CAST UPON THE BREAKERS

by Horatio Alger, Jr. 

CHAPTER I. 

A FAITHLESS GUARDIAN. 

"Well, good by, Rodney! I leave school tomorrow. I am going to learn atrade. "

"I am sorry to part with you, David. Couldn't you stay another term?"

"No: my uncle says I must be earning my living, and I have a chance tolearn the carpenter's trade. "

"Where are you going?"

"To Duffield, some twenty miles away. I wish I were in your shoes. Youhave no money cares, and can go on quietly and complete your education. "

"I don't know how I am situated, David. I only know that my guardianpays my expenses at this boarding school. "

"Yes, you are a star boarder, and have the nicest room in theinstitution. I am only a poor day scholar. Still I feel thankful that Ihave been allowed to remain as long as I have. Who is your guardian?"

"A Mr. Benjamin Fielding, of New York. "

"Is he a business man?"

"I believe so. "

"Do you know how much you will inherit when you come of age?" askedDavid, after a short pause. 

"I haven't an idea. "

"It seems to me your guardian ought to have told you. "

"I scarcely know my guardian. Five years ago I spent a week at his home. I don't remember much about it except that he lives in a handsome house, and has plenty of servants. Since then, as you know, I have passed mostof my time here, except that in the summer I was allowed to board at theCatskills or any country place I might select. "

"Yes, and I remember one year you took me with you and paid all myexpenses. I shall never forget your kindness, and how much I enjoyedthat summer. "

Rodney Ropes smiled, and his smile made his usually grave face look veryattractive. 

"My dear David, " he said, "it was all selfishness on my part. I knew Ishould enjoy myself much better with a companion. "

"You may call that selfishness, Rodney, but it is a kind of selfishnessthat makes me your devoted friend. How long do you think you shallremain at school?"

"I don't know. My guardian has never told me his plans for me. I wish hewould. "

"I shall miss you, Rodney, but we will correspond, won't we?"

"Surely. You know I shall always feel interested in you and yourwelfare. "

David was a plain boy of humble parentage, and would probably be a hardworking mechanic. In fact he was looking for nothing better. 

But Rodney Ropes looked to be of genteel blood, and had the air ofone who had been brought up a gentleman. But different as they were insocial position the two boys had always been devoted friends. 

The boarding school of which Rodney was, as his friend expressedhimself, a star pupil, was situated about fifty miles from the city ofNew York. It was under the charge of Dr. Sampson, a tall, thin manof fair scholarship, keenly alive to his own interest, who showedpartiality for his richer pupils, and whenever he had occasion tocensure bore most heavily upon boys like David Hull, who was poor. 

Rodney occupied alone the finest room in the school. There was a greatcontrast between his comfortable quarters and the extremely plaindormitories occupied by less favored pupils. 

In the case of some boys the favoritism of the teacher would have ledthem to put on airs, and made them unpopular with their schoolfellows. But Rodney had too noble a nature to be influenced by suchconsiderations. He enjoyed his comfortable room, but treated his schoolfellows with a frank cordiality that made him a general favorite. 

After David left his room Rodney sat down to prepare a lesson in Cicero, when he was interrupted by the entrance through the half open door of ayounger boy. 

"Rodney, " he said, "the doctor would like to see you in his office. "

"Very well, Brauner, I will go down at once. "

He put aside his book and went down to the office of Dr. Sampson on thefirst floor. 

The doctor was sitting at his desk. He turned slightly as Rodneyentered. 

"Take a seat, Ropes, " he said curtly. 

His tone was so different from his usual cordiality that Rodney wassomewhat surprised. 

"Am I in disgrace?" he asked himself. "Dr. Sampson doesn't seem asfriendly as usual. "

After a brief interval Dr. Sampson wheeled round in his office chair. 

"I have a letter for you from your guardian, Ropes, " he said. "Here itis. Do me the favor to read it here. "

With some wonder Rodney took the letter and read as follows:

DEAR RODNEY--I have bad news to communicate. As you know, I was left byyour father in charge of you and your fortune. I have never told youthe amount, but I will say now that it was about fifty thousand dollars. Until two years since I kept it intact but then began a series ofreverses in which my own fortune was swallowed up. In the hope ofrelieving myself I regret to say that I was tempted to use your money. That went also, and now of the whole sum there remains but enough topay the balance of your school bills, leaving you penniless. How much Iregret this I cannot tell you. I shall leave New York at once. I do notcare at present to say where I shall go, but I shall try to make goodthe loss, and eventually restore to you your lost fortune. I may besuccessful or I may not. I shall do my best and I hope in time to havebetter news to communicate. 

One thing I am glad to say. I have a casket containing your mother'sjewels. These are intact. I shall send you the casket by express, knowing that you will wish to keep them out of regard for your mother'smemory. In case you are reduced to the necessity of pawning or sellingthem, I am sure that your mother, could she be consulted, would adviseyou to do so. This would be better than to have you suffer from want. 

There is nothing further for me to write except to repeat my regret, andrenew my promise to make up your lost fortune if I shall ever to able todo so. Your Guardian, BENJAMIN FIELDING. 

Rodney read this like one dazed. In an instant he was reduced from theposition of a favorite of fortune to a needy boy, with his living tomake. 

He could not help recalling what had passed between his friend David andhimself earlier in the day. Now he was as poor as David--poorer, in factfor David had a chance to learn a trade that would yield him a living, while he was utterly without resources, except in having an unusuallygood education. 

"Well, " said Dr. Sampson, "have you read your letter?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Your guardian wrote to me also. This is his letter, " and he placed thebrief epistle in Rodney's hands. 

DR. SAMPSON--I have written my ward, Rodney Ropes, an importantletter which he will show you. The news which it contains will make itnecessary for him to leave school. I inclose a check for one hundred andtwenty five dollars. Keep whatever is due you, and give him the balance. BENJAMIN FIELDING. 

"I have read the letter, but I don't know what it means, " said Dr. Sampson. "Can you throw any light upon it?"

"Here is my letter, doctor. You can read it for yourself. "

Dr. Sampson's face changed as he read Rodney's letter. It changed andhardened, and his expression became quite different from that to whichRodney had been accustomed. 

"This is a bad business, Ropes, " said the doctor in a hard tone. 

He had always said Rodney before. 

"Yes, sir. "

"That was a handsome fortune which your father left you. "

"Yes, sir. I never knew before how much it amounted to. "

"You only learn when you have lost it. Mr. Fielding has treated youshamefully. "

"Yes, sir, I suppose he has, but he says he will try to make it up to mein the future. "

"Pish! that is all humbug. Even if he is favored by fortune you willnever get back a cent. "

"I think I shall, sir. "

"You are young. You do not know the iniquities of business men. I do. "

"I prefer to hope for the best. "

"Just as you please. "

"Have you anything more to say to me?"

"Only that I will figure up your account and see how much money is tocome to you out of the check your guardian has sent. You can stay heretill Monday; then you will find it best to make new arrangements. "

"Very well, sir. "

Rodney left the room, realizing that Dr. Sampson's feelings had beenchanged by his pupil's reverse of fortune. 

It was the way of the world, but it was not a pleasant way, and Rodneyfelt depressed. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE CASKET OF JEWELS. 

It was not till the latter part of the afternoon that the casketarrived. Rodney was occupied with a recitation, and it was only inthe evening that he got an opportunity to open it. There was a pearlnecklace, very handsome, a pair of bracelets, two gold chains, someminor articles of jewelry and a gold ring. 

A locket attracted Rodney's notice, and he opened it. It contained thepictures of his father and mother. 

His father he could barely remember, his mother died before he was oldenough to have her image impressed upon his memory. He examined thelocket and his heart was saddened. He felt how different his life wouldhave been had his parents lived. 

He had never before realized the sorrow of being alone in the world. Misfortune had come upon him, and so far as he knew he had not a friend. Even Dr. Sampson, who had been paid so much money on his account, andwho had always professed so great friendship for him, had turned cold. 

As he was standing with the locket in his hand there was a knock at thedoor. 

"Come in!" he called out. 

The door opened and a stout, coarse looking boy, dressed in an expensivemanner, entered. 

"Good evening, John, " said Rodney, but not cordially. 

Next to himself, John Bundy, who was the son of a wealthy saloon keeperin the city of New York, had been a favorite with Dr. Sampson. 

If there was anything Dr. Sampson bowed down to and respected it waswealth, and Mr. Bundy, senior, was reputed to be worth a considerablefortune. 

In Rodney's mood John Bundy was about the last person whom he wanted tosee. 

"Ha!" said John, espying the open casket, "where did you get all thatjewelry?"

"It contains my mother's jewels, " said Rodney gravely. 

"You never showed it to me before. "

"I never had it before. It came to me by express this afternoon. "

"It must be worth a good pile of money, " said John, his eyes gleamingwith cupidity. 

"I suppose it is. "

"Have you any idea what it is worth?"

"I have no thought about it. "

"What are you going to do with it? It won't be of use to you, especiallythe diamond earrings, " he added, with a coarse laugh. 

"No, " answered Rodney shortly. 

"My eyes, wouldn't my mother like to own all this jewelry. She's fond ofornament, but pa won't buy them for her. "

Rodney did not answer. 

"I say, Ropes, I mustn't forget my errand. Will you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Lend me five dollars till the first of next month. My allowance comesdue then. Now I haven't but a quarter left. "

"What makes you apply to me, Bundy?"

"Because you always have money. I don't suppose you are worth as much asmy father, but you have more money for yourself than I have. "

"I have had, perhaps, but I haven't now. "

"Why, what's up? What has happened?"

"I have lost my fortune. "

John whistled. This was his way of expressing amazement. 

"Why, what have you been doing? How could you lose your fortune?"

"My guardian has lost it for me. That amount to the same thing. "

"When did you hear that?"

"This morning. "

"Is that true? Are you really a poor boy?"

"Yes. "

John Bundy was astonished, but on the whole he was not saddened. In theestimation of the school Rodney had always ranked higher than he, andbeen looked upon as the star pupil in point of wealth. 

Now that he was dethroned John himself would take his place. This wouldbe gratifying, though just at present, and till the beginning of thenext month, he would be distressed for ready money. 

"Well, that's a stunner!" he said. "How do you feel about it? Shall youstay in school?"

"No; I can't afford it. I must get to work. "

"Isn't there anything left--not a cent?"

"There may be a few dollars. "

"And then, " said Bundy with a sudden thought, "there is this casket ofjewelry. You can sell it for a good deal of money. "

"I don't mean to sell it. "

"Then you're a fool; that's all I've got to say. "

"I don't suppose you will understand my feeling in the matter, but thesearticles belonged to my mother. They are all I have to remind me of her. I do not mean to sell them unless it is absolutely necessary. "

"I would sell them quicker'n a wink, " said Bundy. "What's the good ofkeeping them?"

"We won't discuss the matter, " said Rodney coldly. 

"Do you mind my telling the other boys about your losing your money?"

"No; it will be known tomorrow at any rate; there is no advantage inconcealing it. "

A heavy step was heard outside. It stopped before the door. 

"I must be getting, " said Bundy, "or I'll get into trouble. "

It was against the rule at the school for boys to make calls upon eachother in the evening unless permission were given. 

John Bundy opened the door suddenly, and to his dismay found himselffacing the rigid figure of Dr. Sampson, the principal. 

"How do you happen to be here, Bundy?" asked the doctor sternly. 

"Please, sir, I was sympathizing with Ropes on his losing his money, "said Bundy with ready wit. 

"Very well! I will excuse you this time. "

"I'm awful sorry for you, Ropes, " said Bundy effusively. 

"Thank you, " responded Rodney. 

"You can go now, " said the principal. "I have a little business withMaster Ropes. "

"All right, sir. Good night. "

"Good night. "

"Won't you sit down, Dr. Sampson?" said Rodney politely, and he took thecasket from the chair. 

"Yes, I wish to have five minutes' conversation with you. So these arethe jewels, are they?"

"Yes, sir. "

"They seem to be quite valuable, " went on the doctor, lifting the pearlnecklace and poising it in his fingers. "It will be well for you to havethem appraised by a jeweler. "

"It would, sir, if I wished to sell them, but I mean to keep them asthey are. "

"I would hardly advise it. You will need the money. Probably you do notknow how near penniless you are. "

"No, sir; I don't know. "

"Your guardian, as you are aware, sent me a check for one hundred andtwenty five dollars. I have figured up how much of this sum is due tome, and I find it to be one hundred and thirteen dollars and thirtyseven cents. "

"Yes, sir, " said Rodney indifferently. 

"This leaves for you only eleven dollars and sixty three cents. Youfollow me, do you not?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Have you any money saved up from your allowance?"

"A few dollars only, sir. "

"Ahem! that is a pity. You will need all you can raise. But of courseyou did not anticipate what has occurred?"

"No, sir. "

"I will throw off the thirty seven cents, " said the principalmagnanimously, "and give you back twelve dollars. "

"I would rather pay you the whole amount of your bill, " said Rodney. 

"Ahem! Well perhaps that would be more business-like. So you don't wishto part with any of the jewelry, Ropes?"

"No, sir. "

"I thought, perhaps, by way of helping you, I would take the earrings, and perhaps the necklace, off your hands and present them to Mrs. Sampson. "

Rodney shuddered with aversion at the idea of these precious articles, which had once belonged to his mother, being transferred to the stoutand coarse featured consort of the principal. 

"I think I would rather keep them, " he replied. 

"Oh well, just as you please, " said Dr. Sampson with a shade ofdisappointment for he had no idea of paying more than half what thearticles were worth. "If the time comes when you wish to dispose of themlet me know. "

Rodney nodded, but did not answer in words. 

"Of course, Ropes, " went on the doctor in a perfunctory way, "I am verysorry for you. I shall miss you, and, if I could afford it, I would tellyou to stay without charge. But I am a poor man. "

"Yes, " said Rodney hastily, "I understand. I thank you for your wordsbut would not under any circumstances accept such a favor at yourhands. "

"I am afraid you are proud, Ropes. Pride is--ahem--a wrong feeling. "

"Perhaps so, Dr. Sampson, but I wish to earn my own living without beingindebted to any one. "

"Perhaps you are right, Ropes. I dare say I should feel so myself. Whendo you propose leaving us?"

"Some time tomorrow, sir. "

"I shall feel sad to have you go. You have been here so long thatyou seem to me like a son. But we must submit to the dispensations ofProvidence--" and Dr. Sampson blew a vigorous blast upon his red silkhandkerchief. "I will give you the balance due in the morning. "

"Very well, sir. "

Rodney was glad to be left alone. He had no faith in Dr. Sampson'ssympathy. The doctor had the reputation of being worth from thirty toforty thousand dollars, and his assumption of being a poor man Rodneyknew to be a sham. 

He went to bed early, for tomorrow was to be the beginning of a new lifefor him. 

CHAPTER III. 

A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE. 

When it was generally known in the school that Rodney was to leavebecause he had lost his property much sympathy was felt and expressedfor him. 

Though he had received more than ordinary attention from the principalon account of his pecuniary position and expectations, this had notimpaired his popularity. He never put on any airs and was on as cordialrelations with the poorest student as with the richest. 

"I'm awfully sorry you're going, Rodney, " said more than one. "Is itreally true that you have lost your property?"

"Yes, it is true. "

"Do you feel bad about it?"

"I feel sorry, but not discouraged. "

"I say, Rodney, " said Ernest Rayner, in a low voice, calling Rodneyaside, "are you very short of money?"

"I haven't much left, Ernest. "

"Because I received five dollars last week as a birthday present. Ihaven't spent any of it. You can have it as well as not. "

Rodney was much moved. "My dear Ernest, " he said, putting his armcaressingly around the neck of the smaller boy, "you are a true friend. I won't forget your generous offer, though I don't need to accept it. "

"But are you sure you have money enough?" asked Ernest. 

"Yes, I have enough for the present. By the time I need more I shallhave earned it. "

There was one boy, already introduced, John Bundy, who did not share inthe general feeling of sympathy for Rodney. This was John Bundy. 

He felt that Rodney's departure would leave him the star pupil and givehim the chief social position in school. As to scholarship he was notambitious to stand high in that. 

"I say, Ropes, " he said complacently, "I'm to have your room afteryou're gone. "

"I congratulate you, " returned Rodney. "It is an excellent room. "

"Yes, I s'pose it'll make you feel bad. Where are you going?"

"I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have done. "

"Oh yes, I guess there's no doubt of that. I'm going to get pa to sendme some nice pictures to hang on the wall. When you come back here on avisit you'll see how nice it looks. "

"I think it will be a good while before I come here on a visit. "

"Yes. I s'pose it'll make you feel bad. Where are you going?"

"To the City of New York. "

"You'll have to live in a small hall bedroom there. "

"Why will I?"

"Because you are poor, and it costs a good deal of money to live in NewYork. It'll be a great come down. "

"It will indeed, but if I can earn enough to support me in plain styleI won't complain. I suppose you'll call and see me when you come to NewYork?"

"Perhaps so, if you don't live in a tenement house. Pa objects to mygoing to tenement houses. There's no knowing what disease there may bein them. "

"It is well to be prudent, " said Rodney, smiling. 

It did not trouble him much to think he was not likely to receive a callfrom his quondan schoolmate. 

"Here is the balance of your money, Ropes, " said Dr. Sampson, drawinga small roll of bills from his pocket, later in the day. "I am quitewilling to give you the odd thirty seven cents. "

"Thank you, doctor, but I shan't need it. "

"You are poorly provided. Now I would pay you a good sum for some ofyour mother's jewelry, as I told you last evening. "

"Thank you, " said Rodney hastily, "but I don't care to sell at present. "

"Let me know when you are ready to dispose of the necklace. "

Here the depot carriage appeared in the street outside and Rodney withhis gripsack in one hand and the precious casket in the other, climbedto a seat beside the driver. 

His trunk he left behind, promising to send for it when he had found anew boarding place. 

There was a chorus of good byes. Rodney waved his handkerchief ingeneral farewell, and the carriage started for the depot. 

"Be you goin' for good?" asked Joel, the driver, who knew Rodney welland felt friendly to him. 

"Yes, Joel. "

"It's kind of sudden, isn't it?"

"Yes. "

"What makes you go?"

"Bad news, Joel. "

"Be any of your folks dead?"

"It is not death. I haven't any 'folks. ' I'm alone in the world. It's because I've lost my property and am too poor to remain in school. "

"That's too bad, " said the driver in a tone of sympathy. "Where are yougoin'?"

"To the city. "

"Are you goin' to work?"

"Yes, I shall have to. "

"If you was a little older you might get a chance to drive a street car, but I s'pose you're too young. "

"Yes, I don't think they would take me. "

"I've thought sometimes I should like such a chance myself, " said Joel. "I've got tired of the country. I should like to live in the city wherethere's theaters, and shows, and such like. Do you know what the driverson street cars get?"

"No, I never heard. "

"I wish you'd find out and let me know. You can send the letter to JoelPhipps, Groveton. Then find out if it's easy to get such a chance. "

"I will. I shall be glad to oblige you. "

"You always was obligin', Rodney. I've asked Jack Bundy to do it--youknow his folks live in the city--but he never would. He's a mightydisagreeable boy. He never liked you. "

"Didn't he?"

"No, I surmise he was jealous of you. He used to say you put on so manyairs it made him sick. "

"I don't think any of the other boys would say that. "

"No, but they could say it of him. Do you think his father is rich?"

"I have always heard that he was. "

"I hope he's better about paying his debt than Jack. I lent him twentyfive cents a year ago and I never could get it back. "

The distance from the school to the station was a mile. Joel fetched thecarriage round with a sweep and then jumped off, opened the door, andthen helped the passengers to disembark, if that word is allowable. 

"How soon does the train start, Joel?" asked Rodney. 

"In about five minutes. "

"Then I had better purchase my ticket without delay. "

"Don't forget to ask about horse car drivers!"

"No, I won't. I should like to have you come to New York. I know no onethere, and I should feel glad to see a familiar face. "

The train came up in time, and Rodney was one of half a dozen passengerswho entered the cars. 

He obtained a place next to a stout man dressed in a pepper and saltsuit. 

"Is this seat engaged?" asked Rodney. 

"Yes--to you, " and his fellow passenger laughed. 

Rodney laughed too, for he saw that the remark was meant to be jocose. 

He put his gripsack on the floor at his feet, but held the casket in hislap. He did not like to run any risk with that. 

"Are you a drummer?" asked the stout man, with a glance at the casket. 

"No, sir. "

"I thought you might be, and that THAT might contain your samples. "

"No, sir. That is private property. "

He had thought of telling what it contained, but checked himself. Heknew nothing of his companion, and was not sure how far it might be safeto trust a stranger. 

"I used to be a drummer myself--in the jewelry line--" continued hiscompanion, "and I carried a box just like that. "

"Ah, indeed! Then you are not in that business now?"

"No, I got tired of it. I deal in quite a different article now. "

"Indeed?"

"Suburban lot. "

"You don't happen to have any of them with you?"

The stout man roared with laughter, giving Rodney the impression that hehad said a very witty thing. 

"That's a good one, " he remarked, "the best I've heard for a long time. No, I haven't any of the lots with me, but I've got a circular. Justcast your eye over that, " and he drew a large and showy prospectus fromhis pocket. 

"If you should be looking for a good investment, " he continued, "youcan't do any better than buy a lot at Morton Park. It is only eighteenmiles from the city and is rapidly building up. You can buy lot on easyinstallments, and I will myself pick one out for you that is almost sureto double in value in a year or two. "

"Thank you, " said Rodney, "but I shall have to invest my money, if I getany, in a different way. "

"As what for instance?"

"In board and lodging. "

"Good. That is even more necessary than real estate. "

"How long have you been in the business, sir?"

"About six months. "

"And how does it pay?"

"Very well, if you know how to talk. "

"I should think you might do well, then. "

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. What business are you goinginto, that is, if you are going to the city?"

"I am going to the city, but I have no idea yet what I shall do. "

"Perhaps you may like to become an agent for our lots. I shall be readyto employ you as sub agent if you feel disposed. "

"Thank you, sir. If you will give me your card, I may call upon you. "

The short man drew from his card case a business card. It bore the name

ADIN WOODS. ROYAL BUILDING. NASSAU ST. Morton Park Lots. 

"Come to see me at any time, " he said, "and we will talk the matterover. "

Here the train boy came along and Rodney bought a copy of Puck, whilethe agent resumed the perusal of a copy of a magazine. For an hourthe cars ran smoothly. Then there was a sudden shock causing all thepassengers to start to their feet. 

"We're off the track!" shouted an excitable person in front of Rodney. 

The instinct of self preservation is perhaps stronger than any other. Rodney and his seat mate both jumped to their feet and hurried to thedoor of the car, not knowing what was in store for them. 

But fortunately the train had not been going rapidly. It was approachinga station and was "slowing up. " So, though it had really run off thetrack, there was not likely to be any injury to the passengers. 

"We are safe, " said Adin Woods. "The only harm done is the delay. I hopethat won't be long. Suppose we go back to our seat. " They returned tothe seat which they had jointly occupied. 

Then Rodney made an alarming discovery. "My casket!" he exclaimed. "Where is it?"

"What did you do with it?"

"Left it on the seat. "

"It may have fallen to the floor. "

Rodney searched for it in feverish excitement, but his search was vain. THE CASKET HAD DISAPPEARED!

CHAPTER IV. 

IN PURSUIT OF A THIEF. 

"Were the contents of the casket valuable?" asked the land agent. 

"Yes; it contained my mother's jewels, all the more valuable because sheis dead, " replied Rodney. 

"Were they of much intrinsic worth?"

"They must be worth several hundred dollars at least. "

"Then they must be found, " said Adin Woods energetically. "They haveevidently been taken by some passenger during the five minutes we wereaway from our seat. "

"Were you inquiring about the casket?" asked a lady sitting opposite. 

"Yes, madam. Can you give any information about it?"

"Just after you left your seat the man that sat behind you rose andreaching over for it went to the rear end of the car and got out. "

"I wish you had stopped him, madam. "

"He was so cool about it that I thought he might be a friend of theyoung gentleman. "

"I didn't know him. He must have been a thief. "

"What was his appearance, madam?" asked the lot agent. 

"He was a thin, dark complexioned man, with side whiskers coming halfway down his cheeks. "

"And you say he got out of the rear end of the car?"

"Yes, sir. "

"He won't get on the train again, " said the agent turning to Rodney. "Hethinks the casket valuable enough to pay him for the interruption of hisjourney. "

"What shall I do then?" asked Rodney, feeling helpless and at a losswhich way to turn. 

"Follow him, " said the agent briefly. "He will probably stop over in thevillage a day and resume his journey tomorrow. "

"Even if I found him I am afraid I shouldn't know how to deal with him. "

"Then I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll stop over with you and help youmake it hot for him. I've had a spite against thieves ever since I had avaluable overcoat stolen in one of my journeys. "

"I shall feel very much obliged to you, Mr. Woods, but won't itinterfere with your business?"

"Not materially. If we succeed in overhauling the rascal I shall feelsufficiently repaid for the small interruption. But come on, we can'tafford to linger here while he is carrying off the plunder. "

"I don't know how I can repay you, Mr. Woods, " said Rodney gratefully. 

"You can buy a lot of me when you get rich enough. "

"I will certainly do so, though I am afraid it will be a long timefirst. "

"You don't know what good fortune may be in store for you. Did younotice, madam, in which direction the thief went?"

"Yes, I was looking out of the window. He went over the road to theleft. "

"That leads to the village. You will see, Mr. Ropes, that I was rightabout his plans. "

"Don't call me Mr. Ropes. Call me Rodney. "

"I will. It don't seem natural to dub a boy Mr. Now, Rodney, follow me. "

The two passengers set out on the road that led to the village. Theycould see the latter easily, for it was not more than a mile away. 

"He will be surprised to think we have 'struck his trail' so quick, "said the agent. 

"Where shall we go first?"

"To the hotel if there is one. "

"The village seems small. "

"Yes, there are only a few hundred inhabitant probably. It is not aplace where a traveler would be likely to interrupt his journey unlesshe had a special object in doing so, like our dishonest friend. However, I think we shall be able to balk his little game. "

Ten minutes' walk brought them to the village. Looking about they saw asmall hotel just across the way from a neat white chapel. 

"Follow me, " said the agent. 

They went into the public room in which there was a small office. 

The book of arrivals was open, and Adin Woods went forward and examinedit. Silently he pointed to a name evidently just written, for the inkwas scarcely dry. This was the name: Louis Wheeler, Philadelphia. 

"This may or may not be his real name, " said Mr. Woods in a low voice. 

"Do you wish to register, gentlemen?" asked the clerk. 

"We will take dinner, and if we decide to stay will register later. Bythe way, I recognize this name, but it may not be the man I suppose. "

"Yes, the gentleman just registered. "

"Would you mind describing him?"

"He was a tall, dark man as near as I can remember. "

"And he carried a small casket in his hand?"

"Yes, and a gripsack. "

"Oh yes, " said the agent his face lighting up with satisfaction. "It isthe man I mean--where is he now?"

"In his room. "

"Did he say how long he intended to stay?"

"No, sir. He said nothing about his plans. "

"Did he seem specially careful about the casket?"

"Yes, sir. He carried that in his hands, but let the servant carry upthe gripsack. "

"My friend, " said the agent in an impressive tone, "I am going tosurprise you. "

The country clerk looked all curiosity. 

"Is it about Mr. Wheeler?" he asked. 

"Yes, the man is a thief. He stole the casket, which contains valuablejewelry, from my young friend here. We are here to demand a return ofthe property or to arrest him. Is there a policeman within call?"

"I can summon a constable. "

"Do so, but don't breathe a word of what I have told you. "

The clerk called a boy in from the street and gave him instructions ina low voice. He went at once on his errand, and in ten minutes a stoutbroad shouldered man made his appearance. 

"This gentleman sent for you, Mr. Barlow, " said the clerk. 

"What can I do for you?" asked the constable. 

"Help me to recover stolen property. "

"That I will do with pleasure if you will tell me what you want me todo. "

Adin Woods held a brief conference with the constable, then he led theway up stairs, followed immediately by Rodney, while the constable kepta little behind. 

"His room is No. 9, " said the bell boy. 

The agent paused before the door of No. 9, and knocked. 

"Come in!" said a voice. 

The agent opened the door, and entered, accompanied by Rodney. A glanceshowed that the occupant answered the description given by the lady inthe car. 

Louis Wheeler changed color, for he recognized both the agent andRodney. 

"What is your business?" he asked in a tone which he tried to makeindifferent. 

"That, " answered Woods, pointing to the jewel casket on the bureau. 

It looked to him as if Wheeler, if that was his name, had been trying toopen it. 

"I don't understand. "

"Then I will try to make things clear to you. You have, doubtless byaccident" he emphasized the last word, "taken from the car a casketbelonging to my young friend here. "

"You are mistaken, sir, " said Wheeler with brazen hardihood. "Thatcasket belongs to me. "

"Indeed. What does it contain?"

"I fail to see how that is any of your business, " returned Wheeler, determined, if possible, to bluff off his visitors. 

"I admire your cheek, sir. I really do. But I am too old a traveler tobe taken in by such tricks. I propose to have that casket. "

"Well, sir, you are the most impudent thief and burglar I ever met. Youbreak into a gentleman's room, and undertake to carry off his privateproperty. Unless you go out at once, I will have you arrested. "

"That you can do very readily, for I have an officer within call. "

Louis Wheeler changed color. He began to see that the situation wasgetting serious. 

"There is a great mistake here, " he said. 

"I agree with you. "

The agent went to the door, and called "Constable Barlow. "

The constable promptly presented himself. 

"Do you want me, sir?" he asked. 

"That depends on this gentleman here. If he will peacefully restore tomy young friend here yonder jewel casket I am willing to let him go. Otherwise--" and he glanced at Wheeler significantly. 

"Perhaps I have made a mistake, " admitted the thief. "I had a casketexactly like this. Possibly I have taken the wrong one. "

"I have the key to the casket here, " said Rodney, "and I can tell youwithout opening it what it contains. "

"What did yours contain?" asked the agent. 

"Jewelry, " answered Wheeler shortly. 

"What articles?"

"Never mind. I am inclined to think this casket belongs to the boy. "

"Rodney, you can take it and Mr. Wheeler will probably find his where heleft it. "

No objection was made, and the discomfited thief was left a prey tomortification and disappointment. 

Rodney handed a dollar to the constable which that worthy officialreceived with thanks, and he and the agent resumed their journey by anafternoon train. They saw nothing further of Louis Wheeler who sent fordinner to be served in his room. 

CHAPTER V. 

A YOUNG FINANCIAL WRECK. 

"You have been very fortunate in recovering your jewels, " said theagent. 

"I owe it to you, " replied Rodney gratefully. 

"Well, perhaps so. If I have rendered you a service I am very glad. "

"And I am very glad to have found so good a friend. I hope you will letme pay for your ticket to New York. "

"It won't be necessary. The interruption of our journey won't invalidatethe ticket we have. "

An hour later they reached New York. 

"What are your plans, Rodney?" asked Adin Woods, who by this time hadbecome quite intimate with his young companion. 

"I shall call on my guardian, and perhaps he may give me some advice asto what I do. Where would you advise me to go--to a hotel?"

"No; it will be too expensive. I know of a plain boarding house on WestFourteenth Street where you can be accommodated with lodging and twomeals--breakfast and supper, or dinner as we call it here--for a dollara day. "

"I shall be glad to go there, for the present, at least. I haven't muchmoney, and must find something to do as soon as possible. "

"We will both go there, and if you don't object we will take a roomtogether. That will give us a larger apartment. Mrs. Marcy is an oldacquaintance of mine, and will give you a welcome. "

Rodney was glad to accept his companion's proposal. They proceeded atonce to the boarding house, and fortunately found a good room vacant onthe third floor. Mr. Woods went out in the evening to make a call, butRodney was glad to go to bed at nine o'clock. 

The next morning after breakfast Rodney consulted his companion as towhat he should do with the casket. 

"Do you want to raise money on it?" asked the agent. 

"No; I shall not do this unless I am obliged to. "

"Have you any idea as to the value of the jewels?"

"No. "

"Then I will take you first to a jeweler in Maiden Lane, a friend ofmine, who will appraise them. Afterwards I advise you to deposit thecasket at a storage warehouse, or get Tiffany to keep it for you. "

"I will do as you suggest. "

Maiden Lane is a street largely devoted to jewelers, wholesale andretail. Rodney followed Mr. Woods into a store about midway betweenBroadway and Nassau Street. A pleasant looking man of middle age greetedthe agent cordially. 

"What can I do for you?" he asked. "Do you wish to buy a diamond ringfor the future Mrs. Woods?"

"Not much. I would like to have you appraise some jewelry belonging tomy young friend here. "

The casket was opened, and the jeweler examined the contents admiringly. 

"This is choice jewelry, " he said. "Does your friend wish to sell?"

"Not at present, " answered Rodney. 

"When you do give me a call. I will treat you fairly. You wish me toappraise these articles?"

"Yes, sir, if you will. "

"It will take me perhaps fifteen minutes. "

The jeweler retired to the back part of the store with the casket. 

In about a quarter of an hour he returned. 

"Of course I can't give exact figures, " he said, "but I value thejewelry at about twelve hundred dollars. "

Rodney looked surprised. 

"I didn't think it so valuable, " he said. 

"I don't mean that you could sell it for so much, but if you wish todispose of it I will venture to give you eleven hundred. "

"Thank you. If I decide to sell I will certainly come to you. "

"Now, " said the agent, "I advise you on the whole to store the casketwith Tiffany. "

"Shall I have to pay storage in advance?" asked Rodney anxiously. 

