HELPING HIMSELF

Or

Grant Thornton's Ambition

By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 

NEW YORK

HELPING HIMSELF

CHAPTER I

THE MINISTER'S SON

"I wish we were not so terribly poor, Grant, " said Mrs. Thornton, ina discouraged tone. 

"Is there anything new that makes you say so, mother?" answered theboy of fifteen, whom she addressed. 

"Nothing new, only the same old trouble. Here is a note from Mr. Tudor, the storekeeper. "

"Let me see it, mother. "

Grant took a yellow envelope from his mother's hand, and drew outthe inclosure, a half sheet of coarse letter paper, which containedthe following lines:

"July 7, 1857. 

REV. JOHN THORNTON:

DEAR SIR: Inclosed you will find a bill for groceries and othergoods furnished to you in the last six months, amounting tosixty-seven dollars and thirty-four cents ($67. 34). It ought to havebeen paid before. How you, a minister of the Gospel, can justifyyourself in using goods which you don't pay for, I can't understand. If I remember rightly, the Bible says: 'Owe no man anything. ' As Isuppose you recognize the Bible as an authority, I expect you to payup promptly, and oblige, Yours respectfully, THOMAS TUDOR. "

Grant looked vexed and indignant. "I think that is an impudentletter, mother, " he said. 

"It is right that the man should have his money, Grant. "

"That is true, but he might have asked for it civilly, withouttaunting my poor father with his inability to pay. He would pay ifhe could. "

"Heaven knows he would, Grant, " said his mother, sighing. 

"I would like to give Mr. Tudor a piece of my mind. " "I would ratherpay his bill. No, Grant, though he is neither kind nor considerate, we must admit that his claim is a just one. If I only knew where toturn for money!"

"Have you shown the bill to father?" asked Grant. 

"No; you know how unpractical your father is. It would only annoyand make him anxious, and he would not know what to do. Your poorfather has no business faculty. "

"He is a very learned man, " said Grant, proudly. 

"Yes, he graduated very high at college, and is widely respected byhis fellow ministers, but he has no aptitude for business. "

"You have, mother. If you had been a man, you would have done betterthan he. Without your good management we should have been a gooddeal worse off than we are. It is the only thing that has kept ourheads above water. "

"I am glad you think so, Grant. I have done the best I could, but nomanagement will pay bills without money. "

It was quite true that the minister's wife was a woman of excellentpractical sense, who had known how to make his small salary go veryfar. In this respect she differed widely from her learned husband, who in matters of business was scarcely more than a child. But, asshe intimated with truth, there was something better thanmanagement, and that was ready cash. 

"To support a family on six hundred dollars a year is very hard, Grant, when there are three children, " resumed his mother. 

"I can't understand why a man like father can't command a bettersalary, " said Grant. "There's Rev. Mr. Stentor, in Waverley, getsfifteen hundred dollars salary, and I am sure he can't comparewith father in ability. "

"True, Grant, but your father is modest, and not given to blowinghis own trumpet, while Mr. Stentor, from all I can hear, has a veryhigh opinion of himself. "

"He has a loud voice, and thrashes round in his pulpit, as if hewere a--prophet, " said Grant, not quite knowing how to finish hissentence. 

"Your father never was a man to push himself forward. He is verymodest. "

"I suppose that is not the only bill that we owe, " said Grant. 

"No; our unpaid bills must amount to at least two hundred dollarsmore, " answered his mother. 

Grant whistled. 

Two hundred and sixty-seven dollars seemed to him an immense sum, and so it was, to a poor minister with a family of three childrenand a salary of only six hundred dollars. Where to obtain so large asum neither Grant nor his mother could possibly imagine. Even ifthere were anyone to borrow it from, there seemed no chance to payback so considerable a sum. 

Mother and son looked at each other in perplexity. Finally, Grantbroke the silence. 

"Mother, " he said, "one thing seems pretty clear. I must go to work. I am fifteen, well and strong, and I ought to be earning my ownliving. "

"But your father has set his heart upon your going to college, Grant. "

"And I should like to go, too; but if I did it would be years beforeI could be anything but an expense and a burden, and that would makeme unhappy. "

"You are almost ready for college, Grant, are you not?"

"Very nearly. I could get ready for the September examination. Ihave only to review Homer, and brush up my Latin. "

"And your uncle Godfrey is ready to help you through. "

"That gives me an idea, mother. It would cost Uncle Godfrey as muchas nine hundred dollars a year over and above all the help I couldget from the college funds, and perhaps from teaching school thiswinter. Now, if he would allow me that sum for a single year and letme go to work, I could pay up all father's debts, and give him a newstart. It would save Uncle Godfrey nine hundred dollars. "

"He has set his heart on your going to college. I don't think hewould agree to help you at all if you disappoint him. "

"At any rate, I could try the experiment. Something has got to bedone, mother. "

"Yes, Grant, there is no doubt of that. Mr. Tudor is evidently inearnest. If we don't pay him, I think it very likely he will refuseto let us have anything more on credit. And you know there is noother grocery store in the village. "

"Have you any money to pay him on account, mother?"

"I have eight dollars. "

"Let me have that, and go over and see what I can do with him. Wecan't get along without groceries. By the way, mother, doesn't theparish owe father anything?"

"They are about sixty dollars in arrears on the salary. "

"And the treasurer is Deacon Gridley?"

"Yes. "

"Then I'll tell you what I will do. I'll first go over to thedeacon's and try to collect something. Afterward I will call on Mr. Tudor. "

"It is your father's place to do it, but he has no business faculty, and could not accomplish anything. Go, then, Grant, but remember onething. "

"What is that, mother?"

"You have a quick temper, my son. Don't allow yourself to speakhastily, or disrespectfully, even if you are disappointed. Mr. Tudor's bill is a just one, and he ought to have his money. "

"I'll do the best I can, mother. "

CHAPTER II

GRANT MAKES TWO BUSINESS CALLS

Deacon Gridley had a small farm, and farming was his chiefoccupation, but he had a few thousand dollars laid away in stocksand bonds, and, being a thrifty man, not to say mean, he managed tosave up nearly all the interest, which he added to his originalaccumulation. He always coveted financial trusts, and so it cameabout that he was parish treasurer. It was often convenient for himto keep in his hands, for a month at a time, money thus collectedwhich ought to have been paid over at once to the minister, but thedeacon was a thoroughly selfish man, and cared little how pressedfor money Mr. Thornton might be, as long as he himself derived somebenefit from holding on to the parish funds. 

The deacon was mowing the front yard of his house when Grant came upto his front gate. 

"Good-morning, Deacon Gridley, " said the minister's son. 

"Mornin', Grant, " answered the deacon. "How's your folks?"

"Pretty well in health, " returned Grant, coming to business at once, "but rather short of money. "

"Ministers most gen'ally are, " said Deacon Gridley, dryly. 

"I should think they might be, with the small salaries they get, "said Grant, indignantly. 

"Some of 'em do get poorly paid, " replied the deacon; "but I callsix hundred dollars a pooty fair income. "

"It might be for a single man; but when a minister has a wife andthree children, like my father, it's pretty hard scratching. "

"Some folks ain't got faculty, " said the deacon, adding, complacently, "it never cost me nigh on to six hundred dollars ayear to live. "

The deacon had the reputation of living very penuriously, and AbramFish, who once worked for him and boarded in the family, said he washalf starved there. 

"You get your milk and vegetables off the farm, " said Grant, whofelt the comparison was not a fair one. "That makes a great deal ofdifference. "

"It makes some difference, " the deacon admitted, "but not as much asthe difference in our expenses. I didn't spend more'n a hundreddollars cash last year. "

This excessive frugality may have been the reason why Mrs. DeaconGridley was always so shabbily dressed. The poor woman had not had anew bonnet for five years, as every lady in the parish well knew. 

"Ministers have some expenses that other people don't, " persistedGrant. 

"What kind of expenses, I'd like to know?"

"They have to buy books and magazines, and entertain missionaries, and hire teams to go on exchanges. "

"That's something, " admitted the deacon. "Maybe it amounts to twentyor thirty dollars a year. "

"More likely a hundred, " said Grant. 

"That would be awful extravagant sinful waste. If I was a minister, I'd be more keerful. "

"Well, Deacon Gridley, I don't want to argue with you. I came to seeif you hadn't collected some money for father. Mr. Tudor has sent inhis bill, and he wants to be paid. "

"How much is it?"

"Sixty-seven dollars and thirty-four cents. "

"You don't tell me!" said the deacon, scandalized. "You folks mustbe terrible extravagant. "

Grant hardly knew whether to be more vexed or amused. 

"If wanting to have enough to eat is extravagant, " he said, "then weare. "

"You must live on the fat of the land, Grant. "

"We haven't any of us got the gout, nor are likely to have, "answered Grant, provoked. "But let us come back to business. Haveyou got any money for father?"

Now it so happened that Deacon Gridley had fifty dollars collected, but he thought he knew where he could let it out for one per cent, for a month, and he did not like to lose the opportunity. 

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Grant, " he answered, "but folks areslow about payin' up, and--"

"Haven't you got any money collected?" asked Grant, desperately. 

"I'll tell you what I'll do, " said the deacon, with a bright idea. "I've got fifty dollars of my own--say for a month, till I can makecollections. "

"That would be very kind, " said Grant, feeling that he had done thedeacon an injustice. 

"Of course, " the deacon resumed, hastily, "I should have to chargeinterest. In fact, I was goin' to lend out the money to a neighborfor a month at one per cent; but I'd just as lieve let your fatherhave it at that price. "

"Isn't that more than legal interest?" asked Grant. 

"Well, you see, money is worth good interest nowadays. Ef yourfather don't want it, no matter. I can let the other man have it. "

Grant rapidly calculated that the interest would only amount tofifty cents, and money must be had. 

"I think father'll agree to your terms, " he said. "I'll let you knowthis afternoon. "

"All right, Grant. It don't make a mite of difference to me, but ifyour father wants the money he'll have to speak for it to-day. "

"I'll see that the matter is attended to, " said Grant, and he wenton his way, pleased with the prospect of obtaining money for theirimpoverished household, even on such hard terms. 

Next he made his way to Mr. Tudor's store. 

It was one of those country variety stores where almost everythingin the way of house supplies can be obtained, from groceries to drygoods. 

Mr. Tudor was a small man, with a parchment skin and insignificantfeatures. He was in the act of weighing out a quantity of sugar fora customer when Grant entered. 

Grant waited till the shopkeeper was at leisure. 

"Did you want to see me, Grant?" said Tudor. 

"Yes, Mr. Tudor. You sent over a bill to our house this morning. "

"And you've come to pay it. That's right. Money's tight, and I'vegot bills to pay in the city. "

"I've got a little money for you on account, " said Grant, watchingTudor's face anxiously. 

"How much?" asked the storekeeper, his countenance changing. 

"Eight dollars. "

"Eight dollars!" ejaculated Tudor, indignantly. "Only eight dollarsout of sixty-seven! That's a regular imposition, and I don't care efyour father is a minister, I stick to my words. "

Grant was angry, but he remembered his mother's injunction torestrain his temper. 

"We'd like to pay the whole, Mr. Tudor, if we had the money, and--"

"Do you think I can trust the whole neighborhood, and only get onedollar in ten of what's due me?" spluttered Mr. Tudor. "Ministersought to set a better example. "

"Ministers ought to get better pay, " said Grant. 

"There's plenty don't get as much as your father. When do you expectto pay the rest, I'd like to know? I s'pose you expect me to go ontrustin', and mebbe six months from now you'll pay me another eightdollars, " said the storekeeper, with withering sarcasm. 

"I was going to tell you, if you hadn't interrupted me, " said Grant, "that we should probably have some more money for you to-morrow. "

"How much?"

"Twenty-five dollars, " answered the boy, knowing that part of themoney borrowed must go in other quarters. "Will that besatisfactory?"

"That's more like!" said Tudor, calming down. "Ef you'll pay thatI'll give you a leetle more time on the rest. Do you want anythingthis mornin'? I've got some prime butter just come in. "

"I'll call for some articles this afternoon, Mr. Tudor. Here are theeight dollars. Please credit us with that sum. "

"Well, I've accomplished something, " said Grant to himself as heplodded homeward. 

CHAPTER III

GRANT WALKS TO SOMERSET

GODFREY THORNTON, Grant's uncle, lived in the neighboring town ofSomerset. He was an old bachelor, three years older than hisbrother, the minister, and followed the profession of a lawyer. Hisbusiness was not large, but his habits were frugal, and he hadmanaged to save up ten thousand dollars. Grant had always been afavorite with him, and having no son of his own he had formed theplan of sending him to college. He was ambitious that he should be aprofessional man. 

It might have been supposed that he would have felt disposed toassist his brother, whose scanty salary he knew was inadequate tothe needs of a family. But Godfrey Thornton was an obstinate man, and chose to give assistance in his own way, and no other. It wouldbe a very handsome thing, he thought, to give his nephew a collegeeducation. And so, indeed, it would. But he forgot one thing. Infamilies of limited means, when a boy reaches the age of fifteen orsixteen he is very properly expected to earn something toward thefamily income, and this Grant could not do while preparing forcollege. If his uncle could have made up his mind to give hisbrother a small sum annually to make up for this, all would havebeen well. Not that this idea had suggested itself to the Rev. JohnThorn-ton. He felt grateful for his brother's intentions towardGrant, and had bright hopes of his boy's future. But, in truth, pecuniary troubles affected him less than his wife. She was themanager, and it was for her to contrive and be anxious. 

After Grant had arranged the matters referred to in the precedingchapter, he told his mother that he proposed to go to Somerset tocall on his uncle. 

"No, Grant, I don't object, though I should be sorry to have youlose the chance of an education. "

"I have a very fair education already, mother. Of course I shouldlike to go to college, but I can't bear to have you and fatherstruggling with poverty. If I become a business man, I may have abetter chance to help you. At any rate, I can help you sooner. If Ican only induce Uncle Godfrey to give you the sum my education wouldcost him, I shall feel perfectly easy. "

"You can make the attempt, my son, but I have doubts about yoursuccess. "

Grant, however, was more hopeful. He didn't see why his uncle shouldobject, and it would cost him no more money. It seemed to him veryplain sailing, and he set out to walk to Somerset, full of courageand hope. 

It was a pretty direct road, and the distance--five miles--was notformidable to a strong-limbed boy like Grant. In an hour and a halfhe entered the village, and soon reached the small one-storybuilding which served his uncle as an office. 

Entering, he saw his uncle busy with some papers at his desk. 

The old lawyer raised his eyes as the door opened. 

"So it's you, Grant, is it?" he said. "Nobody sick at home, eh?"

"No, Uncle Godfrey, we are all well. "

"I was afraid some one might be sick, from your coming over. However, I suppose you have some errand in Somerset. "

"My only errand is to call upon you, uncle. "

"I suppose I am to consider that a compliment, " said the oldbachelor, not ill pleased. "Well, and when are you going to be readyfor college?"

"I can be ready to enter in September, " replied Grant. 

"That is good. All you will have to do will be to present yourselffor examination. I shall see you through, as I have promised. "

"You are very kind, Uncle Godfrey, " said Grant; and then hehesitated. 

"It's Thornton family pride, Grant. I want my nephew to be somebody. I want you to be a professional man, and take a prominent place inthe world. "

"Can't I be somebody without becoming a professional man, or---"

"Or, what?" asked his uncle, abruptly. 

"Getting a college education?" continued Grant. 

"What does this mean?" asked the old lawyer, knitting his brow. "You're not getting off the notion of going to college, I hope?"

"I should like to go to college, uncle. "

"I'm glad to hear that, " said Godfrey Thornton, relieved. "I thoughtyou might want to grow up a dunce, and become a bricklayer orsomething of that kind. "

Somehow Grant's task began to seem more difficult than he hadanticipated. 

"But, " continued Grant, summoning up his courage, "I am afraid itwill be rather selfish. "

"I can't say I understand you, Grant. As long as I am willing to payyour college bills, I don't see why there is anything selfish inyour accepting my offer. "

"I mean as regards father and mother. "

"Don't I take you off their hands? What do you mean?"

"I mean this, Uncle Godfrey, " said Grant, boldly, "I ought to be atwork earning money to keep them. Father's income is very small, and--"

"You don't mean to say you want to give up going to college?" saidGodfrey Thornton, hastily. 

"I think I ought to, uncle. "

"Why?"

"So that I can find work and help father along. You see, I should befour years in college, and three years studying a profession, andall that time my brother and sister would be growing older and moreexpensive, and father would be getting into debt. "

Uncle Godfrey's brow wore a perceptible frown. 

"Tell me who has put this idea into your head?" he said. "I am sureit isn't your father. "

"No one put it into my head, Uncle Godfrey. It's my own idea. "

"Humph! old heads don't grow on young shoulders, evidently. You area foolish boy, Grant. With a liberal education you can do somethingfor your family. "

"But it is so long to wait, " objected Grant. 

"It will be a great disappointment to me to have you give up goingto college, but of course I can't force you to go, " said his uncle, coldly. "It will save me three hundred dollars a year for fouryears-I may say for seven, however. You will be throwing away agrand opportunity. "

"Don't think I undervalue the advantage of a college training, uncle, " said Grant, eagerly. "It isn't that. It's because I thoughtI might help father. In fact, I wanted to make a proposal to you. "

"What is it?"

"You say it will cost three hundred dollars a year to keep me incollege?"

"Well?"

"Would you be willing to give father two hundred a year for the nextfour years, and let me take care of myself in some business place?"

"So this is your proposal, is it?"

"Yes, sir. "

"All I have got to say is, that you have got uncommon assurance. Youpropose to defeat my cherished plan, and want me to pay two hundreddollars a year in acknowledgment of your consideration. "

"I am sorry you look upon it in that light, Uncle Godfrey. "

"I distinctly decline your proposal. If you refuse to go to college, I wash my hands of you and your family. Do you understand that?"

"Yes, Uncle Godfrey, " answered Grant, crestfallen. 

"Go home and think over the matter. My offer still holds good. Youcan present yourself at college in September, and, if you areadmitted, notify me. "

The lawyer turned back to his writing, and Grant understood that theinterview was over. 

In sadness he started on his return walk from Somerset. He hadaccomplished nothing except to make his uncle angry. He could notmake up his mind what to do. 

He had walked about four miles when his attention was sharply drawnby a cry of terror. Looking up quickly, he saw a girl of fourteenflying along the road pursued by a drunken man armed with a bigclub. They were not more than thirty feet apart, and the situationwas critical. 

Grant was no coward, and he instantly resolved to rescue the girl ifit were a possible thing. 

CHAPTER IV

A TIMELY RESCUE

"I will save her if I can, " said Grant to himself. 

The task, however, was not an easy one. The drunken man was tall andstrongly made, and his condition did not appear to interfere withhis locomotion. He was evidently half crazed with drink, and hispursuit of the young girl arose probably from a blind impulse; butit was likely to be none the less serious for her. Grant saw at oncethat he was far from being a match for the drunkard in physicalstrength. If he had been timid, a regard for his personal safetywould have led him to keep aloof. But he would have despised himselfif he had not done what he could for the girl--stranger though shewas--who was in such peril. 

It chanced that Grant had cut a stout stick to help him on his way. This suggested his plan of campaign. He ran sideways toward thepursuer, and thrust his stick between his legs, tripping him up. Theman fell violently forward, and lay as if stunned, breathingheavily. Grant was alarmed at first, fearing that he might beseriously hurt, but a glance assured him that his stupor was chieflythe result of his potations. 

Then he hurried to overtake the girl, who, seeing what had takenplace, had paused in her flight. 

"Don't be frightened, " said Grant. "The man can't get up at present. I will see you home if you will tell me where you live. "

"I am boarding at Mrs. Granger's, quarter of a mile back, mamma andI, " answered the girl, the color, temporarily banished by fright, returning to her cheeks. 

"Where did you fall in with this man?" inquired Grant. 

"I was taking a walk, " answered the girl, "and overtook him. I didnot take much notice of him at first, and was not aware of hiscondition till he began to run after me. Then I was almostfrightened to death, and I don't think I ever ran so fast in mylife. "

"You were in serious danger. He was fast overtaking you. "

"I saw that he was, and I believe I should have dropped if you hadnot come up and saved me. How brave you were!"

Grant colored with pleasure, though he disclaimed the praise. 

"Oh, it was nothing!" he said, modestly. "But we had better start atonce, for he may revive. "

"Oh, let us go then, " exclaimed the girl in terror, and, hardlyknowing what she did, she seized Grant's arm. "See, he is beginningto stir. Do come quickly!"

Clinging to Grant's arm, the two hastened away, leaving theinebriate on the ground. 

Grant now had leisure to view more closely the girl he had rescued. She was a very pretty girl, a year or two younger than himself, witha bright, vivacious manner, and her young rescuer thought her veryattractive. 

"Do you live round here?" she asked. 

"I live in Colebrook, the village close by. I was walking fromSomerset. "

"I should like to know the name of the one who has done me so greata service. "

"We will exchange names, if you like, " said Grant, smiling. "My nameis Grant Thornton. I am the son of Rev. John Thornton, who isminister in Colebrook. "

"So you are a minister's son. I have always heard that minister'ssons are apt to be wild, " said the girl, smiling mischievously. 

"I am an exception, " said Grant, demurely. 

"I am ready to believe it, " returned his companion. "My name isCarrie Clifton; my mother is a minister's daughter, so I have aright to think well of ministers' families. "

"How long have you been boarding in this neighborhood, Miss Carrie?"

"Only a week. I am afraid I shan't dare to stay here any longer. "

"It is not often you would meet with such an adventure as this. Ihope you won't allow it to frighten you away. "

"Do you know that drunken man? Does he live nearby?"

"I think he is a stranger--a tramp. I never saw him before, and Iknow almost everybody who lives about here. "

"I am glad he doesn't live here. "

"He will probably push on his way and not come this way again duringthe summer. "

"I hope you are right. He might try to revenge himself on you fortripping him up. "

"I don't think he saw me to recognize me. He was so drunk that hedidn't know what he was about. When he gets over his intoxication heprobably won't remember anything that has happened. "

By this time they had reached the gate of the farmhouse where Carriewas boarding, and Grant prepared to leave her. 

"I think you are safe now, " he said. 

"Oh, but I shan't let you go yet, " said the girl. "You must come inand see mother. "

Grant hesitated, but he felt that he should like to meet the motherof a young lady who seemed to him so attractive, and he allowedhimself to be led into the yard. Mrs. Clifton was sitting in arustic chair under a tree behind the house. There Grant and hiscompanion found her. Carrie poured forth her story impetuously, andthen drawing Grant forward, indicated him as her rescuer. 

Her mother listened with natural alarm, shuddering at the peril fromwhich her daughter had so happily escaped. 

"I cannot tell how grateful I am to you for the service you havedone my daughter, " she said, warmly. "You are a very brave boy. There is not one in ten who would have had the courage to act as youdid. "

"You praise me more than I deserve, Mrs. Clifton. I saw the man wasdrunk, and I did not really run much risk in what I did. I am verythankful that I was able to be of service to Miss Carrie. "

"It is most fortunate that you were at hand. My daughter might havebeen killed. "

"What do you think, mother? He is a minister's son, " said Carrie, vivaciously. 

"That certainly is no objection in my eyes, " said Mrs. Clifton, smiling, "for I am a minister's daughter. Where does your fatherpreach?"

"His church is only a mile distant, in the village. "

"I shall hear him, then, next Sunday. Last Sunday Carrie and I wereboth tired, and remained at home, but I have always been accustomedto go to church somewhere. "

"Papa will be here next Sunday, " said Carrie. "He can only comeSaturday night on account of his business. "

"Does he do business in New York?" asked Grant. 

"Yes; his store is on Broadway. "

"We live on Madison Avenue, and whenever you are in the city weshall be very glad to have you call, " said Mrs. Clifton, graciously. 

"Thank you; I should like to call very much, " answered Grant, whowas quite sincere in what he said. "But I don't often go to NewYork. "

"Perhaps you will get a place there some time, " suggested Carrie. 

"I should like to, " replied Grant. 

"Then your father does not propose to send you to college?" It wasMrs. Clifton who said this. 

"He wishes me to go, but I think I ought to go to work to help him. He has two other children besides me. "

"Is either one a girl?" asked Carrie. 

"Yes; I have a sister of thirteen, named Mary. "

"I wish you would bring her here to see me, " said Carrie. "I haven'tgot acquainted with any girls yet. "

Mrs. Clifton seconded the invitation, and Grant promised that hewould do so. In fact, he was pleased at the opportunity it wouldgive him of improving his acquaintance with the young lady from NewYork. He returned home very well pleased with his trip to Somerset, though he had failed in the object of his expedition. 

CHAPTER V

MRS. THORNTON'S PEARLS

The next Sunday Mrs. Clifton and her daughter appeared at church, and Grant had the pleasure of greeting them. He was invited with hissister to take supper with them on the next Monday afternoon, andaccepted the invitation. About sunset he met his new friendswalking, with the addition of the husband and father, who, comingSaturday evening from New York, had felt too fatigued to attendchurch. Mr. Clifton, to whom he was introduced, was a portly man inmiddle life, who received Grant quite graciously, and made forhimself acknowledgment of the service which our hero had renderedhis daughter. 

"If I ever have the opportunity of doing you a favor, MasterThornton, you may call upon me with confidence, " he said. 

Grant thanked him, and was better pleased than if he had received animmediate gift. 

Meanwhile Deacon Gridley kept his promise, and advanced the ministerfifty dollars, deducting a month's interest. Even with thisdeduction Mrs. Thornton was very glad to obtain the money. Part ofit was paid on account to Mr. Tudor, and silenced his importunitiesfor a time. As to his own plans, there was nothing for Grant to doexcept to continue his studies, as he might enter college after all. 

If any employment should offer of a remunerative character, he feltthat it would be his duty to accept it, in spite of his uncle'sobjections; but such chances were not very likely to happen while heremained in the country, for obvious reasons. 

Three weeks passed, and again not only Mr. Tudor, but anothercreditor, began to be troublesome. 

"How soon is your father going to pay up his bill?" asked Tudor, when Grant called at the store for a gallon of molasses. 

"Very soon, I hope, " faltered Grant. 

"I hope so, too, " answered the grocer, grimly. 

"Only three weeks ago I paid you thirty-three dollars, " said Grant. 

"And you have been increasing the balance ever since, " said Tudor, frowning. 

"If father could get his salary regularly--" commenced Grant. 

"That's his affair, not mine, " rejoined the grocer. "I have to paymy bills regular, and I can't afford to wait months for my pay. "

Grant looked uncomfortable, but did not know what to say. 

"The short and the long of it is, that after this week your fathermust either pay up his bill, or pay cash for what articles he getshereafter. "

"Very well, " said Grant, coldly. He was too proud to remonstrate. Moreover, though he felt angry, he was constrained to admit that thegrocer had some reason for his course. 

"Something must be done, " he said to himself, but he was not wiseenough to decide what that something should be. 

Though he regretted to pain his mother, he felt obliged to report toher what the grocer had said. 

"Don't be troubled, mother, " he said, as he noticed the shade ofanxiety which came over her face. "Something will turn up. "

Mrs. Thornton shook her head. 

"It isn't safe to trust to that, Grant, " she said; "we must helpourselves. "

"I wish I knew how, " said Grant, perplexed. 

"I am afraid I shall have to make a sacrifice, " said Mrs. Thornton, not addressing Grant, but rather in soliloquy. 

