that the storm gained rapidly, -and presently Bob pointed out a long line of foam in the horizon. -The gale was fast approaching, and a few moments more would decide -whether they would enter the cove--the mouth of which was but a short -distance off--or be swamped on the beach. Nearer and nearer came the -line of foam, stretching away on both sides of them as far as their -eyes could reach; and finally, a strong gust of wind, which seemed -to lift the little vessel fairly out of the water, filled the sails, -and drove her toward the beach with great speed. Tom thought all was -lost, and throwing himself flat in the bottom of the boat, expected -every instant to find himself struggling in the water. He felt the -sloop rise, as she was lifted on the crest of a tremendous billow, -heard the shrieking of the wind through the shrouds, accompanied by -a loud roar, as the wave broke upon the beach, and presently the -Mystery’s keel grated harshly on the sand--Bob having safely piloted -her behind a friendly point, and run her upon the shore, out of reach -of the storm. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - TOM’S GAME CHICKENS. - - -The fisher-boy had not performed a very heroic nor yet very difficult -task in taking the Mystery safely into port; and Tom, when he had -straightened up and looked about him, began to feel ashamed of -himself. His pride, however, would not permit him to acknowledge that -he had acted cowardly; so, as soon as he saw that the vessel and -cargo were safe, he exclaimed: - -“Well, we did bring her in all right, didn’t we, Bob? I knew we could -do it.” - -Had the Mystery been a few minutes later in reaching her shelter, it -is probable that not even Bob could have saved her from being dashed -upon the shore; for, no sooner had they reached the cove, than the -storm burst forth in all its fury. The wind blew a perfect gale; the -waves broke upon the beach with deafening roars; the clouds were -lighted up with almost incessant flashes of lightning, which were -accompanied by terrific peals of thunder, that had the effect of -convincing Tom that, perhaps, they were not yet altogether safe. - -The fisher-boy made no reply to Captain Newcombe’s remark; but, after -making the sloop’s painter fast to a tree on the shore, he hauled -down the mainsail and proceeded to spread it over the boat, to -protect the cargo, and also to afford them a shelter from the rain, -which soon began to fall in torrents. Captain Newcombe and his mate -then crawled under the sail; and, as was invariably the case with -Tom, when every thing did not go off smoothly, he began to grumble. -He was the most unlucky boy in the whole world, he said. Every one -else got along easily, and without the least trouble, but whenever he -attempted any thing, something always happened to bother him. He knew -he couldn’t be a trader before he commenced, and that would be his -last attempt at speculating. If Bob would give him fifteen dollars, -he might have the whole cargo, game chickens and all. He would sell -it for five dollars less than he had intended to ask for it, for the -sake of disposing of it then and there, as he was fully resolved to -retire from business. But fifteen dollars was a much larger amount -than the fisher-boy ever had in his possession at one time, and, -besides, (although he did not say so,) he was rather inclined to -believe that the cargo was not worth so much money. - -At the end of two hours the storm was over, and the waves had abated -sufficiently to allow the Mystery to continue her voyage. Tom, -although he retained the name of captain, allowed the fisher-boy -to have things all his own way; and, when he found himself sailing -toward the village once more, he began to recover his usual spirits. -He again thought of his profits; how grand he would feel when he -should inform his father that he had made just ten dollars that day; -how all the boys of his acquaintance would envy him, and he finally -concluded that a traders life was not so bad after all. - -Half an hour’s sail brought them to the village, and the fisher-boy, -in obedience to Captain Newcombe’s orders, landed on the beach at -his own home. As soon as the boat had been made fast to the shore, -Bob’s wagon, with its shrieking wooden wheels, was again brought into -requisition, and the fisher-boy began the work of discharging the -cargo. As the articles, one after another, were brought out on the -beach, Tom was astonished to discover that there was another incident -in the life of a trader of which he had never dreamed. It had never -occurred to him to think what he would do in case his cargo should be -damaged; but now the question was presented to him in such a manner -that it could not be avoided. He found that a great many of his eggs -were broken. No doubt the damage had been done, either while they -were going into the cove or coming out of it. The butter, also, was -not in as good condition as it was when they left the farm-house. The -rolls were broken, the cloth soiled, and the pail in which it was -packed, having, by some means become uncovered during the storm, was -half-filled with water. In fact, the only part of the cargo which -did not seem to be injured, was the rooster, which crowed loudly, as -Bob picked up the box and carried it to the shore. The fisher-boy -was dismayed, when he came to examine into the condition of things; -but Tom, who stood on the beach with his hands in his pockets, had -suddenly discovered a way out of his difficulty. - -“Never mind, Bob,” said he; “I’ll charge more for the eggs that are -left than I intended to in the first place, and then I’ll sell those -game chickens if I can get three dollars apiece for them. That would -be--let me see--how much for the lot?” - -“Nine dollars,” answered Bob. - -“Well, I gave three dollars for them,” continued the young trader, -“and I shall make by the operation, just--just--let me think a -moment.” - -“Six dollars,” said the fisher-boy. - -“Yes, that’s right,” said Tom. “Then it will take (and here the young -trader, being deeply interested in his calculations, forgot himself, -and began to count his fingers) seven--eight--nine--ten. It will take -just four dollars more to make up the ten dollars. I shall certainly -clear that off the butter and eggs. Now, don’t you see where my ten -dollars profit is to come from?” - -Although the fisher-boy answered in the affirmative, he did not quite -agree with Tom, for the thought occurred to him that, perhaps, he -might not be able to sell his chickens at such a high price. However, -he made no remark, and as soon as he had loaded his wagon with the -eggs, he started off for Mr. Henry’s store. Tom waited until he was -out of sight, and then went around by the wharf as before; and, when -he arrived at the grocery, Bob had already been there, unloaded his -wagon, and gone back to the boat after the rest of the cargo. The -grocer met the young trader as he entered the store, and, after -inquiring how he had weathered the storm, called one of the clerks to -count the eggs. Tom stood by, looking on, and relating his adventures -to the merchant--being very careful, however, not to say one word -about the disgraceful manner in which he had deserted his vessel and -crew in time of danger--and, when the eggs had all been counted, he -found that he had just fifteen dozen whole ones left; six dozen -had been broken during the storm. As the young trader stood looking -intently at the floor, trying his best to determine how much he ought -to ask for the eggs that were left, in order to make good what he -would lose on the broken ones, the fisher-boy returned, bringing the -game chickens and the butter. - -“Those are fine looking chickens, Tom,” said the grocer. “How much do -you ask for them?” - -“Three dollars apiece!” was the answer. - -“Three dollars apiece!” repeated the merchant, in surprise. “You mean -three dollars for the lot.” - -“No I don’t,” replied Tom. “I mean just what I said--three dollars -apiece--nine dollars for the lot.” - -“That’s too much! You surely did not give that price for them?” - -“Of course not!” replied Tom. “If I had, I wouldn’t sell them for -that. I want to make something, don’t I?” - -“Certainly! But you want to make too much. I’ll give you fifty cents -apiece for them.” - -“No, sir!” said Tom, emphatically. “I can’t sell them for a cent less -than three dollars each.” - -“What makes them so valuable?” asked the grocer. - -“Why, they’re first-class game chickens,” replied Tom. “Don’t you -want them?” - -“Not at your price. I am not speculating in game chickens now.” - -“Well, _I_ am,” said the young trader. “They are worth three dollars -apiece to me, and I’ll keep them before I’ll sell them for a cent -less.” - -While this conversation was going on, one of the clerks had weighed -the butter, and, when Mr. Henry had been informed of the number of -pounds, he leaned his elbows on the counter and said: - -“Now, then, Tom, you have fifteen dozen eggs and ten pounds of -butter. Is that right?” - -“Yes, that’s correct; but I’d like to have you take those game -chickens.” - -“I can’t give your price for them,” repeated the grocer. “Now, how -much are the eggs and butter worth?” - -The young trader did not know what reply to make to this question, -for the breaking of six dozen of his eggs, and Mr. Henry’s refusal to -take his chickens at three dollars each, had completely upset all his -calculations. He wanted to make ten dollars by his day’s work, but he -did not know how much to ask for the eggs and butter to clear that -amount. He would have been very much relieved could he have had a few -moment’s conversation with the fisher-boy; but, by such a proceeding, -he would certainly show his ignorance, and that was something he did -not wish to do. He could see but one way to act; so, after looking -about the store for a moment, and putting on a serious face, as if -busily engaged in making calculations, he turned to the grocer and -asked: - -“What do you think my cargo is worth?” - -“Well,” was the answer, “although that butter is rather mussed up, I -will give you full price for it--thirteen cents a pound.” - -Down came all the bright hopes of the young trader, who started back -from the counter in astonishment, and looked at the grocer as if he -could hardly believe that he had heard aright. - -“Why, what’s the matter?” asked Mr. Henry. - -“Thirteen--did--did you say _thirteen_ cents a pound for that -butter?” Tom almost gasped. - -“Exactly! Butter is very plenty now, and that is all it is -worth--thirteen cents.” - -Tom was now convinced that the merchant was in earnest; and so -astounded and vexed was he to discover that his grand attempt at -speculating had failed, that it was with the greatest difficulty that -he could refrain from crying. - -“Did you pay more than that?” asked Mr. Henry, who plainly saw what -was the matter. - -“O, yes,” drawled Tom, “I paid more than that. I paid too much.” - -“Prices have fallen lately, you know,” said the grocer. - -“Then I’ll keep that butter until they rise again,” said Tom, in -desperation. “How much do you pay for eggs?” - -“Ten cents,” was the answer. - -“O, no,” drawled Tom. “I can’t sell for that.” - -The store was full of customers; and at this moment the grocer left -Tom, to attend to the wants of a gentleman, who appeared to be in a -great hurry to transact his business, and the young trader determined -to seize the opportunity to do a little calculating. He knew that if -he accepted the price offered by the merchant, he would be a heavy -loser, and he was anxious to know the full extent of his losses. -Beckoning to the fisher-boy to follow him toward the office, he -whispered: - -“I am afraid I can’t make _quite_ ten dollars, aint you? Now ten -pounds of butter, at thirteen cents a pound, that makes--let me see.” - -“A dollar and thirty cents,” said the fisher-boy. - -“O, I can’t sell that good butter for such a small price as that,” -whined Tom. “That farmer swindled me, didn’t he? He said that butter -was the best in the country. And now, fifteen dozen eggs, at ten -cents a dozen, that makes--just--” - -“A dollar and a half,” said Bob. - -“And that makes the butter and eggs worth--worth--” - -“Two dollars and eighty cents,” said the fisher-boy, who knew that -he was expected to do all the calculating; “and you paid six dollars -and ninety cents for your cargo, taking out the price of your game -chickens. So you lose just four dollars and ten cents.” - -“O, that’s too much!” said Tom. “If I was to lose that every day, -that would be--let me see--how much a week?” - -“Almost twenty-five dollars,” said Bob. - -“That’s too much!” exclaimed Tom, again. “I can’t afford to lose -that. I’ll keep my things until prices rise again. Bob, put the cargo -into your wagon, and take it up to the house. I knew I couldn’t -be a speculator. I’m the most unlucky boy in the whole world, and -something’s always happening to bother me.” - -Tom was now thoroughly disgusted with trading, and he resolved that, -as long as he lived, he never would attempt it again. As he started -to leave the store, the grocer inquired: - -“Well, what do you say?” - -“I say I can’t sell at your prices,” was the answer; and, in a moment -more, Tom was taking long steps toward his home. He did not stop to -speak to any of his numerous acquaintances he met on the streets, -for fear they might ask him how he was succeeding in business; and -not until he reached home, and closed the gate behind him, did he -feel safe. As he walked slowly toward the house, he glanced in at the -door, and saw his father, seated in the library, reading his paper, -and Tom knew that he still had a most difficult task to perform. Mr. -Newcombe, of course, would want to know all the particulars of the -voyage; and, at that moment, the young trader would have given even -his game chickens to be able to avoid the interview. But that was -impossible, for his father discovered him as he came up the lawn, and -called him into the house. Tom obeyed, and the moment he entered the -room, Mr. Newcombe saw at a glance that he had made another failure. - -“Well,” he exclaimed, “I suppose you have cleared a small fortune -to-day?” - -“O, no, I haven’t, either,” whined the discouraged young trader. “I’m -afraid I shall lose lots of money. Didn’t I tell you I couldn’t be a -speculator?” - -“Did you allow somebody to cheat you?” asked the merchant. - -Tom saw that his father was determined to know all about the matter, -and thinking that the sooner it was over with the better, he drew his -memorandum-book from his pocket, and turned to the bill he had made -out. His feelings, as he presented it, were very different from what -he had that morning imagined they would be. Then, he was confident -that he should be able to tell his father he had made money by his -day’s work; instead of that he had been a heavy loser. - -Mr. Newcombe took the book, and as he glanced over the list of -articles that had comprised Tom’s cargo, he saw in an instant where -his son had made his mistake. - -“What’s this!” he exclaimed, “twenty-one dozen eggs, at--why, Tom, -twenty cents for eggs!” - -The unpleasant interview was over much sooner than the young trader -had expected. His father did not read all the bill, but, closing the -book, returned it to Tom, and resumed his reading. He saw that his -son was in no humor to talk about what he had done, nor to listen to -advice regarding his future operations. - -Tom, who had expected a long lecture, was glad, indeed, to escape so -easily, and, putting the book into his pocket, he walked out of the -house, and started toward the barn, where he sat down to think over -his day’s experience, and to await the arrival of the fisher-boy. -The latter came at length, with his wagon loaded with eggs. A place -was cleared for them in one end of the oat-bin, and there they were -packed away to remain until the market prices should rise. Bob -then returned to the store, and, in due time, came back with the -butter and the game chickens. The butter was also packed away in the -oat-bin, the cover of which was closed and fastened. - -“There!” exclaimed Tom, “that’s all right. I haven’t lost my money -yet. Eggs and butter will be higher next winter, and then I’ll show -you a trick or two in speculating. Now, the next thing is to drive -all father’s chickens into the hen-house, and shut them up. I want to -let my game rooster out.” - -But driving the chickens into the hen-house was a much harder task -than the boys had anticipated. Having no desire to be shut up before -night, they found secure retreats under the barn; and, after half an -hour’s chase, during which only one solitary hen was captured, Tom’s -patience was exhausted. - -“Never mind them, Bob!” he exclaimed, panting hard after his long -run. “We have tried to put them out of harm’s way, and now they must -look out for themselves. If they knew what they were about, they -would get into that hen-house as soon as possible. Now, Bob,” he -continued, as he stood with a hammer in his hand ready to knock the -bars off the box in which the rooster was confined, “we must name -this fellow before we let him out. What shall we call him?” - -Bob proposed several names which he thought would be appropriated, -but they did not suit Tom, who finally said he wanted to call his -chicken after some great general. - -“Name him Washington, then,” said the fisher-boy. - -“That’s the name!” exclaimed Tom. “Come out here, General -Washington,” and, with a few blows of the hammer, he knocked off the -bars, when out walked the rooster and the two hens. - -They seemed to be well satisfied with their new quarters; and the -rooster, as if to carry out the designs of his master, flapped his -wings and crowed, to announce to all the fowls within hearing that he -had come there to take possession. - -He had a pair of good lungs, and Tom fully expected that his crowing -would be sufficient to frighten every thing in the yard into -submission, and that the General would be permitted to assume the -honors of champion without a single battle. But the old residents of -the barn-yard had no intention of allowing the new-comer to lord it -over them, for scarcely had Washington ceased his crowing, when an -answer came from under the barn, and, the next moment, out popped a -very small specimen of a bantam, bristling all over with rage and -excitement. - -“Drive him back, Bob!” shouted Tom; “drive him back! He’s too small! -He’ll certainly get hurt!” - -But the bantam had not come out there to be driven back. Dodging -the cap which Tom threw at him, he spread his wings, thrust out his -neck, and made at the intruder as if he meant to annihilate him on -the spot. Washington was evidently astonished. He stood perfectly -still, looking at his diminutive antagonist first with one eye, then -with the other, and, just as Tom was expecting to see him assume the -offensive, and drive the bantam from the field, the General uttered -one long, deep cackle, and turned and took to his heels. - -This was the last feather on the camel’s back. Every thing had gone -wrong with Tom that day. He had been offered ten cents a dozen for -eggs for which he had paid twenty cents, and had been assured that -the butter for which he had given twenty-two cents was worth only -thirteen, and he had, as he imagined, borne up bravely under it all. -But to stand there and see his game rooster--one for which he had -paid a dollar, and of which he had hoped such great things--to see -him disgracefully leave the field when faced by an antagonist that -he could almost swallow--that was too much; and Tom, filled with -disappointment and vexation, seated himself on the ground and cried -aloud. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - TOM DECIDES TO BE A FARMER. - - -The fisher-boy was astonished at this exhibition of weakness on the -part of his employer, and it is difficult to say whether he most -pitied or despised Tom. He had all the while been confident that -Captain Newcombe would, sooner or later, discover that he had set his -mark altogether too high, but he had not expected that his failure, -to carry out his splendid scheme, would so overwhelm him. - -“O, it’s no use, Bob,” whined the discomfited trader, as he rolled -about on the grass; “it’s no use; I knew I couldn’t be a speculator. -I am the most unlucky boy on earth. Something is always happening to -bother me, and nobody in the whole world has so much trouble as I do. -It’s enough to discourage any body. But I knew just how it would turn -out. I say, Bob,” he added suddenly, looking up at the fisher-boy -through his tears, “I’ve learned one lesson to-day, and that is, -it’s no use for a fellow to try to do a thing when he knows he can’t -succeed. I always said it, and now I know it’s so.” - -The fisher-boy listened to this speech in perfect astonishment. He -remembered how confidently Tom had talked of his success during -the voyage, and how perseveringly he had labored to convince his -doubting mate that there was no possible chance for failure; and he -could not understand why the young trader had so suddenly changed his -opinion. If he knew that his scheme would result in failure, why had -he risked his money in it? But this was nothing unusual with Tom. -One day he would be raised up to the highest pinnacle of joy and -excitement, by some wild project that entered his head, and to which -he held in spite of all that could be said against it; and, perhaps, -in an hour from that time, he would be plunged in the lowest depth -of despair, by the failure of his scheme. On these occasions, he -always endeavored to console himself by saying: “Didn’t I tell you it -wouldn’t work? I knew all the time just how it would turn out.” He -never acknowledged, even to himself, that he was wrong; and, in the -present instance, could he have discovered the slightest excuse for -so doing, he would have laid all the blame upon the fisher-boy. - -Bob did not feel called upon to make any reply to Tom’s speech, so he -walked about the yard; and, for want of something better to do, began -to whistle. - -“I see you don’t sympathize with me,” said Tom. “Well, I ought not -to be surprised at it, for nobody ever cares a red cent whether I -succeed or fail. It’s just my luck. I don’t want you any longer. I -owe you a dollar, and I’ll settle with you in the morning.” - -As this was a gentle hint that his presence there was no longer -desirable, Bob took leave of his employer, and started for home, -pulling his wagon after him. - -As soon as he was out of sight, Tom arose to his feet, thrust his -hands into his pockets, and began to walk about the yard. He had -concluded that he had seen enough of a trader’s life, that he would -never again attempt to play the part of speculator, and the usual -question then arose: To what should he turn his attention next? He -was balancing between three things--Mr. Henry’s store, the military -school, and a farm. Tom had often wished that he could be a grocer, -especially if he was sure that he could get along through the world -as smoothly as Mr. Henry; for he was a man who did not work. He -always went about the store in shirt sleeves, evidently keeping an -eye open to all that was going on; but Tom had never seen him roll -a barrel or measure out a bushel of potatoes. Such work was always -performed by the clerks; while the grocer himself seemed to have -nothing to do but take in his money, and stand before the counter -with his hands in his pockets talking with his customers. If Tom -could have gone into the store with the same privileges, or even as -clerk, it is probable that he would have decided to do so; but there -was one serious obstacle in his way, and that was, the ridiculous -custom so common among business men, of requiring an inexperienced -person to begin at the lowest situation and work his way up. He would -be obliged to build fires, sweep out the store, and run errands. How -would he look, walking through the streets with a basket of eggs or -butter on his arm? That was something his pride did not allow him to -do. - -Then there was the military school; and on this question Tom, as he -had done a hundred times before, debated long and earnestly. Would -the pleasure he would experience in wearing the academy uniform, make -amends for the trouble and inconvenience that would be occasioned -by difficult lessons and strict discipline? Would the glory he would -win in fighting Indians on the plains, after he had graduated from -West Point, repay him for the dangers to which he would be exposed? -It would be a fine thing for him if he could become the captain of -one of the academy companies, and sport his shoulder-straps about the -village, but here he discovered two obstacles that had often stood in -his way--arithmetic and geography. - -In his frequent conversations with the students of his acquaintance, -in regard to the manner in which affairs were conducted at the -school, he had made anxious inquiries concerning the different -branches taught there, and had found, to his disappointment, that -those he so much despised received their full share of attention. -It made no difference to the teachers of the academy what business -a boy intended to follow, arithmetic and geography were regarded as -very necessary to his success; and two hours each day were devoted to -these studies, until the professors were satisfied that the students -had thoroughly mastered them. Tom thought he could not stand this, -so the idea of attending the military school was again reluctantly -abandoned. His only resource, then, was farming; and just then, Tom -thought it was the “very business he had always wanted to go into.” -There would be no books to trouble him, and no teacher to say, -“Thomas, you will remain after school, and recite that arithmetic -lesson.” He would escape all these very disagreeable things, and -would have nothing to do but drive horses, milk cows, and spread hay, -and that would be fun for him. As usual, Tom managed to work himself -up to the highest pitch of excitement, and he imagined all sorts of -pleasant things that would happen, if he could only become a farmer. -But he had little hopes of being able to carry out his idea; for, as -his father “didn’t want him to enjoy himself, if he could help it,” -it was not at all probable that he would give his consent. And here -Tom showed how inconsistent he was. He had told the fisher-boy that -he had that day learned a lesson which he never would forget, and -that was, that when he knew he could not succeed in any undertaking, -he would not waste time in trying. But now, although he repeatedly -said to himself that he “knew his father would not let him go on a -farm,” he resolved to try to obtain his permission. Having made this -resolution, and settled it in his own mind, that his future happiness -depended upon the success of his new scheme, he walked toward the -house and entered the library. His father had finished reading his -paper, and sat gazing intently at the carpet, as if he there hoped to -find a solution to some problem that he was revolving in his mind. As -Tom seated himself in a chair at his side, he looked up and inquired: - -“Well, how do you like trading? Do you find as much sport in it as -you expected?” - -“O, no, father; there isn’t any fun in it,” was the answer. “I don’t -like it at all. I’ve quit the business. Didn’t I tell you I couldn’t -be a trader?” - -Mr. Newcombe had heard this expression so often that he took no -notice of it. - -“Let me see the list of the goods you bought,” said he. - -Tom accordingly produced his memorandum-book; and while searching for -the bill, Mr. Newcombe found the “Contract and Shipping Articles” -that the young trader, in anticipation of complete success in his -speculations, had drawn up that morning. After considerable trouble -he got at the sense of the document, although, on account of the -miserable writing, he could not decipher all the words; and when he -found how high Tom’s lively imagination had carried him, he did not -wonder that his failure had discouraged him. After reading over the -list of articles that Tom had purchased, and noting the prices he had -paid for each, he inquired: - -“What in the world induced you to give so much for your cargo? You -certainly did not expect to make any thing?” - -“O, now, yes I did,” drawled Tom. “I expected to make at least ten -dollars to-day. I didn’t want to cheat that farmer. If I had been -in his place, I wouldn’t have sold my things for less than what I -offered him. But I’m sorry I dealt so fairly with him, because he -swindled me badly.” - -“In what way?” asked Mr. Newcombe. - -“In those chickens,” answered Tom, almost ready to cry again. “He -said that rooster beat every thing on his place, like two hundred; -but he can’t whip any thing. Your little bantam drove him out of the -barn-yard. He’s the biggest coward I ever saw. I wish I hadn’t named -him General Washington.” - -“Well,” said the merchant, after a pause, “you say you have concluded -not to do any more trading. What are you going to try your hand at -next?” - -“I want to be a farmer,” said Tom. “That’s just the business I have -always wanted to go into.” - -Tom had expected a strong and decided opposition to this project, -and he was prepared to meet it with a host of arguments. But, to his -surprise, his father merely nodded his head, and then sat gazing at -the carpet, without making any reply. Tom was delighted, and he hoped -that, for once, his father was willing that he should “enjoy himself.” - -“May I go?” he asked, eagerly. - -“That depends upon whether or not you can find any farmer who is -willing to take you,” answered the merchant. - -“But do you say that I may go, if I can find a place?” asked Tom, -impatiently. “That’s what I want to know.” - -“The matter rests entirely with you,” was the reply. “But how long do -you suppose it will be before you will wish yourself at home again?” - -“O, not for a long time! Of course I shall visit you as often as I -can; but, if I once get into the country, I shall always be a farmer.” - -“We’ll see,” said the merchant. “But, Tom, if you are trying to find -some business in which you will have no work to do, and where there -will be nothing to trouble you, you may as well give it up first as -last, because you’ll never find it. You will discover a great many -things in a farmer’s life that you will not like.” - -“O, I know all about that,” said Tom, shaking his head in a very -knowing manner. “I know just what I’ll have to do. I’ll have to drive -horses, and milk cows, and do all that kind of hard work, but I don’t -care. I’ll see Mr. Hayes the very next time he comes to town.” - -Mr. Hayes was the man whose fine horses had attracted Tom’s -attention during the previous winter, and whom he had asked if -he “didn’t want to hire a boy.” The farmer had done considerable -business with Mr. Newcombe; and Tom, having often conversed with him, -had finally learned to look upon him as one of the finest men in the -world. His face always wore a good-natured smile, and, when he met -Tom, he always gave his hand a gripe and a shake which he felt for -half an hour afterward. Besides, he always inquired very particularly -into Tom’s affairs, and never forgot to ask-- - -“When be you goin’ out home with me? You’re jest the chap I want; -an’, if you’ll go, I’ll make a first-class farmer of you in no time. -You look like a smart little feller, an’ I know my boys would be -mighty glad to see you.” - -Of course this won Tom’s heart; and when he received his father’s -permission to carry his new idea into execution, he did not feel as -if he were leaving home to go among entire strangers, but as if he -were about to take up his abode with those with whom he had long been -acquainted. - -“Very well, then,” said Mr. Newcombe; “it’s settled, I suppose, that -you are to be a farmer. You had better pack your valise, for I expect -Mr. Hayes down in the morning.” - -Tom would have been much better pleased had his father informed him -that the farmer was already at the door and waiting for him, so -impatient was he to be off. He could not postpone the packing of his -valise until morning, so he posted off to his room, pulled one of the -drawers out of his bureau, and tumbled its contents upon the floor. -If Tom wanted to find a handkerchief or a collar, this was generally -the way he went about it. From among the numerous articles in the -drawer, he selected three fine shirts, a box of collars, half a dozen -handkerchiefs, a bottle of cologne, several towels, a piece of soap, -and a brush and comb. These he crowded into his valise, without the -least regard for order, and then went into a closet, that opened -off his bed-room, after a pair of boots. But Tom had already been -there once before that day, looking for his fish-basket, in which -he wished to carry his provisions for the trading voyage, and, as a -consequence, the closet presented a scene of the greatest confusion. -Pants and coats had been taken down from their pegs and thrown upon -the floor, so that it was almost an impossibility to distinguish one -garment from another, and, with these, were mixed up fish-poles, -ball-bats, books, and the wreck of his little fire-engine, which, in -his hurry, he had literally smashed to pieces. - -“O, now, just look at this,” drawled Tom, as he commenced pulling -over the articles, and throwing them out into his bed-room. “How can -a fellow find a pair of boots in a muss like this, I’d like to know? -Here’s one of them--now where’s the other? I do wish folks would let -my things alone.” - -The search was a long and tedious one; for, after every thing in the -closet had been thrown into the bed-room, the missing boot had not -been found. Finally, Tom pulled his bed into the middle of the floor; -and this movement revealed another scene of confusion. Articles of -every description were mixed up in all conceivable shapes, and among -them, Tom at last found his boot. - -“It’s lucky that I pulled that bed out,” said he to himself; “for -here are lots of things that I thought I had lost. Here’s one of the -Mystery’s oars, that I accused Bob Jennings of stealing. I’ll put it -right here, behind the door, so that I’ll know just where to find it -the next time I want it. There’s my favorite ball-bat, that I thought -Gus Miller had carried off. Here’s my fish-line, with which I once -knocked off old ’Squire Thompson’s new stove-pipe hat. Wasn’t he mad, -though? And here--well I declare, if here isn’t my jack-knife! I -thought that was gone up, sure. I’ll put it into my pocket, for I may -need it to cut switches, to drive the horses with.” - -Thus enumerating the different articles which he discovered, Tom -found the boot of which he was in search, and which he put into his -valise, after wrapping it up in one of his clean shirts. Then the -other boot was missing; he had put it somewhere, and could not find -it. - -“Now, just look at that,” whined Tom, as he took his stand in the -middle of the room, and gazed despairingly at the numerous piles of -clothing that lay scattered about the floor. “Something’s always -happening to bother me. I always was the most unlucky boy in the -whole world.” - -Tom began to throw the clothing back into the closet, violently -shaking each garment before he did so, and the missing boot was -finally found on the bed. His farming outfit was now complete, with -the exception of a pair of black broadcloth pants, and a jacket, -which were found, after considerable trouble, and crowded into the -valise, which was so full that it could not be closed. Besides, the -key was lost. But Tom did not intend to look for that, for he might -as well have searched for a needle in a hay-stack, as to endeavor to -find so small an article as a key in his room. However, he did not -need it. Placing the valise flat upon the floor, he kneeled upon it, -and, exerting all his strength, succeeded in bringing the handles so -close together that they could be tied with a string. - -“There,” said he, with something like a sigh of relief; “that job is -done. And now, I’m all ready to be a farmer. I wish Mr. Hayes would -come to-night, for I don’t like to wait. When I get ready to do a -thing, I want to be at it.” - -Tom carried his valise down stairs, and placed it in the hall, near -the door; and then, walking out on the lawn, gave himself up to the -delights of dreaming. - -“This is the business for me,” he soliloquized. “I’ll be certain to -succeed; for if I didn’t know it, I wouldn’t attempt it. What is -there to prevent my being a farmer, I’d like to know? I’ll have no -arithmetic or geography lessons to learn; no writing to work at; no -figures to culculate; no trading to do; no second mate to bother me; -no boots to black, or beds to make up; and no wood to saw. Now, hold -on a minute,” he added, shaking his head, doubtfully; “I don’t know -about that. Farmers must have wood, and, perhaps, Mr. Hayes will want -me to keep his galley-stove in fuel. No, sir; I won’t do it. Before I -hire out to him, I’ll be particular to ask him if I shall be obliged -to saw wood; and if he says ‘yes,’ I won’t go. I’ll look around and -find some other farmer that wants a boy. But if he says I needn’t -saw wood, I’m all right. I ought to be able to learn all about this -business in a short time, and then I’ll ask father to buy me a farm -and stock it for me. Then, perhaps, I might be as lucky as that -man in Iowa I heard father talking about the other day. He has six -thousand acres of land, and, in one year, he sold two thousand head -of cattle and twenty-five hundred sheep. He doesn’t do a stitch of -work, but employs all his time in riding about his farm on horseback. -Now, two thousand head of cattle, at--say ten dollars apiece; that -would be--would be--I wish Bob Jennings was here to tell me what it -would amount to, so that I might know how much I would make if I had -a farm like that.” - -As these thoughts passed through Tom’s mind, he suddenly paused in -his walk, and then catching up his cap, which he had thrown under one -of the trees, he ran into the house, exclaiming: - -“Father, will you please lend me a dollar until tomorrow? I want to -pay Bob Jennings what I owe him, and if I wait until morning, he may -be off to his fishing-grounds before I can see him.” - -Tom hesitated as he said this, for he knew that he had not told -his father the real object he had in view; so, after a moment’s -reflection, he added: “I want to talk to Bob on business.” - -Mr. Newcombe laid down his paper, produced his pocket-book, and -handed the required amount to Tom, who at once started for the home -of the fisher-boy. He found Bob engaged in bailing out his scow, -preparatory to starting for his pier after the workmen. - -“Here’s your dollar,” said Tom, as he approached. “I thought I -wouldn’t wait until morning, for I am going into the country; I’m -going to be a farmer.” - -“A farmer!” repeated Bob, as he took the money and put it carefully -away in his pocket. “Do you think you will like that business?” - -“Like it! How can I help it? I’ll make plenty of money, too, one of -these days. Now, Bob, sit down here,” continued Tom, as he seated -himself on the gunwale of the scow. “There is a man somewhere out -West, who sold in one year two thousand head of cattle, and two -thousand five hundred sheep.” - -“He was a farmer, wasn’t he?” exclaimed Bob. - -“Yes, he was, and that’s just the kind of a farmer I am going to be -one of these days.” - -“But, Tom,” said the fisher-boy, “have you given up all idea of going -to sea?” - -“Of course I have,” was the answer. “I never wanted to go to sea, -only just long enough to make one voyage; but I always did want to be -a farmer. I’d rather follow that business than be captain of the best -man-o’-war afloat. Now, two thousand head of cattle, at ten dollars -each; that would make--let me see.” - -“Ten dollars,” repeated Bob. “You wouldn’t sell beef-cattle for -that small price, would you? That man may have shipped them to some -Southern market, and received forty or fifty dollars each for them.” - -“That’s more than I thought cattle were worth,” said Tom. “Now, two -thousand head, at fifty dollars each; that makes just--just--” - -“A hundred thousand dollars,” said the fisher-boy. - -“That’s lots of money, isn’t it?” asked Tom. “Now, twenty-five -hundred sheep, at two dollars a head; I heard father say that was the -market price, but I wouldn’t sell for that, if I owned any. However, -we’ll say two dollars; that would make--let me think--” - -“Five thousand dollars,” said Bob. - -“And that all makes--makes--” - -“One hundred and five thousand dollars.” - -Tom whistled long and loud. - -“Now, wouldn’t you rather be a farmer than a sailor?” said he. “You -couldn’t make as much money as that by going to sea, if you should -live to be a thousand years old.” - -“How did your father get his start in the world?” asked Bob; “wasn’t -it by going to sea, and saving his money?” - -“Yes, but that’s too slow work. Besides, we all have different -talents, you know. You were made to be a sailor; so was your father -before you; but I was cut out for a farmer; and I’m going to be one, -too. Goodnight, Bob; I must go.” - -“I’ve found the very business at last,” said Tom to himself, as he -walked homeward. “A hundred and five thousand dollars a year, and -nothing to do but ride around on horseback and look at your property. -Isn’t that glorious! Wouldn’t I feel proud if I could see so many -cattle and sheep feeding in one of my fields, and could say: ‘They’re -all mine! They’re worth a hundred and five thousand dollars?’ Whew! -I’m bound to be a farmer.” - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - TOM’S NEW HOME. - - -Tom was so full of his glorious ideas for the future, that he could -scarcely sleep at all that night; and, when he did, he dreamed of -droves of cattle, prancing horses, and sheep without number. - -Morning came at length, and, contrary to his usual custom, he was -up at daylight; but he had six long hours to employ in some manner -before he could see Mr. Hayes, for the latter would not reach the -village before ten o’clock. He passed the time until breakfast in -walking about the yard, enjoying the bright prospect before him, -and then he went down to his father’s office, where he impatiently -awaited the arrival of the farmer. The hours seemed lengthened -into weeks; and, so impatient was Tom, that he could neither sit -still, nor stand still, even for a moment. He would walk once or -twice across the office, then run out into the street and closely -scrutinize every wagon within the range of his vision, all the while -saying to himself: “Now, I wonder what keeps that man? He ought to -have been here an hour ago!” Half-past ten came at length, and with -it arrived the farmer, perched upon his heavily-loaded wagon, his -face all wrinkled up with smiles, as if he felt well satisfied with -the world and every body in it, himself in particular. Tom did not -wonder that he was always laughing; when he owned a farm, and four -fine horses, he would laugh too. - -The farmer stopped his team in front of the office, and, as he sprang -down from his wagon, he was met by Mr. Newcombe, who, leading him off -on one side, held a long and earnest conversation with him, while -Tom stood by almost bursting with impatience. At length the farmer -approached him, and, as Tom grasped his huge hand, he almost shouted-- - -“Mr. Hayes, I am going home with you!” - -“Human natur’! Be you, though?” exclaimed the farmer. “I’m glad to -hear you say so.” - -“But, first,” continued Tom, “I want to ask you one question. Must I -saw wood?” - -“O, no,” answered Mr. Hayes, laughing, “I’ve got a strappin’ big boy -to do all that ar’ kind of work.” - -“That’s all right!” said Tom, immensely relieved. “That’s one point -settled. Now, I shall charge you eight dollars a month! That’s what I -received when I was a sailor, and I can’t work for a cent less. Will -you pay it?” - -“That’s a big price for a chap as don’t know nothin’ ’bout farmin’,” -said Mr. Hayes. “But we won’t quarrel ’bout a few dollars. It’s a -bargain.” - -“Then I’ll go with you!” said Tom, delighted that his demands had -been so readily complied with. “I knew I’d suit you. Won’t I have a -jolly time milking cows and driving horses!” - -“Sartin!” said the farmer, who seemed as highly elated as Tom -himself. - -“Now, then,” said Mr. Newcombe, who had stood by listening to this -conversation, “go home and bid your mother good-by. By that time Mr. -Hayes will have his wagon unloaded.” - -Tom at once started for home at the top of his speed; and so eager -was he to return to the farmer as soon as possible, that he took -leave of his mother in a very hurried and unceremonious manner. -Catching up his valise, he ran back to the office, where he arrived -just as Mr. Hayes was returning from the store-house with his empty -wagon. - -“Back again so soon,” said he, with one of his good-natured smiles. -“What a mighty good boy you’d be to run errands!” - -Tom doubted this; but being too much out of breath to reply, he -put his valise into the wagon, and accompanied the farmer into the -office. As soon as Mr. Newcombe had paid him for the fifty bushels of -potatoes he had just brought in, he was ready to start. - -“Good-by, father!” said Tom. “I’m off, now. I’ll know something about -farming when I come back!” - -“That’s true as natur’,” said Mr. Hayes. “I’ll take good care on him, -an’ I’ll l’arn him to raise taters as good as ’em I just sold you.” - -The farmer climbed into his wagon, gathered up his reins, cracked his -whip, and Tom was whirled off toward his new home. - -The boy’s cup of happiness was now full to the brim. After a life of -disappointments, the wheel of fortune had at last made a revolution -in his favor. That something which he had waited for so long, had -finally “turned up,” and from that time forward he would find no -obstacles in his way--there would be nothing to trouble him. He -felt as if he were about entering upon a new existence; and he -regarded his former life as utterly wasted. He forgot the sorrow -and vexation that had been occasioned by his recent failure; and -when he remembered that he had been weak enough to shed tears when -he discovered that his game rooster was a humbug, he could not help -feeling ashamed of himself. - -In order to give Mr. Hayes an idea of the object he had in view, Tom -told him the story of the stock raiser in Iowa, which made the farmer -open his eyes wide with astonishment. - -“How much would so much stock sell for?” he asked. - -Tom settled back in his seat, put on a very thoughtful look, and -answered-- - -“Two thousand head of cattle at--we’ll say fifty dollars each, for -that is about the price paid now in Southern markets--would amount to -one hundred thousand dollars; and twenty-five hundred sheep, at two -dollars a head, would bring just five thousand dollars, making, in -all, one hundred and five thousand dollars.” - -“Human natur’!” exclaimed the farmer, looking at Tom, in amazement. -“You’re a lightnin’ chap on figures, that’s sartin. I couldn’t reckon -up so much in my head if I should try a month. If my boys could do -that, I’d feel ’nation proud of ’em. But, Tommy, it aint every farmer -or stock raiser that can make so much money.” - -“O, there’s nothing in the world to prevent it,” said Tom, knowingly. -“Wait until I have been with you long enough to know something about -this business, and I’ll show you how to manage a farm.” - -“I never see a chap so anxious and willin’ to learn that didn’t -make a great man!” said the farmer, who little dreamed that Tom was -utterly lacking in some very necessary qualities. “You’re bound to -get through the world all right. Now, if you’ll l’arn my boys to -reckon figures in their heads as fast as you did a minute ago, I’ll -do the right thing by you. Will you do it?” - -This question made Tom a little uneasy. He never went into the -company of strangers that he did not endeavor to impress them with -the idea that he was a very smart boy. He had already made a most -favorable beginning with the farmer, who regarded him as a “lightning -calculator;” and, if he had stopped at that, without asking him to -put his knowledge to a practical use, he would have been satisfied. -But Mr. Hayes had hinted that he would like to have him instruct his -boys, and Tom suddenly found himself in a predicament from which he -could then discover no way of extricating himself without injuring -his reputation. - -“Well, Tommy,” said the farmer, at length, “we won’t say nothing more -about it just now. I know you could l’arn my boys an amazin’ heap -if you would only try, but I s’pose you feel a leetle funny ’bout -bein’ called on to play school-master. Howsomever, we’ll wait till -we get home, an’ you’re fairly settled in your new quarters. You -mustn’t look on my boys as strangers, ’cause they aint. They have -often heered me speak of you; so you can pitch in an’ be as friendly -as you please. They’ll be glad to see you, an’ when you come to -get acquainted with ’em, I know you’ll like ’em. You’ll find that -things is divided at my house, just as they had oughter be. Sally -Ann--that’s my old woman--she is boss of the kitchen, an’ I’m boss of -the barn-yard. She’s got nothing to say ’bout the way I take care on -my hosses an’ cows, an’ I don’t bother my head ’bout what goes on in -the house, or grumble ’bout the way the butter an’ cheese is made. -You see, when things is divided that way, there aint no quarrelin -an’ fightin’. Every thing goes along smooth an’ easy--just like -clock-work. Now, Tommy, you drive. You needn’t think we’re going to -work you hard just now,” he continued, as Tom took the reins and whip -from his hand, “’cause it aint to be thought on. You’re fresh from -the village, where you never had no hard work to do; so we’ll give -you something easy till you kinder get used to it.” - -The more Tom talked with Mr. Hayes, the more delighted he became -with his prospects. He thought that if he could only conjure up some -plan by which he might be able to avoid teaching the farmer’s boys, -he would have nothing to trouble him. Especially was he pleased to -learn that he was not expected to do any hard work. Besides this, he -was already enjoying the “sensation” which he hoped to make in the -farmer’s family, and it was for this reason that he had packed his -valise with his best clothes. According to his idea, his broadcloth -jacket would go a long way toward establishing his claim to respect, -and would have the effect of convincing the country boys that a -village youth was something extraordinary. - -After a three hours’ ride, during which the farmer gave his new hand -a long lecture on the manner in which corn and potatoes ought to be -planted and cultivated in order to produce large crops; every word of -which, it is needless to say, was Greek to Tom. He pointed to a house -in the distance, saying: “Now, we’re comin’ to our home. All this -land you see here on this side of the road belongs to me. I’ve got -two hundred acres of just as good ground as ever laid out of doors.” - -As the farmer spoke he took the reins from Tom’s hand, cracked his -whip, and, in a few moments, drove through a gate, which was opened -by a barefooted, dirty little urchin, who gazed at Tom with every -expression of wonder and curiosity. If he was a fair specimen of the -farmer’s boys, Tom did not think that he should be very well pleased -with them. Mr. Hayes kept on, and, instead of driving to the barn, -turned up toward the house, and stopped his team in front of the -door. Tom was astonished at the sight that was presented to his gaze. -The door-way was crowded with boys of all ages and sizes, the oldest -apparently about nineteen years of age, and the youngest about three. -They were all hatless and shoeless; the larger ones had their sleeves -rolled up above their elbows, revealing arms as brown as their -faces, while the younger ones carried in their hands huge slices of -bread and butter. Behind them, looking over their shoulders, stood -their mother, evidently as much interested in the new-comer as her -children. She was a tall, muscular woman, with sharp nose, long chin, -and small, piercing eyes; and as Tom looked at her, he began to doubt -the truth of the farmer’s statement--that her authority was bounded -by the four walls of the kitchen. He thought it very probable that -he should discover that her power was exercised over every one on -the farm. Tom took all this in at a glance, for the moment the wagon -stopped the farmer sprang out, exclaiming: - -“Now, then, we’re to home. Sally Ann, this is our new hand--Tommy -Newcombe. Get out of the way, boys; where are your manners, that you -stand gapin’ at a feller that way? Let us come in.” - -The woman merely nodded to Tom, and after wiping off a chair with her -apron, requested him to “set down.” - -“Now, then,” exclaimed the farmer, as the boys crowded up around Tom, -and stared at him as if they meant to look him out of countenance; -“here’s my youngsters--seven on ’em; aint they a fine-lookin’ lot -of fellers? This one,” he continued, pointing to the oldest of the -group, a tall, gaunt, stupid-looking boy, “he’s Roger Williams--Roger -Williams Hayes; you’ve heered of him, hain’t you? Shake hands with -him, Tommy, and be friends.” - -Tom arose to his feet and extended his hand, which was accepted by -Roger Williams, whose thoughts seemed to be entirely occupied with -Tom’s clothes. After looking at his coat for a moment, he examined it -with his fingers, and asked, in a slow, drawling voice: - -“What’s sich a coat as that ar’ wuth, Tommy?” - -“Roger Williams!” shouted the mother; “where’s your manners? Set down -to onct.” - -The boy evidently feared to disobey, for he retreated to a chair in -the corner, where he sat, lost in admiration of Tom’s jacket and -well-blacked boots. - -“You’ve heard of Roger Williams, haint you?” continued the farmer; -“of course you have. I must get you to tell my boys all about him -some time, ’cause you can do it better’n I can. When I was a -youngster I heered that he was a good man, an’ that he was kicked out -of the country ’cause he didn’t like the Britishers. I don’t like -’em nuther, an’ that’s why I call my boy Roger Williams. This one,” -he added, pointing to another of the group, “he’s George Washington -Hayes. Of course, you know all ’bout the gen’ral he’s named after. If -he only lives to be as great a man as he was, I shall be satisfied. -This one is John Warren, named after the gen’ral that was killed at -the battle of Bunker Hill. My grandfather was in that fight, an’ -helped whip the Britishers; that’s why I call him John Warren. This -boy is Franklin Pierce, a good chap to work, and the best l’arnt in -the whole family.” - -Franklin Pierce was about Tom’s age, barefooted and dirty like his -brothers; and, as his father pulled him in front of the village boy, -he slowly surveyed him from head to foot, exclaiming: “I’ll bet -a five cent piece that I can throw you down, back hold or square -hold--fair tussle.” - -“I don’t fight,” replied Tom, drawing a little closer to Mr. Hayes -for protection. - -“Now, sonny, don’t; that’s a good little feller,” said the farmer, -coaxingly. - -But the boy evidently prided himself upon his muscle as well as upon -his learning; for he stepped forward, as if to seize Tom, when he was -suddenly checked by the shrill voice of his mother. - -“Franklin Pierce!” she shouted; “I’ll take the wagon whip to you, -sure and sartin, if you don’t pay more attention to your manners.” - -The boy instantly ceased his hostile demonstrations, and retreated -to the door, where he stood in readiness to seek safety in flight, -should his mother attempt to put her threat into execution. - -“Now, this one,” continued the farmer, as if nothing had happened, -“he’s Winfield Scott; an’ there’s Zachary Taylor--both on ’em named -after the two gen’rals that walloped the Mexikins. An’ that little -feller there,” pointing to a child the mother held in her arms, -“he’s Thomas Jefferson. I heered that he was the man that writ the -Declaration of Independence, an’ started the Fourth of July; so I -thought, as he was a great man, I had oughter name one of my boys -after him. My youngsters have all got good names; an’ if they only -do as well in the world as them they are named after, I shall be -satisfied.” - -The farmer introduced his boys, one after the other, so rapidly that -it bewildered Tom, who shook each of them by the hand as they were -presented, scarcely comprehending what he was about. The namesakes -of the illustrious heroes of the Mexican war had their hands full of -bread and butter; and, when they were brought forward by the proud -father, Tom just touched their greasy hands with the tips of his -fingers. - -After the boys had all been introduced, George Washington and John -Warren were sent out to take care of the horses, while the others -again crowded up around Tom, as if they looked upon him as an object -of great curiosity--all except Franklin Pierce, who still stood -in the door, now and then shaking his head threateningly, as if -challenging the village youth to come out and measure strength with -him. - -As the farmer had predicted, the boys proved to be very friendly--in -fact, they were altogether too friendly; for Winfield Scott, after -placing his bread and butter carefully upon the floor, made several -desperate attempts to climb upon Tom’s knee--a proceeding which the -latter successfully resisted by pushing back his chair. - -Had Tom been left alone in the room for a few moments, he would -have cried with vexation. He was no longer as confident of success -as he had been but a short time before; for he found his new home -very different from what his imagination had pictured it. He even -thought seriously of returning to the village at once, and of giving -up all hopes of ever becoming a farmer. He did not like to have so -many children, with greasy hands, about him; for he was very neat -in regard to his dress, and the smallest particle of dust upon his -boots or clothes would set him on nettles. He was not at all pleased -with the way Franklin Pierce eyed him; for, if he should happen to -catch him away from the house, he might insist on making good his -wager, that he could throw Tom down. Above all, he did not like the -looks of the “boss of the kitchen.” He already began to fear her, for -he had seen enough to satisfy him that she was not only mistress of -the house, but of the entire farm also; and, if he should happen to -incur her displeasure it was probable that she would not hesitate to -threaten even him with the wagon whip. Beyond a doubt, Tom had again -placed himself in a very unpleasant situation. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - LIFE ON A FARM. - - -Tom was allowed very little time for reflection, for the shrill voice -of the mother speedily broke in upon his meditations. - -“Now, boys,” said she, “where’s your manners? Get chairs an’ set down -to onct. You, Franklin Pierce, quit shakin’ your head that ar’ way. -You needn’t think that Tommy is goin’ to wrastle with you, an’ be -tumbled round in the dust an’ mud, with his fine clothes on. He’s a -gentleman, he is; an’ I want all you boys to watch him, an’ do just -as he does. I’m so glad you have come,” she added, turning to Tom, -“for maybe our boys’ll learn manners, now. They’re all good boys, but -they’re so wild an’ playful like. I have a heap of trouble to make -’em behave themselves proper, like they had oughter do.” - -“Dad, dad!” screamed Zachary Taylor at this moment, scrambling up the -steps into the house; “that John Warren won’t let me ride Dobbin to -water. Make him do it, dad.” - -The farmer, however, paid no attention to his son’s complaint, but -sat gazing out at the door, as if he was not aware that he had been -spoken to. The boy then appealed to his mother. - -“Now, mam,” he cried, “I want to ride Dobbin.” - -“You, John Warren,” screamed the mother, with all the strength of her -lungs, “let your little brother ride that ar’ hoss to onct. I’ll take -the wagon whip to you, sure an’ sartin.” - -Zachary, confident that he had gained his point, ran out of the house -again; and, a few moments afterward, Tom saw him ride toward the -barn, triumphantly mounted on Dobbin. The mother, seeing that her -orders had been obeyed, again turned to Tom. - -“Mr. Hayes tells me that you’re a high l’arnt boy,” said she; “an’ -I’m glad to hear it, ’cause we won’t need to send our boys off to -school now. We lose their work every winter, an’ that’s something -we can’t afford to do. We want you to take ’em in hand, an’ l’arn -’em figures an’ sich. It haint never done George Washington an’ John -Warren no good to go to school; ’cause last winter, they thrashed the -teacher, an’ the deestrict committee turned ’em out doors. They haint -never been to school none since. Somehow them boys never did get -along; but they’re good boys, an’ I can manage ’em easy enough. When -you’re l’arnin’ ’em I’ll allers be ’round; an’ if they don’t behave -themselves proper, I’ll make ’em.” - -“Besides,” chimed in Mr. Hayes, “you’re just the chap I want to do my -writin’ an’ figurin’. Whenever I pay out any money, or take any in, I -allers set it down in a book, so that at the eend of the year, I know -jest how much I have made. I’ll have to get you to show me how to do -it proper. I never did have much edication, but I’m bound that my -boys shall all be smart men. They’re all got good names, an’ if they -only do as well as them they are named after, I shall be satisfied.” - -Tom listened to this unfolding of the farmer’s plans in utter -bewilderment. His desire to create a sensation in Mr. Hayes’s family -had been fully gratified; but he did not enjoy it as he had expected -he would, for it was more than overbalanced by two most disagreeable -features in his new home, which made him very uneasy. He did not like -the boys, for they were very different from those with whom he had -been in the habit of associating; and he was dismayed to learn that -he was expected to act as school-master. The longer he listened, the -more he became aware of the unpleasant fact, that Mr. Hayes’ object -in bringing him into the country, was not so much to teach him the -science of farming, as to secure a book-keeper for himself, and an -instructor for his boys. - -The farmer and his wife, like most country people, thought that a -boy who had always lived in a village, where he had access to the -best schools, ought to be well posted in all the different branches; -but Tom himself knew that they were sadly mistaken in him. However, -he determined not to confess his inability to perform all that was -required of him; but when the time for action came, he would trust to -his wits to help him out. - -“Franklin Pierce,” said the farmer, at length, “did you an’ the boys -get all that hay raked up this morning, like I told you?” - -“Yes, dad, we did,” answered the boy, seizing the opportunity, when -his mother did not happen to be looking toward him, to shake his head -at Tom. - -“Wal, then, Sally Ann,” continued Mr. Hayes, “if you’ll give us some -dinner, we’ll go to work.” - -“Franklin Pierce!” shouted the mother, (she seemed to have been so -long in the habit of screaming at the top of her lungs, that it had -become a kind of second nature to her,) “come here an’ ’tend to -Thomas Jefferson, while I get dinner.” - -While the meal was being prepared, Tom accompanied the farmer to -the barn, and then to the hay-field, followed by all the boys, who -did not seem to want to lose sight of the new-comer. They appeared -to be intensely interested in him; and Tom carried himself very -stiffly, certain that he had made a profound impression upon his new -acquaintances. But he soon found that he was mistaken in this, for -Franklin Pierce, who had followed them to the field, dragging his -little brother after him, found opportunity to whisper in his ear: - -“You think you are some, don’t you? I’ll bet I can throw you -down--square hold or back hold!” - -Tom, however, very prudently declined to accept the challenge. He was -opposed to any unnecessary exertion, and it was not his ambition to -be considered the “champion wrestler.” - -After Mr. Hayes had satisfied himself that the boys had performed -their work properly, and that the hay was ready to be taken into the -barn, he led the way to the house, where they found dinner waiting -for them. When the meal was finished, the farmer arose from his -chair, saying: - -“Now, Sally Ann, where’s Tommy’s carpet-bag? He wants to put on his -workin’ clothes!” - -“Why, these are all the working clothes I have with me,” said Tom. -“Those in my valise are better than these I have on.” - -“Law sakes!” exclaimed the woman, “you aint goin’ into the hay-field -with them nice trowsers an’ boots on? You’ll ruin ’em, sure an’ -sartin.” - -“Wal, ’taint no ways likely that the boy knowed any thing ’bout the -work he would have to do,” said the farmer, kindly. “I’ll be goin’ -to the village ag’in day after to-morrow, an’ he can go with me, an’ -bring out some clothes fit to work in.” - -Tom, then, in accordance with the farmer’s suggestion, pulled off his -jacket, tucked his pants into the tops of his boots, and was ready -to begin operations. The two oldest boys went to the barn to harness -the horses, while Tom, imitating the farmer’s example, shouldered -a rake and started for the hay-field. He had always thought that -raking hay was easy work, and, no doubt he would have found it so, -had he been permitted to have his own way. But the farmer and his -boys worked as if they were in a great hurry to get through, and, in -order to keep pace with them, Tom was obliged to exert himself to the -utmost. Animated by a desire to show the country boys that a village -youth could do any thing, he worked hard for fully half an hour; and -when, at the end of that time, he stopped to wipe the big drops of -perspiration from his face, he reluctantly came to the conclusion -that he had again mistaken his calling. - -“I know what’s the matter,” said Tom to himself. “I made a mistake in -coming out here with Mr. Hayes. I ought to have hunted up some stock -raiser and gone home with him. I am never going to be this kind of a -farmer; so every day I stay here I am wasting time.” - -“Come, Tommy,” said Mr. Hayes, “don’t you see that shower coming up? -It’s goin’ to rain afore long; an’ if this hay gets wet again, it -will be dollars out of my pocket. Handle that rake jest the least bit -faster.” - -But the hay did not get wet. The farmer had a strong force, and, when -the shower came up, the last load was safely housed in the barn. - -“Wal, sir, we done it, didn’t we?” said Mr. Hayes. “Now, that hay is -worth twelve dollars a ton--I’ve got ’bout thirty ton, an’ that’s -worth how much, Tommy?” - -The time for action had arrived much sooner than Tom had expected it -would. He had not decided what he would do when called upon to make -an exhibition of his powers as a “lightning calculator,” and the -farmer’s question was so sudden and unexpected that, for a moment, he -did not know how to act. But it was only for a moment, for happening -to cast his eye toward Franklin Pierce, an idea struck him, and he -seized upon it at once. - -“Can you tell how much it would amount to?” he asked, turning to the -“best l’arnt boy in the whole family.” - -“I reckon!” replied Franklin Pierce. “But can you?” - -“What a question!” answered Tom, evasively. “A two-year old boy ought -to do it. But I don’t believe you can.” - -“Wal, now, I’ll mighty soon show you!” said Franklin Pierce, and, -picking up a chip, he marked the figures upon the ground, and -commenced: “Twelve times nothing is nothing,” said he. “Set down -the nothing. None to carry. Twelve times three is thirty-six. Set -down the thirty-six. Dad, your hay is worth three hundred and sixty -dollars.” - -“Is that right, Tommy?” asked the farmer, gazing proudly upon his son. - -“Yes, that’s correct,” said Tom; but, fearing that he had fallen in -the farmer’s estimation by not working it out himself, he continued: -“He couldn’t possibly have made a mistake in a little thing like -that. But after all, I didn’t suppose he could do it.” - -“Wal, I done it all right,” said Franklin Pierce. “I can reckon up -a heap harder figures than them, an’ I haint been to school much, -nuther.” - -When the hay had been pitched off upon the scaffold, the farmer and -his boys started toward the house, and, as Tom entered the door, he -discovered something that filled him with astonishment and vexation. -When he took off his jacket before going into the field, he had, -contrary to his usual custom, hung it on a nail in the kitchen; -but what was his surprise to find it in the possession of Thomas -Jefferson, who, having succeeded in putting it on, was running -about the house in high glee, with his fat, greasy arms buried to -the elbows in the pockets. His valise, which he had placed upon a -table beside the door, had been pulled off on the floor, and one of -the young generals was engaged in overhauling its contents, while -the other was endeavoring to pull on one of Tom’s boots. The mother -evidently did not regard this as a violation of “good manners,” for -she was at work in the kitchen, where she could see all that was -going on, but she made no attempt to put a stop to it. She was -even laughing at the comical figure Thomas Jefferson presented in -Tom’s coat, the skirts of which swept the floor as he ran about. The -village boy, however, did not regard it in the light of a good joke; -for he walked up to the youngster, and endeavored to take the jacket -from him, a proceeding which Thomas Jefferson resisted with furious -yells. - -“Now, dad,” shouted Franklin Pierce, who seemed ready to take his -brother’s part; “just look at that ar’ Tommy.” - -The farmer, however, took no notice of what was going on. He seemed -determined to carry out his part of the contract which, as he had -informed Tom, existed between himself and wife, and leave all -difficulties that arose in the house to be settled by the “boss of -the kitchen.” But the mother, as usual, heard the appeal, and shouted: - -“Now, Tommy, let him have it, that’s a good little feller; he won’t -hurt it.” - -Thomas Jefferson, finding that his mother espoused his cause, and -probably knowing, by experience, that no one would dare oppose her -authority, again began marching about the house. But Tom, never -having been accustomed to such treatment at home, was not satisfied. - -“Now, I want that coat, and I’m going to have it,” said he, savagely. - -“Tommy,” said the woman, suddenly appearing at the kitchen door--a -movement which made Tom retreat a step or two, as if he expected to -find the wagon whip brandished over his head. “Now, Tommy, my boys is -all honest; they won’t steal your things, nor hurt ’em nuther. If I -take ’em away from ’em, there’ll be a yellin’ an’ hollerin’ here that -I can’t stand, when my head aches as it does to-day. They’ll soon -get tired of your things, an’ then you can take care on ’em.” - -Tom, although he was highly enraged, was obliged to submit to this -arrangement; and, the other boys, finding that their mother was not -inclined to oppose them, joined their brothers in an examination of -the contents of Tom’s valise. The articles, one after the other, were -taken out and thrown upon the floor, and when every thing had been -closely examined and criticised, they were tumbled back again in -quite as good order as Tom had packed them in the first place. This -was certainly an unlooked-for incident in the life of a farmer, and -it served to confirm Tom in the opinion he had long entertained, that -he was the “most unlucky boy in the whole world,” and that “something -was always happening to bother him.” - -The shower continued with unabated fury all the remainder of the -afternoon, putting a stop to work in the hay-field, and compelling -the farmer and his boys to remain within doors. Mr. Hayes passed -the time in nodding in his chair, unmindful of the almost deafening -noise occasioned by the boisterous games that were carried on in the -house. Occasionally the sports would be interrupted with quarrels; -and once, a rough-and-tumble fight took place between Franklin Pierce -and John Warren, which was abruptly terminated by the appearance -of the farmer’s wife, when the contestants were obliged to take to -their heels to escape punishment from the wagon whip. This wagon whip -appeared to be the symbol of the mother’s authority. She kept it hung -up behind the kitchen door, where it could be readily seized at a -moment’s warning; and, from what had just transpired, Tom regarded -this precaution as absolutely necessary to the peace of the family. - -The exhibition Franklin Pierce had given of his strength and pluck -made Tom stand in awe of him, and sincerely hope that he might never -be left alone with him even for a moment; but when the boys were sent -up to bed that night, what was his dismay to discover that Franklin -Pierce was to be one of his bed-fellows. - -“Me an’ you an’ Winfield Scott has got to sleep together,” said he. -“Mind you, now, no crowdin’, or I’ll tell dad.” - -Much to his surprise, however, the boy did not renew his overtures -of battle; and Tom, contrary to his expectations, was allowed to -sleep in peace. But after all, he got very little rest, for the bed -was narrow, and Franklin Pierce, with a sharp eye to the comfort -of himself and brother, had compelled Tom to sleep in the middle. -The night was very warm, and when Tom endeavored to find a more -comfortable position, he always succeeded in awaking Winfield Scott, -who shouted: - -“Now, dad, just look at that ar’ Tommy; he’s crowdin’ me out of bed.” - -This would be followed by the caution from the room below: - -“You, Tommy, quit crowdin’.” - -The night was a long one to Tom, and he scarcely knew how he lived -through it. He arose the next morning cross and fretful, and, as if -to add to his discomfort, the farmer, in laying out his programme for -the day’s work, assigned Tom a most disagreeable task. - -“Me an’ the boys will go to the hay-field,” said he, “an’ you, Tommy, -as you haint never been used to hard work, we’ll give you an easy -job. You may stay in the house an’ help Sally Ann. She’s got a big -day’s washin’ to do, an’ you will be of more use here than in the -field.” - -“O, now, I didn’t come to the country to learn to do washing,” -drawled Tom, as soon as he had recovered from his astonishment. “I -can’t do such work as that. I came here to--” - -“Now, Tommy,” interrupted Mrs. Hayes, “you can stay here just as well -as not. Somebody has to help me, for I can’t wash all them clothes, -an’ pack all the water from the spring, an’ take care of Thomas -Jefferson besides. You can’t mow or spread hay, so you can just stay -here an’ help me.” - -Tom raised no more objections to this arrangement, for he knew that -the farmer’s wife sometimes had a very unpleasant way of enforcing -her arguments; so, when Mr. Hayes and his boys started for the field, -he remained at the house. - -“Now, then, Tommy,” said the woman, “we haint got no time to waste. -While I am washing up the breakfast dishes, you take them two -buckets, an’ bring water from the spring. Run along lively, now, for -we’ve got lots of work to do.” - -Tom, fearing to disobey, reluctantly picked up the pails and left the -house. He walked slowly down the path that led to the spring, and -reaching a spot where some bushes hid him from the house, he seated -himself on the ground to think over the situation, and, if possible, -conjure up some plan by which he might avoid performing the work that -had been laid out for him. - -“I might as well hire myself out for a washer-woman at once,” said -he to himself. “What would Gus Miller, and Johnny Harding, and -the other fellows say if they knew I had helped wash clothes and -take care of children? O, I can’t do such work. I’d rather take a -whipping.” - -“You, Tommy!” came the shrill voice of the farmer’s wife, breaking in -upon his meditations; “have you gone to Newport after that water?” - -Tom jumped up from the ground as if some one had suddenly pricked him -with a pin. He had been gone from the house fully ten minutes, and -the farmer’s wife had begun to grow impatient. He had not yet decided -what he would do; but the sound of the woman’s voice seemed to -quicken his ideas, for he suddenly made a desperate resolve. Hastily -casting his eye back to the house, and then toward the hay-field, to -satisfy himself that no one was observing his movements, he dropped -the buckets as if they had been coals of fire, and started for the -road at the top of his speed. Tom’s playmates had never looked -upon him as a very swift runner, but could they have witnessed the -exhibition of speed he made at that moment, no doubt they would have -thought it something extraordinary. He was but a very few moments in -crossing the field and reaching the fence, over which he bounded as -lightly as a cat; and, finding himself in the road, he started toward -Newport with redoubled speed. He did not waste time in looking back; -neither did he slacken his pace, until he reached the foot of a hill -about half a mile from the house, when he turned off into the woods, -and after concealing himself behind some bushes, sat down on a log to -recover his breath. - -“Thank goodness, I’m free once more!” said he, wiping his flushed -face with his handkerchief, and panting hard after his long run. “I -wouldn’t go back there for a hundred dollars a month. Wash clothes -and help take care of children! I don’t want to learn to be that -kind of a farmer. What would the boys say, if they knew that I had -got myself into such a scrape? Now, I wish I had my valise; but I -wouldn’t go back after it if those were all the clothes I had in the -world.” - -Tom remained in his concealment but a very few moments, for, so -fearful was he that the farmer, or one of his big boys, would follow -him, and carry him back to the house, that he was anxious to reach -home as soon as possible. It was sixteen miles to the village, -and, under ordinary circumstances, Tom would have hesitated before -attempting to walk such a long distance; but there was no alternative -between that and returning to the house, and, of the two evils, he -thought the task of making the journey to Newport, on foot, was -the least. So, after looking cautiously down the road, to be sure -that no one was following him, he came out of the woods and again -set out. For the next two miles he continued to cast uneasy glances -along the road behind him, holding himself in readiness to take to -his heels again if he should discover any of the farmer’s family -following him, and finally he saw a wagon approaching. A close and -careful examination satisfied him that it did not belong to Mr. -Hayes; so he seated himself beside the road to wait until the team -came up. The driver proved to be a man whom Tom had often seen in -the village, and, as soon as he came within speaking distance, he -asked if he might be allowed to ride. Receiving an answer in the -affirmative, he climbed up on the wagon, and was immediately assailed -with innumerable questions by the farmer, who seemed very anxious -to know what he had been doing, and where he intended to go. But -Tom, although he had no fear that the man would take him back to Mr. -Hayes’, still thought it prudent to keep his own counsel, and gave -evasive answers to all his questions. - -The road to Newport seemed to have lengthened considerably since -Tom last traveled over it; but they reached the village about two -o’clock; and Tom, after thanking the farmer for his kindness, sprang -down from the wagon, and made the best of his way homeward. He kept -the back streets as much as possible, for his boots and clothes were -dusty, and he did not wish to meet any of his acquaintances in that -condition. He reached home at last, and, as he entered the hall, he -met his father, who had returned from the office earlier than usual. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - THE “NIGHT-HAWKS.” - - -“Ah, Tom!” exclaimed Mr. Newcombe, “I did not expect to see you home -again so soon! How long is your visit to last?” - -“Visit!” repeated Tom. “I am not here on a visit. I’m here to stay. I -knew I couldn’t be a farmer.” - -“Why, what’s the matter?” asked the merchant. - -“O, I wasn’t cut out for the kind of a farmer that Mr. Hayes is!” -drawled Tom. “I didn’t know that I would have to sleep three in a -bed, or play school-master, and I didn’t go out there to help wash -clothes or take care of children. I wasn’t made to be that kind of a -farmer. I wanted to be a stock raiser, like that man in Iowa.” - -“Then you do not intend to go back to Mr. Hayes’s,” said his father. - -“O, no, sir, I don’t,” replied Tom, emphatically. “I wouldn’t live in -that family a month for all the property Mr. Hayes is worth.” - -The merchant did not appear to be at all surprised that his son had -returned so soon, neither did he seem to be interested in the matter, -for he turned and walked into his library, leaving Tom to himself. -The latter ran up to his room, brushed the dust from his clothes, -blacked his boots, and sat down to determine what he should do next. -He did not have another interview with his father until evening, when -the latter called him into the library, and propounded the usual -inquiry: - -“Well, what are you going to do now? Do you still think that you -will ever be able to find any business that will run along smoothly -without any labor or exertion on your part?” - -“O, no, I don’t,” replied Tom. “I always expect to have plenty of -trouble as long as I live. I am the most unlucky boy in the whole -world. I must either work or go to school.” - -“Exactly. Now which do you propose to do?” - -“I don’t know. I want time to think it over.” - -“Very well, then,” said the merchant; “I’ll give you two days. If, at -the end of that time, you don’t come to some sensible conclusion, I -shall take the matter into my own hands.” - -“But, father, can’t you give me some good advice?” asked Tom. - -“Certainly I can. I’ll give you the same advice I have given you -a hundred times before. Go to school, study hard, stop saying ‘I -can’t,’ and try to make a man of yourself. That’s my advice; and if -you don’t wake up and do something in earnest very soon, I shall do -more than advise you.” - -“O, now, what’s the use of going to school?” drawled Tom. “I never -yet saw any fun there.” - -But Mr. Newcombe, as usual, did not seem inclined to argue the point, -for he took some newspapers out of his pocket, thus intimating -that it was not his intention to say more on the subject. Tom was -provoked, as he always was when his father brought these interviews -to a close so abruptly; and, after loitering about the room for a few -moments, in hopes that the merchant would resume the conversation, he -picked up his cap and walked sullenly out of the house. - -“I wish father didn’t take any newspapers,” growled Tom, as he seated -himself on the portico; “for then I might have a chance to talk to -him. He wants me to go to school. I can see that plain enough; but I -won’t do it if I can help it. I don’t like to be kept in at recess, -or be told to remain after school every time I miss a hard arithmetic -lesson. I must do something, however, and what shall it be? that’s -the question.” - -As Tom said this, he settled back on his elbow, took a rapid survey -of his situation, and tried hard to think of some easy, pleasant -business in which he could engage, that would bring him pleasure and -profit at the same time. - -In thus allowing his son to have full swing for awhile, Mr. Newcombe -considered that he was taking the easiest and shortest course to -convince Tom that he was making a great mistake. If the latter was -compelled to attend school, he would still cling obstinately to the -idea that every moment he devoted to his studies was time wasted. The -merchant had tried every plan he could think of to convince him to -the contrary, but without success; and his last idea promised to be -as complete a failure as the others. Some of Tom’s playmates called -him a “bull-headed boy,” and his father thought that, by his conduct, -he was establishing a perfect claim to the title. He had his own -opinions concerning men and things; and, although his failures would -sometimes bring tears to his eyes, they never served to convince him -that he was in the wrong. On the contrary, he always tried to lay -the blame upon somebody else, all the while endeavoring to console -himself with the hope that some fine day something would “turn up” in -his favor, and that after that he would get along through the world -smoothly and easily. He had waited for it long and patiently; but now -his patience was severely tried, for he knew that if that something -did not “turn up” very soon, he would find himself in school again; -for he was well aware that that was what his father meant by “taking -the matter into his own hands.” - -Tom was sadly troubled with the “blues” again, and the only way he -could think of to drive them off was to go down to the common and -join the Night-hawks, who, judging by the shouts that now and then -came to his ears, were out in full force. He was still considerably -confused by the shock he had experienced when he discovered that -another of his air castles had tumbled down about his ears--that his -grand idea of farming was not exactly what he had imagined it to -be--and thought an evening spent with the Night-hawks would serve to -relieve his mind, so that on the morrow he would be better able to -think over his troubles, and determine upon some course of action. - -The law against going outside of the gate after dark was still in -operation; but this did not turn Tom from his purpose, for he had -evaded it so often without being detected, that the regulation had no -terrors for him. If his father did not happen to want him, (and it -was not at all probable he would, for, looking through the window, -Tom could see that the merchant was still deeply interested in his -papers,) his absence would not be discovered. But, in order to make -himself secure, Tom walked slowly into the library, threw down his -cap, yawned several times, stretching his arms, and acting altogether -as though he was very sleepy, and finally went up stairs to his room. -After locking the door to prevent surprise, he went into his closet -after another cap; the one he generally wore he had purposely left -in the library. As his room had been put in order soon after he left -for the country, the cap was soon found; when, noiselessly opening -his window, Tom crawled out upon the porch, and, after satisfying -himself that the coast was clear, slid down one of the posts and -reached the ground in safety. Here he paused and listened for a -moment, to ascertain if the noise he made had attracted the attention -of any one in the house; but all was quiet, and Tom, congratulating -himself upon the skillful manner in which his escape had been -accomplished, and which, he thought, ought to entitle him to especial -praise from his boon companions, the Night-hawks, moved silently -down the lawn, and presently found himself in the street. There was -now no need of concealment; and Tom, anxious to join his friends as -soon as possible, broke into a run, and, in a few moments, reached -the common. It had become too dark to continue the games, and the -Night-hawks were gathered in a group, in the middle of the common, -engaged in a whispered conversation. At short distances on each side -of the main body were four boys, who walked back and forth, like -sentinels on guard; and, in fact, they were sentries, whose business -it was to notify the Night-hawks of the approach of any “outsiders.” -This made it evident that the boys were debating upon some question -which they did not want every one to know. As the Night-hawks are now -about to assume a somewhat important part in our story, they merit a -more extended description than we have thus far given them. - -The society (for it was a society, and a secret one, at that) had -its origin in the fertile brain of Tom Newcombe, and was certainly -an institution. It was customary for the boys in the village to -assemble on the common after school hours, and amuse themselves with -various games; and some of the boys remained until bed-time. After -dark, the game of ball gave way to “Hounds and Deers,” and “Every -Man to his Own Base;” and when these games had been played until -all were tired of them, then came the question, “What shall we do -next?” Among so many boys, of course there were some who were ready -to propose plans for mischief, and others who were just as ready to -assist them. At first, ringing door-bells, throwing down wood-piles, -and removing gates, had been the favorite exploits; but these soon -became “played out,” and something more exciting was demanded, such -as robbing orchards and melon patches, and the like. They did not -care a cent for the fruit, they said, but it was “such fun.” On -several occasions the young rogues had been discovered, and some of -their number fell into the hands of the enemy. The captured ones -proved themselves to be utterly unworthy of the confidence of their -fellows, by revealing the names of all those who were engaged in the -mischief. This made all the boys, and especially Tom, very angry; but -it never occurred to him to consider what he would have done had he -been in the same predicament. It suggested an idea to him, and gave -him something upon which to think and plan when he should have been -studying his lessons. But if his geography and arithmetic suffered, -the interests of his companions did not; for one day, after he had -got his plans all matured, he startled some of his particular friends -by proposing that a secret society be organized, under the name of -the “Gentlemen’s Club,” of which he (Tom) was to be president. The -idea was hailed with delight by the boys, who, having been given -an insight into the objects of the society, set about hunting up -recruits. None but those who were deemed trustworthy were admitted to -membership, and the secret was closely guarded from all “Spooneys,” -who, for a long time, were not aware that there was such a thing as a -Gentlemen’s Club in existence. - -In a few days the society was ready to begin work, and, the way it -went about it, proved that Tom had not chosen a very appropriate -name for his organization, for the conduct of its members bespoke -them any thing but gentlemen. They commenced operations by marching, -one night, in a body, to the residence of the doctor, where they -proceeded to amuse themselves by carrying off the wood which was -piled in front of his office. When their work was about half done, -they were surprised, and their ranks thrown into confusion, by the -sudden appearance of the owner of the wood, who flourished a heavy -cane above his head, and, collaring one of the boys, pulled him -into his office a prisoner. The doctor then demanded the names of -all the boys who had engaged in the mischief but, for a long time, -the discomfited member of the Gentlemen’s Club refused to comply. -But when the physician threatened to lock him up in the cellar, and -keep him there all night, the culprit changed his tactics, and even -endeavored to convince his captor that he alone was to blame for all -that had happened--that it was merely a “little joke” which he wished -to play upon the doctor, and that no one had assisted him in carrying -off the wood. The doctor, however, declared that he “couldn’t swallow -any such nonsense as that;” and, striking his cane upon the table, -fiercely repeated the demand, when the prisoner, to save himself from -bodily harm, astonished the physician with a complete description of -the society, its signs and pass-words, and the object for which it -had been organized. After a good deal of cross-questioning, in a very -savage tone of voice, the doctor released his captive; not, however, -without obliging him to promise, over and over again, that he would -always endeavor to be a good boy, and that he would be particularly -careful to let people’s wood-piles alone in future. - -The doctor was highly amused at what he had heard, and, although, -while in the presence of his prisoner, he had appeared to be very -much enraged, shaking his gray head, and thumping his cane violently -on the floor, the moment the boy had gone, he threw himself into a -chair and laughed until his fat sides ached. Considering the joke -as too good to be kept, he repeated it to every one he met, and the -Gentlemen’s Club was “knocked higher than a kite.” Tom, especially, -had cause to regret that his companion had forgotten the solemn -promises he had made, for almost every boy that passed him on -the street would touch his cap and salute him with, “How are you, -President Newcombe?” But Tom, and several other prominent members -of the club, were not discouraged. They soon organized another -society--from which the faithless member of the Gentlemen’s Club -was, of course, excluded--with a new name, and different signs and -pass-words. But this was also broken up by a member, who exposed the -whole thing to revenge himself on Tom for something the latter had -done. From the ruins of this society sprang the Night-hawks, which, -being composed of those who, on more than one occasion, had proved -themselves to be entirely reliable, had been in existence nearly a -year, and, in spite of the efforts of “outsiders,” its secrets had -been faithfully kept. - -It was understood by the Night-hawks, that the society had been -organized for “mutual protection;” and a clause in their constitution -declared, that when any member was known to be in trouble, it was -the duty of all to hasten to his assistance. This clause had been -introduced by Tom, who, at the time, could not have told exactly -what he meant by it; but, perhaps, we shall see how the law, which -was framed by accident, proved to be of great use to some of the -Night-hawks. - -The operations of the society were conducted with great skill; but -it had not been long in existence, before some of the village people -began to believe that the boys were bent on mischief, and nothing -else; and when the knowledge of this fact got abroad, it threatened, -for a time, to annihilate the society. Many of its members received -orders to remain at home after dark, which some of them did; while -others found means to evade the law. Disobedience was considered -an honor rather than a disgrace; and when a boy performed a feat -like that which Tom had just accomplished, he was held up to his -companions as an object worthy of emulation. This created a spirit -of rivalry among the members, and, when any one performed an exploit -worthy of especial notice, some one else always tried to outdo him. - -The government of the society was purely democratic, the majority -ruling; and another noticeable feature of the institution was, that -there was not a single private in it, every boy being an officer of -some kind. This idea had also originated with Tom, who thought that -the general harmony and good feeling of the society might be best -preserved by giving every member some authority. The highest office -was that of grand commander of the council, which was the position -Tom held, and the lowest was fifth corporal. The other officers -were--commander, first colonel, second colonel, first and second -major, captain, and so on down. Although Tom had the name of being -the leader of the Night hawks, he was not so in reality, for the -society was managed by Johnny Harding, who was nothing but a fifth -captain. However, as Johnny was Tom’s particular friend, there was -seldom any trouble in the council. But the grand commander was, after -all, a very important personage, for, as we have before hinted, he -did all the work, and without him the exploits of the society would -scarcely have been worth bragging about. In his case, at least, -“ignorance was bliss;” for had he been aware of the fact, that he was -merely a tool in the hands of his cunning playmates, he might not -have been so proud of the position he held. - -As Tom approached the group on the common, he increased his pace, -for he saw that a council was being held, and that some question was -being warmly discussed, for now and then some boy would speak in an -angry, excited tone, which would be followed by a command to “silence -that loud talking” from some officer of high rank. - -“Who comes there?” called out one of the sentinels, when he -discovered Tom approaching. - -“Grand commander of the council!” replied Tom, with as much dignity -as though he was answering to the challenge of some soldier, -Major-General Newcombe! - -The Night-hawks heard the answer, and the debate was adjourned -without ceremony, while all the boys advanced in a body to meet Tom. - -“Here you are at last!” said Johnny Harding. “You are just the very -fellow we want. But what’s the reason you haven’t been here to help -us before? Have you been in the hands of the Philistines?” - -(All “outsiders,” such as parents, guardians, and all others who -could exercise authority over the members of the society, were called -Philistines.) - -As it was several months since Tom had joined in any of the exploits -of the Night-hawks, he had a long explanation to make, to which all -the members listened attentively; and then he described the manner -in which he had effected his escape from home, which, of course, -interested the boys more than any thing else. When he had finished -his story, the commander (the officer next in rank below Tom) said: - -“You can’t imagine how glad we are to see you, Newcombe. I believe -that your appearance here to-night has saved our society. We came -very near breaking up in a row, because I proposed something which I -thought was nothing more than fair. The question is: Has an officer -of high rank--a colonel, for instance--any authority to command one -lower than he--say a captain?” - -This was a point upon which Tom had often debated, although he had -never dared to propose it to the society; and, for his own part, he -hoped that the question would be decided in the affirmative; for then -their democratic form of government would be abolished, and he, being -the grand commander of the council, would become supreme ruler. He -could manage the society as he pleased, and whenever there was any -dangerous work to be done, he could keep out of harm’s way. - -“I think it ought to be so,” said he, after thinking a moment; “for -what’s the use of having any officers at all, if some are not allowed -more authority than others? Let’s put it to a vote.” - -This suggestion was at once acted upon, and the Night-hawks decided -that one officer had no business to order another about; that such a -course would certainly establish an aristocracy or a despotism, and -that was something to which they would not submit. - -“You are all wrong, boys,” said the commander, who did not seem to be -very well pleased with the result of the vote. “In carrying out our -plans, some one must run a little risk; but now, how shall we decide -who it is to be?” - -“Newcombe is the man!” said Johnny Harding. “He’s the strongest and -bravest fellow in the society He is not afraid of anything. You’ll -do it, won’t you, Tom?” - -“Certainly I will,” replied the grand commander, who never could -withstand such an appeal. “What is it?” - -“Let us walk over this way, a little more out of sight,” said one of -the boys, “and then we can discuss the matter without fear of being -overheard.” - -The Night-hawks moved off to the edge of the common, and, after the -sentries had again been posted, they seated themselves on the grass -to talk over their plans. - - - - - CHAPTER XV. - - THE NIGHT-HAWKS IN ACTION. - - -Before Tom’s arrival on the common, the Night-hawks had been debating -a knotty question. For nearly three weeks, the society had been -inactive, not a single exploit having been performed to add to their -glory; and one of the members, becoming weary of the monotony, had -studied up a plan to “put a little life into the boys.” The scheme he -proposed rendered it necessary that some one should run considerable -risk; and the trouble among the Night-hawks had been occasioned by -the effort to decide who that some one should be. - -It was proposed to present ’Squire Thompson--a crusty, nervous old -gentleman, whom all the boys delighted in teasing--with some of his -own fruit and vegetables. The ’squire lived in the village, but he -owned a farm about two miles back in the country, and it was there -the vegetables grew. In order to convey their present from the farm -to the village, it had been proposed to “borrow” the ’squire’s horse -and wagon; and it was when the question arose, who shall be the one -to go into the stable and harness the horse that the trouble began. - -The Night-hawks were all delighted with the idea; but the difficulty -was to find a boy courageous enough to do the dangerous part of -the work. They were quite willing, and even eager, to engage in the -sport, but they did not like the idea of going into a man’s stable -after night, and “borrowing” his horse and wagon. It was a common -saying among the members of the society, that “’Squire Thompson slept -with one eye and both ears open;” besides, he kept two fierce dogs, -and the chances were not one in ten that they could harness the -horse, hitch him to the wagon, and escape without disturbing either -the dogs or some member of the ’squire’s family. It had at first been -suggested that the commander should appoint some one to do the work; -but the boys would not agree to this, neither would they allow the -“forlorn hope” to be selected by ballot. In short, the scheme was in -danger of being abandoned, when Tom’s arrival showed the Night-hawks -a way out of their difficulty. He was “just the man they wanted;” for -he was “the strongest and bravest fellow in the party, and wasn’t -afraid of any thing.” - -“Well, Tom, what do you think of it?” asked Johnny Harding, after he -had explained the scheme, and described, in glowing language, the -astonishment and vexation ’Squire Thompson would experience when he -awoke the next morning and found his wagon before his door, loaded -with onions, cabbage, peaches, and green pumpkins. “Wouldn’t it be -gay?” - -“Yes,” answered Tom, “it would be glorious. But who is to get the -horse and wagon?” - -“Why, you are, of course!” answered Johnny. “If you refuse, it will -be the first time since we organized our society. You see, it’s -rather a difficult job, and no one but a very brave, strong, and -skillful fellow should be allowed to undertake it; for it isn’t -every boy that can go into a man’s stable, harness a horse, and bring -him out, without awakening some one. I acknowledge that I can’t do -it, but I know you can.” - -“Yes, Newcombe,” chimed in several of the Night-hawks, “you’re the -only man in the party that we can trust. You know just how it ought -to be done.” - -But Tom, just then, thought differently. He did not believe that he -was the bravest and most skillful member of the society, neither -did he like the idea of being obliged to secure the horse and wagon -for the expedition, for he knew there was danger in it. But still, -the thought of refusing to attempt it, never once entered into -his head--that would injure his reputation, for it would show the -Night-hawks that their grand commander was not half as brave as -they had imagined him to be. So, summoning up courage, he replied, -desperately: - -“Well, I’ll do it! I am not afraid of ’Squire Thompson, nor his big -bull dogs either. But, before we go any further, I want one thing -understood. If I succeed in getting the horse and wagon, I am going -to do all the driving, and you mustn’t expect me to help load the -vegetables when we get to the farm.” - -The Night-hawks, without hesitation, agreed to this arrangement, for -they knew, that in order to succeed in their undertaking, they must -allow Tom to have his own way in some things. They were delighted -that he had so readily yielded to their demands, and, in high glee, -they set out for ’Squire Thompson’s house. They did not all go -together, for, as it was only about half past eight o’clock, the -streets were not yet deserted, and the Night-hawks did not wish to -attract attention by marching through the village in a body. - -Tom, accompanied by Johnny Harding and two more of his particular -friends, stopped to hold a consultation, when they arrived within a -short distance of the house, while the others kept on up the road -and sat down by the fence, to wait until Tom should bring out the -horse and wagon. After a few moments’ whispered conversation, Tom -and Johnny decided that their first care must be to reconnoiter the -premises, and ascertain exactly where the ’squire’s team was kept. -The coast was not altogether clear, for a light shone from the -windows of the house, showing that the ’squire’s family had not yet -retired; and, as Tom and his companions approached, a loud, fierce -bark told them that the dogs were on the watch. The stable was but -a short distance from the house, and in the same yard, and Tom knew -that his only chance for success was to devise some plan to occupy -the attention of the dogs until he could perform the work allotted to -him. The dogs evidently suspected that something unusual was going -on, for they followed the Night-hawks as they moved down the fence, -barking fierce and loud, as if to warn them that they intended to -keep a close watch on all their movements. Tom appeared perfectly -unconcerned, but the truth was, he was very glad indeed that there -was a high fence between him and the savage brutes. - -“To tell what’s a fact, boys,” said he; “I don’t feel much like -taking a hand in this business to-night. I have walked a long way -through the hot sun to-day, and I’ve got a little touch of the -headache. I believe I have sprained my ankle, too,” he added, -suddenly beginning to limp, as if he found it exceedingly difficult -to walk. “I can hardly move.” - -“That’s too bad,” said Johnny, offering his arm to support Tom. “But, -Newcombe, I know you are too spunky to allow a sprained ankle or a -little headache to stand between you and such fun as we are going to -have to-night.” - -“It will soon wear off,” said the others. - -The Night-hawks understood the motives of their chief as well as -he did himself, and it was plain that they did not intend to give -him an opportunity to back out. Tom, being well aware of this, -and seeing no possible chance for escape, again formed a reckless -determination to go through with his part of the work, if within -the bounds of possibility. They kept on down the fence until they -reached the stable, and, as they walked slowly along, Tom made a -close but rapid examination of the premises, and, to his delight, -found the two principal obstacles which he had imagined would stand -in his way removed. The horse had not been confined in the stable, -but was quietly grazing in a small pasture adjoining the barn-yard. -The wagon stood just inside the gate, and the harness lay upon the -seat, where the ’squire had thrown it before turning out his horse. -If the Night-hawks had had a faithful friend in the ’squire’s family, -who had been instructed to have every thing in readiness for the -expedition, he could not have arranged matters more to Tom’s liking. - -“That’s lucky, isn’t it, fellows?” whispered Johnny, when he had -noticed these two points. “It’s just as we want it.” - -“O, it’s all the same to me!” replied Tom, carelessly. “If the horse -and the wagon were both in the barn and locked up, I know I could get -them out!” - -Tom’s courage always arose or fell in proportion to the number -of obstacles he found in his way. Up to this moment he had been -impatiently asking himself the question, how should he shirk his part -of the work if he found the horse and wagon locked up in the stable? -Had they been safe under lock and key, it is probable that Tom would -have refused to proceed further on account of his lame ankle and -severe headache; but when he found that they were in a position to be -secured with very little difficulty, he forgot to limp, his headache -left him as suddenly as it had come, and he became very courageous. - -“Now, Newcombe,” said one of the boys, when they had walked entirely -around the ’squire’s yard, and had thoroughly reconnoitered the -situation, “how are you going to work it?” - -“I’ll tell you what we’ll do,” said Johnny, who was always ready for -any emergency; “we’ll keep the dogs here, while Newcombe goes and -gets the horse.” - -“But how are you going to do it?” asked Tom. - -“With this!” replied Johnny, showing a stick, which he carried in his -hand. “Every time the dogs start to go away, I’ll pound on the fence -with this cane. That will make them mad, and they won’t leave here as -long as we are in sight.” - -“I’d like to see that plan tried before I risk it,” said Tom, -doubtfully. “Perhaps it won’t work.” - -As he spoke, he walked off toward the barn. The dogs followed him; -but when Johnny rattled his stick between the pickets, they bounded -back, and the larger of the dogs made a desperate attempt to leap -the fence to get at Johnny. - -“They’re savage, aint they?” whispered the latter. - -“I should say they were!” replied Tom, his courage gradually melting -away again. “Boys, my head aches awfully, and my ankle grows worse -every minute.” - -“Never mind that!” said Johnny. “It’ll soon wear off. My plan works -first rate, don’t it, boys? Go on, Newcombe; we’ll agree to keep the -dogs here.” - -“But, fellows,” said Tom, who did not like to be required to do all -the work alone, “one of you ought to go with me and help me pull that -wagon out of the yard. It’s too heavy for me!” - -“O, nonsense!” exclaimed Johnny. “You’re the strongest fellow in the -party, and you could pull that wagon from here to the farm and back -again, with all the boys in it. Go ahead, Newcombe! We’ll keep the -dogs here!” - -“But suppose I can’t catch the horse?” persisted Tom. “Perhaps he -kicks or bites strangers.” - -“O, no, he don’t. He’s as gentle as an old cow. You’ll have no -trouble. Go on, Newcombe! We haven’t got much more time to waste.” - -Tom, finding that the boys were determined that he should do all the -work, at length succeeded in mustering up courage enough to start off -alone. As he walked by the house, he glanced in at the window, the -curtain of which was raised, and saw the ’squire, sitting in his easy -chair, and the other members of his family gathered about a table, -engaged in various evening occupations. The ’squire had, of course, -heard the noise made by his dogs, but, thinking that they were -barking at persons who every evening passed by his house on the way -to their own homes, he did not trouble himself about the matter. - -After satisfying himself that none of the family had been alarmed, -Tom again started off. Reaching the stable, he carefully unlatched -the gate, and placed a stick of wood against it to keep it open; -then, seizing the thills of the wagon, he prepared to make an -exhibition of that tremendous strength which had won for him from the -Night-hawks the name of being the “strongest fellow in the party.” -The wagon was not a heavy one, but it must have been rooted to the -ground; for Tom, for a long time, exerted his muscles in vain. The -grand commander, however, always worked harder and more perseveringly -in a bad cause than he did in a good one, and at last the wagon -moved; and after considerable pulling and grunting, Tom succeeded in -drawing it through the gate into the road. After listening again, to -be sure that no one in the house had heard what was going on, and -that Johnny was still successful in occupying the attention of the -dogs, Tom closed and fastened the gate; and again taking hold of the -wagon, pulled it down the road toward the place where the main body -of the Night-hawks were hidden behind the fence, impatiently waiting -for him. Tom’s spirits rose considerably when he found that he had -successfully accomplished part of his work; and when the Night-hawks -sprang from their concealments, and took hold to help him along with -the wagon, he did not ask any of them to assist him in catching the -horse. The numerous congratulations he received from his friends, -who called him a “jolly old brick,” and a “spunky boy,” accompanied -by repeated assurances that they had always known that he was the -“strongest and bravest fellow in the society,” greatly encouraged -him; and had the horse been locked up in the stable, he would not -have hesitated to make the attempt to bring him out. - -When they had pulled the wagon as far as the fence which bounded the -lower end of the pasture, Tom ordered a halt, and taking the bridle -out of the wagon, climbed over into the inclosure to catch the horse. -This was a signal to the Night-hawks, who, thinking that there was -still a chance for discovery, hid themselves behind the fence, or -stood in readiness to run off, should the ’squire’s dogs make their -appearance. As for Tom, he had suddenly become very reckless, and he -did not trouble his head about the dogs, or the ’squire either. The -horse proved to be very gentle, as Johnny had said he would, and the -grand commander had no difficulty in catching him and slipping the -bridle over his head. He then led him up to the fence, a portion of -which--it being built of rails--was thrown down by the Night-hawks, -who again made their appearance; and, after the horse had been led -into the road, some built up the fence again, others began to harness -the horse, and two of the members, in obedience to Tom’s orders, ran -off to inform Johnny that every thing was ready for the start. By the -time Harding and his friends arrived, the horse had been hitched to -the wagon, and Tom sat on the seat, with a whip in one hand and the -reins in the other. - -“All aboard, fellows!” whispered the grand commander, and the -Night-hawks, thirteen in number, tumbled into the wagon, which moved -off on the road to ’Squire Thompson’s farm. Tom had conducted all -his operations in a very cautious manner, and no one in the house had -been alarmed. - -“Newcombe,” whispered Johnny, as Tom drove off, “if there was no -danger of being overheard, we’d give you nine rousing cheers. You’re -a genuine brick.” - -The congratulations the chief received for the skill and bravery he -had exhibited, were much more numerous than refined. The Night-hawks -said and did every thing they could to convince him that they held -his services in high appreciation; and Tom listened eagerly to all -their compliments. - -It was two miles to the farm; but Tom, being anxious to reach home -again as soon as possible, put whip to the horse, which whirled his -wagon load of mischievous Night-hawks rapidly over the road; and, -at the end of half an hour, Tom drew up before the gate of ’Squire -Thompson’s farm and stopped. Johnny Harding sprang out of the wagon -and opened the gate; after which Tom drove on, until he reached a -barn, which was situated near the middle of the farm. Here he stopped -again, and the Night-hawks, springing out of the wagon, started -off in different directions to hunt up the vegetables--all except -the grand commander, who, according to the agreement made before -starting, was not required to assist in loading the cargo. There was -now no danger of discovery. There was a house on the farm, but no one -lived in it, and it was an easy matter to conduct their operations -without making noise enough to alarm any of the neighbors. - -The Night-hawks were not at all particular as to the nature of their -“present,” for whatever articles came first to their hands--such -as shovels, rakes, hoes, sticks of wood and chips--were seized and -thrown into the wagon. But still there was room for a few vegetables, -and presently a boy appeared with his arms filled with onions, -followed by two or three loaded with green pumpkins, and Johnny -Harding brought up the rear, bringing a goose, which he had captured -after a long race. - -“O, now, let him go!” exclaimed Tom. “Don’t bring him here. He’ll -arouse every body within a mile around.” - -“No fear of that,” replied Johnny, confidently. “I’ll carry him in my -arms, and every time he tries to make a noise I’ll choke him.” - -This suggested a slight change in the original programme, for all the -Night-hawks now turned their attention to the ’squire’s live stock. -Some climbed over the fence into the barn-yard, and endeavored to -capture one of the calves, others attempted to run down the remainder -of the geese, and the result was that, in a very few moments, all -the dogs in the neighborhood had been aroused, and were barking -vociferously. - -“Our game is up now, boys,” said Johnny. “Let’s be off, or we’ll have -the Philistines down on us. I wish we could have caught two or three -of those calves, and the rest of the geese. However, we have got as -large a load already as this old horse can pull. All aboard, fellows! -Drive on, Tom.” - -The retreat from the farm was easily accomplished, and as soon as the -Night-hawks were satisfied that they were out of danger, they began -to indulge in speculations as to what ’Squire Thompson would say -when he found what a present they had brought him; and Tom declared -that he would like to be “hidden behind a tree somewhere, so that he -might hear all the ’squire had to say about it.” Had he known what -was to happen before he got through with his night’s work, it is -probable that he never would have given utterance to this wish. But -Tom was not as happy as he pretended to be. He was thinking of a most -unpleasant task he had yet to perform, and that was to put the horse -and wagon where he had found them. This was a particularly dangerous -piece of work, and he would have been glad, indeed, could he have -thought of some plan to shift the responsibility upon the shoulders -of some body else. - -“Boys,” said he, after thinking the matter over, “I propose that we -don’t put the wagon back in the yard. Let’s leave it outside the -gate.” - -“O, no, Newcombe,” replied Johnny, quickly, “that would spoil it all. -In order to do the business up nicely, we must put every thing back -where we found it.” - -“But just look at the risk I shall run,” said Tom. “You must remember -that the wagon is loaded, and that I can’t pull it from the pasture -to the barn. It’s too heavy.” - -“Of course it is. You will have to drive right into the stable-yard.” - -“It’s dangerous!” repeated Tom. - -“I know it is,” said Johnny; “but I know also that you are not afraid -to do it.” - -“Of course he isn’t,” chimed in another. “I don’t believe that -Newcombe knows what fear is.” - -The long and short of the matter was, that, by the time the -Night-hawks reached the fence that bounded the lower end of ’Squire -Thompson’s pasture, Tom had been so skillfully handled by his -companions, that he promised to put the wagon where he had found -it, no matter if the ’squire and both his dogs were there to oppose -him. But still he thought it best to be cautious, and, when they had -arrived within a short distance of the house, Tom told Johnny to go -round to the front of the lot and occupy the attention of the dogs as -he had done before. - -“All right, I’ll do it,” replied Johnny. “Here, Harry Green, hold my -goose till I come back.” - -“Now, boys, I’m afraid of that goose,” said Tom. “You had better let -him go.” - -“O, no,” replied Harry, “I’ll watch him.” - -Tom was not satisfied with this arrangement, but he was obliged to -submit to it; and Johnny, after cautioning the grand commander to be -very careful, set off to find the dogs, accompanied by two or three -of his friends. The dogs, being on the alert, soon became aware of -the presence of the Night-hawks, and Johnny had no difficulty in -inducing them to follow him to the lower end of the lot, where he -stopped, and sent one of the boys back to inform Tom that the coast -was clear. The grand commander reluctantly mounted to his seat in -the wagon, and drove toward the barn. He drove very slowly, but the -wagon, being heavily loaded, made a great deal of noise, and Tom was -more than once on the point of going back to his companions, and -informing them that, if they wished the wagon left in the barn-yard, -they must send some one besides himself to put it there. But he knew -just what would happen if he backed out, and, fearing ridicule more -than the wrath of the ’squire, he kept on, resolved to make the -attempt, and, if he failed, to effect his escape as best he could. He -was followed by several of the Night-hawks, one of whom opened the -gate when he reached the stable, and Tom drove into the yard. At this -moment the goose, which Harry Green held in his arms, and which he -intended to tie with his handkerchief and put into the wagon as soon -as the horse was unharnessed, escaped from its captor and flew over -the fence into the yard, making noise enough to awaken the soundest -sleeper in the ’squire’s family. - -“There,” exclaimed Tom; “I told you just how it would be.” - -“Hurry up, Newcombe,” whispered several of the boys. “It’s getting -unhealthy about here.” - -Before Tom could jump down from the wagon, however, a low whistle -from Johnny Harding told him that something was wrong in that quarter -also. This was followed by a commotion in the house, the door opened, -and ’Squire Thompson, with a lantern in one hand and a huge cane in -the other, sprang down the steps, shouting: - -“Here they are! Take ’em dogs, take ’em!” - -All this happened in less time than it takes to write it, but the -angry ’squire had scarcely made his appearance when the nimble -Night-hawks, who had held themselves in readiness for this emergency, -closed the gate and took to their heels, leaving the grand commander -to fight his enemies, or to escape if he could. Tom saw, at a glance, -that he had got himself into trouble, and that his chances for flight -were very slim indeed. But he could not surrender without making -an attempt to save himself; so he sprang down from the wagon and -started for the gate; but a loud, fierce bark, accompanied by an -encouraging yell from the ’squire, told him that his pursuers were -not far behind, and that his escape in that direction was cut off. -Even if he succeeded in opening the gate before the dogs arrived, -they would follow him down the road, and overtake him before he -had gone twenty yards. Tom gave himself up for lost, and his only -desire was to get out of reach of the dogs. He feared them more than -the ’squire. There was a cherry-tree close at hand, and the grand -commander sprang into its branches with the agility of a cat; but -scarcely had he climbed out of reach, when the dogs arrived. To -Tom’s surprise and delight, they did not stop under the tree, but -ran straight to the gate, where they stood, and kept up a furious -barking, until the ’squire appeared on the scene. - -“Catch ’em, dogs--catch the young scoundrels,” he exclaimed, opening -the gate. - -The dogs bounded out into the road, and disappeared in the direction -taken by the Night-hawks. But the latter had made good use of their -time, and presently the dogs returned without having overtaken any -of them. They were all safe except the grand commander, who sat in -his tree and awaited the issue of events in a most unpleasant frame -of mind. He had assured his friends that he would like to be in a -position to “hear what the ’squire had to say about it;” and he -seemed in a fair way to have his wish gratified. - -“The young scoundrels!” exclaimed the ’squire, as he closed the gate. -“Those boys ought all to be taken care of. I wonder what they were -prowling about here for? Hallo, what’s this?” - -[Illustration: TOM CAPTURED BY THE SQUIRE.