"I think not. The value of the jewels will be a sufficient guaranteethat storage will be paid. "

Rodney accompanied Adin Woods to the great jewelry store on the cornerof Fifteenth Street and Union Square, and soon transacted his business. 

"Now, you won't have any anxiety as to the safety of the casket, " saidthe agent. "Your friend of the train will find it difficult to get holdof the jewels. Now I shall have to leave you, as I have some business toattend to. We will meet at supper. "

Rodney decided to call at the office of his late guardian, BenjaminFielding. It was in the lower part of the city. 

On his way down town he purchased a copy of a morning paper. Almost thefirst article he glanced at proved to be of especial interest to him. Itwas headed--

SKIPPED TO CANADA

Rumors have been rife for some time affecting the business standing ofMr. Benjamin Fielding, the well known commission merchant. Yesterdayit was discovered that he had left the city, but where he has gone isunknown. It is believed that he is very deeply involved, and seeing noway out of his embarrassment has skipped to Canada, or perhaps takenpassage to Europe. Probably his creditors will appoint a committee tolook into his affairs and report what can be done. 

LATER--An open letter has been found in Mr. Fielding's desk, addressedto his creditors. It expresses regret for their losses, and promises, if his life is spared, and fortune favors him, to do all in his power tomake them good. No one doubts Mr. Fielding's integrity, and regrets areexpressed that he did not remain in the city and help unravel the tanglein which his affairs are involved. He is a man of ability, and as he isstill in the prime of life, it may be that he will be able to redeem hispromises and pay his debts in full, if sufficient time is given him. 

"I can get no help or advice from Mr. Fielding, " thought Rodney. "I amthrown upon my own resources, and must fight the battle of life as wellas I can alone. "

He got out in front of the Astor House. As he left the car he soiled hisshoes with the mud so characteristic of New York streets. 

"Shine your boots?" asked a young Arab, glancing with a business eye atRodney's spattered shoes. 

Rodney accepted his offer, not so much because he thought the blackingwould last, as for the opportunity of questioning the free andindependent young citizen who was doing, what he hoped to do, that is, making a living for himself. 

"Is business good with you?" asked Rodney. "It ought to be with thestreet in this condition. "

"Yes; me and de Street Commissioner is in league together. He makesbusiness good for me. "

"And do you pay him a commission?" asked Rodney smiling. 

"I can't tell no official secrets. It might be bad for me. "

"You are an original genius. "

"Am I? I hope you ain't callin' me names. "

"Oh no. I am only paying you a compliment. What is your name?"

"Mike Flynn. "

"Were do you live, Mike?"

"At the Lodge. "

"I suppose you mean at the Newsboys' 'Lodge?'"

"Yes. "

"How much do you have to pay there?"

"Six cents for lodgin', and six cents for supper and breakfast. "

"That is, six cents for each. "

"Yes; you ain't comin' to live there, are you?" asked Mike. 

"I don't know--I may have to. "

"You're jokin'. "

"What makes you think I am joking?"

"Because you're a swell. Look at them clo'es!"

"I have a good suit of clothes, to be sure, but I haven't much money. You are better off than I am. "

"How's that?" asked Mike incredulously. 

"You've got work to do, and I am earning nothing. "

"If you've got money enough to buy a box and brush, you can go in withme. "

"I don't think I should like it, Mike. It would spoil my clothes, and Iam afraid I wouldn't have money enough to buy others. "

"I keep my dress suit at home--the one I wear to parties. "

"Haven't you got any father or mother, Mike? How does it happen that youare living in New York alone?"

"My farder is dead, and me mudder, she married a man wot ain't no good. He'd bate me till I couldn't stand it. So I just run away. "

"Where does your mother live?"

"In Albany. "

"Some time when you earn money enough you can ask her to come here andlive with you. "

"They don't take women at the Lodge. "

"No, I suppose not, " said Rodney, smiling. 

"Besides she's got two little girls by her new husband, and she wouldn'twant to leave them. "

By this time the shine was completed, and Rodney paid Mike. 

"If I ever come to the Lodge, I'll ask for you, " he said. 

"Where do you live now?"

"I'm just staying at a place on Fourteenth Street, but I can't afford tostay there long, for they charge a dollar a day. "

"Geewholliker, that would bust me, and make me a financial wreck as thepapers say. "

"How did you lose your fortune and get reduced to blacking boots?" askedRodney jocosely. 

"I got scooped out of it in Wall Street, " answered Mike. "Jay Gouldcleaned me out. "

"And I suppose now he has added your fortune to his. "

"You've hit it boss. "

"Well, good day, Mike, I'll see you again some day----"

"All right! I'm in my office all de mornin'. "

CHAPTER VI. 

AN IMPUDENT ADVENTURER. 

While Rodney was talking with Mike Flynn he was an object of attentionto a man who stood near the corner of Barclay Street, and was ostensiblylooking in at the window of the drug store. As Rodney turned away herecognized him at once as his enterprising fellow traveler who had takenpossession of the casket of jewels. 

He did not care to keep up an acquaintance with him, and started tocross the street. But the other came forward smiling, and with a nodsaid: "I believe you are the young man I met yesterday in the cars andafterwards at Kentville?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I just wanted to tell you that I had got back my jewel box, the one forwhich I mistook yours. "

"Indeed!" said Rodney, who did not believe a word the fellow said. 

"Quite an amusing mistake, I made. "

"It might have proved serious to me. "

"Very true, as I shouldn't have known where to find you to restore yourproperty. "

"I don't think that would have troubled you much, " thought Rodney. "Where did you find your box?" he asked. 

"In the car. That is, the conductor picked it up and left it at thedepot for me. Where are you staying here in the city? At the AstorHouse?"

"No, I have found a boarding house on West Fourteenth Street. "

"If it is a good place, I should like to go there. What is the number?"

"I can't recall it, though I could find it, " answered Rodney withreserve, for he had no wish to have his railroad acquaintance in thehouse. 

"Is the gentleman who was traveling with you there also?"

"Yes, sir. "

"He is a very pleasant gentleman, though he misjudged me. Ha, ha! myfriends will be very much amused when I tell them that I was taken for athief. Why, I venture to say that my box is more valuable than yours. "

"Very likely, " said Rodney coldly. "Good morning. "

"Good morning. I hope we may meet again. "

Rodney nodded, but he could not in sincerity echo the wish. 

He was now confronted by a serious problem. He had less than ten dollarsin his pocketbook, and this would soon be swallowed up by the necessaryexpenses of life in a large city. What would he do when that was gone?

It was clear that he must go to work as soon as possible. If hisguardian had remained in the city, probably through his influence asituation might have been secured. Now nothing was to be looked for inthat quarter. 

He bought a morning paper and looked over the Want Column. He found twoplaces within a short distance of the Astor House, and called at each. One was in a railroad office. 

"My boy, " said the manager, a pleasant looking man, "the place was takenhours since. You don't seem to get up very early in the morning. "

"I could get up at any hour that was necessary, " replied Rodney, "but Ihave only just made up my mind to apply for a position. "

"You won't meet with any luck today. It is too late. Get up bright andearly tomorrow morning, buy a paper, and make early application for anyplace that strikes you as desirable. "

"Thank you, sir. I am sure your advice is good. "

"If you had been the first to call here, I should have taken you. I likeyour appearance better than that of the boy I have selected. "

"Thank you, sir. "

"This boy may not prove satisfactory. Call in six days, just beforehis week expires, and if there is likely to be a vacancy I will let youknow. "

"Thank you, sir. You are very kind. "

"I always sympathize with boys. I have two boys of my own. "

This conversation quite encouraged Rodney. It seemed to promise successin the future. If he had probably impressed one man, he might be equallyfortunate with another. 

It was about half past twelve when he passed through Nassau Street. 

All at once his arm was grasped, and a cheery voice said, "Where are yougoing, Rodney?"

"Mr. Woods!" he exclaimed, with pleased recognition. 

"Yes, it's your old friend Woods. "

"You are not the only railroad friend I have met this morning. "

"Who was the other?"

"The gentleman who obligingly took care of my jewel box for a shorttime. "

"You don't mean to say you have met him? Where did you come across him?"

"In front of the Astor House, almost two hours since. "

"Did you speak to him?"

"He spoke to me. You will be glad to hear that he has recovered his owncasket of jewels. "

Adin Woods smiled. 

"He must think you are easily imposed upon, " he said, "to believe anysuch story. Anything more?"

"He said his friends would be very much surprised to hear that he hadbeen suspected of theft. "

"So he wanted to clear himself with you?"

"Yes; he asked where I was staying. "

"I hope you didn't tell him. "

"I only said I was at a boarding house on West Fourteenth Street, butdidn't mention the number. "

"He thinks you have the casket with you, and that he may get possessionof it. It is well that you stored it at Tiffany's. "

"I think so. Now I have no anxiety about it. Do you think he will findout where we live?"

"Probably, as you gave him a clew. But, Rodney, it is about lunch time, and I confess I have an appetite. Come and lunch with me. "

"But I am afraid, Mr. Woods, I shall not be able to return thecompliment. "

"There is no occasion for it. I feel in good humor this morning. I havesold one lot, and have hopes of disposing of another. The one lot paysme a commission of twenty dollars. "

"I wish I could make twenty dollars in a week. "

"Sometimes I only sell one lot in a week. It isn't like a regularbusiness. It is precarious. Still, take the year through and I make apretty good income. Come in here. We can get a good lunch here, " and heled the way into a modest restaurant, not far from the site of the oldpost office, which will be remembered by those whose residence in NewYork dates back twenty years or more. 

"Now we will have a nice lunch, " said the agent. "I hope you can dojustice to it. "

"I generally can, " responded Rodney, smiling. "I am seldom troubled witha poor appetite. "

"Ditto for me. Now what have you been doing this morning?"

"Looking for a place. "

"With what success?"

"Pretty good if I had only been earlier. "

Rodney told the story of his application to the manager of the railroadoffice. 

"You will know better next time. I think you'll succeed. I did. When Icame to New York at the age of twenty two I had only fifty dollars. Thatsmall sum had to last me twelve weeks. You can judge that I didn'tlive on the fat of the land during that time. I couldn't often eat atDelmonico's. Even Beefsteak John's would have been too expensive for me. However, those old days are over. "

The next day and the two following Rodney went about the city makingapplication for positions, but every place seemed full. 

On the third day Mr. Woods said, "I shall have to leave you for a weekor more, Rodney. "

"Where are you going?"

"To Philadelphia. There's a man there who is a capitalist and likes landinvestments. I am going to visit him, and hope to sell him several lots. He once lived in this city, so he won't object to New York investments. "

"I hope you will succeed, Mr. Woods. I think if you are going away I hadbetter give up the room, and find cheaper accommodations. I am gettingnear the end of my money. "

"You are right. It is best to be prudent. "

That evening Rodney found a room which he could rent for two dollars aweek. He estimated that by economy he could get along for fifty cents aday for his eating, and that would be a decided saving. 

He was just leaving the house the next morning, gripsack in hand, whenon the steps he met Louis Wheeler, his acquaintance of the train. 

"Where are you going?" asked Wheeler. 

"I am leaving this house. I have hired a room elsewhere. "

Wheeler's countenance fell, and he looked dismayed. 

"Why, I have just taken a room here for a week, " he said. 

"You will find it a good place. "

"But--I wouldn't have come here if I hadn't thought I should havecompany. "

"I ought to feel complimented. "

Rodney was convinced that Wheeler had come in the hopes of stealingthe casket of jewels a second time, and he felt amused at the fellow'sdiscomfiture. 

"You haven't got your jewel box with you?"

"No, I can take that another time. "

"Then it's still in the house, " thought Wheeler with satisfaction. "Itwon't be my fault if I don't get it in my hands. Well, good morning, " hesaid. "Come around and call on me. "

"Thank you!"

CHAPTER VII. 

AT THE NEWSBOY'S LODGING HOUSE. 

Within a week Rodney had spent all his money, with the exception ofabout fifty cents. He had made every effort to obtain a place, butwithout success. 

Boys born and bred in New York have within my observation tried formonths to secure a position in vain, so it is not surprising that Rodneywho was a stranger proved equally unsuccessful. 

Though naturally hopeful Rodney became despondent. 

"There seems to be no place for me, " he said to himself. "When I was atboarding school I had no idea how difficult it is for a boy to earn aliving. "

He had one resource. He could withdraw the box of jewels from Tiffany's, and sell some article that it contained. But this he had a greatobjection to doing. One thing was evident however, he must do something. 

His friend, the lot agent, was out of town, and he hardly knew whomto advise with. At last Mike Flynn, the friendly bootblack, whoseacquaintance he had made in front of the Astor House, occurred to him. 

Mike, humble as he was, was better off than himself. Moreover he wasa New York boy, and knew more about "hustling" than Rodney did. So hesought out Mike in his "office. "

"Good morning, Mike, " said Rodney, as the bootblack was brushing off acustomer. 

"Oh, its you, Rodney, " said Mike smiling with evident pleasure. "Howyou're gettin' on?"

"Not at all. "

"That's bad. Can I help you? Just say the word, and I'll draw a checkfor you on the Park Bank. "

"Is that where you keep your money?"

"It's one of my banks. You don't think I'd put all my spondulics in onebank, do you?"

"I won't trouble you to draw a check this morning. I only want to asksome advice. "

"I've got plenty of that. "

"I haven't been able to get anything to do, and I have only fifty centsleft. I can't go on like that. "

"That's so. "

"I've got to give up my room on Fourteenth Street. I can't pay for itany longer. Do you think I could get in at the Lodge?"

"Yes. I'll introduce you to Mr. O'Connor. "

"When shall I meet you?"

"At five o'clock. We'll be in time for supper. "

"All right. "

At five o'clock Mike accompanied Rodney to the large Newsboys' LodgingHouse on New Chambers Street. Mr. O'Connor, the popular and efficientsuperintendent, now dead, looked in surprise at Mike's companion. He wasa stout man with a kindly face, and Rodney felt that he would prove tobe a friend. 

"Mr. O'Connor, let me introduce me friend, Mr. Rodney Ropes, " said Mike. 

"Could you give me a lodging?" asked Rodney in an embarrassed tone. 

"Yes; but I am surprised to see a boy of your appearance here. "

"I am surprised to be here myself, " admitted Rodney. 

The superintendent fixed upon him a shrewd, but kindly glance. 

"Have you run away from home?" he asked. 

"No, sir. It is my home that has run away from me. "

"Have you parents?"

"No, sir. "

"Do you come from the country?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Where have you been living?"

"At a boarding school a few hours from New York. "

"Why did you leave it?"

"Because my guardian sent me word that he had lost my fortune, and couldno longer pay my bills. "

"You have been unfortunate truly. What do you propose to do now?"

"Earn my living if I can. I have been in the city for about two weeks, and have applied at a good many places but in vain. "

"Then you were right in coming here. Supper is ready, and although itis not what you are used to, it will satisfy hunger. Mike, you can takeRodney with you. "

Within five minutes Rodney was standing at a long table with a bowlof coffee and a segment of bread before him. It wouldn't have beenattractive to one brought up to good living, as was the case with him, but he was hungry. 

He had eaten nothing since morning except an apple which he had boughtat a street stand for a penny, and his stomach urgently craved a freshsupply of food. 

Mike stood next to him. The young bootblack, who was used to nothingbetter, ate his portion with zest, and glanced askance at Rodney tosee how he relished his supper. He was surprised to see that his morearistocratic companion seemed to enjoy it quite as much as himself. 

"I didn't think you'd like it, " he said. 

"Anything tastes good when you're hungry, Mike. "

"That's so. "

"And I haven't eaten anything except an apple, since morning. "

"Is dat so? Why didn't you tell me? I'd have stood treat at de BossTweed eatin' house. "

"I had money, but I didn't dare to spend it. I was afraid of havingnothing left. "

When Rodney had eaten his supper he felt that he could have eaten more, but the craving was satisfied and he felt relieved. 

He looked around him with some curiosity, for he had never been in sucha motley gathering before. There were perhaps one hundred and fifty boysrecruited from the street, to about all of whom except himself the termstreet Arab might be applied. 

The majority of them had the shrewd and good humored Celtic face. Manyof them were fun loving and even mischievous, but scarcely any werereally bad. 

Naturally Rodney, with his good clothes, attracted attention. The boysfelt that he was not one of them, and they had a suspicion that he feltabove them. 

"Get on to de dude!" remarked one boy, who was loosely attired in aragged shirt and tattered trousers. 

"He means me, Mike, " said Rodney with a smile. 

"I say, Patsy Glenn, what do you mean by callin' me friend Rodney adude?" demanded Mike angrily. 

"Coz he's got a dandy suit on. "

"What if he has? Wouldn't you wear one like it if you could!"

"You bet!"

"Then just let him alone! He's just got back from de inauguration. "

"Where'd you pick him up, Mike?"

"Never mind! He's one of us. How much money have you got in your pocketRodney?"

"Thirty two cents. "

"He can't put on no frills wid dat money. "

"That's so. I take it all back, " and Patsy offered a begrimed hand toRodney, which the latter shook heartily with a pleasant smile. 

That turned the tide in favor of Rodney, the boys gathered around himand he told his story in a few words. 

"I used to be rich, boys, " he said, "but my guardian spent all my money, and now I am as poor as any of you. "

"You'd ought to have had me for your guardian, Rodney, " observed Mike. 

"I wish you had. You wouldn't have lost my money for me. "

"True for you! I say so, boys, if we can find Rodney's guardian, what'llwe do to him?"

"Give him de grand bounce, " suggested Patsy. 

"Drop him out of a high winder, " said another. 

"What's his name?"

"I don't care to tell you, boys. He's written me a letter, saying hewill try to pay me back some day. I think he will. He isn't a bad man, but he has been unlucky. "

Mike, at the request of Mr. O'Connor, showed Rodney a locker in which hecould store such articles of clothing as he had with him. After that hefelt more at home, and as if he were staying at a hotel though an humbleone. 

At eight o'clock some of the boys had already gone to bed, but Mikeand Rodney were among those who remained up. Rodney noticed with whatkindness yet fairness the superintendent managed his unruly flock. Unruly they might have been with a different man, but he had no troublein keeping them within bounds. 

It was at this time that two strangers were announced, one a NewYork merchant named Goodnow, the other a tall, slender man with sandywhiskers of the mutton chop pattern. 

"Good evening, Mr. Goodnow, " said the superintendent, who recognized themerchant as a friend of the society. 

"Good evening, Mr. O'Connor. I have brought my friend and correspondentMr. Mulgrave, of London, to see some of your young Arabs. "

"I shall be glad to give him all the opportunity he desires. "

The Englishman looked curiously at the faces of the boys who in turnwere examining him with equal interest. 

"They are not unlike our boys of a similar grade, but seem sharper andmore intelligent, " he said. "But surely, " pointing to Rodney, "that boyis not one of the--Arabs. Why, he looks like a young gentleman. "

"He is a new comer. He only appeared tonight. "

"He must have a history. May I speak with him?"

"By all means. Rodney, this gentleman would like to talk with you. "

Rodney came forward with the ease of a boy who was accustomed to goodsociety, and said: "I shall be very happy to speak with him. "

CHAPTER VIII. 

RODNEY FINDS A PLACE. 

"Surely, " said the Englishman, "you were not brought up in the street?"

"Oh, no, " answered Rodney, "I was more fortunate. "

"Then how does it happen that I find you here--among the needy boys ofthe city?"

"Because I am needy, too. "

"But you were not always poor?"

"No; I inherited a moderate fortune from my father. It was only within ashort time that I learned from my guardian that it was lost. I left theboarding school where I was being educated, and came to the city to tryto make a living. "

"But surely your guardian would try to provide for you?"

"He is no longer in the city. "

"Who was he?" asked Otis Goodnow. 

"Mr. Benjamin Fielding. "

"Is it possible? Why, I lost three thousand dollars by him. He hastreated you shamefully. "

"It was not intentional, I am sure, " said Rodney. "He was probably drawninto using my money by the hope of retrieving himself. He wrote me thathe hoped at some time to make restitution. "

"You speak of him generously, my lad, " said Mr. Mulgrave. "Yet he hasbrought you to absolute poverty. "

"Yes, sir, and I won't pretend that it is not a hard trial to me, but ifI can get a chance to earn my own living, I will not complain. "

"Goodnow, a word with you, " said the Englishman, and he drew his friendaside. "Can't you make room for this boy in your establishment?"

Otis Goodnow hesitated. "At present there is no vacancy, " he said. 

"Make room for him, and draw upon me for his wages for the first sixmonths. "

"I will do so, but before the end of that time I am sure he will justifymy paying him out of my own pocket. "

There was a little further conference, and then the two gentlemen cameup to where Rodney was standing with Mr. O'Connor. 

"My boy, " said Mr. Mulgrave, "my friend here will give you a place atfive dollars a week. Will that satisfy you?"

Rodney's face flushed with pleasure. 

"It will make me very happy, " he said. 

"Come round to my warehouse--here is my business card--tomorrowmorning, " said the merchant. "Ask to see me. "

"At what time shall I call, sir?"

"At half past nine o'clock. That is for the first morning. When you getto work you will have to be there at eight. "

"There will be no trouble about that, sir. "

"Now it is my turn, " said the Englishman. "Here are five dollars to keepyou till your first week's wages come due. I dare say you will find themuseful. "

"Thank you very much, sir. I was almost out of money. "

After the two gentlemen left the Lodging House Rodney looked at the cardand found that his new place of employment was situated on Reade Streetnot far from Broadway. 

"It's you that's in luck, Rodney, " said his friend Mike. "Who'd thinkthat a gentleman would come to the Lodging House to give you a place?"

"Yes, I am in luck, Mike, and now I'm going to make you a proposal. "

"What is it?"

"Why can't we take a room together? It will be better than living here. "

"Sure you wouldn't room with a poor boy like me?"

"Why shouldn't I? You are a good friend, and I should like your company. Besides I mean to help you get an education. I suppose you're not afirst class scholar, Mike?"

"About fourth class, I guess, Rodney. "

"Then you shall study with me. Then when you know a little more you mayget a chance to get out of your present business, and get into a store. "

"That will be bully!" said Mike with pleasure. 

"Now we'd better go to bed; I must be up bright and early in themorning. We'll engage a room before I go to work. "

There was no difficulty about rising early. It is one of the rulesof the Lodging House for the boys to rise at six o'clock, and aftera frugal breakfast of coffee and rolls they are expected to go out totheir business whatever it may be. Mike and Rodney dispensed with theregulation breakfast and went out to a restaurant on Park Row where theyfared better. 

"Now where shall we go for a room?" asked Rodney. 

"There's a feller I know has a good room on Bleecker Street, " said Mike. 

"How far is that?"

"A little more'n a mile. "

"All right! Let us go and see. "

Bleecker Street once stood in better repute than at present. It is saidthat A. T. Stewart once made his home there. Now it is given over toshops and cheap lodging houses. 

Finally the boys found a room decently furnished, about ten feet square, of which the rental was two dollars and a half per week. Mike succeededin beating down the lodging house keeper to two dollars, and at thatfigure they engaged it. 

"When will you come?" asked Mrs. McCarty. 

"Right off, " said Mike. 

"I'll need a little time to put it in order. "

"Me and my partner will be at our business till six o'clock, " returnedMike. 

"You can send in your trunks during the day if you like. "

"My trunk is at the Windsor Hotel, " said Mike. "I've lent it to a friendfor a few days. "

Mrs. McCarty looked at Mike with a puzzled expression. She was one ofthose women who are slow to comprehend a joke, and she could not quitemake it seem natural that her new lodger, who was in rather negligecostume, should be a guest at a fashionable hotel. 

"I will leave my valise, " said Rodney, "and will send for my trunk. Itis in the country. "

Mike looked at him, not feeling quite certain whether he was in earnest, but Rodney was perfectly serious. 

"You're better off than me, " said Mike, when they reached the street. "If I had a trunk I wouldn't have anything to put into it. "

"I'll see if I can't rig you out, Mike. I've got a good many clothes, bought when I was rich. You and I are about the same size. I'll give youa suit of clothes to wear on Sundays. "

"Will you?" exclaimed Mike, his face showing pleasure. "I'd like to seehow I look in good clo'es. I never wore any yet. It wouldn't do no goodin my business. "

"You won't want to wear them when at work. But wouldn't you like tochange your business?"

"Yes. "

"Have you ever tried?"

"What'd be the use of tryin'? They'd know I was a bootblack in theseclo'es. "

"When you wear a better suit you can go round and try your luck. "

"I'd like to, " said Mike wistfully. "I don't want you to tell at thestore that you room with a bootblack. "

"It isn't that I think of, Mike. I want you to do better. I'm going tomake a man of you. "

"I hope you are. Sometimes I've thought I'd have to be a bootblackalways. When do you think you'll get the clo'es?"

"I shall write to the principal of the boarding school at once, askinghim to forward my trunk by express. I want to economize a little thisweek, and shall have to pay the express charges. "

"I'll pay up my part of the rent, Rodney, a quarter a day. "

Rodney had advanced the whole sum, as Mike was not in funds. 

"If you can't pay a dollar a week I will pay a little more than half. "

"There ain't no need. I'll pay my half and be glad to have a nice room. "

"I've got three or four pictures at the school, and some books. I'llsend for them later on, and we'll fix up the room. "

"Will you? We'll have a reg'lar bang up place. I tell you that'll bebetter than livin' at the Lodge. "

"Still that seems a very neat place. It is lucky for poor boys that theycan get lodging so cheap. "

"But it isn't like havin' a room of your own, Rodney. I say, when we'reall fixed I'll ask some of me friends to come in some evenin' and take alook at us. They'll be s'prised. "

"Certainly, Mike. I shall be glad to see any of your friends. "

It may seem strange that Rodney, carefully as he had been brought up, should have made a companion of Mike, but he recognized in the warmhearted Irish boy, illiterate as he was, sterling qualities, and he feltdesirous of helping to educate him. He knew that he could always dependon his devoted friendship, and looked forward with pleasure to theirmore intimate companionship. 

After selecting their room and making arrangements to take possession ofit, the boys went down town. Rodney stepped into the reading room at theAstor House and wrote the following letter to Dr. Sampson:

DR. PLINY SAMPSON:

DEAR SIR--Will you be kind enough to send my trunk by express to No. 312Bleecker Street? I have taken a room there, and that will be my home forthe present. I have obtained a position in a wholesale house on ReadeStreet, and hope I may give satisfaction. Will you remember me with bestwishes to all the boys? I don't expect to have so easy or pleasant atime as I had at school, but I hope to get on, and some time--perhaps inthe summer--to make you a short visit. 

Yours truly, RODNEY ROPES. 

CHAPTER IX. 

THE FIRST DAY AT WORK. 

A little before half past nine Rodney paused in front of a large fivestory building on Reade Street occupied by Otis Goodnow. 

He entered and found the first floor occupied by quite a large number ofclerks and salesmen, and well filled with goods. 

"Well, young fellow, what can I do for you?" asked a dapper lookingclerk. 

"I would like to see Mr. Goodnow. "

"He's reading his letters. He won't see you. "

Rodney was provoked. 

"Do you decide who is to see him?" he asked. 

"You're impudent, young feller. "

"Am I? Perhaps you will allow Mr. Goodnow to see me, as long as he toldme to call here this morning. "

"That's a different thing, " returned the other in a different tone. "Ifyou're sure about that you can go to the office in the back part of theroom. "

Rodney followed directions and found himself at the entrance of a roomwhich had been partitioned off for the use of the head of the firm. 

Mr. Goodnow was seated at a desk with his back to him, and was employedin opening letters. Without turning round he said, "Sit down and I willattend to you in a few minutes. "

Rodney seated himself on a chair near the door. In about ten minutes Mr. Goodnow turned around. 

"Who is it?" he asked. 

"Perhaps you remember telling me to call at half past nine. You saw meat the Newsboys' Lodging House. "

"Ah, yes, I remember. I promised my friend Mulgrave that I would giveyou a place. What can you do? Are you a good writer?"

"Shall I give you a specimen of my handwriting?"

"Yes; sit down at that desk. "

It was a desk adjoining his own. 

Rodney seated himself and wrote in a firm, clear, neat hand:

"I will endeavor to give satisfaction, if you are kind enough to give mea place in your establishment. "

Then he passed over the paper to the merchant. 

"Ah, very good!" said Mr. Goodnow approvingly. "You won't be expectedto do any writing yet but I like to take into my store those who arequalified for promotion. "

He rang a little bell on his desk. 

A boy about two years older than Rodney answered the summons. 

"Send Mr. James here, " said the merchant. 

Mr. James, a sandy complexioned man, partially bald, made hisappearance. 

"Mr. James, " said the merchant, "I have taken this boy into my employ. I don't know if one is needed, but it is at the request of a friend. Youcan send him on errands, or employ him in any other way. "

"Very well, sir. I can find something for him to do today at any rate, as young Johnson hasn't shown up. "

"Very well. Whats your name, my lad?"

"Rodney Ropes. "

"Make a note of his name, Mr. James, and enter it in the books. You maygo with Mr. James, and put yourself at his disposal. "

Rodney followed the subordinate, who was the head of one of thedepartments, to the second floor. Here Mr. James had a desk. 

"Wait a minute, " he said, "and I will give you a memorandum of places tocall at. "

In five minutes a memorandum containing a list of three places was givento Rodney, with brief instructions as to what he was to do at each. Theywere places not far away, and fortunately Rodney had a general idea asto where they were. 

In his search for positions he had made a study of the lower part of thecity which now stood him in good stead. 

As he walked towards the door he attracted the attention of the youngclerk with whom he had just spoken. 

"Well, did you see Mr. Goodnow?" asked the young man, stroking a sicklylooking mustache. 

"Yes. "

"Has he taken you into the firm?"

"Not yet, but he has given me a place. "

The clerk whistled. 

"So you are one of us?" he said. 

"Yes, " answered Rodney with a smile. 

"Then you ought to know the rules of the house. "

"You can tell me later on, but now I am going out on an errand. "

In about an hour Rodney returned. He had been detained at two of theplaces where he called. 

"Do you remember what I said?" asked the young clerk as he passed. 

"Yes. "

"The first rule of the establishment is for a new hand to treat ME onhis first day. "

"That's pretty good for you, " said Rodney, laughing; "I shall have towait till my pay is raised. "

About the middle of the afternoon, as Rodney was helping to unpack acrate of goods, the older boy whom he had already seen in the officebelow, walked up to him and said, "Is your name Ropes?"

"Yes. "

"You are wanted in Mr. Goodnow's office. "

Rodney went down stairs, feeling a little nervous. Had he done wrong, and was he to be reprimanded?

He could think of nothing deserving censure. So far as he knew he hadattended faithfully to all the duties required of him. 

As he entered the office, he saw that Mr. Goodnow had a visitor, whoseface looked familiar to him. He recalled it immediately as the face ofthe English gentleman who had visited the Lodging House the day previouswith his employer. 

"So I find you at work?" he said, offering his hand with a smile. 

"Yes, sir, " answered Rodney gratefully, "thanks to you. "

"How do you think you will like it?"

"Very much, sir. It is so much better than going around the street withnothing to do. "

"I hope you will try to give satisfaction to my friend, Mr. Goodnow. "

"I shall try to do so, sir. "

"You mustn't expect to rise to be head salesman in a year. Festinalente, as the Latin poet has it. "

"I shall be satisfied with hastening slowly, sir. "

"What! you understand Latin?"

"Pretty well, sir. "

"Upon my word, I didn't expect to find a boy in the News boys' LodgingHouse with classical attainments. Perhaps you know something of Greekalso!" he said doubtfully. 

In reply Rodney repeated the first line of the Iliad. 

"Astonishing!" exclaimed Mr. Mulgrave, putting up his eyeglass, andsurveying Rodney as if he were a curious specimen. "You don't happen toknow anything of Sanscrit, do you?"

"No, sir; I confess my ignorance. "

"I apprehend you won't require it in my friend Goodnow's establishment. "

"If I do, I will learn it, " said Rodney, rather enjoying the joke. 

"If I write a book about America, I shall certainly put in a paragraphabout a learned office boy. I think you are entitled to something foryour knowledge of Greek and Latin--say five dollars apiece, " and Mr. Mulgrave drew from his pocket two gold pieces and handed them to Rodney. 

"Thank you very much, sir, " said Rodney. "I shall find this money veryuseful, as I have taken a room, and am setting up housekeeping. "

"Then you have left the Lodging House?"

"Yes, sir; I only spent one night there. "

"You are right. It is no doubt a great blessing to the needy streetboys, but you belong to a different class. "

"It is very fortunate I went there last evening, or I should not havemet you and Mr. Goodnow. "

"I am glad to have been the means of doing you a service, " said theEnglishman kindly, shaking hands with Rodney, who bowed and went back tohis work. 

"I am not sure but you are taking too much notice of that boy, Mulgrave, " said the merchant. 

"No fear! He is not a common boy. You won't regret employing him. "

"I hope not. "

Then they talked of other matters, for Mr. Mulgrave was to start on hisreturn to England the following day. 

At five o'clock Rodney's day was over, and he went back to BleeckerStreet. He found Mike already there, working hard to get his handsclean, soiled as they were by the stains of blacking. 

"Did you have a good day, Mike?" asked Rodney. 

"Yes; I made a dollar and ten cents. Here's a quarter towards the rent. "

"All right! I see you are prompt in money matters. "

"I try to be. Do you know, Rodney, I worked better for feelin' that Ihad a room of my own to go to after I got through. I hope I'll soon beable to get into a different business. "

"I hope so, too. "

Two days later Rodney's trunk arrived. In the evening he opened it. He took out a dark mixed suit about half worn, and said, "Try that on, Mike. "

Mike did so. It fitted as if it were made for him. 

"You can have it, Mike, " said Rodney. 