Grant looked at his mother in surprise. What sacrifice could sherefer to? Did she mean that they must move into a smaller house, andretrench generally? That was all that occurred to him. 

"We might, perhaps, move into a smaller house, mother, " said he, "but we have none too much room here, and the difference in rentwouldn't be much. "

"I didn't mean that, Grant. Listen, and I will tell you what I domean. You know that I was named after a rich lady, the friend of mymother?"

"I have heard you say so. "

"When she died, she left me by will a pearl necklace and pearlbracelets, both of very considerable value. "

"I have never seen you wear them, mother. "

"No; I have not thought they would be suitable for the wife of apoor minister. My wearing them would excite unfavorable comment inthe parish. "

"I don't see whose business it would be, " said Grant, indignantly. 

"At any rate, just or not, I knew what would be said, " Mrs. Thorntonreplied. 

"How is it you have never shown the pearl ornaments to me, mother?"

"You were only five years old when they came to me, and I laid themaway at once, and have seldom thought of them since. I have beenthinking that, as they are of no use to me, I should be justified inselling them for what I can get, and appropriating the proceedstoward paying your father's debts. "

"How much do you think they are worth, mother?"

"A lady to whom I showed them once said they must have cost fivehundred dollars or more. "

Grant whistled. 

"Do you mind showing them to me, mother?" he asked. 

Mrs. Thornton went upstairs, and brought down the pearl necklace andbracelets. They were very handsome and Grant gazed at them withadmiration. 

"I wonder what the ladies would say if you should wear them to thesewing circle, " he said, humorously. 

"They would think I was going over to the vanities of this world, "responded his mother, smiling. "They can be of no possible use to menow, or hereafter, and I believe it will be the best thing I can doto sell them. "

"Where can you sell them? No one here can afford to buy them. "

"They must be sold in New York, and I must depend upon you to attendto the business for me. "

"Can you trust me, mother? Wouldn't father--"

"Your father has no head for business, Grant. He is a learned man, and knows a great deal about books, but of practical matters heknows very little. You are only a boy, but you are a very sensibleand trustworthy boy, and I shall have to depend upon you. "

"I will do the best I can, mother. Only tell me what you want me todo. "

"I wish you to take these pearls, and go to New York. You can find apurchaser there, if anywhere. I suppose it will be best to take themto some jewelry store, and drive the best bargain you can. "

"When do you wish me to go, mother?"

"There can be no advantage in delay. If tomorrow is pleasant, youmay as well go then. "

"Shall you tell father your plan?"

"No, Grant, it might make him feel bad to think I was compelled tomake a sacrifice, which, after all, is very little of a sacrifice tome. Years since I decided to trouble him as little as possible withmatters of business. It could do no good, and, by making himanxious, unfitted him for his professional work. "

Mrs. Thornton's course may not be considered wise by some, but sheknew her husband's peculiar mental constitution, and her object atleast was praiseworthy, to screen him from undue anxiety, though itinvolved an extra share for herself. 

The next morning Grant took an early breakfast, and walked brisklytoward the depot to take the first train for New York. 

The fare would be a dollar and a quarter each way, for the distancewas fifty miles, and this both he and his mother felt to be a largeoutlay. If, however, he succeeded in his errand it would be wiselyspent, and this was their hope. 

At the depot Grant found Tom Calder, a youth of eighteen, who hadthe reputation of being wild, and had been suspected of dishonesty. He had been employed in the city, so that Grant was not surprised tomeet him at the depot. 

"Hello, Grant! Where are you bound?" he asked. 

"I am going to New York. "

"What for?"

"A little business, " Grant answered, evasively. Tom was the lastperson he felt inclined to take into his confidence. 

"Goin' to try to get a place?"

"If any good chance offers I shall accept it--that is, if father andmother are willing. "

"Let's take a seat together--that's what I'm going for myself. "

CHAPTER VI

GRANT GETS INTO UNEXPECTED TROUBLE

TOM CALDER was not the companion Grant would have chosen, but thereseemed no good excuse for declining his company. He belonged to arather disreputable family living in the borders of the village. Ifthis had been all, it would not have been fair to object to him, butTom himself bore not a very high reputation. He had been suspectedmore than once of stealing from his school companions, and whenemployed for a time by Mr. Tudor, in the village store, the latterbegan to miss money from the till; but Tom was so sly that he hadbeen unable to bring the theft home to him. However, he thought itbest to dispense with his services. 

"What kind of a situation are you goin' to try for?" asked Tom, whenthey were fairly on their way. 

"I don't know. They say that beggars mustn't be choosers. "

"I want to get into a broker's office if I can, " said Tom. 

"Do you consider that a very good business?" asked Grant. 

"I should say so, " responded Tom, emphatically. 

"Do they pay high wages?"

"Not extra, but a feller can get points, and make something out ofthe market. "

"What's that?" asked Grant, puzzled. 

"Oh, I forgot. You ain't used to the city, " responded Tom, emphatically. "I mean, you find out when a stock is going up, andyou buy for a rise. "

"But doesn't that take considerable money?" asked Grant, wonderinghow Tom could raise money to buy stocks. 

"Oh, you can go to the bucket shops, " answered Tom. 

"But what have bucket shops to do with stocks?" asked Grant, morethan ever puzzled. 

Tom burst into a loud laugh. 

"Ain't you jolly green, though?" he ejaculated. 

Grant was rather nettled at this. 

"I don't see how I could be expected to understand such talk, " hesaid, with some asperity. 

"That's where it is--you can't, " said Tom. "It's all like A, B, C tome, and I forgot that you didn't know anything about Wall Street. Abucket shop is where you can buy stock in small lots, putting down adollar a share as margin. If stocks go up, you sell out on the rise, and get back your dollar minus commission, "

"Suppose they go down?"

"Then you lose what you put up. "

"Isn't it rather risky?"

"Of course there's some risk, but if you have a good point thereisn't much. "

This was Tom Calder's view of the matter. As a matter of fact, thegreat majority of those who visit the bucket shops lose all they putin, and are likely sooner or later to get into difficulty; so thatmany employers will at once discharge a clerk or boy known tospeculate in this way. 

"If I had any money I'd buy some stock to-day; that is, as soon as Iget to the city, " continued Tom. "You couldn't lend me five dollars, could you?"

"No, I couldn't, " answered Grant, shortly. 

"I'd give you half the profits. "

"I haven't got the money, " Grant explained. 

"That's a pity. The fact is, I'm rather short. However, I knowplenty of fellows in the city, and I guess I can raise a tenner orso. "

"Then your credit must be better in New York than in Colebrook, "thought Grant, but he fore-bore to say so. 

Grant was rather glad the little package of pearls was in the pocketfurthest away from Tom, for his opinion of his companion's honestywas not the highest. 

When half an hour had passed, Tom vacated his seat. 

"I'm going into the smoking car, " he said, "to have a smoke. Won'tyou come with me?"

"No, thank you. I don't smoke. "

"Then it's time you began. I've got a cigarette for you, if you'lltry it. "

"Much obliged, but I am better off without it. "

"You'll soon get over that little-boy feeling. Why, boys in the cityof half your age smoke. "

"I am sorry to hear it. "

"Well, ta-ta! I'll be back soon. "

Grant was not sorry to have Tom leave him. He didn't enjoy hiscompany, and besides he foresaw that it would be rather embarrassingif Tom should take a fancy to remain with him in the city. He didn'tcare to have anyone, certainly not Tom, learn on what errand he hadcome to the city. 

Two minutes had scarcely elapsed after Tom vacated his seat, when apleasant-looking gentleman of middle age, who had been sitting justbehind them, rose and took the seat beside Grant. 

"I will sit with you if you don't object, " said he. 

"I should be glad of your company, " said Grant, politely. 

"You live in the country, I infer?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I overheard your conversation with the young man who has just leftyou. I suspect you are not very much alike. "

"I hope not, sir. Perhaps Tom would say the same, for he thinks megreen. "

"There is such a thing as knowing too much--that isn't desirable toknow. So you don't smoke?"

"No, sir. "

"I wish more boys of your age could say as much. Do I understandthat you are going to the city in search of employment?"

"That is not my chief errand, " answered Grant, with some hesitation. "Still, if I could hear of a good chance, I might induce my parentsto let me accept it. "

"Where do you live, my young friend?"

"In Colebrook. My father is the minister there. "

"That ought to be a recommendation, for it is to be supposed youhave been carefully trained. Some of our most successful businessmen have been ministers' sons. "

"Are you in business in New York, sir?" asked Grant, thinking he hada right by this time to ask a question. 

"Yes; here is my card. "

Taking the card, Grant learned that his companion was Mr. HenryReynolds and was a broker, with an office in New Street. 

"I see you are a broker, sir, " said Grant. "Tom Calder wants to geta place in a broker's office. "

"I should prefer that he would try some other broker, " said Mr. Reynolds, smiling. "I don't want a boy who deals with the bucketshops. "

At this point Tom re-entered the car, having finished his cigarette. Observing that his place had been taken, he sat down at a littledistance. 

"When you get ready to take a place, " said the broker, "call at myoffice, and though I won't promise to give you a place, I shall feelwell disposed to if I can make room for you. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Grant, gratefully. "I hope if I ever do enteryour employment, I shall merit your confidence. "

"I have good hopes of it. By the way, you may as well give me yourname. "

"I am Grant Thornton, of Colebrook, " said our hero. 

Mr. Reynolds entered the name in a little pocket diary, and left theseat, which Tom Calder immediately took. 

"Who's that old codger?" he asked. 

"The gentleman who has just left me is a New York business man. "

"You got pretty thick with him, eh?"

"We talked a little. "

Grant took care not to mention that Mr. Reynolds was a broker, ashe knew that Tom would press for an introduction in that case. 

When they reached New York, Tom showed a disposition to remain withGrant, but the latter said: "We'd better separate, and we can meetagain after we have attended to our business. "

A meeting place was agreed upon, and Tom went his way. 

Now came the difficult part of Grant's task. Where should he go todispose of his pearls? He walked along undecided, till he came to alarge jewelry store. It struck him that this would be a good placefor his purpose, and he entered. 

"What can I do for you, young man?" asked a man of thirty behind thecounter. 

"I have some pearl ornaments I would like to sell, " said Grant. 

"Indeed, " said the clerk, fixing a suspicious glance upon Grant;"let me see them. "

Grant took out the necklace and bracelets, and passed them over. Nosooner had he done so than a showily dressed lady advanced to theplace where he was standing, and held out her hand for theornaments, exclaiming: "I forbid you to buy those articles, sir. They are mine. The boy stole them from me, and I have followed himhere, suspecting that he intended to dispose of them. "

"That is false, " exclaimed Grant, indignantly. "I never saw thatwoman before in my life. "

"So you are a liar as well as a thief!" said the woman. "You willplease give me those pearls, sir. "

The clerk looked at the two contestants in indecision. He wasdisposed to believe the lady's statement. 

CHAPTER VII

MRS. SIMPSON COMES TO GRIEF

"Surely I have a right to my own property, " said the showily dressedlady in a tone of authority, which quite imposed upon theweak-minded salesman. 

"I dare say you are right, ma'am, " said he, hesitatingly. 

"Of course I am, " said she. 

"If you give her those pearls, which belong to my mother, I willhave you arrested, " said Grant, plucking up spirit. 

"Hoity-toity!" said the lady, contemptuously. "I hope you won't payany regard to what that young thief says. "

The clerk looked undecided. He beckoned an older salesman, and laidthe matter before him. The latter looked searchingly at the two. Grant was flushed and excited, and the lady had a brazen front. 

"Do you claim these pearls, madam?" he said. 

"I do, " she answered, promptly. 

"How did you come by them?"

"They were a wedding present from my husband. "

"May I ask your name?"

The lady hesitated a moment, then answered:

"Mrs. Simpson. "

"Where do you live?"

There was another slight hesitation. Then came the answer:

"No. --Madison Avenue. "

Now Madison Avenue is a fashionable street, and the name produced animpression on the first clerk. 

"I think the pearls belong to the lady, " he whispered. 

"I have some further questions to ask, " returned the elder salesman, in a low voice. 

"Do you know this boy whom you charge with stealing your property?"

"Yes, " answered the lady, to Grant's exceeding surprise; "he is apoor boy whom I have employed to do errands. "

"Has he had the run of your house?"

"Yes, that's the way of it. He must have managed to find his way tothe second floor, and opened the bureau drawer where I kept thepearls. "

"What have you to say to this?" asked the elder salesman. 

"Please ask the lady my name, " suggested Grant. 

"Don't you know your own name?" demanded the lady, sharply. 

"Yes, but I don't think you do. "

"Can you answer the boy's question, Mrs. Simpson?"

"Of course I can. His name is John Cavanaugh, and the very suit hehas on I gave him. "

Grant was thunderstruck at the lady's brazen front. She wasoutwardly a fine lady, but he began to suspect that she was animpostor. 

"I am getting tired of this, " said the so-called Mrs. Simpson, impatiently. "Will you, or will you not, restore my pearls?" "Whenwe are satisfied that they belong to you, madam, " said the eldersalesman, coolly. "I don't feel like taking the responsibility, butwill send for my employer, and leave the matter to him to decide. "

"I hope I won't have long to wait, sir. "

"I will send at once. "

"It's a pretty state of things when a lady has her own property keptfrom her, " said Mrs. Simpson, while the elder clerk was at the otherend of the store, giving some instructions to a boy. 

"I don't in the least doubt your claim to the articles, Mrs. Simpson, " said the first salesman, obsequiously. "Come, boy, you'dbetter own up that you have stolen the articles, and the lady willprobably let you off this time. "

"Yes, I will let him off this time, " chimed in the lady. "I don'twant to send him to prison. "

"If you can prove that I am a thief, I am willing to go, " saidGrant, hotly. 

By this time the elder salesman had come back. 

"Is your name John Cavanaugh, my boy?" he asked. 

"No, sir. "

"Did you ever see this lady before?"

"No, sir. "

The lady threw up her hands in feigned amazement. 

"I wouldn't have believed the boy would lie so!" she said. 

"What is your name?"

"My name is Grant Thornton. I live in Colebrook, and my father isRev. John Thornton. "

"I know there is such a minister there. To whom do these pearlsbelong?"

"To my mother. "

"A likely story that a country minister's wife should own suchvaluable pearls, " said Mrs. Simpson, in a tone of sarcasm. 

"How do you account for it?" asked the clerk. 

"They were given my mother years since, by a rich lady who was agood friend of hers. She has never had occasion to wear them. "

Mrs. Simpson smiled significantly. 

"The boy has learned his story, " she said. "I did not give youcredit for such an imagination, John Cavanaugh. "

"My name is Grant Thornton, madam, " said our hero, gravely. 

Five minutes later two men entered the store. One was a policeman, the other the head of the firm. When Grant's eye fell on thepoliceman he felt nervous, but when he glanced at the gentleman hisface lighted up with pleasure. 

"Why, it's Mr. Clifton, " he said. 

"Grant Thornton, " said the jeweler, in surprise. "Why, I thought--"

"You will do me justice, Mr. Clifton, " said Grant, and thereupon herelated the circumstances already known to the reader. 

When Mrs. Simpson found that the boy whom she had selected as aneasy victim was known to the proprietor of the place, she becamenervous, and only thought of escape. 

"It is possible that I am mistaken, " she said. "Let me look at thepearls again. "

They were held up for her inspection. 

"They are very like mine, " she said, after a brief glance; "but Isee there is a slight difference. "

"How about the boy, madam?" asked the elder clerk. 

"He is the very image of my errand boy; but if Mr. Clifton knowshim, I must be mistaken. I am sorry to have given you so muchtrouble. I have an engagement to meet, and must go. "

"Stop, madam!" said Mr. Clifton, sternly, interposing an obstacle toher departure, "we can't spare you yet. "

"I really must go, sir. I give up all claim to the pearls. "

"That is not sufficient. You have laid claim to them, knowing thatthey were not yours. Officer, have you ever seen this woman before?"

"Yes, sir, I know her well. "

"How dare you insult me?" demanded Mrs. Simpson; but there was atremor in her voice. 

"I give her in charge for an attempted swindle, " said Mr. Clifton. 

"You will have to come with me, madam, " said the policeman. "You mayas well go quietly. "

"Well, the game is up, " said the woman, with a careless laugh. 

"It came near succeeding, though. "

"Now, my boy, " said the jeweler, "I will attend to your business. You want to sell these pearls?"

"Yes, sir; they are of no use to mother, and she needs the money. "

"At what do you value them?"

"I leave that to you, sir. I shall be satisfied with what you thinkthem worth. "

The jeweler examined them attentively. After his examination wasconcluded, he said: "I am willing to give four hundred dollars forthem. Of course they cost more, but I shall have to reset them. "

"That is more than I expected, " said Grant, joyfully. "It will payall our debts, and give us a little fund to help us in future. "

"Do you wish the money now? There might be some risk in a boy likeyou carrying so much with you. "

"What would you advise, Mr. Clifton?"

"That you take perhaps a hundred dollars, and let me bring thebalance next Saturday night, when I come to pass Sunday atColebrook. "

"Thank you, sir; if it won't be too much trouble for you. "

CHAPTER VIII

GRANT TAKES A DECISIVE STEP

Grant came home a messenger of good tidings, as his beaming faceplainly showed. His mother could hardly believe in her good fortune, when Grant informed her that he had sold the pearls for four hundreddollars. 

"Why, that will pay up all your father's debts, " she said, "and weshall once more feel independent. "

"And with a good reserve fund besides, " suggested Grant. 

On Saturday evening he called on Mr. Clifton, and received thebalance of the purchase money. On Monday, with a little list ofcreditors, and his pocket full of money, he made a round of calls, and paid up everybody, including Mr. Tudor. 

"I told you the bill would be paid, Mr. Tudor, " he said, quietly, tothe grocer. 

"You mustn't feel hard on me on account of my pressing you, Grant, "said the grocer, well pleased, in a conciliatory tone. "You see, Ineeded money to pay my bills. "

"You seemed to think my father didn't mean to pay you, " said Grant, who could not so easily get over what he had considered unfriendlyconduct on the part of Mr. Tudor. 

"No, I didn't. Of course I knew he was honest, but all the same Ineeded the money. I wish all my customers was as honest as yourfolks. "

With this Grant thought it best to be contented. The time might comeagain when they would require the forbearance of the grocer; but hedid not mean that it should be so if he could help it. For he wasmore than ever resolved to give up the project of going to college. The one hundred and fifty dollars which remained after paying thedebts would tide them over a year, but his college course wouldoccupy four; and then there would be three years more of study tofit him for entering a profession, and so there would be plenty oftime for the old difficulties to return. If the parish wouldincrease kis father's salary by even a hundred dollars, they mightget along; but there was such a self-complacent feeling in thevillage that Mr. Thornton was liberally paid, that he well knewthere was no chance of that. 

Upon this subject he had more than one earnest conversation with hismother. 

"I should be sorry to have you leave home, " she said; "but Iacknowledge the force of your reasons. "

"I shouldn't be happy at college, mother, " responded Grant, "if Ithought you were pinched at home. "

"If you were our only child, Grant, it would be different. "

"That is true; but there are Frank and Mary who would suffer. If Igo to work I shall soon be able to help you take care of them. "

"You are a good and unselfish boy, Grant, " said his mother. 

"I don't know about that, mother; I am consulting my own happinessas well as yours. "

"Yet you would like to go to college?"

"If we had plenty of money, not otherwise. I don't want to enjoyadvantages at the expense of you all. "

"Your Uncle Godfrey will be very angry, " said Mrs. Thornton, thoughtfully. 

"I suppose he will, and I shall be sorry for it. I am grateful tohim for his good intentions toward me, and I have no right to expectthat he will feel as I do about the matter. If he is angry, I shallbe sorry, but I don't think it ought to influence me. "

"You must do as you decide to be best, Grant. It is you who are mostinterested. But suppose you make up your mind to enter upon abusiness career, what chance have you of obtaining a place?"

"I shall call upon Mr. Reynolds, and see if he has any place forme. "

"Who is Mr. Reynolds?" asked his mother, in some surprise. 

"I forgot that I didn't tell you of the gentleman whose acquaintanceI made on my way up to the city. He is a Wall Street broker. Hisattention was drawn to me by something that he heard, and he offeredto help me, if he could, to get employment. "

"It would cost something to go to New York, and after all there isno certainty that he could help you, " said Mrs. Thornton, cautiously. 

"That is true, mother, but I think he would do something for me. "

However Grant received a summons to New York on other business. Mrs. Simpson, as she called herself, though she had no right to the name, was brought up for trial, and Grant was needed as a witness. Ofcourse his expenses were to be paid. He resolved to take thisopportunity to call at the office of Mr. Reynolds. 

I do not propose to speak of Mrs. Simpson's trial. I will merely saythat she was found guilty of the charge upon which she had beenindicted, and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. 

When Grant was released from his duties as witness, he made his wayto Wall Street, or rather New Street, which branches out from thegreat financial thoroughfare, and had no difficulty in finding theoffice of Mr. Reynolds. 

"Can I see Mr. Reynolds?" he asked of a young man, who was writingat a desk. 

"Have you come to deliver stock? If so, I will take charge of it. "

"No, " answered Grant; "I wish to see him personally. "

"He is at the Stock Exchange just at present. If you will take aseat, he will be back in twenty minutes, probably. "

Grant sat down, and in less than the time mentioned, Mr. Reynoldsentered the office. The broker, who had a good memory for faces, atonce recognized our hero. 

"Ha, my young friend from the country, " he said; "would you like tosee me?"

"When you are at leisure, sir, " answered Grant, well pleased at theprompt recognition. 

"You will not have to wait long. Amuse yourself as well as you canfor a few minutes. "

Promptness was the rule in Mr. Reynolds' office. Anothercharacteristic of the broker was, that he was just as polite to aboy as to his best customer. This is, I am quite aware, an unusualtrait, and, therefore, the more to be appreciated when we meet withit. 

Presently Mr. Reynolds appeared at the door of his inner office, andbeckoned to Grant to enter. 

"Take a seat, my young friend, " he said; "and now let me know what Ican do for you. "

"When I met you in the cars, " said Grant, "you invited me, if I everwanted a position, to call upon you, and you would see if you couldhelp me. "

"Very true, I did. Have you made up your mind to seek a place?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Are your parents willing you should come to New York?"

"Yes, sir. That is, my mother is willing, and my father will agreeto whatever she decides to be best. "

"So far so good. I wouldn't engage any boy who came against hisparents' wishes. Now let me tell you that you have come at a veryfavorable time. I have had in my employ for two years the son of anold friend, who has suited me in every respect; but now he is to goabroad with his father for a year, and I must supply his place. Youshall have the place if you want it. "

"Nothing would suit me better, " said Grant, joyfully. "Do you thinkI would be competent to fulfill the duties?"

"Harry Becker does not leave me for two weeks. He will initiate youinto your duties, and if you are as quick as I think you are atlearning, that will be sufficient. "

"When shall I come, sir?"

"Next Monday morning. It is now Thursday, and that will give youtime to remove to the city. "

"Perhaps I had better come Saturday, so as to get settled in aboarding-house before going to work. Could you recommend somemoderate priced boarding-house, Mr. Reynolds?"

"For the first week you may come to my house as my guest. That willgive you a chance to look about you. I live at 58 West 3-th Street. You had better take it down on paper. You can come any time onMonday. That will give you a chance to spend Sunday at home, and youneed not go to work till Tuesday. "

Grant expressed his gratitude in suitable terms, and left the officeelated at his good fortune. A surprise awaited him. At the junctionof Wall and New Streets he came suddenly upon a large-sizedbootblack, whose face looked familiar. 

"Tom Calder!" he exclaimed. "Is that you?"

CHAPTER IX

'UNCLE GODFREY PARTS FROM GRANT

When Tom Calder turned round and saw who had addressed him, heturned red with mortification, and he tried to hide his blackingbox. He was terribly mortified to have it known that he had beenforced into such a business. If Tom had nothing worse to be ashamedof he need not have blushed, but he was suffering from false shame. 

"When did you come to the city?" he stammered. 

"Only this morning. "

"I suppose you are surprised to see me in this business, " said Tom, awkwardly. 

"There is nothing to be ashamed of, " said Grant. "It is an honestbusiness. "

"It's an awful come down for me, " said Tom, uncomfortably. "The factis, I've had hard luck. "

"I am sorry to hear that, " said Grant. 

"I expected a place in Wall Street, but I came just too late, andthings are awful dull anyway. Then I was robbed of my money. "

"How much?" asked Grant, curiously, for he didn't believe a word ofit. 

"Eight dollars and thirty-three cents, " replied Tom, glibly. 

"I thought you were too smart to be robbed, " said Grant, slyly. "Ifit had been a green boy from the country like me, now, it wouldn'thave been surprising. "

"I was asleep when I was robbed, " explained Tom, hurriedly. "Afellow got into my room in the night, and picked my pocket. Icouldn't help that, now, could I?"

"I suppose not. "

"So I had to get something to do, or go back to Colebrook. I say, Grant---"

"Well?"

"Don't you tell any of the fellers at home what business I'm in, that's a good fellow. "

"I won't if you don't want me to, " said Grant. 

"You see, it's only a few days till I can get something else to do. "

"It's a great deal better blacking boots than being idle, in myopinion, " said Grant. 

"That's the way I look at it. But you didn't tell me what you cameto the city for?"

"I'm coming here for good, " announced Grant. 

"You haven't got a place, have you?" ejaculated Tom, in surprise. 

"Yes, I am to enter the office of Mr. Reynolds, a stock broker. There is his sign. "

"You don't say so I. Why, that's just the sort of place I wanted. How did you get the chance?"

"I got acquainted with Mr. Reynolds on board the cars that day wecame to New York together. "

"And you asked him for the place?"

"I asked him this morning. "

"You might have given me the chance, " grumbled Tom, enviously. "Youknew it was the sort of place I was after. "

"I don't think I was called upon to do that, " said Grant, smiling. "Besides, he wouldn't have accepted you. "

"Why not? Ain't I as smart as you, I'd like to know?" retorted TomCalder, angrily. 

"He heard us talking in the cars, and didn't like what you said. "

"What did I say?"

"He doesn't approve of boys smoking cigarettes and going to bucketshops. You spoke of both. "

"How did he hear?"

"He was sitting just behind us. "

"Was it that old chap that was sittin' with you when I came backfrom the smoking car?"

"Yes. "

"Just my luck, " said Tom, ruefully. 

"When are you goin' to work?" asked Tom, after a pause. 

"Next Monday. "

"Where are you going to board? We might take a room together, youknow. It would be kind of social, as we both come from the sameplace. "

It did not occur to Grant that the arrangement would suit him atall, but he did not think it necessary to say so. He only said: "Iam going to Mr. Reynolds' house, just at first. "

"You don't say so! Why, he's taken a regular fancy to you. "

"If he has, I hope he won't get over it. "

"I suppose he lives in a handsome brownstone house uptown. "

"Very likely; I've never seen the house. "

"Well, some folks has luck, but I ain't one of 'em, " grumbled Tom. 

"Your luck is coming, I hope, Tom. "

"I wish it would come pretty soon, then; I say, suppose your folkswon't let you take the place?" he asked, suddenly, brightening up. 

"They won't oppose it. " "I thought they wanted you to go tocollege. "

"I can't afford it. It would take too long before I could earnanything, and I ought to be helping the family. "

"I'm goin' to look out for number one, " said Tom, shrugging hisshoulders. "That's all I can do. "

Tom's mother was a hard-working woman, and had taken in washing foryears. But for her the family would often have lacked for food. Hisfather was a lazy, intemperate man, who had no pride of manhood, andcared only for himself. In this respect Tom was like him, though theson had not as yet become intemperate. 