--Page 205.] - -He had, for the first time, discovered that his horse and wagon had -been used; and when he walked up and examined the contents of the -wagon, his rage knew no bounds. - -“I wish I had the rascals here,” he exclaimed, in a voice that made -Tom tremble; “I’d teach ’em. Here are hoes, rakes, onions, pumpkins, -and--what’s this? My two-horse plow, that I took out to the farm day -before yesterday. The young rascals! What is it, Tiger? Look to him, -old fellow.” - -While the ’squire had been examining the articles in the wagon, Tom -was indulging in the hope that he might not be discovered. The dogs -had not seen him climb into the tree, but they had sharp noses, and -the ’squire’s exclamation had been called forth by the actions of -one of the dogs, which ran to the foot of the tree, and growled and -barked furiously. - -“What’s up there, I say?” continued the ’squire, elevating his -lantern, and peering up into the branches. “Ah, I’ve got you, you -rascal! Come down from there! Who are you?” - -“O, it’s me; don’t you know me, Mr. Thompson?” whined Tom, who saw -that he was discovered, and that further concealment was useless. - -“No, I don’t know me,” shouted the ’squire, in a most savage tone of -voice; “come down from there!” - -“Call your dogs off, then!” drawled Tom, “and I’ll come down.” - -“Who are you?” demanded the ’squire again, for he did not recognize -Tom, hidden as he was among the branches of the tree. “What’s your -name?” - -“O, now, I’m Tom Newcombe! Don’t you know me, Mr. Thompson?” -answered the grand commander in a most pitiful voice. - -“Tom Newcombe!” repeated the ’squire, in astonishment. “Why, I am -surprised at you, Tom; I always thought you were a good boy, and I -never imagined that you would disgrace yourself by stealing a man’s -horse and wagon, and--come down from there, you young scoundrel.” - -The ’squire was very much astonished when he learned the name of his -prisoner; for Tom, although he had often engaged with the Night-hawks -in expeditions of this kind, had never before been detected in them; -he had been so sly about it, that no one in the village ever thought -he had a hand in their affairs. Those who were not very intimately -acquainted with Tom, looked upon him as a lazy, do-nothing sort of -boy, who could not muster up energy enough to engage in any mischief; -and so the ’squire, little dreaming that he had captured the one -to whose charge could be laid the most of the mischief done within -three miles of the village, was inclined to regard Tom as an innocent -boy, who had got himself into trouble by associating with some of -the young rogues of the village. For this reason he was disposed to -be very easy with him; but when he remembered that Tom had made one -of the number of boys who had taken his horse and wagon without his -permission, it made him angry again. - -“I say, come down from there, you young villain!” repeated the -’squire, shaking his cane at the culprit, as if he intended to use it -on him the moment he reached the ground. “Do you hear me?” - -“O, yes, I hear you!” drawled Tom; “but I sha’n’t come down till you -send those dogs off.” - -Seeing that Tom was resolved not to leave his perch so long as the -dogs remained there, the ’squire called them into the barn and shut -them up, after which he again ordered Tom to come down. - -The grand commander obeyed this order very reluctantly, for he had -not yet been able to decide what treatment he would receive from the -’squire. That gentleman had addressed him in the kindest possible -language, and then, almost in the same breath, had called him a young -scoundrel, and had shaken his cane at him, as if impatient to get an -opportunity to lay it over his shoulders. He did not feel altogether -safe; but now, that the dogs were gone, he could offer no excuse for -remaining in the tree; so he slowly descended, and finally stood -before the ’squire, who lifted his lantern and allowed its rays to -fall full in his face. - -“You look mean, Tommy,” said he; “don’t you feel so?” - -“O, yes, I do,” drawled the grand commander. - -The ’squire stood looking at his prisoner for a moment, as if -undecided how to act, and finally continued: - -“Go home, and remember to steer clear of bad company in future.” - -Tom did not wait for a second bidding, but quickly opened the gate, -and started down the road with all the speed he could command. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - THE MILITARY SCHOOL. - - -Tom was astonished as well as delighted that he had escaped so -easily; for, understanding the ’squire’s disposition as well as he -did, he had expected to be severely dealt with. The ’squire had said -that he “looked mean,” and Tom had told him that he felt so; but one, -to have seen him at that moment, would have had cause to doubt it, -for he looked, and indeed felt, as if he had done a very smart thing. -He had been a prisoner in the hands of the Philistines, and had -escaped without a whipping, and, more than that, without divulging -the names of any of his accomplices. But, after all, he had no cause -to pride himself upon this point, for the ’squire had not asked him -who his companions were. Had that gentleman taken the trouble to -inquire into the matter, Tom, in order to screen himself, would have -told him every thing he wanted to know. - -When the grand commander reached the common, he suddenly found -himself surrounded by his friends, who, after placing a safe distance -between themselves and the ’squire’s dogs, had waited for Tom to come -up. - -“What did he do to you?” asked Johnny, eagerly. - -“O, nothing,” replied Tom. “If some of you had been in my place, you -would not have escaped as easily as I did.” - -“Did he ask you who were with you?” inquired another. - -“It wouldn’t have made any difference if he had,” answered the grand -commander, indignantly. “Do you suppose that I would split on you? We -are safe out of the scrape, and that’s the end of it.” - -But in this, Tom was very much mistaken; it was by no means the end -of it, as he found the next day. In fact, he did not believe that -the ’squire would allow the matter to drop there. He fully expected -that his father would soon hear the full particulars of his night’s -work, and he was anxious to know what he would do about it. However, -Tom kept all his fears to himself, and when he left the Night-hawks, -he walked off whistling, as if he felt perfectly at his ease. He -reached home in safety, succeeded in climbing up the porch into his -room without disturbing any one in the house, and when he appeared at -the breakfast table in the morning, he had the satisfaction of seeing -that not one of the family knew any thing of his conduct over night. - -When he had eaten his breakfast, he walked out on the lawn, and -sat down to think over the question that had occupied his mind the -day before, namely: What should he do next? But, contrary to his -expectations, his evening with the Night-hawks had not quickened his -ideas, for he was still unable to decide upon the business he ought -to follow. He might, however, have spared himself the trouble of -debating upon this question; for when he went down to the office, -about ten o’clock, he found that his father had at last “taken the -matter into his own hands,” as he had often threatened to do, and -decided the matter for him. - -“Tom,” said Mr. Newcombe, as the boy entered the office, “I was just -on the point of starting in search of you. I want you to take a walk -with me.” - -So saying, the merchant picked up his hat and cane, and left the -office, followed by Tom, who was lost in wonder. He would have given -every thing he possessed to know what was the matter; but, fearing -that his father had heard of what had been going on at the ’squire’s -farm, he could not muster up courage enough to ask any questions. Mr. -Newcombe walked through the village without making any remark, and -finally stopped in front of the military school, a large building -that stood on a hill, about a quarter of a mile from Newport, in -the midst of extensive grounds, which were tastefully laid out, the -whole being inclosed with a high picket fence, which pointed out the -boundary of the students’ little world. - -“Why, father,” exclaimed Tom, as Mr. Newcombe knocked at the gate, “I -haven’t told you that I wanted to come here!” - -“I know you haven’t,” replied the merchant; “at least you haven’t -said so in words; but you have said, by your actions, that you can’t -be trusted, so I have concluded to put you where you will be closely -watched.” - -This made it evident to Tom that his father knew all about what had -happened the night before. - -“I think this is just the place for you,” continued Mr. Newcombe. - -“O, I always was an unlucky boy,” drawled Tom. “I never can do any -thing like other fellows. I had almost made up my mind to go into -the office as errand boy--” - -“It’s too late now!” replied his father. “Besides, I don’t want a boy -in my office that I can’t trust.” - -During the two minutes that they stood at the gate waiting for some -one to open it, Tom raised all sorts of objections to his father’s -arrangement, but could not induce him to change his mind. Mr. -Newcombe never acted without mature deliberation, and when he had -once decided upon his course, it was a hard matter to turn him from -it. So Tom, in spite of himself, became a member of the military -academy. He listened to the reading of the rules and regulations, -reluctantly promised to obey them all, and, in the presence of his -father, signed the muster-rolls; after which, Mr. Newcombe took leave -of the principal, promising to return with Tom as soon as his uniform -could be procured. - -For two days after that Tom was a most miserable boy. He still -entertained some hopes that he might be able to turn his father from -his purpose, and, to accomplish his object, he invented all sorts of -excuses and promises; but his efforts were unsuccessful. The merchant -had decided that the military school was the best place for Tom, and -the latter finally came to the conclusion that he would bear his -punishment like a man. - -One afternoon, for want of something better to do, Tom saddled his -pony and took a short ride about the village. As he was returning -home, he passed by the academy, and saw a company of boys engaged -in drilling in the bayonet exercise. He dismounted, tied his pony -to the fence, and watched the drill as long as it continued; and, -when he rode toward home, his opinion concerning the military school -had changed materially. He was astonished at the ease and skill with -which the young soldiers handled their muskets, and, more than all, -he admired and envied the captain--a youth about his own age. - -“Perhaps it isn’t so bad, after all,” he soliloquized. “I always -thought that I’d like to go to that academy. If a fellow like that -can get a commission, I’d like to know what’s the reason I can’t get -one also. I don’t intend to remain a private long. I shall work for -shoulder-straps, and, the first thing some of those officers know, -I’ll make them take back seats. I’ll certainly be captain of one of -the companies in two or three weeks, and, after that, I shall have -an easy time of it. Won’t I feel gay, sporting my shoulder-straps -about the village? Then, after I get through here, I’ll go to West -Point, and from there to the army; and then I’ll soon be promoted to -general. I am all right now. I have decided to be a soldier.” - -Tom was now as impatient to get into the military school as he had -before been anxious to keep out of it; and, on the way home, he -stopped at the tailor’s where his uniforms were being made, and -requested that the work might be completed as soon as possible, as -he was losing valuable time. At the supper table, that night, he -surprised his father by informing him that he also had decided that -the “military school was the place for him;” that he had always -thought that he was “cut out for a general;” and that if Mr. Newcombe -would visit the camp the coming fall, he would see his son wearing a -captain’s uniform. - -“You must remember that you have been disappointed a good many -times,” said the merchant. - -“I know it,” replied Tom; “but I am all right this time. I know I -shall succeed. I’ll be captain of one of the academy companies in -less than three weeks.” - -“You’ll have to work hard for it,” said his father, “for you’ll find -some smart boys there.” - -“I don’t care!” said Tom, confidently. “I’ll beat them all. I’m bound -to be the highest officer in the academy.” - -That week was a long one to Tom, but, to his immense relief, the -arrangements were all completed at last, and one afternoon, about -half-past three o’clock, the new student, dressed in his uniform, -found himself standing in the presence of the principal. Mr. Newcombe -had accompanied him to the academy, and, after urging him to make the -best possible use of his time, and to strictly obey all the rules -and regulations, he bade him good-by, and returned to his office, -satisfied that he had left his son in safe hands for a few months, at -least. - -“Now, Newcombe,” said the principal--a tall, dignified, -military-looking man--“you are a member of the Newport Military -Academy. I shall expect to hear a good account of you.” - -“I shall do my best, sir,” replied Tom. “I want to be an officer, and -I would like to know how to go to work to get a commission.” - -“There is but one way,” replied the principal, with a smile, “and -that is very simple. If you strictly obey the rules and regulations, -you will be entitled to your shoulder-straps.” - -“How long before I can get them?” asked Tom. - -“Not until the first of next quarter. That will give you two months -in which to prepare for the examination. Remember, now, that you are -expected to read the rules and regulations until you know just what -to do, and how to do it. You will find several copies of them hung -up in your dormitory, so that you can have them close at hand for -reference.” - -The professor then faced to the right, with as much precision as if -he had been standing in the ranks, with a musket on his shoulder; -going to his desk, he opened a large book, which Tom thought looked -like the ledger in his father’s office; and, after turning over the -leaves for a moment, rang a bell, which was presently answered by a -servant belonging to the academy. - -“Thomas Newcombe, dormitory H, number thirteen,” said the principal. -“Now, you may go with this man, and he will show you where you -belong. I hope that I shall soon be able to assign you new quarters, -for the students in that dormitory belong to the lowest class in -school.” - -Tom’s trunk, which contained his clothing, each article of which was -marked with his name, stood in the hall, just outside the principal’s -door. This the man raised to his shoulder; and, after conducting Tom -up a flight of stairs, ushered him into a large, airy room. This was -dormitory H, which was destined to be the new student’s quarters, -not for a short time, as the principal fondly hoped, but during -his entire stay at the academy. On both sides of the room, and at -one end, were arranged the beds belonging to the students. At the -left of the entrance, were two rooms, one of which belonged to the -assistant teacher, who had charge of the dormitory, and the other to -the officers commanding that company. The dormitory was filled with -students, all of whom appeared to be busily engaged with their books. - -The man conducted Tom between the two rows of beds, until he arrived -at the further end of the room, where he stopped and pointed to a -number painted on a piece of tin, which was hung against the wall. - -“There’s number thirteen,” said he. “This bed belongs to you.” - -As soon as the man had left the dormitory, some of the students, -who had been closely watching Tom, gathered about him, as if they -were impatient to make his acquaintance. The latter felt somewhat -embarrassed when he found himself surrounded by so many strangers; -but, wishing to make a favorable impression upon them, he tried -hard to look unconcerned, and prepared to receive their advances as -graciously as possible. - -“How are you, my son?” began one of the boys. - -“My son!” repeated Tom, in astonishment. - -“Well, then, tell us what your name is? You are a greeny, are you -not?” - -“Now, see here,” drawled Tom, “I want you to quit calling me greeny. -I’ll tell the teacher if you don’t look out.” - -This speech showed another trait in Tom’s character. He was a -“tell-tale;” and when he became involved in trouble with any of his -school-mates, he never undertook to defend himself, but hurried off -to lay the matter before the teacher. It was evident that he intended -to continue the practice at the academy. - -“You’ll tell the teacher, will you!” exclaimed the boy who had first -addressed him. “Then we have seen enough of you. Let him alone, -fellows; he’s a Spooney and working for a commission.” - -At this moment, two boys entered the dormitory; and, seeing the -crowd gathered about Tom’s bed, they approached, and worked their -way through the students, to obtain a view of the new-comer; and the -latter was delighted when he recognized Eugene Rich and Augustus -Miller, two of his very intimate friends, and members of the society -of Night-hawks. They expressed much joy at meeting Tom. After they -had shaken hands with him, Rich turned to the boy who had called the -new student a “greeny,” exclaiming: - -“See here, Dick Martin, you had better mind what you are about! -Newcombe is an old friend of mine, and if you know when you are well -off, you won’t fool with him much.” - -“That’s a fact,” said Miller. “Better apologize.” - -This put an entirely new aspect on the case. Tom had already seen -that he had made a blunder when he threatened to “tell the teacher,” -and he was wondering how he could restore himself to favor. This -could only be done by a proper exhibition of “spunk,” which would -show the students that, although he had threatened to appeal to the -principal for protection, he still had the ability to defend himself, -and that he was one who could not be tormented with impunity. Had he -been left to himself, he would not have known how to act; but when he -found that his two friends were ready to stand by him, he suddenly -became very courageous. - -“I certainly didn’t mean to insult him,” said Martin. “When I -inquired if he was a greeny, I only wanted to know if he had ever -attended a military school before. I take it all back.” - -“Better look out,” said Tom, shaking his head, threateningly. “I -don’t stand much nonsense.” - -“I always knew you were a spunky chap, Tom,” said Miller. “But Martin -didn’t mean anything. He’s an old chum of mine; so shake hands and be -friends.” - -Martin, accordingly extended his hand, which was accepted by Tom, who -drew himself up to his full height, and thrust out his chest, to make -himself appear as much like a soldier as possible, at the same time -favoring his new friend with a glance which was intended to prove the -truth of what he had said but a moment before--that he was a boy that -“wouldn’t stand much nonsense.” - -“That’s right,” said Rich, who appeared to be a sort of leader among -his companions. “Now, sit down here, Newcombe. You don’t know how -often I have wished for you,” he continued, as Tom seated himself on -the bed. “It’s lonesome here, and we want some brave, strong fellow -to propose some fun for us, and to help us out in it. (Here Tom -straightened himself up again, and assumed what he considered to be -a very reckless look, as if to assure the students standing about -that he was the very fellow they wanted.) By the way, what are the -Night-hawks doing now?” - -Rich had been a member of the academy ever since the commencement of -the session (five months), and during this time had never once been -granted a furlough for a single hour. He was a lazy, good-for-nothing -boy, more fond of mischief than of his books, and, as a consequence, -he was always behindhand in his lessons; and, from being the fifth -in the highest class in school, he had been “promoted backward,” -until he found himself in the lowest class but one in the academy. -He was too lazy to exert himself to regain his lost position; he -was up before a court-martial nearly every month for some violation -of the rules, and spent more than half his time in working out the -punishments to which he was sentenced. His friend and right-hand man, -Miller, was often in the same predicament; and this was the reason -why they had never been allowed any privileges. Miller had been a -shining light among the Night-hawks, holding the office of fourth -colonel, while Rich was a second lieutenant, in good standing; and, -having been confined so long, it was natural that they should wish to -hear from the young rogues about the village. - -Tom, being well posted in the movements of the Night-hawks, -proceeded to give a glowing description of their recent exploit. -The students listened eagerly; and Tom, finding himself surrounded -by an appreciative audience, “spread” himself to the best of his -ability. He was not mean enough to stoop to actual falsehood, but -he so exaggerated the achievements of the Night-hawks, especially -that portion of them in which he had been engaged, that it left the -impression on the minds of his hearers that Tom had been the daring -leader of a very daring lot of fellows. After he had finished his -story, he expressed a desire to learn something about the life before -him, the duties that would be required of him, the nature of his -studies, and the extent of his privileges. Rich volunteered to give -him the information, but, just as he was about to begin, some one -near the door called out, in a low tone: - -“Attention, company!” - -The effect of these words not a little surprised Tom, for the boys -all hurriedly left him, and running to their beds, picked up their -books, and in a moment all appeared to be deeply interested in their -studies. Rich and Miller, who did not belong in that dormitory, and -who were disobeying the rules by being in there during study hours, -hastily retreated into the hall, and made the best of their way to -their own quarters. As Tom sat on his bed, wondering at the strange -behavior of the students, a step was heard in the hall, and presently -one of the assistant teachers entered the dormitory. After looking -about the room a moment, to satisfy himself that the boys were all at -work, he called out-- - -“Newcombe!” - -Tom, wondering what he was wanted for, arose from his seat and looked -at the teacher without answering. - -“Newcombe!” said the professor, in a louder tone. - -“Well, here I am!” exclaimed Tom--a reply that caused a suppressed -laughing among all the students in the room. - -“Come here, Newcombe!” said the teacher; “and hereafter, when you are -called,” he continued, as Tom approached him, “you will answer ‘Here, -sir.’ Come down into the school-room with me, and I will show you -your lessons.” - -The principal of the academy had learned something of Tom’s past -history from his father, and had also been made acquainted with the -fact that the boy had accomplished absolutely nothing in his studies. -This had been communicated to the assistant teacher, Mr. Hudson, -under whose charge Tom was placed, so that he had no difficulty in -determining to which class he ought to assign the new student. His -lessons for the morrow, in all the different branches, were duly -pointed out to him; and Tom was again directed to carefully read the -rules and regulations, so that he might know what hours of the day -were devoted to study, and what to recreation. - -“Now, Newcombe,” said the teacher, “you will begin work to-morrow -morning. Captain, Captain Preston!” he added, in a louder tone, -calling to a boy who at that moment happened to pass through the -hall, “step here a moment, if you please.” - -The young officer entered the room, and the teacher continued-- - -“Here’s another raw recruit for you, captain. His name is Newcombe, -and he belongs to dormitory H, number thirteen.” - -Captain Preston pulled a memorandum-book from his pocket, and, after -writing down Tom’s name and number, he turned to the new student and -said: - -“To-morrow afternoon, at three o’clock, I shall expect to see you in -the armory.” - -This was all the captain thought it was then necessary to say; but it -was enough to make Tom his enemy. The officer was at least two years -younger than the new student, and the latter did not like the idea of -being obliged to obey his orders. Tom also noticed that the teacher -had addressed him in the most respectful language; that he had said, -“Step this way, _if you please_,” and that was another thing that -made him angry. It also had the effect of making him more determined -than ever to get out of the ranks, if there was any possible way for -him to do it. - -As Tom started to return to his quarters, he heard the roll of a drum -calling the students to dress parade--an exercise in which all the -scholars who had learned the manual of arms were required to engage. -The young soldiers came out of their rooms, and, after taking their -muskets from the armory, each company was formed by its officers -in front of the building, and marched to the parade ground. The -principal stood on the porch watching these movements, and, when the -battalion was marched away, he followed it, accompanied by Tom and a -few more raw recruits, who were not expected to join in the review. - -The students kept step admirably to the music of drum and fife; every -order was executed promptly and without the least confusion; and Tom -was delighted with all he saw. When they reached the parade ground, -and the battalion had been drawn up in line, Tom was astonished to -discover that a boy about his own age suddenly appeared and assumed -the command. After seeing that the line was properly formed, he -walked toward the principal, who stood a short distance in front -of the students, then faced about, executing the movement with as -much grace and precision as if he had been a soldier all his life, -and ordered the battalion to “Present arms.” When the command had -been obeyed, he faced about again, and, after saluting the principal -with his sword, advanced and took a position behind him. Tom closely -watched all his movements, and was finally obliged to confess to -himself that he had a great deal to learn before he could become an -officer. - -“Who is that fellow?” he asked, turning to one of the raw recruits -who stood beside him. - -“That’s Bill Steele, the adjutant,” was the answer. “Isn’t he gay? -He handles that sword like an old cavalry man. He understands the -broadsword exercise to a dot. He’s our drill-master.” - -“Humph!” sneered the new student. “He isn’t much.” - -The raw recruit had spoken in the highest terms of the adjutant, -and that was something Tom could not endure, for it seemed to widen -the gulf which he saw lay between him and the coveted commission. -Although he had said that the officer “wasn’t much,” Tom really -thought he was a great deal. He admired his graceful movements -and his soldierly bearing--two things which he knew that it was -impossible for him to imitate. Being entirely unacquainted with the -relative rank of the officers, he thought no more about his captain’s -shoulder-straps just then. He wanted to be the officer that had the -most authority; consequently he envied the adjutant, and he made up -his mind that, in a very short time, Bill Steele would be obliged to -take a lower position, while he would assume the honors himself. But, -as the parade progressed, Tom again began to doubt his ability to -obtain any office, for he heard so many orders issued that it did not -seem possible that he could ever learn them all. - -“How long does it take a fellow to get the hang of this business?” he -asked, turning to the raw recruit. - -“Not long,” was the answer. “I’ve been here only three weeks, and -I’ll go on dress parade next Monday. There are not many in the -academy that can beat me handling a musket or a broadsword.” - -This, in some measure, reassured Tom, who again turned his attention -to the parade. When it was concluded, the companies were marched -back to the armory, and the work for the day was over until seven -o’clock that evening. As soon as the students had taken care of their -weapons, some of them started toward the gymnasium, some went back to -the parade-ground to engage in a game of ball, a few studious ones -resumed their books, while others prepared to idle away the time -under the trees. Among the latter was Tom Newcombe, who had been -joined by Martin, Rich, and Miller. - -“Well, old fellow, what do you think of the academy?” asked the -latter, as he threw himself on the grass beside Tom. - -“It’s splendid,” replied the new student. - -“Yes,” said Martin, with a laugh, “it is splendid, if you have -nothing to do but stand by, with your hands in your pockets, and -look on. You forget the two hours’ daily drill, with muskets and -broadswords.” - -“And our long, difficult lessons, with six hours’ hard study,” chimed -in Rich. - -“And the guard-house,” said Miller, who had once spent two weeks in -that pleasant abode, for attempting to desert the academy. - -“The guard-house!” repeated Tom. - -“Yes, sir; the prison,” said Miller, “with nothing but -bread-and-water diet.” - -“But I’m going to be an officer!” said the new student. - -“Now, now, Newcombe; none of that!” exclaimed all the boys in a -breath. - -“Don’t be a Spooney,” said Martin. - -“O, now, look here,” drawled Tom, “I want you to quit calling me -Spooney.” - -“He didn’t say you were a Spooney,” interposed Rich; “he told you -not to be one. You are too honorable to want to be an officer, when -I tell you that the last one of them is a Spooney. The only way -they get their positions is by toadying to the colonel--that’s the -principal, you know. They are regular tell-tales; and if you don’t -want to be punished, you must be careful what you say before them, -for every word you utter will go straight to the colonel’s ears. In -fact, there are but a very few boys in the academy that a decent -fellow can trust. I was an officer once--I was second lieutenant of -Company A; and, as I have been behind the curtain, I know just how -affairs are conducted. If I wanted a commission, I would loaf about -the grounds until I heard some fellow complaining about something, -and then I would go and tell the colonel of it. I could easily -exchange my musket for a sword by doing that; but wouldn’t you call -it a mean trick?” - -“Yes I would,” replied Tom, emphatically. But the truth was, he -thought if he could earn a shoulder-strap as easily as that, he would -not hesitate to do it; and he treasured up this last remark of Rich’s -for future consideration. - -“But I thought a fellow couldn’t be an officer unless he obeyed all -the rules and regulations,” said Tom, at length. - -“O, that’s all in your eye,” replied Martin. “The colonel stuffs -every new student, and he has been trying his hand on you; I can see -that without specs. Now, there’s Jim Williams, the captain of our -company. I’ve known him to fail in his lessons day after day; and -yet, at the end of the quarter, he has more extras than any other -fellow in the class. I’ve seen him come on the parade-ground with -dust on his boots, and his belt soiled; but I never knew him to lose -any thing by it. If Rich, or Miller, or I, had been in his place, -we would have had two hours’ guard duty at night with bricks in our -knapsacks. The amount of the matter is, that the colonel has his -favorites, and they can do as they please; but the others must stand -from under.” - -“Well, now, this beats me,” drawled Tom, after he had thought the -matter over. “I always was the unluckiest boy in the whole world. I -never can do any thing like other fellows, for something is always -happening to bother me.” - -“Why, what’s the matter now?” asked Rich. - -“O, I wanted to be an officer; but I can’t.” - -“Of course you can’t,” was the answer. “As I said before, you are too -honorable to be an officer, and the sooner you get that ridiculous -idea out of your head, the better it will be for you. But, boys, -let’s take a walk about the grounds. I want to introduce Newcombe to -the fellows in our set.” - -So saying, Rich arose from the ground and led the way toward the -gymnasium, where some of the students were exercising their muscles, -under the direction of one of the teachers. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - TOM WANTS TO BE COLONEL. - - -Had Tom been allowed to have his own way, he would have packed his -trunk and left the academy with the least possible delay. He was -already very much disappointed in it, for he had found it widely -different from what he imagined it to be. He had hoped that he should -find the students far below him in their studies, (although he -himself did not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, -without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps and -assume the honors of an officer, without having any one to oppose -him. But the parade he had just witnessed had discouraged him, and -had also convinced him that if he expected to take a high position -among those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it. He was -quite willing to believe what his friends had told him--that the -officers owed their positions not to the number of merit marks they -obtained, but to favoritism; and, after thinking the matter over, he -was induced to make a slight change in his programme. He had assured -his father that he would work hard for a commission, but that was -entirely unnecessary now, for his great object must be to secure -the good-will of the principal. Without that his efforts would be -utterly useless. But how should he accomplish this? The remark his -friend Rich had made, clearly pointed out the way, and he determined -to win the favor of the principal by playing the contemptible part -of tale-bearer. In order to further his designs, he desired to make -the acquaintance of the adjutant. He resolved to be with him as much -as possible, to listen to every word that fell from his lips, and, -if he could detect him in making any disrespectful remark about the -teachers or the academy, he would carry it straight to the colonel. -By this means, he was confident that he should be able to disgrace -the adjutant; and the principal, to reward him for keeping so close a -watch upon the interests of the academy, would certainly appoint him -in his stead. - -“That will be the way to do it,” said Tom, delighted with the idea. -“Push yourself up in the world, even if you have to pull somebody -down in doing it. That’s my motto.” - -A few moments serious consideration ought to have shown the new -student that his plan never could succeed. Suppose the principal did -break the adjutant! What chance was there for Tom to receive the -appointment, when he did not even understand the manual of arms? But -Tom did not stop to think of this. He wanted to be an officer, the -highest in rank in the academy; and, having decided upon the course -he ought to pursue in order to accomplish his object, he held to it -with the tenacity of a bull-dog. - -Tom walked with his companions toward the gymnasium, and, as they -entered the building, the first object that attracted his attention -was the adjutant, who, having performed some evolutions on the -parallel bars, stood leaning against a post with his arms folded, -waiting to recover his breath after his violent exercise. - -“Rich,” whispered Tom, “give me an introduction to that officer!” - -“What, that Spooney?” exclaimed Rich, in surprise. “If that’s your -game, Newcombe, we might as well break ranks first as last. If you -are going to be friends with those fellows, we don’t want any thing -more to do with you. The set won’t like it.” - -Under almost any other circumstances, Tom would have hesitated before -incurring the displeasure of Rich and his companions; but if he -accomplished the object he had in view, it would, he thought, more -than make amends for the loss of their friendship. So he replied: - -“I don’t belong to the set yet, and I don’t care whether they like it -or not. I know what I am about.” - -“So do I,” said Miller. “You’re going back on us; that’s what you are -about. I didn’t think that of you, Newcombe.” - -“Better keep away from every one that wears a shoulder-strap,” said -Martin; “you’ll only get yourself into trouble if you do not.” - -Tom, seeing that they were not disposed to assist him in making -the acquaintance of the adjutant, walked off, leaving his three -friends vexed and disappointed. They disliked the idea of his -becoming intimate with the young officer, for he was one whose -influence and example had won more than one student from the “set;” -and knowing that Tom could be easily led in any direction, besides -being unacquainted with the object he had in view, they feared that -they were about to lose him forever. It was too late to recall him, -however, for Tom walked straight up to the adjutant, who extended -his hand, saying: - -“Your name is Newcombe, isn’t it? I thought so. I have heard of you,” -he continued, as he led the new student to a seat; “and a few moments -ago the colonel ordered me to take charge of you. I am to drill you -in the broadsword exercise. I know it isn’t exactly my place to act -the part of a drill-master, but I am comparatively a new student -here; and, as I am working for something higher, I want to improve -every opportunity to learn my duties.” - -“You are working for something higher!” repeated Tom, in surprise. -“Why, I thought you were the highest officer in the academy.” - -“O, no!” replied the adjutant, with a laugh. “A captain ranks me. -Look here!” he added, taking his coat down from a nail over his head, -“I have only one bar in my shoulder-strap, you see, while a captain -has two. I am only a first lieutenant.” - -Upon hearing this, Tom thought that he had no desire to become -better acquainted with the adjutant. If he was nothing but a first -lieutenant, he might keep his position, and welcome. He did not want -it; he must have something higher. His next step must be to scrape an -acquaintance with some captain, and try his designs upon him. As he -arose to his feet, intending to act upon his resolve without delay, -an idea struck him; and, turning to the adjutant, who was somewhat -surprised at his strange behavior, he asked if the rank of captain -was the highest in the academy. - -“O, no, not by a long way!” was the answer. “First comes the -colonel--that’s the principal, you know. If he wore a uniform, he -would have eagles in his shoulder-straps. But, as he never wears -any thing but citizen’s clothes, he allows the lieutenant-colonel -to sport the eagles. The lieutenant-colonel is the best scholar in -school, and the highest in rank. I tell you, it takes merit-marks, -and the hardest kind of study, to get that position. Every body is -working for it, but George Smith holds the honors and the eagles in -spite of us. Next comes the major. He’s the second best scholar, and -wears a silver leaf. Here comes the colonel now!” he continued, as a -tall, pale-looking youth advanced toward them. “He’s a fine fellow, -and I know you’ll like him.” - -When the colonel came up, the new student was introduced to him; and, -when Tom saw the silver eagles he wore on his shoulders, he made up -his mind that he had got hold of the right man at last. The young -colonel appeared to be a very jovial fellow, and talked and laughed -at such a rate that Tom soon began to feel perfectly at home in his -company. - -The hours from four until six in the afternoon were devoted to -recreation, and all the students were then off duty. No respect was -shown to rank during “play-time,” but the boys all met on a footing -of perfect equality. To the officers, especially, this was a season -of relief; for, being free from military restraint, they were at -liberty to throw off their assumed dignity, and mingle freely with -their companions. Tom, however, had not been at the academy long -enough to understand this, and he was astonished that one so high in -authority as was the colonel, should condescend to laugh and joke -with his inferiors. He thought that when he should be entitled to -wear the eagles, he would stand more on his dignity. - -Tom could be a very pleasant companion if he chose, and, having -now laid his plans against the colonel, he exerted himself to the -utmost to work his way into his good graces. He resolved to carry -out his ideas immediately, and commenced by requesting the officer -to give him some instructions in his duties, hoping that he would -accidentally let fall some word derogatory to the character of the -academy or of the teachers. He watched him as closely as ever a cat -watched a mouse, but all in vain. The colonel uttered no expression -that could be used against him; but, on the contrary, he appeared to -be perfectly contented, and satisfied with every thing in and about -the academy. Finally, becoming weary of exercise in the gymnasium, -the colonel put on his coat and strolled about the grounds with Tom, -who, thinking that if any thing was said that would be of use to him, -it would be necessary to have a witness to prove the fact, managed to -keep the adjutant with him. The two officers, who, of course, never -imagined what was passing in Tom’s mind, good naturedly answered his -questions, gave him all necessary instructions, and not a little good -advice. While thus engaged, the ringing of a bell called them in to -supper. - -“Now go to your dormitory and march down into the dining-room with -your company!” said the colonel. “Don’t forget what we have told you. -Study hard, obey all the rules and regulations, and go in strong for -a commission. I would like to see you an officer.” - -“So would I,” said Tom to himself, as he ran up the stairs toward his -dormitory. “But I’ll bet I don’t study very hard for it. I know an -easier way to get it; and, if you don’t look out, Colonel Smith, I’ll -have those silver eagles on my shoulders in less than a month.” - -When the students belonging to dormitory H had all assembled, they -were formed in line by a sergeant, and marched two abreast down -into the dining hall--a large room, in which there were spread a -sufficient number of tables to accommodate all the boys at once. When -Tom had been shown to the seat he was to occupy, he looked about him, -and discovered that his mess-table was but a short distance from the -one occupied by the officers. The lieutenant-colonel sat at the head -of the table, the major on his right hand, the ranking captain on -his left, and so on down to the foot. Tom thought that matters could -not have been arranged to suit him better, for, after listening a -moment, he found that, in spite of the clatter of knives and forks, -and the conversation going on all around him, he could distinctly -hear every word uttered by the lieutenant-colonel. The latter, -little dreaming how closely he was watched, talked and laughed with -the officers, but, to Tom’s disappointment and disgust, said not a -single word against either the teachers or the academy. This was very -discouraging, for Tom, having decided to be a colonel, wished to -assume the honors as soon as possible. - -At length there was a lull in the conversation, and the major, who -had been closely examining his glass of milk, set it down before the -colonel, saying: - -“Smith, don’t you believe there’s water in that milk? Just see how -blue it looks.” - -The colonel took the glass, and holding it up to the light, slowly -turned it about, and finally, set it down on the table again, Tom all -the while closely watching his motions, and impatiently waiting for -his reply. It came at length, and the new student almost jumped from -his chair with delight. - -“I know there is water in it,” said the colonel. “That milk-man is -swindling us. Let’s catch him some day, and duck him in the harbor.” - -“That would be unofficer-like conduct,” said the major, “and a -court-martial would be the result.” - -“O, hang your courts-martial,” said the colonel, who had engaged in -so many that he was really tired of them. “I wish such a thing wasn’t -known in this academy.” - -Here the subject of the conversation was changed; but Tom, who had -listened almost breathlessly to every word of it, had, he conceived, -heard enough to warrant him in making an effort to dislodge the -colonel from his high position. The officer had said that there -was water in the milk, had proposed to duck the milk-man, and -had exclaimed, “Hang your courts-martial!” and, if that was not -speaking ill of the academy, Tom thought he would like to know what -was. Improbable as it may seem, he was highly elated, and he fully -expected that he would soon be occupying the chair at the head of -the officers’ table. If he was foolish, he was but a type of a large -class of boys--and men, too--who, upon equally insignificant grounds, -have reared just such great expectations. - -Tom was hungry when he sat down to the table, but that had all -passed away now, for he had something better to occupy his mind. He -resolved to seek the principal immediately, and lay the matter before -him. So, pushing his chair back from the table, he was about to walk -out of the room, when a sergeant, belonging to his company, exclaimed: - -“Newcombe, where are you going? Sit down!” - -“I have business with the principal,” answered Tom, “and I am in a -great hurry to see him.” - -“Well, it is not customary for students to go out in that -unceremonious manner,” said the sergeant. “We’ll all go before -long; but, if you want to go now, you’ll have to ask the -lieutenant-colonel’s permission.” - -“I won’t do that!” said Tom to himself, as he reluctantly returned -to his seat at the table. “If I don’t request favors of him now, -he can’t ask them of me when I become colonel. I’ll fix you,” he -muttered, looking toward the sergeant, who, he thought, had addressed -him rather too abruptly. “I’ll take those stripes off your arm the -very first thing I do. You are not fit to be an officer.” - -Tom was very indignant at being obliged to remain in his seat until -all the students had finished their suppers. It was a regulation -he did not like, neither could he see that it was of any use. As -soon as the colonel’s straps were on his shoulders, he would ask -the principal to abolish the rule. This, he thought, would serve -to render him very popular with the students, several of whom, he -noticed, having satisfied their appetites, were impatient at being -required to wait for their companions. They were not compelled -to wait long, however, for presently the order was given for the -students to return to their quarters. Tom’s company was the last -that marched out; and, as soon as they reached the dormitory, and -the command had been given to break ranks, Tom started below, to see -the principal. - -“Newcombe!” shouted the sergeant, from the head of the stairs, “where -are you going?” - -“I told you once before to-night that I wanted to see the principal,” -said Tom, impatient at being delayed. - -“It is time to begin study, now,” said the sergeant. “Is your -business important?” - -“Yes!” answered the new student; “it is very important.” - -“Go ahead, then; but return as soon as you can, for I am responsible -for you now until you make your appearance in the school-room.” - -“I’ll break that fellow the minute I am colonel,” said Tom, as he -hurried along the hall. “He sha’n’t be an officer any longer.” - -Arriving at the principal’s apartment, he pounded loudly upon the -door; and, after a few moments’ delay, a voice from the inside bade -him enter. The new student opened the door, and found himself in the -presence of the principal, who greeted him with: - -“Newcombe, this is a very unusual hour for a student to visit me. You -ought to be at work at your lessons.” - -“I know it, sir,” replied Tom; “but I have something very important -to say to you.” - -The principal did not exhibit the curiosity that the new student had -imagined he would, for he answered: - -“I will listen to you this time, but hereafter, when you wish to see -me on business, you must do so when I visit your dormitory in the -morning. But what were you going to say?” - -Tom’s expectations were considerable dampened by the stern, dignified -demeanor of the principal, and, for a moment, he wished that he -had never envied the colonel, for he began to fear that, perhaps, -his success was rather doubtful after all. But it was too late to -retreat; and, summing up all his courage, Tom replied: - -“I have been informed, sir--the fact is, the lieutenant-colonel says -your milk-man puts water in the milk.” - -The principal was evidently very much astonished at this revelation, -for he settled back in his chair, and looked at the new student -without speaking. - -“Yes, sir; he said it!” continued Tom, who fancied that he saw -something encouraging in the principal’s look. “I heard him, and I -can bring plenty of witnesses to prove it. He also proposed to catch -the milk-man and duck him in the harbor; and when one of the boys -told him that he would be court-martialed if he did, he said, ‘Hang -your courts-martial.’ I don’t like to hear any body run down the -school; and if you will give me those eagles, I’ll make the boys stop -talking that way.” - -Tom had reached the point at last. In so many words, he had requested -that the lieutenant-colonel might be broken, and the eagles given -to him. He imagined that he had done the principal a great kindness -in thus exposing an unworthy officer, and he hoped that the zeal he -had manifested in watching over the interests of the academy, would -insure him the coveted eagles. He fully expected that such would be -the result, for he did not see how it could be otherwise. If the -colonel wished to reward honest, well-meaning pupils, that was the -time to show it. - -“Newcombe!” said the principal, sternly, “you have made a very bad -beginning. You have been in the academy scarcely three hours, and yet -you begin to carry tales. If you hoped to gain any thing by it, you -will be sadly disappointed. I will see you again tomorrow morning. -That will do, sir.” - -Tom was utterly confounded. He had staked all his hopes on the result -of this interview with the colonel, and he had, indeed, been most -sadly disappointed. Choking back a great lump that seemed to be -rising in his throat, he picked up his cap, walked slowly out of the -principal’s room, and ascended to his quarters. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - TOM HAS AN IDEA. - - -Tom had made a desperate effort to raise himself from the ranks to -the position of an officer, but he had signally failed. He did not -feel angry, but he was astonished to discover that his magnificent -plan, which, at the beginning, had held out such bright promises of -success, had so completely miscarried. He could not understand it. -He repeatedly assured himself that he had used his best endeavors to -uphold the honor and dignity of the academy; but, as was invariably -the case with him, he had been unsuccessful; and it was all owing to -the fact that his efforts had not been appreciated. In fact, nobody -ever appreciated any thing he tried to accomplish. Do what he would, -some one was always ready to scold and find fault with him; and, with -Tom’s amazement, there was mingled not a little disappointment. The -eagles, which he so confidently expected would soon adorn his own -shoulders, was still the property of one, who, in his estimation, was -most unworthy of them, and, at present, he could discover no means of -securing their possession. This, he imagined, afforded him abundant -proof that what Rich had told him was true--that the officers held -their positions through favoritism. The lieutenant-colonel was -undoubtedly the principal’s favorite; and all attempts to wrest the -eagles from him, especially while he could rely upon the assistance -of so powerful a friend as the professor, would be useless. This -discouraged Tom, who now began to realize the fact that his chances -for obtaining a shoulder-strap were very slim indeed. - -As these thoughts passed through the new student’s mind, he entered -his dormitory, where he was again confronted by the sergeant, who -informed him that he was wanted down stairs. Scarcely comprehending -what was said to him, Tom retraced his steps to the hall, and finally -found his way into the school-room, where all the students were -congregated, engaged in studying their lessons for the morrow. Tom -took the seat pointed out to him, and listlessly picking up his -arithmetic, he fastened his eyes on the page, (although, in his -bewilderment, he did not notice that he held the book upside down,) -and again pondered upon what had transpired during his interview with -the principal. - -“Now, what shall I do?” he soliloquized. “I have tried, many a time -during my life, to do a teacher a kindness, but I’ll never do it -again as long as I live. The academy may go to ruin for all I care. -This isn’t the first time I have been called a tale-bearer for trying -to follow the ‘golden rule’--doing as I would be done by. If any one -should speak ill of me, in the presence of a friend, wouldn’t I want -that friend to come and tell me of it? Of course I would, and I would -reward him for it if I could. But the principal don’t look at it in -that light. He has his favorites, and he is determined that he won’t -hear any thing said against them. He has no honor about him. He’s -the meanest man I ever saw and I’ll never try to help him again. And -I’ve got to stay here almost five months! O, I can’t be a soldier!” - -During the entire hour and a half that the students were required -to remain at their books, Tom’s mind was so fully occupied with -such thoughts as these, that, when he returned to his dormitory, he -knew no more about his lessons than he did when he first entered -the school-room. But he was not at all concerned about that, for -a more important matter was demanding his attention, and that was -the interview that the principal had promised him in the morning. -What would the colonel do with him? Tom almost gasped as he asked -himself this question, for he thought of the guard-house, with -“bread-and-water diet,” and the “two hours extra duty at night, with -bricks in his knapsack.” But there was no escaping his punishment, -whatever it might be, and Tom, at last, resolved to “stand and take -it like a man.” When he awoke in the morning, he repeated this -determination, which was accompanied by a wish that the colonel would -“be in a hurry about it, and not keep him waiting.” He was not kept -long in suspense, however, for just as he finished his breakfast, an -orderly informed him that the principal desired his presence in the -school-room. - -“Aha, Newcombe!” whispered Rich, who at that moment happened to pass -through the hall, and who saw, by Tom’s looks, that something was -wrong, “you are going to be hauled over the coals, are you? I knew -just how it would be when I saw you talking with those Spooneys last -night. I guess you’ll pay more attention to a friend’s advice in the -future.” - -Tom tried hard to muster up courage enough to enable him to pass -through the interview in an easy, unconcerned manner, but the attempt -was a complete failure; for, when he found himself in the presence -of the principal, he trembled and turned pale in spite of himself. -To his surprise, however, he was not sentenced to the guard-house, -neither was he obliged to perform extra duty, but he listened to a -lecture on tale-bearing that made him ashamed of himself. It was a -difficult matter, however, to convince Tom that he was in the wrong; -and when he left the school-room, he repeated the conclusion at which -he had arrived the night before, that the principal was “the meanest -man he ever saw.” He congratulated himself on escaping so easily, -but it was not long before he almost wished that he had been shut -up in the guard-house, so that he might have avoided what followed. -First came half an hour’s drill, with muskets, which disgusted Tom, -and made him wonder why he had ever been so foolish as to think of -becoming a soldier. Then came an hour’s hard study, and, after that, -his arithmetic lesson, in which, as was to be expected, he failed -completely. This was followed by exercise with the broadswords, -during which Tom whispered to the boy who stood next to him, that -“Bill Steele threw on a heap of style for one who was nothing but -a first lieutenant.” This brought him a caution from the adjutant, -who desired Tom to pay more attention to what was going on, and -postpone his talking until after drill hours. Taking all things into -consideration, Tom thought that he had never before passed such a -long and disagreeable day. The discipline was very strict; and, on -more than one occasion, Tom was sent to his dormitory to read the -rules and regulations, in order that he might know that he had -violated some of them. The lessons were long and difficult, the -drills tedious and uninteresting; and long before play-time arrived -he had repeatedly assured some of his class-mates that he had “seen -enough of the military school.” When dress-parade was over, Tom, in -no amiable frame of mind, took his seat under one of the trees, where -he was soon joined by his three friends. - -“Well, Newcombe!” said Rich, “what did the old colonel say to you? -Did he give you a blowing up?” - -“O, yes he did!” replied the new student. Then, fearing that his -companions might inquire into the matter, he added: “Boys, you had -better look out! There’s an awful story-teller in the school!” - -“Now, that’s just what we told you!” said Miller, who, of course, -little imagined that Tom himself was the tale-bearer. “We warned -you to keep away from every one wearing a shoulder-strap, but you -wouldn’t pay any attention to us. You always were a bull-headed -rascal, and I don’t pity you in the least.” - -“But we haven’t got any thing against you!” chimed in Rich. “If you -will fall in with us, we’ll keep you out of all such difficulties. -You see we have been here long enough to know all the ropes, and you -won’t lose any thing by taking our advice.” - -“I am the unluckiest boy in the whole world,” said Tom. “I’m always -getting into trouble. I may as well stick to you now, because I never -can be an officer.” - -“Of course you can’t. We told you that before. But, Newcombe, we’ve -got something to propose to you. Martin, just excuse us a moment.” - -So saying, Rich and Miller took Tom by the arm, and, after leading -him to an unfrequented part of the ground, the latter continued: - -“Newcombe, we have been thinking of admitting some new members to our -society. There are eleven good fellows here, and we should like to -see them brought in. Our constitution provides that any two officers, -higher than the rank of captain, may admit as many as they please. -You, being grand commander, and I a fourth colonel, the job can be -easily done. I know there is not much prospect now that it will ever -be of any use to them, but there is no knowing what may happen.” - -“Bring them in!” said Tom, who was ready to join in any thing that -would occupy his mind, and drive out the remembrance of his day’s -experience. “Go and get them Rich--one at a time.” - -The latter at once started off to hunt up the boys belonging to the -“set,” and presently Martin approached the place where Tom and Miller -were standing, and made known his desire to be admitted as a member -of the society. - -“Take off your cap,” said Tom, who, by virtue of his high rank, -conducted the proceedings. “Now, Richard Martin, do you solemnly -promise that, if you are admitted to this society, you will obey its -rules and regulations?” - -“I do!” answered Martin. - -“Well, then,” continued the grand commander, “listen to the -constitution by which you will be governed.” - -So saying, Tom, after having removed his own cap, and cast his eye -about the grounds to see that no one was within hearing, drew a -paper from his pocket, and read, in a whisper, as follows: - - We, the boys of the village of Newport, in order to form a more - perfect union, protect ourselves from all outsiders, promote - harmony and good feeling, provide for our defense against those who - have proved themselves unworthy of our friendship, do ordain and - establish this constitution for the Night-hawks. - - ARTICLE I. Believing, as we firmly do, that all monarchies and - aristocracies are bound to be overthrown, the government of this - society shall be democratic. The majority shall always rule. - - ARTICLE II. No boy shall be admitted as a member of this society, - who has once proved unfaithful to his promise, or who shall not - bind himself to obey all its rules and regulations, strive to - promote peace and harmony among the members, and carefully guard - all its secrets from outsiders. - - ARTICLE III. In order to fully carry out the objects of this - society, every member, upon admittance, shall receive the - appointment of corporal. All Night-hawks shall be officers in - the line of promotion, and daring exploits shall not be passed - unnoticed. - - ARTICLE IV. New members may be admitted by any two officers of - higher rank than captain, upon recommendation of at least two - members in good standing. - - ARTICLE V. When any member is known to be in trouble, it shall - be the duty of all to hasten to his relief. As prosperity makes - friends, and adversity tries them, all good Night-hawks will stick - to each other through thick and thin. No member, who refuses to - render prompt assistance to a companion in adversity shall be - considered a good Night-hawk. - - ARTICLE VI. This constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote - of all the members of the society. - -“There!” said Tom, when he had finished reading the document, “do you -again promise to faithfully obey this constitution?” - -“Yes,” replied Martin, “I’ll stick to what I said in the first place. -But I don’t see what good such a society will do us here.” - -“There’s no knowing what may turn up,” said Tom. “You may see the -use of it before you are many weeks older. Now I will give you a -certificate. As you are a stranger here, you won’t know the village -boys when you meet them; so, besides the signs and pass-words which -we shall teach you presently, it will be necessary for you to have -something to show.” - -As Tom spoke, he drew his memorandum-book from his pocket, and, -tearing out a leaf, handed it to Miller, who drew up the following -certificate of membership: - - “This certifies that Corporal Richard Martin has, this day - (Tuesday, August 14th) been admitted as a member of our society, - and that he is entitled to all the rights and privileges of a - Night-hawk. Members are instructed to treat him with the usual - respect.” - -When Tom and Miller had affixed their signatures to the document, the -former handed it to Martin, saying: “Now, then, whenever you come -across a Night-hawk, give him that paper, and he’ll use you like a -gentleman. Bring on the next.” - -One by one the boys belonging to the “set” came forward, and were -admitted with all due solemnity. In half an hour they had all been -initiated; and, after drawing them up in a line, Tom began to teach -them the signs and pass-words. Some of the boys were pleased with -the society, while others, like Martin, declared that they “couldn’t -see the use of it.” However, they all promised to obey the rules -and regulations; and, when the business had been transacted, the -Night-hawks were dismissed. - -For three weeks Tom led a most unhappy life at the academy. His -lessons were long and difficult; but he really tried to master them, -and to obey all the rules, for he feared the punishment that would -be inflicted upon him in case of failure. He had so long given way -to his careless habits, however, that it was almost an impossibility -for him to conform to all the regulations. Just at the moment when he -conceived that he was making rapid progress, he would suddenly find -himself in some difficulty. One afternoon, after he had learned the -manual of arms, and was ordered to attend dress parade, he could not -find his musket. He was certain that he had put it carefully in its -proper place; and, when brought up before the principal, he informed -that gentleman that it had been taken by some of the students, -who wished to play a joke upon him. But, when the matter was -investigated, it was found that the missing musket had been picked up -in the yard by one of the teachers. Then Tom remembered that, while -engaged in cleaning the weapon, he had been summoned to his class, -and that he had thrown the musket down, intending to return for it as -soon as he had recited his lesson. But he had forgotten all about -it, and the musket was put into what the boys called the “lucky -bag.” Of course there was more than one careless student in the -academy; and, to teach them to pay more attention to their duties, -any articles that were found lying about the building or grounds, -were taken care of by the teachers, and the owner was obliged to -undergo some slight punishment as a penalty. Such articles as knives, -foot-balls, and bats were often mislaid, but no one had ever before -heard of a musket being lost, and the colonel thought the offense -called for some extra punishment. So that night Tom was put on guard -duty, and was obliged to walk his beat for two hours, with his musket -on his shoulder, and a heavy knapsack on his back. This was the first -time he had been punished while at the academy, and his rage knew no -bounds. When he came off guard he went to bed, resolved that he would -stay in the school no longer. If his offense had been a serious one, -he would not have cared any thing about it; but compelling a boy to -stand two hours’ extra guard duty just because he lost his musket, -was carrying matters altogether too far. He wouldn’t stand it. - -But there was another thing that was a source of great trouble to Tom -just then, and that was the examination that was fast approaching, -and of which he had that day received a vivid and glowing description -from his two friends, Rich and Miller. These reviews were held -twice each year, and, when they were ended, the students went -into camp--or, rather, that part of them who passed the required -examination. The others remained at the academy “under arrest.” While -the successful scholars were enjoying themselves, they were deprived -of all liberty, and required to continue the regular routine of study -and drill. - -To have their names placed on the list with those who were to be -permitted to go into camp, was the highest ambition of all the -scholars in the academy. They worked harder for it than they did for -shoulder-straps. The camping-grounds were situated about nine miles -from the village, in a beautiful valley, through which ran a clear, -dancing trout brook. In going to and from these grounds the students -were commanded by their own officers, had their baggage-train, -which contained their knapsacks, provisions, and camp equipage, -and conducted themselves in all respects like an army on a march. -Skirmishers were occasionally thrown out, as if “feeling” an enemy’s -position; invisible foes were charged and routed, and imaginary -breastworks were carried at the point of the bayonet. While in camp -all study was suspended, and no work, except guard duty was required -of the students. Those off duty were allowed furloughs, and trout -fishing was the order of the day. In short, even the laziest students -acknowledged that two weeks’ liberty among the hills more than made -amends for three months hard study. All this, we repeat, had been -described to Tom, and it was no wonder that he looked forward to the -examination with rather an anxious eye. He had assured his father -that he would appear at the next camp wearing an officer’s uniform; -but he had given up all hopes of being able to fulfill his promise. -Instead of resolving to go earnestly to work to win the coveted -shoulder-straps, and, acting upon his resolution, he began to look -about to discover some way by which he might be able to avoid the -examination, which he knew would result in his being obliged to -remain at the academy. - -For the next two days, Tom was in a fever of excitement. He took no -interest whatever in his duties, but spent all his time in thinking -and planning. One day, during play-hours, he paid a visit to Miller -and Rich; and while in their dormitory, he picked up an old newspaper -that happened to be lying on the latter’s bed, and, while glancing -listlessly over its columns, his eye fell upon a paragraph that -instantly arrested his attention. - -“Aha!” he exclaimed, after reading it over and over several times, in -order to fully comprehend its meaning. “I say, Rich, do you care if I -tear a piece out of this paper?” - -“No!” replied the latter, looking up in surprise. “But what’s in the -wind now?” - -“O, nothing!” answered Tom, hastily tearing out the article that had -interested him, and placing it in his pocket-book for safe keeping. -“Here’s something I want to save for future reference. I’ve got an -idea!” - -“What is it, Newcombe?” asked Miller, eagerly. “Let us see that -paper!” - -“O no, I can’t! I just say that I’ve got a splendid idea, and as soon -as I follow it out, I’ll tell you what it is. It will astonish you!” - -“Will it? Then tell us what it is now!” said Rich, impatiently. -“Perhaps we can help you.” - -“I don’t need any of your help. I can get along very well by myself.” - -So saying, Tom turned on his heel and walked out of the dormitory, -leaving his two friends at a loss how to account for his strange -behavior. - -Tom was now in his element. He had a “splendid idea” that he wanted -to “follow out.” He was generally very expert at such business, but, -in the present instance, he could not help acknowledging to himself -that his success was doubtful. He walked about among his companions -with his eyes fastened thoughtfully on the ground; and, although he -would occasionally chuckle to himself when he thought over his grand -idea, his face more frequently wore a disappointed look, as if he -found innumerable obstacles in his way. It was a more difficult task -than he had ever undertaken before, and it was two days before he -had thought the matter over and arrived at a conclusion. His was an -enterprise that demanded an unusual amount of attention, for it was -one that no other boy in the academy would have thought seriously -of attempting. But Tom, who had at last been led to realize the -fact that he could never be an officer, and being determined not to -remain at the academy under arrest while the students were enjoying -themselves, had resolved to do something desperate. In spite of the -entreaties of his friends, which were renewed at every opportunity, -Tom kept his own counsel, and, it was not until he had decided upon -his course, that he intimated to Rich, Miller, and Martin, that he -was ready to reveal his secret. So, one night, when dress parade was -over, Tom conducted his companions to a remote corner of the grounds, -where he gave them an insight into the “splendid idea” which had so -long occupied all his thoughts. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - THE CONSPIRATORS. - - -“Now, then, Newcombe,” said Miller, as he seated himself on the -grass, under one of the trees, “let us hear what you have to say.” - -“Before I begin,” said Tom, “I want you to promise, that if you don’t -see fit to join my enterprise, you won’t split on me.” - -“Split on you!” echoed Miller. “Don’t we know, as well as you do, -that it is against the laws of our society to divulge secrets? There -are no tell-tales among us.” - -Tom turned away his head as his companion said this, for he knew, if -no one else did, that there was one tale-bearer, at least, in the -society. What would Rich, and Miller, and all the other faithful -Night-hawks have thought, had they known that the one who held the -highest office in the gift of the organization, had been trying to -better his condition by carrying tales to the principal? - -“No, sir; I don’t think there is a single fellow among us who would -be mean enough to split on you,” continued Miller. “If there is, I -know I am not the one, for I have shown, more than once, that I can -be trusted.” - -“Speak it out, Newcombe,” said Rich. “We have all made solemn -promises to stand by each other through thick and thin, and we are -all true blue.” - -“Well, to begin with,” said Tom; “I know very well that I can’t pass -a decent examination, and I don’t want to be confined in the academy -building, while all the other fellows are having a jolly time in -camp.” - -“Neither do I,” said Rich. “But we can’t help ourselves.” - -“Perhaps we can,” said Tom, shaking his head knowingly; “perhaps we -can. If I haven’t succeeded in my arithmetic and geography lessons, -I’ve got something better worked out. You have been to sea on three -or four voyages, haven’t you, Rich?” - -“Yes,” answered that worthy, “and I am a good sailor--better than any -other boy in the academy.” - -“But could you take command of a vessel--say of the size of the -Swallow?” - -“Command a sloop like that! Yes, of course I could. If I knew that -she was sea-worthy, I wouldn’t be afraid to take her to Europe.” - -“That’s all right!” said Tom, evidently very much relieved. “That’s -one difficulty out of the way. I knew I would be certain to succeed.” - -“But, Newcombe, what’s all this got to do with your grand idea?” -asked Miller, impatiently. “Why don’t you tell us what you intend to -do?” - -“Well, I am going to tell you now,” replied Tom. “I propose that we -escape the examination, by taking the Swallow and going to sea in -her.” - -The boys were all very much astonished at this proposition; but, -without allowing them time to raise any objections, Tom pulled out -his pocket-book, and, producing the piece of newspaper which had -so excited the curiosity of his companions, he handed it to Miller, -saying, “Read that.” - -The latter took the paper, looked at it a moment, and then, springing -to his feet, seized Tom’s hand, shouting: - -“Newcombe, you’re a brick! Your idea is a glorious one! I see it all, -now!” - -“Read it! Read it!” exclaimed Rich and Martin. “Let us hear it.” - -Thus appealed to, Miller again seated himself, and read aloud as -follows: - - “PLUCKY SAILOR BOYS.--Two lads, each about fourteen years of age, - living in Marblehead, Mass., undertook a daring exploit about - three weeks ago. They, by some means or other, got possession of - a small yacht in the harbor, and after laying in a good supply - of provisions, which took them three days, they set sail and put - out to sea. They were picked up, five miles outside, by a revenue - cutter, and, after being taken on board, stated that they had laid - their plans to go to Europe. They were taken back to the city and - restored to their parents.” - -“There! what do you think of that?” asked Tom, when Miller had -finished reading the article. - -“It’s gay,” said Rich. “They were plucky chaps indeed.” - -“Why don’t you say something?” inquired Miller, turning to Martin, -who sat gazing thoughtfully at the ground. “Don’t you see through the -thing yet?” - -“Yes,” replied the latter; “what you intend to do is as plain as -daylight. But I don’t think the idea is so very gay, after all.” - -“Why not?” asked Tom. - -“Because those ‘plucky sailor boys’ did not get very far on their -way toward Europe before they were overtaken and carried back. Their -scheme failed.” - -“That’s because they didn’t know any thing,” said Rich, promptly. -“They ought to have looked out for that.” - -“And there’s one thing the paper forgot to speak about,” continued -Martin. “It doesn’t say whether or not those two fellows were -punished when they got home. If we should be caught in a scrape like -that, we never would be released from the lock-up, or get through -standing guard, and performing the extra duties that would be imposed -upon us.” - -“Now, don’t squeal before you are hurt,” said Miller. “If I had known -that you were so chicken-hearted, I never would have proposed you as -a member of our society.” - -“I am no coward!” replied Martin, angrily; “but I have common sense -enough to know that we had better look before we leap. Before we -attempt to carry out Tom’s idea, we must see exactly how the land -lays. In the first place, we have no boat, and, in the next place, it -would be of no use to us if we had; for we are not the ones who get -furloughs whenever we ask for them.” - -“O, Newcombe has got that all worked out,” said Miller, who was -impatient to hear the details of the plan. “Give us all the -particulars, Tom.” - -“I can do that in a very few words,” said the latter. “We will get -together all the members of our society who are willing to go with -us, escape from the academy some night, take the Swallow, or some -other little trading vessel, and go on a cruise. We’ll stay out until -the examination is over, and then come back.” - -“That’s it!” exclaimed Miller. “I’m in for it. But suppose we should -be captured and brought back?” - -“We don’t intend to come back to the academy until we get ready!” -said Rich. “We’ll look out for that. But, boys, don’t begin to raise -objections now. We must get rid of that examination, if possible, and -Tom is just the chap to show us how to do it.” - -“Go on, Newcombe--what next?” - -“I have but one thing more to say,” continued Tom, “and that is, I -will engineer this thing through if you want me to. You know that I -can call upon any member of the society for assistance.” - -“But how will we get the boat?” asked Rich. - -“That’s my business. There are fourteen fellows in the academy whom -we can trust, and I want to know how many of them are willing to -go with us; and then I must have authority to do as I please, or I -won’t budge an inch. I’ll go on my own hook. I have a boat of my own, -and I am bound to get away from here before that examination comes -off. What would my father say if he should happen to visit the camp, -and the colonel should tell him that I was at the academy, ‘under -arrest?’” - -“Well, Tom,” said Martin, after thinking a moment, “I, for one, am -perfectly willing that you should boss this job, but you know the -government of our society is democratic, and we all have a hand in -whatever is going on. I shall do just as the majority say. If they -think the scheme can be successfully carried out, I am in for it; -and, in order to get the most of the boys on your side, you ought to -tell us exactly what you are going to do, and how you intend to do -it.” - -Tom could not very well resist the force of this reasoning. The -scheme he had proposed was rather different from any thing the -Night-hawks had ever before thought of; and, knowing that if it -proved successful it would throw all their former exploits into -the shade, Tom wanted the honor of carrying it through alone and -unaided. He had not the least idea of going off by himself in the -Mystery, but he thought that, by threatening to leave his companions -to themselves, he might frighten them into allowing him to have his -own way. But it was plain that the boys were not in favor of “buying -a cat in a bag;” they did not intend to give their consent to Tom’s -scheme until they understood all about it. - -“Now, Newcombe,” said Rich, “tell us how we are to get the Swallow. -We want to know all the particulars.” - -“We must have help,” replied Tom. “It was my intention to write to -some of the boys in the village.” - -“Then it’s lucky that we didn’t give you authority to do as you -pleased, for you would have knocked the whole thing into a cocked -hat in no time,” said Miller, decidedly. “Suppose the letter should -fall into the hands of the Philistines? That would be the end of your -cruise, and you would find a boy about your size in the guard-house, -living on bread and water. I’ve got an idea,” he continued. “I -propose that we all study hard, and behave ourselves this week, and, -perhaps, some of us can manage to get a furlough next Saturday. If -one fails, another may succeed, you know, and we’ll give the lucky -ones authority to call on the boys in the village and talk the matter -over with them. And now about the Swallow! Do you propose to hire -her?” - -“Of course not!” replied Tom. “We’ll take her and welcome.” - -“Steal her!” ejaculated Rich. “That plan won’t work, either. If we -should do that, old ’Squire Thompson would have his hands on us the -moment we got back. I propose that we charter her. We’ve all got some -money.” - -“Let us speak to the other fellows, and see what they have to say on -the subject,” said Martin, who, for some time, had remained silent. - -“That’s a sensible idea!” exclaimed Tom, who was obliged to confess -to himself that he had made two great mistakes in his calculations. -“But go about it easy. Be careful that no one overhears you. Tell -them to meet us here in a quarter of an hour.” - -The others agreeing to this proposal, the four conspirators returned -to the building to hunt up all the members of their society. The -Night-hawks were scattered about over the grounds, some engaged in -a game of ball; some lying in the shade of the trees; others were -in the gymnasium, and two of their number, for some violation of -the rules of the academy, had received orders to remain in their -dormitories. The schemers worked to such good advantage that, at the -end of a quarter of an hour, ten boys belonging to the society were -gathered in a remote corner of the grounds, awaiting the appearance -of Tom and Miller, who had been commissioned to obtain the opinions -of the culprits in the dormitories. Thus far every thing appeared to -be working smoothly, for all the members had, without hesitation, -agreed to join the expedition. - -“Hold on a minute!” said Miller, suddenly, as he and Tom started to -join their companions. “Don’t you see the colonel looking out of his -window? That old fellow is as sharp as a steel-trap; and, if he sees -so many of us talking in an out-of-the-way place, he’ll certainly -snuff something. Go and get your foot-ball, and we’ll fool him -nicely.” - -Tom ran up to his dormitory, took the ball from his trunk, and, -kicking it along the ground before them, they walked toward the -place where their companions were gathered, leading the principal -to infer that they were simply going out there to amuse themselves. -In order to keep up the deception, a game of foot-ball was started, -but continued only for a short time, when the Night-hawks seated -themselves on the ground to discuss the question in hand. Tom, in -a few words, explained the object of the proposed expedition, as -well as the manner in which it ought to be conducted to make it -successful. So delighted were the boys with the idea, that not a -single objection was raised, and, in ten minutes, the business was -finished, and the meeting was adjourned. It was decided that the -first step should be to obtain the help of the Night-hawks in the -village; and, in order to accomplish this, it was resolved that -each member of the society in the academy should endeavor to behave -himself properly during the remainder of the week, so that, on -Saturday, he might be granted a furlough. It was not expected that -all would succeed in this, but those who did were to be appointed -“commissioners,” to state the matter to the village boys, and -request their assistance in chartering a vessel, laying in a stock -of provisions for the cruise (which would last at least two weeks), -and, in fact, completing all the out-door business. The much-dreaded -examination was still three weeks distant; so they would have -plenty of time in which to complete all their arrangements. When -the eventful night arrived, they would make their escape from the -academy through the dormitory windows; and, in order to accomplish -this, it was necessary for them to have a rope long enough to reach -from the third story of the building to the ground, and strong enough -to bear their weights. This rope would be furnished by the boys in -the village. When Tom made this suggestion, it created something -of an uproar among the Night-hawks, several of whom declared that -if they were expected to risk their necks by crawling out of a -second or third story window, they would have nothing to do with the -expedition. But Tom insisted that the rope be procured, saying that -“there was no knowing what might happen,” and that it was “always -well enough to be prepared for any emergency;” and he finally carried -his point. - -“Now, Martin,” said Tom, after the meeting broke up, and the -Night-hawks were walking about the grounds in groups of twos and -threes, talking over their plans, in excited whispers, “you said you -didn’t see any use in joining our society. What do you think of it -now?” - -“If those fellows in the village will help us, I shall say it is a -good thing,” replied Martin. - -“Help us! Of course they will. They dare not refuse. You know that it -is one of our laws, that when any member is in trouble, the others -must assist him if they can. Now, we are in trouble--or we shall be, -if we don’t get away from here before that examination comes off--and -they must help us.” - -During the remainder of the week, the Night-hawks, as they imagined, -conducted themselves with the utmost propriety. Each of them had -secretly determined that he would obtain a furlough, if within the -bounds of possibility, for that would insure him the appointment -of “commissioner”--an honor which they all regarded as well worth -working for. Tom, with the others, had resolved that he would not -waste a single moment; that he would study constantly; pay strict -attention to all his duties, and use his best endeavors to have his -name placed on the list with those who were to be allowed liberty. -He held manfully to his resolution, and surprised his teacher by -coming in to his recitations with perfect lessons. But the rules of -the academy were very strict, and Tom was an unlucky boy. Although he -made improvements in one respect, he fell behind in others; and when -Saturday came, and the names of those who were to receive furloughs -were posted in the hall, Tom, to his disappointment and indignation, -found that his name was not among them. - -“Mr. Hudson!” said he, entering the school-room, where his teacher -was busy at his desk, “I would like to know what I have done, sir, -that I can’t have a furlough, like the rest of the boys? I understood -you to say that I had made twenty-four extras this week by perfect -lessons.” - -“Yes,” replied Mr. Hudson, “you have made excellent progress, as -far as your lessons are concerned, and I assure you I am very -glad to be able to say so. But you must remember that, in order -to receive liberty, you must strictly conform to _all_ the rules -and regulations. Didn’t you know that it was contrary to law for -you to play marbles in your dormitory? and who was it that knocked -that picket off the fence, and went outside the grounds without -permission?” - -“I did, sir,” answered Tom. “But I went after my ball.” - -“That’s no excuse; and, more than that, can you tell me the name of -the student who went on dress parade with a rusty musket; who left -his trunk open, and his clothing scattered about over the floor of -his dormitory, and who lost his broadsword besides? The rules do -not recognize any mistakes, you know. They call all such things -‘disobedience of orders.’ But don’t be discouraged; try it again, -Newcombe.” - -“O, now, I won’t do it,” said Tom to himself, as he walked out of -the school-room. “There’s no use in crying. The more I try to behave -myself, the more I fall behind. I knew I never could be a soldier, -and I don’t see what father wanted to send me to this school for.” - -When Tom reached the end of the hall, he found the Night-hawks -gathered on the porch. They were all disappointed, not one of them -having received a furlough. Some had fallen behind in their lessons, -while the majority, like Tom, had disobeyed some “little” rule. - -“What shall we do now, Newcombe?” asked Miller, in a gloomy voice. -“We’re up stump, easy enough.” - -“And all on account of those useless rules,” said Rich. “What good -does it do to bind a fellow down so tight? If they are so strict now, -what will they be during the examination, when we receive visitors?” - -“There is but one way out now, that I can see,” replied Tom, “and -that is, to write a letter to our friends in the village.” - -“But suppose it should fall into the hands of the Philistines?” said -Miller. “What, then?” - -“Just leave that to me,” said Tom; “I’ll not put the letter in the -mail-box; I’ll send it through in some other way.” - -There were a good many objections raised to this arrangement, for the -Night-hawks all knew that there was danger in it; but, after a little -argument, they concluded that Tom’s plan was the only one left them, -and he and Miller being the oldest members of the society, as well -as the highest in rank in the academy, were instructed to write the -letter. So, that afternoon, during play-hours, Miller visited Tom in -his dormitory, and, after the latter had produced writing materials, -they sat down to study up the important document. - -“Now, Newcombe,” said Miller, “you ought to write that letter. You -understand the business better than I do, and, besides, you are the -highest officer in the society.” - -But this was not the reason why the fourth colonel wanted Tom to do -the work. He doubted the latter’s ability to get the letter safely -into the hands of the village boys; and, if it should happen to fall -into the possession of the principal, the handwriting would tell him -where to look to find the guilty one. Thus, Tom was again used as a -“cat’s paw.” - -“That’s one point settled,” continued Miller. “Now, to whom shall we -send it?” - -“Johnny Harding is the best fellow,” answered Tom. “I know he’ll help -us. But how shall we address him?” - -“Why, as it is an official letter from you, as the grand commander of -the council, you ought to address him according to his rank. Is he -still second corporal?” - -“O, no, he made a big jump; one night, when his mother told him to -stay in the house, he crawled out of his window and came down the -lightning-rod. As his room was in the second story of the building, -it was something of a job, I tell you. When he told us about it, we -offered to make him a lieutenant, but Johnny said the reward wasn’t -big enough; and he told us that if we didn’t give him something -better than that, he would stay in the house the next time his mother -ordered him to do so. Well, we couldn’t afford to lose Johnny, you -know; so the next evening, after school, we all went up to look at -the house and the lightning-rod, and we came to the conclusion that -there was not another fellow in the society who would dare to attempt -a thing like that; so we created the office of fifth captain, and -gave it to him.” - -“Well, he earned it,” said Miller. “But if he carries this thing -through for us, he will want something higher.” - -“He ought to have it,” replied Tom. “I’ll be willing to promise -anything, if he’ll only help us.” - -The Night-hawks then turned their attention to the letter, and at -the end of half an hour it was finished. Miller proved to be an -invaluable assistant, and Tom got along much better than he would, -had he been left to himself. - -The letter ran as follows: - - MILITARY ACADEMY, } - NEWPORT, August 28, 18--. } - - _Fifth Captain John W. Harding_-- - - SIR: I have been instructed to ask your assistance, according to - article fifth of our laws. We are in trouble, and you are in duty - bound to help us out. When we tell you that in two weeks from this - date we shall be called upon to stand an examination, for which we - are totally unprepared, we know that you will sympathize with us. - We have decided upon a plan to escape from our troubles, and, with - the assistance you can easily render us, it can be successfully - carried out. - - We intend to desert the academy and go to sea; and, in order to - do that, it is, of course, necessary that we should have a vessel - large enough to accommodate all the members of our society who - may desire to go with us. We wish you to visit the captain of the - Swallow, and ask him on what terms he will let us have his sloop - for three weeks. Get it as cheap as possible, for we are not very - flush of money just at present. We are perfectly willing to pay - him in advance, and will promise to take the very best care of his - boat. When you hire it, give him to understand that you want it for - yourself, to go off on a fishing excursion or something of that - kind (which, by the way, will be the truth), and that you don’t - want any of his crew on board. We can manage her ourselves. After - this has been done, ascertain how many of your boys will accompany - us (and we hereby extend an invitation to them all), and then make - an estimate of the amount of provisions we shall require. Each boy - is expected to furnish an equal share of money with which to foot - all our bills. - - Please answer as soon as possible, and bring or send your letter to - the south side of the grounds, outside the fence; but don’t speak - to any one unless he proves himself to be a friend. We have lately - admitted some new members to our society; and, as you fellows in - the village are not acquainted with them, it is necessary that you - should be very careful. - - We also need a long rope, strong enough to bear one’s weight, to - assist us in making our escape from the building. - - Now, captain, look alive. Remember, we want the boat and provisions - ready two weeks from next Monday. Also bear in mind that the - success of our expedition depends upon you alone. - - Very respectfully, - - THOMAS NEWCOMBE, - _Grand Commander of the Council_. - -“There!” said Tom, with a long breath of relief, “it’s finished at -last. That’s a splendid letter, and it covers all the ground. Now,” -he continued, as he folded it up and placed it in an envelope, “the -next thing is to get it safely to the post-office.” - -“Yes; and that’s the most dangerous part of the undertaking,” said -Miller. “That’s a useless rule the colonel made, about putting all -letters in the mail-box. Now, Newcombe, mind what you are about, -or you’ll be brought up with a round turn. Then look out for the -guard-house.” - -“Never mind me,” said Tom, as he put a stamp on the envelope. “I’ll -fix that all right.” - -After the letter had been sealed and addressed, the two conspirators -left the dormitory, and Miller walked off toward the ball-ground, -while Tom loitered about in the hall. The students whose names were -on the “liberty list,” were leaving the academy to visit the village, -and, among them were several who had but recently been admitted to -the school. Presently a new scholar, who belonged to dormitory H, -came out of the principal’s room with a pass in his hand; and Tom, -walking carelessly toward him, accosted him with: - -“Hallo, Simmonds! Off for the village, I suppose?” - -“Yes,” replied the new student. “I am one of the lucky ones this -week.” - -“You are fortunate, that’s a fact,” said Tom. “But Simmonds,” he -continued, as he accompanied the new scholar toward the gate, “will -you do a favor for me?” - -“I will,” replied the other, readily. - -“Then mail this letter for me,” said Tom, producing it. - -“Isn’t that against the rules?” asked Simmonds, hesitatingly. - -“What! mailing a letter? Now, Bill, who’s been stuffing you? Here, -take it, and don’t be a greeny!” - -The new student evidently did not like to be considered a “greeny,” -for, without further hesitation, he took the letter and put it into -his pocket. Tom stood watching him until he had closed the gate, and -was well on his way toward the village; and then, congratulating -himself on the success of his plans, walked toward the ball-ground -and joined his companions. - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS. - - -“Well, how is it now?” inquired Rich, as Tom approached the spot -where all the Night-hawks were standing, listening to Miller’s -description of the letter that had just been written. “Have you -succeeded?” - -“Of course,” replied the grand commander. “We are all right, so far. -The document is half-way to the post-office by this time.” - -“That makes me feel a little easier,” said Miller. “But I shall shake -in my boots until we get an answer to it.” - -“Humph!” exclaimed Tom, contemptuously. “I guess I know what I am -about. If you don’t think that I am able to manage this business, you -had better give it into the hands of some one else.” - -“O, we are not afraid to trust you,” said one of the new members; -“but you don’t know the old colonel as well as we do. He knows a -thing or two, and if he don’t find out something about this business, -I shall be most agreeably surprised. So mind what you are about.” - -“Now, never mind me,” replied Tom, confidently. “I tell you I know -just what I am doing. We’ll have an answer within forty-eight hours. -That’s not long to wait.” - -But, on this point, Tom soon changed his mind. Two days, he found, -was a long time to wait, especially for one so impatient as he was. -The hours seemed lengthened into weeks; and, as if to make the time -hang more heavily on his hands, he failed in all his lessons, was -obliged to stand guard at night, and, on the second day, received -orders to remain in his dormitory during play-hours. This was very -provoking. He fully expected Johnny Harding would be on hand that -evening with an answer to his letter, and he wanted to meet him, in -order that he might have a long talk with him, and learn exactly what -the boys in the village thought of their scheme. But he had faithful -friends upon whom he could depend, and when dress-parade was over, -and he was about to ascend to his quarters, he found opportunity to -whisper to several of the Night-hawks to “keep an eye open,” which -they all readily promised to do. - -Tom had not been mistaken in his calculations when he had selected -Johnny Harding as the most reliable member of the society, for, -about half-past four o’clock, the fifth captain, in obedience to the -instructions he had received from his chief, made his appearance on -the south side of the grounds. He walked rapidly along the road, -watching the games that were going on inside the inclosure, when a -ball, propelled by some vigorous striker, bounded over the fence and -fell into the road before him. - -“I say, my friend!” shouted one of the students. - -“Say it yourself!” replied Johnny, good-naturedly. - -“Will you be kind enough to throw that ball back here? You were just -in time to be of assistance to us,” continued the student, as Johnny -pitched the ball back into the grounds. “We are not allowed to go -over this fence.” - -“That’s all right,” said Johnny. “I don’t need any thanks. Perhaps -some of you can do as much for me now. Have any of you seen a large -bow-kite over this way?” - -“No,” answered several of the students. “Have you lost one?” - -“If you find one,” continued the messenger, “with the word Nantucket -painted on it in large capital letters, you may know that it is mine; -and I would be greatly obliged if you would keep it safe until I call -for it.” - -“All right,” answered the students. “If we find it, we’ll return it -to you in good order.” - -“That fellow must have been hard up for names to call his kite -Nantucket,” said one of the boys, as soon as Johnny was out of -hearing. “Nobody but a country chap would ever have thought of -calling a kite by that name.” - -“No success thus far,” soliloquized Johnny, as he continued his walk. -“Not a Night-hawk among those fellows. I hope they won’t waste much -valuable time in looking for that kite. Hallo! here’s one of ’em, or -I am greatly mistaken.” - -He had discovered a boy seated under one of the trees in the school -grounds, apparently deeply interested in a book which he held in his -hand. - -“Ahem!” said Johnny, looking straight down the road, and hurrying -along faster than ever. - -“Ahem,” answered the student. - -Johnny stopped as suddenly as if the boy had called him by name, and, -walking up to the fence, inquired: - -“Have you seen any thing of a large bow-kite over this way--” - -And here the fifth captain stopped and looked at the student, as if -he expected him to finish the sentence. He had found the right man at -last, for the academy boy continued: - -“With the word Nantucket painted on it in large capital letters?” - -“That’s the one!” said Johnny, eagerly. “Have you seen it?” - -“Yes, it’s safe,” replied the student, who arose to his feet, and, -after glancing about the grounds, to satisfy himself that no one -was observing his movements, he walked carelessly to the fence, -and handed Johnny a slip of paper. It was his “certificate of -membership,” and, when the fifth captain read it, he knew that he had -found a friend. - -“That’s all right!” said Johnny. “Here’s a letter for Newcombe. I -haven’t done as well as I expected to do, and, unless I get new -orders, the whole expedition is hard and fast aground. Here’s the -rope?” he continued, pulling a bundle, tied up in a newspaper, from -under his coat. “So Tom has brought in new members? We’re glad of -it--the more the merrier, you know. Good-by! If you ever visit the -village, don’t fail to call on me.” - -So saying, Johnny walked off, while the Night-hawk, after putting the -letter into his pocket, and concealing the rope under his coat, bent -his steps toward the academy, and presently entered the dormitory, -where the grand commander was confined. When the new member entered -the room, he gave his chief a significant wink, which told Tom as -plainly as words that the long-wished-for letter had at last arrived. -The latter could scarcely restrain himself, so impatient was he to -examine its contents. But it was necessary to be very careful, for -there were several students in the room, some, like Tom, confined for -misdemeanors, while others, having grown tired of play, were busy -with their books; and, to give any of these a hint of what was going -on, would endanger not only the success of the expedition, but the -liberties of all engaged in it. - -Tom, however, played his part to perfection. Without appearing to -take any notice of the Night-hawks, he walked to the further end of -the room; and the new member, after loitering about, and conversing -with some of the students, found an opportunity to put the letter -and rope under the pillow on Tom’s bed. The movement was skillfully -executed, and no one but the grand commander noticed it. There was -now but little danger of discovery; but Tom, who still thought it -necessary to be very cautious, did not go near his bed for half -an hour. Then, after a little maneuvering, he managed to hide the -rope in his trunk and to read Johnny’s letter, which, brief and to -the point, told how the fifth captain had performed the business -intrusted to him. In the first place, he informed his chief that -he had been unable to charter a vessel; for, as the fifth captain -expressed it, “there was not a single ship-owner in the village who -would be foolish enough to allow a parcel of green boys to go off -alone in his vessel;” so, unless the boys at the academy changed -their programme, they might as well abandon the idea of escaping -their examination. Johnny wound up his letter by telling his chief -that the surest way to get a boat was to capture her; and by -informing him that he would be at the south side of the grounds on -the following afternoon, at five o’clock, to receive his answer. - -On the whole, Tom was very well pleased with the letter. He had, in -the beginning, proposed to capture a vessel, or to “take her and -welcome,” which was the same thing, but his friends had opposed it. -Now they would be obliged to fall in with his plans, which would be -another feather in his cap, for it would, perhaps, serve to convince -the Night-hawks that they ought to pay more attention to what he said -to them. He was very anxious to escape the examination, but he did -not want any one to assist him in making the necessary arrangements. -He wanted the boys to obey all his orders, and he would rather the -enterprise should be defeated under his own management, than prove a -success under the control of any one else. - -After a few moments’ consideration, Tom decided that he would not -write an answer to Johnny’s letter, but that he would behave himself -the next day so that he would be granted liberty with the others -during play-time. He could then see the fifth captain, and talk -the matter over with him. He felt greatly encouraged. If he had -entertained any doubts as to the ultimate success of the undertaking, -they were all gone now, for Johnny had shown that he could be -depended upon--that he would faithfully carry out all instructions he -might receive, which would render failure impossible. - -When Miller and Rich marched down to supper that evening, Tom -succeeded in slipping the letter into their hands, and the wink which -they gave the chief, when they met in the school-room, told Tom that -his friends had read the letter and pondered upon its contents. - -The next day Tom began work in earnest. He studied hard, although -that was a most difficult task, for his thoughts would sometimes -wander away from his books in spite of all he could do to prevent -it. He paid strict attention to all his duties, and was, of course, -allowed liberty at play-time. Then he could not help thinking how -much better he always felt, when he behaved himself so that he could -be allowed privileges with the others, than he did when he was -scolded and punished for his offenses. - -“Now, boys,” said he, as the Night-hawks met on the ball-ground, “I -suppose you have all read that letter I gave to Miller last night; so -let’s hear from you. What have you got to say about it?” - -A long and somewhat stormy debate followed Tom’s question, and the -point of difference was, the manner in which they ought to go to work -to secure a vessel. Among the Night-hawks there was scarcely one who -would hesitate to appropriate such small articles as apples, peaches, -or water-melons, “just for the fun of the thing;” but they were all -afraid to risk the serious matter of making off with a boat that did -not belong to them, no matter how much fun and excitement there might -be in it. Tom, however, had thought the matter over, and was ready -with an answer to this argument. Although they should take a vessel -without asking the owner’s permission, they would not steal her, for -it was their intention to return the boat in just as good order as -they found it. A sloop wasn’t worth more than a dollar a day; and -just before they got ready to start, they would mail a letter to the -owner of the boat, enclosing twelve or fourteen dollars; and, when -he found that his boat came back safe and sound, and that he had -received good pay for her, he wouldn’t grumble. This plan silenced -the fears of the timid members of the society, who finally agreed to -act according to Tom’s suggestion. - -The next question that arose was in regard to the expenses of the -cruise. The chief demanded two dollars from each boy present, which -astonished the Night-hawks, who declared that Tom was altogether too -extravagant. But the latter again carried his point, and the sum of -twenty-eight dollars was collected, and placed in his hands, to be -given to Johnny Harding as their share of the expenses, and Tom was -instructed to meet the fifth captain, and make all the necessary -arrangements with him. All these questions being satisfactorily -settled, the boys separated, and, while the majority of them joined -in various games about the grounds, Tom seated himself under a tree, -near the fence, to await the arrival of Johnny Harding. Punctually -at the time appointed the latter was on hand, and, at the end -of a quarter of an hour, Tom returned to his companions, highly -elated with the result of the interview, while Johnny slowly and -thoughtfully retraced his steps toward the village. - -With the exception of the escape from the academy building, which -the Night-hawks would be obliged to accomplish without assistance -from outsiders, Johnny now had the most difficult and dangerous task -to perform. His orders were to provision the Sweepstakes--a little -schooner that lay in the creek in front of the village--and get her -in readiness for the cruise; and, to accomplish this, without giving -the Philistines a hint of what was going on, was a feat requiring -all the skill and judgment the fifth captain could command. It was -rather out of his line of business; but Johnny, who had decided to -accompany the expedition, and who delighted in such exploits, was not -discouraged by the difficulties he found in his path. That there was -a way to successfully carry out his instructions, he did not, for a -moment, doubt; and, if any body could ascertain how it ought to be -done, he was the one. - -Half an hour’s walk brought him to the village, through which he -passed to the creek where the Sweepstakes lay at her anchorage; and -here Johnny sat down on a pile of lumber, to take a view of the -situation, and to determine upon some course of action. His first -business must be to buy the provisions. Tom had told him to lay in -enough for twenty boys, and he had already made an estimate of the -amount that would be required. What would the grocer think when he -ordered two barrels of soda crackers, a kit of mackerel, a dozen -codfish, and a whole cheese? Then, after the provisions had been -purchased, how was he to get them on board of the schooner, which lay -in the creek, about fifty yards from the shore? This must be done -during the night, and, perhaps, they might be observed by some one -who would ask very disagreeable questions. - -“Well, well!” said Johnny, taking off his hat and scratching his -curly head, “this is a bigger job than I bargained for. Nobody in the -world but Tom Newcombe would ever have thought of such a desperate -enterprise. I believe I would rather stand the examination, for there -wouldn’t be half so much danger in it. But if the others are willing -to risk it, I know I am. I’ll go on board the schooner, and see if -she is all ready for use!” - -There were several skiffs in the creek, and Johnny, knowing that he -could carry out his resolution without exciting suspicion, walked -down the bank, stepped into one of the boats, and pushed off toward -the Sweepstakes. A few strokes of the oars brought him along-side, -and, after making the skiff fast to the fore-chains, he clambered -over the side, and began the examination. He had expected to find -that the little vessel had been partly dismantled, and that some -repairs would be necessary; but, to his delight, he found that -nothing had been removed. The sails were all there, neatly stowed -away, the handspikes were in their places, so that the anchor could -be hove-up with very little trouble, the hold was empty, and in a -condition to receive the provisions, and there were two large casks, -that would hold an ample supply of water. The cabin was in order, and -had bunks enough to accommodate six or eight boys. Of course there -were no beds in the bunks, but Johnny scarcely gave that a moment’s -thought. If want of beds was the only obstacle in his way, that could -have been easily overcome. - -As the fifth captain walked about the vessel, several interesting -questions, which he had not before thought of, arose in his mind, -such as, Who would sleep in the cabin, and who in the forecastle? -Who would cook their meals, and what boys would be willing to act -as the crew? Was Rich, who, it was understood, was to be captain of -the vessel, seaman enough to take the schooner down the creek, and -through all the shipping that lay at the wharves, without accident? -Was he navigator enough to take them where they wished to go, or to -bring them back to the village, when their cruise was ended? Could -he manage the Sweepstakes if they should happen to be caught out -in a storm? Johnny, at first, had serious misgivings on all these -important points, and, for a time, he pondered upon the propriety -of suggesting to the academy boys that a “board of examiners” be -appointed, to inquire into Rich’s knowledge of seamanship and -navigation, and to decide whether or not he was the one that ought to -be the captain of the vessel. Had Johnny held to this resolution, it -might have saved the Night-hawks some trouble; but, after thinking -it over, the fifth captain came to the conclusion that he would say -nothing about the matter. If Captain Rich proved to be a humbug, it -was no business of his. He would faithfully attend to his part of the -work, and leave all disputes to be settled when they arose. - -Johnny slept but little that night. Various plans, by which he -might carry out the instructions he had received from the grand -commander, suggested themselves to him, but in every one of them he -found numerous difficulties to be overcome. His great desire was to -accomplish his part of the business without being obliged to answer -any questions. At last he concluded that the best way was to go -about it openly and above board; for the more he tried to cover it -up, and to keep the affair a profound secret, the more certain he -became that it would “leak out somewhere.” About two miles outside -the harbor was Block Island, where the village boys often went to -fish and hunt, and Johnny thought he could buy his provisions, and -take them out there, without exciting the suspicion of any one. -The Sweepstakes could stop there and take them on board as she -went out, and it would not delay her a quarter of an hour. On the -following morning, he communicated this plan to some of the village -Night-hawks, (four of whom had agreed to accompany the students on -their cruise,) who readily agreed that it was the best, and promised -to lend all the assistance in their power in carrying it out. - -When Saturday morning came, Johnny was up bright and early; and as -soon as he had eaten his breakfast, he borrowed a large yawl, and, -accompanied by half a dozen boys, sailed down the creek, until they -arrived at Mr. Newcombe’s wharf, which, they thought, would be the -most convenient place to load their provisions. They then went in a -body to Mr. Henry’s store, and, as Johnny had expected, the grocer -opened his eyes in astonishment when he received the order for the -provisions; but, thinking that the boys were about to start on one of -their hunting and fishing expeditions, he merely said: - -“I suppose you don’t intend to shoot many squirrels, or catch many -fish, since you are laying in so large a stock of something to eat.” - -Johnny replied that they did not intend to suffer for want of food, -if they could help it; and after he had paid for the provisions, they -were placed upon a dray and taken to the yawl, where they were soon -loaded by the boys, who set sail for Block Island. In due time they -arrived at their destination, and, after a short consultation with a -farmer who lived on the island, their cargo was stowed in his barn -for safe keeping. - -“Now,” said Johnny, when they were ready to return to the village, -“if nothing happens, we shall be here after those goods next Monday -night. I suppose it doesn’t make any difference to you what time we -come?” - -“O, none at all,” replied the farmer. “If you will call me when you -come, I’ll lend you a hand. I hope you will be successful.” - -“Thank you, sir!” answered Johnny, with a sly wink at his companions; -“so do we.” - -The man did not mean that he hoped the boys would be successful in -running away from the academy, or in making off with a boat that did -not belong to them, but that they might be fortunate in catching -fish, and shooting squirrels and quails; for he thought it was their -intention to camp somewhere on the island. - -The Night-hawks then returned to the village, and Johnny, to his -delight, was not called upon to answer any unpleasant questions. The -very boldness of his plan had removed suspicion. His part of the work -was now done; it only remained for Tom and his companions to effect -their escape from the academy. - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - THE ESCAPE. - - -“I am happy to inform you that I have done all my part of the work, -according to orders. The provisions have been purchased, and are -now safely stowed away in a farmer’s barn, on Block Island. The -Sweepstakes is ready for the cruise; and I will see that every thing -is kept in order, so that when you are ready to start, we can put to -sea with the least possible trouble. No one in the village has the -slightest suspicion that any thing is in the wind. I hope you will be -as fortunate as I have been.” - -So ran a note which Tom received from Johnny Harding, on Tuesday -afternoon, and which he showed to his friends on the ball-ground. -It is needless to say that the Night-hawks were delighted with the -success of their plans; and the new members looked upon Tom and -Johnny as the two smartest boys in existence. - -Attempts to desert the academy were very uncommon, and, as all the -boys well knew, had failed more frequently than they had proved -successful; and so great an undertaking as Tom had suggested, had -never before entered into the head of the most reckless student. -The conspirators, with but very few exceptions, had never imagined -that the grand commander’s scheme could be successfully carried -out. They had given their consent to it, not because they hoped to -be able to escape the examination, but because they wanted something -exciting with which to occupy their minds; and even Rich and Miller, -who had long been acquainted with Tom, and who knew pretty nearly -what he could do, had often predicted that the grand commander’s plan -would prove to be but a sure way of bringing every member of the -society to certain and speedy punishment. The colonel, they said, -would certainly “snuff something,” and the first thing they knew, -they would all find themselves in the guard-house, living on bread -and water. This was the reason why they had kept in the background -as much as possible, and allowed Tom to do all the work. If they -were discovered, he, being the leader, would be the most severely -punished. But when Tom showed these two worthies the note he had -just received from the fifth captain, they found that they had been -mistaken. The outside work had all been accomplished without giving -any one a hint of what was going on, and they began to believe that -Tom was in earnest, and that, perhaps, he might, after all, manage -affairs so that they could avoid the examination, and have a “jolly -time on their own hook.” But still there was chance for failure; -and, although they took a prominent part in all the “business -meetings”--which were held as often as the Night-hawks could get -together--they always endeavored to have it understood that Tom was -the leader of the conspiracy. - -Monday, the day on which the examination was to commence, was still a -long way off. Five days of lessons and drills must be endured before -the time for action arrived, and the excited Night-hawks hardly -believed that they should be able to live through them. Time moved on -laggard wings; but the boys survived, in spite of hard lessons and -extra guard-duty at night, and, finally, the eventful day arrived. -The examination commenced that morning, and, as the Night-hawks had -made no preparation for it, they fell sadly behindhand in all their -lessons. The result had shown them exactly what they might have -expected; and, when dress parade was over, and the members of the -society met in an unfrequented part of the grounds, to hold their -last council at the academy, they were very much excited, and they -were ready to risk almost any thing to escape the remaining six days -of examination. - -“I tell you what it is, fellows,” said one of the new members, “I -never did like this business; but I’m in for it now. I couldn’t live -through a week’s work such as we had to-day.” - -“We’re in a bad fix,” chimed in another. “If we stay here, we are -certain to be placed under arrest, while the other fellows are in -camp enjoying themselves; and if we are caught in our attempt to take -French leave, of course we shall be put into the guard-house.” - -“Are you going to back out?” asked Rich. - -“O, no; I’m going to stick to you. But I can’t help thinking that we -are in a very unpleasant situation.” - -“We can’t help it,” said Tom. “We are not going to stay here, and be -put under arrest; that’s settled. Of course, we run something of a -risk in trying to escape; but we can’t help that, either. I hope you -didn’t think that, when we got ready to go, the colonel would give us -all a furlough for two or three weeks? At any rate it’s too late to -back out. Now for business! I hope that you have all concluded that -my plan is the best.” - -Tom’s plan for escape was by making use of the rope--a -clothes’-line--which, with the assistance of some of his friends, he -had doubled and twisted; but it was still long enough to reach from -the third story of the building to the ground. After the rope had -been procured, it was a long time before any of the conspirators, -except Rich and Miller, would consent to use it. The thought of -lowering themselves down, from a second or third story window, with a -clothes’-line, even though it was doubled and twisted, was enough to -make them shudder. One of the new members had proposed to file a key -to fit one of the outside doors, which were locked by the teachers, -every night at nine o’clock; but this plan was at once voted down -by the others, who argued that, even if they possessed a key that -would open the door, they could not pass the sentries in the hall. -Another desperate fellow, who had been reading a story of a mutiny -at sea, proposed that they should knock the sentinels down, and -tie them hand and foot. A third suggested that the Night-hawks be -instructed to conceal themselves in different parts of the building, -until the other students and the teachers had all gone to bed, when -they would make their escape through the school-room windows. These -and many other plans had been proposed and discussed; but, at last, -the conspirators were compelled to acknowledge that Tom’s idea -was the best. True, it was rather dangerous and even Tom himself -hardly expected that it would be successful; but still, it promised -better than any that had been proposed, and the grand commander was -determined to attempt it. - -The dormitory to which Miller and Rich belonged was in the third -story of the academy, and directly over that occupied by Tom, Martin, -and three or four other members of the society. Miller was to take -possession of the rope, and, at midnight, open the third window from -the front of the building, fasten one end of the rope securely to -his bedstead, and throw the other to the ground. The boys in the -upper dormitory were to make their descent first, and then those who -belonged to dormitory H. Just as these plans had been determined -upon, the ringing of the supper-bell broke up the council. - -“Now, boys,” said Tom, “be very careful. Don’t go to sleep to-night; -and, whatever you do, don’t make noise enough to disturb any -outsiders.” - -The Night-hawks separated, and, although many of them felt like -criminals, no one who met them, as they entered the academy, had -reason for supposing that any thing unusual was going on. Of course -they were intensely excited, and more than one held his breath -when he thought of hanging by a clothes’-line from a third story -window. Tom, Rich, and Miller were the only ones who appeared to -be unconcerned. They did not stop to think of the risk they were -about to run; they thought only of the fine time they expected to -have during the cruise, and how astonished the principal and all the -teachers would be when they discovered that fourteen students had -“taken French.” - -At nine o’clock the conspirators marched, with the others, from the -school-room to their dormitories, and, half an hour later, were -all in bed, and, apparently, fast asleep. At eleven o’clock Mr. -Hudson passed through dormitory H, and saw the grand commander -lying with his head covered up in the quilts; but he did not notice -that he snored louder than usual. Tom’s snoring, however, was not -genuine. He was wide-awake, and, when Mr. Hudson entered his room -and closed his door, the chief conspirator cautiously raised the -quilts from his head and looked about. The lights in the dormitory -burned dimly, and nothing disturbed the stillness save the gentle -breathing of the sleepers, and the measured tread of the sentinels -in the hall. After satisfying himself that all “outsiders” were -sound asleep, Tom arose from the bed and pulled on his trowsers. -He then wrapped his boots up in his coat, and, after casting a -suspicious glance about the room, he cautiously raised the window -at the head of his bed, and threw the bundle to the ground. After -carefully closing the window, he again got into bed, no one but -the wide-awake Night-hawks having witnessed his movements. Tom was -greatly encouraged. If he could raise the window once without awaking -any of his forty-eight sleeping room-mates, he could certainly do -it again. From that moment he looked upon his escape as a settled -thing, and he began to be impatient for Rich and Miller to begin -operations. The latter, however, remembering their instructions, -made no move until midnight, and the grand commander began to fear -that they had disgracefully “backed out.” But presently he heard a -noise that caused him to chuckle to himself, and to look toward the -beds of the apparently sleeping Night-hawks, who, in fact, were as -wide-awake as himself, and listening with all their ears. It was a -grating, hissing sound, as if some heavy body was being lowered -slowly, cautiously, down the side of the building. The Night-hawks -in the upper dormitory were beginning to make their escape. There -could be no mistake about it, and Tom began to be really excited now, -his heart thumping against his ribs with a noise that frightened -him. Slowly and steadily the body descended, and, in a few moments, -Tom heard the rope tapping against the wall, showing that the boy, -whoever he was, had reached the ground in safety. For five minutes -all was silent, and then the same grating noise told the grand -commander that a second boy was descending the rope. During the half -hour that followed, the operation was repeated eight times, and Tom, -who knew just how many boys there were in the dormitory above him -who belonged to the Night-hawks, prepared to take his turn. After -glancing cautiously about the room, in order to make sure that -no “outsiders” in his dormitory had been alarmed, he arose from -his bed, and, with trembling hands, arranged the quilts so that a -careless observer would not have noticed that it was empty; then he -stepped to the window, which he raised without making noise enough -to disturb a cricket. Thrusting his arm out into the darkness, he -clutched the rope, which was still suspended from the room above, and -crawled carefully out of the window. The next moment he found himself -dangling in the air thirty feet from the ground. His position was now -a trying one. The clothes’-line cut into his hands, every thing below -him was concealed by Egyptian darkness, and it is natural to suppose -that the boy who was afraid to ascend the mast of a schooner felt his -courage giving away when he found himself hanging from a second-story -window. But Tom, remembering that ten boys had already made the -descent in safety, and knowing that there were three more Night-hawks -in the building waiting to make their escape, and that the least -awkwardness on his part might alarm the sentries, clung to the rope -with a death-gripe, and manfully choked back the cry for help that -involuntarily arose to his lips. Slowly, cautiously, he worked his -way downward, and presently an encouraging whisper came up through -the darkness--“That’s the way to do it, Newcombe. You’re a brick. -Go easy!” and the next moment the grand commander slid down the -rope into the arms of his friends, receiving their congratulations -apparently as unconcerned as if he had never in his life experienced -the sentiment of fear. - -[Illustration: THE ESCAPE FROM THE ACADEMY.