[Illustration: CHESTER RAND

 HORATIO ALGER Jr. ]

CHESTER RAND

OR

THE NEW PATH TO FORTUNE

BY

HORATIO ALGER, Jr. 

AUTHOR OF "ANDY GRANT'S PLUCK, ""SINK OR SWIM, " "ADRIFT IN NEW YORK. "

NEW YORKHURST & COMPANYPUBLISHERS

Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been correctedwithout note. Dialect spellings, contractions and discrepancies havebeen retained. The Table of Contents was not contained in the bookand has been created for the convenience of the reader. 

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

 I. SILAS TRIPP II. OUT OF WORK III. A NOTEWORTHY EVENING IV. A DYING GIFT V. CHESTER'S FIRST SUCCESS VI. ROBERT RAMSAY VII. SILAS TRIPP MAKES A DISCOVERY VIII. A SCENE IN THE GROCERY STORE IX. NEW PLANS FOR CHESTER X. A RAILROAD ACQUAINTANCE XI. CHESTER'S FIRST EXPERIENCES IN NEW YORK XII. A REAL ESTATE OFFICE XIII. MR. MULLINS, THE BOOKKEEPER XIV. THE TABLES TURNED XV. A PLOT AGAINST CHESTER XVI. PROF. HAZLITT AT HOME XVII. CHESTER TAKES A LESSON IN BOXING XVIII. DICK RALSTON XIX. MR. FAIRCHILD LEAVES THE CITY XX. PAUL PERKINS, OF MINNEAPOLIS XXI. MR. PERKINS MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE XXII. DICK RALSTON'S FATHER XXIII. CHESTER IS DISCHARGED XXIV. INTRODUCES MR. SHARPLEIGH, THE DETECTIVE XXV. CHESTER MEETS ANOTHER ARTIST XXVI. A STRANGER IN NEW YORK XXVII. MR. TRIPP IS DISAPPOINTED XXVIII. PROF. NUGENT XXIX. MR. FAIRCHILD'S TELEGRAM XXX. THE ATTEMPTED ROBBERY XXXI. A DAY OF SURPRISES XXXII. EDWARD GRANGER XXXIII. A FRIEND FROM OREGON XXXIV. AFTER A YEAR XXXV. PREPARING FOR THE JOURNEY XXXVI. A GREAT SURPRISE XXXVII. DAVID MULLINS AGAINXXXVIII. ABNER TRIMBLE'S PLOT XXXIX. MAKING A WILL XL. AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE XLI. CONCLUSION

CHESTER RAND. 

CHAPTER I. 

SILAS TRIPP. 

Probably the best known citizen of Wyncombe, a small town nestlingamong the Pennsylvania mountains, was Silas Tripp. He kept the villagestore, occasionally entertained travelers, having three spare rooms, was town treasurer, and conspicuous in other local offices. 

The store was in the center of the village, nearly opposite theprincipal church--there were two--and here it was that the townspeoplegathered to hear and discuss the news. 

Silas Tripp had one assistant, a stout, pleasant-looking boy offifteen, who looked attractive, despite his well-worn suit. ChesterRand was the son of a widow, who lived in a tiny cottage about fiftyrods west of the Presbyterian church, of which, by the way, Silas Trippwas senior deacon, for he was a leader in religious as well as secularaffairs. 

Chester's father had died of pneumonia about four years before thestory commences, leaving his widow the cottage and about two hundredand fifty dollars. This sum little by little had melted, and a monthprevious the last dollar had been spent for the winter's supply ofcoal. 

Mrs. Rand had earned a small income by plain sewing and binding shoesfor a shoe shop in the village, but to her dismay the announcement hadjust been made that the shop would close through the winter on accountof the increased price of leather and overproduction during the year. 

"What shall we do, Chester?" she asked, in alarm, when the news came. "We can't live on your salary, and I get very little sewing to do. "

"No, mother, " said Chester, his own face reflecting her anxiety; "wecan't live on three dollars a week. "

"I have been earning two dollars by binding shoes, " said Mrs. Rand. "Ithas been hard enough to live on five dollars a week, but I don't knowhow we can manage on three. "

"I'll tell you what I'll do, mother. I'll ask Mr. Tripp to raise my payto four dollars a week. "

"But will he do it? He is a very close man, and always pleadingpoverty. "

"But I happen to know that he has ten thousand dollars invested inPennsylvania Railroad stock. I overheard him saying so to Mr. Gardner. "

"Ten thousand dollars! It seems a fortune!" sighed Mrs. Rand. "Why dosome people have so much and others so little?"

"It beats me, mother. But I don't think either of us would exchangeplaces with Silas Tripp with all his money. By the way, mother, Mr. Tripp is a widower. Why don't you set your cap for him?"

Mrs. Rand smiled, as her imagination conjured up the weazened andwrinkled face of the village storekeeper, with his gray hair standingup straight on his head like a natural pompadour. 

"If you want Mr. Tripp for a stepfather, " she said, "I will see what Ican do to ingratiate myself with him. "

"No, a thousand times no!" replied Chester, with a shudder. "I'd ratherlive on one meal a day than have you marry him. "

"I agree with you, Chester. We will live for each other, and hope forsomething to turn up. "

"I hope the first thing to turn up will be an increase of salary. To-morrow is New Year's Day, and it will be a good time to ask. "

Accordingly, that evening, just as the store was about to close, Chester gathered up courage and said: "Mr. Tripp. "

"Well, that's my name, " said Silas, looking over his iron-bowedspectacles. 

"To-morrow is New Year's Day. "

"What if 'tis? I reckon I knew that without your tellin' me. "

"I came here last New Year's Day. I've been here a year. "

"What if you have?"

"And I thought perhaps you might be willing to raise my salary to fourdollars a week, " continued Chester, hurriedly. 

"Oho, that's what you're after, is it?" said Silas, grimly. "You thinkI'm made of money, I reckon. Now, don't you?"

"No, I don't; but, Mr. Tripp, mother and I find it very hard to getalong, really we do. She won't have any more shoes to bind for threemonths to come, on account of the shoe shop's closing. "

"It's going to hurt me, too, " said Silas, with a frown. "When onebusiness suspends it affects all the rest. I'll have mighty hard workto make both ends meet. "

This struck Chester as ludicrous, but he did not feel inclined tolaugh. Here was Silas Tripp gathering in trade from the entire villageand getting not a little in addition from outlying towns, complainingthat he would find it hard to make both ends meet, though everyone saidthat he did not spend one-third of his income. On the whole, things didnot look very encouraging. 

"Perhaps, " he said, nervously, "you would raise me to three dollars anda half?"

"What is the boy thinkin' of? You must think I'm made of money. Why, three dollars is han'some pay for what little you do. "

"Why, I work fourteen hours a day, " retorted Chester. 

"I'm afraid you're gettin' lazy. Boys shouldn't complain of their work. The fact is, Chester, I feel as if I was payin' you too much. "

"Too much! Three dollars a week too much!"

"Too much, considerin' the state of business, and yourself bein' a boy. I've been meanin' to tell you that I've got a chance to get a cheaperboy. "

"Who is it?" asked Chester, in dismay. 

"It's Abel Wood. Abel Wood is every mite as big and strong as you are, and he come round last evenin' and said he'd work for two dollars and aquarter a week. "

"I couldn't work for that, " said Chester. 

"I don't mind bein' generous, considerin' you've been working for memore than a year. I'll give you two dollars and a half. That'stwenty-five cents more'n the Wood boy is willin' to take. "

"Abel Wood doesn't know anything about store work. "

"I'll soon learn him. Sitooated as I am, I feel that I must look afterevery penny, " and Mr. Tripp's face looked meaner and more weazened thanever as he fixed his small, bead-like eyes on his boy clerk. 

"Then I guess I'll have to leave you, Mr. Tripp, " said Chester, with adeep feeling of disgust and dismay. 

"Do just as you like, " said his employer. "You're onreasonable toexpect to get high pay when business is dull. "

"High pay!" repeated Chester, bitterly. "Three dollars a week!"

"It's what I call high pay. When I was a boy, I only earned two dollarsa week. "

"Money would go further when you were a boy. "

"Yes, it did. Boys wasn't so extravagant in them days. "

"I don't believe you were ever extravagant, Mr. Tripp, " said Chester, with a tinge of sarcasm which his employer didn't detect. 

"No, I wasn't. I don't want to brag, but I never spent a centfoolishly. Do you know how much money I spent the first three months Iwas at work?"

"A dollar?" guessed Chester. 

"A dollar!" repeated Mr. Tripp, in a tone of disapproval. "No, I onlyspent thirty-seven cents. "

"Then I don't wonder you got rich, " said Chester, with a curl of thelip. 

"I ain't rich, " said Silas Tripp, cautiously. "Who told you I was?"

"Everybody says so. "

"Then everybody is wrong. I'm a leetle 'forehanded, that's all. "

"I've heard people say you could afford to give up work and live on theinterest of your money. "

Silas Tripp held up his hands as if astounded. 

"'Tain't so, " he said, sharply. "If I gave up business, I'd soon be inthe poorhouse. Well, what do you say? Will you stay along and work fortwo dollars and a half a week?"

"I couldn't do it, " said Chester, troubled. 

"All right! It's jest as you say. Your week ends to-morrow night. Ifyou see Abel Wood, you can tell him I want to see him. "

"I will, " answered Chester, bitterly. 

As he walked home he felt very despondent. Wouldn't it have beenbetter, he asked himself, to accept reduced wages than to give up hisjob? It would have been hard enough to attempt living on two dollarsand a half a week, but that was better than no income at all. And yet, it looked so mean in Silas Tripp to present such an alternative, whenhe was abundantly able to give him the increase he asked for. 

"I must tell mother and see what she thinks about it, " he said tohimself. 

CHAPTER II. 

OUT OF WORK. 

Chester had a talk with his mother that evening. She felt indignant atSilas Tripp's meanness, but advised Chester to remain in the store forthe present. 

"I'd rather work anywhere else for two dollars, " said Chester, bitterly. 

It would be humiliating enough to accept the reduction, but he feltthat duty to his mother required the sacrifice. He started on his wayto the store in the morning, prepared to notify Mr. Tripp that he wouldremain, but he found that it was too late. Just before he reached thestore, he met Abel Wood, a loose-jointed, towheaded boy, with a stoutbody and extraordinarily long legs, who greeted him with a grin. 

"I'm goin' to work in your place Monday mornin', " he said. 

"Has Mr. Tripp spoken to you?" asked Chester, his heart sinking. 

"Yes, he said you was goin' to leave. What's up?"

"Mr. Tripp cut down my wages, " said Chester. "I couldn't work for twodollars and a half. "

"He's only goin' to give me two and a quarter. "

"You can afford to work for that. Your father's got steady work. "

"Yes, but all the same I'll ask for more in a few weeks. Where are yougoin' to work?"

"I don't know yet, " answered Chester, sadly. 

"It's awful hard to get a place in Wyncombe. "

"I suppose it is. I hope something will turn up. "

He tried to speak hopefully, but there was very little hope in hisheart. 

He went about his work in a mechanical way, but neglected nothing. Whenthe time came for the store to close, Silas Tripp took three dollarsfrom the drawer and handed it to him, saying: "There's your wages, Chester. I expect it's the last I'll pay you. "

"Yes, sir, I suppose so. "

"I don't know how I'll like the Wood boy. He hain't no experience. "

"He'll get it, sir. "

"If you want to stay for two and a quarter--the same I'm going to givehim--I'll tell him I've changed my mind. "

"No, sir; it wouldn't be right to put him off now. I guess I'll getsomething else to do. "

He turned and left the store, walking with a slower step than usual. His heart was heavy, for he felt that, poorly as they lived hitherto, they must live more poorly still in the days to come. He reached homeat last, and put the three dollars in his mother's hands. 

"I don't know when I shall have any more money to give you, mother, " hesaid. 

"It looks dark, Chester, but the Lord reigns. He will still be ourfriend. "

There was something in these simple words that cheered Chester, and aweight seemed lifted from his heart. He felt that they were not quitefriendless, and that there was still One, kinder and more powerful thanany earthly friend, to whom they could look for help. 

When Monday morning came he rose at the usual hour and breakfasted. 

"I'll go out and take a walk, mother, " he said. "Perhaps I may findsome work somewhere. "

Almost unconsciously, he took the familiar way to the store, and pausedat a little distance from it. He saw Abel come out with some packagesto carry to a customer. It pained him to see another boy in his place, and he turned away with a sigh. 

During the night four or five inches of snow had fallen. This gave himan idea. As he came to the house of the Misses Cleveland, two maidensisters who lived in a small cottage set back fifty feet from the road, he opened the gate and went up to the front door. 

Miss Jane Cleveland opened it for him. 

"Good-morning, Chester, " she said. 

"Good-morning, Miss Cleveland. I thought you might want to get a pathshoveled to the gate. "

"So I would; Hannah tried to do it last time it snowed, but she caughtan awful cold. But ain't you working up at the store?"

"Not now. Mr. Tripp cut down my wages, and I left. "

"Do tell. Have you got another place?"

"Not just yet. I thought I'd do any little jobs that came along till Igot one. "

"That's right. What'll you charge to shovel a path?"

Chester hesitated. 

"Fifteen cents, " he answered, at last. 

"I'll give you ten. Money's skerce. "

Chester reflected that he could probably do the job in half an hour, and he accepted. It cheered him to think he was earning something, however small. 

He worked with a will, and in twenty-five minutes the work was done. 

"You're spry, " said Jane Cleveland, when he brought the shovel to thedoor. "It took Hannah twice as long, and she didn't do it as well. "

"It isn't the kind of work for ladies, " replied Chester. 

"Wait till I fetch the money. "

Miss Cleveland went into the house, and returned with a nickel and fourpennies. 

"I'm reely ashamed, " she said. "I'll have to owe you a cent. But here'sa mince pie I've just baked. Take it home to your ma. Maybe it'll comehandy. I'll try to think of the other cent next time you come along. "

"Don't trouble yourself about it, Miss Cleveland. The pie is worth agood deal more than the cent. Mother'll be very much obliged to you. "

"She's very welcome, I'm sure, " said the kindly spinster. "I hopeyou'll get work soon, Chester. "

"Thank you. "

Chester made his way homeward, as he did not care to carry the pieabout with him. His mother looked at him in surprise as he entered thehouse. 

"What have you there, Chester?" she asked. 

"A pie from Miss Cleveland. "

"But how came she to give you a pie?"

"I shoveled a path for her, and she gave me a pie and ten cents--no, nine. So you see, mother, I've earned something this week. "

"I take it as a good omen. A willing hand will generally find work todo. "

"How are you off for wood, mother?"

"There is some left, Chester. "

"I'll go out in the yard and work at the wood pile till dinner time. Then this afternoon I will go out again and see if I can find some morepaths to shovel. "

But Chester was not destined to earn any more money that day. As ageneral thing, the village people shoveled their own paths, and wouldregard hiring such work done as sinful extravagance. Chester did, however, find some work to do. About half-past three he met Abel Woodtugging a large basket, filled with groceries, to the minister's house. He had set it down, and was resting his tired arms when Chester camealong. 

"Give me a lift with this basket, Chester, that's a good fellow, " saidAbel. 

Chester lifted it. 

"Yes, it is heavy, " he said. 

"The minister's got some company, " went on Abel, "and he's given anextra large order. "

"How do you like working in the store, Abel?"

"It's hard work, harder than I thought. "

"But remember what a magnificent salary you will get, " said Chester, with a smile. 

"It ain't half enough. Say, Chester, old Tripp is rich, ain't he?"

"I should call myself rich if I had his money. "

"He's a miserly old hunks, then, to give me such small pay. "

"Don't let him hear you say so. "

"I'll take care of that. Come, you'll help me, won't you?"

"Yes, " answered Chester, good-naturedly; "I might as well, as I havenothing else to do. "

Between the two the basket was easily carried. In a short time they hadreached the minister's house. They took the basket around to the sidedoor, just as Mr. Morris, the minister, came out, accompanied by ayoung man, who was evidently a stranger in the village, as Chester didnot remember having seen him before. 

"Chester, " said the minister, kindly, "how does it happen that you havean assistant to-day?"

"I am the assistant, Mr. Morris. Abel is Mr. Tripp's new boy. "

"Indeed, I am surprised to hear that. When did you leave the store?"

"Last Saturday night. "

"Have you another place?"

"Not yet. "

"Are you at leisure this afternoon?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Then perhaps you will walk around with my friend, Mr. Conrad, and showhim the village. I was going with him, but I have some writing to do, and you will do just as well. "

"I shall be very happy to go with Mr. Conrad, " said Chester, politely. 

"And I shall be very glad to have you, " said the young man, with apleasant smile. 

"Come back to supper, Chester, " said the minister; "that is, if yourmother can spare you. "

"Thank you, sir. I suppose you will be able to carry back the emptybasket, Abel, " added Chester, as his successor emerged from the sidedoor, relieved of his burden. 

"I guess so, " answered Abel, with a grin. 

"I was never in Wyncombe before, " began Mr. Conrad, "though I am asecond cousin of your minister, Mr. Morris. I have to go away to-morrowmorning, and wish to see a little of the town while I am here. "

"Where do you live, Mr. Conrad?"

"In the city of New York. "

"Are you a minister, too?"

"Oh, no!" laughed the young man. "I am in a very different business. Iam an artist--in a small way. I make sketches for books and magazines. "

"And does that pay?"

"Fairly well. I earn a comfortable living. "

"I didn't know one could get money for making pictures. I like to draw, myself. "

"I will see what you can do this evening; that is, if you accept mycousin's invitation. "

Before the walk was over Chester had become much interested in his newfriend. He listened eagerly to his stories of the great city, and feltthat life must be much better worth living there than in Wyncombe. 

CHAPTER III. 

A NOTEWORTHY EVENING. 

Chester enjoyed his supper. Mr. Morris, though a minister, had none ofthe starched dignity that many of his profession think it necessary toassume. He was kindly and genial, with a pleasant humor that made himagreeable company for the young as well as the old. Mr. Conrad spokemuch of New York and his experiences there, and Chester listened to himeagerly. 

"You have never been to New York, Chester?" said the young artist. 

"No, sir, but I have read about it--and dreamed about it. Sometime Ihope to go there. "

"I think that is the dream of every country boy. Well, it is thecountry boys that make the most successful men. "

"How do you account for that, Herbert?" asked the minister. 

"Generally they have been brought up to work, and work more earnestlythan the city boys. "

When the supper table was cleared, Mr. Conrad took from his valise twoor three of the latest issues of _Puck_, _Judge_ and _Life_. He handedthem to Chester, who looked over them eagerly. 

"Do you ever contribute to these papers, Mr. Conrad?" he asked. 

"Yes; here is a sketch in _Judge_, and another in _Life_, which Ifurnished. "

"And do you get good pay for them?"

"I received ten dollars for each. "

Chester's eyes opened with surprise. 

"Why, " he said, "they are small. It couldn't have taken you long todraw them. "

"Probably half an hour for each one. "

"And you received ten dollars each?"

"Yes, but don't gauge such work by the time it takes. It is the ideathat is of value. The execution is a minor matter. "

Chester looked thoughtful. 

"I should like to be an artist, " he said, after a pause. 

"Won't you give me a specimen of your work? You have seen mine. "

"I have not done any comic work, but I think I could. "

"Here is a piece of drawing paper. Now, let me see what you can do. "

Chester leaned his head on his hand and began to think. He was insearch of an idea. The young artist watched him with interest. At lasthis face brightened up. He seized the pencil, and began to drawrapidly. In twenty minutes he handed the paper to Mr. Conrad. 

The latter looked at it in amazement. 

"Why, you are an artist, " he said. "I had no idea you were capable ofsuch work. "

"I am glad you like it, " said Chester, much pleased. 

"How long have you been drawing?"

"Ever since I can remember. I used to make pictures in school on myslate. Some of them got me into trouble with the teacher. "

"I can imagine it, if you caricatured him. Did you ever take lessons?"

"No; there was no one in Wyncombe to teach me. But I got hold of adrawing book once, and that helped me. "

"Do you know what I am going to do with this sketch of yours?"

Chester looked an inquiry. 

"I will take it to New York with me, and see if I can dispose of it. "

"I am afraid it won't be of much use, Mr. Conrad. I am only a boy. "

"If a sketch is good, it doesn't matter how old or young an artist is. "

"I should like very much to get something for it. Even fifty centswould be acceptable. "

"You hold your talent cheap, Chester, " said Mr. Conrad, with a smile. "I shall certainly ask more than that for it, as I don't approve ofcheapening artistic labor. "

The rest of the evening passed pleasantly. 

When Chester rose to go, Mr. Conrad said:

"Take these papers, Chester. You can study them at your leisure, and ifany happy thoughts or brilliant ideas come to you, dash them off andsend them to me. I might do something with them. "

"Thank you, sir. What is your address?"

"Number one ninety-nine West Thirty-fourth Street. Well, good-by. I amglad to have met you. Sometime you may be an artist. "

Chester flushed with pride, and a new hope rose in his breast. He hadalways enjoyed drawing, but no one had ever encouraged him in it. Evenhis mother thought of it only as a pleasant diversion for him. As toits bringing him in money, the idea had never occurred to him. 

It seemed wonderful, indeed, that a little sketch, the work of half anhour, should bring ten dollars. Why compare with this the hours of toilin a grocery store--seventy, at least--which had been necessary to earnthe small sum of three dollars. For the first time Chester began tounderstand the difference between manual and intelligent labor. 

It was ten o'clock when Chester left the minister's house--a late hourin Wyncombe--and he had nearly reached his own modest home before hemet anyone. Then he overtook a man of perhaps thirty, thinly clad andshivering in the bitter, wintry wind. He was a stranger, evidently, forChester knew everyone in the village, and he was tempted to look back. The young man, encouraged perhaps by this evidence of interest, spoke, hurriedly:

"Do you know, " he asked, "where I can get a bed for the night?"

"Mr. Tripp has a few rooms that he lets to strangers. He is thestorekeeper. "

The young man laughed, but there was no merriment in the laugh. 

"Oh, yes. I know Silas Tripp, " he said. 

"Then you have been in Wyncombe before?"

"I never lived here, but I know Silas Tripp better than I want to. Heis my uncle. "

"Your uncle!" exclaimed Chester, in surprise. 

"Yes, I am his sister's son. My name is Walter Bruce. "

"Then I should think your uncle's house was the place for you. "

"I have no money to pay for a bed. "

"But, if you are a relation----"

"That makes no difference to Silas Tripp. He has no love for poorrelations. You don't know him very well. "

"I ought to, for I have worked for him in the store for a year. "

"I didn't see you in there this evening. "

"I left him last Saturday evening. There is another boy there now. "

"Why did you leave him?"

"Because he wanted to cut down my wages from three dollars to twodollars and a quarter. "

"Just like uncle Silas. I see you know him. "

"Have you seen him since you came to Wyncombe?"

"I was in the store this evening. "

"Did you make yourself known to him?"

"Yes. "

"Didn't he invite you to spend the night in the house?"

"Not he. He saw by my dress that I was poor, and gave me a lecture onmy shiftless ways. "

"Still he might have taken care of you for one night. "

"He wouldn't. He told me he washed his hands of me. "

Chester looked sober. He was shocked by Silas Tripp's want of humanity. 

"You asked me where you could find a bed, " he said. "Come home with me, and I can promise you shelter for one night, at least. "

"Thank you, boy, " said Bruce, grasping Chester's hand. "You have aheart. But--perhaps your parents might object. "

"I have no father. My mother is always ready to do a kind act. "

"Then I will accept your kind offer. I feared I should have to stay outall night. "

"And without an overcoat, " said Chester, compassionately. 

"Yes, I had to part with my overcoat long since. I could not affordsuch a luxury. I suppose you understand!"

"You sold it?"

"No, I pawned it. I didn't get much for it--only three dollars, but itwould be as easy for me to take the church and move it across thestreet as to redeem it. "

"You appear to have been unfortunate. "

"Yes. Fortune and I are at odds. Yet I ought to have some money. "

"How's that?"

"When my mother died uncle Silas acted as executor of her estate. Itwas always supposed that she had some money--probably from two to threethousand dollars--but when uncle Silas rendered in his account it haddwindled to one hundred and twenty-five dollars. Of course that didn'tlast me long. "

"Do you think that he acted wrongfully?" asked Chester, startled. 

"Do I think so? I have no doubt of it. You know money is his god. "

"Yet to cheat his own nephew would be so base. "

"Is there anything too base for such a man to do to get money?"

The young man spoke bitterly. 

By this time they had reached Chester's home. His mother was still up. She looked up in surprise at her son's companion. 

"Mother, " said Chester, "this is Mr. Bruce. Do you think we can givehim a bed?"

"Why, certainly, " replied Mrs. Rand, cordially. "Have you had supper, sir?"

"I wouldn't like to trouble you, ma'am. "

"It will be no trouble. I can make some tea in five minutes. Chester, take out the bread and butter and cold meat from the closet. "

So before he went to bed the homeless wayfarer was provided with a warmmeal, and the world seemed brighter and more cheerful to him. 

CHAPTER IV. 

A DYING GIFT. 

In the morning Walter Bruce came down to breakfast looking pale andsick. He had taken a severe cold from scanty clothing and exposure tothe winter weather. 

"You have a hard cough, Mr. Bruce, " said Mrs. Rand, in a tone ofsympathy. 

"Yes, madam; my lungs were always sensitive. "

When breakfast was over he took his hat and prepared to go. 

"I thank you very much for your kind hospitality, " he began. Then hewas attacked by a fit of coughing. 

"Where are you going. Mr. Bruce?" asked Chester. 

"I don't know, " he answered, despondently. "I came to Wyncombe to seemy uncle Silas, but he will have nothing to say to me. "

Chester and his mother exchanged looks. The same thought was in themind of each. 

"Stay with us a day or two, " said Mrs. Rand. "You are not fit to travel. You need rest and care. "

"But I shall be giving you a great deal of trouble. "

"We shall not consider it such, " said Mrs. Rand. 

"Then I will accept your kind offer, for indeed I am very unwell. "

Before the end of the day the young man was obliged to go to bed, and adoctor was summoned. Bruce was pronounced to have a low fever, and tobe quite unfit to travel. 

Mrs. Rand and Chester began to feel anxious. Their hearts were filledwith pity for the young man, but how could they bear the expense whichthis sickness would entail upon them?

"Silas Tripp is his uncle, " said Mrs. Rand. "He ought to contribute theexpense of his sickness. "

"I will go and see him, " said Chester. So he selected a time whenbusiness would be slack in the store, and called in. He found Mr. Tripin a peevish mood. 

"How are you, Chester?" he said. "I wish you was back. "

"Why, Mr. Tripp? You've got Abel Wood in my place. "

"He ain't of much account, " grumbled Silas. "What do you think he donethis mornin'?"

"I don't know, sir. "

"He smashed two dozen eggs, and eggs twenty-two cents a dozen. But I'lltake it out of his salary. He's dreadful awkward, that boy!"

"Poor Abel!" thought Chester. "I am afraid he won't have much salarycoming to him at the end of the week. "

"You never broke no eggs while you was here, Chester. "

"No; I don't think I did. "

"You'd ought to have stayed. "

"I couldn't stay on the salary you offered. But, Mr. Tripp, I've comehere on business. "

"Hey? What about?"

"Your nephew, Walter Bruce, is staying at our house. "

"Is he?" returned Silas Tripp, indifferently. 

"And he is sick. "

"I don't feel no interest in him, " said Silas, doggedly. 

"Are you willing to pay his expenses? He has no money. "

"No, I ain't, " snarled Silas. "Ef you take him you take him at your ownrisk. "

"You wouldn't have us turn him into the street?" said Chester, indignantly. 

"You can do as you like. It ain't no affair of mine. I s'pose he sentyou here. "

"No, he didn't; and I wouldn't have come if we had been better fixed. But we haven't enough money to live on ourselves. "

"Then tell him to go away. I never wanted him to come to Wyncombe. "

"It seems to me you ought to do something for your own nephew. "

"I can't support all my relations, and I won't, " said Silas, testily. "It ain't no use talkin'. Walter Bruce is shif'less and lazy, or he'dtake care of himself. I ain't no call to keep him. "

"Then you won't do anything for him? Even two dollars a week would helphim very much. "

"Two dollars a week!" ejaculated Silas. "You must think I am made ofmoney. Why, two dollars a week would make a hundred and four dollars ayear. "

"That wouldn't be much for a man of your means, Mr. Tripp. "

"You talk foolish, Chester. I have to work hard for a livin'. If Ihelped all my shif'less relations I'd end my days in the poorhouse. "

"I don't think you'll go there from that cause, " Chester could not helpsaying. 

"I guess not. I ain't a fool. Let every tub stand on its own bottom, Isay. But I won't be too hard. Here's twenty-five cents, " and Silas tooka battered quarter from the money drawer. 

"Take it and use it careful. "

"I think we will try to get along without it, " said Chester, with acurl of the lip. "I'm afraid you can't afford it. "

"Do just as you like, " said Silas, putting back the money with a sighof relief, "but don't say I didn't offer to do something for Walter. "

"No; I will tell him how much you offered to give. "

"That's a queer boy, " said Mr. Tripp, as Chester left the store. "Seemsto want me to pay all Walter Bruce's expenses. What made him come toWyncombe to get sick? He'd better have stayed where he lived, and thenhe'd have had a claim to go to the poorhouse. He can't live on me, Itell him that. Them Rands are foolish to take him in. They're as pooras poverty themselves, and now they've taken in a man who ain't noclaim on them. I expect they thought they'd get a good sum out of mefor boardin' him. There's a great many onrasonable people in theworld. "

"I will go and see Mr. Morris, the minister, " decided the perplexedChester. "He will tell me what to do. "

Accordingly he called on the minister and unfolded the story tosympathetic ears. 

"You did right, Chester, " said Mr. Morris. "The poor fellow wasfortunate to fall into your hands. But won't it be too much for yourmother?"

"It's the expense I am thinking of, Mr. Morris. You know I have lost mysituation, and mother has no shoes to bind. "

"I can help you, Chester. A rich lady of my acquaintance sends me ahundred dollars every year to bestow in charity. I will devote a partof this to the young man whom you have so kindly taken in, say at therate of eight dollars a week. "

"That will make us feel easy, " said Chester gratefully. "How much doyou think his uncle offered me?"

"I am surprised that he should have offered anything. "

"He handed me twenty-five cents, but I told him I thought we could getalong without it. "

"And you will. Silas Tripp has a small soul, hardly worth saving. Hehas made money his god, and serves his chosen deity faithfully. "

"I wouldn't change places with him for all his wealth. "

"Some day you may be as rich as he, but I hope, if you are, you willuse your wealth better. "

At the beginning of the third week Walter Bruce became suddenly worse. His constitution was fragile, and the disease had undermined hisstrength. The doctor looked grave. 

"Do you think I shall pull through, doctor?" asked the young man. 

"While there is life there is hope, Mr. Bruce. "

"That means that the odds are against me?"

"Yes, I am sorry to say that you are right. "

Walter Bruce looked thoughtful. 

"I don't think I care much for life, " he said. "I have had manydisappointments, and I know that at the best I could never be strongand enjoy life as most of my age do--I am resigned. "

"How old are you, Walter?" asked Chester. 

"Twenty-nine. It is a short life. "

"Is there anyone you would wish me to notify if the worst comes?"

"No, I have scarcely a relative--except Silas Tripp, " he added, with abitter smile. 

"You have no property to dispose of by will?" asked the doctor. 

"Yes, " was the unexpected answer, "but I shall not make a will. A willmay be contested. I will give it away during my life. "

Chester and the doctor looked surprised. They thought the other mightrefer to a ring or some small article. 

"I want everything to be legal, " resumed Bruce. "Is there a lawyer inthe village?"

"Yes, Lawyer Gardener. "

"Send for him. I shall feel easier when I have attended to this lastduty. "

Within half an hour the lawyer was at his bedside. 

"In the inside pocket of my coat, " said Walter Bruce, "you will find adocument. It is the deed of five lots in the town of Tacoma, inWashington Territory. I was out there last year, and having a littlemoney, bought the lots for a song. They are worth very little now, butsome time they may be of value. "

"To whom do you wish to give them?" asked Mr. Gardner. 

"To this boy, " answered Bruce, looking affectionately toward Chester. "He and his have been my best friends. "

"But your uncle--he is a relative!" suggested Chester. 

"He has no claim upon me. Lawyer, make out a deed of gift of these lotsto Chester Rand, and I will sign it. "

The writing was completed, Bruce found strength to sign it, and thensank back exhausted. Two days later he died. Of course the eightdollars a week from the minister's fund ceased to be paid to the Rands. Chester had not succeeded in obtaining work. To be sure he had the fivelots in Tacoma, but he who had formerly owned them had died a pauper. The outlook was very dark. 

CHAPTER V. 

CHESTER'S FIRST SUCCESS. 

Chester and his mother and a few friends attended the funeral of WalterBruce. Silas Tripp was too busy at the store to pay this partingcompliment to his nephew. He expressed himself plainly about the follyof the Rands in "runnin' into debt for a shif'less fellow" who had noclaim upon them. "If they expect me to pay the funeral expenses they'remistaken, " he added, positively. "I ain't no call to do it, and I won'tdo it. "

But he was not asked to defray the expenses of the simple funeral. Itwas paid for out of the minister's charitable fund. 

"Some time I will pay you back the money, Mr. Morris, " said Chester. "Iam Mr. Bruce's heir, and it is right that I should pay. "

"Very well, Chester. If your bequest amounts to anything I will notobject. I hope for your sake that the lots may become valuable. "

"I don't expect it, Mr. Morris. Will you be kind enough to take care ofthe papers for me?"

"Certainly, Chester. I will keep them with my own papers. "

At this time Tacoma contained only four hundred inhabitants. TheNorthern Pacific Railroad had not been completed, and there was nocertainty when it would be. So Chester did not pay much attention orgive much thought to his Western property, but began to look roundanxiously for something to do. 

During the sickness of Walter Bruce he had given up his time to helpinghis mother and the care of the sick man. The money received from theminister enabled him to do this. Now the weekly income had ceased, andit became a serious question what he should do to bring in an income. 

He had almost forgotten his meeting with Herbert Conrad, the youngartist, when the day after the funeral he received a letter in anunknown hand, addressed to "Master Chester Rand, Wyncombe, New York. "

As he opened it, his eyes opened wide with surprise and joy, when twofive-dollar bills fluttered to the ground, for he had broken the sealin front of the post office. 