"I don't think there is any chance of my giving up the place, "answered Grant. "If I do, I will mention your name. "

"That's a good fellow. "

Grant did not volunteer to recommend Tom, for he could not have doneso with a clear conscience. This omission, however, Tom did notnotice. 

"Well, Tom, I must be going. Good-by, and good luck. "

Grant went home with a cheerful face, and announced his good luck tohis mother. 

"I am glad you are going to your employer's house, " she said. "Iwish you could remain there permanently. "

"So do I, mother; but I hope at any rate to get a comfortableboarding place. Tom Calder wants to room with me. "

"I hope you won't think of it, " said Mrs. Thornton, alarmed. 

"Not for a moment. I wish Tom well, but I shouldn't like to be toointimate with him. And now, mother, I think I ought to write toUncle Godfrey, and tell him what I have decided upon. "

"That will be proper, Grant. " Grant wrote the following letter, andmailed it at once:

"DEAR UNCLE GODFREY:

I am afraid you won't like what I have to tell you, but I think itis my duty to the family to give up the college course you so kindlyoffered me, in view of father's small salary and narrow means. Ihave been offered a place in the office of a stock broker in NewYork, and have accepted it. I enter upon my duties next Mondaymorning. I hope to come near paying my own way, and before very longto help father. I know you will be disappointed, Uncle Godfrey, andI hope you won't think I don't appreciate your kind offer, but Ithink it would be selfish in me to accept it. Please do forgive me, and believe me to be

Your affectionate nephew, GRANT THORNTON. "

In twenty-four hours an answer came to this letter. It ran thus:

"NEPHEW GRANT:

I would not have believed you would act so foolishly andungratefully. It is not often that such an offer as mine is made toa boy. I did think you were sensible enough to understand theadvantages of a professional education. I hoped you would do creditto the name of Thornton, and keep up the family reputation as a manof learning and a gentleman. But you have a foolish fancy for goinginto a broker's office, and I suppose you must be gratified. But youneedn't think I will renew my offer. I wash my hands of you fromthis time forth, and leave you to your own foolish course. The timewill come when you will see your folly. 

GODFREY THORNTON. "

Grant sighed as he finished reading this missive. He felt that hisuncle had done him injustice. It was no foolish fancy, but aconscientious sense of duty, which had led him to sacrifice hiseducational prospects. 

On Monday morning he took the earliest train for New York. 

CHAPTER X

A DAY IN WALL STREET

Grant went at once on his arrival in the city to Mr. Reynolds'office. He had in his hand a well-worn valise containing his smallstock of clothing. The broker was just leaving the office for theStock Exchange as Grant entered. 

"So you are punctual, " he said, smiling. 

"Yes, sir, I always on time. "

"That is an excellent habit. Here, Harry. "

In answer to this summons, Harry Becker, a boy two years older andcorrespondingly larger than Grant, came forward. He was apleasant-looking boy, and surveyed Grant with a friendly glance. 

"Harry, " said Mr. Reynolds, "this is your successor. Do me the favorof initiating him into his duties, so that when you leave me he willbe qualified to take your place. "

"All right, sir. "

The broker hurried over to the Exchange, and the two boys were lefttogether. 

"What is your name?" asked the city boy. 

"Grant Thornton. "

"Mine is Harry Becker. Are you accustomed to the city?"

"No, I am afraid you will find me very green, " answered Grant. 

"You are not the boy to remain so long, " said Harry, scrutinizinghim attentively. 

"I hope not. You are going to Europe, Mr. Reynolds tells me. "

"Yes, the governor is going to take me. "

"The governor?"

"My father, I mean, " said Harry, smiling. 

"I suppose you are not sorry to go?"

"Oh, no; I expect to have a tip-top time. How would you like it?"

"Very much, if I could afford it, but at present I would rather fillyour place in the office. I am the son of a poor country minister, and must earn my own living. "

"How did you get in with Mr. Reynolds?" asked Harry. 

Grant told him. "Is he easy to get along with?" he inquired, alittle anxiously. 

"He is very kind and considerate. Still he is stanch, and expects aboy to serve him faithfully. "

"He has a right to expect that. "

"As I am to break you in, you had better go about with meeverywhere. First, we will go to the post-office. "

The two boys walked to Nassau Street, where the New York post-officewas then located. Harry pointed out the box belonging to the firm, and producing a key opened it, and took out half a dozen letters. 

"There may be some stock orders in these letters, " he said; "we willgo back to the office, give them to Mr. Clark to open, and then youcan go with me to the Stock Exchange. "

Ten minutes later they entered the large room used by the brokers asan Exchange. Grant looked about him in undisguised astonishment. Itseemed like a pandemonium. The room was full of men, shouting, gesticulating and acting like crazy men. The floor was littered withfragments of paper, and on a raised dais were the officers of theExchange, the chief among them, the chairman, calling rapidly thenames of a long list of stocks. Each name was followed by a confusedshouting, which Grant learned afterward to be bids for the stocknamed. There were several groups of brokers, each apparentlyinterested in some leading security. In each of the galleries, oneat each end, overlooking the stock room, curious spectators werewatching what was going on. 

Harry Decker was amused at Grant's look of surprise andbewilderment. 

"You'll get used to it in time, " he said. "Say--there is Mr. Reynolds. I must speak to him. "

Mr. Reynolds stood near a placard on which, in prominent letters, was inscribed "Erie. " Harry handed him a paper, which he took, glanced at quickly, and then resumed his bidding. 

"He has just bought one thousand Erie, " said Harry, aside, to Grant. 

"One thousand?"

"Yes, a thousand shares, at fifty-five. "

"Fifty-five dollars?"

"Yes. "

"Why, that will make fifty-five thousand dollars, " ejaculated Grant, in wonder. 

"Yes, that is one of the orders I brought over just now. "

"A man must have a great deal of capital to carry on this business, if that is only an item of a single day's business. "

"Yes, but not so much as you may imagine. I can't explain now, butyou'll understand better as you go on. Now we'll go back and see ifthere's anything to do in the office. "

Not long afterward Harry had to come back to the Exchange again, andGrant came with him. He found something new to surprise him. 

A tall man of dignified presence was walking across the floor, whena fellow member with a sly stroke sent his tall hat spinning acrossthe floor. When the victim turned the mischief-maker was intent uponhis memorandum book, and the tall man's suspicions fell upon ashort, stout young man beside him. With a vigorous sweep he knockedthe young man's hat off, saying, "It's a poor rule that don't workboth ways. "

This led to a little scrimmage, in which a dozen were involved. Thebrokers, staid, middle-aged men, most of them, seemed like a pack ofschool boys at recess. Grant surveyed the scene with undisguisedastonishment. 

"What does it mean, Harry?" he asked. 

"Oh, that's a very common occurrence, " said Harry, smiling. 

"I never saw grown men acting so. Won't there be a fight?"

"Oh, it's all fun. The brokers are unlike any other class of men inbusiness hours, " explained Harry. "It's one of the customs of theplace. "

Just then, to his astonishment, Grant saw his employer, Mr. Reynolds, pursuing his hat, which was rolling over the floor. He wasabout to run to his assistance, but Harry stopped him. 

"No interference is allowed, " he said. "Leave them to their fun. Iused to think it strange myself, when I first came into theExchange, but I'm used to it now. Now we may as well go back to theoffice. "

There is no occasion to follow the boys through the day's routine. Grant found his companion very obliging, and very ready to give himthe information he needed. Many boys would have been superciliousand perhaps been disposed to play tricks on a country boy, but Harrywas not one of them. He took a friendly interest in Grant, answeredall his questions, and did his best to qualify him for the positionhe was to assume. 

Before the office closed, Grant and his new friend went to the bankto make a deposit of money and checks. The deposit amounted to abouttwenty thousand dollars. 

"There must be plenty of money in New York, " said Grant. "Why, up inColebrook, if a man were worth twenty thousand dollars he would beconsidered a rich man. "

"It takes a good deal more than that to make a man rich in New York. In the stock business a man is likely to do a larger business inproportion to his capital than in the mercantile business. "

On their way back from the bank, Grant came face to face with TomCalder. Tom was busily engaged in talking to a companion, some yearsolder than himself, and didn't observe Grant. Grant was by no meansprepossessed in favor of this young man, whose red and mottled face, and bold glance made him look far from respectable. 

"Do you know those fellows?" asked Harry Becker. 

"The youngest one is from Colebrook. "

"He is in bad company. I hope he is not an intimate friend ofyours?"

"Far from it. Still, I know him, and am sorry to see him with such acompanion. "

At four o'clock Mr. Reynolds proposed to go home. He beckoned toGrant to accompany him. 

CHAPTER XI

GRANT MAKES A FRIEND

"What do you think of your first day in Wall Street?" asked Mr. Reynolds, kindly. 

"I have found it very interesting, " answered Grant. 

"Do you think you shall like the business?"

"Yes, sir, I think so. "

"Better than if you had been able to carry out your original plan, and go to college?"

"Yes, sir, under the circumstances, for I have a better prospect ofhelping the family. "

"That feeling does you credit. Have you any brothers and sisters?"

"One of each, sir. "

"I have but one boy, now nine years old. I am sorry to say he is notstrong in body, though very bright and quick, mentally. I wish hewere more fond of play and would spend less time in reading andstudy. "

"I don't think that is a common complaint among boys, sir. "

"No, I judge not from my own remembrance and observation. My wife isdead, and I am such a busy man that I am not able to give my boy asmuch attention as I wish I could. My boy's health is the moreimportant to me because I have no other child. "

Grant's interest was excited, and he looked forward to meeting hisemployer's son, not without eagerness. He had not long to wait. 

The little fellow was in the street in front of the house when hisfather reached home. He was a slender, old-fashioned boy inappearance, who looked as if he had been in the habit of keepingcompany with grown people. His frame was small, but his head waslarge. He was pale, and would have been plain, but for a pair oflarge, dark eyes, lighting up his face. 

"Welcome home, papa, " he said, running up to meet Mr. Reynolds. 

The broker stooped over and kissed his son. Then he said: "I havebrought you some company, Herbert. This is Grant Thornton, the boy Ispoke to you about. "

"I am glad to make your acquaintance, " said the boy, withold-fashioned courtesy, offering his hand. 

"And I am glad to meet you, Herbert, " responded Grant, pleasantly. 

The little boy looked up earnestly in the face of his father'soffice boy. 

"I think I shall like you, " he said. 

Mr. Reynolds looked pleased, and so did Grant. 

"I am sure we shall be very good friends, " said our hero. 

"Herbert, " said his father, "will you show Grant the room he is tooccupy?"

"It is next to mine, isn't it, papa?"

"Yes, my son. "

"Come with me, " said Herbert, putting his hand in Grant's. "I willshow you the way. "

Grant, who was only accustomed to the plain homes in his nativevillage, was impressed by the evidence of wealth and luxuryobservable in the house of the stock broker. The room assigned tohim was small, but it was very handsomely furnished, and he almostfelt out of place in it. But it was not many days, to anticipatematters a little, before he felt at home. 

Herbert took Grant afterward into his own room. 

"See my books, " he said, leading the way to a bookcase, containingperhaps a hundred volumes, the majority of a juvenile character, butsome suited to more mature tastes. "Do you like reading?" askedGrant. 

"I have read all the books you see here, " answered Herbert, "andsome of papa's besides. I like to read better than to play. "

"But you ought to spend some of your time in play, or you will notgrow up healthy. "

"That is what papa says. I try to play some, but I don't care muchabout it. "

Grant was no longer surprised at the little boy's delicacy. It wasclear that he needed more amusement and more exercise. "Perhaps, " hethought, "I can induce Herbert to exercise more. "

"When do you take dinner?" he asked. 

"At half-past six. There is plenty of time. "

"Then suppose we take a little walk together. We shall both have abetter appetite. "

"I should like to, " replied Herbert; "that is, with you. I don'tlike to walk alone. "

"How far is Central Park from here?"

"A little over a mile. "

"I have never seen it. Would you mind walking as far as that?"

"Oh, no. "

So the two boys walked out together. They were soon engaged in ananimated conversation, consisting, for the most part, of questionsproposed by Grant, and answers given by Herbert. 

Not far from the park they came to a vacant lot where some boys wereplaying ball. 

"Now, if we only had a ball, Herbert, " said Grant, "we might have alittle amusement. "

"I've got a ball in my pocket, but I don't use it much. "

"Let me see it. "

Herbert produced the ball, which proved to be an expensive one, better than any Grant had ever owned. 

"There, Herbert, stand here, and I will place myself about fiftyfeet away. Now, throw it to me, no matter how swiftly. "

They were soon engaged in throwing the ball to each other. Grant wasa good ball player, and he soon interested the little boy in thesport. Our hero was pleased to see Herbert's quiet, listless mannerexchanged for the animation which seemed better suited to a boy. 

"You are improving, Herbert, " he said, after a while. "You wouldmake a good player in time. "

"I never liked it before, " said the little boy. "I never knew therewas so much fun in playing ball. "

"We shall have to try it every day. I suppose it is about time to gohome to supper. "

"And we haven't been to Central Park, after all. "

"That will do for another day. Are boys allowed to play ball in thepark?"

"Two afternoons in the week, I believe, but I never played there. "

"We shall have to try it some day. "

"I should like to play--with you. "

They reached home in full time for dinner. At the dinner table Mr. Reynolds was struck by the unusually bright and animated face of hisson, and his good appetite. 

"What have you been doing to make you so hungry, Herbert?" he asked. 

"I took a walk with Grant, and we had a fine game of ball. "

"I am glad to hear it, " said the broker, much pleased. "If you wantto become stout and strong like Grant, that is the best thing foryou to do. "

"I never liked playing ball before, papa. "

"That is a compliment to you, Grant, " said the broker, smiling. 

"I think, " he said to the prim, elderly lady who presided over thehousehold, acting as housekeeper, "Herbert will be the better forhaving a boy in the house. "

"I don't know about that, " said Mrs. Estabrook, stiffly. "When hecame into the house he had mud on his clothes. He never did thattill this boy came. "

"I won't complain of that, if his health is improved. "

Mrs. Estabrook, who was a poor relation of Herbert's mother, pursedup her mouth, but did not reply. In her eyes, it was more importantthat a boy should keep his clothes whole and clean than to havecolor in his cheeks, and health in his frame. 

"I hope that boy won't stay here long, " she thought, referring, ofcourse, to Grant. "He'll quite spoil Herbert by making him rough andcareless of his appearance. "

"Well, Herbert, and how do you like Grant?" asked Mr. Reynolds, ashis son was bidding him good-night before going to bed. 

"I am so glad you brought him here, papa. I shall have good timesnow. You'll let him stay all the time, won't you?"

"I'll see about it, Herbert, " answered his father, smiling. 

CHAPTER XII

MRS. ESTABROOK'S PLANS

Grant was going home with Mr. Reynolds at the close of the fourthday, when it occurred to him to say what had been in his mind forsome time: "Isn't it time, Mr. Reynolds, for me to be looking outfor a boarding place?"

The broker smiled, and said with assumed concern: "Are youdissatisfied with your present boarding place?"

"How could I be, sir?" returned Grant, earnestly. "But you told me Icould stay with you a week, while I was looking about for a suitableplace to board. "

"That is true. Now, however, there is a difficulty about your makinga change. "

"What is that, sir?"

"Herbert would not give his consent. The fact is, Grant, Herbertfinds so much pleasure in your society, and derives so muchadvantage from the increased exercise you lead him to take, that Ithink you will have to make up your mind to stay. "

Grant's face showed the pleasure he felt. 

"I shall be very glad to stay, Mr. Reynolds, " he answered, "if youare willing to have me. "

"I had this in view from the first, " said the broker, "but I wantedto see how you and Herbert got along. I wished to be sure, also, that your influence on him would be good. Of that I can have nodoubt, and I am glad to receive you as a member of my family. "

There was one member of the household, however, who was not so wellpleased with the proposed arrangement. This was Mrs. Estabrook, thehousekeeper. 

As the week drew to a close, she said, one evening after the boyshad retired:

"How much longer is the office boy to stay here, Mr. Reynolds?"

"Why do you ask?" inquired the broker. 

"Only with reference to domestic arrangements, " answered thehousekeeper, disconcerted. 

"He will remain for a considerable time, Mrs. Estabrook. "

"I--I thought he was only going to stay a week. "

"He is company for Herbert, and I think it desirable to keep him. "

"Herbert soils his clothes a deal more now than he used to do, " saidthe housekeeper, discontentedly. "I am sure I don't know where theother boy carries him. "

"Nor I, but I am not afraid to trust him with Grant. As to theclothes, I consider them of very small account, compared with myboy's health. "

Mrs. Estabrook knitted in silence for five minutes. She was by nomeans pleased with her employer's plan, having taken a dislike toGrant, for which, indeed, her chief reason was jealousy. She had astepson, a young man of twenty-one, in Mr. Reynolds' office, whomshe would like to have in the house in place of Grant. But Mr. Reynolds had never taken notice of her occasional hints to thateffect. The housekeeper's plans were far-reaching. She knew thatHerbert was delicate, and doubted if he would live to grow up. Inthat case, supposing her stepson had managed to ingratiate himselfwith the broker, why might he not hope to become his heir? Now thisinterloper, as she called Grant, had stepped into the place whichher own favorite--his name was Willis Ford--should have had. Mrs. Estabrook felt aggrieved, and unjustly treated, and naturallyincensed at Grant, who was the unconscious cause of herdisappointment. She returned to the charge, though, had she beenwiser, she would have foreborne. 

"Do you think a poor boy like this Grant Thornton is a suitablecompanion for a rich man's son, Mr. Reynolds? Excuse me forsuggesting it, but I am so interested in dear Herbert. "

"Grant Thornton is the son of a country minister, and has had anexcellent training, " said the broker, coldly. "The fact that he ispoor is no objection in my eyes. I think, Mrs. Estabrook, we willdismiss the subject. I think myself competent to choose my son'sassociates. "

"I hope you will excuse me, " said the housekeeper, seeing that shehad gone too far. "I am so attached to the dear child. "

"If you are, you will not object to the extra trouble you may havewith his clothes, since his health is benefited. "

"That artful young beggar has wound his way into his employer'sconfidence, " thought Mrs. Estabrook, resentfully, "but it may not bealways so. "

A few minutes later, when the housekeeper was in her ownsitting-room, she was told that Willis Ford wanted to see her. 

Mrs. Estabrook's thin face lighted up with pleasure, for she wasdevotedly attached to her stepson. 

"Bring him up here at once, " she said. 

A minute later the young man entered the room. He was a thin, sallow-complexioned young man, with restless, black eyes, and adiscontented expression--as of one who thinks he is not well used bythe world. 

"Welcome, my dear boy, " said the housekeeper, warmly. "I am so gladto see you. "

Willis submitted reluctantly to his stepmother's caress, and threwhimself into a rocking chair opposite her. 

"Are you well, Willis?" asked Mrs. Estabrook, anxiously. 

"Yes, I'm well enough, " muttered the young man. 

"I thought you looked out of sorts. "

"I feel so. "

"Is anything the matter?"

"Yes; I'm sick of working at such starvation wages. "

"I thought fifteen dollars a week a very good salary. Only lastJanuary you were raised three dollars. "

"And I expected to be raised three dollars more on the first ofJuly. "

"Did you apply to Mr. Reynolds?"

"Yes, and he told me I must wait till next January. "

"I think he might have raised you, if only on account of theconnection between our families. "

"Perhaps he would if you would ask him, mother. "

"I will when there is a good opportunity. Still, Willis, I thinkfifteen dollars a week very comfortable. "

"You don't know a young man's expenses, mother. "

"How much do you pay for board, Willis?"

"Six dollars a week. I have a room with a friend, or I should haveto pay eight. "

"That leaves you nine dollars a week for all other expenses. I thinkyou might save something out of that. "

"I can't. I have clothes to buy, and sometimes I want to go to thetheatre, and in fact, nine dollars don't go as far as you think. Ofcourse, a woman doesn't need to spend much. It's different with ayoung man. "

"Your income would be a good deal increased if you had no board topay. "

"Of course. You don't know any generous minded person who will boardme for nothing, do you?"

"There's a new office boy in your office, isn't there?"

"Yes, a country boy. "

"Did you know he was boarding here?"

"No; is he?"

"Mr. Reynolds told me to-night he was going to keep him herepermanently, as a companion for his little son. "

"Lucky for him. "

"I wish Mr. Reynolds would give you a home here. "

"I would rather he would make it up in money, and let me board whereI please. "

"But you forget. It would give you a chance to get him interested inyou, and if Herbert should die, you might take his place as heir. "

"That would be a splendid idea, but there's no prospect of it. Itisn't for me. "

"It may be for the office boy. He's an artful boy, and that's whathe's working for, in my opinion. "

"I didn't think the little beggar was so evil-headed. He seems quietenough. "

"Still waters run deep. You'd better keep an eye on him, and I'll dothe same. "

"I will. "

The next day Grant was puzzled to understand why Willis Ford spokeso sharply to him, and regarded him with such evident unfriendliness. 

"What have I done to offend you?" he thought. 

CHAPTER XIII

TWO VIEWS OF TOM CALDER

Thus far nothing had been said about the compensation Grant was toreceive for his work in the broker's office. He did not like to ask, especially as he knew that at the end of the first week the matterwould be settled. When he found that he was to remain for thepresent at the house of his employer he concluded that his cash paywould be very small, perhaps a dollar a week. However, that would bedoing quite as well as if he paid his own board elsewhere, while heenjoyed a much more agreeable and luxurious home. He would be unableto assist his father for a year or two; but that was only what hehad a right to expect. 

When Saturday afternoon came, Mr. Reynolds said: "By the way, Grant, I must pay you your week's wages. I believe no sum was agreed upon. "

"No, sir. "

"We will call it six dollars. Will that be satisfactory?"

"Very much so, Mr. Reynolds; but there will be a deduction forboard. "

Mr. Reynolds smiled. 

"That is a different matter, " he said. "That comes to you asHerbert's companion. It is worth that to me to have my boy'shappiness increased. "

Grant was overjoyed at the bright prospect opened before him, and hesaid, with glowing face: "You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds. Now Ishall be able to help my father. "

"That is very creditable to you, my boy. Willis, you may pay Grantsix dollars. "

Willis Ford did so, but he looked very glum. He estimated that, including his board, Grant would be in receipt of twelve dollars aweek, or its equivalent, and this was only three dollars less thanhe himself received, who had been in the office five years and was aconnection of the broker. 

"It's a shame, " he thought, "that this green, country boy should bepaid nearly as much as I--I must call and tell mother. "

Grant was a very happy boy that evening. He resolved to lay asidethree dollars a week to send to his mother, to save up a dollar aweek and deposit it in some savings bank, and make the other twodollars answer for his clothing and miscellaneous expenses. 

On the next Monday afternoon Grant walked home alone, Mr. Reynoldshaving some business which delayed him. He thought he would walk upBroadway, as there was much in that crowded thoroughfare to amuseand interest him. 

Just at the corner of Canal Street he came across Tom Calder. Tomwas standing in a listless attitude with his hands in his pockets, with apparently no business cares weighing upon his mind. 

"Hello, Grant!" he said, with sudden recognition. 

"How are you, Tom?"

"I'm all right, but I'm rather hard up. "

Grant was not surprised to hear that. 

"You see, there's a feller owes me seven dollars, and I can't get ittill next week, " continued Tom, watching Grant's face to see if hebelieved it. 

Grant did not believe it, but did not think it necessary to say so. 

"That's inconvenient, " he remarked. 

"I should say it was. You couldn't lend me a couple of dollars, could you?"

"I don't think I could. "

Tom looked disappointed. 

"How much do you get?" he asked. 

"Six dollars a week. "

"That's pretty good, for a boy like you. I wish you'd take a roomwith me. It would come cheaper. "

"I shall stay where I am for the present, " said Grant. 

He did not care to mention, unless he were asked, that he was makinghis home at the house of Mr. Reynolds, as it might either lead to acall from Tom, whom he did not particularly care to introduce to hisnew friends, or might lead to a more pressing request for a loan. 

"Where are you boarding?" asked Grant, after a pause. 

"In Clinton Place. I have a room there, and get my meals where Ilike. There's a chap from your office that lives in the same house. "

"Who is it?" asked Grant, anxiously. 

"It's Willis Ford. "

"Is that so?" returned Grant, in surprise. "Do you know him?"

"Only a little. I don't like him. He's too stuck up. "

Grant made no comment, but in his heart he agreed with Tom. 

"Are you doing anything?" he asked. 

"Not just yet, " answered Tom, "I expect a good job soon. You haven'ta quarter to spare, have you?" Grant produced the desired sum andhanded it to his companion. He didn't fancy Tom, but he was willingto help him in a small way. 

"Thanks, " said Tom. "That'll buy my supper. I'll give it back to youin a day or two. "

Grant did not think there was much likelihood of that, but felt thathe could afford to lose this small sum. 

Four days later he met Tom in Wall Street. But what a change! He wasattired in a new suit, wore a fancy necktie, while a chain, thatlooked like gold, dangled from his watch pocket. Grant stared at himin amazement. 

"How are you, Grant?" said Tom, patronizingly. 

"Very well, thank you. "

"I hope you are a-doin' well. "

"Very well. You seem to be prosperous. "

"Yes, " answered Tom, languidly, evidently enjoying his surprise. "Itold you I expected to get into something good. By the way, I oweyou a quarter--there it is. Much obliged for the accommodation. "

Grant pocketed the coin, which he had never expected to receive, andcontinued to regard Tom with puzzled surprise. He could notunderstand what business Tom could have found that had so alteredhis circumstances. He ventured to inquire. 

"I wouldn't mind tellin' you, " answered Tom, "but, you see, it'skind of confidential. I'm a confidential agent; that's it. "

"It seems to be a pretty good business, " remarked Grant. 

"Yes, it is; I don't work for nothin', I can tell you that. "

"I'm glad of your good luck, Tom, " said Grant, and he spokesincerely. "I hope you'll keep your agency. "

"Oh, I guess I will! A feller like me is pretty sure of a goodlivin', anyway. Hello, Jim!"

This last was addressed to a flashily dressed individual--the sameone, in fact, that Grant had seen on a former occasion with Tom. 

"Who's your friend?" asked Jim, with a glance at Grant. 

"Grant Thornton. He's from my place in the country. He's in theoffice of Mr. Reynolds, a broker in New Street. "

"Introduce me. "

"Grant, let me make you acquainted with my friend, Jim Morrison, "said Tom, with a flourish. 

"Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Thornton, " said Jim Morrison, jauntily, offering his hand. 

"Thank you, " said Grant, in a reserved tone; for he was notespecially attracted by the look of Tom's friend. He shook hands, however. 

"Come 'round and see us some evenin', Grant, " said Tom. "We'll takeyou round, won't we, Jim?"

"Of course we will. Your friend should see something of the city. "

"You're the feller that can show him. Well, we must be goin'. It'slunch time. "

Tom pulled out a watch, which, if not gold, was of the same color asgold, and the two sauntered away. 

"What in the world can Tom have found to do?" Grant wondered. 

CHAPTER XIV

WILLIS FORD'S NEW FRIENDS

When Harry Decker left the office at the end of two weeks, Grant wasfully able to take his place, having, with Harry's friendlyassistance, completely mastered the usual routine of a broker'soffice. He had also learned the names and offices of prominentoperators, and was, in all respects, qualified to be of service tohis employer. 