--Page 286] - -Tom’s first care, upon finding himself safe on the ground, was to -hunt up his coat and boots. By the time this was done, another boy -had made his escape, and, in a quarter of an hour more, the last -member of the society had been seized and embraced by his exultant -friends. - -“Who would have thought it, boys?” whispered Rich. “I tell you we -have done something now worth bragging about. Won’t the old colonel -open his eyes?” - -“No time to talk, fellows!” whispered Tom. “Don’t laugh till you are -out of the woods. Come on, let’s be off.” - -So saying, the grand commander, now as proud of his position as if he -had been a brigadier-general, led the way toward the south side of -the grounds, where a picket had been knocked off the fence the day -before, to assist them in making their escape. - -The Night-hawks were all astonished at their success, as well -they might be. Not only had they thrown all their former exploits -completely into the shade, but they had accomplished a feat that -would be an interesting passage in the history of the Newport -Military Academy, as long as that institution should stand. They -pressed one another’s hands in silence as they walked along through -the grounds, and more than one gave Tom a complimentary slap on the -back, accompanied by the whispered exclamation: - -“Newcombe, you are a jolly old brick! It takes you to manage such -business as this!” - -Tom easily found the place where the picket had been removed, and one -after another of the boys squeezed themselves through the opening -until they all stood in the road. - -“Now, then,” said Tom; “I know we’re all right, but the faster we go, -the more time we shall gain. Forward, double-quick.” - -So elated were the deserters, that they could scarcely refrain -from shouting; but, knowing that they were not yet safe, they gave -vent to their exultant feelings by cutting astonishing capers as -they ran along the road. Just before they arrived at the village, -they separated into a half a dozen little parties, and, following -different roads, bent their steps toward the creek where the -Sweepstakes lay at her anchorage. In half an hour they were all -assembled at the lumber-pile, where they were met by Johnny Harding -and his four friends, in a state of considerable excitement. - -“O, fellows,” whispered the fifth captain, wildly throwing his arms -about, “we’re aground, and a thousand miles from water!” - -“You don’t say so!” exclaimed all the boys at once. - -“Yes, I do say it!” answered Johnny. “The whole thing is knocked into -a cocked hat; the expedition is as dead as a herring. Go back to the -academy, take your punishment like men, and say no more about it.” - -“But what’s the matter?” asked Tom, impatiently. - -“Just look out there!” said Johnny, pointing toward the creek. “Do -you see the Sweepstakes anywhere? No, you don’t! Squire Thompson -suddenly took it into his head that he would like to go on a fishing -excursion, and he’s gone; he won’t be back for a week.” - -The Night-hawks were astounded at this intelligence. After -congratulating themselves on the gallant and skillful manner in which -they had made their escape from the academy, and looking forward so -eagerly and confidently to the consummation of all their plans, this -disheartening piece of news came upon them like a thunder clap from a -clear sky. They had placed themselves in danger all for nothing; for, -if their boat was gone, they might as well be at the academy. - -“O, now, I’m the most unlucky boy in the whole world!” drawled Tom. -“Something is always happening to bother me. I never can do any -thing! But I knew all the time just how it would turn out!” - -“You did?” exclaimed Rich, angrily. “Then what did you get us in this -miserable scrape for? We are all a parcel of blockheads. We ought to -have had sense enough to know that such a scheme as this never could -succeed. I throw up my appointment as commander of the vessel.” - -“No doubt you do,” said Miller, who seemed to take the matter more -coolly than any one else. “It’s very easy to throw up your command -after our vessel is gone. But, Johnny, why didn’t you send us word of -this? You’ve got us into a pretty mess.” - -“I didn’t know that the Sweepstakes was gone until seven o’clock -to-night,” replied the fifth captain, “and it was too late to send -you word then.” - -“Well, somebody suggest something!” said Miller. “Come, Newcombe, -have your wits all left you? We are in a bad scrape, and we must get -out, if possible. Let’s hear from you!” - -“O, now, I’ve got nothing to say!” drawled Tom, who was walking -thoughtfully up and down the lumber-pile. “We’re booked for the -guard-house, easy enough. I always was an unlucky boy.” - -He was thinking, not what plan he ought to adopt to extricate himself -and companions from their unpleasant situation, but how he might -avoid punishment when he returned to the academy. - -“We are not in the guard-house yet,” replied Miller; “and I, for one, -don’t intend to go there until we have had our cruise. Johnny, did -you mail that letter to ’Squire Thompson, as you intended?” - -“Of course not; what was the use of paying for his boat until we were -certain that we could get her? I’ve got the letter in my pocket now, -with fourteen dollars in it. By the way, you academy fellows owe us a -quarter of a dollar apiece. You didn’t give us money enough to settle -all the bills.” - -“We’ll pay you, Johnny,” said Tom, who, from some cause or another, -seemed in a fair way to recover his usual spirits. “But do you know -where the Swallow is?” - -“That’s so!” exclaimed Johnny, excitedly. “Where is she? She’s at -your father’s wharf, that’s where she is. I saw her there this -evening. I have been so upset by losing the Sweepstakes that I didn’t -think we could capture some other vessel just as well.” - -“The captain of the Swallow doesn’t generally leave a watch on board -his vessel when he’s in port, does he?” inquired Tom. - -“No, he don’t; we’re all right yet. All hands stand by to get ship -under way. Come ahead, boys.” - -“Hold on!” exclaimed Tom, who, now that he saw a way out of the -difficulty, was quite willing to resume the management of affairs; -“we must separate. No more than two of us ought to go together, for -we may be seen, you know, even at this hour. Pair off, and meet again -on my father’s wharf as soon as possible.” - -In obedience to these orders, the boys separated, and in a few -moments Tom, accompanied by Johnny Harding, arrived at the wharf, -where the Night-hawks were all assembled. The Swallow was moored at -the wharf, and the boys were encouraged when they saw that her deck -was deserted. - -“Now, then,” said Miller, in a low whisper, “how do we know but there -are men on board that vessel?” - -“Some one ought to go and see,” said Rich. “You do it, Newcombe. -You are the strongest and bravest fellow in the party, and we would -rather trust you than any other fellow.” - -Tom would have been much better pleased if some one else had been -selected to perform this rather dangerous piece of business. What if -there was a watch on board the Swallow, and he should be discovered? -What excuse could he make for being away from the academy at such -an unusual hour, and for prowling about where he had no business? -Tom asked himself these questions, but still he could not refuse to -play the part of spy, for not only was he utterly unable to resist -flattery, but he did not dare to make an exhibition of cowardice -before the new members of the society, for he was anxious to -establish a reputation among them. In as steady a voice as he could -command, he replied: - -“If you fellows will go behind the office, out of sight, I’ll do it.” - -As soon as the Night-hawks had concealed themselves, Tom walked -across the wharf on tip-toe, climbed over the rail of the sloop, and -looked about him. He took two things in at a glance. The cabin doors -were closed, which was good evidence that she was deserted, and there -were no other vessels lying at his father’s wharf. This was a very -favorable circumstance for the runaways. All the large vessels in the -harbor, of course, kept a night-watch; and, if the boys should be -discovered making off with the sloop, there might be some trouble. -Having noted these two points, Tom crossed the deck, opened the -cabin-doors, and disappeared from the view of the Night-hawks, who, -closely watching all his movements, held themselves in readiness to -take to their heels and leave their grand commander to his fate, if -he should be discovered. But the cabin was found to be empty; for the -captain, not dreaming that any one would disturb his vessel, had not -thought it necessary to leave a watch on board. - -“We are all right now, boys,” whispered Tom, when he had reported the -result of his investigations to his companions; “and I propose that -Rich be allowed to assume authority as captain of the vessel.” - -“Agreed,” said all the boys. - -“Now, Rich,” continued Tom, “we are ready to hear your orders. Be -lively.” - -“Well, then,” said the captain, hurriedly, “all you landlubbers go -on board that vessel, and remain in the cabin, out of sight, until -we get out of the harbor; and all you fellows, who have been to sea, -stay with me.” - -When the “landlubbers” had obeyed the order, Rich found that he had a -crew of eight boys. - -“Johnny,” said Tom, “address that letter you have in your pocket to -the captain of the Swallow, and put it in the post-office.” - -“I’ve got no pen,” replied Johnny; “and how can I see to address the -letter without a light?” - -“Go aboard the ship,” commanded Captain Rich, “and no doubt you will -find writing materials there. The next thing,” he continued, as -Johnny ran off to obey the order, “is to appoint my officers. As you -have managed this thing so far, Newcombe, I’ll reward you by making -you my first mate. Miller, you will be second; and Johnny Harding, -when he comes back, shall be third.” - -Some of the boys were a good deal disappointed by this arrangement, -for all those who had been to sea, had made calculations on receiving -some office. But it had been decided beforehand, that the captain -should be allowed to select his own officers; and, as all the boys -were impatient to get to sea, they did not raise any objections. - -“So far, so good,” said Rich, as he walked up and took a survey of -the vessel he was to command. “The next step is to get her out to -the end of the pier. Miller, jump aboard and get out a stern-line. -Newcombe, find something that will do for a tow-line; make one end -fast on board, and lead the other round the starboard side of the -vessel back to the wharf.” - -“What’s that for?” exclaimed Tom. “That isn’t the best way to turn -her around.” - -“Newcombe!” said Rich, angrily, “I am the captain of this vessel, and -you must do as you are ordered, without stopping to ask questions.” - -“O, now, see here!” drawled Tom, “I want you to understand that the -government of this society is democratic, and I have a right to have -my say.” - -“And I also want you to understand that I have been ordered to take -this vessel to sea, and that I’m going to do it,” said Captain Rich. -“If you don’t get a tow-line out very soon, I’ll appoint another -first mate.” - -This threat alarmed Tom, who, without further parley, sprang on board -the sloop and hastened to carry out his orders. - -“All ready for’ard,” said he, when he had got out the tow-line. - -“All ready aft,” repeated Miller. - -“Man the tow-line,” said Captain Rich. - -In obedience to this order, the crew, now numbering five boys, who -were still on the wharf, took hold of the rope. - -“Cast off for’ard,” continued the captain, “and shore off. Run away -with the tow-line.” - -As these commands were obeyed, the bow of the sloop swung around, -and, when the stern-line was cast off, she came about, and her bow -pointed out to sea. The boys who held the tow-line, pulled her to the -end of the pier, where she was again made fast. - -“Hasn’t Johnny got back yet?” asked Rich. - -“Yes, here I am,” answered the fifth captain, who had run all the way -from the wharf to the post-office and back. “I’ve mailed the letter, -and the old captain will get his fourteen dollars in the morning. -It’s all right; he won’t grumble.” - -“What did you say in the letter?” asked Tom. - -“I said: Sir--Inclosed herewith please find fourteen dollars, to pay -for the use of your boat for two weeks. Yours, truly--blank. I didn’t -sign any name to it.” - -“All aboard!” said Rich. “Newcombe, stand by to get under way.” - -At this stage of the proceedings, it became evident that the first -mate of the Swallow was either sadly ignorant of ship discipline, or -else that he was determined to set it aside altogether, and establish -a routine of his own; for, when the captain gave the order, “Stand by -to get under way,” Tom, instead of stationing his crew and awaiting -further commands, gave the order-- - -“Unloose the sails--all of ’em--hoist away lively.” - -But his object was to get to sea as soon as possible, and these -orders, no doubt, answered his purpose as well as any others, for -the crew understood them. In a few moments the mainsail and jib were -spread, and the Swallow began to careen as she caught the wind, as if -impatient to be off. - -“Harry Green!” said Rich, calling to one of his crew. “Go to the -wheel. Cast off.” - -Slowly the sloop swung away from the pier, the wind filled the sails, -and she began to move toward the blue water. - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - THE PURSUIT COMMENCED. - - -Never before had the gallant little sloop been manned by such an -excited and delighted crew as the runaways were at that moment. They -had escaped the examination, and instead of remaining at the academy, -under arrest, while their companions were enjoying themselves in -camp, they would soon be miles at sea, and beyond the control of -the principal. The danger, they imagined, was over, at least until -morning, when their absence would be discovered, and the pursuit -commenced. That they would be followed, none of them, for a moment, -doubted; for they knew that the principal was not the man to permit -his authority to be set at defiance with impunity. He would make -every effort to capture them, and his former exploits in this line -had shown that he was very expert at catching deserters. Besides, -although they had paid the captain of the Swallow for the use of his -boat for two weeks, they did not expect that he would be altogether -satisfied with the arrangement. Tom and Johnny had assured their -companions that he “wouldn’t grumble,” but they had said that merely -to silence the fears of the timid members of the society, for they -knew that the captain, unless he was different from most men, would -be very angry when he discovered that a “lot of green boys” had run -away with his sloop; and he, also, would leave no stone unturned to -insure their speedy capture. In addition to this, there were seven -boys on board who lived in the village; and, when their parents -learned that they were among the runaways, it was very probable that -they, too, would make every exertion to bring the cruise to an end as -soon as possible. In short, as soon as their escape became known, the -whole village would be aroused, and Captain Rich would be given ample -opportunity to prove himself worthy of the confidence his friends had -reposed in him. The deserters realized the fact that their chances -for continuing their cruise for two weeks, were very slim indeed; -but there were very few among them who were troubled with any gloomy -forebodings. True, some of them thought of the guard-house, with -extra duty at night, but the majority of them did not look so far -into the future. They thought only of the fine time they expected -to enjoy during their cruise, and laughed when they pictured to -themselves the consternation that would prevail at the academy when -their absence was first discovered. Tom, especially, was in the best -of spirits. He had been the projector and manager of the most daring -exploit ever attempted by the village boys, and he felt proud of -it. There was one thing that was beginning to trouble him, however, -and that was, he was sorry that he had used his influence to make -Rich the captain of the vessel. He ought to have had that position -himself. He had done most of the work, run all the risk, and he -certainly ought to have been given a higher office than that of first -mate. But it was too late to remedy the matter, and Tom was obliged -to be satisfied with the glory he had already won. - -When the sloop had cleared the harbor, and got well out into the bay, -the first mate walked to the head of the companion-way and called -out, “All right, now, fellows. You may come on deck;” whereupon, -the boys who had been sent into the cabin, clambered up the ladder, -and, unable longer to restrain their enthusiasm, gave vent to their -jubilant feelings in terrific whoops and yells. - -“Silence!” commanded Johnny. “Are you tired of your cruise already? -Wait until you know that we are safe from pursuit before you begin -your dancing and shouting.” - -“Why, I thought that if we once got outside the harbor, we were all -right,” said one of the “landlubbers.” - -The boys who had never been to sea were called “landlubbers,” and -this name clung to them during the voyage. - -“That’s by no means certain,” replied the third mate. “The -Philistines will be after us as soon as our escape is discovered, and -our only chance is to get well out to sea before daylight. If we are -followed by sailing vessels, we can show a clean pair of heels; but -if our pursuers come in a steamer, you academy fellows may begin to -prepare yourselves for the guard-house. So you see--” - -“Swallow, ahoy!” came a hail, in stentorian tones, interrupting -Johnny’s speech, and filling the runaways with dismay. - -The astonished deserters looked toward the light-house, which they -were at that moment passing, and whence the hail came, and saw a man -standing on the pier, waving his hat to them, while two others were -hoisting the sails of a small schooner, evidently with the intention -of following them. A third had got into a skiff, and was pulling -toward the village with all possible speed. In the excitement of -getting safely out of the harbor, they had not thought of looking for -enemies on the light-house pier, and a hasty glance at the men in the -schooner showed them that the pursuit was to commence much sooner -than they had expected. - -“O, now, we’re caught already!” drawled Tom. “It’s all up with us. I -knew all the while just how it would turn out.” - -“What shall we do, fellows?” asked Captain Rich, coming aft, rather -hurriedly, to consult his officers. - -“Do nothing!” replied the third mate, who did not seem to be at all -concerned. “They don’t know that any thing is wrong yet. No doubt it -is one of the crew of the Swallow, who thinks his captain is going to -sea without him.” - -“If that’s so, then what is that man pulling back to the village -for?” asked Miller. “He handles those oars as if he is in a great -hurry. And, then, what are those two men doing with that schooner?” - -“Why, one of them probably belongs on board here,” answered Johnny. -“If they hail us again, I’ll answer them. Keep out of sight as much -as possible, fellows.” - -“Swallow ahoy!” came the hail, in louder tones. - -“Ay, ay, sir!” replied the third mate. - -“Hold on!” shouted one of the men in the schooner, which was now -starting out from the pier, “I want to come on board.” - -This served to convince some of the runaways that Johnny’s idea of -the situation was the correct one. One of the men in the schooner -belonged to the Swallow, and was afraid his captain was going to sea -without him. - -“I can’t stop!” shouted the third mate, in reply. “Wait at the -village until I come back.” - -The runaways were astonished at this answer, and they all held their -breath in suspense, wondering what would be the result. The men in -the schooner evidently did not understand it, for one of them, after -a moment’s hesitation, called out-- - -“Do what?” - -“I’m in a great hurry, and I can’t wait for you!” repeated Johnny. -“Stay at the village till I come back.” - -“Hold on with that sloop, I say!” shouted the man, “or it will be -worse for you.” - -“There!” exclaimed Miller; “that shows that I was right. We’re -discovered, and we must run for it now. Crowd her, Harry!” - -The second mate was right in his suspicions. One of the men in the -schooner was the lawful captain of the Swallow. He had been visiting -his brother, the keeper of the light-house, and was on the point of -returning to the village, when he discovered his vessel putting out -to sea. Of course he did not know who had taken her; but, being well -aware of the fact that she was in the hands of some one who had no -business with her, he had got the schooner under-way, and commenced -the pursuit. - -“Swallow ahoy!” came the hail again. “Hold on with that boat!” - -The deserters made no reply, and, in fact, they scarcely heard the -hail, for their attention was wholly occupied with something else. -They had not imagined that they were in any danger; but now they -noticed that the schooner was following in their wake at a rate of -speed that would soon bring her along-side. She had the advantage -of being under the control of men who understood their business. -The third mate, being now fully satisfied that the Philistines were -really after them, and that there was nothing left them now but -to “run for it,” sprang down from the sail, and, seeing that the -schooner was gaining rapidly, took the wheel into his own hands. -Johnny, although he was the lowest officer, was the best sailor -on board, and he had not been long at the helm, before it became -apparent to the Swallow’s crew that their pursuers were gradually -falling behind. This reassured the boys, some of whom had begun to -fear that the sloop was not as swift a sailor as Johnny had led them -to believe. A few of them had made up their minds that a fight for -their liberties was not far distant, for not one of the deserters -had any idea of allowing their cruise to be brought to an end so -speedily. They had started out with the intention of enjoying a -two-weeks’ cruise, and they did not propose to return to the village -until they got ready, or were taken back by a superior force. Some -of the more determined ones had secured handspikes, which they -flourished above their heads, and shook at their pursuers, to warn -them that, if overtaken, it was their intention to make a desperate -resistance. - -“Slack up a little, Rich, and let them come along-side,” said one of -the crew--the same who had proposed to knock down the sentinels at -the academy, and who went by the name of the fighting member--“two -men can’t capture eighteen fellows.” - -But Captain Rich didn’t believe in “slacking up;” his only desire was -to leave their pursuers as far behind as possible; and, just then, -there was no probability that the deserters would be called upon to -use their handspikes; for, under Johnny’s skillful management, the -swift little sloop was running away from the schooner as rapidly as -though the latter had been at anchor. The deserters were for a long -time interested in the race, and some of them even expressed their -regret that the schooner was not a faster boat, it would have made -the chase so much more exciting. But the novelty at last wore off, -and they began to hope that the rightful captain of the Swallow would -soon become discouraged, and abandon the pursuit. Block Island was -now near at hand; but, while the schooner was so close to them, it -was, of course, out of the question to think of landing for their -cargo, and they might as well surrender at once as to attempt to -continue the voyage without a supply of provisions. The captain, -however, seemed to have no idea of giving up the chase. He held -steadily after the Swallow, thinking, no doubt, that the man who had -gone to the village would soon return with assistance; and, in the -meantime, he was resolved not to lose sight of his vessel. - -“This won’t do, fellows,” exclaimed Captain Rich. “Crowd her heavy, -Johnny.” - -“She’s doing her very best now,” was the reply. “If you’ll make the -breeze blow stronger, I’ll agree to make the sloop go faster.” - -“We’re beating them badly,” continued the captain “but that don’t -help us much, for as long as they are in sight, we can’t stop for our -provisions.” - -“Two men can’t capture us,” said the fighting member, who seemed to -think that the only thing wanting to make their expedition a complete -success, was a conflict with the schooner’s crew. “If you want to -land on the island, why do it! Half a dozen of us will guard the -vessel, while the others bring the cargo on board.” - -“O, now, I’m not going to fight!” drawled Tom. “I never had a fight -in my life.” - -“You fellows ought to remember that we must go back to the village -again, some time or another,” said Miller. “I don’t go in for a -fight; for we have done mischief enough already, and much more than -we shall want to stand punishment for. But, perhaps, we can fool -those fellows some way.” - -“That’s just what I was thinking of,” said Johnny. “The moon is going -down, and it will be as dark as pitch in fifteen minutes; then we’ll -see what we can do. Just leave this business to me, and I’ll insure -our escape for a sixpence.” - -Captain Rich had no objections to make to this arrangement, for -he was quite willing that Johnny should assume the management of -affairs. In fact, the third mate was the only one who seemed to know -what ought to be done under the circumstances. Rich, Miller, and Tom, -were officers only in name. - -Thus far, the deserters had been congratulating themselves on having -a bright moonlight night for their expedition; but now they were -impatient for the moon to go down, and for darkness to hide them from -their pursuers. In order to deceive the schooner’s crew, Johnny -held on toward the island, gradually veering round as the sloop -approached it, as if it was his intention to keep on out to sea; but, -as soon as the darkness concealed their movements, he put the sloop -about, and shaped her course toward the village. As the third mate -had predicted, it was “pitch dark,” the only thing visible being the -light which was now hoisted at the mast-head of the schooner, by -which the deserters were enabled to judge pretty nearly what their -pursuers were doing. Believing that the runaways had kept on around -the island, they held on their course, and, in a few moments, the -Swallow met and passed the schooner, going so close to her, that the -runaways could hear the two men talking to each other. The deserters -held their breath in suspense as they glided by, fearful that the -noise of the waves washing against the Swallow’s sides would betray -them. But their pursuers did not hear it, for they kept on around the -island, and, when the light at the schooner’s mast-head disappeared -in the darkness, every boy on board drew a long breath of relief. -Their pursuers had been completely deceived as to their intended -movements, and the coast was clear, so that they could land for their -provisions. - -“Hurrah for Harding!” exclaimed one of the crew. “If he hadn’t been -here, we should have been in a nice fix.” - -This opened the eyes of Captain Rich, who began to be suspicious that -the deserters had more confidence in the third mate than they had in -himself--a state of affairs that troubled him exceedingly. He saw -that he had made a mistake in permitting Johnny to manage the vessel -during the pursuit, and he resolved that thereafter he would, under -all circumstances, assert his authority as commander of the vessel. - -“Now, Harding,” said he, “take us to the place where you stowed our -provisions.” - -In obedience to the order, the third mate turned the sloop’s bow in -the direction he imagined the island to be, and Tom stationed one -of the crew on the forecastle, to act as lookout. The Swallow moved -silently through the water, every boy on board straining his eyes -to catch the first glimpse of the island; and presently the lookout -exclaimed: - -“Land ho!” - -“Where away?” asked Captain Rich. - -“Dead ahead,” was the answer. - -Upon hearing this, Johnny called a boy to take his place at the -wheel; and after stationing Tom, with two others, in the mast, to -attend to any orders he might find it necessary to give, he took his -stand on the forecastle, to watch for the landing place. The island -could be dimly seen looming up through the darkness, and, shortly -afterward, the Swallow passed a long, high point, that stretched out -into the bay. Then Johnny knew where they were. The farmer’s house -was just behind that point. - -“Helm hard a port!” said the third mate. “Stand by to let go that -main sheet. Let go all!” - -These orders being obeyed, the sloop rounded the point, and, in -five minutes more, was made fast at the farmer’s wharf. Johnny then -conducted the crew toward the barn, where their provisions were -stowed; and, on the way there, he stopped at the house to arouse -the farmer, who, after a delay that seemed an age to the impatient -runaways, appeared at the door, with a lantern in his hand. He seemed -surprised to see so many boys in the party, but, still believing that -they were about to start off on a hunting and fishing excursion, he -assisted them in getting their provisions on board the sloop, and -amused the deserters by expressing the wish that they might enjoy -themselves, and have the best of luck. - -“Thank you, sir,” said Captain Rich; “we hope so, too. All aboard, -fellows.” - -The deserters sprang over the rail, the line was cast off, the third -mate took his stand at the wheel, and the Swallow again began her -voyage. As she rounded the point, the runaways strained their eyes -in every direction, and were delighted to discover that the schooner -was not in sight. But their joy was of short duration, for Tom -pointed out something in the direction of the village, that instantly -destroyed all their hopes of a long and pleasant cruise, and caused -Johnny Harding to say, “Now, fellows, the chase begins in earnest.” -Away off in the direction of the light-house pier, they saw a red -light dancing over the little waves, and heard the loud puffing of a -steamer. The man who had gone to the village had procured assistance -in the shape of one of Mr. Newcombe’s fast tugs. - -“What shall we do now, Johnny?” asked the deserters, crowding around -the third mate. “Do you suppose she is after us?” - -“Of course she is!” said one of the “landlubbers.” “We might as well -surrender. We can’t beat that tug; and, besides, I don’t much like -the idea of going to sea in this little boat. I am far enough from -shore already.” - -“Nonsense,” exclaimed Johnny. “We won’t talk of surrender yet, for -there may be a chance for escape. As for this ‘little boat,’ she is -perfectly safe; I wouldn’t be afraid to cross the Atlantic in her. -Now, keep still, and let us see what those fellows intend to do.” - -As the lights on the tug showed that she was going toward the upper -end of the island, Johnny, without waiting to consult Captain Rich, -brought the sloop about, and shaped her course toward the village -again, in hopes they might pass her as they had passed the schooner. -For ten minutes the excitement on board the sloop was intense. -The tug, going at a rate of speed that would have rendered escape -impossible had the deserters been discovered, kept on toward the head -of the island; and, although the runaways sometimes thought she was -coming directly toward them, finally passed the sloop, which was now -moving slowly down the island, as close to the beach as the third -mate dared to go. Their pursuers had been evaded, and the runaways -were free to continue their cruise. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - THE CRUISE OF THE SWALLOW. - - -“Now, fellows, what shall we do?” asked Captain Rich, as soon as the -lights on the tug had disappeared around the head of the island. “It -is my intention,” he added, by way of apology, fearful that some of -his crew might think he did not know what course he ought to pursue, -“to consult my officers every time we are in trouble. I think a -captain always ought to do that. So, let’s hear from you.” - -“I propose that we hold over toward the mainland,” said Johnny. -“We’re safe from pursuit now until morning; but we want to keep as -far away from that tug as possible.” - -As Captain Rich raised no objections to this proposition, the third -mate brought the sloop about, and headed her away from the island. -The breeze was freshening, and, when the swallow felt its full force, -she began to fly over the waves like a duck. The runaways were -delighted with the exhibition of speed she made, and some of the -reckless ones wished that the schooner would again come in sight, so -that they might show her how badly they could beat her. - -While Tom had been carrying out his plans, and arranging matters for -the cruise, it had never occurred to him to decide where they would -go, should their attempt at escape prove successful. In fact, none of -the deserters had ever broached this subject, believing, no doubt, -that it was of secondary importance, and could be easily settled at -any time. But now this question was brought up by the third mate, -who, after calling a boy to take his place at the wheel, asked the -captain to give out the course. - -“That’s something I can’t do,” replied Rich, “until you tell me where -you want to go.” - -“Let’s visit New Bedford,” said one of the “landlubbers,” as the -deserters crowded around their officers; “it’s not far out of our -way, and some of us want to go there to look at the whale ships.” - -“No, no!” shouted several of the boys. - -“I object to visiting any city or town,” said Johnny, “for there’s -danger in it. It isn’t often that a crowd of fellows are seen -cruising about in a vessel like this, and some one might ask -unpleasant questions.” - -As the debate progressed, and votes were taken on the places -proposed, it became evident that none of the boys had neglected -to give some thought to this important question. One suggested -that it would be a good opportunity to visit the fishing banks off -Newfoundland; another thought it would be a cheap way of getting to -New York; while a third, who had never seen a sheet of water larger -than Newport Bay, was in favor of camping on some island close to the -village. Each boy brought forward a host of arguments to convince -the rest of the deserters that his plan for their amusement was the -best; but it was finally discovered that those who wanted to visit -Nantucket were in the majority; and, after a strong opposition from -some of the timid “landlubbers,” who did not want to trust themselves -very far from shore in so small a vessel, this point was settled. - -“Now, captain, what’s the course?” asked Johnny, again. - -“We don’t need any course yet,” replied Rich. “As long as the land -is in plain view, we’ll use that for our compass. We will follow the -shores of Newport Bay until we get into Buzzard’s Bay, and then we’ll -steer exactly south.” - -“But, perhaps, that won’t take us where we want to go!” said the -third mate. - -“I’d like to know what’s the reason!” exclaimed Captain Rich. -“Haven’t you learned enough about geography to know that Nantucket is -south of Massachusetts? Now, Newcombe, set the watch.” - -So saying, the captain turned on his heel and walked down into the -cabin, leaving his third mate standing silent and thoughtful. - -“I expected this,” said he, unconsciously giving utterance to the -thoughts that passed through his mind. - -“Expected what?” asked one of the crew, who happened to overhear the -remark. - -“O, nothing!” replied Johnny, quickly. - -“Now, see here, Harding,” said the boy, whose confidence in the -captain had been considerably shaken by the latter’s conduct during -the pursuit, “if you don’t believe that Rich is all right, you ought -to say so before we get much farther from shore.” - -“Who said he wasn’t all right?” asked Johnny. “He has made three or -four voyages across the Atlantic, and he ought to know what he is -about.” - -But Captain Rich did not “know what he was about,” and the third mate -was very well aware of the fact. Rich had been sent to sea because -he could not be controlled at home, and, during his voyages, he had -conducted himself exactly as Tom had behaved on his cruise on the -Savannah. Being a lazy, good-for-nothing boy, he had allowed his -opportunities to slip by him unimproved; and, when he was appointed -captain of the Swallow, he knew but very little more about seamanship -and navigation than he did when he first began his career as a -sailor. Johnny knew this, and he was confident that, before long, -there would be trouble on board the Swallow. Even the “landlubbers” -would soon discover that Rich could not be depended upon, and then -there would be a change of commanders. He, however, had “stood up” -for the captain because he did not wish to be the first one to find -fault. - -In the meantime, Tom had gone below to execute the order Captain Rich -had given him. He found pens and paper in the captain’s desk; and, -after writing down the names of all the boys on board, he divided -them into two watches, being careful to have in each watch an equal -number of boys who had “been to sea.” His own name, with that of -Johnny Harding, Tom put down with the port watch, and those of Rich -and Miller with the starboard watch. Then, after showing the “watch -bill” to the captain, who expressed himself satisfied with what -had been done, he went on deck to read it to the crew. He lighted -the lamp in the binnacle, and, calling the boys around him, read -their names, after which he ordered the starboard watch to remain -on deck, and the port to “go below and turn in until six o’clock in -the morning.” Captain Rich came on deck a few moments afterward, a -boy belonging to the starboard watch was sent to the wheel, and Tom -and Johnny went below. They found the cabin crowded with boys in -their watch. Every one of the bunks was filled with as many of the -deserters as could get into it, and the others were stretched out on -the floor of the cabin, with their uniform coats under their heads to -serve as pillows. Tom was not very well pleased with this state of -affairs, for he thought that, being the second in authority on board -the vessel, he ought to be allowed a bunk to himself. - -“O, now, see here, fellows,” whined the first mate, “where am I to -sleep?” - -“Look around and hunt up a place,” replied a voice from one of the -bunks. “There’s plenty of room.” - -“O, I can’t see any!” replied Tom. “I am the first mate of this -vessel, and I want one of those bunks.” - -“Rather a rough chance there, Newcombe,” said one of the boys on the -floor. - -Tom began to think so too. The discipline of the ship had not yet -been established, and none of the crew seemed disposed to treat the -first mate with the respect his high position demanded, for not one -of them made him the offer of a bunk. - -His only chance was to find a sleeping place on the floor, for he -knew that an attempt, on his part, to compel any of the crew to give -up one of the beds would be met with stubborn resistance. While Tom, -after divesting himself of his coat, was trying to find a place to -lie down, the third mate was causing a good deal of grumbling among -the boys on the floor, by moving about and searching every nook and -corner of the cabin. He was not satisfied with the course the captain -had given out, and he wanted to find a chart of the coast. He knew -that the island of Nantucket was “exactly south” of some parts of -Massachusetts, but he did not believe that it lay in that direction -from Buzzard’s Bay. He was as well posted in geography as any boy on -board. He knew a great deal more about it than captain Rich, but he -had never claimed to be a navigator. He was seaman enough to handle -the sloop in all kinds of weather, but he could not take her where -the crew might decide to go, and, more than that, he did not believe -that the skipper was any better off in this respect than he was. By -following the captain’s course, he believed that they would leave -Nantucket away to the eastward, and it was to satisfy himself on -this point that he wanted a chart. But, if there was one on board, -he could not find it; and, finally becoming weary of the search, the -third mate lay down among his companions, and slept as soundly as he -would have done had he entertained no fears of the captain’s ability -to take the sloop to her destination. The runaways all slept soundly -until six o’clock, when they were aroused by the second mate. Some of -them yielded prompt obedience to the call, while others refused to -move until Miller descended the ladder and shook them roughly by the -shoulder. Tom and Johnny were the first ones on deck. They found that -the Swallow had left Newport far behind them, and was bounding along -through Buzzard’s Bay before a fine breeze. The headlands at the -entrance of the harbor were in plain view, and beyond them, was the -ocean--its water flashing and sparkling in the sunlight like diamonds. - -“What’s the course, captain?” asked Tom, who was now to take charge -of the deck. - -“I don’t know,” replied Rich. “I haven’t looked at the compass for -two hours. I don’t need a course as long as the land is in sight. I -know that we are in Buzzard’s Bay, and that if this breeze holds out, -we will be in deep water in an hour. When you pass that cape,” he -continued, pointing to the nearest headland, “hold her exactly south.” - -“All the starboard watch below!” shouted Miller. - -The boys belonging to this watch made a rush for the cabin, and the -second mate was on the point of following them, when Tom inquired: - -“How about breakfast, Miller? I’m hungry.” - -“Well, then, go into the hold and help yourself,” was the answer. -“That’s the way we did. We couldn’t find any one in our watch willing -to act as cook, so we made our breakfast on crackers, codfish, and -cheese; and, fellows,” continued the second mate, “do you know that -we forgot to take on a supply of water?” - -“Is there none on board?” asked Johnny. - -“Only about half a barrel, and that won’t last eighteen thirsty -fellows long. The captain says we’ll take on a supply when we reach -Nantucket.” - -“Have you seen any thing more of the Philistines?” inquired Tom. - -“No. They probably think we are concealed among the islands in -Newport Bay; and, as soon as they discover their mistake, they’ll be -after us again.” - -Miller then went down into the cabin, and Tom followed the third -mate to the hold. One of the barrels of crackers had been broken -open, and, judging by the quantity that was gone out of it, the boys -in the starboard watch must have been very hungry. Johnny had not -calculated on such ravenous appetites when he made his estimate of -the provisions that would be required for the voyage, and it was -evident to him that the supply would soon be exhausted. - -The port watch grumbled a good deal over their breakfast, for they -were not accustomed to such plain fare. The codfish made them -thirsty, and the water was hardly fit to drink. But, nevertheless, -they made a hearty meal, and returned to the deck in the best of -spirits, unanimously voting the expedition a decided success, and -declaring that it was much pleasanter than remaining at the academy -under arrest, even though they had nothing but codfish and crackers -to eat. - -It was no wonder that the boys felt cheerful. It was a beautiful -morning; there was breeze enough stirring to send the Swallow -along at a lively pace, the motion was exhilarating, and even the -“landlubbers” forgot their fears, and really enjoyed the sail. Tom, -especially, was in his element. He walked up and down the deck, with -his hands in his pockets, now and then looking up at the sails, to -see that the boy at the wheel kept them full; and, more to show his -authority than any thing else, he finally set two of the watch at -work cleaning lamps, others he sent into the hold to sweep up the -crumbs that had been scattered about, and the rest he ordered to wash -down the deck. Some of the boys grumbled at this but the majority, -including Johnny Harding, lent prompt and willing obedience to all -his commands; and, in a short time, the sloop’s deck presented a -scene of neatness and order that would have surprised her lawful -captain, could he have seen her at that moment. Of course, such a -state of affairs had its effect upon Tom. Every thing was going on -smoothly, and gradually his old idea, of one day becoming a trader, -took possession of his mind, and, just then, the first mate thought -it was the “very business he had always wanted to go into.” He never -had cared a cent about becoming a farmer, or a general in the regular -army, for he had always known that he was “cut out” for a trader; and -he resolved that, as soon as the cruise was ended, and he could get -out of the military academy, he would go to work at something, and -earn money enough to buy a sloop like the Swallow. - -After the crew had performed the work assigned them, they assembled -on deck; and now, for the first time, some of them began to believe -that the voyage, if it should be a long one, would prove to be rather -tiresome. They were too far from shore to see what was going on -there, and, although some of them were, for a time, interested in the -novelty of their situation, they soon grew tired of having nothing -to do, and, stretching themselves out on deck, they prepared to make -up for the sleep they had lost the night before, leaving their two -officers and the boy at the wheel to take care of the vessel. During -Tom’s watch, nothing occurred to relieve the monotony of the voyage. -About ten o’clock, the Swallow passed the headlands at the entrance -of Buzzard’s Bay, and the first mate, in obedience to the captain’s -command, ordered the boy at the wheel to “hold her exactly south.” -At noon, the port watch made another meal on codfish and crackers, -after which the captain and second mate were called up to take charge -of the deck. At one o’clock, they passed the Elizabeth Islands, and -then Johnny, who had remained on deck, thought it high time to speak. - -“Captain,” said he, “how long do you intend to hold this course?” - -“Until we reach Nantucket!” answered Rich, in a tone of voice which -implied that he thought his third mate very inquisitive. - -“Well, if that is the case,” continued Johnny, “you had better put -the crew on half-rations. The voyage will be a long one, and our -provisions won’t hold out.” - -“I’d like to know what’s the reason!” exclaimed Captain Rich, -angrily. “Now, Harding, if you know so much about navigation, perhaps -you will be kind enough to tell me where we will bring up.” - -“According to my way of thinking,” replied Johnny, his good nature -not in the least ruffled by the other’s sneering tones, “if you hold -this course long enough, you will find yourself somewhere in the West -Indies; and, after you lose sight of that shore there,” pointing to -one of the islands they had just passed, “you won’t see land again -until you get there, either.” - -“That’s just all you know about it. But you needn’t talk to me, for, -as long as I am master of this vessel, I intend to do as I please.” - -“All right,” replied the third mate, as he turned to go below; “if -the others can stand it, I know I can.” - -This conversation had been carried on in a low tone, and none of -the crew had overheard it. No doubt this was fortunate for Rich, -for, had any of the deserters been aware that they were sailing -as straight out to sea as they could go, the captain might have -discovered that he could not “do as he pleased,” even though he was -the commander of the vessel. During the whole of that afternoon, -Rich kept a sharp lookout for the shores of Nantucket, but the only -land to be seen was the island they had passed soon after dinner, -and which was gradually sinking below the horizon, as the sloop left -it farther and farther behind. When the port watch was called that -night, the island was shut out from their view by a dense fog, and a -hasty glance at the binnacle showed the third mate that the captain -had not changed his course. - -“Now, see here, fellows!” exclaimed one of the watch, “where’s the -land?” - -“There’s the captain,” answered Johnny. “Ask him.” - -“Land isn’t far off,” said Rich, who had overheard the question. -“We’ll reach it long before daylight.” - -If the captain expected that this assurance would silence the fears -of his crew, if they had any, he was mistaken; for, no sooner had -he disappeared below, than the port watch gathered in a group on -the forecastle, where they held a consultation. Johnny saw what was -going on, but he kept aloof from them, determined to carry out the -resolution he had made at the beginning of the voyage, that he would -not be the first one to complain. Tom, as usual, paced the deck -in deep mental abstraction, and he did not notice what was taking -place on the forecastle. Contrary to the third mate’s expectations, -however, no demonstration was made, for, after a few moment’s -whispering among themselves, the watch, with the exception of two -lookouts, stretched themselves on deck. Johnny, and the rest of the -watch, turned in at midnight, and, when they came on deck again in -the morning, there was no land in sight--nothing but the clear blue -sky above them, and the ocean beneath. The third mate looked at -the captain as if to say, “What do you think of it now?” But Rich, -although he well knew what was passing in Johnny’s mind, walked down -into the cabin without making any reply. He could not help seeing -that he had made a mistake in his calculations, but he was determined -that he would not acknowledge it, for that would be equivalent to -confessing that he did not understand his business. After kicking -off his boots, and divesting himself of his coat, Captain Rich lay -down on the floor, for, as usual, the bunks were all occupied by the -“foremast hands,” and, in a few moments, was fast asleep. He slept -soundly for two hours, in spite of an animated discussion that was -carried on over his head, and then he was awakened by one of the port -watch, who informed him that he was wanted on deck. - -“Is it twelve o’clock already?” he drowsily asked. - -“No, but we want to see you on deck at once!” - -Rich easily divined, by the boy’s excited manner, that something -unusual was going on. Rising from the floor, he picked up his coat -and boots, and slowly ascended to the deck. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - A CHANGE OF COMMANDERS. - - -When Captain Rich and the starboard watch had gone below, the third -mate went aloft and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch for -the shores of Nantucket. For two hours he remained on his perch, -straining his eyes in every direction, but without discovering the -wished-for land; and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being -fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his destination -as long as he held that course, he descended to the deck and joined -Tom, who was walking about, with his hands in his pockets. At this -moment, he became aware that some exciting question was being -discussed by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the watch came -aft in a body, with Harry Green at their head. - -“See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us where we are -going, we’d like to have you do it?” - -“Why, we’re bound for Nantucket,” said Tom. - -“Well, when will we get there?” asked Harry. “The amount of it is, -fellows, we believe that Rich doesn’t understand his business. He has -made a great mistake. If our calculations are correct, Nantucket is a -long way behind us. What do you think about it, Johnny?” - -The third mate had never hinted his suspicions to any of the crew, -for he thought that if their skipper was really out of his reckoning, -some of the “old sailors” would not be long in finding it out. -Besides, he was well enough acquainted with Rich to know that he -would be angry when he learned that his crew doubted his ability as a -navigator; and that, being commander of the vessel, he would insist -that he had a right to do as he pleased. This, Johnny knew, would -bring on a mutiny, Captain Rich would be relieved of the command, -and thus the object of the cruise would be defeated. Rich had his -friends, who would sympathize with him, and, as long as one half of -the crew cherished unkind feelings toward the other half, no one on -board could enjoy himself. The third mate had thought the matter -over, and it had been his desire to keep out of trouble as long as -possible. - -“Come, now, Harding,” said Harry; “let’s hear what you have to say -about this matter. Isn’t there something wrong?” - -“I think there is,” replied Johnny. “As near as I can judge, we are -at least two hundred miles from land.” - -“Two hundred miles!” repeated one of the crew, turning as pale as -a sheet; “and in this small vessel. Let’s turn round and go back, -fellows!” - -“And more than that,” continued the third mate, “we are bound, not -for Nantucket, but for Hayti, or some other outlandish port.” - -“You don’t say so!” exclaimed several of the crew, in alarm. - -“O, now, we don’t want to go to Hayti,” drawled Tom, though, to -save his life, he could not have told in what part of the world that -island was situated. - -“Of course I am not positive of it,” said Johnny; “but I am certain -of one thing, and that is, we are leaving Nantucket behind as fast as -we can.” - -“Now, fellows,” said Harry, turning to the watch, who were intensely -excited, “that shows that I was right when I said Rich didn’t know -what he was about.” - -Every one of the crew had great confidence in Johnny; and there were -some among them who believed that, had the officers been selected -according to their merits, the third mate would have held the -position of captain, while Rich would have been nothing more than a -foremast hand. The “landlubbers,” especially, looked upon Johnny as -one of the best sailors in existence, for he had managed the sloop -during the pursuit; and when they found that he, too, believed that -their ignorant skipper was taking them straight out to sea, they were -greatly frightened. No doubt, like the mariners of old, they imagined -that a multitude of dangers brooded over the great waters, and that -all who ventured out of sight of land were doomed to destruction. But -the uneasiness was not confined to these alone, for even the “old -sailors” were very far from being pleased with their situation. The -simple fact of being out of sight of land, however, had no terrors -for them. So long as there was a clear sky above them, a smooth sea -beneath, plenty of water and provisions on board, and the captain -could tell exactly where they were, it made little difference to -them how far they were from land. They had joined the expedition -on purpose to enjoy themselves, and they could do that at sea as -well as on shore. But, under the existing circumstances, having no -confidence in their captain, they did not feel altogether safe. - -“Well,” said Harry Green, at length, “we ought to call up the other -fellows, and talk this matter over with them. I am in favor of -relieving Rich, and giving the command to some one who understands -his business.” - -“That’s my idea exactly,” exclaimed Tom. “I never did believe that -Rich was the man for that place. Now, tell me where you want to go, -and I’ll take care of you.” - -“You!” exclaimed several of the boys; “who asked you to take care of -us?” - -“Why, if Rich is relieved, the command falls on the next highest -officer, don’t it?” demanded Tom. - -“Not always,” said Harry. “You will do very well for a mate, -Newcombe; but I, for one, don’t think we should gain any thing -by making you captain. It’s my opinion that Johnny will get that -position.” - -“O, now, I won’t stand that!” drawled Tom, who had suddenly made up -his mind that he was just the one to take command of the sloop. “I -like Johnny well enough, but it isn’t right that he should be put -over me. I ought to be master of this ship.” - -“I don’t want the position,” said Johnny. “I came here to have some -fun; and as long as I can enjoy myself, and know that I am safe, it -makes no difference to me whether I am a foremast hand or an officer.” - -“Then you pass the command to me, don’t you, Harding?” asked Tom, -eagerly. - -“No he don’t!” shouted several of the boys. “We have something to say -about that!” - -“We don’t want to raise any fuss now,” said Harry; “but the majority -always rules, and Newcombe would give in if he wasn’t such a -bull-headed rascal.” - -“O, now, look here!” whined the first mate. “I want you to stop -calling me a bull-headed rascal. I won’t give in an inch. I ought to -be captain of this vessel. I have friends in the starboard watch who -will stand by me.” - -“Let’s call the other watch up, and hear what they have to say about -it,” said Johnny. - -“I am in for that,” said another, who was one of Rich’s friends. “I -call it a mean trick to run a man down behind his back. You ought to -give him a chance to defend himself.” - -Some of the boys, accordingly, went into the cabin to arouse their -slumbering companions, and presently the watch came on deck, rubbing -their eyes and yawning, and acting altogether as if they were very -sleepy. - -“What’s the matter?” asked captain Rich, appearing at the head of the -companion way with his boots in his hand. “Any thing wrong?” - -Harry Green, who acted as spokesman for the malcontents, stated -the cause of the trouble, and ended by informing Rich that it was -the opinion of the majority of the boys in the port watch that the -safety of the sloop, and all on board, demanded that there should be -a change of commanders. The boys in the starboard watch were greatly -excited and alarmed by the intelligence that they had already passed -Nantucket, and were steering toward the West Indies; and some of -them declared that Rich ought to have known better than to accept so -responsible a situation, when he knew that he was not able to fill -it. This was instantly resisted by Rich’s friends, who affirmed, -that if their favorite could not be trusted, there was not a boy on -board who could be depended upon. - -“It’s easy enough to find fault, fellows,” said Rich; “but if you -know so much more than I do, why don’t you take this business off my -hands?” - -“That’s just what we are going to do,” replied Harry, bluntly. “We -intend to appoint another captain. Boys, I propose that Johnny -Harding be--” - -“Hold on,” interrupted Johnny. “I move that Rich be allowed to retain -his office, on condition that he puts the Swallow about, and takes us -back to Nantucket.” - -“We’re going there now,” said the captain, decidedly. “And I won’t -put the sloop about. As long as I am master of the Swallow, I shall -do as I please; and, whenever you get tired of me, you can appoint -another captain very easily. But I tell you beforehand, that you -won’t make any thing by it. You ought to try and keep on good terms -with every one on board.” - -While this conversation was going on, Miller and two or three of his -friends had been busy with the crew, urging them to make Tom captain; -and, when Rich ceased speaking, one of them proposed the name of the -first mate, which was received with such long cries of--“Hurrah for -Newcombe! he’s the man!” that it made Johnny’s friends look rather -blank. But when Harry Green requested all the boys who voted for Tom -to walk over to the port side of the sloop, it was found that there -were but six of them. - -“Now,” exclaimed Harry, “all who are in favor of Johnny Harding being -captain of this vessel, step over to the starboard side.” - -Nine boys obeyed the order, and Tom was beaten. - -“O, now, I won’t stand it!” drawled Tom, who was so vexed and -disappointed that it was all he could do to choke back his tears. “I -am the highest officer in our society, and the first mate of this -vessel, and you ought to make me captain. If you don’t give me that -position, I’ll refuse to do duty.” - -“It’s too late now!” replied one of the boys. “Harding is elected.” - -“Then you may appoint another first mate,” said Tom, who was -determined to “rule or ruin;” “and you needn’t ask me to perform any -work, for I won’t do it.” - -“You might as well appoint a second mate also, while you are about -it,” said Miller, who thought it best to follow Tom’s example. “Rich -and Newcombe are my friends, and I don’t care about serving under any -one else. If you can’t trust them, you can’t trust any boy on board.” - -“Do as you please, fellows,” said Harry. “We don’t want you to have -any hard feelings about what we have done; but, if you don’t want any -thing more to do with us, we can get along without you.” - -“Can you?” exclaimed Tom, suddenly. “We’ll see whether you can or -not. I’ve got an idea, and I’ll show you--” - -Here Tom was interrupted by a significant look from Miller. He was -about to say, “I’ll show you a trick you never thought of,” but -he understood the look Miller gave him, and he left the sentence -unfinished. - -“What will you show us, Newcombe?” asked one of the crew. - -“O, nothing,” was the answer. “I didn’t mean any thing.” - -But a good many of the boys doubted this. Some of them were well -enough acquainted with Tom to be well aware that the simple fact of -his having an “idea,” was a sufficient reason why they should keep a -close watch on all his movements; and this they resolved to do. - -“Look out for Newcombe, now,” whispered Harry Green. “He’s got an -idea, and, when he gets that way, he’s dangerous.” - -“Fellows,” said the new captain, “I don’t like this business. We came -out on this cruise to enjoy ourselves, and what has just happened has -caused unkind feelings, and will spoil all our sport.” - -To the astonishment of all, Rich, who had been seated on the combings -of a hatch, whistling to himself, as if he had no interest in what -was going on, suddenly sprang to his feet, exclaiming: - -“I take back what I said a few moments ago. I am willing that the -majority should rule, and, if you want Harding for captain, I have -no fault to find. I’ll take my place as a foremast hand; and you, -Newcombe and Miller, I want you to do your work just as you did while -I was captain.” - -The boys listened to this speech in utter amazement. It was not -Rich’s disposition to forget a real or an imagined injury, and they -could not understand it. They were, however, very much relieved to -learn that he was willing to do his duty in any capacity, and there -was such apparent sincerity in what he said, that they could not but -believe that he was in earnest. - -“Well,” drawled Tom, after thinking the matter over, “I’ll obey -orders.” - -“So will I,” said Miller. - -“That’s sensible,” said Harry. “Now we will get along smoothly, as we -did before.” - -The new captain, believing that every one on board was satisfied -with the change, now took charge of the vessel; and, after a short -consultation with some of his friends, he surprised Rich by offering -him the position of third mate. He did this, not because he believed -the late captain to be more worthy of it than any other boy on board, -but because he wanted to show him that he appreciated the manner in -which Rich had accepted the verdict of his companions. - -“I’ll take it,” said the latter, “on the condition that if, at any -time, you get tired of me, you will tell me so. I want some fun -before I go back to the academy to be put into the guard-house, and I -don’t care who is captain.” - -This made Johnny hope that, if Rich had ever cherished any ill-will -toward any of the crew, he had forgotten it. - -But the truth of the matter was, the old captain and his friends -were not as well satisfied as they pretended to be. Rich’s pride had -been sorely wounded, and he could not bear the thought of taking a -subordinate position after once serving as captain. He believed that -he was as competent to fill the position as any boy on board, and -he determined to make an effort to regain it. Tom was angry because -he could not forget that the votes of a majority of the crew had -defeated his aspirations for the captaincy; and he hoped that he -might find an opportunity to revenge himself on them. Miller, and -a few of the foremast hands, were displeased because the claims of -their favorites had been disregarded, and they, too, set themselves -at work to study up some plan to “get even” with those who had voted -to relieve Rich of the command, and make Johnny captain. But the -discontented ones were all “deep.” They knew that if they refused -to do duty, they would be so closely watched that they could have -no opportunity of talking the matter over among themselves; so they -concluded that it was best to appear to give way to the majority. -This would allay suspicion, and Johnny’s friends, believing that -they were satisfied with the change, would take no notice of their -movements. This was the way Rich and his friends looked at the -matter, and subsequent events proved that they had not been mistaken. - -As soon as Captain Harding took command of the Swallow, he put -her about, and give out a course which, he imagined, would take -them much nearer to Nantucket than the one Rich had given. Every -thing appeared to be going on smoothly, the boys all seemed to be -enjoying themselves; and when any of them laughed at the idea of -finding Nantucket by sailing exactly south from Buzzard’s Bay, Rich -always made some good-natured reply, that was very far from being an -index of his feelings. The port watch went on at six o’clock in the -evening, (the routine on the Swallow was six hours on duty and six -hours off,) and when all the starboard watch had gone below, Rich and -Tom met in the waist to talk over their plans. - -“This is a good joke on me, isn’t it?” asked Rich. “They gave me the -captaincy without my asking them for it, and now they kick me out, -giving the office to Harding, who knows no more about navigation than -I do, and making me third mate. I wonder if they suppose that I am -going to stand any such work as that? Not if I know it.” - -“I’ve got an idea!” said Tom. - -“Out with, it then! I’m listening with all my ears.” - -“It is this,” continued the first mate: “I propose that when we get -into port, we think up some plan to get Harding and all his friends -to leave the boat, and then we’ll take her and go to sea on our own -hook.” - -“Newcombe, you’re a brick!” exclaimed Rich. “That’s a capital idea. -I told them they wouldn’t make any thing by putting Harding in my -place, and I think they will find that I told the truth. I hope that -we shall reach port soon, for I am anxious to pay these fellows off -in their own coin. But, Newcombe, I’ll make a prediction. In less -than two days you’ll see trouble on this vessel. I was right, and -Johnny is wrong. He is holding her straight out to sea. Before long -the provision and water will all be gone, and then we’ll be in a nice -fix. They’ll see then who knows the most about navigation.” - -The two conspirators spent an hour in discussing the details of their -plan; but there was one point they could not decide, and that was, -how to manage to induce Johnny and his friends to leave the vessel, -in case they succeeded in reaching some port. However, they finally -concluded that, in this, they would be governed by circumstances--Tom -assuring Rich that when the time for action arrived, he could “make -things work all right.” They then separated to explain their plan of -operations to their friends. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - CONCLUSION. - - -Notwithstanding his prediction that Captain Harding never would -succeed in taking the vessel safely into port, Rich thought it best -to prepare for action; and he lost no time in revealing to his -friends the plan that had just been determined upon. There were six -boys on board, including Tom, who agreed to “stand by” him, and among -them was the “fighting member,” who urged Rich to take the sloop -that very night. If Johnny refused to give up possession, it would, -he thought, be a good opportunity to reënact the scenes in the story -of the mutiny at sea, which seemed to occupy all his thoughts. But -Rich knew that Johnny’s friends were numerous, and spunky, and that -if an attempt was made to take the vessel by force, the mutineers -would, in all probability, get the worst of it. By following out the -first mate’s idea, they could accomplish their object without danger -to themselves, and so this plan was finally adopted. The malcontents -were all delighted to receive their leader’s assurance that he -intended to “get even” with the new captain; but they were very -careful to do all their talking and planning when none of Johnny’s -friends were in hearing, so that no one except those whom Rich and -Tom had taken into their confidence knew what was going on. - -On the second morning after Harding took command of the sloop, Rich -found that his prediction would not be verified. Land was in plain -view at sunrise; and, at noon, the Swallow, after coasting along -the shore to find a suitable harbor, entered a little bay, and was -made fast at a wharf, in front of a farm-house. Johnny’s friends -all insisted that the new captain had brought them safely to their -destination, while Rich and his followers affirmed that if that was -Nantucket they would agree to “eat the sloop,” and perform several -other impossible feats. - -“What island is this?” asked Johnny, of a man who appeared at the -door of the house, while the sloop was being made fast. - -“Martha’s Vineyard,” was the reply. - -“How far are we from Edgartown?” - -“About fifteen miles by the coast, and six miles by land. But I say, -boys,” continued the man, coming down to the wharf, “what boat is -that?” - -“The Dreadnought, from New Bedford,” answered Rich, with a wink at -his companions. - -“What are you doing so far from home?” - -“O, just taking a sail, for the fun of the thing.” - -The man, looking at the deserters with a comical expression on his -face, continued: - -“Perhaps that’s the truth, and then, perhaps, it isn’t. That sloop -is the Swallow, and there was a tug here this morning after you. O, -you can’t fool me,” he added, with a laugh, noticing that some of the -boys opened their eyes, as if very much astonished. “I know all about -it.” - -“Jump ashore and cast off that line,” said Captain Harding, turning -to one of his crew. “We had better get away from here.” - -“O, you needn’t be afraid of me,” said the man. “I’m not going -to trouble you. Besides, I would advise you to remain here until -evening, for if you go to Edgartown now, you’ll certainly be -captured.” - -Some of the deserters were rather suspicious of the farmer, while -others thought he looked like an “honest old chap,” and that he had -no idea of attempting to detain them. However, they had nothing to -fear from him, even if he proved himself to be an enemy; so, after -a short consultation, they decided to remain at his wharf, at least -long enough to take on board a supply of fresh water. Rich and his -friends were strongly in favor of this, for they were impatient for -an opportunity to put their plans into execution. After the deserters -had got ashore, and talked a few moments longer with the farmer, -they discovered that he was disposed to be friendly toward them, for -he told them all about the intended movements of their pursuers, -as far as he had been able to learn them. He said that there were -no less than three steamers after them, and that the one which had -left his wharf at daylight that morning, was loaded with students, -who had authority from the principal of the academy to arrest the -deserters wherever they found them. Some of the young soldiers had -expressed the hope that they wouldn’t catch the runaways for two -weeks, as they were having a jolly cruise on the tug, and wished to -continue it as long as possible. The rightful captain of the Swallow -was also on the tug, and, unlike the students, he was impatient to -capture the deserters as soon as possible. He was astonished at the -recklessness displayed by a “lot of green boys,” in putting to sea -in a boat, without “knowing the first thing about seamanship or -navigation,” and predicted that nothing more would ever be seen of -the sloop or of her crew. The farmer then went on to say that the -last exploit of the Night-hawks had caused great excitement among -the citizens of Newport. The manner in which they had effected their -escape from the academy astonished every one, and was the general -topic of conversation. Mr. Newcombe, not being satisfied with what -he had already done, was to send out two more tugs that morning; -and, in all probability, the deserters would soon find the islands -about Buzzard’s Bay very unsafe. After telling them this much, the -farmer thought it a good opportunity to give the boys some advice. -He assured the deserters that what they had done would win them no -honor, and urged them to return to Newport immediately, and endeavor -to make some amends for their misconduct by renewed attention to -their duties. - -“O, that’s played out!” exclaimed one of the boys. “If you had ever -attended the military academy, you wouldn’t talk that way. We’re on -the black list now, and we might as well enjoy ourselves while we -can.” - -This seemed to be the opinion of all the boys; and the farmer, seeing -that they were determined to have their own way, made no further -attempts to induce them to return to the village. - -The first mate, becoming impatient at this delay, now urged Captain -Harding to set the crew at work. The farmer showed them a spring, -behind the house, and, armed with buckets, pans, and cups, the -deserters began the work of filling the water-barrels. It was a -tedious task, and while it was going on, Tom had ample time to mature -his plans. He soon decided upon his course, which was communicated to -Rich; and, although they were by no means certain that it would prove -successful, it was the best they could think of, and, after some -discussion, was adopted. - -Tom soon becoming tired of carrying water, set his bucket down, and -amused himself in walking about the farm. At the end of half an hour, -after the casks had been filled, and the crew had returned on board -the vessel--while Johnny’s friends were lounging about the deck, -resting after their work, and Rich’s followers were busy in the hold, -setting things in order--the third mate went aloft and took his stand -on the cross-trees, to watch for the Philistines, he said, but, in -reality, to signal to Tom that the time for action had arrived. In a -few moments, the latter made his appearance, carrying in each hand a -huge slice of water-melon, which he was devouring with great avidity. -As he had expected, this instantly attracted the attention of the -boys, several of whom eagerly inquired: - -“Where did you get that, Newcombe?” - -“Bought it off that farmer,” was the reply. “He’s got plenty more, -and sells them cheap, too. You can get one as big as a bushel basket -for five cents.” - -“Give us a piece, Tom,” shouted one of the boys from the hold. - -“O, no; I can’t,” drawled the first mate. “Go and get some for -yourself.” - -“Come back with us, and show us where you got it,” said another. - -“O, you can find the place without me. It’s just on the other side -of that corn-field. The farmer is there now. I told him that I would -send you down.” - -The deserters who were lounging about the deck waited to hear no -more, but, springing ashore, started at the top of their speed -for the farmer’s melon-patch. Rich descended to the deck with all -possible speed, the boys clambered up out of the hold, and some of -them even jumped upon the wharf and followed the others a short -distance; but as soon as the main body of the crew had disappeared -behind the house, they hastily returned to the vessel, where Tom and -two of his friends were already engaged in hoisting the sails. Rich -cast off the line with which the Swallow was made fast, and just -as he sprang on board, the sloop moved slowly away from the wharf. -Tom’s plan had worked to perfection. Johnny Harding and every one of -his friends were on shore, and the seven mutineers had the vessel to -themselves. - -Rich took the wheel, and, as soon as the sloop had gained -steerage-way, he put her about and stood out of the harbor. Of -course, it required considerable time to execute all these movements, -and scarcely was the Swallow fairly under way, when Johnny and -several of his friends appeared, loaded with water-melons. A single -glance at the vessel, standing out of the bay, under a full press -of canvass, was all that was needed to convince them that they were -in a very unpleasant situation. They knew that Rich, Tom, and their -friends were about to desert them, and they had no difficulty in -divining their motives for so doing. They gathered around their -captain for a moment, as if in consultation, and then walked slowly -toward the wharf. There was no shouting, no begging to be taken on -board, as the mutineers had expected; but they stood looking at the -sloop, as if the course her crew might see fit to follow did not -interest them in the least. - -“Ah ha, Harding!” shouted Rich, as the Swallow dashed by the wharf. -“Who’s captain now? I told you that you wouldn’t make any thing by -acting mean toward me. You may stay there now until you are captured, -or get a chance to go back to Newport.” - -“Good-by, fellows,” shouted Miller, waving his hat to the boys on the -wharf. “You were afraid to trust Captain Rich, so we thought it best -to leave you on shore, where you would be safe.” - -None of Johnny’s friends made any reply, for they were well aware -that remonstrance would be useless. They knew that Rich always took -a fiendish pleasure in revenging an injury, and, knowing that he -deemed himself insulted, as well as abused, by being relieved of the -command, they did not think it at all probable that he would allow -so good an opportunity to punish them for what they had done slip -by unimproved. They were not at all surprised at the action he had -taken. Their only wonder was, that they had been foolish enough to -trust him. - -At this moment, the sloop rounded a point at the entrance of the -harbor, and a sight met the gaze of her crew that astonished and -alarmed them. Coming straight into the bay, at full speed, was one -of Mr. Newcombe’s fast tugs, and so close was she to the runaways, -that all attempts at escape seemed useless. The Swallow was caught at -last. So thought Captain Rich, and so thought the boys on the wharf, -who could not refrain from shouting with delight when they discovered -that the voyage, which their treacherous companions had expected -to enjoy, was likely to be brought to a speedy termination. The -forecastle of the tug was crowded with students, and, among them, the -deserters saw the lieutenant-colonel. The captain of the tug was at -the wheel, and, as soon as he discovered the sloop, he rang the bell -to “stop,” and then to “back,” at the same time turning the steamer’s -bow toward the Swallow, as if it was his intention to run along-side -of her. - -“How are you, Newcombe?” exclaimed the colonel, flourishing a paper -which was, doubtless, his “warrant” for the apprehension of the -deserters. “You, and the rest of your party, may consider yourselves -prisoners.” - -Rich was desperate. The Swallow’s capture seemed inevitable; and, -had all the deserters been on board, it is probable that he would -not have thought of escape. But he and his friends had seized the -sloop with the intention of having a cruise on their own hook; and he -thought how all the boys they had left behind would laugh at them if -they failed! They would consider it conclusive evidence that Rich was -not fit to be captain. While the latter was wondering what he should -do, the tug continued to approach the sloop slowly, and presently a -man stepped upon her bow and began to use a lead-line. This suggested -an idea to Rich, and he was prompt to act upon it. When he first -discovered the tug, he had thrown the sloop up into the wind, but now -he filled away again, and, putting the helm down, ran across the -steamer’s bows, almost grazing her as the Swallow went by. - -“How are you now, Colonel Smith?” shouted Rich, as he shaped the -sloop’s course toward the beach, where he knew the tug could not -follow her. “We’ll not consider ourselves prisoners just yet, if you -please.” - -“Hold on with that boat, Rich!” exclaimed the colonel, who began to -be afraid that his prisoners might escape him after all. “We’ve got -orders to take you back to the academy, and we intend to do it.” - -“All right!” replied Miller; “but it is always a good plan to catch -your man before you hang him. Come on with your steamboat. We’re -ready for a race.” - -But the tug could not “come on.” She followed the sloop as close to -the shore as her captain dared to go, and then backed out into the -middle of the bay. Here she stopped, and the Swallow’s crew could -see that her captain and the colonel were holding a council of war. -Finally the bell rang again, and the tug went along-side the wharf, -to take on the boys who had been left behind, and who, knowing that -their cruise was at an end, surrendered at discretion. - -“Didn’t I fool them nicely?” exclaimed Captain Rich. “That was a -sharp trick, I take it!” - -“O, yes it was,” drawled Tom; “but it won’t do us any good. We’re -caught easy enough.” - -“Not yet,” replied Miller. “We’ll keep in close to the beach until -night, and then we can give them the slip. We are not foolish enough -to think of giving them a fair race; so we’ll stay in shoal water, -where they can’t reach us.” - -Captain Rich approved this plan, and, undoubtedly, it was the only -one that could have been adopted under the circumstances. Tom then -proposed that, in case they were successful in their attempts to -evade their pursuers, they should return to Newport without waiting -to be taken back; but the others would not listen to this. They were -resolved that they would not go back to the village voluntarily, -until they had had a two-weeks’ cruise. If the principal desired -their presence at the academy before that time, he must capture them. - -“There comes the tug again!” said one of the crew, suddenly. - -“And she’s got three boats with her,” drawled Tom. “I know it’s all -up with us now!” - -When Captain Rich saw the boats that dragged at the stern of the -tug, he was obliged to confess to himself that affairs looked rather -dubious again. The Swallow was under the lee of the island, where -she had just breeze enough to keep her moving through the water, but -not enough to enable her to run away from the boats. He had been in -hopes that the tug would blockade them until night, or that she might -attempt to run in nearer to the beach and get aground, in which case -he could easily effect his escape. He found, however, that he had to -deal with those who were as smart as himself. - -When the tug came abreast of the sloop, she stopped. The students -manned the boats, and commenced pulling toward the Swallow, evidently -with the intention of boarding her. The runaways watched these -movements in alarm, and finally gathered about their captain, -advising him to go along-side the tug and surrender, without any -farther delay. The lieutenant-colonel, they said, had authority from -the principal to arrest them, and they would only get themselves into -trouble by opposing him. - -“I won’t do it,” said Rich, decidedly. “We can’t be in any worse fix -than we are now, and, as long as I see the least chance for escape, -I’m going to hold out. When the colonel comes on board, we’ll tell -him that if he wants the ship, he can take her. He can’t manage her, -and I don’t believe there’s a boy on board who can. If we can only -delay them until dark, we shall be all right.” - -But the runaways did not have an opportunity to put this plan into -execution, for, as the boats approached, they discovered that one of -them was under the charge of Mr. Hudson. This took all the backbone -out of them, for, however much they might have felt disposed to -refuse to yield obedience to the commands of the lieutenant-colonel, -they did not dare to resist the teacher. So, when the boats came -within speaking distance, and Mr. Hudson sternly ordered Rich to -take the Swallow along-side the tug, he promptly obeyed. At this -moment there was not one among the deserters who did not heartily -wish that he had never had any thing to do with Tom Newcombe or his -“grand idea.” If they had all remained at the academy, even though -they had failed in their examination, they would simply have been -denied the privilege of going into camp with the others, but now they -would be obliged to endure some terrible punishment. And it was the -uncertainty of what that punishment would be, that troubled them more -than any thing else. Had they been sure of a whipping, they would -have braced up their nerves, prepared to “take it like men,” and -congratulated themselves that it would soon be over with. But that -was not the principal’s way of dealing with such characters. He had a -faculty of making a student, who had been guilty of misconduct, feel -indescribably mean and little; and the runaways were certain that, -theirs being an extraordinary case, something new would be invented -for their express benefit. - -“Newcombe, I wish I had never seen you, or heard of your society!” -exclaimed Martin. “It’s all your fault.” - -“O, now, it isn’t, either,” drawled Tom. “You are all just as much to -blame as I am.” - -“I can’t see it,” said another. “If we once get out of this scrape, -we’ll steer clear of you in future.” - -By this time the runaways had been marched on board the tug, the -sloop was manned by some of the crew of the steamer, who were -detailed for that duty, and both vessels shaped their course toward -Newport. Rich and his companions felt particularly sheepish. They -could not look Johnny or his friends in the face, for they knew they -had treated them in a way they would not like to have been treated -themselves. Johnny, however, did not seem to feel very badly about -it, for, as Rich stepped on board the tug, he said, with a laugh: - -“Well, captain, your cruise didn’t last long!” - -“You deserters are not half the sailors I thought you were,” said one -of the students. “I hoped that you would lead us a long race. We have -had a splendid time following you, and I had much rather spend my -vacation at sea than in camp.” - -The students asked the runaways innumerable questions about the -manner in which they had effected their escape from the academy; -inquired how they had enjoyed themselves, and what had been the cause -of the mutiny, (for Johnny had explained why he and his friends had -been left on the wharf,) to all of which the deserters replied in as -few words as possible. They were thinking of the court-martial, the -guard-house, and extra duty, and did not feel at all inclined to talk. - -On the following morning, the tug arrived at Newport. As soon as -it became know that the runaways had been captured, the wharf was -crowded with people, and the culprits found themselves the “observed -of all observers.” Tom saw his father standing on the wharf, but he -felt so ashamed of what he had done, that he could not raise his -eyes to his face. As soon as the tug had landed, Johnny Harding and -his three friends made the best of their way homeward, while those -that belonged to the institute were placed under arrest and marched -through the village, like prisoners of war. When they arrived at the -academy, they were met by the principal, who ordered them, not to -the guard-house, but into the school-room, where the lessons of the -day were pointed out to them, and in five minutes more the runaways -were at work at their books, as if nothing had happened. On the -second day, all the students who had been in pursuit of the deserters -returned and the work at the academy was resumed and carried on as -usual. Three days after that, the examination was completed, and, -when the result was announced, Tom had the satisfaction of seeing -the eagles he had coveted placed on the shoulders of Bill Steele, -the adjutant Colonel Smith, and a few of the older students, had -finished the course at the academy, and were to enter college. As -for Tom and his fellow-conspirators, they were left so far behind -that they were heartily ashamed of themselves. The next day, the -much-dreaded court-martial was convened. During the process of -the examination, the part each of the students had borne in the -conspiracy was brought to light, and the secret workings of the -society of Night-hawks were developed. Then came the sentence. Tom, -being the prime mover in the affair, was ordered to do “extra duty” -for two months, and the others for one month. The grand commander -drew a long breath of relief, for he was prepared for something -terrible; but the others all looked blank, for they understood the -meaning of the sentence. - -When the business of the court had been concluded, the successful -students made preparations for going into camp; and, in order -that the runaways might know how much they had lost by their -misconduct, they were permitted to witness their departure. The -lieutenant-colonel, major, and adjutant had been provided with -horses; and when the battalion, accompanied by its baggage-train, -moved out of the grounds, it looked like a little army on the march. -As soon as it was out of sight, the runaways, and a few others who -had failed in their examinations, were ordered into the school-room, -and Tom soon found that “extra duty” was something not to be -despised. He was kept busy at work all the time; he was constantly -under the eye of his teacher, who promptly took him to task for the -least violation of the rules, and before a week had passed, he had -been fully convinced that “the way of the transgressor is hard,” and -had made repeated resolutions, that as long as he remained at the -academy, the principal would never again have occasion to put him on -“extra duty.” - -Here we will leave him for the present, working out the punishment -brought on by his own misdeeds, and repenting, at his leisure, the -folly of which he had been guilty, and go back to our old friend Bob -Jennings, the fisher-boy, of whom we have for some time lost sight, -but whom we have not forgotten. Of Bob’s life and character, his -trials, disappointments, and final success, we shall have something -to say in “GO AHEAD; OR, THE FISHER-BOY’S MOTTO.” - - - THE END. - - - - - FAMOUS STANDARD JUVENILE LIBRARIES. - - ANY VOLUME SOLD SEPARATELY AT $1.00 PER VOLUME - - (Except the Sportsman’s Club Series, Frank Nelson Series and Jack - Hazard Series.) - - Each Volume Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth. - - - HORATIO ALGER, JR. - - The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, Jr., show the - greatness of his popularity among the boys, and prove that he is - one of their most favored writers. I am told that more than half a - million copies altogether have been sold, and that all the large - circulating libraries in the country have several complete sets, - of which only two or three volumes are ever on the shelves at one - time. If this is true, what thousands and thousands of boys have - read and are reading Mr. Alger’s books! His peculiar style of - stories, often imitated but never equaled, have taken a hold upon - the young people, and, despite their similarity, are eagerly read - as soon as they appear. - - Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that undying book, - “Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York.” It was his first book - for young people, and its success was so great that he immediately - devoted himself to that kind of writing. It was a new and fertile - field for a writer then, and Mr. Alger’s treatment of it at once - caught the fancy of the boys. “Ragged Dick” first appeared in 1868, - and ever since then it has been selling steadily, until now it is - estimated that about 200,000 copies of the series have been sold. - - --_Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls._ - - - - - THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.’S POPULAR JUVENILES. - - - LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--Second Series. - - 4 vols. $4.00 - - Try and Trust. Risen from the Ranks. - Bound to Rise. Herbert Carter’s Legacy. - - - BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. - - 4 vols. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $4.00 - - Brave and Bold. Shifting for Himself. - Jack’s Ward. Wait and Hope. - - - NEW WORLD SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $3.00 - - Digging for Gold. Facing the World. In a New World. - - - VICTORY SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $3.00 - - Only an Irish Boy. Adrift in the City. - Victor Vane, or the Young Secretary. - - - FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $3.00 - - Frank Hunter’s Peril. Frank and Fearless. - The Young Salesman. - - - GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY. - - 3 vols. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $3.00 - - Walter Sherwood’s Probation. A Boy’s Fortune. - The Young Bank Messenger. - - - RUPERT’S AMBITION. - - 1 vol. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $1.00 - - - JED, THE POOR-HOUSE BOY. - - 1 vol. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $1.00 - - - A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy with them. He - should be able to enter into their plans, hopes, and aspirations. - He should learn to look upon life as they do. Boys object to be - written down to. A boy’s heart opens to the man or writer who - understands him. - - --From _Writing Stories for Boys_, by Horatio Alger, Jr. - - - RAGGED DICK SERIES. - - 6 vols. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $6.00 - - Ragged Dick. Rough and Ready. - Fame and Fortune. Ben the Luggage Boy. - Mark the Match Boy. Rufus and Rose. - - - TATTERED TOM SERIES--First Series. - - 4 vols. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $4.00 - - Tattered Tom. Phil the Fiddler. - Paul the Peddler. Slow and Sure. - - - TATTERED TOM SERIES--Second Series. - - 4 vols. $4.00 - - Julius. Sam’s Chance. - The Young Outlaw. The Telegraph Boy. - - - CAMPAIGN SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $3.00 - - Frank’s Campaign. Charlie Codman’s Cruise. - Paul Prescott’s Charge. - - - LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--First Series. - - 4 vols. BY HORATIO ALGER, JR. $4.00 - - Luck and Pluck. Strong and Steady. - Sink or Swim. Strive and Succeed. - - - EDWARD S. ELLIS. - - Edward S. Ellis, the popular writer of boys’ books, is a native of - Ohio, where he was born somewhat more than a half-century ago. His - father was a famous hunter and rifle shot, and it was doubtless his - exploits and those of his associates, with their tales of adventure - which gave the son his taste for the breezy backwoods and for - depicting the stirring life of the early settlers on the frontier. - - Mr. Ellis began writing at an early age and his work was acceptable - from the first. His parents removed to New Jersey while he was - a boy and he was graduated from the State Normal School and - became a member of the faculty while still in his teens. He was - afterward principal of the Trenton High School, a trustee and then - superintendent of schools. By that time his services as a writer - had become so pronounced that he gave his entire attention to - literature. He was an exceptionally successful teacher and wrote - a number of text-books for schools, all of which met with high - favor. For these and his historical productions, Princeton College - conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. - - The high moral character, the clean, manly tendencies and the - admirable literary style of Mr. Ellis’ stories have made him as - popular on the other side of the Atlantic as in this country. - A leading paper remarked some time since, that no mother need - hesitate to place in the hands of her boy any book written by Mr. - Ellis. They are found in the leading Sunday-school libraries, - where, as may well be believed, they are in wide demand and do - much good by their sound, wholesome lessons which render them - as acceptable to parents as to their children. All of his books - published by Henry T. Coates & Co. are re-issued in London, and - many have been translated into other languages. Mr. Ellis is a - writer of varied accomplishments, and, in addition to his stories, - is the author of historical works, of a number of pieces of - popular music and has made several valuable inventions. Mr. Ellis - is in the prime of his mental and physical powers, and great as - have been the merits of his past achievements, there is reason to - look for more brilliant productions from his pen in the near future. - - - DEERFOOT SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY EDWARD S. ELLIS. $3.00 - - Hunters of the Ozark. The Last War Trail. - Camp in the Mountains. - - - LOG CABIN SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY EDWARD S. ELLIS. $3.00 - - Lost Trail. Footprints in the Forest. - Camp-Fire and Wigwam. - - - BOY PIONEER SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY EDWARD S. ELLIS. $3.00 - - Ned in the Block-House. Ned on the River. - Ned in the Woods. - - - THE NORTHWEST SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY EDWARD S. ELLIS. $3.00 - - Two Boys in Wyoming. Cowmen and Rustlers. - A Strange Craft and its Wonderful Voyage. - - - BOONE AND KENTON SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY EDWARD S. ELLIS. $3.00 - - Shod with Silence. In the Days of the Pioneers. - Phantom of the River. - - - IRON HEART, WAR CHIEF OF THE IROQUOIS. - - 1 vol. BY EDWARD S. ELLIS. $1.00 - - - THE NEW DEERFOOT SERIES. - - 3 vols. BY EDWARD S. ELLIS. $3.00 - - Deerfoot in the Forest. Deerfoot on the Prairie. - Deerfoot in the Mountains. - - - JACK HAZARD SERIES. - - 6 vols. BY J. T. TROWBRIDGE. $7.25 - - Jack Hazard and His Fortunes. Doing His Best. - The Young Surveyor. A Chance for Himself. - Fast Friends. Lawrence’s Adventures. - - - International Bibles - - Are known the world over for their clear print, scholarly Helps - and absolutely flexible bindings. They comprise every variety of - readable type in every style of binding and include Text Bibles, - Reference Bibles, Teachers’ Bibles, Testaments, Psalms, Illustrated - Bibles; also the “International” Red Letter Testaments and Red - Letter Bibles with the prophetic types and prophecies relating - to Christ in the Old Testament printed in red, and the words of - Christ in the New Testament printed in red; also Christian Workers’ - Testament and Christian Workers’ Bible in which all subjects or the - Theme of Salvation are indexed and marked in red. - - For sale by all booksellers. Catalog of Books and Bibles mailed on - application to the publishers. - - - THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO. - Winston Building - PHILADELPHIA, PA. - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - The List of Illustrations at the beginning of the book was created by - the transcriber. - - Inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation such as - “bulkhead”/“bulk-head” and “doorway”/“door-way” have been maintained. - - Minor punctuation and spelling errors have been silently corrected - and, except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the - text, and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained. - - Page 213: “expect to bear a good account” changed to “expect to hear - a good account”. - - Page 262: “Miller visited Tom in his domitory” changed to “Miller - visited Tom in his dormitory”. - - Page 300: “waiving his hat to them” changed to “waving his hat to - them”. - - Page 341: “affairs looked rather dubius again” changed to “affairs - looked rather dubious again”. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TOM NEWCOMBE *** - -***** This file should be named 64169-0.txt or 64169-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/1/6/64169/ - -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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margin-right: 1em;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} -.allsmcap {font-variant: small-caps; text-transform: lowercase;} - -.caption {font-weight: bold; - padding-bottom: 0.50em;} - - -/* Images */ - -img { - border: none; - max-width: 100%; - height: auto; -} - -img.w100 {width: 100%;} - - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - -.transnote p {text-indent: 0em;} - - -/* Illustration classes */ -.illowp100 {width: 100%;} @media handheld { .illowp100 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp48 {width: 48%;} @media handheld { .illowp48 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp49 {width: 49%;} @media handheld { .illowp49 {width: 100%;} } -.illowp50 {width: 50%;} @media handheld { .illowp50 {width: 100%;} } - - </style> - </head> - -<body> - -<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold;'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Tom Newcombe, by Harry Castlemon</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Tom Newcombe</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>The Boy of Bad Habits</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Harry Castlemon</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: December 29, 2020 [eBook #64169]</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: David Edwards, Susan Carr and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TOM NEWCOMBE ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter illowp50" id="cover" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter illowp100" id="frontis" style="max-width: 100.5em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Tom Learning to be a Sailor.</span>—Page 59.</div> -</div> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<p class="pfs100 p4"><em>THE GO-AHEAD SERIES.</em></p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<h1 class="p2">TOM NEWCOMBE;</h1> - -<p class="pfs80">OR,</p> - -<p class="pfs150 p1">THE BOY OF BAD HABITS.</p> - -<p class="pfs70 p6">BY</p> - -<p class="pfs120">HARRY CASTLEMON,<br /> - -<span class="fs50">AUTHOR OF “THE GUN-BOAT SERIES,” “THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES,” ETC.</span></p> - - -<p class="pfs120 p6">THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.<br /> -<span class="pfs80">PHILADELPHIA</span><br /> -<span class="pfs60">CHICAGO <span class="pad4">TORONTO</span></span></p> - - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<p class="pfs135 p2">FAMOUS CASTLEMON BOOKS.</p> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="85%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">GUNBOAT SERIES.</span><span class="pad1"> By </span><span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">6 vols.</span> <span class="pad1">12mo.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank the Young Naturalist.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank on a Gunboat.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank in the Woods.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank before Vicksburg.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank on the Lower Mississippi.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank on the Prairie.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES.</span> <span class="pad1">By</span> <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">3 vols.</span> <span class="pad1">12mo.</span> <span class="pad1">Cloth</span>.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank among the Rancheros.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank at Don Carlos’ Ranch.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank in the Mountains.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">SPORTSMAN’S CLUB SERIES.</span> <span class="pad1">By</span> <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">3 vols.</span><span class="pad1"> 12mo.</span> <span class="pad1">Cloth.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Sportsman’s Club in the Saddle.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Sportsman’s Club Afloat.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Sportsman’s Club among the Trappers.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">FRANK NELSON SERIES.</span> <span class="pad1">By</span> <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">3 vols.</span> <span class="pad1">12mo.</span> <span class="pad1">Cloth.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Snowed Up.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Frank in the Forecastle.<span class="pad6"> </span></span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Boy Traders.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">BOY TRAPPER SERIES.</span> <span class="pad1">By</span> <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">3 vols.</span> <span class="pad1">12mo.</span> <span class="pad1">Cloth.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Buried Treasure.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Boy Trapper.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Mail-Carrier.