He read the letter eagerly. It ran thus:

 "DEAR CHESTER:--I am glad to say that I have sold your sketch for ten dollars to one of the papers I showed you at Wyncombe. If you have any others ready, send them along. Try to think up some bright, original idea, and illustrate it in your best style. Then send to me. 

 "Your sincere friend, HERBERT. "

Chester hardly knew whether he was standing on his head or his heels. It seems almost incredible that a sketch which he had dashed off intwenty minutes should bring in such a magnificent sum. 

And for the first time it dawned upon him he was an artist. Fiftydollars gained in any other way would not have given him so muchsatisfaction. Why, it was only three weeks that he had been out of aplace, and he had received more than he would have been paid in thattime by Mr. Tripp. 

He decided to tell no one of his good luck but his mother and theminister. If he were fortunate enough to earn more, the neighbors mightwonder as they pleased about the source of his supplies. The money cameat the right time, for his mother needed some articles at the store. Heconcluded to get them on the way home. 

Silas Tripp was weighing out some sugar for a customer when Chesterentered. Silas eyed him sharply, and was rather surprised to find himcheerful and in good spirits. 

"How's your mother this mornin', Chester?" asked the grocer. 

"Pretty well, thank you, Mr. Tripp. "

"Are you doin' anything yet?"

"There doesn't seem to be much work to do in Wyncombe, " answeredChester, noncommittally. 

"You was foolish to leave a stiddy job at the store. "

"I couldn't afford to work for the money you offered me. "

"Two dollars and a quarter is better than nothin'. I would have paidyou two and a half. I like you better than that Wood boy. Is yourmother workin'?"

"She is doing a little sewing, but she had no time for that with a sickman in the house. "

"I don't see what made you keep a man that was no kith or kin to you. "

"Would you have had us put him into the street, Mr. Tripp?"

"I'd have laid the matter before the selec'-men, and got him into thepoorhouse. "

"Well, it is all over now, and I'm not sorry that we cared for the poorfellow. I would like six pounds of sugar and two of butter. "

"You ain't goin' to run a bill, be you?" asked Silas, cautiously. "Ican't afford to trust out any more. "

"We don't owe you anything, do we, Mr. Tripp?"

"No; but I thought mebbe----"

"I will pay for the articles, " said Chester, briefly. 

When he tendered the five-dollar bill Silas Tripp looked amazed. 

"Where did you get so much money?" he gasped. 

"Isn't it a good bill?" asked Chester. 

"Why, yes, but----"

"I think that is all you have a right to ask, " said Chester, firmly. "It can't make any difference to you where it came from. "

"I thought you were poor, " said Mr. Tripp. 

"So we are. "

"But it seems strange that you should have so much money. "

"Five dollars isn't much money, Mr. Tripp. "

Then a sudden idea came to Silas Tripp, and he paused in weighing outthe butter. 

"Did my nephew leave any money?" he asked, sharply. 

"Yes, sir. "

"Then I lay claim to it. I'm his only relation, and it is right that Ishould have it. "

"You shall have it if you will pay the expense of his illness. "

"Humph! how much did he leave?"

"Thirty-seven cents. "

Mr. Tripp looked discomfited. 

"You can keep it, " he said, magnanimously. "I don't lay no claim toit. "

"Thank you, " returned Chester, gravely. 

"Then this five-dollar bill didn't come from him?"

"How could it? he hadn't as much money in the world. "

"He was a shif'less man. 'A rolling stone gathers no moss, '" observedMr. Tripp, in a moralizing tone. 

"You haven't been a rolling stone, Mr. Tripp. "

"No; I've stuck to the store year in and year out for thirty-fiveyears. I ain't had more'n three days off in that time. "

"If I had your money, Mr. Tripp, I'd go off and enjoy myself. "

"What, and leave the store?" said Silas, aghast at the thought. 

"You could hire some one to run it. "

"I wouldn't find much left when I came back; No, I must stay at homeand attend to business. Do your folks go to bed early, Chester?"

"Not before ten, " answered Chester, in some surprise. 

"Then I'll call this evenin' after the store is closed. "

"Very well, sir. You'll find us up. "

The idea had occurred to Mr. Tripp that Mrs. Rand must be very short ofmoney, and might be induced to dispose of her place at a largelyreduced figure. It would be a good-paying investment for him, and hewas not above taking advantage of a poor widow's necessities. Of courseneither Mrs. Rand nor Chester had any idea of his motives orintentions, and they awaited his visit with considerable curiosity. 

About fifteen minutes after nine a shuffling was heard at the door, there was a knock, and a minute later Chester admitted the thin andshriveled figure of Silas Tripp. 

"Good-evening, Mr. Tripp, " said Mrs. Rand, politely. 

"Good-evenin', ma'am, I thought I'd call in and inquire how you weregettin' along. "

"Thank you, Mr. Tripp, for the interest you show in our affairs. We arenot doing very well, as you may imagine. "

"So I surmised, ma'am. So I surmised. "

"It can't be possible he is going to offer us a loan, " thought Chester. 

"You've got a tidy little place here, ma'am. It isn't mortgaged, Irec'on. "

"No, Sir. "

"Why don't you sell it? You need the money, and you might hire anotherhouse, or pay rent for this. "

"Do you know of anyone that wants to buy it, Mr. Tripp?"

"Mebbe I'd buy it myself, jest to help you along, " answered Silas, cautiously. 

"How much would you be willing to give?" put in Chester. 

"Well, I calculate--real estate's very low at present--three hundredand fifty dollars would be a fair price. "

Mrs. Rand looked amazed. 

"Three hundred and fifty dollars!" she ejaculated. "Why, it is worth atleast seven hundred. "

"You couldn't get it, ma'am. That's a fancy price. "

"What rent would you charge in case we sold it to you, Mr. Tripp, "asked Chester. 

"Well, say five dollars a month. "

"About sixteen or seventeen per cent. On the purchase money. "

"Well, I'd have to pay taxes and repairs, " explained Tripp. 

"I don't care to sell, Mr. Tripp, " said Mrs. Rand, decisively. 

"You may have to, ma'am. "

"If we do we shall try to get somewhere near its real value. "

"Just as you like, ma'am, " said Silas, disappointed. "I'd pay you cashdown. "

"If I decide to sell on your terms I'll let you know, " said Mrs. Rand. 

"Oh, well, I ain't set upon it. I only wanted to do you a favor. "

"We appreciate your kindness, " said Mrs. Rand, dryly. 

"Women don't know much about business, " muttered Silas, as he ploddedhome, disappointed. 

CHAPTER VI. 

ROBERT RAMSAY. 

Mrs. Rand was as much amazed as Chester himself at his success as anartist. 

"How long were you in making the drawing?" she asked. 

"Twenty minutes. "

"And you received ten dollars. It doesn't seem possible. "

"I wish I could work twenty minutes every week at that rate, " laughedChester. "It would pay me better than working for Silas Tripp. "

"Perhaps you can get some more work of the same kind?"

"I shall send two more sketches to Mr. Conrad in a day or two. I shalltake pains and do my best. "

Two days later Chester sent on the sketches, and then set about tryingto find a job of some kind in the village. He heard of only one. 

An elderly farmer, Job Dexter, offered him a dollar a week and board ifhe would work for him. He would have eight cows to milk morning andnight, the care of the barn, and a multitude of "chores" to attend to. 

"How much will you give me if I board at home, Mr. Dexter?" askedChester. 

"I must have you in the house. I can't have you trapesing home when youought to be at work. "

"Then I don't think I can come, Mr. Dexter. A dollar a week wouldn'tpay me. "

"A dollar a week and board is good pay for a boy, " said the farmer. 

"It may be for some boys, but not for me. "

Chester reflected that if he worked all day at the farmer's he couldnot do any artistic work, and so would lose much more than he made. Thesketch sold by Mr. Conrad brought him in as much as he would receive inten weeks from Farmer Dexter. 

"Wyncombe people don't seem very liberal, mother, " said Chester. "Ithought Mr. Tripp pretty close, but Job Dexter beats him. "

In the meantime he met Abel Wood carrying groceries to a family in thevillage. 

"Have you got a place yet, Chester?" he asked. 

"No; but I have a chance of one. "

"Where?"

"At Farmer Dexter's. "

"Don't you go! I worked for him once. "

"How did you like it?"

"It almost killed me. I had to get up at half past four, work tillseven in the evening, and all for a dollar a week and board. "

"Was the board good?" inquired Chester, curiously. 

"It was the poorest livin' I ever had. Mrs. Dexter don't know muchabout cookin'. We had baked beans for dinner three times a week, because they were cheap, and what was left was put on for breakfast thenext mornin'. "

"I like baked beans. "

"You wouldn't like them as Mrs. Dexter cooked them, and you wouldn'twant them for six meals a week. "

"No, I don't think I should, " said Chester, smiling. "How do you getalong with Silas Tripp?"

"He's always scoldin'; he says I am not half as smart as you. "

"I am much obliged to Mr. Tripp for his favorable opinion, but hedidn't think enough of me to give me decent pay. "

"He's awful mean. He's talkin' of reducin' me to two dollars a week. Hesays business is very poor, and he isn't makin' any money. "

"I wish you and I were making half as much as he. "

"There's one thing I don't understand, Chester. You ain't workin', yetyou seem to have money. "

"How do you know I have?"

"Mr. Tripp says you came into the store three or four days ago andchanged a five-dollar bill. "

"Yes; Mr. Tripp seemed anxious to know where I got it. "

"You didn't use to have five-dollar bills, Chester, when you were atwork. "

"This five-dollar bill dropped down the chimney one fine morning, " saidChester, laughing. 

"I wish one would drop down my chimney. But I must be gettin' along, orold Tripp will give me hail Columbia when I get back. "

About nine o'clock that evening, as Chester was returning from alecture in the church, he was accosted by a rough-looking fellow havingvery much the appearance of a tramp, who seemed somewhat under theinfluence of liquor. 

"I say, boss, " said the tramp, "can't you give a poor man a quarter tohelp him along?"

"Are you out of work?" asked Chester, staying his step. 

"Yes; times is hard and work is scarce. I haven't earned anything for amonth. "

"Where do you come from?"

"From Pittsburg, " answered the tramp, with some hesitation. 

"What do you work at when you are employed?"

"I am a machinist. Is there any chance in that line here?"

"Not in Wyncombe. "

"That's what I thought. How about that quarter?"

"I am out of work myself and quarters are scarce with me. "

"That's what you all say! There's small show for a good, industriousman. "

Chester thought to himself that if the stranger was a good, industriousman he was unfortunate in his appearance. 

"I have sympathy for all who are out of work, " he said. "Mother and Iare poor. When I did work I only got three dollars a week. "

"Where did you work?"

"In Mr. Tripp's store, in the center of the village. "

"I know. It's a two-story building, ain't it, with a piazza?"

"Yes. "

"Has the old fellow got money?"

"Oh, yes; Silas Tripp is rich. "

"So? He didn't pay you much wages, though. "

"No; he feels poor. I dare say he feels poorer than I do. "

"Such men ought not to have money, " growled the tramp. "They're keepin'it out of the hands of honest men. What sort of a lookin' man is thisman Tripp? Is he as big as me?"

"Oh, no, he is a thin, dried-up, little man, who looks as if he hadn'thad a full meal of victuals in his life. "

"What time does he shut up shop?"

"About this time, " answered Chester, rather puzzled by the tramp'spersistence in asking questions. 

"What's your name?"

"Chester Rand. "

"Can't you give me a quarter? I'm awful hungry. I ain't had a bit toeat since yesterday. "

"I have no money to give you, but if you will come to our house I'llgive you some supper. "

"Where do you live?"

"About five minutes' walk. "

"Go ahead, then; I'm with you. "

Mrs. Rand looked up with surprise when the door opened and Chesterentered, followed by an ill-looking tramp, whose clothes were redolentof tobacco, and his breath of whisky. 

"Mother, " said Chester, "this man tells me that he hasn't had anythingto eat since yesterday. "

"No more I haven't, " spoke up the tramp, in a hoarse voice. 

"He asked for some money. I could not give him that, but I told him wewould give him some supper. "

"Of course we will, " said Mrs. Rand, in a tone of sympathy. She did notadmire the appearance of her late visitor, but her heart was alive tothe appeal of a hungry man. 

"Sit down, sir, " she said, "and I'll make some hot tea, and that withsome bread and butter and cold meat will refresh you. "

"Thank you, ma'am, I ain't overpartial to tea, and my doctor tells me Ineed whisky. You don't happen to have any whisky in the house, do you?"

"This is a temperance house, " said Chester, "we never keep whisky. "

"Well, maybe I can get along with the tea, " sighed the tramp, inevident disappointment. 

"You look strong and healthy, " observed Mrs. Rand. 

"I ain't, ma'am. Looks is very deceiving. I've got a weakness here, "and he touched the pit of his stomach, "that calls for strengthenin'drink. But I'll be glad of the victuals. "

When the table was spread with an extemporized supper, the unsavoryvisitor sat down, and did full justice to it. He even drank the tea, though he made up a face and called it "slops. "

"Where did you come from, sir?" asked Mrs. Rand. 

"From Chicago, ma'am. "

"Were you at work there? What is your business?"

"I'm a blacksmith, ma'am. "

"I thought you were a machinist and came from Pittsburg, " interruptedChester, in surprise. 

"I came here by way of Pittsburg, " answered the tramp, coughing. "I ammachinist, too. "

"His stories don't seem to hang together, " thought Chester. 

After supper the tramp, who said his name was Robert Ramsay, took outhis pipe and began to smoke. If it had not been a cold evening, Mrs. Rand, who disliked tobacco, would have asked him to smoke out of doors, but as it was she tolerated it. 

Both Chester and his mother feared that their unwelcome visitor wouldask to stay all night, and they would not have felt safe with him inthe house, but about a quarter past ten he got up and said he must bemoving. 

"Good-night, and good luck to you!" said Chester. 

"Same to you!" returned the tramp. 

"I wonder where he's going, " thought Chester. 

But when the next morning came he heard news that answered thisquestion. 

CHAPTER VII. 

SILAS TRIPP MAKES A DISCOVERY. 

When Silas Tripp went into his store the next day he was startled tofind a window in the rear was partially open. 

"How did that window come open, Abel?" he asked, as Abel Wood enteredthe store. 

"I don't know, sir. "

"It must have been you that opened it, " said his employer, sternly. 

"I didn't do it, Mr. Tripp, honest I didn't, " declared Abel, earnestly. 

"Then how did it come open, that's what I want to know?"

"I am sure I can't tell. "

"Somebody might have come in during the night and robbed the store. "

"So there might. "

"It's very mysterious. Such things didn't happen when Chester washere. "

Abel made no answer, but began to sweep out the store, his firstmorning duty. 

When Silas spoke of the store being robbed he had no idea that such arobbing had taken place, but he went to the money drawer and opened itto make sure all was safe. 

Instantly there was a cry of dismay. 

"Abel!" he exclaimed, "I've been robbed. There's a lot of moneymissing. "

Abel stopped sweeping and turned pale. 

"Is that so, Mr. Tripp?" he asked, faintly. 

"Yes, there's--lemme see. There's been burglars here. Oh, this isterrible!"

"Who could have done it, Mr. Tripp?"

"I dunno, but the store was entered last night. I never shall feel safeagain, " groaned Silas. 

"Didn't they leave no traces?"

"Ha! here's a handkerchief, " said Mr. Tripp, taking the article fromthe top of a flour barrel, "and yes, by gracious, it's marked ChesterRand. "

"You don't think he took the money?" ejaculated Abel, in open-eyedwonder. 

"Of course it must have been him! He knew just where I kept the money, and he could find his way about in the dark, he knew the store sowell. "

"I didn't think Chester would do such a thing. "

"That's how he came by his five-dollar bill. He came in bold as brassand paid me with my own money--the young rascal!"

"But how could he do it if the money was took last night? It was two orthree days ago he paid you the five-dollar bill. "

This was a poser, but Mr. Tripp was equal to the emergency. 

"He must have robbed me before, " he said. 

"You haven't missed money before, have you?"

"Not to my knowledge, but he must have took it. Abel, I want you to goright over to the Widow Rand's and tell Chester I want to see him. Idunno but I'd better send the constable after him. "

"Shall I carry him his handkerchief?"

"No, and don't tell him it's been found. I don't want to put him on hisguard. "

Abel put his broom behind the door and betook himself to the house ofMrs. Rand. 

The widow herself opened the door. 

"Is Chester at home?" asked Abel. 

"Yes, he's eating his breakfast. Do you want to see him?"

"Well, Mr. Tripp wants to see him. "

"Possibly he wants Chester to give him a little extra help, " shethought. 

"Won't you come in and take a cup of coffee while Chester is finishinghis breakfast?" she said. 

"Thank you, ma'am. "

Abel was a boy who was always ready to eat and drink, and he acceptedthe invitation with alacrity. 

"So Mr. Tripp wants to see me?" said Chester. "Do you know what it'sabout?"

"He'll tell you, " answered Abel, evasively. 

Chester was not specially interested or excited. He finished hisbreakfast in a leisurely manner, and then taking his hat, went out withAbel. It occurred to him that Mr. Tripp might be intending to dischargeAbel, and wished to see if he would return to his old place. 

"So you don't know what he wants to see me about?" he asked. 

"Well, I have an idea, " answered Abel, in a mysterious tone. 

"What is it, then?"

"Oh, I dassn't tell. "

"Look here, Abel, I won't stir a step till you do tell me. You areacting very strangely. "

"Well, somethin' terrible has happened, " Abel ejaculated, in excitedtones. 

"What's it?"

"The store was robbed last night. "

"The store was robbed?" repeated Chester. "What was taken?"

"Oh, lots and lots of money was taken from the drawer, and the windowin the back of the store was left open. "

"I'm sorry to hear it. I didn't know there was anybody in Wyncombe thatwould do such things. Does Mr. Tripp suspect anybody?"

"Yes, he does. "

"Who is it?"

"He thinks you done it. "

Chester stopped abruptly and looked amazed. 

"Why, the man must be crazy! What on earth makes him think I wouldstoop to do such a thing?"

"'Cause your handkerchief was found on a flour barrel 'side of themoney drawer. "

"My handkerchief! Who says it was my handkerchief?"

"Your name was on it--in one corner; I seed it myself. "

Then a light dawned upon Chester. The tramp whom he and his mother hadentertained the evening before, must have picked up his handkerchief, and left it in the store to divert suspicion from himself. Thedetective instinct was born within Chester, and now he felt impatientto have the investigation proceed. 

"Come on, Abel, " he said, "I want to see about this matter. "

"Well, you needn't walk so plaguy fast, wouldn't if I was you. "

"Why not?"

"'Cause you'll probably have to go to jail. I'll tell you what I'd do. "

"Well?"

"I'd hook it. "

"You mean run away?"

"Yes. "

"That's the last thing I'd do. Mr. Tripp would have a right to think Iwas guilty in that case. "

"Well, ain't you?"

"Abel Wood, I have a great mind to give you a licking. Don't you knowme any better than that?"

"Then why did you leave the handkerchief on the flour barrel?"

"That'll come out in due time. "

They were near the store where Mr. Tripp was impatiently waiting fortheir appearance. He did not anticipate Abel's staying to breakfast, and his suspicions were excited. 

"I'll bet Chester Rand has left town with the money, " he groaned. "Oh, it's awful to have your hard earnin's carried off so sudden. I'll sendChester to jail unless he returns it--every cent of it. "

Here Abel entered the store, followed by Chester. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

A SCENE IN THE GROCERY STORE. 

"So you've come, have you, you young thief?" said Silas, sternly, asChester entered the store. "Ain't you ashamed of yourself?"

"No, I'm not, " Chester answered, boldly. "I've done nothing to beashamed of. "

"Oh, you hardened young villain. Give me the money right off, or I'llsend you to jail. "

"I hear from Abel that the store was robbed last night, and I supposefrom what you say that you suspect me. "

"So I do. "

"Then you are mistaken. I spent all last night at home as my mother cantestify. "

"Then how came your handkerchief here?" demanded Silas, triumphantly, holding up the article. 

"It must have been brought here. "

"Oho, you admit that, do you? I didn't know but you'd say it came hereitself. "

"No, I don't think it did. "

"I thought you'd own up arter a while. "

"I own up to nothing. "

"Isn't the handkerchief yours?"

"Yes. "

"Then you stay here while Abel goes for the constable. You've got to bepunished for such doin's. But I'll give ye one chance. Give me back themoney you took--thirty-seven dollars and sixty cents--and I'll forgiveye, and won't have you sent to jail. "

"That is a very kind offer, Mr. Tripp, and if I had taken the money Iwould accept it, and thank you. But I didn't take it. "

"Go for the constable, Abel, and mind you hurry. You just stay whereyou are, Chester Rand. Don't you go for to run away. "

Chester smiled. He felt that he had the key to the mystery, but hechose to defer throwing light upon it. 

"On the way, Abel, " said Chester, "please call at our house and ask mymother to come to the store. "

"All right, Chester. "

The constable was the first to arrive. 

"What's wanted, Silas?" he asked, for in country villages neighbors arevery apt to call one another by their Christian names. 

"There's been robbery and burglary, Mr. Boody, " responded Mr. Tripp. "My store was robbed last night of thirty-seven dollars and sixtycents. "

"Sho, Silas, how you talk!"

"It's true, and there stands the thief!"

"I am sitting, Mr. Tripp, " said Chester smiling. 

"See how he brazens it out! What a hardened young villain he is!"

"Come, Silas, you must be crazy, " expostulated the constable, who feltvery friendly to Chester. "Chester wouldn't no more steal from you thanI would. "

"I thought so myself, but when I found his handkerchief, marked withhis name, on a flour barrel, I was convinced. "

"Is that so, Chester?"

"Yes, the handkerchief is mine. "

"It wasn't here last night, " proceeded Silas, "and it was here thismorning. It stands to reason that it couldn't have walked here itself, and so of course it was brought here. "

By this time two other villagers entered the store. 

"What do you say to that, Chester?" said the constable, beginning to beshaken in his conviction of Chester's innocence. 

"I agree with Mr. Tripp. It must have been brought here. "

At this moment, Mrs. Rand and the minister whom she had met on the way, entered the store. 

"Glad to see you, widder, " said Silas Tripp, grimly. "I hope you ain'ta-goin' to stand up for your son in his didoes. "

"I shall certainly stand by Chester, Mr. Tripp. What is the trouble?"

"Only that he came into my store in the silent watches of last night, "answered Silas, sarcastically, "and made off with thirty-seven dollarsand sixty cents. "

"It's a falsehood, whoever says it, " exclaimed Mrs. Rand, hotly. 

"I supposed you'd stand up for him, " sneered Silas. 

"And for a very good reason. During the silent watches of last night, as you express it, Chester was at home and in bed to my certainknowledge. "

"While his handkerchief walked over here and robbed the store, "suggested Silas Tripp, with withering sarcasm, as he held up thetelltale evidence of Chester's dishonesty. 

"Was this handkerchief found in the store?" asked Mrs. Rand, insurprise. 

"Yes, ma'am, it was, and I calculate you'll find it hard to get overthat evidence. "

Mrs. Rand's face lighted up with a sudden conviction. 

"I think I can explain it, " she said, quietly. 

"Oh, you can, can you? Maybe you can tell who took the money. "

"I think I can. "

All eyes were turned upon her in eager expectation. 

"A tramp called at our house last evening, " she said, "at abouthalf-past nine, and I gave him a meal, as he professed to be hungry andpenniless. It was some minutes after ten when he left the house. Hemust have picked up Chester's handkerchief, and left it in your storeafter robbing the money drawer. "

"That's all very fine, " said Silas, incredulously, "but I don't know asthere was any tramp. Nobody saw him but you. "

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Tripp, " said the minister, "but I saw him abouthalf-past ten walking in the direction of your store. I was returningfrom visiting a sick parishioner when I met a man roughly dressed andof middle height, walking up the street. He was smoking a pipe. "

"He lighted it before leaving our house, " said Mrs. Rand. 

"How did he know about my store?" demanded Silas, incredulously. 

"He was asking questions about you while he was eating his supper. "

Silas Tripp was forced to confess, though reluctantly, that the caseagainst Chester was falling to the ground. But he did not like to giveup. 

"I'd like to know where Chester got the money he's been flauntin' roundthe last week, " he said. 

"Probably he stole it from your store last night, " said the constable, with good-natured sarcasm. 

"That ain't answerin' the question. "

"I don't propose to answer the question, " said Chester, firmly. "WhereI got my money is no concern of Mr. Tripp, as long as I don't get itfrom him. "

"Have I got to lose the money?" asked Silas, in a tragical tone. "It'svery hard on a poor man. "

All present smiled, for Silas was one of the richest men in thevillage. 

"We might take up a contribution for you, Silas, " said the constable, jocosely. 

"Oh, it's all very well for you to joke about it, considerin' youdidn't lose it. "

At this moment Abel Wood, who had been sweeping the piazza, entered thestore in excitement. 

"I say, there's the tramp now, " he exclaimed. 

"Where? Where?" asked one and another. 

"Out in the street. Constable Perkins has got him. "

"Call him in, " said the minister. 

A moment later, Constable Perkins came in, escorting the tramp, who wasevidently under the influence of strong potations, and had difficultyin holding himself up. 

"Where am I?" hiccoughed Ramsay. 

"Where did you find him, Mr. Perkins?" asked Rev. Mr. Morris. 

"Just outside of Farmer Dexter's barn. He was lying on the ground, witha jug of whisky at his side. "

"It was my jug, " said Silas. "He must have taken it from the store. Ididn't miss it before. He must have took it away with him. "

"There warn't much whisky left in the jug. He must have absorbed mostof it. "

Now Mr. Tripp's indignation was turned against this new individual. 

"Where is my money, you villain?" he demanded, hotly. 

"Whaz-zer matter?" hiccoughed Ramsay. 

"You came into my store last night and stole some money. "

"Is zis zer store? It was jolly fun, " and the inebriate laughed. 

"Yes, it is. Where is the money you took?"

"Spent it for whisky. "

"No, you didn't. You found the whisky here. "

Ramsay made no reply. 

"He must have the money about him, " suggested the minister. "You'dbetter search his pockets, Mr. Perkins. "

The constable thrust his hand into the pocket of his helpless charge, and drew out a roll of bills. 

Silas Tripp uttered an exclamation of joy. 

"Give it to me, " he said. "It's my money. "

The bills were counted and all were there. 

Not one was missing. Part of the silver could not be found. It hadprobably slipped from his pocket, for he had no opportunity of spendingany. 

Mr. Tripp was so pleased to recover his bills that he neglected tocomplain of the silver coins that were missing. But still he feltincensed against the thief. 

"You'll suffer for this, " he said, sternly, eying the tramp over hisglasses. 

"Who says I will?"

"I say so. You'll have to go to jail. "

"I'm a 'spectable man, " hiccoughed the tramp. "I'm an honest man. Iain't done nothin'. "

"Why did you take my handkerchief last night?" asked Chester. 

The tramp laughed. 

"Good joke, wasn't it? So they'd think it was you. "

"It came near being a bad joke for me. Do you think I robbed your storenow, Mr. Tripp?"

To this question Silas Tripp did not find it convenient to make ananswer. He was one of those men--very numerous they are, too--whodislike to own themselves mistaken. 

"It seems to me, Mr. Tripp, " said the minister, "that you owe anapology to our young friend here for your false suspicions. "

"Anybody'd suspect him when they found his handkerchief, " growledSilas. 

"But now you know he was not concerned in the robbery you should makereparation. "

"I don't know where he got his money, " said Silas. "There's suthin'very mysterious about that five-dollar bill. "

"I've got another, Mr. Tripp, " said Chester, smiling. 

"Like as not. Where'd you get it?"

"I don't feel obliged to tell. "

"It looks bad, that's all I've got to say, " said the storekeeper. 

"I think, Mr. Tripp, you need not borrow any trouble on that score, "interposed the minister. "I know where Chester's money comes from, andI can assure you that it is honestly earned, more so than that whichyou receive from the whisky you sell. "

Silas Tripp was a little afraid of the minister, who was veryplain-spoken, and turned away muttering. 

The crowd dispersed, some following Constable Perkins, who took hisprisoner to the lockup. 

CHAPTER IX. 

NEW PLANS FOR CHESTER. 

Two days later Chester found another letter from Mr. Conrad at the postoffice. In it were two bills--a ten and a five. 

Mr. Conrad wrote:

 "I have disposed of your two sketches to the same paper. The publisher offered me fifteen dollars for the two, and I thought it best to accept. Have you ever thought of coming to New York to live? You would be more favorably placed for disposing of your sketches, and would find more subjects in a large city than in a small village. The fear is that, if you continue to live in Wyncombe, you will exhaust your invention. 

 "There is one objection, the precarious nature of the business. You might sometimes go a month, perhaps, without selling a sketch, and meanwhile your expenses would go on. I think, however, that I have found a way of obviating this objection. I have a friend--Mr. Bushnell--who is in the real estate business, and he will take you into his office on my recommendation. He will pay you five dollars a week if he finds you satisfactory. This will afford you a steady income, which you can supplement by your art work. If you decide to accept my suggestion come to New York next Saturday, and you can stay with me over Sunday, and go to work on Monday morning. 

 "Your sincere friend, "HERBERT CONRAD. "

Chester read this letter in a tumult of excitement. The great city hadalways had a fascination for him, and he had hoped, without muchexpectation of the hope being realized, that he might one day findemployment there. Now the opportunity had come, but could he accept it?The question arose, How would his mother get along in his absence? Shewould be almost entirely without income. Could he send her enough fromthe city to help her along?

He went to his mother and showed her the letter. 

"Fifteen dollars!" she exclaimed. "Why, that is fine, Chester. I shallbegin to be proud of you. Indeed, I am proud of you now. "

"I can hardly realize it myself, mother. I won't get too much elated, for it may not last. What do you think of Mr. Conrad's proposal?"

"To go to New York?"

"Yes. "

Mrs. Rand's countenance fell. 

"I don't see how I can spare you, Chester, " she said, soberly. 

"If there were any chance of making a living in Wyncombe, it would bedifferent. "

"You might go back to Mr. Tripp's store. "

"After he had charged me with stealing? No, mother, I will never serveSilas Tripp again. "

"There might be some other chance. "

"But there isn't, mother. By the way, I heard at the post office thatthe shoe manufactory will open again in three weeks. "

"That's good news. I shall have some more binding to do. "

"And I can send you something every week from New York. "

"But I will be so lonely, Chester, with no one else in the house. "

"That is true, mother. "

"But I won't let that stand in the way. You may have prospects in NewYork. You have none here. "

"And, as Mr. Conrad says, I am likely to run out of subjects forsketches. "

"I think I shall have to give my consent, then. "

"Thank you, mother, " said Chester, joyfully. "I will do what I can topay you for the sacrifice you are making. "

Just then the doorbell rang. 

"It is Mr. Gardener, the lawyer, " said Chester, looking from thewindow. 

A moment later he admitted the lawyer. 

"Well, Chester, " said Mr. Gardener, pleasantly, "have you disposed ofyour lots in Tacoma yet?"

"No, Mr. Gardener. In fact, I had almost forgotten about them. "

"Sometime they may prove valuable. "

"I wish it might be soon. "

"I fancy you will have to wait a few years. By the time you aretwenty-one you may come into a competence. "

"I won't think of it till then. "

"That's right. Work as if you had nothing to look forward to. "

"You don't want to take me into your office and make a lawyer of me, Mr. Gardener, do you?"

"Law in Wyncombe does not offer any inducements. If I depended on mylaw business, I should fare poorly, but thanks to a frugal andindustrious father, I have a fair income outside of my earnings. Mrs. Rand, my visit this morning is to you. How would you like to take aboarder?"

Chester and his mother looked surprised. 

"Who is it, Mr. Gardener?"

"I have a cousin, a lady of forty, who thinks of settling down inWyncombe. She thinks country air will be more favorable to her healththan the city. "

"Probably she is used to better accommodations than she would findhere. "

"My cousin will be satisfied with a modest home. "

"We have but two chambers, mine and Chester's. "

"But you know, mother, I am going to New York to work. "

"That's true; your room will be vacant. "

Mr. Gardener looked surprised. 

"Isn't this something new, " he asked, "about you going to New York, Imean?"

"Yes, sir; that letter from Mr. Conrad will explain all. "

Mr. Gardener read the letter attentively. 

"I think the plan a good one, " he said. "You will find that you willwork better in a great city. Then, if my cousin comes, your mother willnot be so lonesome. "

"It is the very thing, " said Chester, enthusiastically. 

"What is your cousin's name, Mr. Gardener?" asked the widow. 

"Miss Jane Dolby. She is a spinster, and at her age there is not muchchance of her changing her condition. Shall I write her that you willreceive her?"

"Yes; I shall be glad to do so. "

"And, as Miss Dolby is a business woman, she will expect me to tell heryour terms. "

"Will four dollars a week be too much?" asked Mrs. Rand, in a tone ofhesitation. 

"Four dollars, my dear madam!"

"Do you consider it too much? I am afraid I could not afford to sayless. "

"I consider it too little. My cousin is a woman of means. I will tellher your terms are eight dollars a week including washing. "

"But will she be willing to pay so much?"

"She pays twelve dollars a week in the city, and could afford to paymore. She is not mean, but is always willing to pay a good price. "

"I can manage very comfortably on that sum, " said Mrs. Rand, brightening up. "I hope I shall be able to make your cousincomfortable. "

"I am sure of it. Miss Dolby is a very sociable lady, and if you arewilling to hear her talk she will be content. "

"She will keep me from feeling lonesome. "

When Mr. Gardener left the house, Chester said: "All things seem to beworking in aid of my plans, mother, I feel much more comfortable nowthat you will have company. "

"Besides, Chester, you will not need to send me any money. The moneyMiss Dolby pays me will be sufficient to defray the expenses of thetable, and I shall still have some time for binding shoes. "

"Then I hope I may be able to save some money. "

During the afternoon Chester went to the store to buy groceries. Mr. Tripp himself filled the order. He seemed disposed to be friendly. 

"Your money holds out well, Chester, " he said, as he made change for atwo-dollar bill. 

"Yes, Mr. Tripp. "

"I can't understand it, for my part. Your mother must be a goodmanager. "

"Yes, Mr. Tripp, she is. "

"You'd orter come back to work for me, Chester. "

"But you have got a boy already. "

"The Wood boy ain't worth shucks. He ain't got no push, and he's allusforgettin' his errands. If you'll come next Monday I'll pay you twodollars and a half a week. That's pooty good for these times. "

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Tripp, but I am going to worksomewhere else. "

"Where?" asked Silas, in great surprise. 

"In New York, " answered Chester, proudly. 