Mr. Reynolds always treated him with friendly consideration, andappeared to have perfect confidence in him. For some reason which hecould not understand, however, Willis Ford was far from cordial, often addressing him in a fault-finding tone, which at firstdisturbed Grant. When he found that it arose from Ford's dislike, heceased to trouble himself about it, though it annoyed him. He haddiscovered Ford's relationship to Mrs. Estabrook, who treated him inthe same cool manner. 

"As it appears I can't please them, " Grant said to himself, "I won'tmake any special effort to do so. " He contented himself with doinghis work faithfully, and so satisfying his own conscience. 

One evening some weeks later, Grant was returning from a concert, towhich the broker had given him a ticket, when, to his greatsurprise, he met Willis Ford walking with Tom Calder and JimMorrison. The three were apparently on intimate terms. 

"Good-evenin', Grant, " said Tom. 

"Good-evening, Tom. "

Grant looked at Willis Ford, but the latter's lip curled and he didnot speak. Grant, however, bowed and passed on. He was surprised atthe intimacy which had grown up between Ford and those two, knowingFord's spirit of exclusiveness. He would have been less surprisedhad he known that Morrison had first ingratiated himself with Fordby offering to lend him money, and afterward had lured him into agambling house, where Ford, not knowing that he was a dupe, had beeninduced to play, and was now a loser to the extent of severalhundred dollars, for which Morrison held his notes. 

"I don't know when I can pay you, " said Ford, gloomily, when he cameto realize his situation. 

"Oh, something will turn up. " said Jim Morrison, lightly. "I shan'ttrouble you. "

Two weeks later, however, he lay in wait for Ford when he left WallStreet. 

"I want to speak to you a moment, Mr. Ford, " he said. 

"Well, what is it?" asked Ford, uncomfortably. 

"I am hard up. "

"So am I, " responded Willis Ford. 

"But you owe me a matter of six hundred dollars. "

"I know it, but you said you wouldn't trouble me. "

"I didn't expect I should be obliged to, " said Morrison, smoothly. "But 'Circumstances alter cases, ' you know. I shall have to ask youfor it. "

"That's all the good it will do, " said Willis, irritably. "I haven'ta cent to my name. "

"When do you expect to have?"

"Heaven knows; I don't. "

Ford was about to leave his companion and walk away, but Morrisonhad no intention of allowing the matter to end so. He laid his handon Ford's shoulder and said, firmly: "Mr. Ford, this won't do. Yoursis a debt of honor, and must be paid. "

"Will you be kind enough to let me know how it is to be paid?"demanded Ford, with an ugly sneer. 

"That is your business, not mine, Mr. Ford. "

"Then, if it is my business, I'll give you notice when I can payyou. And now, good-afternoon. "

He made another attempt to walk away, but again there was a handplaced upon his shoulder. 

"Understand, Mr. Ford, that I am in earnest, " said Morrison. "Ican't undertake to tell you how you are to find the money, but itmust be found. "

"Suppose it isn't?" said Ford, with a look of defiance. 

"Then I shall seek an interview with your respected employer, tellhim of the debt, and how it was incurred, and I think he would lookfor another clerk. "

"You wouldn't do that!" said Ford, his face betraying consternation. 

"I would, and I will, unless you pay what you owe me. "

"But, man, how am I to do it? You will drive me to desperation. "

"Take three days to think of it. If you can't raise it, I maysuggest a way. "

The two parted, and Willis Ford was left to many uncomfortablereflections. He knew of no way to raise the money; yet, if he didnot do it, he was menaced with exposure and ruin. Would hisstepmother come to his assistance? He knew that Mrs. Estabrook had athousand dollars in government bonds. If he could only induce her togive him the custody of them on any pretext, he could meet thedemand upon him, and he would never again incur a debt of honor. Hecursed his folly for ever yielding to the temptation. Once let himget out of this scrape, and he would never get into another like it. 

The next evening he made a call upon Mrs. Estabrook, and madehimself unusually agreeable. The cold-hearted woman, whose heartwarmed to him alone, smiled upon him with affection. 

"I am glad to see you in such good spirits, Willis, " she said. 

"If she only knew how I really felt, " thought her stepson. But itwas for his interest to wear a mask. 

"The fact is, mother, " he said, "I feel very cheerful. I've made alittle turn in stocks, and realized three hundred dollars. "

"Have you, indeed, Willis? I congratulate you, my son. No doubt youwill find the money useful. "

"No doubt of that. If I had the capital, I could make a good dealmore. "

"But there would be the danger of losing, " suggested Mrs. Estabrook. 

"That danger is very small, mother. I am in a situation to know allabout the course of stocks. I wouldn't advise another to speculate, unless he has some friend in the Stock Exchange; but for me it isperfectly safe. "

"Pray be careful, Willis. "

"Oh, yes. I am sure to be. By the way, mother, haven't you got somemoney in government bonds?"

"A little, " answered Mrs. Estabrook, cautiously. 

"How much, now?"

"About a thousand dollars. "

"Let me manage it for you, and I will make it two thousand inside ofa month. "

Mrs. Estabrook had a large share of acquisitiveness, but she hadalso a large measure of caution, which she had inherited from herScotch ancestry. 

"No, Willis, " she said, shaking her head, "I can't take any risk. This money it has taken me years to save. It is the sole dependenceI have for my old age, and I can't run the risk of losing it. "

"But two thousand dollars will be better than one, mother. Just letme tell you what happened to a customer of ours: He had above fivehundred dollars in the savings bank, drawing four per centinterest--only twenty dollars a year. He had a friend in the StockExchange who took charge of it, bought stocks judiciously on amargin, then reinvested, and now, after three months, how much doyou think it amounts to?"

"How much?" asked the housekeeper, with interest. 

"Six thousand five hundred dollars--just thirteen times as much!"answered Willis, glibly. 

This story, by the way, was all a fabrication, intended to influencehis stepmother. Mrs. Estabrook never doubted Ford's statement, buther instinctive caution saved her from falling into the trap. 

"It looks tempting, Willis, " she said, "but I don't dare to take therisk. " Ford was deeply disappointed, but did not betray it. 

"It is for you to decide, " said he, carelessly, then drifted toother subjects. 

Ten minutes later he pressed his hand upon his breast, while hisfeatures worked convulsively. "I believe I am sick, " he said. 

"What can I do for you, my dear son?" asked the housekeeper, inalarm. 

"If you have a glass of brandy!" gasped Willis. 

"I will go downstairs and get some, " she said, hurriedly. 

No sooner had she left the room than Willis sprang to his feet, locked the door, then went to the bureau, unlocked the upperdrawer--he had a key in his pocket which fitted the lock and, thrusting in his hand, drew out a long envelope containing onefive-hundred-dollar government bond and five bonds of one hundreddollars each, which he thrust into his side pocket. Then, closingthe drawer, he unlocked the door of the room, and when his step-mother returned he threw himself back in his chair, groaning. Hetook the glass of brandy the housekeeper brought him, and, after afew minutes, professing himself much better, left the house. 

"Saved!" he exclaimed, triumphantly. "Now I shall be all rightagain. "

CHAPTER XV

AN ARTFUL TRAP

Willis Ford was anxious to get away. He feared that Mrs. Estabrookmight go to the bureau and discover the loss before he got out ofthe house, which would make it awkward for him. Once out in thestreet, he breathed more freely. He had enough with him to pay hisonly debt, and give him four hundred dollars extra. It might besupposed he would feel some compunction at robbing his stepmother ofher all. Whatever her faults, she was devoted to him. But WillisFord had a hard, selfish nature, and the only thought that troubledhim was the fear that he might be found out. Indeed, thehousekeeper's suspicions would be likely to fall upon him unlessthey could be turned in some other direction. Who should it be?There came to him an evil suggestion which made his face brightenwith relief and malicious joy. The new boy, Grant Thornton, was amember of the household. He probably had the run of the house. Whatmore probable than that he should enter Mrs. Estabrook's chamber andsearch her bureau? This was the way Willis reasoned. He knew thathis stepmother hated Grant, and would be very willing to believeanything against him. He would take care that suspicion should fallin that direction. He thought of a way to heighten that suspicion. What it was my readers will learn in due time. 

The next day, at half-past eight o'clock in the morning, on his waydown Broadway, Willis Ford dropped into the Grand Central Hotel, andwalked through the reading room in the rear. Here sat Jim Morrisonand Tom Calder, waiting for him by appointment. 

Ford took a chair beside them. 

"Good-morning, " he said, cheerfully. 

"Have you brought the money?" asked Morrison, anxiously. 

"Hush! don't speak so loud, " said Ford, cautiously. "We don't wanteverybody to know our business. "

"All right, " said Morrison, in a lower voice; "but have you broughtit?"

"Yes. "

"You're a trump!" said Morrison, his face expressing his joy. 

"That is to say, I've brought what amounts to the same thing. "

"If it's your note, " said Morrison, with sharp disappointment, "Idon't want it. "

"It isn't a note. It's what will bring the money. "

"What is it, then?"

"It's government bonds for six hundred dollars. "

"I don't know anything about bonds, " said Morrison. "Besides, theamount is more than six hundred dollars. "

"These bonds are worth a hundred and twelve, amounting in all to sixhundred and seventy-two dollars. That's forty more than I owe you. Iwon't make any account of that, however, as you will have to disposeof them. "

"I may get into trouble, " said Morrison, suspiciously. "Where didthey come from?"

"That does not concern you, " said Ford, haughtily. "Don't I givethem to you?"

"But where did you get them?"

"That is my business. If you don't want them, say the word, and I'lltake them back. "

"And when will you pay the money?"

"I don't know, " answered Ford, curtly. 

"Maybe he'll sell 'em for us himself, " suggested Tom Calder. 

"Good, Tom! Why can't you sell 'em and give me the money? Then youcan pay the exact sum and save the forty dollars. "

"I don't choose to do so, " said Ford. "It seems to me you aretreating me in a very strange manner. I offer you more than I oweyou, and you make no end of objections to receiving it. "

"I am afraid I'll get into trouble if I offer the bonds for sale, "said Morrison, doggedly. "I don't know anybody in the businessexcept you. "

"Yes, you do, " said Ford, a bright idea occurring to him. 

"Who?"

"You know the boy in our office. "

"Grant Thornton?" said Tom. 

"Yes, Grant Thornton. Manage to see him, and ask him to dispose ofthe bonds for you. He will bring them to our office, and I willdispose of them without asking any questions. "

"First rate!" said Tom. "That'll do, won't it, Jim?"

"I don't see why it won't, " answered Morrison, appearing satisfied. 

"I would suggest that you see him some time today. "

"Good! Hand over the bonds. "

Willis Ford had already separated the bonds into two parcels, sixhundred in one and four hundred in the other. The first of these hepassed over to Jim Morrison. 

"Put it into your pocket at once, " he said. "We don't want anyone tosee them. There is a telegraph boy looking at us. "

"I'm going to see if it is all there, " muttered Morrison; and hedrew from the envelope the two bonds, and ascertained, by a personalinspection, that they were as represented. 

"It's all right, " he said. 

"You might have taken my word for it, " said Willis Ford, offended. 

"In matters of business I take no one's word, " chuckled theconfidence man. 

"I wonder what they're up to, " said the little telegraph boy tohimself. "I know one of them fellers is a gambler. Wonder who thatfeller with him is? Them must be gov'ment bonds. "

Johnny Cavanagh was an observing boy, and mentally photographed uponhis memory the faces of the entire group, though he never expectedto see any of them again. 

When Grant was hurrying through Wall Street about noon he came uponTom Calder and Morrison. 

"Hello, there, Grant, " said Tom, placing his hand upon his shoulder. 

"What's the matter, Tom? I'm in a hurry, " said Grant. 

"Jim Morrison's got a little business for you. "

"What is it?"

"He wants you to sell gov'ment bonds for him. "

"You'd better take them round to our office. "

"I haven't got time, " said Morrison. "Just attend to them, like agood fellow, and I'll give you a dollar for your trouble. "

"How much have you got?"

"Six hundred--a five hundred and a one. "

"Are they yours?"

"Yes; I've had 'em two years, but now I've got to raise money. "

"What do you want for them?"

"Regular price, whatever it is. "

"When will you call for the money?"

"Meet me at Fifth Avenue Hotel with it tomorrow morning at nineo'clock. "

"I shall have to meet you earlier--say half-past eight. "

"All right. Here's the bonds. "

Grant put the envelope into his pocket, and hurried to the Exchange. 

When he returned to the office he carried the bonds to Willis Ford. 

"Mr. Ford, " he said, "an acquaintance of mine handed them to me tobe sold. "

"Some one you know?" queried Ford. 

"I know him slightly. "

"Well, I suppose it's all right. I'll make out a check to yourorder, and you can collect the money at the bank. "

Grant interposed no objection, and put the check in his pocket. 

"The boy's fallen into the trap, " said Willis to himself, exultantly, as he proceeded to enter the transaction on the books. 

CHAPTER XVI

GRANT FALLS UNDER SUSPICION

In furtherance of his scheme to throw suspicion upon Grant, WillisFord decided to make another call upon his stepmother the succeedingevening. It occurred to him that she might possibly connect hisvisit of the evening before with her loss, and he wished toforestall this. 

"Is Mrs. Estabrook at home?" he asked of the servant. 

"Yes, sir. "

When the housekeeper made her appearance he carefully scrutinizedher face. She was calm and placid, and it was clear that she had notdiscovered the abstraction of the bonds. 

"I dare say you are surprised to see me so soon again, " hecommenced. 

"I am always glad to see you, Willis, " she said. "Come upstairs. "

"What a pleasant room you have, mother!"

"Yes, I am very comfortable. Have you had any return of yoursickness?" she asked, anxiously. 

"No, I have been perfectly well. By the way, mother, I have aspecial object in calling. "

"What is it, Willis?"

"I want to speak to you about those bonds of yours. If you will onlysell them out, and invest in Erie, I am sure you will make in sixmonths a sum equal to several years interest. "

"That may be, Willis, but I am very timid about taking a risk. Thosebonds represent all the property I have. "

Willis Ford's conscience pricked him a little, when he heard herspeaking thus of the property he had so heartlessly stolen; but hedid not show it in his manner. 

"What is the date of your bonds, mother?" he asked. 

"I don't know. Does that make any difference?"

"It makes some difference. Those that have longest to run are mostvaluable. "

"I can easily tell, " said the housekeeper, as she rose from herchair and opened the bureau drawer, in full confidence that thebonds were safe. 

It was an exciting moment for Willis Ford, knowing the sad discoverythat awaited her. 

She put her hand in that part of the drawer where she supposed thebonds to be, and found nothing. A shade of anxiety overspread herface, and she searched hurriedly in other parts of the drawer. 

"Don't you find them, mother?" asked Willis. 

"It is very strange, " said Mrs. Estabrook, half to herself. 

"What is strange?"

"I always kept the bonds in the right-hand corner of this drawer. "

"And you can't find them?"

"I have looked all over the drawer. "

"You may have put them, by mistake, in one of the other drawers. "

"Heaven grant it!" said Mrs. Estabrook, her face white with anxiety. 

"Let me help you, mother, " said Willis, rising. 

She did not object, for her hands trembled with nervousness. 

The other drawers were opened and were thoroughly searched, but, ofcourse, the bonds were not found. 

Mrs. Estabrook seemed near fainting. 

"I have been robbed, " she said. "I am ruined. "

"But who could have robbed you?" asked Ford, innocently. 

"I-don't-know. Oh, Willis! it was cruel!" and the poor woman burstinto tears. "All these years I have been saving, and now I have lostall. I shall die in the poorhouse after all. "

"Not while I am living, mother, " said Willis. "But the bonds must befound. They must be mislaid. "

"No, no! they are stolen. I shall never see them again. "

"But who has taken them? Ha! I have an idea. "

"What is it?" asked the housekeeper, faintly. 

"That boy--Grant Thornton--he lives in the house, doesn't he?"

"Yes, " answered Mrs. Estabrook, in excitement. "Do you think he canhave robbed me?"

"What a fool I am! I ought to have suspected when---"

"When what?"

"When he brought some bonds to me to-day to sell. "

"He did!" exclaimed Mrs. Estabrook; "what were they?"

"A five-hundred-dollar and a hundred-dollar bond. "

"I had a five-hundred and five one-hundred-dollar bonds. They weremine--the young villain!"

"I greatly fear so, mother. "

"You ought to have kept them, Willis. Oh! why didn't you? Where isthe boy? I will see Mr. Reynolds at once. "

"Wait a minute, till I tell you all I know. The boy said the bondswere handed to him by an acquaintance. "

"It was a falsehood. "

"Do you know the number of your bonds, mother?"

"Yes, I have them noted down, somewhere. "

"Good! I took the number of those the boy gave me for sale. "

Mrs. Estabrook found the memorandum. It was compared with one whichWillis Ford brought with him, and the numbers were identical. Fournumbers, of course, were missing from Ford's list. 

"That seems pretty conclusive, mother. The young rascal has stolenyour bonds, and offered a part of them for sale. It was certainlybold in him to bring them to our office. Is he in the house?"

"I'll go and see. "

"And bring Mr. Reynolds with you, if you can find him. "

In an excited state, scarcely knowing what she did, the housekeeperwent downstairs and found both parties of whom she was in search inthe same room. She poured out her story in an incoherent manner, inveighing against Grant as a thief. 

When Grant, with some difficulty, understood what was the chargeagainst him, he was almost speechless with indignation. 

"Do you mean to say I stole your bonds?" he demanded. 

"Yes, I do; and it was a base, cruel act. "

"I agree with you in that, Mrs. Estabrook. It was base and cruel, but I had nothing to do with it. "

"You dare to say that, when you brought the bonds to my son, Willis, to be sold to-day?"

"Is this true, Grant?" asked Mr. Reynolds. "Did you sell any bondsat the office to-day?"

"Yes, sir. "

The broker looked grave. 

"Where did you get them?" he asked. 

"They were handed to me by an acquaintance in Wall Street. "

"Who was he?"

"His name is James Morrison. "

"What do you know of him? Is he in any business?"

"I know very little of him, sir. "

"Have you handed him the money?"

"No, sir. I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth AvenueHotel, and pay him. "

"Why doesn't he call at the office?"

"I don't know, " answered Grant, puzzled. "I suggested to him tobring the bonds to the office himself, but he said he was in haste, and offered me a dollar to attend to the matter. "

"This seems a mysterious case. "

"Excuse me, Mr. Reynolds, but I think it is plain enough, " said thehousekeeper, spitefully. "That boy opened my bureau drawer, andstole the bonds. "

"That is not true, Mr. Reynolds, " exclaimed Grant, indignantly. 

"How did you know the bonds were offered for sale at my officeto-day, Mrs. Estabrook?" inquired the broker. 

"My son--Willis Ford--told me. "

"When did you see him?"

"Just now. "

"Is he in the house?"

"Yes, sir. I left him in my room. "

"Ask him to be kind enough to accompany you here. "

The housekeeper left the room. Grant and his employer remainedsilent during her absence. 

CHAPTER XVII

THE TELLTALE KEY

Willis Ford entered the presence of his employer with an air ofconfidence which he did not feel. Knowing his own guilt, he felt illat ease and nervous; but the crisis had come and he must meet it. 

"Take a seat, Mr. Ford, " said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. "Yourstepmother tells me that she has lost some government bonds?"

"All I had in the world, " moaned the housekeeper. 

"Yes, sir; I regret to say that she has been robbed. "

"I learn, moreover, that a part of the bonds were brought to myoffice for sale to-day?"

"Yes, sir. "

"And by Grant Thornton?"

"He can answer that question for himself, sir. He is present. "

"It is true, " said Grant, quietly. 

"Did you ask him where the bonds came from?"

"He volunteered the information. He said they were intrusted to himfor sale by a friend. "

"Acquaintance, " corrected Grant. 

"It may have been so. I understood him to say friend. "

"You had no suspicions that anything was wrong?" asked the broker. 

"No; I felt perfect confidence in the boy. "

Grant was rather surprised to hear this. If this were the case, Willis Ford had always been very successful, in concealing his realsentiments. 

"How did you pay him?"

"In a check to his own order. "

"Have you collected the money on that check, Grant?" asked Mr. Reynolds. 

"Yes, sir. "

"Have you paid it out to the party from whom you obtained thebonds?"

"No, sir; I am to meet him to-morrow morning at the Fifth AvenueHotel. "

Willis Ford's countenance changed when he heard this statement. Hesupposed that Jim Morrison already had his money and was safely offwith it. Now it was clear that Grant would not be allowed to pay itto him, and his own debt would remain unpaid. That being the case, Morrison would be exasperated, and there was no knowing what hewould say. 

"What do you know of this man, Grant?"

"Very little, sir. "

"How does he impress you--as an honest, straightforward man?"

Grant shook his head. 

"Not at all, " he said. 

"Yet you took charge of his business for him?"

"Yes, sir; but not willingly. He offered me a dollar for my trouble, and as I did not know there was anything wrong, I consented. Besides---" Here Grant paused. 

"Well?"

"Will you excuse my continuing, Mr. Reynolds?"

"No, " answered the broker, firmly. "On the other hand, I insist uponyour saying what you had in your mind. "

"Having seen Mr. Ford in this man's company, I concluded he was allright. "

Willis Ford flushed and looked disconcerted. 

"Is this true, Mr. Ford?" asked the broker. "Do you know this man?"

"What do you say his name was, Thornton?" asked Ford, partly to gaintime. 

"James Morrison. "

"Yes; I know him. He was introduced to me by an intimate friend ofthat boy, " indicating Grant. 

Willis Ford smiled triumphantly. He felt that he had checkmated ourhero. 

"Is this true, Grant?"

"I presume so, " answered Grant, coolly. "You refer to Tom Calder, doyou not, Mr. Ford?"

"I believe that is his name. "

"He is not an intimate friend of mine, but we came from the samevillage. It is that boy who was with me when I first met you, Mr. Reynolds. "

The broker's face cleared. 

"Yes, I remember him. But how do you happen to know Tom Calder, Mr. Ford?"

"He had a room at the same house with me. He introduced himself as afriend of this boy. "

"Do you know anything of him--how he earns his living?"

"Haven't the faintest idea, " answered Ford. "My acquaintance withhim is very slight. "

"There seems a mystery here, " said the broker. "This Morrison givesGrant two bonds to dispose of, which are identified as belonging tomy housekeeper. How did he obtain possession of them? That is thequestion. "

"There isn't much doubt about that, " said Mrs. Estabrook. "This boywhom you have taken into your family has taken them. "

"You are entirely mistaken, Mrs. Estabrook, " said Grant, indignantly. 

"Of course you say so!" retorted the housekeeper; "but it stands toreason that that is the way it happened. You took them and gave themto this man--that is, if there is such a man. "

"Your son says there is, Mrs. Estabrook, " said the broker, quietly. 

"Well, I don't intend to say how it happened. Likely enough the manis a thief, and that boy is his accomplice. "

"You will oblige me by not jumping at conclusions, Mrs. Estabrook, "said Mr. Reynolds. "Whoever has taken the bonds is likely to bediscovered. Meanwhile your loss will, at all events, be partiallymade up, since Grant has the money realized from the sale of thegreater part of them. "

"I should like to place the money in your hands, Mr. Reynolds, " saidGrant. 

"But it belongs to me, " said the housekeeper. 

"That is undoubtedly true, " said her employer; "but till the matteris ascertained beyond a doubt I will retain the money. "

"How can there be any doubt?" asked the housekeeper, discontented. 

"I do not think there is; but I will tell you now. You claim thatyour bonds were marked by certain numbers, two of which belong tothose which were bought by Mr. Ford at the office to-day?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Meanwhile, you and your stepson have had time to compare notes, andyou have had a chance to learn his numbers. "

Mrs. Estabrook turned livid. 

"I didn't expect to have such a charge brought against me, Mr. Reynolds, and by you, " she said, her voice trembling with passion. 

"I have brought no such charge, Mrs. Estabrook. I have onlyexplained how there may be doubt of your claim to the money. "

"I thought you knew me better, sir. "

"I think I do, and I also think I know Grant better than to thinkhim capable of abstracting your bonds. Yet you have had nohesitation in bringing this serious charge against him. "

"That is different, sir. "

"Pardon me, I can see no difference. He has the same right that youhave to be considered innocent till he is proved to be guilty. "

"You must admit, sir, " said Willis Ford, "that appearances are verymuch against Grant. "

"I admit nothing, at present; for the affair seems to becomplicated. Perhaps, Mr. Ford, you can offer some suggestion thatwill throw light upon the mystery. "

"I don't think it very mysterious, sir. My mother kept her bonds inthe upper drawer of her bureau. This boy had the run of the house. What was to prevent his entering my mother's room, opening thedrawer, and taking anything he found of value?"

"What was to prevent some one else doing it, Mr. Ford--myself, forexample?"

"Of course that is different, Mr. Reynolds. "

"Well, I don't know. I am honest, and so, I believe, is Grant. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Grant, gratefully. 

"It just occurred to me, " said Ford, "to ask my mother if she has atany time lost or mislaid her keys. "

"Well thought of, Mr. Ford, " and Mr. Reynolds turned to hishousekeeper for a reply. 

"No, " answered Mrs. Estabrook. "I keep my keys in my pocket, and Ihave them there yet. "

So saying, she produced four keys attached to a ring. 

"Then, " continued Ford, "if Grant chances to have a key which willfit the bureau drawer, that would be evidence against him. "

"Show me any keys you may have, Grant, " said the broker. 

Grant thrust his hand in his pocket and drew out two keys. He lookedat them in astonishment. 

"One of them unlocks my valise, " he said. "The other is a strangekey. I did not know I had it. "

Ford smiled maliciously. "Let us see if it will open the bureaudrawer, " he said. 

The party adjourned to the housekeeper's room. The key was put intothe lock of the bureau drawer and opened it at once. 

"I think there is no more to be said, " said Willis Ford, triumphantly. 

Grant looked the picture of surprise and dismay. 

CHAPTER XVIII

GRANT'S ENEMIES TRIUMPH

It is not too much to say that Grant was overwhelmed by theunexpected discovery, in his pocket, of a key that fitted thehousekeeper's drawer. He saw at once how strong it made the evidenceagainst him, and yet he knew himself to be innocent. The mostpainful thought was, that Mr. Reynolds would believe him to beguilty. 

In fact, the broker for the first time began to think that Grantmight possibly have yielded to temptation. 

"Can't you account for the possession of that key?" he asked. 

"No, sir, " answered Grant, in painful embarrassment. "I haveoccasion to use but one key, and that is the key to my valise. "

"I think you had occasion to use the other, " sneered Ford. 

"Mr. Ford, " retorted Grant, indignantly, "you are determined tothink me guilty; but I care nothing for your opinion. I should bevery sorry if Mr. Reynolds should think me capable of suchbaseness. "

"Your guilt seems pretty clear, " said Ford, sarcastically; "as Ihave no doubt Mr. Reynolds will agree. "

"Speak for yourself, Mr. Ford, " said the banker, quietly. 

"I hope you are not going to shield that young thief, Mr. Reynolds, "said the housekeeper. "His guilt is as clear as noonday. I think heought to be arrested. "

"You are rather in a hurry, Mrs. Estabrook, " said Mr. Reynolds; "andI must request you to be careful how you make charges against me. "

"Against you?" asked the housekeeper, alarmed at his tone. 