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">ROUGHING IT SERIES.</span> <span class="pad1">By</span> <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">3 vols.</span> <span class="pad1">12mo.</span> <span class="pad1">Cloth.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">George in Camp.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">George at the Wheel.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">George at the Fort.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">ROD AND GUN SERIES.</span> <span class="pad1">By</span> <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">3 vols.</span> <span class="pad1">12mo.</span> <span class="pad1">Cloth.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Don Gordon’s Shooting Box.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Rod and Gun Club.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Young Wild Fowlers.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">GO-AHEAD SERIES.</span> <span class="pad1">By</span> <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">3 vols.</span> <span class="pad1">12mo.</span> <span class="pad1">Cloth.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Tom Newcombe.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Go-Ahead.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">No Moss.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">FOREST AND STREAM SERIES.</span> <span class="pad1">By</span> <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">3 vols.</span> <span class="pad1">12mo.</span> <span class="pad1">Cloth.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Joe Wayring.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Snagged and Sunk.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Steel Horse.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3"><span class="bold">WAR SERIES.</span> <span class="pad1">By</span> <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>. <span class="pad1">5 vols.</span> <span class="pad1">12mo.</span> <span class="pad1">Cloth.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">True to his Colors.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Rodney the Partisan.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Rodney the Overseer.</span></td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Marcy the Blockade-Runner.</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Marcy the Refugee.</span></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p class="pfs90 bold"><em>Other Volumes in Preparation.</em></p> - -<hr class="r65" /> - -<p class="pfs100">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1868, by</p> - -<p class="pfs100">R. W. CARROLL & CO.,</p> - -<p class="pfs100">In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</p> - -<hr class="r15" /> - -<p class="pfs100"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1896, by Charles A. Fosdick.</span></p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iii"></a>[Pg iii]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="85%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdr fs80">CHAPTER</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr fs80">PAGE</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">I.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Tom’s Habits</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_5">5</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">II.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">The Fisher-Boy</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_20">20</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">III.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Tom goes to Sea</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_31">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">IV.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Life on the Ocean Wave</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_47">47</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">V.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Homeward Bound</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_63">63</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">VI.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Tom goes into Business</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">VII.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">How Tom Succeeded</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_94">94</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">VIII.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Tom makes new Bargains</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">IX.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">The Mystery in a Storm</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_116">116</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">X.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Tom’s Game Chickens</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_126">126</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XI.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Tom Decides to be a Farmer,<span class="pad6"> </span></span></td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_138">138</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XII.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Tom’s New Home</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_152">152</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XIII.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Life on a Farm</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_163">163</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XIV.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">The “Night-Hawks,”</span></td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_177">177</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XV.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">The Night-Hawks in Action</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_190">190</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XVI.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">The Military School</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_208">208</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XVII.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Tom wants to be Colonel</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_226">226</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XVIII.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Tom has an Idea</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_238">238</a><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_iv"></a>[iv]</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XIX.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">The Conspirators</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_251">251</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XX.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Plans and Arrangements</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_267">267</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XXI.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">The Escape</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_280">280</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XXII.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">The Pursuit Commenced</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_297">297</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XXIII.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">The Cruise of the Swallow</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_309">309</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XXIV.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">A Change of Commanders</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_321">321</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdrp">XXV.</td> -<td class="tdlp"><span class="smcap">Conclusion</span>,</td> -<td class="tdrp"><a href="#Page_332">332</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak p6" id="ILLUSTRATIONS">ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="80%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Tom Learning to be a Sailor.</span></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#frontis">Frontispiece</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">Tom Captured by the Squire.</span></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#p002">205</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">The Escape from the Academy.</span></td> -<td class="tdr"><a href="#p003">286</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_5"></a>[5]</span></p> - -<p class="pfs150 p2">TOM NEWCOMBE;</p> - -<p class="pfs80 p2">OR,</p> - -<p class="pfs150 p1">THE BOY OF BAD HABITS.</p> - -<hr class="r20" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">TOM’S HABITS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap1.jpg" alt="“O" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">“O NOW, I can’t learn this lesson, I know I -can’t, and there’s no use in trying! I am -the most unlucky boy in the whole world!”</p> - -<p>Thus spoke Tom Newcombe, as he lay -under one of the trees in his father’s yard, rolling about -on the grass, and tossing his heels in the air, as if he -scarcely knew what to do with himself.</p> - -<p>Tom was not a happy boy, although all his playmates -thought he ought to be. His father was the -wealthiest man in the village—owned more than half -the vessels that sailed from that port, and Tom lived -in a large house, where he had every thing a boy of -his age could ask for to make his life pass pleasantly. -He owned the swiftest sail-boat about the village; had -more fish-poles, foot-balls, and playthings of every description -than he could possibly find use for; and, in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_6"></a>[6]</span> -the stable, was a fine little Shetland pony, which had -been bought for Tom’s express benefit. But, in spite -of his pleasant surroundings, the hero of our story was -very discontented; his face always wore a gloomy expression, -and he invariably acted as if he were angry -about something.</p> - -<p>Tom was about fourteen years of age, as smart as -any boy in the village, and might have been of some -use in the world, had it not been for his numerous bad -habits, which kept him in constant trouble, and were -the sole cause of all his unhappiness. One of these -bad habits was carelessness. He thought it was too -much trouble to carry out the motto he had so often -heard—“A place for every thing and every thing in -its place”—and the consequence was, he was not unfrequently -compelled to waste half the day in searching -for some article he happened to want. His cap, especially, -was the source of a great deal of annoyance and -vexation to him. For example, when he came in to -his meals, he would take off his cap on entering the -house, and throw it somewhere, not caring where it -landed; and as soon as he was ready to go out of doors -again, his first question—spoken in a slow, drawling -tone, as if he were almost ready to drop down with -fatigue—would be:</p> - -<p>“Now, mother, where’s my cap?”</p> - -<p>“I am sure I don’t know, my son,” would be the -answer. “What did you do with it when you came -in?”</p> - -<p>“I hung it right here!” Tom would say, pointing to -the hat-rack in the hall, or to a nail behind the door, -which had been placed there for his especial benefit.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_7"></a>[7]</span> -“I know I hung it up, but it isn’t here now. I do -wish folks would let my things alone! Something’s -always bothering me!”</p> - -<p>Then Tom would begin a search in all the rooms of -the house, tumbling chairs about and moving tables and -sofas, and the missing article would be found, sometimes -in the “play-house,” sometimes under the bed, but more -frequently under the trees in the yard, or on the portico.</p> - -<p>We have spoken of Tom’s “play-house.” It was a -room in the attic, nicely furnished, with carpet, tables, -and chairs, and provided with a stove, so that he could -be comfortable there in cold weather. In this room he -kept his playthings, or rather, part of them. Those that -were lost—and about half of them were missing—would -have been found, some in the barn, others scattered -about the yard, while the rest had been thrown under the -house for safe keeping, where Tom could not get at them -without soiling his clothes, and that was something he -did not like to do. To have taken a single glance at -the articles in his play-house, one would have thought -that he ought never to have been at a loss to know how -to employ himself; and that a single glance would also -have been sufficient to convince any one that he never -took the least care of what was given him. The only -thing that ever interested Tom for any length of time, -was a fine model of a ship, with sails and ropes complete, -which an old sailor had given him, and which had been -placed on a stand opposite the entrance to his play-house. -But, having been carelessly mounted, it had fallen to the -floor, and Tom, in one of his angry moods, had kicked -it under the table, where it lay with its masts broken, -and its sails torn, looking very much like a vessel that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_8"></a>[8]</span> -had been wrecked at sea. His playthings were scattered -about the room in all directions. Foot-balls, bows and -arrows, Chinese puzzles, base-ball bats, a magic lantern, -models of vessels, fish poles, hats and boots were mixed -up in the most complete confusion, and every article bore -evidence to the fact that it had received the roughest -usage. Indeed, there was but one thing in the room -that was entire, and that was a little fire-engine—a -birthday present from his mother. But then this had -only come into Tom’s possession two days before the -commencement of our story, and it was yet new to him.</p> - -<p>Tom was always complaining that he never could find -a thing when he wanted it; and no one about the house -wondered at it in the least. To his mother’s oft-repeated -inquiry why he did not put his room in order, and have -a certain place for each particular thing, he would answer:</p> - -<p>“O, now, I can’t; I haven’t got time. Let somebody -else do it!”</p> - -<p>Tom’s room, we ought to remark, was placed in perfect -order every day, but it was only time and labor -wasted; for, if he happened to want a fish-pole, or a -ball bat, he would tumble the things about until he -found the article in question, and then go out leaving -the room in the greatest confusion.</p> - -<p>Another bad trait in Tom’s character was his unconquerable -pride. He was ashamed to work, and he would -not do so if there was any possible way for him to avoid -it. On a cold day, when it stormed too violently for -him to go out of doors, he would remain in his room, -with benumbed hands and chattering teeth, before he -would take the trouble to build a fire. His father often<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_9"></a>[9]</span> -asked him why he stayed there in the cold, and Tom -replied: “O, there’s no wood up here!”</p> - -<p>“Well, you know where the wood-shed is. Go and -get some.”</p> - -<p>“O, I can’t,” Tom would invariably answer. “Let -somebody else go. It wouldn’t look well for me to do -it.”</p> - -<p>Once or twice during the previous winter, for some -offense that he had committed, he was compelled to remove -the snow from the side-walk in front of the house. -On these occasions, Tom, being very much afraid of soiling -his gloves, handled the shovel with the ends of his -fingers, and when any one passed by, he hung his head -as if he did not wish to be recognized. Work of any -kind was the severest punishment that could be inflicted -upon him. In his estimation, it was a disgrace that -never could be wiped out.</p> - -<p>Tom also had a bad habit of saying, “O, I can’t; I -know I can’t, and what’s the use in trying?” This -was his favorite expression—one that he made use of -at all times, and upon all occasions. If his lesson was -hard, instead of going manfully at work to learn it, he -would read it over carelessly a few times; and if he failed -to remember it, or if he found it more difficult than he -had expected, he would throw down his book, exclaiming: -“O, I can’t get it. It’s too hard. Something’s -always bothering me;” and that was the end of it as far -as he was concerned.</p> - -<p>“Tom,” his father would say, when he heard the boy -make use of this expression, “don’t you remember the -words of the old song, ‘If at first you don’t succeed, -try—’”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_10"></a>[10]</span></p> - -<p>But Tom, as soon as he found out what was coming, -would interrupt him with—</p> - -<p>“O, now, father, that’s all useless. What good does -it do a fellow to try, when he <em>knows</em> he can’t succeed? -It’s only time wasted. I’m quite sure the person who -wrote that song never had any very hard things to -do.”</p> - -<p>At school, Tom never made any progress. Promised -rewards or threatened punishments seldom had any lasting -effect on him, and the result was, that all the boys -of his age in the village soon left him far behind. He -disliked very much to be beaten, and always wanted to -be first in every thing; but even this failed to arouse -him, and, as his school-mates termed it, he was “promoted -backward,” until, at last, he found himself in a -class with boys who were much younger than himself, -but who, in spite of the difference in their ages, always -had their lessons better than he. Finally, Mr. Newcombe, -almost discouraged, took Tom out of school, and placed -him under the charge of a private teacher, who lived at -the mansion. When this change was made, Tom looked -upon himself as a most fortunate boy; but he soon discovered -a very disagreeable feature in the arrangement, -and that was, his father was always in the school-room -when he recited his lessons. This made Tom very uneasy. -He did not wish to make a display of his ignorance -before his father, and, besides, he knew that if -the merchant took the matter into his own hands, something -unpleasant would happen. On several occasions, -he had assured Mr. Newcombe that he could recite his -lessons much better if he were not present; but the -latter, taking a different view of the case, was always at<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_11"></a>[11]</span> -home during the recitations, and Tom had more than -once been soundly scolded for his failures.</p> - -<p>Tom was also sadly wanting in firmness of purpose. -Like many boys of his age, he looked forward with impatience -to the day when he should become a man; and -the question that troubled him not a little, was, what -should he do when he became his “own master,” as he -termed it. He was full of what he considered to be -glorious ideas, but, when he had determined to enter -upon any particular calling, he always found something -unpleasant in it. For instance, during the previous -winter he had informed his father that it was his intention -to become a sailor, and that nothing could induce -him to change his mind. As usual with him, he wanted -to begin at once, and he scarcely allowed his father a -moment’s rest, teasing him from morning until night, -for permission to go to sea on one of the vessels as -cabin-boy. But Mr. Newcombe, who had once been a -cabin-boy himself, and who knew what Tom would be -compelled to endure, would not give his consent. He -was not at all opposed to his son’s going to sea, for, having -been a sailor himself, he looked upon a sea-faring -man as a most useful and honorable member of society; -but he knew that on ship-board, Tom’s uneasy, discontented -disposition would keep him in constant trouble; -and before he allowed him out of his sight he wanted -him to abandon his bad habits. Besides, he did not -wish his son to remain a foremast hand all his life, and -he knew that if Tom wished to win promotion, he must -first go to school and pay more attention to his books. -So Mr. Newcombe told Tom that he could not go, and -this made the boy very miserable indeed. Several of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_12"></a>[12]</span> -his playmates, who were much younger than himself, -had been to sea on three or four voyages, and why -couldn’t he go as well as any body? He could see no -good reason for a refusal, and in order to punish his -father for not allowing him to have his own way, he -went into the sulks, and, for a day or two, scarcely spoke -to any one. This was Tom’s favorite way of taking revenge -on his father and mother, and no doubt it was the -source of great satisfaction to him. But had he known -how foolish he was, and how all the sensible boys of his -acquaintance laughed at him, he might have taken some -pains to conceal his ugly temper. He resolved that he -would never abandon his idea of becoming a sailor, and -every moment that he could snatch from school, was -spent on the wharf, where he stood looking at the vessels, -and wishing that he was his “own master,” so that -he could do as he pleased. One night he took his stand -on the wharf, and saw one of his father’s vessels towed -into the harbor almost a wreck. Her foremast was gone, -her deck and shrouds were coated with ice, her rigging -all frozen, the sails useless, and those of the crew that -were left, were in the most pitiable condition. This was -an incident in the life of a sailor that had never entered -into Tom’s calculations; and when he had seen the vessel -moored at the wharf, and heard her captain tell his -father that the crew, besides being badly frost-bitten, -had been without food for two days, Tom started -homeward, fully resolved that he would never follow -the sea.</p> - -<p>For a day or two after that, he was a most miserable -boy. He did not know what to decide upon next; and -he never was happy unless he had something to dream<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_13"></a>[13]</span> -about. But, one afternoon, as he stood in his father’s -office, a well-to-do farmer drove up with a load of grain, -and Tom suddenly saw the way out of his quandary. -There were four horses hitched to the sled, and they -were so slick and fat, and the farmer seemed to be so -happy and contented, that Tom could not resist the -thought that he would like to be a farmer. In fact, -after a few moment’s consideration, he decided that he -would be one, and he resolved to act upon his decision -at once. After a little maneuvering, he commenced a -conversation with the farmer, during which, he asked -him if he “didn’t want to hire a boy!” The man replied -that he did, that he was just looking for one, and, -that, if Tom would go home with him, he would soon -make a first-class farmer of him. Tom, delighted with -the idea, at once sought an interview with his father, to -whom he hurriedly explained his new scheme. Mr. -Newcombe, too busy to be interrupted, answered his -request that he might be permitted to go home with -the farmer in the negative; but Tom, who was a great -tease, was not to be put off so easily.</p> - -<p>“You don’t understand what I want, father!” he -began.</p> - -<p>“Yes I do!” replied the merchant. “I know all -about it. But there’s one thing I don’t know, and that -is, what foolish notion you’ll get into your head next!”</p> - -<p>“But, father!” said Tom impatiently, “may I go? -That’s what I want to know!”</p> - -<p>“No, sir, you may stay at home!”</p> - -<p>“O, now, why can’t I go?” whined Tom. “Say, -father, <em>why</em> can’t I go? I want to learn to be a farmer.”</p> - -<p>How long Tom would have continued to tease his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_14"></a>[14]</span> -father, it is impossible to say, had not the merchant, -well-nigh out of patience, ordered his son to “go home, -and stay there, until he should learn not to bother persons -when they were busy.” Tom reluctantly obeyed; but -the moment he reached the house again went into the -sulks.</p> - -<p>This last idea, he thought, would suit him much better -than any thing he had ever before thought of. Heretofore, -when he had explained his plans to his father, -that gentleman had invariably said,</p> - -<p>“Tom, you don’t know enough! Go to school and -pay more attention to your books. Get your education -first, and decide upon your business afterward.” But -this was something the boy did not like to do. He -could not bear to study, and all his calculations, as to -what trade or profession he should follow when he became -a man, had been made with reference to this particular -object—namely, to discover some business which -could be successfully conducted without a knowledge of -arithmetic and geography, two things that Tom thoroughly -despised. But now he had hit upon the very -thing—farming; a farmer had nothing to do but drive -horses, take care of cows, and spread hay; and that did -not require a knowledge of arithmetic or geography. -That was just the business for him; and he resolved -that some day he would be a farmer.</p> - -<p>During the remainder of the winter, Tom held firmly -to this determination. He thought, and dreamed about -nothing else; and a farmer’s sled or wagon was an object -of great curiosity to him; at least all his playmates -thought so, for every morning and evening, before and -after school, and all day Saturdays, Tom was seen loitering<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_15"></a>[15]</span> -about the market-houses, looking at the horses, -and talking with the farmers. This state of things, we -repeat, continued until spring, and then all these ideas -were driven out of his head as suddenly as they had -entered it.</p> - -<p>Among other things of which the village of Newport -could boast, was its military school. This institution -was attended by boys of all ages, from almost all parts -of the state, and, in addition to being prepared either -for business or college, they were instructed in military -science. The students wore a uniform of gray trimmed -with blue, the “commissioned” officers being designated -by shoulder-straps, and the “non-commissioned,” by two -or three stripes worn on the right arm, above the elbow. -Every thing in and about the academy was conducted -in military order. The officers were always addressed -according to their rank, captain, lieutenant, or sergeant, -as the case might be, and punishment for serious offenses -against the rules of the school was adjudged by -courts-martial, composed of some of the teachers and -students. Every spring and fall the members of the -academy, with their professors at their head, went into -camp, where they generally remained about two weeks; -and it was during one of these camping frolics that Tom, -after having witnessed a series of parades, during which, -the students behaved like veteran soldiers, lost all desire -to become a farmer, and decided to turn his attention to -the military school. Tom had often wished that his -father would permit him to sign the muster-rolls of -the academy, and, in fact, he had, for a long time, been -unable to determine whether he was “cut out” for a soldier -or a sailor. On this point he had often debated<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_16"></a>[16]</span> -long and earnestly. It must not be supposed that Tom -was endeavoring to decide in which of these two callings -he could do the most good, and be of the most use -to his fellow-men! Quite the contrary. He cared for -no one but himself. It made no difference to him how -much others were troubled or inconvenienced, as long as -he could get along smoothly; and the question he was -trying to answer was, Which calling held out the better -promise of a life of ease? There was another question -that Tom had never been able to answer to his satisfaction, -and that was, of what use would his military education -be to him after he left the academy? But one -day, just before the camp broke up, this problem was -solved by one of the students, who informed Tom that -he had passed a successful examination, and had received -the appointment of cadet at West Point. This -showed Tom the way out of his difficulty, and, at the -same time, opened before his lively imagination a scene -of glory of which he had never before dreamed.</p> - -<p>“That’s the thing for me!” he soliloquised, as he bent -his steps homeward. “That’s the very place I always -wanted to go to. If father would let me join this school, -I’d certainly be appointed captain of one of the academy -companies in two or three weeks; then, after I get -through there, I’d go to West Point. I’d stay there -until I completed my military education, and then go -into the army. Then I would be sent off somewhere to -fight the Indians, and, if I was a brave man, I might be -promoted to colonel or brigadier-general. Wouldn’t -that be glorious, and wouldn’t I feel gay riding around -on my fine horse, with my body-guard galloping after -me? It’s an easy life, too; I know it would just suit<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_17"></a>[17]</span> -me. and I am resolved that some day I will be a soldier.”</p> - -<p>By the time Tom reached home he had worked himself -up to the highest pitch of excitement, by imagining -all sorts of pleasant things that would happen when he -should become a general in the regular army; but what -was his disappointment when his father—after he had -explained to him his glowing schemes—refused to permit -him to join the military academy.</p> - -<p>“I might have expected it,” said Tom to himself, as -he walked sullenly out of the house. “I always was -the most unlucky boy in the whole world. I never can -do any thing like other fellows, for father don’t want -me to enjoy myself if he can help it. But I’ll be my -own master one of these fine days, and then I’ll do as I -please.”</p> - -<p>Tom was decidedly wrong when he said that his father -did not want him to enjoy himself, for Mr. Newcombe -used his best endeavors to make his son happy and -contented; and this was the reason he had never allowed -Tom to carry out any of his numerous schemes. He -knew that the boy’s bad habits would render him unhappy -wherever he went, and in whatever he engaged; -but he hoped that, as he grew in years, he would also -grow in wisdom; that he would learn that his only -chance for success in any undertaking was to “turn -over a new leaf,” abandon all his bad habits, and begin -work in earnest. But Tom, attributing his father’s -refusal to entirely different motives, went into the sulks, -and for a week scarcely spoke to any one about the -house. For two months he fretted and scolded almost -constantly, and all this time he was endeavoring to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_18"></a>[18]</span> -conjure up some plan by which he might induce his -father to grant his request. He declared, more than -once, that he was “bound to be a general,” and that he -“never would give up his idea of joining the military -academy.” But one day an event transpired that caused -him to forget all these resolutions, and turned his -thoughts and desires into another channel.</p> - -<p>A full-rigged ship, which had been launched at the -yards early in the spring, was completed, and Tom saw -her start on her first voyage. He had never before -seen so beautiful an object as that ship, and, as she -sailed majestically out of the harbor, the thought occurred -to Tom how grand he would feel if he was the -master of a vessel like that. From that hour the -military school was at a discount, and Tom had again -resolved to be a sailor—not a common foremast hand, -but the captain of a full-rigged ship.</p> - -<p>These are but few of the instances that might be -cited to illustrate the fact that Tom was utterly lacking -in firmness of purpose, for there was scarcely a trade -or profession that he had not, at some time or another, -wanted to follow. For a time he imagined that a man -who could build and run a steam-engine ought to be -very proud, and able to make his living easily, and -then he wanted to be a machinist. Then he thought -that the village doctor, a fat, jolly man, who rode -about in his gig, and appeared to take the world very -easily, ought to be a happy man, and then Tom wanted -to study medicine. Next, after listening for a few -moments to a Fourth of July speech, delivered by a -prominent member of the bar, he decided to be a -lawyer; and, after that, a civil engineer; but, upon<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_19"></a>[19]</span> -inquiry, he found that all these involved a long course -of study and preparation; so they were speedily dismissed -as unworthy of his attention.</p> - -<p>Tom, we repeat, had often thought of these and -many other trades and professions; but, at the period -when our story commences, he was, perhaps, for the -hundredth time, firmly settled in his determination to -become a sailor. Mr. Newcombe had often talked to -his son about his bad habits, especially his want of -stability, his propensity to build air-castles, and his -aversion to study; but, it is needless to say, the boy -paid very little attention to what was said to him. -The truth was, he did not believe that his father knew -any thing at all about the matter. Besides being very -stubborn—holding to his own ideas, no matter what was -said against them—he had a most exalted opinion of -himself, and had often made himself ridiculous by saying, -“They can’t teach <em>me</em>—I know just what I am -about.”</p> - -<p>Tom lived to be an old man; and perhaps we shall -see what he thought of these things in after life; -whether or not he never regretted that he had not followed -the advice of those who, being older and more -experienced than himself, knew what was best for him.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_20"></a>[20]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">THE FISHER-BOY.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap2.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">THE house in which Tom lived stood on a hill -that commanded a fine view of the village of -Newport and the adjacent bay, and before it -was a wide lawn, that sloped gently down to -the water’s edge, shaded by grand old trees. On the -day we introduce Tom to our readers, he had been sent -out of the school-room in disgrace, not having mastered -his arithmetic lesson. He lay at full length under one -of the trees, stretching his arms and yawning, throwing -his book about, and looking out over the bay at the -vessels that were sailing in and out of the harbor. Now -and then he would think of his lesson, but the thought -was always dismissed with an impatient “O, I can’t -learn it; I know I can’t, and what’s the use in trying?” -But it was evident that he did not intend to abandon it -altogether, for he would occasionally open his book and -study for a few moments, with his mouth twisted on one -side, as if he were on the point of crying. The fact was, -Mr. Newcombe was present at the recitation that morning, -when his son had made a worse failure than usual; -and as he was about to leave the school-room, he turned -to Tom and told him, in language too plain to be misunderstood, -that if he “didn’t have that lesson by five<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_21"></a>[21]</span> -o’clock that afternoon, he would get his jacket dusted in -a way that would make him open his eyes.” Tom remembered -the threat, and he would now and then turn -to his task with a listless, discouraged air, as if he regarded -it as far beyond his comprehension. His mind, -as usual, was wandering off over the bay, and to save -his life he could not learn the rule for addition.</p> - -<p>His lesson, however, was not the only thing that -troubled him just then; a more important matter was -on his mind, and perplexed him exceedingly. He had -that morning found an insurmountable obstacle in his -path—one that shut him out from all hopes of ever becoming -a sailor.</p> - -<p>When the sight of that fine ship had again turned -Tom’s attention to the sea, he laid a regular siege to his -father, and tried every plan he could think of to obtain -his consent to ship as boy on one of his vessels; and that -morning he had asked permission to go out on the -“Savannah,” a schooner that was to sail in a week or -two.</p> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe had, for a long time, patiently borne -his fretting and teasing; and, finally, to set the matter at -rest at once and forever, he said to Tom:</p> - -<p>“My son, when you can add up a column of figures -without counting your fingers, and can tell me the capital -of every State in the Union, and where it is situated, -you may go to sea. Now, wake up, and see if -you can’t display a little energy. The Savannah will -not sail under two weeks, so you will have plenty of -time to do all this.”</p> - -<p>“O no, father,” drawled Tom, (he always spoke in a -very low tone, and so slowly that it made one nervous<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_22"></a>[22]</span> -to listen to him,) “I can’t learn all that in two weeks. -It’s too hard.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe did not wait to hear what Tom had -to say, but picked up his cane and started for his office, -leaving his son pondering upon this new and wholly -unexpected turn of events.</p> - -<p>This was a death-blow to Tom’s hopes. It was, in -his estimation, a task that would have made a Hercules -hesitate. Learn all that in two weeks! Did his father -take him for a walking arithmetic and geography, that -he expected him to accomplish so much in so short a -space of time? It was simply impossible, and he was -astonished at his father for proposing such a thing. -Under almost any other circumstances, Tom would have -said, “Then I can’t be a sailor,” and would have immediately -turned his attention to something else. But -he remembered how grand that ship looked as she sailed -out of the harbor, and he could not bear the thought of -forever giving up all hopes of becoming the captain of -a vessel like that.</p> - -<p>Tom regarded this as one of his unlucky days. His -lesson was very hard. He had been promised a whipping -if he did not get it. There was that tremendous obstacle -that had so suddenly risen up before him, and altogether -he felt most discontented and miserable. It was -no wonder he could not learn the rule.</p> - -<p>“O, I do wish I could be a sailor,” said he, at length; -“then I wouldn’t have any teachers to bother me, and -ask why I place units under units, and tens under tens, -when I want to add figures, and why I carry the left-hand -figure to the next column when the amount exceeds -nine. What good will it do me to learn all this?<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_23"></a>[23]</span> -I can manage a vessel without it. And then, if I was -on board ship, there wouldn’t be any one to tell me -that he’d dust my jacket for me if I didn’t get my -lesson. Ah, that would be glorious! But I can’t be a -sailor now; I can’t add figures, and tell the capitals of -all the States—there’s too many of them. O, dear, -what shall I do? I always was an unlucky boy, and -something is always happening to bother me. Now, -there’s Bob Jennings! He ought to be a happy fellow, -having nothing to do but row about the harbor all day, -ferrying and catching fish. He’s a lucky chap, and I -wish I was in his place. Hullo, Bob, come up here!”</p> - -<p>Tom’s thoughts were turned into this channel by discovering -a boy, about his own age, rowing a scow up -the bay. The fisher-boy had seen Tom rolling about on -the grass, and, if the latter could have known the thoughts -that passed through his mind, no doubt he would have -been greatly astonished.</p> - -<p>Bob Jennings was the son of a poor widow who lived -in the village. His father, like the majority of men in -Newport, had followed the sea for a livelihood, but, having -been washed overboard from his vessel during a storm, -Bob was left as the only support for his mother and two -little brothers. From the time he was strong enough to -handle an oar, he had been accustomed to work, and, -unlike Tom, he was not ashamed of it. He was ready -to undertake any thing that would enable him to turn -an honest penny; and many a dime found its way into -his mother’s slim purse, that Bob had earned by running -errands after his day’s work was over. But, if he was -obliged to work hard while his father was living, he was -compelled to redouble his exertions now, for the pittance<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_24"></a>[24]</span> -his mother earned by sewing and washing could not go -far toward feeding and clothing four persons. Bob well -understood this, and he worked hard and incessantly. -Every morning, rain or shine, he was on hand at pier -Number 2, which he regarded as his own particular -“claim,” ready to ferry the workmen across the harbor -to the ship-yards. After this was done, he pulled down -the bay to his fishing grounds, from which he returned -in time to be at his pier when the six o’clock bell rang -in the evening.</p> - -<p>Bob was ambitious, and he longed to follow in the footsteps -of his father. Like all the boys in Newport, who -seemed to inhale a passionate love of salt water with the -air they breathed, he looked forward to the day when he -should become the master of a fine vessel. But his mother -could not live without his assistance. His earnings, however -small, were needed to procure the common necessities -of life; and, thus far, Bob had been unable to take -the first step toward attaining his long-cherished object. -A few weeks previous to the commencement of our story, -he had entered into an agreement with his mother, to the -effect, that as soon as he could lay by a sum sufficient to -support her and his brothers for two months, he was to -be allowed so go on a short voyage. This served as an -incentive to extra exertion, and Bob worked early and -late to accomplish the desired end. Every cent he earned, -he placed in his mother’s hands; and so impatient was he -to save the amount required, that he reserved not a penny -for himself, but went about his work ragged, shoeless, and -almost hatless. How often, as he rowed by the elegant -mansion in which Tom Newcombe lived, had he given -utterance to the wish that he could find some way in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_25"></a>[25]</span> -which he might earn as much money as the rich ship-owner -allowed his son to spend foolishly every month. -He was confident that it would amount to double the -sum required to support his mother while he was gone -on his first voyage, and would have placed it in his power -to enter upon his chosen work at once. Nearly every -day, as he pulled by in his leaky, flat-bottomed boat, he -saw Tom rolling about under the trees; and, when he -drew a contrast between their stations in life, it almost -discouraged him.</p> - -<p>Hearing Tom calling to him, Bob turned his boat toward -the shore, and in a few moments reached the spot -where the young student was seated. There was a great -difference between the two boys. The rich man’s son was -neatly clad, while Bob was barefooted, wore a brimless -hat on his head, and his clothes were patched in a hundred -places, and with different kinds of cloth, so that it -was almost an impossibility to tell their original color. -The fisher-boy thought his garments looked worse than -ever by thus being brought in contrast with those of the -well-dressed student, and he involuntarily seated himself -on the ground, with his feet under him, as if to hide them -from the gaze of his more fortunate companion. But -the difference did not cease here. About the one, there -were virtues that could not be hidden by ragged clothes; -and in the other, there were glaring defects that -made themselves apparent in spite of his well-blacked -boots and broadcloth jacket; and, had a total stranger -been standing by, with an errand he wished promptly executed, -the successful accomplishment of which was of -the utmost importance, he would, without hesitation, -have selected Bob as the more reliable. There was an<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_26"></a>[26]</span> -honest, resolute look about him, which showed that he -was ready for any thing, and that he felt within him the -power to overcome all obstacles; while Tom had a listless, -die-away manner of moving and talking, that led one -to believe that he had been utterly exhausted by hard -labor.</p> - -<p>“You’re a lucky chap, Bob Jennings,” said Tom, at -length, throwing down his book rather spitefully, and -seating himself on the grass opposite the fisher-boy. “A -most lucky chap.”</p> - -<p>Bob looked down at his clothes, but made no reply.</p> - -<p>“You have no arithmetic lesson to learn, as I have,” -continued Tom. “All you have to do is to row about -in your boat all day, and be your own master. That -must be fun!”</p> - -<p>For a moment Bob gazed at his companion in utter -astonishment. Was it fun that he was compelled to -work day after day, through storm and sunshine, and at -such small wages that his mother could scarcely lay by -half a dollar a week? Was it fun for him to pull five -miles down the bay, in a leaky boat, and back, without -catching a single fish, as he had done that day? If -there was any fun in that, the fisher-boy thought he had -never before understood the meaning of the word.</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t see much sport in it,” answered Bob. -“I call it downright hard work, and so would you if -you could trade places with me for a few days. You -are the one that sees all the fun. You have no work -to do.”</p> - -<p>It was now Tom’s turn to be astonished. He started -up in perfect amazement, and looked at the fisher-boy -for a moment without speaking.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_27"></a>[27]</span></p> - -<p>“I see all the fun, do I?” said he, when he had recovered -somewhat from his surprise. “Bob Jennings, -let me tell you that you don’t know what hard work is. -Did your father ever tell you that he’d dust your jacket -for you if you didn’t get a difficult arithmetic lesson?”</p> - -<p>“No,” answered, Bob, slowly.</p> - -<p>“Well, that’s just what my father told me this morning,” -continued Tom, “and he also informed me that I -can’t go to sea until I can add up a column of figures, -and tell him the capitals of all the States. Now, that’s -a harder job than you ever had laid out for you.”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy did not act as though he considered -that a very difficult task, for he brightened up, and said:</p> - -<p>“I wish somebody would give me that job, and agree -to support my mother while I was at sea; I’d sign -shipping articles in three days. Don’t you want that -book?” he added, as Tom picked up his arithmetic and -threw it down the bank toward the water, as if he -wished it as far as possible out of his sight. “If that -book was mine I wouldn’t fling it about that way. I’d -study it and try to learn something.”</p> - -<p>“Why, I thought you wanted to be a sailor,” said -Tom.</p> - -<p>“So I do. But I don’t want to be before the mast -all my life. I want to be captain; and I will, too, if I -live to be a man.”</p> - -<p>“So will I. I am going to be master of a full-rigged -ship, like the one that left port about two months ago. -But what’s the use of studying arithmetic?”</p> - -<p>“Why, you can’t be captain until you understand -navigation,” said Bob; “and you can’t learn that unless -you know something about figures.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_28"></a>[28]</span></p> - -<p>As Tom heard this very disheartening piece of news, -he stretched himself at full length on the grass, drew -on a long face, and twisted his mouth on one side, as if -he had half a mind to cry. He looked at the fisher-boy -a moment, then out over the bay, and finally -drawled out, “Then I can’t be a sailor! I didn’t -know they had to study arithmetic. I can’t learn it, -and there’s no use in trying.”</p> - -<p>As Tom said this, he happened to glance toward the -gate, and saw his father approaching. Remembering -the whipping that had been promised if he again failed -in his lesson, he hastily sprang to his feet and ran -down the bank after his book; while Bob, thinking that -the gentleman regarded him rather suspiciously, retreated -to his boat and pulled toward home.</p> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe always returned from his office at five -o’clock; and Tom, knowing that it was time to recite -his lesson, applied himself to his task with much more -energy than he was accustomed to display. But, as -usual, his mind was upon something else; for, as he -read over the rule, he was pondering upon what the -fisher-boy had told him—that a sailor, in order to win -promotion, must know something about arithmetic. -Here was another obstacle in his way. All that day -Tom had cherished the hope that he might, in some -manner, be able to avoid the task his father had imposed -upon him, of committing to memory the capitals -of the different States, and learning to add without -counting his fingers; but here was something that could -not be got over. In building his air-castles (for he was -continually dreaming about something) he thought only -of the happiness he would experience when he should<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_29"></a>[29]</span> -be able to grasp the object of his ambition. He did -not believe that whatever is worth having is worth -striving for! He never reflected upon the toil and -privation to which he must submit before he could -work his way up from “boy” to the responsible position -of captain! Work! That was something he never -intended to do. His idea was, that, when he arrived at -the proper age, he would, in some mysterious manner, -be placed in the position at which he aimed, without -the necessity of labor. He was hopeful if he was unlucky; -and, although he had suffered repeated disappointments -in the failure of his grand schemes, he clung -to the belief that, at some time during his life, something -would “turn up” in his favor, and that then he -would have plain sailing. There was but one way out -of his present difficulty that he could discover, and that -was to hope that the fisher-boy was mistaken. What -did Bob Jennings—a boy who had never been to school -three months in his life—know about such things? He -was just as liable to make mistakes as any body; and -Tom at first hoped, and ended with finally believing, -that Bob knew nothing about the matter.</p> - -<p>As these thoughts passed through Tom’s mind, he -was industriously studying his lesson, but of course -without comprehending one word of it, and presently -the ringing of a bell summoned him to the school-room. -The sound acted like a charm on Tom, for, as he arose -to his feet and walked slowly toward the house, he -began to study earnestly, and to such good advantage—for -he learned very readily when he set himself -resolutely to work—that he began to hope he might -pass a creditable recitation. When he entered the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_30"></a>[30]</span> -school-room, he found his father and the teacher waiting -for him. A hasty glance at the former served to -convince him that the threatened whipping would certainly -be forthcoming if he failed, and just then he -looked upon himself as the most abused boy in the -world. The recitation commenced, and with considerable -assistance from his teacher Tom managed to -blunder through his lesson, but it is certain that he -knew no more about it when he got through than he -did when he began. Although Mr. Newcombe was far -from being satisfied, Tom escaped without a whipping, -and that was all he cared for.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_31"></a>[31]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">TOM GOES TO SEA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap3.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">TOM, having managed to get safely through -his arithmetic lesson, put his book away in -his desk, and again sauntered out on the -lawn, where he threw himself under one of -the trees, and thought over his hard lot in life. Study -hours being over for the day, he was now at liberty to -amuse himself about home in any way he chose; but, -as was generally the case with him, he was at a loss to -know how to pass the time until dark. He never took -a book of any description in his hands if he could avoid -it. Reading, he thought, was a very dull, uninteresting -way of passing the time. He never looked at a newspaper, -and if some one had asked him the name of the -President of the United States, it would have been a -question that he could not answer. As for play, he -never saw any fun in that, but he was as ready to engage -in any kind of mischief as any boy in the village.</p> - -<p>Newport, like every other place, had its two “sets” -of boys, who went by the names of “Spooneys” and -“Night-hawks.” The former were, in fact, the good -boys of the village. They played foot-ball on the common -until dark, and then went home and stayed there.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_32"></a>[32]</span> -With these Tom rarely had intercourse. On two or -three occasions he had mustered up energy enough to -engage in a game of ball with them, and each time he -came home crying, and complaining that “the boys -played too rough,” and that “some fellow had shoved -him down in the dirt.” The fact was, Tom did not -like these boys, because he could not be their leader. -They could all beat him running; the smallest boy on -the common could kick a foot-ball further than he -could; and, in choosing the sides for the game, Tom -was always the last one taken. The reason for this -was that Tom, besides being a very poor player, never -entered into the sport as though he had any life about -him. He was very much afraid of soiling his clothes, -or getting dust on his boots; and this was so different -from the wild, rollicking ways of his playmates, that -they soon learned to despise him; and, if Tom was now -and then pushed into the mud during the excitement -of the game, no one pitied him or stopped to help him -out.</p> - -<p>But with the Night-hawks—those that took possession -of the common at dark—Tom was a great favorite. -They knew how to manage him. He was easily duped, -and, if the boys wished to engage in any mischief, Tom -was generally the one selected to do the work, for he -made an excellent “cat’s-paw.” A few words of flattery -would completely blind him, and, not unfrequently, -call forth a display of recklessness that made every -body wonder. If the Night-hawks wished to remove -the doctor’s sign, and place it in front of a millinery -store, or if they wished to fasten a string across -the sidewalk, to knock off the hats of those that passed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_33"></a>[33]</span> -by, one of them would say to Tom: “Now, Newcombe, -you do it. You are the strongest and bravest fellow in -the party. You are not afraid of any thing.” These -words never failed to have the desired effect; for Tom -would instantly volunteer his services in any scheme -the Night-hawks had to propose. Any mischief that -was done, anywhere within two miles of the village, was -laid to these boys; but had the matter been investigated, -it would have been discovered that Tom was the -guilty one, for he did all the work, while his companions -stood at a safe distance and looked on.</p> - -<p>Of course Mr. Newcombe knew nothing of this. His -orders to Tom were to remain in the yard after dark; -but the latter regarded this as another deliberate -abridgment of his privileges. The merchant often -said that there was something in the night air particularly -injurious to the morals of boys, but Tom did not -believe it. He did not like to remain in the house -while other boys were out enjoying themselves. However, -he always promised obedience to his father’s -commands, while, perhaps, at that very moment he was -studying up some plan by which he might be able to -evade them, and was revolving in his mind some scheme -for mischief which he intended to propose to the Night-hawks -that evening. Mr. Newcombe was a shrewd -business man; he could calculate the rise and fall of -the produce market to a nicety, but he was not shrewd -enough to discover that Tom, in spite of the readiness -with which he promised obedience to all his requirements, -was deceiving him every night of his life. Perhaps -he thought that Tom would not dare to disobey -him; or he may have imagined that he was a boy of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_34"></a>[34]</span> -too high principle; but, whatever may have been his -thoughts, he never troubled himself about his son after -giving him orders to remain in the yard, and Tom, having -always escaped detection, grew bolder by degrees, -until, at last, he became the acknowledged leader of the -Night-hawks. He would rack his brain for days and -weeks to perfect some plan for mischief, and follow it -up with a patience and perseverance which, if exhibited -in the line of study, would have placed him at the head -of his class in a month. He was willing to work harder -to obtain the approbation of a dozen young rogues like -the Night-hawks, than to gain that knowledge that -would enable him to be of some use in the world.</p> - -<p>On the evening in question, Tom was sadly troubled -with the “blues.” He was almost discouraged, for several -things had “happened to bother him” during the -day, and among them was the very disheartening piece of -news which the fisher-boy had communicated to him. If -it was true—and sometimes Tom almost believed that it -was, for that would be “just his luck”—he knew that -he must do one of two things—either abandon the idea -of becoming a sailor, or pay more attention to his -books. If there had been any alternative, Tom would -certainly have discovered it, for he was very expert in -finding a way out of a difficulty. But now, either his -good fortune, in this respect, had deserted him, or else he -was in a predicament from which there was no escape, -for he lay thinking under the trees for nearly an -hour, and finally answered the summons to supper -without having been able to discover a way out of his -quandary.</p> - -<p>Tom ate his supper in silence, and so did Mr. Newcombe,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_35"></a>[35]</span> -who was pondering upon the same subject that -was at that moment occupying his son’s mind.</p> - -<p>The result of the recitation that afternoon had convinced -the merchant that something ought to be done. -Tom was making no progress whatever in his studies. -He had been under the charge of his private teacher -for nearly six weeks, and he had not yet completed the -first rule of his arithmetic. The reason for this was, -that Tom had been so long in the habit of dreaming, -that any thing like study or work, had become distasteful -to him. The question was, how to arouse him—how -to convince him that if he ever expected to be -any body in the world, he must work for it. This -could not be done by keeping him at his books, for -that plan had been repeatedly tried, and had as often -failed. He did not want to send him to the military -school, or allow him to go to sea; for he knew that -Tom would not be contented in either place. But something -must be done; and, after thinking the matter -over calmly, the merchant finally decided upon his -course. He said nothing, however, during the meal, to -Tom, who, when he had finished his supper, hunted up -his cap, went out of the house, and walked down the -lawn toward the beach, where his sail-boat, which he -called the Mystery, lay at her anchorage. He had started -with the intention of taking a sail; but, on second -thought, he knew that he could not enjoy it, for his -troubles weighed too heavily on his mind. He therefore -abandoned the idea, and seating himself on the -grass, pondered upon what the fisher-boy had told him, -and, for the hundredth time, wondered what he should -do next.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_36"></a>[36]</span></p> - -<p>It had now begun to grow dark, and the shouts that -came from the common bore evidence to the fact that -the Night-hawks were ready to begin operations. Occasionally -he heard a long, loud whistle, which, under -almost any other circumstances, would have been -promptly answered by Tom, for it told him, as plainly -as words, that he was wanted. But he did not feel at -all inclined to engage in any mischief that night, so -the boys were obliged to get along the best they could -without him. It was fortunate for Tom that he resolved -to stay at home, for scarcely had he come to -this determination, when he heard his father calling -him. Tom obeyed the summons, and when he entered -the room where Mr. Newcombe sat, the latter inquired:</p> - -<p>“Well, Tom, have you completed your task?”</p> - -<p>“O, no, I haven’t,” was the answer. “I can’t learn -the capitals of so many States.”</p> - -<p>“Have you tried?” asked the father.</p> - -<p>“O, now, don’t I know what I can learn without -trying?” asked Tom, throwing his cap into one corner -of the room, and seating himself near his father. “If -a fellow knows he can’t do a thing, what is the use of -his trying? It’s only time thrown away.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe, knowing that it would be of no use -to argue the point just then, changed the subject by -inquiring:</p> - -<p>“Have you learned any thing at all during the last -month?”</p> - -<p>“O, I don’t know,” answered Tom. “I can’t study -all alone. There’s no fun in it. Say, father, can’t -I go to sea without learning the capitals of all the -States?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_37"></a>[37]</span></p> - -<p>“What could you do on board a vessel, Tom? You -would be a foremast hand all your life.”</p> - -<p>“O, no, I wouldn’t! I would soon be captain. Say, -father, may I go? I want to go.”</p> - -<p>“You would have to go on a great many voyages before -you could be master of a vessel. I went to sea thirteen -years before any one called me captain.”</p> - -<p>“Well, now, may I go? Say, father, may I go?”</p> - -<p>“The discipline is very strict,” continued the merchant. -“A sailor is not allowed to stop and grumble at any orders -he receives. Besides, you will have to take a very low -position; you will be nothing but a boy.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t care!” said Tom, impatiently. “May I go? -That’s what I want to know!”</p> - -<p>“There are other things you must bear in mind also,” -said Mr. Newcombe; but Tom, fearing that his father -was about to begin a long, uninteresting lecture, interrupted -him with:</p> - -<p>“Now, why don’t you tell me whether or not I can -go? Say, father may I go?”</p> - -<p>The merchant, however, did not immediately answer -his question; and Tom, giving it up in disgust, threw -himself back in his chair with the air of one who expected -to listen to something very unpleasant.</p> - -<p>“You must remember,” said his father, “that there is -nothing romantic about a sailor’s life. It is all drudgery -and toil from one year’s end to another; and if a man -wins promotion, he does it by his own abilities. How -would you like to be in a vessel that was cast away?”</p> - -<p>Tom thought of the wreck he had seen towed into the -harbor, and, for a moment, he hesitated, but it was only -for a moment; for when he remembered how grand that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_38"></a>[38]</span> -ship looked as she started on her voyage, and thought -how proud he would feel if he could only be the captain -of a vessel like that, he decided that he would willingly -risk the shipwreck, if that would enable him to gain the -object of his ambition.</p> - -<p>“And how would you like to go aloft and take in sail -during a storm?” asked Mr. Newcombe.</p> - -<p>“I wouldn’t care!” was the answer. “I wouldn’t do -it long. I’d soon be captain.”</p> - -<p>If Tom once got an idea into his head, no matter how -ridiculous it was, he clung to it, and stubbornly refused -to be convinced that it was impracticable. This notion -of his, that he could soon learn enough about seamanship -and navigation to be intrusted with the management -of a vessel, was one of his pet ideas; and if all -the sailors in the world had endeavored to show him -that the thing was impossible, he would still have held -firmly to his opinion. Mr. Newcombe had often tried -to convince his son of his error, and he had discovered -that there was but one way to do it, and that was to let -Tom learn in the hard school of experience. A few -months at sea would drive all such improbable ideas -out of his head.</p> - -<p>“Very well,” said the merchant, picking up his paper. -“That’s all, Tom!”</p> - -<p>“O, no, it isn’t, father! Why don’t you tell me -whether or not I may go. Say! <em>Say!</em>”</p> - -<p>But Mr. Newcombe, who appeared to be deeply interested -in his paper, took no further notice of him; and -Tom, vexed and disappointed, picked up his cap, went -out of the house, and walked up and down the lawn. -The shouts that now and then came to his ears, told<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_39"></a>[39]</span> -him that the Night-hawks still held possession of the -common, and Tom had half a mind to go down and join -them. But he knew, by the way his father spoke, that -he had some idea of allowing him to go to sea, and he -did not wish to destroy, by an act of disobedience, all the -bright hopes he had so long cherished, and which he -imagined could be realized if he was permitted to ship -as cabin-boy on some vessel.</p> - -<p>“I always wanted to go to sea,” said Tom to himself, -as he walked impatiently up and down the lawn; “and -I’d like to know why I can’t go as well as any body? I -wonder why father didn’t tell me what he is going to -do about it? What good does it do to plague a fellow -this way? Now, if I can go out in the Savannah, I’ll -certainly learn enough to be second mate by the time we -get home; then, after that, I’ll be first mate, and then -captain. Then, if a war should break out, I would go -into the navy, and I might be promoted to captain of a -man-o’-war. Wouldn’t that be glorious!”</p> - -<p>Tom became amazed when he saw what a bright prospect -was suddenly opened up before him, and he resolved -that he would not allow his father a moment’s rest until -he had obtained his permission to go to sea on the Savannah.</p> - -<p>Before he went to sleep that night, Tom had made -up what he regarded as an unanswerable argument, -which he intended to present for his father’s consideration -in the morning. But he was saved that trouble; -for, at the breakfast table, Mr. Newcombe informed him -that he had decided to allow him to go to sea on the Savannah; -at the same time giving him advice which, had -he seen fit to follow it, would have made him a better<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_40"></a>[40]</span> -and wiser boy, and would have saved him a great deal -of trouble. Tom was in ecstasies. He made the most -extravagant promises in regard to good behavior and -prompt obedience of orders, and repeatedly assured his -father that he was “cut out” for a sailor, and that it -would not be long before he would be the master of a -fine vessel.</p> - -<p>“Don’t build your hopes too high on that, Tom,” -said Mr. Newcombe. “Do your duty faithfully as boy, -and don’t waste your time in dreaming about being a -captain; for that can only come after years of hard -work.”</p> - -<p>But Tom did not believe that. He had read about -boys but little older than himself being masters of -vessels, and if he wasn’t as smart as they were, he -would like to know the reason why.</p> - -<p>Tom ate but very little breakfast that morning, for -the joy he experienced in receiving his father’s permission -to go to sea had taken away all his appetite. -He hastily swallowed a few mouthfuls, and then, catching -up his cap, started toward the wharf to communicate -the good news to the captain of the Savannah. -Tom was well acquainted with all the officers and some -of the crew of the schooner, and he looked upon them -as the finest men in the world. The captain, especially, -was his beau ideal of a sailor. He always wore wide -pants, a tremendous neck-tie, and, when he walked, he -rolled from side to side, like a vessel in a gale of wind—a -style of locomotion that Tom had more than once -vainly endeavored to imitate. With the older members -of the crew he had always been a great favorite. -Whenever they returned from a voyage, they always<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_41"></a>[41]</span> -brought something for Tom; and, besides, they invariably -spoke of him as “Our young skipper,” a title -which pleased the boy exceedingly.</p> - -<p>Tom had long ago decided that his first voyage to -sea should be made in the Savannah, and, for a time, -it had been the height of his ambition to obtain the -command of a vessel exactly like her. But now he had -set his mark higher; a topsail schooner was not good -enough for him—he wanted a full-rigged ship. However, -the Savannah would answer his purpose just then, -for he considered that it would be much pleasanter to -go to sea with friends who would always treat him with -the respect due the son of the owner of the vessel, than -to make his first voyage in company with total strangers. -He had often talked to the captain about going out -with him, and that gentleman, with all a sailor’s fondness -for his chosen calling, had spoken so encouragingly -to him, and had appeared to take so much interest in -his affairs, that Tom concluded he would be happy to -know that he was to have a new cabin-boy. Toward -the wharf, then, he went at the top of his speed, and -reaching the Savannah, he clambered over the rail, and -ran down into the cabin, where the captain was eating -his breakfast.</p> - -<p>“It’s all right, now!” shouted Tom, as the skipper -shook hands with him. “It’s all right! I am going -out with you!”</p> - -<p>“I am glad to hear that,” said the captain, “for I am -always happy to have good company. You are going -out just for the fun of the thing, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I expect to see plenty of fun, but I’m going to -ship as boy. I want you to teach me all you can, for I<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_42"></a>[42]</span> -intend to be master of a ship one of these days. Now, -captain,” he added, glancing at the doors of the different -state-rooms in the cabin, “which is my room?”</p> - -<p>“Why, if you ship as boy,” said the captain, “you’ll -have to sleep with the sailors in the forecastle.”</p> - -<p>“Will I?” exclaimed Tom in astonishment. “Not if -I know it. Do you suppose that I am going to bunk -with the hands? No, sir! I’m going to have one of -these rooms, and mess with you.”</p> - -<p>“I understood you to say that you wanted to learn all -about the vessel!” said the captain.</p> - -<p>“So I do!” replied Tom. “I want to be the best -navigator and seaman that ever sailed salt water!”</p> - -<p>“That’s an object well worth working for,” said the -skipper. “But our best sailors never obtained their -responsible positions by creeping in at the cabin windows. -They came in at the hawse-hole for’ard, and -worked their way aft.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all well enough for those who are obliged to -do it,” replied Tom. “I know I can learn just as much -about a vessel by living in the cabin as I can by staying -in the forecastle.”</p> - -<p>As Tom said this he made a hurried examination of -the two unoccupied rooms in the cabin, and, selecting -the one he thought would suit him best, he continued:</p> - -<p>“Now, captain, this is my room. Lock it up, and -keep every body out of it! As soon as I can get -my bedding ready, I will have it brought down here.”</p> - -<p>The captain, no doubt, thought that Tom was assuming -considerable authority for one who was to rate as -“boy” on the shipping articles, but he made no remark, -knowing that in due time he would hear the full particulars<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_43"></a>[43]</span> -of the matter from Mr. Newcombe. Tom -spent some time in looking about his room, and deciding -what articles of furniture he ought to bring down -in order to set it off to the best advantage, and finally -he left the vessel and walked toward his father’s office. -A few moments later Mr. Newcombe went on board the -schooner, and, after a long conversation with the captain, -he returned to his office, where he found his son -waiting for him.</p> - -<p>“Now, Tom,” said the merchant, as he seated himself -in a chair beside the boy, “I suppose you want to know -something of the life you will lead for the next six -months!”</p> - -<p>“O, I know all about it now,” said Tom. “I’ll have -a jolly time.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe, however, thought differently, and he -began to tell his son exactly what he might expect if -he shipped on board the schooner. In the first place, he -would be treated, in all respects as one of the crew. He -would be allowed no liberties that were not granted to -others; and he would begin his career as a sailor, as his -father had done before him—at the “lowest round of -the ladder.” All the duties expected of a boy on board -ship would be required of him, and, if he disobeyed -orders, he would be liable to punishment. He would -receive boy’s pay—forty-eight dollars for the voyage—and -when he returned home, his father would give him -the money due him, and he might use it as he thought -proper. If he wanted to be a speculator on a small -scale, (as Tom had often thought he would be if he -only had some money,) that would be capital enough -for him to commence with.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_44"></a>[44]</span></p> - -<p>“O, no, father,” said Tom, confidently, “I have given -up all idea of being a trader. I’ll go to sea again at -once. You seem to think that I will soon grow tired -of a sailor’s life.”</p> - -<p>Those were exactly the thoughts that were at that moment -passing through the merchant’s mind; but, seeing -that his son still stubbornly held to his own opinions, and -knowing that he could not be talked out of them, he -brought the interview to a close by turning to his desk -and picking up some letters that had just been brought in. -Tom was left to himself, and being too uneasy to sit -still, even for a moment, he loitered about the office for -a short time, and then started for home.</p> - -<p>“Father doesn’t know what he is talking about,” -he soliloquized. “I never saw a man with such funny -ideas. Does he suppose that the captain of the Savannah -is going to make me work? No, sir; he won’t do -it. He won’t dare do it; for my father owns that -schooner, and I guess I shall have a right to do as I -please. I expect to go aloft and take in sail, but I -don’t call that work. The captain and I understand -each other, and I know that I shall get along finely.”</p> - -<p>Tom thought the day on which the schooner was to sail -never would arrive, for never before had the time hung -so heavily on his hands. He was very cross and fretful, -and spent the entire week in walking about the -wharf, with his hands in his pockets. His private -teacher had left the mansion as soon as it was decided -that his pupil was to go to sea; and when Tom saw him -go out of the yard, he drew a long breath of relief, as -if a heavy load had been removed from his shoulders. -Had he dared to do so, he would have thrown his desk<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_45"></a>[45]</span> -and all his books out after him; but as it was, he contented -himself with believing that he would never again -be required to open an arithmetic or geography.</p> - -<p>How he pitied his unfortunate acquaintances who were -obliged to attend school, and how they all envied Tom, -when they learned that he was about to go on a voyage -to Callao. Every one of them said that Callao was in -Peru; but Tom stoutly maintained that it was in England, -and that when he arrived there, he would persuade -the skipper to take him to see the Queen.</p> - -<p>“Look at your geography,” said one of the boys, -“and you will see that you are mistaken.”</p> - -<p>“O, no, I won’t do it,” drawled Tom. “I said I -never would open that book again if I could help it, -and I’m going to stick to it.”</p> - -<p>At last, to Tom’s immense relief, the long-expected -day arrived. From daylight until dark he sat on the -wharf, watching the workmen who were engaged in -loading the vessel, and when he went home to supper -with his father, the latter informed him that the -schooner would be ready to sail by ten o’clock that -evening. At nine o’clock, Tom bade his mother good-by, -and returned to the wharf, accompanied by his -father. He was dressed in a full sailor’s “rig,” with -wide pants, a blue flannel shirt, a tarpaulin, which he -wore as far back on his head as he could get it; a -neck-tie, that looked altogether too large for him, and, -when his father was not looking at him, he tried to imitate -the captain’s walk. If clothes made the sailor, -Tom could certainly lay claim to that honor. Shortly -after he reached the vessel, his bedding and extra clothing -arrived, and Tom gave orders to have them carried<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_46"></a>[46]</span> -into the cabin. Had he taken the trouble to see how -the command was obeyed, he would have found that -his bundle was unceremoniously thrown down into the -forecastle. At last, when every thing was ready for the -start, a steamer came along-side to tow the schooner -out of the harbor. Mr. Newcombe took leave of the -young sailor, and sprang upon the wharf, after which, -the lines were cast off, and the Savannah began her -voyage.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_47"></a>[47]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap4.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">TOM, delighted to find himself at last on board -an outward-bound vessel, remained on deck -until the schooner was fairly out of the harbor. -He took his stand beside the captain, thrust -his hands deep into his pockets, pushed his hat on one -side, and watched the movements of the sailors, who ran -about the deck executing the different orders, as if he -perfectly understood the meaning of every command, -and had long been accustomed to every thing he saw. -Occasionally he turned his eyes toward the rapidly receding -lights on the wharf, but, far from experiencing a -single feeling of regret at leaving home, he felt like -shouting for joy. In fact, according to Tom’s way of -thinking, he had nothing to be sorry for. At home he -was always unhappy, something was forever happening -to trouble him; but in the life before him he saw nothing -but sunshine. He was entering upon the easy and -romantic life of a sailor. He would soon learn enough -about seamanship and navigation to be intrusted with -the command of a vessel; and, when he arose in the -morning, instead of looking forward to six hours’ work -at his arithmetic and geography lessons, he would find -before him a day of uninterrupted enjoyment.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_48"></a>[48]</span></p> - -<p>“Ah, this is glorious!” said Tom to himself, as the -schooner, having cleared the harbor, began to move -more rapidly over the waves. “This is fine! This is -just the life for me! I’m a land-lubber no longer! I’m -a sailor; and I wouldn’t be the least bit sorry if I should -never see Newport.”</p> - -<p>Tom’s soliloquy was interrupted by an event that was -as sudden as it was unexpected. He had taken no pains -to keep out of the way of the sailors; and, when the crew -came aft to hoist the mainsail, he was so absorbed in his -reverie that he took no notice of them until he was aroused -by the exclamation: “Here you are! Always in the -way! Get out o’ this!” accompanied by a violent push, -which sent him at full length on the deck.</p> - -<p>“Now, look here!” drawled Tom, as he hastily arose -to his feet. “I’d like to know what you are about! I’ll -tell the captain.”</p> - -<p>Surprised and indignant at such treatment, he at once -started off to find the skipper, whom he at length discovered -standing in the waist.</p> - -<p>“Captain!” he exclaimed. “Did you see that fellow -push me down?”</p> - -<p>“No!” replied the captain, in a tone which implied -that he was not at all interested in the matter, “I didn’t -see him.”</p> - -<p>“Well, somebody did push me down, flat on the deck,” -said Tom, angrily. “I want you to haul that man up -for it, for I won’t stand it.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then,” said the captain, coolly, as he turned -on his heel and walked aft, “you must keep your eyes -open, and not get in any body’s way.”</p> - -<p>Tom was astonished to find that the skipper did not sympathize<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_49"></a>[49]</span> -with him; but, believing that he did not fully understand -his complaint, he started to follow him, intending -to state his case more clearly, when he was roughly -jostled by the second mate, who was hurrying forward -to execute some order.</p> - -<p>“Look here!” shouted Tom. “Don’t you know that -this is my father’s vessel? I want you to be a little -more careful about pushing me around this way. You -are nothing but a mate.”</p> - -<p>“Ay ay, my hearty!” interrupted the sailor. “I -know all about that. But now, just take my advice and -keep out of the way, or you’ll go overboard.”</p> - -<p>“I will, will I?” exclaimed Tom. “I’ll tell the captain! -Look here!” he continued, as he approached the -skipper, who was standing beside the man at the wheel. -“What do your men mean by pushing me about? I -want you to remember that my father owns this vessel. -I won’t stand such treatment; and I want you to put a -stop to it; that’s all about it.”</p> - -<p>Tom certainly stated his case plain enough this time, -and he fully expected that the captain would at once -punish the men who had treated him so disrespectfully; -but what was his surprise and disappointment when that -gentleman turned on his heel and walked off whistling. -Tom was more than surprised at this; as the sailors -would have expressed it, “he was taken all aback,” and, -for a moment, he stood looking after the retreating form -of the captain, as if he was utterly unable to understand -what had caused this sudden change in him. Undoubtedly -he had been sadly mistaken in the man. While on -shore, he was good natured, and had always appeared to -take great interest in every thing Tom had to say; but<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_50"></a>[50]</span> -now, he was exactly the reverse. He not only did not -offer to protect him from the men, but he seemed anxious -to keep as much as possible out of his way. Tom, -who was not dull of comprehension, began to realize -the fact that he had got himself into a most unpleasant -situation. He had built his hopes high upon the -captain only to be disappointed; and, with his mouth -twisted on one side, as if he were on the point of crying, -he went down into the cabin to arrange his bed. He -went to the room he had picked out for his own use, -and was astonished to discover that it had already been -taken. A bed was made up in the bunk, and in one -corner stood a large sea-chest, with the name J. H. -Robson painted on it, showing that the room was in the -possession of the second mate. His own bed-clothes -where nowhere to be seen. Almost too angry to breathe, -Tom was about to start in search of the captain, when -he met that gentleman coming down the companion-way.</p> - -<p>“Look here, captain!” exclaimed Tom, pointing to -the bed, “your second-mate has taken possession of -my room.”</p> - -<p>“Your room!” repeated the captain. “That room -doesn’t belong to you.”</p> - -<p>“Why, captain!” said Tom, in surprise, “I picked it -out for my own use, and told you to lock it up, and to -allow no one in it. Don’t you remember?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I recollect. But I told you, at the same time, -that sailors sleep in the forecastle.”</p> - -<p>“And I also told you that I was going to sleep in the -cabin, and mess with you,” said Tom, decidedly. “Tell -somebody to take that bed out of there.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_51"></a>[51]</span></p> - -<p>“Where will Mr. Robson sleep, then?” asked the captain. -“The second mate always occupies that room.”</p> - -<p>“Well, you can put him somewhere else. I’m bound -to have that room.”</p> - -<p>“I think, Tom,” said the skipper, quietly, “that you -will have to go into the forecastle. There’s where you -belong. You rate as ‘boy’ on the shipping articles.”</p> - -<p>“But I didn’t agree to go among the men,” said -Tom, “and I won’t do it. What do you suppose my -father would say if he knew that you wanted me to -bunk in the forecastle?”</p> - -<p>“I say, captain,” shouted the second mate down the -companion-way at this moment, “is that young sea-monkey -down there? Ah, here you are!” he continued, -discovering Tom. “Lay for’ard into the forecastle, -and take care of your donnage. Up you come -with a jump.”</p> - -<p>“Now what’s my baggage doing in the forecastle?” -asked Tom, growing more and more astonished at each -new turn of events. “Who put it in there? Tell one -of your men to bring it into the cabin at once.”</p> - -<p>“Sonny,” replied the mate, shaking his finger at -Tom, “come up here!”</p> - -<p>There was something in the sailor’s tone and manner -that a little alarmed Tom, and led him to draw -closer to the captain, as if seeking his protection. But -the latter, after pulling off his coat and hanging it up -in his state-room, seated himself at the table, and began -to examine his chart; and Tom, finding that he -was left to fight his battles alone, resolved to do so to -the best of his ability. Turning to the mate he replied, -angrily:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_52"></a>[52]</span></p> - -<p>“I’ve got no business on deck. I can’t be of any use -up there; besides, I am sleepy, and I want to go to -bed.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then, lay for’ard into the forecastle, where you -belong,” said the mate.</p> - -<p>“I tell you I don’t belong there!” exclaimed Tom, -almost ready to cry with vexation; “and, what’s more, -I am not going there. I want you to remember that -this is my father’s vessel, and you had better mind what -you are about. And, see here, Mr. Robson! you have -put your baggage in my room, and I want you to take -it out of there at once. That’s my room.”</p> - -<p>The mate, instead of replying, came down the stairs, -and, seizing Tom’s arm with a grip that brought tears -to his eyes, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“I want no nonsense, now! If you don’t obey -orders, I’ll take a bit of a rope’s-end to you. Now go -for’ard on the run.”</p> - -<p>Tom struggled desperately to free himself from the -mate’s grasp, but, finding that his efforts were unavailing, -he appealed to the captain for protection.</p> - -<p>“See here, captain!” he shouted, “are you going to -sit there and see me abused in this manner, when my -father owns this vessel?”</p> - -<p>“I can’t help you, Tom!” replied the captain. “That -gentleman is one of the officers of this schooner, and -must be obeyed. If you will take my advice, you will -do just what he orders you to do.”</p> - -<p>Tom, however, did not see fit to follow this advice, -but still continued to struggle with the mate, when the -latter tightened his grasp on his arm, and, pulling him -up the stairs in spite of his resistance, he hurried him<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_53"></a>[53]</span> -across the deck, and pushed him down into the forecastle, -exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“Now, then, stay there! If I catch a glimpse of -your ugly figure-head on deck again to-night, I’ll use -a rope’s-end on you. Now, that’s gospel!”</p> - -<p>There were several sailors in the forecastle arranging -their beds, and nothing but pride restrained Tom from -giving full vent to his troubled feelings in a flood of -tears. But even here he was not safe; he had escaped -from one source of annoyance only to be immediately -assailed by another; for, as he came rapidly down the -stairs, assisted by a violent push from the mate, one -of the sailors exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Here he comes! Just look at him! Mates, that’s -the chap as wants to learn to be a cap’in.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t tell me so!” chimed in another. “Sonny -does your mother know you’re here?”</p> - -<p>“Just look at his riggin’!” said another, having reference -to Tom’s suit of new clothes. “He looks like a -Dutch galliot scudding under bare poles!”</p> - -<p>“An’ them white hands,” said the one who had first -spoken, “they’re just the thing for a tar-bucket.”</p> - -<p>These were but few of the greetings Tom received -upon his advent into the forecastle. Had he been wise, -he would have listened to them as good-naturedly as -possible; but the tone in which they were spoken irritated -him, and he took no pains to conceal the fact.</p> - -<p>“Now, you hush up,” he shouted. “This is my -father’s vessel. I’ll have you taught better manners -the minute we get ashore again.”</p> - -<p>This only made matters worse. The sailors gathered -about him, pulling him first one way and then another,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_54"></a>[54]</span> -all the while ridiculing his dress or his appearance, -until Tom, unable to escape from their clutches, or to -endure their taunts, began to cry.</p> - -<p>“Look at that! He’s pumping for salt water!” said -one.</p> - -<p>“Now, see here, shipmates!” exclaimed another, an old -sailor with whom Tom had always been a great favorite, -“it has gone far enough, now. Don’t bother the life out -of the lad. Never mind ’em, sonny,” he added, patting -Tom on the head, “you’ve got the right stuff in you, and -you’ll make a sailor-man yet. Jack, just throw his -donnage over this way. Now, Tommy, here’s a bunk -that don’t seem to be in use; let me tumble up your -bed for you.”</p> - -<p>The man meant to do Tom a kindness; and the sailors, -seeing him thus defended, at once ceased tormenting -him; and, it is probable that if he had kept silent, he -might have been allowed to sleep in peace. But Tom’s -ill-nature could not be suppressed. He considered that -he had been grossly insulted by both the captain and -the second mate. He was very indignant at the sailors -for addressing him in such disrespectful language, and -he was resolved to show them, one and all, that he regarded -them as beneath his notice. Roughly jerking -his bed-clothes from the sailor’s hand, he pushed him -away from the bunk, exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“Let me alone. I don’t want any of your help. -I’ll have you all discharged the moment we reach home -again. You forget that my father owns this schooner.”</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t, Tommy,” said the sailor. “But don’t -be foolish, now. You’ll always have a friend in Jack -Waters.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_55"></a>[55]</span></p> - -<p>“Get away from me,” shouted Tom. “I don’t want -your friendship. All I ask of you is, to let me alone.”</p> - -<p>The man, seeing that Tom was in a very bad humor, -sprang into his bunk, leaving the young sailor to himself. -The latter soon had cause to regret that he had -been so imprudent, for the new members of the crew, -who were all strangers to Tom, began to laugh at and -ridicule him worse than ever. Every exhibition of -anger on his part only brought loud shouts of derision -from the sailors; and Tom, seeing there was no chance -for escape, finally spread his bed in one of the bunks, -and, crawling into it, covered his head with the blankets. -There he lay, thinking over his situation, and -studying up plans to revenge himself upon the sailors. -He was surprised, angry, and discouraged; surprised, -because there had been a great change in the captain and -the older members of the crew, for which he could not -account. On shore, they had always treated him with -the greatest respect; but now, they seemed to take pleasure -in tormenting him. He was angry, because he—Tom -Newcombe, the son of the richest man in Newport—had -been addressed as “sonny.” Besides, the second -mate had dared to lay violent hands upon him, and the -sailors seemed ready to carry out the system of persecution -that had been commenced in the cabin. And he -was discouraged, because he saw all his bright hopes of -one day becoming the master of a fine vessel disappearing -like the mists of the morning. What encouragement -had he to persevere in his determination to become an -accomplished navigator and seaman, if he was to be -subjected to such treatment as he had just received? -None whatever. If the two hours he had passed on<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_56"></a>[56]</span> -board the schooner were a fair sample of the life he -would be compelled to lead for the next six months, he -had already had enough of following the sea.</p> - -<p>“O, I can’t stand it!” said Tom to himself. “I -didn’t think I would have to sleep in the forecastle. -That captain isn’t the gentleman I thought he was. I -wonder what made father send me to sea? I knew I -couldn’t be a sailor, and there’s no use in trying. I -wish I was at home again!”</p> - -<p>It was long after midnight before he fell asleep, and, -even then, he was not allowed to rest in peace. It -seemed to him that he was awakened every five minutes -by orders shouted down into the forecastle. Some one -was constantly moving about; and every man that passed -by his bunk, brushed against him and pulled the blankets -off on the deck. The air of the forecastle was hot -and almost stifling; and this, together with the rocking -of the vessel, presently made Tom sea-sick as well as -home-sick. He grew worse and worse, and finally began -to be afraid that he was going to die. The sailors, who -were not long in finding out what was the matter with -him, again began to torment him, and finally, in his desperation, -Tom heartily wished that the schooner and all -on board, himself included, might go to the bottom. -Rolling and tossing about on his hard bed, he passed -a most uncomfortable night, and morning brought him -no relief from his troubles. At the first peep of day, the -second mate came into the forecastle; but, seeing at a -glance, poor Tom’s condition, he again went on deck, -leaving him to his meditations. Shortly after this, a -sailor entered, bearing in his hand a covered dish, with -which he approached Tom’s bunk, saying:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_57"></a>[57]</span></p> - -<p>“Can’t you eat a little, my hearty? Here’s a nice -bit I have brought you.”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he uncovered the dish and exposed to -Tom’s view a piece of fat pork swimming in gravy.</p> - -<p>If there is any thing a sea-sick person dislikes, it is -the sight of greasy meat; and the thought of eating a -piece of that the sailor brought him, operated on Tom -like an emetic. It was fully an hour before he recovered -from this new plan of torture; and when he became -able to think the matter over, he resolved to go to the -captain and have the sailor punished. Shortly after -noon, having become somewhat accustomed to the rocking -of the vessel, his sickness began to abate, and Tom -thought he might muster up strength enough to walk -to the cabin.</p> - -<p>Slowly rising from his bunk, he crawled up the stairs, -and the first man he met, when he reached the deck, -was the second mate, the very one of all others he most -dreaded to see.</p> - -<p>“Ah! You’re up again, are you?” exclaimed the -officer. “I hope you feel better!”</p> - -<p>Tom was surprised to be addressed in so kind a tone -by the man who had treated him so roughly the night -before, and he began to think that, perhaps, the mate -was not so bad after all.</p> - -<p>“Where are you going?” continued the officer, as -Tom moved toward the companion-way.</p> - -<p>“I am going to see the skipper,” was the answer. “I -want some of these men put in irons!”</p> - -<p>“Well, Tommy!” said the mate, “never mind the -captain now. He’s asleep, and you had better not disturb -him. He’ll be better natured if you let him have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_58"></a>[58]</span> -his after-dinner nap out. But what have the men been -doing to you?”</p> - -<p>“Why, they won’t let me alone!” said Tom. “They -keep bothering me all the time; and I won’t stand it, -when my father owns the schooner. I came here to -learn to be a sailor, not to be laughed at, and told that -I look like a ‘Dutch galliot under bare poles.’”</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” said the mate. -“If you’ll obey all orders promptly, and to the very -letter, I’ll stand by you, and see that nobody bothers -you. But you say you want to learn to be a sailor. -Come here; I have something to show you!”</p> - -<p>The mate’s face wore a good-natured smile, and his -words were spoken in a tone that, under any other -circumstances, would have won Tom’s heart. But, as -it was, he could not be easily deceived, and he had a -suspicion that the officer was about to show him some -work he wished him to do. The mate evidently guessed -the thoughts that were passing through his mind, for he -continued:</p> - -<p>“Of course we don’t intend to work you hard at the -start, Tommy. I’ll give you an easy job. Are you -fond of horses?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, I am!” replied Tom, eagerly. “Have you -horses on board?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, we’ve got one—a regular old sea-horse. He’s -been with us now—let me see—this is the fifth voyage. -Would you like to take care of him? That’s the job -we always give to boys when they first come on board -vessels.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Tom. “Where is he?”</p> - -<p>“Come this way, and I’ll show him to you,” said the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_59"></a>[59]</span> -mate, as he led Tom toward the galley, where a negro -was engaged in sawing wood.</p> - -<p>“Now, Tommy,” he continued, “can you do that kind -of work?”</p> - -<p>“Saw wood!” exclaimed the young sailor, in surprise. -“No, I can’t do that. But where’s the horse?”</p> - -<p>“Here it is! I meant the saw-horse,” said the mate. -“By the time you have made as many voyages as he -has, you’ll know something about a ship. You say you -can’t do that kind of work?”</p> - -<p>“O, no, I can’t!” drawled Tom.</p> - -<p>“Well, then, that’s the first thing you’ll have to -learn. You never can be an able seaman until you -understand every thing about a vessel, you know. -Snow-ball!” he added, turning to the negro, who was -the cook of the schooner, “here’s your new boy. -He’ll saw all the wood you want.”</p> - -<p>The negro dropped the saw, and the officer, again -turning to Tom, said:</p> - -<p>“Now, then, bear a hand!”</p> - -<p>“O, now, I can’t saw wood!” whined Tom. “I -didn’t ship for that, and I won’t do it.”</p> - -<p>The whole appearance of the mate instantly changed. -Stepping to the foremast, he uncoiled a heavy rope -from one of the cleats, and, again approaching Tom, -exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Now bear a hand, sonny, or I’ll use this rope.”</p> - -<p>Tom saw that the mate was in earnest, and that the -only way to escape punishment was to obey. Reluctantly -picking up one of the smallest sticks of wood he -could find, he placed it upon the saw-horse, and took -his first lesson in the duties of a sailor. He had never<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_60"></a>[60]</span> -attempted work of that kind before, and it was a most -tedious task to saw that stick of wood; but it was accomplished -at last, and Tom drew a long breath of -relief, for he thought that his work was done.</p> - -<p>“That’s the way to do it,” said the mate, approvingly. -“You’ll make a sailor yet. You’ll be captain one of -these fine days. Now try another!”</p> - -<p>Tom looked first at the wood-pile, then at the rope -which the mate still held in his hand, and, not daring -to refuse, he placed another stick on the saw-horse, and -again went to work, his eyes so blinded with tears that -he could scarcely see what he was about. For an hour -the mate stood by watching his movements, and, seeing -that Tom began to make more rapid headway, he said, -as he returned the rope to its place:</p> - -<p>“You begin to understand how it is done. Now, I -want you to listen to me, and I will tell you all your -duties. In the morning, you must be up at five o’clock. -Your first job will be to black the captain’s boots; then -come here and saw wood till breakfast time. After that, -you will make up the bunks in the cabin, and then come -back here to the wood-pile. When this is gone, I’ll find -more for you. Those are your duties. Mark you, now, -no more nonsense, or I’ll make you sup sorrow with a -big spoon.”</p> - -<p>As the mate ceased speaking, he turned and walked -aft, leaving Tom lost in wonder. Every hour he spent -on board the schooner, developed some new and most -unpleasant features in the life of a sailor, upon which -he had never made any calculations. Sawing wood -was one of them, and blacking the captain’s boots -another. Had he, while at home, been told to perform<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_61"></a>[61]</span> -such work, he would have indignantly refused; and, as -it was, he had half a mind to arouse the captain and -demand his protection. But there was the second mate -pacing the deck between him and the companion-way; -and the young sailor knew, from what he had already -experienced, that, if he left his work, the officer would -not hesitate to fulfill his threat of using a rope’s end. -Poor Tom was already “supping sorrow with a big -spoon.” Besides being homesick, he had seen more -than enough of a sailor’s life; and he firmly resolved -that, if he again put his foot on shore in his native -village, he would stay there.</p> - -<p>But why had the mate selected him to perform these -very disagreeable duties? There was another boy on -board, whose name was Bob White. He was nothing -but the son of a sailor, and, according to Tom’s way of -thinking, <em>he</em> was the one that ought to do the work. -While he was compelled to saw wood like a laborer, -Bob was walking up and down the deck, putting on as -much style as if he had been the commander of the -vessel. Of course he had duties to perform, but they -were very light and pleasant compared with those imposed -upon Tom; and the latter resolved that, as soon -as he could see the captain, he would have matters arranged -differently.</p> - -<p>“Come, come, bear a hand; no skulking here!” came -the voice of the second mate, abruptly terminating his -meditations; and Tom fearing the rope’s end, again took -up the saw and went to work. Observing that the officer -kept close watch of all his movements, the young sailor -applied himself steadily to his task, and, as he saw his -pile of wood growing larger by degrees, he began to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_62"></a>[62]</span> -hope that the cook would have fuel enough to last two -or three days. But when the middle of the afternoon -came, the negro began the work of cooking supper; and -when he had carried three armfuls into the galley, Tom’s -pile of wood was all gone.</p> - -<p>“Why, boy!” exclaimed the cook “what ’count be -you on board this vessel? Go back from dar!” Pushing -Tom away, he seized the saw, and, in a few moments, -had fuel enough to finish cooking the supper.</p> - -<p>This was another severe blow. Even the negro cook -scolded him; and, for the first time in his life, Tom made -to himself what he considered to be a most humiliating -confession; namely, that the position a person occupies -among his fellow-men, depends not upon his father’s -wealth or influence, but upon his own abilities. The -sailors all knew that Tom was the son of the richest -man in Newport, but that had no weight with them. -In their estimation, he was nothing but a “surly young -land-lubber,” and of no possible use in the world. Tom, -we repeat, realized the position in which he was placed, -and one would suppose that he would have seen the -necessity of submitting to his fate with as good a grace -as he could command, and of improving every opportunity -that was offered him to learn something about -his duties. But, unfortunately for him, this was very -far from his thoughts. The unexpected obstacles that -had suddenly arisen in his path, he regarded as altogether -too great to be overcome, and he deliberately resolved -that he would do absolutely nothing except upon -compulsion. He was continually saying to himself: -“O, I can’t be a sailor; I know I can’t!” and that -was the same as though he had said “I sha’n’t try.”</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_63"></a>[63]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">HOMEWARD BOUND.</span></h2> -</div> - - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap5.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">THAT night, after supper, the second mate informed -Tom that he belonged to the port -watch, and that when that watch was called -at midnight, he would be expected to answer -the summons with the others. Tom was not at all -pleased to hear this, for the night promised to be -a stormy one, and the thought of remaining on deck in -the rain from twelve o’clock until daylight was not an -agreeable one. He sought his bunk at an early hour, -and being considerably wearied with his day’s work, -soon forgot his troubles in a sound sleep. It seemed to -him that he had scarcely closed his eyes, when a gruff -voice shouted down the hatchway:</p> - -<p>“Port watch ahoy! Roll out lively!”</p> - -<p>This was followed by a commotion among the sailors, -who sprang out of their bunks; and, as they commenced -pulling on their pea-jackets, one of them shook -Tom by the shoulder, exclaiming: “Turn out, sonny! -It’s your watch on deck.”</p> - -<p>Tom was perfectly well aware of that fact, but, after -listening a moment, he heard the moaning of the wind -through the shrouds, and the pattering of the rain on -the deck, and fearing the storm more than the wrath -of the second mate, he drawled out:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_64"></a>[64]</span></p> - -<p>“O, I can’t get up! It’s raining!” and thinking that -he had settled the matter, he pulled the blankets over -his head, to shut out all sounds of the storm, turned his -face to the bulk-head, and in a few moments was fast -asleep again. But he was not allowed to remain long -undisturbed, for the second mate stood on deck as the -watch came up, and seeing that Tom was not among -them, he ran down into the forecastle, and, seizing the -young sailor by the arms, pulled him, bed and all, out -of the bunk. Tom arose to his feet as soon as he could -throw off the blankets, and turning to the mate, angrily -exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Now, see here, Mr. Robson! I tell you, once for -all—”</p> - -<p>He suddenly paused, for the officer held a short piece -of rope in his hand, which he lifted in a threatening -manner; and, Tom having a wholesome fear of punishment, -hastily pulled on his boots and pea-jacket, and -followed the mate to the deck.</p> - -<p>It was a dismal night. The wind sent the rain in -blinding sheets over the deck. The schooner rocked -and plunged in a manner that made it impossible for -Tom to keep his feet without holding fast to something, -and, for the thousandth time, the young sailor heartily -wished himself safe at home. As the gale increased in -force, it became necessary to shorten sail; and Tom, as -usual, being in the way, was roughly pushed about, and -even kicked, as if he had been an unruly dog. When -five o’clock came, he was holding on to the foremast, -pondering upon his hard lot, and thinking over the -complaints he would make to his father against the -crew as soon as the schooner returned home, when he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_65"></a>[65]</span> -was aroused by the voice of the second mate, whom he -regarded as his evil genius.</p> - -<p>“Didn’t you hear that bell, youngster?” inquired the -officer. “It’s five o’clock, and time for you to turn to.”</p> - -<p>Tom knew that “turn to” meant go to work; and -he also remembered that his first task was to black the -captain’s boots. At first he determined to flatly refuse -to perform such work; but, on second thought, he concluded -to go into the cabin and tell the skipper how -badly he was treated, and again demand his protection. -So, without stopping to answer the mate, he sullenly -walked aft, when the officer, as if guessing his intention, -said:</p> - -<p>“I’ll give you five minutes in which to black the -captain’s boots; and, if you are not on deck again at the -end of that time, I shall be after you.”</p> - -<p>Tom made no reply, but went down into the cabin, -where he found the captain seated at the table examining -his chart.</p> - -<p>“Well!” exclaimed the latter, as Tom entered, “how -do you like a sailor’s life?”</p> - -<p>“O, I don’t like it at all!” was the answer. “I can’t -imagine why my father sent me to sea, to be kicked -about and abused as I have been on board this vessel. -I am not treated right, captain. I didn’t ship to saw -wood or to black your boots, and I’m not going to do -it. I am here to learn to be a sailor.”</p> - -<p>The captain drummed with his fingers on the table, -but made no reply.</p> - -<p>“And just see here, how wet I am!” continued Tom. -“I’ve been out in all this rain ever since midnight.”</p> - -<p>“O, that’s nothing,” said the captain, who could not<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_66"></a>[66]</span> -refrain from laughing. “We can’t always have pleasant -weather, you know.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t mind the rain so much,” replied Tom. “I -could stand that if I was only treated half-way decent. -I didn’t suppose that you would make me work so -hard.”</p> - -<p>“I think your duties are very light,” said the captain. -“If you intend to be a sailor, you must learn -how to do all kinds of work. When I was a boy, and -made my first voyage, I had to do just the work you -are now called upon to do.”</p> - -<p>“What! black boots and saw wood!” exclaimed Tom, -in utter amazement.</p> - -<p>“Exactly!” was the answer.</p> - -<p>“Then I can’t be a sailor. That’s settled. I can’t -do such work. I wouldn’t mind going aloft; but I -can’t black boots. Why can’t Bob White do it?”</p> - -<p>The captain made no reply, but again turned his attention -to his chart, while Tom helped himself to a -chair, resolved, now that he was again safe in the cabin, -to remain there. Once or twice, his eyes wandered to -the captain’s boots, which had been placed just outside -the door of his state-room, and to the brush and box -of blacking that lay beside them; but he could not endure -the thought of playing the part of a boot-black. -He remembered a little negro boy he had often seen -plying his trade on his father’s wharf, and he could -not bear the idea of placing himself on an equality -with him.</p> - -<p>“Captain,” said Tom, at length, “must I black your -boots?”</p> - -<p>“I have nothing to say,” answered that gentleman.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_67"></a>[67]</span> -“If the second mate told you to do it, you must obey -him, for I can’t countermand his orders.”</p> - -<p>“Why didn’t he tell Bob White to do it?” whined -Tom. “I can’t.”</p> - -<p>“You can try,” said the captain.</p> - -<p>“O, no, I can’t,” insisted Tom. “I never blacked -boots in my life. It wouldn’t look well for me to do -it. Send for Bob White. He’s the one that ought to -do such work.”</p> - -<p>“I have nothing to do with the matter,” repeated the -captain. “And my advice to you is, to obey all orders -you receive promptly, and to the letter. You will fare -much better if you do.”</p> - -<p>Tom made no reply, for he plainly saw that it was -useless to hope for assistance from the captain. Slowly -rising to his feet, he picked up the blacking brush between -his thumb and finger, and, with his eyes filled -with tears, began the work of polishing the captain’s -boots, his every movement showing how distasteful was -the work to him. At this moment, the second mate -appeared at the head of the companion-way, and the -sound of his voice infused new energy into Tom, who, -regardless of soiling his fingers, grasped the brush -firmly in his hand, and proceeded with his work as if -he had been accustomed to blacking boots all his life. -The mate watched him for a moment, and then said, -approvingly:</p> - -<p>“That’s the way, sonny. You’ll make a fine sailor -one of these days. I’ll give you five minutes more, and -be sure you have those boots blacked by that time, for -you must be at your wood-pile.”</p> - -<p>Tom was not at all pleased with the tone in which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_68"></a>[68]</span> -the mate addressed him; for, although he appeared -to be friendly, there was something about him which -told the young sailor that it would be well for him to -be at his wood-pile as soon as possible.</p> - -<p>The work of blacking the boots was finished at last, -and it was like every thing else Tom ever undertook—not -more than half done. There was no polish on -them; but the captain, although he was far from being -satisfied with the work, pitied Tom, and when -the latter handed him his boots, he pulled them on -without remark. Then, knowing that his five minutes -had nearly expired, Tom went on deck, and walked -slowly toward his wood-pile. The wood was wet, and -in placing a stick upon the saw-horse, Tom’s fingers -and clothes were sadly soiled, and he was almost on the -point of crying with vexation when he saw what a -plight he was in.</p> - -<p>“Take hold of it, sonny,” exclaimed the second mate, -who stood close by, watching him. “Take hold of it. -It can’t hurt you, so don’t be afraid.”</p> - -<p>But Tom was very much afraid of soiling his clothes, -and the consequence was, that, although he worked -steadily for two hours, he did not saw wood enough for -the cook to get breakfast with. This brought him another -scolding from the negro, who declared, “’Fore Moses, -I never did see sich a useless chile. I can’t see what -boys like you is made for, no how. Go ’way from dar.”</p> - -<p>Tom readily gave up the saw, glad indeed to be relieved, -even for a short time, from the work he so much despised.</p> - -<p>After breakfast, the men belonging to the port watch -went below to sleep until noon; all except Tom, who still -had one duty to perform, and that was, to make up the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_69"></a>[69]</span> -beds in the cabin. This he did in his usual careless -manner, so that, when night came, the captain and both -mates were obliged to make them over again. But Tom -did the work to his own satisfaction, that is, in the -shortest possible space of time.</p> - -<p>When he returned to the deck, he found the second -mate and Bob White engaged in conversation. The -latter was drenched to the skin, and looked altogether -like a person who had just been pulled out of the water. -The officer had one hand on the boy’s head, and in the -other he held a short piece of rope; and Tom, who, from -some cause which he himself would have found it difficult -to explain, thoroughly hated Bob, was in hopes the -mate had been given him a whipping. But he was soon -undeceived, for, as he approached, he saw that Bob’s -face was lighted up with a smile of triumph, and he -also heard the mate speaking to him in the kindest -possible tone, evidently praising him for something he -had just done. Tom was angry in an instant. The mate -had never praised him for any thing he had accomplished, -and he wondered what Bob had been doing to win the -officer’s approbation. He did not remain long in ignorance, -for the mate, upon discovering him, called out:</p> - -<p>“Come here, sonny! The captain tells me that you -want to learn to go aloft,” he continued, as he led Tom -toward the mainmast; “and you might as well begin -now as any time. Do you see that Irish pennant up -there?” pointing to a piece of rope which fluttered in -the wind from the cross-trees, and which the officer had -placed there but a few moments before, on purpose to -give Tom his first lesson in going aloft; “do you see it? -Well, go up and bring it down to me. Up you go!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_70"></a>[70]</span></p> - -<p>Tom looked at the mast, the top of which described -almost a half-circle in the air, as the schooner plowed -through the waves, and then at the mate, and finally -drawled out, in his lazy way: “O, I can’t! I wouldn’t -mind going up there in calm weather, but the schooner -pitches so badly, I couldn’t hold on. I should certainly -fall down.”</p> - -<p>“Why, sonny, sailors can’t choose the weather for -going aloft!” said the mate. “I am surprised to hear -a boy who expects some day to be master of a vessel -talk as if he was afraid; come, bear a hand; don’t be a -coward.”</p> - -<p>The officer had touched Tom in a very tender place. -He did not like to be called a coward, and, almost involuntarily, -he started toward the shrouds, as if he intended -to convince the mate that he was not wanting in -courage. But just then the schooner gave a tremendous -lurch, and Tom, being taken unawares, was thrown flat -upon the deck. Slowly rising to his feet, he clung to -the fife-rail for support, and, again looking up at the -mast, drawled out:</p> - -<p>“O, I can’t go up there! Why don’t you tell Bob -to go? I have to do all the work!”</p> - -<p>But Bob had, but a few moments before, performed -the same experiment; only the mate had placed the -rope he wished him to bring on the extreme end of -the bowsprit, and securing it was a much more unpleasant -piece of work than Tom was now called upon -to execute; for, in addition to running the risk of being -shaken overboard, he had been almost smothered by the -waves. Bob, however, had shipped for the purpose of -learning to be a sailor; and when the mate directed him<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_71"></a>[71]</span> -to bring the rope, he started at once to obey the order, -and the officer, pleased with his prompt obedience, -patted him on the head and praised him for his courage. -The mate related this circumstance to Tom; but -the latter, although he disliked to be beaten in any thing, -could not muster up sufficient courage to make the attempt, -until the officer stepped to the mast and began to -uncoil one of the ropes. Then knowing that it was -dangerous to hesitate any longer, Tom reluctantly placed -his hands on the ratlines, and began the ascent. He -slowly worked his way up until he reached the height -of ten or twelve feet from the deck, when he paused, and, -looking down at the mate, said, in a most pitiful voice:</p> - -<p>“O, I can’t go up there, I tell you! I shall certainly -fall down.”