"You don't say! How'd you get it?"

"Mr. Conrad, an artist, a friend of the minister, got it for me. "

"Is your mother willin' to have you go?"

"She will miss me, but she thinks it will be for my advantage. "

"How's she goin' to live? It will take all you can earn to pay your ownway in a big city. In fact, I don't believe you can do it. "

"I'll try, Mr. Tripp. "

Chester did not care to mention the new boarder that was expected, ashe thought it probable that Mr. Tripp, who always looked out for hisown interests, would try to induce Miss Dolby to board with him. As Mr. Tripp had the reputation of keeping a very poor table, he had neversucceeded in retaining a boarder over four weeks. 

Chester found that his clothing needed replenishing, and ventured tospend five dollars for small articles, such as handkerchiefs, socks, etc. Saturday morning he walked to the depot with a small gripsack inhis hand and bought a ticket for New York. 

CHAPTER X. 

A RAILROAD ACQUAINTANCE. 

The distance by rail from Wyncombe to New York is fifty miles. Whenabout eight years of age Chester had made the journey, but not sincethen. Everything was new to him, and, of course, interesting. Hisattention was drawn from the scenery by the passage of a train boythrough the cars with a bundle of new magazines and papers. 

"Here is all the magazines, _Puck_ and _Judge_. "

"How much do you charge for _Puck_?" asked Chester, with interest, forit was _Puck_ that had accepted his first sketch. 

"Ten cents. "

"Give me one. "

Chester took the paper and handed the train boy a dime. 

Then he began to look over the pages. All at once he gave a start, hisface flushed, his heart beat with excitement. There was his sketchlooking much more attractive on the fair pages of the periodical thanit had done in his pencil drawing. He kept looking at it. It seemed tohave a fascination for him. It was his first appearance in a paper, andit was a proud moment for him. 

"What are you looking at so intently, my son?" asked the gentleman whosat at his side. He was a man of perhaps middle age, and he worespectacles, which gave him a literary aspect. 

"I--I am looking at this sketch, " answered Chester, in slightconfusion. 

"Let me see it. "

Chester handed over the paper and regarded his seat mate with someanxiety. He wanted to see what impression this, his maiden effort, would have on a staid man of middle age. 

"Ha! very good!" said his companion, "but I don't see anything veryremarkable about it. Yet you were looking at it for as much as fiveminutes. "

"Because it is mine, " said Chester, half proudly, half inembarrassment. 

"Ah! that is different. Did you really design it?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I suppose you got pay for it. I understand _Puck_ pays for everythingit publishes. "

"Yes, sir; I got ten dollars. "

"Ten dollars!" repeated the gentleman, in surprise. "Really that isvery handsome. Do you often produce such sketches?"

"I have just begun, sir. That is the first I have had published. "

"You are beginning young. How old are you?"

"I am almost sixteen. "

"That is young for an artist. Why, I am forty-five, and I haven't aparticle of talent in that direction. My youngest son asked me theother day to draw a cow on the slate. I did as well as I could, andwhat do you think he said?"

"What did he say?" asked Chester, interested. 

"He said, 'Papa, if it wasn't for the horns I should think it was ahorse. '"

Chester laughed. It was a joke he could appreciate. 

"I suppose all cannot draw, " he said. 

"It seems not. May I ask you if you live in New York--the city, Imean?"

"No, sir. "

"But you are going there?"

"Yes, sir. "

"To live?"

"I hope so. A friend has written advising me to come. He says I will bebetter placed to do art work, and dispose of my sketches. "

"Are you expecting to earn your living that way?"

"I hope to some time, but not at first. "

"I am glad to hear it. I should think you would find it veryprecarious. "

"I expect to work in a real estate office at five dollars a week, andonly to spend my leisure hours in art work. "

"That seems sensible. Have you been living in the country?"

"Yes, sir, in Wyncombe. "

"I have heard of the place, but was never there. So you are justbeginning the battle of life?"

"Yes, sir. "

"It has just occurred to me that I may be able to throw some work inyour way. I am writing an ethnological work, and it will need to beillustrated. I can't afford to pay such prices as you receive from_Puck_ and other periodicals of the same class, but then the work willnot be original. It will consist chiefly of copies. I should think Imight need a hundred illustrations, and I am afraid I could not paymore than two dollars each. "

A hundred illustrations at two dollars each! Why, that would amount totwo hundred dollars, and there would be no racking his brains fororiginal ideas. 

"If you think I can do the work, sir, I shall be glad to undertake it, "said Chester, eagerly. 

"I have no doubt you can do it, for it will not require an expert. Suppose you call upon me some evening within a week. "

"I will do so gladly, sir, if you will tell me where you live. "

"Here is my card, " said his companion, drawing out his case, andhanding a card to Chester. 

This was what Chester read:

"Prof. Edgar Hazlitt. "

"Do you know where Lexington Avenue is?" asked the professor. 

"I know very little about New York. In fact, nothing at all, " Chesterwas obliged to confess. 

"You will soon find your way about. I have no doubt you will find me, "and the professor mentioned the number. "Shall we say next Wednesdayevening, at eight o'clock sharp? That's if you have no engagement forthat evening, " he added, with a smile. 

Chester laughed at the idea of his having any evening engagements in acity which he had not seen for eight years. 

"If you are engaged to dine with William Vanderbilt or Jay Gould onthat evening, " continued the professor, with a merry look, "I will sayThursday. "

"If I find I am engaged in either place, I think I can get off, " saidChester. 

"Then Wednesday evening let it be!"

As the train neared New York Chester began to be solicitous aboutfinding Mr. Conrad in waiting for him. He knew nothing about the city, and would feel quite helpless should the artist not be present to meethim. He left the car and walked slowly along the platform, lookingeagerly on all sides for the expected friendly face. 

But nowhere could he see Herbert Conrad. 

In some agitation he took from his pocket the card containing hisfriend's address, and he could hardly help inwardly reproaching him forleaving an inexperienced boy in the lurch. He was already beginning tofeel homesick and forlorn, when a bright-looking lad of twelve, withlight-brown hair, came up and asked: "Is this Chester Rand?"

"Yes, " answered Chester, in surprise. "How do you know my name?"

"I was sent here by Mr. Conrad to meet you. "

Chester brightened up at once. So his friend had not forgotten himafter all. 

"Mr. Conrad couldn't come to meet you, as he had an importantengagement, so he sent me to bring you to his room. I am Rob Fisher. "

"I suppose that means Robert Fisher?"

"Yes, but everybody calls me Rob. "

"Are you a relation of Mr. Conrad?"

"Yes, I am his cousin. I live just outside of the city, but I amvisiting my cousin for the day. I suppose you don't know much about NewYork?"

"I know nothing at all. "

"I am pretty well posted, and I come into the city pretty often. Justfollow me. Shall I carry your valise?"

"Oh, no; I am older than you and better able to carry it. What streetis this?"

"Forty-second Street. We will go to Fifth Avenue, and then walk down toThirty-fourth Street. "

"That is where Mr. Conrad lives, isn't it?"

"Yes; it is one of the wide streets, like Fourteenth and Twenty-third, and this street. "

"There are some fine houses here. "

"I should think so. You live in Wyncombe, don't you?"

"Yes; the houses are all of wood there. "

"I suppose so. Mr. Conrad tells me you are an artist, " said Rob, eyinghis new friend with curiosity. 

"In a small way. "

"I should like to see some of your pictures. "

"I can show you one, " and Chester opened his copy of _Puck_ and pointedto the sketch already referred to. 

"Did you really draw this yourself?"

"Yes. "

"And did you get any money for it?"

"Ten dollars, " answered Chester, with natural pride. 

"My! I wish I could get money for drawing. "

"Perhaps you can some time. "

Bob shook his head. 

"I haven't any talent that way. "

"What house is that?" asked Chester, pointing to the marble mansion atthe corner of Thirty-fourth Street. 

"That used to belong to A. T. Stewart, the great merchant. I supposeyou haven't any houses like that in Wyncombe?"

"Oh, no. "

"We will turn down here. This is Thirty-fourth Street. "

They kept on, crossing Sixth and Seventh Avenues, and presently stoodin front of a neat, brownstone house between Seventh and EighthAvenues. 

"That is where Mr. Conrad lives, " said Rob. 

CHAPTER XI. 

CHESTER'S FIRST EXPERIENCES IN NEW YORK. 

The bell was rung, and a servant opened the door. 

"I will go up to Mr. Conrad's room, " said Rob. 

The servant knew him, and no objection was made. They went up twoflights to the front room on the third floor. Rob opened the doorwithout ceremony and entered, followed by Chester. 

He found himself in a spacious room, neatly furnished and hung aroundwith engravings, with here and there an oil painting. There was a tablenear the window with a portfolio on it. Here, no doubt, Mr. Conrad didsome of his work. There was no bed in the room, but through an opendoor Chester saw a connecting bedroom. 

"This is a nice room, " he said. 

"Yes, cousin Herbert likes to be comfortable. Here, give me yourvalise, and make yourself at home. "

Chester sat down by the window and gazed out on the broad street. Itwas a pleasant, sunny day, and everything looked bright and attractive. 

"You are going to live in New York, aren't you?" asked Rob. 

"Yes, if I can make a living here. "

"I guess cousin Herbert will help you. "

"He has already. He has obtained a place for me in a real estate officeat five dollars a week. "

"I think I could live on five dollars a week. "

"I suppose it costs considerable to live in New York. "

Chester felt no apprehension, however. He was sure he should succeed, and, indeed, he had reason to feel encouraged, for had he not alreadyengaged two hundred dollars' worth of work?--and this sum seemed asmuch to him as two thousand would have done to Mr. Conrad. 

An hour glided by rapidly, and then a step was heard on the stairs. 

"That's cousin Herbert, " said Rob, and he ran to open the door. 

"Hello, Rob. Did you find Chester?"

"Yes, here he is!"

"Glad to see you, Chester, " said the artist, shaking his handcordially; "you must excuse my not going to meet you, but I was busilyengaged on a large drawing for _Harper's Weekly_, and, feeling in afavorable mood, I didn't want to lose the benefit of my inspiration. You will find when you have more experience that an artist canaccomplish three times as much when in the mood. 

"I am glad you didn't leave off for me. Rob has taken good care of me. "

"Yes, Rob is used to the city; I thought you would be in safe hands. And how do you like my quarters?"

"They are very pleasant. And the street is so wide, too. "

"Yes, I like Thirty-fourth street. I lodge, but I don't board here. "

Chester was surprised to hear this. In Wyncombe everyone took his mealsin the same house in which he lodged. 

"And that reminds me, don't you feel hungry? I don't ask Rob, for healways has an appetite. How is it with you, Chester?"

"I took a very early breakfast. "

"So I thought, " laughed Conrad. "Well, put on our coats, and we'll goto Trainor's. "

They walked over to Sixth Avenue and entered a restaurant adjoining theStandard Theater. It was handsomely decorated, and seemed to Chesterquite the finest room he was ever in. Ranged in three rows were smalltables, each designed for four persons. One of these was vacant, andConrad took a seat on one side, placing the two boys opposite. 

"Now, " he said, "I had better do the ordering. We will each order adifferent dish, and by sharing them we will have a variety. "

There is no need to mention of what the dinner consisted. All threeenjoyed it, particularly the two boys. It was the first meal Chesterhad taken in a restaurant, and he could not get rid of a feeling ofembarrassment at the thought that the waiters, who were better dressedthan many of the prominent citizens of Wyncombe, were watching him. Hedid not, however, allow this feeling to interfere with his appetite. 

"Do you always eat here, Mr. Conrad?" asked Chester. 

"No; sometimes it is more convenient to go elsewhere. Now and then Itake a table d'hote dinner. "

"I don't think I can afford to come here often, " Chester remarked, after consulting the bill of fare and the prices set down opposite thedifferent dishes. 

"No; it will be better for you to secure a boarding place. You want tobe economical for the present. How did you leave your mother?"

"Very well, thank you, Mr. Conrad. We have been very fortunate insecuring a boarder who pays eight dollars a week, so that mother thinksshe can get along for the present without help from me. "

"That is famous. Where did you get such a boarder in Wyncombe?"

"It is a lady, the cousin of Mr. Gardener, the lawyer. She will becompany for mother. "

"It is an excellent arrangement. Now, boys, if you have finished, Iwill go up and settle the bill. "

As they left the restaurant, Mr. Conrad said:

"In honor of your arrival, I shall not work any more to-day. Now, shallwe go back to my room, or would you like to take a walk and seesomething of the city?"

The unanimous decision was for the stroll. 

Mr. Conrad walked down Broadway with the boys, pointing out any notablebuildings on the way. Chester was dazzled. The great city exceeded hisanticipations. Everything seemed on so grand a scale to the countryboy, and with his joyous excitement there mingled the thought: "And I, too, am going to live here. I shall have a share in the great city, andmingle in its scenes every day. "

Rob was used to the city, and took matters quietly. He was notparticularly impressed. Yet he could not help enjoying the walk, soperfect was the weather. As they passed Lord & Taylor's, a lady cameout of the store. 

"Why, mother, " said Rob, "is that you?"

"Yes, Rob. I came in on a shopping excursion, and I want you to go withme and take care of me. "

Rob grumbled a little, but, of course, acceded to his mother's request. So Chester was left alone with Mr. Conrad. 

"How do you feel about coming to New York, Chester?" asked his friend. "You are not afraid of failure, are you?"

"No, Mr. Conrad, I feel very hopeful. Something has happened to meto-day that encourages me very much. "

"What is it?"

Chester told the story of his meeting with Prof. Hazlitt, and theproposition which had been made to him. 

"Why, this is famous, " exclaimed Conrad, looking pleased. "I know ofProf. Hazlitt, though I never met him. He was once professor in aWestern college, but inheriting a fortune from his uncle, came to NewYork to pursue his favorite studies. He does not teach now, but, Ibelieve, delivers an annual course of lectures before the students ofColumbia College. He is a shrewd man, and the offer of employment fromhim is indeed a compliment. I am very glad you met him. He may throwother work in your way. "

"I hope I can give him satisfaction, " said Chester. "It makes me feelrich whenever I think of the sum I am to receive. Two hundred dollarsis a good deal of money. "

"To a boy like you, yes. It doesn't go very far with me now. It costs agood deal for me to live. How much do you think I have to pay for myroom--without board?"

"Three dollars a week, " guessed Chester. 

Mr. Conrad smiled. 

"I pay ten dollars a week, " he said. 

Chester's breath was quite taken away. 

"Why, I did not think the whole house would cost as much--for rent. "

"You will get a more correct idea of New York expenses after a while. Now, let me come back to your plans. You had better stay with me for afew days. "

"But I am afraid I shall be putting you to inconvenience, Mr. Conrad. "

"No; it will be pleasant for me to have your company. On Monday morningI will go with you to the office of the real estate broker who is toemploy you. "

Chester passed Sunday pleasantly, going to church in the forenoon, andtaking a walk with Mr. Conrad in the afternoon. He wrote a short letterto his mother, informing her of his safe arrival in the city, but notmentioning his engagement by Prof. Hazlitt. He preferred to wait tillhe had an interview with the professor, and decided whether he could dothe work satisfactorily. 

"Your future employer is Clement Fairchild, " said the artist. "Hisoffice is on West Fourteenth Street, between Seventh and EightAvenues. "

"What sort of a man is he?" asked Chester. 

"I don't know him very well, but I believe he does a very goodbusiness. You will know more about him in a week than I can tell you. There is one comfort, and that is that you are not wholly dependentupon him. I advise you, however, to say nothing in the office aboutyour art work. Business men sometimes have a prejudice against outsideworkers. They feel that an employee ought to be solely occupied withtheir interests. "

"I will remember what you say, Mr. Conrad. "

Chester looked forward with considerable curiosity and some anxiety tohis coming interview with Mr. Fairchild. 

CHAPTER XII. 

A REAL ESTATE OFFICE. 

About eight o'clock on Monday morning Chester, accompanied by hisfriend Conrad, turned down Fourteenth Street from Sixth Avenue and kepton till they reached an office over which was the sign:

"Clement Fairchild, Real Estate. "

"This is the place, Chester, " said the artist. "I will go in andintroduce you. "

They entered the office. It was of fair size, and contained a highdesk, an office table covered with papers, and several chairs. Therewas but one person in the office, a young man with black whiskers andmustache and an unamiable expression. He sat on a high stool, but hewas only reading the morning paper. He turned lazily as he heard thedoor open, and let his glance rest on Mr. Conrad. 

"What can I do for you?" he asked, in a careless tone. 

"Is Mr. Fairchild in?" asked the artist. 

"No. "

"When will he be in?"

"Can't say, I am sure. If you have any business, I will attend to it. "

"I have no special business, except to introduce my young friend here. "

"Indeed!" said the clerk, impudently. "Who is he?"

"He is going to work here, " returned Mr. Conrad, sharply. 

"What?" queried the bookkeeper, evidently taken by surprise. "Who sayshe is going to work here?"

"Mr. Fairchild. "

"He didn't say anything to me about it. "

"Very remarkable, certainly, " rejoined Conrad. "I presume you have noobjection. "

"Look here, " said the bookkeeper, "I think there is some mistake aboutthis. The place was all but promised to my cousin. "

"You'll have to settle that matter with your employer. Apparently hedoesn't tell you everything, Mr. ----"

"My name is Mullins--David Mullins, " said the bookkeeper, with dignity. 

"Then, Mr. Mullins, I have the pleasure of introducing to you ChesterRand, late of Wyncombe, now of New York, who will be associated withyou in the real estate business. "

"Perhaps so, " sneered Mullins. 

"He will stay here till Mr. Fairchild makes his appearance. "

"Oh, he can sit down if he wants to. "

"I shall have to leave you, Chester, as I must get to work. When Mr. Fairchild comes in, show him this note from me. "

"All right, sir. "

Chester was rather chilled by his reception. He saw instinctively thathis relations with Mr. Mullins were not likely to be cordial, and hesuspected that if the bookkeeper could get him into trouble he would. 

After the artist had left the office, Mr. David Mullins leisurelypicked his teeth with his pen-knife, and fixed a scrutinizing glance onChester, of whom he was evidently taking the measure. 

"Do you knew Mr. Fairchild?" he at length asked, abruptly. 

"No, sir. "

"It's queer he should have engaged you as office boy. "

Chester did not think it necessary to make any reply to this remark. 

"How much salary do you expect to get?"

"Five dollars a week. "

"Who told you so?"

"The gentleman who came in with me. "

"Who is he?"

"Mr. Herbert Conrad, an artist and draughtsman. "

"Never heard of him. "

Mr. Mullins spoke as if this was enough to settle the status of Mr. Conrad. A man whom he did not know must be obscure. 

"So, Mr. Fairchild engaged you through Mr. Conrad, did he?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Do you know anything about the city?"

"Not much. "

"Then I can't imagine why Mr. Fairchild should have hired you. Youcan't be of much use here. "

Chester began to feel discouraged. All this was certainly verydepressing. 

"I shall try to make myself useful, " he said. 

"Oh, yes, " sneered Mr. Mullins, "new boys always say that. "

There was a railing stretching across the office about midway, dividingit into two parts. The table and desk were inside. The remaining spacewas left for the outside public. 

A poor woman entered the office, her face bearing the impress ofsorrow. 

"Is Mr. Fairchild in?" she asked. 

"No, he isn't. "

"I've come in about the month's rent. "

"Very well! You can pay it to me. What name?"

"Mrs. Carlin, sir. "

"Ha! yes. Your rent is six dollars. Pass it over, and I will give you areceipt. "

"But I came to say that I had only three dollars and a half toward it. "

"And why have you only three dollars and a half, I'd like to know?"said Mullins, rudely. 

"Because my Jimmy has been sick three days. He's a telegraph boy, andI'm a widow, wid only me bye to help me. "

"I have nothing to do with the sickness of your son. When you hiredyour rooms, you agreed to pay the rent, didn't you?"

"Yes, sir; but----"

"And you didn't say anything about Jimmy being sick or well. "

"True for you, sir; but----"

"I think, Mrs. Carlin, you'll have to get hold of the other two dollarsand a half some how, or out you'll go. See?"

"Shure, sir, you are very hard with a poor widow, " said Mrs. Carlin, wiping her eyes with the corner of her apron. 

"Business is business, Mrs. Carlin. "

"If Mr. Fairchild were in, he'd trate me better than you. Will he be insoon?"

"Perhaps he will, and perhaps he won't. You can pay the money to me. "

"I won't, sir, beggin' your pardon. I'd rather wait and see him. "

"Very well! you can take the consequences, " and Mr. Mullins eyed thewidow with an unpleasant and threatening glance. 

She looked very sad, and Chester felt that he should like to give thebookkeeper a good shaking. He could not help despising a man whoappeared to enjoy distressing an unfortunate woman whose only crime waspoverty. 

At this moment the office door opened, and a gentleman of perhaps fortyentered. He was a man with a kindly face, and looked far less importantthan the bookkeeper. Mr. Mullins, on seeing him, laid aside hisunpleasant manner, and said, in a matter-of-fact tone:

"This is Mrs. Carlin. She owes six dollars rent, and only brings threedollars and a half. "

"How is this, Mrs. Carlin?" inquired Mr. Fairchild, for this was he. 

Mrs. Carlin repeated her story of Jimmy's illness and her consequentinability to pay the whole rent. 

"When do you think Jimmy will get well?" asked the agent, kindly. 

"He's gettin' better fast, sir. I think he'll be able to go to work byWednesday. If you'll only wait a little while, sir----"

"How long have you been paying rent here?" asked Mr. Fairchild. 

"This is the third year, sir. "

"And have you ever been in arrears before?"

"No, sir. "

"Then you deserve consideration. Mr. Mullins, give Mrs. Carlin areceipt on account, and she will pay the balance as soon as she can. "

"Thank you, sir. May the saints reward you, sir! Shure, I told thisgentleman that you'd make it all right with me. He was very hard withme. "

"Mr. Mullins, " said the agent, sternly, "I have before now told youthat our customers are to be treated with consideration and kindness. "

David Mullins did not reply, but he dug his pen viciously into thepaper on which he was writing a receipt, and scowled, but as his backwas turned to his employer, the latter did not see it. 

When Mrs. Carlin had left the office, Chester thought it best tointroduce himself. 

"I am Chester Rand, from Wyncombe, " he said. "Mr. Conrad came round tointroduce me, but you were not in. "

"Ah, yes, you have come to be my office boy. I am glad to see you andhope you will like the city. Mr. Mullins, you will set this boy towork. "

"He told me he was to work here, but as you had not mentioned it Ithought there must be some mistake. He says he doesn't know much aboutthe city. "

"Neither did I when I first came here from a country town. "

"It will be rather inconvenient, sir. Now, my cousin whom I mentionedto you is quite at home all over the city. "

"I am glad to hear it. He will find this knowledge of service--in someother situation, " added Mr. Fairchild, significantly. 

David Mullins bit his lip and was silent. He could not understand whyFelix Gordon, his cousin, had failed to impress Mr. Fairchildfavorably. He had not noticed that Felix entered the office with acigarette in his mouth, which he only threw away when he was introducedto the real estate agent. 

"I'll have that boy out of this place within a month, or my name isn'tDavid Mullins, " he said to himself. 

Chester could not read what was passing through his mind, but he feltinstinctively that the bookkeeper was his enemy. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

MR. MULLINS, THE BOOKKEEPER. 

Chester felt that it was necessary to be on his guard. The bookkeeperwas already his enemy. There were two causes for this. First, Mr. Mullins was naturally of an ugly disposition, and, secondly, he wasdisappointed in not securing the situation for his cousin. 

At noon the latter made his appearance. He was a thin, dark-complexioned boy, with curious-looking eyes that somehow inspireddistrust. 

He walked up to the desk where the book keeper was writing. 

"Good-morning, Cousin David, " he said. 

"Good-morning, Felix. Sit down for a few minutes, and I will take youout to lunch. "

"All right!" answered Felix. "Who's that boy?" he inquired, in a lowvoice. 

"The new office boy. Wait till we go out, and I will tell you aboutit. "

In five minutes David Mullins put on his hat and coat and went out withhis cousin. 

"Stay here and mind the office, " he said to Chester, "and if anybodycomes in, keep them, if possible. If any tenant comes to pay money, take it and give a receipt. "

"All right, sir. "

When they were in the street, Felix asked:

"Where did you pick up the boy? Why didn't I get the place?"

"You must ask Mr. Fairchild that. He engaged him without consultingme. "

"What sort of a boy is he?"

"A country gawky. He knows nothing of the city. "

"Is he a friend of Mr. Fairchild?"

"Fairchild never met him before. Some beggarly artist interceded forhim. "

"It is too bad I can't be in the office. It would be so nice to be inthe same place with you. "

"I did my best, but Fairchild didn't seem to fancy you. I think he tooka prejudice against you on account of your smoking cigarettes. He musthave seen you with one. "

"Does the new boy smoke cigarettes?"

"I don't know. That gives me an idea. You had better get intimate withhim and offer him cigarettes. He doesn't know Mr. Fairchild'sprejudice, and may fall into the trap. "

"How can I get acquainted with him?"

"I'll see to that. I shall be sending him out on an errand presently, and you can offer to go with him. "

"That'll do. But you must buy me a package of cigarettes. "

"Very well. My plan is to have the boy offend Mr. Fairchild'sprejudices, and that may make a vacancy for you. By the way, never lethim see you smoking. "

"I won't, but as he is not about, I'll smoke a cigarette now. "

"Better wait till after lunch. "

About ten minutes after Mr. Mullins left the office, a man offorty--evidently a mechanic--entered. 

"Is the bookkeeper in?" he asked. 

"He's gone to lunch. "

"He sent me a bill for this month's rent, which I have already paid. "

"Please give me your name. "

"James Long. "

"And where do you live?"

The address was given--a house on East Twentieth Street. 

"Haven't you the receipt?" asked Chester. 

"No. "

"Didn't Mr. Mullins give you one?"

"Yes; but I carelessly left it on the table. I suppose he found it andkept the money, " he added, bitterly. 

"But that would be a mean thing to do, " said Chester, startled. 

"Nothing is too mean for Mullins, " said Long. "He's a hard man and atricky one. "

"He will come in soon if you can wait. "

"I can't. I am at work, and this is my noon hour. "

"I will tell him what you say----"

"Perhaps I may have a chance to call in this afternoon. I feel worriedabout this matter, for, although it is only ten dollars, that is a gooddeal to a man with a family, and earning only twelve dollars a week. "

Presently Mr. Mullins returned. 

"Has anybody been in?" he asked. 

"Yes, " answered Chester. "A man named James Long. "

A curious expression came into the bookkeeper's eye. 

"Well, did he pay his rent?"

"No; he said he had paid it already. "

"Oh, he did, did he?" sneered the bookkeeper. "In that case, of coursehe has the receipt. "

"No; he said he had left it here on the table, and did not think of ittill some time afterwards. "

"A likely story. He must think I am a fool. Even a boy like you can seethrough that. "

"He seemed to me like an honest man. "

"Oh, well, you are from the country, and could not be expected to know. We have some sharp swindlers in New York. "

Chester was quite of that opinion, but he was beginning to think thatthe description would apply better to David Mullins than to James Long. 

"By the way, Chester, " said Mr. Mullins, with unusual blandness, "thisis my cousin, Felix Gordon. "

"Glad to meet you, " said Felix, with an artificial smile. 

Chester took the extended hand. He was not especially drawn to Felix, but felt that it behooved him to be polite. 

"You boys must be somewhere near the same age, " said the bookkeeper. "Iwill give you a chance to become acquainted. Chester, I want you to goto number four seventy-one Bleecker Street. I suppose you don't knowwhere it is?"

"No, sir. "

"Felix, go with him and show him the way. "

Chester was quite amazed at this unusual and unexpected kindness on thepart of a man whom he had regarded as an enemy. Was it possible that hehad misjudged him?

The two boys went out together. 

When they were fairly in the street, Felix produced his package ofcigarettes. 

"Have one?" he asked. 

"No, thank you; I don't smoke. "

"Don't smoke!" repeated Felix, in apparent amusement. "You don't meanthat?"

"I never smoked a cigarette in my life. "

"Then it's high time you learned. All boys smoke in the city. "

"I don't think I should like it. "

"Oh, nonsense! Just try one for my sake. "

"Thank you, Felix. You are very kind, but I promised mother I wouldn'tsmoke. "

"Your mother lives in the country, doesn't she?"

"Yes. "

"Then she won't know it. "

"That will make no difference. I made the promise, and I mean to keepit, " said Chester, firmly. 

"Oh, well, suit yourself. What a muff he is!" thought Felix. "However, he'll soon break over his virtuous resolutions. Do you know, " hecontinued, changing the subject, "that you have got the situation I wasafter?"

"I think I heard Mr. Mullins say something about it. I am sorry if Ihave stood in your way. "

"Oh, if it hadn't been you it would have been some other boy. How doyou think you shall like the city?"

"Very much, I think. "

"What pay do you get?"

"Five dollars a week. "

"You can't live on that. "

"I will try to. "

"Of course, it is different with me. I should have lived at home. You'll have to run into debt. "

"I will try not to. "

"Where do you live?"

"I am staying with a friend--Mr. Conrad, an artist--just now, but Ishall soon get a boarding place. "

"I live on Eighty-sixth Street--in a flat. My father is in the customhouse. "

"How long has your cousin--Mr. Mullins--been in this office?"

"About five years. He's awfully smart, cousin David is. It's he thatruns the business. Mr. Fairchild is no sort of a business man. "

Chester wondered how, under the circumstances, Mr. Mullins should nothave influence enough to secure the situation of office boy for Felix. 

They soon reached Bleecker Street. Chester took notice of the way inorder that he might know it again. He was sharp and observing, andmeant to qualify himself for his position as soon as possible. 

At five o'clock the office was vacated. Chester remained to sweep up. Apiece of paper on the floor attracted his attention. He picked it upand found, to his surprise, that it was James Long's missing receipt. It was on the floor of the clothes closet, and he judged that it haddropped from the bookkeeper's pocket. 

What should he do with it?

CHAPTER XIV. 

THE TABLES TURNED. 

Under ordinary circumstances, Chester would have handed the receipt tothe bookkeeper, but he was convinced that it was the purpose of Mr. Mullins to defraud the tenant out of a month's rent, and he felt thatit would not be in the interest of the latter for him to put this powerin the hands of the enemy. Obviously the receipt belonged to JamesLong, who had lost it. 

Fortunately, Chester had the address of the mechanic on East TwentiethStreet, and he resolved, though it would cost him quite a walk, to calland give him the paper. In twenty minutes after locking the office hefound himself in front of a large tenement house, which was occupied bya great number of families. He found that Long lived on the third floorback. 

He knocked at the door. It was opened to him by a woman of forty, whohad a babe in her arms, while another--a little girl--was holding ontoher dress. 

"Does Mr. James Long live here?" asked Chester. 

"Yes. "

"Is he at home?"

"No, but I am expecting him home from work every minute. Will you comein, or shall I give him your message?"

"Perhaps I had better see him, if it won't inconvenience you. "

"Oh, no, if you will excuse my poor rooms, " said Mrs. Long, pleasantly. 

"I am poor myself, and am not used to fine rooms. "

"Take the rocking-chair, " said Mrs. Long, offering him the best chairin the room. "If you will excuse me, I will go on preparing myhusband's supper. "

"Certainly. Shall I take the baby?"

"Oh, I wouldn't like to trouble you. "

"I like babies. "

Chester had seen that the baby's face was clean, and that it lookedattractive. Babies know their friends instinctively, and thisparticular baby was soon in a frolic with its young guardian. 

"I guess you are used to babies, " said the mother, pleased. 

"No, I am the only baby in my family, but I am fond of children. "

I may remark here that manly boys generally do like children, and Ihaven't much respect for those who will tease or tyrannize over them. 

In ten minutes a heavy step was heard on the stairs, and James Longentered. His face was sober, for, after his interview with ChesterRand--he had not had time for a second call--he began to fear that heshould have to pay his month's rent over again, and this to him wouldinvolve a severe loss. 

He looked with surprise at Chester, not immediately recognizing him. 

"I come from Mr. Fairchild's office, " explained Chester. 

"Oh, yes; I remember seeing you there. Has the receipt been found?" headded, eagerly. 

"Yes. "

James Long looked very much relieved. 

"I am very glad, " he sighed. "Mr. Mullins wouldn't have believed me. What does he say now?"

"He doesn't know that the receipt is found. "

"How is that?" asked the mechanic, puzzled. 

"I found it after Mr. Mullins went away. "

"Where did you find it?"

"In the clothes closet, just under where Mr. Mullins hangs his coat, "added Chester, significantly. 

"And you bring it to me?"

"Yes, it belongs to you. Besides, after what I heard, I didn't dare totrust it in the hands of the bookkeeper. "

"I see you think the same of him as I do. "

"I don't like him. "

"You think he meant to cheat me?"

"It looks like it. "

"I am all right now. What do you think I had better do?"

"Come round to-morrow, but don't show the receipt unless Mr. Fairchildis in the office. He is a very different man from Mr. Mullins. Thebookkeeper might still play a trick upon you?"

"I believe you're right. Shall I tell him how you found and gave meback the receipt?"

"No; let Mr. Mullins puzzle over it. It is fortunate he didn't destroythe receipt, or you would have had no resource. "

"You're a smart boy, and I'll take your advice. How long have you beenin the office?"

"This is my first day, " answered Chester, smiling. 

"Well, well! I couldn't have believed it. You will make a smartbusiness man. You've been a good friend to James Long, and he won'tforget it. I say, wife, perhaps this young gentleman will stay tosupper. "

"Thank you, " answered Chester. "I would, but I am to meet a frienduptown at six o'clock. It is so late, " he added, looking at the clockon the mantel, "that I must go at once. "

When Chester met his friend the artist, he told him of what hadhappened. 

"That Mullins is evidently a rascal, and a very mean one, " said Mr. Conrad. "If I were going to defraud anyone, it wouldn't be a poormechanic. "

"Mr. Mullins has already taken a dislike to me. If he should discoverthat I have found the receipt and given it to Mr. Long, he would hateme even worse. "

"You must look out for him. He will bear watching. "

"I wish he were more like Mr. Fairchild. He seems a fair, honorableman. "

"He is. I don't understand why he should employ such a fellow asMullins. "

"Perhaps he hasn't found him out. "

"Mullins will find it hard to explain this matter. Let me know how itcomes out. I suppose Long will call at the office to-morrow?"

"Yes; I advised him to. "

The next day, about twenty minutes after twelve, James Long entered theoffice. He looked about him anxiously, and, to his relief, saw that Mr. Fairchild was present. He went up to the table where the broker wasseated. 