"Yes, " answered the broker, sternly. "You have insinuated that Iintend to shield a supposed thief. I have only to say that atpresent the theft is to be proved. "

"I submit, sir, " said Ford, "that the evidence is pretty strong. The boy is proved to have had the bonds in his possession, he admitsthat he sold a part of them and has the money in his possession, anda key is found in his possession which will open the drawer in whichthe bonds were kept. "

"Who put the key in my pocket?" demanded Grant, quickly. 

For a moment Willis Ford looked confused, and his momentaryconfusion was not lost upon Grant or the banker. 

"No doubt you put it there yourself, " he answered, sharply, after amonent's pause. 

"That matter will be investigated, " said the broker. 

"I think the money ought to be paid to me, " said the housekeeper. 

"Can you prove your ownership of the bonds?" asked the broker. 

"I can, " answered Willis Ford, flippantly. "I have seen them. "

"I should like some additional evidence, " said Mr. Reynolds. "Youare related to Mrs. Esta-brook, and may be supposed to have someinterest in the matter. "

"What proof can I have?" asked the housekeeper, disturbed by thisunexpected obstacle. 

"Have you the memorandum of the broker who bought you the bonds. "

"I don't know, sir. "

"Then you had better look. "

The housekeeper searched the drawer, and produced, triumphantly, amemorandum to the effect that she had purchased the bonds of awell-known house in Wall Street. 

"So far, so good!" said the broker. "It appears that besides thebonds sold you had four one-hundred-dollar bonds?"

"Yes, sir. "

"You had not parted with them?"

"No, sir. "

"They will some time be put on the market, and then we shall have aclew to the mystery. "

"That boy has probably got them, " said the housekeeper, nodding herhead emphatically. 

"You are at liberty to search my chamber, Mrs. Estabrook, " saidGrant, quietly. 

"He may have passed them over to that man Morrison, " suggested thehousekeeper. 

"I hardly think that likely, " said Willis Ford, who saw danger tohimself in any persecution of Jim Morrison. 

Mr. Reynolds noticed his defense of Morrison, and glanced at himthoughtfully. 

"Mrs. Estabrook, " he said, "I am satisfied that you possessed thebonds which you claim, and I will relieve your mind by saying that Iwill guarantee you against loss by their disappearance. You needhave no further anxiety on the subject. I will undertake toinvestigate the matter, which at present appears to be involved inmystery. Whether or not I succeed in solving it will not matter toyou, since you are saved from loss. "

"Thank you, sir, " said the housekeeper, feeling considerablyrelieved; "it wasn't much, but it was my all. I depended upon it touse when old age prevented me from earning my living. "

"I am glad you are so wise in providing for the future. "

"You won't let that boy escape?" the housekeeper could not helpadding. 

"If you refer to Grant Thornton, I think I may say for him that hehas no intention of leaving us. "

"Is he to stay in the house?"

"Of course; and I expect him to aid me in coming to the truth. Letme request, Mrs. Estabrook, that you discontinue referring to him inoffensive terms, or I may withdraw my offer guaranteeing you fromloss. Grant, if you will accompany me, I have some questions to putto you. "

Grant and his employer left the room together. 

"He won't let the boy be punished, though he must know he's guilty, "said Mrs. Estabrook, spitefully. 

"He makes a fool of himself about that boy, " said Willis Ford, disconcerted. 

"He's an artful young vagabond, " said the housekeeper. "I know hetook the bonds. "

"Of course he did, " Ford assented, though he had the best of reasonsfor knowing that Grant was innocent. 

"At any rate, " he continued, "you are all right, mother, since Mr. Reynolds agrees to make up the value of the bonds to you. When youget your money, just consult me about investing it. Don't put itinto bonds, for they may be stolen. "

"Perhaps I'd better put it into the savings bank, " said hisstepmother. 

"You'll get very small interest there; I can invest it so you canmake quite as much. However, there will be time enough to speak ofthat when you've got the money. Now, mother, I shall have to bid yougood-evening. "

"Can't you stay longer, Willis? I feel so upset that I don't like tobe left alone. I don't know what that boy may do. "

"I think you are safe, " said Willis Ford, secretly amused. But, ashe left the house, he felt seriously disquieted. There was dangerthat Jim Morrison, when he found the money which he was to receivewithheld, would be incensed and denounce Ford, who had received backhis evidence of indebtedness. Should he divulge that the bonds hadbeen given him by Ford, Grant would be cleared, and he would beconvicted of theft. 

As Ford was leaving the house a telegraph boy was just ascending thesteps. It was John Cava-nagh, already referred to. 

As his eyes rested on Ford, he said to himself: "Where have I seenthat feller? I know his face. "

Then it flashed upon the boy that he had seen Ford at the GrandCentral Hotel, in the act of giving bonds to Jim Morrison. 

"It's queer I should meet him here, " said the telegraph boy tohimself. "I wonder what game he's up to. "

Johnny was introduced into the presence of Mr. Reynolds, for whom hehad a message. On his way out he met Grant in the hall. The two boyswere acquainted, Grant having at one time advanced Johnny twodollars toward paying his mother's rent. 

"Do you live here?" asked the telegraph boy. 

"Yes, " answered Grant. 

"I met a feller goin' out that I've seen before. Who was it?"

"Willis Ford, a clerk of Mr. Reynolds. "

"I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel yesterday givin' some bondsto a suspicious-lookin' chap. "

"You did, " exclaimed Grant. "Come right up and tell that to Mr. Reynolds, " and he seized the astonished telegraph boy by the arm. 

CHAPTER XIX

IMPORTANT EVIDENCE

Mr. Reynolds looked rather surprised when Grant appeared, drawingthe telegraph boy after him. 

"This boy has got something to tell you about Mr. Ford, " said Grant, breathless with excitement. 

"About Mr. Ford?" repeated the broker. "What do you know aboutWillis Ford?"

"I don't know his name, " replied Johnny. "It's the chap that justwent out of the house. "

"It was Mr. Ford, " explained Grant. 

"Tell me what you know about him, " said the broker, encouragingly. 

"I seed him in the Grand Central Hotel, givin' some bond to aflashy-lookin' man. There was a boy wid him, a big boy. "

"With whom--Mr. Ford?"

"No, wid the other chap. "

"I know who he means, sir, " said Grant. "It was Tom Calder. "

"And the man?"

"Was Jim Morrison, the same man that gave me the bonds to sell. "

"That seems important, " said Mr. Reynolds. "I did not believe Fordcapable of such rascality. "

"He had as good a chance to take the bonds as I, sir. He was herelast evening. "

"Was he?" asked the broker, quickly. "I did not know that. "

"He was here for an hour at least. I saw him come in and go out. "

Mr. Reynolds asked several more questions of the telegraph boy, andenjoined him to silence. 

"My boy, " he said, "come here to-rnorrow evening at half-past seven. I may want you. "

"I will, sir, if I can get away. I shall be on duty. "

"Say to the telegraph company that I have an errand for you. Yourtime will be paid for. "

"That will make it all right, sir. "

"And, meanwhile, here is a dollar for your own use. "

Johnny's eyes sparkled, for with his limited earnings this sum wouldcome in very handy. He turned away, nearly forgetting the originalerrand that brought him to the house, but luckily it occurred intime. The nature of it has nothing to do with this story. 

When Johnny had gone, Mr. Reynolds said: "Grant, I need not cautionyou not to breathe a word of this. I begin to think that there is aconspiracy against you; but whether Willis Ford is alone in it, orhas a confederate I cannot decide. My housekeeper does not appear tolike you. "

"No, sir, I am sorry to say she does not; but I don't think she isin this plot. I think she honestly believes that I stole her bonds. "

"I have too great confidence in you to believe it. I own I was alittle shaken when the key was found. You have no idea how it camein your pocket, I suppose?"

"No, sir, I can't guess. I might suspect Mr. Ford of putting itthere, but I can't see how he managed it. "

"Well, we will let matters take their course. You will go to work asusual, and not speak a word of what has happened this evening. "

"Thank you, sir. "

Meanwhile, we must follow Willis Ford. When he left the house, hewas by no means in a comfortable frame of mind. He felt that it wasabsolutely necessary to see Jim Morrison, and have an understandingwith him. What arrangements he could make with him, or how he couldreconcile him to the loss of the money which he had expected toreceive from the sale of the bonds, he could not yet imagine. Perhaps he would be willing to receive the other four bonds in partpayment. In that case Willis himself would not profit as much as hehad hoped from the theft; but there seemed no alternative. He hadgot himself into a scrape, and he must get out of it the best waypossible. 

Though he did not know where to find Morrison, he thought it likelythat he might be seen at the White Elephant, a large and showybilliard room on Broadway, near Thirtieth Street. There were severalgambling houses near by, and there or in that neighborhood hethought that Morrison might be met. 

He was right. On entering the billiard room he found the man hesought playing a game of billiards with Tom Calder, at the firsttable. 

"I want to see you, Morrison, " he said, in a low voice. "Is the game'most finished?"

"I have only six points more to make. I shall probably run out thistime. "

He was right in his estimate. Two minutes later the two went out ofthe saloon together, accompanied by Tom. 

"Well, what is it?" he asked. 

"Let us turn into a side street. "

They turned into Thirtieth Street, which was much less brilliantlylighted than Broadway, and sauntered leisurely along. 

"Did you buy the bonds of that boy?" asked Morrison, anxiously. 

"Yes. "

"Then it's all right. Have you brought me the money?"

"How should I?" returned Ford, impatiently. "I couldn't pay him, andkeep the money myself. "

"Oh, well, it doesn't matter. He is to meet me to-morrow morning andhand over the money. "

"I am afraid you will be disappointed. " "Disappointed, " repeatedMorrison, quickly. "What do you mean? The boy hasn't made off withthe money, has he? If he has---" and the sentence ended with anoath. 

"No, it isn't as you suppose. "

"Then why won't he pay me the money, I'd like to know?"

"There is some trouble about the bonds. It is charged that they arestolen. "

"How is that? You gave them to me, " said Morrison, suspiciously. 

Now came the awkward moment. However, Ford had decided on the storyhe would tell. 

"They were given me by a person who owed me money, " he said, plausibly. "How was I to know they were stolen?"

"They were stolen, then?"

"I suppose so. In fact, I know so. "

"How do you know?"

"Well--in fact, they were stolen from my stepmother. "

Morrison whistled. 

"Well, " he said. 

"Of course you mustn't say that I gave them to you. You would get meinto trouble. "

"So you want to save yourself at my expense? I am to be suspected ofstealing the bonds, am I? That's a decidedly cool proposal, but itwon't do. I shall clear myself, by telling just where I got thebonds. "

"That's what I want you to do. "

"You do!" ejaculated the gambler, in surprise. 

"Yes. You are to say that the boy gave them to you. "

"Why should I say that?"

"Because he is already suspected of stealing the bonds. "

"But I gave them to him to sell. "

"You mustn't admit it. There is no proof of it except his word. "

"What's your game? Whatever it is, it is too deep for me. "

"I've got it all arranged. You are to say that the boy owed you agambling debt, and agreed to meet you to-morrow morning to pay it. Of the bonds, you are to know nothing, unless you say that he toldyou he had some which he was going to sell, in order to get money topay you. "

"What advantage am I to get out of all this?"

"What advantage? Why, you will save yourself from suspicion. "

"That isn't enough. I didn't take the bonds, and you know it. Ibelieve you did it yourself. "

"Hush!" said Willis Ford, looking around him nervously. 

"Look here, Ford, I gave up your I O U, and now I find I've got towhistle for my money. "

"Go with me to my room, and you shall have four hundred dollarsto-night. "

"In cash?"

"No; in bonds. "

"Some more of the same kind? No, thank you, I want ready money. "

"Then give me a little more time, and I will dispose of them--whenthis excitement blows over. "

Finally Morrison gave a sulky assent, and the conspirators parted. 

CHAPTER XX

AT THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL

"If I thought he was playing me false, " said Jim Morrison, afterFord and himself had parted company, "I'd make him smart for it. "

"I guess it's all right, " said Tom, who was less experienced andless suspicious than his companion. 

"It may be so, but I have my suspicions. I don't trust Willis Ford. "

"Shall you go round to the Fifth Avenue Hotel to meet Grantto-morrow morning. "

"Of course I shall. I want to see what the boy says. It may be aput-up job between him and Ford. "

The very same question was put by Grant to Mr. Reynolds. 

"Shall I go round to the hotel to-morrow morning to see Morrison andTom Calder?"

The broker paused a moment and looked thoughtful. 

"Yes, " he answered, after a pause. "You may. "

"And what shall I say when he demands the money?"

Upon this Mr. Reynolds gave Grant full instructions as to what hedesired him to say. 

About quarter after eight o'clock the next morning a quiet-lookingman, who looked like a respectable bookkeeper entered the FifthAvenue Hotel and walked through the corridor, glancing, as itseemed, indifferently, to the right and. Left. Finally he reachedthe door of the reading room and entered. His face brightened as atthe further end he saw two persons occupying adjoining seats. Theywere, in fact, Morrison and Tom Calder. 

The newcomer selected a Boston daily paper, and, as it seemed, bychance, settled himself in a seat not six feet away from our twoacquaintances, so that he could, without much effort, listen totheir conversation. 

"It's almost time for Grant to come, " said Tom, after a pause. 

"Yes, " grumbled Morrison, "but as he won't have any money for me, Idon't feel as anxious as I should otherwise. "

"What'll you say to him?"

"I don't know yet. I want to find out whether Ford has told thetruth about the bonds. I believe he stole 'em himself. "

Five minutes later Grant entered the reading-room. A quick glanceshowed him, not only the two he had come to meet, but the quiet, little man who was apparently absorbed in a copy of the BostonJournal. He went up at once to meet them. 

"I believe I am in time, " he said. 

"Yes, " answered Jim Morrison. "Have you brought the money?"

"No. "

"Why not?" demanded Morrison, with a frown. 

"There was something wrong about the bonds you gave me to sell. "

"Weren't they all right? They weren't counterfeit, were they?"

"They were genuine, but---"

"But what?"

"A lady claims that they belong to her--that they were stolen fromher. Of course you can explain how they came into your hands?"

"They were given me by a party that owed me money. If he's played atrick on me, it will be the worse for him. Did you sell them?"

"Yes. "

"Then give me the money. "

"Mr. Reynolds won't let me. "

"Does he think I took the bonds?" asked Morrison, hastily. 

"No, he doesn't, " answered Grant, proudly, "but he would like tohave an interview with you, and make some inquiries, so that he mayform some idea as to the person who did take them. They belonged tohis housekeeper, Mrs. Estabrook, who is the stepmother of Mr. Ford, a young man employed in our office. "

Tom Calder and Jim Morrison exchanged glances. Grant's story agreedwith Ford's, and tended to confirm their confidence in his goodfaith. 

"When does he want to see me?" asked Morrison. 

"Can you call at his house this evening at eight o'clock?"

"Where does he live?"

Grant mentioned the street and number. 

"I will be there, " he said, briefly. 

"Can I come, too?" asked Tom Calder, addressing the question toGrant. 

"There will be no objection, I think. "

"Tell him we'll be on hand. "

The three left the hotel together, Grant taking a Broadway stage atthe door. The quiet man seemed no longer interested in the BostonJournal, for he hung it up in its place, and sauntered out of thehotel. He had not attracted the attention of Jim Morrison or Tom. 

When Grant entered the office, and with his usual manner asked Fordif he should go to the post-office, the young man eyed himcuriously. 

"Are you to remain in the office?" he said. 

"Yes, I suppose so. "

"After what you have done?"

"What have I done, Mr. Ford?" asked Grant, eyeing the young man, steadily. 

"I don't think you need to have me tell you, " he said, with a sneer. "I don't think Mr. Reynolds is very prudent to employ a boyconvicted of dishonesty. "

"Do you believe me guilty, Mr. Ford?" asked our hero, calmly. 

"The evidence against you is overwhelming. My mother ought to haveyou arrested. "

"The person who stole the bonds may be arrested. "

"What do you mean?" asked Willis Ford, flushing, and lookingdisconcerted. 

"I mean that I have no concern in the matter. Shall I go to thepost-office?"

"Yes, " snapped Ford, "and take care you don't steal any of theletters. "

Grant did not reply. He knew that his vindication was certain, andhe was willing to wait. 

If Willis Ford had been prudent he would have dropped the matterthere, but his hatred of Grant was too great to be easily concealed. When a few minutes later the broker entered the office and inquired, "Where is Grant?" Ford, after answering, "he has gone to thepost-office, " could not help saying, "Are you going to keep thatboy, Mr. Rey-nolds?"

"Why should I not?" the broker replied. 

"I thought a boy in his position ought to be honest. "

"I agree with you, Mr. Ford, " said the broker, quietly. 

"After taking my mother's bonds, that can hardly be said of GrantThornton. "

"You seem to be sure he did take them, Mr. Ford. "

"The discovery of the key settled that to my mind. "

"Grant says he has no knowledge of the key. "

Ford laughed scornfully. 

"Of course he would say so, " he replied. 

"I propose to investigate the matter further, " said the broker. "Canyou make it convenient to call at my house this evening? Possiblysomething may be discovered by that time. "

"Yes, sir; I will come, with pleasure. I have no feeling in regardto the boy, except that I don't think it safe to employ him in abusiness like yours. "

"I agree with you, Mr. Ford. One who is capable of stealing bondsfrom a private house is unfit to be employed in an office likemine. "

"Yet you retain the boy, sir?"

"For the present. It is not fair to assume that he is guilty till wehave demonstrated it beyond a doubt. "

"I think there will be no difficulty about that, Mr. Reynolds, " saidWillis Ford, well pleased at these words. 

"I sincerely hope that his innocence may be proved. "

Soon afterward Mr. Reynolds went to the Stock Exchange, and WillisFord returned to his routine duties. 

"With the testimony of Jim Morrison I shall be able to fix you, myyoung friend, " he said to himself, as Grant returned from thepost-office. 

No further allusion was made to the matter during the day. Grant andWillis Ford were both looking forward to the evening, but fordifferent reasons. Grant expected to be vindicated, while Ford hopedhe could convince the broker of the boy's guilt. 

CHAPTER XXI

THE THIEF IS DISCOVERED

Willis Ford ascended the steps of the broker's residence with ajaunty step. The servant admitted him, but he met Grant in the hall. 

"Won't you come upstairs, Mr. Ford?" he said. 

Willis Ford nodded superciliously. 

"Your stay in the house will be short, young man, " he thought. "Youhad better make the most of it. "

He was ushered not into the housekeeper's room, but into asitting-room on the second floor. He found Mr. Reynolds and hisstepmother there already. Both greeted him, the broker gravely, buthis stepmother cordially. Grant did not come in. 

"I have come as you requested, Mr. Reynolds, " he said. "I supposeit's about the bonds. May I ask if you have discovered anythingnew?"

"I think I have, " answered the broker, slowly. 

The housekeeper looked surprised. If anything new had beendiscovered, she at least had not heard it. 

"May I ask what it is?" Ford inquired, carelessly. 

"You shall know in good time. Let me, however, return the question. Have you heard anything calculated to throw light on the mystery?"

"No, sir, I can't say I have. To my mind there is no mystery at allabout the affair. "

"I presume I understand what you mean. Still I will ask you toexplain yourself. "

"Everything seems to throw suspicion upon that boy, Grant Thornton. Nobody saw him take the bonds, to be sure, but he has had everyopportunity of doing so, living in the same house, as he does. Again, a key has been found in his pocket, which will open thebureau drawer in which the bonds were kept; and, thirdly, I cantestify, and the boy admits, that he presented them at our officefor sale, and received the money for them. I think, sir, that anyjury would consider this accumulation of proof conclusive. "

"It does seem rather strong, " said the broker, gravely. "Icompliment you on the way you have summed up, Mr. Ford. "

Willis Ford looked much gratified. He was susceptible to flattery, and he was additionally pleased, because, as he thought, Mr. Reynolds was impressed by the weight of evidence. 

"I have sometimes thought, " he said, complacently, "that I oughtto have become a lawyer. I always had a liking for the profession. "

"Still, " said the broker, deliberately, "we ought to considerGrant's explanation of the matter. He says that the bonds wereintrusted to him for sale by a third party. "

"Of course he would say something like that, " returned Willis, shrugging his shoulders. "He can hardly expect anyone to be taken inby such a statement as that. "

"You think, then, that he had no dealings with this Morrison?"

"I don't say that, sir, " said Ford, remembering the story which heand Morrison had agreed upon. It may be stated here that he had beenanxious to meet Morrison before meeting the coming appointment, inorder to ascertain what had passed between him and Grant. With thisobject in view, he had gone to the usual haunts of the gambler, buthad been unable to catch sight of him. However, as he had seen himthe evening previous, and agreed upon the story to be told, hecontented himself with that. 

"You think, then, that Morrison may have given Grant the bonds?"said Mr. Reynolds. 

"No, sir; that is not my idea. "

"Have you any other notion?"

"I think the boy may have been owing him money, and took this methodof raising it. "

"But how should he owe him money?" asked the broker, curiously. 

"I don't wish to say anything against Morrison, but I have been toldthat he is a gambler. Grant may have lost money to him at play. "

"Or you, " thought the broker; but he said:

"Your suggestion is worth considering, but I don't think Grant hashad any opportunity to lose money in that way, as he spends hisevenings usually at home. "

"It wouldn't take long to lose a great deal of money, sir. "

"That explains it, " said the housekeeper, speaking for the firsttime. "I have no doubt Willis is right, and the boy gambles. "

"I presume, Mr. Ford, " said the broker, with a peculiar look, "thatyou do not approve of gambling?"

"Most certainly not, sir, " said Ford, his face expressing the horrorwhich a so-well-conducted young man must naturally feel for sopernicious a habit. 

"I am glad to hear it. Will you excuse me a moment?"

After the broker had left the room, Mrs. Estabrook turned to Willisand said: "You are pretty sharp, Willis. You have found out thiswretched boy, and now I think we shall get rid of him. "

"I flatter myself, mother, " said Willis, complacently, "that Ihave given the old man some new ideas as to the character of hisfavorite. I don't think we shall see him in the office again. "

As he spoke, his ears caught the sound of ascending footsteps on thestairs without. He was rather puzzled. He conjectured that Grant hadbeen summoned to confront his accuser, but there seemed, from thesound, to be more than two approaching. When the door opened, andthe broker gravely ushered in Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, bothlooking ill at ease, followed by Grant Thornton, he looked amazedand perplexed. 

"I believe you know these gentlemen, " said Mr. Reynolds, gravely. "Ihave thought it best to make our present investigation thorough andcomplete. "

"I have met the gentlemen before, " said Ford, uncomfortably. 

"You also have met them, Grant, have you not?"

"Yes, sir. "

"Have you had any business transaction with either?"

"Yes, sir. Mr. Morrison met me on Wall Street and handed me twobonds, with a request that I would sell them for him, and hand himthe money the next morning, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. "

"Were these the same bonds that you sold to Mr. Ford?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I think the boy is lying, sir, " burst out Ford. 

"What have you to say to the boy's story, Mr. Morrison?" asked thebroker. 

"He's made a little mistake, " answered Jim Morrison, who by thistime was feeling more at his ease. "I didn't give him no bonds. "

Willis Ford looked triumphant, and Grant amazed. 

"How, then, could there be any business between you?"

"I may as well own up that I am a gambler, " replied Morrison, withvirtuous frankness. "The boy lost the money to me at play, and saidhe'd meet and pay me at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. I didn't know wherehe was goin' to get the money, but I expect he must have stolen thebonds, and got it that way. "

Considering the damaging nature of the revelation, Grant showedconsiderable self-command. He did not turn pale, nor did he lookguilty and conscience-stricken. 

"What have you to say to this charge, Grant?" asked the broker. 

"It is not true, sir. "

"What a hardened young villain!" said the housekeeper, in a low, butaudible voice. 

"Mr. Reynolds will hardly believe you, " said Ford, turning upon ourhero and speaking in a tone of virtuous indignation. "You see, sir, "he continued, addressing the broker, "that I was right in myconjecture. "

"I am not quite satisfied yet, " said Mr. Reynolds. "Grant, call theboy. "

Great was the perplexity of Willis Ford and his friends when Grantleft the room, and almost immediately reappeared with a small boy inblue uniform. Not one of them recognized him. 

"Have you ever seen any of these gentlemen before, my boy?" askedthe broker. 

"I've seed 'em all, sir, " answered the boy. 

"State where you saw them last. "

"I seed him, and him, and him, " said Johnny, pointing out WillisFord, Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, "at the Grand Central Hotelyesterday mornm'. "

Ford started and became very pale. 

"What passed between them?"

"He, " indicating Ford, "gave some bonds to him, " indicatingMorrison, "and got back a bit of paper. I don't know what was onit. "

"It is false!" ejaculated Willis Ford, hoarsely. 

CHAPTER XXII

WILLIS FORD AT BAY

The telegraph boy's evidence overwhelmed Willis Ford and hisconfederates with dismay. The feeling was greater in Ford, for ittended to fasten the theft upon him, while Jim Morrison and TomCalder, though convicted of falsehood, were at all events sustainedby the consciousness that nothing worse could be alleged againstthem. 

"It is false!" asserted Willis Ford, with a flushed face. 

"It is true!" declared the telegraph boy, sturdily. 

"I don't believe a word of it, " said the housekeeper, angrily. 

"This is a startling revelation, Mr. Ford, " said the broker, gravely. 

"It is a base conspiracy, sir, " returned Ford, hoarsely. "I submit, sir, that the word of a boy like that ought not to weigh againstmine. Besides, these gentlemen, " indicating Jim Morrison and TomCalder, "will corroborate my statement. "

"Of course we do, " blustered Morrison. "That boy is a liar!"

"I have spoken the truth, sir, and they know it, " asserted Johnny, resolutely. 

"How much did Grant Thornton pay you for telling this lie?" demandedWillis Ford, furiously. 

"I will answer that question, Mr. Ford, " said Grant, thinking ittime to speak for himself. "I paid him nothing, and did not knowtill last evening that he had witnessed the interview between youand Mr. Morrison. "

"Your word is of no value, " said Ford, scornfully. 

"That is a matter for Mr. Reynolds to consider, " answered Grant, with composure. 

"Mr. Ford, " said the broker, gravely, "I attach more importance tothe testimony of this telegraph boy than you appear to; but then itis to be considered that you are an interested party. "

"Am I to be discredited on account of what a wretched telegraph boychooses to say?" asked Ford, bitterly. "Even supposing him worthy ofcredence, my two friends sustain me, and it is three against one. "

"They are your friends, then?" asked Mr. Reynolds, significantly. 

Willis Ford flushed. It was not to his credit to admit that anacknowledged gambler was his friend, yet he knew that to deny itwould make Morrison angry, and perhaps lead him to make some awkwardrevelations. 

"I have not known them long, sir, " he answered, embarrassed, "but Ibelieve they feel friendly to me. One of them, " he added, maliciously, "is an old friend of Grant Thornton. "

"Yes, " answered Grant, by no means disconcerted. "Tom Calder is fromthe same town as myself, and I wish him well. "

Tom looked pleased at this friendly declaration on the part ofGrant, whom, indeed, he personally liked better than Willis Ford, who evidently looked down upon him, and had more than once snubbedhim. 

"You see, " said Ford, adroitly, "that Grant Thornton's old friendtestifies against him. I don't think I need say any more except todeny, in toto, the statement of that low telegraph boy. "

"I'm no lower than you are, " retorted Johnny, angrily. 

"None of your impertinence, boy!" said Ford, loftily. 