</p> - -<p>“Go on, sonny!” replied the officer, shaking the rope. -“Up you go; no backing out.”</p> - -<p>Tom again began to work his way upward, stopping -every few feet to remonstrate with the mate, whose only -answer was: “Up you go,” accompanied by a flourish -of the rope, which always seemed to infuse new courage -into Tom. At length the cross-trees were reached, the -rope was detached after considerable trouble, and Tom, -feeling very much relieved, descended in safety to the -deck, and handed it to the mate, who said:</p> - -<p>“That’s right, sonny! I tell you that you will be -master of a full-rigged ship some of these days. Now -you may go and turn in until noon.”</p> - -<p>Tom was very glad to hear this, for he was always -delighted to have even a short respite from his unpleasant -duties. Precisely at twelve o’clock, however, -he was again called on deck by the second mate, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_72"></a>[72]</span> -compelled to resume his work. He managed to saw a -very little wood, and was twice sent aloft by the officer, -who, as before, was obliged to threaten the rope’s end -in case of refusal. Day after day was passed in this -way, and, long before the schooner arrived at her destination, -Tom had lost all desire to become the commander -of a vessel. His position was far from being -a pleasant one, but, in this respect, he could blame no -one but himself. He well knew what his duties were, -but he would never perform them except upon compulsion. -He was always ill-natured; and the consequence -was, he was cordially disliked by all on board, from the -captain down to the negro cook. The former scarcely -ever spoke to him, except to repeat his advice in regard -to promptly obeying all orders (which, it is needless to -say, was advice wasted), and the latter scolded him -continually for his failure to keep the galley stove in -fuel. The sailors tormented him in every conceivable -way, and invariably called him “Sonny”—a name that -Tom particularly disliked.</p> - -<p>But it was the severest blow of all to Tom to notice -how kindly Bob White was treated by both officers and -men. The reason for this was, that Bob always cheerfully -and promptly obeyed all orders, without waiting -to be threatened with punishment. He was always -accommodating, and ready to do any thing to assist -one of the crew; and when he was spoken harshly to—as -he was sometimes—he never answered back. Tom, -on the contrary, was always cross and sullen; he moved -about the deck as if he scarcely had strength to stand -on his feet; and when one of the sailors asked him to -do an errand for him, he would answer: “Wait on yourself!<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_73"></a>[73]</span> -I didn’t ship to be every body’s servant.” -Under such circumstances, the only wonder was, that -he ever escaped severe punishment. He knew, as well -as any one, that he was entirely to blame; but he regarded -the officers and crew of the schooner as his -inferiors, and he was resolved that he would obey them -only when he was forced to do so.</p> - -<p>One afternoon the second mate called Tom and Bob -White; and, after informing them that he was about to -begin teaching them the names of the different ropes, -asked if they thought they could learn them. Bob -promptly replied that he could; but Tom, although he -wanted some excuse to leave his wood-pile, thought the -task was too difficult. He looked up and down the -vessel, and at the numerous ropes which crossed and -recrossed each other in every direction, and finally -drawled out:</p> - -<p>“O, no, I can’t learn them, Mr. Robson. There’s -too many of them.”</p> - -<p>“Get back to your wood-pile, then,” said the mate, -beginning to get discouraged, “and, sonny, remember -what I tell you! You’ll never be any body in the -world so long as you say ‘I can’t!’ Why don’t you -say ‘I’ll try!’”</p> - -<p>“O, now, what’s the use of trying!” whined Tom. -“Don’t I know what I can do, and what I can’t, without -trying?”</p> - -<p>“Bear a hand at that wood-pile,” said the mate. -“Come, now, Bob!”</p> - -<p>Tom went back to his work, while Bob walked about -the schooner with the mate, paying strict attention to -all he said, and trying hard to remember it. The result<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_74"></a>[74]</span> -was that, by the time they reached Callao, he could -stand his watch at the wheel in fair weather, knew the -names of all the ropes, and had once assisted in taking -in the sails. In the meantime, Tom had learned that -the right hand side of the schooner, looking forward, -was called starboard, and the left hand, port; and that -was the extent of his knowledge of a vessel.</p> - -<p>When the Savannah reached her destination, Tom -drew a long breath of relief, for he thought that his -work for the present was over. But the galley still -needed wood, the bunks must be made every morning, -and the captain wanted his boots blacked as regularly -as when at sea; and by the time these duties were done, -it was night; so that Tom never once went ashore. He -had always thought that he would experience much -pleasure in visiting foreign countries, but now he was -so absorbed in his troubles that he never took any -notice of what was going on; and when the vessel had -discharged her cargo and been reloaded, he knew no -more about Callao than he did when he first arrived -there.</p> - -<p>One day, just before the schooner was ready to start -on her homeward voyage, the mate came forward where -Tom was at work at his wood-pile, and informed him -that the captain wished to see him. Confident that at -last affairs had taken a turn in his favor, the young -sailor hurried aft, and as he entered the cabin, the -skipper said:</p> - -<p>“Tom, I have noticed that you don’t admire your -duties, so I have concluded to make a sort of supercargo -of you.”</p> - -<p>“Have you, captain?” exclaimed Tom, very eagerly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_75"></a>[75]</span></p> - -<p>“Then I needn’t saw wood, or make up the bunks, or -black your boots?”</p> - -<p>“No, if you suit me, Bob will have to do that work.”</p> - -<p>Tom was overjoyed to hear this, for, as we have already -said, he cordially disliked Bob, and had often -wished that he could see “how he would look sawing -wood and blacking boots.” Besides, Bob had, of late, -rather looked down upon Tom as a “land-lubber,” -which made the latter very angry; and he was glad -indeed that he was to be placed in a position where he -could pay Bob back in his own coin. Another idea occurred -to him. He knew that a supercargo was quite -an important personage on board a vessel, and perhaps, -Tom imagined, he might have authority enough to make -Bob black <em>his</em> boots. The bare thought that he would -thus be able to settle up all old scores, almost made -him beside himself.</p> - -<p>“I always wanted to be a supercargo,” said Tom; -“and I think that’s just what I was cut out for. I -know that I’ll suit you.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then,” said the captain, going to his table and -picking up several sheets of paper, “let us begin work -at once. Here are the bills for some goods I bought a -few days ago, and, as I want to go ashore and settle -up all our accounts, I wish you would add up these -figures and see if the amounts are correct.”</p> - -<p>These words of the captain were so many death-blows -to all Tom’s hopes. He walked up to the table and -glanced over the bills, one after the other, but the sight -of those long columns of figures was too much for him.</p> - -<p>“O, captain, I can’t add up all these figures,” said -he. “There’s too many of them. It would take me<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_76"></a>[76]</span> -all day. I didn’t know that supercargoes had to do -such work as this.”</p> - -<p>“What!” exclaimed the captain, in surprise, “don’t -you understand addition? Why, Tom, what good did -it do you to go to school? Didn’t you study arithmetic?”</p> - -<p>“O, yes, I did; but it was too hard. Let me do something -else. I can’t add figures.”</p> - -<p>“Then you are of no earthly use to me,” said the captain. -“Mr. Robson,” he added, raising his voice, “send -White here.”</p> - -<p>This was a turn of events that Tom had not expected. -He knew that the captain intended to give Bob the position, -and he could not bear the thought of seeing the -one he so thoroughly hated placed so far above him.</p> - -<p>“Captain,” he whined, “can’t I do something else besides -add figures?”</p> - -<p>“No,” was the answer. “I only wanted you to do -my writing and ciphering.”</p> - -<p>“O, I can’t do such work as that. It’s too hard. I -might as well go to school and be done with it. Let me -do something else.”</p> - -<p>“I have nothing else for you to do,” repeated the -captain. “And now, let me give you another piece of -advice. When you get home again, go to work at your -books, and learn all you can. Above all, stop that bad -habit of saying ‘I can’t.’”</p> - -<p>“What shall I say, then?” asked Tom. “When I -say that I can’t do a thing, I mean it, and there’s no -use of—”</p> - -<p>“Here you are!” interrupted the captain, turning to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_77"></a>[77]</span> -Bob White, who at that moment entered the cabin. -“Can you add figures?”</p> - -<p>“O, yes, sir!” replied Bob, with a smile, as much as -to say, “I thought any body could do that.”</p> - -<p>“Then see if the amounts of these bills are correct,” -continued the captain. “That will do, Tom. I am done -with you.”</p> - -<p>The latter, however, made no move to leave the cabin, -until the second mate, who, standing at the head of the -companion way, had heard all that passed, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Up you come, sonny! Pitch into that wood-pile; and -mark what I say,” he continued, as Tom slowly and -reluctantly ascended to the deck, his face all wrinkled -up as if he was on the point of crying—“mark what I -say! You’ll never be any thing but a foremast hand -the longest day you live.”</p> - -<p>Tom, too angry to reply, walked toward his wood-pile, -and resumed his work. This was, by far, the severest -blow he had yet experienced, and one would suppose -that it ought to have convinced him that he was sadly -wanting in many things a boy of his age ought to know, -and that it would be well for him to lose no time in -making up his deficiencies. But, as usual, such was -not the case. He had given up all hopes of ever becoming -a sailor, and, during the homeward voyage, all -attempts on the part of the officers to teach him any -thing were simply useless. Bob White pursued a different -course. He attended faithfully to his duties about -decks, never failed to improve every opportunity to pick -up even the smallest items of information, and nearly -every day Tom enjoyed the satisfaction of hearing him -praised by both officers and men, while of himself they<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_78"></a>[78]</span> -scarcely took any notice whatever. Thus, week after -week passed, and, as the Savannah neared home, Tom, -who had only been kept within bounds through fear of -punishment, began to place less restraint upon his actions. -He became, if possible, still more inattentive to his duties, -and, what little he did accomplish, was so badly done -that some one was obliged to do the work over after -him. At last, the schooner arrived within a day’s sail -of Newport. If nothing unusual happened, she would -be safely moored at Mr. Newcombe’s wharf by the afternoon -of the next day. Tom was on watch until midnight; -and when he turned into his bunk, it was with -the determination of doing no more work as long as he -remained on board the vessel. The next morning he -was awakened as usual, at five o’clock, but, instead of -obeying the summons, he remained in bed. The mate -waited fully a quarter of an hour for him; but finding -that Tom was not likely to make his appearance, he -went down into the forecastle, resolved to give him a -lesson, the remembrance of which would go with him -through that day, at least. Tom heard him coming, and -turning his face to the bulkhead, he closed his eyes as if -asleep. But this did not turn the officer from his purpose, -for, lifting Tom in his arms, he carried him to the -deck, and, in spite of his struggles and promises of better -behavior in future, threw him headlong into a cask that -had that morning been filled with salt water to wash -down the decks. The cask was deep, and, when Tom’s -hands rested on the bottom, nothing but the soles of his -boots could be seen above the water. This bath seemed -to have washed all his bad habits out of him, especially -his laziness, for he kept steadily at work at his wood-pile<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_79"></a>[79]</span> -during the entire day, without once stopping, except for -his dinner. His mind was fully as busy as his arms, for -he was constantly repeating to himself the charges he -intended to bring against the crew of the schooner, and -he could not repress a smile of triumph, when he thought -how they would feel when they found themselves discharged -from his father’s service. Four o’clock in the -afternoon came at length, and, once, as Tom looked -toward the village which was then in plain view, he saw -a small steamer coming out of the harbor to meet them. -He was not, however, allowed to cease his work, for the -mate kept him busy at his wood-pile, until the Savannah -was made fast to the wharf, and Tom saw his father come -on board. Taking no notice of his son’s pitiful looks, -which told him as plainly as words that he had not enjoyed -the voyage, Mr. Newcombe inquired, as soon as -the greeting was over:</p> - -<p>“Well, Tom, how do you like a sailor’s life? I suppose -you intend to go out in the Savannah again!”</p> - -<p>“O, no, I don’t, either!” drawled Tom. “I knew I -couldn’t learn to be a sailor. I’ve been treated worse -than a dog on board this vessel. Now, father, I want -you to discharge—”</p> - -<p>Tom was about to begin his complaints at once, but at -this moment the captain of the schooner approached, and -Mr. Newcombe turned to speak to him. He was provoked -because his father did not pay more attention to -him, as he regarded his business of more importance -then the captain’s; besides, he saw several of the sailors, -who knew what he was about to say, laughing at him.</p> - -<p>However, knowing that he would have plenty of time -in which to state his grievances to his father, before the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_80"></a>[80]</span> -schooner sailed again, Tom shook his head at them in -a threatening manner, and went down into the forecastle -to pack his bed-clothes. As soon as this was accomplished, -he sprung ashore, and started for home at the -top of his speed.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_81"></a>[81]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">TOM GOES INTO BUSINESS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap6.jpg" alt="N" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">NEVER before had Tom’s home appeared so -pleasant or inviting. His short experience on -ship-board had fully convinced him that there -were much worse places in the world, and that -his grand idea of being his “own master” was not exactly -what he had imagined it to be. In regard to the -future, he had not determined upon any course of action. -He had often heard his father say that he -“couldn’t have an idler about his house,” and Tom -knew that he must do one of two things—either attend -school or go to work—a most disagreeable alternative. -In spite of all he could do to prevent it, the warning -of the second mate, that he would be a “foremast hand -the longest day he lived,” would occasionally ring in -his ears; and once Tom almost came to the sensible -conclusion that, in order to prevent such a calamity, -he ought to go to school and try hard to make up his -deficiencies. But this resolution, like all the good ones -Tom ever made, was short lived. There were too many -difficulties in his way. He would have arithmetic and -geography lessons to learn, and would be obliged to -remain a close prisoner six long hours during each day. -So this resolution was reconsidered, and Tom settled<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_82"></a>[82]</span> -down, as he had done a hundred times before, in the -hope that something would soon “turn up,” and that -he would then be able to see his way clearly.</p> - -<p>That evening, after supper, in obedience to his father’s -request, Tom proceeded to give an account of all -that had transpired on board the Savannah during the -voyage. He had a very retentive memory, if he chose -to exert it, and not even the smallest incident was -omitted. He told how he had been compelled to act -the part of a servant in sawing wood, blacking the captain’s -boots, and making the beds; how he had been -thrust into the forecastle, when he had expected to -sleep in the cabin and mess with the officers; how all -the sailors had tormented him; and how the second -mate had frequently threatened to beat him with a -rope’s end; and when he concluded, he settled back in -his chair, confident that he had made out a very black -case against the officers and crew of the Savannah, and -fully expecting to hear his father announce his intention -of discharging them, one and all. Mr. Newcombe -sat for several minutes, looking down at the carpet, as -if revolving the subject in his mind, and finally inquired:</p> - -<p>“Did the mate ever use a rope’s end on you?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir,” answered Tom; and at that moment he -almost wished the officer had punished him, in order to -make the evidence against him complete.</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Mr. Newcombe, “that mate isn’t half -the man I thought he was.”</p> - -<p>“He’s no gentleman, or he would not have treated -me that way,” chimed in Tom, who thought his father -was debating upon the punishment the mate ought to -receive.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_83"></a>[83]</span></p> - -<p>“He’s not a good officer, either,” said Mr. Newcombe, -looking at his son.</p> - -<p>“No, sir; he’s not. He’s not fit to be second mate.”</p> - -<p>“If he was a good officer,” continued the merchant, -“he would have taken a rope’s end to you every hour -in the day.”</p> - -<p>Tom was thunderstruck! He could scarcely believe -that he had heard aright. All through his trials, -which he regarded as much greater than had ever before -been endured by a boy of his age, he had been, to -a certain extent, sustained and encouraged by the -thought that his father would certainly sympathize with -him; but could it be possible that he was upholding the -mate? It certainly looked like it.</p> - -<p>“O, now, father,” whined Tom, at length, “you don’t -mean to say that I ought to have been whipped?”</p> - -<p>“I mean to say that you ought to have been made to -do your duty,” answered Mr. Newcombe. “I have -heard how you behaved yourself, and my only wonder -is, that you escaped as easily as you did.”</p> - -<p>“But, father,” said Tom, “when you made your first -voyage, you didn’t have to saw wood and black boots, -did you?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly I did,” replied Mr. Newcombe. “What -else could a green boy do on board a ship? But what -are you going to do now? Are you willing to go to -school?”</p> - -<p>“O, no,” drawled Tom, “I can’t.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then, do you want to go into the office?”</p> - -<p>“What will my duties be if I go there, and how much -money can I earn?” asked Tom.</p> - -<p>“Why, of course you will have to begin at the lowest<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_84"></a>[84]</span> -round of the ladder, and work your way up,” answered -the merchant. “You must be on hand at six o’clock -in the morning, to sweep out the office, and make the -fires, if the weather is cold; and, during the day, you -will have to do errands about the village.”</p> - -<p>If there was any thing Tom had a horror of, it was -running on errands. The idea of going about the -streets with a bundle under his arm was intolerable to -him; and the thought of building fires and sweeping -out the office was no less distasteful. What would his -aristocratic young friends say when they found that he -was an errand boy?</p> - -<p>“O, no,” answered Tom, at length, “I can’t do that. -I can’t sweep, or make fires, or run on errands. It -wouldn’t look well, and I wouldn’t do it for a hundred -dollars a month. But I’ll do any thing else.”</p> - -<p>“What else can you do?” asked Mr. Newcombe. -“Now, Tom, if you could have any position in the office -you wanted, what would you ask for?”</p> - -<p>Tom looked at his father, then out of the window, -and rapidly called to mind the occupations of the different -clerks employed in his father’s office. Suddenly -a bright idea occurred to him, and Tom was certain -that he had at last discovered the very thing he wanted.</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” said he. “I’ll be a -book-keeper.”</p> - -<p>“Why, Tom!” exclaimed Mr. Newcombe, astonished -at his son’s ignorance, “how could you be a book-keeper? -Here you are, fourteen years old, and can’t -tell how much six and eight are without counting your -fingers. You can’t fill a position of that kind until you -pay more attention to your arithmetic.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_85"></a>[85]</span></p> - -<p>This was another piece of news to Tom. He was a -good deal disappointed, for he had suddenly taken it -into his head that he would like to be a book-keeper, -but again that useful, but (as far as Tom was concerned) -much despised branch of education, arithmetic, stood in -his way. He looked at his father a moment, then down -at the carpet, and finally said:</p> - -<p>“I didn’t know that book-keepers had any thing to -do with figures. I can’t do that kind of work, either!”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t suppose you could,” said the merchant. -“But of one thing you may rest assured; if you don’t -go to school you must go to work at something. I can’t -have idlers about me. To-morrow morning I want to -hear your decision.”</p> - -<p>As Mr. Newcombe ceased speaking, he picked up a -newspaper and began to read, thus intimating that the -interview was at an end. Tom lingered about the room -for a few moments, but finding that his father took no -more notice of him, he sauntered out of the house and -threw himself under one of the trees in the yard, heartily -disgusted with himself and every one else in the world.</p> - -<p>The conversation he had with his father will serve to -illustrate some of his ideas. He wanted to fill some -position in life where he could be at his ease; but he -was unwilling to make the least exertion to accomplish -the desired end. He had often noticed the book-keepers -in his father’s office; he imagined they must be happy -fellows, and he had suddenly taken it into his head that -he would like the same position. But when he learned -that the book-keepers had something to do with figures, -he had no desire to become better acquainted with their -duties. He did not believe in what he had so often<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_86"></a>[86]</span> -heard of, “beginning at the foot of the ladder.” He -wanted to reach the top at a single leap; but, turn -which way he would, he found that some preparation -was necessary to enable him to fill any position in life. -He was fairly at his wit’s end. He had his choice -between going to school and going to work, and the -question was, which of these two evils was the least? -This point, however, was soon decided against the -school; and then, for fully an hour, Tom rolled and -tumbled about on the grass, trying to think of some -business in which he could engage that would enable -him to make money without labor; and, at last, an idea -occurred to him that seemed to fill all the requirements -of the occasion. Without stopping to think the matter -over, for fear of discovering some defects in it that had -not appeared at first sight, Tom sprang to his feet, and -running into the house, burst into the room where his -father sat, exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“I’ve got it now! I’ll tell you what I’ll do.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Mr. Newcombe, looking up from his -paper.</p> - -<p>“You know,” began Tom, drawing a chair close to -his father’s side, “you know that I have forty-eight dollars -due me, that I earned on the Savannah, and if you -will give it to me, I’ll speculate with it.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Mr. Newcombe, again, “what will you -speculate in?”</p> - -<p>Tom’s bright hopes fell instantly. He had not thought -of that.</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you what you might do,” at length, said his -father, who saw that Tom’s new idea could be made -profitable to him in more ways than one, “you might<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_87"></a>[87]</span> -contract with Bob Jennings to take all the fish he can -catch, at a certain price; but before you enter into an -agreement with him, go to some store—Mr. Henry’s, for -instance—ask what he is paying for fish per pound, and -then you will know how much to offer Bob. If Mr. -Henry is paying four cents, you might agree to give Bob -two and a half, or three cents a pound.”</p> - -<p>“I understand,” said Tom.</p> - -<p>“Then there is another way you might make something,” -continued Mr. Newcombe. “Butter, eggs, potatoes, -and chickens are cheaper up the coast a few -miles than they are here in the village, and you might -take a sail up there some day, purchase a cargo, and -bring it down here and sell it.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll do it!” exclaimed Tom, joyfully. “That’s just -the very business I always wanted to go into. I’ll be -certain to make lots of money; and it’s easy work, -too.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe resumed his paper, without making any -reply; and Tom, being again left to his own resources, -walked about the house so uneasy that he hardly knew -what to do with himself—for, having determined upon -his course, he was impatient to begin operations at once. -It was then about nine o’clock, and, of course, too late -to make arrangements for carrying out his new scheme -that night; and after loitering about the house for half -an hour, he went to bed, full of his glorious ideas for -the future, and so restless that it was almost midnight -before he fell asleep.</p> - -<p>It may not be improper to remark, that the last -plan suggested by Mr. Newcombe, was one which, if -properly managed, Tom might have made profitable.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_88"></a>[88]</span> -Bob Jennings had often thought of it; and many a -time, as he rowed by the merchant’s house, had he -wished that he was the owner of a sail-boat like Tom’s, -for then he would have turned trader; and two months’ -work, he was confident, would have enabled him to lay -by a sufficient sum to support his mother while he was -gone on his first voyage. But, as it was, he was powerless. -His old, leaky scow could not be trusted very far -from shore, and thus Bob was obliged to lose one source -of income—one that, under his control, would have -yielded him more in one week than his fishing did in a -month. Mr. Newcombe had consented to his son’s -scheme, for the reason that he was in hopes that Tom, -by being brought in contact with business men, might -be made to see his deficiencies so plainly that he would -be ashamed of them. He resolved to assist him, but, at -the same time, to allow him full control of his business, -so that when he failed (for the merchant fully expected -that his scheme would result in failure) he could have -no one to blame but himself.</p> - -<p>The next morning, after breakfast, Mr. Newcombe -started for his office, and on the way, he stopped at a store, -where he had a long conversation with the proprietor, -after which he resumed his walk. A few moments afterward, -Tom entered the store, and after the grocer -had concluded his inquiries concerning his voyage, (a -matter about which Tom said as little as possible,) he -asked:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Henry, what do you pay for fish?”</p> - -<p>“What do I pay for them?” repeated the grocer. -“Have you any to sell? Are you going into that business?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_89"></a>[89]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Tom, with the air of one who was -doing an immense trade; “I am a speculator.”</p> - -<p>“Well, I hope you will succeed,” said Mr. Henry. -“Fish are in good demand now, and I’ll give you five -cents a pound for all you will bring me—large and -small.”</p> - -<p>Tom was satisfied with the price offered, and after -holding a short conversation with the grocer concerning -the business in hand, he left the store, and hurried toward -the home of the fisher-boy. He found Bob just -getting into his boat to begin his day’s work. In a few -words, Tom stated the object of his visit, and concluded -by offering Bob three cents a pound for all the fish he -could catch. The latter at once accepted the proposition. -Heretofore he had only received two cents a -pound; and as he was not the only fisherman about the -village, he not unfrequently found it impossible to dispose -of his day’s work at any price.</p> - -<p>“Well, then!” said Tom, after they had talked the -matter over. “It’s a bargain. You are to bring me -all the fish you can catch, and I am to give you three -cents a pound for them, here at your house. Now, Bob, -we ought to have that in writing. It will look more -business-like.”</p> - -<p>As Tom spoke, he drew from his pocket a memorandum-book -and pencil. He had often noticed that his -father carried these articles, and, not wishing to omit -any thing that would make him appear like a business -man, he had taken care to provide himself with every -thing necessary before leaving home. He seated himself -on the ground, and, after considerable study, drew -up the following:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_90"></a>[90]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p class="center"><span class="allsmcap">CONTRAK.</span></p> - -<p>be it known by all Men that ime Agreed To take all the -Fish you can ketch here at your house at three cents a -pond every day When you Get them.</p> - -<p class="right">thomas newcombe.</p> -</div> - -<p>This he signed with a flourish, and handed to Bob, -who was astonished at the bad spelling and worse writing. -But Tom evidently thought it just right, for he -tore another leaf out of his book, saying, as he did so: -“Bob, that’s yours to keep. Now I must have one too;” -and he proceeded to write a second contract, which ran -thus:</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p class="center"><span class="allsmcap">CONTRAK.</span></p> - -<p>be it known that You are Agreed To Give me all the -fish you can Ketch here at your Home Every day except -sundays for three Cents a pond Good wait and no -cheeting.</p> -</div> - -<p>“Now, Bob,” he exclaimed, when he had finished the -document, “sign that, if you are an honest man.”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy, after considerable trouble, deciphered -the bad writing and spelling; and, although he thought -the contract might have been better worded, he made no -remark, for fear of offending his customer, but took the -pencil and signed his name so plainly that even Tom -could read it without stopping to spell it over.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said the young trader, as he carefully folded -up his contract, “we’re all right. Father says that -whenever one man goes into business with another, he -ought to make him sign an agreement; then both know -just what is required of them. That’s the way I intend<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_91"></a>[91]</span> -to conduct my business. What time will you be back, -Bob?”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy answered that he would return at five -o’clock; and, after Tom had promised to be on hand, -he put his memorandum-book into his pocket, thrust his -pencil behind his ear, and started toward his father’s -office. Mr. Newcombe, as usual, was very busy, but he -managed to obtain a few moments in which to attend to -Tom, who, delighted with the success that had attended -him thus far, asked for two dollars, with which to carry -on his day’s business. The money was counted out, and -Tom was requested to write a receipt, in order, as his -father said, that he might learn “how to do business -properly.” Tom seated himself at his father’s desk, and -tried hard to think how a receipt ought to be written. -He twisted about in his chair, bit his pen, and, at the -end of a quarter of an hour, handed his father a slip of -paper, on which was written the following:</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>you Give me too dollars to by Fish.</p> - -<p class="pad12">your affectionate Son<br /> -<span class="pad3">thomas newcombe.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe put the receipt into his pocket, and -then proceeded to give Tom advice in regard to the -manner in which his business ought to be conducted. -But the young trader shook his head in a very knowing -manner, as if to say: “I understand all about -that;” and presently he left the office, and walked about -the wharf with his hands in his pockets, and his pencil -behind his ear.</p> - -<p>Tom was very well satisfied with himself that morning;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_92"></a>[92]</span> -he had an object to accomplish, something to live -for. He was a man of business, and he took no little -pride in the thought that he had earned, with his own -hands, the two dollars he carried in his pocket. Besides -that, he had forty-six dollars more, all his own -money, which would be counted out to him whenever -he saw fit to call for it. His immediate success he regarded -as a thing beyond a doubt; and, giving full sway -to his fancy, he began to wonder what he should do -with his profits.</p> - -<p>He had often seen a neat little trading sloop, named -the Swallow, sailing in and out of the harbor, and, on -the morning in question, she was moored at his father’s -wharf. As Tom stood looking at her, admiring the -graceful manner in which she rode the little swells -that came rolling into the harbor, he resolved that the -first money he made should be devoted to buying a -sloop exactly like that. Then the object of his ambition -would be realized, for he would be the master of -his own vessel. Tom was elated with the idea, and to -enable him to think the matter over to the best advantage, -he went into a store close by, and invested twenty -cents in candy. He then returned to the wharf, where -he sat watching the sloop, until he saw his father leave -his office at noon.</p> - -<p>The day was a long one to Tom, for he was impatient -for five o’clock to come, that he might transact -his business with Bob Jennings. In order that he -might make the time pass more quickly, he employed -himself in eating candy, apples, and nuts, and in this -way he managed to spend a dollar and a quarter. -During the afternoon he met several boys of his acquaintance<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_93"></a>[93]</span> -on the streets, and to them he explained his -business in the most glowing language, and even conducted -them to the wharf, to show them the sloop which -was to serve as a model for the one he intended to -build. All his playmates looked upon him as a “lucky -boy;” and even Tom began to think that the object he -had in view was really worth working for.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_94"></a>[94]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">HOW TOM SUCCEEDED.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap7.jpg" alt="F" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">FOUR o’clock came at last, and Tom, having -often heard his father say that punctuality -was of the utmost importance in all business -matters, bent his steps toward the fisher-boy’s -home. He was obliged to wait there fully an hour and -a half, for Bob, having met with better luck than usual, -did not return until half-past five. When, at last, he -came in sight, the young trader’s patience was well-nigh -exhausted, and he even pondered upon the propriety of -giving the fisher-boy some advice in regard to being -more punctual in his business appointments. But, as -Bob drew near, Tom saw that he had secured a fine -load of fish, and, in the excitement of counting his prospective -profits, the young trader forgot the lecture he -had intended to administer.</p> - -<p>After Bob had made his boat fast to the wharf, he -went into the house after a pair of scales with which -to weigh the fish, and, as he returned, he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Now, Tom, there’s more than you can carry. I’ll -lend you my wagon!”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he brought from behind the house the -conveyance in question, which he had made himself; -consequently, it was a rude-looking affair, with wooden<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_95"></a>[95]</span> -wheels, that squeaked and grated at a terrible rate as -the fisher-boy drew it toward the bank. Bob then -sprang into his boat, and began to weigh out the fish, -Tom standing by and looking on with his hands in his -pockets. Once it occurred to him that a business man -ought to examine the articles he purchased; so he raised -one of the smallest fish in the tips of his fingers, looked -at it a moment, and then finding that he was soiling -his hand by the operation, he threw it into the wagon -with the others. One thing that not a little surprised -Tom, was the readiness with which Bob added up the -weights of the different fish. Occasionally the latter -would look up and ask, “Is that right?” and Tom -would reply, “Yes, that’s correct!” but the truth was, -Bob calculated so rapidly that the young trader could -not keep pace with him. Once, when the fisher-boy -called out, “Fourteen and five are nineteen,” Tom was -on the point of counting his fingers to see if it was -correct; but, on taking a second thought, he knew that -would not look well in a business man, so he was compelled -to rely entirely on Bob’s honesty.</p> - -<p>“Now, then,” said the latter, when he had weighed -all the fish, “there are just twenty-five pounds. Is that -what you make it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Tom, promptly, “that’s right. Now, -twenty-five pounds of fish, at three cents a pound, makes—makes—let -me see!”</p> - -<p>“Seventy-five cents,” replied Bob, readily.</p> - -<p>“So it does!” exclaimed Tom; although, if the fisher-boy -had told him that the amount was a dollar and a -half, he would have been just as ready to believe it. -Seventy-five cents was all the money he had left of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_96"></a>[96]</span> -two dollars he had drawn that morning. This he counted -out to Bob, who received it gladly, for it was a larger -amount than he had ever before made in one day.</p> - -<p>“If I have good luck, I’ll have as many more for you -to-morrow,” said he, as he returned from the house, -where he had been to give the money to his mother. -“But what’s the matter? Don’t they suit you?”</p> - -<p>This question was addressed to the young trader, who -stood looking at his wagon-load of fish, with rather a -doleful countenance. The question had occurred to him, -how he was to get them up to the store? He knew -that the wagon, when in motion, made a great noise -with its wooden wheels, which would be certain to attract -the attention of every one he met, and he did not think -it would look well for a man of business to be seen -walking through the streets drawing a wagon-load of -fish after him. His pride was too great for that.</p> - -<p>“Bob,” said he, at length, a bright idea striking him, -“I’ll give you twenty-five cents if you will take those -fish up to Mr. Henry’s store for me.”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy, who would gladly have undertaken -the task for half that sum, not deeming any way of -earning an honest penny a disgrace, at once took hold -of the wagon-tongue and started off. Tom followed him -for a short distance; but, as he had expected, the loud -creaking of the wheels drew the attention of every person -on the streets, who looked first at the fisher-boy and -then at Tom, until the latter, unable to endure it -longer, turned off and went around by the wharf, leaving -Bob to himself. When he arrived at Mr. Henry’s -store, he found the fisher-boy there, and the grocer had -just finished weighing out his fish.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_97"></a>[97]</span></p> - -<p>“Ah, here you are!” he exclaimed, as the young -trader entered. “Please come with me, and I will settle -with you.” And Tom was conducted to the office with -as much ceremony as if he had just sold Mr. Henry a -bill of goods to the amount of hundreds of dollars.</p> - -<p>“Now then, Tom,” said the grocer, producing his -pocket-book, “twenty-five pounds of fish, at five cents a -pound, makes just a dollar, even change—eh, Tom?”</p> - -<p>Bob Jennings would promptly have answered, “No, -sir;” but Tom could not tell how much he ought to -receive without stopping to count his fingers, and, of -course, that would not look well in a man of business. -So he replied:</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; that’s right. A dollar is all I want.”</p> - -<p>During the conversation with Mr. Newcombe that -morning, the grocer had learned exactly how matters -stood in regard to Tom; and in withholding a quarter -of a dollar that rightfully belonged to the young trader, -he was but carrying out Mr. Newcombe’s suggestion. -The latter wished Tom to learn, by experience, since -he would not take advice, that he could not be too particular. -Besides, Mr. Henry was losing money on all -the fish he bought of Tom; for, while he paid him five -cents a pound, he could sell them for only three. But -this was another suggestion of Mr. Newcombe’s, who, -of course, made good all his losses.</p> - -<p>Although the merchant was considerably surprised -at Tom’s answer, he counted out the money, and the -young trader walked to the door and paid Bob his quarter -of a dollar.</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy, highly elated with his good fortune—for -he had made just a dollar that day, besides what<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_98"></a>[98]</span> -he had received for ferrying the workmen across the -harbor—started homeward with a light heart, leaving his -employer in deep thought. Tom appeared to be very -much absorbed in his reflections, for he stood in the -doorway several minutes, scarcely heeding the persons -that jostled him as they passed in and out of the store. -Presently he walked back toward the office, and, discovering -a vacant space behind some barrels, where he -would be unobserved, he seated himself on the floor, -drew his money out of his pocket, and counted it.</p> - -<p>He had just three-quarters of a dollar. He counted -it over and over several times, in order to satisfy himself -that he had made no mistake, and finally searched -all his pockets in the hope of discovering more. But -seventy-five cents was all he could find; and gradually -the unwelcome conviction forced itself upon Tom’s mind -that, in some utterly inexplicable manner, he had been -a loser by the day’s operation. He had started out that -morning with two dollars, and now, after his speculation -had been accomplished, he had only three-quarters of -a dollar remaining.</p> - -<p>“Somebody has cheated me!” said Tom to himself, -as he arose from his concealment and walked thoughtfully -out of the store. “It’s Bob Jennings, that’s who -it is; and the contract says there’s to be no swindling. -O, I can’t be a trader. I knew I couldn’t before I commenced. -This fish business doesn’t pay, anyhow. I -thought I should make at least three or four dollars to-day.”</p> - -<p>The young trader walked homeward with rather a -crest-fallen air, and his acquaintances, who met him on -the streets, and to whom he had that morning explained<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_99"></a>[99]</span> -his scheme in such glowing language, had no difficulty -in discovering that Tom’s first attempt at speculating -had proved a failure. When he reached home and -entered the room where his father sat reading his paper, -the latter also saw, at a glance, that Tom had not been -successful. We ought also to say that he knew exactly -where his son had made his mistake. He had seen him -spending his money foolishly in the morning; had met -Bob Jennings as he was taking the fish to the store; and -the grocer had also told him that he had withheld a -quarter of a dollar of Tom’s money. He also knew -that if the young trader had managed his business properly, -he would have made just fifty cents by his day’s -work. Thus, he was well acquainted with all the facts -of the case; but he wished to hear Tom’s opinion of -the matter. Appearing to take no notice of his son’s -gloomy looks, he asked, in a cheerful voice:</p> - -<p>“Well, how much have you made to-day?”</p> - -<p>“O, I haven’t made a red cent,” drawled Tom. “I’ve -lost money. I knew I couldn’t be a trader.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps somebody cheated you,” said Mr. Newcombe.</p> - -<p>“O, I know they did,” replied Tom, in a gloomy voice. -“There are a good many swindlers about, and I believe -Bob Jennings is one of ’em.”</p> - -<p>By adroit questioning—for Tom was so disgusted with -the result of his first attempt at speculating, that he -did not seem at all inclined to talk about it—Mr. Newcombe -finally drew all the particulars from his son; and -when the latter told how much he had received for his -fish, the merchant exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“There’s where you lost some of your money. You<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_100"></a>[100]</span> -ought to have received more than that. Twenty-five -pounds of fish, at five cents a pound, makes a dollar and -twenty-five cents.”</p> - -<p>“So it does!” said Tom, after thinking a moment; -though the fact was, he did not know whether his father -was right or wrong. “I’ll go right back to Mr. Henry -and tell him that I want another quarter. Now, father, -where’s my cap?”</p> - -<p>“Never mind your cap now,” said the merchant. -“It’s too late! The mistake ought to have been rectified -before you left the store. But how does it come -that you did not know how much was due you? Didn’t -you make any calculations?”</p> - -<p>“O, no, I didn’t,” drawled Tom. “I didn’t stop to -make out any bill. I supposed I was dealing with an -honest man! I didn’t think Mr. Henry would be mean -enough to cheat me.”</p> - -<p>“That’s no excuse. If every man in the world was -perfectly honest, that would be no reason why business -should be conducted in a careless manner. Hereafter, -when you sell any thing, be sure and make out your -bill beforehand, so that you will know just how much -is coming to you. Now, sit down here.”</p> - -<p>Tom obeyed, and Mr. Newcombe again commenced -a lengthy lecture, containing advice which he hardly -expected his son would follow. He endeavored to impress -upon his mind the necessity of being very particular -in all his business transactions, and showed him -how impossible it was for him to succeed so long as he -allowed his pride to stand in his way. Any honorable -labor, he said, was no disgrace; an honest working man -was always respected; and he that could work, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_101"></a>[101]</span> -would not, ought to starve. He easily cleared Bob -Jennings of the charge of swindling, and placed all the -blame on Tom’s shoulders—right where it belonged. -No suggestion or item of information that Mr. Newcombe -thought would be of service to the young trader -was omitted, and, for once, Tom was almost convinced -that he, and he alone, was to blame for his failure. He -brightened up when he found where he had made his -mistake, and resolved that, in all his future operations, -he would be careful to avoid the rock on which his -day’s hopes had been wrecked. He would not spend -any of his money foolishly, neither would he pay Bob -Jennings another quarter of a dollar for pulling a wagon-load -of fish through the streets; he would do it himself, -no matter what his friends said about it.</p> - -<p>But trading in fish he still thought would not pay. -If he made only fifty cents a day, that would be but -three dollars a week; and, at that rate, it would take -him at least a year to save enough to buy a vessel like -the trading sloop. Although he said nothing to his father -on the subject, he resolved that the next day he would -commence operations on a grander scale. So, on the -following morning, as soon as he had eaten his breakfast, -he started to pay a visit to Mr. Henry, the grocer.</p> - -<p>“Ah, Tom!” exclaimed the latter, as the young trader -entered. “Any more fish to-day?”</p> - -<p>“No, sir!” was the reply. “I intend to take a short -sail up the coast; so I thought I would stop and inquire -if you want any eggs, butter, or chickens!”</p> - -<p>“Yes, we want all we can get,” answered the grocer. -“We pay the highest market prices.”</p> - -<p>Tom, without thinking to inquire what the “highest<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_102"></a>[102]</span> -market prices” for each particular article were, left the -store, and in a few moments stood in the presence of his -father, whom he asked for ten dollars, to enable him to -carry out his new project. The money was duly paid, -and the young trader, remembering his previous experience, -carefully counted it twice before he gave a receipt, -which was worded like the one he had given his father -on a former occasion. Tom then set out for the home -of the fisher-boy, and, as before, found him getting -ready to begin his day’s work. He, however, at once -abandoned the idea, when Tom offered to give him a -dollar, if he would assist him in taking the Mystery on -a short voyage up the bay.</p> - -<p>“I’m not going to speculate in fish any more,” said -he. “It doesn’t pay. I’m going to show you, now, how -to make money.”</p> - -<p>In half an hour the Mystery lay at the wharf in front -of the mansion, with her sails hoisted, all ready for the -start. In the forward part of the boat were several -boxes, baskets, and pails, in which the young trader -intended to bring home the articles he purchased; and -Captain Newcombe, as he now called himself, stood on -the wharf with his hands in his pockets, waiting for his -first mate Bob, who had gone to the house after some -provisions that were necessary for the trip. In a few -moments the fisher-boy made his appearance, and when -the provisions had been carefully stowed away, the -painter was cast off, the captain took his stand in the -stern-sheets, which he called his quarter-deck, Bob -seated himself at the helm, and the Mystery began her -first trading voyage.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_103"></a>[103]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">TOM MAKES NEW BARGAINS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap8.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">THE wind being favorable, the little vessel, -with all her sails set, glided rapidly away -from the shore; and Bob, in obedience to the -order of his employer, shaped her course toward -a point about five miles distant, where Tom, in one -of his sailing excursions, had seen a thrifty farm-house, -at which he hoped to be able to purchase his cargo. Captain -Newcombe remained standing on his quarter-deck, -now and then looking up at the sails, as he had seen -the skipper of the Savannah do, until the Mystery was -fairly under way; then he seated himself in the stern-sheets, -and began to talk with Bob; giving him some -insight into his new plan of operations. From some -cause or another, he always felt well satisfied with himself -whenever he had any new project in view; and the -present expedition seemed more to his liking than any -thing he had ever before undertaken. As was invariably -the case with him, he confidently expected unbounded -success to attend his efforts, and he determined -that, from that day forward, he would make regular -trips up the bay. This resolution he communicated to -Bob, and also began to explain to him the manner in -which he intended to dispose of his profits.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_104"></a>[104]</span></p> - -<p>“I shall make at least ten dollars to-day,” said he; -“and, if I make three trips each week, and clear ten -dollars each trip, that will be—that will be—let me see, -how much?” (Tom never could calculate his expenses -or profits by the day; he always wanted to know how -much they would amount to in a week.)</p> - -<p>“That would be thirty dollars a week,” said Bob, -who was rather surprised at the magnitude of the young -trader’s imaginary profits.</p> - -<p>“So it would! And that would amount to—to—how -much a year? Five hundred dollars, at least, wouldn’t -it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered the fisher-boy, who did not know -how much it was best to assist Tom in his calculations. -“It would make more than that.”</p> - -<p>“Well, now, the Swallow cost about a hundred and -fifty dollars,” said Captain Newcombe. “That’s lots of -money; but if I made thirty dollars a week, I could pay -for her in—in—a few months, couldn’t I?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Bob, again. “It wouldn’t take -long to pay for her at that rate.”</p> - -<p>“Then,” said Tom, settling back on his elbow, “I -have decided that I shall follow trading for a business. -It’s easy work, and I know I shall be certain to succeed. -Now, Bob,” and here he straightened himself up -again, “when we get into port, I want you to call me -captain. I am master of this vessel, you know; and if -you intend to be a sailor, you might as well learn one -time as another how to address your officers. I will call -you Mr. Jennings, because you are my first mate.”</p> - -<p>Bob thought this rather a droll proposition; but, as -he could not well afford to offend his employer, who was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_105"></a>[105]</span> -paying him much more money for a day’s work than he -could have earned by fishing, he promised obedience, -and Captain Newcombe again returned to the subject of -his profits. The amounts, according to Bob’s reckoning, -greatly exceeded his expectations, and he did not wish -to talk about any thing else. Once, the fisher-boy, who -thought the young trader was placing his mark rather -high—in fact, altogether <em>too</em> high—ventured to remark -that “perhaps he wouldn’t make quite thirty dollars a -week;” and Tom’s reply was:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Jennings, I am the captain of this vessel, and -if I don’t know my own business, it is time I was discharged, -and some better man put in my place. Don’t -you suppose I can calculate figures? If I make three -trips each week—and there is nothing to prevent it—and -clear ten dollars each trip—and there’s nothing -in the world to prevent that, either—won’t that -amount to thirty dollars a week?” and thus Bob was -silenced.</p> - -<p>Captain Newcombe thoroughly discussed the subject -in all its bearings, and he invariably arrived at the -same conclusion—namely, that in a few weeks, he -would be the owner of the Swallow, or of a sloop exactly -like her. This made him more firm than ever -in his belief that he was right in his calculations; -“for,” said he, “if I was wrong, I wouldn’t get the same -result every time, would I? Of course I wouldn’t.”</p> - -<p>“Now, then, Bob,” he continued, “it’s a settled thing -that I am to be a trader, and that I am to own a sloop -exactly like the Swallow. I’ll need a crew, then, won’t -I? How much will you take to go as my first mate? -You and I can manage her.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_106"></a>[106]</span></p> - -<p>“Would I have regular work?” asked Bob.</p> - -<p>“Yes; all you can do. When we are not off on a -voyage, you’ll have to watch the vessel, keep her in -order, and see that the tides, or a storm, don’t wash -her ashore.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said the fisher-boy, after thinking a moment, -“I’ll do it for fifty cents a day.”</p> - -<p>“Fifty cents a day!” repeated Captain Newcombe, -slowly. “That would be—let me see—how much a -week?”</p> - -<p>“Three dollars,” said Bob.</p> - -<p>“That’s cheaper than I expected,” continued Tom. -“That’s too cheap. I’ll give you seventy-five cents a -day. Is that enough?”</p> - -<p>Bob was so amazed at this novel way of making a -bargain that he did not answer immediately; and the -young trader, thinking that perhaps he was not satisfied -with his offer, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Isn’t that enough? Well, then, I’ll give you a -dollar a day. Does that suit you?”</p> - -<p>If Bob had still hesitated, Captain Newcombe might -have made him an offer of still higher wages, but he -honestly replied:</p> - -<p>“A dollar a day is a man’s pay, and that is more -than I can earn. But if you think you can afford to -give it to me, I am willing to work hard for it!”</p> - -<p>“Of course I can give it to you,” said Tom. “We’ll -put it down in writing.”</p> - -<p>So saying, he produced his memorandum-book, and -settling himself into a comfortable position, began to -study up a contract.</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy was not accustomed to this way of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_107"></a>[107]</span> -doing business, neither was he at all pleased with it. -He entertained very serious misgivings as to Tom’s -ability to carry out his grand ideas, and he did not like -to be promised such high wages unless he could positively -rely on receiving them. He did not wish to -offend his employer, but still he thought it prudent to -suggest a delay in the signing of the contract until -they had made at least one trial of Tom’s scheme. -They would then be better able to judge whether or -not such an arrangement could be made. Captain -Newcombe listened very patiently, and, when Bob had -ceased speaking, he straightened himself up and answered:</p> - -<p>“Mr. Jennings, what kind of a trader would I be if -I couldn’t make my own calculations? Why, I would -be swindled out of the last cent I had. (Tom hesitated -a little as he said this, for he remembered his experience -of the previous day.) But if a man does his own figuring, -no one can cheat him. Now I am just as certain -that I shall make ten dollars to-day as I am that I am -now sitting in this boat. So, you see, I can afford to pay -you good wages. A dollar a day! that would be—let -me think a moment—how much a week!”</p> - -<p>“Six dollars,” said Bob.</p> - -<p>“Well, is it a bargain?”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy, although far from being convinced, -replied that he would be more than satisfied with the -wages offered, provided the business could be carried -on according to those calculations; and Tom, thinking -that he had made the matter perfectly clear to Bob’s -comprehension, again turned his attention to his contract -and shipping articles. The Mystery rocked considerably<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_108"></a>[108]</span> -as she glided over the little waves, and this -had the effect of making Tom’s writing look worse than -ever. But he studied hard and worked perseveringly -to draw up the important document (and that was more -than he would have done had it been his arithmetic -lesson), and when it was finished he handed it to Bob, -who, after a good deal of trouble, made out the following:</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Contrak and shiping Artikles</span>—</p> - -<p>be it known to All men that you and i bob jennings -and thomas newcombe do Hearby agree that when i -shall make Money enough to by the Swalow, That i will -Give you six dolers a weak to be my crew and first -Mait, every day except sundys, and That i will treat -you kindly and allways pay You the money when it is -dew, if you do Your work up square and no fooling -when i get the Boat, and both of us shall try To make -us happy and friendly. witness my Hand and yours.—if -i should happen to Slip up on getting The boat, then -this Contrak and shiping artikles is not of any use—and -is not Binding on said thomas newcombe and bob jennings.</p></div> - -<p>“Now,” said Tom, when the fisher-boy had finished -reading the document, “that is plain enough, isn’t it? -Well, then, let me sign it first, because I am the captain, -you know.”</p> - -<p>After they had both affixed their signatures to the -contract, Tom put it carefully away in his pocket, and -here the subject was dropped. Even Captain Newcombe -had grown weary of counting his imaginary<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_109"></a>[109]</span> -profits, and he began to wish they were at their journey’s -end. As usual with him, he became very uneasy. -He grew tired of sitting still, and first he wished that -a sloop about the size of the Mystery would come along, -so that they could have a race. Then he wished there -was “some boy on board learning to be a sailor;” -wouldn’t he make him “sup sorrow with a big spoon,” -in revenge for the manner in which the second mate -of the Savannah had treated him? Then he almost -wished that a storm would come up; and, turning to -the fisher-boy, he asked:</p> - -<p>“Do you believe that if a fellow whistles while on -board a vessel, it will get up a hurricane?”</p> - -<p>“Father used to say it would,” answered Bob. “But -I never tried it, and I don’t want to.”</p> - -<p>“I wish I could start up a little more breeze. I -wouldn’t want a hard one, for the Mystery couldn’t -weather it. But I’ll run the risk;” and, as Captain -Newcombe ceased speaking, he began to whistle, at the -same time casting his eyes rather suspiciously around -the horizon, to see if the storm was coming. But there -was not a single cloud to obscure the sun, which beat -mercilessly down upon them; and Tom finally gave -up his attempt in disgust, and again stretched himself -out in the stern-sheets, under the shade of the -mainsail.</p> - -<p>Although the Mystery was making remarkably quick -time, she did not sail fast enough to suit her impatient -captain, who, every few minutes, raised himself on his -elbow, and looked toward the point, which still seemed as -far off as when they left the wharf. But, nevertheless, -they were gradually drawing nearer to it, and, at the end<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_110"></a>[110]</span> -of an hour, Bob rounded-to and landed on the beach, a -short distance from the farm-house.</p> - -<p>As soon as the fisher-boy had hauled down the sails, -Tom sprang ashore, drew his memorandum-book from -his pocket, thrust his pencil behind his ear, and walked -toward the house. Presently a man appeared at the -door, and, as soon as Tom arrived within speaking distance, -he inquired:</p> - -<p>“Have you any eggs, butter, or chickens to sell?”</p> - -<p>“Wal, yes,” replied the farmer, slowly surveying the -young trader from head to foot. “We’ve got some. -Be you a buyin’?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Tom. “I am paying the highest -market prices—the very highest.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, yes! But how much?” asked the man.</p> - -<p>“That depends upon the quality of your goods,” replied -Tom promptly, assuming a very knowing look, as -if he understood what he was talking about. “Let me -see what you have to sell, and then I’ll tell you what -I’ll give for it.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, sartin; step this way.”</p> - -<p>Captain Newcombe and his mate followed the farmer, -who conducted them around the building, and into a -room, which he called the “milk-house;” where he -showed them a large basket of eggs, beside which stood -a tub that contained several rolls of fine fresh butter.</p> - -<p>“How many dozen have you?” asked Tom, after he -had held one of the eggs toward the sun to see if it was -fresh, though, the fact was, he knew as much about the -matter before he made his examination as he did afterward.</p> - -<p>“O, they are all right,” said the farmer. “If you can<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_111"></a>[111]</span> -find a bad one among ’em, I’ll give ’em all to you. Now, -let me see how many there are. There’s just twenty -dozen an’ two over,” he continued, after he had counted -them—“call it even twenty dozen. Now, how much be -you payin’?”</p> - -<p>“Well,” answered Tom slowly, as if he was thinking -the matter over, “eggs are high now, and I’ll give you -twenty cents a dozen for them.”</p> - -<p>“Twenty cents!” repeated the farmer, in surprise. -“Wal, I should say that eggs was high. Things must -have riz up like mighty in Newport lately. Mebbe I -can find some more for you;” and going to the door of -the kitchen, he called out: “Betsy! Betsy! can’t you -rake up a few more eggs somewhere? There’s a chap -out here payin’ a good price for ’em.”</p> - -<p>“Tom—I mean captain,” whispered Bob, pulling the -young trader by his coat-sleeve, “you can’t afford to -give so much for those eggs. You’ll certainly—”</p> - -<p>“Now, Mr. Jennings,” interrupted Tom, “you hold -your tongue. I guess I know what I am about.”</p> - -<p>“But, captain,” persisted the fisher-boy, “you can’t -make a cent on—”</p> - -<p>“Now, look here,” said the young trader, angrily, -“once for all, will you keep still? What do you know -about speculating? Those eggs are worth as much to -me as they are to him; and, if I had owned them in -the first place, I wouldn’t have sold them for less -than twenty cents. I don’t want to swindle the man. -Now you go to the boat and get some baskets and -pails.”</p> - -<p>Bob reluctantly started off to obey the order, and, -just at that moment, the farmer returned, rubbing his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_112"></a>[112]</span> -hands with delight when he thought of the bargain he -had made.</p> - -<p>“Now, then,” said he, “the old woman says there’s -ten pounds of butter in that ar’ kag. What’s it wuth? -You can see that it is fresh an’ nice. Betsy always -gets a higher price for her butter and eggs than any -one else in the country.”</p> - -<p>“Does she?” inquired Tom. “Then I’ll give you -twenty-two cents a pound for it.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, I declare to goodness!” ejaculated the farmer, -“how things have riz up! A feller can live easy when -he can get such prices as them for what he has to sell.”</p> - -<p>As the man spoke, he took down a pair of scales -from a nail over the door, and, having carefully tied -the butter in a cloth, he said, as he held the scales up -so that Tom could see the weight:</p> - -<p>“A trifle over ten pounds; but we’ll call it even ten, -’cause the cloth weighs something, you know.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” said Tom. “So far, so good. -Now, have you any chickens to sell?”</p> - -<p>“Wal, no,” was the reply. “If eggs is worth that -much, Betsy won’t want to sell the chickens.”</p> - -<p>At this moment, Tom happened to look out at the -door, and discovered three very fine fowls walking about -the yard. They were as white as snow, and considerably -larger than any the young trader had ever seen before; -and, from their great size, he at once put them down as -game chickens. He once heard of a man who had made -a fortune by dealing in property of that kind, and here -was an opportunity too good to be lost. Pointing to the -chickens, he asked:</p> - -<p>“Can that rooster fight?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_113"></a>[113]</span></p> - -<p>“Wal, yes,” answered the farmer; “he’s like four-cent -sugar—all grit. He beats all the other chickens -on the place like two hundred.”</p> - -<p>“I thought so,” said Tom. “Do you want to sell -him?”</p> - -<p>“Wal, no; I don’t care about it.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll give you three dollars for him and those two -hens.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, I declare to gracious!” said the farmer, -“has chickens riz up, too? I’ll take that for ’em; -but you’ll have to help me drive ’em into the barn afore -we can ketch ’em.”</p> - -<p>While this conversation was going on, Bob returned -from the boat, loaded with baskets and pails. The -butter was first packed away in one of the pails, and -covered with a clean, white cloth, which the farmer -furnished them, and the fisher-boy then turned his attention -to the eggs.</p> - -<p>“Captain,” said he, “we ought to pack them in something. -We’ll be certain to break more than half of -them if we carry them loose in these baskets.”</p> - -<p>“Can’t you give us some oats or bran?” asked Tom, -turning to the farmer.</p> - -<p>“Wal, no,” answered the man.</p> - -<p>“Straw or hay would answer our purpose just as -well,” said Bob; “and, besides, it wouldn’t cost any -thing.”</p> - -<p>“O, no; I can’t have my eggs packed in straw or -hay,” drawled Tom. “It wouldn’t look well. Did you -ever see eggs come into Newport packed in any thing -besides oats or bran? Haven’t you any oats?” he -asked, again turning to the farmer.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_114"></a>[114]</span></p> - -<p>“Wal, yes; I’ve got some in the bundle. I’ll thrash -out some for you for half a dollar.”</p> - -<p>“Go and do it, then,” said Tom.</p> - -<p>As the man turned to leave the house, his wife entered, -having succeeded in finding another dozen of -eggs. She also expressed her astonishment that “things -had riz up so fast;” to which Tom replied that the articles -were worth, to him, every cent he had paid for -them. The extra dozen were placed with the others; -and then Tom, seeing that the farmer was endeavoring -to drive his game chickens toward the barn, sent Bob out -to assist him. The fowls were finally secured, and, after -the fisher-boy had taken them to the boat, he returned -to the place where he had left Tom, and showed -him two or three wounds on his hands, which he had -received while capturing the rooster. The young trader -was delighted; and the thought then occurred to him -that he had done a very sensible thing when he bought -those chickens, for the rooster’s attack on Bob was -conclusive evidence that he was “grit to the backbone.”</p> - -<p>“That farmer don’t know much about chickens,” -said he to Bob, “or he would not have sold that rooster -for a dollar. I’ll get more than that for him. I -knew I would be certain to succeed this time. Now,” -he continued, as he again produced his memorandum -book, “I’ve got every thing I want except the oats. -Sit down here.”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy seated himself beside his employer, -who began to “make out a bill” of the articles he had -purchased. Tom did the writing and Bob the calculating; -and finally the book showed the following:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_115"></a>[115]</span></p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Ackount of Expenses.</span></p> - -<p class="pad6">21 duzen eggs At twenty cts. four dollers and 20<br /> -10 ponds butter At twenty 2 cts. too dollers and 20<br /> -Three first class game chickens At one Doller 3 dollers<br /> -Oats for packing Eggs <span class="pad6">a half doller</span><br /> -<span class="pad8">making nine Dollers and 90</span></p> -</div> - -<p>“There,” said Tom, gazing admiringly at his work, -“that’s the first bill I ever made out. I’ll show it to -father when I get home. Now I’ll have left just—just—let -me see—”</p> - -<p>“Ten cents,” suggested Bob.</p> - -<p>“So I will. I’ll get some apples with that.”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy thought that if the money had belonged -to him, he would have saved it; but he knew -that it would do no good to offer such advice to Tom; -and, besides, his thoughts were turned into another -channel, by the arrival of the farmer with the oats. -While Bob busied himself in packing away the eggs, -Tom went into the house with the farmer, to settle his -bill; and after this was done, the man conducted him -to the orchard, where he filled his pockets with apples. -He then walked about the yard with the farmer, until -Bob had carried all the articles he had purchased to the -boat, when he took his leave; and, promising to return -in a day or two for another load, he stepped on board -the sloop, which filled away for home.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_116"></a>[116]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">THE MYSTERY IN A STORM.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> - -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap9.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">TOM was perfectly satisfied with his day’s work—it -could not have been better, he thought, -even had he desired it; and, as he again -took his stand on the quarter-deck and looked -proudly over his cargo, he began to think that he -had at last found the road to fortune. There were no -obstacles in his way now; he thoroughly understood his -business, and, better than all, he had no work to do. -The man, whoever he was, that originated the old saying -that “There is no excellence without labor,” didn’t -know any thing about the matter, for it was sport for -him to make bargains, pay out money, and count his -profits. If other people were obliged to work, it was -their own fault. Why didn’t they do as he had done, -look about and find some way of making a living without -labor? Following the life of a trader, even if he -didn’t clear expenses, was much easier than going to -school, and poring for six hours in the day over uninteresting -lessons. That was all well enough for those -who liked it; but, as for himself, he would show people -that he could get along through the world without it. -In short, Tom was delighted with the success that had -attended his efforts, for the business was still new to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_117"></a>[117]</span> -him, and he had not yet found any thing unpleasant -in it. He remained standing on his quarter-deck, now -and then turning to the fisher-boy, who was seated at -the helm, to give him some order in a loud voice, so -that the farmer, who stood on the beach watching them, -might understand that he was the captain of the vessel, -but, as soon as the man returned to the house, Tom -walked forward to look at his game chickens. The -rooster, ever since he was put into the box, had crowed -most lustily, showing that his was a spirit which could -not be broken by confinement. Seeing Tom approach, -he at once put himself into an attitude of defense; and -when the young trader forced his hand between the -bars on the box, he was saluted with a peck, and a -blow from the rooster’s spurs that brought tears to his -eyes. But Tom endured the pain without a murmur. -He had received convincing proof that the fowl was -thorough game, and this gratifying knowledge served -as a balm for his wounds. He was, however, very -careful not to put his hand inside the box again; but, -wishing to make the rooster give a few more exhibitions -of his pluck, Tom amused himself, for a long -time, by tormenting him with a stick. Finally, growing -weary of this sport, he walked aft, where the fisher-boy -was seated, silent and thoughtful. He was thinking -over the events of the day, and wondering if the -results would meet the young trader’s expectations. -Bob had made many and careful calculations concerning -the very business in which they were then engaged, -but his conclusions differed widely from those of Captain -Newcombe’s. Although he could not hope to share -in the profits, if the experiment proved a success, or be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_118"></a>[118]</span> -expected to bear part of the expenses, if it should be a -failure, he was deeply interested in it. He hoped that -Tom’s bright visions would be realized, but he thought -he had good reason to fear that his employer would -lose money. The young trader, however, was not -troubled with any gloomy forebodings. He looked -upon what he had done as perfectly correct, and he was -unusually merry over it. He talked, laughed, and -sang; and was so full of his fun that he could not sit -still, but kept walking backward and forward over the -boat, stopping now and then to explain matters to Bob, -who, he plainly saw, did not agree with him. He again -gave a full description of the manner in which he intended -to conduct his business, always taking as his -starting-point the assumed fact that he would “be certain -to make ten dollars over and above all expenses -every trip;” and, standing on one of the thwarts, with -his hands in his pockets, he was endeavoring, for the -twentieth time, to make Bob “see through his grand -scheme,” when the fisher-boy suddenly pointed seaward, -and interrupted him with—</p> - -<p>“Just see there, captain!”</p> - -<p>Tom looked in the direction indicated, and the sight -that met his gaze drove all thoughts of business out of -his head. A thick milk-white cloud, followed by one -as black as midnight, was rapidly coming into view -above the horizon, and, as the young trader looked up, -he heard the low muttering of distant thunder. Captain -Newcombe knew enough about storms to be well -aware that the one then coming up promised to give -him ample opportunity to test the sea-going qualities of -his fine sloop. But he had no desire to be caught out<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_119"></a>[119]</span> -in that storm; and one, to have seen him at that -moment, would have been satisfied that he was wanting -in a quality that was very necessary to enable him to -fill the position of commander of a vessel—namely, -courage. He knew that they were in danger, for the -Mystery was fully a mile and a half from the shore, -and, if the storm overtook her with all her sails spread, -she would be capsized in a moment. This knowledge -seemed to deprive him of all power of action; for he -stood looking at the clouds, and listening to the peals -of thunder that every instant came more plainly to his -ears, as if he was at a loss to know what course to -pursue.</p> - -<p>To increase Tom’s dismay, he noticed that a vessel, -which he had seen coming toward the harbor, had put -about and was standing out to sea again, while her crew -was engaged in taking in the topsails, and making -every thing snug on board. Tom knew, by this, that -her captain, deeming it unsafe to attempt to reach the -harbor, which was a dangerous one to enter during a -gale, had started seaward, intending to “lay off and -on” until the storm should abate. When Captain Newcombe -saw this maneuver, he knew that he ought to be -doing something also; but the sight of that black cloud -in the west disconcerted him, and he could not keep his -wits about him long enough to determine what ought -to be done. It was an easy thing to be master of a -vessel in calm weather, but when a storm was brewing -the case was different.</p> - -<p>“Captain,” said the fisher-boy, “there’s the hurricane -you whistled for this morning.”</p> - -<p>“O, no,” drawled Tom; “now, don’t lay that on to me,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_120"></a>[120]</span> -for I didn’t whistle for as hard a one as this is going to -be; I said I only wanted a little one.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Bob, “I believe now that whistling will -get up a storm. We’ll be in a bad fix if we don’t find -shelter somewhere very soon. What shall we do, captain? -Give your orders.”</p> - -<p>“O, I’m sick,” answered Tom, looking up at the cloud, -which seemed to rise more rapidly. “You be captain, -and if any thing happens you can call me.”</p> - -<p>Tom’s terror was great, but his pride was greater. -He did not wish to acknowledge his utter inability to -give the necessary orders, so he resorted to this expedient, -to shift all the responsibility on Bob’s shoulders; -and he thought that he was acting in a perfectly honorable -manner; for, while he was on board the Savannah, -he once heard the captain say to the first mate: -“I am very unwell, and I wish you would take charge -of the vessel; carry as much or as little sail as you -please. If any thing happens, call me.” The captain -then went down into the cabin, and kept his bed for -two days, during which time the first mate sailed the -schooner. So Tom, with this example before him, -thought that he had a perfect right to turn the command -of the Mystery over to his mate, if he chose to -do so, and no one could question his motives.</p> - -<p>Bob, at first, did not wish to take charge of the little -vessel, but Tom insisted, saying:</p> - -<p>“I will lie down here in the stern-sheets, and if any -thing happens, you can call me.” And, suiting the action -to the words, he stretched himself out at full length, -and rested his head on his hands, as if he were very ill -indeed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_121"></a>[121]</span></p> - -<p>“Well, then,” said the fisher-boy, “if I am the captain, -I shall shape her course toward the shore and take -in that topsail and flying-jib.”</p> - -<p>“Do as you like,” replied Tom; “carry as much or as -little sail as you please. I’m sick.”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy accordingly headed the Mystery toward -the beach, and, again turning to Tom, said:</p> - -<p>“Now, if I am the captain, you must be the crew.”</p> - -<p>“O, no,” whined Tom, “I can’t.”</p> - -<p>“Well, somebody must be the crew,” said Bob, looking -rather anxiously toward the clouds. “Go aloft and -take in that gaff topsail.”</p> - -<p>“O, I can’t,” answered Tom. “Suppose the storm -should come up before I got down, it would blow me -overboard.”</p> - -<p>“Then you steer the boat, and I’ll do it.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t do that either; I’m sick.”</p> - -<p>Bob was amazed, and utterly at a loss to know how -to act. Those sails must come in, the sooner the better; -for the chances were not one in ten that the Mystery -could reach the shore, before the storm would burst -upon them in all its fury. He was the captain of the -vessel, but he was powerless, for his crew would not -obey his orders, and he had no means of enforcing his -commands. He could not leave the tiller, in order to -take in the sails, neither could he lash it fast; for what -little wind there was, was shifting, and somebody must -be at the helm, in order to keep the sloop headed toward -the shore.</p> - -<p>For the first time, Bob felt a little alarmed, and, -for a moment, he sat calculating his chances for -reaching the shore, should the boat be capsized. But<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_122"></a>[122]</span> -he knew that was no time for such thoughts. The -question then was, How to save the vessel and cargo? -The fisher-boy imagined that could be easily done, if -Tom would only wake up and lend his assistance. But -how was he to arouse the young skipper, who was so -disgracefully deserting his vessel and crew, at a time -when his services were most needed?</p> - -<p>“Captain,” began the fisher-boy.</p> - -<p>“O, I am not the captain, now, I tell you,” interrupted -Tom. “You are the master of the Mystery. -Do as you please.”</p> - -<p>“But I must have help,” said Bob. “I can’t do -every thing alone. If we don’t take in those sails -very soon, we shall be swamped.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t help that,” said Tom, looking up at the -clouds with a most pitiful countenance.</p> - -<p>“You must help it. What would you do if you were -in the water, a mile and a half from the shore?”</p> - -<p>“O, I don’t know. I’m sick.”</p> - -<p>“You must work for your life, if you are sick,” said -the fisher-boy.</p> - -<p>Tom, however, made no reply, neither did he move -from his position. Bob began to be discouraged. If the -fear of losing his life would not induce the young trader -to put forth some exertion, it was probable that nothing -would. But there was one subject still untried, and at -that moment it occurred to the fisher-boy.</p> - -<p>“Captain—I mean Tom,” said he, “if we do capsize, -what will become of your eggs, and butter, and your -fine game chickens? You’ll have to look for your ten -dollars profit at the bottom of the sea.”</p> - -<p>“So I would!” exclaimed Tom, straightening himself<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_123"></a>[123]</span> -up, all his sickness vanishing in an instant. “I can’t -afford to lose those game chickens. They’re worth more -than ten dollars to me. But, Bob, this is my last trip -up the bay, I can tell you.”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy had succeeded in waking Tom up at -last. The latter knew that not only his fine boat, but -even his own life was in danger; but it was not until -Bob reminded him of the loss he would sustain in his -game chickens, in the event of the Mystery’s capsizing, -that he got up, ready to lend assistance.</p> - -<p>“Now, then,” said Bob, as the young trader took hold -of the tiller, “hold her steady, and I’ll take in that -gaff topsail.”</p> - -<p>The topsail had formerly been arranged so that it -could be spread or taken in from the deck; but this did -not “look enough like a ship” to suit Tom, who, after -considerable trouble, had made it as near as possible -like the topsail of a schooner; so that when he wanted -it taken in, some one had to go aloft to do it. It was -sport for Tom to ascend the mast in fair weather, when -the Mystery was made fast at her wharf; but he did not -dare to attempt it at sea, in the face of a storm; so this -duty devolved upon the fisher-boy, who went aloft, took -in the sail, and threw it to the deck. Tom took more -pride in his boat than in any thing else, and he always -liked to see the canvas neatly stowed away; and had it -been fair weather, he would have scolded Bob for not -doing the topsail up properly. But an indistinct moaning -sound, which came faintly to his ears, told him that -the storm was rapidly approaching, and he was so terrified, -and so anxious to reach the shore, that he hardly -noticed the condition the sail was in. The fisher-boy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_124"></a>[124]</span> -then descended to the deck, and, in a few moments more, -the flying-jib was securely stowed away, and a double -reef taken in the mainsail. Then, after placing all the -boxes, baskets, and pails under the thwarts, as much as -possible out of the way, he again took his seat at the -helm, which Tom readily gave up to him.</p> - -<p>It was not Bob’s intention to land on the beach; for -there, when the storm came, the Mystery would be in -danger of being knocked to pieces by the waves, which -always ran high during a gale. He had resolved, if -possible, to run into a little cove about three miles from -the village, where they could find safe anchorage for their -vessel, let the wind blow never so hard. The fisher-boy -thought he should be able to accomplish his object; for, -as he took the helm, a slight breath of wind—the forerunner -of the storm—filled the sails, and the Mystery began -to move more rapidly. Stronger and stronger grew -the breeze, causing the little vessel to careen, until she -stood almost on her beam-ends, and straining the mast -until it seemed about to break. Never before had the -Mystery made such an exhibition of speed; but, fast as -she went, the boys saw that the storm gained rapidly, -and presently Bob pointed out a long line of foam in the -horizon. The gale was fast approaching, and a few moments -more would decide whether they would enter the -cove—the mouth of which was but a short distance off—or -be swamped on the beach. Nearer and nearer came -the line of foam, stretching away on both sides of them -as far as their eyes could reach; and finally, a strong -gust of wind, which seemed to lift the little vessel fairly -out of the water, filled the sails, and drove her toward -the beach with great speed. Tom thought all was lost,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_125"></a>[125]</span> -and throwing himself flat in the bottom of the boat, expected -every instant to find himself struggling in the -water. He felt the sloop rise, as she was lifted on the -crest of a tremendous billow, heard the shrieking of the -wind through the shrouds, accompanied by a loud roar, -as the wave broke upon the beach, and presently the -Mystery’s keel grated harshly on the sand—Bob having -safely piloted her behind a friendly point, and run her -upon the shore, out of reach of the storm.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_126"></a>[126]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">TOM’S GAME CHICKENS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap10.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">THE fisher-boy had not performed a very heroic -nor yet very difficult task in taking the Mystery -safely into port; and Tom, when he had -straightened up and looked about him, began -to feel ashamed of himself. His pride, however, would -not permit him to acknowledge that he had acted cowardly; -so, as soon as he saw that the vessel and cargo -were safe, he exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Well, we did bring her in all right, didn’t we, Bob? -I knew we could do it.”</p> - -<p>Had the Mystery been a few minutes later in reaching -her shelter, it is probable that not even Bob could -have saved her from being dashed upon the shore; for, -no sooner had they reached the cove, than the storm -burst forth in all its fury. The wind blew a perfect -gale; the waves broke upon the beach with deafening -roars; the clouds were lighted up with almost incessant -flashes of lightning, which were accompanied by terrific -peals of thunder, that had the effect of convincing Tom -that, perhaps, they were not yet altogether safe.</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy made no reply to Captain Newcombe’s -remark; but, after making the sloop’s painter fast to a -tree on the shore, he hauled down the mainsail and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_127"></a>[127]</span> -proceeded to spread it over the boat, to protect the cargo, -and also to afford them a shelter from the rain, which -soon began to fall in torrents. Captain Newcombe and -his mate then crawled under the sail; and, as was invariably -the case with Tom, when every thing did not -go off smoothly, he began to grumble. He was the -most unlucky boy in the whole world, he said. Every -one else got along easily, and without the least trouble, -but whenever he attempted any thing, something always -happened to bother him. He knew he couldn’t be a -trader before he commenced, and that would be his last -attempt at speculating. If Bob would give him fifteen -dollars, he might have the whole cargo, game chickens -and all. He would sell it for five dollars less than he -had intended to ask for it, for the sake of disposing of -it then and there, as he was fully resolved to retire from -business. But fifteen dollars was a much larger amount -than the fisher-boy ever had in his possession at one time, -and, besides, (although he did not say so,) he was rather -inclined to believe that the cargo was not worth so much -money.</p> - -<p>At the end of two hours the storm was over, and the -waves had abated sufficiently to allow the Mystery to -continue her voyage. Tom, although he retained the -name of captain, allowed the fisher-boy to have things -all his own way; and, when he found himself sailing -toward the village once more, he began to recover his -usual spirits. He again thought of his profits; how -grand he would feel when he should inform his father -that he had made just ten dollars that day; how all the -boys of his acquaintance would envy him, and he finally -concluded that a traders life was not so bad after all.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_128"></a>[128]</span></p> - -<p>Half an hour’s sail brought them to the village, and -the fisher-boy, in obedience to Captain Newcombe’s orders, -landed on the beach at his own home. As soon -as the boat had been made fast to the shore, Bob’s -wagon, with its shrieking wooden wheels, was again -brought into requisition, and the fisher-boy began the -work of discharging the cargo. As the articles, one -after another, were brought out on the beach, Tom -was astonished to discover that there was another incident -in the life of a trader of which he had never -dreamed. It had never occurred to him to think what -he would do in case his cargo should be damaged; but -now the question was presented to him in such a manner -that it could not be avoided. He found that a -great many of his eggs were broken. No doubt the -damage had been done, either while they were going -into the cove or coming out of it. The butter, also, was -not in as good condition as it was when they left the -farm-house. The rolls were broken, the cloth soiled, -and the pail in which it was packed, having, by some -means become uncovered during the storm, was half-filled -with water. In fact, the only part of the cargo -which did not seem to be injured, was the rooster, -which crowed loudly, as Bob picked up the box and -carried it to the shore. The fisher-boy was dismayed, -when he came to examine into the condition of things; -but Tom, who stood on the beach with his hands in his -pockets, had suddenly discovered a way out of his difficulty.</p> - -<p>“Never mind, Bob,” said he; “I’ll charge more for -the eggs that are left than I intended to in the first -place, and then I’ll sell those game chickens if I can<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_129"></a>[129]</span> -get three dollars apiece for them. That would be—let -me see—how much for the lot?”</p> - -<p>“Nine dollars,” answered Bob.</p> - -<p>“Well, I gave three dollars for them,” continued the -young trader, “and I shall make by the operation, just—just—let -me think a moment.”</p> - -<p>“Six dollars,” said the fisher-boy.</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s right,” said Tom. “Then it will take -(and here the young trader, being deeply interested in -his calculations, forgot himself, and began to count his -fingers) seven—eight—nine—ten. It will take just -four dollars more to make up the ten dollars. I shall -certainly clear that off the butter and eggs. Now, don’t -you see where my ten dollars profit is to come from?”</p> - -<p>Although the fisher-boy answered in the affirmative, -he did not quite agree with Tom, for the thought occurred -to him that, perhaps, he might not be able to sell -his chickens at such a high price. However, he made no -remark, and as soon as he had loaded his wagon with -the eggs, he started off for Mr. Henry’s store. Tom -waited until he was out of sight, and then went around -by the wharf as before; and, when he arrived at the -grocery, Bob had already been there, unloaded his -wagon, and gone back to the boat after the rest of the -cargo. The grocer met the young trader as he entered -the store, and, after inquiring how he had weathered -the storm, called one of the clerks to count the eggs. -Tom stood by, looking on, and relating his adventures to -the merchant—being very careful, however, not to say -one word about the disgraceful manner in which he had -deserted his vessel and crew in time of danger—and, -when the eggs had all been counted, he found that he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_130"></a>[130]</span> -had just fifteen dozen whole ones left; six dozen had -been broken during the storm. As the young trader -stood looking intently at the floor, trying his best to -determine how much he ought to ask for the eggs that -were left, in order to make good what he would lose on -the broken ones, the fisher-boy returned, bringing the -game chickens and the butter.</p> - -<p>“Those are fine looking chickens, Tom,” said the -grocer. “How much do you ask for them?”</p> - -<p>“Three dollars apiece!” was the answer.</p> - -<p>“Three dollars apiece!” repeated the merchant, in -surprise. “You mean three dollars for the lot.”</p> - -<p>“No I don’t,” replied Tom. “I mean just what I -said—three dollars apiece—nine dollars for the lot.”</p> - -<p>“That’s too much! You surely did not give that -price for them?”</p> - -<p>“Of course not!” replied Tom. “If I had, I wouldn’t -sell them for that. I want to make something, don’t I?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly! But you want to make too much. I’ll -give you fifty cents apiece for them.”</p> - -<p>“No, sir!” said Tom, emphatically. “I can’t sell -them for a cent less than three dollars each.”</p> - -<p>“What makes them so valuable?” asked the grocer.</p> - -<p>“Why, they’re first-class game chickens,” replied -Tom. “Don’t you want them?”</p> - -<p>“Not at your price. I am not speculating in game -chickens now.”</p> - -<p>“Well, <em>I</em> am,” said the young trader. “They are -worth three dollars apiece to me, and I’ll keep them -before I’ll sell them for a cent less.”</p> - -<p>While this conversation was going on, one of the -clerks had weighed the butter, and, when Mr. Henry<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_131"></a>[131]</span> -had been informed of the number of pounds, he leaned -his elbows on the counter and said:</p> - -<p>“Now, then, Tom, you have fifteen dozen eggs and -ten pounds of butter. Is that right?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s correct; but I’d like to have you take -those game chickens.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t give your price for them,” repeated the -grocer. “Now, how much are the eggs and butter -worth?”</p> - -<p>The young trader did not know what reply to make -to this question, for the breaking of six dozen of his -eggs, and Mr. Henry’s refusal to take his chickens at -three dollars each, had completely upset all his calculations. -He wanted to make ten dollars by his day’s -work, but he did not know how much to ask for the -eggs and butter to clear that amount. He would have -been very much relieved could he have had a few -moment’s conversation with the fisher-boy; but, by such -a proceeding, he would certainly show his ignorance, -and that was something he did not wish to do. He -could see but one way to act; so, after looking about -the store for a moment, and putting on a serious face, -as if busily engaged in making calculations, he turned -to the grocer and asked:</p> - -<p>“What do you think my cargo is worth?”</p> - -<p>“Well,” was the answer, “although that butter is -rather mussed up, I will give you full price for it—thirteen -cents a pound.”</p> - -<p>Down came all the bright hopes of the young trader, -who started back from the counter in astonishment, and -looked at the grocer as if he could hardly believe that -he had heard aright.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_132"></a>[132]</span></p> - -<p>“Why, what’s the matter?” asked Mr. Henry.</p> - -<p>“Thirteen—did—did you say <em>thirteen</em> cents a pound -for that butter?” Tom almost gasped.</p> - -<p>“Exactly! Butter is very plenty now, and that is -all it is worth—thirteen cents.”</p> - -<p>Tom was now convinced that the merchant was in -earnest; and so astounded and vexed was he to discover -that his grand attempt at speculating had failed, that it -was with the greatest difficulty that he could refrain -from crying.</p> - -<p>“Did you pay more than that?” asked Mr. Henry, -who plainly saw what was the matter.</p> - -<p>“O, yes,” drawled Tom, “I paid more than that. I -paid too much.”</p> - -<p>“Prices have fallen lately, you know,” said the grocer.</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll keep that butter until they rise again,” -said Tom, in desperation. “How much do you pay for -eggs?”</p> - -<p>“Ten cents,” was the answer.</p> - -<p>“O, no,” drawled Tom. “I can’t sell for that.”</p> - -<p>The store was full of customers; and at this moment -the grocer left Tom, to attend to the wants of a gentleman, -who appeared to be in a great hurry to transact -his business, and the young trader determined to seize -the opportunity to do a little calculating. He knew that -if he accepted the price offered by the merchant, he -would be a heavy loser, and he was anxious to know the -full extent of his losses. Beckoning to the fisher-boy to -follow him toward the office, he whispered:</p> - -<p>“I am afraid I can’t make <em>quite</em> ten dollars, aint -you? Now ten pounds of butter, at thirteen cents a -pound, that makes—let me see.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_133"></a>[133]</span></p> - -<p>“A dollar and thirty cents,” said the fisher-boy.</p> - -<p>“O, I can’t sell that good butter for such a small price -as that,” whined Tom. “That farmer swindled me, didn’t -he? He said that butter was the best in the country. -And now, fifteen dozen eggs, at ten cents a dozen, that -makes—just—”</p> - -<p>“A dollar and a half,” said Bob.</p> - -<p>“And that makes the butter and eggs worth—worth—”</p> - -<p>“Two dollars and eighty cents,” said the fisher-boy, -who knew that he was expected to do all the calculating; -“and you paid six dollars and ninety cents for -your cargo, taking out the price of your game chickens. -So you lose just four dollars and ten cents.”</p> - -<p>“O, that’s too much!” said Tom. “If I was to lose -that every day, that would be—let me see—how much -a week?”</p> - -<p>“Almost twenty-five dollars,” said Bob.</p> - -<p>“That’s too much!” exclaimed Tom, again. “I can’t -afford to lose that. I’ll keep my things until prices -rise again. Bob, put the cargo into your wagon, and -take it up to the house. I knew I couldn’t be a speculator. -I’m the most unlucky boy in the whole world, -and something’s always happening to bother me.”</p> - -<p>Tom was now thoroughly disgusted with trading, and -he resolved that, as long as he lived, he never would -attempt it again. As he started to leave the store, the -grocer inquired:</p> - -<p>“Well, what do you say?”</p> - -<p>“I say I can’t sell at your prices,” was the answer; -and, in a moment more, Tom was taking long steps toward -his home. He did not stop to speak to any of his -numerous acquaintances he met on the streets, for fear<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_134"></a>[134]</span> -they might ask him how he was succeeding in business; -and not until he reached home, and closed the gate behind -him, did he feel safe. As he walked slowly toward -the house, he glanced in at the door, and saw his -father, seated in the library, reading his paper, and Tom -knew that he still had a most difficult task to perform. -Mr. Newcombe, of course, would want to know all the -particulars of the voyage; and, at that moment, the -young trader would have given even his game chickens -to be able to avoid the interview. But that was impossible, -for his father discovered him as he came up the -lawn, and called him into the house. Tom obeyed, and -the moment he entered the room, Mr. Newcombe saw -at a glance that he had made another failure.</p> - -<p>“Well,” he exclaimed, “I suppose you have cleared -a small fortune to-day?”</p> - -<p>“O, no, I haven’t, either,” whined the discouraged -young trader. “I’m afraid I shall lose lots of money. -Didn’t I tell you I couldn’t be a speculator?”</p> - -<p>“Did you allow somebody to cheat you?” asked the -merchant.</p> - -<p>Tom saw that his father was determined to know all -about the matter, and thinking that the sooner it was -over with the better, he drew his memorandum-book -from his pocket, and turned to the bill he had made out. -His feelings, as he presented it, were very different from -what he had that morning imagined they would be. -Then, he was confident that he should be able to tell his -father he had made money by his day’s work; instead -of that he had been a heavy loser.</p> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe took the book, and as he glanced over -the list of articles that had comprised Tom’s cargo, he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_135"></a>[135]</span> -saw in an instant where his son had made his mistake.</p> - -<p>“What’s this!” he exclaimed, “twenty-one dozen -eggs, at—why, Tom, twenty cents for eggs!”</p> - -<p>The unpleasant interview was over much sooner than -the young trader had expected. His father did not -read all the bill, but, closing the book, returned it to -Tom, and resumed his reading. He saw that his son -was in no humor to talk about what he had done, nor -to listen to advice regarding his future operations.</p> - -<p>Tom, who had expected a long lecture, was glad, -indeed, to escape so easily, and, putting the book into -his pocket, he walked out of the house, and started -toward the barn, where he sat down to think over his -day’s experience, and to await the arrival of the fisher-boy. -The latter came at length, with his wagon loaded -with eggs. A place was cleared for them in one end of -the oat-bin, and there they were packed away to remain -until the market prices should rise. Bob then -returned to the store, and, in due time, came back with -the butter and the game chickens. The butter was also -packed away in the oat-bin, the cover of which was -closed and fastened.</p> - -<p>“There!” exclaimed Tom, “that’s all right. I -haven’t lost my money yet. Eggs and butter will be -higher next winter, and then I’ll show you a trick or -two in speculating. Now, the next thing is to drive all -father’s chickens into the hen-house, and shut them up. -I want to let my game rooster out.”</p> - -<p>But driving the chickens into the hen-house was a -much harder task than the boys had anticipated. Having -no desire to be shut up before night, they found<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_136"></a>[136]</span> -secure retreats under the barn; and, after half an hour’s -chase, during which only one solitary hen was captured, -Tom’s patience was exhausted.</p> - -<p>“Never mind them, Bob!” he exclaimed, panting -hard after his long run. “We have tried to put them -out of harm’s way, and now they must look out for -themselves. If they knew what they were about, they -would get into that hen-house as soon as possible. -Now, Bob,” he continued, as he stood with a hammer in -his hand ready to knock the bars off the box in which -the rooster was confined, “we must name this fellow -before we let him out. What shall we call him?”</p> - -<p>Bob proposed several names which he thought would -be appropriated, but they did not suit Tom, who finally -said he wanted to call his chicken after some great -general.</p> - -<p>“Name him Washington, then,” said the fisher-boy.</p> - -<p>“That’s the name!” exclaimed Tom. “Come out -here, General Washington,” and, with a few blows of -the hammer, he knocked off the bars, when out walked -the rooster and the two hens.</p> - -<p>They seemed to be well satisfied with their new -quarters; and the rooster, as if to carry out the designs -of his master, flapped his wings and crowed, to announce -to all the fowls within hearing that he had come there -to take possession.</p> - -<p>He had a pair of good lungs, and Tom fully expected -that his crowing would be sufficient to frighten -every thing in the yard into submission, and that the -General would be permitted to assume the honors of -champion without a single battle. But the old residents -of the barn-yard had no intention of allowing the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_137"></a>[137]</span> -new-comer to lord it over them, for scarcely had Washington -ceased his crowing, when an answer came from -under the barn, and, the next moment, out popped a -very small specimen of a bantam, bristling all over -with rage and excitement.</p> - -<p>“Drive him back, Bob!” shouted Tom; “drive him -back! He’s too small! He’ll certainly get hurt!”</p> - -<p>But the bantam had not come out there to be driven -back. Dodging the cap which Tom threw at him, he -spread his wings, thrust out his neck, and made at the -intruder as if he meant to annihilate him on the spot. -Washington was evidently astonished. He stood perfectly -still, looking at his diminutive antagonist first -with one eye, then with the other, and, just as Tom was -expecting to see him assume the offensive, and drive the -bantam from the field, the General uttered one long, -deep cackle, and turned and took to his heels.</p> - -<p>This was the last feather on the camel’s back. Every -thing had gone wrong with Tom that day. He had -been offered ten cents a dozen for eggs for which he had -paid twenty cents, and had been assured that the butter -for which he had given twenty-two cents was worth -only thirteen, and he had, as he imagined, borne up -bravely under it all. But to stand there and see his -game rooster—one for which he had paid a dollar, and -of which he had hoped such great things—to see him -disgracefully leave the field when faced by an antagonist -that he could almost swallow—that was too -much; and Tom, filled with disappointment and vexation, -seated himself on the ground and cried aloud.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_138"></a>[138]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">TOM DECIDES TO BE A FARMER.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap11.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">THE fisher-boy was astonished at this exhibition -of weakness on the part of his employer, -and it is difficult to say whether he most -pitied or despised Tom. He had all the -while been confident that Captain Newcombe would, -sooner or later, discover that he had set his mark altogether -too high, but he had not expected that his failure, -to carry out his splendid scheme, would so overwhelm -him.</p> - -<p>“O, it’s no use, Bob,” whined the discomfited trader, -as he rolled about on the grass; “it’s no use; I knew -I couldn’t be a speculator. I am the most unlucky boy -on earth. Something is always happening to bother me, -and nobody in the whole world has so much trouble as -I do. It’s enough to discourage any body. But I knew -just how it would turn out. I say, Bob,” he added -suddenly, looking up at the fisher-boy through his tears, -“I’ve learned one lesson to-day, and that is, it’s no use -for a fellow to try to do a thing when he knows he can’t -succeed. I always said it, and now I know it’s so.”</p> - -<p>The fisher-boy listened to this speech in perfect astonishment. -He remembered how confidently Tom had -talked of his success during the voyage, and how perseveringly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_139"></a>[139]</span> -he had labored to convince his doubting mate -that there was no possible chance for failure; and he -could not understand why the young trader had so suddenly -changed his opinion. If he knew that his scheme -would result in failure, why had he risked his money -in it? But this was nothing unusual with Tom. One -day he would be raised up to the highest pinnacle of -joy and excitement, by some wild project that entered -his head, and to which he held in spite of all that could -be said against it; and, perhaps, in an hour from that -time, he would be plunged in the lowest depth of despair, -by the failure of his scheme. On these occasions, -he always endeavored to console himself by saying: -“Didn’t I tell you it wouldn’t work? I knew all the -time just how it would turn out.” He never acknowledged, -even to himself, that he was wrong; and, in the -present instance, could he have discovered the slightest -excuse for so doing, he would have laid all the blame -upon the fisher-boy.</p> - -<p>Bob did not feel called upon to make any reply to -Tom’s speech, so he walked about the yard; and, for -want of something better to do, began to whistle.</p> - -<p>“I see you don’t sympathize with me,” said Tom. -“Well, I ought not to be surprised at it, for nobody -ever cares a red cent whether I succeed or fail. It’s -just my luck. I don’t want you any longer. I owe -you a dollar, and I’ll settle with you in the morning.”</p> - -<p>As this was a gentle hint that his presence there was -no longer desirable, Bob took leave of his employer, -and started for home, pulling his wagon after him.</p> - -<p>As soon as he was out of sight, Tom arose to his feet, -thrust his hands into his pockets, and began to walk<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_140"></a>[140]</span> -about the yard. He had concluded that he had seen -enough of a trader’s life, that he would never again -attempt to play the part of speculator, and the usual -question then arose: To what should he turn his attention -next? He was balancing between three things—Mr. -Henry’s store, the military school, and a farm. -Tom had often wished that he could be a grocer, especially -if he was sure that he could get along through -the world as smoothly as Mr. Henry; for he was a man -who did not work. He always went about the store in -shirt sleeves, evidently keeping an eye open to all that -was going on; but Tom had never seen him roll a barrel -or measure out a bushel of potatoes. Such work was -always performed by the clerks; while the grocer himself -seemed to have nothing to do but take in his money, -and stand before the counter with his hands in his pockets -talking with his customers. If Tom could have gone -into the store with the same privileges, or even as clerk, -it is probable that he would have decided to do so; but -there was one serious obstacle in his way, and that was, -the ridiculous custom so common among business men, -of requiring an inexperienced person to begin at the -lowest situation and work his way up. He would be -obliged to build fires, sweep out the store, and run -errands. How would he look, walking through the -streets with a basket of eggs or butter on his arm? -That was something his pride did not allow him to do.</p> - -<p>Then there was the military school; and on this question -Tom, as he had done a hundred times before, debated -long and earnestly. Would the pleasure he would -experience in wearing the academy uniform, make -amends for the trouble and inconvenience that would<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_141"></a>[141]</span> -be occasioned by difficult lessons and strict discipline? -Would the glory he would win in fighting Indians on -the plains, after he had graduated from West Point, -repay him for the dangers to which he would be exposed? -It would be a fine thing for him if he could -become the captain of one of the academy companies, -and sport his shoulder-straps about the village, but here -he discovered two obstacles that had often stood in his -way—arithmetic and geography.</p> - -<p>In his frequent conversations with the students of his -acquaintance, in regard to the manner in which affairs -were conducted at the school, he had made anxious inquiries -concerning the different branches taught there, -and had found, to his disappointment, that those he so -much despised received their full share of attention. It -made no difference to the teachers of the academy what -business a boy intended to follow, arithmetic and geography -were regarded as very necessary to his success; -and two hours each day were devoted to these studies, -until the professors were satisfied that the students had -thoroughly mastered them. Tom thought he could not -stand this, so the idea of attending the military school -was again reluctantly abandoned. His only resource, -then, was farming; and just then, Tom thought it was -the “very business he had always wanted to go into.” -There would be no books to trouble him, and no teacher -to say, “Thomas, you will remain after school, and recite -that arithmetic lesson.” He would escape all these -very disagreeable things, and would have nothing to do -but drive horses, milk cows, and spread hay, and that -would be fun for him. As usual, Tom managed to work -himself up to the highest pitch of excitement, and he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_142"></a>[142]</span> -imagined all sorts of pleasant things that would happen, -if he could only become a farmer. But he had little -hopes of being able to carry out his idea; for, as his father -“didn’t want him to enjoy himself, if he could help -it,” it was not at all probable that he would give his -consent. And here Tom showed how inconsistent he -was. He had told the fisher-boy that he had that day -learned a lesson which he never would forget, and that -was, that when he knew he could not succeed in any undertaking, -he would not waste time in trying. But -now, although he repeatedly said to himself that he -“knew his father would not let him go on a farm,” he -resolved to try to obtain his permission. Having made -this resolution, and settled it in his own mind, that his -future happiness depended upon the success of his new -scheme, he walked toward the house and entered the -library. His father had finished reading his paper, and -sat gazing intently at the carpet, as if he there hoped to -find a solution to some problem that he was revolving -in his mind. As Tom seated himself in a chair at his -side, he looked up and inquired:</p> - -<p>“Well, how do you like trading? Do you find as -much sport in it as you expected?”</p> - -<p>“O, no, father; there isn’t any fun in it,” was the -answer. “I don’t like it at all. I’ve quit the business. -Didn’t I tell you I couldn’t be a trader?”</p> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe had heard this expression so often -that he took no notice of it.</p> - -<p>“Let me see the list of the goods you bought,” said -he.</p> - -<p>Tom accordingly produced his memorandum-book; -and while searching for the bill, Mr. Newcombe found<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_143"></a>[143]</span> -the “Contract and Shipping Articles” that the young -trader, in anticipation of complete success in his speculations, -had drawn up that morning. After considerable -trouble he got at the sense of the document, although, on -account of the miserable writing, he could not decipher -all the words; and when he found how high Tom’s -lively imagination had carried him, he did not wonder -that his failure had discouraged him. After reading -over the list of articles that Tom had purchased, and -noting the prices he had paid for each, he inquired:</p> - -<p>“What in the world induced you to give so much -for your cargo? You certainly did not expect to make -any thing?”