"I came about my rent, " he said. 

"You can speak to Mr. Mullins, " said the broker, going on with hiswriting. 

"I would rather speak with you, sir. "

"How is that?" asked Mr. Fairchild, his attention excited. 

"I will tell you, sir, " said the bookkeeper, with an ugly look. "Thisman came here yesterday and declined to pay his rent, because, he said, he had paid it already. "

"And I had, " said Long, quietly. "I am a mechanic on small wages, and Ican't afford to pay my rent twice. "

"Did you pay the rent to Mr. Mullins?"

"Yes, sir. "

"When?"

"Day before yesterday. "

"Then he gave you a receipt?"

"He did, sir. "

"It seems to me that than settles the question. Did you give him areceipt, Mr. Mullins?"

"If I had, he could show it now. He says that he left it behind in theoffice here. Of course, that's too thin!"

"It is very important to take good care of your receipt, Mr. Long. "

"Did you ever lose or mislay a receipt, sir?"

"Yes, I have on two or three occasions. "

"So that I am not the only one to whom it has happened. "

"Mr. Mullins, did Mr. Long come to the office on the day when he sayshe paid the rent?"

"Yes, sir. "

"And he didn't pay it?"

"No, sir. He said he hadn't the money, but would bring it in a fewdays. "

James Long listened in indignant astonishment. 

"That is untrue, sir. I made no excuse, but handed Mr. Mullins theamount in full. "

"There is a very extraordinary discrepancy in your statements. You saythat he wrote out a receipt?"

"Yes, sir. "

"It is a pity that you can't produce it. "

"Yes, " chimed in Mullins, with a sneer, "it is unlucky that you cannotproduce it. "

Then came a sensation. 

"I can produce it, " said Long. "The receipt has been found, " and hedrew out the slip of paper and passed it to Mr. Fairchild. 

The face of Mullins was a study. His amazement was deep and genuine. 

"It must be a forgery, " he said. "Mr. Long can't possibly have areceipt. "

"You are mistaken, " said Mr. Fairchild. "The receipt and the signatureare genuine, and it is written on one of our letter heads. "

Mullins took the receipt and faltered:

"I don't understand it. "

"Nor do I, " said the broker, sternly. "Did you make any entry on thebooks?"

"I--I don't remember. "

"Show me the record. "

Mr. Fairchild opened the book, and saw an entry made, but afterwarderased. 

When the bookkeeper found the receipt on the table, a promising pieceof rascality was suggested to him. He would keep the money himself, andconceal the record. 

"Mr. Long, " said the broker, "here is your receipt. It is clear thatyou have paid your rent. You will have no more trouble. "

Then, as the mechanic left the office, the broker, turning to thebookkeeper, said, sternly:

"Another such transaction, Mr. Mullins, and you leave my employ. "

"But, sir----" stammered Mullins. 

"You may spare your words. I understand the matter. If you had not beenin my employ so long, I would discharge you at the end of this week. "

Mullins went back to his desk, crushed and mortified. But his brain wasbusy with the thought, "Where could James Long have obtained thereceipt?" He remembered having put it into the pocket of his overcoat, and it had disappeared. 

"I was a fool that I didn't destroy it, " he reflected. 

CHAPTER XV. 

A PLOT AGAINST CHESTER. 

The more the bookkeeper thought of it, the more he was of the opinionthat Chester must have had something to do with the events that led tohis discovery and humiliation. Otherwise, how could James Long haverecovered the receipt? He, himself, had found it and kept it in hispossession. Chester must have chanced upon the receipt and carried itto Long. 

Though well convinced of it, he wished to find out positively. Accordingly, he took his cousin Felix into his confidence as far as wasnecessary, and sent him to the room of the mechanic to find out whetherChester had been there. 

It was the middle of the forenoon when Felix knocked at the door ofJames Long's humble home. 

Mrs. Long, with the baby in her arms, answered the knock. 

"Is this Mrs. Long?" asked Felix. 

"Yes, sir. "

"I am the friend of Chester Rand. "

"I don't think I know Mr. Rand, " said Mrs. Long, who had not heardChester's name. 

"The boy from Mr. Fairchild's office. He called here, I believe, oneday last week. "

"Oh, yes and a good friend he was to me and mine. "

"In what way?" asked Felix, his face lighting with satisfaction at thediscovery he had made. 

"He brought my husband the receipt he had lost. Didn't he tell you?"

"Oh, yes. I wasn't thinking of that. He asked me to inquire if he lefthis gloves here?"

"I haven't found any. I should have seen them if he left them here. "

"All right. I will tell him. He thought he might have left them. Goodmorning, ma'am. "

And Felix hurried downstairs. He was not partial to poor people ortenement houses, and he was glad to get away. 

He reached the office in time to go out to lunch with the bookkeeper. 

"Well?" asked Mullins, eagerly. "Did you go to Long's?"

"Yes. "

"What did you find out?"

"I found out that your office boy had been there and carried them thereceipt. "

"The young--viper! So he is trying to undermine me in the office. Well, he'll live to regret it, " and the bookkeeper shook his head vigorously. 

"I'd get even with him if I were you, Cousin David. "

"Trust me for that! I generally pay off all debts of that kind. "

"How will you do it?" asked Felix, curiously. 

"I don't know yet. Probably I'll get him into some bad scrape that willsecure his discharge. "

"And then you'll get me into the place?"

"I am afraid I can't. I am not on good terms with Mr. Fairchild, and myrecommendation won't do you much good, even if I do manage to get ridof Chester. "

"Then I don't see how I am going to be benefited by working for you, "said Felix, dissatisfied. 

"I'll pay you in some way. To begin with, here's a dollar. This is foryour errand of this morning. "

"Thank you, Cousin David, " said Felix, pocketing the bill with an airof satisfaction. "I think I'll go to Daly's Theater to-night. Fatherdoesn't give me much spending money--only twenty-five cents a week, andwhat's a fellow to do with such a beggarly sum as that?"

"It is more than I had at your age. "

"The world has progressed since then. A boy needs more pocket money nowthan he did fifteen years ago. How soon shall you try to get even withthat boy?"

"I think it will be prudent to wait a while. Mr. Fairchild may suspectsomething if I move too soon. The boy has been with us less than aweek. "

"He has been with you long enough to do some harm. "

"That's true, " said Mullins, with an ugly look. 

"Does he seem to suit Mr. Fairchild?"

"Yes; he appears to be intelligent, and he attends to his duties--worseluck!--but he's a thorn in my side, a thorn in my side! I'd givetwenty-five dollars if he was out of the office. "

"Do you want me to break off acquaintance with him?"

"No; keep on good terms with him. Let him think you are his intimatefriend. It will give me a chance to plot against him--through you. "

CHAPTER XVI. 

PROF. HAZLITT AT HOME. 

Chester did not forget his engagement to call upon Prof. Hazlitt onWednesday evening. 

He was shown at once into the professor's study. It was a large room, the sides lined with bookcases crowded with volumes. There seemed to bemore books than Chester had ever seen before. 

In the center of the room was a study table, covered with books, openas if in use. On one side was a desk, at which Prof. Hazlitt himselfwas seated. 

"Good-evening, my young friend, " he said, cordially, as Chester enteredthe room. "You did not forget your appointment. "

"No, sir. I was not likely to forget such an engagement. "

"Have you grown to feel at home in the city?"

"Not entirely, sir, but I am getting a little used to it. "

"I think you mentioned that you were going into a real estate office?"

"Yes, sir. I have commenced my duties there. "

"I hope you find them agreeable. "

"I might, sir, but that the bookkeeper seems to have taken a dislike tome. "

"I suspect that you would like better to devote yourself to art work. "

"I think I should, sir, but Mr. Conrad thinks it better that I shouldonly devote my leisure to drawing. "

"No doubt his advice is wise, for the present, at least. Now, supposewe come to business. I believe I told you I am writing a book onethnology. "

"Yes, sir. "

"I find a good deal of help in rare volumes which I consult at theAstor Library. These I cannot borrow, but I have the use of anything Ifind suited to my needs in the library of Columbia College. Then Iimport a good many books. I shall spare no pains to make my own workvaluable and comprehensive. Of course, I shall feel at liberty to copyand use any illustrations I find in foreign publications. It is herethat you can help me. "

"Yes, sir. "

"Here, for instance, " and the professor opened a French book, "are somesketches illustrating the dress and appearance of the natives ofMadagascar. Do you think you can copy them?"

"I have no doubt of it, sir, " he answered. 

"Sit down in that chair and try. You will find pencils and drawingpaper before you. I will mention one or two particulars in which I wantyou to deviate from the original. "

Chester sat down and was soon deep in his task. He felt that it wasimportant for him to do his best. He could understand that, though theprofessor was a kind-hearted man, he would be a strict critic. 

He therefore worked slowly and carefully, and it was nearly an hourbefore he raised his head and said:

"I have finished. "

"Show the sketch to me, " said the professor. 

Chester handed it to him. 

He examined it with critical attention. Gradually his face lighted upwith pleasure. 

"Admirably done!" he exclaimed. "You have carried out my wishes. "

"Then you are satisfied, sir?"

"Entirely. "

"I am very glad, " said Chester, with an air of relief. 

He felt now he could do all that was required of him, and, as thecontract would pay him two hundred dollars, this success to-night wasan important one. 

"I won't ask you to do any more this evening, but I will give you somework to do at home. I believe I agreed to pay you two dollars for eachsketch?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Probably you are not over well provided with money, and I will pay youas you go on. Or, rather, I will give you ten dollars as an advance forfuture work. "

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

"Only considerate. I have seen the time when a ten-dollar-bill wouldhave been welcome to me. Now, thanks to a wealthy relative, who left mea fortune, I am amply provided for. "

At this moment the study door opened and a bright-looking boy of aboutfifteen entered. 

"May I come in, uncle?" he asked, with a smile. 

"Yes. Chester, this is my nephew, Arthur Burks. Arthur, this is ChesterRand, a young artist, who is assisting me. "

Arthur came forward and gave Chester his hand cordially. 

"You ought to wear spectacles, " he said, "like uncle Edgar. You don'tlook dignified enough to be his assistant. "

"That may come in time, " said Chester, with a smile. 

"Arthur, I am done with Chester for this evening, " said the professor. "You may carry him off and entertain him. You may bring me the othertwo sketches whenever you are ready. "

"Come up to my den, " said Arthur. "I have the front room on the thirdfloor. "

As they went upstairs, a prolonged, melancholy shriek rang through thehouse. 

Chester stopped short in dismay, and an expression of pain succeededthe gay look on Arthur's face. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

CHESTER TAKES A LESSON IN BOXING. 

"That is my poor, little cousin, " explained Arthur. 

"Is he sick or in pain?" asked Chester, in quick sympathy. 

"He had a fever when he was three years old that left his mind a wreck. He is now eight. The most eminent physicians have seen him, but thereseems little hope of his improvement or recovery. "

"Does he suffer pain?"

"You ask on account of the shriek you heard. As far as we can tell, hedoes not. The shriek comes, so the doctor tells us, from a nervousspasm. He would have been a bright boy if he had kept his health. Wouldyou like to see him?"

Chester shrank back. 

"I am afraid I should excite him, " he said. 

He had, besides, an idea that a boy so afflicted would be repulsive inappearance. 

"No, " said Arthur, "it may relieve him to see you by diverting histhoughts. "

Without further words, he opened the door of a room at the head of thestaircase and entered, followed reluctantly by Chester. 

"Ernest, " said Arthur, in a soothing tone, "I have brought you afriend. His name is Chester. "

Chester was amazed at the sight of the boy. He was wonderfullyhandsome, especially when at Arthur's words the look of pain left hisface and it brightened into radiant beauty. He seemed to fall in lovewith Chester at first sight. He ran up to him, seized his hand, kissedit, and said:

"I love you. "

Arthur, too, looked amazed. 

"He never took to anyone so before, " he said. "You have fascinatedhim. "

"Sit down. Let me sit in your lap, " pleaded Ernest. 

All feeling of repugnance, all thoughts of the boy's malady wereforgotten. Chester sat in a low rocking-chair and Ernest seated himselfin his lap, touching his face and hair softly with a caressing hand. 

"What a charming boy he is!" thought Chester. 

"Did you come to see me?" asked Ernest, softly. 

"Yes, I came with Arthur. "

"Will you stay with me a little while?"

"A little while, but I must soon go. Why did you scream so loud alittle while ago?"

"I--don't know. "

"Were you in pain?"

"N--no, " answered Ernest, softly. 

"Do you like to cry out in that manner?"

"No, but--I have to do it. I can't help it. "

"I think he gives the right explanation, " said Arthur. "It is a nervousimpulse, and has nothing to do with pain. "

"Does he ever sit in your lap, like this?"

"No; I think he likes me in a way, for I am always kind to him, but youseem to draw him to you irresistibly. "

At that moment the professor came in. When he saw Ernest sitting inChester's lap, he stopped short in astonishment. 

"This is strange, " he said. 

"Isn't it, uncle? Chester seems to fascinate my little cousin. Nosooner did he enter the room than Ernest ran up to him, kissed hishand, and caressed him. "

"I can't explain it, " said the professor, "but Chester seems to have awonderful influence over my poor boy. I never saw him look so happy orcontented before. "

All this while Ernest continued to stroke Chester's cheek and his hair, and regarded him with looks of fond affection. 

"I am afraid Ernest annoys you, " said the professor. 

"No; I am glad he likes me. I never had a little brother. I think Ishould enjoy having one. "

"If he could only be always like this, " said the professor, regretfully. 

Just then Margaret entered. She was the nurse, who had constant chargeof Ernest. She paused on the threshold, and her looks showed hersurprise. 

"Ernest has found a friend, Margaret, " said the professor. 

"I never saw the like, sir. Come here, Ernest. "

The boy shook his head. 

"No, I want to stay with him, " indicating Chester. 

"Did Ernest ever see him before, sir?"

"No; it seems to be a case of love at first sight. "

"He has cut me out, " said Arthur, smiling. "Ernest, which do you likebest, me or him?"

"Him, " answered Ernest, touching Chester's cheek. 

"I must tell Dr. Gridley of this new manifestation on the part of mypoor boy, " said the professor. "Perhaps he can interpret it. "

For twenty minutes Chester retained Ernest on his lap. Then Arthursaid:

"Chester must go now, Ernest. "

The boy left Chester's lap obediently. 

"Will you come and see me again?" he pleaded. 

"Yes, I will come, " said Chester, and, stooping over, he kissed theboy's cheek. Ernest's face lighted up with a loving smile, and again hekissed Chester's hand. 

"Now, Chester, you can come to my den. " Arthur opened the door of alarge room, furnished with every comfort. 

It was easy to see that it was a boy's apartment. On a table wereboxing gloves. Over a desk in a corner was hung the photograph of afootball team, of which Arthur was the captain. There was anotherphotograph representing him with gloves on, about to have a set-to witha boy friend. 

"Do you box, Chester?" he asked. 

"No; I never saw a pair of boxing gloves before. "

"I will give you a lesson. Here, put on this pair. "

Chester smiled. 

"I shall be at your mercy, " he said. "I am, perhaps, as strong as you, but I have no science. "

"It won't take you long to learn. "

So the two boys faced each other. Before he knew what was going tohappen, Chester received a light tap on the nose from his new friend. 

"I must tell you how to guard yourself. I will be the professor and youthe pupil. "

Chester soon became interested, and at the end of half an hour histeacher declared that he had improved wonderfully. 

"We will have a lesson every time you come to see uncle, " he said. 

"Then I shall come to see two professors. "

"Yes, an old one and young one. Between uncle, Ernest and myself, youwill find your time pretty well occupied when you come here. "

"I think it a great privilege to come here, " said Chester, gratefully. 

"And I am glad to have you. I shall have some one to box with, at anyrate. Now, " he added, with a comical look, "I can't induce my uncle tohave a bout with me. Indeed, I should be afraid to, for he is soshortsighted he would need to wear spectacles, and I would inevitablybreak them. "

Chester could not forbear laughing at the idea of the learned professorhaving a boxing match with his lively, young nephew. 

"If you will make me as good a boxer as yourself, I shall feel verymuch indebted. "

"That will come in time. I am quite flattered at the opportunity ofposing as a teacher. Have you a taste for jewelry? Just look in thisdrawer. "

Arthur opened one of the small drawers in his bureau, and displayed avaried collection of studs, sleeve buttons, collar buttons, scarf pins, etc. 

"You might set up a jeweler's store, " suggested Chester. "Where did youget them all?"

"I had an uncle who was in the business, and he and other relativeshave given me plenty. "

"I haven't even a watch. "

"No, really? Why, how can you get along without one?"

"I have to. "

"Wait a minute. "

Arthur opened another drawer, revealing two silver watches, one an openface, the other a hunting watch. 

"Take your choice, " he said. 

"Do you really mean it?"

"Certainly. "

"But would your uncle approve of your giving me such a valuablepresent?"

"My uncle doesn't bother himself about such trifles. I don't use eitherof these watches. I have a gold one, given me last Christmas. "

"Since you are so kind, I think I prefer the hunting watch. "

"All right! There it is. Let me set it for you. The chain goes with it, of course. "

Chester felt delighted with his present. He had hoped sometime--when hewas eighteen, perhaps--to own a watch, but had no expectation ofgetting one so soon. 

"You are a generous friend, Arthur, " he said. 

"Don't make too much of such a trifle, Chester!" returned the other, lightly. 

When Chester said he must go home, Arthur put on his hat and proposedto walk with him part of the way, an offer which Chester gratefullyaccepted. 

They walked over to Broadway, chatting as they went. 

All at once, Chester, who had not expected to see anyone he knew, touched Arthur on the arm. 

"Do you see that man in front of us?" he asked, pointing to a figureabout six feet ahead. 

"Yes. What of him?"

"It is our bookkeeper, David Mullins. "

"Is it, indeed? Do you know whom he is walking with?"

Chester glanced at a rather flashily dressed individual who was walkingarm in arm with the bookkeeper. 

"No, " he answered. 

"It is Dick Ralston, " answered Arthur, "one of the most notoriousgamblers in the city. "

CHAPTER XVIII. 

DICK RALSTON. 

Chester was new to the city and a novice in worldly affairs, but thediscovery that the bookkeeper was on intimate terms with a gamblerastounded him. He felt that Mr. Fairchild ought to know it, but heshrank from telling him. 

Of course, the presumption was that Mullins was also a gambler, butthis was not certain. Chester decided to say nothing, but to bewatchful. David Mullins had been five years in his present place, andhis services must have been satisfactory or he would not have beenretained. 

There was one thing, however, that Chester did not know. Thisgambler--Dick Ralston, as he was familiarly called--was only a recentacquaintance. Mullins had known him but three months, but had already, through his influence, been smitten by the desire to become rich morequickly than he could in any legitimate way. 

He had accompanied Dick to the gaming table, and tried his luck, losingmore than he could comfortably spare. He was in debt to his dangerousfriend one hundred and fifty dollars, and on the evening in questionDick had intimated that he was in need of the money. 

"But how can I give it to you?" asked Mullins, in a tone of annoyance. 

"You receive a good salary. "

"One hundred dollars a month, yes. But I can't spare more than thirtydollars a month toward paying the debt. "

"Which would take you five months. That won't suit me. Haven't you gotany money saved up?"

"No; I ought to have, but I have enjoyed myself as I went along, and ithas taken all I earned. "

"Humph! Very pleasant for me!"

"And for me, too. It isn't very satisfactory to pinch and scrape forfive months just to get out of debt. If it was for articles I hadhad--in other words, for value received--it would be different. But itis just for money lost at the gaming table--a gambling debt. "

"Such debts, among men of honor, " said Dick, loftily, "are the mostbinding. Everywhere they are debts of honor. "

"I don't see why, " grumbled Mullins. 

"Come, " said Ralston, soothingly, "you are out of sorts, and can't seethings in their right light. I'll lend you fifty dollars more, makingthe debt two hundred dollars. "

"I don't see how that will help me. "

"I'll tell you. You must win the money to pay your debt at the gamingtable. Why, two hundred dollars is a trifle. You might win it in oneevening. "

"Or lose as much more. "

"There's no such word as fail! Shall I tell you what I did once?"

"Yes, " answered Mullins, in some curiosity. 

"I was in Nashville--dead broke! I was younger then, and lossesaffected me more. I was even half inclined--you will laugh, I know--toblow my brains out or to throw myself into the river, when a strangeroffered to lend me ten dollars to try my luck again. Well, I thought asyou did, that it was of little use. I would lose it, and so makematters worse. 

"But desperation led me to accept. It was one chance, not a very goodone, but still a chance. From motives of prudence I only risked fivedollars at first. I lost. Savagely I threw down the remaining five andwon twenty-five. Then I got excited, and kept on for an hour. At theend of that time, how do you think I stood?"

"How?" asked Mullins, eagerly. 

"I had won eight hundred and sixty-five dollars, " answered DickRalston, coolly. "I paid back the ten dollars, and went out of thegambling house a rich man, comparatively speaking. "

Now, all this story was a clever fiction, but David Mullins did notknow this. He accepted it as plain matter of fact, and his heart beatquickly as he fancied himself winning as large a sum. 

"But such cases must be rare, " he ventured. 

"Not at all. I could tell you more wonderful stories about friends ofmine, though it was the luckiest thing that ever happened to me. Now, will you take the fifty dollars I offered you?"

"Yes, but I don't want to play again to-night. I feel nervous. "

"Very good. Meet me to-morrow evening at the gambling house, and themoney shall be ready for you. "

Then they parted, and the bookkeeper, who had a headache, went home andto bed. He had that evening lost fifty dollars to Dick Ralston, and soincreased his debt from one hundred to one hundred and fifty dollars. 

But his heart was filled with feverish excitement. The story told byRalston had its effect upon him, and he decided to keep on in thedangerous path upon which he had entered. Why pinch himself for fivemonths to pay his debt, when a single evening's luck would clear himfrom every obligation? If Dick Ralston and others could be lucky, whynot he? This was the way Mullins reasoned. He never stopped to considerwhat would be the result if things did not turn out as he hoped--if helost instead of won. 

Some weeks passed. The bookkeeper met with varying success at thegaming table. Sometimes he won, sometimes he lost, but on the whole hisdebt to Dick Ralston didn't increase. There were reasons why thegambler decided to go slow. He was playing with Mullins as a cat playswith a mouse. 

But our chief concern is with Chester Rand. He found a comfortable roomon Twelfth Street, not far from the office, which, with board, onlycost him five dollars per week. This, to be sure, took all his salary, but he was earning something outside. 

On account of so much time being taken up by his work for theprofessor, he did little for the comic weeklies. But occasionally, through his friend, the artist, a five or ten-dollar bill came into hishands. He bought himself a new suit, and some other articles which hefound he needed, and wrote home to ask his mother if she wished anyassistance. 

"Thank you for your offer, " she replied, "but the money Miss Dolby paysme defrays all my housekeeping expenses and a little more. She iscertainly peculiar, but is good-natured, and never finds fault. She isa good deal of company for me. Of course, I miss you very much, but itcheers me to think you are doing well, and are happy, with goodprospects for the future. There is nothing for you in Wyncombe, as Ivery well know; that is, nothing you would be willing to accept. 

"That reminds me to say that Mr. Tripp is having a hard time with boys. He discharged Abel Wood soon after you went to New York. He has triedtwo boys since, but doesn't seem to get suited. When I was in the storeyesterday, he inquired after you. 'Tell him, ' he said, 'that if he getstired of New York, he can come back to the store, and I will pay himthree dollars a week!" He said this with an air of a man who is makinga magnificent offer. I told him you were satisfied with your positionin the city. I must tell you of one mean thing he has done. 

"He has been trying to induce Miss Dolby to leave me and take boardwith him, offering to take her for two dollars a week less. She told meof this herself. 'I wouldn't go there if he'd take me for nothing, ' shesaid, and I believe she meant it. She is not mean, and is willing topay a fair, even a liberal, price, where she is suited. You see, therefore, that neither you nor I need borrow any trouble on thispoint!"

This letter relieved Chester of all anxiety. All things seemed brightto him. What he did for the comic weeklies, added to his work for Prof. Hazlitt, brought him in ten dollars a week on an average. This, addedto the five dollars a week from Mr. Fairchild, gave him an aggregatesalary of fifteen dollars a week, so that he was always amply providedwith money. 

"Cousin David, " said Felix to the bookkeeper one day, "I don't see howit happens that Chester is so well supplied with cash. "

"Is he?" asked Mullins. 

"Yes; he has just bought a new suit, a new hat and new shoes. They musthave cost him altogether as much as thirty dollars. How much wages doyou pay him?"

"Five dollars a week. "

"And he pays all that for board, for he told me so. "

"It does seem a little mysterious. Perhaps his friend the artist helpshim. "

"No, he doesn't. I intimated as much one day, but he said no, that hepaid his own way. One evening last week, I saw him going into Daly'sTheatre with a young fellow handsomely dressed--quite a young swell. They had two-dollar seats, and I learned that Chester paid for them. Hedoesn't have any chance to pick up any money in this office, does he?"asked Felix, significantly. 

"I can't say as to that. I haven't missed any. "

"I wish he would help himself. Of course, he would be discharged, andthen you might find a place for me. "

"I may do so yet. "

"Is there any chance of it?" asked Felix, eagerly. 

"In about two weeks, Mr. Fairchild is going West on business. He willbe gone for a month, probably. In his absence, I shall run the office. "

"I see. "

"And I shall probably find some reason for discharging Chester Rand, "added the bookkeeper, significantly. "In that case, you will holdyourself ready to slip into his place. "

"Bully for you, Cousin David, " exclaimed Felix, in exultation. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

MR. FAIRCHILD LEAVES THE CITY. 

About ten days later, Chester found himself alone in the office withhis employer, the bookkeeper having gone out to call upon a man who hadcommissioned the broker to buy him a house. 

"Chester, " said Mr. Fairchild, "has Mr. Mullins mentioned to you that Istart next Monday on a Western trip?"

"I heard him say so to a gentleman in here on business. "

"I shall have to leave Mr. Mullins to take charge of the office and runthe business. The time was when I would have done so with confidence, but the affair of James Long has made me distrustful. He thoroughlyunderstands my business, and it would be difficult for me to supply hisplace. For the present, therefore, I feel obliged to retain him. Duringmy absence, however, I wish, if you see anything wrong, that you wouldapprise me of it by letter. You may direct letters to Palmer's Hotel, Chicago, and they will be forwarded to me from there. What is youraddress?"

Chester gave it, and Mr. Fairchild wrote it down. 

"It is rather unusual, " continued Mr. Fairchild, "for a man in myposition to make a confidant of his office boy, but I have observed youcarefully, and I believe that you are not only intelligent, but arefaithful to my interests. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Chester, with genuine gratification. "I think Ican promise you that you will not be disappointed in me. "

"Of course Mr. Mullins must not know of the understanding between us. Don't breathe a hint of what I have said. "

"No, sir, I will not. "

"In case you think it necessary you may telegraph to me. I hope, however, that no such emergency will arise. "

Chester asked himself whether it was his duty to apprise Mr. Fairchildof his seeing Mullins in intimate companionship with a gambler, but, onthe whole, decided not to do so. He did not wish needlessly toprejudice his employer against the bookkeeper. 

On Monday morning Mr. Fairchild left the office and took the SixthAvenue Elevated train to Cortlandt Street station, from which it isonly five minutes' walk to the ferry connecting with the train on thePennsylvania Railroad. 

"How long shall you be away, Mr. Fairchild?" asked the bookkeeper. 

"I cannot yet tell. It will depend on the success I meet with in mybusiness. I am afraid I may be absent four weeks. "

"Don't hurry back, " said Mullins. "I will keep things running. "

"I rely upon your fidelity, " said the broker, not without significance. 

"You may be assured of that. I have been in your employ for over fiveyears. "

"And of course understand all the details of my business. That is true. Continue faithful to me and you will have no cause to repent it. "

"Thank you, sir. You need have no anxiety. "

"Chester, " said Mr. Fairchild, "you may go with me as far as thestation and carry my grip. "

When they were outside, the broker said:

"I could have carried the grip myself, but I wished to have a partingword with you. Mr. Mullins is thoroughly acquainted with my business, but within the last six months I found myself distrusting him. In fourweeks, for I shall be likely to be away that length of time, somethingmay occur detrimental to my interests, and I heartily wish I had someone else in charge. I may rely upon you bearing in mind what I told youthe other day?"

"Yes, sir; I won't forget. "

"I know that you are faithful, and I only wish you understood thebusiness well enough to be placed in charge. "

"I wish so, too, " said Chester, frankly. 

"I think, however, " Mr. Fairchild added, with a smile, "that it wouldbe hardly prudent to trust my business to an office boy. "

"You are already trusting me very much, Mr. Fairchild. "

"Yes; I feel safe in doing so. "

Chester took the grip up the Elevated stairway and parted with Mr. Fairchild at the ticket office. 

As he went down to the street he reflected that his own position duringthe broker's absence might not be very comfortable. Still he had hisemployer's confidence, and that gave him much pleasure. 

He had reached Harris' large store on his way home when arakish-looking figure, springing from he knew not where, overtook andtouched him on the arm. Chester immediately recognized him as thegambler with whom he had seen the bookkeeper walking on the evening ofhis first visit to the house of Prof. Hazlitt. 

"I say, boy, " said Ralston, "you're employed by Fairchild, the realestate man, ain't you?"

"Yes, sir, " answered Chester, coldly. 

"Didn't I see him going to the Elevated station with you just now?"

"Yes, sir. "

"With a grip in his hand?"

"Yes. "

"Is he off for a journey?"

"He has started for the West. "

"So? I had business with him, but I suppose I can transact it withMullins just as well. "

"You will find him in the office. "

"All right! I'll go there. "

Chester turned his glance upon Dick Ralston and rapidly took note ofhis appearance. He was rather a stocky man, with a red, pimpled face, abroad nose, small, twinkling eyes and intensely black hair. He wore a"loud, " striped sack suit, and on one of his pudgy fingers was adiamond ring. It was really a diamond, and he had often found itserviceable. When he was in very bad luck he pawned it for acomfortable sum, but invariably redeemed it when fortune smiled uponhim again. 

He followed Chester into the broker's office. Mullins sat on a stool atthe desk, picking his teeth. He looked like a man of leisure, withlittle upon his mind. 

"Hello, Mullins, old boy!" said Dick, pushing forward with extendedhand. "So you're promoted to boss?"

"Yes, " answered the bookkeeper, showing his teeth in a complacentsmile. "Can I sell you a house this morning?"

"Well, not exactly. I'm not quite up to that in the present state of myfunds. If you have on your list a one-story shanty on the rocks nearCentral Park I may invest. "

"Cash down, or do you want to have part of the purchase money onmortgage?"

Then both laughed, and Ralston made a playful dig at Mullins' ribs. 

Chester could not help hearing the conversation. He saw in it a proofof the friendly relations between the two. This, so far as he knew, wasthe first visit made by Ralston to Mr. Mullins. It was clear that thebookkeeper felt that such a caller would injure him in the eyes of Mr. Fairchild. 

"I am glad old Fairchild is gone, " said Dick Ralston, lowering histone. "Now I can come in freely. "

"Don't come in too often, " replied Mullins, with a cautioning look atChester. "It might----"

Chester lost the rest of the sentence. 

"Send him out!" suggested Dick, in a still lower tone, but Chestercaught the words. 

"Chester, " said the bookkeeper, "you may go up to the Fifth AvenueHotel and ask at the office if Mr. Paul Perkins, of Minneapolis, hasarrived?"

"Yes, sir. "

After Chester went out, Ralston inquired, "Is there a man named PaulPerkins?"

"Not that I know of, " answered Mullins, with a laugh. 

"I see. You're a sharp fellow. You only wanted to get rid of the kid. "

"Exactly. Now we can talk freely. "

"That's what I came about. Do you know, Mullins, you are owing me sevenhundred and fifty dollars?"

"Is it so much as that?" asked the bookkeeper, anxiously. 

"Yes; I can show you the account. Now, to tell you the truth, Mullins, I'm in a tight fix, and my bank account needs replenishing. "

"So does mine, " returned Mullins, with a sickly smile. 

Dick Ralston frowned slightly. 

"No joking, please!" he said, roughly. "I'm in earnest. "

"I don't see what I am going to do about it, " muttered Mullins, defiantly. 

"Don't you. Then perhaps I can help you by a suggestion. "

"I wish you would. "

"You are left in charge here during Mr. Fairchild's absence?"

"Well, suppose I am. "

"And you handle the funds?"

"Yes. "

"Then, " and Dick Ralston bent over and whispered something in thebookkeeper's ear. 

Mullins started, and looked agitated. 

"What would you have me do?" he inquired. 

"Borrow a little money from the office, " answered Dick, coolly. 

"But, good heavens, man, it would ruin me. Must you have me riskprison?"

"Don't be alarmed! I only want you to borrow two or three hundreddollars. You can return it before Fairchild gets back. "

"How am I to return it?"

"You can win it back in one evening at the gaming table. "

"Or lose more. "

There was considerable further conversation, Dick Ralston urging, andMullins feebly opposing something which the gambler proposed. Then acustomer came in, who had to receive attention. Inside of an hourChester re-entered the office, accompanied by a sandy-complexionedstranger, his head covered with a broad, flapping, Western sombrero, and wearing a long, brown beard descending at least eighteen inches. 

"I hear you want to see me, " he said to Mullins. 

"Who are you?" asked the astonished bookkeeper. 

"I am Paul Perkins, of Minneapolis, " was the surprising reply. 

CHAPTER XX. 

PAUL PERKINS, OF MINNEAPOLIS. 

If a bomb had exploded in the office David Mullins and his friendRalston could not have been more astonished than by the appearance ofPaul Perkins, whose name was invented without the slightest idea thatany such person existed. 

Before relating what followed, a word of explanation is necessary. 

Chester went to the Fifth Avenue Hotel without the slightest suspicionthat he had been sent on a fool's errand. He imagined, indeed, that Mr. Mullins wanted to get rid of him, but did not doubt that there was sucha man as Paul Perkins, and that he was expected to arrive at the FifthAvenue Hotel. 

He walked up Broadway in a leisurely manner, feeling that his hastyreturn was not desired. He reached the Fifth Avenue, and entering--itwas the first time he had ever visited the hotel--went up to the desk. 

The clerk was giving instructions to a bell boy, who was directed tocarry a visitor's card to No. 221. When at leisure, Chester asked:

"Has Mr. Paul Perkins, of Minneapolis, arrived at the hotel?"