"You don't mean it?" exclaimed Mike, delighted. 

"Yes, I do. I have plenty of others. "

Rodney supplemented his gift by a present of underclothing, and on thefollowing Sunday the two boys went to Central Park in the afternoon, Mike so transformed that some of his street friends passed him withoutrecognition, much to Mike's delight. 

CHAPTER X. 

MIKE PUTS ON A UNIFORM. 

A wonderful change came over Mike Flynn. Until he met Rodney he seemedquite destitute of ambition. The ragged and dirty suit which he wore asbootblack were the best he had. His face and hands generally bore themarks of his business, and as long as he made enough to buy three mealsa day, two taken at the Lodging House, with something over for lodging, and an occasional visit to a cheap theater, he was satisfied. 

He was fifteen, and had never given a thought to what he would do whenhe was older. But after meeting Rodney, and especially after takinga room with him, he looked at life with different eyes. He began tounderstand that his business, though honorable because honest, was nota desirable one. He felt, too, that he ought to change it out of regardfor Rodney, who was now his close companion. 

"If I had ten dollars ahead, " he said one day, "I'd give up blackin'boots. "

"What else would you do?"

"I'd be a telegraph boy. That's more respectable than blackin' boots, and it 'ould be cleaner. "

"That is true. Do you need money to join?"

"I would get paid once in two weeks, and I'd have to live till I got myfirst salary. "

"I guess I can see you through, Mike. "

"No; you need all your money, Rodney. I'll wait and see if I can't saveit myself. "

This, however, would have taken a long time, if Mike had not beenfavored by circumstances. He was standing near the ladies' entrance tothe Astor House one day, when casting his eyes downward he espied aneat pocketbook of Russia leather. He picked it up, and from the feelingjudged that it must be well filled. 

Now I must admit that it did occur to Mike that he could divert to hisown use the contents without detection, as no one had seen him pick itup. But Mike was by instinct an honest boy, and he decided that thiswould not be right. He thrust it into his pocket, however, as he had noobjection to receiving a reward if one was offered. 

While he was standing near the entrance, a tall lady, dressed in brownsilk and wearing glasses, walked up from the direction of Broadway. Shebegan to peer about like one who was looking for something. 

"I guess its hers, " thought Mike. 

"Are you looking for anything, ma'am?" he asked. 

She turned and glanced at Mike. 

"I think I must have dropped my pocketbook, " she said. "I had it in myhand when I left the hotel, but I had something on my mind and I thinkI must have dropped it without noticing. Won't you help me look for it, for I am short sighted?"

"Is this it?" asked Mike, producing the pocketbook. 

"Oh yes!" exclaimed the lady joyfully. "Where did you find it?"

"Just here, " answered Mike, indicating a place on the sidewalk. 

"I suppose there is a good deal of money in it?" said Mike, withpardonable curiosity. 

"Then you didn't open it?"

"No, ma'am, I didn't have a chance. I just found it. "

"There may be forty or fifty dollars, but it isn't on that account Ishould have regretted losing it. It contained a receipt for a thousanddollars which I am to use in a law suit. That is very important for itwill defeat a dishonest claim for money that I have already paid. "

"Then I'm glad I found it. "

"You are an honest boy. You seem to be a poor boy also. "

"That's true, ma'am. If I was rich I wouldn't black boots for a livin'. "

"Dear me, you are one of the young street Arabs I've read about, " andthe lady looked curiously at Mike through her glasses. 

"I expect I am. "

"And I suppose you haven't much money. "

"My bank account is very low, ma'am. "

"I've read a book about a boy named 'Ragged Dick. ' I think he was abootblack, too. Do you know him?"

"He's my cousin, ma'am, " answered Mike promptly. 

It will be observed that I don't represent Mike as possessed of all thevirtues. 

"Dear me, how interesting. I bought the book for my little nephew. Now Ican tell him I have seen 'Ragged Dick's' cousin. Where is Dick now?"

"He's reformed, ma'am. "

"Reformed?"

"Yes, from blackin' boots. He's in better business now. "

"If I should give you some of the money in this pocketbook, you wouldn'tspend it on drinking and gambling, would you?"

"No, ma'am. I'd reform like my cousin, Ragged Dick. "

"You look like a good truthful boy. Here are ten dollars for you. "

"Oh, thank you, ma'am! you're a gentleman, " said Mike overjoyed. "No, Idon't mean that but I hope you'll soon get a handsome husband. "

"My young friend, I don't care to marry, though I appreciate your goodwishes. I am an old maid from principle. I am an officer of the FemaleSuffrage Association. "

"Is it a good payin' office, ma'am?" asked Mike, visibly impressed. 

"No, but it is a position of responsibility. Please tell me your namethat I may make a note of it. "

"My name is Michael Flynn. "

"I see. You are of Celtic extraction. "

"I don't know, ma'am. I never heard that I was. It isn't anything bad, is it?"

"Not at all. I have some Celtic blood in my own veins. If you ever cometo Boston you can inquire for Miss Pauline Peabody. "

"Thank you, ma'am, " said Mike, who thought the lady rather a "queerlot. "

"Now I must call upon my lawyer, and leave the receipt which I came sonear losing. "

"Well, I'm in luck, " thought Mike. "I'll go home and dress up, and applyfor a position as telegraph boy. "

When Rodney came home at supper time he found Mike, dressed in hisSunday suit. 

"What's up now, Mike?" he asked. "Have you retired from business?"

"Yes, from the bootblack business. Tomorrow I shall be a telegraph boy. "

"That is good. You haven't saved up ten dollars, have you?"

"I saved up two, and a lady gave me ten dollars for findin' herpocketbook. "

"That's fine, Mike. "

There chanced to be a special demand for telegraph boys at that time, and Mike, who was a sharp lad, on passing the necessary examination, wasat once set to work. 

He was immensely fond of his blue uniform when he first put it on, andfelt that he had risen in the social scale. True, his earnings did notaverage as much, but he was content with smaller pay, since the dutieswere more agreeable. 

In the evenings under Rodney's instruction he devoted an hour andsometimes two to the task of making up the deficiencies in his earlyeducation. These were extensive, but Mike was naturally a smart boy, andafter a while began to improve rapidly. 

So three months passed. Rodney stood well in with Mr. Goodnow, andwas promoted to stock clerk. The discipline which he had revived asa student stood him in good stead, and enabled him to make more rapidadvancement than some who had been longer in the employ of the firm. Inparticular he was promoted over the head of Jasper Redwood, a boy twoyears older than himself, who was the nephew of an old employee who hadbeen for fifteen years in the house. 

Jasper's jealousy was aroused, and he conceived a great dislike forRodney, of which Rodney was only partially aware. 

For this dislike there was really no cause. Rodney stood in his way onlybecause Jasper neglected his duties, and failed to inspire confidence. He was a boy who liked to spend money and found his salary insufficient, though he lived with his uncle and paid but two dollars a week for hisboard. 

"Uncle James, " he said one day, "when do you think I will get a raise?"

"You might get one now if it were not for the new boy. "

"You mean Ropes. "

"Yes, he has just been promoted to a place which I hoped to get foryou. "

"It is mean, " grumbled Jasper. "I have been here longer than he. "

"True, but he seems to be Mr. Goodnow's pet. It was an unlucky day foryou when he got a place in the establishment. "

"Did you ask Mr. Goodnow to promote me?"

"Yes, but he said he had decided to give Archer's place to Ropes. "

Archer was a young clerk who was obliged, on account of pulmonaryweakness, to leave New York and go to Southern California. 

"How much does Ropes get now?"

"Seven dollars a week. "

"And I only get five, and I am two years older. They ought to have moreregard for you, Uncle James, or I, as your nephew, would get promoted. "

"I will see what we can do about it. "

"I wish Ropes would get into some scrape and get discharged. "

It was a new idea, but Jasper dwelt upon it, and out of it grew troublefor Rodney. 

CHAPTER XI. 

MISSING GOODS. 

James Redwood was summoned one morning to the counting room of hisemployer. 

"Mr. Redwood, " said the merchant "I have reason to think that one of myclerks is dishonest. "

"Who, sir?"

"That is what I want you to find out. "

"What reason have you for suspecting any one?"

"Some ladies' cloaks and some dress patterns are missing. "

"Are you sure they were not sold?"

"Yes: the record of sales has been examined, and they are not included. "

"That is strange, Mr. Goodnow, " said Redwood thoughtfully. "I hope I amnot under suspicion. "

"Oh, not at all. "

"The losses seem to have taken place in my department. "

"True, but that doesn't involve you. "

"What do you want me to do?"

"Watch those under you. Let nothing in your manner, however, suggestthat you are suspicious. I don't want you to put any one on his guard. "

"All right, sir. I will be guided by your instructions. Have you anyidea how long this has been going on?"

"Only a few weeks. "

Mr. Redwood turned to go back to his room, but Mr. Goodnow called himback. 

"I needn't suggest to you, " he said, "that you keep this to yourself. Don't let any clerk into the secret. "

"Very well, sir. "

James Redwood, however, did not keep his promise. After supper he calledback Jasper as he was about putting on his hat to go out, and said, "Jasper, I wish to speak with you for five minutes. "

"Won't it do tomorrow morning? I have an engagement. "

"Put it off, then. This is a matter of importance. "

"Very well, sir, " and Jasper, albeit reluctantly, laid down his hat andsat down. 

"Jasper, " said his uncle, "there's a thief in our establishment. "

Jasper started, and his sallow complexion turned yellower than usual. 

"What do you mean, uncle?" he asked nervously. 

"What I say. Some articles are missing that have not been sold. "

"Such as what?"

"Ladies' cloaks and dress patterns. "

"Who told you?" asked Jasper in a low tone. 

"Mr. Goodnow. "

"What the boss?"

"Certainly. "

"How should he know?"

"I didn't inquire, and if I had he probably wouldn't have told me. Themain thing is that he does know. "

"He may not be sure. "

"He is not a man to speak unless he feels pretty sure. "

"I don't see how any one could steal the articles without beingdetected. "

"It seems they are detected. "

"Did--did Mr. Goodnow mention any names?"

"No. He wants to watch and find out the thief. I wish you to help me, though I am acting against instructions. Mr. Goodnow asked me to takeno one into my confidence. You will see, therefore, that it will benecessary for you to say nothing. "

"I won't breathe a word, " said Jasper, who seemed to feel more at ease. 

"Now that I have told you so much, can you suggest any person who wouldbe likely to commit the theft?"

Jasper remained silent for a moment, then with a smile of malicioussatisfaction said, "Yes, I can suggest a person. "

"Who is it?"

"The new boy, Rodney Ropes. "

James Redwood shook his head. 

"I can't believe that it is he. I am not in love with the young fellow, who seems to stand in the way of your advancement but he seems straightenough, and I don't think it at all likely that he should be the guiltyperson. "

"Yes, Uncle James, he SEEMS straight but you know that still waters rundeep. "

"Have you seen anything that would indicate guilt on his part?"

"I have noticed this, that, he is very well dressed for a boy of hissmall salary, and seems always to have money to spend. "

"That will count for something. Still he might have some outide means. Have you noticed anything else?"

Jasper hesitated. 

"I noticed one evening when he left the store that he had a sizableparcel under his arm. "

"And you think it might have contained some article stolen from thestock?"

"That's just what I think now. Nothing of the kind occurred to me atthat time, for I didn't know any articles were missing. "

"That seems important. When was it that you noticed this?"

"One day last week, " answered Jasper hesitatingly. 

"Can you remember the day?"

"No. "

"Couldn't you fix it some way?"

"No. You see, I didn't attach any particular importance to it at thetime, and probably it would not have occurred to me again, but for yourmentioning that articles were missing. "

"There may be something in what you say, " said his uncle thoughtfully. "I will take special notice of young Ropes after this. "

"So will I. "

"Don't let him observe that he is watched. It would defeat our chancesof detecting the thief. "

"I'll be careful. Do you want to say anything more, uncle?"

"No. By the way, where were you going this evening?"

"I was going to meet a friend, and perhaps go to the theater. Youcouldn't lend me a dollar, could you, Uncle James?"

"Yes, I could, but you are not quite able to pay for your own pleasures. It costs all my salary to live, and its going to be worse next year, forI shall have to pay a higher rent. "

"When I have my pay raised, I can get along better. "

"If Ropes loses his place, you will probably step into it. "

"Then I hope he'll go, and that soon. "

When Jasper passed through the front door and stood on the sidewalk, hebreathed a sigh of relief. 

"So, they are on to us, " he said to himself. "But how was it foundout? That's what I'd like to know. I have been very careful. I must seeCarton at once. "

A short walk took him to a billiard room not far from Broadway. A youngman of twenty five, with a slight mustache, and a thin, dark face, wasselecting a cue. 

"Ah, Jasper!" he said. "Come at last. Let us have a game of pool. "

"Not just yet. Come outide. I want to speak to you. "

Jasper looked serious, and Philip Carton, observing it, made noremonstrance, but taking his hat, followed him out. 

"Well, what is it?" he asked. 

"Something serious. It is discovered at the store that goods aremissing. "

"You don't mean it? Are we suspected?"

"No one is suspected--yet. "

"But how do you know?"

"My uncle spoke to me about it this evening--just after supper. "

"He doesn't think you are in it. "

"No. "

"How did he find out?"

"Through the boss. Goodnow spoke to him about it today. "

"But how should Goodnow know anything about it?"

"That no one can tell but himself. He asked Uncle James to watch theclerks, and see if he could fasten the theft on any of them. "

"That is pleasant for us. It is well we are informed so that we can beon our guard. I am afraid our game is up. "

"For the present at any rate we must suspend operations. Now, have yousome money for me?"

"Well, a little. "

"A little? Why there are two cloaks and a silk dress pattern to beaccounted for. "

"True, but I have to be very careful. I have to submit to a big discountfor the parties I sell to undoubtedly suspect that the articles arestolen. "

"Wouldn't it be better to pawn them?"

"It would be more dangerous. Besides you know how liberal pawnbrokersare. I'll tell you what would be better. If I had a sufficient number ofarticles to warrant it, I could take them on to Boston or Philadelphia, and there would be less risk selling them there. "

"That is true. I wish we had thought of that before. Now we shall haveto give up the business for a time. How much money have you got for me?"

"Seven dollars. "

"Seven dollars!" exclaimed Jasper in disgust. "Why, that is ridiculous. The articles must have been worth at retail a hundred dollars. "

"Perhaps so, but I only got fourteen for them. If you think you can doany better you may sell them yourself next time. "

"I thought I should assuredly get fifteen dollars out of it, " saidJasper, looking deeply disappointed. "I had a use for the money too. "

"Very likely. So had I. "

"Well, I suppose I must make it do. Listen and I will tell you how Ithink I can turn this thing to my advantage. "

"Go ahead!"

CHAPTER XII. 

WHAT WAS FOUND IN RODNEY'S ROOM. 

"There is a boy who stands between me and promotion, " continued Jasper, speaking in a low tone. 

"The boy you mentioned the other day?"

"Yes, Rodney Ropes. Mr. Goodnow got him from I don't know where, and hastaken a ridiculous fancy to him. He has been put over my head and hispay raised, though I have been in the store longer than he. My idea isto connect him with the thefts and get him discharged. "

"Do you mean that we are to make him a confederate?"

"No, " answered Jasper impatiently. "He would be just the fellow to peachand get us all into trouble. "

"Then what do you mean?"

"To direct suspicion towards him. We won't do it immediately, but withina week or two. It would do me good to have him turned out of the store. "

Jasper proceeded to explain his idea more fully, and his companionpronounced it very clever. 

Meanwhile Rodney, not suspecting the conspiracy to deprive him of hisplace and his good name, worked zealously, encouraged by his promotion, and resolved to make a place for himself which should insure him apermanent connection with the firm. 

Ten days passed, and Mr. Redwood again received a summons from theoffice. 

Entering, he found Mr. Goodnow with a letter in his hand. 

"Well, Mr. Redwood, " he began, "have you got any clew to the party whohas stolen our goods?"

"No, sir. "

"Has any thing been taken since I spoke with you on the subject?"

"Not that I am aware of. "

"Has any one of the clerks attracted your attention by suspiciousconduct?"

"No, sir, " answered Redwood, puzzled. 

"Humph! Cast your eye over this letter. "

James Redwood took the letter, which was written in a fine hand, andread as follow:

MR. GOODNOW:

DEAR SIR, --I don't know whether you are aware that articles have beentaken from your stock, say, ladies' cloaks and silk dress patterns, and disposed of outside. I will not tell you how it has come to myknowledge, for I do not want to get any one's ill will, but I will say, to begin with, that they were taken by one of your employees, and theone, perhaps, that you would least suspect, for I am told that he isa favorite of yours. I may as well say that it is Rodney Ropes. I livenear him, and last evening I saw him carry a bundle to his room when hewent back from the store. I think if you would send round today when heis out, you would find in his room one or more of the stolen articles. Idon't want to get him into trouble, but I don't like to see you robbed, and so I tell you what I know. A FRIEND. 

Mr. Redwood read this letter attentively, arching his brows, perhaps toindicate his surprise. Then he read it again carefully. 

"What do you think of it?" asked the merchant. 

"I don't know, " answered Redwood slowly. 

"Have you ever seen anything suspicious in the conduct of young Ropes?"

"I can't say I have. On the contrary, he seems to be a very diligent andindustrious clerk. "

"But about his honesty. "

"I fancied him the soul of honesty. "

"So did I, but of course we are liable to be deceived. It wouldn'tbe the first case where seeming honesty has been a cover for flagrantdishonesty. "

"What do you wish me to do, Mr. Goodnow? Shall I send Ropes down toyou?"

"No; it would only give him a chance, if guilty, to cover up hisdishonesty. "

"I am ready to follow your instructions. "

"Do you know where he lodges?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Then I will ask you to go around there, and by some means gainadmission to his room. If he has any of our goods secreted takepossession of them and report to me. "

"Very well, sir. " Half an hour later Mrs. McCarty, Rodney's landlady, inresponse to a ring admitted Mr. James Redwood. 

"Does a young man named Ropes lodge here?" he asked. 

"Yes, sir. "

"I come from the house where he is employed. He has inadvertently leftin his room a parcel belonging to us, and I should be glad if you wouldallow me to go up to his room and take it. "

"You see, sir, " said Mrs. McCarty in a tone of hesitation, "while youlook like a perfect gentleman, I don't know you, and I am not surewhether, in justice to Mr. Ropes, I ought to admit you to his room. "

"You are quite right my good lady; I am sure. It is just what I shouldwish my own landlady to do. I will therefore ask you to go up to theroom with me to see that all is right. "

"That seems all right, sir. In that case I don't object. Follow me, ifyou please. "

As they entered Rodney's room Mr. Redwood looked about himinquisitively. One article at once fixed his attention. It was a parcelwrapped in brown paper lying on the bed. 

"This is the parcel, I think, " he said. "If you will allow me I willopen it, to make sure. "

Mrs. McCarty looked undecided, but as she said nothing in opposition Mr. Redwood unfastened the strings and unrolled the bundle. His eyes lightedup with satisfaction as he disclosed the contents--a lady's cloak. 

Mrs. McCarty looked surprised. 

"Why, it's a lady's cloak, " she said, "and a very handsome one. Whatwould Mr. Ropes want of such a thing as that?"

"Perhaps he intended to make you a present of it. "

"No, he can't afford to make such present. "

"The explanation is simple. It belongs to the store. Perhaps Mr. Ropesleft it here inadvertently. "

"But he hasn't been here since morning. "

"He has a pass key to the front door?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Then he may have been here. Would you object to my taking it?"

"Yes, sir, you see I don't know you. "

"Your objection is a proper one. Then I will trouble you to take a lookat the cloak, so that you would know it again. "

"Certainly, sir. I shall remember it!"

"That is all, Mrs. ----?"

"McCarty, sir. "

"Mrs. McCarty, I won't take up any more of your time, " and Mr. Redwoodstarted to go down stairs. 

"Who shall I tell Mr. Ropes called to see him. "

"You needn't say. I will mention the matter to him myself. I am employedin the same store. "

"All right sir. Where is the store? I never thought to ask Mr. Ropes. "

"Reade Street, near Broadway. You know where Reade Street is?"

"Yes, sir. My husband used to work in Chambers Street. That is the firststreet south. "

"Precisely. Well, I can't stay longer, so I will leave, apologizing forhaving taken up so much of your time. "

"Oh, it's of no consequence, sir. "

"He is a perfect gentleman, " she said to herself, as Mr. Redwood closedthe front door, and went out on the street. "I wonder whether he's awidower. "

Being a widow this was quite a natural thought for Mrs. McCarty toindulge in, particularly as Mr. Redwood looked to be a substantial manwith a snug income. 

Mr. Redwood went back to the store, and went at once to the office. 

"Well, Redwood, " said Mr. Goodnow, "did you learn anything?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Go on. "

"I went to the lodging of young Ropes, and was admitted to his room. "

"Well?"

"And there, wrapped in a brown paper, I found one of our missing cloakslying on his bed. "

"Is it possible?"

"I am afraid he is not what we supposed him to be, Mr. Goodnow. "

"It looks like it. I am surprised and sorry. Do you think he took theother articles that are missing?"

"Of course I can't say, sir, but it is fair to presume that he did. "

"I am exceedingly sorry. I don't mind saying, Redwood, that I took anespecial interest in that boy. I have already told you the circumstancesof my meeting him, and the fancy taken to him by my friend Mulgrave. "

"Yes, sir, I have heard you say that. "

"I don't think I am easily taken in, and that boy impressed me asthoroughly honest. But of course I don't pretend to be infallible and itappears that I have been mistaken in him. "

The merchant looked troubled, for he had come to feel a sincere regardfor Rodney. He confessed to himself that he would rather have found anyof the other clerks dishonest. 

"You may send Ropes to me, " he said, "Mr. Redwood, and you will pleasecome with him. We will investigate this matter at once. "

"Very well, sir. "

CHAPTER XIII. 

CHARGED WITH THEFT. 

Rodney entered Mr. Goodnow's office without a suspicion of the seriousaccusation which had been made against him. The first hint that therewas anything wrong came to him when he saw the stern look in themerchants eyes. 

"Perhaps, " said Mr. Goodnow, as he leaned back in his chair and fixedhis gaze on the young clerk, "you may have an idea why I have sent foryou. "

"No, sir, " answered Rodney, looking puzzled. 

"You can't think of any reason I may have for wishing to see you?"

"No, sir, " and Rodney returned Mr. Goodnow's gaze with honestunfaltering eyes. 

"Possibly you are not aware that within a few weeks some articles havebeen missed from our stock. "

"I have not heard of it. What kind of articles?"

"The boy is more artful than I thought!" soliloquized the merchant. 

"All the articles missed, " he proceeded, "have been from the roomin charge of Mr. Redwood, the room in which you, among others, areemployed. "

Something in Mr. Goodnow's tone gave Rodney the hint of the truth. If hehad been guilty he would have flushed and showed signs of confusion. As it was, he only wished to learn the truth and he in turn became thequestioner. 

"Is it supposed, " he asked, "that any one in your employ is responsiblefor these thefts?"

"It is. "

"Is any one in particular suspected?"

"Yes. "

"Will you tell me who, that is if you think I ought to know?"

"Certainly you ought to know, for it is you who are suspected. "

Then Rodney became indignant. 

"I can only deny the charge in the most emphatic terms, " he said. "Ifany one has brought such a charge against me, it is a lie. "

"You can say that to Mr. Redwood, for it is he who accuses you. "

"What does this mean, Mr. Redwood?" demanded Rodney quickly. "What haveyou seen in me that leads you to accuse me of theft. "

"To tell the truth, Ropes, you are about the last clerk in my roomwhom I would have suspected. But early this morning this letter wasreceived, " and he placed in Rodney's hands the letter given in apreceding chapter. 

Rodney read it through and handed it back scornfully. 

"I should like to see the person who wrote this letter, " he said. "It isa base lie from beginning to end. "

"I thought it might be when Mr. Goodnow showed it to me, " said Redwoodin an even tone, "but Mr. Goodnow and I agreed that it would be well toinvestigate. Therefore I went to your room. "

"When, sir?"

"This morning. "

"Then it is all right, for I am sure you found nothing. "

"On the contrary, Ropes, I found that the statement made in the letterwas true. On your bed was a bundle containing one of the cloaks takenfrom our stock. "

Rodney's face was the picture of amazement. 

"Is this true?" he said. 

"It certainly is. I hope you don't doubt my word. "

"Did you bring it back with you?"

"No; your worthy landlady was not quite sure whether I was what Irepresented, and I left the parcel there. However I opened it in herpresence so that she can testify what I found. "

"This is very strange, " said Rodney, looking at his accuser with puzzledeyes. "I know nothing whatever of the cloak and can't imagine how it gotinto my room. "

"Perhaps it walked there, " said Mr. Goodnow satirically. 

Rodney colored, for he understood that his employer did not believe him. 

"May I go to my room, " he asked, "and bring back the bundle with me?"

Observing that Mr. Goodnow hesitated he added, "You can send Some onewith me to see that I don't spirit away the parcel, and come back withit. "

"On these conditions you may go. Redwood, send some one with Ropes. "

Rodney followed the chief of his department back to the cloak room, andthe latter, after a moments thought, summoned Jasper. 

"Jasper, " he said, "Ropes is going to his room to get a parcel whichbelongs to the store. You may go with him. "

There was a flash of satisfaction in Jasper's eyes as he answered withseeming indifference, "All right! I will go. I shall be glad to have awalk. "

As the two boys passed out of the store, Jasper asked, "What does itmean, Ropes?"

"I don't know myself. I only know that there is said to be a parcelcontaining a cloak in my room. This cloak came from the store, and I amsuspected of having stolen it. "

"Whew! that's a serious matter. Of course it is all a mistake?"

"Yes, it is all a mistake. "

"But how could it get to your room unless you carried it there?"

Rodney gave Jasper a sharp look. 

"Some one must have taken it there, " he said. 

"How on earth did Uncle James find out?"

"An anonymous letter was sent to Mr. Goodnow charging me with theft. Didyou hear that articles have been missed for some time from the stock?"

"Never heard a word of it, " said Jasper with ready falsehood. 

"It seems the articles are missing from our room, and some one in theroom is suspected of being the thief. "

"Good gracious! I hope no one will suspect me, " said Jasper in pretendedalarm. 

"It seems I am suspected. I hope no other innocent person will have alike misfortune. "

Presently they reached Rodney's lodgings. Mrs. McCarty was coming up thebasement stairs as they entered. 

"La, Mr. Ropes!" she said, "what brings you here in the middle of theday?"

"I hear there is a parcel in my room. "

"Yes; it contains such a lovely cloak. The gentleman from your store whocalled a little while ago thought you might have meant it as a presentfor me. "

"I am afraid it will be some time before I can afford to make suchpresent. Do you know if any one called and left the cloak here?"

"No; I didn't let in no one at the door. "

"Was the parcel there when you made the bed?"

"Well, no, it wasn't. That is curious. "

"It shows that the parcel has been left here since. Now I certainlycouldn't have left it, for I have been at work all the morning. Come upstairs, Jasper. "

The two boys went up the stairs, and, entering Rodney's room, found theparcel, still on the bed. 

Rodney opened it and identified the cloak as exactly like those whichthey carried in stock. 

He examined the paper in which it was inclosed, but it seemed to differfrom the wrapping paper used at the store. He called Jasper's attentionto this. 

"I have nothing to say, " remarked Jasper, shrugging his shoulders. "Idon't understand the matter at all. I suppose you are expected to carrythe cloak back to the store. "

"Yes, that is the only thing to do. "

"I say, Ropes, it looks pretty bad for you. "

Jasper said this, but Rodney observed that his words were notaccompanied by any expressions of sympathy, or any words that indicatedhis disbelief of Rodney's guilt. 

"Do you think I took this cloak from the store?" he demanded, facinground upon Jasper. 

"Really, I don't know. It looks bad, finding it in your room. "

"I needn't ask any further. I can see what you think. "

"You wouldn't have me tell a lie, would you, Ropes? Of course suchthings have been done before, and your salary is small. "

"You insult me by your words, " said Rodney, flaming up. 

"Then I had better not speak, but you asked me, you know. "

"Yes, I did. Things may look against me, but I am absolutely innocent. "

"If you can make Mr. Goodnow think so, " said Jasper with provokingcoolness, "it will be all right. Perhaps he will forgive you. "

"I don't want his forgiveness. I want him to think me honest. "

"Well, I hope you are, I am sure, but it won't do any good ourdiscussing it, and it doesn't make any difference what I think any way. "

By this time they had reached the store. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

RODNEY IS DISCHARGED. 

Rodney reported his return to Mr. Redwood, and in his company went downstairs to the office, with the package under his arm. 

"Well?" said Mr. Goodnow inquiringly. 

"This is the package, sir. "

"And it was found in your room?"

"Yes, sir, I found it on my bed. "

"Can't you account for it being there?" asked the merchant searchingly. 

"No, sir. "

"You must admit that its presence in your room looks bad for you. "

"I admit it sir; but I had nothing to do with it being there. "

"Have you any theory to account for it?"

"Only this, that some one must have carried it to my room and placed itwhere it was found. "

"Did you question your landlady as to whether she had admitted any oneduring the morning?"

"Yes, sir. She had not. "

"This is very unfavorable to you. "

"In what way, sir?"

"It makes it probable that you carried in the parcel yourself. "

"That I deny, " said Rodney boldly. 

"I expected you to deny it, " said the merchant coldly. "If this cloakwere the only one that had been taken I would drop the matter. Butthis is by no means the case. Mr. Redwood, can you give any idea of theextent to which we have been robbed?"

"So far as I can estimate we have lost a dozen cloaks and about half adozen dress patterns. "

"This is a serious loss, Ropes, " said Mr. Goodnow. "I should think itwould foot up several hundred dollars. If you can throw any light uponthe thefts, or give me information by which I can get back the goodseven at considerable expense, I will be as considerate with you as Ican. "

"Mr. Goodnow, " returned Rodney hotly, "I know no more about the matterthan you do. I hope you will investigate, and if you can prove that Itook any of the missing articles I want no consideration. I shall expectyou to have me arrested, and, if convicted, punished. "

"These are brave words, Ropes, " said Mr. Goodnow coldly, "but they areonly words. The parcel found in your room affords strong ground forsuspicion that you are responsible for at least a part of the thefts. Under the circumstances there is only one thing for me to do, and thatis to discharge you. "

"Very well, sir. "

"You may go to the cashier and he will pay you to the end of the week, but your connection with the store will end at once. "

"I don't care to be paid to the end of the week, sir. If you will giveme an order for payment up to tonight, that will be sufficient. "

"It shall be as you say. "

Mr. Goodnow wrote a few words on a slip of paper and handed it toRodney. 

"I will leave my address, sir, and if I change it I will notify you. Ifyou should hear anything as to the real robber I will ask you as a favorto communicate with me. "

"Mr. Redwood, you have heard the request of Ropes, I will look to you tocomply with it. "

"Very well, sir. "

The merchant turned back to his letters, and Rodney left the office, with what feelings of sorrow and humiliation may be imagined. 

"I am sorry for this occurrence, Ropes, " said Mr. Redwood, with a touchof sympathy in his voice. 

"Do you believe me guilty, Mr. Redwood?"

"I cannot do otherwise. I hope you are innocent, and, if so, that thereally guilty party will be discovered sooner or later. "

"Thank you, sir. "

When they entered the room in which Rodney had been employed Jasper cameup, his face alive with curiosity. 

"Well, " he said, "how did you come out?"

"I am discharged, " said Rodney bitterly. 

"Well, you couldn't complain of that. Things looked pretty dark foryou. "

"If I had committed the theft, I would not complain. Indeed, I wouldsubmit to punishment without a murmur. But it is hard to suffer whileinnocent. "

"Uncle James, " said Jasper, "if Ropes is going will you ask Mr. Goodnowto put me in his place?"

Even Mr. Redwood was disgusted by this untimely request. 

"It would be more becoming, " he said sharply, "if you would wait tillRopes was fairly out of the store before applying for his position. "

"I want to be in time. I don't want any one to get ahead of me. "

James Redwood did not deign a reply. 

"I am sorry you leave us under such circumstances, Ropes, " he said. "Thetime may come when you will be able to establish your innocence, and inthat case Mr. Goodnow will probably take you back again. "

Rodney did not answer, but with his order went to the cashier's desk andreceived the four dollars due him. Then, with a heavy heart, he left thestore where it had been such a satisfaction to him to work. 

On Broadway he met his room mate, Mike Flynn, in the uniform of atelegraph boy. 

"Where are you goin', Rodney?" asked Mike. "You ain't let off so early, are you?"

"I am let off for good and all, Mike. "

"What's that?"

"I am discharged. "

"What for?" asked Mike in amazement. 

"I will tell you when you get home tonight. "

Rodney went back to his room, and lay down sad and despondent. Somehours later Mike came in, and was told the story. The warm heartedtelegraph boy was very angry. 

"That boss of yours must be a stupid donkey, " he said. 

"I don't know. The parcel was found in my room. "

"Anybody'd know to look at you that you wouldn't steal. "

"Some thieves look very innocent. The only way to clear me is to findout who left the bundle at the house. "

"Doesn't Mrs. McCarty know anything about it?"

"No; I asked her. "

"Some one might have got into the house without her knowing anythingabout it. The lock is a very common one. There are plenty of keys thatwill open it. "

"If we could find some one that saw a person with a bundle go up thesteps, that would give us a clew. "

"That's so. We'll ask. "

But for several days no one could be found who had seen any such person. 

Meanwhile Rodney was at a loss what to do. He was cut off from applyingfor another place, for no one would engage him if he were refuseda recommendation from his late employer. Yet he must obtain someemployment for he could not live on nothing. 