</p> - -<p>“O, now, yes I did,” drawled Tom. “I expected to -make at least ten dollars to-day. I didn’t want to -cheat that farmer. If I had been in his place, I -wouldn’t have sold my things for less than what I -offered him. But I’m sorry I dealt so fairly with him, -because he swindled me badly.”</p> - -<p>“In what way?” asked Mr. Newcombe.</p> - -<p>“In those chickens,” answered Tom, almost ready to -cry again. “He said that rooster beat every thing on -his place, like two hundred; but he can’t whip any thing. -Your little bantam drove him out of the barn-yard. -He’s the biggest coward I ever saw. I wish I hadn’t -named him General Washington.”</p> - -<p>“Well,” said the merchant, after a pause, “you say -you have concluded not to do any more trading. What -are you going to try your hand at next?”</p> - -<p>“I want to be a farmer,” said Tom. “That’s just the -business I have always wanted to go into.”</p> - -<p>Tom had expected a strong and decided opposition to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_144"></a>[144]</span> -this project, and he was prepared to meet it with a host -of arguments. But, to his surprise, his father merely -nodded his head, and then sat gazing at the carpet, -without making any reply. Tom was delighted, and he -hoped that, for once, his father was willing that he -should “enjoy himself.”</p> - -<p>“May I go?” he asked, eagerly.</p> - -<p>“That depends upon whether or not you can find any -farmer who is willing to take you,” answered the merchant.</p> - -<p>“But do you say that I may go, if I can find a -place?” asked Tom, impatiently. “That’s what I want -to know.”</p> - -<p>“The matter rests entirely with you,” was the reply. -“But how long do you suppose it will be before you will -wish yourself at home again?”</p> - -<p>“O, not for a long time! Of course I shall visit you -as often as I can; but, if I once get into the country, I -shall always be a farmer.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll see,” said the merchant. “But, Tom, if you -are trying to find some business in which you will have -no work to do, and where there will be nothing to -trouble you, you may as well give it up first as last, -because you’ll never find it. You will discover a great -many things in a farmer’s life that you will not like.”</p> - -<p>“O, I know all about that,” said Tom, shaking his -head in a very knowing manner. “I know just what -I’ll have to do. I’ll have to drive horses, and milk -cows, and do all that kind of hard work, but I don’t -care. I’ll see Mr. Hayes the very next time he comes -to town.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Hayes was the man whose fine horses had attracted<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_145"></a>[145]</span> -Tom’s attention during the previous winter, and -whom he had asked if he “didn’t want to hire a boy.” -The farmer had done considerable business with Mr. -Newcombe; and Tom, having often conversed with him, -had finally learned to look upon him as one of the finest -men in the world. His face always wore a good-natured -smile, and, when he met Tom, he always gave his hand -a gripe and a shake which he felt for half an hour -afterward. Besides, he always inquired very particularly -into Tom’s affairs, and never forgot to ask—</p> - -<p>“When be you goin’ out home with me? You’re -jest the chap I want; an’, if you’ll go, I’ll make a first-class -farmer of you in no time. You look like a smart -little feller, an’ I know my boys would be mighty glad -to see you.”</p> - -<p>Of course this won Tom’s heart; and when he received -his father’s permission to carry his new idea into -execution, he did not feel as if he were leaving home -to go among entire strangers, but as if he were about -to take up his abode with those with whom he had long -been acquainted.</p> - -<p>“Very well, then,” said Mr. Newcombe; “it’s settled, -I suppose, that you are to be a farmer. You had better -pack your valise, for I expect Mr. Hayes down in the -morning.”</p> - -<p>Tom would have been much better pleased had his -father informed him that the farmer was already at the -door and waiting for him, so impatient was he to be off. -He could not postpone the packing of his valise until -morning, so he posted off to his room, pulled one of -the drawers out of his bureau, and tumbled its contents -upon the floor. If Tom wanted to find a handkerchief<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_146"></a>[146]</span> -or a collar, this was generally the way he went about -it. From among the numerous articles in the drawer, -he selected three fine shirts, a box of collars, half a -dozen handkerchiefs, a bottle of cologne, several towels, -a piece of soap, and a brush and comb. These he -crowded into his valise, without the least regard for -order, and then went into a closet, that opened off his -bed-room, after a pair of boots. But Tom had already -been there once before that day, looking for his fish-basket, -in which he wished to carry his provisions for -the trading voyage, and, as a consequence, the closet -presented a scene of the greatest confusion. Pants and -coats had been taken down from their pegs and thrown -upon the floor, so that it was almost an impossibility -to distinguish one garment from another, and, with -these, were mixed up fish-poles, ball-bats, books, and -the wreck of his little fire-engine, which, in his hurry, -he had literally smashed to pieces.</p> - -<p>“O, now, just look at this,” drawled Tom, as he commenced -pulling over the articles, and throwing them out -into his bed-room. “How can a fellow find a pair of -boots in a muss like this, I’d like to know? Here’s -one of them—now where’s the other? I do wish folks -would let my things alone.”</p> - -<p>The search was a long and tedious one; for, after -every thing in the closet had been thrown into the bed-room, -the missing boot had not been found. Finally, -Tom pulled his bed into the middle of the floor; and -this movement revealed another scene of confusion. -Articles of every description were mixed up in all conceivable -shapes, and among them, Tom at last found his -boot.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_147"></a>[147]</span></p> - -<p>“It’s lucky that I pulled that bed out,” said he to -himself; “for here are lots of things that I thought I -had lost. Here’s one of the Mystery’s oars, that I accused -Bob Jennings of stealing. I’ll put it right here, -behind the door, so that I’ll know just where to find it -the next time I want it. There’s my favorite ball-bat, -that I thought Gus Miller had carried off. Here’s my -fish-line, with which I once knocked off old ’Squire -Thompson’s new stove-pipe hat. Wasn’t he mad, though? -And here—well I declare, if here isn’t my jack-knife! -I thought that was gone up, sure. I’ll put it into my -pocket, for I may need it to cut switches, to drive the -horses with.”</p> - -<p>Thus enumerating the different articles which he discovered, -Tom found the boot of which he was in search, -and which he put into his valise, after wrapping it up -in one of his clean shirts. Then the other boot was missing; -he had put it somewhere, and could not find it.</p> - -<p>“Now, just look at that,” whined Tom, as he took -his stand in the middle of the room, and gazed despairingly -at the numerous piles of clothing that lay scattered -about the floor. “Something’s always happening to -bother me. I always was the most unlucky boy in the -whole world.”</p> - -<p>Tom began to throw the clothing back into the closet, -violently shaking each garment before he did so, and the -missing boot was finally found on the bed. His farming -outfit was now complete, with the exception of a pair -of black broadcloth pants, and a jacket, which were -found, after considerable trouble, and crowded into the -valise, which was so full that it could not be closed. -Besides, the key was lost. But Tom did not intend to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_148"></a>[148]</span> -look for that, for he might as well have searched for a -needle in a hay-stack, as to endeavor to find so small an -article as a key in his room. However, he did not need -it. Placing the valise flat upon the floor, he kneeled -upon it, and, exerting all his strength, succeeded in bringing -the handles so close together that they could be tied -with a string.</p> - -<p>“There,” said he, with something like a sigh of relief; -“that job is done. And now, I’m all ready to be a -farmer. I wish Mr. Hayes would come to-night, for -I don’t like to wait. When I get ready to do a thing, -I want to be at it.”</p> - -<p>Tom carried his valise down stairs, and placed it in -the hall, near the door; and then, walking out on the -lawn, gave himself up to the delights of dreaming.</p> - -<p>“This is the business for me,” he soliloquized. “I’ll -be certain to succeed; for if I didn’t know it, I wouldn’t -attempt it. What is there to prevent my being a farmer, -I’d like to know? I’ll have no arithmetic or geography -lessons to learn; no writing to work at; no -figures to culculate; no trading to do; no second mate -to bother me; no boots to black, or beds to make up; -and no wood to saw. Now, hold on a minute,” he -added, shaking his head, doubtfully; “I don’t know -about that. Farmers must have wood, and, perhaps, -Mr. Hayes will want me to keep his galley-stove in -fuel. No, sir; I won’t do it. Before I hire out to him, -I’ll be particular to ask him if I shall be obliged to -saw wood; and if he says ‘yes,’ I won’t go. I’ll look -around and find some other farmer that wants a boy. -But if he says I needn’t saw wood, I’m all right. I -ought to be able to learn all about this business in a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_149"></a>[149]</span> -short time, and then I’ll ask father to buy me a farm -and stock it for me. Then, perhaps, I might be as lucky -as that man in Iowa I heard father talking about the -other day. He has six thousand acres of land, and, in -one year, he sold two thousand head of cattle and -twenty-five hundred sheep. He doesn’t do a stitch of -work, but employs all his time in riding about his farm -on horseback. Now, two thousand head of cattle, at—say -ten dollars apiece; that would be—would be—I wish -Bob Jennings was here to tell me what it would amount -to, so that I might know how much I would make if -I had a farm like that.”</p> - -<p>As these thoughts passed through Tom’s mind, he -suddenly paused in his walk, and then catching up his -cap, which he had thrown under one of the trees, he -ran into the house, exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“Father, will you please lend me a dollar until tomorrow? -I want to pay Bob Jennings what I owe him, -and if I wait until morning, he may be off to his fishing-grounds -before I can see him.”</p> - -<p>Tom hesitated as he said this, for he knew that he had -not told his father the real object he had in view; so, -after a moment’s reflection, he added: “I want to talk to -Bob on business.”</p> - -<p>Mr. Newcombe laid down his paper, produced his -pocket-book, and handed the required amount to Tom, -who at once started for the home of the fisher-boy. He -found Bob engaged in bailing out his scow, preparatory -to starting for his pier after the workmen.</p> - -<p>“Here’s your dollar,” said Tom, as he approached. -“I thought I wouldn’t wait until morning, for I am -going into the country; I’m going to be a farmer.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_150"></a>[150]</span></p> - -<p>“A farmer!” repeated Bob, as he took the money and -put it carefully away in his pocket. “Do you think -you will like that business?”</p> - -<p>“Like it! How can I help it? I’ll make plenty of -money, too, one of these days. Now, Bob, sit down -here,” continued Tom, as he seated himself on the gunwale -of the scow. “There is a man somewhere out -West, who sold in one year two thousand head of cattle, -and two thousand five hundred sheep.”</p> - -<p>“He was a farmer, wasn’t he?” exclaimed Bob.</p> - -<p>“Yes, he was, and that’s just the kind of a farmer I -am going to be one of these days.”</p> - -<p>“But, Tom,” said the fisher-boy, “have you given up -all idea of going to sea?”</p> - -<p>“Of course I have,” was the answer. “I never -wanted to go to sea, only just long enough to make one -voyage; but I always did want to be a farmer. I’d -rather follow that business than be captain of the -best man-o’-war afloat. Now, two thousand head of -cattle, at ten dollars each; that would make—let me -see.”</p> - -<p>“Ten dollars,” repeated Bob. “You wouldn’t sell beef-cattle -for that small price, would you? That man may -have shipped them to some Southern market, and received -forty or fifty dollars each for them.”</p> - -<p>“That’s more than I thought cattle were worth,” -said Tom. “Now, two thousand head, at fifty dollars -each; that makes just—just—”</p> - -<p>“A hundred thousand dollars,” said the fisher-boy.</p> - -<p>“That’s lots of money, isn’t it?” asked Tom. “Now, -twenty-five hundred sheep, at two dollars a head; I heard -father say that was the market price, but I wouldn’t<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_151"></a>[151]</span> -sell for that, if I owned any. However, we’ll say two -dollars; that would make—let me think—”</p> - -<p>“Five thousand dollars,” said Bob.</p> - -<p>“And that all makes—makes—”</p> - -<p>“One hundred and five thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>Tom whistled long and loud.</p> - -<p>“Now, wouldn’t you rather be a farmer than a sailor?” -said he. “You couldn’t make as much money as that -by going to sea, if you should live to be a thousand -years old.”</p> - -<p>“How did your father get his start in the world?” -asked Bob; “wasn’t it by going to sea, and saving his -money?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, but that’s too slow work. Besides, we all have -different talents, you know. You were made to be a -sailor; so was your father before you; but I was cut -out for a farmer; and I’m going to be one, too. Goodnight, -Bob; I must go.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve found the very business at last,” said Tom to -himself, as he walked homeward. “A hundred and five -thousand dollars a year, and nothing to do but ride -around on horseback and look at your property. Isn’t -that glorious! Wouldn’t I feel proud if I could see so -many cattle and sheep feeding in one of my fields, and -could say: ‘They’re all mine! They’re worth a hundred -and five thousand dollars?’ Whew! I’m bound to -be a farmer.”</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_152"></a>[152]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">TOM’S NEW HOME.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap12.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">TOM was so full of his glorious ideas for the -future, that he could scarcely sleep at all that -night; and, when he did, he dreamed of droves -of cattle, prancing horses, and sheep without -number.</p> - -<p>Morning came at length, and, contrary to his usual -custom, he was up at daylight; but he had six long -hours to employ in some manner before he could see -Mr. Hayes, for the latter would not reach the village -before ten o’clock. He passed the time until breakfast -in walking about the yard, enjoying the bright prospect -before him, and then he went down to his father’s office, -where he impatiently awaited the arrival of the farmer. -The hours seemed lengthened into weeks; and, so impatient -was Tom, that he could neither sit still, nor -stand still, even for a moment. He would walk once -or twice across the office, then run out into the street -and closely scrutinize every wagon within the range of -his vision, all the while saying to himself: “Now, I -wonder what keeps that man? He ought to have been -here an hour ago!” Half-past ten came at length, and -with it arrived the farmer, perched upon his heavily-loaded -wagon, his face all wrinkled up with smiles, as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_153"></a>[153]</span> -if he felt well satisfied with the world and every body in -it, himself in particular. Tom did not wonder that he -was always laughing; when he owned a farm, and four -fine horses, he would laugh too.</p> - -<p>The farmer stopped his team in front of the office, -and, as he sprang down from his wagon, he was met by -Mr. Newcombe, who, leading him off on one side, held -a long and earnest conversation with him, while Tom -stood by almost bursting with impatience. At length -the farmer approached him, and, as Tom grasped his -huge hand, he almost shouted—</p> - -<p>“Mr. Hayes, I am going home with you!”</p> - -<p>“Human natur’! Be you, though?” exclaimed the -farmer. “I’m glad to hear you say so.”</p> - -<p>“But, first,” continued Tom, “I want to ask you -one question. Must I saw wood?”</p> - -<p>“O, no,” answered Mr. Hayes, laughing, “I’ve got -a strappin’ big boy to do all that ar’ kind of work.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all right!” said Tom, immensely relieved. -“That’s one point settled. Now, I shall charge you -eight dollars a month! That’s what I received when I -was a sailor, and I can’t work for a cent less. Will -you pay it?”</p> - -<p>“That’s a big price for a chap as don’t know nothin’ -’bout farmin’,” said Mr. Hayes. “But we won’t quarrel -’bout a few dollars. It’s a bargain.”</p> - -<p>“Then I’ll go with you!” said Tom, delighted that -his demands had been so readily complied with. “I -knew I’d suit you. Won’t I have a jolly time milking -cows and driving horses!”</p> - -<p>“Sartin!” said the farmer, who seemed as highly -elated as Tom himself.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_154"></a>[154]</span></p> - -<p>“Now, then,” said Mr. Newcombe, who had stood -by listening to this conversation, “go home and bid -your mother good-by. By that time Mr. Hayes will -have his wagon unloaded.”</p> - -<p>Tom at once started for home at the top of his speed; -and so eager was he to return to the farmer as soon as -possible, that he took leave of his mother in a very -hurried and unceremonious manner. Catching up his -valise, he ran back to the office, where he arrived just -as Mr. Hayes was returning from the store-house with -his empty wagon.</p> - -<p>“Back again so soon,” said he, with one of his good-natured -smiles. “What a mighty good boy you’d be -to run errands!”</p> - -<p>Tom doubted this; but being too much out of breath -to reply, he put his valise into the wagon, and accompanied -the farmer into the office. As soon as Mr. -Newcombe had paid him for the fifty bushels of potatoes -he had just brought in, he was ready to start.</p> - -<p>“Good-by, father!” said Tom. “I’m off, now. I’ll -know something about farming when I come back!”</p> - -<p>“That’s true as natur’,” said Mr. Hayes. “I’ll take -good care on him, an’ I’ll l’arn him to raise taters as -good as ’em I just sold you.”</p> - -<p>The farmer climbed into his wagon, gathered up his -reins, cracked his whip, and Tom was whirled off toward -his new home.</p> - -<p>The boy’s cup of happiness was now full to the brim. -After a life of disappointments, the wheel of fortune -had at last made a revolution in his favor. That -something which he had waited for so long, had finally -“turned up,” and from that time forward he would find<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_155"></a>[155]</span> -no obstacles in his way—there would be nothing to -trouble him. He felt as if he were about entering -upon a new existence; and he regarded his former life -as utterly wasted. He forgot the sorrow and vexation -that had been occasioned by his recent failure; and -when he remembered that he had been weak enough to -shed tears when he discovered that his game rooster -was a humbug, he could not help feeling ashamed of -himself.</p> - -<p>In order to give Mr. Hayes an idea of the object he -had in view, Tom told him the story of the stock raiser -in Iowa, which made the farmer open his eyes wide with -astonishment.</p> - -<p>“How much would so much stock sell for?” he asked.</p> - -<p>Tom settled back in his seat, put on a very thoughtful -look, and answered—</p> - -<p>“Two thousand head of cattle at—we’ll say fifty -dollars each, for that is about the price paid now in -Southern markets—would amount to one hundred thousand -dollars; and twenty-five hundred sheep, at two -dollars a head, would bring just five thousand dollars, -making, in all, one hundred and five thousand dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Human natur’!” exclaimed the farmer, looking at -Tom, in amazement. “You’re a lightnin’ chap on -figures, that’s sartin. I couldn’t reckon up so much in -my head if I should try a month. If my boys could do -that, I’d feel ’nation proud of ’em. But, Tommy, it -aint every farmer or stock raiser that can make so much -money.”</p> - -<p>“O, there’s nothing in the world to prevent it,” said -Tom, knowingly. “Wait until I have been with you<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_156"></a>[156]</span> -long enough to know something about this business, and -I’ll show you how to manage a farm.”</p> - -<p>“I never see a chap so anxious and willin’ to learn -that didn’t make a great man!” said the farmer, who -little dreamed that Tom was utterly lacking in some -very necessary qualities. “You’re bound to get through -the world all right. Now, if you’ll l’arn my boys to -reckon figures in their heads as fast as you did a minute -ago, I’ll do the right thing by you. Will you do it?”</p> - -<p>This question made Tom a little uneasy. He never -went into the company of strangers that he did not -endeavor to impress them with the idea that he was a -very smart boy. He had already made a most favorable -beginning with the farmer, who regarded him as -a “lightning calculator;” and, if he had stopped at that, -without asking him to put his knowledge to a practical -use, he would have been satisfied. But Mr. Hayes had -hinted that he would like to have him instruct his boys, -and Tom suddenly found himself in a predicament from -which he could then discover no way of extricating -himself without injuring his reputation.</p> - -<p>“Well, Tommy,” said the farmer, at length, “we -won’t say nothing more about it just now. I know -you could l’arn my boys an amazin’ heap if you would -only try, but I s’pose you feel a leetle funny ’bout bein’ -called on to play school-master. Howsomever, we’ll -wait till we get home, an’ you’re fairly settled in your -new quarters. You mustn’t look on my boys as -strangers, ’cause they aint. They have often heered me -speak of you; so you can pitch in an’ be as friendly as -you please. They’ll be glad to see you, an’ when you -come to get acquainted with ’em, I know you’ll like<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_157"></a>[157]</span> -’em. You’ll find that things is divided at my house, -just as they had oughter be. Sally Ann—that’s my -old woman—she is boss of the kitchen, an’ I’m boss of -the barn-yard. She’s got nothing to say ’bout the way -I take care on my hosses an’ cows, an’ I don’t bother -my head ’bout what goes on in the house, or grumble -’bout the way the butter an’ cheese is made. You see, -when things is divided that way, there aint no quarrelin -an’ fightin’. Every thing goes along smooth an’ easy—just -like clock-work. Now, Tommy, you drive. You -needn’t think we’re going to work you hard just now,” -he continued, as Tom took the reins and whip from his -hand, “’cause it aint to be thought on. You’re fresh -from the village, where you never had no hard work to -do; so we’ll give you something easy till you kinder get -used to it.”</p> - -<p>The more Tom talked with Mr. Hayes, the more delighted -he became with his prospects. He thought that -if he could only conjure up some plan by which he -might be able to avoid teaching the farmer’s boys, he -would have nothing to trouble him. Especially was he -pleased to learn that he was not expected to do any -hard work. Besides this, he was already enjoying the -“sensation” which he hoped to make in the farmer’s -family, and it was for this reason that he had packed -his valise with his best clothes. According to his idea, -his broadcloth jacket would go a long way toward -establishing his claim to respect, and would have the -effect of convincing the country boys that a village -youth was something extraordinary.</p> - -<p>After a three hours’ ride, during which the farmer -gave his new hand a long lecture on the manner in<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_158"></a>[158]</span> -which corn and potatoes ought to be planted and cultivated -in order to produce large crops; every word of -which, it is needless to say, was Greek to Tom. He -pointed to a house in the distance, saying: “Now, -we’re comin’ to our home. All this land you see here -on this side of the road belongs to me. I’ve got two -hundred acres of just as good ground as ever laid out -of doors.”</p> - -<p>As the farmer spoke he took the reins from Tom’s -hand, cracked his whip, and, in a few moments, drove -through a gate, which was opened by a barefooted, dirty -little urchin, who gazed at Tom with every expression -of wonder and curiosity. If he was a fair specimen of -the farmer’s boys, Tom did not think that he should be -very well pleased with them. Mr. Hayes kept on, and, -instead of driving to the barn, turned up toward the -house, and stopped his team in front of the door. Tom -was astonished at the sight that was presented to his -gaze. The door-way was crowded with boys of all ages -and sizes, the oldest apparently about nineteen years of -age, and the youngest about three. They were all hatless -and shoeless; the larger ones had their sleeves rolled -up above their elbows, revealing arms as brown as their -faces, while the younger ones carried in their hands huge -slices of bread and butter. Behind them, looking over -their shoulders, stood their mother, evidently as much -interested in the new-comer as her children. She was -a tall, muscular woman, with sharp nose, long chin, and -small, piercing eyes; and as Tom looked at her, he began -to doubt the truth of the farmer’s statement—that her -authority was bounded by the four walls of the kitchen. -He thought it very probable that he should discover<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_159"></a>[159]</span> -that her power was exercised over every one on the -farm. Tom took all this in at a glance, for the moment -the wagon stopped the farmer sprang out, exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“Now, then, we’re to home. Sally Ann, this is our -new hand—Tommy Newcombe. Get out of the way, -boys; where are your manners, that you stand gapin’ -at a feller that way? Let us come in.”</p> - -<p>The woman merely nodded to Tom, and after wiping -off a chair with her apron, requested him to “set down.”</p> - -<p>“Now, then,” exclaimed the farmer, as the boys -crowded up around Tom, and stared at him as if they -meant to look him out of countenance; “here’s my -youngsters—seven on ’em; aint they a fine-lookin’ lot of -fellers? This one,” he continued, pointing to the oldest -of the group, a tall, gaunt, stupid-looking boy, “he’s -Roger Williams—Roger Williams Hayes; you’ve heered -of him, hain’t you? Shake hands with him, Tommy, and -be friends.”</p> - -<p>Tom arose to his feet and extended his hand, which -was accepted by Roger Williams, whose thoughts seemed -to be entirely occupied with Tom’s clothes. After looking -at his coat for a moment, he examined it with his -fingers, and asked, in a slow, drawling voice:</p> - -<p>“What’s sich a coat as that ar’ wuth, Tommy?”</p> - -<p>“Roger Williams!” shouted the mother; “where’s -your manners? Set down to onct.”</p> - -<p>The boy evidently feared to disobey, for he retreated -to a chair in the corner, where he sat, lost in admiration -of Tom’s jacket and well-blacked boots.</p> - -<p>“You’ve heard of Roger Williams, haint you?” continued -the farmer; “of course you have. I must get you -to tell my boys all about him some time, ’cause you<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_160"></a>[160]</span> -can do it better’n I can. When I was a youngster I -heered that he was a good man, an’ that he was kicked -out of the country ’cause he didn’t like the Britishers. -I don’t like ’em nuther, an’ that’s why I call my boy -Roger Williams. This one,” he added, pointing to -another of the group, “he’s George Washington Hayes. -Of course, you know all ’bout the gen’ral he’s named -after. If he only lives to be as great a man as he was, -I shall be satisfied. This one is John Warren, named -after the gen’ral that was killed at the battle of Bunker -Hill. My grandfather was in that fight, an’ helped -whip the Britishers; that’s why I call him John Warren. -This boy is Franklin Pierce, a good chap to work, -and the best l’arnt in the whole family.”</p> - -<p>Franklin Pierce was about Tom’s age, barefooted and -dirty like his brothers; and, as his father pulled him in -front of the village boy, he slowly surveyed him from -head to foot, exclaiming: “I’ll bet a five cent piece that -I can throw you down, back hold or square hold—fair -tussle.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t fight,” replied Tom, drawing a little closer -to Mr. Hayes for protection.</p> - -<p>“Now, sonny, don’t; that’s a good little feller,” said -the farmer, coaxingly.</p> - -<p>But the boy evidently prided himself upon his muscle -as well as upon his learning; for he stepped forward, as -if to seize Tom, when he was suddenly checked by the -shrill voice of his mother.</p> - -<p>“Franklin Pierce!” she shouted; “I’ll take the wagon -whip to you, sure and sartin, if you don’t pay more attention -to your manners.”</p> - -<p>The boy instantly ceased his hostile demonstrations,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_161"></a>[161]</span> -and retreated to the door, where he stood in readiness -to seek safety in flight, should his mother attempt to -put her threat into execution.</p> - -<p>“Now, this one,” continued the farmer, as if nothing -had happened, “he’s Winfield Scott; an’ there’s Zachary -Taylor—both on ’em named after the two gen’rals -that walloped the Mexikins. An’ that little feller there,” -pointing to a child the mother held in her arms, “he’s -Thomas Jefferson. I heered that he was the man that -writ the Declaration of Independence, an’ started the -Fourth of July; so I thought, as he was a great man, I -had oughter name one of my boys after him. My youngsters -have all got good names; an’ if they only do as -well in the world as them they are named after, I shall -be satisfied.”</p> - -<p>The farmer introduced his boys, one after the other, -so rapidly that it bewildered Tom, who shook each of -them by the hand as they were presented, scarcely comprehending -what he was about. The namesakes of the -illustrious heroes of the Mexican war had their hands -full of bread and butter; and, when they were brought -forward by the proud father, Tom just touched their -greasy hands with the tips of his fingers.</p> - -<p>After the boys had all been introduced, George -Washington and John Warren were sent out to take -care of the horses, while the others again crowded up -around Tom, as if they looked upon him as an object -of great curiosity—all except Franklin Pierce, who still -stood in the door, now and then shaking his head -threateningly, as if challenging the village youth to -come out and measure strength with him.</p> - -<p>As the farmer had predicted, the boys proved to be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_162"></a>[162]</span> -very friendly—in fact, they were altogether too friendly; -for Winfield Scott, after placing his bread and butter -carefully upon the floor, made several desperate attempts -to climb upon Tom’s knee—a proceeding which the latter -successfully resisted by pushing back his chair.</p> - -<p>Had Tom been left alone in the room for a few moments, -he would have cried with vexation. He was no longer as -confident of success as he had been but a short time before; -for he found his new home very different from what -his imagination had pictured it. He even thought seriously -of returning to the village at once, and of giving -up all hopes of ever becoming a farmer. He did not -like to have so many children, with greasy hands, about -him; for he was very neat in regard to his dress, and -the smallest particle of dust upon his boots or clothes -would set him on nettles. He was not at all pleased -with the way Franklin Pierce eyed him; for, if he -should happen to catch him away from the house, he -might insist on making good his wager, that he could -throw Tom down. Above all, he did not like the looks -of the “boss of the kitchen.” He already began to fear -her, for he had seen enough to satisfy him that she was -not only mistress of the house, but of the entire farm -also; and, if he should happen to incur her displeasure -it was probable that she would not hesitate to threaten -even him with the wagon whip. Beyond a doubt, Tom -had again placed himself in a very unpleasant situation.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_163"></a>[163]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">LIFE ON A FARM.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap13.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">TOM was allowed very little time for reflection, -for the shrill voice of the mother speedily -broke in upon his meditations.</p> - -<p>“Now, boys,” said she, “where’s your manners? -Get chairs an’ set down to onct. You, Franklin -Pierce, quit shakin’ your head that ar’ way. You -needn’t think that Tommy is goin’ to wrastle with you, -an’ be tumbled round in the dust an’ mud, with his fine -clothes on. He’s a gentleman, he is; an’ I want all -you boys to watch him, an’ do just as he does. I’m so -glad you have come,” she added, turning to Tom, “for -maybe our boys’ll learn manners, now. They’re all -good boys, but they’re so wild an’ playful like. I have -a heap of trouble to make ’em behave themselves -proper, like they had oughter do.”</p> - -<p>“Dad, dad!” screamed Zachary Taylor at this moment, -scrambling up the steps into the house; “that -John Warren won’t let me ride Dobbin to water. Make -him do it, dad.”</p> - -<p>The farmer, however, paid no attention to his son’s -complaint, but sat gazing out at the door, as if he was -not aware that he had been spoken to. The boy then -appealed to his mother.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_164"></a>[164]</span></p> - -<p>“Now, mam,” he cried, “I want to ride Dobbin.”</p> - -<p>“You, John Warren,” screamed the mother, with all -the strength of her lungs, “let your little brother ride -that ar’ hoss to onct. I’ll take the wagon whip to you, -sure an’ sartin.”</p> - -<p>Zachary, confident that he had gained his point, ran -out of the house again; and, a few moments afterward, -Tom saw him ride toward the barn, triumphantly -mounted on Dobbin. The mother, seeing that her orders -had been obeyed, again turned to Tom.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Hayes tells me that you’re a high l’arnt boy,” -said she; “an’ I’m glad to hear it, ’cause we won’t need -to send our boys off to school now. We lose their work -every winter, an’ that’s something we can’t afford to do. -We want you to take ’em in hand, an’ l’arn ’em figures -an’ sich. It haint never done George Washington an’ -John Warren no good to go to school; ’cause last winter, -they thrashed the teacher, an’ the deestrict committee -turned ’em out doors. They haint never been to school -none since. Somehow them boys never did get along; -but they’re good boys, an’ I can manage ’em easy -enough. When you’re l’arnin’ ’em I’ll allers be ’round; -an’ if they don’t behave themselves proper, I’ll make -’em.”</p> - -<p>“Besides,” chimed in Mr. Hayes, “you’re just the -chap I want to do my writin’ an’ figurin’. Whenever I -pay out any money, or take any in, I allers set it down -in a book, so that at the eend of the year, I know jest -how much I have made. I’ll have to get you to show -me how to do it proper. I never did have much edication, -but I’m bound that my boys shall all be smart -men. They’re all got good names, an’ if they only do<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_165"></a>[165]</span> -as well as them they are named after, I shall be satisfied.”</p> - -<p>Tom listened to this unfolding of the farmer’s plans -in utter bewilderment. His desire to create a sensation -in Mr. Hayes’s family had been fully gratified; but he -did not enjoy it as he had expected he would, for it was -more than overbalanced by two most disagreeable features -in his new home, which made him very uneasy. -He did not like the boys, for they were very different -from those with whom he had been in the habit of -associating; and he was dismayed to learn that he -was expected to act as school-master. The longer he -listened, the more he became aware of the unpleasant -fact, that Mr. Hayes’ object in bringing him into the -country, was not so much to teach him the science of -farming, as to secure a book-keeper for himself, and an -instructor for his boys.</p> - -<p>The farmer and his wife, like most country people, -thought that a boy who had always lived in a village, -where he had access to the best schools, ought to be well -posted in all the different branches; but Tom himself -knew that they were sadly mistaken in him. However, -he determined not to confess his inability to perform -all that was required of him; but when the time -for action came, he would trust to his wits to help him -out.</p> - -<p>“Franklin Pierce,” said the farmer, at length, “did -you an’ the boys get all that hay raked up this morning, -like I told you?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, dad, we did,” answered the boy, seizing the -opportunity, when his mother did not happen to be -looking toward him, to shake his head at Tom.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_166"></a>[166]</span></p> - -<p>“Wal, then, Sally Ann,” continued Mr. Hayes, “if -you’ll give us some dinner, we’ll go to work.”</p> - -<p>“Franklin Pierce!” shouted the mother, (she seemed -to have been so long in the habit of screaming at the -top of her lungs, that it had become a kind of second -nature to her,) “come here an’ ’tend to Thomas Jefferson, -while I get dinner.”</p> - -<p>While the meal was being prepared, Tom accompanied -the farmer to the barn, and then to the hay-field, -followed by all the boys, who did not seem to -want to lose sight of the new-comer. They appeared -to be intensely interested in him; and Tom carried -himself very stiffly, certain that he had made a profound -impression upon his new acquaintances. But he -soon found that he was mistaken in this, for Franklin -Pierce, who had followed them to the field, dragging -his little brother after him, found opportunity to whisper -in his ear:</p> - -<p>“You think you are some, don’t you? I’ll bet I can -throw you down—square hold or back hold!”</p> - -<p>Tom, however, very prudently declined to accept the -challenge. He was opposed to any unnecessary exertion, -and it was not his ambition to be considered the -“champion wrestler.”</p> - -<p>After Mr. Hayes had satisfied himself that the boys -had performed their work properly, and that the hay -was ready to be taken into the barn, he led the way to -the house, where they found dinner waiting for them. -When the meal was finished, the farmer arose from his -chair, saying:</p> - -<p>“Now, Sally Ann, where’s Tommy’s carpet-bag? -He wants to put on his workin’ clothes!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_167"></a>[167]</span></p> - -<p>“Why, these are all the working clothes I have with -me,” said Tom. “Those in my valise are better than -these I have on.”</p> - -<p>“Law sakes!” exclaimed the woman, “you aint -goin’ into the hay-field with them nice trowsers an’ -boots on? You’ll ruin ’em, sure an’ sartin.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, ’taint no ways likely that the boy knowed any -thing ’bout the work he would have to do,” said the -farmer, kindly. “I’ll be goin’ to the village ag’in day -after to-morrow, an’ he can go with me, an’ bring out -some clothes fit to work in.”</p> - -<p>Tom, then, in accordance with the farmer’s suggestion, -pulled off his jacket, tucked his pants into the tops of -his boots, and was ready to begin operations. The two -oldest boys went to the barn to harness the horses, -while Tom, imitating the farmer’s example, shouldered -a rake and started for the hay-field. He had always -thought that raking hay was easy work, and, no -doubt he would have found it so, had he been permitted -to have his own way. But the farmer and his -boys worked as if they were in a great hurry to get -through, and, in order to keep pace with them, Tom -was obliged to exert himself to the utmost. Animated -by a desire to show the country boys that a village -youth could do any thing, he worked hard for fully -half an hour; and when, at the end of that time, he -stopped to wipe the big drops of perspiration from his -face, he reluctantly came to the conclusion that he had -again mistaken his calling.</p> - -<p>“I know what’s the matter,” said Tom to himself. -“I made a mistake in coming out here with Mr. Hayes. -I ought to have hunted up some stock raiser and gone<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_168"></a>[168]</span> -home with him. I am never going to be this kind of a -farmer; so every day I stay here I am wasting time.”</p> - -<p>“Come, Tommy,” said Mr. Hayes, “don’t you see -that shower coming up? It’s goin’ to rain afore long; -an’ if this hay gets wet again, it will be dollars out of -my pocket. Handle that rake jest the least bit faster.”</p> - -<p>But the hay did not get wet. The farmer had a -strong force, and, when the shower came up, the last -load was safely housed in the barn.</p> - -<p>“Wal, sir, we done it, didn’t we?” said Mr. Hayes. -“Now, that hay is worth twelve dollars a ton—I’ve -got ’bout thirty ton, an’ that’s worth how much, -Tommy?”</p> - -<p>The time for action had arrived much sooner than -Tom had expected it would. He had not decided what -he would do when called upon to make an exhibition -of his powers as a “lightning calculator,” and the -farmer’s question was so sudden and unexpected that, -for a moment, he did not know how to act. But it was -only for a moment, for happening to cast his eye toward -Franklin Pierce, an idea struck him, and he seized -upon it at once.</p> - -<p>“Can you tell how much it would amount to?” he -asked, turning to the “best l’arnt boy in the whole -family.”</p> - -<p>“I reckon!” replied Franklin Pierce. “But can you?”</p> - -<p>“What a question!” answered Tom, evasively. “A -two-year old boy ought to do it. But I don’t believe -you can.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, now, I’ll mighty soon show you!” said Franklin -Pierce, and, picking up a chip, he marked the figures -upon the ground, and commenced: “Twelve times<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_169"></a>[169]</span> -nothing is nothing,” said he. “Set down the nothing. -None to carry. Twelve times three is thirty-six. Set -down the thirty-six. Dad, your hay is worth three -hundred and sixty dollars.”</p> - -<p>“Is that right, Tommy?” asked the farmer, gazing -proudly upon his son.</p> - -<p>“Yes, that’s correct,” said Tom; but, fearing that he -had fallen in the farmer’s estimation by not working it -out himself, he continued: “He couldn’t possibly have -made a mistake in a little thing like that. But after -all, I didn’t suppose he could do it.”</p> - -<p>“Wal, I done it all right,” said Franklin Pierce. “I -can reckon up a heap harder figures than them, an’ I -haint been to school much, nuther.”</p> - -<p>When the hay had been pitched off upon the scaffold, -the farmer and his boys started toward the house, and, -as Tom entered the door, he discovered something that -filled him with astonishment and vexation. When he -took off his jacket before going into the field, he had, -contrary to his usual custom, hung it on a nail in the -kitchen; but what was his surprise to find it in the possession -of Thomas Jefferson, who, having succeeded in -putting it on, was running about the house in high glee, -with his fat, greasy arms buried to the elbows in the -pockets. His valise, which he had placed upon a table -beside the door, had been pulled off on the floor, and one -of the young generals was engaged in overhauling its -contents, while the other was endeavoring to pull on -one of Tom’s boots. The mother evidently did not regard -this as a violation of “good manners,” for she was -at work in the kitchen, where she could see all that was -going on, but she made no attempt to put a stop to it.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_170"></a>[170]</span> -She was even laughing at the comical figure Thomas -Jefferson presented in Tom’s coat, the skirts of which -swept the floor as he ran about. The village boy, however, -did not regard it in the light of a good joke; for -he walked up to the youngster, and endeavored to take -the jacket from him, a proceeding which Thomas Jefferson -resisted with furious yells.</p> - -<p>“Now, dad,” shouted Franklin Pierce, who seemed -ready to take his brother’s part; “just look at that ar’ -Tommy.”</p> - -<p>The farmer, however, took no notice of what was going -on. He seemed determined to carry out his part of the -contract which, as he had informed Tom, existed between -himself and wife, and leave all difficulties that arose in -the house to be settled by the “boss of the kitchen.” -But the mother, as usual, heard the appeal, and shouted:</p> - -<p>“Now, Tommy, let him have it, that’s a good little -feller; he won’t hurt it.”</p> - -<p>Thomas Jefferson, finding that his mother espoused -his cause, and probably knowing, by experience, that no -one would dare oppose her authority, again began marching -about the house. But Tom, never having been accustomed -to such treatment at home, was not satisfied.</p> - -<p>“Now, I want that coat, and I’m going to have it,” -said he, savagely.</p> - -<p>“Tommy,” said the woman, suddenly appearing at -the kitchen door—a movement which made Tom retreat -a step or two, as if he expected to find the wagon whip -brandished over his head. “Now, Tommy, my boys is -all honest; they won’t steal your things, nor hurt ’em -nuther. If I take ’em away from ’em, there’ll be a -yellin’ an’ hollerin’ here that I can’t stand, when my<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_171"></a>[171]</span> -head aches as it does to-day. They’ll soon get tired of -your things, an’ then you can take care on ’em.”</p> - -<p>Tom, although he was highly enraged, was obliged to -submit to this arrangement; and, the other boys, finding -that their mother was not inclined to oppose them, -joined their brothers in an examination of the contents -of Tom’s valise. The articles, one after the other, were -taken out and thrown upon the floor, and when every -thing had been closely examined and criticised, they -were tumbled back again in quite as good order as Tom -had packed them in the first place. This was certainly -an unlooked-for incident in the life of a farmer, and it -served to confirm Tom in the opinion he had long entertained, -that he was the “most unlucky boy in the -whole world,” and that “something was always happening -to bother him.”</p> - -<p>The shower continued with unabated fury all the remainder -of the afternoon, putting a stop to work in the -hay-field, and compelling the farmer and his boys to -remain within doors. Mr. Hayes passed the time in -nodding in his chair, unmindful of the almost deafening -noise occasioned by the boisterous games that were -carried on in the house. Occasionally the sports would -be interrupted with quarrels; and once, a rough-and-tumble -fight took place between Franklin Pierce and -John Warren, which was abruptly terminated by the -appearance of the farmer’s wife, when the contestants -were obliged to take to their heels to escape punishment -from the wagon whip. This wagon whip appeared -to be the symbol of the mother’s authority. She kept -it hung up behind the kitchen door, where it could be -readily seized at a moment’s warning; and, from what<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_172"></a>[172]</span> -had just transpired, Tom regarded this precaution as -absolutely necessary to the peace of the family.</p> - -<p>The exhibition Franklin Pierce had given of his -strength and pluck made Tom stand in awe of him, and -sincerely hope that he might never be left alone with him -even for a moment; but when the boys were sent up to -bed that night, what was his dismay to discover that -Franklin Pierce was to be one of his bed-fellows.</p> - -<p>“Me an’ you an’ Winfield Scott has got to sleep together,” -said he. “Mind you, now, no crowdin’, or I’ll -tell dad.”</p> - -<p>Much to his surprise, however, the boy did not renew -his overtures of battle; and Tom, contrary to his expectations, -was allowed to sleep in peace. But after all, he -got very little rest, for the bed was narrow, and Franklin -Pierce, with a sharp eye to the comfort of himself -and brother, had compelled Tom to sleep in the middle. -The night was very warm, and when Tom endeavored -to find a more comfortable position, he always succeeded -in awaking Winfield Scott, who shouted:</p> - -<p>“Now, dad, just look at that ar’ Tommy; he’s crowdin’ -me out of bed.”</p> - -<p>This would be followed by the caution from the room -below:</p> - -<p>“You, Tommy, quit crowdin’.”</p> - -<p>The night was a long one to Tom, and he scarcely -knew how he lived through it. He arose the next morning -cross and fretful, and, as if to add to his discomfort, -the farmer, in laying out his programme for the day’s -work, assigned Tom a most disagreeable task.</p> - -<p>“Me an’ the boys will go to the hay-field,” said he, -“an’ you, Tommy, as you haint never been used to hard<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_173"></a>[173]</span> -work, we’ll give you an easy job. You may stay in the -house an’ help Sally Ann. She’s got a big day’s washin’ -to do, an’ you will be of more use here than in the -field.”</p> - -<p>“O, now, I didn’t come to the country to learn to do -washing,” drawled Tom, as soon as he had recovered -from his astonishment. “I can’t do such work as that. -I came here to—”</p> - -<p>“Now, Tommy,” interrupted Mrs. Hayes, “you can -stay here just as well as not. Somebody has to help -me, for I can’t wash all them clothes, an’ pack all the -water from the spring, an’ take care of Thomas Jefferson -besides. You can’t mow or spread hay, so you can -just stay here an’ help me.”</p> - -<p>Tom raised no more objections to this arrangement, -for he knew that the farmer’s wife sometimes had a very -unpleasant way of enforcing her arguments; so, when -Mr. Hayes and his boys started for the field, he remained -at the house.</p> - -<p>“Now, then, Tommy,” said the woman, “we haint got -no time to waste. While I am washing up the breakfast -dishes, you take them two buckets, an’ bring water -from the spring. Run along lively, now, for we’ve got -lots of work to do.”</p> - -<p>Tom, fearing to disobey, reluctantly picked up the -pails and left the house. He walked slowly down the -path that led to the spring, and reaching a spot where -some bushes hid him from the house, he seated himself -on the ground to think over the situation, and, if possible, -conjure up some plan by which he might avoid -performing the work that had been laid out for him.</p> - -<p>“I might as well hire myself out for a washer-woman<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_174"></a>[174]</span> -at once,” said he to himself. “What would Gus Miller, -and Johnny Harding, and the other fellows say if they -knew I had helped wash clothes and take care of children? -O, I can’t do such work. I’d rather take a -whipping.”</p> - -<p>“You, Tommy!” came the shrill voice of the farmer’s -wife, breaking in upon his meditations; “have you -gone to Newport after that water?”</p> - -<p>Tom jumped up from the ground as if some one had -suddenly pricked him with a pin. He had been gone -from the house fully ten minutes, and the farmer’s -wife had begun to grow impatient. He had not yet -decided what he would do; but the sound of the woman’s -voice seemed to quicken his ideas, for he suddenly -made a desperate resolve. Hastily casting his -eye back to the house, and then toward the hay-field, -to satisfy himself that no one was observing his movements, -he dropped the buckets as if they had been coals -of fire, and started for the road at the top of his speed. -Tom’s playmates had never looked upon him as a very -swift runner, but could they have witnessed the exhibition -of speed he made at that moment, no doubt they -would have thought it something extraordinary. He -was but a very few moments in crossing the field and -reaching the fence, over which he bounded as lightly -as a cat; and, finding himself in the road, he started -toward Newport with redoubled speed. He did not -waste time in looking back; neither did he slacken his -pace, until he reached the foot of a hill about half a -mile from the house, when he turned off into the woods, -and after concealing himself behind some bushes, sat -down on a log to recover his breath.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_175"></a>[175]</span></p> - -<p>“Thank goodness, I’m free once more!” said he, -wiping his flushed face with his handkerchief, and panting -hard after his long run. “I wouldn’t go back there -for a hundred dollars a month. Wash clothes and help -take care of children! I don’t want to learn to be that -kind of a farmer. What would the boys say, if they -knew that I had got myself into such a scrape? Now, -I wish I had my valise; but I wouldn’t go back after -it if those were all the clothes I had in the world.”</p> - -<p>Tom remained in his concealment but a very few -moments, for, so fearful was he that the farmer, or one -of his big boys, would follow him, and carry him back -to the house, that he was anxious to reach home as -soon as possible. It was sixteen miles to the village, -and, under ordinary circumstances, Tom would have -hesitated before attempting to walk such a long distance; -but there was no alternative between that and -returning to the house, and, of the two evils, he thought -the task of making the journey to Newport, on foot, was -the least. So, after looking cautiously down the road, -to be sure that no one was following him, he came out -of the woods and again set out. For the next two miles -he continued to cast uneasy glances along the road -behind him, holding himself in readiness to take to his -heels again if he should discover any of the farmer’s -family following him, and finally he saw a wagon -approaching. A close and careful examination satisfied -him that it did not belong to Mr. Hayes; so he seated -himself beside the road to wait until the team came up. -The driver proved to be a man whom Tom had often -seen in the village, and, as soon as he came within -speaking distance, he asked if he might be allowed to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_176"></a>[176]</span> -ride. Receiving an answer in the affirmative, he climbed -up on the wagon, and was immediately assailed with -innumerable questions by the farmer, who seemed very -anxious to know what he had been doing, and where -he intended to go. But Tom, although he had no fear -that the man would take him back to Mr. Hayes’, still -thought it prudent to keep his own counsel, and gave -evasive answers to all his questions.</p> - -<p>The road to Newport seemed to have lengthened considerably -since Tom last traveled over it; but they -reached the village about two o’clock; and Tom, after -thanking the farmer for his kindness, sprang down from -the wagon, and made the best of his way homeward. -He kept the back streets as much as possible, for his -boots and clothes were dusty, and he did not wish to -meet any of his acquaintances in that condition. He -reached home at last, and, as he entered the hall, he -met his father, who had returned from the office earlier -than usual.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_177"></a>[177]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">THE “NIGHT-HAWKS.”</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap14.jpg" alt="“A" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">“AH, Tom!” exclaimed Mr. Newcombe, “I did -not expect to see you home again so soon! -How long is your visit to last?”</p> - -<p>“Visit!” repeated Tom. “I am not here -on a visit. I’m here to stay. I knew I couldn’t be a -farmer.”</p> - -<p>“Why, what’s the matter?” asked the merchant.</p> - -<p>“O, I wasn’t cut out for the kind of a farmer that -Mr. Hayes is!” drawled Tom. “I didn’t know that I -would have to sleep three in a bed, or play school-master, -and I didn’t go out there to help wash clothes -or take care of children. I wasn’t made to be that -kind of a farmer. I wanted to be a stock raiser, like -that man in Iowa.”</p> - -<p>“Then you do not intend to go back to Mr. Hayes’s,” -said his father.</p> - -<p>“O, no, sir, I don’t,” replied Tom, emphatically. “I -wouldn’t live in that family a month for all the property -Mr. Hayes is worth.”</p> - -<p>The merchant did not appear to be at all surprised -that his son had returned so soon, neither did he seem -to be interested in the matter, for he turned and walked -into his library, leaving Tom to himself. The latter ran<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_178"></a>[178]</span> -up to his room, brushed the dust from his clothes, -blacked his boots, and sat down to determine what he -should do next. He did not have another interview -with his father until evening, when the latter called -him into the library, and propounded the usual inquiry:</p> - -<p>“Well, what are you going to do now? Do you still -think that you will ever be able to find any business -that will run along smoothly without any labor or -exertion on your part?”</p> - -<p>“O, no, I don’t,” replied Tom. “I always expect -to have plenty of trouble as long as I live. I am the -most unlucky boy in the whole world. I must either -work or go to school.”</p> - -<p>“Exactly. Now which do you propose to do?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know. I want time to think it over.”</p> - -<p>“Very well, then,” said the merchant; “I’ll give you -two days. If, at the end of that time, you don’t come -to some sensible conclusion, I shall take the matter into -my own hands.”</p> - -<p>“But, father, can’t you give me some good advice?” -asked Tom.</p> - -<p>“Certainly I can. I’ll give you the same advice I -have given you a hundred times before. Go to school, -study hard, stop saying ‘I can’t,’ and try to make a man -of yourself. That’s my advice; and if you don’t wake -up and do something in earnest very soon, I shall do -more than advise you.”</p> - -<p>“O, now, what’s the use of going to school?” drawled -Tom. “I never yet saw any fun there.”</p> - -<p>But Mr. Newcombe, as usual, did not seem inclined to -argue the point, for he took some newspapers out of his -pocket, thus intimating that it was not his intention to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_179"></a>[179]</span> -say more on the subject. Tom was provoked, as he always -was when his father brought these interviews to -a close so abruptly; and, after loitering about the room -for a few moments, in hopes that the merchant would -resume the conversation, he picked up his cap and walked -sullenly out of the house.</p> - -<p>“I wish father didn’t take any newspapers,” growled -Tom, as he seated himself on the portico; “for then I -might have a chance to talk to him. He wants me to -go to school. I can see that plain enough; but I won’t -do it if I can help it. I don’t like to be kept in at recess, -or be told to remain after school every time I miss -a hard arithmetic lesson. I must do something, however, -and what shall it be? that’s the question.”</p> - -<p>As Tom said this, he settled back on his elbow, took -a rapid survey of his situation, and tried hard to think -of some easy, pleasant business in which he could engage, -that would bring him pleasure and profit at the -same time.</p> - -<p>In thus allowing his son to have full swing for awhile, -Mr. Newcombe considered that he was taking the -easiest and shortest course to convince Tom that he was -making a great mistake. If the latter was compelled -to attend school, he would still cling obstinately to the -idea that every moment he devoted to his studies was time -wasted. The merchant had tried every plan he could -think of to convince him to the contrary, but without -success; and his last idea promised to be as complete a -failure as the others. Some of Tom’s playmates called -him a “bull-headed boy,” and his father thought that, -by his conduct, he was establishing a perfect claim to -the title. He had his own opinions concerning men and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_180"></a>[180]</span> -things; and, although his failures would sometimes bring -tears to his eyes, they never served to convince him that -he was in the wrong. On the contrary, he always -tried to lay the blame upon somebody else, all the while -endeavoring to console himself with the hope that some -fine day something would “turn up” in his favor, and -that after that he would get along through the world -smoothly and easily. He had waited for it long and -patiently; but now his patience was severely tried, for -he knew that if that something did not “turn up” -very soon, he would find himself in school again; for he -was well aware that that was what his father meant by -“taking the matter into his own hands.”</p> - -<p>Tom was sadly troubled with the “blues” again, and -the only way he could think of to drive them off was to -go down to the common and join the Night-hawks, -who, judging by the shouts that now and then came to -his ears, were out in full force. He was still considerably -confused by the shock he had experienced when -he discovered that another of his air castles had -tumbled down about his ears—that his grand idea of -farming was not exactly what he had imagined it to -be—and thought an evening spent with the Night-hawks -would serve to relieve his mind, so that on the morrow -he would be better able to think over his troubles, -and determine upon some course of action.</p> - -<p>The law against going outside of the gate after dark -was still in operation; but this did not turn Tom from -his purpose, for he had evaded it so often without being -detected, that the regulation had no terrors for him. -If his father did not happen to want him, (and it was -not at all probable he would, for, looking through the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_181"></a>[181]</span> -window, Tom could see that the merchant was still deeply -interested in his papers,) his absence would not be discovered. -But, in order to make himself secure, Tom -walked slowly into the library, threw down his cap, -yawned several times, stretching his arms, and acting altogether -as though he was very sleepy, and finally went -up stairs to his room. After locking the door to prevent -surprise, he went into his closet after another cap; -the one he generally wore he had purposely left in the -library. As his room had been put in order soon after -he left for the country, the cap was soon found; when, -noiselessly opening his window, Tom crawled out upon -the porch, and, after satisfying himself that the coast -was clear, slid down one of the posts and reached the -ground in safety. Here he paused and listened for a -moment, to ascertain if the noise he made had attracted -the attention of any one in the house; but all was quiet, -and Tom, congratulating himself upon the skillful manner -in which his escape had been accomplished, and -which, he thought, ought to entitle him to especial praise -from his boon companions, the Night-hawks, moved -silently down the lawn, and presently found himself in -the street. There was now no need of concealment; and -Tom, anxious to join his friends as soon as possible, -broke into a run, and, in a few moments, reached the -common. It had become too dark to continue the -games, and the Night-hawks were gathered in a group, -in the middle of the common, engaged in a whispered -conversation. At short distances on each side of the -main body were four boys, who walked back and forth, -like sentinels on guard; and, in fact, they were sentries, -whose business it was to notify the Night-hawks of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_182"></a>[182]</span> -approach of any “outsiders.” This made it evident -that the boys were debating upon some question which -they did not want every one to know. As the Night-hawks -are now about to assume a somewhat important -part in our story, they merit a more extended description -than we have thus far given them.</p> - -<p>The society (for it was a society, and a secret one, at -that) had its origin in the fertile brain of Tom Newcombe, -and was certainly an institution. It was customary -for the boys in the village to assemble on the -common after school hours, and amuse themselves with -various games; and some of the boys remained until -bed-time. After dark, the game of ball gave way to -“Hounds and Deers,” and “Every Man to his Own -Base;” and when these games had been played until all -were tired of them, then came the question, “What shall -we do next?” Among so many boys, of course there -were some who were ready to propose plans for mischief, -and others who were just as ready to assist them. -At first, ringing door-bells, throwing down wood-piles, -and removing gates, had been the favorite exploits; but -these soon became “played out,” and something more -exciting was demanded, such as robbing orchards and -melon patches, and the like. They did not care a cent -for the fruit, they said, but it was “such fun.” On -several occasions the young rogues had been discovered, -and some of their number fell into the hands of the -enemy. The captured ones proved themselves to be -utterly unworthy of the confidence of their fellows, by -revealing the names of all those who were engaged in -the mischief. This made all the boys, and especially -Tom, very angry; but it never occurred to him to consider<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_183"></a>[183]</span> -what he would have done had he been in the same -predicament. It suggested an idea to him, and gave -him something upon which to think and plan when he -should have been studying his lessons. But if his -geography and arithmetic suffered, the interests of his -companions did not; for one day, after he had got his -plans all matured, he startled some of his particular -friends by proposing that a secret society be organized, -under the name of the “Gentlemen’s Club,” of which -he (Tom) was to be president. The idea was hailed -with delight by the boys, who, having been given an -insight into the objects of the society, set about hunting -up recruits. None but those who were deemed trustworthy -were admitted to membership, and the secret -was closely guarded from all “Spooneys,” who, for a -long time, were not aware that there was such a thing -as a Gentlemen’s Club in existence.</p> - -<p>In a few days the society was ready to begin work, -and, the way it went about it, proved that Tom had -not chosen a very appropriate name for his organization, -for the conduct of its members bespoke them any -thing but gentlemen. They commenced operations by -marching, one night, in a body, to the residence of the -doctor, where they proceeded to amuse themselves by -carrying off the wood which was piled in front of his -office. When their work was about half done, they -were surprised, and their ranks thrown into confusion, -by the sudden appearance of the owner of the wood, -who flourished a heavy cane above his head, and, collaring -one of the boys, pulled him into his office a -prisoner. The doctor then demanded the names of all -the boys who had engaged in the mischief but, for a<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_184"></a>[184]</span> -long time, the discomfited member of the Gentlemen’s -Club refused to comply. But when the physician -threatened to lock him up in the cellar, and keep him -there all night, the culprit changed his tactics, and -even endeavored to convince his captor that he alone -was to blame for all that had happened—that it was -merely a “little joke” which he wished to play upon -the doctor, and that no one had assisted him in carrying -off the wood. The doctor, however, declared that he -“couldn’t swallow any such nonsense as that;” and, -striking his cane upon the table, fiercely repeated the -demand, when the prisoner, to save himself from bodily -harm, astonished the physician with a complete description -of the society, its signs and pass-words, and the -object for which it had been organized. After a good -deal of cross-questioning, in a very savage tone of voice, -the doctor released his captive; not, however, without -obliging him to promise, over and over again, that he -would always endeavor to be a good boy, and that he -would be particularly careful to let people’s wood-piles -alone in future.</p> - -<p>The doctor was highly amused at what he had heard, -and, although, while in the presence of his prisoner, he -had appeared to be very much enraged, shaking his -gray head, and thumping his cane violently on the -floor, the moment the boy had gone, he threw himself -into a chair and laughed until his fat sides ached. -Considering the joke as too good to be kept, he repeated -it to every one he met, and the Gentlemen’s Club was -“knocked higher than a kite.” Tom, especially, had -cause to regret that his companion had forgotten the -solemn promises he had made, for almost every boy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_185"></a>[185]</span> -that passed him on the street would touch his cap and -salute him with, “How are you, President Newcombe?” -But Tom, and several other prominent members of the -club, were not discouraged. They soon organized -another society—from which the faithless member of -the Gentlemen’s Club was, of course, excluded—with a -new name, and different signs and pass-words. But -this was also broken up by a member, who exposed the -whole thing to revenge himself on Tom for something -the latter had done. From the ruins of this society -sprang the Night-hawks, which, being composed of those -who, on more than one occasion, had proved themselves -to be entirely reliable, had been in existence nearly a -year, and, in spite of the efforts of “outsiders,” its secrets -had been faithfully kept.</p> - -<p>It was understood by the Night-hawks, that the society -had been organized for “mutual protection;” and -a clause in their constitution declared, that when any -member was known to be in trouble, it was the duty of -all to hasten to his assistance. This clause had been -introduced by Tom, who, at the time, could not have -told exactly what he meant by it; but, perhaps, we shall -see how the law, which was framed by accident, proved -to be of great use to some of the Night-hawks.</p> - -<p>The operations of the society were conducted with -great skill; but it had not been long in existence, before -some of the village people began to believe that -the boys were bent on mischief, and nothing else; and -when the knowledge of this fact got abroad, it threatened, -for a time, to annihilate the society. Many of -its members received orders to remain at home after -dark, which some of them did; while others found means<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_186"></a>[186]</span> -to evade the law. Disobedience was considered an honor -rather than a disgrace; and when a boy performed a feat -like that which Tom had just accomplished, he was held -up to his companions as an object worthy of emulation. -This created a spirit of rivalry among the members, and, -when any one performed an exploit worthy of especial -notice, some one else always tried to outdo him.</p> - -<p>The government of the society was purely democratic, -the majority ruling; and another noticeable feature of -the institution was, that there was not a single private -in it, every boy being an officer of some kind. This idea -had also originated with Tom, who thought that the -general harmony and good feeling of the society might -be best preserved by giving every member some authority. -The highest office was that of grand commander -of the council, which was the position Tom held, and -the lowest was fifth corporal. The other officers were—commander, -first colonel, second colonel, first and second -major, captain, and so on down. Although Tom had -the name of being the leader of the Night hawks, he -was not so in reality, for the society was managed by -Johnny Harding, who was nothing but a fifth captain. -However, as Johnny was Tom’s particular friend, there -was seldom any trouble in the council. But the grand -commander was, after all, a very important personage, -for, as we have before hinted, he did all the work, and -without him the exploits of the society would scarcely -have been worth bragging about. In his case, at least, -“ignorance was bliss;” for had he been aware of the -fact, that he was merely a tool in the hands of his cunning -playmates, he might not have been so proud of -the position he held.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_187"></a>[187]</span></p> - -<p>As Tom approached the group on the common, he -increased his pace, for he saw that a council was being -held, and that some question was being warmly discussed, -for now and then some boy would speak in an -angry, excited tone, which would be followed by a command -to “silence that loud talking” from some officer -of high rank.</p> - -<p>“Who comes there?” called out one of the sentinels, -when he discovered Tom approaching.</p> - -<p>“Grand commander of the council!” replied Tom, with -as much dignity as though he was answering to the challenge -of some soldier, Major-General Newcombe!</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks heard the answer, and the debate -was adjourned without ceremony, while all the boys advanced -in a body to meet Tom.</p> - -<p>“Here you are at last!” said Johnny Harding. “You -are just the very fellow we want. But what’s the reason -you haven’t been here to help us before? Have you been -in the hands of the Philistines?”</p> - -<p>(All “outsiders,” such as parents, guardians, and all -others who could exercise authority over the members -of the society, were called Philistines.)</p> - -<p>As it was several months since Tom had joined in any -of the exploits of the Night-hawks, he had a long explanation -to make, to which all the members listened -attentively; and then he described the manner in which -he had effected his escape from home, which, of course, -interested the boys more than any thing else. When he -had finished his story, the commander (the officer next -in rank below Tom) said:</p> - -<p>“You can’t imagine how glad we are to see you, Newcombe. -I believe that your appearance here to-night<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_188"></a>[188]</span> -has saved our society. We came very near breaking -up in a row, because I proposed something which I -thought was nothing more than fair. The question is: -Has an officer of high rank—a colonel, for instance—any -authority to command one lower than he—say a -captain?”</p> - -<p>This was a point upon which Tom had often debated, -although he had never dared to propose it to the society; -and, for his own part, he hoped that the question -would be decided in the affirmative; for then their -democratic form of government would be abolished, -and he, being the grand commander of the council, -would become supreme ruler. He could manage the -society as he pleased, and whenever there was any dangerous -work to be done, he could keep out of harm’s -way.</p> - -<p>“I think it ought to be so,” said he, after thinking a -moment; “for what’s the use of having any officers at -all, if some are not allowed more authority than others? -Let’s put it to a vote.”</p> - -<p>This suggestion was at once acted upon, and the -Night-hawks decided that one officer had no business -to order another about; that such a course would certainly -establish an aristocracy or a despotism, and that -was something to which they would not submit.</p> - -<p>“You are all wrong, boys,” said the commander, who -did not seem to be very well pleased with the result of -the vote. “In carrying out our plans, some one must -run a little risk; but now, how shall we decide who it -is to be?”</p> - -<p>“Newcombe is the man!” said Johnny Harding. -“He’s the strongest and bravest fellow in the society<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_189"></a>[189]</span> -He is not afraid of anything. You’ll do it, won’t you, -Tom?”</p> - -<p>“Certainly I will,” replied the grand commander, -who never could withstand such an appeal. “What is -it?”</p> - -<p>“Let us walk over this way, a little more out of -sight,” said one of the boys, “and then we can discuss -the matter without fear of being overheard.”</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks moved off to the edge of the common, -and, after the sentries had again been posted, they -seated themselves on the grass to talk over their plans.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_190"></a>[190]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">THE NIGHT-HAWKS IN ACTION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap15.jpg" alt="B" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">BEFORE Tom’s arrival on the common, the -Night-hawks had been debating a knotty -question. For nearly three weeks, the society -had been inactive, not a single exploit -having been performed to add to their glory; and -one of the members, becoming weary of the monotony, -had studied up a plan to “put a little life into the -boys.” The scheme he proposed rendered it necessary -that some one should run considerable risk; and the -trouble among the Night-hawks had been occasioned -by the effort to decide who that some one should be.</p> - -<p>It was proposed to present ’Squire Thompson—a crusty, -nervous old gentleman, whom all the boys delighted -in teasing—with some of his own fruit and vegetables. -The ’squire lived in the village, but he owned a farm about -two miles back in the country, and it was there the vegetables -grew. In order to convey their present from the -farm to the village, it had been proposed to “borrow” -the ’squire’s horse and wagon; and it was when the -question arose, who shall be the one to go into the stable -and harness the horse that the trouble began.</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks were all delighted with the idea; -but the difficulty was to find a boy courageous enough<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_191"></a>[191]</span> -to do the dangerous part of the work. They were quite -willing, and even eager, to engage in the sport, but -they did not like the idea of going into a man’s stable -after night, and “borrowing” his horse and wagon. It -was a common saying among the members of the society, -that “’Squire Thompson slept with one eye and -both ears open;” besides, he kept two fierce dogs, and -the chances were not one in ten that they could harness -the horse, hitch him to the wagon, and escape without -disturbing either the dogs or some member of the -’squire’s family. It had at first been suggested that the -commander should appoint some one to do the work; -but the boys would not agree to this, neither would -they allow the “forlorn hope” to be selected by ballot. -In short, the scheme was in danger of being abandoned, -when Tom’s arrival showed the Night-hawks a way out -of their difficulty. He was “just the man they wanted;” -for he was “the strongest and bravest fellow in the -party, and wasn’t afraid of any thing.”</p> - -<p>“Well, Tom, what do you think of it?” asked Johnny -Harding, after he had explained the scheme, and described, -in glowing language, the astonishment and vexation -’Squire Thompson would experience when he awoke -the next morning and found his wagon before his door, -loaded with onions, cabbage, peaches, and green pumpkins. -“Wouldn’t it be gay?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Tom, “it would be glorious. But -who is to get the horse and wagon?”</p> - -<p>“Why, you are, of course!” answered Johnny. “If -you refuse, it will be the first time since we organized our -society. You see, it’s rather a difficult job, and no one -but a very brave, strong, and skillful fellow should be<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_192"></a>[192]</span> -allowed to undertake it; for it isn’t every boy that can -go into a man’s stable, harness a horse, and bring him -out, without awakening some one. I acknowledge that -I can’t do it, but I know you can.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, Newcombe,” chimed in several of the Night-hawks, -“you’re the only man in the party that we -can trust. You know just how it ought to be done.”</p> - -<p>But Tom, just then, thought differently. He did not -believe that he was the bravest and most skillful member -of the society, neither did he like the idea of being -obliged to secure the horse and wagon for the expedition, -for he knew there was danger in it. But still, the -thought of refusing to attempt it, never once entered -into his head—that would injure his reputation, for it -would show the Night-hawks that their grand commander -was not half as brave as they had imagined -him to be. So, summoning up courage, he replied, desperately:</p> - -<p>“Well, I’ll do it! I am not afraid of ’Squire Thompson, -nor his big bull dogs either. But, before we go any -further, I want one thing understood. If I succeed in -getting the horse and wagon, I am going to do all the -driving, and you mustn’t expect me to help load the -vegetables when we get to the farm.”</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks, without hesitation, agreed to this -arrangement, for they knew, that in order to succeed -in their undertaking, they must allow Tom to have his -own way in some things. They were delighted that he -had so readily yielded to their demands, and, in high -glee, they set out for ’Squire Thompson’s house. They -did not all go together, for, as it was only about half -past eight o’clock, the streets were not yet deserted, and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_193"></a>[193]</span> -the Night-hawks did not wish to attract attention by -marching through the village in a body.</p> - -<p>Tom, accompanied by Johnny Harding and two more -of his particular friends, stopped to hold a consultation, -when they arrived within a short distance of the house, -while the others kept on up the road and sat down by -the fence, to wait until Tom should bring out the horse -and wagon. After a few moments’ whispered conversation, -Tom and Johnny decided that their first care must -be to reconnoiter the premises, and ascertain exactly -where the ’squire’s team was kept. The coast was not -altogether clear, for a light shone from the windows of -the house, showing that the ’squire’s family had not yet -retired; and, as Tom and his companions approached, -a loud, fierce bark told them that the dogs were on the -watch. The stable was but a short distance from the -house, and in the same yard, and Tom knew that his -only chance for success was to devise some plan to occupy -the attention of the dogs until he could perform -the work allotted to him. The dogs evidently suspected -that something unusual was going on, for they followed -the Night-hawks as they moved down the fence, barking -fierce and loud, as if to warn them that they intended to -keep a close watch on all their movements. Tom appeared -perfectly unconcerned, but the truth was, he was -very glad indeed that there was a high fence between -him and the savage brutes.</p> - -<p>“To tell what’s a fact, boys,” said he; “I don’t feel -much like taking a hand in this business to-night. I -have walked a long way through the hot sun to-day, and -I’ve got a little touch of the headache. I believe I -have sprained my ankle, too,” he added, suddenly beginning<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_194"></a>[194]</span> -to limp, as if he found it exceedingly difficult -to walk. “I can hardly move.”</p> - -<p>“That’s too bad,” said Johnny, offering his arm to -support Tom. “But, Newcombe, I know you are too -spunky to allow a sprained ankle or a little headache -to stand between you and such fun as we are going to -have to-night.”</p> - -<p>“It will soon wear off,” said the others.</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks understood the motives of their -chief as well as he did himself, and it was plain that -they did not intend to give him an opportunity to back -out. Tom, being well aware of this, and seeing no -possible chance for escape, again formed a reckless -determination to go through with his part of the work, -if within the bounds of possibility. They kept on down -the fence until they reached the stable, and, as they -walked slowly along, Tom made a close but rapid examination -of the premises, and, to his delight, found -the two principal obstacles which he had imagined -would stand in his way removed. The horse had not -been confined in the stable, but was quietly grazing in -a small pasture adjoining the barn-yard. The wagon -stood just inside the gate, and the harness lay upon -the seat, where the ’squire had thrown it before turning -out his horse. If the Night-hawks had had a faithful -friend in the ’squire’s family, who had been instructed -to have every thing in readiness for the expedition, he -could not have arranged matters more to Tom’s liking.</p> - -<p>“That’s lucky, isn’t it, fellows?” whispered Johnny, -when he had noticed these two points. “It’s just as we -want it.”</p> - -<p>“O, it’s all the same to me!” replied Tom, carelessly.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_195"></a>[195]</span> -“If the horse and the wagon were both in the barn and -locked up, I know I could get them out!”</p> - -<p>Tom’s courage always arose or fell in proportion to -the number of obstacles he found in his way. Up to -this moment he had been impatiently asking himself -the question, how should he shirk his part of the work -if he found the horse and wagon locked up in the -stable? Had they been safe under lock and key, it is -probable that Tom would have refused to proceed -further on account of his lame ankle and severe headache; -but when he found that they were in a position -to be secured with very little difficulty, he forgot to -limp, his headache left him as suddenly as it had come, -and he became very courageous.</p> - -<p>“Now, Newcombe,” said one of the boys, when they -had walked entirely around the ’squire’s yard, and had -thoroughly reconnoitered the situation, “how are you -going to work it?”</p> - -<p>“I’ll tell you what we’ll do,” said Johnny, who was -always ready for any emergency; “we’ll keep the -dogs here, while Newcombe goes and gets the horse.”</p> - -<p>“But how are you going to do it?” asked Tom.</p> - -<p>“With this!” replied Johnny, showing a stick, which -he carried in his hand. “Every time the dogs start to -go away, I’ll pound on the fence with this cane. That -will make them mad, and they won’t leave here as -long as we are in sight.”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to see that plan tried before I risk it,” said -Tom, doubtfully. “Perhaps it won’t work.”</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he walked off toward the barn. The -dogs followed him; but when Johnny rattled his stick -between the pickets, they bounded back, and the larger<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_196"></a>[196]</span> -of the dogs made a desperate attempt to leap the fence -to get at Johnny.</p> - -<p>“They’re savage, aint they?” whispered the latter.</p> - -<p>“I should say they were!” replied Tom, his courage -gradually melting away again. “Boys, my head aches -awfully, and my ankle grows worse every minute.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind that!” said Johnny. “It’ll soon wear -off. My plan works first rate, don’t it, boys? Go on, -Newcombe; we’ll agree to keep the dogs here.”</p> - -<p>“But, fellows,” said Tom, who did not like to be -required to do all the work alone, “one of you ought -to go with me and help me pull that wagon out of the -yard. It’s too heavy for me!”</p> - -<p>“O, nonsense!” exclaimed Johnny. “You’re the -strongest fellow in the party, and you could pull that -wagon from here to the farm and back again, with all -the boys in it. Go ahead, Newcombe! We’ll keep the -dogs here!”</p> - -<p>“But suppose I can’t catch the horse?” persisted -Tom. “Perhaps he kicks or bites strangers.”</p> - -<p>“O, no, he don’t. He’s as gentle as an old cow. -You’ll have no trouble. Go on, Newcombe! We -haven’t got much more time to waste.”</p> - -<p>Tom, finding that the boys were determined that he -should do all the work, at length succeeded in mustering -up courage enough to start off alone. As he walked -by the house, he glanced in at the window, the curtain -of which was raised, and saw the ’squire, sitting in his -easy chair, and the other members of his family gathered -about a table, engaged in various evening occupations. -The ’squire had, of course, heard the noise -made by his dogs, but, thinking that they were barking<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_197"></a>[197]</span> -at persons who every evening passed by his house on -the way to their own homes, he did not trouble himself -about the matter.</p> - -<p>After satisfying himself that none of the family had -been alarmed, Tom again started off. Reaching the -stable, he carefully unlatched the gate, and placed a -stick of wood against it to keep it open; then, seizing the -thills of the wagon, he prepared to make an exhibition -of that tremendous strength which had won for him -from the Night-hawks the name of being the “strongest -fellow in the party.” The wagon was not a heavy one, -but it must have been rooted to the ground; for Tom, -for a long time, exerted his muscles in vain. The -grand commander, however, always worked harder and -more perseveringly in a bad cause than he did in a -good one, and at last the wagon moved; and after considerable -pulling and grunting, Tom succeeded in drawing -it through the gate into the road. After listening -again, to be sure that no one in the house had heard -what was going on, and that Johnny was still successful -in occupying the attention of the dogs, Tom closed and -fastened the gate; and again taking hold of the wagon, -pulled it down the road toward the place where the -main body of the Night-hawks were hidden behind the -fence, impatiently waiting for him. Tom’s spirits rose -considerably when he found that he had successfully accomplished -part of his work; and when the Night-hawks -sprang from their concealments, and took hold to help -him along with the wagon, he did not ask any of them -to assist him in catching the horse. The numerous congratulations -he received from his friends, who called -him a “jolly old brick,” and a “spunky boy,” accompanied<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_198"></a>[198]</span> -by repeated assurances that they had always -known that he was the “strongest and bravest fellow in -the society,” greatly encouraged him; and had the horse -been locked up in the stable, he would not have hesitated -to make the attempt to bring him out.</p> - -<p>When they had pulled the wagon as far as the fence -which bounded the lower end of the pasture, Tom ordered -a halt, and taking the bridle out of the wagon, -climbed over into the inclosure to catch the horse. This -was a signal to the Night-hawks, who, thinking that there -was still a chance for discovery, hid themselves behind -the fence, or stood in readiness to run off, should the -’squire’s dogs make their appearance. As for Tom, he -had suddenly become very reckless, and he did not trouble -his head about the dogs, or the ’squire either. The -horse proved to be very gentle, as Johnny had said he -would, and the grand commander had no difficulty in -catching him and slipping the bridle over his head. -He then led him up to the fence, a portion of which—it -being built of rails—was thrown down by the Night-hawks, -who again made their appearance; and, after -the horse had been led into the road, some built up the -fence again, others began to harness the horse, and two -of the members, in obedience to Tom’s orders, ran off -to inform Johnny that every thing was ready for the -start. By the time Harding and his friends arrived, -the horse had been hitched to the wagon, and Tom sat -on the seat, with a whip in one hand and the reins in -the other.</p> - -<p>“All aboard, fellows!” whispered the grand commander, -and the Night-hawks, thirteen in number, tumbled -into the wagon, which moved off on the road to ’Squire<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_199"></a>[199]</span> -Thompson’s farm. Tom had conducted all his operations -in a very cautious manner, and no one in the -house had been alarmed.</p> - -<p>“Newcombe,” whispered Johnny, as Tom drove off, -“if there was no danger of being overheard, we’d give -you nine rousing cheers. You’re a genuine brick.”</p> - -<p>The congratulations the chief received for the skill -and bravery he had exhibited, were much more numerous -than refined. The Night-hawks said and did every -thing they could to convince him that they held his -services in high appreciation; and Tom listened eagerly -to all their compliments.</p> - -<p>It was two miles to the farm; but Tom, being anxious -to reach home again as soon as possible, put whip to the -horse, which whirled his wagon load of mischievous -Night-hawks rapidly over the road; and, at the end of -half an hour, Tom drew up before the gate of ’Squire -Thompson’s farm and stopped. Johnny Harding sprang -out of the wagon and opened the gate; after which -Tom drove on, until he reached a barn, which was situated -near the middle of the farm. Here he stopped -again, and the Night-hawks, springing out of the wagon, -started off in different directions to hunt up the vegetables—all -except the grand commander, who, according -to the agreement made before starting, was not required -to assist in loading the cargo. There was now no danger -of discovery. There was a house on the farm, but -no one lived in it, and it was an easy matter to conduct -their operations without making noise enough to -alarm any of the neighbors.</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks were not at all particular as to -the nature of their “present,” for whatever articles<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_200"></a>[200]</span> -came first to their hands—such as shovels, rakes, hoes, -sticks of wood and chips—were seized and thrown into -the wagon. But still there was room for a few vegetables, -and presently a boy appeared with his arms -filled with onions, followed by two or three loaded with -green pumpkins, and Johnny Harding brought up the -rear, bringing a goose, which he had captured after a -long race.</p> - -<p>“O, now, let him go!” exclaimed Tom. “Don’t -bring him here. He’ll arouse every body within a -mile around.”</p> - -<p>“No fear of that,” replied Johnny, confidently. “I’ll -carry him in my arms, and every time he tries to make -a noise I’ll choke him.”</p> - -<p>This suggested a slight change in the original programme, -for all the Night-hawks now turned their -attention to the ’squire’s live stock. Some climbed over -the fence into the barn-yard, and endeavored to capture -one of the calves, others attempted to run down the -remainder of the geese, and the result was that, in a -very few moments, all the dogs in the neighborhood had -been aroused, and were barking vociferously.</p> - -<p>“Our game is up now, boys,” said Johnny. “Let’s -be off, or we’ll have the Philistines down on us. I wish -we could have caught two or three of those calves, and -the rest of the geese. However, we have got as large a -load already as this old horse can pull. All aboard, -fellows! Drive on, Tom.”</p> - -<p>The retreat from the farm was easily accomplished, -and as soon as the Night-hawks were satisfied that they -were out of danger, they began to indulge in speculations -as to what ’Squire Thompson would say when he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_201"></a>[201]</span> -found what a present they had brought him; and Tom -declared that he would like to be “hidden behind a tree -somewhere, so that he might hear all the ’squire had to -say about it.” Had he known what was to happen -before he got through with his night’s work, it is probable -that he never would have given utterance to this -wish. But Tom was not as happy as he pretended to -be. He was thinking of a most unpleasant task he had -yet to perform, and that was to put the horse and wagon -where he had found them. This was a particularly -dangerous piece of work, and he would have been glad, -indeed, could he have thought of some plan to shift the -responsibility upon the shoulders of some body else.</p> - -<p>“Boys,” said he, after thinking the matter over, “I -propose that we don’t put the wagon back in the yard. -Let’s leave it outside the gate.”</p> - -<p>“O, no, Newcombe,” replied Johnny, quickly, “that -would spoil it all. In order to do the business up nicely, -we must put every thing back where we found it.”</p> - -<p>“But just look at the risk I shall run,” said Tom. -“You must remember that the wagon is loaded, and -that I can’t pull it from the pasture to the barn. It’s -too heavy.”</p> - -<p>“Of course it is. You will have to drive right into -the stable-yard.”</p> - -<p>“It’s dangerous!” repeated Tom.</p> - -<p>“I know it is,” said Johnny; “but I know also that -you are not afraid to do it.”</p> - -<p>“Of course he isn’t,” chimed in another. “I don’t -believe that Newcombe knows what fear is.”</p> - -<p>The long and short of the matter was, that, by the -time the Night-hawks reached the fence that bounded<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_202"></a>[202]</span> -the lower end of ’Squire Thompson’s pasture, Tom had -been so skillfully handled by his companions, that he -promised to put the wagon where he had found it, no -matter if the ’squire and both his dogs were there to -oppose him. But still he thought it best to be cautious, -and, when they had arrived within a short distance of -the house, Tom told Johnny to go round to the front of -the lot and occupy the attention of the dogs as he had -done before.</p> - -<p>“All right, I’ll do it,” replied Johnny. “Here, -Harry Green, hold my goose till I come back.”</p> - -<p>“Now, boys, I’m afraid of that goose,” said Tom. -“You had better let him go.”</p> - -<p>“O, no,” replied Harry, “I’ll watch him.”</p> - -<p>Tom was not satisfied with this arrangement, but he -was obliged to submit to it; and Johnny, after cautioning -the grand commander to be very careful, set off to -find the dogs, accompanied by two or three of his -friends. The dogs, being on the alert, soon became -aware of the presence of the Night-hawks, and Johnny -had no difficulty in inducing them to follow him to the -lower end of the lot, where he stopped, and sent one of -the boys back to inform Tom that the coast was clear. -The grand commander reluctantly mounted to his seat -in the wagon, and drove toward the barn. He drove -very slowly, but the wagon, being heavily loaded, made -a great deal of noise, and Tom was more than once on -the point of going back to his companions, and informing -them that, if they wished the wagon left in the -barn-yard, they must send some one besides himself to -put it there. But he knew just what would happen if -he backed out, and, fearing ridicule more than the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_203"></a>[203]</span> -wrath of the ’squire, he kept on, resolved to make the -attempt, and, if he failed, to effect his escape as best he -could. He was followed by several of the Night-hawks, -one of whom opened the gate when he reached the -stable, and Tom drove into the yard. At this moment -the goose, which Harry Green held in his arms, and -which he intended to tie with his handkerchief and put -into the wagon as soon as the horse was unharnessed, -escaped from its captor and flew over the fence into the -yard, making noise enough to awaken the soundest -sleeper in the ’squire’s family.</p> - -<p>“There,” exclaimed Tom; “I told you just how it -would be.”</p> - -<p>“Hurry up, Newcombe,” whispered several of the -boys. “It’s getting unhealthy about here.”</p> - -<p>Before Tom could jump down from the wagon, however, -a low whistle from Johnny Harding told him that -something was wrong in that quarter also. This was -followed by a commotion in the house, the door opened, -and ’Squire Thompson, with a lantern in one hand and a -huge cane in the other, sprang down the steps, shouting:</p> - -<p>“Here they are! Take ’em dogs, take ’em!”</p> - -<p>All this happened in less time than it takes to write -it, but the angry ’squire had scarcely made his appearance -when the nimble Night-hawks, who had held themselves -in readiness for this emergency, closed the gate -and took to their heels, leaving the grand commander -to fight his enemies, or to escape if he could. Tom saw, -at a glance, that he had got himself into trouble, and -that his chances for flight were very slim indeed. But -he could not surrender without making an attempt to -save himself; so he sprang down from the wagon and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_204"></a>[204]</span> -started for the gate; but a loud, fierce bark, accompanied -by an encouraging yell from the ’squire, told him that -his pursuers were not far behind, and that his escape -in that direction was cut off. Even if he succeeded in -opening the gate before the dogs arrived, they would -follow him down the road, and overtake him before he -had gone twenty yards. Tom gave himself up for lost, -and his only desire was to get out of reach of the dogs. -He feared them more than the ’squire. There was a -cherry-tree close at hand, and the grand commander -sprang into its branches with the agility of a cat; but -scarcely had he climbed out of reach, when the dogs -arrived. To Tom’s surprise and delight, they did not -stop under the tree, but ran straight to the gate, where -they stood, and kept up a furious barking, until the -’squire appeared on the scene.</p> - -<p>“Catch ’em, dogs—catch the young scoundrels,” he -exclaimed, opening the gate.</p> - -<p>The dogs bounded out into the road, and disappeared -in the direction taken by the Night-hawks. But the -latter had made good use of their time, and presently -the dogs returned without having overtaken any of them. -They were all safe except the grand commander, who sat -in his tree and awaited the issue of events in a most unpleasant -frame of mind. He had assured his friends -that he would like to be in a position to “hear what -the ’squire had to say about it;” and he seemed in a -fair way to have his wish gratified.</p> - -<p>“The young scoundrels!” exclaimed the ’squire, as he -closed the gate. “Those boys ought all to be taken -care of. I wonder what they were prowling about here -for? Hallo, what’s this?”</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp48" id="p002" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/p002.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"><span class="smcap">Tom Captured by the Squire.</span>—Page 205.</div> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_205"></a>[205]</span></p> - -<p>He had, for the first time, discovered that his horse -and wagon had been used; and when he walked up and -examined the contents of the wagon, his rage knew no -bounds.</p> - -<p>“I wish I had the rascals here,” he exclaimed, in a -voice that made Tom tremble; “I’d teach ’em. Here -are hoes, rakes, onions, pumpkins, and—what’s this? -My two-horse plow, that I took out to the farm day before -yesterday. The young rascals! What is it, Tiger? -Look to him, old fellow.”</p> - -<p>While the ’squire had been examining the articles in -the wagon, Tom was indulging in the hope that he -might not be discovered. The dogs had not seen him -climb into the tree, but they had sharp noses, and the -’squire’s exclamation had been called forth by the actions -of one of the dogs, which ran to the foot of the tree, and -growled and barked furiously.</p> - -<p>“What’s up there, I say?” continued the ’squire, elevating -his lantern, and peering up into the branches. -“Ah, I’ve got you, you rascal! Come down from there! -Who are you?”</p> - -<p>“O, it’s me; don’t you know me, Mr. Thompson?” -whined Tom, who saw that he was discovered, and that -further concealment was useless.</p> - -<p>“No, I don’t know me,” shouted the ’squire, in a most -savage tone of voice; “come down from there!”</p> - -<p>“Call your dogs off, then!” drawled Tom, “and I’ll -come down.”</p> - -<p>“Who are you?” demanded the ’squire again, for he -did not recognize Tom, hidden as he was among the -branches of the tree. “What’s your name?”</p> - -<p>“O, now, I’m Tom Newcombe! Don’t you know<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_206"></a>[206]</span> -me, Mr. Thompson?” answered the grand commander -in a most pitiful voice.</p> - -<p>“Tom Newcombe!” repeated the ’squire, in astonishment. -“Why, I am surprised at you, Tom; I always -thought you were a good boy, and I never imagined -that you would disgrace yourself by stealing a man’s -horse and wagon, and—come down from there, you -young scoundrel.”</p> - -<p>The ’squire was very much astonished when he learned -the name of his prisoner; for Tom, although he had often -engaged with the Night-hawks in expeditions of this -kind, had never before been detected in them; he had -been so sly about it, that no one in the village ever -thought he had a hand in their affairs. Those who were -not very intimately acquainted with Tom, looked upon -him as a lazy, do-nothing sort of boy, who could not -muster up energy enough to engage in any mischief; -and so the ’squire, little dreaming that he had captured -the one to whose charge could be laid the most of the -mischief done within three miles of the village, was inclined -to regard Tom as an innocent boy, who had got -himself into trouble by associating with some of the -young rogues of the village. For this reason he was -disposed to be very easy with him; but when he remembered -that Tom had made one of the number of -boys who had taken his horse and wagon without his -permission, it made him angry again.</p> - -<p>“I say, come down from there, you young villain!” -repeated the ’squire, shaking his cane at the culprit, as -if he intended to use it on him the moment he reached -the ground. “Do you hear me?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_207"></a>[207]</span></p> - -<p>“O, yes, I hear you!” drawled Tom; “but I sha’n’t -come down till you send those dogs off.”</p> - -<p>Seeing that Tom was resolved not to leave his perch -so long as the dogs remained there, the ’squire called -them into the barn and shut them up, after which he -again ordered Tom to come down.</p> - -<p>The grand commander obeyed this order very reluctantly, -for he had not yet been able to decide what -treatment he would receive from the ’squire. That gentleman -had addressed him in the kindest possible language, -and then, almost in the same breath, had called him -a young scoundrel, and had shaken his cane at him, as if -impatient to get an opportunity to lay it over his shoulders. -He did not feel altogether safe; but now, that the -dogs were gone, he could offer no excuse for remaining -in the tree; so he slowly descended, and finally stood before -the ’squire, who lifted his lantern and allowed its -rays to fall full in his face.</p> - -<p>“You look mean, Tommy,” said he; “don’t you feel -so?”</p> - -<p>“O, yes, I do,” drawled the grand commander.</p> - -<p>The ’squire stood looking at his prisoner for a moment, -as if undecided how to act, and finally continued:</p> - -<p>“Go home, and remember to steer clear of bad company -in future.”</p> - -<p>Tom did not wait for a second bidding, but quickly -opened the gate, and started down the road with all the -speed he could command.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_208"></a>[208]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">THE MILITARY SCHOOL.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap16.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">TOM was astonished as well as delighted that -he had escaped so easily; for, understanding -the ’squire’s disposition as well as he did, he -had expected to be severely dealt with. The -’squire had said that he “looked mean,” and Tom had -told him that he felt so; but one, to have seen him at -that moment, would have had cause to doubt it, for he -looked, and indeed felt, as if he had done a very smart -thing. He had been a prisoner in the hands of the Philistines, -and had escaped without a whipping, and, more -than that, without divulging the names of any of his accomplices. -But, after all, he had no cause to pride himself -upon this point, for the ’squire had not asked him -who his companions were. Had that gentleman taken -the trouble to inquire into the matter, Tom, in order to -screen himself, would have told him every thing he -wanted to know.</p> - -<p>When the grand commander reached the common, -he suddenly found himself surrounded by his friends, -who, after placing a safe distance between themselves -and the ’squire’s dogs, had waited for Tom to come up.</p> - -<p>“What did he do to you?” asked Johnny, eagerly.</p> - -<p>“O, nothing,” replied Tom. “If some of you had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_209"></a>[209]</span> -been in my place, you would not have escaped as easily -as I did.”</p> - -<p>“Did he ask you who were with you?” inquired another.</p> - -<p>“It wouldn’t have made any difference if he had,” -answered the grand commander, indignantly. “Do -you suppose that I would split on you? We are safe -out of the scrape, and that’s the end of it.”</p> - -<p>But in this, Tom was very much mistaken; it was -by no means the end of it, as he found the next day. In -fact, he did not believe that the ’squire would allow the -matter to drop there. He fully expected that his father -would soon hear the full particulars of his night’s work, -and he was anxious to know what he would do about it. -However, Tom kept all his fears to himself, and when he -left the Night-hawks, he walked off whistling, as if he -felt perfectly at his ease. He reached home in safety, -succeeded in climbing up the porch into his room without -disturbing any one in the house, and when he appeared -at the breakfast table in the morning, he had the -satisfaction of seeing that not one of the family knew any -thing of his conduct over night.</p> - -<p>When he had eaten his breakfast, he walked out on -the lawn, and sat down to think over the question that -had occupied his mind the day before, namely: What -should he do next? But, contrary to his expectations, -his evening with the Night-hawks had not quickened -his ideas, for he was still unable to decide upon the -business he ought to follow. He might, however, have -spared himself the trouble of debating upon this question; -for when he went down to the office, about ten -o’clock, he found that his father had at last “taken the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_210"></a>[210]</span> -matter into his own hands,” as he had often threatened -to do, and decided the matter for him.</p> - -<p>“Tom,” said Mr. Newcombe, as the boy entered the -office, “I was just on the point of starting in search of -you. I want you to take a walk with me.”</p> - -<p>So saying, the merchant picked up his hat and cane, -and left the office, followed by Tom, who was lost in -wonder. He would have given every thing he possessed -to know what was the matter; but, fearing that his -father had heard of what had been going on at the -’squire’s farm, he could not muster up courage enough -to ask any questions. Mr. Newcombe walked through -the village without making any remark, and finally -stopped in front of the military school, a large building -that stood on a hill, about a quarter of a mile from -Newport, in the midst of extensive grounds, which were -tastefully laid out, the whole being inclosed with a high -picket fence, which pointed out the boundary of the -students’ little world.</p> - -<p>“Why, father,” exclaimed Tom, as Mr. Newcombe -knocked at the gate, “I haven’t told you that I wanted -to come here!”</p> - -<p>“I know you haven’t,” replied the merchant; “at -least you haven’t said so in words; but you have said, -by your actions, that you can’t be trusted, so I have -concluded to put you where you will be closely watched.”</p> - -<p>This made it evident to Tom that his father knew all -about what had happened the night before.</p> - -<p>“I think this is just the place for you,” continued Mr. -Newcombe.</p> - -<p>“O, I always was an unlucky boy,” drawled Tom. -“I never can do any thing like other fellows. I had almost<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_211"></a>[211]</span> -made up my mind to go into the office as errand -boy—”</p> - -<p>“It’s too late now!” replied his father. “Besides, I -don’t want a boy in my office that I can’t trust.”</p> - -<p>During the two minutes that they stood at the gate -waiting for some one to open it, Tom raised all sorts -of objections to his father’s arrangement, but could not -induce him to change his mind. Mr. Newcombe never -acted without mature deliberation, and when he had -once decided upon his course, it was a hard matter to -turn him from it. So Tom, in spite of himself, became -a member of the military academy. He listened to the -reading of the rules and regulations, reluctantly promised -to obey them all, and, in the presence of his father, -signed the muster-rolls; after which, Mr. Newcombe -took leave of the principal, promising to return with -Tom as soon as his uniform could be procured.</p> - -<p>For two days after that Tom was a most miserable -boy. He still entertained some hopes that he might be -able to turn his father from his purpose, and, to accomplish -his object, he invented all sorts of excuses and -promises; but his efforts were unsuccessful. The -merchant had decided that the military school was the -best place for Tom, and the latter finally came to the -conclusion that he would bear his punishment like a -man.</p> - -<p>One afternoon, for want of something better to do, -Tom saddled his pony and took a short ride about the -village. As he was returning home, he passed by the -academy, and saw a company of boys engaged in drilling -in the bayonet exercise. He dismounted, tied his -pony to the fence, and watched the drill as long as it<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_212"></a>[212]</span> -continued; and, when he rode toward home, his opinion -concerning the military school had changed materially. -He was astonished at the ease and skill with which the -young soldiers handled their muskets, and, more than -all, he admired and envied the captain—a youth about -his own age.</p> - -<p>“Perhaps it isn’t so bad, after all,” he soliloquized. -“I always thought that I’d like to go to that academy. -If a fellow like that can get a commission, I’d like to -know what’s the reason I can’t get one also. I don’t -intend to remain a private long. I shall work for -shoulder-straps, and, the first thing some of those officers -know, I’ll make them take back seats. I’ll certainly -be captain of one of the companies in two or three -weeks, and, after that, I shall have an easy time of it. -Won’t I feel gay, sporting my shoulder-straps about -the village? Then, after I get through here, I’ll go to -West Point, and from there to the army; and then I’ll -soon be promoted to general. I am all right now. I -have decided to be a soldier.”</p> - -<p>Tom was now as impatient to get into the military -school as he had before been anxious to keep out of it; -and, on the way home, he stopped at the tailor’s where -his uniforms were being made, and requested that the -work might be completed as soon as possible, as he was -losing valuable time. At the supper table, that night, -he surprised his father by informing him that he also -had decided that the “military school was the place for -him;” that he had always thought that he was “cut out -for a general;” and that if Mr. Newcombe would visit -the camp the coming fall, he would see his son wearing -a captain’s uniform.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_213"></a>[213]</span></p> - -<p>“You must remember that you have been disappointed -a good many times,” said the merchant.</p> - -<p>“I know it,” replied Tom; “but I am all right this -time. I know I shall succeed. I’ll be captain of one -of the academy companies in less than three weeks.”</p> - -<p>“You’ll have to work hard for it,” said his father, -“for you’ll find some smart boys there.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t care!” said Tom, confidently. “I’ll beat -them all. I’m bound to be the highest officer in the -academy.”</p> - -<p>That week was a long one to Tom, but, to his immense -relief, the arrangements were all completed at -last, and one afternoon, about half-past three o’clock, -the new student, dressed in his uniform, found himself -standing in the presence of the principal. Mr. Newcombe -had accompanied him to the academy, and, after -urging him to make the best possible use of his time, -and to strictly obey all the rules and regulations, he -bade him good-by, and returned to his office, satisfied -that he had left his son in safe hands for a few months, -at least.</p> - -<p>“Now, Newcombe,” said the principal—a tall, dignified, -military-looking man—“you are a member of the -Newport Military Academy. I shall <ins class="corr" id="tn213" title="Transcriber’s Note—“expect to bear a good account” changed to “expect to hear a good account”.">expect to hear a good account</ins> -of you.”</p> - -<p>“I shall do my best, sir,” replied Tom. “I want to -be an officer, and I would like to know how to go to -work to get a commission.”</p> - -<p>“There is but one way,” replied the principal, with a -smile, “and that is very simple. If you strictly obey -the rules and regulations, you will be entitled to your -shoulder-straps.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_214"></a>[214]</span></p> - -<p>“How long before I can get them?” asked Tom.</p> - -<p>“Not until the first of next quarter. That will give -you two months in which to prepare for the examination. -Remember, now, that you are expected to read -the rules and regulations until you know just what to do, -and how to do it. You will find several copies of them -hung up in your dormitory, so that you can have them -close at hand for reference.”