The clerk looked over the list of arrivals. Finally his forefingerstopped at an entry on the book. 

"Yes, " he answered, "he arrived last evening. Did you wish to see him?"

About this Chester was in doubt. He had only been asked to inquire ifMr. Perkins had arrived. He assumed, however, that the bookkeeperwished to see Mr. Perkins at the office. Accordingly he answered, "Yes, sir. I should like to see him. "

The clerk rang a bell and another bell boy made his appearance. 

"Write your name on a card, " said the clerk, "and I will send it up. "

"The gentleman won't know my name, " said Chester. 

"Then give the name of your firm. "

So Chester, after slight hesitation, wrote:

"Chester Rand. From Clement Fairchild, Real Estate Broker. "

"Take that up to 169, " said the clerk to the bell boy. 

In five minutes the boy returned. 

"Mr. Perkins says you are to come upstairs to his room, " he reported. 

Chester followed the bell boy to the elevator. 

He had never before ridden in such a conveyance and the sensation was anovel one. They got off at one of the upper floors, and Chesterfollowed his guide to the door of a room near by. 

The bell boy knocked. 

"Come in, " was heard from the inside. 

Chester entered and found himself in the presence of a man of fifty, with a sandy complexion and thick, brown beard. He held the card in hishand, and was looking at it. 

"Are you Chester Rand?" he asked, in a high-pitched voice. 

"Yes, sir. "

"And you come from Clement Fairchild?"

"Yes, sir. "

"This is very curious. I never heard the name before. "

Chester looked surprised. 

"I can't explain it, sir, " he said. "I was asked to come to the hoteland ask if you had arrived. "

"Where is Mr. Fairchild's office?"

"On West Fourteenth Street. "

"And he is a real estate broker?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I don't understand what he wants of me, or how in the name of all thatis curious he ever heard of me. I don't own any real estate, except athree-story house in which I live. "

"Perhaps, sir, if you will go to the office with me you will get anexplanation. "

"Precisely. That is a very practical and sensible suggestion. Is it faroff? I ask because I have never been in New York before. "

"It is only about ten minutes' walk. "

"Then I'll go with you, that is, if you can wait fifteen minutes whileI finish writing a letter to my wife, apprising her of my safearrival. "

"Yes, sir, I am in no especial hurry. "

"Then sit down, and--you may look at this, " handing him the last copyof _Puck_. 

Chester opened the paper eagerly, for _Puck_ had accepted two of hissketches. He opened it at random, and his eye lighted up, for there wasone of the two sketches handsomely reproduced. He uttered a littleexclamation. 

"What have you found?" asked Paul Perkins, looking up from his letter. 

"This picture--is one of mine. "

"You don't mean it!" exclaimed the man from Minneapolis, dropping hispen in surprise. "I thought you were an office boy. "

"So I am, sir, but--sometimes I sell sketches to the illustratedpapers. "

"What did you get for this?"

"Seven dollars and a half. That is, I sold this and another for fifteendollars. "

"By the great horn spoon! but this is wonderful. "

Chester did not feel called upon to say anything. 

"How long did it take you to draw this picture?"

"A little over half an hour. "

"Jerusalem! that is at the rate of ten dollars an hour. I am contentedto make ten dollars a day. "

"So should I be, sir. I don't draw all the time, " said Chester, with asmile. 

"I was going to ask if you wouldn't give me lessons in drawing andsketching. "

"I should be afraid to, sir, " laughed Chester. "You might prove adangerous rival. "

"You needn't be afraid. I can play as well as I can sing. "

"I suppose you sing well, sir, " said Chester, roguishly. 

"You can judge. When I was a young man I thought I would practicesinging a little in my room one night. The next morning my landladysaid, in a tone of sympathy, 'I heard you groaning last night, Mr. Perkins. Did you have the toothache?'"

Chester burst into a hearty laugh. 

"If that is the case, " he said, "I won't be afraid of you as a rival indrawing. "

Mr. Perkins set himself to finishing his letter, and in twenty minutesit was done. 

"Now, I am ready, " he said. 

As they went downstairs, Chester observed, "I will ask you as a favor, Mr. Perkins, not to refer to my work in _Puck_, as it is not known atthe office that I do any work outside. "

"All right, my boy. By the way, how much do they pay you at theoffice?"

"Five dollars a week. "

"Evidently it isn't as good a business as drawing. "

"No, sir; but it is more reliable. I can't always satisfy the comicpapers, and I am likely to have sketches left on my hands. "

"Yes; that is a practical way of looking at it, and shows that you area boy of sense. What sort of a man is Mr. Fairchild?"

"A very kind, considerate man, but I forgot to say that you won't seehim. "

"But I thought he sent you to call on me?"

"No, sir; Mr. Fairchild started for the West this morning. It was Mr. Mullins, the bookkeeper, who sent me. "

"That complicates the mystery. Is he a good friend of yours?"

"No, sir; he dislikes me. "

Mr. Perkins looked curious, and Chester, considerably to his ownsurprise, confided to him the story of his relations with thebookkeeper. 

"He's a scamp!" commented the man from Minneapolis. "Why does Mr. Fairchild keep him. I wouldn't! I'd bounce him very quick. "

"He has been with Mr. Fairchild five years and understands his businessthoroughly. "

"Well, there is something in that; but I wouldn't like to have in myemploy a man whom I couldn't trust. Have you ever been out West?"

"No, sir. "

"You ought to come out there. The city I represent is a smart one andno mistake. Of course you've heard of the rivalry between Minneapolisand St. Paul. "

"Yes, sir. "

"I don't take sides, for I live in both, but I think businessfacilities in Minneapolis are greater. I think you are a boy who wouldsucceed at the West. "

"I should like to go there some day. I own some property in WashingtonTerritory. "

"You do?" exclaimed Paul Perkins, in great surprise. "Whereabouts?"

"In Tacoma. I own some lots there. "

"Then let me tell you, my boy, that you will be a rich man. "

"But I thought prices of land in Tacoma were small. "

"So they are--at present; but it is the future terminus of the NorthernPacific Railroad. When it is completed there will be a boom. How manylots do you own?"

"Five. "

"Take my advice and hold on to them. What square is this?"

They had reached Seventeenth Street. 

"Union Square. "

"It's a pretty place. Is Tiffany's near here?"

"Yes, sir; only two blocks away. We shall pass it. "

"All right! Point it out to me. I'm going to buy a gold watch formyself there. I've needed one for a long time, but I wanted thesatisfaction of buying one at Tiffany's. Anything that is sold theremust be A No. 1. "

"I have no doubt of it, but I don't trade there much yet. "

"No; you must wait till you have realized on your Western lots. "

They turned down Fourteenth Street, and soon stood in front of Mr. Fairchild's office. They entered, and this brings us to the point wherethe last chapter ends. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

MR. PERKINS MAKES AN ACQUAINTANCE. 

Dick Ralston and the bookkeeper stared at their Western friend inundisguised amazement. Finally Mr. Mullins said, "What did I understandyou to call yourself?"

"Paul Perkins, of Minneapolis. "

"And--you are staying at the Fifth Avenue Hotel?"

"Certainly. Didn't you send this boy with a message?" said Mr. Perkins, rather impatiently. 

"Ye-es. "

"How did you know that I was coming to New York? That's what beats me. "

Mullins began to appreciate the situation, and he was cudgeling hisbrains for an explanation. Finally one came. 

"I may be misinformed, but I learned from a friend of yours that youwere coming here with an intention of locating in our city. Now, as weare in the real estate business, I thought we would offer our servicesto find you a suitable house. "

"Some friend of mine notified you of my coming to New York? Why, Istarted off on a sudden without consulting anyone. I don't see howanyone could give you the information. "

"I won't undertake to explain it, " said the bookkeeper. "I will onlysay that I am glad to meet you. "

"Thank you! You are very polite. What was the name of the friend whospoke about me and my plans?"

"I have a poor memory for names, but I believe I have the gentleman'scard in my desk. "

He opened the desk and made an elaborate search for what he knew heshould not find. 

"It's no use, " he said, after a pause. "It's disappeared. "

"What was the appearance of the person?" persisted Mr. Perkins. 

"He was--tall, and--yes, with a dark complexion and--and sidewhiskers. "

"About how old?"

"I should say about forty. "

"I know plenty of people answering that description. But how did hehappen to call on you?"

"There you have me. He had some business with Mr. Fairchild, andunfortunately Mr. F. Started West this morning. "

"I see. I can get no clew to the mystery. However, I am glad to havemade the acquaintance of this young man, " indicating Chester. 

"Oh, you mean our office boy, " returned Mullins, coldly. 

Just then Dick Ralston nudged the bookkeeper. 

"Introduce me, " he said, _sotto voce_. 

The bookkeeper did not incline favorably to this request, but did notdare to refuse. Dick Ralston's appearance was decidedly against him, and his "loud" attire was in keeping with his face and manners. 

"Mr. Perkins, " said Mullins, "allow me to introduce my friend, Mr. Ralston. "

"Glad to meet you, Mr. Ralston, " said the man from Minneapolis, extending his hand, which Dick seized and pressed warmly. 

"Proud to make your acquaintance, Mr. Perkins, " rejoined the gambler. "I always did like Western people. "

"Thank you. I am not Western by birth, though I went out to Minnesotawhen I was a mere boy. "

"And I have no doubt you have prospered, " said Ralston, who was reallyanxious to learn whether Mr. Perkins was well provided with money andwas worth fleecing. 

"Well, I don't complain, " answered Perkins, in a matter-of-fact tone. 

"I shall be glad to pay you any attentions, " insinuated Ralston. "Iknow the ropes pretty well, and I flatter myself I can show you thetown as well as anyone, eh, Mullins?"

"Oh, yes, " assented the bookkeeper, not over cordially. 

"I have no doubt of it, Mr. Ralston, and I take your offer kindly, butI am afraid I won't have time to go round much. "

"Won't you go out and take a drink? Mullins, you go, too!"

"Thank you, but I don't drink--at any rate, when I am away from home. By the way, Mr. ----" and he stopped short, for he did not remember thebookkeeper's name. 

"Mr. Mullins, " suggested that gentleman. 

"You are misinformed about my wanting to locate in this city. NewYork's a right smart place, I admit, but give me Minneapolis. Thatsuits me. "

"All right, sir. I am misinformed, that's all. "

"If you find my friend's card just write and let me know his name. I'dlike to know who it is that knows so much about my plans. "

"I will. Where shall I direct?"

"Oh, just direct to Minneapolis. I'm well known there. A letter will besure to reach me. "

"Shall you be at the hotel this evening, Mr. Perkins?" added DickRalston, who found it hard to give up his design upon his newacquaintance. 

"I don't know. I haven't made any plans. "

"I was thinking I might call upon you. "

"Don't trouble yourself, Mr. Ralston. Probably you would not find mein. "

Mr. Perkins was a tolerably shrewd man. He had "sized up" the gambler, and decided that he did not care to become any better acquainted withhim. 

"Just as you say, " returned Dick Ralston, looking discomfited. "Ithought perhaps I could make it pleasant for you. "

"If I find I have time I can call at your place of business, " said theman from Minneapolis, with a shrewd glance at the gambler. 

"I have no place of business, " returned Ralston, rather awkwardly. "Iam a--a capitalist, and sometimes speculate in real estate. Don't I, Mullins?"

"Of course. By the way, I forgot to tell you that I have four lots onNinety-sixth Street which would make a good investment. "

"Ninety-sixth Street! Ahem, rather far uptown. What's the figure?"

"Five thousand dollars. "

"I'll take a look at them as soon as I have time. You see, Mr. Perkins, I do all my real estate business through my friend, Mr. Mullins. "

"Just so. "

Neither Mr. Perkins nor Chester was taken in by Ralston's assumption ofthe character of a capitalist. The Western man had already a shrewdsuspicion of the gambler's real business, and being a cautious andprudent man, did not care to cultivate him. 

"Good-morning!" said Mr. Perkins. "I must not take up any more of yourtime. Will you allow Chester to go out with me for five minutes?"

"Certainly. "

David Mullins would have liked to refuse, but had no good excuse fordoing so. 

"Don't stay long!" he said, rather sharply. 

"I won't keep him long. "

When they were in the street Mr. Perkins said: "I don't like the looksof that bookkeeper of yours. "

"Nor do I, " returned Chester. 

"I wouldn't trust him any further than I could see him. Who was thatRalston? Have you ever seen him before?"

"Once. He doesn't come into the office when Mr. Fairchild is at home. "

"Do you know anything about him?"

"I know--that is, I have heard that he is a well-known gambler. "

"By the great horn spoon, if I didn't think so! He seemed very anxiousto show me round the city. "

"He would probably have taken you to a gambling house. "

"Not if I was in my senses. I don't gamble, and I hope you don't. "

"I shouldn't know how, " answered Chester, with a smile. 

"Have you any engagement for this evening?"

"No, sir. "

"What time do you leave the office?"

"At five o'clock. "

"Then come round to the hotel and take dinner with me. I don't knowanyone in the city, and I shall be glad to have your company thisevening. We will take a walk together, and you can show me what's worthseeing. "

"Are you not afraid that I will take you to a gambling house?" askedChester, with a smile. 

"I'll risk it. "

"You would find Mr. Ralston a better guide. "

"But not so safe a one. I shall be satisfied with you. "

When Chester returned to the office Mullins asked, sharply: "What didPerkins want to say to you?"

"He asked me to dine with him to-night at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. "

"Speak a good word for me, Chester, " said Ralston, with unusualaffability. "I would like to become better acquainted with him. "

"What shall I say, Mr. Ralston?"

"Tell him I am a prominent man, and expect to be nominated for Congressnext fall. "

This he said with a wink. Chester and the bookkeeper laughed. 

"I'll tell him, " said Chester. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

DICK RALSTON'S FATHER. 

When Chester followed Mr. Perkins into the great dining room of theFifth Avenue he was rather dazzled by its size and the glisteningappearance of the tables. 

"I hope you have brought your appetite with you, Chester, " said hisWestern friend. "The Fifth Avenue sets a good table. "

"My appetite is sure to be good. I was kept so busy to-day that I hadhardly time to buy a sandwich for lunch. "

"All the better! You'll enjoy your meal. As for me, I don't have theappetite I do at home. There's nothing like a tramp on the open prairieto make a man feel peckish. "

"Have you ever been in New York before, Mr. Perkins?"

"Not since I was a boy. I was born up Albany way, and came here when Iwas about your age. But, Lord, the New York of that day wasn't acircumstance to what it is now. There was no Elevated railroad then, nor horse cars either, for that matter, and where this hotel standsthere was a riding school or something of that sort. "

"Are you going to stay here long?"

"I go to Washington to-morrow, stopping at Philadelphia and Baltimoreon the way. No. I have no business in Washington, but I think by thetime a man is fifty odd he ought to see the capital of his country. Ishall shake hands with the President, too, if I find him at home. "

"Have you ever been further West than Minneapolis?"

"Yes, I have been clear out to the Pacific. I've seen the town ofTacoma, where you've got five lots. I shall write out to a friend inPortland to buy me as many. Then we shall both have an interest there. "

"You think the lots are worth something?"

"I know it. When the Northern Pacific Railroad is finished, everydollar your friend spent for his lots will be worth thirty or forty. "

"I hope your predictions will come true, Mr. Perkins. "

"Did I hear you speaking of Tacoma?" asked a gentleman on Chester'sleft hand. 

"Yes, sir. "

"I can tell you something about it. I live at Seattle. "

"Am I right about there being a future for the place?" asked PaulPerkins. 

"You are. I may say that lots there are already worth twice what theywere last week. "

"How's that?"

"Because work on the railroad has been resumed, and there is no doubtnow that it will be pushed to completion. "

"That settles it. I must own property there. I won't wait to write, butwill telegraph my friend in Portland to go there at once at my expense, and buy five--no, ten lots. I got that idea from you, Chester, and if Imake a profit I shall feel indebted to you. "

"I shall be glad if it helps fill your pockets, Mr. Perkins. "

"Come up to my room for a while, Chester, " went on the other, "and wewill consider what to do. We might go to the theater, but I think Iwould rather walk about here and there using my eyes. There is plentyto see in New York. "

"That will suit me, Mr. Perkins. "

About eight o'clock the two went downstairs. Near the entrance, justinside the hotel, Chester heard himself called by name. 

Looking up, he recognized Felix Gordon. 

"Are you going to the theater, Chester?" asked Felix. 

"No, I think not. "

"Won't you introduce me to your friend?"

"Mr. Perkins, this is Felix Gordon, nephew of our bookkeeper, " saidChester, unwillingly. 

"Hope you are well, Mr. Gordon, " said Paul. "Are you fond of thetheater?"

"Yes, sir, " answered Felix, eagerly. "There's a good play at Palmer's. I think you'd like it. "

"No doubt, but I'd rather see the streets of New York. As you are afriend of Chester, do me the favor to buy yourself a ticket, " and Mr. Perkins drew a two-dollar bill from his pocket and tendered it toFelix. 

"I am ever so much obliged, " said Felix, effusively. "As it is time forthe performance to commence, I'll go at once, if you'll excuse me. "

"Certainly. You don't want to lose the beginning of the play. "

As Felix started off on a half run, Mr. Perkins said: "Do you know whyI was so polite to Felix, who by all accounts isn't your friend atall?"

"No, I was rather puzzled. "

"I wanted to get rid of him. He was probably sent here by his uncle asa spy upon us. Now he is disposed of. "

"I see you are shrewd, " said Chester, laughing. 

"Yes, I'm a little foxy when there's occasion, " rejoined Mr. Perkins. "Now, where shall we go?"

I will not undertake to describe the route followed by the two. Thecity was pretty much all new to the stranger from Minneapolis, and itmattered little where he went. 

About ten o'clock the two witnessed from a distance a scene between aman of forty and an old, infirm man, apparently seventy years of age. 

"The younger man is Ralston, the gambler, " said Chester, in excitement, when they were near enough to recognize the figures of the two. 

"Halt a minute, and let us hear what it is all about, " returned Mr. Perkins. 

"I am hungry, " said the old man, pitifully, "and I have no money for abed. Have pity on me, Dick, and give me something. "

"You ought not to have come here, " returned Ralston, roughly. "Whydidn't you stay in the country, where you had a comfortable home?"

"In the poorhouse, " murmured the old man, sadly. 

"Well, it's no worse for being a poorhouse, is it?"

"But is it right for me to live there when you are rich andprosperous?"

"How do you know I am rich and prosperous?"

"By your dress. And there's a diamond in your shirt bosom. That must bevaluable. "

"It's about all I own that is valuable. It was a fool's errand thatbrought you here. You had better go back, " and Ralston prepared to goon. 

"Won't you give me a trifle, Dick?"

"Well, take that. "

"A quarter?"

"Yes; it will give you some supper. "

"But what shall I do for a bed?"

"Go to the station house. They'll take in an old man like you. "

Before the aged man could renew his application the younger one haddisappeared round the corner of the next street. 

"Follow me, Chester, " said Paul Perkins. "I'm going to speak to the oldman. "

He touched him on the shoulder. 

"Are you in trouble, my friend?" he asked. 

The old man, looking the picture of despondency in his ragged suit, andwith his long, gray locks floating over his shoulders, turned at thewords. 

"Yes, sir, " he said, "I am poor and in trouble, and my heart is sore. "

"Is the man who has just left you related to you?"

"He is my only son. "

"He doesn't seem kind to you. "

"No; he cares nothing for his old father. "

"How did you become so poor?"

"He is the cause. When he was turned twenty-one I was worth tenthousand dollars. He forged my name, more than once, and to save him Ipaid the forged notes. So it happened that I was turned out in my oldage from the farm and the home that had been mine for twenty-fiveyears, and in the end I was sent to the poorhouse. "

"Then he brought all this upon you?"

"Yes. "

"Do you know what he is now?"

"He tells me he is in business. "

"His business is carried on at the gambling house, so my young friendhere assures me. You will get no help from him. "

"I begin to think so. Perhaps I was foolish to leave my home, poor asit was, and come here to ask help. "

"How much money will take you home?"

"Two dollars. "

"Here is a ten-dollar bill. Take it, get a meal and a night's lodgingand in the morning start for home. It is the best thing you can do. Asfor your son, you can only leave him to his own devices. A man who willtreat his old father as he has treated you will never prosper. "

"Thank you, sir. I will follow your advice. "

"I would rather be in your position, old and poor as you are, than inhis. "

"Chester, " added Mr. Perkins, as they walked on, "this Ralston is amore contemptible rascal than I thought. If my old father were living, I would give half the money I possess. While I had a dollar in mypocket he should share it. "

"I say the same, Mr. Perkins. "

When they reached the Fifth Avenue Hotel, Paul Perkins shook hands withChester. 

"Good-night, " he said. "You won't see me for two weeks, perhaps, butI'll be sure to find you out when I return to the city. I hope youwon't have any trouble with that scoundrel in the office. "

"Thank you, Mr. Perkins, but I am afraid I shall. "

"Don't mind it if you do. Remember that you will always have a friendin Paul Perkins. "

CHAPTER XXIII. 

CHESTER IS DISCHARGED. 

"Well, " said David Mullins, addressing his cousin Felix, "did you go tothe Fifth Avenue Hotel last evening?"

"Yes, Cousin David. "

"Did you see that man from Minneapolis and Chester?"

"Yes. "

"Where did they go?"

"I don't know. "

"You don't know?" frowned Mullins. "And why not, I should like toknow?"

"Because I went to Palmer's Theater. "

"So that is the way you spent the quarter I gave you?" exclaimed thebookkeeper, indignantly. 

"I couldn't go to Palmer's on that. "

"Did you go with them?" asked Mullins, hopefully. 

"No, but Mr. Perkins gave me money to go. "

"What made him do it?"

"He thought I was a friend of Chester. "

"How much did he give you?"

"I occupied a dollar seat, " answered Felix, noncommittally. 

He did not care to mention that the sum given him was two dollars, halfof which he still had in his pocket. 

"Humph! so he gave you a dollar. Why didn't you take it and stay withthem?"

"Because he gave it to me expressly for the theater. It would havelooked strange if I had stayed with them after all. "

"I would have found a way, but you are not smart. "

Felix did not make any reply, being content with having deceived hiscousin as to Mr. Perkins' gift. 

"I say, Cousin David, aren't you going to bounce that boy pretty quickand give me his place?"

"Yes, as soon as I get a good excuse. "

"Will you do it to-day?"

"No; it would look strange. You may be sure I won't keep him long. "

At this point Chester came into the office and was surprised to see Mr. Mullins and Felix already there. Usually the bookkeeper did not show uptill half an hour later. 

"Good-morning, " said Mullins, smoothly. "Did you dine with Mr. Perkinslast evening?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I suppose you went to the theater?"

"No; Mr. Perkins preferred to take a walk, as he has not been in NewYork since he was a boy. Did you enjoy the play, Felix?"

"Yes, thank you. It was very nice. I am ever so much obliged to Mr. Perkins for the money to go. "

"Mr. Perkins must be a rich man?" said Mullins, interrogatively. 

"I think he is pretty well off, " answered Chester. 

"How long does he stay in the city?"

"He was to leave this morning. He is going to Washington. "

David Mullins was glad to hear this. It would make it easier for him todischarge Chester. 

He dispatched him on an errand, and was about to make some entries inthe books when Dick Ralston strolled in. 

"How are you, Dick? Can I do anything for you this morning?"

"Yes; you can let me have a hundred dollars. "

"I can't do that, " answered the bookkeeper, with a slight frown. 

"You'll have to settle up soon, " said Ralston, in a surly tone. 

"Give me time, can't you? I can't do everything in a minute. What isthe matter with you? You look as if you had got out of the wrong sideof the bed. "

"I had a disagreeable thing happen last evening. Who should appear tome on Madison Avenue but the old man. "

"Your father?"

"Yes; he left a good, comfortable home up in the country, and came hereto see if he couldn't get some money out of me. "

"Did he?"

"I gave him a quarter and advised him to go back. He seems to think Iam made of money. "

"So he has a comfortable home?"

"Yes, " answered Ralston, hesitating slightly. "He's better off than Iam in one way. He has no board to pay, and sometimes I haven't money topay mine. "

"I suppose he is staying with friends or relatives, " said Mullins, whowas not aware that Mr. Ralston, senior, was the inmate of a poorhouse. 

"It is an arrangement I made for him. I felt angry to see him here, andI told him so. However, he isn't likely to come again. Have you heardfrom Fairchild yet?"

"No; it isn't time. He won't reach Chicago till this evening orto-morrow morning. "

"Meanwhile--that is, while he is away--you have full swing, eh?"

"Yes; I suppose so. "

"Then you'll be a fool if you don't take advantage of it. "

David Mullins did not answer. He repented, now that it was too late, that he had placed himself in the power of such a man as Dick Ralston. As long as he owed him seven hundred and fifty dollars there was noescaping him, and Mullins felt very uncomfortable when he consideredwhat steps the gambler wanted him to take to get free from his debts. 

At this moment a dignified-looking gentleman living on WestForty-seventh Street entered the office. He was the owner of a largebuilding, of which Mr. Fairchild acted as agent. He looked askance atDick Ralston, whose loud dress and general appearance left little doubtas to his character. 

"Is Mr. Fairchild in?" the caller asked. 

"No, sir; he started for the West yesterday. "

"I am sorry. "

"I can attend to your business, Mr. Gray. "

"No, thank you. I prefer to wait. How long will Mr. Fairchild beabsent?"

"Probably six weeks. "

The gentleman took his leave, with another side glance at Ralston. 

When he had gone, Ralston said, "Who is that, Mullins?"

"Mr. Gray, a wealthy banker, living on Forty-seventh Street. "

"So? Why didn't you introduce me to the old duffer? I might have madesomething out of him. "

"He is not your style, Dick. He wouldn't care to be introduced to astranger. "

"So he puts on airs, does he?"

"No; but he is rather a proud, reserved man. "

"Thinks himself better than his fellow men, I suppose, " sneered thegambler. 

"I can't say, but it wouldn't have been policy to make you acquainted. If you won't be offended, Dick, I will say that though I am personallyyour friend, I am afraid that it isn't best for you to be here somuch. "

"So you are getting on your high horse, Mullins, are you?"

"No; but you are too well known, Dick. If you were only an ordinaryman, now, it would be different, but your striking appearance naturallymakes people curious about you. "

Dick Ralston was not insensible to flattery, and this complimentpropitiated him. He was about to go out when Chester entered, returningfrom his errand. 

"How are you, kid?" inquired Ralston. 

"Very well, Mr. Ralston, " answered Chester, coldly, for he could notforget how the gambler had treated his old father. 

"Well, did you pass the evening with that cowboy from Minneapolis?"

"I spent the evening with Mr. Perkins. "

"Of course! That's what I mean. Has he got money?"

"He didn't tell me. "

"He gave Felix money to go to the theater, " interposed Mullins. 

"Is that so? He seems to be liberal. I'd like to cultivate hisacquaintance. How long is he going to stay at the Fifth Avenue?"

"He left for Washington this morning. "

"I am sorry to hear it. Another chance gone, Mullins. "

The bookkeeper looked warningly at Ralston. He did not care to have himspeak so freely before the office boy. 

"I don't suppose we are likely to have any business with Paul Perkins, "he said. "I offered to sell him a house, but he doesn't care to locatein New York. "

Things went on as usual for the rest of the day. Mr. Mullins, ifanything, treated Chester better than usual, and the office boy beganto think that he had done the bookkeeper injustice. Felix spentconsiderable of his time in the office, spending his time in readingnickel libraries, of which he generally carried a supply with him. 

On the next day, about three o'clock in the afternoon, Chester was sentdowntown on an errand. He was delayed about ten minutes by a block onthe Sixth Avenue car line. When he entered the office, Mullinsdemanded, sharply, "What made you so long?"

Chester explained. 

"That's too thin!" retorted the bookkeeper. "I have no doubt youloitered, wasting your employer's time. "

"That isn't true, Mr. Mullins, " said Chester, indignantly. 

"You won't mend mattters by impertinence. It is clear to me that youwon't suit us. I will pay you your wages up to this evening, and youcan look for another place. "

"Mr. Fairchild engaged me, Mr. Mullins. It is only right that youshould keep me till he returns, and report your objections. "

"I don't require any instructions from you. You are discharged--do youunderstand?"

"Yes, " answered Chester, slowly. 

"You needn't wait till evening. Here is your money. Felix will takeyour place for the present. "

"Yes, Cousin David, " returned Felix, with alacrity. 

"I protest against this sudden discharge, " said Chester, "for no faultof my own, Mr. Mullins. "

"You have said enough. I understand my business. "

There was nothing for Chester to do but to accept the dismissal. Ittook him by surprise, for though he anticipated ill treatment, he hadnot expected to be discharged. 

"Well, Felix, " said the bookkeeper, "you've got the place at last. "

"Yes, " smiled Felix, complacently. "Didn't Chester look glum when youbounced him?"

"I don't know and I don't care. I have no further use for him. He's toofresh!"

CHAPTER XXIV. 

INTRODUCES MR. SHARPLEIGH, THE DETECTIVE. 

Chester was not so much disturbed by his discharge, so far as itrelated to his own welfare, as by the thought that Mr. Fairchild'sinterests were threatened. He felt that his absent employer ought to benotified at once. 

Accordingly he went to the Fifth Avenue Hotel and telegraphed toChicago:

 "I am discharged. Felix Gordon is in my place. Will write. "

A few hours later Chester received the following message at hislodgings. 

"Your telegram received. Will write you instructions. FAIRCHILD. "

Two days later Chester received a letter requesting him to call at onceon a well-known detective, give him all the available information andrequest him to keep careful watch of Mr. Mullins and his operations, and interfere if any steps were taken prejudicial to Mr. Fairchild'sinterests. 

Chester called on the detective and was fortunate enough to find himin. He expected to see a large man of impressive manners and imposingpresence, and was rather disappointed when he found a small personageunder the average height, exceedingly plain and unpretentious, whomight easily have been taken for an humble clerk on a salary of ten ortwelve dollars a week. 

Mr. Sharpleigh listened attentively to Chester's communication, andthen proceeded to ask questions. 

"Do you know anything of Mr. Mullins outside of the office?" he asked. 

"A little, sir. "

"Has he any bad habits? Is he extravagant? Does he drink?"

"I have never seen any evidence that he drank, " answered Chester. "Perhaps he may drink a glass of wine or beer occasionally. "

"I don't mean that. He is not what may be called an intemperate man?"

"No, sir. "

"Any other objectionable habits?"

"I think he gambles. "

"Ha! this is important. What makes you think so?"

"He seems to be intimate with a man who, I am told, is a well-knowngambler. "

"Who is it?"

"Dick Ralston. "

"Ralston is as well known as any gambler in the city. How is it thatthis has not excited the suspicions of Mr. Fairchild?"

"I don't think Mr. Fairchild knows it. "

"Then Ralston doesn't come into the office?"

"He did not when Mr. Fairchild was in town. As soon as Mr. Fairchildleft he came at once, and now spends considerable time there. "

"Probably Mullins owes him money lost in gambling. "

"I think he does. I overheard him one day urging Mr. Mullins to givehim money. "

"That makes it probable. Do you know if they keep company outside?"

"I have seen them walking late in the evening. "

"Why do you think Mr. Mullins discharged you?"

"He wanted the place for a cousin of his. "

"What name?"

"Felix Gordon. "

"Is he there now?"

"Yes; Felix was taken on when I was discharged. "

"At once?"

"Yes. He was in the office, probably waiting for the vacancy. "

"The plan seems to have been cut and dried. What sort of a boy isFelix?"

"I don't know him very well. He seems on confidential terms with Mr. Mullins. "

"Did the bookkeeper have any other reasons for disliking you?"

"Yes; I interfered to prevent his cheating a mechanic out of hismonth's rent. "

"State the circumstances. "

Chester did so. 

"How long has Mr. Mullins been in Mr. Fairchild's employ?"

"About five years, I think I have heard. "

"That speaks well for him. Probably his acquaintance with Ralston isrecent, or he would have done something before this to insure hisdischarge. "

There was a short silence, and Chester asked: "Have you any morequestions, Mr. Sharpleigh?"

"Not at present. Will you give me your address?"

Chester did so. 

"I will send for you if I need you. I think you can help me materially. You seem to have a clear head, and are observing. "

It was the evening for Chester to call at Prof. Hazlitt's. 

"I passed your office this morning, Chester, " said Arthur Burks, "andthought of calling in, but I was in haste. "

"You wouldn't have found me, Arthur. I am discharged. "

"What!" exclaimed Arthur, in surprise. "What complaint does Mr. Fairchild make of you?"

"None at all. He is out of the city. The bookkeeper, who dislikes me, discharged me, and gave the place to his cousin. "

"I am awfully sorry. What will you do?"

"I have some money saved up. Besides, I shall devote more time todrawing. I made a sketch yesterday which Mr. Conrad thinks I will getten dollars for. "

"That is fine. I never earned ten dollars in my life. "

"You have never felt obliged to work, except in school. "

"I take care not to injure my health in studying, " said Arthur, with alaugh. 

"I will speak to uncle Edgar, and he will arrange to have you come fourtimes a week instead of two. Then you will earn more money from him. "

"Thank you, Arthur. I should like that. "

Prof. Hazlitt, on being spoken to, ratified this arrangement, so thatChester's mind was easy. He knew now that he would be able to supporthimself and more, too. 

Chester soon had something more to encourage him. He received at hislodgings the following letter:

 "MR. CHESTER RAND. 

 "DEAR SIR: We are about to establish a new comic weekly, which we shall call _The Phoenix_. It is backed by sufficient capital to insure its success. Our attention has been called to some illustrations which you have furnished to some of our successful contemporaries, and we shall be glad to secure your services. We may be able to throw considerable work in your way. Please call at our office as soon as possible. 

 "EDITORS OF THE PHOENIX. "

Chester was quite exhilarated by this letter. He felt that it was aproof of his growing popularity as an artist, and this was particularlygratifying. Besides, his income would be largely, at any rateconsiderably, increased. He lost no time in presenting himself at theoffice of _The Phoenix_. 

It was located in a large office building on Nassau Street. He took theelevator and went upstairs to the sixth floor. On the door of a room alittle way from the elevator he saw the name, and knocked. 

"Come in!" was the response. 

Chester opened the door and found himself in the presence of a man ofabout forty, with a profusion of brown hair shading a pleasantcountenance. He looked up inquiringly as Chester entered. 

"Is this the editor of _The Phoenix_?" inquired Chester, respectfully. 

"_The Phoenix_ will have no existence till next week, " answered theother, pleasantly. "I expect to be its editor. "

"I came in answer to your letter. "

"To my letter?" repeated the editor, puzzled. 