"I must say, " interposed the housekeeper, "that this seems a verydiscreditable conspiracy against my stepson. I am sure, Mr. Reynolds, you won't allow his reputation to be injured by such abase attack. "

"Mr. Ford, " said the broker, "I have listened attentively to whatyou have said. I ought to say that a telegraph boy has as much rightto be believed as yourself. "

"Even when there are three against him?"

"The three are interested parties. "

"I have no doubt he is also. I presume he has an understanding withGrant Thornton, who is a suspected thief. "

"I deny that, Mr. Ford, " exclaimed Grant, indignantly. 

"You are certainly suspected of stealing my stepmother's bonds. "

"And I have no doubt you took them, " declared the housekeeper, venomously. 

At this time the doorbell was heard to ring. 

"Excuse me for a moment, " said the broker. "I will be backdirectly. "

When he had left the room, the parties left behind looked at eachother uncomfortably. Willis Ford, however, was too angry to keepsilence. 

He turned to Grant, and made an attack upon him. 

"You won't accomplish anything, you young rascal, by your plottingand contriving! I give you credit for a good deal of cunning inbringing this boy to give the testimony he has; but it won't do youany good. Mr. Reynolds isn't a fool, and he will see through yourdesign. "

"That he will, Willis, " said the housekeeper. "After all thekindness that boy has received in this house, he might be betteremployed than in stealing my bonds, and then trying to throw it upona man like you. "

"I don't care to argue with you, Mr. Ford, " said Grant, quietly. "You know as well as I do that I didn't steal the bonds, and youknow, " he added, significantly, "who did. "

"I have a great mind to break your head, you impudent boy!"

"That would be a very poor argument. The truth has already come out, and I am vindicated. "

"I don't know whether you expect Mr. Reynolds to shield you or not, but, if my mother takes my advice, she will have you arrested, whatever happens. "

"I intend to, " said the housekeeper, nodding spitefully. "If you hadreturned the bonds, I did not mean to let the matter drop, but sinceyou have tried to throw suspicion on my son, who has always beendevoted to me, I mean to punish you as severely as the law allows. "

"I think you will change your mind, Mrs. Estabrook, and let thethief go unpunished, " said Grant, in no ways disturbed. 

"Not unless you make a full confession; and even then I think youought to suffer for your base wickedness. "

"You are making a mistake, Mrs. Estabrook. I referred to the thief. "

"That is yourself. "

Grant shrugged his shoulders. He was spared the necessity ofanswering the attack, for just then the door opened, and Mr. Reynolds re-entered. He did not enter alone, however. 

A small man of quiet manner, attired in a sober suit of brown, closely followed him. 

All present looked at him in surprise. Who was this man, and whathad he to do with the matter that concerned them all?

They were not destined to remain long in doubt, "Mr. Graham, gentlemen!" said the broker, with a wave of the hand. 

The detective bowed courteously. 

"Mr. Graham, permit me to ask, " continued the broker, "if you haveseen any of these gentlemen before?"

"Yes, " answered Graham, and he indicated Grant Thornton, JimMorrison and Tom Calder. 

"When did you see them, and where?"

"At the Fifth Avenue Hotel this morning. "

"What passed between them?"

"They were talking about some bonds, which that gentleman, "indicating Morrison, "acknowledged giving to the boy to sell. Heasked for the proceeds, but the boy told him there was somethingwrong about the bonds, and his employer wouldn't allow him to passover the money. Upon this, Morrison, as I understand him to becalled, said they were given him by a party that owed him money, andthreatened that, if he had played a trick upon him, it would be theworse for him. "

"Who is that man, Mr. Reynolds?" asked Ford, in nervous excitement. 

"One of the best known detectives in the city, " quietly answered thebroker. "What have you to say to his evidence?"

"That it doesn't concern me. I may be wrong about the boy taking thebonds, but that doesn't involve me. There may have been anotherparty. "

"You forget the testimony of the telegraph boy--that he saw you givethe bonds to your friend there. "

"The boy told a falsehood!"

"I am in a position to confirm the boy's testimony, " said thedetective. 

Willis Ford gasped for breath and seemed ready to sink into thefloor. What was coming next?

CHAPTER XXIII

JUSTICE TRIUMPHS

Mr. Graham turned to the broker and addressed further remarks tohim. 

"Your statement that four hundred dollars remained to be accountedfor, led me to conclude that they would be found in the possessionof the party who had abstracted the others. I therefore obtained asearch warrant and visited the room occupied by that gentleman, whose name I believe is Willis Ford. "

This was an unexpected stroke. Ford did not speak, but kept his eyesfixed upon the detective in evident panic. 

"I have just come from Mr. Ford's room, " he resumed. "These are whatI found there. "

He drew from his pocket a long envelope, from which he took fourgovernment bonds. 

"Will you be kind enough, Mrs. Estabrook, " said the broker, gravely, "to examine these bonds and determine whether they are yours?"

The housekeeper took them mechanically and examined them. 

"They are mine, " she said; "but I cannot believe Willis took them. "

"I did not, " said Ford, hoarsely, but his eyes were downcast. 

"Will you account for their being in your room, then, Mr. Ford?"inquired the broker, sternly. 

"That boy must have put them there. I know nothing of them. I am asmuch surprised as you are. "

"We have had enough of this, Mr. Ford, " said the broker, coldly. "Your guilt is evident. In robbing your stepmother you havecommitted a serious crime; but in attempting to throw the guilt uponan innocent boy, you have been guilty of an offense still moredetestable, and one which I cannot forgive. You cannot remain in myemployment another day. If you will call at the office in themorning, I will pay your salary to the end of the month. That willend all relations between us. "

Willis Ford looked like a convicted criminal. For the moment all hishardihood and bravado deserted him. 

"Can this be true, Willis?" wailed his stepmother. "Is it possiblethat you took my bonds, and would have left me to an old age ofpoverty?"

"No, " answered Ford, with a return of his usual assurance. "I am asinnocent as a babe unborn. I am the victim of a conspiracy. As Mr. Reynolds is determined to shield his favorite by throwing the blameon it, I must submit. The time will come when he will acknowledge myinnocence. Mother, I will satisfy you later, but I do not believeyou will think me guilty. Gentlemen, I bid you all good-evening. "

No one spoke as he withdrew from the room, and not even Morrisonoffered to follow him. 

When he was fairly out of the room, the broker turned to Morrison. 

"Mr. Morrison, " he said, "I have a question or two to put to you. Ithink you will find it to your interest to answer correctly. Do youstill maintain that these bonds were given you by Grant Thornton?"

"I may as well make a clean breast of it, " said Morrison. "They weregiven me by Willis Ford. "

"To satisfy a gambling debt, was it not?"

"Yes, sir. "

"I take it for granted you did not know they were stolen?"

"If I had known it I wouldn't have touched them. I might have beensuspected of stealing them myself. "

"I believe you. "

"You're a gentleman, " said Morrison, gratified that his word wasaccepted. 

"Of course you have lost the amount which you consider due you. Tobe entirely candid with you, I do not feel any sympathy with you. Money won at play must be classed among ill-gotten gains. I hope youwill realize this, and give up a discreditable profession. "

"I have no doubt your advice is good, sir. Do you want me and Tomany longer?"

"You are at liberty to go. I am indebted to you for coming. You havehelped to clear up the mystery of the theft. "

"He's a little hard on us, Tom, " said Morrison, as they went downthe front steps, "but he's treated us like a gentleman. That Ford isa rascal. "

"I think so, too, " Tom assented. 

"And I shall never see a cent of that six hundred dollars, "continued Jim Morrison, ruefully. 

"If you'll excuse me, I'll go to my own room, " said Mrs. Estabrook, pertly. "I want to think quietly of all this. "

"Go, by all means, " said the broker, courteously. "To-morrow morningyour property shall be restored to you. "

Next the detective and the telegraph boy withdrew, the latter richby a five-dollar note, which Mr. Reynolds presented him. 

Johnny's eyes sparkled. 

"That will make mother happy, " he said. "She'll think I am in luck. "

"Keep your eyes open, my boy, and be faithful to your employer, andthis won't be the last piece of luck that will come your way. "

When they were alone Mr. Reynolds turned to Grant and said kindly, "I congratulate you, Grant, on your complete vindication. Those whohave wickedly conspired against you have come to grief, and you comeout of the trial unscathed. As I am to part with Willis Ford, thoughyou are not competent to take his place, your duties will besomewhat enlarged, and I will take care that your compensation shallbe increased. "

"I am afraid, Mr. Reynolds, I already receive more than I earn. "

"That may be, but I am only anticipating a little. How much do I payyou now?"

"Six dollars a week, sir. "

"I will allow you four dollars more, but this additional sum I willkeep in my own hands, and credit you with. It is time you weresaving something for future use. Will this be satisfactory to you?"

"You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds, " said Grant. "I don't know how tothank you. "

"Then I will tell you--be faithful in your duties in the office andcontinue your kindness to Herbert. "

"Gladly, sir. "

Grant decided not to write to his mother about his increase insalary. He preferred to wait till his savings amounted to aconsiderable sum, and then surprise her by the announcement of hisgood fortune. In six months, he estimated, he would have more than ahundred dollars, and this to the country minister's son seemed alarge sum. At any rate, when he was twenty-one he might hope to bethe possessor of a thousand dollars. This opened to Grant abrilliant prospect. It was probably all his father was worth, including all his possessions. 

"In spite of my uncle's opposition, " thought Grant, "I think I actedwisely in preferring business to college. Now I shall be able tomake the family more comfortable. "

When Willis Ford called at the office the next morning Grant wasgone to the post office. As he returned he met Ford coming out witha check in his hand. 

"So it's you, is it?" sneered Ford, stopping short. 

"Yes, Mr. Ford. "

"I suppose you are exulting over your victory?"

"You are mistaken, " said Grant. "It was not my wish that anythingunpleasant should happen. "

"I suppose not, " said Ford, in an unpleasant tone. 

"For some reason you have shown a dislike to me from the first, "Grant proceeded. "I don't know why. I have always treated you withrespect and tried to do my duty faithfully. "

"You are a little angel, to be sure. "

"Have you any objection to telling me why you dislike me?" he asked. 

"Yes, I'll tell you. It is because I see how you are trying to wormyourself into the confidence of Mr. Reynolds. You have plottedagainst me, and now, thanks to you, I have lost my place. "

"I don't consider myself the cause of that, Mr. Ford. "

"I do. But you needn't exult too much. I generally pay my debts, andI shan't forget what I owe you. I will be even with you some day. "

So saying, he walked off, and Grant returned to his work. 

"I can't understand why Mr. Ford should hate me so, " he thought. 

CHAPTER XXIV

STARTLING NEWS

Willis Ford's feelings were far from enviable when he took leave ofthe office in which he had long enjoyed an excellent position. Hewas conscious, though scarcely willing to admit it, that hismisfortunes had been brought upon him by his own unwise, not to saycriminal, course. None the less, however, was he angry with thosewhom he had connected with the disaster that had come upon him. Hehad always disliked Grant Thornton. Now he hated him, and thirstedfor an opportunity to do him mischief. Next he felt embitteredagainst Mr. Reynolds, who had discharged him, though it is hardlypossible to see how the broker could have done otherwise. Thisdislike was increased within a few days, and for this reason. 

Ford addressed a letter to Mr. Reynolds, requesting a certificate ofgood character, which would enable him to procure a new situation. 

To this request the broker answered substantially as follows:

"I shall be glad to hear that you have changed your course, and havedecided to lead an honest lift; but, for the same reason that I amnot willing to retain you in my employment, I am unwilling torecommend you without reserve to another business man. If you arewilling to refer him to me, on condition that I tell the truth, Iwill cheerfully testify that you have discharged your office dutiesto my satisfaction. "

"The old fool!" muttered Ford, angrily crushing the letter in hishand. "What use would such a recommendation be to me? Not contentwith discharging me, he wants to keep me out of employment. "

In truth, Willis Ford hardly knew where to turn. He had saved nomoney, and was earning nothing. In his dilemma he turned to hisstepmother. 

One forenoon, after he knew the broker and Grant would be out of theway, he rang the bell, and inquired for the housekeeper. 

Mrs. Estabrook was agitated when she saw her step-son. She did notlike to believe that he had robbed her, but it was hard to believeotherwise. 

"Oh, Willis!" she said almost bursting into tears, "how could youtake my small savings? I would not have believed you capable of it!"

"You don't mean to say, mother, " returned Willis, withwell-dissembled and reproachful sorrow, "that you believe thismonstrous slander?"

"I don't want to believe it, Willis, heaven knows. But were not thebonds found in your room?"

"I admit it, " said Ford; "but how did they get there?"

"Did you not put them there?"

"Certainly not, mother. I thought you knew me better than that. "

"But who, then--" began his step-mother, looking bewildered. 

"Who should it be but that boy?"

"Grant Thornton?"

"Yes. "

"Have you any proof of this?" asked the housekeeper, eagerly. 

"I will tell you what I have found out. I learn that a boy called, on the day in question, at my room and asked to see me. Being toldthat I was out, he asked leave to go up and wait for me. As theservant had no suspicion, he was allowed to go up. I don't know howlong he stayed; but no doubt he had the bonds with him and concealedthem where they were found. "

"Did you ask for a description of the boy? Was it like Grant?" askedthe housekeeper, quickly. 

"Unfortunately, the girl did not take particular notice of him. Ihave no doubt that it was either Grant or the telegraph boy, whoseems to have been in the plot. "'

Now, this story was an audacious fiction, and should not haveimposed upon a person of ordinary intelligence; but the housekeeperwas anxious to believe her step-son innocent and Grant guilty. Shetherefore accepted it without question, and was loud in herdenunciation of that "artful young rascal. "

"You ought to tell Mr. Reynolds of this, Willis, " she said. 

"It would be of no use, mother. He is too strongly prejudicedagainst me. What do you think? He has refused me a letter ofrecommendation. What does he care if I starve?" concluded Willis, bitterly. 

"But I care, Willis. I will not desert you, " said Mrs. Estabrook, ina tone of sympathy. 

This was just the mood in which Ford desired his step-mother to be. He was desirous of effecting a loan, and after a time succeeded inhaving transferred to him two of the one-hundred-dollar bonds. Hetried hard to obtain the five hundred, but Mrs. Estabrook was tooprudent and too much attached to her savings to consent to this. Ford had to be satisfied with considerably less. 

"Ought I to stay with Mr. Reynolds after he has treated you in thisway, Willis?" asked his step-mother, anxiously. 

"By all means, mother. You don't want to throw away a goodposition. "

"But it will be hard to see that boy high in Mr. Reynolds'confidence, after all his wickedness. "

"You must dissemble, mother. Treat him fairly, and watch youropportunity to harm him and serve me. Don't say much about me, forit would do no good; but keep your hold on Reynolds. "

"If you think it best, Willis, " said his stepmother, not without afeeling of relief, for she was reluctant to relinquish a good homeand liberal salary, "I will remain. "

"Do so by all means. We may as well make all we can out of theenemy, for Mr. Reynolds has treated me very shabbily. And now I mustbid you good-by. "

"What are your plans, Willis?"

"I can't tell you, but I think I shall go West. "

"And I shall never see you!"

"You will hear from me, and I hope I shall have good news to write. "

Willis Ford left the house, and, going to the Grand Central Depot, bought a ticket for Chicago. 

Now came quite a pleasant period after the trouble and excitement. Grant found his duties at the office increased, and it was pleasantto see that his employer reposed confidence in him. His relationswith others in the office were pleasant, now that Willis Ford wasaway, and every day he seemed to get new insight into the details ofthe business. Whether Jim Morrison and Tom Calder were in the city, he did not know. At all events, they were never seen in theneighborhood of Wall Street. Grant was not sorry to have them passout of his life, for he did not consider that he was likely to drawany benefit from their presence and companionship. 

He was still a member of Mr. Reynolds' house-hold. Herbert appearedto be as much attached to him as if he were an older brother, andthe broker looked with pleasure upon the new happiness that beamedfrom the face of his son. 

As to Mrs. Estabrook, Grant had feared that she would continue toshow animosity toward him, but he had nothing to complain of. Shecertainly did not show any cordiality in her necessary intercoursewith him; but then, on the other hand, she did not manifest anydesire to injure him. This was all Grant desired. He felt that underno circumstances could he have made a friend of the housekeeper. Hewas content to have her leave him alone. 

After the lapse of six months Grant expressed a desire to go home topass a day or two. His mother's birthday was close at hand, and hehad bought for her a present which he knew would be acceptable. Permission was readily accorded, and Grant passed four happy days athome. His parents were pleased that he was so highly regarded by hisemployer, and had come to think that Grant's choice had been a wiseone. 

When Grant returned he went at once to the office. He found it ascene of excitement. 

"What has happened?" he asked, eagerly. 

"Herbert Reynolds has disappeared, and his father is almost besidehimself with grief!" was the startling reply. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

ANXIOUS INQUIRIES

After a while Grant learned the particulars about Herbert'sdisappearance. He had gone out to play in the street about threeo'clock in the afternoon. Generally he waited for Grant toreturn-home, but during his absence he had found other companions. When his father returned home, he inquired of the housekeeper:"Where is Herbert?"

"He went out to play, " said Mrs. Estabrook, indifferently. 

"In the street?"

"I believe so. "

"He ought to be in by this time. "

"Probably he went to walk with some of his companions. As he had nowatch, he might not know that it is so late. "

This seemed very plausible to Mr. Reynolds. 

"Yes, " he said; "Herbert seems lost without Grant. He will be gladto see him back. "

To this Mrs. Estabrook did not reply. She had learned, to her cost, that it would not be politic to speak against Grant, and she was notdisposed to praise him. She seldom mentioned him at all. 

The dinner bell rang, and still Herbert had not returned. His fatherbegan to feel anxious. 

"It is strange that Herbert remains so long away, " he said. 

"I shouldn't wonder if he had gone to Central Park on someexcursion, " returned the housekeeper calmly. 

"You think there is nothing wrong?" asked the broker, anxiously. 

"How could there be here, sir?" answered Mrs. Estabrook, withunruffled demeanor. 

This answer helped to calm Mr. Reynolds, who ordered dinner delayedhalf an hour. 

When, however, an hour--two hours--passed, and the little boy stillremained absent, the father's anxiety became insupportable. Hemerely tasted a few spoonfuls of soup, and found it impossible toeat more. The housekeeper, on the contrary, seemed quiteunconcerned, and showed her usual appetite. 

"I am seriously anxious, Mrs. Estabrook, " said the broker. "I willtake my hat and go out to see if I can gain any information. ShouldHerbert return while I am away, give him his supper, and, if he istired, let him go to bed, just finding out why he was out so late. "

"Very well, sir. "

When Mr. Reynolds had left the house a singular expression ofgratified malice swept over the housekeeper's face. "It is justretribution, " she murmured. "He condemned and discharged my stepsonfor the sin of another. Now it is his own heart that bleeds. "

Only a few steps from his own door the broker met a boy about twoyears older than Herbert, with whom the latter sometimes played. 

"Harvey, " he said, "have you seen Herbert this afternoon?"

"Yes, sir; I saw him about three o'clock. "

"Where?" asked the broker, anxiously. 

"Just 'round the corner of the block, " answered Harvey Morrison. 

"Was he alone?"

"No; there was a young man with him--about twenty, I should think. "

"A young man! Was it one you had ever saw before?"

"No, sir. "

"What was his appearance?"

Harvey described Herbert's companion as well as he could, but theanxious father did not recognize the description. 

"Did you speak to Herbert? Did you ask where he was going?"

"Yes, sir. He told me that you had sent for him to go on anexcursion. "

"Did he say that?" asked the father, startled. 

"Yes, sir. "

"Then there is some mischief afoot. I never sent for him, " said theagitated father. 

Mr. Reynolds requested Harvey to accompany him to the nearest policestation, and relate all that he knew to the officer in charge, thatthe police might be put on the track. He asked himself in vain whatobject any one could have in spiriting away the boy, but no probableexplanation occurred to him. 

On his return to the house he communicated to the housekeeper whathe had learned. 

"What do you think of it?" he asked. 

"It may be only a practical joke, " answered the housekeeper calmly. 

"Heaven grant it may be nothing more! But I fear it is something farmore serious. "

"I dare say it's only a boy's lark, Mr. Reynolds. "

"But you forget--it was a young man who was seen in his company. "

"I really don't know what to think of it, then. I don't believe theboy will come to any harm. "

Little sleep visited the broker's pillow that night, but thehousekeeper looked fresh and cheerful in the morning. 

"Has the woman no feeling?" thought the anxious father, as hewatched the tranquil countenance of the woman who for five years hadbeen in charge of his house. 

When she was left alone in the house Mrs. Estabrook took from herworkbasket a letter, bearing date a month previous, and read slowlythe following paragraph: "I have never forgotten the wrong done meby Mr. Reynolds. He discharged me summarily from his employment anddeclined to give me a recommendation which would secure me a placeelsewhere. I swore at the time that I would get even with him, and Ihave never changed my resolution. I shall not tell you what Ipropose to do. It is better that you should not know. But some dayyou will hear something that will surprise you. When that timecomes, if you suspect anything, say nothing. Let matters take theircourse. "

The letter was signed by Willis Ford. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

A WESTERN CABIN

"Abner!"

The speaker was a tall, gaunt woman, in a loose, faded, calicodress, and she stood at the door of a cabin in a Western clearing. 

"What yer want?" came as a reply from a tall, unhealthy-looking boyin overalls, who was sitting on a log in the yard. 

"I want you to split some wood for the stove. "

"I'm tired, " drawled the boy. 

"I'll tire you!" said the mother, sharply. "You tall, lazy, good-for-nothing drone! Here I've been up since five o'clock, slavin' for you and your drunken father. Where's he gone?"

"To the village, I reckon. "

"To the tavern, I reckon. It's there that he spends all the money hegets hold of; he never gives me a cent. This is the only gown I'vegot, except an old alpaca. Much he cares!"

"It isn't my fault, is it?" asked the boy, indifferently. 

"You're a-follerin' in his steps. You'll be just another JoelBarton--just as shif'less and lazy. Just split me some wood before Iget hold of yer!"

Abner rose slowly, went to the shed for an ax, and in the mostdeliberate manner possible began to obey his mother's commands. 

The cabin occupied by Abner and his parents was far from being apalace. It contained four rooms, but the furniture was of the mostprimitive description. Joel Barton, the nominal head of the famliy, was the possessor of eighty acres of land, from which he might haveobtained a comfortable living, for the soil was productive; but hewas lazy, shiftless and intemperate, as his wife had described him. Had he been as active and energetic as she was, he might have beenin very different circumstances. It is no wonder that the poor womanwas fretted and irritated almost beyond endurance, seeing how allher industry was neutralized by her husband's habits. Abner tookafter his father, though he had not yet developed a taste for drink, and was perfectly contented with their poor way of living, as longas he was not compelled to work hard. What little was required ofhim he would shirk if he possibly could. 

This cabin was situated about a mile from the little village whichhad gathered round the depot. The name of the township was Scipio, though it is doubtful if one in fifty of the inhabitants knew afterwhom it was named. In fact, the name was given by a schoolmaster, who had acquired some rudiments of classical learning at a countryacademy. 

To the depot we must transport the reader, on the arrival of themorning train from Chicago. But two passengers got out. One of themwas a young man under twenty. The other was a boy, apparently aboutten years of age, whom he held firmly by the hand. 

He was a delicate-looking boy, and, though he was dressed in acoarse, ill-fitting suit, he had an appearance of refinement andgentle nature, as if he had been brought up in a luxurious home. Helooked sad and anxious, and the glances he fixed on his companionindicated that he held him in fear. 

"Where are you going?" he asked timidly, looking about himapprehensively. 

"You'll know soon enough, " was the rough reply. 

"When are you going to take me home, Mr. Ford?" asked the boy, in apleading tone. 

"Don't trouble yourself about that. "

"Papa will be so anxious about me--papa and Grant!"

The young man's brow contracted. 

"Don't mention the name of that boy! I hate him. "

"He was always good to me. I liked so much to be with him. "

"He did all he could to injure me. I swore to be even with him, andI will!"

"But I have never injured you, Mr. Ford. "

"How could you--a baby like you?" said Ford, contemptuously. 

"Then why did you take me from home, and make me so unhappy?"

"Because it was the only way in which I could strike a blow at yourfather and Grant Thornton. When your father dismissed me, without arecommendation, not caring whether I starved or not, he made me hisenemy. "

"But he wouldn't if you hadn't--"

"Hadn't what?" demanded Ford, sternly. 

"Taken Mrs. Estabrook's bonds. "

"Dare to say that again, and I will beat you, " said Willis Ford, brutally. 

Herbert trembled, for he had a timid nature, and an exquisitesusceptibility to pain. 

"I didn't mean to offend you, " he said. 

"You'd better not. Wait here a minutes, while I look around for someone of whom I can make inquiries. Here, sit dowp on that settee, and, mind you, don't stir till I come back. Will you obey me?"

"Yes, " answered the boy, submissively. 

CHAPTER XXVII

THE RIDE TO BARTON'S

Willis Ford went to the station master, who stood at the door with acheap cigar in his mouth. 

"Is there a man named Joel Barton living hereabouts?" he asked. 

The station master took his cigar from his mouth and surveyed hisquestioner with some curiosity. 

"Does he owe you money?" he inquired. 

"No, " answered Ford, impatiently. "Will you answer my question?"

"You needn't be in such a pesky hurry, " drawled the station master. "Yes, he lives up the road a piece. "

"How far is a piece?"

"Well, maybe a mile. "

"Straighten?"

"Yes. "

"Is there any way of riding?"

"Well, stranger, I've got a team myself. Is that boy with you?"

"Yes. "

"I'll take you over for half a dollar. "

"Can you go at once?"

"Yes. "

"Then it's a bargain. "

The station master, whose house was only three minutes' walk away, appeared in a reasonable time with a farm wagon, drawn by an oldhorse that had seen better days, it is to be hoped, for she was amiserable-looking mare. 

"Jump in, Herbert, " said Ford. 

The boy obeyed, and sat on the front seat, between the driver andhis abductor. 

"I suppose the horse is warranted not to run away?" said Ford, regarding the animal with a smile. 

"He ran away with me once, " was the unexpected answer. 

"When was that?"

"'Bout fifteen years ago, " replied the driver, with grim humor. "Ireckon he's steadied down by this time. "

"It looks like it, " said Ford. 

"Know Joel Barton?" asked the station master, after a pause. 

"I saw him once when I was a boy. "

"Any relation?"

"He married a cousin of my stepmother. What sort of a man is he?"

"He's a no-account man--shif'less, lazy--drinks. "

"That agrees with what I have heard. How about his wife?"

"She's smart enough. If he was like her they'd live comfortably. Shehas a hard time with him and Abner--Abner's her son, and just likehis father, only doesn't drink yet. Like as not he will when he getsolder. "

Willis Ford was not the only listener to this colloquy. Herbert paidattention to every word, and in the poor boy's mind there was theuncomfortable query, "Why are we going to these people?" He wouldknow soon, probably, but he had a presentiment of trouble. 

"Yes, " continued the station master, "Mrs. Barton has a hard row tohoe; but she's a match for Joel. "

"What do you mean by that?"

"She's got a temper of her own, and she can talk a man deaf, dumb, and blind. She gives Barton a piece of her mind whenever he comeshome full. "

"She ought to have that satisfaction. From what you tell me, I don'tfeel very proud of my unknown relatives. "

"Goin' to stay there any length of time?"