"Do you think, Mike, " he asked doubtfully, "that I could make anythingselling papers?"

"Such business isn't for you, " answered the telegraph boy. 

"But it is one of the few things open to me. I can become a newsboywithout recommendations. Even your business would be closed to me if itwere known that I was suspected of theft. "

"Thats so, " said Mike, scratching his head in perplexity. 

"Then would you recommend my becoming a newsboy?"

"I don't know. You couldn't make more'n fifty or sixty cent a day. "

"That will be better than nothing. "

"And I can pay the rent, or most of it, as I'll be doin' better thanyou. "

"We will wait and see how much I make. "

So Rodney swallowed his pride, and procuring a supply of afternoonpapers set about selling them. He knew that it was an honest business, and there was no disgrace in following it. 

But one day he was subjected to keen mortification. Jasper Redwood anda friend--it was Philip Carton, his confederate--were walking alongBroadway, and their glances fell on Rodney. 

"I say, Jasper, " said the elder of the two, "isn't that the boy who wasin the same store with you?"

Jasper looked, and his eyes lighted up with malicious satisfaction. 

"Oho!" he said. "Well, this is rich!"

"Give me a paper, boy, " he said, pretending not to recognize Rodney atfirst. "Why, it's Ropes. "

"Yes, " answered Rodney, his cheek flushing. "You see what I am reducedto. What paper will you buy?"

"The Mail and Express. "

"Here it is. "

"Can't you get another place?" asked Jasper curiously. 

"I might if I could get a recommendation, but probably Mr. Goodnowwouldn't give me one. "

"No, I guess not. "

"So I must take what I can get. "

"Do you make much selling papers?"

"Very little. "

"You can't make as much as you did in the store?"

"Not much more than half as much. "

"Do you live in the same place?"

"Yes, for the present. "

"Oh, by the way, Ropes, I've got your old place, " said Jasper inexultation. 

"I thought you would get it, " answered Rodney, not without a pang. 

"Come into the store some day, Ropes. It will seem like old times. "

"I shall not enter the store till I am able to clear myself of thecharge made against me. "

"Then probably you will stay away a long time. "

"I am afraid so. "

"Well, ta, ta! Come along, Philip. "

As Rodney followed with his eye the figure of his complacent successorhe felt that his fate was indeed a hard one. 

CHAPTER XV. 

A RICH FIND. 

As Jasper and his companion moved away, Carton said, "I'm sorry for thatpoor duffer, Jasper. "

"Why should you be sorry?" asked Jasper, frowning. 

"Because he has lost a good place and good prospects, and all for nofault of his own. "

"You are getting sentimental, Philip, " sneered Jasper. 

"No, but I am showing a little humanity. He has lost all this throughyou----"

"Through us, you mean. "

"Well, through us. We have made him the scapegoat for our sins. "

"Oh well, he is making a living. "

"A pretty poor one. I don't think you would like to be reduced toselling papers. "

"His case and mine are different. "

"I begin to think also that we have made a mistake in getting himdischarged so soon. "

"We can't take anything more. "

"Why not?"

"Because there will be no one to lay the blame upon. He is out of thestore. "

"That is true. I didn't think of that. But I invited him to come aroundand call. If he should, and something else should be missing it would belaid to him. "

"I don't believe he will call. I am terribly hard up, and our source ofincome has failed us. Haven't you got a dollar or two to spare?"

"No, " answered Jasper coldly. "I only get seven dollars a week. "

"But you have nearly all that. You only have to hand in two dollars aweek to your uncle. "

"Look here, Philip Carton, I hope you don't expect to live off me. Ihave all I can do to take care of myself. "

Carton looked at Jasper in anger and mortification. 

"I begin to understand how good a friend you are, " he said. 

"I am not fool enough to pinch myself to keep you, " said Jasper bluntly. "You are a man of twenty five and I am only a boy. You ought to be ableto take care of yourself. "

"Just give me a dollar, or lend it Jasper, and I will risk it at play. I may rise from the table with a hundred. If I do I will pay youhandsomely for the loan. "

"I couldn't do it, Mr. Carton. I have only two dollars in my pocket, andI have none to spare. "

"Humph! what is that?"

Philip Carton's eyes were fixed upon the sidewalk. There was a flimsypiece of paper fluttering about impelled by the wind. He stooped andpicked it up. 

"It is a five dollar bill, " he exclaimed in exultation. "My luck hascome back. "

Jasper changed his tone at once. Now Philip was the better off of thetwo. 

"That is luck!" he said. "Shall we go into Delmonico's, and have anice?"

"If it is at your expense, yes. "

"That wouldn't be fair. You have more money than I. "

"Yes, and I mean to keep it myself. You have set me the example. "

"Come, Philip, you are not angry at my refusing you a loan?"

"No; I think you were sensible. I shall follow your example. I will bidyou good night. I seem to be in luck, and will try my fortune at thegaming table. "

"I will go with you. "

"No; I would prefer to go alone. "

"That fellow is unreasonable, " muttered Jasper, as he strode off, discontented. "Did he expect I would divide my salary with him?"

Philip Carton, after he parted company with Jasper, walked back to whereRodney was still selling papers. 

"Give me a paper, " he said. 

"Which will you have?"

"I am not particular. Give me the first that comes handy. Ah, theEvening Sun will do. "

He took the paper and put a quarter into Rodney's hand. 

As he was walking away Rodney called out, "Stop, here's your change, "

"Never mind, " said Philip with a wave of the hand. 

"Thank you, " said Rodney gratefully, for twenty five cents was no trifleto him at this time. 

"That ought to bring me luck, " soliloquized Philip Carton as he walkedon. "It isn't often I do a good deed. It was all the money I had besidesthe five dollar bill, and I am sure the news boy will make better use ofit than I would. "

"That was the young man that was walking with Jasper, " reflected Rodney. "Well, he is certainly a better fellow than he. Thanks to this quarter, I shall have made eighty cents today, and still have half a dozenpapers. That is encouraging. "

Several days passed that could not be considered lucky. Rodney's averageprofits were only about fifty cent a day, and that was barely sufficientto buy his meals. It left him nothing to put towards paying room rent. 

He began to consider whether he would not be compelled to pawn somearticle from his wardrobe, for he was well supplied with clothing, whenhe had a stroke of luck. 

On Fifteenth Street, by the side of Tiffany's great jewelry store, hepicked up a square box neatly done up in thin paper. Opening it, he wasdazzled by the gleam of diamonds. 

The contents were a diamond necklace and pin, which, even to Rodney'sinexperienced eyes, seemed to be of great value. 

"Some one must have dropped them in coming from the jewelry store, " hereflected. "Who can it be?"

He had not far to seek. There was a card inside on which was engraved:

MRS. ELIZA HARVEY, with an address on Fifth Avenue. 

Passing through to Fifth Avenue Rodney began to scan the numbers onthe nearest houses. He judged that Mrs. Harvey must live considerablyfarther up the Avenue, in the direction of Central Park. 

"I will go there at once, " Rodney decided. "No doubt Mrs. Harvey is verymuch distressed by her loss. I shall carry her good news. "

The house he found to be between Fortieth and Fiftieth Street. Ascendingthe steps he rang the bell. The door was opened by a man servant. 

"Does Mrs. Harvey live here?" asked Rodney. 

"What do you want with her, young man?" demanded the servant in a toneof importance. 

"That I will tell her. "

"What's your name?"

"I can give you my name, but she won't recognize it. "

"Then you don't know her. "

"No. "

"If it's money you want, she don't give to beggars. "

"You are impudent, " said Rodney hotly. "If you don't give my message youwill get into trouble. "

The servant opened his eyes. He seemed somewhat impressed by Rodney'sconfident tone. 

"Mrs. Harvey doesn't live here, " he said. 

"Is she in the house?"

"Well, yes, she's visiting here. "

"Then why do you waste your time?" said Rodney impatiently. He forgotfor the time that he was no longer being educated at an expensiveboarding school, and spoke in the tone he would have used before hiscircumstances had changed. 

"I'll go and ask if she'll see you, " said the flunky unwillingly. 

Five minutes later a pleasant looking woman of middle age descended thestaircase. 

"Are you the boy that wished to see me?" she asked. 

"Yes, if you are Mrs. Harvey. "

"I am. But come in! Thomas, why didn't you invite this young gentlemaninto the parlor?"

Thomas opened his eyes wide. So the boy whom he had treated socavalierly was a young gentleman. 

He privately put down Mrs. Harvey in his own mind as eccentric. 

"Excuse me, ma'am, " he said. "I didn't know as he was parlor company. "

"Well, he is, " said Mrs. Harvey with a cordial smile that won Rodney'sheart. 

"Follow me!" said the lady. 

Rodney followed her into a handsome apartment and at a signal seatedhimself on a sofa. 

"Now, " she said, "I am ready to listen to your message. "

"Have you lost anything?" asked Rodney abruptly. 

"Oh, have you found it?" exclaimed Mrs. Harvey, clasping her hands. 

"That depends on what you have lost, " answered Rodney, who felt that itwas necessary to be cautious. 

"Certainly, you are quite right. I have lost a box containing jewelrybought this morning at Tiffany's. "

"What were the articles?"

"A diamond necklace and pin. They are intended as a present for mydaughter who is to be married. Tell me quick have you found them?"

"Is this the box?" asked Rodney. 

"Oh yes, yes! How delightful to recover it. I thought I should never seeit again. Where did you find it?"

"On Fifteenth Street beside Tiffany's store. "

"And you brought it directly to me?"

"Yes, madam. "

"Have you any idea of the value of the articles?"

"Perhaps they may be worth five hundred dollars. "

"They are worth over a thousand. Are you poor?"

"Yes, madam. I am trying to make a living by selling papers, but find ithard work. "

"But you don't look like a newsboy. "

"Till a short time since I thought myself moderately rich. "

"That is strange. Tell me your story. "

CHAPTER XVI. 

A SURPRISING TURN OF FORTUNE. 

Rodney told his story frankly. Mrs. Harvey was very sympathetic bynature, and she listened with the deepest interest, and latterly withindignation when Rodney spoke of his dismissal from Mr. Goodnow's store. 

"You have been treated shamefully, " she said warmly. 

"I think Mr. Goodnow really believes me guilty, " rejoined Rodney. 

"A dishonest boy would hardly have returned a valuable box of jewelry. "

"Still Mr. Goodnow didn't know that I would do it. "

"I see you are disposed to apologize for your late employer. "

"I do not forget that he treated me kindly till this last occurrence. "

"Your consideration does you credit. So you have really been reduced toearn your living as a newsboy?"

"Yes, madam. "

"I must think what I can do for you. I might give you money, but whenthat was gone you would be no better off. "

"I would much rather have help in getting a place. "

Mrs. Harvey leaned her head on her hand and looked thoughtful. 

"You are right, " she said. "Let me think. "

Rodney waited, hoping that the lady would be able to think of somethingto his advantage. 

Finally she spoke. 

"I think you said you understood Latin and Greek?"

"I have studied both languages and French also. I should have been readyto enter college next summer. "

"Then perhaps I shall be able to do something for you. I live inPhiladelphia, but I have a brother living in West Fifty Eighth Street. He has one little boy, Arthur, now nine years of age. Arthur is quiteprecocious, but his health is delicate, and my brother has thought ofgetting a private instructor for him. Do you like young children?"

"Very much. I always wished that I had a little brother. "

"Then I think you would suit my brother better as a tutor for Arthurthan a young man. Being a boy yourself, you would be not only tutor butcompanion. "

"I should like such a position very much. "

"Then wait here a moment, and I will write you a letter ofintroduction. "

She went up stairs, but soon returned. 

She put a small perfumed billet into Rodney's hands. It was directed toJohn Sargent with an address on West Fifty Eighth Street. 

"Call this evening, " she said, "about half past seven o'clock. Mybrother will be through dinner, and will not have gone out at thathour. "

"Thank you, " said Rodney gratefully. 

"Here is another envelope which you can open at your leisure. I cannotpart from you without thanking you once more for returning my jewelry. "

"You have thanked me in a very practical way, Mrs. Harvey. "

"I hope my letter may lead to pleasant results for you. If you ever cometo Philadelphia call upon me at No. 1492 Walnut Street. "

"Thank you. "

As Rodney left the house he felt that his ill fortune had turned, and that a new prospect was opened up before him. He stepped into theWindsor Hotel, and opened the envelope last given him. It contained fivefive dollar bills. 

To one of them was pinned a scrap of paper containing these words: "Ihope this money will be useful to you. It is less than the reward Ishould have offered for the recovery of the jewels. "

Under the circumstances Rodney felt that he need not scruple to use themoney. He knew that he had rendered Mrs. Harvey a great service, andthat she could well afford to pay him the sum which the envelopescontained. 

He began to be sensible that he was hungry, not having eaten for sometime. He went into a restaurant on Sixth Avenue, and ordered a sirloinsteak. It was some time since he had indulged in anything beyond acommon steak, and he greatly enjoyed the more luxurious meal. Hedidn't go back to selling papers, for he felt that it would hardly beconsistent with the position of a classical teacher--the post for whichhe was about to apply. 

Half past seven found him at the door of Mr. John Sargent. The house wasof brown stone, high stoop, and four stories in height. It was such ahouse as only a rich man could occupy. 

He was ushered into the parlor and presently Mr. Sargent came in fromthe dining room. 

"Are you Mr. Ropes?" he asked, looking at Rodney's card. 

It is not usual for newsboys to carry cards, but Rodney had some leftover from his more prosperous days. 

"Yes, sir. I bring you a note of introduction from Mrs. Harvey. "

"Ah yes, my sister. Let me see it. "

The note was of some length. That is, it covered three pages of notepaper. Mr. Sargent read it attentively. 

"My sister recommends you as tutor for my little son, Arthur, " he said, as he folded up the letter. 

"Yes, sir; she suggested that I might perhaps suit you in thatcapacity. "

"She also says that you found and restored to her a valuable box ofjewelry which she was careless enough to drop near Tiffany's. "

"Yes, sir. "

"I have a good deal of confidence in my sister's good judgment. Sheevidently regards you very favorably. "

"I am glad of that sir, "

"Will you tell me something of your qualifications? Arthur is about tocommence Latin. He is not old enough for Greek. "

"I could teach either, sir. "

"And of course you are well up in English branches?"

"I think I am. "

"My sister hints that you are poor, and obliged to earn your own living. How, then, have you been able to secure so good an education?"

"I have only been poor for a short time. My father left me fiftythousand dollars, but it was lost by my guardian. "

"Who was your guardian?"

"Mr. Benjamin Fielding. "

"I knew him well. I don't think he was an unprincipled man, but he wascertainly imprudent, and was led into acts that were reprehensible. Didhe lose all your money for you?"

"Yes, sir. "

"What did you do?"

"Left the boarding school where I was being educated, and came to thiscity. "

"Did you obtain any employment?"

"Yes, sir; I have been employed for a short time by Otis Goodnow, amerchant of Reade Street. "

"And why did you leave?"

"Because Mr. Goodnow missed some articles from his stock, and I wascharged with taking them. "

Rodney was fearful of the effect of his frank confession upon Mr. Sargent, but the latter soon reassured him. 

"Your honesty in restoring my sister's jewelry is sufficient proof thatthe charge was unfounded. I shall not let it influence me. "

"Thank you, sir. "

"Now as to the position of teacher, though very young, I don't see whyyou should not fill it satisfactorily. I will call Arthur. "

He went to the door and called "Arthur. "

A delicate looking boy with a sweet, intelligent face, came running intothe room. 

"Do you want me, papa?"

"Yes, Arthur. I have a new friend for you. Will you shake hands withhim?"

Arthur, who was not a shy boy, went up at once to Rodney and offered hishand. 

"I am glad to see you, " he said. 

Rodney smiled. He was quite taken with the young boy. 

"What's your name?" the latter asked. 

"Rodney Ropes. "

"Are you going to stay and make us a visit?"

Mr. Sargent answered this question. 

"Would you like to have Rodney stay?" he asked. 

"Oh yes. "

"How would you like to have him give you lessons in Latin and otherstudies?"

"I should like it. I am sure he wouldn't be cross. Are you a teacher, Rodney?"

"I will be your teacher if you are willing to have me. "

"Yes, I should like it. And will you go to walk with me in CentralPark?"

"Yes. "

"Then, papa, you may as well engage him. I was afraid you would get atiresome old man for my teacher. "

"That settles it, Rodney, " said Mr. Sargent, smiling. "Now, Arthur, runout and I will speak further with Rodney about you. "

"All right, papa. "

"As Arthur seems to like you, I will give you a trial. As he suggested, I should like to have you become his companion as well as teacher. You will come here at nine o'clock in the morning, and stay till four, taking lunch with your pupil. About the compensation, will you tell mewhat will be satisfactory to you?"

"I prefer to leave that to you, sir. "

"Then we will say fifteen dollars a week--today is Thursday. Will youpresent yourself here next Monday morning?"

"Yes, sir. "

"If you would like an advance of salary, you need only say so. "

"Thank you, sir, but I am fairly provided with money for the present. "

"Then nothing more need be said. As I am to meet a gentleman at theUnion League Club tonight, I will bid you good evening, and expect tosee you on Monday. "

Rodney rose and Mr. Sargent accompanied him to the door, shaking handswith him courteously by way of farewell. 

Rodney emerged into the street in a state of joyous excitement. Twentyfive dollars in his pocket, and fifteen dollars a week! He could hardlycredit his good fortune. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

JASPER'S PERPLEXITY. 

Mike Flynn was overjoyed to hear of Rodney's good fortune. 

"Fifteen dollars a week!" he repeated. "Why you will be rich. "

"Not exactly that, Mike, but it will make me comfortable. By the way, as I have so much more than you, it will only be fair for me to pay thewhole rent. "

"No, Rodney, you mustn't do that. "

"I shall insist upon it, Mike. You would do the same in my place. "

"Yes I would. "

"So you can't object to my doing it. "

"You are very kind to me, Rodney, " said Mike, who had the warm heart ofhis race. "It isn't every boy brought up like you who would be willingto room with a bootblack. "

"But you are not a bootblack now. You are a telegraph boy. "

"There are plenty that mind me when I blacked boots down in front of theAstor House. "

"You are just as good a boy for all that. How much did you make lastweek?"

"Four dollars salary, and a dollar and a half in extra tips. "

"Hereafter you must save your rent money for clothes. We must have youlooking respectable. "

"Won't you adopt me, Rodney?" asked Mike with a laughing face. 

"That's a good idea. Perhaps I will. In that case you must obey allmy orders. In the first place, what are you most in want in the way ofclothing?"

"I haven't got but two shirts. "

"That is hardly enough for a gentleman of your social position. Anythingelse. "

"I'm short on collars and socks. "

"Then we'll go out shopping. I'll buy you a supply of each. "

"But you haven't begun to work yet. "

"No, but Mrs. Harvey made me a present of twenty five dollars. We'll goto some of the big stores on Sixth Avenue where we can get furnishinggoods cheap. "

Rodney carried out his purpose, and at the cost of four dollars suppliedhis room mate with all he needed for the present. 

"See what it is to be rich, Mike, " he said. "It seems odd for me to bebuying clothes for my adopted son. "

"You're in luck, Rodney, and so am I. I hope some time I can do you afavor. "

"Perhaps you can, Mike. If I should get sick, you might take my place astutor. "

"You must know an awful lot, Rodney, " said Mike, regarding his companionwith new respect. 

"Thank you for the compliment, Mike. I hope Mr. Sargent will have thesame opinion. "

The next day it is needless to say that Rodney did not resume thebusiness of newsboy. He was very glad to give it up. He dressed withunusual care and took a walk down town. 

As he passed Reade Street by chance Jasper was coming around thecorner. His face lighted up first with pleasure at seeing Rodney, forit gratified his mean nature to triumph over the boy whom he had oustedfrom his position, and next with surprise at his unusually neat andwell dressed appearance. Rodney looked far from needing help. He mightreadily have been taken for a boy of aristocratic lineage. 

"Hallo!" said Jasper, surveying Rodney curiously. 

"How are you this morning, Jasper?" returned Rodney quietly. 

"Why ain't you selling papers?"

"I don't like the business. "

"But you've got to make a living. "

"Quite true. "

"Are you going to black boots?"

"Why should I? Is it a desirable business?"

"How should I know?" asked Jasper, coloring. 

"I didn't know but you might have had some experience at it. I haven't. "

"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded Jasper hotly. 

"I never insult anybody. I will only say that you are as likely to takeup the business as I. "

"I've got a place. "

"How do you know but I have?"

"Because you were selling papers yesterday and are walking the streettoday. "

"That is true. But I have a place engaged for all that. I shall go towork on Monday. "

Jasper pricked up his ears. 

"Where is it?" he asked. 

"I don't care to tell at present. "

"Is it true? Have you got a place?"

"Yes. "

"I don't see how you could. Mr. Goodnow wouldn't give you arecommendation. "

"There is no reason why he should not. "

"What, after your taking cloaks and dress patterns from the store?"

"I did nothing of the kind. Sooner or later Mr. Goodnow will find outhis mistake. Probably the real thief is still in his employ. "

Jasper turned pale and regarded Rodney searchingly, but there wasnothing in his manner or expression to indicate that his remark had beenpersonal. He thought it best to turn the conversation. 

"How much pay do you get--four dollars?"

"More than that. "

"You don't get as much as you did at our store?"

"Yes; I get more. "

Now it was Jasper's turn to show surprise. He did not know whetherto believe Rodney or not, but there was something in his face whichcommanded belief. 

"How much do you get?" he asked. 

"You would not believe me if I told you. "

"Try me, " returned Jasper, whose curiosity was aroused. 

"I am to get fifteen dollars a week. "

Jasper would not have looked more surprised if Rodney had informed himthat he was to become a Cabinet minister. 

"You're joking!" he ejaculated. 

"Not at all. "

"How could you have the face to ask such a price. Did you pass yourselfoff as an experienced salesman?"

"No. "

"I don't understand it at all, that is, if you are telling the truth. "

"I have told you the truth, Jasper. I have no object in deceiving you. The salary was fixed by my employer. "

"Who did you say it was?"

"I didn't say. "

Jasper's cunning scheme was defeated. He felt disturbed to hear ofRodney's good fortune, but he had a shot in reserve. 

"I don't think you will keep your place long, " he said in a malicioustone. 

"Why not?"

"Your employer will hear under what circumstances you left our store, and then of course he will discharge you. "

"You will be sorry for that won't you?" asked Rodney pointedly. 

"Why of course I don't want you to have bad luck. "

"Thank you. You are very considerate. "

"Suppose you lose your place, shall you go back to selling papers?"

"I hope to find something better to do. "

"Where are you going now?"

"To get some lunch. "

"So am I. Suppose we go together. "

"Very well, providing you will lunch with me. "

"I don't want to impose upon you. "

"You won't. We may not meet again for some time, and we shall have thismeal to remind us of each other. "

They went to a well known restaurant on Park Row. Rodney ordered aliberal dinner for himself, and Jasper followed his example nothingloath. He was always ready to dine at the expense of others, but even ashe ate he could not help wondering at the strange chance that had madehim the guest of a boy who was selling papers the day before. 

He had nearly finished eating when a disturbing thought occurred to him. Suppose Rodney didn't have money enough to settle the bill, and threw itupon him. 

When Rodney took the checks and walked up to the cashier's desk hefollowed him with some anxiety. But his companion quietly took out afive dollar bill, from his pocket and tendered it to the cashier. Thelatter gave him back the right change and the two boys went out into thestreet. 

"You seem to have plenty of money, " said Jasper. 

"There are very few who would admit having that, " smiled Rodney. 

"I don't see why you sold papers if you have five dollar bills in yourpocket. "

"I don't want to be idle. "

"May I tell my uncle and Mr. Goodnow that you have got a place?"

"If you like. "

"Well, good by, I must be hurrying back to the store. "

Rodney smiled. He rather enjoyed Jasper's surprise and perplexity. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

RODNEY'S SECRET IS DISCOVERED. 

Jasper lost no time in acquainting his uncle with Rodney's extraordinarygood fortune. James Redwood was surprised, but not all togetherincredulous. 

"I don't understand it, " he said, "but Ropes appears to be a boy oftruth. Perhaps he may have exaggerated the amount of his salary. "

"I hardly think so, uncle. He gave me a tip top dinner down on ParkRow. "

"He may have been in funds from selling the articles taken from thestore. "

"That's so!" assented Jasper, who had the best possible reason forknowing that it was not so. 

"I wish the boy well, " said his uncle. "He always treated merespectfully, and I never had anything against him except the loss ofstock, and it is not certain that he is the thief. "

"I guess there isn't any doubt about that. "

"Yet, believing him to be a thief, you did not hesitate to accept adinner from him. "

"I didn't want to hurt his feelings, " replied Jasper, rather sheepishly. 

"Do you know what sort of a place he has got, or with what house?"

"No; he wouldn't tell me. "

"He thought perhaps you would inform the new firm of the circumstancesunder which he left us. I don't blame him, but I am surprised that heshould have been engaged without a recommendation. "

"Shall you tell Mr. Goodnow?"

"Not unless he asks about Ropes. I don't want to interfere with the boyin any way. "

In the store, as has already been stated, Jasper succeeded to Rodney'splace, and in consequence his pay was raised to seven dollars a week. Still it was not equal to what it had been when he was receivingadditional money from the sale of the articles stolen by Philip Cartonand himself. 

The way in which they had operated was this: Philip would come in andbuy a cloak or a dress pattern from Jasper, and the young salesman wouldpack up two or three instead of one. There was a drawback to the profitin those cases, as Carton would be obliged to sell both at a reducedprice. Still they had made a considerable sum from these transactions, though not nearly as much as Mr. Goodnow had lost. 

After the discovery of the theft and the discharge of Rodney, the twoconfederates felt that it would be imprudent to do any more in thatline. This suspension entailed heavier loss on Carton than on Jasper. The latter had a fixed income and a home at his uncle's house, whilePhilip had no regular income, though he occasionally secured a littletemporary employment. 

In the meantime Rodney had commenced his tutorship. His young pupilbecame very fond of him, and being a studious boy, made rapid progressin his lessons. 

Mr. Sargent felt that his experiment, rash as it might be considered, vindicated his wisdom by its success. At the end of a month hevoluntarily raised Rodney's salary to twenty dollars a week. 

"I am afraid you are overpaying me, Mr. Sargent, " said Rodney. 

"That's my lookout. Good service is worth a good salary, and I amperfectly satisfied with you. "

"Thank you, sir. I prize that even more than the higher salary. "

Only a portion of Rodney's time was spent in teaching. In the afternoonhe and his charge went on little excursions, generally to Central Park. 

One holiday, about four months after the commencement of Rodney'sengagement, he was walking in the Park when he fell in with Jasper. Jasper's attention was at once drawn to the little boy, whose dress andgeneral appearance indicated that he belonged to a wealthy family. Thisexcited Jasper's curiosity. 

"How are you, Rodney?" said Jasper adroitly. "It is a good while since Imet you. "

"Yes. "

"Who is the little boy with you?"

"His name is Arthur Sargent. "

Rodney gave this information unwillingly, for he saw that his secret waslikely to be discovered. 

"How do you do, Arthur?" asked Jasper, with unwonted affability, for hedid not care for children. 

"Pretty well, " answered Arthur politely. 

"Have you known Rodney long?"

"Why, he is my teacher, " answered Arthur in some surprise. 

Jasper's eyes gleamed with sudden intelligence. So this was Rodney'ssecret, and this was the position for which he was so well paid. 

Rodney bit his lip in vexation, but made no remark. 

"Does he ever punish you for not getting your lessons?" asked Jasperwithout much tact. 

"Of course not, " answered Arthur indignantly. 

"Arthur always does get his lessons, " said Rodney. "I suppose you have aholiday from work today, Jasper. "

"Yes; I am glad to get away now and then. "

"I must bid you good morning now. "

"Won't you let me call on you? Where do you live, Arthur?"

The boy gave the number of his house. 

Jasper asked Arthur, thinking rightly that he would be more likely toget an answer from him than from Rodney. He walked away triumphantly, feeling that he had made a discovery that might prove of advantage tohim. 

"Is that a friend of yours, Rodney?" asked little Arthur. 

"I have known him for some time. "

"I don't like him very much. "

"Why?" asked Rodney with some curiosity. 

"I don't know, " answered the little boy slowly. "I can't likeeverybody. "

"Quite true, Arthur. Jasper is not a special friend of mine, and I amnot particular about your liking him. I hope you like me. "

"You know I do, Rodney, " and he gave Rodney's hand an assuring pressure. 

Ten minutes after he left Rodney, Jasper fell in with Carton. Theintimacy between them had perceptibly fallen off. It had grown out ofbusiness considerations. 

Now that it was no longer safe to abstract articles from the store, Jasper felt that he had no more use for his late confederate. When theymet he treated him with marked coldness. 

On this particular day Carton was looking quite shabby. In fact, hisbest suit was in pawn, and he had fallen back on one half worn andsoiled. 

"Hello!" exclaimed Jasper, and was about to pass on with a cool nod. 

"Stop!" said Philip, looking offended. 

"I am in a hurry, " returned Jasper. "I can't stop today. "

"You are in a hurry, and on a holiday?"

"Yes; I am to meet a friend near the lake. "

"I'll go along with you. "

Jasper had to submit though with an ill grace. 

"Wouldn't another day do?"

"No; the fact is, Jasper, I am in trouble, "

"You usually are, " sneered Jasper. 

"That is so. I have been out of luck lately. "

"I am sorry, but I can't help it as I see. "

"How much money do you think I have in my pocket?"

"I don't know, I am sure. I am not good at guessing conundrums. "

"Just ten cents. "

"That isn't much, " said Jasper, indifferently. 

"Let me have a dollar, thats a good fellow!"

"You seem to think I am made of money, " said Jasper sharply. "I haven'tgot much more myself. "

"Then you might have. You get a good salary. "

"Only seven dollars. "

"You are able to keep most of it for yourself. "

"Suppose I am? You seem to know a good deal of my affairs. "

"Haven't you any pity for an old friend?"

"Yes, I'll give you all the pity you want, but when it comes to moneyit's a different matter. Here you are, a man of twenty six, ten yearsolder than me, and yet you expect me to help support you. "

"You didn't use to talk to me like that. "

"Well, I do now. You didn't use to try to get money out of me. "

"Look here, Jasper! I am poor, but I don't want you to talk to me as youare doing. "

"Indeed!" sneered Jasper. 

"And I won't have it, " said Carton firmly. "Listen to me, and I willpropose a plan that will help us both. "

"What is it?"

"You can easily secrete articles, if you are cautious, withoutattracting notice, and I will dispose of them and share the money withyou. "

Jasper shook his head. 

"I wouldn't dare to do it, " he said. "Somebody might spy on me. "

"Not if you are careful. "

"If it were found out I would be bounced like Ropes. "

"What is he doing? Have you seen him lately?"

"He is getting on finely. He is earning fifteen dollars a week. "

"You don't mean it?"

"Yes I do. "

"What firm is he working for?"

"For none at all. He is tutor to a young kid. "

"I didn't know he was scholar enough. "

"Oh yes, he knows Greek and Latin and a lot of other stuff. "

"Who is the boy?"

"I don't feel at liberty to tell. I don't think he would care to haveyou know. "

"I'll tell you what you can do. Borrow five dollars of him for me. "

"I don't know about that. If I were to borrow it would be for myself. "

"You can do as you please. If you don't do something for me I will writeto Mr. Goodnow that you are the thief who stole the cloaks and dresspatterns. "

"You wouldn't do that?" exclaimed Jasper in consternation. 

"Wouldn't I? I am desperate enough to do anything. "

After a little further conference Jasper agreed to do what was asked ofhim. He did not dare to refuse. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

JASPER'S REVENGE

Rodney was considerably surprised one evening to receive a call fromJasper in his room. He was alone, as Mike had been detailed about aweek ago for night duty. The room looked more attractive than formerly. Rodney had bought a writing desk, which stood in the corner, and had putup three pictures, which, though cheap, were attractive. 

"Good evening, Jasper, " he said. "It is quite friendly of you to call. "

"I hadn't anything else on hand this evening, and thought I would comeround see how you were getting along. "

"Take a seat and make yourself at home. "

"Do you object to cigarettes?" asked Jasper, producing one from a casein his pocket. 

"I object to smoking them myself, but I don't want to dictate to myfriends. "

"You look quite comfortable here, " continued Jasper in a patronizingtone. 

"We try to be comfortable, though our room is not luxurious. "

"Who do you mean by 'we'? Have you a room mate?"

"Yes. Mike Flynn rooms with me. "

"Who is he--a newsboy?"

"No. He is a telegraph boy. "

"You don't seem to very particular, " said Jasper, shrugging hisshoulders. 

"I am very particular. "

"Yet you room with an Irish telegraph boy. "

"He is a nice boy of good habit, and a devoted friend. What could I wantmore?"

"Oh, well, you have a right to consult your own taste. "

"You have a nice home, no doubt. "

"I live with my uncle. Yes, he has a good house, but I am not soindependent as if I had a room outide. "

"How are things going on at the store?"

"About the same as usual. Why don't you come in some day?"

"For two reasons; I am occupied during the day, and I don't want to gowhere I am considered a thief. "

"I wish I was getting your income. It is hard to get along on sevendollars a week. "

"Still you have a nice home, and I suppose you have most of your salaryto yourself. "

"Yes, but there isn't much margin in seven dollars. My uncle expectsme to buy my own clothes. You were lucky to get out of the store. OldGoodnow ought to give me ten dollars. "

"Don't let him hear you speak of him as OLD Goodnow, Jasper. "

"Oh, I'm smart enough for that. I mean to keep on the right side of theold chap. What sort of a man are you working for?"