"Yes; my name is Chester Rand. "

"What!" exclaimed the brown-haired man, almost incredulously. "You--aboy? How old are you?"

"Sixteen. "

"And you are a contributor to _Puck_ and other papers?"

"Yes, sir. "

"You must be a smart boy. Shake hands. "

Chester shook hands with a smile. 

"Will my being a boy make any difference?" he asked. 

"Not if your work is satisfactory. Are you willing to work exclusivelyfor _The Phoenix_?"

"Yes, sir; that is, if I may be allowed to complete a contract I havemade. "

"What sort of a contract?"

"I am illustrating Prof. Hazlitt's ethnological work. I think it maytake me some months more, working evenings. "

"That won't interfere with us. I was afraid you might be under anengagement with a rival publication. "

"No, sir. So far as that goes I will confine myself to _The Phoenix_if----"

"Terms are satisfactory, I suppose. "

"Yes, sir. "

"Then I will agree to pay you twenty-five dollars a week for the firstsix months. I may be able to do better afterward. "

Chester was dazzled. Twenty-five dollars a week! What would Silas Trippsay to that or his enemy, the bookkeeper. 

"I accept, " he answered, promptly. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

CHESTER MEETS ANOTHER ARTIST. 

"Where do you wish me to work?" asked Chester, after a pause. 

"You can work at home, but you can call at the office every day toleave your work and receive instructions. "

"All right, sir. When do you wish me to commence?"

"At once. Have you any work ready? I asked because we want to get outthe first number as soon as possible. "

"I have one sketch and have several ideas jotted down. "

"Good! Deliver as much as possible to-morrow. "

Chester returned home in a high state of exultation. He would be paidless for individual sketches, but, on the other hand, he would have asteady income and an assured market for all he might produce. It seemeda wonderful promotion from five dollars a week to twenty-five. To besure, when in the real estate office he had picked up extracompensation for outside work, but this was precarious and could not bedepended on. With twenty-five dollars a week he would feel rich. Thisset him to considering that he must have a better room if he was to dowork at home. In the same house where he now occupied a hall bedroomwas a large, square room well lighted with two windows, well furnishedand having a good writing desk, left by some previous tenant in partpayment of arrears of rent, which he could have for five dollars aweek. He had often thought he would like to occupy it, and wished hemight find an agreeable roommate who would share the expense with him. Now he felt that he could bear the expense alone. He lost no time insecuring it and moving his few belongings in. 

Mrs. Crosby, his landlady, was rather surprised. 

"You must be doing well, " she said. 

Chester smiled. 

"I have been discharged from my position in the real estate office, " hesaid. 

"Then, " said the landlady, in some dismay, "isn't it imprudent to takea more expensive room?"

"I have secured a much better place. "

"Oh! that alters the case. Is it likely to be permanent?"

"If I lose it I will go back to my old room. "

"I am sure I am glad to hear of your good luck, Mr. Rand. It is veryseldom that a young man of your age----"

"Call me a boy. I am not a young man yet. "

"You seem to be getting on as well as a young man. I think you are realsmart. "

"You mustn't flatter me, Mrs. Crosby. You will make me vain. I forgotto say that I shall be a considerable part of the time in my room. Thatis why I want a larger one. "

"But when will you work?" asked the landlady, puzzled. 

"I shall work in my room. "

"But what work can you do there?"

"I am an artist; that is, I am to make drawings for a new magazine. "

"You don't say so? Will that pay?"

"Very handsomely. "

"I hope you will show me some of them. I never met an artist before. "

"I am afraid I am not much of an artist. I can show you one of mypictures now. "

Chester took from the table a number of _Puck_ and pointed out asketch. 

"That's pretty good, " said the landlady. "You wouldn't get more thanthirty-five cents for such a picture, would you?"

"I was paid five dollars for that. "

"Do tell!" exclaimed Mrs. Crosby, who was brought up in a country townand still used some of the expressions which were familiar to her inearly days. "I can't hardly believe it. It seems foolish to pay so muchfor such a little thing. "

"I don't think it foolish, Mrs. Crosby. It must pay them, or theywouldn't keep on doing it. "

Chester moved into his new room and enjoyed his ample accommodationsvery much. The next day he went to the office of _The Phoenix_ andcarried in two sketches. They were fortunate enough to win the approvalof the editor. 

"I see you are practical and understand what we want, Mr. Rand, " hesaid. Just behind Chester was a man of fifty, rather shabby andneglectful in his personal appearance. He might be described as anartist going to seed. Whatever talent he might have had originally hadbeen dulled and obscured by chronic intemperance. 

"Excuse me, sir, " he said, deferentially, "but I would like to submit acouple of sketches. I am Guy Radcliff. "

"Glad to see you, Mr. Radcliff. Let me examine them. "

"I am afraid, " said the editor, after a brief examination, "that theseare not quite what we want. "

"Is it possible?" exclaimed Mr. Radcliff, indignantly. "You scorn mywork, yet accept the sketches of that boy!" pointing at Chester withwithering contempt. 

"Because he has given me what I want. "

"I was a famous artist before he was born. "

"Very likely, and had done good work. But this is not good work. "

"Sir!"

"My dear sir, don't be offended. I don't care for the age of any of mycontributors. I know something of your famous successes, and I hopenext time to approve and buy what you bring me. "

Mr. Radcliff seemed only half propitiated. He and Chester went outtogether. 

"What is your name, boy?" asked the artist. 

"Chester Rand. "

"I never heard of you. "

"I am only a beginner, " said Chester, modestly. 

"You seem to have got in with Fleming. "

"I may not keep in with him. "

"Are you doing pretty well?"

"Yes, for a boy. "

"Have you got a loose quarter about you? I haven't done much worklately, and am hard up. "

Chester took half a dollar from his pocket and handed it to the elderman. His compassion was stirred as he felt for Radcliff's humiliationin being obliged to make such an appeal to a boy like himself. 

"Thank you. You're a gentleman. I'll return it soon, " said Radcliff, looking relieved. "Good luck to you! You're a good fellow, after all. "

"I wish you good luck, too, Mr. Radcliff. "

Chester did not need to be told what had brought the elder artist intosuch an impecunious condition. His face with its unnatural flush showedthat his habits had been far from creditable. 

"If I needed anything to keep me from drinking, Mr. Radcliff's examplewould be sufficient, " thought Chester. He had before now been invitedto take a drink at some convenient saloon, but he had never beentempted to do so. 

Two days later Chester was walking through Union Square when he cameface to face with Felix Gordon. 

Felix espied him first. 

"Hello! Chester, " said his successor. 

"Hello! I didn't see you. "

"I envy you. "

"Why?"

"You have nothing to do but to enjoy yourself, " answered Felix, significantly. 

"Oh, that's it!" said Chester, smiling. He saw that Felix thought himto be out of employment. 

"That was the case with you before you succeeded me in the real estateoffice. How do you like it?"

"Pretty well, but I think I ought to get more salary. You got fivedollars, didn't you?"

"Yes. "

"I will try and get six when Mr. Fairchild gets back. "

"I wish you success. "

"You don't feel any grudge against me for taking your place?"

"No; it wasn't you who got me discharged. "

"I thought you'd be in to get a letter of recommendation from cousinDavid. "

"Would he give me one?"

"I don't know. Are you trying to get a place?"

"No. "

Felix looked surprised. 

"You ain't rich, are you?" he asked. 

"No; what makes you ask?"

"I don't see how you can live without any salary. "

"I couldn't. I ought to tell you that I have got a place. "

"You have?" exclaimed Felix, in surprise, and it must be confessed, disappointment. 

"Yes. "

"Where is it?"

"In the office of a new paper. "

"What is it?"

"_The Phoenix_, a comic paper just started. "

"Where is the office?"

"In Nassau Street. "

"Then why are you not there?"

"I don't have to be there all the time. "

"Do you get good pay?"

"Yes. "

"How much?"

"I get more than I did at the real estate office. "

"You don't say!"

"Yes. I was in luck. "

"Do you get six dollars?"

"More. I don't care to tell you just how much I get. "

"By the way, there was an old man in the office yesterday inquiringafter you. "

"Did he give his name?"

"Yes. He said his name was Silas Tripp. "

"What on earth brought Mr. Tripp to New York?" Chester asked himself. 

This question will be answered in the next chapter. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

A STRANGER IN NEW YORK. 

It was not often that Silas Tripp went to New York. The expense was aconsideration, and again he found it difficult to leave his business. But he had received a circular from an investment company in WallStreet, offering ten per cent. Interest for any money he might have toinvest. High interest always attracts men who love money, and it sohappened that Silas had five hundred dollars invested. The differencebetween six and ten per cent. Interest on this sum would make twentydollars annually, besides a contingent share in extra profits promisedin the circular, and on the whole he thought it would pay him to makethe journey. 

He went at once to the office of Messrs. Gripp & Co. , on his arrival inthe city. He found the financial agents occupying handsome offices, well furnished and covered with a thick Turkey carpet. Everythingbetokened prosperity, and Mr. Tripp was dazzled. The result was that hemade the investment and laid away in his old-fashioned wallet five newbonds, assuring a dividend of ten per cent. 

"I calc'late it's safe, " he said to Mr. Gripp, a stout man with aflorid face, expensively dressed and sporting a large and showy diamondring. 

"Assuredly, my dear sir, " said Gripp, with suavity. "I congratulateyou, Mr. Tripp, on making an unusually profitable investment. I ventureto say that within the year, besides the regular dividend, there willbe an extra dividend of five per cent. , making fifteen per cent. Inall. It is a pity you had not more invested. "

"Mebby I'll bring you in some more bimeby, " said Mr. Tripp, cautiously. 

"I trust you will, for your own sake. To us it is not important, as wehave plenty of capital offered. Indeed, we have had to limitinvestments to five thousand dollars for each person. Why, amillionaire, whose name would be very familiar to you if I couldventure to mention it, came here last week and wanted to invest fiftythousand dollars in our bonds, but I firmly refused to take more thanfive thousand. "

"I don't see why you should, " said Silas, puzzled. 

"I will tell you why. We wish to give a chance to smaller investors, like yourself, for instance. Rich men have plenty of ways in which toinvest their money to advantage, while you probably don't know where toget over six per cent. "

"No; I never got more'n that. "

"I dare say you have considerable invested at that small interest. "

"Well, mebbe. "

"Think how much it would be for your advantage to get four per cent. More. "

"To be sure, sartin! Well, I'll think of it, Mr. Gripp. Mebbe I'll comeand see you ag'in soon. "

Mr. Gripp smiled to himself. He saw that the bait was likely to proveeffective. 

"Well, good-by, Mr. Gripp. You'll send me any information about thebonds?"

"Yes, Mr. Tripp, with pleasure. Whenever you are in the city, even ifyou have no business with us, make our office your home. Whenever youhave any letters to write, we will furnish you a desk and allfacilities. "

"Thank you, Mr. Gripp; you're very obleeging. "

So the old man went out, feeling very complacent over his newinvestment, and much pleased with the handsome way he was treated byMr. Gripp. 

"Lemme see, " he reflected. "I've got five thousand dollars invested. Atten per cent. It would amount to five hundred dollars, and with anextra dividend of two hundred and fifty dollars more. I'll have tothink it over. All seems safe and square, and Mr. Gripp is a realgentleman. "

Silas Tripp looked at his watch. It was only half-past ten. How shouldhe occupy his spare time?

"I guess I'll go and see Chester Rand, " he said. "His mother told mewhere he was working. Perhaps he'll know of some cheap place where Ican get dinner. The last time I was in the city it cost me forty cents. That's a terrible price. "

Mr. Tripp knew the location of Mr. Fairchild's office, and after someinquiry he found his way there. He felt so much like a stranger in thebig city that he anticipated with pleasure seeing a familiar face. Perhaps Chester would invite him out to lunch, and Mr. Tripp, in hisfrugality, would not have declined the offer even of an office boy, aslong as it would save him expense. 

Felix Gordon was just leaving the office on an errand. 

"Is that Mr. Fairchild's office?" inquired Silas. 

"Yes, " answered Felix, with rather a disdainful glance at Silas Tripp'srusty garments. 

"Much obleeged to ye, " said Silas. 

He entered the office and glanced about, expecting to see Chester. 

David Mullins came forward, and with some show of civility greeted theold country merchant. Though he was not naturally polite, he knew thatthe size of a man's purse could not always be judged from the cut orquality of his garments, and he was just as ready to make money out ofSilas as out of any fashionably dressed customer. 

"Is Mr. Fairchild in?" asked Silas. 

"No; Mr. Fairchild is out West. I am Mr. Mullins, his bookkeeper, andrepresent him. "

"Just so! Have you a boy workin' for you named Chester--Chester Rand?"

"Are you a friend of his?" asked the bookkeeper. 

"Well, yes. I come from Wyncombe, where he lives, and I know his folks. I was told he was workin' here. "

"Yes, he was working here, " answered Mullins, emphasizing the pasttense. 

"Isn't he here now?" demanded Silas, with surprise. 

"No. "

"How's that?"

"It's rather a delicate matter, as you are a friend of his, but somedays since I was obliged to discharge him. "

"You don't say!" ejaculated Silas, in manifest surprise. 

"I am sorry to say it. "

"But what was the matter? What did he do?"

"Well, as to that, he did nothing very serious, but he wasted time whenhe was sent out on an errand, and I felt that it was injurious to theinterests of Mr. Fairchild to retain him. "

"He used to be spry enough when he worked for me. "

"When he worked for you?"

"Yes. I keep a store out in Wyncombe, and he was in my employ most ayear. I used to think him quite a lively boy. "

"I dare say he would do very well in a country store, but in the citywe want boys to be active and wide awake. I don't want to say anythingagainst him. He was perfectly honest, so far as I know. "

"Has he got another place?"

"I don't think he has. It is difficult for a boy to get a place in thiscity--that is, a good place, and he wouldn't be likely to refer anyemployer to me. "

"I'm afraid he'll be put to it to live, for his mother was poor. Howmuch wages did you pay him?"

"Five dollars a week. "

"That's pretty high pay. "

"So it is, and we expect a first-class boy for that. "

"Have you got a better boy in his place?"

"Yes; I have taken in a cousin of mine who knows my ways and satisfiesme. "

"Was it the boy I saw just after I came in--a dark-complexioned boywith black hair?"

"Yes, that is Felix. "

"And you find him better than Chester?"

"Yes. "

Silas Tripp did not make any comments, but he had not been veryfavorably impressed by the little he had seen of Chester's successor. 

"Mebbe Chester isn't adapted to the city, " Silas said. 

"I think you are right. It would be better for him to go back into yourstore, but country boys fancy they must come to the city and becomecity business men. "

"That's so. Mebbe I wouldn't succeed in the city myself, though I'mdoin' a tidy business in Wyncombe. I'd like to see Chester. Can youtell me where he lives?"

"No, I haven't his address. "

"I wonder he hasn't gone back home. Mebbe he hasn't got the money. "

"I presume you are correct in your conjecture. "

"His mother hasn't said anything to me about Chester bein' out of work. I'm surprised at that. "

"Perhaps he did not like to tell her. "

"Very like, very like! I'm really sorry to hear Chester ain't done nobetter. "

"He isn't quite up to our mark, but I dare say he will do very well inthe country or in some small business. "

"Are you doin' a large business? You don't seem to have much stockhere. "

"My dear sir, we can't get brownstone houses and country villas into anoffice like this. "

"Is that what you sell?"

"Yes; I sold a fifty-thousand-dollar house this morning up onForty-fifth Street, and yesterday I sold a summer hotel for fortythousand dollars. Our commission in each case would be several hundreddollars. "

"Sho! Well, you be doin' a good business. Can you tell where I can geta good dinner moderate?"

Felix came in at this moment. 

"Felix, " said his cousin, "you may keep the office while I go out tolunch. Mr. ---- You didn't tell me your name. "

"Silas Tripp. "

"Mr. Tripp, it will give me pleasure if you will go out and take lunchwith me. "

"Well, I am sure you're very polite, " said Silas, pleased to think hewould be saved expense; "I'm much obliged. "

So the two went out together. Mullins continued to say considerablethat was derogatory to Chester, and left Mr. Tripp under the impressionthat he was a failure so far as New York business was concerned. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

MR. TRIPP IS DISAPPOINTED. 

Silas Tripp returned home full of the news he had heard in New York. 

"Just as I thought, " he said to himself, "Chester Rand ought never tohave left Wyncombe. He ain't calc'lated to succeed in the city. He'dorter have stayed in my store. In two or three years he might have beenearnin' four or five dollars a week, and he could have boarded at home. It costs a sight to live in the city. I ain't sure that I could affordit myself. "

Mr. Tripp decided to offer Chester his old place at two dollars and ahalf a week. Abel Wood was again in his employ, but he didn't like himas well as Chester. 

The latter he had always found reliable, while Abel was rather apt toforget what Silas told him. Once he had stopped in the street andplayed ball, losing ten or fifteen minutes in that way. Mr. Tripp wasobliged to confess that he never had a more satisfactory boy thanChester. 

The store closed at nine, and Silas, instead of going into the house, walked over to Mrs. Rand's cottage. 

She was rather surprised when she saw who her visitor was. 

"Good-evening, Mr. Tripp, " she said, politely. "Won't you come in?"

"Thank you, widder. It's rather late to call, but I thought you mightlike to hear about York, seein' Chester is there. "

"Have you been to New York to-day?"

"Yes; I went up on a little business. "

"Did you see Chester?"

"No, I didn't see him, " answered Silas, significantly. 

"Did you hear anything of him?" Mrs. Rand naturally asked. 

Mr. Tripp coughed. 

"Well, yes, I heered somethin' about him. "

"Is he--sick?" asked the mother, anxiously, made apprehensive by histone. 

"Not that I know of. Hain't he writ anything special to you?"

"I had a letter yesterday, but there was nothing special in it. "

"I suppose he didn't say nothin' about his place?"

"Yes; he likes it very much. "

"I don't like to say it, widder, but he's deceivin' you. I saw hisemployer myself, and he said that he had to discharge Chester. "

Somehow Mrs. Rand did not seem so much disturbed by this intelligenceas the storekeeper thought she would be. 

"Oh, you mean the real estate office, " she said. 

"Yes; I was treated quite handsome by Mr. Mullins, the bookkeeper, whois runnin' the business while Mr. Fairchild is away. He says Chesterwasn't spry enough, that he wasn't wide awake enough to work in thecity. "

Mrs. Rand actually smiled. 

"So that is what he said, " she returned. "I can tell you why Chesterwas discharged. Mr. Mullins wanted to give the place to his nephew. "

"Mebbe so, " answered Silas, dubiously. "Anyhow, it's unfortunate forChester to lose his place. I feel for you, Mrs. Rand, as I always likedChester myself, and I came here to-night to say that I'm ready to takehim back into the store, and give him two dollars and a half a week. Hesuits me. "

Mr. Tripp leaned back in the rocking-chair and looked as if he had madea very handsome proposal. 

"I see, Mr. Tripp, " said Mrs. Rand, smiling, "that you think Chester isout of a position. "

"So he is. Wasn't he discharged? I know from what Mr. Mullins said hewon't take him back. "

"Chester would not be willing to go back. He has a new and betterplace. "

"You don't say!" ejaculated Mr. Tripp, surprised and, it must beconfessed, disappointed. "What sort of a place is it?"

"He is working for a New York paper or magazine. "

"Sho! Does he get as much pay as he did at the other place?"

"Considerably more, " Mrs. Rand answered, with satisfaction. 

"More'n five dollars a week?"

"Yes; he offers to send me five dollars a week, but I can get alongwithout assistance, since Miss Dolby pays me so liberally. "

"Well, I am surprised. Chester is very lucky. Mebbe it won't last, " hecontinued, hopefully. 

"It seems likely to be permanent. "

"Well, I guess I must be goin'. If he should lose his place, tell him Iwill take him back any time. "

"I don't think he would be satisfied to come back to Wyncombe afterworking in New York. "

Silas Tripp returned to his house rather disappointed. He had felt sosure of securing Chester's services, and now his old boy seemed to bequite out of his reach. 

"Offered to send his mother five dollars a week!" he soliloquized. "Then he must be makin' as much as ten in his new place. Mr. Mullinsdidn't seem to know about it. I wonder what he can be doin' to get sucha high salary. "

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

PROF. NUGENT. 

Chester still went three times a week to the house of Prof. Hazlitt. Hewas getting on fast with the professor's work. 

"I think I shall go to press with my book before the end of the year, "said the professor, one evening, as Chester was taking his leave. "Inmy preface I shall mention your name, Chester, as my artisticcollaborator. "

"Couldn't you mention my name, too, Uncle Edgar?" asked Arthur Burks. 

"In what way?" inquired the professor smiling. 

"You can say that I supervised the illustrations, " answered Arthur, demurely. 

"I am afraid you will have to wait till you are better entitled tocredit. "

"Now, that's mean, Uncle Edgar. I know how I'll get even with you. "

"How?"

"I will write a rival book, and get Chester to illustrate it betterthan yours. "

"It would need better illustrations, since there would be nothing elsein the work worthy of attention. "

"Your uncle has got you there, " said Chester. 

"You'll illustrate my book, won't you?"

"Certainly; that is, if I can depend on prompt payment. "

Chester and Arthur Burks were fast friends. Arthur did not shine inscholarship, but he was fond of fun, and was a warm-hearted andpleasant companion, and a true friend. 

One afternoon he called on Chester at his room. 

"I bring you an invitation to dinner, " he said. "Uncle has a friendfrom Oregon visiting him, and as he is an interesting talker, you willenjoy meeting him. I believe he is a professor in WilliametteUniversity. "

"Thank you, Arthur; I shall be very glad to come. "

"Come with me now, if you have got through your day's work. You canhave a little scientific conversation before dinner. "

"It will be the science of baseball and tennis, I suspect, Arthur. "

"No doubt you will find me very instructive. "

"You always are, Arthur. "

"Thank you. I like to be appreciated by somebody. "

At the dinner table Chester was introduced to Prof. Nugent. 

"This is Chester Rand, the young artist who is illustrating myethnological work, brother Nugent, " said Prof. Hazlitt. 

"What--this boy?" Prof. Nugent exclaimed, in a tone of surprise. 

"Yes. Boy as he is, he is a salaried contributor to _The Phoenix_. "

"You surprise me. How old are you, Mr. Rand?"

"Sixteen. "

"I suppose you began your art education early?"

Chester smiled. 

"No, sir, " he answered. "Four months ago I was the boy in a countrygrocery store. "

"This is wonderful. I shall subscribe to _The Phoenix_ before I go backto my Western home. "

"I am afraid, sir, it will be too light to suit your taste. "

"My dear young friend, don't suppose I am always grave. What says theLatin poet:

 "_'Dulce est desipere in loco. '_

"If you don't understand it, probably Arthur can enlighten you. "

"What does it mean, Arthur?"

"It means, 'When all your serious work is done, 'tis best to have alittle fun, '" answered Arthur, promptly. 

"Bravo, Arthur, " said Prof. Nugent, clapping his hands. "So we have ayoung poet as well as a young artist here. "

"Oh, yes, " answered Arthur. "I'm pretty smart, but few people find itout. "

"You'd better ask the professor about Tacoma, " suggested Arthur, duringa pause in the conversation. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

MR. FAIRCHILD'S TELEGRAM. 

"Tacoma!" repeated the professor. "Who is interested in Tacoma?"

"I own five lots of land there, " answered Chester. 

"Then I congratulate you. Lots are rising there, and are destined to goto a still higher point. "

"How do you account for that?" asked Prof. Hazlitt. 

"In three months the Northern Pacific Railroad will be completed, andthat will give a great impetus to the growth of the town. I expect tolive to see fifty thousand people there. Let me ask how you becamepossessed of these lots?"

"They were given to me by a friend now dead. "

"What was his name?"

"Walter Bruce. "

"Indeed! Why, I own three lots adjoining the Bruce lots. They are amongthe best located in the town. "

"Would you advise me to keep them or sell if I have the chance?"

"To keep them, by all means. I shall keep mine. If, however, you wishto sell, I will myself pay you five hundred dollars each. "

"Then I may consider myself worth twenty-five hundred dollars, " saidChester, in a tone of satisfaction. 

"Yes, and more if you are willing to wait. "

"I think Mr. Bruce only gave twenty-five dollars apiece for them. "

"Very likely. Mine only cost thirty dollars each. "

"I shall begin to look upon you as a rich man, Chester, " said ArthurBurks. 

"Only a rich boy, " corrected Chester, laughing. "I haven't begun toshave yet. "

"I think I shall commence next week, " remarked Arthur, rubbing hischeek vigorously. 

"Since you own property in our neighborhood, Mr. Rand, " said Prof. Nugent, "why don't you make us a visit?"

"I hope to some day when I can afford it, " replied Chester, "but Ididn't know till you told me just now that my lots were worth more thana trifle. "

"If ever you do come, don't forget to call on me at the university. Itis located in Salem, Oregon. I may be able to take a trip to Tacomawith you. "

"Thank you, sir. I should like nothing better. "

The next afternoon Chester chanced to enter the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Hewent through the corridor and into the reading room to buy a paper. What was his surprise to see his recent acquaintance, Paul Perkins, sitting in an armchair, reading a Minneapolis journal. 

"Why, Chester!" exclaimed Mr. Perkins, cordially, as he rose and shookChester's hand vigorously. "It does my heart good to see you. I wasintending to call at your office to-morrow. "

"You wouldn't have found me, Mr. Perkins. "

"How is that?"

"I have been discharged. "

"By that rascal, Mullins? It's a shame. I must see if I can't find youanother position. "

"Thank you, but it is not necessary. I have a place already. "

"Good! Is it in the real estate business?"

"No, I am engaged on _The Phoenix_, a new weekly humorous paper, as oneof the regular staff of artists. "

"Whew! That is good. Do you get fair pay?"

"Twenty-five dollars a week. "

"You don't say so. That is surprising. How much did you get at theother place?"

"Five. "

"Then this is five times as good. You ought to give Mr. Mullins a voteof thanks for bouncing you. "

"I don't think he meant to benefit me, " said Chester, smiling. 

"Do you have to work hard? What are your hours?"

"I have none. I work at home and select my own hours. "

"Are you through work for the day?"

"Yes. "

"Then you must stay and dine with me. It is four o'clock. We can chatfor an hour, and then go to dinner. "

"Thank you. I will accept with pleasure. Did you have a pleasantjourney?"

"Yes; but I should have enjoyed it better if you had been with me. Icalled at the White House and shook hands with the President. "

"Did you tell him you wanted an office?"

"No office for me. I would rather have my own business and be my ownmaster. Washington's a fine city, but give me Minneapolis. "

"I may call on you in Minneapolis sometime, Mr. Perkins. "

"I hope you will. You'll find it worth visiting. It's a right smartplace, if I do say it. "

"I have seen a professor from a university in Oregon, and he has givenme good news of my lots in Tacoma. I have five, as I think I told you. He offered me five hundred dollars apiece cash down. "

"Don't you take it! They're going a good deal higher, now that therailroad is nearly completed. "

"So he told me. "

"I congratulate you on your good luck, Chester. I am sure you deserveit. But you haven't told me why you were 'bounced. '"

"Mr. Mullins said I wasted time in going his errands. It wasn't true, but it was only an excuse to get rid of me. He took his cousin Felix inmy place. "

The two friends went to dinner about six o'clock. At seven they camedownstairs and sat in the lobby on a sofa near the door. 

Through the portal there was a constant ingress and egress of men--amotley crowd--business men, politicians, professionals and men perhapsof shady character, for a great hotel cannot discriminate, and hundredspass in and out who are not guests and have no connection with thehouse. 

"It is a wonderful place, Chester, " said Mr. Perkins. "Everybody seemsat home here. I suppose everybody--everybody, at least, who ispresentable--in New York comes here sometime during the year. "

Just then Chester uttered a little exclamation of surprise. As if toemphasize Mr. Perkins' remark, two persons came in who were very wellknown to the young artist. They were David Mullins and Dick Ralston. 

Mullins heard the slight exclamation and turned his head in thedirection of the sofa on which Chester and his friend were sitting. Sodid Ralston. 

"Why, it's your old boy!" he said. 

Mullins smiled a little maliciously. He had not heard that Chester hada place. 

"I suppose you are boarding here, " he said, with a little sarcasm. 

"No, Mr. Mullins, but I have just dined here--with my friend, Mr. Perkins. "

Mullins inclined his head slightly. 

"Has he adopted you?" he asked, in a tone bordering on impertinence. 

"No, sir, " answered Mr. Perkins; "but if Chester ever wants me to, Iwill. At present he is prosperous, and requires no help or adoption. "

"Oh! Have you got a place?" asked Mullins, turning to Chester. 

"Yes. "

"In the same business?"

"No; I am in the office of a weekly paper. "

"Oh!" said the bookkeeper, disdainfully. "They pay beggarly salaries atsuch places. "

"Then I am favored. I receive more than twice as much as I did in youroffice. "

Chester did not care to just state how much he received. 

"That can't be possible!"

"It is a fact, however. Has Mr. Fairchild returned?"

"No. Why do you want to know?"

"I have no wish to go back, Mr. Mullins. Don't be apprehensive of that. I don't wish to disturb Felix. "

Dick Ralston listened with some interest to the conversation. 

"It strikes me the kid has come to no harm from being discharged, " hesaid. 

"I believe this is Mr. Perkins, of Minneapolis?"

"Yes, sir, " answered the Westerner, eying the gambler with apenetrating glance. 

"I shall be glad to be your guide if you wish to see something of NewYork. Will you join us this evening?"

"You are very polite, but I have an engagement with Chester. "

"A mere boy! He knows nothing about the city. "

"Still I am satisfied with him. "

The two passed on and went into the bar-room, where they sat down at atable and ordered some liquid refreshment. 

"Well, Mullins, " said the gambler, "I am getting impatient. The daysare slipping by, and you have done nothing. "

"You know what I am waiting for. Yesterday a check for a thousanddollars was paid in at the office, and deposited in the bank to-day. "

"Good! And then?"

"I will send Felix to the bank and draw out sixteen hundred. Will thatsatisfy you?"

"I see, and, according to our arrangement, Felix will hand it to me onhis way back to the office, and then swear that it was taken from himby some unknown party. You have coached him, have you?"

"Yes. Of course, I had to let him into the secret partially, promisinghim twenty-five dollars for himself. "

"Ten would have been sufficient. "

"He would not have been satisfied. We can spare that. "

"How soon do you expect Fairchild back?"

"In three days. "

But on the morrow Mullins was disconcerted by receiving the followingtelegram:

 "Expect me back sometime to-day. FAIRCHILD. "

CHAPTER XXX. 

THE ATTEMPTED ROBBERY. 

Dick Ralston was in the real estate office when the telegram wasreceived. Indeed, he spent a good deal of his time there, so that itwas supposed by some that he had a share in the business. 

"Look at that, Dick!" said the bookkeeper, passing the telegram to hisconfederate. 

"Confusion! What sends him home so soon?" said Ralston. "Do you supposehe suspects anything?"

"No. How can he? Perhaps, " said Mullins, nervously, "we had better giveup the whole thing. You see how I will be placed. I'm afraid I shall besuspected. "

"Look here!" growled Ralston, "I don't want to hear any such weak, puerile talk. How do you propose to pay me the nine hundred andsixty-odd dollars you owe me? Do you expect to save it out of yoursalary?" he concluded, with a sneer. 

"I wish we had never met, " said the bookkeeper, in a troubled tone. 

"Thank you; but it is too late for that. There is nothing to do but tocarry out our program. How much money is there on deposit in the bank?"

"About twenty-four hundred dollars. "

"Then we had better draw out more than eighteen hundred. As well behanged for a sheep as for a lamb. "

"You forget, Ralston, that such a wholesale draft will raise suspicionat the bank. "

"You're awfully cautious. "

"I don't want everything to miscarry through imprudence. "

"Come, it is ten o'clock. Better send Felix to the bank. "

"Better wait a little while. If we drew such a large amount just at thebeginning of banking hours, the bank officers might suspect something. "

"Cautious again. Well, wait half an hour, if you must. Call Felix andgive him his instructions. "

Felix Gordon came in at this moment, and was admitted to theconference. 

"Felix, " said the bookkeeper, "you remember the arrangement I made withyou yesterday?"

"Yes, Cousin David. "

"It is to be carried out to-day. I shall give you a check for eighteenhundred dollars, and you will receive the money and come from the bankhere. "

"Yes, Cousin David. "

"You will carry the parcel in the left-hand pocket of your sack coat, and if it is taken you can appear to be unconscious of it. "

"Yes. "

"And--that is all you will have to do, except to say that a tall, thinman"--Ralston was short and sturdy--"jostled against you, and must havetaken it. "

"All right! I see. And I am to have twenty-five dollars for----"

"Your trouble. Yes. "

"Give it to me now. "

"Wait till you come back. Don't be afraid. You will get it. "

"All right. "

When Felix was on his way to the bank, he did not know that he wasfollowed at a little distance by a small man with keen, black eyes, who, without appearing to do so, watched carefully every movement ofthe young office boy. 

When Felix entered the bank, he also entered the bank, and stood behindFelix in the line at the paying teller's window. 

He nodded secretly to the teller when that official read the checkpresented by Felix. 

"Eighteen hundred dollars?" the latter repeated, aloud. 

"Yes, sir, " answered Felix, composedly. 

"I shall have to go back to get it. We haven't as much here. "

He went to another part of the bank and returned after a time withthree packages. One was labeled one thousand dollars, another fivehundred dollars and a third two hundred dollars. Then he counted outfrom the drawer beside him a hundred dollars in bills. 

Felix, with a look of relief, took the three parcels and dropped themcarelessly in the side pocket of his sack coat, and put the bills inloose. Then he started on his way back to the office. 

Mr. Sharpleigh, for it was he, as the reader has doubtless guessed, walked closely behind him. He was not quite sure as to the manner inwhich the money was to be taken, but guessed at once when he caughtsight of Dick Ralston at a little distance with his eyes intently fixedupon Felix. 

The office boy sauntered along, with nothing apparently on his mind, and finally stopped in front of a window on Union Square, whichappeared to have considerable attraction for him. 

Then it was that the detective saw Ralston come up, and, whileapparently watching the window also, thrust his hand into the pocket ofthe office boy and withdraw the package of money, which he at onceslipped into his own pocket. 

Mr. Sharpleigh smiled a little to himself. 

"Very neat!" he soliloquized, "but it won't go down, my cunningfriend. "

Felix gave a little side glance, seeing what was going on, butimmediately stared again in at the window. 