"I don't know my own plans yet, " answered Willis Ford, with a glanceat the boy. He foresaw a scene when he announced his purpose toleave Herbert in this unpromising place, but he did not wish toanticipate it. 

"I suppose Barton is a farmer?" he suggested. 

"He pretends to be, but his farm doesn't pay much. "

"What supports them?"

"His wife takes in work from the tailors in the the village. Thenthey've got a cow, and she makes butter. As for Joel, he brings inprecious little money. He might pick up a few dollars hirin' out bythe day, if he wasn't so lazy. I had a job for him myself one day, but he knocked off at noon--said he was tuckered out, and wanted meto pay him for that half day. I knew well enough where the moneywould go, so I told him I wouldn't pay him unless he worked untilsunset. "

"Did he do it?"

"Yes, he did; but he grumbled a good deal. When he got his pay hewent over to Thompson's saloon, and he didn't leave it until all themoney was spent. When his wife heard of it she was mad, and I expectshe gave Joel a taste of the broom handle. "

"I wouldn't blame her much. "

"Nor I. But here we are. Yonder's Barton's house. Will you get out?"

"Yes. "

Abner, who was sitting on a stump, no sooner saw the team stop thanhe ran into the house, in some excitement, to tell the news. 

"Marm, " he said, "there's a team stopped, and there's a man and boygettin' out; 'spect they're coming here. "

"Lord's sake! Who be they?"

"Dunno. "

"Well, go out and tell 'em I'll see' em in a minute. "

Abner met them in front of the house. 

"Are you Joel Barton's son?" asked Ford. 

"That's what the old man says, " returned Abner, with a grin. 

"Is your mother at home?"

"Marm will be right out. She's slickin' up. Who be you?"

"You'll know in good time, my boy. " "Who's he? Is he your son?"

"No, " answered Herbert promptly. 

Willis Ford turned upon his young ward with a frown. He understoodthe boy's tone. 

"It will be time to speak when you are spoken to, " he said sharply. 

"Here's marm'" said Abner, as his mother's tall figure appeared inthe doorway. 

CHAPTER XXVIII

HERBERT IS PROVIDED WITH A NEW HOME

Mrs. Barton regarded the newcomers with a wondering stare. 

"Did you want to see Joel?" she asked. 

"I shall be glad to see him in due time, Mrs. Barton, " returnedWillis Ford, with unwonted politeness; "but I came principally tosee you. "

"Who be you?" inquired Mrs. Barton, unceremoniously; "I don't knowyou no more'n the dead. "

"There is a slight connection between us, however. I am the stepsonof Pauline Estabrook, of New York, who is a cousin of yours. "

"You don't say Pauline is your mother?" ejaculated the lady of thehouse. "Well, I never expected to see kith or kin of hers out here. Is that your son?"

"No, Mrs. Barton; but he is under my charge. "

Herbert was about to disclaim this, but an ominous frown from WillisFord intimidated him. 

"My name is Willis Ford; his is Sam Green. "

Herbert's eyes opened wide with astonishment at this statement. 

"My name is--" he commenced. 

"Silence!" hissed Ford, with a menacing look. "You must notcontradict me. "

"I s'pose I ought to invite you to stay here, " said Mrs. Barton, awkwardly; "but he's so shif-less, and such a poor provider, that Iain't got anything in the house fit for dinner. "

"Thank you, " returned Ford, with an inward shudder. "I shall dine atthe hotel; but I have a little business matter to speak of, Mrs. Barton, and I would wish to speak in private. I will come into thehouse, with your permission, and we will leave the two boystogether. "

"Come right in, " said Mrs. Barton, whose curiosity was aroused. "Here, you Abner, just take care of the little boy. "

Abner proceeded to do this, first thinking it necessary to ask a fewquestions. 

"Where do you live when you're at home, Sam?" he asked. 

"In New York; but my name isn't Sam, " replied Herbert. 

"What is it, then?"

"Herbert. "

"What makes him call you Sam, then?" asked Abner, with a jerk of thefinger toward the house. 

"I don't know, except he is afraid I will be found. "

Abner looked puzzled. 

"Is he your guardeen?" he asked. 

"No; he was my father's clerk. "

"Ho! Did your father have clerks?"

"Yes; he is a rich man and does business in New York. "

"What made him send you out here?"

"He didn't. "

"Then why did you come?"

"Mr. Ford was mad with papa, and stole me away. "

"He wouldn't steal me away easy!" said Abner, defiantly; "but, then, I ain't a little kid like you. "

"I'm not a kid, " said Herbert, who was not used to slang. 

"Oh, you don't know what I mean--you're a little boy and couldn't donothin'. If he tried to take me, he'd find his hands full. "

Herbert, who was not very much prepossessed by Abner's appearance, thought it very doubtful whether any one would ever attempt tokidnap him. 

"What's he goin' to do with you?" continued Abner. 

"I don't know. I expect he'll make papa pay a good sum to get meback. "

"Humph!" remarked Abner, surveying with some contempt the smallproportions of the boy before him. "You ain't much good. I don'tbelieve he'll pay much for you. "

Tears sprang to the eyes of the little boy, but he forced them back. 

"My papa would think differently, " he said. 

"Papa!" mimicked Abner. "Oh, how nice we are! Why don't you say dad, like I do?"

"Because it isn't a nice name. Papa wouldn't like to have me callhim so. "

"Where did you get them clothes? I don't think much of 'em. "

"Nor I, " answered Herbert. "They're not my own clothes. Mr. Fordbought them for me in Chicago. "

"He must like you, to buy you new clothes. "

"No, he doesn't. My own clothes were much nicer. He sold them. Hewas afraid some one would know me in the others. "

"I wonder what he and marm are talking about so long?"

This question Herbert was unable to answer. He did not guess hownearly this conversation affected him. 

No sooner had the two entered the house than Willis Ford began. 

"Mrs. Barton, " he said, "I'll tell you now what brought me here. "

"Go ahead, " said the lady, encouragingly. 

"I want you to take the boy I have brought with me to board. "

"Land sakes! I don't keep a boardin' house!"

"No; but if I will make it worth your while you will take him, won'tyou?"

"How much will you give?" asked Mrs. Barton, shrewdly. 

"Four dollars a week. "

"He'll be a sight of trouble, " said the lady; but there wassomething in her tone that satisfied Ford that she was favorablyinclined to the proposal. 

"Oh, no, he won't. He's so small that you can twist him round yourfinger. Besides, Abner will be company for him. He will be with himmost of the time. "

"Say five dollars and it's a bargain, " said Mrs. Barton. 

Ford hesitated. He did not care to spend more than he was obligedto, but it was of importance to obtain at least a temporary refugefor the boy, of whose care he was heartily tired. It seemed to himthat five dollars would be enough to support the whole family in thestyle in which they were apparently accustomed to live. However, itwas politic to make the sum sufficient to interest these people inretaining charge of the boy. 

"Well, " he said, after a pause, "it's more than I expected to pay, but I suppose I shall have to accept your terms. I conclude Mr. Barton will not object to your taking a boarder?"

"Oh, Joel is of no account, " returned Mrs. Barton, contemptuously. "I run this house!"

Willis Ford suppressed a smile. He could easily believe from Mrs. Barton's appearance that she was the head of the establishment. 

"There's one thing more, " added Mrs. Barton; "you're to pay themoney to me. Jest as sure as it goes into Joel's hands, it'll go fordrink. The way that man carries on is a disgrace. "

"I should prefer to pay the money to you, " said Ford. 

"You'll have to pay somethin' in advance, if you want the boy tohave anythin' to eat. I've got to send to the village, and I haven'tgot a cent in the house. "

Willis Ford took out a pocketbook. Extracting therefrom fourfive-dollar bills, he handed them to Mrs. Barton. 

"There's money for four weeks, " he said. "When that time is up I'llsend you more. "

Mrs. Barton's eyes sparkled, and she eagerly clutched the money. 

"I ain't seen so much money for years, " she said. "I'll jest lookout Joel don't get hold of it. Don't you tell Joel or Abner how muchyou've paid me. "

"I'll take care of that, Mrs. Barton. By the way, I must caution younot to believe any of the boy's stories. He's the son of a friend ofmine, who's put him under my care. The boy's weak-minded, and hasstrange fancies. He thinks his name isn't Sam Green, and that hisfather is rich. Why, only the other day he insisted his name wasGeorge Washington. "

"Land's sake! How cur'us!" "Of course; you won't pay any attentionto what he says. He may take it into his head to run away. If hedoes, you must get him back. "

"You can trust me to do that!" said Mrs. Barton, with emphasis. "Iain't goin' to let no five-dollar boarder slip through my fingers!"

"That's well! Now I must be going. You will hear from me from timeto time. "

He passed through the front door into the yard. 

"Good-by!" he said. 

Herbert was about to follow him, but he waived him back. 

"You are not to come with me, Sam, " he said. "I shall leave you fora few weeks with this good lady. "

Herbert stared at him in dismay. This was something he had neverdreamed of. 

CHAPTER XXIX

INTRODUCES MR. BARTON

When Herbert realized that he was to be left behind he ran afterWillis Ford, and pleaded for the privilege of accompanying him. "Don't leave me here, Mr. Ford!" he said. "I should die ofhomesickness!"

"So you would rather go with me?" Ford said, with an amused smile. 

"Oh, yes, much rather!"

"I had not supposed you valued my company so highly. I ought to feelcomplimented. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I shall have toleave you here for a few weeks. This good lady will take good careof you. "

Herbert stole a glance at Mrs. Barton, who was watching him withmingled contempt and impatience, but he did not become any morereconciled to the prospect. He reiterated his request. 

"I have had enough of this, " said Ford, sternly. "You will stopmaking a fuss if you know what is best for yourself. Good-by! Youwill hear from me soon. "

Herbert realized the uselessness of his resistance, and sankdespondently upon the grass. 

"Is he goin' to stay here, marm?" asked Abner, curiously. 

"Yes; he's goin' to board with us. "

"Ho, ho!" laughed Abner; "he'll have a nice boardin' place!"

"Abner, you jest shut up, or I'll take a stick to you! You needn'tmake him any more homesick than he is. Just try ef you can't amusehim. "

"Say, Sam, I guess we'll have a stavin' time together, " said Abner, really pleased to have a companion. "What'll we do? Want to playleapfrog?"

"I don't feel like playing, " answered Herbert, despondently. 

"We might go fishin', " suggested Abner. "There's a pond only aquarter of a mile from here. "

"I don't know how to fish, " said Herbert. 

"Don't know how to fish? What do you know how to do?"

"We don't have any chance in New York. "

"Say, " exclaimed Abner, with sudden interest, "is New York a niceplace?"

"I wish I was back there. I never shall be happy anywhere's else. "

"Tell me what you fellows do there. I dunno but I'd like to gomyself. "

Before Herbert had a chance to answer Mrs. Barton broke in:

"Abner, you take care of Sam while I go to the village. "

"What are you goin' there for, marm?"

"I'm going to buy some sausages for dinner. We haven't got anythingin the house. "

"Me and Sam will go, if you'll give us the money. "

"I know you too well, Abner Barton. I won't trust you with themoney. Ef I gave you a five-dollar bill, I'd never see any on't backagain. "

"Say, mam, you haven't got a five-dollar bill, have you?" askedAbner, with distended eyes. 

"Never you mind!"

"I'll tell dad ef you don't give me some. "

"You jest dare to do it!" returned Mrs. Barton, in a menacing tone. "Your father ain't got nothin' to do with it. It's money for Sam'sboard. "

"My name isn't Sam, " expostulated Herbert, who had a naturalpreference for his own appellation. 

"That's what I'm goin' to call you. You can call yourself GeorgeWashington, or General Jackson, ef you want to. Mebbe you'reChristopher Columbus. "

"My name is Herbert Reynolds, " said Herbert, annoyed. 

"That's what you call yourself to-day. There's no knowin' who you'llbe to-morrow. "

"Don't you believe me, Mrs. Barton?" asked Herbert, distressed. 

"No, I don't. The man who brung you--I dis-remember his name--"

"Willis Ford. "

"Well, Willis Ford, then! It seems you know his name. Well, he toldme you was loony, and thought you was somebody else than your ownself. "

"He told you that I was crazy?" ejaculated Herbert. 

"Yes; and I have no doubt it's so. "

"It's a wicked lie!" exclaimed Herbert, indignantly; "and I'd liketo tell him so to his face. "

"Well, you won't have a chance for some time. But I can't stand heretalkin'. I must be goin' to the store. You two behave yourselveswhile I'm gone!"

Herbert felt so dull and dispirited that he did not care to speak, but Abner's curiosity had been excited about New York, and he pliedhis young companion with questions, which Herbert answered wearily. Though he responded listlessly, and did not say any more than hefelt obliged to, he excited Abner's interest. 

"I mean to go to New York some time, " he said. "Is it far?"

"It's as much as a thousand miles. It may be more. "

"Phew! That's a big distance. How did you come?"

"We came in the cars. "

"Did it cost much?"

"I don't know. Mr. Ford paid for the tickets. "

"Has he got plenty of money?"

"I don't think he has. He used to be pa's clerk. "

"I wish we had enough money. You and me would start some finemornin', and mebbe your father would give me something to do when wegot there. "

For the first time Herbert began to feel an interest in theconversation. 

"Oh, I wish we could, " he said, fervently. "I know pa would give youa lot of money for bringing me back. "

"Do you really think he would?" asked Abner, briskly. 

"I know he would. But your mother wouldn't let us go. "

"She wouldn't know it, " said Abner, winking. 

"You wouldn't run away from home?" questioned Herbert. 

"Why wouldn't I? What's to keep me here? Marm's always scoldin', anddad gets drunk whenever he has any money to spend for drink. Ireckon they wouldn't care much if I made myself scarce. "

Herbert was not sure whether he ought not to feel shocked. Headmitted to himself, however, that if he had a father and motheranswering the description of Abner's, that he would not so muchregret leaving them. At any rate, Abner's words awoke a hope ofsometime getting away from the place he already hated, and returningto his city home, now more valued than ever. 

"We can't go without money, " he said, in a troubled voice. 

"Couldn't we walk?"

"It's too far, and I'm not strong. "

"I could walk it, ef I took time enough, " asserted Abner, positively. "Hello! there's dad!"

Herbert looked up, and, following Abner's glance, saw a manapproaching the farmhouse. Mr. Barton--for it was he--was a tallman, shabbily attired, his head crowned with a battered hat, whosegait indicated a little uncertainty, and betrayed some difficultyabout the maintenance of his equilibrium. 

"Is that your father?" asked Herbert. 

"It's the old man, sure enough. He's about half full. "

"What's that?"

"He's been drinkin', as usual; but he didn't drink enough to makehim tight. Guess his funds give out. "

Herbert was rather shocked at Abner's want of respect in speaking ofhis father, but even to him Mr. Barton hardly seemed like a man whocould command a son's respect. 

"Wonder whether dad met marm on the way?" said Abner, musing. 

By this time, Mr. Barton had entered the yard, and caught sight ofhis son and Herbert. 

"Abner, " said he, in a thick voice, "who's that boy?"

"Then he didn't meet marm, " thought Abner. "He's a boy that's goin'to board with us, dad, " he answered. 

"You don't say! Glad to make your acquaintance, boy, " he said, straightening up. 

"Thank you, sir, " answered Herbert, faintly. 

CHAPTER XXX

A MODEL HOUSEHOLD

"When did you come?" asked Barton, steadying himself against a tree. 

"Half an hour ago, " answered Abner, for Herbert was gazing, with arepulsion he found it difficult to conceal, at Barton, whose flushedface and thick utterance indicated his condition very clearly. 

"Who came with him?" continued Barton. 

"You'd better ask marm. She attended to the business. It was a youngman. "

"Where is she?"

"Gone to the village to buy some sassiges for dinner. "

"Good!" exclaimed Barton, in a tone of satisfaction. "I'll stay athome to dinner to-day. Did the man pay your mother any money?"

"I s'pose so, or she wouldn't be buyin' sassiges. Old Schickmanwon't trust us any more. "

"The money should have been paid to me. I'll see about it when yourmarm comes back from the store. "

"You'd spend it all for drink, dad, " said Abner. 

"How dare you speak so to your father, you ungrateful young dog!"

He essayed to reach Abner to strike him, but his dutiful son dodgedeasily, and his father, being unsteady on his legs, fell on theground. 

Abner laughed, but Herbert was too much shocked to share in hisenjoyment. 

"Come here and help me up, you Abner!" said his father. 

"Not much, dad! If you hadn't tried to lick me you wouldn't havefallen!"

"Let me help you, sir!" said Herbert, conquering his instinctivedisgust and approaching the fallen man. 

"You're a gentleman!" murmured Barton, as he took the little boy'sproffered hand and, after considerable ado, raised himself to astanding position. "You're a gentleman; I wish I had a boy likeyou. "

Herbert could not join in the wish. He felt that a father like JoelBarton would be a great misfortune. 

But just then Mrs. Barton entered the yard, marching with longstrides like a man's. 

"Here's marm!" announced Abner. 

Barton steadied himself as he turned to look at his wife. 

"I want to see you, Mrs. B. , " he said. "When are you goin' to havedinner?"

"Never, if I depended on you to supply the vittles!" she answered, bluntly. 

"Don't speak so before a stranger, " said Barton, with a hiccough. "You hurt my feelin's. "

"Your feelin's are tough, and so are mine by this time. "

"What have you got there?"

"Some sassiges. Ef you want your share, you'll have to be on time. Ishan't save you any. "

"How much money did the man pay you, Mrs. B. ?"

"That's my business!" retorted his wife, shortly. 

"Mrs. B. , " said her husband, straightening up, "I want you tounderstand that I'm the master of this house, and it's my right totake care of the money. You'll oblige me by handin' it over. "

"I'll do nothing of the sort, Joel Barton! You'd only spend it fordrink. "

"Would you grudge me the few pennies I spend for drink? My systemrequires it. That's what the doctor says. "

"Then you must find the money for it yourself. My system requiressomething to eat, and, ef I take a boarder, he's got to havesomething to eat, too. "

"Mrs. B. , I didn't think your heart was so hard, " said Barton, in amaudlin tone. 

"Look here, Joel Barton; you might as well stop such foolish talk. It won't do no good. I can't stay here all day. I must go and begettin' dinner. "

Had Barton succeeded in raising money from his wife, he wouldprobably have returned at once to the tavern, and his place wouldhave been vacant at the dinner table. Failing in this, he lay backand fell asleep, and was not roused till dinner time. 

Mrs. Barton was a fair cook, and Herbert ate with an unexpectedrelish. It is needless to say that Abner also did full justice tothe meal. 

"I say, Sam, " he said, "I'm glad you've come. "

Herbert was hardly prepared to agree with him. 

"Now we'll have to live better, " Abner explained. "Mam and Igen'ally have to skirmish round for vittles. We don't often getmeat. "

This frank confession rather alarmed Herbert. He was not overself-indulgent, but he had never lacked for nourishing food, and theprospect of an uncertain supply was not encouraging. 

When dinner was over--there was no second course--they left thetable. Joel Barton made a fresh attempt to extort a small sum fromhis wife, but was met with an inflexible refusal. Mrs. Barton proveddeaf alike to entreaties and threats. She was a strong, resolutewoman, and not one to be intimidated. 

When Barton left the house, his look of disappointment had givenplace to one of cunning. 

"Come here, Abner!" he said, beckoning to his son and heir. 

"What for?"

"Never you mind. "

"But I do mind. Do you want to catch hold of me?"

"No; it's only a little matter of business. It's for your good. "

Abner accompanied his father as far as the fence. 

"Now, what do you want?" he asked, with his eyes warily fixed on hisfather. 

"I want you to find out where your marm keeps that money, " saidBarton, in a coaxing tone. 

"What for?"

"You're to take it and bring it to me. "

"And go without eatin'?"

"I'll buy the provisions myself. I'm the head of the family. "

"Do you want me to hook money from marm?"

"'Twon't be hookin'. The money by right belongs to me. Ain't I thehead of the family?"

"I dunno about that. Marm's the boss, and always has been, " chuckledAbner. 

Joel frowned, but immediately tried another attack. 

"Of course I'll give you some of it, Abner, " he resumed. "If there'sfive dollars I'll give you a quarter. "

"I'll see about it, dad. "

"Get it for me before evenin', if you can. I shall need it then. "

Abner returned to Herbert, and frankly related the conversation thathad taken place between himself and his father. 

Herbert was shocked. He did not know what to think of the singularfamily he had got into. 

"You won't do it, will you?" he asked, startled. 

"No, I won't. I want a quarter bad enough, but I'd rather mam wouldkeep the money. She'll spend it for vittles, and dad would spend itfor drink. Wouldn't you like to go a-fishin'? It's fine weather, andwe'll have fun. "

Herbert assented, not knowing how to dispose of his time. Abnerturned the conversation again on New York. What Herbert had alreadytold him had powerfully impressed his imagination. 

"Haven't you got any money?" he asked. 

"No, " answered Herbert. "Mr. Ford took away all I had, except this. "

He drew from his pocket a nickel. 

"That won't do no good, " said Abner, disappointed. "Stop a minute, though, " he added, after aminute's pause. "Wouldn't your folks sendyou some money, if you should write to them?"

"Yes, " answered Herbert, his face brightening. "Why didn't I thinkof that before? If I could get me paper and ink I'd write at once topapa. I know he'd either send the money or come for me. "

"We'll go to the post office, " said Abner. "There you can buy somepaper and a postage stamp. You've got just money enough. There's apen and ink there. "

"Let us go at once, " said Herbert, eagerly. 

The boys took their way to the village. The letter was written andposted, and a burden was lifted from the boy's mind. He felt thathis father would seek him out at once, and he could bear his presentposition for a short time. But, alas! for poor Herbert--the letternever came into his father's hands. Why, the reader will learn inthe next chapter. 

CHAPTER XXXI

THE HOUSEKEEPER'S CRIME

It is not to be supposed that during this time the family of themissing boy were idle. The mystrerious disappearance of his only sonfilled his father's heart with anguish, and he took immediate stepsto penetrate the mystery. Not only was the fullest information givento the police, but an experienced detective connected with a privateagency was detailed for the search. The matter also got into thepapers, and Herbert, in his Western home, little suspected that hisname had already become a household word in thousands of families. 

Days passed, and in spite of the efforts that were being made todiscover him, no clew had been obtained by Herbert's friends, eitheras to his whereabouts, or as to the identity of the party or partieshat had abducted him. It is needless to say that Grant heartilysympathized with the afflicted father, and was sad on his ownaccount, for he had become warmly attached to the little boy whoseinstant companion he had been in his hours of leisure. 

The only one in the house who took the matter coolly was Mrs. Estabrook, the housekeeper. She even ventured to suggest thatHerbert had run away. 

"What do you mean, Mrs. Estabrook?" exclaimed the father, impatiently. "You ought to know my poor boy better than that!"

"Boys are a worrisome set, " returned the housekeeper, composedly. "Only last week I read in the Herald about two boys who ran awayfrom good homes and went out to kill Indians. "

"Herbert was not that kind of a boy, " said Grant. "He had nofondness for adventure. "

"I have known Herbert longer than you, young man, " retorted thehousekeeper, with a sneer. 

"It is very clear that you didn't know him as well, " said Mr. Reynolds. 

Mrs. Estabrook sniffed, but said nothing. Without expressly sayingso, it was evident that she dissented from Mr. Reynolds' opinion. 

The broker's loss unfitted him for work, and he left the details ofoffice work to his subordinates, while nearly all his time was spentin interviews with the police authorities or in following up faintclews. His loss seemed to strengthen the intimacy and attachmentbetween him and Grant, in whom he confided without reserve. When athome in the evening he talked over with Grant, whom he found asympathetic listener, the traits of the stolen boy, and brought upreminiscences, trifling, perhaps, but touching, under thecircumstances. To Mrs. Estabrook he seldom spoke of his son. Hercold and unsympathetic temperament repelled him. She had neverpreferred to feel any attachment for Herbert, and the boy, quick toread her want of feeling, never cared to be with her. 

One morning, after Mr. Reynolds and Grant had gone out, Mrs. Estabrook, on going to the hall, saw a letter on the table, whichhad been left by the postman. As curiosity was by no means lackingin the housekeeper's composition, she took it up, and peered at theaddress through her glasses. 

It was directed to Mr. Reynolds in a round, schoolboy hand. 

Mrs. Estabrook's heart gave a sudden jump of excitement. 

"It's Herbert's handwriting, " she said to herself. 

She examined the postmark, and found that it was mailed at Scipio, Illinois. 

She held the letter in her hand and considered what she should do. Should the letter come into the hands of Mr. Reynolds, the resultwould doubtless be that the boy would be recovered, and would revealthe name of his abductor. This would subject her favorite, WillisFord, to arrest, and probably imprisonment. 

"He should have been more careful, and not allowed the boy towrite, " said the housekeeper to herself. "Willis must have been veryimprudent. If I only knew what was in the letter!"

The housekeeper's curiosity became so ungovernable that she decidedto open it. By steaming it, she could do it, and if it seemedexpedient, paste it together again. She had little compunction inthe matter. In a few minutes she was able to withdraw the letterfrom the envelope and read its contents. 

This is what Herbert wrote:

"Scipio, ILL. 

"DEAR PAPA: I know you must have been very anxious about me. I wouldhave written you before, but I have had no chance. Willis Ford foundme playing in the street, and got me to go with him by saying youhad sent for me. I thought it strange you should have sent Mr. Ford, but I didn't like to refuse, for fear it was true. We went on boarda steamer in the harbor, and Mr. Ford took me in a stateroom. Thenhe put a handkerchief to my face, and I became sleepy. When I wakedup, we were at sea. I don't know where I went, but when we came toland, some time the next day, we got into the cars and traveled fora couple of days. I begged Mr. Ford to take me home, but it made himcross. I think he hates you and Grant, and I think he took me awayto spite you. I am sure he is a very wicked man. 

"Finally we came to this place. It is a small place in Illinois. Thepeople who live here are Mr. And Mrs. Barton and their son Abner. Mr. Joel Barton is a drunkard. He gets drunk whenever he has moneyto buy whisky. Mrs. Barton is a hard-working woman, and she doesabout all the work that is done. Mr. Ford paid her some money inadvance. She is a tall woman, and her voice sounds like a man's. Shedoes not ill treat me, but I wish I were at home. Abner is a big, rough boy, a good deal older and larger than I am, but he is kind tome and he wants to come to New York. He says he will run away andtake me with him, if we can get enough money to pay our fares. Idon't think we could walk it so far. Abner might, for he is a gooddeal stronger than I am, but I know I should get very tired. 

"Now, dear papa, if you will send me money enough to pay forrailroad tickets, Abner and I will start just as soon as we get it. I don't know as he ought to run away from home, but he says hisfather and mother don't care for him, and I don't believe they do. His father doesn't care for anything but whisky, and his mother isscolding him all the time. I don't think she would do that if shecared much for him, do you?

"I have filled the paper, and must stop. Be sure to send the moneyto your loving son, "HERBERT REYNOLDS. "

"How easy you write!" said Abner, in wonder, as he saw Herbert'sletter growing long before his eyes. "It would take me a week towrite as long a letter as that, and then I couldn't do it. "

"I can't write so easy generally, " said the little boy, "but, yousee, I have a good deal to write about. "

"Then there's another thing, " said Abner. "I shouldn't know how tospell so many words. You must be an awful good scholar. "

"I always liked to study, " said Herbert. "Don't you like to read andstudy?"

"No; I'd rather play ball or go fishin', wouldn't you?"