"Mr. Sargent is a fine man. "

"He isn't mean certainly. I should like to be in your shoes. "

"If I hear of any similar position shall I mention your name?" askedRodney, smiling. 

"No; I could not take care of a kid. I hate them. "

"Still Arthur is a nice boy. "

"You are welcome to him. What do you have to teach?"

"He is studying Latin and French, besides English branches. "

"I know about as much of Latin and French as a cow. I couldn't be ateacher. I say, Rodney, " and Jasper cleared his throat, "I want you todo me a favor. "

"What is it?"

"I want you to lend me ten dollars. "

Rodney was not mean, but he knew very well that a loan to Jasper wouldbe a permanent one. Had Jasper been his friend even this considerationwould not have inspired a refusal, but he knew very well that Jasper hadnot a particle of regard for him. 

"I don't think I can oblige you, Jasper, " he said. 

"Why not? You get fifteen dollars a week. "

"My expenses are considerable. Besides I am helping Mike, whose salaryis very small. I pay the whole of the rent and I have paid for someclothes for him. "

"You are spending your money very foolishly, " said Jasper frowning. 

"Would I spend it any less foolishly if I should lend you ten dollars?"

"There is some difference between Mike Flynn and me. I am a gentleman. "

"So is Mike. "

"A queer sort of gentleman! He is only a poor telegraph boy. "

"Still he is a gentleman. "

"I should think you might have money enough for both of us. "

"I might but I want to save something from my salary. I don't know howlong I shall be earning as much. I might lose my place. "

"So you might. "

"And I could hardly expect to get another where the pay would be asgood. "

"I would pay you on installment--a dollar a week, " urged Jasper. 

"I don't see how you could, as you say your pay is too small for younow. "

"Oh, well, I could manage. "

"I am afraid I can't oblige you, Jasper, " said Rodney in a decided tone. 

"I didn't think you were so miserly, " answered Jasper in vexation. 

"You may call it so, if you like. You must remember that I am notsituated like you. You have your uncle to fall back upon in case youlose your position, but I have no one. I have to hustle for myself. "

"Oh, you needn't make any more excuses. I suppose ten dollars is rathera large sum to lend. Can you lend me five?"

"I am sorry, but I must refuse you. "

Jasper rose from the chair on which he had been sitting. 

"Then I may as well go, " he said. "I am disappointed in you, Ropes. Ithought you were a good, whole souled fellow, and not a miser. "

"You must think of me as you please, Jasper. I feel that I have a rightto regulate my own affairs. "

"All I have to say is this, if you lose your place as you may very soon, don't come round to the store and expect to be taken back. "

"I won't, " answered Rodney, smiling. "I wouldn't go back at any rateunless the charge of theft was withdrawn. "

"That will never be!"

"Let it be so, as long as I am innocent. "

Jasper left the room abruptly, not even having the politeness to bidRodney good evening. 

Rodney felt that he was quite justified in refusing to lend Jaspermoney. Had he been in need he would have obliged him, though he had noreason to look upon him as a friend. 

No one who knew Rodney could regard him as mean or miserly. Could hehave read Jasper's thoughts as he left the house he would have felt evenless regret at disappointing him. 

About two days afterward when Rodney went up to meet his pupil, Mr. Sargent handed him a letter. 

"Here is something that concerns you, Rodney, " he said. "It doesn'tappear to be from a friend of yours. "

With some curiosity Rodney took the letter and read it. 

It ran thus:

Mr. JOHN SARGENT:

DEAR SIR--I think it my duty to write and tell you something aboutyour son's tutor--something that will surprise and shock you. Beforehe entered your house he was employed by a firm on Reade Street. He wasquite a favorite with his employer, Mr. Otis Goodnow, who promoted himin a short time. All at once it was found that articles were missingfrom the stock. Of course it was evident that some one of the clerks wasdishonest. A watch was set, and finally it was found that Rodney Ropeshad taken the articles, and one--a lady's cloak--was found in his roomby a detective. He was discharged at once without a recommendation. 

For a time he lived by selling papers, but at last he managed to getinto your house. I am sure you won't regard him as fit to educateyour little son, though I have no doubt he is a good scholar. But hischaracter is bad--I don't think he ought to have concealed this from youout of friendship for you, and because I think it is my duty, I take theliberty of writing. If you doubt this I will refer to Mr. Goodnow, or Mr. James Redwood, who had charge of the room in which Ropes wasemployed. Yours very respectfully, A FRIEND. 

"You knew all this before, Mr. Sargent, " said Rodney, as he handed backthe letter. 

"Yes. Have you any idea who wrote it?"

"I feel quite sure that it was a boy about two years older than myself, Jasper Redwood. "

"Is he related to the man of the same name whom he mentions?"

"Yes, he is his nephew. "

"Has he any particular reason for disliking you, Rodney?"

"Yes, sir. He came round to my room Wednesday evening, and asked me tolend him ten dollars. "

"I presume you refused. "

"Yes, sir. He is not in need. He succeeded to my place, and he has ahome at the house of his uncle. "

"He appears to be a very mean boy. Anonymous letters are alwayscowardly, and generally malicious. This seems to be no exception to thegeneral rule. "

"I hope it won't affect your feelings towards me, Mr. Sargent. "

"Don't trouble yourself about that Rodney. I am not so easily prejudicedagainst one of whom I have a good opinion. "

"I suppose this is Jasper's revenge, " thought Rodney. 

CHAPTER XX. 

RODNEY LOSES HIS PUPIL. 

Jasper had little doubt that his letter would lead to Rodney's loss ofposition. It was certainly a mean thing to plot another's downfall, but Jasper was quite capable of it. Had he secured the loan he asked hewould have been willing to leave Rodney alone, but it would only havebeen the first of a series of similar applications. 

It was several days before Jasper had an opportunity of learning whetherhis malicious plan had succeeded or not. On Sunday forenoon he metRodney on Fifth Avenue just as the church services were over. He crossedthe street and accosted the boy he had tried to injure. 

"Good morning, Ropes, " he said, examining Rodney's face curiously to seewhether it indicated trouble of any kind. 

"Good morning!" responded Rodney coolly. 

"How are you getting along in your place?"

"Very well, thank you. "

"Shall I find you at your pupil's house if I call there some afternoon?"

"Yes, unless I am out walking with Arthur. "

"I wonder whether he's bluffing, " thought Jasper. "I daresay he wouldn'ttell me if he had been discharged. He takes it pretty coolly. "

"How long do you think your engagement will last?" he asked. 

"I don't know. I never had a talk with Mr. Sargent on that point. "

"Do you still give satisfaction?"

Rodney penetrated Jasper's motives for asking all these questions, andwas amused. 

"I presume if I fail to satisfy Mr. Sargent he will tell me so. "

"It would be a nice thing if you could stay there three or four years. "

"Yes: but I don't anticipate it. When Arthur get a little older he willbe sent to school. "

"What will you do then?"

"I haven't got so far as that. "

"I can't get anything out of him, " said Jasper to himself. "I shouldn'tbe a bit surprised if he were already discharged. "

They had now reached Madison Square, and Jasper left Rodney. 

The latter looked after him with a smile. 

"I think I have puzzled Jasper, " he said to himself. "He was anxious toknow how his scheme had worked. He will have to wait a little longer. "

"If Mr. Sargent keeps Ropes after my letter he must be a fool, " Jasperdecided. "I wonder if Ropes handles the mail. He might have suppressedthe letter. "

But Rodney was not familiar with his handwriting, and would have noreason to suspect that the particular letter contained anything likelyto injure him in the eyes of Mr. Sargent. 

Later in his walk Jasper met Philip Carton. His former friend wassitting on a bench in Madison Square. He called out to Jasper as hepassed. 

"Come here, Jasper, I want to talk with you. "

Jasper looked at him in a manner far from friendly. 

"I am in a hurry, " he said. 

"What hurry can you be in? Come and sit down here. I MUST speak to you. "

Jasper did not like his tone, but it impressed him, and he did not dareto refuse. 

He seated himself beside Philip, but looked at him askance. Carton wasundeniably shabby. He had the look of a man who was going down hill andthat rapidly. 

"I shall be late for dinner, " grumbled Jasper. 

"I wish I had any dinner to look forward to, " said Carton. "Do you seethis money?" and he produced a nickel from his pocket. 

"What is there remarkable about it?"

"It is the last money I have. It won't buy me a dinner. "

"I am sorry, but it is none of my business, " said Jasper coolly. "Youare old enough to attend to your own affairs. "

"And I once thought you were my friend, " murmured Philip bitterly. 

"Yes, we were friends in a way. "

"Now you are up and I am down--Jasper, I want a dollar. "

"I dare say you do. Plenty want that. "

"I want it from you. "

"I can't spare it. "

"You can spare it better than you can spare your situation. "

"What do you mean by that?" asked Jasper, growing nervous. 

"I'll tell you what I mean. How long do you think you would stay inthe store if Mr. Goodnow knew that you were concerned in the theft fromwhich he has suffered?"

"Was I the only one?"

"No; I am equally guilty. "

"I am glad you acknowledge it. You see you had better keep quiet foryour own sake. "

"If I keep quiet I shall starve. "

"Do you want to go to prison?"

"I shouldn't mind so much if you went along, too. "

"Are you crazy, Philip Carton?"

"No, I am not, but I am beginning to get sensible. If I go to prison Ishall at least have enough to eat, and now I haven't. "

"What do you mean by all this foolish talk?"

"I mean that if you won't give me any money I will go to the store andtell Mr. Goodnow something that will surprise him. "

Jasper was getting thoroughly frightened. 

"Come, Philip. " he said, "listen to reason. You know how poor I am. "

"No doubt. I know you have a good home and enough to eat. "

"I only get seven dollars a week. "

"And I get nothing. "

"I have already been trying to help you. I went to Ropes the other day, and asked him to lend me five dollars. I meant it for you. "

"Did he give it to you?"

"He wouldn't give me a cent. He is mean and miserly!"

"I don't know. He knows very well that you are no friend of his, thoughhe doesn't know how much harm you have done him. "

"He's rolling in money. However, I've put a spoke in his wheel, I hope. "

"How?"

"I wrote an anonymous letter to Mr. Sargent telling him that Ropes wasdischarged from the store on suspicion of theft. "

"You are a precious scamp, Jasper. "

"What do you mean?"

"You are not content with getting Ropes discharged for something whichyou yourself did----"

"And you too. "

"And I too. I accept the amendment. Not content with that, you try toget him discharged from his present position. "

"Then he might have lent me the money, " said Jasper sullenly. 

"It wouldn't have been a loan. It would have been a gift. But no matterabout that. I want a dollar. "

"I can't give it to you. "

"Then I shall call at the store tomorrow morning and tell Mr. Goodnowabout the stolen goods. "

Finding that Carton was in earnest Jasper finally, but with greatreluctance, drew out a dollar and handed it to his companion. 

"There, I hope that will satisfy you, " he said spitefully. 

"It will--for the present. "

"I wish he'd get run over or something, " thought Jasper. "He seems toexpect me to support him, and that on seven dollars a week. "

Fortunately for Jasper, Philip Carton obtained employment the next daywhich lasted for some time, and as he was paid ten dollars a week he wasnot under the necessity of troubling his old confederate for loans. 

Now and then Jasper and Rodney met, but there were no cordial relationsbetween them. Jasper could not forgive Rodney for refusing to lend himmoney, and Rodney was not likely to forget the anonymous letter by whichJasper had tried to injure him. 

So three months passed. One day Mr. Sargent arrived at home before itwas time for Rodney to leave. 

"I am glad to see you, Rodney, " said his employer. "I have some news foryou which I am afraid will not be entirely satisfactory to you. "

"What is it, sir?"

"For the last three years I have been wishing to go to Europe with mywife and Arthur. The plan has been delayed, because I could not makesatisfactory business arrangements. Now, however, that difficulty hasbeen overcome, and I propose to sail in about two weeks. "

"I hope you'll enjoy your trip, sir. "

"Thank you. Of course it will terminate, for a time at least yourengagement to teach Arthur. "

"I shall be sorry for that, sir, but I am not selfish enough to want youto stay at home on that account. "

"I thought you would feel that way. I wish I could procure you anotherposition before I go, but that is uncertain. I shall, however, pay you amonth's salary in advance in lieu of a notice. "

"That is very liberal, sir. "

"I think it only just. I have been very well pleased with your attentionto Arthur, and I know he has profited by your instructions as wellas enjoyed your companionship. I hope you have been able to savesomething. "

"Yes, sir, I have something in the Union Dime Savings Bank. "

"That's well. You will remain with me one week longer, but the last weekArthur will need for preparations. "

Two weeks later Rodney stood on the pier and watched the stately Etruriasteam out into the river. Arthur and his father were on deck, and thelittle boy waved his handkerchief to his tutor as long as he could seehim. 

Rodney turned away sadly. 

"I have lost a good situation, " he soliloquized. "When shall I getanother?"

CHAPTER XXI. 

CONTINUED ILL LUCK. 

Rodney set himself to work searching for a new situation. Butwherever he called he found Some one ahead of him. At length he saw anadvertisement for an entry clerk in a wholesale house in Church Street. He applied and had the good fortune to please the superintendent. 

"Where have you worked before?" he asked. 

"At Otis Goodnow's, on Reade Street. "

"How much were you paid there?"

"Seven dollars a week. "

"Very well, we will start you on that salary, and see if you earn it. "

Rodney was surprised and relieved to find that he was not asked for arecommendation from Mr. Goodnow, knowing that he could not obtain one. He went to work on a Monday morning, and found his duties congenial andsatisfactory. 

Seven dollars a week was small, compared with what he had received as atutor, but he had about two hundred and fifty dollars in the Union DimeSavings Bank and drew three dollars from this fund every week in orderthat he might still assist Mike, whose earnings were small. 

One of his new acquaintances in the store was James Hicks, a boy about ayear older than himself. 

"Didn't you use to work at Otis Goodnow's?" asked James one day whenthey were going to lunch. 

"Yes. "

"I know a boy employed there. He is older than either of us. "

"Who is it?"

"Jasper Redwood. Of course you know him. "

"Yes, " answered Rodney with a presentiment of evil. 

He felt that it would be dangerous to have Jasper know of his presentposition, but did not venture to give a hint of this to James. 

His fears were not groundless. Only the day after James met Jasper onthe street. 

"Anything new?" asked Jasper. 

"Yes; we've got one of your old friends in our store. "

"Who is it?"

"Rodney Ropes. "

Jasper stopped short, and whistled. He was excessively surprised, as hesupposed Rodney still to be Arthur Sargent's tutor. 

"You don't mean it?" he ejaculated. 

"Why not? Is there anything so strange about it?"

"Yes. Did Ropes bring a recommendation from Mr. Goodnow?"

"I suppose so. I don't know. "

"If he did, it's forged. "

"Why should it be?"

"Goodnow wouldn't give him a recommendation. "

"Why wouldn't he?"

"Because he discharged Ropes. Do you want to know why?"

"Yes. "

"For stealing articles from the store. "

It was the turn of James Hicks to be surprised. 

"I can't believe it, " he said. 

"Its true. Just mention the matter to Ropes, and you'll see he won'tdeny it. "

"I think there must be some mistake about it. Rodney doesn't look like afellow that would steal. "

"Oh, you can't tell from appearances--Rogues are always plausible. "

"Still mistakes are sometimes made. I'd trust Rodney Ropes sooner thanany boy I know. "

"You don't know him as well as I do. "

"You don't like him?" said James shrewdly. 

"No I don't. I can't like a thief. "

"You talk as if you had a grudge against him. "

"Nothing but his being a thief. Well, what are you going to do aboutit?"

"About what?"

"What I have just told you. "

"I don't feel that I have any call to do anything. "

"You ought to tell your employer. "

"I am no telltale, " said James scornfully. 

"Then you will let him stay in the store, knowing him to be a thief?"

"I don't know him to be a thief. If he steals anything it will probablybe found out. "

Jasper urged James to give information about Rodney, but he steadilyrefused. 

"I leave others to do such dirty work, " he said, "and I don't think anybetter of you, let me tell you, for your eagerness to turn the boy outof his position. "

"You are a queer boy. "

"Think so if you like, " retorted Hicks. "I might give my opinion ofyou. "

At this point Jasper thought it best to let the conversation drop. Hewas much pleased to learn that Rodney had lost his fine position astutor, and was now in a place from which he might more easily be ousted. 

As he could not prevail upon James Hicks to betray Rodney he decided towrite an anonymous letter to the firm that employed him. 

The result was that the next afternoon Rodney was summoned to theoffice. 

"Sit down Ropes, " said the superintendent. "For what store did you workbefore you came into our house?"

"Otis Goodnow's. "

"Under what circumstances did you leave?"

"I was accused of theft. "

"You did not mention this matter when you applied for a situation here. "

"No, sir. I ought perhaps to have done so, but I presumed in that caseyou would not have given me a place. "

"You are right he would not. "

"Nor would I have applied had the charge been a true one. Articles werecertainly missing from Mr. Goodnow's stock, but in accusing me they didme a great injustice. "

"How long since you left Mr. Goodnow's?"

"Four months. "

"What have you been doing since?"

"I was acting as tutor to the son of Mr. Sargent, of West Fifty EighthStreet. "

"A well known citizen. Then you are a scholar?"

"Yes, sir, I am nearly prepared for college. "

"Of course he did not know you were suspected of dishonesty. "

"On the contrary he did know it. I told him, and later he received ananonymous letter, notifying him of the fact. "

"We also have received an anonymous letter. Here it is. Do you recognizethe hand writing?"

"Yes, " answered Rodney after examining the letter. "It was written byJasper Redwood. "

"Who is he?"

"A boy employed by Mr. Goodnow. For some reason he seems to have a spiteagainst me. "

"I admit that it is pretty small business to write an anonymous lettercalculated to injure another. Still we shall have to take notice ofthis. "

"Yes, sir, I suppose so. "

"I shall have to bring it to the notice of the firm. What they may do Idon't know. If the matter was to be decided by me I would let you stay. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Rodney gratefully. 

"But I am not Mr. Hall. You can go now and I will see you again. "

Rodney left the office fully persuaded that his engagement wouldspeedily terminate. He was right; the next day he was sent for again. 

"I am sorry to tell you, Ropes, " said the superintendent kindly "thatMr. Hall insists upon your being discharged. He is a nervous man andrather suspicious. I spoke in your favor but I could not turn him. "

"At any rate I am grateful to you for your friendly effort. "

The superintendent hesitated a moment, and then said: "Will thisdischarge seriously embarrass you? Are you short of money?"

"No, sir. I was very liberally paid by Mr. Sargent, and I saved money. I have enough in the savings bank to last me several months, should I beidle so long. "

"I am glad of it. I hope you will remember, my boy, that this is none ofmy doing. I would gladly retain you. I will say one thing more, shouldJasper Redwood ever apply for a situation here, his name will not beconsidered. "

So Rodney found himself again without a position. It seemed hard in viewof his innocence, but he had confidence to believe that something wouldturn up for him as before. At any rate he had enough money to live onfor some time. 

When Mike Flynn learned the circumstances of his discharge he was veryangry. 

"I'd like to meet Jasper Redwood, " he said, his eyes flashing. "If Ididn't give him a laying out then my name isn't Mike Flynn. "

"I think he will get his desert some time, Mickey, without any help fromyou or me. "

"Should hope he will. And what'll you do now, Rodney?"

"I don't know. Sometimes I think it would be well to go to some othercity, Boston or Philadelphia, where Jasper can't get on my track. "

"Should hope you won't do it. I can't get along widout you. "

"I will stay here for a few weeks, Mike, and see if anything turns up. "

"I might get you in as a telegraph boy. "

"That wouldn't suit me. It doesn't pay enough. "

Rodney began to hunt for a situation again, but four weeks passed andbrought him no success. One afternoon about four o'clock he was walkingup Broadway when, feeling tired, he stepped into the Continental Hotelat the corner of Twentieth Street. 

He took a seat at some distance back from the door, and in a desultoryway began to look about him. All at once he started in surprise, forin a man sitting in one of the front row of chairs he recognized LouisWheeler, the railroad thief who had stolen his box of jewelry. 

Wheeler was conversing with a man with a large flapping sombrero, andwhose dress and general appearance indicated that he was a Westerner. 

Rodney left his seat and going forward sat down in the chair behindWheeler. He suspected that the Western man was in danger of beingvictimized. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE TURNS UP. 

In his new position Rodney could easily hear the conversation which tookplace between the Western man and his old railroad acquaintance. 

"I am quite a man of leisure, " said Wheeler, "and it will give me greatpleasure to go about with you and show you our city. "

"You are very obliging. "

"Oh, don't mention it. I shall really be glad to have my time occupied. You see I am a man of means--my father left me a fortune--and so I amnot engaged in any business. "

"You are in luck. I was brought up on a farm in Vermont, and had toborrow money to take me to Montana four years ago. "

"I hope you prospered in your new home?"

"I did. I picked up twenty five thousand dollars at the mines, anddoubled it by investment in lots in Helena. "

"Very neat, indeed. I inherited a fortune from my father--a hundred andtwenty five thousand dollars--but I never made a cent myself. I don'tknow whether I am smart enough. "

"Come out to Montana and I'll put you in a way of making some money. "

"Really, now, that suggestion strikes me favorably. I believe I willfollow your advice. When shall you return to your Western home?"

"In about a fortnight I think. "

"You must go to the theater tonight. There is a good play on at theMadison Square. "

"I don't mind. When can I get ticket?"

"I'll go and secure some. It is only a few blocks away. "

"Do so. How much are the tickets?"

"A dollar and a half or two dollars each. "

"Here are five dollars, if it won't trouble you too much. "

"My dear friend, I meant to pay for the tickets. However, I will paynext time. If you will remain here I will be back in twenty minutes. "

Louis Wheeler left the hotel with the five dollars tucked away in hisvest pocket. 

He had no sooner disappeared than Rodney went forward and occupied hisseat. 

"Excuse me, sir, " he said to the miner, "but do you know much of the manwho has just left you?"

"I only met him here. He seems a good natured fellow. What of him?"

"He said he was a man of independent means. "

"Isn't he?"

"He is a thief and an adventurer. "

The miner was instantly on the alert. 

"How do you know this?" he asked. 

"Because he stole a box of jewelry from me in the cars some months ago. "

"Did you get it again?"

"Yes; he left the train, but I followed him up and reclaimed thejewelry. "

"Was it of much value?"

"They were family jewels, and were worth over a thousand dollars. "

"Do you think he wants to bunco me?"

"I have no doubt of it. "

"I have given him money to buy theater tickets. Do you think he willcome back?"

"Yes. He wouldn't be satisfied with that small sum. "

"Tell me about your adventure with him. "

"I will do it later. The theater is so near that he might come back andsurprise us together. I think he would recognize me. "

"Do you advise me to go to the theater?"

"Yes, but be on your guard. "

"Where can I see you again?"

"Are you staying at this hotel?"

"Yes. Here is my card. "

Rodney read this name on the card:

JEFFERSON PETTRIGREW. 

"I wish you were going to the theater with us. "

"It wouldn't do. Mr. Wheeler would remember me. "

"Then come round and breakfast with me tomorrow--at eight o'clock, sharp. "

"I will, sir. Now I will take a back seat, and leave you to receive yourfriend. "

"Don't call him my friend. He seems to be a mean scoundrel. "

"Don't let him suspect anything from your manner. "

"I won't. I want to see him expose his plans. " Five minutes afterwardsLouis Wheeler entered the hotel. 

"I've got the tickets, " he said, "but I had to buy them of a speculator, and they cost me more than I expected. "

"How much?"

"Two and a half apiece. So there is no change coming back to you. "

"Never mind! As long as you had enough money to pay for them it is allright. "

As a matter of fact Wheeler bought the tickets at the box office at onedollar and fifty cent each, which left him a profit of two dollars. When he saw how easily the Western man took it he regretted not havingrepresented that the tickets cost three dollars each. 

However, he decided that there would be other ways of plundering his newacquaintance. He took his seat again next to the miner. 

"It is not very late, " he said. "Would you like a run out to CentralPark or to Grant's Tomb?"

"Not today. I feel rather tired. By the way, you did not mention yourname. "

"I haven't a card with me, but my name is Louis Wheeler. "

"Where do you live, Mr. Wheeler?"

"I am staying with an aunt on Fifth Avenue, but I think of taking boardat the Windsor Hotel. It is a very high toned house, and quite a numberof my friends board there. "

"Is it an expensive hotel?"

"Oh, yes, but my income is large and----"

"I understand. Now, Mr. Wheeler, I must excuse myself, as I feel tired. Come at half past seven and we can start for the theater together. "

"Very well. "

Wheeler rose reluctantly, for he had intended to secure a dinner fromhis new acquaintance, but he was wise enough to take the hint. 

After he left the room Rodney again joined Mr. Pettigrew. 

"He didn't give me back any change, " said the Western man. "He said hebought the tickets of a speculator at two dollars and a half each. "

"Then he made two dollars out of you. "

"I suppose that is the beginning. Well, that doesn't worry me. But Ishould like to know how he expects to get more money out of me. I don'tunderstand the ways of this gentry. "

"Nor I very well. If you are on your guard I think you won't be in anydanger. "

"I will remember what you say. You seem young to act as adviser to a manlike me. Are you in business?"

"At present I am out of work, but I have money enough to last me threemonths. "

"Are you, like my new acquaintance, possessed of independent means?"

"Not now, but I was six months ago. "

"How did you lose your money?"

"I did not lose it. My guardian lost it for me. "

"What is your name?"

"Rodney Ropes. "

"You've had some pretty bad luck. Come up to my room and tell me aboutit. "

"I shall be glad to do so, sir. "

Mr. Pettigrew called for his key and led the way up to a plain room onthe third floor. 

"Come in, " he said. "The room is small, but I guess it will hold usboth. Now go ahead with your story. "

In a short time Rodney had told his story in full to his newacquaintance, encouraged to do so by his sympathetic manner. Mr. Pettigrew was quite indignant, when told of Jasper's mean andtreacherous conduct. 

"That boy Jasper is a snake in the grass, " he said. "I'd like to givehim a good thrashing. "

"There isn't any love lost between us, Mr. Pettigrew, but I think itwill turn out right in the end. Still I find it hard to get a place inNew York with him circulating stories about me. "

"Then why do you stay in New York?"

"I have thought it might be better to go to Philadelphia or Boston. "

"I can tell you of a better place than either. "

"What is that?"

"Montana. "

"Do you really think it would be wise for me to go there?"

"Think? I haven't a doubt about it. "

"I have money enough to get there, but not much more. I should soon haveto find work, or I might get stranded. "

"Come back with me, and I'll see you through. I'll make a bargain withyou. Go round with me here, and I'll pay your fare out to Montana. "

"If you are really in earnest I will do so, and thank you for theoffer. "

"Jefferson Pettigrew means what he says. I'll see you through, Rodney. "

"But I may be interfering with your other friend, Louis Wheeler. "

"I shall soon be through with him. You needn't worry yourself aboutthat. "

Mr. Pettigrew insisted upon Rodney's taking supper with him. Fifteenminutes after Rodney left him Mr. Wheeler made his appearance. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

MR. WHEELER HAS A SET BACK. 

Louis Wheeler had not seen Rodney in the hotel office, and probablywould not have recognized him if he had, as Rodney was quite differentlydressed from the time of their first meeting. He had no reason tosuppose, therefore, that Mr. Pettigrew had been enlightened as to hisreal character. 

It was therefore with his usual confidence that he accosted hisacquaintance from Montana after supper. 

"It is time to go to the theater, Mr. Pettigrew, " he said. 

Jefferson Pettigrew scanned his new acquaintance with interest. Hehad never before met a man of his type and he looked upon him as acuriosity. 

He was shrewd, however, and did not propose to let Wheeler know that heunderstood his character. He resolved for the present to play the partof the bluff and unsuspecting country visitor. 

"You are very kind, Mr. Wheeler, " he said, "to take so much trouble fora stranger. "

"My dear sir, " said Wheeler effusively, "I wouldn't do it for manypersons, but I have taken a fancy to you. "

"You don't mean so?" said Pettigrew, appearing pleased?

"Yes, I do, on my honor. "

"But I don't see why you should. You are a polished city gentleman and Iam an ignorant miner from Montana. "

Louis Wheeler looked complacent when he was referred to as a polishedcity gentleman. 

"You do yourself injustice, my dear Pettigrew, " he said in a patronizingmanner. "You do indeed. You may not be polished, but you are certainlysmart, as you have shown by accumulating a fortune. "

"But I am not as rich as you. "

"Perhaps not, but if I should lose my money, I could not make anotherfortune, while I am sure you could. Don't you think it would be a goodplan for us to start a business together in New York?"

"Would you really be willing to go into business with me?"

Jefferson Pettigrew asked this question with so much apparent sinceritythat Wheeler was completely deceived. 

"I've got him dead!" he soliloquized complacently. 

He hooked his arm affectionately in the Montana miner's and said, "My dear friend, I have never met a man with whom I would ratherbe associated in business than with you. How much capital could youcontribute?"

"I will think it over, Mr. Wheeler. By the way what business do youpropose that we shall go into?"

"I will think it over and report to you. "

By this time they had reached the theater. The play soon commenced. Mr. Pettigrew enjoyed it highly, for he had not had much opportunity at theWest of attending a high class theatrical performance. 

When the play ended, Louis Wheeler said, "Suppose we go to Delmonico'sand have a little refreshment. "

"Very well. "

They adjourned to the well known restaurant, and Mr. Pettigrew orderedan ice and some cakes, but his companion made a hearty supper. When thebill came, Louis Wheeler let it lie on the table, but Mr. Pettigrew didnot appear to see it. 

"I wonder if he expects me to pay for it, " Wheeler asked himselfanxiously. 

"Thank you for this pleasant little supper, " said Pettigrewmischievously. "Delmonico's is certainly a fine place. "

Wheeler changed color. He glanced at the check. It was for two dollarsand seventy five cents, and this represented a larger sum than hepossessed. 

He took the check and led the way to the cashier's desk. Then heexamined his pockets. 

"By Jove, " he said, "I left my wallet in my other coat. May I borrowfive dollars till tomorrow?"

Jefferson Pettigrew eyed him shrewdly. "Never mind, " he said, "I willpay the check. "

"I am very much ashamed of having put you to this expense. "

"If that is all you have to be ashamed of Mr. Wheeler, " said the minerpointedly, "you can rest easy. "

"What do you mean?" stammered Wheeler. 

"Wait till we get into the street, and I will tell you. "

They went out at the Broadway entrance, and then Mr. Pettigrew turned tohis new acquaintance. 

"I think I will bid you good night and good by at the same time, Mr. Wheeler, " he said. 

"My dear sir, I hoped you won't misjudge me on account of myunfortunately leaving my money at home. "

"I only wish to tell you that I have not been taken in by your plausiblestatement, Mr. Wheeler, if that is really your name. Before we startedfor the theater I had gauged you and taken your measure. "

"Sir, I hope you don't mean to insult me!" blustered Wheeler. 

"Not at all. You have been mistaken in me, but I am not mistaken in you. I judge you to be a gentlemanly adventurer, ready to take advantage ofany who have money and are foolish enough to be gulled by your tricks. You are welcome to the profit you made out of the theater tickets, alsoto the little supper to which you have done so much justice. I mustrequest you, now, however, to devote yourself to some one else, as I donot care to meet you again. "

Louis Wheeler slunk away, deciding that he had made a great mistake insetting down his Montana acquaintance as an easy victim. 

"I didn't think he'd get on to my little game so quick, " he reflected. "He's sharper than he looks. "

Rodney took breakfast with Mr. Pettigrew the next morning. Whenbreakfast was over, the Montana man said:

"I'm going to make a proposal to you, Rodney. How much pay did you getat your last place?"

"Seven dollars a week. "

"I'll pay you that and give you your meals. In return I want you to keepme company and go about with me. "

"I shall not be apt to refuse such an offer as that, Mr. Pettigrew, butare you sure you prefer me to Mr. Wheeler?" laughed Rodney. 

"Wheeler be--blessed!" returned the miner. 

"How long are you going to stay in New York?"

"About two weeks. Then I shall go back to Montana and take you with me. "

"Thank you. There is nothing I should like better. "

Two days later, as the two were walking along Broadway, they met Mr. Wheeler. The latter instantly recognized his friend from Montana, andscrutinized closely his young companion. 

Rodney's face looked strangely familiar to him, but somehow he could notrecollect when or under what circumstances he had met him. He did not, however, like to give up his intended victim, but had the effrontery toaddress the man from Montana. 

"I hope you are well, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"Thank you, I am very well. "

"I hope you are enjoying yourself. I should be glad to show you thesights. Have you been to Grants Tomb?"

"Not yet. "

"I should like to take you there. "

"Thank you, but I have a competent guide. "

"Won't you introduce me to the young gentleman?"

"I don't require any introduction to you, Mr. Wheeler, " said Rodney. 

"Where have I met you before?" asked Wheeler abruptly. 

"In the cars. I had a box of jewelry with me, " answered Rodneysignificantly. 

Louis Wheeler changed color. Now he remembered Rodney, and he wassatisfied that he owed to him the coolness with which the Western manhad treated him. 