Sharpleigh beckoned to a tall man, dressed as a civilian, but really anofficer in plain clothes. 

"Go after him!" he said, in a low voice, indicating Ralston. 

Then he followed Felix, who in about five minutes began to show signsof agitation. 

He thrust his hand wildly into his pocket, and looked panic-stricken. 

"What is the matter, my boy?" asked Sharpleigh, blandly. 

"Oh, sir, I have been robbed, " faltered Felix. 

"Robbed--of what?"

"I had eighteen hundred dollars in bank bills in my pocket, in fourparcels, and--and they must have been taken while I was looking in atthis window. "

"You seem to have been very careless?" said Sharpleigh. "Why were younot more careful when you knew you had so much money in your care?"

"I--I ought to have been, I know it, sir, but I wasn't thinking. "

"Where are you employed?"

"At Mr. Fairchild's office, on Fourteenth Street. "

"The real estate agent?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I know the place. "

"My cousin is the bookkeeper. He will be so angry with me. "

"I think he will have reason. I saw a man following you rather closely, I presume he took the money. "

"Oh, won't you come back to the office with me and tell my cousin that?I am afraid he will discharge me. "

"Yes, I will go with you. "

So it happened that Felix and Mr. Sharpleigh went together into theoffice where Mullins was eagerly waiting for the return of hisemissary. 

"What's the matter, Felix?" he said, as the boy entered. "Have youbrought the money?"

"Oh, Cousin David, I am so sorry. "

"So sorry? For what?"

"I--I have lost the money. A pickpocket took it while I was looking inat a window. This gentleman was near and he saw a suspicious-lookingman next to me. "

"This is a strange story, Felix. We must notify the police at once. Didyou see anyone likely to commit the theft, sir?"

This was, of course, addressed to Mr. Sharpleigh. 

"Yes. "

"You will be willing to testify to this at the police office? You see, this boy is my cousin. Mr. Fairchild is away, and I shall be blamed forthis terrible loss. Why, there were eighteen hundred dollars in theparcel!"

"There were three parcels, and a roll of bills, Cousin David. "

Mr. Mullins looked surprised. 

"Then it was not all put in one parcel?" he said. 

"No. "

"That is strange. I--I don't know what to do. Mr. Fairchild hastelegraphed that he will be at home sometime during the day. Probably Ihad better wait till he comes before notifying the police. "

This he said in a questioning sort of way, as if asking Sharpleigh'sadvice. 

"That will give the thief a chance to escape, " suggested the detective. 

"True. Perhaps you will be kind enough to leave word at the nearestpolice office. I only wish Mr. Fairchild were here. "

"All right, sir, " said the detective, "I will comply with yourrequest. "

He left the office, but it is needless to say that he didn't go faraway. 

"This is a very interesting comedy, " he murmured, rubbing his hands, "avery interesting comedy, and apparently played for my benefit. "

"Now, Felix, " said the bookkeeper, "tell me how it all came out. Didthe paying teller look suspicious when you presented the check?"

"No. He said he hadn't as much money in the drawer, and went to thesafe in the back part of the bank. He returned with three parcels ofbills in brown paper, and a hundred dollars loose. "

"And then you put it in your pocket?"

"Yes, Cousin David; I did exactly as you told me. I put them in mypocket and walked back in a leisurely way. "

"Did you see anything of Ralston?"

"Yes, I saw him out of the corner of my eye, while I was looking in ata window on Union Square. "

"He took the money?"

"Yes. Now, Cousin David, give me the twenty-five dollars. "

At that instant the door was opened suddenly, and Dick Ralston dashedinto the office, looking very much excited. 

"Mullins, " he said, "we've been sold--sold--regularly sold. Look atthis!" and he showed one of the brown packages partly torn open. 

"Well, " said the bookkeeper, "what's the matter?"

"Matter? Matter enough. Here's a package marked one thousand dollars, and it contains only slips of green paper in place of bills. You cansee for yourself. "

CHAPTER XXXI. 

A DAY OF SURPRISES. 

The bookkeeper looked amazed. 

He turned to Felix. 

"Was this package given you at the bank?" he asked. 

"Yes, " answered Felix. 

"I don't understand it. Do you think they suspected anything?" hecontinued, turning to Ralston. 

"What could they suspect?" growled Dick. "It's a pretty trick for arespectable bank to play on a customer. "

"Was all the money bogus?" asked Mullins. 

"Here are a hundred dollars in good bills. "

"Have you opened any of the other packages?"

"No, but I will. "

The gambler tore off a little of the outer paper from thefive-hundred-dollar and two-hundred-dollar packages, only to discoverthat their contents were no more valuable than those of the firstbundle. 

"I'd like to know what all this means, " said Ralston. "Is it a trick ofyours?" he demanded, looking suspiciously at Mullins. 

"No. On my honor, no. It is very puzzling. They must have made amistake at the bank. "

"Send the boy back. "

"It won't do. He has already reported that he has been robbed. It's--it's very awkward. "

"You must do something, " said Dick Ralston, harshly. "I'm not going tobe swindled in this way. "

It was at this point that the office door was heard to open. Mr. Sharpleigh entered and fixed his glance on Ralston. 

"Mr. Mullins, " he said, "you wish to know who robbed your office boy ofthe money he drew from the bank?"

"Yes, " faltered Mullins. 

"There he stands!" answered Sharpleigh, calmly, pointing to Ralston. 

"It's a--lie!" exclaimed the gambler, but he turned pale. 

"I saw the robbery with my own eyes. " went on the detective, "and----"he turned his eyes to the door, which opened to admit a stalwartpoliceman. 

"Arrest that man!" said the detective. "He lay in wait for the officeboy, and on his return from the bank robbed him of a large sum of moneywhich he had just drawn out. "

"Who are you?" demanded Ralston, trying to brazen it out. 

"I am James Sharpleigh, a detective. "

Mullins listened in dismay, for Sharpleigh's name was familiar to himas one of the cleverest detectives in the city. 

"And who authorized you to meddle in a matter that did not concernyou?"

The answer came from an unexpected quarter. Mr. Fairchild, valise inhand and dusty with travel, entered the office. He heard the question, and quickly comprehended the situation. 

"It is nearly two weeks, " he said, "since I engaged Mr. Sharpleigh towatch what was going on in the office. Chester Rand telegraphed me thathe had been discharged, and my suspicions were excited. "

"So it's that boy!" muttered the bookkeeper, spitefully. 

"I left all to the discretion of my friend Sharpleigh, who hasjustified my confidence. I shall have to ask him to throw light on thepresent situation. "

This the detective did in a few brief sentences. 

"Am I to arrest this man?" asked the policeman. 

"Yes, " answered the broker, sternly. "Mr. Sharpleigh, will youaccompany the officer and prefer charges?"

"See here, " said Ralston, with an ugly look, "I'm not going to be ascapegoat. Your bookkeeper put up this job. "

Mr. Fairchild turned slowly and regarded David Mullins attentively. 

"I will bear in mind what you say, " he answered. 

"I took nothing of value, " continued Ralston, "and you can't hold me. Here are three packages filled with green paper. "

"Yes, " said Sharpleigh, "the bank teller was acting under myinstructions. I took care, however, to have one roll of genuine bills. "

When the three had left the office Mr. Fairchild turned to thebookkeeper. 

"Mr. Mullins, " he said, "what could induce you to engage in such awicked plot?"

"I don't admit any complicity in the affair, " replied the bookkeeper, in a surly tone. 

"Have you seen Chester Rand lately?"

"I saw him last evening at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. "

"Why did you discharge him?"

"I thought him unfit for his place. "

"There may be a difference of opinion on that point. This boy, " headded, significantly, "is a relative of yours, I believe. "

"Yes. "

"Will you give me an idea of what has been done during my absence?"

Together the broker and the bookkeeper went over the books. Then Mr. Fairchild went out to dinner. 

He was no sooner out of the office than Mullins said: "Felix, remainhere till Mr. Fairchild returns. I am going out on an errand. "

He opened the safe, drew therefrom a small package and left the office. 

Half an hour later he was on a Cortlandt Street ferryboat bound for theJersey shore. 

The package which he took with him contained four hundred dollars inbills, which he had drawn from the bank the day previous without theknowledge of his confederate. He had been providing for contingencies. 

When Mr. Fairchild returned Felix delivered the message. 

The broker at once looked suspicious. 

"Did Mr. Mullins say where he was going?" he asked. 

"Yes, sir. He said he was going out on an errand. "

"Did he take anything with him?"

"I didn't observe, sir. "

When Sharpleigh came in a little later he looked about him inquiringly. 

"Where's Mullins?"

"I don't think we shall see him again very soon, " and the broker toldthe detective what he knew about his disappearance. 

Sharpleigh shrugged his shoulders. 

"He has been too sharp for us, " he said. "Do you want me to doanything?"

"No; his loss of place and reputation will be a sufficient punishment. "

At the close of the day Felix said: "I suppose you don't want me anymore. "

"You can stay till the end of the week. I have not had time to form anyplans. "

"Do--do you think Cousin David will come back?"

"I think it very improbable, " said the broker, seriously. "Can youthrow any light on the events of to-day?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Go on. Was the robbery planned?"

"Yes, sir. I was to receive twenty-five dollars for my share. "

"I believe you know Chester Rand?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Do you know where he lives?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Will you ask him to call here to-morrow?"

"I will, sir; but he tells me he has a good place, and would not careto return. "

"I am aware of that. It is possible I may retain you----"

"Oh, sir, if you would!"

"On condition that you agree to serve me faithfully. "

This was quite beyond the expectations of Felix. 

"I will try to do so, " he said, earnestly. 

"You have begun well by confessing your share in the plot which came sonear being successful. As your day's work is ended, I will consider theerrand on which I am sending you extra, and will pay you for it. "

The broker handed a half dollar to Felix, which he accepted joyfully. 

"I don't much care if Cousin David has gone away, " he soliloquized. "Mr. Fairchild seems a good sort of man, and I'll do my best to pleasehim. "

When Felix was ushered into Chester's presence the latter was justfinishing a comic sketch for _The Phoenix_. 

"What's that?" asked Felix, in surprise, for he was quite unaware ofChester's artistic gifts. 

Chester showed it to him with a smile. 

"Now you see how I am making my living, " he said. 

"Do you get pay for that?"

"Yes, certainly. "

Then Felix bethought himself of his errand. 

"There's a great row at the office, " he said. "Mr. Fairchild has gothome, Cousin David has run away and Mr. Ralston is arrested. "

"That's a budget of news. When did Mr. Fairchild return?"

"This forenoon. He wants you to call to-morrow. "

"All right. I will do so. "

"And if he offers you back your old place you won't take it?" saidFelix, anxiously. "If you don't, I think he'll keep me. "

"Then I'll promise not to accept. I am better satisfied where I am. Have you had supper, Felix?"

"No. "

"Then come and take supper with me. I go out about this time. "

"It had certainly been a day of surprises, " as Felix reflected when hefound himself seated opposite a boy whom he had always disliked, as hisguest. 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

EDWARD GRANGER. 

"I suppose you don't care to come back to the office, Chester?" saidMr. Fairchild, when Chester called upon him the next day at the office. 

"I like my present position better, " answered Chester; "besides, Isuppose you are hardly prepared to offer me twenty-five dollars aweek. "

"Do you receive as much as that?" asked the broker, in amazement. 

"Yes, sir. "

"I congratulate you heartily, " said Mr. Fairchild. "It is clear thatyou are too high priced for the real estate business. "

"Felix tells me you may retain him. "

"I will give him a chance. It depends upon himself whether he stays. "

"I am very glad of it, sir. Felix has hardly been my friend, but nowthat his cousin is away he may improve. I certainly hope so. "

"What shall you do about Ralston?" asked Chester, presently. 

"I shall proceed against him. Such a man is a curse to the community. It was through him that my bookkeeper lost his integrity and ruined hisprospects. If he is locked up he will be prevented from doing any moreharm. "

As Dick Ralston will not again figure in this story, it may bementioned here that he was found guilty in the trial that soonfollowed, and was sentenced to a term of several years' imprisonment. 

The bitterest reflection he had when sentence was pronounced was thathis confederate, Mullins, had escaped and was a free man. Rogues maywork together, but it is seldom that any tie of friendship existsbetween them. 

Chester was now able to save money. Including what he received fromProf. Hazlitt, his income was about thirty-five dollars a week. 

His personal expenses were greater than they had been, on account ofhaving a more expensive room. Yet altogether they did not exceed twelvedollars per week, leaving him a balance of twenty-three. 

Of this sum he proposed to send his mother a part, but she wrote thatthe liberal board paid by Miss Jane Dolby covered all her expenses. 

"I hope if you have money to spare you will put it in some savingsbank, " she wrote. "At present we are well and prospering, but the timemay come when our income will be diminished, and then it will be verycomfortable to have some money laid aside. "

Chester acted upon his mother's suggestion. He did not tell her howmuch he earned. He wished this to be an agreeable surprise at somefuture day. 

Then Chester moved into a larger room. The hall bedroom which he hadhitherto occupied was taken by a young man of nineteen named EdwardGranger. He was slender and looked younger than he was. 

He did not seem strong, and there was a sad expression on his face. Sometimes he called on Chester, but for several days they had not met. About six o'clock one afternoon Chester knocked at his door. 

"Come in!" he heard, in a low voice. 

Entering, he saw Edward lying on the bed face downward, in an attitudeof despondency. 

"What's the matter, Edward?" he asked. "Are you sick?"

"Yes, sick at heart, " was the sad reply. 

"How is that?" inquired Chester, in a tone of sympathy. 

"I have lost my place. "

"When was that?"

"Three days since. My employer has engaged in my place a boy from thecountry--his nephew--and I am laid aside. "

"That is unfortunate, certainly, but you must try to get another place. Your employer will give you a recommendation, won't he?"

"Yes, I have one in my pocket, but it is not easy to get a new place, and meanwhile----" He hesitated. 

"Meanwhile you are out of money, I suppose, " said Chester. 

"Yes; I couldn't save anything. I got only five dollars a week, and myroom costs two. I suppose, when the week is up, Mrs. Randolph will turnme into the street. "

"Not while you have a friend in the next room, " said Chester, cordially. 

Edward looked up quickly. 

"Will you really be my friend?" he asked. 

"Try me. Have you had supper?"

"I have not eaten anything for two days, " answered Granger, sadly. 

"Why didn't you call upon me? I wouldn't have seen you suffer. "

"I didn't like to ask. I thought you would consider me a beggar. "

"You will understand me better after a while. Now put on your hat andcome out with me. "

Edward did so, but he was so weak from long fasting that he was obligedto lean upon Chester in walking to the restaurant, which was luckilynear by. 

"Let me advise you to take some soup first, " said Chester. "Yourstomach is weak, and that will prepare it for heartier food. "

"I don't feel hungry, " returned Edward. "I only feel faint. "

"It may be well not to eat very much at first. "

"How kind you are! I must be two or three years older than you, yet youcare for and advise me. "

"Consider me your uncle, " said Chester, brightly. "Now tell me how ithappens that you didn't apply to some friend or relative. "

A shadow passed over the boy's face. 

"I have none in New York--except yourself. "

"Then you are not a city boy. "

"No; I came from Portland. "

"In Maine?"

"No; in Oregon. "

"You have relatives there?"

"A mother. "

"I suppose you hear from her?"

Edward Granger was silent. 

"I don't wish you to tell me if you have an objection. "

"Yes, I will tell you, for I think you are a true friend. My mother ismarried again, and my stepfather from the first disliked me. I think itis because my mother had money, and he feared she would leave it to me. So he got up a false charge against me of dishonesty. My mother becamecold to me, and I--left home. I am of a sensitive nature, and I couldnot bear the cold looks I met with. "

"How long ago was this?"

"About six months since. "

"You came to New York directly?"

"Yes. "

"Where did you get the money to come?"

"I came by it honestly, " answered Edward, quickly. "I had a deposit ina savings bank, put in during my own father's life. I felt I had aright to use this, and I did so. It brought me to New York, and kept mehere till I got a place in an insurance office. "

"And you managed to live on five dollars a week?"

"Yes; it was hard, but I went to the cheapest eating houses, and I--gotalong. "

"But you had no money to buy clothing. "

"I brought a fair supply with me. Now I am beginning to need some smallarticles, such as handkerchiefs and socks. "

"I wondered you would never go to supper with me. "

"I didn't want you to know how little I ordered. You might have thoughtme mean. "

"Poor fellow!" said Chester, pityingly. "You have certainly had a hardtime. And all the while your mother was living in comfort. "

"Yes, in luxury, for she is worth at least fifty thousand dollars inher own right. "

"I hope your stepfather has not got possession of it. "

"He had not when I came away. My mother is naturally cautious, andwould not give it to him. He attributed this to my influence over her, but it was not so. She is of Scotch descent, and this made her carefulabout giving up her property. She allowed him the use of the income, only reserving a little for herself. "

"Have you had any communication with her since you left Portland?"

"I wrote her once, but received no answer. "

"The letter may not have reached her. It may have fallen into the handsof your stepfather. What is his name?"

"Trimble--Abner Trimble. "

"Was he in any business?"

"Yes; he kept a liquor saloon, and patronized his own bar too much forhis own good. "

"I shouldn't think your mother would like to have him in thatbusiness. "

"She asked him to change it, but he wouldn't. He had a set ofdisreputable companions who made his saloon their headquarters, and hedid not wish to give them up, as he might have had to do if he had goneinto another business. "

By this time supper was over, and the two walked to Broadway. Edwardfelt stronger, and his eye was brighter. 

Suddenly he gripped Chester's arm. 

"Do you see that man?" he asked, pointing to a black-bearded man on theother side of the street. 

"Yes; what of him?"

"It is a gentleman from Portland, a neighbor of ours. What can he bedoing in New York?"

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

A FRIEND FROM OREGON. 

"Go over and speak to him, " suggested Chester. 

"Come with me, then. "

The two boys crossed the street and intercepted the man from Portland. He was of medium height, with dark hair, and had a brisk, Western waywith him. 

"Don't you remember me, Mr. Wilson?" said Edward. 

"What! Edward Granger?" ejaculated the Oregonian. "Well, I am glad tosee you. Didn't know what had become of you. Are you living here?"

"Yes, sir. Let me introduce my friend, Chester Rand. "

"Glad to meet you, Mr. Rand, " said Wilson, heartily. "So you are afriend of Edward's. "

"Indeed he is, an excellent friend!" exclaimed young Granger. "Haveyou--seen my mother lately?"

"Come over to my hotel and I'll answer all your questions. I'm stoppingat the Continental, on the next block. "

"All right! Will you come, Chester?"

"Yes; I shall be glad to. "

They were soon sitting in the office of the Continental Hotel, at thecorner of Broadway and Twentieth Street. 

"Now I'll answer your questions, " said Nathaniel Wilson. "Yes, I sawyour mother the day before I set out. "

"And is she well?" asked Edward, anxiously. 

"She was looking somewhat careworn. She probably misses you. "

"She never writes to me, " said Edward, bitterly. 

"It may be because she doesn't know your address. Then your stepfatherkeeps her prejudiced against you. "

"I suppose there is no change in him?"

"No; except that he is drinking harder than ever. His business isagainst him, though he would drink even if he didn't keep a saloon. "

"Does he treat my mother well?"

"I think he does. I have never heard anything to the contrary. You see, he wouldn't dare to do otherwise, as your mother has the property, andhe wants to keep in with her in order to get a share. "

"I have been afraid that she would give a part to him. "

"Thus far I am confident she hasn't done it. She is Scotch, isn't she?"

"Yes; her name was Downie, and she was born in Glasgow, but came tothis country at an early age. "

"The Scotch are careful and conservative. "

"She probably gives most of her income to Trimble--indeed, he collectsher rents--but the principal she keeps in her own hands. Once I heardyour stepfather complaining bitterly of this. 'My wife, ' he said, 'treats me very badly. She's rolling in wealth, and I am a poor man, obliged to work early and late for a poor living. '"

"He pays nothing toward the support of the house, " said Edward, indignantly. "Mother pays all bills, and gives him money for himselfbesides. "

"I don't see how she could have married such a man!"

"Nor I. He seems coarse, and is half the time under the influence ofdrink. "

"I wonder whether he has induced your mother to make a will in hisfavor, " said Wilson, thoughtfully. "If he did, I think her life wouldbe in danger. "

Edward turned pale at this suggestion. 

"I don't care so much for the property, " he said, "but I can't bear tothink of my mother's life as being in danger. "

"Probably your mother's caution will serve her a good turn here also, "said Wilson. "It isn't best to borrow trouble. I will keep watch, andif I see or hear of anything alarming I will write you. But now tell meabout yourself. Are you at work?"

"Not just at present, " replied Edward, embarrassed. 

"But I think I can get him another place in a day or two, " saidChester, quickly. 

"If you need a little money, call on me, " added the warm-heartedWesterner. "You know you used to call me your uncle Nathaniel. "

"I wouldn't like to borrow, " said Edward, shyly. 

"When was your birthday?"

"A month ago. "

"Then I must give you a birthday present You can't object to that, " andMr. Wilson took a ten-dollar gold piece from his pocket and pressed itupon Edward. 

"Thank you very much. I can't decline a birthday gift. "

"That's what I thought. I am an old friend, and have a right toremember you. Was Mr. Rand in the same office with you?"

"No; Chester is an artist. "

"An artist! A boy like him!" ejaculated the Oregonian in surprise. 

Chester smiled. 

"I am getting older every day, " he said. 

"That's what's the matter with me, " rejoined Mr. Wilson. "You haven'tany gray hair yet, while I have plenty. "

"Not quite yet, " smiled Chester. 

"What kind of an artist are you?"

"I make drawings for an illustrated weekly. It is a comic paper. "

"And perhaps you put your friends in occasionally?"

"Not friends exactly, but sometimes I sketch a face I meet in thestreet. "

"You may use me whenever you want a representative of the wild andwoolly West. "

"Thank you, Mr. Wilson. "

"But in that case you must send me a copy of the paper. "

"I won't forget it. "

"How long are you staying in New York, Mr. Wilson?" asked Edward. 

"I go away to-morrow. You must spend the evening with me. "

"I should like to do so. It seems good to see an old friend. "

"By and by we will go to Delmonico's and have an ice cream. I supposeyou have been there?"

"No; office boys don't often patronize Delmonico. They are more likelyto go to Beefsteak John's. "

"I never heard that name. Is it a fashionable place?"

"Yes, with those of small pocketbooks. It is a perfectly respectableplace, but people living on Fifth Avenue prefer the Brunswick orDelmonico's. "

Edward brightened up so much owing to the presence of a friend from hisdistant home that Chester could hardly believe that it was the same boywhom he had found but a short time before in the depths of despondency. 

About nine o'clock they adjourned to Delmonico's and ordered ices andcake. 

"This seems a tiptop place, " said the Oregonian, looking about him. "Wehaven't got anything equal to it in Portland, but we may have sometime. The Western people are progressive. We don't want to be at the tail endof the procession. Mr. Rand, you ought to come out and see something ofthe West, particularly of the Pacific coast. You may not feel aninterest in it at present, but----"

"I have more interest in it than you imagine, Mr. Wilson. I have someproperty at Tacoma. "

"You don't mean it! What kind of property?"

"I own five lots there. "

"Then you are in luck. Lots in Tacoma are rising every day. "

"But it wouldn't be well to sell at present, would it?"

"No; the railroad has only recently been completed, and the growth ofTacoma has only just begun. "

"I hope to go West some day. "

"When you do you must call on me. Perhaps you will come, too, Edward?"

Edward Granger shook his head. 

"It won't be worth while for me to go back while Mr. Trimble is alive. He seems to have such an influence over my mother that it would not bepleasant for me to go there and have a cold reception from her. "

"I will call on her and mention your name. Then I can see how the landlays. How she can prefer such a man as Abner Trimble to her own son Ican't understand. "

About ten o'clock the two boys left Mr. Wilson, who had been goingabout all day and showed signs of fatigue. 

"Shan't I see you again, Mr. Wilson?" asked Edward. 

"No; I must take an early start in the morning. You had better let melend you a little money. "

"No, thank you, sir. Your generous gift will help me till I get aplace. "

So the farewells were said, and the boys walked home. 

"Now, " said Edward, "I must try to get a place. This money will last metwo weeks, and in that time I ought to secure something. "

He went from place to place, answering advertisements the next day, butmet with no luck. He was feeling rather depressed when Chester cameinto his room. 

"I have found a place for you, " he said, brightly. 

"You don't mean it! Where is it?" asked young Granger. 

"At the office of _The Phoenix_. You will be in the mailing department. The salary is small--only seven dollars a week--but----"

"I shall feel rich. It is two dollars more than I received at my lastplace. When am I to go to work?"

"To-morrow. The mailing clerk has got a better place, and that makes anopening for you. "

"And I owe this good fortune to you, " said Edward, gratefully. "How canI repay you?"

"By being my friend!"

"That I shall be--for life!" replied Edward, fervently. 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

AFTER A YEAR. 

A year passed. Chester remained in the service of _The Phoenix_, whichhad become an established success. His artistic work was so satisfactorythat his salary had been raised from twenty-five to thirty dollars perweek. Yet he had not increased his personal expenses, and now hadnearly a thousand dollars deposited in different savings banks. 

He had concealed the extent of his prosperity from his mother, meaningin time to surprise her agreeably. 

About this period he received a letter from Wyncombe. It was from hismother. It ran thus:

 "DEAR CHESTER: I am sorry to write you bad news. Miss Jane Dolby has decided to visit a sister in Chicago and remain a year. Of course this cuts off the liberal income I have received from her, and which has been adequate to meet my expenses. I may be able to earn something by sewing, but it will be only a little. I shall, therefore, have to accept the offer you made me sometime since to send me a weekly sum. I am sorry to be a burden to you, but it will only be for a year. At the end of that time Miss Dolby promises to come back and resume boarding with me. 

 "I think we have reason to feel grateful for your continued success in New York. Silas Tripp called a few evenings since. He has had a great deal of trouble with boys. He says he has not had anyone to suit him since you left. He asked me if I thought you would come back for four dollars a week. This he seemed to consider a very liberal offer, and it was--for him. I didn't give him any encouragement, as I presume you prefer art to the grocery business. 

 "You need not begin to send me money, at once, as I have been able to save a little from Miss Dolby's board. 

 "Your affectionate mother, "SARAH RAND. "

Chester answered at once:

 "DEAR MOTHER: Don't feel any anxiety about your loss of income through Miss Dolby's departure, and don't try to earn any money by sewing. My income is larger than you suppose, and I will send you weekly as much as you have been accustomed to receive from your boarder. Should it be more than you need, you can lay aside any surplus for future use. 

 "Tell Mr. Tripp I prefer New York to Wyncombe as a place of business, and I am obliged to decline his generous offer. I cannot help thinking sometimes how fortunate it was that he declined over a year since to increase my pay, as in that case I might still have been working for him instead of establishing a reputation as an artist here. Last week I received a larger offer from another publication, but as the publishers of _The Phoenix_ have always treated me well, I didn't think that I would be justified in making a change. I mean in a week or two to come home to pass Sunday. I shall feel delighted to see my friends in Wyncombe, and most of all, my mother. 

 "Your loving son, CHESTER . "

Mrs. Rand protested against Chester sending her eight dollars a week, but he insisted upon it, advising her to lay aside what she did notneed. 

One evening about this time Edward Granger, who still occupied thesmall apartment adjoining, came into Chester's room, looking agitated. 

"What is the matter?" asked Chester. "Have you had bad news?"

"Yes; I have had a letter from Mr. Wilson, of Portland, whom yourecollect we met about a year ago. "

"I remember him. "

"I will read you his letter. You will see that I have reason to feelanxious. "

The letter ran as follows:

 "DEAR EDWARD: I promised to send you any news I might pick up about your mother and her premising husband. Trimble is indulging in liquor more than ever, and I don't see how he can stand it unless he has a castiron constitution. From what I hear he has never given up trying to get your mother's property into his hands. She has held out pretty firm, but she may yield yet. I hear that he is circulating reports that you are dead. In that case he thinks she may be induced to make a will leaving her property to Mr. Trimble; having, as I believe, no near relatives, so that he would seem to be the natural heir. 

 "I may be doing Trimble an injustice, but I think if such a will were made she wouldn't live long. Your stepfather is in great straits for money, it seems, and he might be tempted to do something desperate. As far as I can hear, Abner Trimble's plan is this: He took a pal of his around to the house who had been in New York recently, and the latter gave a circumstantial account of your dying with typhoid fever. Evidently your mother believed it, for she seemed quite broken down and has aged considerably since the news. No doubt her husband will seize this opportunity to induce her to make a will in his favor. Here lies the danger; and I think I ought to warn you of it, for your presence here is needed to defeat your stepfather's wicked plans. Come out at once, if you can. 

 "Your friend, "NATHANIEL WILSON. "

"What do you think of that, Chester?" asked Edward, in a troubledvoice. 

"I think it very important. Your mother's life and your interests bothare in peril. "

"And the worst of it is that I am helpless, " said Edward, sadly. "Iought to go out there, but you know how small my salary is. It hasrequired the utmost economy to live, and I haven't as much as fivedollars saved up. How can I make such a long and costly journey?"

"I see the difficulty, Edward, but I need time to think it over. To-morrow afternoon come in and I may have some advice to give you. "

"I know that you will advise me for the best, Chester. "

"There is a good deal in age and experience, " said Chester, smiling. 

When Edward left the room Chester took from his pocket a letterreceived the day previous, and postmarked Tacoma. It was to this effect:

 "MR. CHESTER RAND. 

 "DEAR SIR: We learn that you own five lots on Main Street, numbered from 201 to 205. We have inquiries as to three of those lots as a location for a new hotel, which it is proposed to erect at an early date. We are, therefore, led to ask whether you are disposed to sell, and, if so, on what terms. We should be glad to have a personal interview with you, but if it is impracticable or inconvenient for you to come on to Tacoma we will undertake, as your agents, to carry on the negotiations. 

 "Yours respectfully, "DEAN & DOWNIE, "Real Estate Agents. "

"Why shouldn't I go to Tacoma?" thought Chester. "I can probably sellthe lots to better advantage than any agents, and should be entirelyunable to fix upon a suitable price unless I am on the ground. In caseI go on, I can take Edward with me, and trust to him to repay the moneyadvanced at some future time. "

The more Chester thought of this plan the more favorable it struck him. 

He went the next day to the office of _The Phoenix_, and afterdelivering his sketches, said: "I should like leave of absence for twomonths. Can you spare me?"

"Does your health require it, Mr. Rand?" asked the editor. 

"No, " answered Chester, "but I own a little property in Tacoma, andthere are parties out there who wish to buy. It is important that Ishould go out there to attend to the matter. "

The editor arched his brows in astonishment. 

"What!" he said. "An artist, and own real estate? This is trulysurprising. "

"I didn't earn it by my art, " replied Chester, smiling. "It was abequest. "

"That accounts for it. I suppose, under the circumstances, we must letyou go; but why need you give up your work? Probably ideas andsuggestions may come to you while you are traveling. These you can sendto us by mail. "

"But I can't do enough to earn the salary you pay me. "

"Then we will pay according to the amount you do. "

"That will be satisfactory. "

"Do you need an advance for the expenses of your journey?"

"No; I have some money laid by. "

"Another surprise! When do you want to start?"

"As soon as possible. I will not come to the office again. "

"Then good luck and a pleasant journey. "

When Edward Granger came into his room later in the day, Chester said:"Day after to-morrow we start for Oregon. Ask your employers to holdyour place for you, and get ready at once. "

"But the money, Chester?" gasped Edward. 

"I will advance it to you, and you shall repay me when you can. "

CHAPTER XXXV. 

PREPARING FOR THE JOURNEY. 

No sooner had Chester decided upon his Western journey than hetelegraphed to Dean & Downe, of Tacoma:

"I will call upon you within two weeks. "

Mrs. Rand was much surprised when Chester, coming home unexpectedly, announced his intentions. 

"Do you want me to take you with me, mother?" asked Chester, with asmile. 

"I am afraid I could not help you much. But you are not used totraveling. You may take the wrong cars. "

Again Chester smiled. 

"I have spent over a year in the city, mother, " he said. "I have gotalong pretty well in the last twelve months, haven't I?"

"Yes; but suppose you were to fall sick, with no one to look afteryou?"

"I didn't tell you that I am going to have company. Edward Granger, whowas born in Oregon, and is three years older than myself, will go withme. "

"Then I shall feel easier. He knows the way, and can look after you. "

Chester was secretly of opinion that he was more competent to lookafter Edward, but did not say so. He saw that his mother was easier inmind, and this relieved him. 

Before he started from New York he called to see Mr. Fairchild. OnFourteenth Street he fell in with Felix Gordon. 

"How are you getting along, Felix?" he asked. 

"Pretty well. Mr. Fairchild has raised me to six dollars a week. "

"I am glad of it. That shows he is satisfied with you. "

"I try to please him. I began to think that is the best policy. That iswhy you have succeeded so well. "

"Do you ever hear from Mr. Mullins?"

"No; but I know where he is. "

"Where? Of course you know that I have no wish to injure him. "

"He is somewhere in Oregon, or perhaps in Washington Territory. "

Washington had not at that time been advanced to the dignity of aState. 

"That is curious. "

"Why is it curious?"

"Because I am going to start for Oregon and Washington to-night. "

"You don't mean it! What are you going for?"

"On business, " answered Chester, not caring to make a confidant ofFelix. "

"Won't it cost a good deal of money?"

"Yes; but I expect to get paid for going. "

"What a lucky fellow you are!" said Felix, not without a trace of envy. "I wish I could go. I like to travel, but I have never had a chance. "

Mr. Fairchild was equally surprised when told of Chester's plans. 

"Are you going as an artist?" he asked. 

"No; as a real estate man, " answered Chester. "I own a few lots inTacoma, and have a chance of selling a part of them. "

Then he went into particulars. 

"I congratulate you. I have only one piece of advice to offer. Makecareful inquiries as to the value of property. Then ask a fair price, not one that is exorbitant. That might drive the hotel people toseeking another site for their house. "

"Thank you, Mr. Fairchild; I will remember your advice. "

"The journey is an expensive one. If you need two or three hundreddollars I will loan it to you cheerfully. "

"Thank you very much, but I have more money saved up than I shallrequire. "

"I see you are careful and provident. Well, Chester, I wish you everysuccess. "

"I am sure of that, Mr. Fairchild. By the way, I hear that your oldbookkeeper is in Oregon or Washington. "

"Who told you?"