</p> - -<p>The professor then faced to the right, with as much -precision as if he had been standing in the ranks, with -a musket on his shoulder; going to his desk, he opened -a large book, which Tom thought looked like the ledger -in his father’s office; and, after turning over the leaves -for a moment, rang a bell, which was presently answered -by a servant belonging to the academy.</p> - -<p>“Thomas Newcombe, dormitory H, number thirteen,” -said the principal. “Now, you may go with this man, -and he will show you where you belong. I hope that I -shall soon be able to assign you new quarters, for the -students in that dormitory belong to the lowest class in -school.”</p> - -<p>Tom’s trunk, which contained his clothing, each article -of which was marked with his name, stood in the -hall, just outside the principal’s door. This the man -raised to his shoulder; and, after conducting Tom up -a flight of stairs, ushered him into a large, airy room. -This was dormitory H, which was destined to be the -new student’s quarters, not for a short time, as the principal -fondly hoped, but during his entire stay at the -academy. On both sides of the room, and at one end, -were arranged the beds belonging to the students. At -the left of the entrance, were two rooms, one of which<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_215"></a>[215]</span> -belonged to the assistant teacher, who had charge of the -dormitory, and the other to the officers commanding -that company. The dormitory was filled with students, -all of whom appeared to be busily engaged with their -books.</p> - -<p>The man conducted Tom between the two rows of -beds, until he arrived at the further end of the room, -where he stopped and pointed to a number painted on a -piece of tin, which was hung against the wall.</p> - -<p>“There’s number thirteen,” said he. “This bed belongs -to you.”</p> - -<p>As soon as the man had left the dormitory, some of -the students, who had been closely watching Tom, gathered -about him, as if they were impatient to make his -acquaintance. The latter felt somewhat embarrassed -when he found himself surrounded by so many strangers; -but, wishing to make a favorable impression upon them, -he tried hard to look unconcerned, and prepared to receive -their advances as graciously as possible.</p> - -<p>“How are you, my son?” began one of the boys.</p> - -<p>“My son!” repeated Tom, in astonishment.</p> - -<p>“Well, then, tell us what your name is? You are a -greeny, are you not?”</p> - -<p>“Now, see here,” drawled Tom, “I want you to quit -calling me greeny. I’ll tell the teacher if you don’t -look out.”</p> - -<p>This speech showed another trait in Tom’s character. -He was a “tell-tale;” and when he became involved in -trouble with any of his school-mates, he never undertook -to defend himself, but hurried off to lay the matter before -the teacher. It was evident that he intended to -continue the practice at the academy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_216"></a>[216]</span></p> - -<p>“You’ll tell the teacher, will you!” exclaimed the -boy who had first addressed him. “Then we have seen -enough of you. Let him alone, fellows; he’s a Spooney -and working for a commission.”</p> - -<p>At this moment, two boys entered the dormitory; and, -seeing the crowd gathered about Tom’s bed, they approached, -and worked their way through the students, -to obtain a view of the new-comer; and the latter was -delighted when he recognized Eugene Rich and Augustus -Miller, two of his very intimate friends, and members -of the society of Night-hawks. They expressed -much joy at meeting Tom. After they had shaken -hands with him, Rich turned to the boy who had called -the new student a “greeny,” exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“See here, Dick Martin, you had better mind what -you are about! Newcombe is an old friend of mine, -and if you know when you are well off, you won’t fool -with him much.”</p> - -<p>“That’s a fact,” said Miller. “Better apologize.”</p> - -<p>This put an entirely new aspect on the case. Tom -had already seen that he had made a blunder when he -threatened to “tell the teacher,” and he was wondering -how he could restore himself to favor. This could only -be done by a proper exhibition of “spunk,” which would -show the students that, although he had threatened to -appeal to the principal for protection, he still had the -ability to defend himself, and that he was one who could -not be tormented with impunity. Had he been left to -himself, he would not have known how to act; but when -he found that his two friends were ready to stand by -him, he suddenly became very courageous.</p> - -<p>“I certainly didn’t mean to insult him,” said Martin.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_217"></a>[217]</span> -“When I inquired if he was a greeny, I only wanted to -know if he had ever attended a military school before. -I take it all back.”</p> - -<p>“Better look out,” said Tom, shaking his head, threateningly. -“I don’t stand much nonsense.”</p> - -<p>“I always knew you were a spunky chap, Tom,” said -Miller. “But Martin didn’t mean anything. He’s -an old chum of mine; so shake hands and be friends.”</p> - -<p>Martin, accordingly extended his hand, which was accepted -by Tom, who drew himself up to his full height, -and thrust out his chest, to make himself appear as much -like a soldier as possible, at the same time favoring his -new friend with a glance which was intended to prove -the truth of what he had said but a moment before—that -he was a boy that “wouldn’t stand much nonsense.”</p> - -<p>“That’s right,” said Rich, who appeared to be a sort -of leader among his companions. “Now, sit down here, -Newcombe. You don’t know how often I have wished -for you,” he continued, as Tom seated himself on the bed. -“It’s lonesome here, and we want some brave, strong fellow -to propose some fun for us, and to help us out in it. -(Here Tom straightened himself up again, and assumed -what he considered to be a very reckless look, as if to -assure the students standing about that he was the very -fellow they wanted.) By the way, what are the Night-hawks -doing now?”</p> - -<p>Rich had been a member of the academy ever since -the commencement of the session (five months), and -during this time had never once been granted a furlough -for a single hour. He was a lazy, good-for-nothing -boy, more fond of mischief than of his books, and,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_218"></a>[218]</span> -as a consequence, he was always behindhand in his lessons; -and, from being the fifth in the highest class in -school, he had been “promoted backward,” until he -found himself in the lowest class but one in the academy. -He was too lazy to exert himself to regain his -lost position; he was up before a court-martial nearly -every month for some violation of the rules, and spent -more than half his time in working out the punishments -to which he was sentenced. His friend and right-hand -man, Miller, was often in the same predicament; and this -was the reason why they had never been allowed any -privileges. Miller had been a shining light among the -Night-hawks, holding the office of fourth colonel, while -Rich was a second lieutenant, in good standing; and, -having been confined so long, it was natural that they -should wish to hear from the young rogues about the -village.</p> - -<p>Tom, being well posted in the movements of the -Night-hawks, proceeded to give a glowing description -of their recent exploit. The students listened eagerly; -and Tom, finding himself surrounded by an appreciative -audience, “spread” himself to the best of his ability. -He was not mean enough to stoop to actual falsehood, but -he so exaggerated the achievements of the Night-hawks, -especially that portion of them in which he had been -engaged, that it left the impression on the minds of his -hearers that Tom had been the daring leader of a very -daring lot of fellows. After he had finished his story, he -expressed a desire to learn something about the life before -him, the duties that would be required of him, the -nature of his studies, and the extent of his privileges. -Rich volunteered to give him the information, but, just<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_219"></a>[219]</span> -as he was about to begin, some one near the door called -out, in a low tone:</p> - -<p>“Attention, company!”</p> - -<p>The effect of these words not a little surprised Tom, -for the boys all hurriedly left him, and running to their -beds, picked up their books, and in a moment all appeared -to be deeply interested in their studies. Rich -and Miller, who did not belong in that dormitory, and -who were disobeying the rules by being in there during -study hours, hastily retreated into the hall, and made the -best of their way to their own quarters. As Tom sat on -his bed, wondering at the strange behavior of the students, -a step was heard in the hall, and presently one -of the assistant teachers entered the dormitory. After -looking about the room a moment, to satisfy himself that -the boys were all at work, he called out—</p> - -<p>“Newcombe!”</p> - -<p>Tom, wondering what he was wanted for, arose from -his seat and looked at the teacher without answering.</p> - -<p>“Newcombe!” said the professor, in a louder tone.</p> - -<p>“Well, here I am!” exclaimed Tom—a reply that -caused a suppressed laughing among all the students in -the room.</p> - -<p>“Come here, Newcombe!” said the teacher; “and -hereafter, when you are called,” he continued, as Tom -approached him, “you will answer ‘Here, sir.’ Come -down into the school-room with me, and I will show -you your lessons.”</p> - -<p>The principal of the academy had learned something -of Tom’s past history from his father, and had also been -made acquainted with the fact that the boy had accomplished -absolutely nothing in his studies. This had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_220"></a>[220]</span> -been communicated to the assistant teacher, Mr. Hudson, -under whose charge Tom was placed, so that he -had no difficulty in determining to which class he -ought to assign the new student. His lessons for the -morrow, in all the different branches, were duly pointed -out to him; and Tom was again directed to carefully -read the rules and regulations, so that he might know -what hours of the day were devoted to study, and what -to recreation.</p> - -<p>“Now, Newcombe,” said the teacher, “you will begin -work to-morrow morning. Captain, Captain Preston!” -he added, in a louder tone, calling to a boy who at -that moment happened to pass through the hall, “step -here a moment, if you please.”</p> - -<p>The young officer entered the room, and the teacher -continued—</p> - -<p>“Here’s another raw recruit for you, captain. His -name is Newcombe, and he belongs to dormitory H, -number thirteen.”</p> - -<p>Captain Preston pulled a memorandum-book from -his pocket, and, after writing down Tom’s name and -number, he turned to the new student and said:</p> - -<p>“To-morrow afternoon, at three o’clock, I shall expect -to see you in the armory.”</p> - -<p>This was all the captain thought it was then necessary -to say; but it was enough to make Tom his enemy. -The officer was at least two years younger than the new -student, and the latter did not like the idea of being -obliged to obey his orders. Tom also noticed that the -teacher had addressed him in the most respectful -language; that he had said, “Step this way, <em>if you -please</em>,” and that was another thing that made him<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_221"></a>[221]</span> -angry. It also had the effect of making him more -determined than ever to get out of the ranks, if there -was any possible way for him to do it.</p> - -<p>As Tom started to return to his quarters, he heard -the roll of a drum calling the students to dress parade—an -exercise in which all the scholars who had learned -the manual of arms were required to engage. The -young soldiers came out of their rooms, and, after -taking their muskets from the armory, each company -was formed by its officers in front of the building, and -marched to the parade ground. The principal stood on -the porch watching these movements, and, when the -battalion was marched away, he followed it, accompanied -by Tom and a few more raw recruits, who were -not expected to join in the review.</p> - -<p>The students kept step admirably to the music of -drum and fife; every order was executed promptly and -without the least confusion; and Tom was delighted -with all he saw. When they reached the parade -ground, and the battalion had been drawn up in line, -Tom was astonished to discover that a boy about his -own age suddenly appeared and assumed the command. -After seeing that the line was properly formed, he -walked toward the principal, who stood a short distance -in front of the students, then faced about, executing -the movement with as much grace and precision as if -he had been a soldier all his life, and ordered the -battalion to “Present arms.” When the command had -been obeyed, he faced about again, and, after saluting -the principal with his sword, advanced and took a position -behind him. Tom closely watched all his movements, -and was finally obliged to confess to himself<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_222"></a>[222]</span> -that he had a great deal to learn before he could become -an officer.</p> - -<p>“Who is that fellow?” he asked, turning to one of -the raw recruits who stood beside him.</p> - -<p>“That’s Bill Steele, the adjutant,” was the answer. -“Isn’t he gay? He handles that sword like an old -cavalry man. He understands the broadsword exercise -to a dot. He’s our drill-master.”</p> - -<p>“Humph!” sneered the new student. “He isn’t -much.”</p> - -<p>The raw recruit had spoken in the highest terms of -the adjutant, and that was something Tom could not -endure, for it seemed to widen the gulf which he saw -lay between him and the coveted commission. Although -he had said that the officer “wasn’t much,” -Tom really thought he was a great deal. He admired -his graceful movements and his soldierly bearing—two -things which he knew that it was impossible for him -to imitate. Being entirely unacquainted with the relative -rank of the officers, he thought no more about his -captain’s shoulder-straps just then. He wanted to be -the officer that had the most authority; consequently -he envied the adjutant, and he made up his mind that, -in a very short time, Bill Steele would be obliged to -take a lower position, while he would assume the honors -himself. But, as the parade progressed, Tom again -began to doubt his ability to obtain any office, for he -heard so many orders issued that it did not seem possible -that he could ever learn them all.</p> - -<p>“How long does it take a fellow to get the hang of -this business?” he asked, turning to the raw recruit.</p> - -<p>“Not long,” was the answer. “I’ve been here only<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_223"></a>[223]</span> -three weeks, and I’ll go on dress parade next Monday. -There are not many in the academy that can beat me -handling a musket or a broadsword.”</p> - -<p>This, in some measure, reassured Tom, who again -turned his attention to the parade. When it was concluded, -the companies were marched back to the armory, -and the work for the day was over until seven o’clock -that evening. As soon as the students had taken care -of their weapons, some of them started toward the gymnasium, -some went back to the parade-ground to engage -in a game of ball, a few studious ones resumed their -books, while others prepared to idle away the time under -the trees. Among the latter was Tom Newcombe, -who had been joined by Martin, Rich, and Miller.</p> - -<p>“Well, old fellow, what do you think of the academy?” -asked the latter, as he threw himself on the -grass beside Tom.</p> - -<p>“It’s splendid,” replied the new student.</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Martin, with a laugh, “it is splendid, if -you have nothing to do but stand by, with your hands -in your pockets, and look on. You forget the two hours’ -daily drill, with muskets and broadswords.”</p> - -<p>“And our long, difficult lessons, with six hours’ hard -study,” chimed in Rich.</p> - -<p>“And the guard-house,” said Miller, who had once -spent two weeks in that pleasant abode, for attempting -to desert the academy.</p> - -<p>“The guard-house!” repeated Tom.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; the prison,” said Miller, “with nothing but -bread-and-water diet.”</p> - -<p>“But I’m going to be an officer!” said the new student.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_224"></a>[224]</span></p> - -<p>“Now, now, Newcombe; none of that!” exclaimed -all the boys in a breath.</p> - -<p>“Don’t be a Spooney,” said Martin.</p> - -<p>“O, now, look here,” drawled Tom, “I want you to -quit calling me Spooney.”</p> - -<p>“He didn’t say you were a Spooney,” interposed Rich; -“he told you not to be one. You are too honorable to -want to be an officer, when I tell you that the last one -of them is a Spooney. The only way they get their -positions is by toadying to the colonel—that’s the -principal, you know. They are regular tell-tales; and -if you don’t want to be punished, you must be careful -what you say before them, for every word you utter will -go straight to the colonel’s ears. In fact, there are but -a very few boys in the academy that a decent fellow -can trust. I was an officer once—I was second lieutenant -of Company A; and, as I have been behind the -curtain, I know just how affairs are conducted. If I -wanted a commission, I would loaf about the grounds -until I heard some fellow complaining about something, -and then I would go and tell the colonel of it. I could -easily exchange my musket for a sword by doing that; -but wouldn’t you call it a mean trick?”</p> - -<p>“Yes I would,” replied Tom, emphatically. But the -truth was, he thought if he could earn a shoulder-strap -as easily as that, he would not hesitate to do it; and he -treasured up this last remark of Rich’s for future consideration.</p> - -<p>“But I thought a fellow couldn’t be an officer unless -he obeyed all the rules and regulations,” said Tom, at -length.</p> - -<p>“O, that’s all in your eye,” replied Martin. “The<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_225"></a>[225]</span> -colonel stuffs every new student, and he has been trying -his hand on you; I can see that without specs. Now, -there’s Jim Williams, the captain of our company. I’ve -known him to fail in his lessons day after day; and yet, -at the end of the quarter, he has more extras than any -other fellow in the class. I’ve seen him come on the -parade-ground with dust on his boots, and his belt -soiled; but I never knew him to lose any thing by it. -If Rich, or Miller, or I, had been in his place, we would -have had two hours’ guard duty at night with bricks in -our knapsacks. The amount of the matter is, that the -colonel has his favorites, and they can do as they please; -but the others must stand from under.”</p> - -<p>“Well, now, this beats me,” drawled Tom, after he -had thought the matter over. “I always was the unluckiest -boy in the whole world. I never can do any -thing like other fellows, for something is always happening -to bother me.”</p> - -<p>“Why, what’s the matter now?” asked Rich.</p> - -<p>“O, I wanted to be an officer; but I can’t.”</p> - -<p>“Of course you can’t,” was the answer. “As I said -before, you are too honorable to be an officer, and the -sooner you get that ridiculous idea out of your head, -the better it will be for you. But, boys, let’s take a -walk about the grounds. I want to introduce Newcombe -to the fellows in our set.”</p> - -<p>So saying, Rich arose from the ground and led the -way toward the gymnasium, where some of the students -were exercising their muscles, under the direction of -one of the teachers.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_226"></a>[226]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">TOM WANTS TO BE COLONEL.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap17.jpg" alt="H" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">HAD Tom been allowed to have his own way, -he would have packed his trunk and left the -academy with the least possible delay. He -was already very much disappointed in it, for -he had found it widely different from what he imagined -it to be. He had hoped that he should find the students -far below him in their studies, (although he himself did -not know how that could be possible,) so that he could, -without the least trouble or exertion, take his shoulder-straps -and assume the honors of an officer, without having -any one to oppose him. But the parade he had just -witnessed had discouraged him, and had also convinced -him that if he expected to take a high position among -those sharp, lively students, he must work hard for it. -He was quite willing to believe what his friends had -told him—that the officers owed their positions not to -the number of merit marks they obtained, but to favoritism; -and, after thinking the matter over, he was induced -to make a slight change in his programme. He -had assured his father that he would work hard for a -commission, but that was entirely unnecessary now, for -his great object must be to secure the good-will of the -principal. Without that his efforts would be utterly<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_227"></a>[227]</span> -useless. But how should he accomplish this? The remark -his friend Rich had made, clearly pointed out the -way, and he determined to win the favor of the principal -by playing the contemptible part of tale-bearer. -In order to further his designs, he desired to make the -acquaintance of the adjutant. He resolved to be with -him as much as possible, to listen to every word that -fell from his lips, and, if he could detect him in making -any disrespectful remark about the teachers or the -academy, he would carry it straight to the colonel. By -this means, he was confident that he should be able to -disgrace the adjutant; and the principal, to reward him -for keeping so close a watch upon the interests of the -academy, would certainly appoint him in his stead.</p> - -<p>“That will be the way to do it,” said Tom, delighted -with the idea. “Push yourself up in the world, even -if you have to pull somebody down in doing it. That’s -my motto.”</p> - -<p>A few moments serious consideration ought to have -shown the new student that his plan never could succeed. -Suppose the principal did break the adjutant! -What chance was there for Tom to receive the appointment, -when he did not even understand the manual of -arms? But Tom did not stop to think of this. He -wanted to be an officer, the highest in rank in the academy; -and, having decided upon the course he ought to -pursue in order to accomplish his object, he held to it -with the tenacity of a bull-dog.</p> - -<p>Tom walked with his companions toward the gymnasium, -and, as they entered the building, the first object -that attracted his attention was the adjutant, who, -having performed some evolutions on the parallel bars,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_228"></a>[228]</span> -stood leaning against a post with his arms folded, waiting -to recover his breath after his violent exercise.</p> - -<p>“Rich,” whispered Tom, “give me an introduction to -that officer!”</p> - -<p>“What, that Spooney?” exclaimed Rich, in surprise. -“If that’s your game, Newcombe, we might as well -break ranks first as last. If you are going to be friends -with those fellows, we don’t want any thing more to do -with you. The set won’t like it.”</p> - -<p>Under almost any other circumstances, Tom would -have hesitated before incurring the displeasure of Rich -and his companions; but if he accomplished the object -he had in view, it would, he thought, more than make -amends for the loss of their friendship. So he replied:</p> - -<p>“I don’t belong to the set yet, and I don’t care -whether they like it or not. I know what I am about.”</p> - -<p>“So do I,” said Miller. “You’re going back on us; -that’s what you are about. I didn’t think that of you, -Newcombe.”</p> - -<p>“Better keep away from every one that wears a shoulder-strap,” -said Martin; “you’ll only get yourself into -trouble if you do not.”</p> - -<p>Tom, seeing that they were not disposed to assist him -in making the acquaintance of the adjutant, walked off, -leaving his three friends vexed and disappointed. They -disliked the idea of his becoming intimate with the -young officer, for he was one whose influence and example -had won more than one student from the “set;” -and knowing that Tom could be easily led in any direction, -besides being unacquainted with the object he had -in view, they feared that they were about to lose him -forever. It was too late to recall him, however, for<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_229"></a>[229]</span> -Tom walked straight up to the adjutant, who extended -his hand, saying:</p> - -<p>“Your name is Newcombe, isn’t it? I thought so. -I have heard of you,” he continued, as he led the new -student to a seat; “and a few moments ago the colonel -ordered me to take charge of you. I am to drill you -in the broadsword exercise. I know it isn’t exactly -my place to act the part of a drill-master, but I am -comparatively a new student here; and, as I am working -for something higher, I want to improve every opportunity -to learn my duties.”</p> - -<p>“You are working for something higher!” repeated -Tom, in surprise. “Why, I thought you were the -highest officer in the academy.”</p> - -<p>“O, no!” replied the adjutant, with a laugh. “A -captain ranks me. Look here!” he added, taking his -coat down from a nail over his head, “I have only -one bar in my shoulder-strap, you see, while a captain -has two. I am only a first lieutenant.”</p> - -<p>Upon hearing this, Tom thought that he had no -desire to become better acquainted with the adjutant. -If he was nothing but a first lieutenant, he might keep -his position, and welcome. He did not want it; he must -have something higher. His next step must be to -scrape an acquaintance with some captain, and try his -designs upon him. As he arose to his feet, intending -to act upon his resolve without delay, an idea struck -him; and, turning to the adjutant, who was somewhat -surprised at his strange behavior, he asked if the rank -of captain was the highest in the academy.</p> - -<p>“O, no, not by a long way!” was the answer. “First -comes the colonel—that’s the principal, you know. If<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_230"></a>[230]</span> -he wore a uniform, he would have eagles in his shoulder-straps. -But, as he never wears any thing but citizen’s -clothes, he allows the lieutenant-colonel to sport the -eagles. The lieutenant-colonel is the best scholar in -school, and the highest in rank. I tell you, it takes -merit-marks, and the hardest kind of study, to get that -position. Every body is working for it, but George -Smith holds the honors and the eagles in spite of us. -Next comes the major. He’s the second best scholar, -and wears a silver leaf. Here comes the colonel now!” -he continued, as a tall, pale-looking youth advanced -toward them. “He’s a fine fellow, and I know you’ll -like him.”</p> - -<p>When the colonel came up, the new student was -introduced to him; and, when Tom saw the silver eagles -he wore on his shoulders, he made up his mind that he -had got hold of the right man at last. The young -colonel appeared to be a very jovial fellow, and talked -and laughed at such a rate that Tom soon began to feel -perfectly at home in his company.</p> - -<p>The hours from four until six in the afternoon were -devoted to recreation, and all the students were then off -duty. No respect was shown to rank during “play-time,” -but the boys all met on a footing of perfect -equality. To the officers, especially, this was a season -of relief; for, being free from military restraint, they -were at liberty to throw off their assumed dignity, and -mingle freely with their companions. Tom, however, -had not been at the academy long enough to understand -this, and he was astonished that one so high in authority -as was the colonel, should condescend to laugh and joke -with his inferiors. He thought that when he should<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_231"></a>[231]</span> -be entitled to wear the eagles, he would stand more on -his dignity.</p> - -<p>Tom could be a very pleasant companion if he chose, -and, having now laid his plans against the colonel, he -exerted himself to the utmost to work his way into his -good graces. He resolved to carry out his ideas immediately, -and commenced by requesting the officer to -give him some instructions in his duties, hoping that -he would accidentally let fall some word derogatory to -the character of the academy or of the teachers. He -watched him as closely as ever a cat watched a mouse, -but all in vain. The colonel uttered no expression that -could be used against him; but, on the contrary, he -appeared to be perfectly contented, and satisfied with -every thing in and about the academy. Finally, becoming -weary of exercise in the gymnasium, the colonel -put on his coat and strolled about the grounds with -Tom, who, thinking that if any thing was said that -would be of use to him, it would be necessary to have -a witness to prove the fact, managed to keep the -adjutant with him. The two officers, who, of course, -never imagined what was passing in Tom’s mind, good -naturedly answered his questions, gave him all necessary -instructions, and not a little good advice. While thus -engaged, the ringing of a bell called them in to supper.</p> - -<p>“Now go to your dormitory and march down into -the dining-room with your company!” said the colonel. -“Don’t forget what we have told you. Study hard, -obey all the rules and regulations, and go in strong for -a commission. I would like to see you an officer.”</p> - -<p>“So would I,” said Tom to himself, as he ran up the -stairs toward his dormitory. “But I’ll bet I don’t<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_232"></a>[232]</span> -study very hard for it. I know an easier way to get -it; and, if you don’t look out, Colonel Smith, I’ll have -those silver eagles on my shoulders in less than a -month.”</p> - -<p>When the students belonging to dormitory H had -all assembled, they were formed in line by a sergeant, -and marched two abreast down into the dining hall—a -large room, in which there were spread a sufficient -number of tables to accommodate all the boys at once. -When Tom had been shown to the seat he was to -occupy, he looked about him, and discovered that his -mess-table was but a short distance from the one occupied -by the officers. The lieutenant-colonel sat at the -head of the table, the major on his right hand, the -ranking captain on his left, and so on down to the foot. -Tom thought that matters could not have been arranged -to suit him better, for, after listening a moment, he -found that, in spite of the clatter of knives and forks, -and the conversation going on all around him, he could -distinctly hear every word uttered by the lieutenant-colonel. -The latter, little dreaming how closely he was -watched, talked and laughed with the officers, but, to -Tom’s disappointment and disgust, said not a single -word against either the teachers or the academy. This -was very discouraging, for Tom, having decided to be -a colonel, wished to assume the honors as soon as possible.</p> - -<p>At length there was a lull in the conversation, and the -major, who had been closely examining his glass of milk, -set it down before the colonel, saying:</p> - -<p>“Smith, don’t you believe there’s water in that -milk? Just see how blue it looks.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_233"></a>[233]</span></p> - -<p>The colonel took the glass, and holding it up to the -light, slowly turned it about, and finally, set it down -on the table again, Tom all the while closely watching -his motions, and impatiently waiting for his reply. It -came at length, and the new student almost jumped -from his chair with delight.</p> - -<p>“I know there is water in it,” said the colonel. -“That milk-man is swindling us. Let’s catch him -some day, and duck him in the harbor.”</p> - -<p>“That would be unofficer-like conduct,” said the major, -“and a court-martial would be the result.”</p> - -<p>“O, hang your courts-martial,” said the colonel, who -had engaged in so many that he was really tired of -them. “I wish such a thing wasn’t known in this -academy.”</p> - -<p>Here the subject of the conversation was changed; -but Tom, who had listened almost breathlessly to every -word of it, had, he conceived, heard enough to warrant -him in making an effort to dislodge the colonel from -his high position. The officer had said that there was -water in the milk, had proposed to duck the milk-man, -and had exclaimed, “Hang your courts-martial!” and, -if that was not speaking ill of the academy, Tom thought -he would like to know what was. Improbable as it may -seem, he was highly elated, and he fully expected that -he would soon be occupying the chair at the head of the -officers’ table. If he was foolish, he was but a type of -a large class of boys—and men, too—who, upon equally -insignificant grounds, have reared just such great expectations.</p> - -<p>Tom was hungry when he sat down to the table, but -that had all passed away now, for he had something<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_234"></a>[234]</span> -better to occupy his mind. He resolved to seek the -principal immediately, and lay the matter before him. -So, pushing his chair back from the table, he was about -to walk out of the room, when a sergeant, belonging to -his company, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Newcombe, where are you going? Sit down!”</p> - -<p>“I have business with the principal,” answered Tom, -“and I am in a great hurry to see him.”</p> - -<p>“Well, it is not customary for students to go out in -that unceremonious manner,” said the sergeant. “We’ll -all go before long; but, if you want to go now, you’ll -have to ask the lieutenant-colonel’s permission.”</p> - -<p>“I won’t do that!” said Tom to himself, as he reluctantly -returned to his seat at the table. “If I don’t request -favors of him now, he can’t ask them of me when I -become colonel. I’ll fix you,” he muttered, looking toward -the sergeant, who, he thought, had addressed him -rather too abruptly. “I’ll take those stripes off your -arm the very first thing I do. You are not fit to be an -officer.”</p> - -<p>Tom was very indignant at being obliged to remain -in his seat until all the students had finished their suppers. -It was a regulation he did not like, neither could -he see that it was of any use. As soon as the colonel’s -straps were on his shoulders, he would ask the principal -to abolish the rule. This, he thought, would serve to -render him very popular with the students, several of -whom, he noticed, having satisfied their appetites, were -impatient at being required to wait for their companions. -They were not compelled to wait long, however, for -presently the order was given for the students to return -to their quarters. Tom’s company was the last that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_235"></a>[235]</span> -marched out; and, as soon as they reached the dormitory, -and the command had been given to break ranks, -Tom started below, to see the principal.</p> - -<p>“Newcombe!” shouted the sergeant, from the head -of the stairs, “where are you going?”</p> - -<p>“I told you once before to-night that I wanted to see -the principal,” said Tom, impatient at being delayed.</p> - -<p>“It is time to begin study, now,” said the sergeant. -“Is your business important?”</p> - -<p>“Yes!” answered the new student; “it is very important.”</p> - -<p>“Go ahead, then; but return as soon as you can, for -I am responsible for you now until you make your appearance -in the school-room.”</p> - -<p>“I’ll break that fellow the minute I am colonel,” -said Tom, as he hurried along the hall. “He sha’n’t -be an officer any longer.”</p> - -<p>Arriving at the principal’s apartment, he pounded -loudly upon the door; and, after a few moments’ delay, -a voice from the inside bade him enter. The new student -opened the door, and found himself in the presence -of the principal, who greeted him with:</p> - -<p>“Newcombe, this is a very unusual hour for a student -to visit me. You ought to be at work at your lessons.”</p> - -<p>“I know it, sir,” replied Tom; “but I have something -very important to say to you.”</p> - -<p>The principal did not exhibit the curiosity that the -new student had imagined he would, for he answered:</p> - -<p>“I will listen to you this time, but hereafter, when -you wish to see me on business, you must do so when I -visit your dormitory in the morning. But what were -you going to say?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_236"></a>[236]</span></p> - -<p>Tom’s expectations were considerable dampened by -the stern, dignified demeanor of the principal, and, for a -moment, he wished that he had never envied the colonel, -for he began to fear that, perhaps, his success was rather -doubtful after all. But it was too late to retreat; and, -summing up all his courage, Tom replied:</p> - -<p>“I have been informed, sir—the fact is, the lieutenant-colonel -says your milk-man puts water in the milk.”</p> - -<p>The principal was evidently very much astonished at -this revelation, for he settled back in his chair, and -looked at the new student without speaking.</p> - -<p>“Yes, sir; he said it!” continued Tom, who fancied -that he saw something encouraging in the principal’s -look. “I heard him, and I can bring plenty of witnesses -to prove it. He also proposed to catch the milk-man -and duck him in the harbor; and when one of the boys -told him that he would be court-martialed if he did, -he said, ‘Hang your courts-martial.’ I don’t like to -hear any body run down the school; and if you will -give me those eagles, I’ll make the boys stop talking -that way.”</p> - -<p>Tom had reached the point at last. In so many -words, he had requested that the lieutenant-colonel might -be broken, and the eagles given to him. He imagined -that he had done the principal a great kindness in thus -exposing an unworthy officer, and he hoped that the -zeal he had manifested in watching over the interests of -the academy, would insure him the coveted eagles. He -fully expected that such would be the result, for he did -not see how it could be otherwise. If the colonel -wished to reward honest, well-meaning pupils, that was -the time to show it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_237"></a>[237]</span></p> - -<p>“Newcombe!” said the principal, sternly, “you have -made a very bad beginning. You have been in the -academy scarcely three hours, and yet you begin to -carry tales. If you hoped to gain any thing by it, you -will be sadly disappointed. I will see you again tomorrow -morning. That will do, sir.”</p> - -<p>Tom was utterly confounded. He had staked all his -hopes on the result of this interview with the colonel, -and he had, indeed, been most sadly disappointed. -Choking back a great lump that seemed to be rising in -his throat, he picked up his cap, walked slowly out of -the principal’s room, and ascended to his quarters.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_238"></a>[238]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">TOM HAS AN IDEA.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap18.jpg" alt="T" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">TOM had made a desperate effort to raise himself -from the ranks to the position of an officer, -but he had signally failed. He did not -feel angry, but he was astonished to discover -that his magnificent plan, which, at the beginning, had -held out such bright promises of success, had so completely -miscarried. He could not understand it. He -repeatedly assured himself that he had used his best endeavors -to uphold the honor and dignity of the academy; -but, as was invariably the case with him, he had -been unsuccessful; and it was all owing to the fact that -his efforts had not been appreciated. In fact, nobody -ever appreciated any thing he tried to accomplish. Do -what he would, some one was always ready to scold and -find fault with him; and, with Tom’s amazement, there -was mingled not a little disappointment. The eagles, -which he so confidently expected would soon adorn his -own shoulders, was still the property of one, who, in his -estimation, was most unworthy of them, and, at present, -he could discover no means of securing their possession. -This, he imagined, afforded him abundant proof that -what Rich had told him was true—that the officers held -their positions through favoritism. The lieutenant-colonel<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_239"></a>[239]</span> -was undoubtedly the principal’s favorite; and all -attempts to wrest the eagles from him, especially while -he could rely upon the assistance of so powerful a -friend as the professor, would be useless. This discouraged -Tom, who now began to realize the fact that -his chances for obtaining a shoulder-strap were very -slim indeed.</p> - -<p>As these thoughts passed through the new student’s -mind, he entered his dormitory, where he was again -confronted by the sergeant, who informed him that he -was wanted down stairs. Scarcely comprehending what -was said to him, Tom retraced his steps to the hall, and -finally found his way into the school-room, where all -the students were congregated, engaged in studying -their lessons for the morrow. Tom took the seat pointed -out to him, and listlessly picking up his arithmetic, he -fastened his eyes on the page, (although, in his bewilderment, -he did not notice that he held the book upside -down,) and again pondered upon what had transpired -during his interview with the principal.</p> - -<p>“Now, what shall I do?” he soliloquized. “I have -tried, many a time during my life, to do a teacher a -kindness, but I’ll never do it again as long as I live. -The academy may go to ruin for all I care. This isn’t -the first time I have been called a tale-bearer for trying -to follow the ‘golden rule’—doing as I would be done -by. If any one should speak ill of me, in the presence -of a friend, wouldn’t I want that friend to come and tell -me of it? Of course I would, and I would reward him -for it if I could. But the principal don’t look at it in -that light. He has his favorites, and he is determined -that he won’t hear any thing said against them. He has<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_240"></a>[240]</span> -no honor about him. He’s the meanest man I ever saw -and I’ll never try to help him again. And I’ve got to -stay here almost five months! O, I can’t be a soldier!”</p> - -<p>During the entire hour and a half that the students -were required to remain at their books, Tom’s mind was -so fully occupied with such thoughts as these, that, when -he returned to his dormitory, he knew no more about -his lessons than he did when he first entered the school-room. -But he was not at all concerned about that, for -a more important matter was demanding his attention, -and that was the interview that the principal had promised -him in the morning. What would the colonel do -with him? Tom almost gasped as he asked himself this -question, for he thought of the guard-house, with “bread-and-water -diet,” and the “two hours extra duty at night, -with bricks in his knapsack.” But there was no escaping -his punishment, whatever it might be, and Tom, at -last, resolved to “stand and take it like a man.” When -he awoke in the morning, he repeated this determination, -which was accompanied by a wish that the colonel would -“be in a hurry about it, and not keep him waiting.” -He was not kept long in suspense, however, for just as -he finished his breakfast, an orderly informed him that -the principal desired his presence in the school-room.</p> - -<p>“Aha, Newcombe!” whispered Rich, who at that -moment happened to pass through the hall, and who -saw, by Tom’s looks, that something was wrong, “you -are going to be hauled over the coals, are you? I knew -just how it would be when I saw you talking with those -Spooneys last night. I guess you’ll pay more attention -to a friend’s advice in the future.”</p> - -<p>Tom tried hard to muster up courage enough to enable<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_241"></a>[241]</span> -him to pass through the interview in an easy, unconcerned -manner, but the attempt was a complete failure; -for, when he found himself in the presence of the -principal, he trembled and turned pale in spite of himself. -To his surprise, however, he was not sentenced -to the guard-house, neither was he obliged to perform -extra duty, but he listened to a lecture on tale-bearing -that made him ashamed of himself. It was a difficult -matter, however, to convince Tom that he was in -the wrong; and when he left the school-room, he repeated -the conclusion at which he had arrived the night before, -that the principal was “the meanest man he ever -saw.” He congratulated himself on escaping so easily, -but it was not long before he almost wished that he had -been shut up in the guard-house, so that he might have -avoided what followed. First came half an hour’s drill, -with muskets, which disgusted Tom, and made him -wonder why he had ever been so foolish as to think of -becoming a soldier. Then came an hour’s hard study, -and, after that, his arithmetic lesson, in which, as was -to be expected, he failed completely. This was followed -by exercise with the broadswords, during which -Tom whispered to the boy who stood next to him, that -“Bill Steele threw on a heap of style for one who was -nothing but a first lieutenant.” This brought him a -caution from the adjutant, who desired Tom to pay -more attention to what was going on, and postpone his -talking until after drill hours. Taking all things into -consideration, Tom thought that he had never before -passed such a long and disagreeable day. The discipline -was very strict; and, on more than one occasion, -Tom was sent to his dormitory to read the rules and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_242"></a>[242]</span> -regulations, in order that he might know that he had -violated some of them. The lessons were long and difficult, -the drills tedious and uninteresting; and long before -play-time arrived he had repeatedly assured some of his -class-mates that he had “seen enough of the military -school.” When dress-parade was over, Tom, in no amiable -frame of mind, took his seat under one of the trees, -where he was soon joined by his three friends.</p> - -<p>“Well, Newcombe!” said Rich, “what did the old -colonel say to you? Did he give you a blowing up?”</p> - -<p>“O, yes he did!” replied the new student. Then, -fearing that his companions might inquire into the -matter, he added: “Boys, you had better look out! -There’s an awful story-teller in the school!”</p> - -<p>“Now, that’s just what we told you!” said Miller, -who, of course, little imagined that Tom himself was -the tale-bearer. “We warned you to keep away from -every one wearing a shoulder-strap, but you wouldn’t -pay any attention to us. You always were a bull-headed -rascal, and I don’t pity you in the least.”</p> - -<p>“But we haven’t got any thing against you!” chimed -in Rich. “If you will fall in with us, we’ll keep you -out of all such difficulties. You see we have been here -long enough to know all the ropes, and you won’t lose -any thing by taking our advice.”</p> - -<p>“I am the unluckiest boy in the whole world,” said -Tom. “I’m always getting into trouble. I may as -well stick to you now, because I never can be an officer.”</p> - -<p>“Of course you can’t. We told you that before. -But, Newcombe, we’ve got something to propose to you. -Martin, just excuse us a moment.”</p> - -<p>So saying, Rich and Miller took Tom by the arm,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_243"></a>[243]</span> -and, after leading him to an unfrequented part of the -ground, the latter continued:</p> - -<p>“Newcombe, we have been thinking of admitting -some new members to our society. There are eleven -good fellows here, and we should like to see them -brought in. Our constitution provides that any two -officers, higher than the rank of captain, may admit as -many as they please. You, being grand commander, -and I a fourth colonel, the job can be easily done. I -know there is not much prospect now that it will ever -be of any use to them, but there is no knowing what -may happen.”</p> - -<p>“Bring them in!” said Tom, who was ready to join -in any thing that would occupy his mind, and drive -out the remembrance of his day’s experience. “Go -and get them Rich—one at a time.”</p> - -<p>The latter at once started off to hunt up the boys -belonging to the “set,” and presently Martin approached -the place where Tom and Miller were standing, and -made known his desire to be admitted as a member of -the society.</p> - -<p>“Take off your cap,” said Tom, who, by virtue of his -high rank, conducted the proceedings. “Now, Richard -Martin, do you solemnly promise that, if you are admitted -to this society, you will obey its rules and regulations?”</p> - -<p>“I do!” answered Martin.</p> - -<p>“Well, then,” continued the grand commander, -“listen to the constitution by which you will be governed.”</p> - -<p>So saying, Tom, after having removed his own cap, -and cast his eye about the grounds to see that no one<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_244"></a>[244]</span> -was within hearing, drew a paper from his pocket, and -read, in a whisper, as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>We, the boys of the village of Newport, in order to -form a more perfect union, protect ourselves from all -outsiders, promote harmony and good feeling, provide -for our defense against those who have proved themselves -unworthy of our friendship, do ordain and establish -this constitution for the Night-hawks.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Article I.</span> Believing, as we firmly do, that all -monarchies and aristocracies are bound to be overthrown, -the government of this society shall be democratic. -The majority shall always rule.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Article II.</span> No boy shall be admitted as a member -of this society, who has once proved unfaithful to his -promise, or who shall not bind himself to obey all its -rules and regulations, strive to promote peace and -harmony among the members, and carefully guard all -its secrets from outsiders.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Article III.</span> In order to fully carry out the objects -of this society, every member, upon admittance, shall -receive the appointment of corporal. All Night-hawks -shall be officers in the line of promotion, and daring -exploits shall not be passed unnoticed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Article IV.</span> New members may be admitted by any -two officers of higher rank than captain, upon recommendation -of at least two members in good standing.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Article V.</span> When any member is known to be in -trouble, it shall be the duty of all to hasten to his -relief. As prosperity makes friends, and adversity tries -them, all good Night-hawks will stick to each other -through thick and thin. No member, who refuses to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_245"></a>[245]</span> -render prompt assistance to a companion in adversity -shall be considered a good Night-hawk.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Article VI.</span> This constitution may be amended by -a two-thirds vote of all the members of the society.</p> -</div> - -<p>“There!” said Tom, when he had finished reading -the document, “do you again promise to faithfully obey -this constitution?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied Martin, “I’ll stick to what I said in -the first place. But I don’t see what good such a society -will do us here.”</p> - -<p>“There’s no knowing what may turn up,” said Tom. -“You may see the use of it before you are many weeks -older. Now I will give you a certificate. As you are -a stranger here, you won’t know the village boys when -you meet them; so, besides the signs and pass-words -which we shall teach you presently, it will be necessary -for you to have something to show.”</p> - -<p>As Tom spoke, he drew his memorandum-book from -his pocket, and, tearing out a leaf, handed it to Miller, -who drew up the following certificate of membership:</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>“This certifies that Corporal Richard Martin has, this -day (Tuesday, August 14th) been admitted as a member -of our society, and that he is entitled to all the rights -and privileges of a Night-hawk. Members are instructed -to treat him with the usual respect.”</p> -</div> - -<p>When Tom and Miller had affixed their signatures to -the document, the former handed it to Martin, saying: -“Now, then, whenever you come across a Night-hawk, -give him that paper, and he’ll use you like a gentleman. -Bring on the next.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_246"></a>[246]</span></p> - -<p>One by one the boys belonging to the “set” came forward, -and were admitted with all due solemnity. In -half an hour they had all been initiated; and, after drawing -them up in a line, Tom began to teach them the -signs and pass-words. Some of the boys were pleased -with the society, while others, like Martin, declared that -they “couldn’t see the use of it.” However, they all -promised to obey the rules and regulations; and, when -the business had been transacted, the Night-hawks were -dismissed.</p> - -<p>For three weeks Tom led a most unhappy life at the -academy. His lessons were long and difficult; but he -really tried to master them, and to obey all the rules, -for he feared the punishment that would be inflicted -upon him in case of failure. He had so long given way -to his careless habits, however, that it was almost an -impossibility for him to conform to all the regulations. -Just at the moment when he conceived that he was -making rapid progress, he would suddenly find himself -in some difficulty. One afternoon, after he had learned -the manual of arms, and was ordered to attend dress -parade, he could not find his musket. He was certain -that he had put it carefully in its proper place; and, -when brought up before the principal, he informed that -gentleman that it had been taken by some of the students, -who wished to play a joke upon him. But, when -the matter was investigated, it was found that the missing -musket had been picked up in the yard by one of -the teachers. Then Tom remembered that, while engaged -in cleaning the weapon, he had been summoned -to his class, and that he had thrown the musket down, -intending to return for it as soon as he had recited his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_247"></a>[247]</span> -lesson. But he had forgotten all about it, and the musket -was put into what the boys called the “lucky bag.” Of -course there was more than one careless student in the -academy; and, to teach them to pay more attention to -their duties, any articles that were found lying about the -building or grounds, were taken care of by the teachers, -and the owner was obliged to undergo some slight punishment -as a penalty. Such articles as knives, foot-balls, -and bats were often mislaid, but no one had ever before -heard of a musket being lost, and the colonel thought -the offense called for some extra punishment. So that -night Tom was put on guard duty, and was obliged to -walk his beat for two hours, with his musket on his -shoulder, and a heavy knapsack on his back. This was -the first time he had been punished while at the academy, -and his rage knew no bounds. When he came off -guard he went to bed, resolved that he would stay in the -school no longer. If his offense had been a serious one, -he would not have cared any thing about it; but compelling -a boy to stand two hours’ extra guard duty just -because he lost his musket, was carrying matters altogether -too far. He wouldn’t stand it.</p> - -<p>But there was another thing that was a source of -great trouble to Tom just then, and that was the examination -that was fast approaching, and of which he had -that day received a vivid and glowing description from -his two friends, Rich and Miller. These reviews were -held twice each year, and, when they were ended, the -students went into camp—or, rather, that part of them -who passed the required examination. The others remained -at the academy “under arrest.” While the successful -scholars were enjoying themselves, they were deprived<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_248"></a>[248]</span> -of all liberty, and required to continue the regular -routine of study and drill.</p> - -<p>To have their names placed on the list with those -who were to be permitted to go into camp, was the -highest ambition of all the scholars in the academy. -They worked harder for it than they did for shoulder-straps. -The camping-grounds were situated about nine -miles from the village, in a beautiful valley, through -which ran a clear, dancing trout brook. In going to and -from these grounds the students were commanded by their -own officers, had their baggage-train, which contained -their knapsacks, provisions, and camp equipage, and conducted -themselves in all respects like an army on a -march. Skirmishers were occasionally thrown out, as -if “feeling” an enemy’s position; invisible foes were -charged and routed, and imaginary breastworks were -carried at the point of the bayonet. While in camp all -study was suspended, and no work, except guard duty -was required of the students. Those off duty were allowed -furloughs, and trout fishing was the order of the -day. In short, even the laziest students acknowledged -that two weeks’ liberty among the hills more than made -amends for three months hard study. All this, we repeat, -had been described to Tom, and it was no wonder -that he looked forward to the examination with rather -an anxious eye. He had assured his father that he -would appear at the next camp wearing an officer’s -uniform; but he had given up all hopes of being able -to fulfill his promise. Instead of resolving to go earnestly -to work to win the coveted shoulder-straps, and, -acting upon his resolution, he began to look about to -discover some way by which he might be able to avoid<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_249"></a>[249]</span> -the examination, which he knew would result in his being -obliged to remain at the academy.</p> - -<p>For the next two days, Tom was in a fever of excitement. -He took no interest whatever in his duties, but -spent all his time in thinking and planning. One day, -during play-hours, he paid a visit to Miller and Rich; -and while in their dormitory, he picked up an old newspaper -that happened to be lying on the latter’s bed, and, -while glancing listlessly over its columns, his eye fell -upon a paragraph that instantly arrested his attention.</p> - -<p>“Aha!” he exclaimed, after reading it over and over -several times, in order to fully comprehend its meaning. -“I say, Rich, do you care if I tear a piece out of this -paper?”</p> - -<p>“No!” replied the latter, looking up in surprise. -“But what’s in the wind now?”</p> - -<p>“O, nothing!” answered Tom, hastily tearing out the -article that had interested him, and placing it in his -pocket-book for safe keeping. “Here’s something I -want to save for future reference. I’ve got an idea!”</p> - -<p>“What is it, Newcombe?” asked Miller, eagerly. “Let -us see that paper!”</p> - -<p>“O no, I can’t! I just say that I’ve got a splendid -idea, and as soon as I follow it out, I’ll tell you what it -is. It will astonish you!”</p> - -<p>“Will it? Then tell us what it is now!” said Rich, -impatiently. “Perhaps we can help you.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t need any of your help. I can get along very -well by myself.”</p> - -<p>So saying, Tom turned on his heel and walked out of -the dormitory, leaving his two friends at a loss how to -account for his strange behavior.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_250"></a>[250]</span></p> - -<p>Tom was now in his element. He had a “splendid -idea” that he wanted to “follow out.” He was generally -very expert at such business, but, in the present -instance, he could not help acknowledging to himself -that his success was doubtful. He walked about among -his companions with his eyes fastened thoughtfully on -the ground; and, although he would occasionally chuckle -to himself when he thought over his grand idea, his face -more frequently wore a disappointed look, as if he found -innumerable obstacles in his way. It was a more difficult -task than he had ever undertaken before, and it was -two days before he had thought the matter over and arrived -at a conclusion. His was an enterprise that demanded -an unusual amount of attention, for it was one -that no other boy in the academy would have thought -seriously of attempting. But Tom, who had at last been -led to realize the fact that he could never be an officer, -and being determined not to remain at the academy -under arrest while the students were enjoying themselves, -had resolved to do something desperate. In -spite of the entreaties of his friends, which were renewed -at every opportunity, Tom kept his own counsel, and, -it was not until he had decided upon his course, that he -intimated to Rich, Miller, and Martin, that he was ready -to reveal his secret. So, one night, when dress parade -was over, Tom conducted his companions to a remote -corner of the grounds, where he gave them an insight into -the “splendid idea” which had so long occupied all his -thoughts.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_251"></a>[251]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">THE CONSPIRATORS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap19.jpg" alt="“N" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">“NOW, then, Newcombe,” said Miller, as he -seated himself on the grass, under one of the -trees, “let us hear what you have to say.”</p> - -<p>“Before I begin,” said Tom, “I want you -to promise, that if you don’t see fit to join my enterprise, -you won’t split on me.”</p> - -<p>“Split on you!” echoed Miller. “Don’t we know, as -well as you do, that it is against the laws of our society -to divulge secrets? There are no tell-tales among us.”</p> - -<p>Tom turned away his head as his companion said this, -for he knew, if no one else did, that there was one tale-bearer, -at least, in the society. What would Rich, and -Miller, and all the other faithful Night-hawks have -thought, had they known that the one who held the -highest office in the gift of the organization, had been -trying to better his condition by carrying tales to the -principal?</p> - -<p>“No, sir; I don’t think there is a single fellow among -us who would be mean enough to split on you,” continued -Miller. “If there is, I know I am not the -one, for I have shown, more than once, that I can be -trusted.”</p> - -<p>“Speak it out, Newcombe,” said Rich. “We have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_252"></a>[252]</span> -all made solemn promises to stand by each other through -thick and thin, and we are all true blue.”</p> - -<p>“Well, to begin with,” said Tom; “I know very -well that I can’t pass a decent examination, and I don’t -want to be confined in the academy building, while all -the other fellows are having a jolly time in camp.”</p> - -<p>“Neither do I,” said Rich. “But we can’t help ourselves.”</p> - -<p>“Perhaps we can,” said Tom, shaking his head knowingly; -“perhaps we can. If I haven’t succeeded in my -arithmetic and geography lessons, I’ve got something -better worked out. You have been to sea on three or -four voyages, haven’t you, Rich?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered that worthy, “and I am a good -sailor—better than any other boy in the academy.”</p> - -<p>“But could you take command of a vessel—say of the -size of the Swallow?”</p> - -<p>“Command a sloop like that! Yes, of course I could. -If I knew that she was sea-worthy, I wouldn’t be afraid -to take her to Europe.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all right!” said Tom, evidently very much -relieved. “That’s one difficulty out of the way. I knew -I would be certain to succeed.”</p> - -<p>“But, Newcombe, what’s all this got to do with your -grand idea?” asked Miller, impatiently. “Why don’t -you tell us what you intend to do?”</p> - -<p>“Well, I am going to tell you now,” replied Tom. “I -propose that we escape the examination, by taking the -Swallow and going to sea in her.”</p> - -<p>The boys were all very much astonished at this proposition; -but, without allowing them time to raise any -objections, Tom pulled out his pocket-book, and, producing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_253"></a>[253]</span> -the piece of newspaper which had so excited the -curiosity of his companions, he handed it to Miller, -saying, “Read that.”</p> - -<p>The latter took the paper, looked at it a moment, -and then, springing to his feet, seized Tom’s hand, -shouting:</p> - -<p>“Newcombe, you’re a brick! Your idea is a glorious -one! I see it all, now!”</p> - -<p>“Read it! Read it!” exclaimed Rich and Martin. -“Let us hear it.”</p> - -<p>Thus appealed to, Miller again seated himself, and -read aloud as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>“<span class="smcap">Plucky Sailor Boys.</span>—Two lads, each about -fourteen years of age, living in Marblehead, Mass., undertook -a daring exploit about three weeks ago. They, -by some means or other, got possession of a small yacht -in the harbor, and after laying in a good supply of provisions, -which took them three days, they set sail and -put out to sea. They were picked up, five miles outside, -by a revenue cutter, and, after being taken on -board, stated that they had laid their plans to go to -Europe. They were taken back to the city and restored -to their parents.”</p> -</div> - -<p>“There! what do you think of that?” asked Tom, -when Miller had finished reading the article.</p> - -<p>“It’s gay,” said Rich. “They were plucky chaps -indeed.”</p> - -<p>“Why don’t you say something?” inquired Miller, -turning to Martin, who sat gazing thoughtfully at the -ground. “Don’t you see through the thing yet?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_254"></a>[254]</span></p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the latter; “what you intend to do is -as plain as daylight. But I don’t think the idea is so -very gay, after all.”</p> - -<p>“Why not?” asked Tom.</p> - -<p>“Because those ‘plucky sailor boys’ did not get very -far on their way toward Europe before they were overtaken -and carried back. Their scheme failed.”</p> - -<p>“That’s because they didn’t know any thing,” said -Rich, promptly. “They ought to have looked out for -that.”</p> - -<p>“And there’s one thing the paper forgot to speak -about,” continued Martin. “It doesn’t say whether or -not those two fellows were punished when they got home. -If we should be caught in a scrape like that, we never -would be released from the lock-up, or get through -standing guard, and performing the extra duties that -would be imposed upon us.”</p> - -<p>“Now, don’t squeal before you are hurt,” said Miller. -“If I had known that you were so chicken-hearted, I -never would have proposed you as a member of our -society.”</p> - -<p>“I am no coward!” replied Martin, angrily; “but I -have common sense enough to know that we had better -look before we leap. Before we attempt to carry out -Tom’s idea, we must see exactly how the land lays. In -the first place, we have no boat, and, in the next place, -it would be of no use to us if we had; for we are not -the ones who get furloughs whenever we ask for them.”</p> - -<p>“O, Newcombe has got that all worked out,” said -Miller, who was impatient to hear the details of the -plan. “Give us all the particulars, Tom.”</p> - -<p>“I can do that in a very few words,” said the latter.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_255"></a>[255]</span> -“We will get together all the members of our society -who are willing to go with us, escape from the academy -some night, take the Swallow, or some other little -trading vessel, and go on a cruise. We’ll stay out -until the examination is over, and then come back.”</p> - -<p>“That’s it!” exclaimed Miller. “I’m in for it. But -suppose we should be captured and brought back?”</p> - -<p>“We don’t intend to come back to the academy -until we get ready!” said Rich. “We’ll look out for -that. But, boys, don’t begin to raise objections now. -We must get rid of that examination, if possible, and -Tom is just the chap to show us how to do it.”</p> - -<p>“Go on, Newcombe—what next?”</p> - -<p>“I have but one thing more to say,” continued Tom, -“and that is, I will engineer this thing through if you -want me to. You know that I can call upon any member -of the society for assistance.”</p> - -<p>“But how will we get the boat?” asked Rich.</p> - -<p>“That’s my business. There are fourteen fellows in -the academy whom we can trust, and I want to know -how many of them are willing to go with us; and then -I must have authority to do as I please, or I won’t -budge an inch. I’ll go on my own hook. I have a -boat of my own, and I am bound to get away from -here before that examination comes off. What would -my father say if he should happen to visit the camp, -and the colonel should tell him that I was at the academy, -‘under arrest?’”</p> - -<p>“Well, Tom,” said Martin, after thinking a moment, -“I, for one, am perfectly willing that you should boss -this job, but you know the government of our society -is democratic, and we all have a hand in whatever is<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_256"></a>[256]</span> -going on. I shall do just as the majority say. If -they think the scheme can be successfully carried out, -I am in for it; and, in order to get the most of the -boys on your side, you ought to tell us exactly what -you are going to do, and how you intend to do it.”</p> - -<p>Tom could not very well resist the force of this -reasoning. The scheme he had proposed was rather -different from any thing the Night-hawks had ever -before thought of; and, knowing that if it proved successful -it would throw all their former exploits into the -shade, Tom wanted the honor of carrying it through -alone and unaided. He had not the least idea of going -off by himself in the Mystery, but he thought that, by -threatening to leave his companions to themselves, he -might frighten them into allowing him to have his own -way. But it was plain that the boys were not in favor -of “buying a cat in a bag;” they did not intend to -give their consent to Tom’s scheme until they understood -all about it.</p> - -<p>“Now, Newcombe,” said Rich, “tell us how we are -to get the Swallow. We want to know all the particulars.”</p> - -<p>“We must have help,” replied Tom. “It was my -intention to write to some of the boys in the village.”</p> - -<p>“Then it’s lucky that we didn’t give you authority -to do as you pleased, for you would have knocked the -whole thing into a cocked hat in no time,” said Miller, -decidedly. “Suppose the letter should fall into the -hands of the Philistines? That would be the end of -your cruise, and you would find a boy about your size -in the guard-house, living on bread and water. I’ve -got an idea,” he continued. “I propose that we all<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_257"></a>[257]</span> -study hard, and behave ourselves this week, and, perhaps, -some of us can manage to get a furlough next -Saturday. If one fails, another may succeed, you -know, and we’ll give the lucky ones authority to call -on the boys in the village and talk the matter over with -them. And now about the Swallow! Do you propose -to hire her?”</p> - -<p>“Of course not!” replied Tom. “We’ll take her -and welcome.”</p> - -<p>“Steal her!” ejaculated Rich. “That plan won’t -work, either. If we should do that, old ’Squire Thompson -would have his hands on us the moment we got -back. I propose that we charter her. We’ve all got -some money.”</p> - -<p>“Let us speak to the other fellows, and see what -they have to say on the subject,” said Martin, who, for -some time, had remained silent.</p> - -<p>“That’s a sensible idea!” exclaimed Tom, who was -obliged to confess to himself that he had made two -great mistakes in his calculations. “But go about it -easy. Be careful that no one overhears you. Tell them -to meet us here in a quarter of an hour.”</p> - -<p>The others agreeing to this proposal, the four conspirators -returned to the building to hunt up all the -members of their society. The Night-hawks were scattered -about over the grounds, some engaged in a game -of ball; some lying in the shade of the trees; others -were in the gymnasium, and two of their number, for -some violation of the rules of the academy, had received -orders to remain in their dormitories. The schemers -worked to such good advantage that, at the end of a -quarter of an hour, ten boys belonging to the society<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_258"></a>[258]</span> -were gathered in a remote corner of the grounds, -awaiting the appearance of Tom and Miller, who had -been commissioned to obtain the opinions of the culprits -in the dormitories. Thus far every thing appeared -to be working smoothly, for all the members -had, without hesitation, agreed to join the expedition.</p> - -<p>“Hold on a minute!” said Miller, suddenly, as he -and Tom started to join their companions. “Don’t -you see the colonel looking out of his window? That -old fellow is as sharp as a steel-trap; and, if he sees so -many of us talking in an out-of-the-way place, he’ll -certainly snuff something. Go and get your foot-ball, -and we’ll fool him nicely.”</p> - -<p>Tom ran up to his dormitory, took the ball from his -trunk, and, kicking it along the ground before them, -they walked toward the place where their companions -were gathered, leading the principal to infer that they -were simply going out there to amuse themselves. In -order to keep up the deception, a game of foot-ball was -started, but continued only for a short time, when the -Night-hawks seated themselves on the ground to discuss -the question in hand. Tom, in a few words, explained -the object of the proposed expedition, as well as the -manner in which it ought to be conducted to make it -successful. So delighted were the boys with the idea, -that not a single objection was raised, and, in ten minutes, -the business was finished, and the meeting was -adjourned. It was decided that the first step should -be to obtain the help of the Night-hawks in the village; -and, in order to accomplish this, it was resolved that -each member of the society in the academy should -endeavor to behave himself properly during the remainder<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_259"></a>[259]</span> -of the week, so that, on Saturday, he might -be granted a furlough. It was not expected that all -would succeed in this, but those who did were to be -appointed “commissioners,” to state the matter to the -village boys, and request their assistance in chartering -a vessel, laying in a stock of provisions for the cruise -(which would last at least two weeks), and, in fact, completing -all the out-door business. The much-dreaded -examination was still three weeks distant; so they would -have plenty of time in which to complete all their arrangements. -When the eventful night arrived, they -would make their escape from the academy through the -dormitory windows; and, in order to accomplish this, it -was necessary for them to have a rope long enough to -reach from the third story of the building to the ground, -and strong enough to bear their weights. This rope -would be furnished by the boys in the village. When -Tom made this suggestion, it created something of an -uproar among the Night-hawks, several of whom declared -that if they were expected to risk their necks by -crawling out of a second or third story window, they -would have nothing to do with the expedition. But -Tom insisted that the rope be procured, saying that -“there was no knowing what might happen,” and that -it was “always well enough to be prepared for any -emergency;” and he finally carried his point.</p> - -<p>“Now, Martin,” said Tom, after the meeting broke -up, and the Night-hawks were walking about the -grounds in groups of twos and threes, talking over their -plans, in excited whispers, “you said you didn’t see any -use in joining our society. What do you think of it -now?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_260"></a>[260]</span></p> - -<p>“If those fellows in the village will help us, I shall -say it is a good thing,” replied Martin.</p> - -<p>“Help us! Of course they will. They dare not refuse. -You know that it is one of our laws, that when -any member is in trouble, the others must assist him if -they can. Now, we are in trouble—or we shall be, if we -don’t get away from here before that examination comes -off—and they must help us.”</p> - -<p>During the remainder of the week, the Night-hawks, -as they imagined, conducted themselves with the utmost -propriety. Each of them had secretly determined that -he would obtain a furlough, if within the bounds of possibility, -for that would insure him the appointment of -“commissioner”—an honor which they all regarded as -well worth working for. Tom, with the others, had resolved -that he would not waste a single moment; that -he would study constantly; pay strict attention to all -his duties, and use his best endeavors to have his name -placed on the list with those who were to be allowed -liberty. He held manfully to his resolution, and surprised -his teacher by coming in to his recitations with -perfect lessons. But the rules of the academy were very -strict, and Tom was an unlucky boy. Although he -made improvements in one respect, he fell behind in -others; and when Saturday came, and the names of those -who were to receive furloughs were posted in the hall, -Tom, to his disappointment and indignation, found that -his name was not among them.</p> - -<p>“Mr. Hudson!” said he, entering the school-room, -where his teacher was busy at his desk, “I would like to -know what I have done, sir, that I can’t have a furlough, -like the rest of the boys? I understood you to say that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_261"></a>[261]</span> -I had made twenty-four extras this week by perfect -lessons.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied Mr. Hudson, “you have made excellent -progress, as far as your lessons are concerned, and -I assure you I am very glad to be able to say so. But -you must remember that, in order to receive liberty, -you must strictly conform to <em>all</em> the rules and regulations. -Didn’t you know that it was contrary to law -for you to play marbles in your dormitory? and who -was it that knocked that picket off the fence, and went -outside the grounds without permission?”</p> - -<p>“I did, sir,” answered Tom. “But I went after my -ball.”</p> - -<p>“That’s no excuse; and, more than that, can you -tell me the name of the student who went on dress parade -with a rusty musket; who left his trunk open, and -his clothing scattered about over the floor of his dormitory, -and who lost his broadsword besides? The rules -do not recognize any mistakes, you know. They call -all such things ‘disobedience of orders.’ But don’t be -discouraged; try it again, Newcombe.”</p> - -<p>“O, now, I won’t do it,” said Tom to himself, as he -walked out of the school-room. “There’s no use in -crying. The more I try to behave myself, the more I -fall behind. I knew I never could be a soldier, and I -don’t see what father wanted to send me to this school -for.”</p> - -<p>When Tom reached the end of the hall, he found the -Night-hawks gathered on the porch. They were all -disappointed, not one of them having received a furlough. -Some had fallen behind in their lessons, while -the majority, like Tom, had disobeyed some “little” rule.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_262"></a>[262]</span></p> - -<p>“What shall we do now, Newcombe?” asked Miller, -in a gloomy voice. “We’re up stump, easy enough.”</p> - -<p>“And all on account of those useless rules,” said Rich. -“What good does it do to bind a fellow down so tight? -If they are so strict now, what will they be during the -examination, when we receive visitors?”</p> - -<p>“There is but one way out now, that I can see,” replied -Tom, “and that is, to write a letter to our friends -in the village.”</p> - -<p>“But suppose it should fall into the hands of the -Philistines?” said Miller. “What, then?”</p> - -<p>“Just leave that to me,” said Tom; “I’ll not put the -letter in the mail-box; I’ll send it through in some other -way.”</p> - -<p>There were a good many objections raised to this arrangement, -for the Night-hawks all knew that there was -danger in it; but, after a little argument, they concluded -that Tom’s plan was the only one left them, and -he and Miller being the oldest members of the society, -as well as the highest in rank in the academy, were instructed -to write the letter. So, that afternoon, during -play-hours, <ins class="corr" id="tn262" title="Transcriber’s Note—“Miller visited Tom in his domitory” changed to “Miller visited Tom in his dormitory”.">Miller visited Tom in his dormitory</ins>, -and, after the latter had produced writing materials, they sat down -to study up the important document.</p> - -<p>“Now, Newcombe,” said Miller, “you ought to write -that letter. You understand the business better than I -do, and, besides, you are the highest officer in the society.”</p> - -<p>But this was not the reason why the fourth colonel -wanted Tom to do the work. He doubted the latter’s -ability to get the letter safely into the hands of the village -boys; and, if it should happen to fall into the possession<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_263"></a>[263]</span> -of the principal, the handwriting would tell him -where to look to find the guilty one. Thus, Tom was -again used as a “cat’s paw.”</p> - -<p>“That’s one point settled,” continued Miller. “Now, -to whom shall we send it?”</p> - -<p>“Johnny Harding is the best fellow,” answered Tom. -“I know he’ll help us. But how shall we address him?”</p> - -<p>“Why, as it is an official letter from you, as the grand -commander of the council, you ought to address him according -to his rank. Is he still second corporal?”</p> - -<p>“O, no, he made a big jump; one night, when his -mother told him to stay in the house, he crawled out of -his window and came down the lightning-rod. As his -room was in the second story of the building, it was -something of a job, I tell you. When he told us about -it, we offered to make him a lieutenant, but Johnny said -the reward wasn’t big enough; and he told us that if we -didn’t give him something better than that, he would -stay in the house the next time his mother ordered him -to do so. Well, we couldn’t afford to lose Johnny, you -know; so the next evening, after school, we all went -up to look at the house and the lightning-rod, and we -came to the conclusion that there was not another fellow -in the society who would dare to attempt a thing -like that; so we created the office of fifth captain, and -gave it to him.”</p> - -<p>“Well, he earned it,” said Miller. “But if he carries -this thing through for us, he will want something -higher.”</p> - -<p>“He ought to have it,” replied Tom. “I’ll be willing -to promise anything, if he’ll only help us.”</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks then turned their attention to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_264"></a>[264]</span> -letter, and at the end of half an hour it was finished. -Miller proved to be an invaluable assistant, and Tom -got along much better than he would, had he been left -to himself.</p> - -<p>The letter ran as follows:</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<table class="autotable pad8" width="95%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Military Academy</span>,</td> -<td class="tdr fs240" rowspan="2">}</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdr"><span class="smcap">Newport</span>, August 28, 18—.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p><em>Fifth Captain John W. Harding</em>—</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>: I have been instructed to ask your assistance, according -to article fifth of our laws. We are in trouble, and you -are in duty bound to help us out. When we tell you that in two -weeks from this date we shall be called upon to stand an examination, -for which we are totally unprepared, we know that you -will sympathize with us. We have decided upon a plan to escape -from our troubles, and, with the assistance you can easily -render us, it can be successfully carried out.</p> - -<p>We intend to desert the academy and go to sea; and, in order -to do that, it is, of course, necessary that we should have a vessel -large enough to accommodate all the members of our society who -may desire to go with us. We wish you to visit the captain of -the Swallow, and ask him on what terms he will let us have his -sloop for three weeks. Get it as cheap as possible, for we are -not very flush of money just at present. We are perfectly willing -to pay him in advance, and will promise to take the very best -care of his boat. When you hire it, give him to understand that -you want it for yourself, to go off on a fishing excursion or something -of that kind (which, by the way, will be the truth), and -that you don’t want any of his crew on board. We can manage -her ourselves. After this has been done, ascertain how many of -your boys will accompany us (and we hereby extend an invitation -to them all), and then make an estimate of the amount of -provisions we shall require. Each boy is expected to furnish an -equal share of money with which to foot all our bills.</p> - -<p>Please answer as soon as possible, and bring or send your letter -to the south side of the grounds, outside the fence; but don’t<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_265"></a>[265]</span> -speak to any one unless he proves himself to be a friend. We -have lately admitted some new members to our society; and, as -you fellows in the village are not acquainted with them, it is -necessary that you should be very careful.</p> - -<p>We also need a long rope, strong enough to bear one’s weight, -to assist us in making our escape from the building.</p> - -<p>Now, captain, look alive. Remember, we want the boat and -provisions ready two weeks from next Monday. Also bear in -mind that the success of our expedition depends upon you alone.</p> - -<p class="center">Very respectfully,<br /> -<span class="pad8">THOMAS NEWCOMBE,</span><br /> -<span class="pad6"><em>Grand Commander of the Council</em>.</span></p> -</div> - -<p>“There!” said Tom, with a long breath of relief, -“it’s finished at last. That’s a splendid letter, and it -covers all the ground. Now,” he continued, as he folded -it up and placed it in an envelope, “the next thing is to -get it safely to the post-office.”</p> - -<p>“Yes; and that’s the most dangerous part of the undertaking,” -said Miller. “That’s a useless rule the colonel -made, about putting all letters in the mail-box. -Now, Newcombe, mind what you are about, or you’ll -be brought up with a round turn. Then look out for -the guard-house.”</p> - -<p>“Never mind me,” said Tom, as he put a stamp on -the envelope. “I’ll fix that all right.”</p> - -<p>After the letter had been sealed and addressed, the -two conspirators left the dormitory, and Miller walked -off toward the ball-ground, while Tom loitered about -in the hall. The students whose names were on the -“liberty list,” were leaving the academy to visit the village, -and, among them were several who had but recently -been admitted to the school. Presently a new scholar, -who belonged to dormitory H, came out of the principal’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_266"></a>[266]</span> -room with a pass in his hand; and Tom, walking -carelessly toward him, accosted him with:</p> - -<p>“Hallo, Simmonds! Off for the village, I suppose?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” replied the new student. “I am one of the -lucky ones this week.”</p> - -<p>“You are fortunate, that’s a fact,” said Tom. “But -Simmonds,” he continued, as he accompanied the new -scholar toward the gate, “will you do a favor for me?”</p> - -<p>“I will,” replied the other, readily.</p> - -<p>“Then mail this letter for me,” said Tom, producing -it.</p> - -<p>“Isn’t that against the rules?” asked Simmonds, hesitatingly.</p> - -<p>“What! mailing a letter? Now, Bill, who’s been -stuffing you? Here, take it, and don’t be a greeny!”</p> - -<p>The new student evidently did not like to be considered -a “greeny,” for, without further hesitation, he took -the letter and put it into his pocket. Tom stood watching -him until he had closed the gate, and was well on his -way toward the village; and then, congratulating himself -on the success of his plans, walked toward the ball-ground -and joined his companions.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_267"></a>[267]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap20.jpg" alt="“W" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">“WELL, how is it now?” inquired Rich, as Tom -approached the spot where all the Night-hawks -were standing, listening to Miller’s -description of the letter that had just been -written. “Have you succeeded?”</p> - -<p>“Of course,” replied the grand commander. “We -are all right, so far. The document is half-way to the -post-office by this time.”</p> - -<p>“That makes me feel a little easier,” said Miller. -“But I shall shake in my boots until we get an answer -to it.”</p> - -<p>“Humph!” exclaimed Tom, contemptuously. “I -guess I know what I am about. If you don’t think that -I am able to manage this business, you had better give -it into the hands of some one else.”</p> - -<p>“O, we are not afraid to trust you,” said one of the -new members; “but you don’t know the old colonel -as well as we do. He knows a thing or two, and if -he don’t find out something about this business, I shall -be most agreeably surprised. So mind what you are -about.”</p> - -<p>“Now, never mind me,” replied Tom, confidently. “I -tell you I know just what I am doing. We’ll have an<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_268"></a>[268]</span> -answer within forty-eight hours. That’s not long to -wait.”</p> - -<p>But, on this point, Tom soon changed his mind. Two -days, he found, was a long time to wait, especially for -one so impatient as he was. The hours seemed lengthened -into weeks; and, as if to make the time hang more -heavily on his hands, he failed in all his lessons, was -obliged to stand guard at night, and, on the second -day, received orders to remain in his dormitory during -play-hours. This was very provoking. He fully expected -Johnny Harding would be on hand that evening -with an answer to his letter, and he wanted to meet him, -in order that he might have a long talk with him, and -learn exactly what the boys in the village thought of -their scheme. But he had faithful friends upon whom -he could depend, and when dress-parade was over, and -he was about to ascend to his quarters, he found opportunity -to whisper to several of the Night-hawks to “keep -an eye open,” which they all readily promised to do.</p> - -<p>Tom had not been mistaken in his calculations when -he had selected Johnny Harding as the most reliable -member of the society, for, about half-past four o’clock, -the fifth captain, in obedience to the instructions he -had received from his chief, made his appearance on -the south side of the grounds. He walked rapidly -along the road, watching the games that were going on -inside the inclosure, when a ball, propelled by some -vigorous striker, bounded over the fence and fell into -the road before him.</p> - -<p>“I say, my friend!” shouted one of the students.</p> - -<p>“Say it yourself!” replied Johnny, good-naturedly.</p> - -<p>“Will you be kind enough to throw that ball back<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_269"></a>[269]</span> -here? You were just in time to be of assistance to us,” -continued the student, as Johnny pitched the ball back -into the grounds. “We are not allowed to go over this -fence.”</p> - -<p>“That’s all right,” said Johnny. “I don’t need any -thanks. Perhaps some of you can do as much for me -now. Have any of you seen a large bow-kite over this -way?”</p> - -<p>“No,” answered several of the students. “Have you -lost one?”</p> - -<p>“If you find one,” continued the messenger, “with -the word Nantucket painted on it in large capital -letters, you may know that it is mine; and I would be -greatly obliged if you would keep it safe until I call -for it.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” answered the students. “If we find it, -we’ll return it to you in good order.”</p> - -<p>“That fellow must have been hard up for names to -call his kite Nantucket,” said one of the boys, as soon -as Johnny was out of hearing. “Nobody but a country -chap would ever have thought of calling a kite by -that name.”</p> - -<p>“No success thus far,” soliloquized Johnny, as he -continued his walk. “Not a Night-hawk among those -fellows. I hope they won’t waste much valuable time -in looking for that kite. Hallo! here’s one of ’em, or -I am greatly mistaken.”</p> - -<p>He had discovered a boy seated under one of the -trees in the school grounds, apparently deeply interested -in a book which he held in his hand.</p> - -<p>“Ahem!” said Johnny, looking straight down the -road, and hurrying along faster than ever.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_270"></a>[270]</span></p> - -<p>“Ahem,” answered the student.</p> - -<p>Johnny stopped as suddenly as if the boy had called -him by name, and, walking up to the fence, inquired:</p> - -<p>“Have you seen any thing of a large bow-kite over -this way—”</p> - -<p>And here the fifth captain stopped and looked at the -student, as if he expected him to finish the sentence. -He had found the right man at last, for the academy -boy continued:</p> - -<p>“With the word Nantucket painted on it in large -capital letters?”</p> - -<p>“That’s the one!” said Johnny, eagerly. “Have -you seen it?”</p> - -<p>“Yes, it’s safe,” replied the student, who arose to -his feet, and, after glancing about the grounds, to satisfy -himself that no one was observing his movements, -he walked carelessly to the fence, and handed Johnny -a slip of paper. It was his “certificate of membership,” -and, when the fifth captain read it, he knew that he -had found a friend.</p> - -<p>“That’s all right!” said Johnny. “Here’s a letter -for Newcombe. I haven’t done as well as I expected -to do, and, unless I get new orders, the whole expedition -is hard and fast aground. Here’s the rope?” he -continued, pulling a bundle, tied up in a newspaper, -from under his coat. “So Tom has brought in new -members? We’re glad of it—the more the merrier, -you know. Good-by! If you ever visit the village, -don’t fail to call on me.”</p> - -<p>So saying, Johnny walked off, while the Night-hawk, -after putting the letter into his pocket, and concealing -the rope under his coat, bent his steps toward the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_271"></a>[271]</span> -academy, and presently entered the dormitory, where -the grand commander was confined. When the new -member entered the room, he gave his chief a significant -wink, which told Tom as plainly as words that the long-wished-for -letter had at last arrived. The latter could -scarcely restrain himself, so impatient was he to examine -its contents. But it was necessary to be very -careful, for there were several students in the room, -some, like Tom, confined for misdemeanors, while -others, having grown tired of play, were busy with -their books; and, to give any of these a hint of what -was going on, would endanger not only the success of -the expedition, but the liberties of all engaged in it.</p> - -<p>Tom, however, played his part to perfection. Without -appearing to take any notice of the Night-hawks, he -walked to the further end of the room; and the new -member, after loitering about, and conversing with some -of the students, found an opportunity to put the letter -and rope under the pillow on Tom’s bed. The movement -was skillfully executed, and no one but the grand commander -noticed it. There was now but little danger of -discovery; but Tom, who still thought it necessary to be -very cautious, did not go near his bed for half an hour. -Then, after a little maneuvering, he managed to hide the -rope in his trunk and to read Johnny’s letter, which, -brief and to the point, told how the fifth captain had performed -the business intrusted to him. In the first place, -he informed his chief that he had been unable to charter -a vessel; for, as the fifth captain expressed it, “there was -not a single ship-owner in the village who would be foolish -enough to allow a parcel of green boys to go off -alone in his vessel;” so, unless the boys at the academy<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_272"></a>[272]</span> -changed their programme, they might as well abandon -the idea of escaping their examination. Johnny wound -up his letter by telling his chief that the surest way to -get a boat was to capture her; and by informing him that -he would be at the south side of the grounds on the following -afternoon, at five o’clock, to receive his answer.</p> - -<p>On the whole, Tom was very well pleased with the -letter. He had, in the beginning, proposed to capture a -vessel, or to “take her and welcome,” which was the same -thing, but his friends had opposed it. Now they would -be obliged to fall in with his plans, which would be -another feather in his cap, for it would, perhaps, serve -to convince the Night-hawks that they ought to pay -more attention to what he said to them. He was very -anxious to escape the examination, but he did not want -any one to assist him in making the necessary arrangements. -He wanted the boys to obey all his orders, and -he would rather the enterprise should be defeated under -his own management, than prove a success under the -control of any one else.</p> - -<p>After a few moments’ consideration, Tom decided that -he would not write an answer to Johnny’s letter, but -that he would behave himself the next day so that he -would be granted liberty with the others during play-time. -He could then see the fifth captain, and talk the -matter over with him. He felt greatly encouraged. If -he had entertained any doubts as to the ultimate success -of the undertaking, they were all gone now, for -Johnny had shown that he could be depended upon—that -he would faithfully carry out all instructions he -might receive, which would render failure impossible.</p> - -<p>When Miller and Rich marched down to supper that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_273"></a>[273]</span> -evening, Tom succeeded in slipping the letter into their -hands, and the wink which they gave the chief, when -they met in the school-room, told Tom that his friends -had read the letter and pondered upon its contents.</p> - -<p>The next day Tom began work in earnest. He studied -hard, although that was a most difficult task, for his -thoughts would sometimes wander away from his books -in spite of all he could do to prevent it. He paid strict -attention to all his duties, and was, of course, allowed -liberty at play-time. Then he could not help thinking -how much better he always felt, when he behaved himself -so that he could be allowed privileges with the others, -than he did when he was scolded and punished for his -offenses.</p> - -<p>“Now, boys,” said he, as the Night-hawks met on -the ball-ground, “I suppose you have all read that -letter I gave to Miller last night; so let’s hear from you. -What have you got to say about it?”</p> - -<p>A long and somewhat stormy debate followed Tom’s -question, and the point of difference was, the manner -in which they ought to go to work to secure a vessel. -Among the Night-hawks there was scarcely one who -would hesitate to appropriate such small articles as apples, -peaches, or water-melons, “just for the fun of the -thing;” but they were all afraid to risk the serious matter -of making off with a boat that did not belong to them, -no matter how much fun and excitement there might -be in it. Tom, however, had thought the matter over, -and was ready with an answer to this argument. Although -they should take a vessel without asking the -owner’s permission, they would not steal her, for it was -their intention to return the boat in just as good order<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_274"></a>[274]</span> -as they found it. A sloop wasn’t worth more than a -dollar a day; and just before they got ready to start, -they would mail a letter to the owner of the boat, enclosing -twelve or fourteen dollars; and, when he found -that his boat came back safe and sound, and that he -had received good pay for her, he wouldn’t grumble. -This plan silenced the fears of the timid members of -the society, who finally agreed to act according to Tom’s -suggestion.</p> - -<p>The next question that arose was in regard to the -expenses of the cruise. The chief demanded two dollars -from each boy present, which astonished the Night-hawks, -who declared that Tom was altogether too extravagant. -But the latter again carried his point, and -the sum of twenty-eight dollars was collected, and -placed in his hands, to be given to Johnny Harding as -their share of the expenses, and Tom was instructed to -meet the fifth captain, and make all the necessary arrangements -with him. All these questions being satisfactorily -settled, the boys separated, and, while the -majority of them joined in various games about the -grounds, Tom seated himself under a tree, near the -fence, to await the arrival of Johnny Harding. Punctually -at the time appointed the latter was on hand, -and, at the end of a quarter of an hour, Tom returned -to his companions, highly elated with the result of the -interview, while Johnny slowly and thoughtfully retraced -his steps toward the village.</p> - -<p>With the exception of the escape from the academy -building, which the Night-hawks would be obliged to -accomplish without assistance from outsiders, Johnny -now had the most difficult and dangerous task to perform.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_275"></a>[275]</span> -His orders were to provision the Sweepstakes—a -little schooner that lay in the creek in front of the -village—and get her in readiness for the cruise; and, -to accomplish this, without giving the Philistines a hint -of what was going on, was a feat requiring all the skill -and judgment the fifth captain could command. It was -rather out of his line of business; but Johnny, who had -decided to accompany the expedition, and who delighted -in such exploits, was not discouraged by the difficulties -he found in his path. That there was a way to successfully -carry out his instructions, he did not, for a moment, -doubt; and, if any body could ascertain how it -ought to be done, he was the one.</p> - -<p>Half an hour’s walk brought him to the village, -through which he passed to the creek where the Sweepstakes -lay at her anchorage; and here Johnny sat down -on a pile of lumber, to take a view of the situation, and -to determine upon some course of action. His first -business must be to buy the provisions. Tom had told -him to lay in enough for twenty boys, and he had -already made an estimate of the amount that would be -required. What would the grocer think when he -ordered two barrels of soda crackers, a kit of mackerel, -a dozen codfish, and a whole cheese? Then, after -the provisions had been purchased, how was he to get -them on board of the schooner, which lay in the creek, -about fifty yards from the shore? This must be done -during the night, and, perhaps, they might be observed -by some one who would ask very disagreeable questions.</p> - -<p>“Well, well!” said Johnny, taking off his hat and -scratching his curly head, “this is a bigger job than I -bargained for. Nobody in the world but Tom Newcombe<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_276"></a>[276]</span> -would ever have thought of such a desperate -enterprise. I believe I would rather stand the examination, -for there wouldn’t be half so much danger in -it. But if the others are willing to risk it, I know I -am. I’ll go on board the schooner, and see if she is -all ready for use!”</p> - -<p>There were several skiffs in the creek, and Johnny, -knowing that he could carry out his resolution without -exciting suspicion, walked down the bank, stepped into -one of the boats, and pushed off toward the Sweepstakes. -A few strokes of the oars brought him along-side, -and, after making the skiff fast to the fore-chains, -he clambered over the side, and began the examination. -He had expected to find that the little vessel had been -partly dismantled, and that some repairs would be -necessary; but, to his delight, he found that nothing -had been removed. The sails were all there, neatly -stowed away, the handspikes were in their places, so -that the anchor could be hove-up with very little -trouble, the hold was empty, and in a condition to receive -the provisions, and there were two large casks, that -would hold an ample supply of water. The cabin was -in order, and had bunks enough to accommodate six -or eight boys. Of course there were no beds in the -bunks, but Johnny scarcely gave that a moment’s -thought. If want of beds was the only obstacle in his -way, that could have been easily overcome.</p> - -<p>As the fifth captain walked about the vessel, several -interesting questions, which he had not before thought -of, arose in his mind, such as, Who would sleep in the -cabin, and who in the forecastle? Who would cook -their meals, and what boys would be willing to act as<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_277"></a>[277]</span> -the crew? Was Rich, who, it was understood, was to be -captain of the vessel, seaman enough to take the schooner -down the creek, and through all the shipping that lay -at the wharves, without accident? Was he navigator -enough to take them where they wished to go, or to -bring them back to the village, when their cruise was -ended? Could he manage the Sweepstakes if they -should happen to be caught out in a storm? Johnny, -at first, had serious misgivings on all these important -points, and, for a time, he pondered upon the propriety -of suggesting to the academy boys that a “board of -examiners” be appointed, to inquire into Rich’s knowledge -of seamanship and navigation, and to decide whether -or not he was the one that ought to be the captain -of the vessel. Had Johnny held to this resolution, it -might have saved the Night-hawks some trouble; but, -after thinking it over, the fifth captain came to the -conclusion that he would say nothing about the matter. -If Captain Rich proved to be a humbug, it was no business -of his. He would faithfully attend to his part of -the work, and leave all disputes to be settled when they -arose.</p> - -<p>Johnny slept but little that night. Various plans, by -which he might carry out the instructions he had received -from the grand commander, suggested themselves -to him, but in every one of them he found numerous -difficulties to be overcome. His great desire was to -accomplish his part of the business without being -obliged to answer any questions. At last he concluded -that the best way was to go about it openly and above -board; for the more he tried to cover it up, and to -keep the affair a profound secret, the more certain he<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_278"></a>[278]</span> -became that it would “leak out somewhere.” About -two miles outside the harbor was Block Island, where -the village boys often went to fish and hunt, and Johnny -thought he could buy his provisions, and take them out -there, without exciting the suspicion of any one. The -Sweepstakes could stop there and take them on board -as she went out, and it would not delay her a quarter -of an hour. On the following morning, he communicated -this plan to some of the village Night-hawks, (four -of whom had agreed to accompany the students on -their cruise,) who readily agreed that it was the best, -and promised to lend all the assistance in their power -in carrying it out.</p> - -<p>When Saturday morning came, Johnny was up bright -and early; and as soon as he had eaten his breakfast, he -borrowed a large yawl, and, accompanied by half a -dozen boys, sailed down the creek, until they arrived at -Mr. Newcombe’s wharf, which, they thought, would be -the most convenient place to load their provisions. They -then went in a body to Mr. Henry’s store, and, as -Johnny had expected, the grocer opened his eyes in astonishment -when he received the order for the provisions; -but, thinking that the boys were about to start on -one of their hunting and fishing expeditions, he merely -said:</p> - -<p>“I suppose you don’t intend to shoot many squirrels, -or catch many fish, since you are laying in so large a -stock of something to eat.”</p> - -<p>Johnny replied that they did not intend to suffer for -want of food, if they could help it; and after he had -paid for the provisions, they were placed upon a dray -and taken to the yawl, where they were soon loaded by<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_279"></a>[279]</span> -the boys, who set sail for Block Island. In due time -they arrived at their destination, and, after a short consultation -with a farmer who lived on the island, their -cargo was stowed in his barn for safe keeping.</p> - -<p>“Now,” said Johnny, when they were ready to return -to the village, “if nothing happens, we shall be here -after those goods next Monday night. I suppose it -doesn’t make any difference to you what time we -come?”</p> - -<p>“O, none at all,” replied the farmer. “If you will -call me when you come, I’ll lend you a hand. I hope -you will be successful.”</p> - -<p>“Thank you, sir!” answered Johnny, with a sly wink -at his companions; “so do we.”</p> - -<p>The man did not mean that he hoped the boys would -be successful in running away from the academy, or in -making off with a boat that did not belong to them, but -that they might be fortunate in catching fish, and shooting -squirrels and quails; for he thought it was their -intention to camp somewhere on the island.</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks then returned to the village, and -Johnny, to his delight, was not called upon to answer -any unpleasant questions. The very boldness of his -plan had removed suspicion. His part of the work was -now done; it only remained for Tom and his companions -to effect their escape from the academy.</p> -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_280"></a>[280]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">THE ESCAPE.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap21.jpg" alt="“I" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">“I AM happy to inform you that I have done -all my part of the work, according to orders. -The provisions have been purchased, and are -now safely stowed away in a farmer’s barn, -on Block Island. The Sweepstakes is ready for the -cruise; and I will see that every thing is kept in order, -so that when you are ready to start, we can put to sea -with the least possible trouble. No one in the village -has the slightest suspicion that any thing is in the wind. -I hope you will be as fortunate as I have been.”</p> - -<p>So ran a note which Tom received from Johnny Harding, -on Tuesday afternoon, and which he showed to his -friends on the ball-ground. It is needless to say that -the Night-hawks were delighted with the success of their -plans; and the new members looked upon Tom and -Johnny as the two smartest boys in existence.</p> - -<p>Attempts to desert the academy were very uncommon, -and, as all the boys well knew, had failed more frequently -than they had proved successful; and so great an undertaking -as Tom had suggested, had never before entered -into the head of the most reckless student. The conspirators, -with but very few exceptions, had never imagined -that the grand commander’s scheme could be successfully<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_281"></a>[281]</span> -carried out. They had given their consent to it, -not because they hoped to be able to escape the examination, -but because they wanted something exciting with -which to occupy their minds; and even Rich and Miller, -who had long been acquainted with Tom, and who knew -pretty nearly what he could do, had often predicted that -the grand commander’s plan would prove to be but a -sure way of bringing every member of the society to -certain and speedy punishment. The colonel, they said, -would certainly “snuff something,” and the first thing -they knew, they would all find themselves in the guard-house, -living on bread and water. This was the reason -why they had kept in the background as much as -possible, and allowed Tom to do all the work. If -they were discovered, he, being the leader, would be -the most severely punished. But when Tom showed -these two worthies the note he had just received from -the fifth captain, they found that they had been mistaken. -The outside work had all been accomplished -without giving any one a hint of what was going on, -and they began to believe that Tom was in earnest, and -that, perhaps, he might, after all, manage affairs so that -they could avoid the examination, and have a “jolly -time on their own hook.” But still there was chance for -failure; and, although they took a prominent part in all -the “business meetings”—which were held as often as -the Night-hawks could get together—they always endeavored -to have it understood that Tom was the leader -of the conspiracy.</p> - -<p>Monday, the day on which the examination was to -commence, was still a long way off. Five days of lessons -and drills must be endured before the time for action<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_282"></a>[282]</span> -arrived, and the excited Night-hawks hardly believed -that they should be able to live through them. Time -moved on laggard wings; but the boys survived, in spite -of hard lessons and extra guard-duty at night, and, -finally, the eventful day arrived. The examination commenced -that morning, and, as the Night-hawks had made -no preparation for it, they fell sadly behindhand in all -their lessons. The result had shown them exactly what -they might have expected; and, when dress parade was -over, and the members of the society met in an unfrequented -part of the grounds, to hold their last council -at the academy, they were very much excited, and they -were ready to risk almost any thing to escape the remaining -six days of examination.</p> - -<p>“I tell you what it is, fellows,” said one of the new -members, “I never did like this business; but I’m in -for it now. I couldn’t live through a week’s work such -as we had to-day.”</p> - -<p>“We’re in a bad fix,” chimed in another. “If we -stay here, we are certain to be placed under arrest, -while the other fellows are in camp enjoying themselves; -and if we are caught in our attempt to take French -leave, of course we shall be put into the guard-house.”</p> - -<p>“Are you going to back out?” asked Rich.</p> - -<p>“O, no; I’m going to stick to you. But I can’t help -thinking that we are in a very unpleasant situation.”</p> - -<p>“We can’t help it,” said Tom. “We are not going to -stay here, and be put under arrest; that’s settled. Of -course, we run something of a risk in trying to escape; -but we can’t help that, either. I hope you didn’t think -that, when we got ready to go, the colonel would give -us all a furlough for two or three weeks? At any rate<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_283"></a>[283]</span> -it’s too late to back out. Now for business! I hope -that you have all concluded that my plan is the best.”</p> - -<p>Tom’s plan for escape was by making use of the rope—a -clothes’-line—which, with the assistance of some of -his friends, he had doubled and twisted; but it was still -long enough to reach from the third story of the building -to the ground. After the rope had been procured, -it was a long time before any of the conspirators, except -Rich and Miller, would consent to use it. The thought -of lowering themselves down, from a second or third -story window, with a clothes’-line, even though it was -doubled and twisted, was enough to make them shudder. -One of the new members had proposed to file a key to -fit one of the outside doors, which were locked by the -teachers, every night at nine o’clock; but this plan was -at once voted down by the others, who argued that, even -if they possessed a key that would open the door, they -could not pass the sentries in the hall. Another desperate -fellow, who had been reading a story of a mutiny -at sea, proposed that they should knock the sentinels -down, and tie them hand and foot. A third suggested -that the Night-hawks be instructed to conceal themselves -in different parts of the building, until the other -students and the teachers had all gone to bed, when -they would make their escape through the school-room -windows. These and many other plans had been proposed -and discussed; but, at last, the conspirators were -compelled to acknowledge that Tom’s idea was the best. -True, it was rather dangerous and even Tom himself -hardly expected that it would be successful; but still, -it promised better than any that had been proposed, and -the grand commander was determined to attempt it.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_284"></a>[284]</span></p> - -<p>The dormitory to which Miller and Rich belonged -was in the third story of the academy, and directly -over that occupied by Tom, Martin, and three or four -other members of the society. Miller was to take possession -of the rope, and, at midnight, open the third -window from the front of the building, fasten one end -of the rope securely to his bedstead, and throw the -other to the ground. The boys in the upper dormitory -were to make their descent first, and then those who belonged -to dormitory H. Just as these plans had been -determined upon, the ringing of the supper-bell broke -up the council.</p> - -<p>“Now, boys,” said Tom, “be very careful. Don’t -go to sleep to-night; and, whatever you do, don’t make -noise enough to disturb any outsiders.”