"I remember you had, " he said spitefully, "but I don't know how you cameby it. "

"It isn't necessary that you should know. I remember I had considerabledifficulty in getting it out of your hands. "

"Mr. Pettigrew, " said Wheeler angrily, "I feel interested in you, andI want to warn you against the boy who is with you. He is a dangerouscompanion. "

"I dare say you are right, " said Pettigrew in a quizzical tone. "I shalllook after him sharply, and I thank you for your kind and consideratewarning. I don't care to take up any more of your valuable time. Rodney, let us be going. "

"It must have been the kid that exposed me, " muttered Wheeler, as hewatched the two go down the street. "I will get even with him some time. That man would have been good for a thousand dollars to me if I had notbeen interfered with. "

"You have been warned against me, Mr. Pettigrew, " said Rodney, laughing. "Mr. Wheeler has really been very unkind in interfering with my plans. "

"I shan't borrow any trouble, or lie awake nights thinking about it, Rodney. I don't care to see or think of that rascal again. "

The week passed, and the arrangement between Mr. Pettigrew and Rodneycontinued to their mutual satisfaction. One morning, when Rodney came tothe Continental as usual, his new friend said: "I received a letter lastevening from my old home in Vermont. "

"I hope it contained good news. "

"On the contrary it contained bad news. My parents are dead, but I havean old uncle and aunt living. When I left Burton he was comfortablyfixed, with a small farm of his own, and two thousand dollars in bank. Now I hear that he is in trouble. He has lost money, and a knavishneighbor has threatened to foreclose a mortgage on the farm and turn outthe old people to die or go to the poorhouse. "

"Is the mortgage a large one?"

"It is much less than the value of the farm, but ready money is scarcein the town, and that old Sheldon calculates upon. Now I think of goingto Burton to look up the matter. "

"You must save your uncle, if you can, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"I can and I will. I shall start for Boston this afternoon by the FallRiver boat and I want you to go with me. "

"I should enjoy the journey, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"Then it is settled. Go home and pack your gripsack. You may be gonethree or four days. "

CHAPTER XXIV. 

A CHANGE OF SCENE. 

"Now, " said Mr. Pettigrew, when they were sitting side by side on theupper deck of the Puritan, the magnificent steamer on the Fall Riverline. "I want you to consent to a little plan that will mystify my oldfriends and neighbors. "

"What is it, Mr. Pettigrew?"

"I have never written home about my good fortune; so far as they know Iam no better off than when I went away. "

"I don't think I could have concealed my success. "

"It may seem strange, but I'll explain--I want to learn who are myfriends and who are not. I am afraid I wasn't very highly thought ofwhen I left Burton. I was considered rather shiftless. 

"I was always in for a good time, and never saved a cent. Everybodypredicted that I would fail, and I expect most wanted me to fail. Therewere two or three, including my uncle, aunt and the friend who lent memoney, who wished me well. 

"I mustn't forget to mention the old minister who baptized me when I wasan infant. The good old man has been preaching thirty or forty yearson a salary of four hundred dollars, and has had to run a small farm tomake both ends meet. He believed in me and gave me good advice. Outsideof these I don't remember any one who felt an interest in JeffersonPettigrew. "

"You will have the satisfaction of letting them see that they did not doyou justice. "

"Yes, but I may not tell them--that is none except my true friends. IfI did, they would hover round me and want to borrow money, or get me totake them out West with me. So I have hit upon a plan. I shall want touse money, but I will pretend it is yours. "

Rodney opened his eyes in surprise. 

"I will pass you off as a rich friend from New York, who feels aninterest in me and is willing to help me. "

Rodney smiled. 

"I don't know if I can look the character, " he said. 

"Oh yes you can. You are nicely dressed, while I am hardly any betterdressed than when I left Burton. "

"I have wondered why you didn't buy some new clothes when you were ableto afford it. "

"You see we Western miners don't care much for style, perhaps notenough. Still I probably shall buy a suit or two, but not till I havemade my visit home. I want to see how people will receive me, when theythink I haven't got much money. I shall own up to about five hundreddollars, but that isn't enough to dazzle people even in a small countryvillage. "

"I am wiling to help you in any way you wish, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"Then I think we shall get some amusement out of it. I shall representyou as worth about a hundred thousand dollars. "

"I wish I were. "

"Very likely you will be some time if you go out to Montana with me. "

"How large a place is Burton?"

"It has not quite a thousand inhabitants. It is set among the hills, and has but one rich man, Lemuel Sheldon, who is worth perhaps fiftythousand dollars, but put on the airs of a millionaire. "

"You are as rich as he, then. "

"Yes, and shall soon be richer. However, I don't want him to know it. Itis he who holds the mortgage on my uncle's farm. "

"Do you know how large the mortgage is?"

"It is twelve hundred dollars. I shall borrow the money of you to payit. "

"I understand, " said Rodney, smiling. 

"I shall enjoy the way the old man will look down upon me very much as amillionaire looks down upon a town pauper. "

"How will he look upon me?"

"He will be very polite to you, for he will think you richer thanhimself. "

"On the whole, we are going to act a comedy, Mr. Pettigrew. What is thename of the man who lent you money to go to Montana?"

"A young carpenter, Frank Dobson. He lent me a hundred dollars, whichwas about all the money he had saved up. "

"He was a true friend. "

"You are right. He was. Everybody told Frank that he would never see hismoney again, but he did. As soon as I could get together enough torepay him I sent it on, though I remember it left me with less than tendollars in my pocket. 

"I couldn't bear to think that Frank would lose anything by me. You seewe were chums at school and always stood by each other. He is marriedand has two children. "

"While you are an old bachelor. "

"Yes; I ain't in a hurry to travel in double harness. I'll wait tillI am ready to leave Montana, with money enough to live handsomely athome. "

"You have got enough now. "

"But I may as well get more. I am only thirty years old, and I canafford to work a few years longer. "

"I wish I could be sure of being worth fifty thousand dollars when I amyour age. "

"You have been worth that, you tell me. "

"Yes, but I should value more money that I had made myself. "

Above five o'clock on Monday afternoon Mr. Pettigrew and Rodney reachedBurton. It was a small village about four miles from the nearest railwaystation. An old fashioned Concord stage connected Burton with therailway. The driver was on the platform looking out for passengers whenJefferson Pettigrew stepped out of the car. 

"How are you, Hector?" said the miner, in an off hand way. 

"Why, bless my soul if it isn't Jeff!" exclaimed the driver, who hadbeen an old schoolmate of Mr. Pettigrew's. 

"I reckon it is, " said the miner, his face lighting up with thesatisfaction he felt at seeing a home face. 

"Why, you ain't changed a mite, Jeff. You look just as you did when youwent away. How long have you been gone?"

"Four years!"

"Made a fortune? But you don't look like it. That's the same suit youwore when you went away, isn't it?"

Mr. Pettigrew laughed. 

"Well no, it isn't the same, but it's one of the same kind. "

"I thought maybe you'd come home in a dress suit. "

"It isn't so easy to make a fortune, Hector. "

"But you have made something, ain't you?"

"Oh, yes, when I went away I hadn't a cent except what I borrowed. NowI've got five hundred dollars. "

"That ain't much. "

"No, but it's better than nothing. How much more have you got, Hector?"

"Well, you see I married last year. I haven't had a chance to lay by. "

"So you see I did as well as if I had stayed at home. "

"Are you going to stay home now?"

"For a little while. I may go back to Montana after a bit. "

"Is it a good place to make money?"

"I made five hundred dollars. "

"Thats only a little more than a hundred dollars a year. Frank Dobsonhas saved as much as that and he's stayed right here in Burton. "

"I'm glad of that, " said Pettigrew heartily. "Frank is a rousing goodfellow. If it hadn't been for him I couldn't have gone to Montana. "

"It doesn't seem to have done you much good, as I can see. "

"Oh, well, I am satisfied. Let me introduce my friend, Mr. Rodney Ropesof New York. "

"Glad to meet you, " said Hector with a jerk of the head. 

"Rodney, won't you sit inside? I want to sit outide with Hector. "

"All right, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"Who is that boy?" asked Hector with characteristic Yankee curiosity, ashe seized the lines and started the horses. 

"A rich young fellow from New York. I got acquainted with him there. "

"Rich is he?" Jefferson Pettigrew nodded. 

"How rich do you think?"

"Shouldn't wonder if he might be worth a hundred thousand. "

"You don't say! Why, he beat Squire Sheldon. "

"Oh, yes, Squire Sheldon wouldn't be considered rich in New York. "

"How did he get his money?"

"His father left him a fortune. "

"Is that so? I wish my father had left me a fortune. "

"He did, didn't he?"

"Yes, he did! When his estate was settled I got seventy five dollars, ifyou call that a fortune. But I say, what brings the boy to Burton?"

"His friendship for me, I expect. Besides he may invest in a place. "

"There's the old Morse place for sale. Do you think he'd buy that?"

"It wouldn't be nice enough for him. I don't know any place that wouldbe good enough except the squire's. "

"The squire wouldn't sell. "

"Oh, well, I don't know as Rodney would care to locate in Burton. "

"You're in luck to get such a friend. Say, do you think he would lendyou a hundred dollars if you were hard up?"

"I know he would. By the way, Hector, is there any news? How is myuncle?"

"I think the old man is worrying on account of his mortgage. "

"Who holds it?"

"The squire. They do say he is goin' to foreclose. That'll be bad forthe old man. It'll nigh about break his heart I expect. "

"Can't uncle raise the money to pay him?"

"Who is there round here who has got any money except the squire?"

"That's so. "

"Where are you goin' to stop, Jeff?"

"I guess I'll stop at the tavern tonight, but I'll go over and call onuncle this evening. "

CHAPTER XXV. 

JEFFERSON PETTIGREW'S HOME. 

News spreads fast in a country village. Scarcely an hour had passedwhen it was generally known that Jefferson Pettigrew had come home fromMontana with a few hundred dollars in money, bringing with him a richboy who could buy out all Burton. At least that is the way the reportran. 

When the two new arrivals had finished supper and come out on the hotelveranda there were a dozen of Jefferson Pettigrew's friends ready towelcome him. 

"How are you, Jefferson, old boy?" said one and another. 

"Pretty well, thank you. It seems good to be home. "

"I hear you've brought back some money. "

"Yes, a few hundred dollars. "

"That's better than nothing. I reckon you'll stay home now. "

"I can't afford it, boys. "

"Are ye goin' back to Montany?"

"Yes. I know the country, and I can make a middlin' good livin' there. "

"I say, is that boy thats with you as rich as they say?"

"I don't know what they say. "

"They say he's worth a million. "

"Oh no, not so much as that. He's pretty well fixed. "

"Hasn't he got a father livin'?"

"No, it's his father that left the money. "

"How did you happen to get in with him?"

"Oh, we met promiscuous. He took a sort of fancy to me, and that's theway of it. "

"Do you expect to keep him with you?"

"He talks of goin' back to Montana with me. I'll be sort of guardian tohim. "

"You're in luck, Jeff. "

"Yes, I'm in luck to have pleasant company. Maybe we'll join togetherand buy a mine. "

"Would you mind introducin' him?"

"Not at all, " and thus Rodney became acquainted with quite a numberof the Burton young men. He was amused to see with what deference theytreated him, but preserved a sober face and treated all cordially, sothat he made a favorable impression on those he met. 

Among those who made it in their way to call on the two travelers wasLemuel Sheldon, the rich man of the village. 

"How do you do, Jefferson?" he said condescendingly. 

"Very well, sir. "

"You have been quite a traveler. "

"Yes, sir; I have been to the far West. "

"And met with some success, I am told. "

"Yes, sir; I raised money enough to get home. "

"I hear you brought home a few hundred dollars. "

"Yes, sir. "

"Oh, well, " said the squire patronizingly, "that's good beginning. "

"It must seem very little to a rich man like you, squire. "

"Oh, no!" said the squire patronizingly. "You are a young man. Ishouldn't wonder if by the time you get as old as I am you might beworth five thousand dollars. "

"I hope so, " answered Mr. Pettigrew demurely. 

"By the way, you have brought a young man with you, I am told. "

"Yes. "

"I should like to make his acquaintance. He is rich, is he not?"

"I wish I was as rich. "

"You don't say so! About how much do you estimate he is worth?"

"I don't think it amounts to quite as much as a quarter of a million. Still, you know it is not always easy to tell how much a person isworth. "

"He is certainly a VERY fortunate young man, " said the squire, impressed. "What is his name?"

"Rodney Ropes. "

"The name sounds aristocratic. I shall be glad to know him. "

"Rodney, " said Mr. Pettigrew. "I want to introduce you to SquireSheldon, our richest and most prominent citizen. "

"I am glad to meet you, Squire Sheldon, " said Rodney, offering his hand. 

"I quite reciprocate the feeling, Mr. Ropes, but Mr. Pettigrew shouldnot call me a rich man. I am worth something, to be sure. "

"I should say you were, squire, " said Jefferson. "Rodney, he is as richas you are. "

"Oh no, " returned the squire, modestly, "not as rich as that. Indeed, Ihardly know how much I am worth. As Mr. Pettigrew very justly observedit is not easy to gauge a man's possessions. But there is one differencebetween us. You, Mr. Ropes, I take it, are not over eighteen. "

"Only sixteen, sir. "

"And yet you are wealthy. I am rising fifty. When you come to my age youwill be worth much more. "

"Perhaps I may have lost all I now possess, " said Rodney. "Within a yearI have lost fifty thousand dollars. "

"You don't say so. "

"Yes; it was through a man who had charge of my property. I think now Ishall manage my money matters myself. "

"Doubtless you are right. That was certainly a heavy loss. I shouldn'tlike to lose so much. I suppose, however, you had something left?"

"Oh yes, " answered Rodney in an indifferent tone. 

"He must be rich to make so little account of fifty thousand dollars, "thought the squire. 

"How long do you propose to stay in town, Mr. Pettigrew?" he asked. 

"I can't tell, sir, but I don't think I can spare more than three orfour days. "

"May I hope that you and Mr. Ropes will take supper with me tomorrowevening?"

"Say the next day and we'll come. Tomorrow I must go to my uncle's. "

"Oh very well!"

Squire Sheldon privately resolved to pump Rodney as to the investment ofhis property. He was curious to learn first how much the boy was worth, for if there was anything that the squire worshiped it was wealth. Hewas glad to find that Mr. Pettigrew had only brought home five hundreddollars, as it was not enough to lift the mortgage on his uncle's farm. 

After they were left alone Jefferson Pettigrew turned to Rodney andsaid, "Do you mind my leaving you a short time and calling at myuncle's?"

"Not at all, Mr. Pettigrew. I can pass my time very well. "

Jefferson Pettigrew directed his steps to an old fashioned farmhouseabout half a mile from the village. In the rear the roof sloped down sothat the eaves were only five feet from the ground. The house was largethough the rooms were few in number. 

In the sitting room sat an old man and his wife, who was nearly asold. It was not a picture of cheerful old age, for each looked sad. The sadness of old age is pathetic for there is an absence of hope, and courage, such as younger people are apt to feel even when they areweighed down by trouble. 

Cyrus Hooper was seventy one, his wife two years younger. During thegreater part of their lives they had been well to do, if not prosperous, but now their money was gone, and there was a mortgage on the old homewhich they could not pay. 

"I don't know whats goin' to become of us, Nancy, " said Cyrus Hooper. "We'll have to leave the old home, and when the farm's been sold therewon't be much left over and above the mortgage which Louis Sheldonholds. "

"Don't you think the squire will give you a little more time, Cyrus?"

"No; I saw him yesterday, and he's sot on buyin' in the farm forhimself. He reckons it won't fetch more'n eighteen hundred dollars. "

"Thats only six hundred over the mortgage. "

"It isn't that Nancy. There's about a hundred dollars due in interest. We won't get more'n five hundred dollars. "

"Surely, Cyrus, the farm is worth three thousand dollars. "

"So it is, Nancy, but that won't do us any good, as long as no one wantsit more'n the squire. "

"I wish Jefferson were at home. "

"What good would it do? I surmise he hasn't made any money. He never didhave much enterprise, that boy. "

"He was allus a good boy, Cyrus. "

"That's so, Nancy, but he didn't seem cut out for makin' money. Stillit would do me good to see him. Maybe we might have a home together, andmanage to live. "

Just then a neighbor entered. 

"Have you heard the news?" she asked. 

"No; what is it?"

"Your nephew Jefferson Pettigrew has got back. "

"You don't mean so. There, Jefferson, that's one comfort. "

"And they say he has brought home five hundred dollars. "

"That's more'n I thought he'd bring. Where is he?"

"Over at the tavern. He's brought a young man with him, leastways a boy, that's got a lot of money. "

"The boy?"

"Yes; he's from New York, and is a friend of Jefferson's. "

"Well, I'm glad he's back. Why didn't he come here?"

"It's likely he would if the boy wasn't with him. "

"Perhaps he heard of my misfortune. "

"I hope it'll all come right, Mr. Hooper. My, if there ain't Jeffersoncomin' to see you now. I see him through the winder. I guess I'll begoin'. You'll want to see him alone. "

CHAPTER XXVI. 

THE BOY CAPITALIST. 

"How are you, Uncle Cyrus?" said Jefferson Pettigrew heartily, as heclasped his uncle's toil worn hand. "And Aunt Nancy, too! It pays me forcoming all the way from Montana just to see you. "

"I'm glad to see you, Jefferson, " said his uncle. "It seems a long timesince you went away. I hope you've prospered. "

"Well, uncle, I've brought myself back well and hearty, and I've got afew hundred dollars. "

"I'm glad to hear it, Jefferson. You're better off than when you wentaway. "

"Yes, uncle. I couldn't be much worse off. Then I hadn't a cent that Icould call my own. But how are you and Aunt Nancy?"

"We're gettin' old, Jefferson, and misfortune has come to us. SquireSheldon has got a mortgage on the farm and it's likely we'll be turnedout. You've come just in time to see it. "

"Is it so bad as that, Uncle Cyrus? Why, when I went away you wereprosperous. "

"Yes, Jefferson, I owned the farm clear, and I had money in the bank, but now the money's gone and there's a twelve hundred dollar mortgage onthe old place, " and the old man sighed. 

"But how did it come about uncle? You and Aunt Nancy haven't livedextravagantly, have you? Aunt Nancy, you haven't run up a big bill atthe milliner's and dressmaker's?"

"You was always for jokin', Jefferson, " said the old lady, smilingfaintly; "but that is not the way our losses came. "

"How then?"

"You see I indorsed notes for Sam Sherman over at Canton, and he failed, and I had to pay, then I bought some wild cat minin' stock on Sam'srecommendation, and that went down to nothin'. So between the two I lostabout three thousand dollars. I've been a fool, Jefferson, and it wouldhave been money in my pocket if I'd had a guardeen. "

"So you mortgaged the place to Squire Sheldon, uncle?"

"Yes; I had to. I was obliged to meet my notes. "

"But surely the squire will extend the mortgage. "

"No, he won't. I've asked him. He says he must call in the money, and sothe old place will have to be sold, and Nancy and I must turn out in ourold age. "

Again the old man sighed, and tears came into Nancy Hooper's eyes. 

"There'll be something left, won't there, Uncle Cyrus?"

"Yes, the place should bring six hundred dollars over and above themortgage. That's little enough, for it's worth three thousand. "

"So it is, Uncle Cyrus. But what can you do with six hundred dollars? Itwon't support you and Aunt Nancy?"

"I thought mebbe, Jefferson, I could hire a small house and you couldboard with us, so that we could still have a home together. "

"I'll think it over, uncle, if there is no other way. But are you sureSquire Sheldon won't give you more time?"

"No, Jefferson. I surmise he wants the place himself. There's talk of arailroad from Sherborn, and that'll raise the price of land right aroundhere. It'll probably go right through the farm just south of the threeacre lot. "

"I see, Uncle Cyrus. You ought to have the benefit of the rise invalue. "

"Yes, Jefferson, it would probably rise enough to pay off the mortgage, but its no use thinkin' of it. The old farm has got to go. "

"I don't know about that, Uncle Cyrus. "

"Why, Jefferson, you haven't money enough to lift the mortgage!" saidthe old man, with faint hope. 

"If I haven't I may get it for you. Tell me just how much money isrequired. "

"Thirteen hundred dollars, includin' interest. "

"Perhaps you have heard that I have a boy with me--a boy from New York, named Rodney Ropes. He has money, and perhaps I might get him to advancethe sum you want. "

"Oh, Jefferson, if you only could!" exclaimed Aunt Nancy, clasping herthin hands. "It would make us very happy. "

"I'll see Rodney tonight and come over tomorrow morning and tell youwhat he says. On account of the railroad I shall tell him that it is agood investment. I suppose you will be willing to mortgage the farm tohim for the same money that he pays to lift the present mortgage?"

"Yes, Jefferson, I'll be willin' and glad. It'll lift a great burdenfrom my shoulders. I've been worryin' at the sorrow I've brought uponpoor Nancy, for she had nothing to do with my foolish actions. I was oldenough to know better, Jefferson, and I'm ashamed of what I did. "

"Well, Uncle Cyrus, I'll do what I can for you. Now let us forget allabout your troubles and talk over the village news. You know I've beenaway for four years, and I haven't had any stiddy correspondence, so agood deal must have happened that I don't know anything about. I hearFrank Dobson has prospered?"

"Yes, Frank's pretty forehanded. He's got a good economical wife, andthey've laid away five or six hundred dollars in the savings bank. "

"I am glad of it. Frank is a good fellow. If it hadn't been for him Icouldn't have gone to Montana. When he lent me the money everybody saidhe'd lose it, but I was bound to pay it if I had to live on one meal aday. He was the only man in town who believed in me at that time. "

"You was a littless shif'less, Jefferson. You can't blame people. Iwasn't quite sure myself how you'd get along. "

"No doubt you are right, Uncle Cyrus. It did me good to leave town. Ididn't drink, but I had no ambition. When a man goes to a new countryit's apt to make a new man of him. That was the case with me. "

"Are you goin' back again, Jefferson?"

"Yes, uncle. I'm going to stay round here long enough to fix up youraffairs and get you out of your trouble. Then I'll go back to the West. I have a little mining interest there and I can make more money therethan I can here. "

"If you can get me out of my trouble, Jefferson, I'll never forget it. Nancy and I have been so worried that we couldn't sleep nights, but nowI'm beginnin' to be a little more cheerful. "

Jefferson Pettigrew spent another hour at his uncle's house, and thenwent back to the tavern, where he found Rodney waiting for him. Heexplained briefly the part he wished his boy friend to take in his planfor relieving his uncle. 

"I shall be receiving credit to which I am not entitled, " said Rodney. "Still, if it will oblige you I am willing to play the part of the boycapitalist. "

The next morning after breakfast the two friends walked over to thehouse of Cyrus Hooper. Aunt Nancy came to the door and gave them acordial welcome. 

"Cyrus is over at the barn, Jefferson, " she said. "I'll ring the belland he'll come in. "

"No, Aunt Nancy, I'll go out and let him know I am here. "

Presently Cyrus Hooper came in, accompanied by Jefferson. 

"Uncle Cyrus, " said the miner, "let me introduce you to my friend RodneyRopes, of New York. "

"I'm glad to see you, " said Cyrus heartily. "I'm glad to see any friendof Jefferson's. "

"Thank you, sir. I am pleased to meet you. "

"Jefferson says you are goin' to Montany with him. "

"I hope to do so. I am sure I shall enjoy myself in his company. "

"How far is Montany, Jefferson?"

"It is over two thousand miles away, Uncle Cyrus. "

"It must be almost at the end of the world. I don't see how you can feelat home so far away from Vermont. "

Jefferson smiled. 

"I can content myself wherever I can make a good living, " he said. "Wouldn't you like to go out and make me a visit?"

"No, Jefferson, I should feel that it was temptin' Providence to go sofar at my age. "

"You never were very far from Burton, Uncle Cyrus?"

"I went to Montpelier once, " answered the old man with evident pride. "It is a nice sizable place. I stopped at the tavern, and had a goodtime. "

It was the only journey the old man had ever made, and he would neverforget it. 

"Uncle Cyrus, " said Jefferson, "this is the young man who I thoughtmight advance you money on a new mortgage. Suppose we invite him to goover the farm, and take a look at it so as to see what he thinks of theinvestment. "

"Sartain, Jefferson, sartain! I do hope Mr. Ropes you'll look favorableon the investment. It is Jefferson's idea, but it would be doin' me agreat favor. "

"Mr. Pettigrew will explain the advantages of the farm as we go along, "said Rodney. 

So they walked from field to field, Jefferson expatiating to his youngfriend upon the merits of the investment, Rodney asking questions nowand then to carry out his part of the shrewd and careful boy capitalist. 

When they had made a tour of the farm Jefferson said: "Well, Rodney, what do you think of the investment?"

"I am satisfied with it, " answered Rodney. "Mr. Hooper, I will advanceyou the money on the conditions mentioned by my friend, Mr. Pettigrew. "

Tears of joy came into the eyes of Cyrus Hooper and his worn face showedrelief. 

"I am very grateful, young man, " he said. "I will see that you don'tregret your kindness. "

"When will Squire Sheldon be over to settle matters, Uncle Cyrus?" askedJefferson. 

"He is comin' this afternoon at two o'clock. "

"Then Rodney and I will be over to take part in the business. "

CHAPTER XXVII. 

THE FAILURE OF SQUIRE SHELDON'S PLOT. 

On the morning of the same day Squire Sheldon sat in his study when theservant came in and brought a card. 

"It's a gentleman thats come to see you, sir, " she said. 

Lemuel Sheldon's eye brightened when he saw the name, for it was that ofa railroad man who was interested in the proposed road from Sherborn. 

"I am glad to see you, Mr. Caldwell, " he said cordially, rising toreceive his guest. "What is the prospect as regards the railroad?"

"I look upon it as a certainty, " answered Enoch Caldwell, a grave, portly man of fifty. 

"And it is sure to pass through our town?"

"Yes, I look upon that as definitely decided. "

"The next question is as to the route it will take, " went on the squire. "Upon that point I should like to offer a few suggestions. "

"I shall be glad to receive them. In fact, I may say that my report willprobably be accepted, and I shall be glad to consult you. "

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment you pay me, and, though I sayit, I don't think you could find any one more thoroughly conversant withthe lay of the land and the most advisable route to follow. If you willput on your hat we will go out together and I will give you my views. "

"I shall be glad to do so. "

The two gentlemen took a leisurely walk through the village, going byCyrus Hooper's house on the way. 

"In my view, " said the squire, "the road should go directly through thisfarm a little to the north of the house. "

The squire proceeded to explain his reasons for the route herecommended. 

"To whom does the farm belong?" asked Caldwell, with a shrewd glance atthe squire. 

"To an old man named Cyrus Hooper. "

"Ahem! Perhaps he would be opposed to the road passing so near hishouse. "

"I apprehend that he will not have to be consulted, " said the squirewith a crafty smile. 

"Why not?"

"Because I hold a mortgage on the farm which I propose to foreclose thisafternoon. "

"I see. So that you will be considerably benefited by the road. "

"Yes, to a moderate extent. "

"But if a different course should be selected, how then?"

"If the road goes through the farm I would be willing to give a quarterof the damages awarded to me to--you understand?"

"I think I do. After all it seems the most natural route. "

"I think there can be no doubt on that point. Of course the corporationwill be willing to pay a reasonable sum for land taken. "

"I think I can promise that, as I shall have an important voice in thematter. "

"I see you are a thorough business man, " said the squire. "I hold thatit is always best to pursue a liberal policy. "

"Quite so. You have no doubt of obtaining the farm?"

"Not the slightest. "

"But suppose the present owner meets the mortgage?"

"He can't. He is a poor man, and he has no moneyed friends. I confessI was a little afraid that a nephew of his just returned from Montanamight be able to help him, but I learn that he has only brought homefive hundred dollars while the mortgage, including interest, calls forthirteen hundred. "

"Then you appear to be safe. When did you say the matter would besettled?"

"This afternoon at two o'clock. You had better stay over and take supperwith me. I shall be prepared to talk with you at that time. "

"Very well. "

From a window of the farmhouse Cyrus Hooper saw Squire Sheldon and hisguest walking by the farm, and noticed the interest which they seemed tofeel in it. But for the assurance which he had received of help to paythe mortgage he would have felt despondent, for he guessed the subjectof their conversation. As it was, he felt an excusable satisfaction inthe certain defeat of the squire's hopes of gain. 

"It seems that the more a man has the more he wants, Jefferson, " he saidto his nephew. "The squire is a rich man--the richest man in Burton--buthe wants to take from me the little property that I have. "

"It's the way of the world, Uncle Cyrus. In this case the squire is safeto be disappointed, thanks to my young friend, Rodney. "

"Its lucky for me, Jefferson, that you came home just the time you did. If you had come a week later it would have been too late. "

"Then you don't think the squire would have relented?"

"I know he wouldn't. I went over a short time since and had a talk withhim on the subject. I found he was sot on gettin' the farm into his ownhands. "

"If he were willing to pay a fair value it wouldn't be so bad. "

"He wasn't. He wanted to get it as cheap as he could. "

"I wonder, " said Jefferson Pettigrew reflectively, "whether I shall beas hard and selfish if ever I get rich. "

"I don't believe you will, Jefferson. I don't believe you will. Itdoesn't run in the blood. "

"I hope not Uncle Cyrus. How long have you known the squire?"

"Forty years, Jefferson. He is about ten years younger than I am. I wasa young man when he was a boy. "

"And you attend the same church?"

"Yes. "

"And still he is willing to take advantage of you and reduce you topoverty. I don't see much religion in that. "

"When a man's interest is concerned religion has to stand to one sidewith some people. "

It was in a pleasant frame of mind that Squire Sheldon left his houseand walked over to the farmhouse which he hoped to own. He had decidedto offer eighteen hundred dollars for the farm, which would be fivehundred over and above the face of the mortgage with the interest added. 

This of itelf would give him an excellent profit, but he expected also, as we know, to drive a stiff bargain with the new railroad company, forsuch land as they would require to use. 

"Stay here till I come back, Mr. Caldwell, " he said. "I apprehend itwon't take me long to get through my business. "

Squire Sheldon knocked at the door of the farmhouse, which was opened tohim by Nancy Hooper. 

"Walk in, squire, " she said. 

"Is your husband at home, Mrs. Hooper?"

"Yes; he is waiting for you. "

Mrs. Hooper led the way into the sitting room, where her husband wassitting in a rocking chair. 

"Good afternoon, Mr. Hooper, " said the squire. "I hope I see you well. "

"As well as I expect to be. I'm gettin' to be an old man. "

"We must all grow old, " said the squire vaguely. 

"And sometimes a man's latter years are his most sorrowful years. "

"That means that he can't pay the mortgage, " thought Squire Sheldon. 

"Well, ahem! Yes, it does sometimes happen so, " he said aloud. 

"Still if a man's friends stand by him, that brings him some comfort. "

"I suppose you know what I've come about, Mr. Hooper, " said the squire, anxious to bring his business to a conclusion. 

"I suppose it's about the mortgage. "

"Yes, its about the mortgage. "

"Will you be willing to extend it another year?"

"I thought, " said the squire, frowning, "I had given you to understandthat I cannot do this. You owe me a large sum in accrued interest. "

"But if I make shift to pay this?"

"I should say the same. It may as well come first as last. You can'thold the place, and there is no chance of your being better off bywaiting. "

"I understand that the new railroad might go through my farm. That wouldput me on my feet. "

"There is no certainty that the road will ever be built. Even if itwere, it would not be likely to cross your farm. "

"I see, Squire Sheldon, you are bound to have the place. "

"There is no need to put it that way, Mr. Hooper. I lent you moneyon mortgage. You can't pay the mortgage, and of course I foreclose. However, I will buy the farm and allow you eighteen hundred dollars forit. That will give you five hundred dollars over and above the money youowe me. "

"The farm is worth three thousand dollars. "

"Nonsense, Mr. Hooper. Still if you get an offer of that sum TODAY Iwill advise you to sell. "

"I certainly won't take eighteen hundred. "

"You won't? Then I shall foreclose, and you may have to take less. "

"Then there is only one thing to do. "

"As you say, there is only one thing to do. "

"And that is, to pay off the mortgage and clear the farm. "

"You can't do it!" exclaimed the squire uneasily. 

Cyrus Hooper's only answer was to call "Jefferson. "

Jefferson Pettigrew entered the room, followed by Rodney. 

"What does this mean?" asked the squire. 

"It means, Squire Sheldon, " said Mr. Pettigrew, "that you won't turnmy uncle out of his farm this time. My young friend, Rodney Ropes, hasadvanced Uncle Cyrus money enough to pay off the mortgage. "

"I won't take a check, " said the squire hastily. 

"You would have to if we insisted upon it, but I have the money here inbills. Give me a release and surrender the mortgage, and you shall haveyour money. "

It was with a crestfallen look that Squire Sheldon left the farmhouse, though his pockets were full of money. 

"It's all up, " he said to his friend Caldwell in a hollow voice. "Theyhave paid the mortgage. "

After all the railway did cross the farm, and Uncle Cyrus was paid twothousand dollars for the right of way, much to the disappointment ofhis disinterested friend Lemuel Sheldon, who felt that this sum ought tohave gone into his own pocket. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

A MINISTER'S GOOD FORTUNE. 

"I have another call to make, Rodney, " said Mr. Pettigrew, as they wereon their way back to the hotel, "and I want you to go with me. "

"I shall be glad to accompany you anywhere, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"You remember I told you of the old minister whose church I attended asa boy. He has never received but four hundred dollars a year, yet hehas managed to rear a family, but has been obliged to use the strictesteconomy. "

"Yes, I remember. "

"I am going to call on him, and I shall take the opportunity to makehim a handsome present. It will surprise him, and I think it will be thefirst present of any size that he has received in his pastorate of overforty years. 

"There he lives!" continued Jefferson, pointing out a very modestcottage on the left hand side of the road. 

It needed painting badly, but it looked quite as well as the ministerwho came to the door in a ragged dressing gown. He was venerablelooking, for his hair was quite white, though he was only sixty fiveyears old. But worldly cares which had come upon him from the difficultyof getting along on his scanty salary had whitened his hair and deepenedthe wrinkles on his kindly face. 