"Felix. Have you any message for him if I happen to meet him?"

"Say that I have no intention of prosecuting him. If he is ever able Ishall be glad to have him return the money he took from me. As topunishment, I am sure he has been punished enough by his enforcedflight and sense of wrongdoing. "

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

A GREAT SURPRISE. 

From New York to Tacoma is a long journey. Over three thousand milesmust be traversed by rail, but the trip is far from tiresome. Chesterand his companion thoroughly enjoyed it. All was new and strange, andthe broad spaces through which they passed were full of interest. 

They stopped at Niagara Falls, but only for a few hours, and spent aday in Chicago. Then they were whirled onward to St. Paul andMinneapolis, and later on over the broad plains of North Dakota andthrough the mountains of Montana. 

"I never thought the country was so large before, " said Chester toEdward. "You have been over the ground once before. "

"Yes; but part of it was during the night, It is pleasant to see itonce more. Many of the places have grown considerably, though it isonly two years since I came from Portland. "

Chester made some agreeable acquaintances. An unsociable travelermisses many of the profitable results of his journey, besides findingtime hang heavily on his hands. 

Just after leaving Bismarck, in North Dakota, Chester's attention wascalled to an old man, whose white hair and wrinkled face indicated thathe had passed the age of seventy years. 

The conductor came through the car, collecting tickets. The old mansearched for his, and an expression of dismay overspread his face. 

"I can't find my ticket, " he said. 

"That is unfortunate. Where did you come from?"

"From Buffalo. "

"When did you last see your ticket?"

"I stopped over one night in Bismarck, and had to share my room with ayoung man, for the hotel was crowded. I think he must have picked mypocket of the ticket. "

"Did you know the ticket was missing when you boarded the train?"

"No, sir. I did not think to look. "

"Your case is unfortunate. How far are you going?"

"To Tacoma. I have a son there. "

"I am afraid you will have to pay the fare from here. I have nodiscretion in the matter, and cannot allow you to ride without aticket. "

"Don't you believe my ticket was stolen?" asked the old man, in a stateof nervous agitation. 

"Yes, I believe it. I don't think a man of your age would deceive me. But I cannot let you travel without paying for another. "

"I haven't money enough, " said the old man, piteously. "If you willwait till I reach Tacoma my son will give me money to pay you. "

"I am not allowed to do that. I think you will have to get out at thenext station. "

The old man was much agitated. 

"It is very hard, " he sighed. "I--I don't know what to do. "

Chester had listened to this conversation with great sympathy for theunfortunate traveler, on account of his age and apparent helplessness. 

"How much is the fare to Tacoma from this point?" he asked. 

"In the neighborhood of fifty dollars, " answered the conductor. 

"Will your son be able to pay this?" asked Chester. 

"Oh, yes, " answered the old man. "William has been doin' well. He isgoing to build a large hotel in Tacoma--he and another man. "

"Then, " said Chester, "I will advance you what money you need. You cangive me a memorandum, so that I can collect it from your son. "

"Heaven bless you, young man!" said the old man, fervently. "You areindeed a friend to me who am but a stranger. I am sure you willprosper. "

"Thank you. "

"What a fellow you are, Chester!" said Edward. "You will make yourselfpoor helping others. "

"I shall sleep better for having aided the old man, " answered Chester. 

The rest of the journey was uneventful. The two boys went at once toTacoma, as Chester felt that the gentlemen who were negotiating for hislots were probably in a hurry to arrange for the building of the hotel. After establishing themselves at a hotel and eating dinner, they wentat once to the office of Dean & Downie, the real estate agents fromwhom Chester had received a letter. 

Here a surprise awaited him. 

Standing at a desk in the rear of the office was a figure that lookedfamiliar. The man turned as the door opened to admit Chester, and thelatter recognized to his great astonishment his old enemy--DavidMullins!

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

DAVID MULLINS AGAIN. 

When David Mullins saw Chester enter the office he turned pale, andlooked panic-stricken. 

"You here!" he exclaimed, in a hollow voice. 

"Yes, Mr. Mullins. I am surprised to meet you. "

"Then you didn't know I was here?"

"I heard from Felix that you were in this part of the country. "

"I am trying to earn an honest living, " said Mullins, in agitation. "Myemployers know nothing to my prejudice. Do you come as a friend or anenemy?"

"Mr. Mullins, I haven't the least intention of harming you. I will noteven appear to know you. I came here to see Dean & Downie, with whom Ihave business. "

"Heaven be praised! I will not soon forget your kindness. Here comesMr. Dean. Remember your promise. "

At this moment Mr. Dean entered the office. David Mullins had returnedto his desk. 

"This young man wishes to see you, Mr. Dean, " he said, formally, whenhis employer entered. 

Mr. Dean looked at Chester, inquiringly. 

"I am Chester Rand, with whom you have had some correspondence, " saidChester, tendering his card. "I have just arrived from New York. "

The broker regarded him in surprise. 

"You Chester Rand?" he exclaimed. "Why, you are a boy. "

"I must plead guilty to that indictment, " said Chester, smiling, "but Iam the owner of the lots which I understand are wanted for the newhotel. "

David Mullins, who heard this conversation, looked up in amazement. Hehad not known of the correspondence with Chester, as Mr. Dean hadwritten his letter personally, and it had not gone through the office. 

"Can you furnish any evidence of this?" asked Mr. Dean. 

"Here is the letter you sent me, and here is a copy of my reply. "

The broker took the letter from Chester's hand and all doubt vanishedfrom his countenance. 

"I am glad to see you here so soon, Mr. Rand, " he said, "as the partieswith whom I am negotiating are anxious to conclude matters as soon aspossible. Will you go over with me to Mr. Taylor's office? Taylor andPearson are the parties' names. "

"I will go with pleasure. "

As they walked through the chief business street Chester noticed withinterest evidences of activity everywhere. Tacoma he found wassituated, like San Francisco, on a side hill, sloping down toward PugetSound. 

"What a fine location for a town, " he said. 

"Yes, " answered Mr. Dean, "this is destined to be a large city. Ourpeople are enterprising and progressive. Seattle is at present ahead ofus, but we mean to catch up, and that ere many years. "

"At what price are lots selling on this street?"

"I see you have business ideas, " said the broker, smiling. "I supposeyou want to know what price you can charge for your lots. "

"You are right. "

"Of course it will not be right for me to advise you, being employed bythe other party, but I will give you some idea. The lot adjoining yourplot sold last week for two thousand dollars. "

"Two thousand?"

"Yes. "

"Probably it would be well for me to wait a year or two, as the lotswould undoubtedly command more then. "

"That is one way of looking at it. Let me point out another. You havefive lots, have you not?"

"Yes, sir. "

"If you sell three to the hotel company you can hold the other two fiveyears if you like. The proximity of the hotel will help to enhancetheir value. "

"I see that. "

"That is a point to be considered. If you ask a prohibitory price, thehotel will go elsewhere, and you may have to wait a good while beforeyou have a chance to sell. But here is Mr. Taylor's office. "

The broker entered, followed by Chester. Here a surprise awaited him. 

Sitting in an armchair was his venerable friend of the train, appearingvery much at home. His face lighted up when Chester came in. 

"William, " he said to a stout man of middle age, "this is the young manwho generously advanced money to meet my car fare when I was in dangerof being put off the train. "

The younger man advanced and cordially offered his hand. 

"My boy, " he said, "I shall not soon forget your kindness to my father. I will gladly repay you for the money you disbursed on his account. "

"I was very glad to stand his friend, sir, " returned Chester, modestly. 

"Let me know to whom I am indebted. "

"Mr. Taylor, " said the broker, "this young gentleman is Chester Rand, owner of the lots which you wish to buy. "

"Is it possible?" ejaculated William Taylor. "I didn't know that theowner of the lots was a boy. "

"The lots were a bequest to me from the original owner, " said Chester. 

"And you have never been out this way before?"

"This is my first visit to Tacoma. "

"You are hardly old enough to be in business. "

"I am an artist; that is, I furnish illustrations to a comic weeklypaper in New York. "

"You have begun life early. I suspect you are better fitted forbusiness than most young men of your age. Here is my partner, Mr. Pearson. "

In the negotiation that followed the reader will not be interested. Atlength a mutually satisfactory arrangement was made. Chester agreed tosell the three lots wanted for the hotel for eight thousand dollars, half cash and the balance on a year's time at twelve per cent. Interest. 

When the business was concluded and papers signed, Mr. Dean said: "Mr. Rand, I think you have made a good bargain. You might have extortedmore, but you have received a fair price and retained the good will ofthe purchaser. What do you propose to do with the four thousand dollarsyou will receive in cash?"

"I have not had time to think. "

"I will venture to give you some advice. My partner, John Downie, hasmade a specialty of city property, and he will invest any part for youin lower-priced city lots, which are sure to advance rapidly. "

"Then I will put the matter in his hands and rely on his judgment. Iwill carry back with me a thousand dollars, and leave with him threethousand dollars for investment. "

"Then come back to the office and I will introduce you to Mr. Downie, with whom you can leave instructions. "

Chester was presented to Mr. Downie, a blond young man, who lookedhonest and reliable, and they soon came to an understanding. Theywalked about the town--it was not a city then--and Chester picked outseveral lots which he was in favor of buying. 

He remained a week in Tacoma, and before the end of that time allarrangements were perfected, and he found himself the owner of sevenlots, more or less eligible, in addition to the two he had reserved inthe original plot. 

On the evening of the second day, as he was taking a walk alone, heencountered David Mullins. 

"Good-evening, Mr. Mullins, " he said, politely. 

"Good-evening, Chester, " returned the bookkeeper, flushing slightly. "Iwant to thank you for not exposing my past misdeeds. "

"I hope, Mr. Mullins, you did not think me mean enough to do so. "

"I am sorry to say that according to my sad experience eight out of tenwould have done so, especially if they had reason, like you, tocomplain of personal ill treatment. "

"I don't believe in persecuting a man. "

"I wish all were of your way of thinking. Shall I tell you myexperience?"

"If you will. "

"When I left New York I went to Chicago and obtained the position ofcollector for a mercantile establishment. I was paid a commission, andgot on very well till one unlucky day I fell in with an acquaintancefrom New York. 

"'Where are you working?' he asked. 

"I told him. 

"The next day my employer summoned me to his presence. 

"'I shall not require your services any longer, ' he said. 

"I asked no questions. I understood that my treacherous friend hadgiven me away. 

"I had a few dollars saved, and went to Minneapolis. There I wasundisturbed for six months. Then the same man appeared and againdeprived me of my situation. "

"How contemptible!" ejaculated Chester, with a ring of scorn in hisvoice. 

"Then I came to Tacoma, and here I have been thus far undisturbed. WhenI saw you I had a scare. I thought my time had come, and I must againmove on. "

"So far from wishing to harm you, Mr. Mullins, " said Chester, "if, through the meanness of others you get into trouble you can any timesend to me for a loan of fifty dollars. "

"Thank you, " ejaculated Mullins, gratefully, wringing Chester's hand. "You are heaping coals of fire on my head. "

"You will always have my best wishes for your prosperity. If ever youare able, repay the money you took from Mr. Fairchild, and I willventure to promise that he will forgive you. "

"With God's help I will!"

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

ABNER TRIMBLE'S PLOT. 

Just off First Street, in Portland, Ore. , is a saloon, over whichappears the name of the proprietor:

 "Abner Trimble. "

Two rough-looking fellows, smoking pipes, entered the saloon. Behindthe bar stood a stout, red-faced man. This was Trimble, and hisappearance indicated that he patronized the liquors he dispensed toothers. 

"Glad to see you, Floyd, " said Trimble. 

"That means a glass of whisky, doesn't it?" returned Floyd. 

"Well, not now. I want you to go up to the house again, to see mywife. "

"About the old matter?"

"Yes; she isn't quite satisfied about the kid's death, and she won'tmake a will in my favor till she is. She wants to ask you a fewquestions. "

Floyd made a wry face. 

"She's as bad as a lawyer. I say, Abner, I'm afraid I'll get trippedup. "

"You must stick to the old story. "

"What was it?"

"Don't you remember you said that the kid hired a boat to row in theharbor along with two other boys, and the boat was upset and all threewere drowned?"

"Yes, I remember. It's a smart yarn, isn't it?" grinned Floyd. 

"Yes, but you mustn't let her doubt it. You remember how you came toknow about the drowning?"

"No, I forget. "

Abner Trimble frowned. 

"Look here, Floyd. You'd better remember, or you won't get the money Ipromised you. You were out in a boat yourself, and saw the whole thing. You jumped into the water, and tried to save the kid, but it was nouse. He went to the bottom--and that was the end of him!"

"A very pretty story, " said Floyd, complacently. "Won't I get somethin'for tryin' to save the kid's life?"

"As like as not. I'll suggest it to the old lady myself. "

"When do you want me to go up to the house?"

"Now. The lawyer's coming at four o'clock, and I want you to confirmMrs. T. In her belief in the boy's death. "

"It's dry talkin', Abner, " said Floyd, significantly. 

"Take a glass of sarsaparilla, then. "

"Sarsaparilla!" repeated Floyd, contemptuously. "That's only fit forchildren. "

"Lemon soda, then. "

"What's the matter with whisky?"

"Are you a fool? Do you think Mrs. T. Will believe your story if youcome to her smelling of whisky?"

"You're hard on me, Abner. Just one little glass. "

"You can put that off till afterward. Here, take some lemon soda, orI'll mix you a glass of lemonade. "

"Well, if I must, " said Floyd, in a tone of resignation. 

"You can have as much whisky as you like afterward. "

"Then the sooner we get over the job the better. I'm ready now. "

"Here, Tim, take my place, " said Abner Trimble, calling his barkeeper;"I'm going to the house for an hour. Now come along. "

Abner Trimble lived in a comfortable dwelling in the nicer portion ofthe city. It belonged to his wife when he married her, and he hadsimply taken up his residence in her house. He would have liked to havelived nearer the saloon, and had suggested this to his wife, but shewas attached to her home and was unwilling to move. 

Trimble ushered his visitor into the sitting room and went up to seehis wife. She was sitting in an armchair in the room adjoining herchamber, looking pale and sorrowful. 

"Well, Mary, " said Trimble, "I've brought Floyd along to answer anyquestions relating to poor Edward's death. "

"Yes, I shall be glad to see him, " answered his wife, in a dull, spiritless tone. 

"Shall I bring him up?"

"If you like. "

Trimble went to the landing and called out: "You can come up, Floyd. "

Floyd entered the room, holding his hat awkwardly in his hands. He wasnot used to society, and did not look forward with much pleasure to theinterview which had been forced upon him. 

"I hope I see you well, ma'am, " he said, bobbing his head. 

"As well as I ever expect to be, " answered Mrs. Trimble, sadly. "Yourname is----"

"Floyd, ma'am. Darius Floyd. "

"And you knew my poor son?"

"Yes, ma'am, I knew him well. Ed and I was regular cronies. "

Mrs. Trimble looked at the man before her, and was mildly surprised. Certainly Edward must have changed, or he would not keep such company. But, prejudiced against her son as she had been by her husband'smisrepresentations, she feared that this was only another proof ofEdward's moral decadence. 

"You have been in New York recently?"

"Yes; I was there quite a while. "

"And you used to see Edward?"

"'Most every day, ma'am. "

"How was he employed?"

This was not a question to which Mr. Floyd had prepared an answer. Helooked to Mr. Trimble as if for a suggestion, and the latter noddedimpatiently, and shaped his mouth to mean "anything. "

"He was tendin' a pool room, ma'am, " said Floyd, with what he thought alucky inspiration. "He was tendin' a pool room on Sixth Avenue. "

"He must indeed have changed to accept such employment. I hope hedidn't drink?"

"Not often, ma'am; just a glass of sarsaparilla or lemon soda. Them aremy favorites. "

Abner Trimble turned aside to conceal a smile. He remembered Mr. Floyd's objecting to the innocent beverages mentioned, and his decidedpreference for whisky. 

"I am glad that he was not intemperate. You saw the accident?"

"Yes, ma'am. "

"Please tell me once more what you can. "

"I took a boat down at the Battery to have a row one afternoon, when, after a while, I saw another boat comin' out with three fellers intoit. One of them was your son, Edward. "

"Did you know Edward's companions?"

"Never saw them before in my life. They was about as old as he. Well, by and by one of them stood up in the boat. I surmise he had beendrinkin'. Then, a minute afterward, I saw the boat upset, and the threewas strugglin' in the water. 

"I didn't take no interest in the others, but I wanted to save Edward, so I jumped into the water and made for him. That is, I thought I did. But it so happened in the confusion that I got hold of the wrong boy, and when I managed to get him on board my boat, I saw my mistake. Itwas too late to correct it--excuse my emotion, ma'am, " and Mr. Floyddrew a red silk handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his eyes; "butwhen I looked out and couldn't see either of the other young fellers, and realized that they were drowned, I felt awful bad. "

Mrs. Trimble put her handkerchief to her eyes and moaned. The picturedrawn by Mr. Floyd was too much for her. 

"I wish I could see the young man whose life you saved, " she said, after a pause, "Have you his name and address?"

"No, ma'am; he didn't even thank me. I didn't get even the price of aglass of--sarsaparilla out of him. "

Mr. Floyd came near saying whisky, but bethought himself in time. 

"I have been much interested by your sad story, Mr. Floyd, " said thesorrow-stricken mother. "You seem to have a good and sympatheticheart. "

"Yes, ma'am, " replied Floyd; "that is my weakness. "

"Don't call it a weakness! It does you credit. "

Mr. Floyd exchanged a sly glance of complacency with Abner Trimble, whowas pleased that his agent got off so creditably. He had evidentlyproduced a good impression on Mrs. Trimble. 

"You see, my dear, " he said, gently, "that there can be no doubt aboutpoor Edward's death. I have thought, under the circumstances, that youwould feel like making a will, and seeing that I was suitably providedfor. As matters stand your property would go to distant cousins, andsecond cousins at that, while I would be left out in the cold. 

"I know, of course, that you are younger than myself and likely tooutlive me, but still, life is uncertain. I don't care much for money, but I wouldn't like to die destitute, and so I asked Mr. Coleman, thelawyer, to come round. I think I hear his ring now. Will you see him?"

"Yes, if you wish it. I care very little what becomes of the propertynow my boy is no more. "

Mr. Trimble went downstairs, and returned with a veryrespectable-looking man of middle age, whom he introduced as Mr. Coleman. 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

MAKING A WILL. 

"Mr. Coleman, " said Trimble, with suavity, "this is my wife, Mrs. Trimble. "

The lawyer bowed. 

"I believe you wish to execute a will, Mrs. Trimble?" said he. 

"Yes, " answered the poor mother, in a spiritless tone. 

Various questions were asked in relation to the property, and then thelawyer seated himself at a table and wrote the formal part of the will. 

"I understand you wish to leave the entire property to your husband?"he said, in a tone of inquiry. 

"In the event of my son's death, " interpolated Mrs. Trimble. 

"But, my dear, he is dead, " said Abner Trimble, with a slight frown. 

"I would prefer to have it expressed in this way. "

"I am sure, " continued Trimble, annoyed, "that Mr. Coleman willconsider it unnecessary. "

"I see no objections to it, " said the lawyer. "Of course, the son beingdead, it won't count. "

"Mr. Coleman, " explained Mrs. Trimble, "I have no reason to doubt mypoor son's death, but I didn't see him die, and there may have been amistake. "

"How can there be?" demanded Trimble, impatiently. "Didn't my friendFloyd see him drowned?"

"He may have been mistaken. Besides, he only says he did not see himafter the boat upset. He may have been picked up by some other boat. "

For the first time Trimble and Floyd saw the flaw in the story, whichhad been invented by Trimble himself. 

"Was there any boat near, Floyd?" asked Trimble, winking significantly. 

"No, sir; not within a quarter of a mile. "

"Edward could swim. He may have reached one by swimming. "

This was news to Trimble. He had not been aware that his stepson couldswim. 

"Under the circumstances, " said the lawyer, "I think Mrs. Trimble isright. "

Trimble looked panic-stricken. Knowing that Edward Granger was stillliving he recognized the fact that such a will would do him no good. 

"If he were alive he would let us know, " he said, after a pause. 

"Probably he would. "

"So that we may conclude he is dead. "

"It might be stipulated that if the missing son does not appear withinthree years from the time the will is made he may be regarded as dead?"suggested the lawyer. 

"One year would be sufficient, it seems to me, " put in Trimble. 

"I would rather make it three, " said his wife. 

Abner Trimble looked disappointed, but did not dare object. 

The lawyer continued to write. 

"I understand, then, " he observed, "that you bequeath all your estateto your husband, in the event of your son being decided to be dead. "

Mrs. Trimble paused to consider. 

"I think, " she said, "I will leave the sum of five thousand dollars tocharitable purposes as a memorial of Edward. "

"I don't think much of charitable societies, " growled Trimble. 

"Some of them do a great deal of good, " said the lawyer. "Are there anyparticular societies which you would wish to remember, Mrs. Trimble?"

"I leave the choice to my executor, " said the lady. 

"Whom have you selected for that office?"

"Will you serve?" she asked. 

"Then you don't care to appoint Mr. Trimble?"

"No, I think not. "

"It is customary to appoint the husband, isn't it, Mr. Coleman?" askedAbner. 

"It is quite often done. "

"I would prefer you, " said Mrs. Trimble, decidedly. 

"If it will ease your mind, I will take the office, Mrs. Trimble. "

"Now, " said the lawyer, after a brief interval; "I will read the draftof the will as I have written it, and you can see if it meets yourviews. "

He had about half completed reading the document when there was heard asharp ring at the doorbell. Then there were steps on the stairs. 

A terrible surprise was in store for Mrs. Trimble. 

CHAPTER XL. 

AN UNEXPECTED SURPRISE. 

The door of the sitting room was opened quickly, and two boys dashedinto the room. They were Edward Granger and Chester Rand. 

Abner Trimble turned pale and uttered an imprecation. All his plans, socarefully laid, were menaced with ignominious defeat. 

Floyd looked up in surprise, but did not comprehend the situation. Inspite of the positive testimony he had given he did not even knowEdward Granger by sight. 

Mrs. Trimble uttered a wild cry, but her face lighted up with supremejoy. 

"Edward!" she exclaimed, and half rising, opened her arms. 

Her son sprang forward and embraced his mother. 

"Oh, Edward!" she murmured, "are you really alive?"

"Very much alive, mother, " answered Edward, with a smile. 

"And I was mourning you as dead! I thought I should never see youagain. "

"I have not died that I am aware of, mother. Who told you I was dead?"

"Mr. Trimble and--this gentleman, " looking at Floyd. "He told me he sawyou drowned in New York Bay. "

Edward regarded Floyd with curiosity. 

"I haven't any recollection of ever seeing the gentleman, " he said. "Idon't know him. "

"How do you explain this, Mr. Floyd?" asked Mrs. Trimble, suspiciously. 

Floyd tried to speak, but faltered and stammered. He was in a veryawkward position, and he realized it. Abner Trimble came to hisassistance. 

"You must have been mistaken, Floyd, " he said. "The young man you sawdrowned must have been a stranger. "

"Yes, " returned Floyd, grasping the suggestion. "Of course I must havebeen mistaken. The young man I saw bore a wonderful resemblance to Mr. Granger. "

"How long is it since you saw me drowned, Mr. Floyd?" asked Edward. 

"About three weeks, " answered Floyd, in an embarrassed tone. 

"In New York Bay?"

"Yes. You were out in a boat with two other young fellows--that is, ayoung man who was the perfect image of you was. The boat upset, and allthree were spilled out. I saved the life of one, but the others were, as I thought, drowned. I am sorry that I was mistaken. "

"Does that mean you are sorry I was not drowned?"

"No; I am sorry to have harrowed up your mother's feelings by a storywhich proves to be untrue. "

"I suppose Mr. Trimble brought you here, " said Edward, quietly. He hadin former days stood in fear of his stepfather, but now, backed up byChester, he felt a new sense of courage and independence. 

"Of course I brought him here, " growled Trimble. "Fully believing in myfriend Floyd's story, for I know him to be a gentleman of truth, Ithought your mother ought to know it. "

"I was about to make my will at Mr. Trimble's suggestion, leaving himall my property, " said Mrs. Trimble, regarding her husbandsuspiciously. 

"Of course it was better to leave it to me than to second cousins whomyou don't care anything about, " interposed Trimble, sourly. "Come, Floyd, our business is at an end. We will go over to the saloon. "

"Shan't I get anything for my trouble?" asked Floyd, uneasily, a remarkwhich led the lawyer to regard him sharply. 

"Your valuable time will be paid for, " said Trimble, sarcastically. 

He led the way out, and Floyd followed. 

"Mrs. Trimble, " said the lawyer, rising, "allow me to congratulate youon the happy event of this day. I am particularly glad that my servicesare not needed. "

"They will be needed, Mr. Coleman. Will you do me the favor of drawingup a will leaving my entire property, with the exception of a thousanddollars, to my son, Edward, and bring it here to-morrow morning, withtwo trusty witnesses, and I will sign it. "

"To whom will you leave the thousand dollars?"

"To my--to Mr. Trimble, " answered Mrs. Trimble, coldly. "I will notutterly ignore him. "

"Very well, Mrs. Trimble. I will call at half-past ten o'clockto-morrow morning. "

The lawyer bowed himself out, leaving Mrs. Trimble and the boystogether. 

"Mother, " said Edward, "I have not yet had a chance to introduce to youmy friend, Chester Rand, of New York. "

"I am very glad to welcome any friend of yours, Edward. "

"You have reason to do so in this case, mother. But for Chester Ishould not have had the money to come on from New York. He paid mytraveling expenses. "

"He shall be repaid, and promptly, and he will accept my heartiestthanks, also. I hope, Mr. Rand, you will make your home with us whileyou are in Portland. "

"Thank you, Mrs. Trimble, but I have already secured lodgings at ahotel. At some future time I may accept your invitation. "

Chester strongly suspected that he would not be a welcome guest to Mr. Trimble when that gentleman learned that he had been instrumental inbringing home his stepson in time to defeat his plans. But he calledevery day till, his business being concluded, he started on his returnto New York. Edward had expected to go back with him, but to this Mrs. Trimble would not listen. 

"We have been separated long enough, Edward, " she said. "Henceforthyour place is at my side. I feel that I have done you injustice, and Iwant to repair it. I made a mistake in marrying Mr. Trimble, but it istoo late to correct that. I will not permit him, hereafter, to separateme from my son. "

"If you wish me to remain, mother, I will, " rejoined Edward. "I was nothappy away from you. From this time forth I will stand by you andprotect you from all that is unpleasant. "

Edward spoke with a courage and manliness which he had not formerlyshown. It was clear that adversity had strengthened and improved him. 

CHAPTER XLI. 

CONCLUSION. 

Let us go back to Wyncombe. Mrs. Greene, living near Mrs. Rand, was alady who made it her business to know all about her neighbors' affairs. She stepped into Silas Tripp's store to buy a pound of butter. 

Mr. Tripp himself waited upon her; Mrs. Greene generally had some itemof news, and for this he possessed a keen relish. 

"Any news, Mrs. Greene?" he asked, as he handed her the package ofbutter. 

"I suppose you've heard that the widder Rand has lost her boarder?"

"You don't say so!" returned Silas, with genuine interest. 

"Yes, it's so. I saw her go off myself yesterday afternoon, bag andbaggage. "

"Was she dissatisfied, do you think?"

"Like as not. The widder says she's comin' back, but I don't believeit. Between you and me, Mr. Tripp, I wonder that she stayed so long. Now, if she had been boardin' with you it would have been different. "

"So it would, Mrs. Greene; so it would. I would have been willing totake her just to oblige. "

"So would I, Mr. Tripp. The widder charged her a ridiculousprice--eight dollars a week. "

"It was extortionate. I never charged such a price. "

"Nor I. Miss Dolby's board ran the house, so that Chester didn't needto send any home, and now Chester's lost his place. "

"You don't say so!" ejaculated Silas, eagerly. 

"Yes. Mrs. Rand told me herself that he had left his work and gone outWest in search of a place. I don't see, for my part, what the widder'sgoin' to do. "

"I'm sorry Chester's been so unlucky. But he needn't have gone outWest; I'm ready to take him back into my store. "

"That's very kind of you, Mr. Tripp. "

"I want to help along his mother, seein' she's a widder and in hardluck. "

"Shall I tell her you will take Chester back?"

"No; I'll call round and see her about it. There may be some dickerin'about the salary. Chester's got rather high notions, but I can't affordto pay extravagant prices. "

"Just so. I'm sorry for the widder Rand, but she's sot too much on thatboy, and thought there wasn't no other boy in Wyncombe that was equalto him. I'm sure my Fred is just as smart as he. "

It was not till the next evening that Mr. Tripp found it convenient tocall on Mrs. Rand. She was rather surprised by the visit, and a littlecurious to learn what it meant. 

"Good-evenin', widder, " said Silas, coughing. 

"Good-evening, Mr. Tripp. Won't you step in for a few minutes?"

"Thank you. I don't care if I do. I heard yesterday from Mrs. Greenethat you'd lost your boarder. "

"Yes; Miss Dolby has gone to Chicago for a year. She has a sisterthere. "

"Do you expect her back?"

"Yes, after a year. "

"I wouldn't calc'late too much upon it if I were you. Women folks ismighty onsartin when they make promises. "

Mrs. Rand smiled. 

"You may be right, Mr. Tripp, " she said. 

"I hear, too, that Chester's lost his place. "

"No; he has left it for a time, but he expects to go back. "

"That's onsartin, too. I'm sorry for you, widder. "

"Thank you, Mr. Tripp, but there's no occasion. "

"You'll be rather put to it to get along, I reckon. "

"Still, I have good friends in Wyncombe, " said Mrs. Rand, smilingmischievously. "Now, if I were really 'put to it, ' I am sure I couldrely upon your assistance. "

"I'm very short of money, " returned Silas, alarmed at this suggestion. "Still, I've got the will to help you. If Chester's out of work, I'mready to take him back into the store. "

"I will tell him that when I write. "

"Where is he now?"

"He's gone out West. "

"He's made a mistake. I knew a boy that went out West some years since, and nearly starved. He came home ragged and hungry. "

"I am not afraid Chester will have that experience. He had saved upsome money when at work in New York. "

"It won't last long, widder. It don't take long for fifty dollars tomelt away. Did he have that much?"

"I think he did, Mr. Tripp. "

"He'd better have put it in a savings bank and come back to Wyncombe towork for me. How soon do you expect him back?"

"Next week. "

"When he comes, send him round to see me. "

A few days later, Mrs. Greene went into Silas Tripp's store again. 

"Well, Mr. Tripp, " she said, "Chester Rand's got home. "

"You don't say! If you see him, tell him to come round and see me. "

"And I can tell you some more news. You know that half-acre lot thatj'ins onto the widder's land?"

"The apple orchard? Yes. "

"Well, Chester's bought it. "

"You don't mean it! Where on earth did he get the money? Do you knowwhat he paid?"

"Two hundred dollars. "

"He'll never be able to pay for it. "

"He has paid cash down. Besides, he's got a new suit of clothes and agold watch. I don't believe he will be willing to take a place in yourstore. "

Silas Tripp was amazed. Nay, more, he was incredulous. But it sohappened that Chester himself came into the store in five minutes, andconfirmed the news. 

"Where did you get the money, Chester?" asked Mr. Tripp, curiously, eying the boy with unwonted respect. 

"I saved it. I received high pay in New York. "

"But you've lost the place?"

"Oh, no! I go back to work next week. "

"How much pay do you get?"

"Thirty dollars a week. "

"Don't try to fool me!" said Silas, with asperity. "It ain't creditableto deceive a man old enough to be your grandfather. "

Chester smiled. 

"Do you want me to bring an affidavit from my employers?" he asked. 

"But it's ridiculous, payin' a boy such wages!" objected Silas. 

"It would be foolish for you to pay it, Mr. Tripp; but they think meworth it. "

"What sort of work do you do?"

"I make pictures. I will show you a couple, " and Chester produced acopy of _The Phoenix_. 

"Why, I didn't think they paid more'n a quarter apiece for suchpictures. "

"It's lucky for me that they pay higher than that. "

"What was you doin' out West?"

"I went partly to see the country. "

"I s'pose it cost you considerable money?"

"Yes, traveling is expensive. "

"You'd better have put the money in the bank. "

"I don't think so. "

"Boys have foolish notions. I s'pose you was sorry to hear that MissDolby had gone away?"

"No, I want mother to have a few months' rest. "

"Your mother'll miss her board. "

"No, for I shall make it up to her. "

"You talk as if you was rich, Chester. "

"I am not so rich as you, Mr. Tripp. "

"You seem to be spending more money; some day you'll be put to it toget along. "

But that has not yet come. Two years have passed, and Chester is stillin the employ of _The Phoenix_, but he now receives forty dollars perweek. He has sold his other two lots in Tacoma for five thousanddollars each, and still has the cheaper lots he bought as aninvestment. He could sell these at a handsome profit, but will holdthem a while longer. 

About a year ago he received intelligence from Edward Granger that hisstepfather had died suddenly of heart trouble, brought on by an undueuse of alcoholic mixtures. Edward concluded: "Now there is nothing tomar my mother's happiness. I live at home and manage her business, besides filling a responsible place in a broker's office. We hope youwill pay us a visit before long. We have never forgotten your kindnessto me in my time of need. "

A month since Mr. Fairchild was surprised by receiving a remittancefrom Tacoma. His old bookkeeper, David Mullins, remitted to him theamount he had stolen at the time of his hurried departure from NewYork, with interest up to date. 

"I hope, Mr. Fairchild, " he concluded, "you will now forgive me for mytreachery. I feel great satisfaction in paying my debt. I have beenassisted by a fortunate investment in outside lots. I am glad to hearthat Felix is doing well. You were kind to retain him. "

Felix is really doing well, and bids fair to make a good business man. He was weak and influenced to evil by his cousin; but with goodsurroundings he is likely to turn out creditably. 

Chester retains the friendship and good opinion of his first friend, Carl Conrad, and is a favorite visitor at the house of Prof. Hazlitt, whose great work has just appeared from the press of a subscriptionpublisher. His nephew, Arthur Burks, is now in college, and he andChester remain intimate friends. 

Silas Tripp has ceased to expect to secure the services of Chester inhis store. He had never been able to understand the secret of Chester'ssuccess, but has been heard to remark: "It does beat all how that boygets along!"

Fortunately, prosperity has not spoiled Chester. He is still the samemodest and warm-hearted boy, or perhaps I should say young man, and hisfriends all agree that he deserves his success. 

THE END.