</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks separated, and, although many of -them felt like criminals, no one who met them, as they -entered the academy, had reason for supposing that any -thing unusual was going on. Of course they were intensely -excited, and more than one held his breath when -he thought of hanging by a clothes’-line from a third -story window. Tom, Rich, and Miller were the only -ones who appeared to be unconcerned. They did not -stop to think of the risk they were about to run; they -thought only of the fine time they expected to have -during the cruise, and how astonished the principal and -all the teachers would be when they discovered that -fourteen students had “taken French.”</p> - -<p>At nine o’clock the conspirators marched, with the -others, from the school-room to their dormitories, and, -half an hour later, were all in bed, and, apparently, fast -asleep. At eleven o’clock Mr. Hudson passed through<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_285"></a>[285]</span> -dormitory H, and saw the grand commander lying with -his head covered up in the quilts; but he did not notice -that he snored louder than usual. Tom’s snoring, however, -was not genuine. He was wide-awake, and, when -Mr. Hudson entered his room and closed his door, the -chief conspirator cautiously raised the quilts from his -head and looked about. The lights in the dormitory -burned dimly, and nothing disturbed the stillness save -the gentle breathing of the sleepers, and the measured -tread of the sentinels in the hall. After satisfying -himself that all “outsiders” were sound asleep, Tom -arose from the bed and pulled on his trowsers. He -then wrapped his boots up in his coat, and, after casting -a suspicious glance about the room, he cautiously -raised the window at the head of his bed, and threw -the bundle to the ground. After carefully closing the -window, he again got into bed, no one but the wide-awake -Night-hawks having witnessed his movements. -Tom was greatly encouraged. If he could raise the -window once without awaking any of his forty-eight -sleeping room-mates, he could certainly do it again. -From that moment he looked upon his escape as a -settled thing, and he began to be impatient for Rich -and Miller to begin operations. The latter, however, -remembering their instructions, made no move until -midnight, and the grand commander began to fear that -they had disgracefully “backed out.” But presently he -heard a noise that caused him to chuckle to himself, -and to look toward the beds of the apparently sleeping -Night-hawks, who, in fact, were as wide-awake as himself, -and listening with all their ears. It was a grating, -hissing sound, as if some heavy body was being lowered<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_286"></a>[286]</span> -slowly, cautiously, down the side of the building. The -Night-hawks in the upper dormitory were beginning to -make their escape. There could be no mistake about -it, and Tom began to be really excited now, his heart -thumping against his ribs with a noise that frightened -him. Slowly and steadily the body descended, and, in -a few moments, Tom heard the rope tapping against -the wall, showing that the boy, whoever he was, had -reached the ground in safety. For five minutes all was -silent, and then the same grating noise told the grand -commander that a second boy was descending the rope. -During the half hour that followed, the operation was -repeated eight times, and Tom, who knew just how -many boys there were in the dormitory above him who -belonged to the Night-hawks, prepared to take his turn. -After glancing cautiously about the room, in order to -make sure that no “outsiders” in his dormitory had -been alarmed, he arose from his bed, and, with trembling -hands, arranged the quilts so that a careless observer -would not have noticed that it was empty; then -he stepped to the window, which he raised without making -noise enough to disturb a cricket. Thrusting his -arm out into the darkness, he clutched the rope, which -was still suspended from the room above, and crawled -carefully out of the window. The next moment he found -himself dangling in the air thirty feet from the ground. -His position was now a trying one. The clothes’-line -cut into his hands, every thing below him was concealed -by Egyptian darkness, and it is natural to suppose that -the boy who was afraid to ascend the mast of a schooner -felt his courage giving away when he found himself -hanging from a second-story window. But Tom, remembering<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_287"></a>[287]</span> -that ten boys had already made the descent -in safety, and knowing that there were three more -Night-hawks in the building waiting to make their escape, -and that the least awkwardness on his part might -alarm the sentries, clung to the rope with a death-gripe, -and manfully choked back the cry for help that involuntarily -arose to his lips. Slowly, cautiously, he worked -his way downward, and presently an encouraging whisper -came up through the darkness—“That’s the way to -do it, Newcombe. You’re a brick. Go easy!” and the -next moment the grand commander slid down the rope -into the arms of his friends, receiving their congratulations -apparently as unconcerned as if he had never in -his life experienced the sentiment of fear.</p> - -<div class="figcenter illowp49" id="p003" style="max-width: 62.5em;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/p003.jpg" alt="" /> - <div class="caption"><span class="smcap">The Escape from the Academy.</span>—Page 286</div> -</div> - -<p>Tom’s first care, upon finding himself safe on the -ground, was to hunt up his coat and boots. By the -time this was done, another boy had made his escape, -and, in a quarter of an hour more, the last member of -the society had been seized and embraced by his exultant -friends.</p> - -<p>“Who would have thought it, boys?” whispered Rich. -“I tell you we have done something now worth bragging -about. Won’t the old colonel open his eyes?”</p> - -<p>“No time to talk, fellows!” whispered Tom. “Don’t -laugh till you are out of the woods. Come on, let’s be -off.”</p> - -<p>So saying, the grand commander, now as proud of -his position as if he had been a brigadier-general, led -the way toward the south side of the grounds, where a -picket had been knocked off the fence the day before, to -assist them in making their escape.</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks were all astonished at their success,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_288"></a>[288]</span> -as well they might be. Not only had they thrown -all their former exploits completely into the shade, but -they had accomplished a feat that would be an interesting -passage in the history of the Newport Military -Academy, as long as that institution should stand. They -pressed one another’s hands in silence as they walked -along through the grounds, and more than one gave -Tom a complimentary slap on the back, accompanied -by the whispered exclamation:</p> - -<p>“Newcombe, you are a jolly old brick! It takes you -to manage such business as this!”</p> - -<p>Tom easily found the place where the picket had been -removed, and one after another of the boys squeezed -themselves through the opening until they all stood in -the road.</p> - -<p>“Now, then,” said Tom; “I know we’re all right, but -the faster we go, the more time we shall gain. Forward, -double-quick.”</p> - -<p>So elated were the deserters, that they could scarcely -refrain from shouting; but, knowing that they were not -yet safe, they gave vent to their exultant feelings by -cutting astonishing capers as they ran along the road. -Just before they arrived at the village, they separated -into a half a dozen little parties, and, following different -roads, bent their steps toward the creek where the Sweepstakes -lay at her anchorage. In half an hour they were -all assembled at the lumber-pile, where they were met -by Johnny Harding and his four friends, in a state of -considerable excitement.</p> - -<p>“O, fellows,” whispered the fifth captain, wildly throwing -his arms about, “we’re aground, and a thousand -miles from water!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_289"></a>[289]</span></p> - -<p>“You don’t say so!” exclaimed all the boys at once.</p> - -<p>“Yes, I do say it!” answered Johnny. “The whole -thing is knocked into a cocked hat; the expedition is as -dead as a herring. Go back to the academy, take your -punishment like men, and say no more about it.”</p> - -<p>“But what’s the matter?” asked Tom, impatiently.</p> - -<p>“Just look out there!” said Johnny, pointing toward -the creek. “Do you see the Sweepstakes anywhere? -No, you don’t! Squire Thompson suddenly took it into -his head that he would like to go on a fishing excursion, -and he’s gone; he won’t be back for a week.”</p> - -<p>The Night-hawks were astounded at this intelligence. -After congratulating themselves on the gallant and skillful -manner in which they had made their escape from -the academy, and looking forward so eagerly and confidently -to the consummation of all their plans, this disheartening -piece of news came upon them like a thunder -clap from a clear sky. They had placed themselves in -danger all for nothing; for, if their boat was gone, they -might as well be at the academy.</p> - -<p>“O, now, I’m the most unlucky boy in the whole -world!” drawled Tom. “Something is always happening -to bother me. I never can do any thing! But I -knew all the time just how it would turn out!”</p> - -<p>“You did?” exclaimed Rich, angrily. “Then what -did you get us in this miserable scrape for? We are -all a parcel of blockheads. We ought to have had sense -enough to know that such a scheme as this never could -succeed. I throw up my appointment as commander of -the vessel.”</p> - -<p>“No doubt you do,” said Miller, who seemed to take -the matter more coolly than any one else. “It’s very<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_290"></a>[290]</span> -easy to throw up your command after our vessel is gone. -But, Johnny, why didn’t you send us word of this? -You’ve got us into a pretty mess.”</p> - -<p>“I didn’t know that the Sweepstakes was gone until -seven o’clock to-night,” replied the fifth captain, “and it -was too late to send you word then.”</p> - -<p>“Well, somebody suggest something!” said Miller. -“Come, Newcombe, have your wits all left you? We -are in a bad scrape, and we must get out, if possible. -Let’s hear from you!”</p> - -<p>“O, now, I’ve got nothing to say!” drawled Tom, -who was walking thoughtfully up and down the lumber-pile. -“We’re booked for the guard-house, easy enough. -I always was an unlucky boy.”</p> - -<p>He was thinking, not what plan he ought to adopt -to extricate himself and companions from their unpleasant -situation, but how he might avoid punishment when -he returned to the academy.</p> - -<p>“We are not in the guard-house yet,” replied Miller; -“and I, for one, don’t intend to go there until we have -had our cruise. Johnny, did you mail that letter to -’Squire Thompson, as you intended?”</p> - -<p>“Of course not; what was the use of paying for his -boat until we were certain that we could get her? I’ve -got the letter in my pocket now, with fourteen dollars -in it. By the way, you academy fellows owe us a -quarter of a dollar apiece. You didn’t give us money -enough to settle all the bills.”</p> - -<p>“We’ll pay you, Johnny,” said Tom, who, from some -cause or another, seemed in a fair way to recover his -usual spirits. “But do you know where the Swallow -is?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_291"></a>[291]</span></p> - -<p>“That’s so!” exclaimed Johnny, excitedly. “Where -is she? She’s at your father’s wharf, that’s where she -is. I saw her there this evening. I have been so upset -by losing the Sweepstakes that I didn’t think we -could capture some other vessel just as well.”</p> - -<p>“The captain of the Swallow doesn’t generally leave -a watch on board his vessel when he’s in port, does -he?” inquired Tom.</p> - -<p>“No, he don’t; we’re all right yet. All hands stand -by to get ship under way. Come ahead, boys.”</p> - -<p>“Hold on!” exclaimed Tom, who, now that he saw -a way out of the difficulty, was quite willing to resume -the management of affairs; “we must separate. No -more than two of us ought to go together, for we may -be seen, you know, even at this hour. Pair off, and -meet again on my father’s wharf as soon as possible.”</p> - -<p>In obedience to these orders, the boys separated, and -in a few moments Tom, accompanied by Johnny Harding, -arrived at the wharf, where the Night-hawks were -all assembled. The Swallow was moored at the wharf, -and the boys were encouraged when they saw that her -deck was deserted.</p> - -<p>“Now, then,” said Miller, in a low whisper, “how -do we know but there are men on board that vessel?”</p> - -<p>“Some one ought to go and see,” said Rich. “You do -it, Newcombe. You are the strongest and bravest fellow -in the party, and we would rather trust you than -any other fellow.”</p> - -<p>Tom would have been much better pleased if some -one else had been selected to perform this rather dangerous -piece of business. What if there was a watch on -board the Swallow, and he should be discovered? What<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_292"></a>[292]</span> -excuse could he make for being away from the academy -at such an unusual hour, and for prowling about where -he had no business? Tom asked himself these questions, -but still he could not refuse to play the part of spy, for -not only was he utterly unable to resist flattery, but he -did not dare to make an exhibition of cowardice before -the new members of the society, for he was anxious to -establish a reputation among them. In as steady a voice -as he could command, he replied:</p> - -<p>“If you fellows will go behind the office, out of sight, -I’ll do it.”</p> - -<p>As soon as the Night-hawks had concealed themselves, -Tom walked across the wharf on tip-toe, climbed over -the rail of the sloop, and looked about him. He took -two things in at a glance. The cabin doors were closed, -which was good evidence that she was deserted, and -there were no other vessels lying at his father’s wharf. -This was a very favorable circumstance for the runaways. -All the large vessels in the harbor, of course, -kept a night-watch; and, if the boys should be discovered -making off with the sloop, there might be some -trouble. Having noted these two points, Tom crossed -the deck, opened the cabin-doors, and disappeared from -the view of the Night-hawks, who, closely watching all -his movements, held themselves in readiness to take to -their heels and leave their grand commander to his -fate, if he should be discovered. But the cabin was -found to be empty; for the captain, not dreaming that -any one would disturb his vessel, had not thought it -necessary to leave a watch on board.</p> - -<p>“We are all right now, boys,” whispered Tom, when -he had reported the result of his investigations to his<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_293"></a>[293]</span> -companions; “and I propose that Rich be allowed to -assume authority as captain of the vessel.”</p> - -<p>“Agreed,” said all the boys.</p> - -<p>“Now, Rich,” continued Tom, “we are ready to hear -your orders. Be lively.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then,” said the captain, hurriedly, “all you -landlubbers go on board that vessel, and remain in the -cabin, out of sight, until we get out of the harbor; and -all you fellows, who have been to sea, stay with me.”</p> - -<p>When the “landlubbers” had obeyed the order, Rich -found that he had a crew of eight boys.</p> - -<p>“Johnny,” said Tom, “address that letter you have in -your pocket to the captain of the Swallow, and put it -in the post-office.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve got no pen,” replied Johnny; “and how can I -see to address the letter without a light?”</p> - -<p>“Go aboard the ship,” commanded Captain Rich, -“and no doubt you will find writing materials there. -The next thing,” he continued, as Johnny ran off to -obey the order, “is to appoint my officers. As you -have managed this thing so far, Newcombe, I’ll reward -you by making you my first mate. Miller, you will -be second; and Johnny Harding, when he comes back, -shall be third.”</p> - -<p>Some of the boys were a good deal disappointed by -this arrangement, for all those who had been to sea, -had made calculations on receiving some office. But it -had been decided beforehand, that the captain should -be allowed to select his own officers; and, as all the -boys were impatient to get to sea, they did not raise -any objections.</p> - -<p>“So far, so good,” said Rich, as he walked up and<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_294"></a>[294]</span> -took a survey of the vessel he was to command. “The -next step is to get her out to the end of the pier. -Miller, jump aboard and get out a stern-line. Newcombe, -find something that will do for a tow-line; make -one end fast on board, and lead the other round the -starboard side of the vessel back to the wharf.”</p> - -<p>“What’s that for?” exclaimed Tom. “That isn’t -the best way to turn her around.”</p> - -<p>“Newcombe!” said Rich, angrily, “I am the captain -of this vessel, and you must do as you are ordered, without -stopping to ask questions.”</p> - -<p>“O, now, see here!” drawled Tom, “I want you to -understand that the government of this society is democratic, -and I have a right to have my say.”</p> - -<p>“And I also want you to understand that I have -been ordered to take this vessel to sea, and that I’m -going to do it,” said Captain Rich. “If you don’t get -a tow-line out very soon, I’ll appoint another first -mate.”</p> - -<p>This threat alarmed Tom, who, without further parley, -sprang on board the sloop and hastened to carry -out his orders.</p> - -<p>“All ready for’ard,” said he, when he had got out the -tow-line.</p> - -<p>“All ready aft,” repeated Miller.</p> - -<p>“Man the tow-line,” said Captain Rich.</p> - -<p>In obedience to this order, the crew, now numbering -five boys, who were still on the wharf, took hold of the -rope.</p> - -<p>“Cast off for’ard,” continued the captain, “and shore -off. Run away with the tow-line.”</p> - -<p>As these commands were obeyed, the bow of the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_295"></a>[295]</span> -sloop swung around, and, when the stern-line was cast -off, she came about, and her bow pointed out to sea. -The boys who held the tow-line, pulled her to the end -of the pier, where she was again made fast.</p> - -<p>“Hasn’t Johnny got back yet?” asked Rich.</p> - -<p>“Yes, here I am,” answered the fifth captain, who -had run all the way from the wharf to the post-office -and back. “I’ve mailed the letter, and the old captain -will get his fourteen dollars in the morning. It’s all -right; he won’t grumble.”</p> - -<p>“What did you say in the letter?” asked Tom.</p> - -<p>“I said: Sir—Inclosed herewith please find fourteen -dollars, to pay for the use of your boat for two -weeks. Yours, truly—blank. I didn’t sign any name -to it.”</p> - -<p>“All aboard!” said Rich. “Newcombe, stand by to -get under way.”</p> - -<p>At this stage of the proceedings, it became evident -that the first mate of the Swallow was either sadly -ignorant of ship discipline, or else that he was determined -to set it aside altogether, and establish a routine -of his own; for, when the captain gave the order, -“Stand by to get under way,” Tom, instead of stationing -his crew and awaiting further commands, gave the -order—</p> - -<p>“Unloose the sails—all of ’em—hoist away lively.”</p> - -<p>But his object was to get to sea as soon as possible, -and these orders, no doubt, answered his purpose as well -as any others, for the crew understood them. In a few -moments the mainsail and jib were spread, and the -Swallow began to careen as she caught the wind, as if -impatient to be off.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_296"></a>[296]</span></p> - -<p>“Harry Green!” said Rich, calling to one of his -crew. “Go to the wheel. Cast off.”</p> - -<p>Slowly the sloop swung away from the pier, the -wind filled the sails, and she began to move toward the -blue water.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_297"></a>[297]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">THE PURSUIT COMMENCED.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap22.jpg" alt="N" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">NEVER before had the gallant little sloop been -manned by such an excited and delighted crew -as the runaways were at that moment. They -had escaped the examination, and instead of -remaining at the academy, under arrest, while their -companions were enjoying themselves in camp, they -would soon be miles at sea, and beyond the control of -the principal. The danger, they imagined, was over, -at least until morning, when their absence would be discovered, -and the pursuit commenced. That they would -be followed, none of them, for a moment, doubted; for -they knew that the principal was not the man to permit -his authority to be set at defiance with impunity. He -would make every effort to capture them, and his former -exploits in this line had shown that he was very expert -at catching deserters. Besides, although they had paid -the captain of the Swallow for the use of his boat for two -weeks, they did not expect that he would be altogether -satisfied with the arrangement. Tom and Johnny had -assured their companions that he “wouldn’t grumble,” -but they had said that merely to silence the fears of the -timid members of the society, for they knew that the -captain, unless he was different from most men, would<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_298"></a>[298]</span> -be very angry when he discovered that a “lot of green -boys” had run away with his sloop; and he, also, would -leave no stone unturned to insure their speedy capture. -In addition to this, there were seven boys on board who -lived in the village; and, when their parents learned -that they were among the runaways, it was very probable -that they, too, would make every exertion to bring -the cruise to an end as soon as possible. In short, as -soon as their escape became known, the whole village -would be aroused, and Captain Rich would be given -ample opportunity to prove himself worthy of the confidence -his friends had reposed in him. The deserters -realized the fact that their chances for continuing their -cruise for two weeks, were very slim indeed; but there -were very few among them who were troubled with any -gloomy forebodings. True, some of them thought of -the guard-house, with extra duty at night, but the majority -of them did not look so far into the future. They -thought only of the fine time they expected to enjoy -during their cruise, and laughed when they pictured to -themselves the consternation that would prevail at the -academy when their absence was first discovered. Tom, -especially, was in the best of spirits. He had been the -projector and manager of the most daring exploit ever -attempted by the village boys, and he felt proud of it. -There was one thing that was beginning to trouble him, -however, and that was, he was sorry that he had used his -influence to make Rich the captain of the vessel. He -ought to have had that position himself. He had done -most of the work, run all the risk, and he certainly ought -to have been given a higher office than that of first mate. -But it was too late to remedy the matter, and Tom was<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_299"></a>[299]</span> -obliged to be satisfied with the glory he had already -won.</p> - -<p>When the sloop had cleared the harbor, and got well -out into the bay, the first mate walked to the head of the -companion-way and called out, “All right, now, fellows. -You may come on deck;” whereupon, the boys who had -been sent into the cabin, clambered up the ladder, and, -unable longer to restrain their enthusiasm, gave vent to -their jubilant feelings in terrific whoops and yells.</p> - -<p>“Silence!” commanded Johnny. “Are you tired of -your cruise already? Wait until you know that we -are safe from pursuit before you begin your dancing and -shouting.”</p> - -<p>“Why, I thought that if we once got outside the harbor, -we were all right,” said one of the “landlubbers.”</p> - -<p>The boys who had never been to sea were called -“landlubbers,” and this name clung to them during the -voyage.</p> - -<p>“That’s by no means certain,” replied the third mate. -“The Philistines will be after us as soon as our escape -is discovered, and our only chance is to get well out to -sea before daylight. If we are followed by sailing vessels, -we can show a clean pair of heels; but if our pursuers -come in a steamer, you academy fellows may begin -to prepare yourselves for the guard-house. So you -see—”</p> - -<p>“Swallow, ahoy!” came a hail, in stentorian tones, -interrupting Johnny’s speech, and filling the runaways -with dismay.</p> - -<p>The astonished deserters looked toward the light-house, -which they were at that moment passing, and -whence the hail came, and saw a man standing on the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_300"></a>[300]</span> -pier, <ins class="corr" id="tn300" title="Transcriber’s Note—“waiving his hat to them” changed to “waving his hat to them”.">waving his hat to them</ins>, -while two others were hoisting the sails of a small schooner, -evidently with the intention of following them. A third had got into -a skiff, and was pulling toward the village with all possible speed. -In the excitement of getting safely out of the harbor, they had not -thought of looking for enemies on the light-house pier, and a hasty -glance at the men in the schooner showed them that the pursuit was to -commence much sooner than they had expected.</p> - -<p>“O, now, we’re caught already!” drawled Tom. -“It’s all up with us. I knew all the while just how it -would turn out.”</p> - -<p>“What shall we do, fellows?” asked Captain Rich, -coming aft, rather hurriedly, to consult his officers.</p> - -<p>“Do nothing!” replied the third mate, who did not -seem to be at all concerned. “They don’t know that -any thing is wrong yet. No doubt it is one of the crew -of the Swallow, who thinks his captain is going to sea -without him.”</p> - -<p>“If that’s so, then what is that man pulling back to -the village for?” asked Miller. “He handles those -oars as if he is in a great hurry. And, then, what are -those two men doing with that schooner?”</p> - -<p>“Why, one of them probably belongs on board here,” -answered Johnny. “If they hail us again, I’ll answer -them. Keep out of sight as much as possible, fellows.”</p> - -<p>“Swallow ahoy!” came the hail, in louder tones.</p> - -<p>“Ay, ay, sir!” replied the third mate.</p> - -<p>“Hold on!” shouted one of the men in the schooner, -which was now starting out from the pier, “I want to -come on board.”</p> - -<p>This served to convince some of the runaways that<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_301"></a>[301]</span> -Johnny’s idea of the situation was the correct one. -One of the men in the schooner belonged to the Swallow, -and was afraid his captain was going to sea without -him.</p> - -<p>“I can’t stop!” shouted the third mate, in reply. -“Wait at the village until I come back.”</p> - -<p>The runaways were astonished at this answer, and -they all held their breath in suspense, wondering what -would be the result. The men in the schooner evidently -did not understand it, for one of them, after a -moment’s hesitation, called out—</p> - -<p>“Do what?”</p> - -<p>“I’m in a great hurry, and I can’t wait for you!” -repeated Johnny. “Stay at the village till I come -back.”</p> - -<p>“Hold on with that sloop, I say!” shouted the man, -“or it will be worse for you.”</p> - -<p>“There!” exclaimed Miller; “that shows that I was -right. We’re discovered, and we must run for it now. -Crowd her, Harry!”</p> - -<p>The second mate was right in his suspicions. One -of the men in the schooner was the lawful captain of -the Swallow. He had been visiting his brother, the -keeper of the light-house, and was on the point of returning -to the village, when he discovered his vessel -putting out to sea. Of course he did not know who -had taken her; but, being well aware of the fact that -she was in the hands of some one who had no business -with her, he had got the schooner under-way, and -commenced the pursuit.</p> - -<p>“Swallow ahoy!” came the hail again. “Hold on -with that boat!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_302"></a>[302]</span></p> - -<p>The deserters made no reply, and, in fact, they -scarcely heard the hail, for their attention was wholly -occupied with something else. They had not imagined -that they were in any danger; but now they noticed -that the schooner was following in their wake at a rate -of speed that would soon bring her along-side. She had -the advantage of being under the control of men who -understood their business. The third mate, being now -fully satisfied that the Philistines were really after -them, and that there was nothing left them now but to -“run for it,” sprang down from the sail, and, seeing that -the schooner was gaining rapidly, took the wheel into -his own hands. Johnny, although he was the lowest -officer, was the best sailor on board, and he had not -been long at the helm, before it became apparent to the -Swallow’s crew that their pursuers were gradually falling -behind. This reassured the boys, some of whom -had begun to fear that the sloop was not as swift a -sailor as Johnny had led them to believe. A few of -them had made up their minds that a fight for their -liberties was not far distant, for not one of the deserters -had any idea of allowing their cruise to be brought to -an end so speedily. They had started out with the intention -of enjoying a two-weeks’ cruise, and they did -not propose to return to the village until they got ready, -or were taken back by a superior force. Some of the -more determined ones had secured handspikes, which -they flourished above their heads, and shook at their -pursuers, to warn them that, if overtaken, it was their -intention to make a desperate resistance.</p> - -<p>“Slack up a little, Rich, and let them come along-side,” -said one of the crew—the same who had proposed<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_303"></a>[303]</span> -to knock down the sentinels at the academy, and who -went by the name of the fighting member—“two men -can’t capture eighteen fellows.”</p> - -<p>But Captain Rich didn’t believe in “slacking up;” his -only desire was to leave their pursuers as far behind as -possible; and, just then, there was no probability that the -deserters would be called upon to use their handspikes; -for, under Johnny’s skillful management, the swift little -sloop was running away from the schooner as rapidly -as though the latter had been at anchor. The deserters -were for a long time interested in the race, and some of -them even expressed their regret that the schooner was -not a faster boat, it would have made the chase so much -more exciting. But the novelty at last wore off, and -they began to hope that the rightful captain of the -Swallow would soon become discouraged, and abandon -the pursuit. Block Island was now near at hand; but, -while the schooner was so close to them, it was, of course, -out of the question to think of landing for their cargo, -and they might as well surrender at once as to attempt -to continue the voyage without a supply of provisions. -The captain, however, seemed to have no idea of giving -up the chase. He held steadily after the Swallow, -thinking, no doubt, that the man who had gone to the -village would soon return with assistance; and, in the -meantime, he was resolved not to lose sight of his vessel.</p> - -<p>“This won’t do, fellows,” exclaimed Captain Rich. -“Crowd her heavy, Johnny.”</p> - -<p>“She’s doing her very best now,” was the reply. “If -you’ll make the breeze blow stronger, I’ll agree to make -the sloop go faster.”</p> - -<p>“We’re beating them badly,” continued the captain<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_304"></a>[304]</span> -“but that don’t help us much, for as long as they are -in sight, we can’t stop for our provisions.”</p> - -<p>“Two men can’t capture us,” said the fighting member, -who seemed to think that the only thing wanting -to make their expedition a complete success, was a conflict -with the schooner’s crew. “If you want to land -on the island, why do it! Half a dozen of us will guard -the vessel, while the others bring the cargo on board.”</p> - -<p>“O, now, I’m not going to fight!” drawled Tom. “I -never had a fight in my life.”</p> - -<p>“You fellows ought to remember that we must go -back to the village again, some time or another,” said -Miller. “I don’t go in for a fight; for we have done -mischief enough already, and much more than we shall -want to stand punishment for. But, perhaps, we can -fool those fellows some way.”</p> - -<p>“That’s just what I was thinking of,” said Johnny. -“The moon is going down, and it will be as dark as -pitch in fifteen minutes; then we’ll see what we can -do. Just leave this business to me, and I’ll insure our -escape for a sixpence.”</p> - -<p>Captain Rich had no objections to make to this arrangement, -for he was quite willing that Johnny should -assume the management of affairs. In fact, the third -mate was the only one who seemed to know what ought -to be done under the circumstances. Rich, Miller, and -Tom, were officers only in name.</p> - -<p>Thus far, the deserters had been congratulating themselves -on having a bright moonlight night for their expedition; -but now they were impatient for the moon to -go down, and for darkness to hide them from their pursuers. -In order to deceive the schooner’s crew, Johnny<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_305"></a>[305]</span> -held on toward the island, gradually veering round as -the sloop approached it, as if it was his intention to -keep on out to sea; but, as soon as the darkness concealed -their movements, he put the sloop about, and -shaped her course toward the village. As the third -mate had predicted, it was “pitch dark,” the only thing -visible being the light which was now hoisted at the mast-head -of the schooner, by which the deserters were enabled -to judge pretty nearly what their pursuers were -doing. Believing that the runaways had kept on around -the island, they held on their course, and, in a few moments, -the Swallow met and passed the schooner, going -so close to her, that the runaways could hear the two -men talking to each other. The deserters held their -breath in suspense as they glided by, fearful that the -noise of the waves washing against the Swallow’s sides -would betray them. But their pursuers did not hear it, -for they kept on around the island, and, when the light -at the schooner’s mast-head disappeared in the darkness, -every boy on board drew a long breath of relief. Their -pursuers had been completely deceived as to their intended -movements, and the coast was clear, so that they -could land for their provisions.</p> - -<p>“Hurrah for Harding!” exclaimed one of the crew. -“If he hadn’t been here, we should have been in a nice -fix.”</p> - -<p>This opened the eyes of Captain Rich, who began to -be suspicious that the deserters had more confidence in -the third mate than they had in himself—a state of affairs -that troubled him exceedingly. He saw that he -had made a mistake in permitting Johnny to manage -the vessel during the pursuit, and he resolved that thereafter<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_306"></a>[306]</span> -he would, under all circumstances, assert his authority -as commander of the vessel.</p> - -<p>“Now, Harding,” said he, “take us to the place where -you stowed our provisions.”</p> - -<p>In obedience to the order, the third mate turned the -sloop’s bow in the direction he imagined the island to -be, and Tom stationed one of the crew on the forecastle, -to act as lookout. The Swallow moved silently through -the water, every boy on board straining his eyes to catch -the first glimpse of the island; and presently the lookout -exclaimed:</p> - -<p>“Land ho!”</p> - -<p>“Where away?” asked Captain Rich.</p> - -<p>“Dead ahead,” was the answer.</p> - -<p>Upon hearing this, Johnny called a boy to take his -place at the wheel; and after stationing Tom, with two -others, in the mast, to attend to any orders he might -find it necessary to give, he took his stand on the forecastle, -to watch for the landing place. The island -could be dimly seen looming up through the darkness, -and, shortly afterward, the Swallow passed a long, high -point, that stretched out into the bay. Then Johnny -knew where they were. The farmer’s house was just behind -that point.</p> - -<p>“Helm hard a port!” said the third mate. “Stand -by to let go that main sheet. Let go all!”</p> - -<p>These orders being obeyed, the sloop rounded the -point, and, in five minutes more, was made fast at the -farmer’s wharf. Johnny then conducted the crew toward -the barn, where their provisions were stowed; and, -on the way there, he stopped at the house to arouse the -farmer, who, after a delay that seemed an age to the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_307"></a>[307]</span> -impatient runaways, appeared at the door, with a lantern -in his hand. He seemed surprised to see so many -boys in the party, but, still believing that they were -about to start off on a hunting and fishing excursion, -he assisted them in getting their provisions on board -the sloop, and amused the deserters by expressing the -wish that they might enjoy themselves, and have the -best of luck.</p> - -<p>“Thank you, sir,” said Captain Rich; “we hope so, -too. All aboard, fellows.”</p> - -<p>The deserters sprang over the rail, the line was cast -off, the third mate took his stand at the wheel, and the -Swallow again began her voyage. As she rounded the -point, the runaways strained their eyes in every direction, -and were delighted to discover that the schooner -was not in sight. But their joy was of short duration, -for Tom pointed out something in the direction of the -village, that instantly destroyed all their hopes of a -long and pleasant cruise, and caused Johnny Harding -to say, “Now, fellows, the chase begins in earnest.” -Away off in the direction of the light-house pier, they -saw a red light dancing over the little waves, and heard -the loud puffing of a steamer. The man who had gone -to the village had procured assistance in the shape of -one of Mr. Newcombe’s fast tugs.</p> - -<p>“What shall we do now, Johnny?” asked the deserters, -crowding around the third mate. “Do you -suppose she is after us?”</p> - -<p>“Of course she is!” said one of the “landlubbers.” -“We might as well surrender. We can’t beat that tug; -and, besides, I don’t much like the idea of going to sea -in this little boat. I am far enough from shore already.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_308"></a>[308]</span></p> - -<p>“Nonsense,” exclaimed Johnny. “We won’t talk of -surrender yet, for there may be a chance for escape. As -for this ‘little boat,’ she is perfectly safe; I wouldn’t -be afraid to cross the Atlantic in her. Now, keep still, -and let us see what those fellows intend to do.”</p> - -<p>As the lights on the tug showed that she was going -toward the upper end of the island, Johnny, without -waiting to consult Captain Rich, brought the sloop -about, and shaped her course toward the village again, -in hopes they might pass her as they had passed the -schooner. For ten minutes the excitement on board -the sloop was intense. The tug, going at a rate of speed -that would have rendered escape impossible had the -deserters been discovered, kept on toward the head of -the island; and, although the runaways sometimes -thought she was coming directly toward them, finally -passed the sloop, which was now moving slowly down -the island, as close to the beach as the third mate -dared to go. Their pursuers had been evaded, and the -runaways were free to continue their cruise.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_309"></a>[309]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">THE CRUISE OF THE SWALLOW.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap23.jpg" alt="“N" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">“NOW, fellows, what shall we do?” asked Captain -Rich, as soon as the lights on the tug -had disappeared around the head of the -island. “It is my intention,” he added, by -way of apology, fearful that some of his crew might -think he did not know what course he ought to pursue, -“to consult my officers every time we are in trouble. I -think a captain always ought to do that. So, let’s hear -from you.”</p> - -<p>“I propose that we hold over toward the mainland,” -said Johnny. “We’re safe from pursuit now until -morning; but we want to keep as far away from that -tug as possible.”</p> - -<p>As Captain Rich raised no objections to this proposition, -the third mate brought the sloop about, and headed -her away from the island. The breeze was freshening, -and, when the swallow felt its full force, she began to fly -over the waves like a duck. The runaways were delighted -with the exhibition of speed she made, and some -of the reckless ones wished that the schooner would -again come in sight, so that they might show her how -badly they could beat her.</p> - -<p>While Tom had been carrying out his plans, and arranging<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_310"></a>[310]</span> -matters for the cruise, it had never occurred to -him to decide where they would go, should their attempt -at escape prove successful. In fact, none of the deserters -had ever broached this subject, believing, no -doubt, that it was of secondary importance, and could -be easily settled at any time. But now this question -was brought up by the third mate, who, after calling a -boy to take his place at the wheel, asked the captain to -give out the course.</p> - -<p>“That’s something I can’t do,” replied Rich, “until -you tell me where you want to go.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s visit New Bedford,” said one of the “landlubbers,” -as the deserters crowded around their officers; -“it’s not far out of our way, and some of us want to -go there to look at the whale ships.”</p> - -<p>“No, no!” shouted several of the boys.</p> - -<p>“I object to visiting any city or town,” said Johnny, -“for there’s danger in it. It isn’t often that a crowd -of fellows are seen cruising about in a vessel like this, -and some one might ask unpleasant questions.”</p> - -<p>As the debate progressed, and votes were taken on the -places proposed, it became evident that none of the boys -had neglected to give some thought to this important -question. One suggested that it would be a good opportunity -to visit the fishing banks off Newfoundland; -another thought it would be a cheap way of getting to -New York; while a third, who had never seen a sheet -of water larger than Newport Bay, was in favor of -camping on some island close to the village. Each boy -brought forward a host of arguments to convince the -rest of the deserters that his plan for their amusement -was the best; but it was finally discovered that those<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_311"></a>[311]</span> -who wanted to visit Nantucket were in the majority; -and, after a strong opposition from some of the timid -“landlubbers,” who did not want to trust themselves -very far from shore in so small a vessel, this point was -settled.</p> - -<p>“Now, captain, what’s the course?” asked Johnny, -again.</p> - -<p>“We don’t need any course yet,” replied Rich. “As -long as the land is in plain view, we’ll use that for our -compass. We will follow the shores of Newport Bay -until we get into Buzzard’s Bay, and then we’ll steer -exactly south.”</p> - -<p>“But, perhaps, that won’t take us where we want to -go!” said the third mate.</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know what’s the reason!” exclaimed -Captain Rich. “Haven’t you learned enough about -geography to know that Nantucket is south of Massachusetts? -Now, Newcombe, set the watch.”</p> - -<p>So saying, the captain turned on his heel and walked -down into the cabin, leaving his third mate standing -silent and thoughtful.</p> - -<p>“I expected this,” said he, unconsciously giving -utterance to the thoughts that passed through his mind.</p> - -<p>“Expected what?” asked one of the crew, who happened -to overhear the remark.</p> - -<p>“O, nothing!” replied Johnny, quickly.</p> - -<p>“Now, see here, Harding,” said the boy, whose confidence -in the captain had been considerably shaken by -the latter’s conduct during the pursuit, “if you don’t -believe that Rich is all right, you ought to say so before -we get much farther from shore.”</p> - -<p>“Who said he wasn’t all right?” asked Johnny.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_312"></a>[312]</span> -“He has made three or four voyages across the Atlantic, -and he ought to know what he is about.”</p> - -<p>But Captain Rich did not “know what he was -about,” and the third mate was very well aware of the -fact. Rich had been sent to sea because he could not -be controlled at home, and, during his voyages, he had -conducted himself exactly as Tom had behaved on his -cruise on the Savannah. Being a lazy, good-for-nothing -boy, he had allowed his opportunities to slip by him -unimproved; and, when he was appointed captain of -the Swallow, he knew but very little more about seamanship -and navigation than he did when he first began -his career as a sailor. Johnny knew this, and he -was confident that, before long, there would be trouble -on board the Swallow. Even the “landlubbers” would -soon discover that Rich could not be depended upon, -and then there would be a change of commanders. He, -however, had “stood up” for the captain because he did -not wish to be the first one to find fault.</p> - -<p>In the meantime, Tom had gone below to execute the -order Captain Rich had given him. He found pens and -paper in the captain’s desk; and, after writing down -the names of all the boys on board, he divided them -into two watches, being careful to have in each watch -an equal number of boys who had “been to sea.” His -own name, with that of Johnny Harding, Tom put -down with the port watch, and those of Rich and Miller -with the starboard watch. Then, after showing the -“watch bill” to the captain, who expressed himself -satisfied with what had been done, he went on deck to -read it to the crew. He lighted the lamp in the binnacle, -and, calling the boys around him, read their<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_313"></a>[313]</span> -names, after which he ordered the starboard watch to -remain on deck, and the port to “go below and turn -in until six o’clock in the morning.” Captain Rich -came on deck a few moments afterward, a boy belonging -to the starboard watch was sent to the wheel, and -Tom and Johnny went below. They found the cabin -crowded with boys in their watch. Every one of the -bunks was filled with as many of the deserters as could -get into it, and the others were stretched out on the floor -of the cabin, with their uniform coats under their heads -to serve as pillows. Tom was not very well pleased with -this state of affairs, for he thought that, being the second -in authority on board the vessel, he ought to be allowed -a bunk to himself.</p> - -<p>“O, now, see here, fellows,” whined the first mate, -“where am I to sleep?”</p> - -<p>“Look around and hunt up a place,” replied a voice -from one of the bunks. “There’s plenty of room.”</p> - -<p>“O, I can’t see any!” replied Tom. “I am the first -mate of this vessel, and I want one of those bunks.”</p> - -<p>“Rather a rough chance there, Newcombe,” said one -of the boys on the floor.</p> - -<p>Tom began to think so too. The discipline of the ship -had not yet been established, and none of the crew -seemed disposed to treat the first mate with the respect -his high position demanded, for not one of them made -him the offer of a bunk.</p> - -<p>His only chance was to find a sleeping place on the -floor, for he knew that an attempt, on his part, to compel -any of the crew to give up one of the beds would -be met with stubborn resistance. While Tom, after -divesting himself of his coat, was trying to find a place<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_314"></a>[314]</span> -to lie down, the third mate was causing a good deal of -grumbling among the boys on the floor, by moving about -and searching every nook and corner of the cabin. He -was not satisfied with the course the captain had given -out, and he wanted to find a chart of the coast. He -knew that the island of Nantucket was “exactly south” -of some parts of Massachusetts, but he did not believe -that it lay in that direction from Buzzard’s Bay. He -was as well posted in geography as any boy on board. -He knew a great deal more about it than captain Rich, -but he had never claimed to be a navigator. He was -seaman enough to handle the sloop in all kinds of -weather, but he could not take her where the crew -might decide to go, and, more than that, he did not -believe that the skipper was any better off in this respect -than he was. By following the captain’s course, -he believed that they would leave Nantucket away to -the eastward, and it was to satisfy himself on this point -that he wanted a chart. But, if there was one on board, -he could not find it; and, finally becoming weary of the -search, the third mate lay down among his companions, -and slept as soundly as he would have done had he entertained -no fears of the captain’s ability to take the -sloop to her destination. The runaways all slept soundly -until six o’clock, when they were aroused by the second -mate. Some of them yielded prompt obedience to the -call, while others refused to move until Miller descended -the ladder and shook them roughly by the shoulder. -Tom and Johnny were the first ones on deck. They -found that the Swallow had left Newport far behind -them, and was bounding along through Buzzard’s Bay -before a fine breeze. The headlands at the entrance of<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_315"></a>[315]</span> -the harbor were in plain view, and beyond them, was the -ocean—its water flashing and sparkling in the sunlight -like diamonds.</p> - -<p>“What’s the course, captain?” asked Tom, who was -now to take charge of the deck.</p> - -<p>“I don’t know,” replied Rich. “I haven’t looked -at the compass for two hours. I don’t need a course -as long as the land is in sight. I know that we are in -Buzzard’s Bay, and that if this breeze holds out, we will -be in deep water in an hour. When you pass that -cape,” he continued, pointing to the nearest headland, -“hold her exactly south.”</p> - -<p>“All the starboard watch below!” shouted Miller.</p> - -<p>The boys belonging to this watch made a rush for -the cabin, and the second mate was on the point of following -them, when Tom inquired:</p> - -<p>“How about breakfast, Miller? I’m hungry.”</p> - -<p>“Well, then, go into the hold and help yourself,” -was the answer. “That’s the way we did. We couldn’t -find any one in our watch willing to act as cook, so we -made our breakfast on crackers, codfish, and cheese; -and, fellows,” continued the second mate, “do you know -that we forgot to take on a supply of water?”</p> - -<p>“Is there none on board?” asked Johnny.</p> - -<p>“Only about half a barrel, and that won’t last -eighteen thirsty fellows long. The captain says we’ll -take on a supply when we reach Nantucket.”</p> - -<p>“Have you seen any thing more of the Philistines?” -inquired Tom.</p> - -<p>“No. They probably think we are concealed among -the islands in Newport Bay; and, as soon as they discover -their mistake, they’ll be after us again.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_316"></a>[316]</span></p> - -<p>Miller then went down into the cabin, and Tom followed -the third mate to the hold. One of the barrels -of crackers had been broken open, and, judging by -the quantity that was gone out of it, the boys in the -starboard watch must have been very hungry. Johnny -had not calculated on such ravenous appetites when he -made his estimate of the provisions that would be required -for the voyage, and it was evident to him that -the supply would soon be exhausted.</p> - -<p>The port watch grumbled a good deal over their -breakfast, for they were not accustomed to such plain -fare. The codfish made them thirsty, and the water was -hardly fit to drink. But, nevertheless, they made a -hearty meal, and returned to the deck in the best of -spirits, unanimously voting the expedition a decided -success, and declaring that it was much pleasanter than -remaining at the academy under arrest, even though -they had nothing but codfish and crackers to eat.</p> - -<p>It was no wonder that the boys felt cheerful. It was -a beautiful morning; there was breeze enough stirring -to send the Swallow along at a lively pace, the motion -was exhilarating, and even the “landlubbers” forgot -their fears, and really enjoyed the sail. Tom, especially, -was in his element. He walked up and down the deck, -with his hands in his pockets, now and then looking up -at the sails, to see that the boy at the wheel kept them -full; and, more to show his authority than any thing -else, he finally set two of the watch at work cleaning -lamps, others he sent into the hold to sweep up the -crumbs that had been scattered about, and the rest he -ordered to wash down the deck. Some of the boys -grumbled at this but the majority, including Johnny<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_317"></a>[317]</span> -Harding, lent prompt and willing obedience to all his -commands; and, in a short time, the sloop’s deck presented -a scene of neatness and order that would have -surprised her lawful captain, could he have seen her at -that moment. Of course, such a state of affairs had its -effect upon Tom. Every thing was going on smoothly, -and gradually his old idea, of one day becoming a -trader, took possession of his mind, and, just then, the -first mate thought it was the “very business he had always -wanted to go into.” He never had cared a cent -about becoming a farmer, or a general in the regular -army, for he had always known that he was “cut out” -for a trader; and he resolved that, as soon as the cruise -was ended, and he could get out of the military academy, -he would go to work at something, and earn money -enough to buy a sloop like the Swallow.</p> - -<p>After the crew had performed the work assigned them, -they assembled on deck; and now, for the first time, -some of them began to believe that the voyage, if it -should be a long one, would prove to be rather tiresome. -They were too far from shore to see what was going on -there, and, although some of them were, for a time, interested -in the novelty of their situation, they soon grew -tired of having nothing to do, and, stretching themselves -out on deck, they prepared to make up for the sleep they -had lost the night before, leaving their two officers and -the boy at the wheel to take care of the vessel. During -Tom’s watch, nothing occurred to relieve the monotony -of the voyage. About ten o’clock, the Swallow passed -the headlands at the entrance of Buzzard’s Bay, and the -first mate, in obedience to the captain’s command, ordered -the boy at the wheel to “hold her exactly south.”<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_318"></a>[318]</span> -At noon, the port watch made another meal on codfish -and crackers, after which the captain and second mate -were called up to take charge of the deck. At one -o’clock, they passed the Elizabeth Islands, and then -Johnny, who had remained on deck, thought it high -time to speak.</p> - -<p>“Captain,” said he, “how long do you intend to hold -this course?”</p> - -<p>“Until we reach Nantucket!” answered Rich, in a -tone of voice which implied that he thought his third -mate very inquisitive.</p> - -<p>“Well, if that is the case,” continued Johnny, “you -had better put the crew on half-rations. The voyage -will be a long one, and our provisions won’t hold out.”</p> - -<p>“I’d like to know what’s the reason!” exclaimed -Captain Rich, angrily. “Now, Harding, if you know -so much about navigation, perhaps you will be kind -enough to tell me where we will bring up.”</p> - -<p>“According to my way of thinking,” replied Johnny, -his good nature not in the least ruffled by the other’s -sneering tones, “if you hold this course long enough, -you will find yourself somewhere in the West Indies; -and, after you lose sight of that shore there,” pointing -to one of the islands they had just passed, “you won’t -see land again until you get there, either.”</p> - -<p>“That’s just all you know about it. But you needn’t -talk to me, for, as long as I am master of this vessel, I -intend to do as I please.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” replied the third mate, as he turned to -go below; “if the others can stand it, I know I can.”</p> - -<p>This conversation had been carried on in a low tone, -and none of the crew had overheard it. No doubt this<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_319"></a>[319]</span> -was fortunate for Rich, for, had any of the deserters -been aware that they were sailing as straight out to sea -as they could go, the captain might have discovered -that he could not “do as he pleased,” even though he -was the commander of the vessel. During the whole of -that afternoon, Rich kept a sharp lookout for the shores -of Nantucket, but the only land to be seen was the -island they had passed soon after dinner, and which was -gradually sinking below the horizon, as the sloop left it -farther and farther behind. When the port watch was -called that night, the island was shut out from their -view by a dense fog, and a hasty glance at the binnacle -showed the third mate that the captain had not changed -his course.</p> - -<p>“Now, see here, fellows!” exclaimed one of the -watch, “where’s the land?”</p> - -<p>“There’s the captain,” answered Johnny. “Ask -him.”</p> - -<p>“Land isn’t far off,” said Rich, who had overheard -the question. “We’ll reach it long before daylight.”</p> - -<p>If the captain expected that this assurance would -silence the fears of his crew, if they had any, he was -mistaken; for, no sooner had he disappeared below, than -the port watch gathered in a group on the forecastle, -where they held a consultation. Johnny saw what was -going on, but he kept aloof from them, determined to -carry out the resolution he had made at the beginning -of the voyage, that he would not be the first one to -complain. Tom, as usual, paced the deck in deep mental -abstraction, and he did not notice what was taking -place on the forecastle. Contrary to the third mate’s -expectations, however, no demonstration was made, for,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_320"></a>[320]</span> -after a few moment’s whispering among themselves, the -watch, with the exception of two lookouts, stretched -themselves on deck. Johnny, and the rest of the -watch, turned in at midnight, and, when they came on -deck again in the morning, there was no land in sight—nothing -but the clear blue sky above them, and the -ocean beneath. The third mate looked at the captain -as if to say, “What do you think of it now?” But -Rich, although he well knew what was passing in -Johnny’s mind, walked down into the cabin without -making any reply. He could not help seeing that he -had made a mistake in his calculations, but he was -determined that he would not acknowledge it, for that -would be equivalent to confessing that he did not -understand his business. After kicking off his boots, -and divesting himself of his coat, Captain Rich lay -down on the floor, for, as usual, the bunks were all -occupied by the “foremast hands,” and, in a few moments, -was fast asleep. He slept soundly for two -hours, in spite of an animated discussion that was carried -on over his head, and then he was awakened by -one of the port watch, who informed him that he was -wanted on deck.</p> - -<p>“Is it twelve o’clock already?” he drowsily asked.</p> - -<p>“No, but we want to see you on deck at once!”</p> - -<p>Rich easily divined, by the boy’s excited manner, that -something unusual was going on. Rising from the -floor, he picked up his coat and boots, and slowly -ascended to the deck.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_321"></a>[321]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">A CHANGE OF COMMANDERS.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap24.jpg" alt="W" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">WHEN Captain Rich and the starboard watch -had gone below, the third mate went aloft -and seated himself on the cross-trees, to watch -for the shores of Nantucket. For two hours -he remained on his perch, straining his eyes in every -direction, but without discovering the wished-for land; -and finally, becoming weary of his watch, and being -fully satisfied that Captain Rich would never reach his -destination as long as he held that course, he descended -to the deck and joined Tom, who was walking about, -with his hands in his pockets. At this moment, he became -aware that some exciting question was being discussed -by the boys in the forecastle, and presently the -watch came aft in a body, with Harry Green at their -head.</p> - -<p>“See here, fellows,” said Harry; “if you can tell us -where we are going, we’d like to have you do it?”</p> - -<p>“Why, we’re bound for Nantucket,” said Tom.</p> - -<p>“Well, when will we get there?” asked Harry. “The -amount of it is, fellows, we believe that Rich doesn’t -understand his business. He has made a great mistake. -If our calculations are correct, Nantucket is a long way -behind us. What do you think about it, Johnny?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_322"></a>[322]</span></p> - -<p>The third mate had never hinted his suspicions to any -of the crew, for he thought that if their skipper was -really out of his reckoning, some of the “old sailors” -would not be long in finding it out. Besides, he was -well enough acquainted with Rich to know that he -would be angry when he learned that his crew doubted -his ability as a navigator; and that, being commander -of the vessel, he would insist that he had a right to do -as he pleased. This, Johnny knew, would bring on a -mutiny, Captain Rich would be relieved of the command, -and thus the object of the cruise would be defeated. -Rich had his friends, who would sympathize with him, -and, as long as one half of the crew cherished unkind -feelings toward the other half, no one on board could -enjoy himself. The third mate had thought the matter -over, and it had been his desire to keep out of trouble as -long as possible.</p> - -<p>“Come, now, Harding,” said Harry; “let’s hear what -you have to say about this matter. Isn’t there something -wrong?”</p> - -<p>“I think there is,” replied Johnny. “As near as I -can judge, we are at least two hundred miles from -land.”</p> - -<p>“Two hundred miles!” repeated one of the crew, -turning as pale as a sheet; “and in this small vessel. -Let’s turn round and go back, fellows!”</p> - -<p>“And more than that,” continued the third mate, “we -are bound, not for Nantucket, but for Hayti, or some -other outlandish port.”</p> - -<p>“You don’t say so!” exclaimed several of the crew, -in alarm.</p> - -<p>“O, now, we don’t want to go to Hayti,” drawled<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_323"></a>[323]</span> -Tom, though, to save his life, he could not have told in -what part of the world that island was situated.</p> - -<p>“Of course I am not positive of it,” said Johnny; -“but I am certain of one thing, and that is, we are leaving -Nantucket behind as fast as we can.”</p> - -<p>“Now, fellows,” said Harry, turning to the watch, -who were intensely excited, “that shows that I was -right when I said Rich didn’t know what he was about.”</p> - -<p>Every one of the crew had great confidence in Johnny; -and there were some among them who believed that, had -the officers been selected according to their merits, the -third mate would have held the position of captain, -while Rich would have been nothing more than a foremast -hand. The “landlubbers,” especially, looked upon -Johnny as one of the best sailors in existence, for he had -managed the sloop during the pursuit; and when they -found that he, too, believed that their ignorant skipper -was taking them straight out to sea, they were greatly -frightened. No doubt, like the mariners of old, they -imagined that a multitude of dangers brooded over the -great waters, and that all who ventured out of sight of -land were doomed to destruction. But the uneasiness -was not confined to these alone, for even the “old sailors” -were very far from being pleased with their situation. -The simple fact of being out of sight of land, however, -had no terrors for them. So long as there was a clear -sky above them, a smooth sea beneath, plenty of water -and provisions on board, and the captain could tell exactly -where they were, it made little difference to them -how far they were from land. They had joined the expedition -on purpose to enjoy themselves, and they could -do that at sea as well as on shore. But, under the existing<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_324"></a>[324]</span> -circumstances, having no confidence in their captain, -they did not feel altogether safe.</p> - -<p>“Well,” said Harry Green, at length, “we ought to -call up the other fellows, and talk this matter over with -them. I am in favor of relieving Rich, and giving the -command to some one who understands his business.”</p> - -<p>“That’s my idea exactly,” exclaimed Tom. “I never -did believe that Rich was the man for that place. Now, -tell me where you want to go, and I’ll take care of -you.”</p> - -<p>“You!” exclaimed several of the boys; “who asked -you to take care of us?”</p> - -<p>“Why, if Rich is relieved, the command falls on the -next highest officer, don’t it?” demanded Tom.</p> - -<p>“Not always,” said Harry. “You will do very well -for a mate, Newcombe; but I, for one, don’t think we -should gain any thing by making you captain. It’s my -opinion that Johnny will get that position.”</p> - -<p>“O, now, I won’t stand that!” drawled Tom, who had -suddenly made up his mind that he was just the one to -take command of the sloop. “I like Johnny well enough, -but it isn’t right that he should be put over me. I ought -to be master of this ship.”</p> - -<p>“I don’t want the position,” said Johnny. “I came -here to have some fun; and as long as I can enjoy myself, -and know that I am safe, it makes no difference to -me whether I am a foremast hand or an officer.”</p> - -<p>“Then you pass the command to me, don’t you, Harding?” -asked Tom, eagerly.</p> - -<p>“No he don’t!” shouted several of the boys. “We -have something to say about that!”</p> - -<p>“We don’t want to raise any fuss now,” said Harry;<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_325"></a>[325]</span> -“but the majority always rules, and Newcombe would -give in if he wasn’t such a bull-headed rascal.”</p> - -<p>“O, now, look here!” whined the first mate. “I want -you to stop calling me a bull-headed rascal. I won’t -give in an inch. I ought to be captain of this vessel. -I have friends in the starboard watch who will stand -by me.”</p> - -<p>“Let’s call the other watch up, and hear what they -have to say about it,” said Johnny.</p> - -<p>“I am in for that,” said another, who was one of -Rich’s friends. “I call it a mean trick to run a man -down behind his back. You ought to give him a chance -to defend himself.”</p> - -<p>Some of the boys, accordingly, went into the cabin to -arouse their slumbering companions, and presently the -watch came on deck, rubbing their eyes and yawning, -and acting altogether as if they were very sleepy.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter?” asked captain Rich, appearing -at the head of the companion way with his boots in his -hand. “Any thing wrong?”</p> - -<p>Harry Green, who acted as spokesman for the malcontents, -stated the cause of the trouble, and ended by -informing Rich that it was the opinion of the majority -of the boys in the port watch that the safety of the sloop, -and all on board, demanded that there should be a -change of commanders. The boys in the starboard watch -were greatly excited and alarmed by the intelligence -that they had already passed Nantucket, and were steering -toward the West Indies; and some of them declared -that Rich ought to have known better than to accept so -responsible a situation, when he knew that he was not -able to fill it. This was instantly resisted by Rich’s<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_326"></a>[326]</span> -friends, who affirmed, that if their favorite could not -be trusted, there was not a boy on board who could be -depended upon.</p> - -<p>“It’s easy enough to find fault, fellows,” said Rich; -“but if you know so much more than I do, why don’t -you take this business off my hands?”</p> - -<p>“That’s just what we are going to do,” replied Harry, -bluntly. “We intend to appoint another captain. Boys, -I propose that Johnny Harding be—”</p> - -<p>“Hold on,” interrupted Johnny. “I move that Rich -be allowed to retain his office, on condition that he puts -the Swallow about, and takes us back to Nantucket.”</p> - -<p>“We’re going there now,” said the captain, decidedly. -“And I won’t put the sloop about. As long as I am -master of the Swallow, I shall do as I please; and, whenever -you get tired of me, you can appoint another captain -very easily. But I tell you beforehand, that you -won’t make any thing by it. You ought to try and keep -on good terms with every one on board.”</p> - -<p>While this conversation was going on, Miller and two -or three of his friends had been busy with the crew, urging -them to make Tom captain; and, when Rich ceased -speaking, one of them proposed the name of the first -mate, which was received with such long cries of—“Hurrah -for Newcombe! he’s the man!” that it made Johnny’s -friends look rather blank. But when Harry Green -requested all the boys who voted for Tom to walk over -to the port side of the sloop, it was found that there were -but six of them.</p> - -<p>“Now,” exclaimed Harry, “all who are in favor of -Johnny Harding being captain of this vessel, step over -to the starboard side.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_327"></a>[327]</span></p> - -<p>Nine boys obeyed the order, and Tom was beaten.</p> - -<p>“O, now, I won’t stand it!” drawled Tom, who was -so vexed and disappointed that it was all he could do -to choke back his tears. “I am the highest officer in -our society, and the first mate of this vessel, and you -ought to make me captain. If you don’t give me that -position, I’ll refuse to do duty.”</p> - -<p>“It’s too late now!” replied one of the boys. “Harding -is elected.”</p> - -<p>“Then you may appoint another first mate,” said -Tom, who was determined to “rule or ruin;” “and -you needn’t ask me to perform any work, for I won’t -do it.”</p> - -<p>“You might as well appoint a second mate also, -while you are about it,” said Miller, who thought it -best to follow Tom’s example. “Rich and Newcombe -are my friends, and I don’t care about serving under -any one else. If you can’t trust them, you can’t trust -any boy on board.”</p> - -<p>“Do as you please, fellows,” said Harry. “We don’t -want you to have any hard feelings about what we have -done; but, if you don’t want any thing more to do with -us, we can get along without you.”</p> - -<p>“Can you?” exclaimed Tom, suddenly. “We’ll see -whether you can or not. I’ve got an idea, and I’ll -show you—”</p> - -<p>Here Tom was interrupted by a significant look from -Miller. He was about to say, “I’ll show you a trick -you never thought of,” but he understood the look -Miller gave him, and he left the sentence unfinished.</p> - -<p>“What will you show us, Newcombe?” asked one of -the crew.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_328"></a>[328]</span></p> - -<p>“O, nothing,” was the answer. “I didn’t mean any -thing.”</p> - -<p>But a good many of the boys doubted this. Some -of them were well enough acquainted with Tom to be -well aware that the simple fact of his having an “idea,” -was a sufficient reason why they should keep a close -watch on all his movements; and this they resolved -to do.</p> - -<p>“Look out for Newcombe, now,” whispered Harry -Green. “He’s got an idea, and, when he gets that way, -he’s dangerous.”</p> - -<p>“Fellows,” said the new captain, “I don’t like this -business. We came out on this cruise to enjoy ourselves, -and what has just happened has caused unkind -feelings, and will spoil all our sport.”</p> - -<p>To the astonishment of all, Rich, who had been seated -on the combings of a hatch, whistling to himself, as if -he had no interest in what was going on, suddenly sprang -to his feet, exclaiming:</p> - -<p>“I take back what I said a few moments ago. I am -willing that the majority should rule, and, if you want -Harding for captain, I have no fault to find. I’ll take -my place as a foremast hand; and you, Newcombe and -Miller, I want you to do your work just as you did -while I was captain.”</p> - -<p>The boys listened to this speech in utter amazement. -It was not Rich’s disposition to forget a real or an imagined -injury, and they could not understand it. They -were, however, very much relieved to learn that he was -willing to do his duty in any capacity, and there was -such apparent sincerity in what he said, that they could -not but believe that he was in earnest.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_329"></a>[329]</span></p> - -<p>“Well,” drawled Tom, after thinking the matter -over, “I’ll obey orders.”</p> - -<p>“So will I,” said Miller.</p> - -<p>“That’s sensible,” said Harry. “Now we will get -along smoothly, as we did before.”</p> - -<p>The new captain, believing that every one on board -was satisfied with the change, now took charge of the -vessel; and, after a short consultation with some of his -friends, he surprised Rich by offering him the position -of third mate. He did this, not because he believed -the late captain to be more worthy of it than any other -boy on board, but because he wanted to show him that -he appreciated the manner in which Rich had accepted -the verdict of his companions.</p> - -<p>“I’ll take it,” said the latter, “on the condition that -if, at any time, you get tired of me, you will tell me -so. I want some fun before I go back to the academy -to be put into the guard-house, and I don’t care who -is captain.”</p> - -<p>This made Johnny hope that, if Rich had ever cherished -any ill-will toward any of the crew, he had forgotten it.</p> - -<p>But the truth of the matter was, the old captain and -his friends were not as well satisfied as they pretended -to be. Rich’s pride had been sorely wounded, and he -could not bear the thought of taking a subordinate -position after once serving as captain. He believed -that he was as competent to fill the position as any boy -on board, and he determined to make an effort to regain -it. Tom was angry because he could not forget -that the votes of a majority of the crew had defeated -his aspirations for the captaincy; and he hoped that -he might find an opportunity to revenge himself on<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_330"></a>[330]</span> -them. Miller, and a few of the foremast hands, were -displeased because the claims of their favorites had -been disregarded, and they, too, set themselves at work -to study up some plan to “get even” with those who -had voted to relieve Rich of the command, and make -Johnny captain. But the discontented ones were all -“deep.” They knew that if they refused to do duty, -they would be so closely watched that they could have -no opportunity of talking the matter over among themselves; -so they concluded that it was best to appear to -give way to the majority. This would allay suspicion, -and Johnny’s friends, believing that they were satisfied -with the change, would take no notice of their movements. -This was the way Rich and his friends looked -at the matter, and subsequent events proved that they -had not been mistaken.</p> - -<p>As soon as Captain Harding took command of the -Swallow, he put her about, and give out a course which, -he imagined, would take them much nearer to Nantucket -than the one Rich had given. Every thing appeared -to be going on smoothly, the boys all seemed to -be enjoying themselves; and when any of them laughed -at the idea of finding Nantucket by sailing exactly south -from Buzzard’s Bay, Rich always made some good-natured -reply, that was very far from being an index of -his feelings. The port watch went on at six o’clock in -the evening, (the routine on the Swallow was six hours -on duty and six hours off,) and when all the starboard -watch had gone below, Rich and Tom met in the waist -to talk over their plans.</p> - -<p>“This is a good joke on me, isn’t it?” asked Rich. -“They gave me the captaincy without my asking them<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_331"></a>[331]</span> -for it, and now they kick me out, giving the office to -Harding, who knows no more about navigation than I -do, and making me third mate. I wonder if they suppose -that I am going to stand any such work as that? -Not if I know it.”</p> - -<p>“I’ve got an idea!” said Tom.</p> - -<p>“Out with, it then! I’m listening with all my ears.”</p> - -<p>“It is this,” continued the first mate: “I propose -that when we get into port, we think up some plan to -get Harding and all his friends to leave the boat, and -then we’ll take her and go to sea on our own hook.”</p> - -<p>“Newcombe, you’re a brick!” exclaimed Rich. “That’s -a capital idea. I told them they wouldn’t make any -thing by putting Harding in my place, and I think they -will find that I told the truth. I hope that we shall -reach port soon, for I am anxious to pay these fellows -off in their own coin. But, Newcombe, I’ll make a prediction. -In less than two days you’ll see trouble on this -vessel. I was right, and Johnny is wrong. He is holding -her straight out to sea. Before long the provision -and water will all be gone, and then we’ll be in a nice fix. -They’ll see then who knows the most about navigation.”</p> - -<p>The two conspirators spent an hour in discussing the -details of their plan; but there was one point they could -not decide, and that was, how to manage to induce Johnny -and his friends to leave the vessel, in case they succeeded -in reaching some port. However, they finally -concluded that, in this, they would be governed by circumstances—Tom -assuring Rich that when the time for -action arrived, he could “make things work all right.” -They then separated to explain their plan of operations -to their friends.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_332"></a>[332]</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XXV">CHAPTER XXV.<br /> -<span class="fs60 bold">CONCLUSION.</span></h2> -</div> - -<div> -<img class="drop-cap" src="images/i_chap25.jpg" alt="N" /></div> -<p class="drop-cap">NOTWITHSTANDING his prediction that -Captain Harding never would succeed in taking -the vessel safely into port, Rich thought -it best to prepare for action; and he lost no -time in revealing to his friends the plan that had just -been determined upon. There were six boys on board, -including Tom, who agreed to “stand by” him, and -among them was the “fighting member,” who urged -Rich to take the sloop that very night. If Johnny refused -to give up possession, it would, he thought, be a -good opportunity to reënact the scenes in the story -of the mutiny at sea, which seemed to occupy all his -thoughts. But Rich knew that Johnny’s friends were -numerous, and spunky, and that if an attempt was made -to take the vessel by force, the mutineers would, in all -probability, get the worst of it. By following out the -first mate’s idea, they could accomplish their object without -danger to themselves, and so this plan was finally -adopted. The malcontents were all delighted to receive -their leader’s assurance that he intended to “get even” -with the new captain; but they were very careful to do -all their talking and planning when none of Johnny’s -friends were in hearing, so that no one except those<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_333"></a>[333]</span> -whom Rich and Tom had taken into their confidence -knew what was going on.</p> - -<p>On the second morning after Harding took command -of the sloop, Rich found that his prediction would not -be verified. Land was in plain view at sunrise; and, at -noon, the Swallow, after coasting along the shore to find -a suitable harbor, entered a little bay, and was made -fast at a wharf, in front of a farm-house. Johnny’s -friends all insisted that the new captain had brought -them safely to their destination, while Rich and his followers -affirmed that if that was Nantucket they would -agree to “eat the sloop,” and perform several other impossible -feats.</p> - -<p>“What island is this?” asked Johnny, of a man who -appeared at the door of the house, while the sloop was -being made fast.</p> - -<p>“Martha’s Vineyard,” was the reply.</p> - -<p>“How far are we from Edgartown?”</p> - -<p>“About fifteen miles by the coast, and six miles by -land. But I say, boys,” continued the man, coming -down to the wharf, “what boat is that?”</p> - -<p>“The Dreadnought, from New Bedford,” answered -Rich, with a wink at his companions.</p> - -<p>“What are you doing so far from home?”</p> - -<p>“O, just taking a sail, for the fun of the thing.”</p> - -<p>The man, looking at the deserters with a comical expression -on his face, continued:</p> - -<p>“Perhaps that’s the truth, and then, perhaps, it isn’t. -That sloop is the Swallow, and there was a tug here this -morning after you. O, you can’t fool me,” he added, -with a laugh, noticing that some of the boys opened their -eyes, as if very much astonished. “I know all about it.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_334"></a>[334]</span></p> - -<p>“Jump ashore and cast off that line,” said Captain -Harding, turning to one of his crew. “We had better -get away from here.”</p> - -<p>“O, you needn’t be afraid of me,” said the man. “I’m -not going to trouble you. Besides, I would advise you -to remain here until evening, for if you go to Edgartown -now, you’ll certainly be captured.”</p> - -<p>Some of the deserters were rather suspicious of the -farmer, while others thought he looked like an “honest -old chap,” and that he had no idea of attempting to detain -them. However, they had nothing to fear from -him, even if he proved himself to be an enemy; so, after -a short consultation, they decided to remain at his -wharf, at least long enough to take on board a supply -of fresh water. Rich and his friends were strongly in -favor of this, for they were impatient for an opportunity -to put their plans into execution. After the deserters -had got ashore, and talked a few moments longer with -the farmer, they discovered that he was disposed to be -friendly toward them, for he told them all about the -intended movements of their pursuers, as far as he had -been able to learn them. He said that there were no -less than three steamers after them, and that the one -which had left his wharf at daylight that morning, -was loaded with students, who had authority from the -principal of the academy to arrest the deserters wherever -they found them. Some of the young soldiers had -expressed the hope that they wouldn’t catch the runaways -for two weeks, as they were having a jolly cruise -on the tug, and wished to continue it as long as possible. -The rightful captain of the Swallow was also on -the tug, and, unlike the students, he was impatient to<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_335"></a>[335]</span> -capture the deserters as soon as possible. He was astonished -at the recklessness displayed by a “lot of green -boys,” in putting to sea in a boat, without “knowing -the first thing about seamanship or navigation,” and -predicted that nothing more would ever be seen of the -sloop or of her crew. The farmer then went on to say -that the last exploit of the Night-hawks had caused -great excitement among the citizens of Newport. The -manner in which they had effected their escape from -the academy astonished every one, and was the general -topic of conversation. Mr. Newcombe, not being satisfied -with what he had already done, was to send out -two more tugs that morning; and, in all probability, -the deserters would soon find the islands about Buzzard’s -Bay very unsafe. After telling them this much, the -farmer thought it a good opportunity to give the boys -some advice. He assured the deserters that what they -had done would win them no honor, and urged them -to return to Newport immediately, and endeavor to -make some amends for their misconduct by renewed -attention to their duties.</p> - -<p>“O, that’s played out!” exclaimed one of the boys. -“If you had ever attended the military academy, you -wouldn’t talk that way. We’re on the black list -now, and we might as well enjoy ourselves while we -can.”</p> - -<p>This seemed to be the opinion of all the boys; and -the farmer, seeing that they were determined to have -their own way, made no further attempts to induce them -to return to the village.</p> - -<p>The first mate, becoming impatient at this delay, -now urged Captain Harding to set the crew at work.<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_336"></a>[336]</span> -The farmer showed them a spring, behind the house, -and, armed with buckets, pans, and cups, the deserters -began the work of filling the water-barrels. It was a -tedious task, and while it was going on, Tom had ample -time to mature his plans. He soon decided upon his -course, which was communicated to Rich; and, although -they were by no means certain that it would prove -successful, it was the best they could think of, and, after -some discussion, was adopted.</p> - -<p>Tom soon becoming tired of carrying water, set his -bucket down, and amused himself in walking about the -farm. At the end of half an hour, after the casks had -been filled, and the crew had returned on board the -vessel—while Johnny’s friends were lounging about -the deck, resting after their work, and Rich’s followers -were busy in the hold, setting things in order—the third -mate went aloft and took his stand on the cross-trees, -to watch for the Philistines, he said, but, in reality, to -signal to Tom that the time for action had arrived. In -a few moments, the latter made his appearance, carrying -in each hand a huge slice of water-melon, which he -was devouring with great avidity. As he had expected, -this instantly attracted the attention of the boys, several -of whom eagerly inquired:</p> - -<p>“Where did you get that, Newcombe?”</p> - -<p>“Bought it off that farmer,” was the reply. “He’s -got plenty more, and sells them cheap, too. You can -get one as big as a bushel basket for five cents.”</p> - -<p>“Give us a piece, Tom,” shouted one of the boys from -the hold.</p> - -<p>“O, no; I can’t,” drawled the first mate. “Go and -get some for yourself.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_337"></a>[337]</span></p> - -<p>“Come back with us, and show us where you got it,” -said another.</p> - -<p>“O, you can find the place without me. It’s just on -the other side of that corn-field. The farmer is there -now. I told him that I would send you down.”</p> - -<p>The deserters who were lounging about the deck -waited to hear no more, but, springing ashore, started -at the top of their speed for the farmer’s melon-patch. -Rich descended to the deck with all possible speed, the -boys clambered up out of the hold, and some of them -even jumped upon the wharf and followed the others a -short distance; but as soon as the main body of the -crew had disappeared behind the house, they hastily -returned to the vessel, where Tom and two of his friends -were already engaged in hoisting the sails. Rich cast -off the line with which the Swallow was made fast, and -just as he sprang on board, the sloop moved slowly -away from the wharf. Tom’s plan had worked to perfection. -Johnny Harding and every one of his friends -were on shore, and the seven mutineers had the vessel -to themselves.</p> - -<p>Rich took the wheel, and, as soon as the sloop had -gained steerage-way, he put her about and stood out -of the harbor. Of course, it required considerable time -to execute all these movements, and scarcely was the -Swallow fairly under way, when Johnny and several of -his friends appeared, loaded with water-melons. A single -glance at the vessel, standing out of the bay, under -a full press of canvass, was all that was needed to convince -them that they were in a very unpleasant situation. -They knew that Rich, Tom, and their friends -were about to desert them, and they had no difficulty<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_338"></a>[338]</span> -in divining their motives for so doing. They gathered -around their captain for a moment, as if in consultation, -and then walked slowly toward the wharf. There -was no shouting, no begging to be taken on board, as -the mutineers had expected; but they stood looking at -the sloop, as if the course her crew might see fit to -follow did not interest them in the least.</p> - -<p>“Ah ha, Harding!” shouted Rich, as the Swallow -dashed by the wharf. “Who’s captain now? I told -you that you wouldn’t make any thing by acting mean -toward me. You may stay there now until you are captured, -or get a chance to go back to Newport.”</p> - -<p>“Good-by, fellows,” shouted Miller, waving his hat -to the boys on the wharf. “You were afraid to trust -Captain Rich, so we thought it best to leave you on shore, -where you would be safe.”</p> - -<p>None of Johnny’s friends made any reply, for they -were well aware that remonstrance would be useless. -They knew that Rich always took a fiendish pleasure -in revenging an injury, and, knowing that he deemed -himself insulted, as well as abused, by being relieved of -the command, they did not think it at all probable that -he would allow so good an opportunity to punish them -for what they had done slip by unimproved. They -were not at all surprised at the action he had taken. -Their only wonder was, that they had been foolish -enough to trust him.</p> - -<p>At this moment, the sloop rounded a point at the -entrance of the harbor, and a sight met the gaze of -her crew that astonished and alarmed them. Coming -straight into the bay, at full speed, was one of Mr. -Newcombe’s fast tugs, and so close was she to the runaways,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_339"></a>[339]</span> -that all attempts at escape seemed useless. The -Swallow was caught at last. So thought Captain Rich, -and so thought the boys on the wharf, who could not -refrain from shouting with delight when they discovered -that the voyage, which their treacherous companions -had expected to enjoy, was likely to be brought to a -speedy termination. The forecastle of the tug was -crowded with students, and, among them, the deserters -saw the lieutenant-colonel. The captain of the tug was -at the wheel, and, as soon as he discovered the sloop, -he rang the bell to “stop,” and then to “back,” at the -same time turning the steamer’s bow toward the Swallow, -as if it was his intention to run along-side of her.</p> - -<p>“How are you, Newcombe?” exclaimed the colonel, -flourishing a paper which was, doubtless, his “warrant” -for the apprehension of the deserters. “You, and the -rest of your party, may consider yourselves prisoners.”</p> - -<p>Rich was desperate. The Swallow’s capture seemed -inevitable; and, had all the deserters been on board, it -is probable that he would not have thought of escape. -But he and his friends had seized the sloop with the -intention of having a cruise on their own hook; and he -thought how all the boys they had left behind would laugh -at them if they failed! They would consider it conclusive -evidence that Rich was not fit to be captain. While -the latter was wondering what he should do, the tug -continued to approach the sloop slowly, and presently a -man stepped upon her bow and began to use a lead-line. -This suggested an idea to Rich, and he was prompt to -act upon it. When he first discovered the tug, he had -thrown the sloop up into the wind, but now he filled -away again, and, putting the helm down, ran across the<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_340"></a>[340]</span> -steamer’s bows, almost grazing her as the Swallow went -by.</p> - -<p>“How are you now, Colonel Smith?” shouted Rich, -as he shaped the sloop’s course toward the beach, where -he knew the tug could not follow her. “We’ll not -consider ourselves prisoners just yet, if you please.”</p> - -<p>“Hold on with that boat, Rich!” exclaimed the -colonel, who began to be afraid that his prisoners might -escape him after all. “We’ve got orders to take you -back to the academy, and we intend to do it.”</p> - -<p>“All right!” replied Miller; “but it is always a good -plan to catch your man before you hang him. Come on -with your steamboat. We’re ready for a race.”</p> - -<p>But the tug could not “come on.” She followed the -sloop as close to the shore as her captain dared to go, -and then backed out into the middle of the bay. Here -she stopped, and the Swallow’s crew could see that her -captain and the colonel were holding a council of war. -Finally the bell rang again, and the tug went along-side -the wharf, to take on the boys who had been left -behind, and who, knowing that their cruise was at an -end, surrendered at discretion.</p> - -<p>“Didn’t I fool them nicely?” exclaimed Captain -Rich. “That was a sharp trick, I take it!”</p> - -<p>“O, yes it was,” drawled Tom; “but it won’t do us -any good. We’re caught easy enough.”</p> - -<p>“Not yet,” replied Miller. “We’ll keep in close to -the beach until night, and then we can give them the -slip. We are not foolish enough to think of giving -them a fair race; so we’ll stay in shoal water, where -they can’t reach us.”</p> - -<p>Captain Rich approved this plan, and, undoubtedly,<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_341"></a>[341]</span> -it was the only one that could have been adopted under -the circumstances. Tom then proposed that, in case -they were successful in their attempts to evade their -pursuers, they should return to Newport without waiting -to be taken back; but the others would not listen -to this. They were resolved that they would not go -back to the village voluntarily, until they had had a -two-weeks’ cruise. If the principal desired their presence -at the academy before that time, he must capture -them.</p> - -<p>“There comes the tug again!” said one of the crew, -suddenly.</p> - -<p>“And she’s got three boats with her,” drawled Tom. -“I know it’s all up with us now!”</p> - -<p>When Captain Rich saw the boats that dragged at the -stern of the tug, he was obliged to confess to himself -that <ins class="corr" id="tn341" title="Transcriber’s Note—“affairs looked rather dubius again” changed to “affairs looked rather dubious again”.">affairs looked rather dubious again</ins>. -The Swallow was under the lee of the island, where she had just -breeze enough to keep her moving through the water, but not enough to -enable her to run away from the boats. He had been in hopes that the -tug would blockade them until night, or that she might attempt to run -in nearer to the beach and get aground, in which case he could easily -effect his escape. He found, however, that he had to deal with those -who were as smart as himself.</p> - -<p>When the tug came abreast of the sloop, she stopped. -The students manned the boats, and commenced pulling -toward the Swallow, evidently with the intention of -boarding her. The runaways watched these movements -in alarm, and finally gathered about their captain, -advising him to go along-side the tug and surrender, -without any farther delay. The lieutenant-colonel, they<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_342"></a>[342]</span> -said, had authority from the principal to arrest them, -and they would only get themselves into trouble by -opposing him.</p> - -<p>“I won’t do it,” said Rich, decidedly. “We can’t -be in any worse fix than we are now, and, as long as I -see the least chance for escape, I’m going to hold out. -When the colonel comes on board, we’ll tell him that -if he wants the ship, he can take her. He can’t manage -her, and I don’t believe there’s a boy on board who -can. If we can only delay them until dark, we shall -be all right.”</p> - -<p>But the runaways did not have an opportunity to -put this plan into execution, for, as the boats approached, -they discovered that one of them was under -the charge of Mr. Hudson. This took all the backbone -out of them, for, however much they might have -felt disposed to refuse to yield obedience to the commands -of the lieutenant-colonel, they did not dare to -resist the teacher. So, when the boats came within -speaking distance, and Mr. Hudson sternly ordered -Rich to take the Swallow along-side the tug, he -promptly obeyed. At this moment there was not one -among the deserters who did not heartily wish that he -had never had any thing to do with Tom Newcombe -or his “grand idea.” If they had all remained at the -academy, even though they had failed in their examination, -they would simply have been denied the privilege -of going into camp with the others, but now they -would be obliged to endure some terrible punishment. -And it was the uncertainty of what that punishment -would be, that troubled them more than any thing else. -Had they been sure of a whipping, they would have<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_343"></a>[343]</span> -braced up their nerves, prepared to “take it like men,” -and congratulated themselves that it would soon be over -with. But that was not the principal’s way of dealing -with such characters. He had a faculty of making a -student, who had been guilty of misconduct, feel indescribably -mean and little; and the runaways were certain -that, theirs being an extraordinary case, something -new would be invented for their express benefit.</p> - -<p>“Newcombe, I wish I had never seen you, or heard -of your society!” exclaimed Martin. “It’s all your -fault.”</p> - -<p>“O, now, it isn’t, either,” drawled Tom. “You are -all just as much to blame as I am.”</p> - -<p>“I can’t see it,” said another. “If we once get out of -this scrape, we’ll steer clear of you in future.”</p> - -<p>By this time the runaways had been marched on -board the tug, the sloop was manned by some of the -crew of the steamer, who were detailed for that duty, -and both vessels shaped their course toward Newport. -Rich and his companions felt particularly sheepish. -They could not look Johnny or his friends in the face, -for they knew they had treated them in a way they -would not like to have been treated themselves. Johnny, -however, did not seem to feel very badly about it, for, -as Rich stepped on board the tug, he said, with a laugh:</p> - -<p>“Well, captain, your cruise didn’t last long!”</p> - -<p>“You deserters are not half the sailors I thought you -were,” said one of the students. “I hoped that you -would lead us a long race. We have had a splendid -time following you, and I had much rather spend my -vacation at sea than in camp.”</p> - -<p>The students asked the runaways innumerable questions<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_344"></a>[344]</span> -about the manner in which they had effected their -escape from the academy; inquired how they had enjoyed -themselves, and what had been the cause of the -mutiny, (for Johnny had explained why he and his -friends had been left on the wharf,) to all of which the -deserters replied in as few words as possible. They -were thinking of the court-martial, the guard-house, and -extra duty, and did not feel at all inclined to talk.</p> - -<p>On the following morning, the tug arrived at Newport. -As soon as it became know that the runaways -had been captured, the wharf was crowded with people, -and the culprits found themselves the “observed of -all observers.” Tom saw his father standing on the -wharf, but he felt so ashamed of what he had done, that -he could not raise his eyes to his face. As soon as the -tug had landed, Johnny Harding and his three friends -made the best of their way homeward, while those that -belonged to the institute were placed under arrest and -marched through the village, like prisoners of war. -When they arrived at the academy, they were met by -the principal, who ordered them, not to the guard-house, -but into the school-room, where the lessons of the day -were pointed out to them, and in five minutes more -the runaways were at work at their books, as if nothing -had happened. On the second day, all the students -who had been in pursuit of the deserters returned -and the work at the academy was resumed and carried -on as usual. Three days after that, the examination was -completed, and, when the result was announced, Tom -had the satisfaction of seeing the eagles he had coveted -placed on the shoulders of Bill Steele, the adjutant -Colonel Smith, and a few of the older students, had<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_345"></a>[345]</span> -finished the course at the academy, and were to enter -college. As for Tom and his fellow-conspirators, they -were left so far behind that they were heartily ashamed -of themselves. The next day, the much-dreaded court-martial -was convened. During the process of the examination, -the part each of the students had borne in the -conspiracy was brought to light, and the secret workings -of the society of Night-hawks were developed. Then -came the sentence. Tom, being the prime mover in the -affair, was ordered to do “extra duty” for two months, -and the others for one month. The grand commander -drew a long breath of relief, for he was prepared for -something terrible; but the others all looked blank, for -they understood the meaning of the sentence.</p> - -<p>When the business of the court had been concluded, -the successful students made preparations for going -into camp; and, in order that the runaways might know -how much they had lost by their misconduct, they were -permitted to witness their departure. The lieutenant-colonel, -major, and adjutant had been provided with -horses; and when the battalion, accompanied by its -baggage-train, moved out of the grounds, it looked like -a little army on the march. As soon as it was out of -sight, the runaways, and a few others who had failed in -their examinations, were ordered into the school-room, -and Tom soon found that “extra duty” was something -not to be despised. He was kept busy at work all the -time; he was constantly under the eye of his teacher, -who promptly took him to task for the least violation -of the rules, and before a week had passed, he had been -fully convinced that “the way of the transgressor is -hard,” and had made repeated resolutions, that as long<span class="pagenum"><a id="Page_346"></a>[346]</span> -as he remained at the academy, the principal would -never again have occasion to put him on “extra duty.”</p> - -<p>Here we will leave him for the present, working out -the punishment brought on by his own misdeeds, and repenting, -at his leisure, the folly of which he had been -guilty, and go back to our old friend Bob Jennings, the -fisher-boy, of whom we have for some time lost sight, -but whom we have not forgotten. Of Bob’s life and -character, his trials, disappointments, and final success, -we shall have something to say in “<span class="smcap">Go Ahead; or, -the Fisher-boy’s Motto</span>.”</p> - - -<p class="pfs90 p4 pb6 bold">THE END.</p> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<p class="pfs150 p2 bold">FAMOUS STANDARD<br /> -JUVENILE LIBRARIES.</p> - -<p class="pfs100">ANY VOLUME SOLD SEPARATELY AT $1.00 PER VOLUME</p> - -<p class="pfs80">(Except the Sportsman’s Club Series, Frank Nelson Series and -Jack Hazard Series.)</p> - -<p class="pfs120">Each Volume Illustrated. 12mo. Cloth.</p> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="pfs120 p2 bold">HORATIO ALGER, JR.</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, Jr., -show the greatness of his popularity among the boys, and -prove that he is one of their most favored writers. I am told -that more than half a million copies altogether have been -sold, and that all the large circulating libraries in the country -have several complete sets, of which only two or three volumes -are ever on the shelves at one time. If this is true, -what thousands and thousands of boys have read and are -reading Mr. Alger’s books! His peculiar style of stories, -often imitated but never equaled, have taken a hold upon the -young people, and, despite their similarity, are eagerly read -as soon as they appear.</p> - -<p>Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that -undying book, “Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York.” -It was his first book for young people, and its success was so -great that he immediately devoted himself to that kind of -writing. It was a new and fertile field for a writer then, and -Mr. Alger’s treatment of it at once caught the fancy of the -boys. “Ragged Dick” first appeared in 1868, and ever since -then it has been selling steadily, until now it is estimated -that about 200,000 copies of the series have been sold.</p> - -<p class="right">—<cite>Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls.</cite></p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<p class="pfs90">THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.’S POPULAR JUVENILES.</p> - - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="75%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES—Second Series.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">4 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$4.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Try and Trust.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Risen from the Ranks.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Bound to Rise.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Herbert Carter’s Legacy.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">4 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$4.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Brave and Bold.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Shifting for Himself.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Jack’s Ward.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Wait and Hope.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">NEW WORLD SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Digging for Gold.</td> -<td class="tdl">Facing the World.</td> -<td class="tdl">In a New World.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">VICTORY SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Only an Irish Boy.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Adrift in the City.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">Victor Vane, or the Young Secretary.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Frank Hunter’s Peril.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Frank and Fearless.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">The Young Salesman.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Walter Sherwood’s Probation.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">A Boy’s Fortune.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">The Young Bank Messenger.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">RUPERT’S AMBITION.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">1 vol.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$1.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">JED, THE POOR-HOUSE BOY.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">1 vol.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$1.00</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy -with them. He should be able to enter into their plans, -hopes, and aspirations. He should learn to look upon life -as they do. Boys object to be written down to. A boy’s -heart opens to the man or writer who understands him.</p> - -<p class="right">—From <cite>Writing Stories for Boys</cite>, by Horatio Alger, Jr.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="75%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">RAGGED DICK SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">6 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$6.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Ragged Dick.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Rough and Ready.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Fame and Fortune.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Ben the Luggage Boy.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Mark the Match Boy.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Rufus and Rose.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">TATTERED TOM SERIES—First Series.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">4 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$4.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Tattered Tom.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Phil the Fiddler.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Paul the Peddler.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Slow and Sure.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">TATTERED TOM SERIES—Second Series.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">4 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$4.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Julius.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Sam’s Chance.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">The Young Outlaw.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">The Telegraph Boy.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">CAMPAIGN SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Frank’s Campaign.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Charlie Codman’s Cruise.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">Paul Prescott’s Charge.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES—First Series.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">4 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$4.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Luck and Pluck.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Strong and Steady.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Sink or Swim.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Strive and Succeed.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk" /> - -<p class="pfs120 p2 bold">EDWARD S. ELLIS.</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p>Edward S. Ellis, the popular writer of boys’ books, is -a native of Ohio, where he was born somewhat more than a -half-century ago. His father was a famous hunter and rifle -shot, and it was doubtless his exploits and those of his associates, -with their tales of adventure which gave the son his -taste for the breezy backwoods and for depicting the stirring -life of the early settlers on the frontier.</p> - -<p>Mr. Ellis began writing at an early age and his work was -acceptable from the first. His parents removed to New -Jersey while he was a boy and he was graduated from the -State Normal School and became a member of the faculty -while still in his teens. He was afterward principal of the -Trenton High School, a trustee and then superintendent of -schools. By that time his services as a writer had become -so pronounced that he gave his entire attention to literature. -He was an exceptionally successful teacher and wrote a number -of text-books for schools, all of which met with high -favor. For these and his historical productions, Princeton -College conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts.</p> - -<p>The high moral character, the clean, manly tendencies -and the admirable literary style of Mr. Ellis’ stories have -made him as popular on the other side of the Atlantic as in -this country. A leading paper remarked some time since, -that no mother need hesitate to place in the hands of her boy -any book written by Mr. Ellis. They are found in the leading -Sunday-school libraries, where, as may well be believed, -they are in wide demand and do much good by their sound, -wholesome lessons which render them as acceptable to parents -as to their children. All of his books published by Henry -T. Coates & Co. are re-issued in London, and many have -been translated into other languages. Mr. Ellis is a writer -of varied accomplishments, and, in addition to his stories, is -the author of historical works, of a number of pieces of popular -music and has made several valuable inventions. Mr. -Ellis is in the prime of his mental and physical powers, and -great as have been the merits of his past achievements, there -is reason to look for more brilliant productions from his pen -in the near future.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<table class="autotable fs90" width="75%" summary=""> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">DEERFOOT SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Edward S. Ellis.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Hunters of the Ozark.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">The Last War Trail.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">Camp in the Mountains.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">LOG CABIN SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Edward S. Ellis.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Lost Trail.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Footprints in the Forest.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">Camp-Fire and Wigwam.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">BOY PIONEER SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Edward S. Ellis.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Ned in the Block-House.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Ned on the River.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">Ned in the Woods.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">THE NORTHWEST SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Edward S. Ellis.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Two Boys in Wyoming.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Cowmen and Rustlers.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">A Strange Craft and its Wonderful Voyage.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">BOONE AND KENTON SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Edward S. Ellis.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Shod with Silence.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">In the Days of the Pioneers.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">Phantom of the River.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc bold" colspan="3">IRON HEART, WAR CHIEF OF THE IROQUOIS.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">1 vol.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Edward S. Ellis.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$1.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">THE NEW DEERFOOT SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">3 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By Edward S. Ellis.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$3.00</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Deerfoot in the Forest.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Deerfoot on the Prairie.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">Deerfoot in the Mountains.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdc" colspan="3">JACK HAZARD SERIES.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl pad3">6 vols.</td> -<td class="tdl"><span class="smcap">By J. T. Trowbridge.</span></td> -<td class="tdr padr6">$7.25</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Jack Hazard and His Fortunes.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Doing His Best.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">The Young Surveyor.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">A Chance for Himself.</td> -</tr> -<tr> -<td class="tdl">Fast Friends.</td> -<td class="tdl"></td> -<td class="tdl">Lawrence’s Adventures.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="pfs150 bold">International Bibles</p> - -<div class="blockquotx"> - -<p class="noindent">Are known the world over for their clear print, scholarly -Helps and absolutely flexible bindings. They comprise every -variety of readable type in every style of binding and include -Text Bibles, Reference Bibles, Teachers’ Bibles, Testaments, -Psalms, Illustrated Bibles; also the “International” -Red Letter Testaments and Red Letter Bibles with -the prophetic types and prophecies relating to Christ in the -Old Testament printed in red, and the words of Christ in -the New Testament printed in red; also Christian Workers’ -Testament and Christian Workers’ Bible in which all subjects -or the Theme of Salvation are indexed and marked -in red.</p> - -<p>For sale by all booksellers. Catalog of Books and Bibles -mailed on application to the publishers.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="r10" /> - -<p class="pfs120 bold">THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.<br /> -<span class="fs90">Winston Building</span><br /> -<span class="fs100 bold">PHILADELPHIA, PA.</span></p> - -<hr class="chap pg-brk pb4" /> - -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="center bold">Transcriber’s Notes</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>The List of Illustrations at the beginning of the book was created by -the transcriber.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in spelling and hyphenation such as -“bulkhead”/“bulk-head” and “doorway”/“door-way” have been maintained.</p> - -<p>Minor punctuation and spelling errors have been silently corrected -and, except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the -text, and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been retained.</p> -</div> - -<ol> -<li><a href="#tn213">Page 213</a>: “expect to bear a good account” changed to “expect to hear a good account”.</li> - -<li><a href="#tn262">Page 262</a>: “Miller visited Tom in his domitory” changed to “Miller visited Tom in his dormitory”.</li> - -<li><a href="#tn300">Page 300</a>: “waiving his hat to them” changed to “waving his hat to them”.</li> - -<li><a href="#tn341">Page 341</a>: “affairs looked rather dubius again” changed to “affairs looked rather dubious again”.</li> - -</ol> -</div> - -<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TOM NEWCOMBE ***</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 64169-h.htm or 64169-h.zip</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/1/6/64169/</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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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