"I am glad to see you, Jefferson, " he said, his face lighting up withpleasure. "I heard you were in town and I hoped you wouldn't fail tocall upon me. "

"I was sure to call, for you were always a good friend to me as well asmany others. "

"I always looked upon you as one of my boys, Jefferson. I hear that youhave been doing well. "

"Yes, Mr. Canfield. I have done better than I have let people know. "

"Have you been to see your uncle? Poor man, he is in trouble. "

"He is no longer in trouble. The mortgage is paid off, and as far asSquire Sheldon is concerned he is independent. "

"Indeed, that is good news, " said the old minister with beaming face. "You must surely have done well if you could furnish money enough toclear the farm. It was over a thousand dollars, wasn't it?"

"Yes, thirteen hundred. My young friend, Rodney Ropes, and myselfmanaged it between us. "

"I am glad to see you, Mr. Ropes. Come in both of you. Mrs. Canfieldwill be glad to welcome you. "

They followed him into the sitting room, the floor of which wascovered by an old and faded carpet. The furniture was of the plainestdescription. But it looked pleasant and homelike, and the papers andbooks that were scattered about made it more attractive to a visitorthan many showy city drawing rooms. 

"And how are all your children, Mr. Canfield?" asked Jefferson. 

"Maria is married to a worthy young man in the next town. Benjamin isemployed in a book store, and Austin wants to go to college, but I don'tsee any way to send him, poor boy!" and the minister sighed softly. 

"Does it cost much to keep a boy in college?"

"Not so much as might be supposed. There are beneficiary funds fordeserving students, and then there is teaching to eke out a poor youngman's income, so that I don't think it would cost over a hundred andfifty dollars a year. "

"That isn't a large sum. "

"Not in itelf, but you know, Jefferson, my salary is only four hundreddollars a year. It would take nearly half my income, so I think Austinwill have to give up his hopes of going to college and follow in hisbrother's steps. "

"How old is Austin now?"

"He is eighteen. "

"Is he ready for college?"

"Yes, he could enter at the next commencement but for the financialproblem. "

"I never had any taste for college, or study, as you know, Mr. Canfield. It is different with my friend Rodney, who is a Latin and Greekscholar. "

The minister regarded Rodney with new interest. 

"Do you think of going to college, Mr. Ropes?" he asked. 

"Not at present. I am going back to Montana with Mr. Pettigrew. Perhapshe and I will both go to college next year. "

"Excuse me, " said Jefferson Pettigrew. "Latin and Greek ain't in myline. I should make a good deal better miner than minister. "

"It is not desirable that all should become ministers or go to college, "said Mr. Canfield. "I suspect from what I know of you, Jefferson, thatyou judge yourself correctly. How long shall you stay in Burton?"

"I expect to go away tomorrow. "

"Your visit is a brief one. "

"Yes, I intended to stay longer, but I begin to be homesick after theWest. "

"Do you expect to make your permanent home there?"

"I can't tell as to that. For the present I can do better there thanhere. "

The conversation lasted for some time. Then Jefferson Pettigrew rose togo. 

"Won't you call again, Jefferson?" asked the minister hospitably. 

"I shall not have time, but before I go I want to make you a smallpresent, " and he put into the hands of the astonished minister four fiftydollar bills. 

"Two hundred dollars!" ejaculated the minister. "Why, I heard you onlybrought home a few hundred. "

"I prefer to leave that impression. To you I will say that I am worth agreat deal more than that. "

"But you mustn't give me so much. I am sure you are too generous foryour own interest. Why, it's munificent, princely. "

"Don't be troubled about me. I can spare it. Send your boy to college, and next year I will send you another sum equally large. "

"How can I thank you, Jefferson?" said Mr. Canfield, the tears cominginto his eyes. "Never in forty years have I had such a gift. "

"Not even from Squire Sheldon?"

"The squire is not in the habit of bestowing gifts, but he pays a largeparish tax. May I--am I at liberty to say from whom I received thisliberal donation?"

"Please don't! You can say that you have had a gift from a friend. "

"You have made me very happy, Jefferson. Your own conscience will rewardyou. "

Jefferson Pettigrew changed the subject, for it embarrassed him to bethanked. 

"That pays me for hard work and privation, " he said to Rodney as theywalked back to the tavern. "After all there is a great pleasure inmaking others happy. "

"Squire Sheldon hadn't found that out. "

"And he never will. "

On the way they met the gentleman of whom they had been speaking. Hebowed stiffly, for he could not feel cordial to those whom had snatchedfrom him the house for which he had been scheming so long. 

"Squire Sheldon, " said Jefferson, "you were kind enough to inviteRodney and myself to supper some evening. I am sorry to say that we mustdecline, as we leave Burton tomorrow. "

"Use your own pleasure, Mr. Pettigrew, " said the squire coldly. 

"It doesn't seem to disappoint the squire very much, " remarkedJefferson, laughing, when the great man of the village had passed on. 

"It certainly is no disappointment to me. "

"Nor to me. The little time I have left I can use more pleasantly thanin going to see the squire. I have promised to supper at my uncle'stonight--that is, I have promised for both of us. "

Returning to New York, Jefferson and Rodney set about getting ready fortheir Western journey. Rodney gave some of his wardrobe to Mike Flynn, and bought some plain suits suitable for his new home. 

While walking on Broadway the day before the one fixed for his departurehe fell in with Jasper Redwood. 

"Have you got a place yet Ropes?" asked Jasper. 

"I am not looking for any. "

"How is that?" asked Jasper in some surprise. 

"I am going to leave the city. "

"That is a good idea. All cannot succeed in the city. You may find achance to work on a farm in the country. "

"I didn't say I was going to the country. "

"Where are you going, then?"

"To Montana. "

"Isn't that a good way off?"

"Yes. "

"What are you going to do there?"

"I may go to mining. "

"But how can you afford to go so far?"

"Really, Jasper, you show considerable curiosity about my affairs. Ihave money enough to buy my ticket, and I think I can find work when Iget out there. "

"It seems to me a crazy idea. "

"It might be--for you. "

"And why for me?" asked Jasper suspiciously. 

"Because you might not be willing to rough it as I am prepared to do. "

"I guess you are right. I have always been used to living like agentleman. "

"I hope you will always be able to do so. Now I must bid you good by, asI am busy getting ready for my journey. "

Jasper looked after Rodney, not without perplexity. 

"I can't make out that boy, " he said. "So he is going to be a commonminer! Well, that may suit him, but it wouldn't suit me. There is nochance now of his interfering with me, so I am glad he is going to leavethe city. "

CHAPTER XXIX. 

A MINING TOWN IN MONTANA. 

The scene changes. 

Three weeks later among the miners who were sitting on the narrowveranda of the "Miners' Rest" in Oreville in Montana we recognize twofamiliar faces and figures--those of Jefferson Pettigrew and RodneyRopes. Both were roughly clad, and if Jasper could have seen Rodney hewould have turned up his nose in scorn, for Rodney had all the look of acommon miner. 

It was in Oreville that Mr. Pettigrew had a valuable mining property, onwhich he employed quite a number of men who preferred certain wages to acompensation depending on the fluctuations of fortune. Rodney was amongthose employed, but although he was well paid he could not get to likethe work. Of this, however, he said nothing to Mr. Pettigrew whosecompany he enjoyed, and whom he held in high esteem. 

On the evening in question Jefferson rose from his seat and signed toRodney to follow him. 

"Well, Rodney, how do you like Montana?" he asked. 

"Well enough to be glad I came here, " answered Rodney. 

"Still you are not partial to the work of a miner!"

"I can think of other things I would prefer to do. "

"How would you like keeping a hotel?"

"Is there any hotel in search of a manager?" asked Rodney smiling. 

"I will explain. Yesterday I bought the 'Miners' Rest. '"

"What--the hotel where we board?"

"Exactly. I found that Mr. Bailey, who has made a comfortable sum ofmoney, wants to leave Montana and go East and I bought the hotel. "

"So that hereafter I shall board with you?"

"Not exactly. I propose to put you in charge, and pay you a salary. Ican oversee, and give you instructions. How will that suit you?"

"So you think I am competent, Mr. Pettigrew?"

"Yes, I think so. There is a good man cook, and two waiters. The cookwill also order supplies and act as steward under you. "

"What then will be my duties?"

"You will act as clerk and cashier, and pay the bills. You will have tolook after all the details of management. If there is anything you don'tunderstand you will have me to back you up, and advise you. What do yousay?"

"That I shall like it much better than mining. My only doubt is as towhether I shall suit you. "

"It is true that it takes a smart man to run a hotel, but I think we cando it between us. Now what will you consider a fair salary?"

"I leave that to you, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"Then we will call it a hundred and fifty dollars a month and board. "

"But, Mr. Pettigrew, " said Rodney in surprise, "how can I possibly earnthat much?"

"You know we charge big prices, and have about fifty steady boarders. I expect to make considerable money after deducting all the expenses ofmanagement. "

"My friend Jasper would be very much surprised if he could know thesalary I am to receive. In the store I was only paid seven dollars aweek. "

"The duties were different. Almost any boy could discharge the duties ofan entry clerk while it takes peculiar qualities to run a hotel. "

"I was certainly very fortunate to fall in with you, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"I expect it will turn out fortunate for me too, Rodney. "

"When do you want me to start in?"

"Next Monday morning. It is now Thursday evening. Mr. Bailey will turnover the hotel to me on Saturday night. You needn't go to the minestomorrow, but may remain in the hotel, and he will instruct you in thedetails of management. "

"That will be quite a help to me, and I am at present quite ignorant onthe subject. "

Rodney looked forward with pleasure to his new employment. He had goodexecutive talent, though thus far he had had no occasion to exercise it. It was with unusual interest that he set about qualifying himself forhis new position. 

"Young man, " said the veteran landlord, "I think you'll do. I thoughtat first that Jefferson was foolish to put a young boy in my place, butyou've got a head on your shoulders, you have! I guess you'll fill thebill. "

"I hope to do so, Mr. Bailey. "

"Jefferson tells me that you understand Latin and Greek?"

"I know something of them. "

"Thats what prejudiced me against you. I hired a college boy once as aclerk and he was the worst failure I ever came across. He seemed to haveall kinds of sense except common sense. I reckon he was a smart scholar, and he could have made out the bills for the boarders in Latin or Greekif it had been necessary, but he was that soft that any one could cheathim. Things got so mixed up in the department that I had to turn himadrift in a couple of weeks. I surmised you might be the same sort of achap. If you were it would be a bad lookout for Jefferson. "

In Oreville Mr. Pettigrew was so well known that nearly everyone calledhim by his first name. Mr. Pettigrew did not care about this as he hadno false pride or artificial dignity. 

"Do you consider this hotel a good property, Mr. Bailey?"

"I'll tell you this much. I started here four years ago, and I'vemade fifty thousand dollars which I shall take back with me to NewHampshire. "

"That certainly is satisfactory. "

"I shouldn't wonder if you could improve upon it. "

"How does it happen that you sell out such a valuable property, Mr. Bailey? Are you tired of making money?"

"No, but I must tell you that there's a girl waiting for me at home, anold schoolmate, who will become Mrs. Bailey as soon as possible afterI get back. If she would come out here I wouldn't sell, but she has amother that she wouldn't leave, and so I must go to her. "

"That is a good reason, Mr. Bailey. "

"Besides with fifty thousand dollars I can live as well as I want toin New Hampshire, and hold up my head with the best. You will follow myexample some day. "

"It will be a long day first, Mr. Bailey, for I am only sixteen. "

On Monday morning the old landlord started for his Eastern home andRodney took his place. It took him some little time to become familiarwith all the details of hotel management, but he spared no pains toinsure success. He had some trouble at first with the cook who presumedupon his position and Rodney's supposed ignorance to run things as hechose. 

Rodney complained to Mr. Pettigrew. 

"I think I can fix things, Rodney, " he said. "There's a man working forme who used to be cook in a restaurant in New York. I found out abouthim quietly, for I wanted to be prepared for emergencies. The next timeGordon act contrary and threatens to leave, tell him he can do as hepleases. Then report to me. "

The next day there came another conflict of authority. 

"If you don't like the way I manage you can get somebody else, " saidthe cook triumphantly. "Perhaps you'd like to cook the dinner yourself. You're nothing but a boy, and I don't see what Jefferson was thinking ofto put you in charge. "

"That is his business, Mr. Gordon. "

"I advise you not to interfere with me, for I won't stand it. "

"Why didn't you talk in this way to Mr. Bailey?"

"That's neither here nor there. He wasn't a boy for one thing. "

"Then you propose to have your own way, Mr. Gordon?"

"Yes, I do. "

"Very well, then you can leave me at the end of this week. "

"What!" exclaimed the cook in profound astonishment. "Are you goingcrazy?"

"No, I know what I am about. "

"Perhaps you intend to cook yourself. "

"No, I don't. That would close up the hotel. "

"Look here, young feller, you're gettin' too independent! I've a greatmind to leave you tonight. "

"You can do so if you want to, " said Rodney indifferently. 

"Then I will!" retorted Gordon angrily, bringing down his fist upon thetable in vigorous emphasis. 

Oreville was fifty miles from Helena, and that was the nearest point, ashe supposed, where a new cook could be obtained. 

After supper Rodney told Jefferson Pettigrew what had happened. 

"Have I done right?" he asked. 

"Yes; we can't have any insubordination here. There can't be two headsof one establishment. Send Gordon to me. "

The cook with a defiant look answered the summons. 

"I understand you want to leave, Gordon, " said Jefferson Pettigrew. 

"That depends. I ain't goin' to have no boy dictatin' to me. "

"Then you insist upon having your own way without interference. "

"Yes, I do. "

"Very well, I accept your resignation. Do you wish to wait till the endof the week, or to leave tonight?"

"I want to give it up tonight. "

"Very well, go to Rodney and he will pay you what is due you. "

"Are you goin' to get along without a cook?" inquired Gordon insurprise. 

"No. "

"What are you going to do, then?"

"I shall employ Parker in your place. "

"What does he know about cookin'?"

"He ran a restaurant in New York for five years, the first part of thetime having charge of the cooking. We shan't suffer even if you do leaveus. "

"I think I will stay, " said Gordon in a submissive tone. 

"It is too late. You have discharged yourself. You can't stay here onany terms. "

Gordon left Oreville the next day a sorely disappointed man, for he hadreceived more liberal pay than he was likely to command elsewhere. Theyoung landlord had triumphed. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

THE MYSTERIOUS ROBBERY. 

At the end of a month Jefferson Pettigrew said: "I've been looking overthe books, Rodney, and I find the business is better than I expected. How much did I agree to pay you?"

"A hundred and fifty dollars a month, but if you think that it is toomuch----"

"Too much? Why I am going to advance you to two hundred and fifty. "

"You can't be in earnest, Mr. Pettigrew?"

"I am entirely so. "

"That is at the rate of three thousand dollars a year!"

"Yes, but you are earning it. "

"You know I am only a boy. "

"That doesn't make any difference as long as you understand yourbusiness. "

"I am very grateful to you, Mr. Pettigrew. My, I can save two hundreddollars a month. "

"Do so, and I will find you a paying investment for the money. "

"What would Jasper say to my luck?" thought Rodney. 

Three months passed without any incident worth recording. One afternoona tall man wearing a high hat and a Prince Albert coat with a pastediamond of large size in his shirt bosom entered the public room of theMiners' Rest and walking up to the bar prepared to register his name. As he stood with his pen in his hand Rodney recognized him not withoutamazement. 

It was Louis Wheeler--the railroad thief, whom he had last seen in NewYork. 

As for Wheeler he had not taken any notice of the young clerk, notsuspecting that it was an old acquaintance who was familiar with hisreal character. 

"Have you just arrived in Montana, Mr. Wheeler?" asked Rodney quietly. 

As Rodney had not had an opportunity to examine his signature in theregister Wheeler looked up in quiet surprise. 

"Do you know me?" he asked. 

"Yes; don't you know me?"

"I'll be blowed if it isn't the kid, " ejaculated Wheeler. 

"As I run this hotel, I don't care to be called a kid. "

"All right Mr. ----"

"Ropes. "

"Mr. Ropes, you are the most extraordinary boy I ever met. "

"Am I?"

"Who would have thought of your turning up as a Montana landlord. "

"I wouldn't have thought of it myself four months ago. But what bringsyou out here?"

"Business, " answered Wheeler in an important tone. 

"Are you going to become a miner?"

"I may buy a mine if I find one to suit me. "

"I am glad you seem to be prospering. "

"Can you give me a good room?"

"Yes, but I must ask a week's advance payment. "

"How much?"

"Twenty five dollars. "

"All right. Here's the money. "

Louis Wheeler pulled out a well filled wallet and handed over two tendollar bills and a five. 

"Is that satisfactory?" he asked. 

"Quite so. You seem better provided with money than when I saw youlast. "

"True. I was then in temporary difficulty. But I made a good turn instocks and I am on my feet again. "

Rodney did not believe a word of this, but as long as Wheeler was ableto pay his board he had no good excuse for refusing him accommodation. 

"That rascal here!" exclaimed Jefferson, when Rodney informed him ofWheeler's arrival. "Well, thats beat all! What has brought him outhere?"

"Business, he says. "

"It may be the same kind of business that he had with me. He will bearwatching. "

"I agree with you, Mr. Pettigrew. "

Louis Wheeler laid himself out to be social and agreeable, and madehimself quite popular with the other boarders at the hotel. As Jeffersonand Rodney said nothing about him, he was taken at his own valuation, and it was reported that he was a heavy capitalist from Chicago who hadcome to Montana to buy a mine. This theory received confirmation bothfrom his speech and actions. 

On the following day he went about in Oreville and examined the mines. He expressed his opinion freely in regard to what he saw, and priced onethat was for sale at fifty thousand dollars. 

"I like this mine, " he said, "but I don't know enough about it to makean offer. If it comes up to my expectations I will try it. "

"He must have been robbing a bank, " observed Jefferson Pettigrew. 

Nothing could exceed the cool assurance with which Wheeler greetedJefferson and recalled their meeting in New York. 

"You misjudged me then, Mr. Pettigrew, " he said. "I believe upon my soulyou looked upon me as an adventurer--a confidence man. "

"You are not far from the truth, Mr. Wheeler, " answered Jeffersonbluntly. 

"Well, I forgive you. Our acquaintance was brief and you judged fromsuperficial impressions. "

"Perhaps so, Mr. Wheeler. Have you ever been West before?"

"No. "

"When you came to Oreville had you any idea that I was here?"

"No; if I had probably I should not have struck the town, as I knew thatyou didn't have a favorable opinion of me. "

"I can't make out much of that fellow, Rodney, " said Jefferson. "I can'tunderstand his object in coming here. "

"He says he wants to buy a mine. "

"That's all a pretext. He hasn't money enough to buy a mine or a tenthpart of it. "

"He seems to have money. "

"Yes; he may have a few hundred dollars, but mark my words, he hasn'tthe slightest intention of buying a mine. "

"He has some object in view. "

"No doubt! What it is is what I want to find out. "

There was another way in which Louis Wheeler made himself popular amongthe miners of Oreville. He had a violin with him, and in the evening heseated himself on the veranda and played popular tunes. 

He had only a smattering in the way of musical training, but the airs heplayed took better than classical music would have done. Even JeffersonPettigrew enjoyed listening to "Home, Sweet Home" and "The Last Rose ofSummer, " while the miners were captivated by merry dance tunes, whichserved to enliven them after a long day's work at the mines. 

One day there was a sensation. A man named John O'Donnell came downstairs from his room looking pale and agitated. 

"Boys, " he said, "I have been robbed. "

Instantly all eyes were turned upon him. 

"Of what have you been robbed, O'Donnell?" asked Jefferson. 

"Of two hundred dollars in gold. I was going to send it home to my wifein Connecticut next week. "

"When did you miss it?"

"Just now. "

"Where did you keep it?"

"In a box under my bed. "

"When do you think it was taken?"

"Last night. "

"What makes you think so?"

"I am a sound sleeper, and last night you know was very dark. I awokewith a start, and seemed to hear footsteps. I looked towards the door, and saw a form gliding from the room. "

"Why didn't you jump out of bed and seize the intruder whoever he was?"

"Because I was not sure but it was all a dream. I think now it was somethief who had just robbed me. "

"I think so too. Could you make out anything of his appearance?"

"I could only see the outlines of his figure. He was a tall man. He musthave taken the money from under my bed. "

"Did any one know that you had money concealed there?"

"I don't think I ever mentioned it. "

"It seems we have a thief among us, " said Jefferson, and almostunconsciously his glance rested on Louis Wheeler who was seated nearJohn O'Donnell, "what do you think, Mr. Wheeler?"

"I think you are right, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"Have you any suggestion to make?" asked Jefferson. "Have you by chancelost anything?"

"Not that I am aware of. "

"Is there any one else here who has been robbed?"

No one spoke. 

"You asked me if I had any suggestions to make, Mr. Pettigrew, " saidLouis Wheeler after a pause. "I have. 

"Our worthy friend Mr. O'Donnell has met with a serious loss. I movethat we who are his friends make it up to him. Here is my contribution, "and he laid a five dollar bill on the table. 

It was a happy suggestion and proved popular. Every one present cameforward, and tendered his contributions including Jefferson, who putdown twenty five dollars. 

Mr. Wheeler gathered up the notes and gold and sweeping them to his hatwent forward and tendered them to John O'Donnell. 

"Take this money, Mr. O'Donnell, " he said. "It is the free will offeringof your friends. I am sure I may say for them, as for myself, that itgives us all pleasure to help a comrade in trouble. "

Louis Wheeler could have done nothing that would have so lifted him inthe estimation of the miners. 

"And now, " he said, "as our friend is out of his trouble I will play youa few tunes on my violin, and will end the day happily. "

"I can't make out that fellow, Rodney, " said Jefferson when they werealone. "I believe he is the thief, but he has an immense amount ofnerve. "

CHAPTER XXXI. 

MR. WHEELER EXPLAINS. 

Probably there was no one at the hotel who suspected Louis Wheeler ofbeing a thief except Rodney and Mr. Pettigrew. His action in startinga contribution for John O'Donnell helped to make him popular. Hewas establishing a reputation quite new to him, and it was this factprobably that made him less prudent than he would otherwise have been. 

As the loss had been made up, the boarders at the Miners' Rest ceased totalk of it. But Jefferson and his young assistant did not forget it. 

"I am sure Wheeler is the thief, but I don't know how to bring it hometo him, " said Jefferson one day, when alone with Rodney. 

"You might search him. "

"Yes, but what good would that do? It might be found that he had money, but one gold coin is like another and it would be impossible to identifyit as the stolen property. If O'Donnell had lost anything else exceptmoney it would be different. I wish he would come to my chamber. "

"Perhaps he would if he thought you were a sound sleeper. "

"That is an idea. I think I can make use of it. ". 

That evening when Wheeler was present Mr. Pettigrew managed to turn theconversation to the subject of sleeping. 

"I am a very sound sleeper, " he said. "I remember when I was at homesleeping many a time through a severe thunder storm. "

"Don't you sometimes wake up in the middle of the night?" asked Rodney. 

"Very seldom, if I am in good health. "

"Its different with me, " said another of the company. "A step on thefloor or the opening of the door will wake me up at any time. "

"I am glad I am not so easily roused. "

"If I had a fish horn, " said Rodney, laughing, "I should be tempted tocome up in the night and give it a blast before your door. "

"That might wake me up, " said Mr. Pettigrew. "I wouldn't advise you totry it or the other boarders might get up an indignation meeting. "

The same evening Jefferson Pettigrew took out a bag of gold andcarelessly displayed it. 

"Are you not afraid of being robbed, Mr. Pettigrew?" asked Rodney. 

"Oh no. I never was robbed in my life. "

"How much money have you there?"

"I don't know exactly. Perhaps six hundred dollars, " said Pettigrew inan indifferent tone. 

Among those who listened to this conversation with interest was LouisWheeler. Rodney did not fail to see the covetous gleam of his eyes whenthe gold was displayed. 

The fact was, that Wheeler was getting short of cash and at the timehe took John O'Donnell's money--for he was the thief--he had but abouttwenty dollars left, and of this he contributed five to the relief ofthe man he had robbed. 

His theft realized him two hundred dollars, but this would not last himlong, as the expenses of living at the Miners' Rest were considerable. He was getting tired of Oreville, but wanted to secure some additionalmoney before he left it. The problem was whom to make his second victim. 

It would not have occurred to him to rob Jefferson Pettigrew, of whom hestood in wholesome fear, but for the admission that he was an unusuallysound sleeper; even then he would have felt uncertain whether it wouldpay. But the display of the bag of money, and the statement that itcontained six hundred dollars in gold proved a tempting bait. 

"If I can capture that bag of gold, " thought Wheeler, "I shall haveenough money to set me up in some new place. There won't be much riskabout it, for Pettigrew sleeps like a top. I will venture it. "

Jefferson Pettigrew's chamber was on the same floor as his own. It wasthe third room from No. 17 which Mr. Wheeler occupied. 

As a general thing the occupants of the Miners' Rest went to bed early. Mining is a fatiguing business, and those who follow it have littledifficulty in dropping off to sleep. The only persons who were notengaged in this business were Louis Wheeler and Rodney Ropes. As a rulethe hotel was closed at half past ten and before this all were in bedand sleeping soundly. 

When Wheeler went to bed he said to himself, "This will probably be mylast night in this tavern. I will go from here to Helena, and if thingsturn out right I may be able to make my stay there profitable. I shan'tdare to stay here long after relieving Pettigrew of his bag of gold. "

Unlike Jefferson Pettigrew, Wheeler was a light sleeper. He had donenothing to induce fatigue, and had no difficulty in keeping awake tillhalf past eleven. Then lighting a candle, he examined his watch, andascertained the time. 

"It will be safe enough now, " he said to himself. 

He rose from his bed, and drew on his trousers. Then in his stockingfeet he walked along the corridor till he stood in front of JeffersonPettigrew's door. He was in doubt as to whether he would not be obligedto pick the lock, but on trying the door he found that it was notfastened. He opened it and stood within the chamber. 

Cautiously he glanced at the bed. Mr. Pettigrew appeared to be sleepingsoundly. 

"It's all right, " thought Louis Wheeler. "Now where is the bag of gold?"

It was not in open view, but a little search showed that the owner hadput it under the bed. 

"He isn't very sharp, " thought Wheeler. "He is playing right into myhands. Door unlocked, and bag of gold under the bed. He certainly is avery unsuspicious man. However, that is all the better for me. Reallythere isn't much credit in stealing where all is made easy for you. "

There seemed to be nothing to do but to take the gold from its place ofdeposit and carry it back to his own room. While there were a good manylodgers in the hotel, there seemed to be little risk about this, asevery one was asleep. 

Of course should the bag be found in his room that would betray him, but Mr. Wheeler proposed to empty the gold coins into his gripsack, andthrow the bag out of the window into the back yard. 

"Well, here goes!" said Wheeler cheerfully, as he lifted the bag, andprepared to leave the chamber. But at this critical moment an unexpectedsound struck terror into his soul. It was the sound of a key beingturned in the lock. 

Nervously Wheeler hastened to the door and tried it. It would not open. Evidently it had been locked from the outside. What could it mean?

At the same time there was a series of knocks on the outside of thedoor. It was the signal that had been agreed upon between Mr. Pettigrewand Rodney. Jefferson had given his key to Rodney, who had remained upand on the watch for Mr. Wheeler's expected visit. He, too, was in hisstocking feet. 

As soon as he saw Wheeler enter his friend's chamber he stole up andlocked the door on the outide. Then when he heard the thief trying toopen the door he rained a shower of knocks on the panel. 

Instantly Jefferson Pettigrew sprang out of bed and proceeded to act. 

"What are you doing here?" he demanded, seizing Wheeler in his powerfulgrasp. 

"Where am I?" asked Wheeler in a tone of apparent bewilderment. 

"Oh, it's you, Mr. Wheeler?" said Jefferson. "Don't you know where youare?"

"Oh, it is my friend, Mr. Pettigrew. Is it possible I am in your room?"

"It is very possible. Now tell me why you are here?"

"I am really ashamed to find myself in this strange position. It is notthe first time that I have got into trouble from walking in my sleep. "

"Oh, you were walking in your sleep!"

"Yes, friend Petttigrew. It has been a habit of mine since I was a boy. But it seems very strange that I should have been led to your room. Howcould I get in? Wasn't the door locked?"

"It is locked now?"

"It is strange! I don't understand it, " said Wheeler, passing his handover his forehead. 

"Perhaps you understand why you have that bag of gold in your hand. "

"Can it be possible?" ejaculated Wheeler in well counterfeited surprise. "I don't know how to account for it. "

"I think I can. Rodney, unlock the door and come in. "

The key was turned in the lock, and Rodney entered with a lighted candlein his hand. 

"You see, Rodney, that I have a late visitor. You will notice also thatmy bag of gold seems to have had an attraction for him. "

"I am ashamed. I don't really know how to explain it except in this way. When you displayed the gold last night it drew my attention and I musthave dreamed of it. It was this which drew me unconsciously to yourdoor. It is certainly an interesting fact in mental science. "

"It would have been a still more interesting fact if you had carried offthe gold. "

"I might even have done that in my unconsciousness, but of course Ishould have discovered it tomorrow morning and would have returned it toyou. "

"I don't feel by any means sure of that. Look here, Mr. Wheeler, if thatis your name, you can't pull the wool over my eyes. You are a thief, neither more nor less. "

"How can you misjudge me so, Mr. Pettigrew?"

"Because I know something of your past history. It is clear to me nowthat you were the person that stole John O'Donnell's money. "

"Indeed, Mr. Pettigrew. "

"It is useless to protest. How much of it have you left?"

Louis Wheeler was compelled to acknowledge the theft, and returned onehundred dollars to Jefferson Pettigrew. 

"Now, " said Jefferson, "I advise you to leave the hotel at once. Ifthe boys find out that you are a thief you will stand a chance of beinglynched. Get out!"

The next morning Jefferson Pettigrew told the other boarders that LouisWheeler had had a sudden call East, and it was not for a week that herevealed to them the real reason of Wheeler's departure. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

RODNEY FALLS INTO A TRAP. 

Rodney had reason to be satisfied with his position as landlord of theMiners' Rest. His pay was large, and enabled him to put away a good sumevery month, but his hours were long and he was too closely confinedfor a boy of his age. At the end of three months he showed this in hisappearance. His good friend Pettigrew saw it and said one day, "Rodney, you are looking fagged out. You need a change. "

"Does that mean that you are going to discharge me?" asked Rodney, witha smile. 

"It means that I am going to give you a vacation. "

"But what can I do if I take a vacation? I should not like loungingaround Oreville with nothing to do. "

"Such a vacation would do you no good. I'll tell you the plan I have foryou. I own a small mine in Babcock, about fifty miles north of Oreville. I will send you up to examine it, and make a report to me. Can you rideon horseback?"

"Yes. "

"That is well, for you will have to make your trip in that way. Thereare no railroads in that direction, nor any other way of travel excepton foot or on horseback. A long ride like that with hours daily in theopen air, will do you good. What do you say to it?"

"I should like nothing better, " replied Rodney, with his eyes sparkling. "Only, how will you get along without me?"

"I have a man in my employ at the mines who will do part of your work, and I will have a general oversight of things. So you need not borrowany trouble on that account. Do you think you can find your way?"

"Give me the general direction, and I will guarantee to do so. Whenshall I start?"

"Day after tomorrow. That will give me one day for making arrangements. "

At nine the appointed morning Mr. Pettigrew's own horse stood saddledat the door, and Rodney in traveling costume with a small satchel in hishand, mounted and rode away, waving a smiling farewell to his friend andemployer. 

Rodney did not hurry, and so consumed two days and a half in reachingBabcock. Here he was cordially received by the superintendent whomJefferson Pettigrew had placed in charge of the mine. Every facility wasafforded him to examine into the management of things and he found allsatisfactory. 

This part of his journey, therefore, may be passed over. But his returntrip was destined to be more exciting. 

Riding at an easy jog Rodney had got within fifteen miles of Oreville, when there was an unexpected interruption. Two men started out from theroadside, or rather from one side of the bridle path for there was noroad, and advanced to meet him with drawn revolvers. 

"Halt there!" one of them exclaimed in a commanding tone. 

Rodney drew bridle, and gazed at the two men in surprise. 

"What do you want of me?" he asked. 

"Dismount instantly!"

"Why should I? What right have you to interfere with my journey?"

"Might gives right, " said one of the men sententiously. "It will be bestfor you to do as we bid you without too much back talk. "

"What are you--highwaymen?" asked Rodney. 

"You'd better not talk too much. Get off that horse!"

Rodney saw that remonstrance was useless, and obeyed the order. 

One of the men seized the horse by the bridle, and led him. 

"Walk in front!" he said. 

"Where are you going to take me?" asked Rodney. 

"You will know in due time. "

"I hope you will let me go, " urged Rodney, beginning to be uneasy. "I amexpected home this evening, or at all event I want to get there. "

"No doubt you do, but the Miners' Rest will have to get along withoutyou for a while. "

"Do you know me then?"

"Yes; you are the boy clerk at the Miners' Rest. "

"You both put up there about two weeks since, " said Rodney, examiningclosely the faces of the two men. 

"Right you are, kid!"

"What can you possibly want of me?"

"Don't be too curious. You will know in good time. "

Rodney remembered that the two men had remained at the hotel for a dayand night. They spent the day in wandering around Oreville. 

He had supposed when they came that they were in search of employment, but they had not applied for work and only seemed actuated by curiosity. What could be their object in stopping him now he could not understand. 

It would have been natural to suppose they wanted money, but they hadnot asked for any as yet. He had about fifty dollars in his pocketbookand he would gladly have given them this if it would have insured hisrelease. But not a word had been said about money. 

They kept on their journey. Montana is a mountainous State, and theywere now in the hilly regions. They kept on for perhaps half an hour, gradually getting upon higher ground, until they reached a precipitoushill composed largely of rock. 

Here the two men stopped as if they had reached their journey's end. 

One of them advanced to the side of the hill and unlocked a thick woodendoor which at first had failed to attract Rodney's attention. The doorswung open, revealing a dark passage, cut partly through stone andpartly through earth. Inside on the floor was a bell of good size. 

One of the men lifted the bell and rang it loudly. 

"What does that mean?" thought Rodney, who felt more curious thanapprehensive. 

He soon learned. 

A curious looking negro, stunted in growth, for he was no taller than aboy of ten, came out from the interior and stood at the entrance of thecave, if such it was. His face was large and hideous, there was a humpon his back, and his legs were not a match, one being shorter than theother, so that as he walked, his motion was a curious one. He bent ascrutinizing glance on Rodney. 

"Well, Caesar, is dinner ready?" asked one of the men. 

"No, massa, not yet. "

"Let it be ready then as soon as possible. But first lead the way. Weare coming in. "

He started ahead, leading the horse, for the entrance was high enough toadmit the passage of the animal. 

"Push on!" said the other, signing to Rodney to precede him. 

Rodney did so, knowing remonstrance to be useless. His curiosity wasexcited. He wondered how long the passage was and whither it led. 

The way was dark, but here and there in niches was a kerosene lamp thatfaintly relieved the otherwise intense blackness. 

"I have read about such places, " thought Rodney, "but I never expectedto get into one. The wonder is, that they should bring me here. I can'tunderstand their object. "

Rodney followed his guide for perhaps two hundred and fifty feet whenthey emerged into a large chamber of irregular shape, lighted by fourlarge lamps set on a square wooden table. There were two rude cots inone corner, and it was here apparently that his guides made their home. 

There was a large cooking stove in one part of the room, and anappetizing odor showed that Caesar had the dinner under way. 

Rodney looked about him in curiosity. He could not decide whether thecave was natural or artificial. Probably it was a natural cave which hadbeen enlarged by the hand of man. 

"Now hurry up the dinner, Caesar, " said one of the guides. "We are allhungry. "

"Yes, massa, " responded the obedient black. 

Rodney felt hungry also, and hoped that he would have a share of thedinner. Later he trusted to find out the object of his new acquaintancesin kidnaping him. 

Dinner was soon ready. It was simple, but Rodney thoroughly enjoyed it. 

During the meal silence prevailed. After it his new acquaintancesproduced pipes and began to smoke. They offered Rodney a cigarette, buthe declined it. 

"I don't smoke, " he said. 

"Are you a Sunday school kid?" asked one in a sneering tone. 

"Well, perhaps so. "

"How long have you lived at Oreville?"

"About four months. "

"Who is the head of the settlement there?"

"Jefferson Pettigrew. "

"He is the moneyed man, is he?"

"Yes. "

"Is he a friend of yours?"

"He is my best friend, " answered Rodney warmly. 

"He thinks a good deal of you, then?"

"I think he does. "

"Where have you been--on a journey?"

"Yes, to the town of Babcock. "

"Did he send you?"

"Yes. "

"What interest has he there?"

"He is chief owner of a mine there. "

"Humph! I suppose you would like to know why we brought you here. "

"I would very much. "

"We propose to hold you for ransom. "

"But why should you? I am only a poor boy. "

"You are the friend of Jefferson Pettigrew. He is a rich man. If hewants you back he must pay a round sum. "

It was all out now! These men were emulating a class of outlaws to befound in large numbers in Italy and Sicily, and were trading upon humansympathy and levying a tax upon human friendship. 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

UNDERGROUND. 

Rodney realized his position. The alternative was not a pleasant one. Either he must remain in the power of these men, or cost his friend Mr. Pettigrew a large sum as ransom. There was little hope of changing thedetermination of his captors, but he resolved to try what he could do. 

"Mr. Pettigrew is under no obligations to pay money out for me, " hesaid. "I am not related to him, and have not yet known him six months. "

"That makes no difference. You are his friend, and he likes you. "

"That is the very reason why I should not wish him to lose money on myaccount. "

"Oh, very well! It will be bad for you is he doesn't come to your help. "

"Why? What do you propose to do to me?" asked Rodney boldly. 

"Better not ask!" was the significant reply. 

"But I want to know. I want to realize my position. "

"The least that will happen to you is imprisonment in this cave for aterm of years. "

"I don't think I should like it but you would get tired of standingguard over me. "

"We might, and in that case there is the other thing. "

"What other thing?"

"If we get tired of keeping you here, we shall make short work withyou. "

"Would you murder me?" asked Rodney, horror struck, as he might well be, for death seems terrible to a boy just on the threshold of life. 

"We might be obliged to do so. "

Rodney looked in the faces of his captors, and he saw nothing toencourage him. They looked like desperate men, who would stick atnothing to carry out their designs. 

"I don't see why you should get hold of me, " he said. "If you hadcaptured Mr. Pettigrew himself you would stand a better chance of makingit pay. "

"There is no chance of capturing Pettigrew. If there were we wouldprefer him to you. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. "

"How much ransom do you propose to ask?"

This Rodney said, thinking that if it were a thousand dollars he mightbe able to make it good to his friend Jefferson. But he was destined tobe disappointed. 

"Five thousand dollars, " answered the chief speaker. 

"Five thousand dollars!" ejaculated Rodney in dismay. "Five thousanddollars for a boy like me!"

"That is the sum we want. "

"If it were one thousand I think you might get it. "

"One thousand!" repeated the other scornfully. "That wouldn't half payus. "

"Then suppose you call it two thousand?"

"It won't do. "

"Then I suppose I must make up my mind to remain a prisoner. "

"Five thousand dollars wouldn't be much to a rich man like Pettigrew. We have inquired, and found out that he is worth at least a hundredthousand dollars. Five thousand is only a twentieth part of this sum. "

"You can do as you please, but you had better ask a reasonable amount ifyou expect to get it. "

"We don't want advice. We shall manage things in our own way. "

Convinced that further discussion would be unavailing, Rodney relapsedinto silence, but now his captors proceeded to unfold their plans. 

One of them procured a bottle of ink, some paper and a pen, and set themon the table. 

"Come up here, boy, and write to Mr. Pettigrew, " he said in a tone ofauthority. 

"What shall I write?"

"Tell him that you are a prisoner, and that you will not be releasedunless he pays five thousand dollars. "

"I don't want to write that. It will be the same as asking him to pay itfor me. "

"That is what we mean him to understand. "

"I won't write it. "

Rodney knew his danger, but he looked resolutely into the eyes of themen who held his life in their hands. His voice did not waver, for hewas a manly and courageous boy. 

"The boy's got grit!" said one of the men to the other. 

"Yes, but it won't save him. Boy, are you going to write what I toldyou?"

"No. "

"Are you not afraid that we will kill you?"

"You have power to do it. "

"Don't you want to live?"

"Yes. Life is sweet to a boy of sixteen. "

"Then why don't you write?"

"Because I think it would be taking a mean advantage of Mr. Pettigrew. "

"You are a fool. Roderick, what shall we do with him?"

"Tell him simply to write that he is in our hands. "

"Well thought of. Boy, will you do that?"

"Yes. "

Rodney gave his consent for he was anxious that Mr. Pettigrew shouldknow what had prevented him from coming home when he was expected. 

"Very well, write! You will know what to say. "

Rodney drew the paper to him, and wrote as follows:

DEAR MR. PETTIGREW, On my way home I was stopped by two men who have confined me in a cave, and won't let me go unless a sum of money is paid for my ransom. I don'tknow what to do. You will know better than I. RODNEY ROPES. 

His chief captor took the note and read it aloud. 

"That will do, " he said. "Now he will believe us when we say that youare in our hands. "

He signed to Rodney to rise from the table and took his place. Drawing apile of paper to him, he penned the following note:

Rodney Ropes is in our hands. He wants his liberty and we want money. Send us five thousand dollars, or arrange a meeting at which it can bedelivered to us, and he shall go free. Otherwise his death be on yourhands. HIS CAPTORS. 

Rodney noticed that this missive was written in a handsome businesshand. 

"You write a handsome hand, " he said. 

"I ought to, " was the reply. "I was once bookkeeper in a large businesshouse. "

"And what--" here Rodney hesitated. 

"What made me an outlaw you mean to ask?"

"Yes. "

"My nature, I suppose. I wasn't cut out for sober, humdrum life. "

"Don't you think you would have been happier?"

"No preaching, kid! I had enough of that when I used to go to church inmy old home in Missouri. Here, Caesar!"

"Yes, massa. "

"You know Oreville?"

"Yes, massa. "

"Go over there and take this letter with you. Ask for JeffersonPettigrew, and mind you don't tell him where we live. Only if he asksabout me and my pal say we are desperate men, have each killed a rounddozen of fellows that stood in our way and will stick at nothing. "

"All right, massa, " said Caesar with an appreciative grin. "How shall Igo, massa?"

"You can take the kid's horse. Ride to within a mile of Oreville, thentether the horse where he won't easily be found, and walk over to themines. Do you understand?"

"Yes, massa. "

"He won't probably give you any money, but he may give you a letter. Bring it safely to me. "

Caesar nodded and vanished. 

For an hour the two men smoked their pipes and chatted. Then they rose, and the elder said: "We are going out, kid, for a couple of hours. Areyou afraid to stay alone?"

"Why should I be?"

"That's the way to talk. I won't caution you not to escape, for it wouldtake a smarter lad then you to do it. If you are tired you can lie downon the bed and rest. "

"All right!"

"I am sorry we haven't got the morning paper for you to look over, " saidhis captor with a smile. "The carrier didn't leave it this morning. "

"I can get along without it. I don't feel much like reading. "

"You needn't feel worried. You'll be out of this tomorrow if JeffersonPettigrew is as much your friend as you think he is. "

"The only thing that troubles me is the big price you charge at yourhotel. "

"Good! The kid has a good wit of his own. After all, we wouldn'tmind keeping you with us. It might pay you better than working forPettigrew. "

"I hope you'll excuse my saying it, but I don't like the business. "

"You may change your mind. At your age we wouldn't either of us like thesort of life we are leading. Come, John. "

The two men went out but did not allow Rodney to accompany them to theplace of exit. 

Left to himself, Rodney could think soberly of his plight. He could notforesee whether his captivity would be brief or prolonged. 

After a time the spirit of curiosity seized him. He felt temptedto explore the cavern in which he was confined. He took a lamp, andfollowed in a direction opposite to that taken by his captors. 

The cave he found was divided into several irregularly shaped chambers. He walked slowly, holding up the lamp to examine the walls of thecavern. In one passage he stopped short, for something attracted hisattention--something the sight of which made his heart beat quicker andfilled him with excitement. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

RODNEY'S DISCOVERY. 

There was a good reason for Rodney's excitement. The walls of thesubterranean passage revealed distinct and rich indications of gold. There was a time, and that not long before, when they would haverevealed nothing to Rodney, but since his residence at Oreville he hadmore than once visited the mines and made himself familiar with surfaceindications of mineral deposit. 

He stopped short and scanned attentively the walls of the passage. 

"If I am not mistaken, " he said to himself, "this will make one of therichest mines in Montana. But after all what good will it do me? Here amI a prisoner, unable to leave the cave, or communicate with my friends. If Mr. Pettigrew knew what I do he would feel justified in paying theransom these men want. "

Rodney wondered how these rich deposits had failed to attract theattention of his captors, but he soon settled upon the conclusion thatthey had no knowledge of mines or mining, and were ignorant of theriches that were almost in their grasp. 

"Shall I enlighten them?" he asked himself. 

It was a question which he could not immediately answer. He resolved tobe guided by circumstances. 

In order not to excite suspicion he retraced his steps to the apartmentused by his captors as a common sitting room--carefully fixing in hismind the location of the gold ore. 

We must now follow the messenger who had gone to Oreville with a letterfrom Rodney's captors. 

As instructed, he left his horse, or rather Rodney's, tethered at somedistance from the settlement and proceeded on foot to the Miners' Rest. His strange appearance excited attention and curiosity. Both thesefeelings would have been magnified had it been known on what errand hecame. 

"Where can I find Mr. Jefferson Pettigrew?" he asked of a man whom hesaw on the veranda. 

"At the Griffin Mine, " answered the other, removing the pipe from hismouth. 

"Where is that?"

"Over yonder. Are you a miner?"

"No. I know nothing about mines. "

"Then why do you want to see Jefferson? I thought you might want achance to work in the mine. "

"No; I have other business with him--business of importance, " added theblack dwarf emphatically. 

"If that is the case I'll take you to him. I am always glad to be ofservice to Jefferson. "

"Thank you. He will thank you, too. "

The man walked along with a long, swinging gait which made it difficultfor Caesar to keep up with him. 

"So you have business with Jefferson?" said the man with the pipe, whosecuriosity had been excited. 

"Yes. "

"Of what sort?"

"I will tell him, " answered Caesar shortly. 

"So its private, is it?"

"Yes. If he wants to tell you he will. "

"That's fair. Well, come along! Am I walking too fast for you?"

"Your legs are much longer than mine. "

"That's so. You are a little shrimp. I declare. "

A walk of twenty minutes brought them to the Griffin Mine. JeffersonPettigrew was standing near, giving directions to a party of miners. 

"Jefferson, " said the man with the pipe, "here's a chap that wants tosee you on business of importance. That is, he says it is. "

Jefferson Pettigrew wheeled round and looked at Caesar. 

"Well, " he said, "what is it?"

"I have a letter for you, massa. "

"Give it to me. "

Jefferson took the letter and cast his eye over it. As he read it hiscountenance changed and became stern and severe. 

"Do you know what is in this letter?" he asked. 

"Yes. "

"Come with me. "

He led Caesar to a place out of earshot. 

"What fiend's game is this?" he demanded sternly. 

"I can't tell you, massa; I'm not in it. "

"Who are those men that have written to me?"

"I don't know their right names. I calls 'em Massa John and Massa Dick. "

"It seems they have trapped a boy friend of mine, Rodney Ropes. Did yousee him?"

"Yes; I gave him a good dinner. "

"That is well. If they should harm a hair of his head I wouldn'trest till I had called them to account. Where have they got the boyconcealed?"

"I couldn't tell you, massa. "

"You mean, you won't tell me. "

"Yes. It would be as much as my life is worth. "

"Humph, well! I suppose you must be faithful to your employer. Do youknow that these men want me to pay five thousand dollars for the returnof the boy?"

"Yes, I heard them talking about it. "

"That is a new kind of rascality. Do they expect you to bring back ananswer?"

"Yes, massa. "

"I must think. What will they do to the boy if I don't give them themoney?"

"They might kill him. "

"If they do--but I must have time to think the matter over. Are youexpected to go back this afternoon?"

"Yes. "

"Can you get back? It must be a good distance. "

"I can get back. "

"Stay here. I will consult some of my friends and see if I can raise themoney. "

"Very well, massa. " One of those whom Jefferson called into consultationwas the person who had guided Caesar to the Griffin Mine. 

Quickly the proprietor of the Miners' Rest unfolded the situation. 

"Now, " he said, "I want two of you to follow this misshapen dwarf, andfind out where he comes from. I want to get hold of the scoundrels whosent him to me. "

"I will be one, " said the man with the pipe. 

"Very well, Fred. "

"And I will go with Fred, " said a long limbed fellow who had been aKansas cowboy. 

"I accept you, Otto. Go armed, and don't lose sight of him. "

"Shall you send the money?"

"Not I. I will send a letter that will encourage them to hope for it. Iwant to gain time. "

"Any instructions, Jefferson?"

"Only this, if you see these men, capture or kill them. "

"All right. "

CHAPTER XXXV. 

A BLOODY CONFLICT. 

This was the letter that was handed to Caesar:

I have received your note. I must have time to think, and time perhapsto get hold of the gold. Don't harm a hair of the boy's head. If so, Iwill hunt you to death. 

JEFFERSON PETTIGREW. 

P. S. --Meet me tomorrow morning at the rocky gorge at the foot of BlackMountain. Ten o'clock. 

Caesar took the letter, and bent his steps in the direction of the placewhere he had tethered his horse. He did not observe that he wasfollowed by two men, who carefully kept him in sight, without attractingattention to themselves. 

When Caesar reached the place where he had tethered the horse, he wasgrievously disappointed at not finding him. One of the miners inroaming about had come upon the animal, and knowing him to be JeffersonPettigrew's property, untied him and rode him back to Oreville. 

The dwarf threw up his hands in dismay. 

"The horse is gone!" he said in his deep bass voice, "and now I mustwalk back, ten long miles, and get a flogging at the end for losingtime. It's hard luck, " he groaned. 

The loss was fortunate for Fred and Otto who would otherwise have foundit hard to keep up with the dwarf. 

Caesar breathed a deep sigh, and then started on his wearisome journey. Had the ground been even it would have troubled him less, but there wasa steep upward grade, and his short legs were soon weary. Not so withhis pursuers, both of whom were long limbed and athletic. 

We will go back now to the cave and the captors of Rodney. They waitedlong and impatiently for the return of their messenger. Having noknowledge of the loss of the horse, they could not understand whatdetained Caesar. 

"Do you think the rascal has played us false?" said Roderick. 

"He would be afraid to. "

"This man Pettigrew might try to bribe him. It would be cheaper than topay five thousand dollars. "

"He wouldn't dare. He knows what would happen to him, " said John grimly. 

"Then why should he be so long?"

"That I can't tell. "

"Suppose we go out to meet him. I begin to feel anxious lest we havetrusted him too far. "

"I am with you!"

The two outlaws took the path which led to Oreville, and walked twomiles before they discovered Caesar coming towards them at a slow andmelancholy gait. 

"There he is, and on foot! What does it mean?"

"He will tell us. "

"Here now, you black imp! where is the horse?" demanded Roderick. 

"I done lost him, massa. "

"Lost him? You'll get a flogging for this, unless you bring good news. Did you see Jefferson Pettigrew?"

"Yes, massa. "

"Did he give you any money?"

"No; he gave me this letter. "

Roderick snatched it from his hand, and showed it to John. 

"It seems satisfactory, " he said. "Now how did you lose the horse?"

Caesar told him. 

"You didn't fasten him tight. "

"Beg your pardon, massa, but I took good care of that. "

"Well, he's gone; was probably stolen. That is unfortunate; however youmay not have been to blame. "

Luckily for Caesar the letter which he brought was consideredsatisfactory, and this palliated his fault in losing the horse. 

The country was so uneven that the two outlaws did not observe that theywere followed, until they came to the entrance of the cave. Then, beforeopening the door, John looked round and caught sight of Fred and Ottoeying them from a little distance. 

He instantly took alarm. 

"Look, " he said, "we are followed. Look behind you!"

His brother turned and came to the same conclusion. 

"Caesar, " said Roderick, "did you ever see those men before?"

"No, massa. "

"They must have followed you from Oreville. Hello, you two!" he addedstriding towards the miners. "What do you want here?"

Fred and Otto had accomplished their object in ascertaining the placewhere Rodney was confined, and no longer cared for concealment. 

"None of your business!" retorted Fred independently. "The place is asfree to us as to you. "

"Are you spies?"

"I don't intend to answer any of your questions. "

"Clear out of here!" commanded Roderick in a tone of authority. 

"Suppose we don't?"

Roderick was a man of quick temper, and had never been in the habit ofcurbing it. He was provoked by the independent tone of the speaker, andwithout pausing to think of the imprudence of his actions, he raised hisrifle and pointing at Fred shot him in the left arm. 

The two miners were both armed, and were not slow in accepting thechallenge. Simultaneously they raised their rifles and fired at the twomen. The result was that both fell seriously wounded and Caesar set up ahowl of dismay, not so much for his masters as from alarm for himself. 

Fred and Otto came forward, and stood looking down upon the outlaws, whowere in the agonies of death. 

"It was our lives or theirs, " said Fred coolly, for he had been longenough in Montana to become used to scenes of bloodshed. 

"Yes, " answered Otto. "I think these two men are the notorious Dixonbrothers who are credited with a large number of murders. The countrywill be well rid of them. "

Roderick turned his glazing eyes upon the tall miner. "I wish I hadkilled you, " he muttered. 

"No doubt you do. It wouldn't have been your first murder. "

"Don't kill me, massa!" pleaded Caesar in tones of piteous entreaty. 

"I don't know, " answered Fred. "That depends on yourself. If you obey usstrictly we will spare you. "

"Try me, massa!"

"You black hound!" said Roderick hoarsely. "If I were not disabled I'dkill you myself. "

Here was a new danger for poor Caesar, for he knew Roderick's fiercetemper. 

"Don't let him kill me!" he exclaimed, affrighted. 

"He shall do you no harm. Will you obey me?"

"Tell me what you want, massa. "

"Is the boy these men captured inside?"

"Yes, massa. "

"Open the cave, then. We want him. "

"Don't do it, " said Roderick, but Caesar saw at a glance that his oldmaster, of whom he stood in wholesome fear, was unable to harm him, andhe proceeded to unlock the door. 

"Go and call the boy!" said Fred. 

Caesar disappeared within the cavern, and soon emerged with Rodneyfollowing him. 

"Are you unhurt?" asked Fred anxiously. 

"Yes, and overjoyed to see you. How came you here?"

"We followed the nigger from Oreville. "

What happened afterwards Rodney did not need to inquire, for the twooutstretched figures, stiffening in death, revealed it to him. 

"They are the Dixon brothers, are they not?" asked Fred, turning toCaesar. 

"Yes, massa. "

"Then we are entitled to a thousand dollars each for their capture. Ihave never before shed blood, but I don't regret ending the career ofthese scoundrels. "

Half an hour later the two outlaws were dead and Rodney and his friendswere on their way back to Oreville. 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

THE RODNEY MINE. 

Rodney was received by Jefferson Pettigrew with open arms. 

"Welcome home, boy!" he said. "I was very much worried about you. "

"I was rather uneasy about myself, " returned Rodney. 

"Well, it's all over, and all's well that ends well. You are free andthere has been no money paid out. Fred and Otto have done a good thingin ridding the world of the notorious Dixon brothers. They will bewell paid, for I understand there is a standing reward of one thousanddollars for each of them dead or alive. I don't know but you oughtto have a share of this, for it was through you that the outlaws weretrapped. "

"No, Mr. Pettigrew, they are welcome to the reward. If I am not mistakenI shall make a good deal more out of it than they. "

"What do you mean?"

Upon this Rodney told the story of what he had seen in the cavern. 

"When I said I, I meant we, Mr. Pettigrew. I think if the gold there isas plentiful as I think it is we shall do well to commence working it. "

"It is yours, Rodney, by right of first discovery. "

"I prefer that you should share it with me. "

"We will go over tomorrow and make an examination. Was there any oneelse who seemed to have a claim to the cave except the Dixons?"

"No. The negro, Caesar, will still be there, perhaps. "

"We can easily get rid of him. "

The next day the two friends went over to the cavern. Caesar was stillthere, but he had an unsettled, restless look, and seemed undecided whatto do. 

"What are you going to do, Caesar?" asked Pettigrew. "Are you going tostay here?"

"I don't know, massa. I don't want to lib here. I'm afraid I'll see theghostes of my old massas. But I haven't got no money. "

"If you had money where would you go?"

"I'd go to Chicago. I used to be a whitewasher, and I reckon I'd getwork at my old trade. "

"That's where you are sensible, Caesar. This is no place for you. NowI'll tell you what I'll do. I'll give you a hundred dollars, and you cango where you like. But I shall want you to go away at once. "

"I'll go right off, massa, " said Caesar, overjoyed. "I don't want tocome here no more. "

"Have you got anything belonging to you in the cave?"

"No, massa, only a little kit of clothes. "

"Take them and go. "

In fifteen minutes Caesar had bidden farewell to his home, and Rodneyand Jefferson were left in sole possession of the cavern. 

"Now, Mr. Pettigrew, come and let me show you what I saw. I hope I havemade no mistake. "

Rodney led the way to the narrow passage already described. By the lightof a lantern Mr. Pettigrew examined the walls. For five minutes not aword was said. 

"Well, what do you think of it?" asked Rodney anxiously. 

"Only this: that you have hit upon the richest gold deposits in Montana. Here is a mining prospect that will make us both rich. "

"I am glad I was not mistaken, " said Rodney simply. 

"Your capture by the Dixon brothers will prove to have been the luckiestevent in your life. I shall lose no time in taking possession in ourjoint name. "

There was great excitement when the discovery of the gold deposit wasmade known. In connection with the killing of the outlaws, it was noisedfar and wide. The consequence was that there was an influx of miningmen, and within a week Rodney and Jefferson were offered a hundredthousand dollars for a half interest in the mine by a Chicago syndicate. 

"Say a hundred and fifty thousand, and we accept the offer, " saidJefferson Pettigrew. 

After a little haggling this offer was accepted, and Rodney foundhimself the possessor of seventy five thousand dollars in cash. 

"It was fortunate for me when I fell in with you, Mr. Pettigrew, " hesaid. 

"And no less fortunate for me, Rodney. This mine will bring us in a richsum for our share, besides the cash we already have in hand. "

"If you don't object, Mr. Pettigrew, I should like to go to New York andcontinue my education. You can look after my interest here, and I shallbe willing to pay you anything you like for doing so. "

"There won't be any trouble about that, Rodney. I don't blame you forwanting to obtain an education. It isn't in my line. You can come outonce a year, and see what progress we are making. The mine will becalled the Rodney Mine after you. "

The Miners' Rest was sold to the steward, as Mr. Pettigrew was too busyto attend to it, and in a week Rodney was on his way to New York. 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

CONCLUSION. 

Otis Goodnow arrived at his place of business a little earlier thanusual, and set himself to looking over his mail. Among other letters wasone written on paper bearing the name of the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He cameto this after a time and read it. 

It ran thus:

DEAR SIR:

I was once in your employ, though you may not remember my name. I was inthe department of Mr. Redwood, and there I became acquainted with JasperRedwood, his nephew. I was discharged, it is needless to recall why. Ihad saved nothing, and of course I was greatly embarrassed. I could notreadily obtain another place, and in order to secure money to pay livingexpenses I entered into an arrangement with Jasper Redwood to sell mearticles, putting in more than I paid for. These I was enabled to sellat a profit to smaller stores. This was not as profitable as it mighthave been to me, as I was obliged to pay Jasper a commission forhis agency. Well, after a time it was ascertained that articles weremissing, and search was made for the thief. Through a cunningly devisedscheme of Jasper's the theft was ascribed to Rodney Ropes, a youngerclerk, and he was discharged. Ropes was a fine young fellow, and I havealways been sorry that he got into trouble through our agency, but thereseemed no help for it. It must rest on him or us. He protestedhis innocence, but was not believed. I wish to say now that he wasabsolutely innocent, and only Jasper and myself were to blame. If youdoubt my statement I will call today, and you may confront me withJasper. I desire that justice should be done. PHILIP CARTON. 

"Call Mr. Redwood, " said the merchant, summoning a boy. 

In five minutes Mr. Redwood entered the office of his employer. 

"You sent for me, sir?"

"Yes, Mr. Redwood; cast your eye over this letter. "

James Redwood read the letter, and his face showed the agitation hefelt. 

"I don't know anything about this, Mr. Goodnow, " he said at last. 

"It ought to be inquired into. "

"I agree with you. If my nephew is guilty I want to know it. "

"We will wait till the writer of this letter calls. Do you rememberhim?"

"Yes, sir; he was discharged for intemperance. "

At twelve o'clock Philip Carton made his appearance, and asked to beconducted to Mr. Goodnow's private office. 

"You are the writer of this letter?" asked the merchant. 

"Yes sir. "

"And you stand by the statement it contains?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Why, at this late day, have you made a confession?"

"Because I wish to do justice to Rodney Ropes, who has been unjustlyaccused, and also because I have been meanly treated by Jasper Redwood, who has thrown me over now that he has no further use for me. "

"Are you willing to repeat your statement before him?"

"I wish to do so. "

"Call Jasper Redwood, Sherman, " said the merchant, addressing himself toSherman White, a boy recently taken into his employ. 

Jasper entered the office, rather surprised at the summons. When he sawhis accomplice, he changed color, and looked confused. 

"Jasper, " said the merchant, "read this letter and tell me what you haveto say in reply. "

Jasper ran his eye over the letter, while his color came and went. 

"Well?"

"It's a lie, " said Jasper hoarsely. 

"Do you still insist that the articles taken from my stock were taken byRodney Ropes?"

"Yes, sir. "

"What do you say, Mr. Carton?"

"Not one was taken by Rodney Ropes. Jasper and I are responsible forthem all. "

"What proof can you bring?"

"Mr. James Redwood will recall the purchase I made at the time of thethefts. He will recall that I always purchased of Jasper. "

"That is true, " said Mr. Redwood in a troubled voice. 

"Do you confess, Jasper Redwood?"

"No, sir. "

"If you will tell the truth, I will see that no harm comes to you. Iwant to clear this matter up. "

Jasper thought the matter over. He saw that the game was up--and decidedrapidly that confession was the best policy. 

"Very well, sir, if I must I will do so, but that man put me up to it. "

"You did not need any putting up to it. I wish young Ropes were here, that I might clear him. "

As if in answer to the wish a bronzed and manly figure appeared at theoffice door. It was Rodney, but taller and more robust than when he leftthe store nearly a year before. 

"Rodney Ropes!" ejaculated Jasper in great surprise. 

"Yes, Jasper, I came here to see you, and beg you to free me from thefalse charge which was brought against me when I was discharged fromthis store. I didn't find you in your usual places, and was directedhere. "

"Ropes, " said Mr. Goodnow, "your innocence has been established. Thisman, " indicating Philip Carton, "has confessed that it was he and Jasperwho stole the missing articles. "

"I am thankful that my character has been cleared. "

"I am ready to take you back into my employ. "

"Thank you, sir, but I have now no need of a position. I shall be gladif you will retain Jasper. "

"You are very generous to one who has done so much to injure you. "

"Indirectly he put me in the way of making a fortune. If you will retainhim, Mr. Goodnow, I will guarantee to make up any losses you may incurfrom him. "

"How is this? Are you able to make this guarantee?"

"I am worth seventy five thousand dollars in money, besides being ownerof a large mining property in Montana. "

"This is truly wonderful! And you have accumulated all this since youleft my store?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Rodney, " said Jasper, going up to his old rival, and offering his hand. "I am sorry I tried to injure you. It was to save myself, but I see nowhow meanly I acted. "

"That speech has saved you, " said the merchant. "Go back to your work. Iwill give you another chance. "

"Will you take me back also, Mr. Goodnow?" asked Philip Carton. 

The merchant hesitated. 

"No, Mr. Carton, " said Rodney. "I will look out for you. I will sendyou to Montana with a letter to my partner. You can do better there thanhere. "

Tears came into the eyes of the ex-clerk. 

"Thank you, " he said gratefully. "I should prefer it. I will promise toturn over a new leaf; and justify your recommendation. "

"Come to see me this evening at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and I willarrange matters. "

"Shall you stay in the city long, Ropes?" asked the merchant. 

"About a week. "

"Come and dine with me on Tuesday evening. "

"Thank you, sir. "

Later in the day Rodney sought out his old room mate Mike Flynn. Hefound Mike in a bad case. He had a bad cold, but did not dare to give upwork, because he wouldn't be able to meet his bills. He was still in theemploy of the District Telegraph Company. 

"Give the company notice, Mike, " said Rodney. "Henceforth I will takecare of you. You can look upon me as your rich uncle, " he added with asmile. 

"I will be your servant, Rodney. "

"Not a bit of it. You will be my friend. But you must obey meimplicitly. I am going to send you to school, and give you a chanceto learn something. Next week I shall return to Dr. Sampson's boardingschool and you will go with me as my friend and room mate. "

"But, Rodney, you will be ashamed of me. I am awfully shabby. "

"You won't be long. You shall be as well dressed as I am. "

A week later the two boys reached the school. It would have been hardfor any of Mike's old friends to recognize him in the handsomely dressedboy who accompanied Rodney. 

"Really, Mike, you are quite good looking, now that you are welldressed, " said Rodney. 

"Oh, go away with you, Rodney? It's fooling me you are!"

"Not a bit of it. Now I want you to improve your time and learn as fastas you can. "

"I will, Rodney. "

A year later Rodney left school, but he kept Mike there two yearslonger. There had been a great change in the telegraph boy, who wasquick to learn. He expects, when he leaves school, to join Rodney inMontana. 

I will not attempt to estimate Rodney's present wealth, but he isalready prominent in financial circles in his adopted State. PhilipCarton is prospering, and is respected by his new friends, who knownothing of his earlier life. 

As I write, Rodney has received a letter from his old guardian, BenjaminFielding. The letter came from Montreal. 

"My dear Rodney, " he wrote. "I have worked hard to redeem the past, andrestore to you your fortune. I have just succeeded, and send you theamount with interest. It leaves me little or nothing, but my mind isrelieved. I hope you have not had to suffer severely from my criminalcarelessness, and that you will live long to enjoy what rightfullybelongs to you. "

In reply Rodney wrote: "Please draw on me for fifty thousand dollars. I do not need it, and you do. Five years from now, if you can spare themoney you may send it to me. Till then use it without interest. I amworth much more than the sum my father intrusted to you for me. "

This offer was gratefully accepted, and Mr. Fielding is now in New York, where he is likely to experience a return of his former prosperity. 

As for Rodney, his trials are over. They made a man of him, and proved ablessing in disguise.