"I like to play part of the time, but I wouldn't like to grow upignorant. "

"I expect I'll always be a know-nothin', but I reckon I know as muchas dad. The old man's awful ignorant. He don't care for nothin' butwhisky. "

"And I hope you won't be like him in that, Abner. "

"No, I won't. I wouldn't like to have the boys flingin' stones atme, as they did at dad once when he was tight. I licked a couple of'em. "

Mrs. Estabrook read Herbert's letter with intense interest. She sawthat the little boy's testimony would seriously incriminate WillisFord, if he were recovered, as he would be if this letter came intohis father's hands. 

"There's only one thing to do, " the housekeeper reflected, closingher thin lips tightly. 

She lit the gas jet in her chamber, and, without a trace ofcompunction, held the letter in the flame until it was thoroughlyconsumed. 

CHAPTER XXXII

HOPE DEFERRED

Day after day Herbert and Abner went to the post office and inquiredfor letters, but alas! none came. Poor Herbert was in despair. Hethought his father would have instantly sent the money, or come outhimself to take him home. Was it possible his father had forgottenhim, or was indifferent to his absence? He could not believe it, butwhat was he to think?

"I reckon your father didn't get the letter, " suggested Abner. 

Herbert hailed this suggestion with relief. 

"Or, maybe, marm has told the postmaster to give her any lettersthat come. "

This suggestion, too, seemed not improbable. 

"What can we do?" asked Herbert, helplessly. "I reckon we'd betterrun away. "

"Without money?"

"We'll hire out to somebody for a week or two and write from wherewe are. "

"I'm afraid I couldn't do much work, " said the little boy. 

"Then I'll work for both, " said Abner, stoutly. "I've got tired ofstayin' at home, anyway. "

"I'll do whatever you say, " said Herbert, feeling that any changewould be for the better. 

"I'll tell you when I'm ready, " said Abner. "We'll start some timewhen marm's gone to the village. "

There was another reason for Herbert's being dissatisfied with hisnew home. A month had passed--the full time for which Willis Fordhad paid the boy's board--and there were no indications that anymore was to be paid. During the the first week the fare had beentolerable, though Mrs. Barton was not a skillful cook; but now therewas no money left, and the family fell back upon what their limitedresources could supply. Mush and milk now constituted theirprincipal diet. It is well enough occasionally, but, when furnishedat every meal, both Herbert and Abner became tired of it. 

"Haven't you got anything else for dinner, marm?" asked Abner, discontentedly. 

"No, I haven't, " answered the mother, snappishly. 

"You used to have sassiges and bacon. "

"That was when I had money to buy 'em. "

"Where's all that money gone the man left with him?" indicatingHerbert. 

"It's spent, and I wish Willis Ford would send along some moremighty quick. He needn't expect me to take a free boarder. "

She looked severely at Herbert, as if he were in fault. Certainlythe poor boy had no desire to live on the liberality of Mrs. Barton. 

"Maybe he's sent you some money in a letter, " suggested Abner. 

"Well, I never thought of that. It's a bright idee, ef it did comefrom you, Abner Barton. Jest go up to the postoffice after dinner, and ask if there's any letter for me. Ef there is, mind you, don'topen it. "

"All right, marm. "

"Come along, bub, " said Abner. 

This was the name he gave to Herbert, whom he liked in his own roughway. 

"I don't think, " said Herbert, as they walked along, "that yourmother can have got any letter written by my father. If she had, shewould not be out of money. "

"I reckon you're right. Do you think that Ford feller will sendmoney for your board?"

"I think he will, if he can, for he wants to keep me here; but Idon't think he has much money with him. "

"All the worse for marm. "

"Abner, " said Herbert, after a pause, during which he had beenthinking seriously, "would you mind running away pretty soon?"

"No, bub; I'm ready any time. Are you in a hurry?"

"You see, Abner, I don't want to live on your mother. She isn'trich--"

"No, I guess not. Ef she hadn't married sech a good-for-nothin' asdad--"

"I wouldn't speak so of your father, Abner. "

"Why not? Isn't it the truth? Dad's no grit. He gits drunk wheneverhe has a chance. Marm's a good, hard-workin' woman. She'd git alongwell enough ef she was alone. "

"At any rate, she can't afford to board me for nothing. So I amready to start whenever you are, Abner. "

"Suppose we get up early to-morror and start?"

"How early?"

"Three o'clock. Marm gets up at five. We must be on the road beforethat time. "

"I'm willing, Abner. You must wake me up in time. "

"You'd better go to bed early, bub, and git all the sleep you can. We'll have a hard day to-morrer. "

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

"Wake up, there. "

The little boy stirred in his sleep, and finally opened his eyes. Bythe faint light that entered through the window, he saw Abnerbending over him. 

"What is it?" he asked, drowsily. 

"The kitchen clock's just struck three, " whispered Abner. "Youhaven't forgotten that we are going to run away, have you?"

"I'll get right up, " said Herbert, rubbing his eyes. 

In two minutes the boys were dressed and ready for a start. It hadtaken a great deal longer for Herbert to dress at home, but he hadbecome less particular as to his toilet now. 

The boys took their shoes in their hands, and stole out in theirstocking feet. As they passed the door of the room in which Mr. AndMrs. Barton slept, they heard the deep breathing of both, and knewthat they were not likely to be heard. 

Outside the door they put on their shoes, and were now ready tostart. 

"Wait a minute, bub, " said Abner. 

He re-entered the house, and presently came out holding half a loafin his hand. 

"That'll do for our breakfast, " he said. "We won't eat it now. We'llwait till five o'clock. Then we'll be hungry. "

By five o'clock they were as many miles on their way. They hadreached the middle of the next town. 

"Do you feel tired, bub?" asked Abner. 

"A little. I feel hungry. Don't you think we can eat the bread now?"

"Yes, we'd better. I feel kind o' gone myself. "

They sat down under a tree, and Abner divided the bread fairly. 

"You ought to have more than I, " protested Herbert. "You're biggerthan I, and need more. "

"Never mind that! You'll need it to keep up your strength. "

Abner was not naturally unselfish, but he was manly enough to feelthat he ought to be generous and kind to a boy so much smaller, andhe felt repaid for his self-denial by noticing the evident relishwith which Herbert ate his allowance of bread, even to the smallestcrumb. 

They found a spring, which yielded them a cool, refreshing draught, and soon were on their way once more. They had proceeded perhaps twomiles further, when the rumbling of wheels was heard behind them, and a farm wagon soon came up alongside. The driver was a man ofabout thirty--sunburned and roughly clad. 

"Whoa, there, " he said. 

The horse stopped. 

"Where are you two goin'?" he asked. 

"We're travelin', " answered Abner, noncommittally. 

"Where's your home?"

"Some ways back. "

"Where are you goin'?"

"I'm after work, " answered Abner. 

"Well, you'd orter be a good hand at it. You look strong. Is thatlittle feller your brother?"

"No; he's my cousin. "

Herbert looked up in surprise at this avowal of relationship, but hethought it best not to say anything that would conflict with Abner'sstatement. 

"Is he after work, too?" asked the driver, with a smile. 

"No; he's goin' to his father. "

"Where does he live?"

"Further on. "

"Have you walked fur?"

"Pretty fur. "

"Ef you want to ride, I'll give you a lift for a few miles. "

"Thank you, " said Abner, prompt to accept the offer. "I'll help youin, bub. "

The two boys took their seats beside the driver, Herbert being inthe middle. The little boy was really tired, and he found it verypleasant to ride, instead of walking. He had walked seven milesalready, and that was more than he had ever before walked at onetime. 

They rode about three miles, when the driver pulled up in front of acomfortable-looking house. 

"This is where I stop, " he said. "My aunt lives here, and my sisterhas been paying her a visit. I've come to take her home. "

The front door was opened, and his aunt and sister came out. 

"You're just in time for breakfast, John, " said his aunt. "Come inand sit down to the table. Bring in the boys, too. "

"Come in, boys, " said the young man. "I guess you can eat something, can't you?"

"We've had---" Herbert began, but Abner checked him. 

"Come along, bub, " he said. "What's a bit of bread? I ain't halffull. "

CHAPTER XXIV

MRS. BARTON'S SURPRISE

A hearty breakfast, consisting of beefsteak, potatoes, corn bread, fresh butter and apple sauce, made Abner's eyes glisten, for he hadnever in his remembrance sat down at home to a meal equallyattractive. He wielded his knife and fork with an activity andenergy which indicated thorough enjoyment. Even Herbert, though inthe city his appetite had been delicate, and he had already eatenpart of a loaf of bread, did excellent justice to the good thingsset before him. He was himself surprised at his extraordinaryappetite, forgetting the stimulating effect of a seven-mile walk. 

After breakfast they set out again on their tramp. At sunset, havingrested several hours in the middle of the day, they had accomplishedtwenty miles. Abner could have gone further, but Herbert was welltired out. They obtained permission from a friendly farmer to spendthe night in his barn, and retired at half-past seven. Mr. Reynoldswould have been shocked had he known that his little son wascompelled to sleep on a pile of hay, but it may truthfully be saidthat Herbert had seldom slept as soundly or felt more refreshed. 

"How did you sleep, Abner?" he asked. 

"Like a top. How was it with you, bub?"

"I didn't wake up all night, " answered the little boy. 

"I wonder what dad and marm thought when they found us gone?" saidAbner, with a grin. 

"Won't they feel bad?"

"Not much, " said Abner. "They ain't that kind. I reckon it won'tspoil their appetite. "

When they descended from the haymow, the farmer was milking hiscows. 

"Well, youngsters, " he said, "so you're up and dressed?"

"Yes, sir. "

"And ready for breakfast, I'll be bound. "

"I reckon I should feel better for eatin', " said Abner, promptly. 

"Jest you wait till I get through milkin', and we'll see what Mrs. Wiggins has got for us. "

Abner heard these words with joy, for he was always possessed of agood appetite. 

"I say, bub, I'm glad I run away, " he remarked, aside, to Herbert. "We live enough sight better than we did at home. "

Leaving the boys to pursue their journey, we will return to thebereaved parents, and inquire how they bore their loss. 

When Mrs. Barton rose to commence the labors of the day, she foundthat no wood was on hand for the kitchen fire. 

"Abner's gittin' lazier and lazier, " she soliloquized. "I'll soonhave him up. "

She went to the foot of the stairs, and called "Abner!" in a voiceby no means low or gentle. 

There was no answer. 

"That boy would sleep if there was an earthquake, " she muttered. "Come down here and split some wood, you lazy boy!" she cried, stilllouder. 

Again no answer. 

"He hears, fast enough, but he don't want to work. I'll soon havehim down. "

She ascended the stairs, two steps at a time, and opened the door ofher son's room. 

If Abner had been in bed his mother would have pulled him out, forher arm was vigorous, but the bed was empty. 

"Well, I vum!" she ejaculated, in surprise. "Ef that boy isn't upalready. That's a new wrinkle. And the little boy gone, too. Whatcan it mean?"

It occurred to Mrs. Barton that Abner and Herbert might have got upearly to go fishing, though she had never known him to make so earlya start before. 

"I reckon breakfast'll bring 'em round, " she said to herself. "Ireckon I shall have to split the wood myself. "

In half an hour breakfast was ready. It was of a very simplecharacter, for the family resources were limited. Mr. Barton camedownstairs, and looked discontentedly at the repast provided. 

"This is a pretty mean breakfast, Mrs. B. , " he remarked. "Where'syour meat and taters?"

"There's plenty of 'em in the market, " answered Mrs. Barton. 

"Then, why didn't you buy some?"

"You ought to know, Joel Barton. You give me the money, and I'll seethat you have a good breakfast. "

"Where's all the money that man Ford gave you?"

"Where is it? It's eaten up, Mr. Barton, and you did your share. Efyou'd had your way, you'd have spent some of the money for drink. "

"Why don't he send you some more, then?"

"Ef you see him anywheres, you'd better ask him. It's your businessto provide me with money; you can't expect one boy's board tosupport the whole family. "

"It's strange where them boys are gone, " said Joel, desirous ofchanging the subject. "Like as not, they hid under the bed, andfooled you. "

"Ef they did, I'll rout 'em out, " said Mrs. Barton, who thought thesupposition not improbable. 

Once more she ascended the stairs and made an irruption into theboy's chamber. She lifted the quilt, and peered under the bed. Butthere were no boys there. Looking about the room, however, shediscovered something else. On the mantelpiece was a scrap of paper, which appeared to be so placed as to invite attention. 

"What's that?" said Mrs. Barton to herself. 

A moment later she was descending the staircase more rapidly thanshe had gone up just before. 

"Look at that, " she exclaimed, holding out a scrap of paper to JoelBarton. 

"I don't see nothin' but a bit of paper, " said her husband. 

"Don't be a fool! Read what it is. "

"Read it aloud. I ain't got my specks. "

"The boys have run away. Abner writ it. Listen to this. "

Rudely written on the paper, for Abner was by no means a skillfulpenman, were these words:

"Bub and I have runned away. You needn't worry. I reckon we can getalong. We're going to make our fortunes. When we're rich, we'll comeback. ABNER. "

"What do you think of that, Joel Barton?" demanded his wife. 

Joel shrugged his shoulders. 

"I shan't worry much, " he said. "They'll be back by to-morrer, likely. "

"Then you'll have to split some wood to-day, Joel. You can't expecta delicate woman like me to do such rough work. "

"You're stronger'n I be, Mrs. B. "

"Perhaps you'll find I am if you don't go to work. "

"I'll do it this afternoon. "

"All right. Then we'll have dinner in the even-in'. No wood, nodinner. "

"Seems to me you're rather hard on me, Mrs. B. I don't feel well. "

"Nor you won't till you give up drinkin'. "

Much against his will, Mr. Barton felt compelled by the stress ofcircumstances to do the work expected of him. It made him feel angrywith Abner, whom he did not miss for any other reason. 

"I'll break that boy's neck when he comes back, " he muttered. "It'sa shame to leave all this work for his poor, old dad. "

To-morrow came, but the boys did not. A week slipped away, and stillthey were missing. Mrs. Barton was not an affectionate mother, butit did seem lonesome without Abner. As for Herbert, she did not carefor his absence. If Willis Ford did not continue to pay his board, she felt that she would rather have him away. 

On the sixth day after the departure of the boys there came asurprise for Mrs. Barton. 

As she was at work in the kitchen, she heard a loud knock at thedoor. 

"Can it be Abner?" she thought. "He wouldn't knock. "

She went to the door, however, feeling rather curious as to whocould be her visitor, and on opening it started in surprise to seeWillis Ford. 

"Mr. Ford!" she ejaculated. 

"I thought I would make you a call, " answered Ford. "How's the boygetting along?"

"If you mean the boy you left here, " she answered, composedly, "he'srun away, and took my boy with him. "

"Run away!" ejaculated Ford, in dismay. 

"Yes; he made tracks about a week ago. He and my Abner have gone offto make their fortunes. "

"Why didn't you take better care of him, woman?" exclaimed Ford, angrily. "It's your fault, his running away!"

"Look here, Ford, " retorted Mrs. Barton; "don't you sass me, for Iwon't stand it. Ef it hadn't been for you, Abner would be at homenow. "

"I didn't mean to offend you, my dear Mrs. Barton, " said Ford, seeing that he had made a false step. "Tell me all you can, and I'llsee if I can't get the boys back. "

"Now you're talkin', " said Mrs. Barton, smoothing her ruffledplumage. "Come into the house, and I'll tell you all I know. "

CHAPTER XXXV

HERBERT BREAKS DOWN

"I don't think I can walk any further, Abner. I feel sick, " falteredHerbert. 

Abner, who had been walking briskly, turned round to look at hisyoung companion. Herbert was looking very pale, and had to drag onefoot after the other. Day after day he had tried to keep up withAbner, but his strength was far inferior to that of the other boy, and he had finally broken down. 

"You do look sick, bub, " said Abner, struck by Herbert's pallidlook. "Was I walking too fast for you?"

"I feel very weak, " said Herbert. "Would you mind stopping a littlewhile? I should like to lie under a tree and rest. "

"All right, bub. There's a nice tree. " "Don't you feel tired, Abner?"

"No; I feel as strong as hearty as a horse. "

"You are bigger than I am. I guess that is the reason. "

Abner was a rough boy, but he showed unusual gentleness andconsideration for the little boy, whose weakness appealed to hisbetter nature. He picked out a nice, shady place for Herbert torecline upon, and, taking off his coat, laid it down for a pillow onwhich his young companion might rest his head. 

"There, bub; I reckon you'll feel better soon, " he said. 

"I hope so, Abner. I wish I was as strong as you are. "

"So do I. I reckon I was born tough. I was brought up different fromyou. "

"I wish I were at home, " sighed Herbert. "Is it a long way fromhere?"

"I reckon it is, but I don't know, " answered Abner, whosegeographical notions were decidedly hazy. 

An hour passed, and still Herbert lay almost motionless, as if restwere a luxury, with his eyes fixed thoughtfully upon the clouds thatcould be seen through the branches floating lazily above. 

"Don't you feel any better, bub?" asked Abner. 

"I feel better while I am lying here, Abner. "

"Don't you feel strong enough to walk a little further?"

"Must I?" asked Herbert, sighing. "It is so nice to lie here. "

"I am afraid we shall never get to New York if we don't keep goin'. "

"I'll try, " said Herbert, and he rose to his feet, but he onlystaggered and became very white. 

"I am afraid I need to rest a little more, " he said. 

"All right, bub. Take your time. "

More critically Abner surveyed his young companion. He was not usedto sickness or weakness, but there was something in the little boy'sface that startled him. 

"I don't think you're fit to walk any further today, " he said. "Iwish we had some good place to stay. "

At this moment a carriage was seen approaching. It was driven by alady of middle age, with a benevolent face. Her attention was drawnto the two boys, and especially to Herbert. Her experienced eyes atonce saw that he was sick. 

She halted her horse. 

"What is the matter with your brother?" she said to Abner. 

"I reckon he's tuckered out, " said Abner, tacitly admitting therelationship. "We've been travelin' for several days. He ain't sotough as I am. "

"He looks as if he were going to be sick. Have you any friends nearhere?"

"No, ma'am. The nighest is over a hundred miles off. "

The lady reflected a moment. Then she said: "I think you had bettercome to my house. My brother is a doctor. He will look at yourlittle brother and see what can be done for him. "

"I should like it very much, " said Abner, "but we haven't got anymoney to pay for doctors and sich. "

"I shan't present any bill, nor will my brother, " said the lady, smiling. "Do you think you can help him into the carriage?"

"Oh, yes, ma'am. "

Abner helped Herbert into the carriage, and then, by invitation, gotin himself. 

"May I drive?" he asked, eagerly. 

"Yes, if you like. "

The kind lady supported with her arm Herbert's drooping head, and sothey drove on for a mile, when she indicated that they were to stopin front of a large, substantial, square house, built after the NewEngland style. 

Herbert was taken out, and, after Abner helped him upstairs, into alarge, square chamber, with four windows. 

"What is his name?" asked the lady. 

"Herbert. "

"And yours?"

"Abner. "

"He had better lie down on the bed, and, as soon as my brothercomes, I will send him up. "

Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction, as he reclined on thecomfortable bed, which was more like the one he slept in at homethan the rude, straw bed which he had used when boarding with Mr. And Mrs. Barton. 

Half an hour passed, and the doctor came into the room, and feltHerbert's pulse. 

"The boy is tired out, " he said. "That is all. His strength has beenexhausted by too severe physical effort. "

"What shall we do to bring him round?" asked his sister. 

"Rest and nourishing food are all that is required. "

"Shall we keep him here? Have you any objection?"

"I should object to letting him go in his present condition. He willbe a care to you, Emily. "

"I shall not mind that. We shall have to keep the other boy, too. "

"Certainly. There's room enough for both. "

When Abner was told that for a week to come they were to stay in Dr. Stone's comfortable house, his face indicated his satisfaction. 

"Ef you've got any chores to do, ma'am, " he said, "I'll do 'em. I'mstrong, and not afraid to work. "

"Then I will make you very useful, " said Miss Stone, smiling. 

The next day, as she was sitting in Herbert's chamber, she said:"Herbert, you don't look at all like your brother. "

"Do you mean Abner, Miss Stone?" Herbert asked. 

"Yes; have you any other brother?"

"Abner is not my brother at all. "

"How, then, do you happen to be traveling together?"

"Because we've both run away. "

"I am sorry to hear that. I don't approve of boys running away. Where do you live?"

"In New York. "

"In New York!" repeated Miss Stone, much surprised. "Surely, youhave not walked from there?"

"No, Miss Stone; I was stolen from my home in New York about a monthago, and left at Abner's house. It was a poor cabin, and verydifferent from anything I was accustomed to. I did not like Mr. AndMrs. Barton; but Abner was always kind to me. "

"Is your father living?" asked Miss Stone, who had becomeinterested. 

"Yes; he is a broker. "

"And no doubt you have a nice home?"

"Yes, very nice. It is a brownstone house uptown. I wonder whether Ishall ever see it again?"

"Surely you will. I am surprised that you have not written to tellyour father where you are. He must be feeling very anxious aboutyou. "

"I did write, asking him to send me money to come home. Abner wasgoing with me. But no answer came to my letter. "

"That is strange. Your father can't have received the letter. "

"So I think, Miss Stone; but I directed it all right. "

"Do you think any one would intercept it?"

"Mrs. Estabrook might, " said Herbert, after a pause forconsideration. 

"Who is she?"

"The housekeeper. "

"What makes you think so? Didn't she like you?"

"No; besides, it was her nephew who carried me off. "

Miss Stone asked further questions, and Herbert told her all theparticulars with which the reader is already acquainted. When he hadfinished, she said: "My advice is, that you write to your boyfriend, Grant Thornton, or tell me what to write, and I will writeto him. His letters will not be likely to be tampered with. "

"I think that will be a good idea, " said Herbert; "Grant will tellpapa, and then he'll send for me. "

Miss Stone brought her desk to the bedside, and wrote a letter toGrant at Herbert's dictation. This letter she sent to the villagepostoffice immediately by Abner. 

CHAPTER XXXVI

GRANT RECEIVES A LETTER

Mr. Reynolds had spared no expense in his efforts to obtain tidingsof his lost boy. None of his agents, however, had succeeded ingaining the smallest clew to Herbert's whereabouts. Through thepublic press the story had been widely disseminated, and inconsequence the broker began to receive letters from various points, from persons professing to have seen such a boy as the onedescribed. One of these letters came from Augusta, Ga. , andimpressed Mr. Reynolds to such an extent that he decided to go therein person, and see for himself the boy of whom his correspondentwrote. 

The day after he started Grant, on approaching the house at theclose of business, fell in with the postman, just ascending thesteps. 

"Have you got a letter for me?" he asked. 

"I have a letter for Grant Thornton, " was the reply. 

"That is my name, " said Grant. 

He took the letter, supposing it to be from home. He was surprisedto find that it had a Western postmark. He was more puzzled by thefeminine handwriting. 

"Have you heard anything from the little boy?" asked the postman, for Mr. Reynolds' loss was well known. 

Grant shook his head. 

"Nothing definite, " he said. "Mr. Reynolds has gone to Georgia tofollow up a clew. "

"Two weeks since, " said the postman, "I left a letter here dated atScipio, I11. It was in a boy's handwriting. I thought it might befrom the lost boy. "

"A letter from Scipio, in a boy's handwriting!" repeated Grant, surprised. "Mr. Reynolds has shown me all his letters. He hasreceived none from there. "

"I can't understand it. I left it here, I am positive of that. "

"At what time in the day?" asked Grant, quickly. 

"About eleven o'clock in the forenoon. "

"Can you tell to whom you gave it?"

"To the servant. "

"It is very strange, " said Grant, thoughtfully. "And it was in aboy's handwriting?"

"Yes; the address was in a round, schoolboy hand. The servantcouldn't have lost it, could she?"

"No; Sarah is very careful. "

"Well, I must be going. "

By this time Grant had opened the letter. He had glanced rapidly atthe signature, and his face betrayed excitement. 

"This is from Herbert, " he said. "You may listen, if you like. "

He rapidly read the letter, which in part was as follows:

"DEAR GRANT: I write to you, or rather I have asked Miss Stone, whois taking care of me, to do so, because I wrote to papa two weekssince, and I am afraid he did not get the letter, for I have had noanswer. I wrote from the town of Scipio, in Illinois--

"Just what I said, " interrupted the postman. 

"I wrote that Mr. Ford had carried me away and brought me out West, where he put me to board in a poor family, where I had scarcelyenough to eat. Mr. Barton had one son, Abner, who treated me well, and agreed to run away with me to New York, if we could get moneyfrom papa. But we waited and waited, and no letter came. So at lastwe decided to run away at any rate, for I was afraid Mr. Ford wouldcome back and take me somewhere else. I can't tell you much aboutthe journey, except that we walked most of the way, and we got verytired--or, at least, I did, for I am not so strong as Abner--till Ibroke down. I am stopping now at the house of Dr. Stone, who is verykind, and so is his sister, who is writing this letter for me. Willyou show papa this letter, and ask him to send for me, if he cannotcome himself? I do so long to be at home once more. I hope he willcome before Willis Ford finds me out. I think he has a spite againstpapa, and that is why he stole me away. Your affectionate friend, "HERBERT REYNOLDS. "

"Please say nothing about this, " said Grant to the postman. "I don'twant it known that this letter has come. "

"What will you do?"

"I shall start for the West myself to-night. "

"Mrs. Estabrook intercepted that letter, " said Grant to himself. "Iam sure of it. "

CHAPTER XXXVII

WILLIS FORD FINDS THE RUNAWAYS

"I shall be absent for a few days, Mrs. Estabrook, " said Grant tothe housekeeper, as he entered the house. 

"Where are you going?" she inquired. 

"I can't tell you definitely. "

"Hadn't you better wait till Mr. Reynolds gets back?"

"No; business is not very pressing in the office, and I can bespared. "

The housekeeper concluded that Grant was going to Colebrook, and didnot connect his journey with the lost boy. 

"Oh, well, I suppose you understand your own business best. Herbertwill miss you if he finds you away when his father brings him back. "

"Do you think he will?" asked Grant, eyeing the housekeeper sharply. 

"I'm sure I don't know. I suppose he expects to, or he would nothave traveled so far in search of him. "

"Shall you be glad to see him back, Mrs. Estabrook?"

"Of course! What makes you doubt it?" demanded the housekeeper, sharply. 

"I thought you didn't like Herbert. "

"I wasn't always petting him. It isn't in my way to pet boys. "

"Do you often hear from Willis Ford?"

"That is my business, " answered Mrs. Estabrook, sharply. "Why do youask?"

"I was wondering whether he knew that Herbert had been abducted. "

"That is more than we know. Very likely the boy ran away. "

Grant called on the cashier at his private residence, confided tohim his plan, and obtained a sum of money for traveling expenses. Heleft the Grand Central Depot by the evening train, and by morningwas well on his way to Chicago. 

Meanwhile, Willis Ford had left no stone unturned to obtain news ofthe runaways. This he did not find difficult, though attended withdelay. He struck the right trail, and then had only to inquire, ashe went along, whether two boys had been seen, one small anddelicate, the other large and well-grown, wandering through thecountry. Plenty had seen the two boys, and told him so. 

"Are they your sons, mister?" asked a laborer of whom he inquired. 

"Not both of them--only the smaller, " answered Ford, with unblushingfalsehood. 

"And what made them run away now?"

"My son probably did not like the boarding place I selected forhim. "

"Why didn't he write to you?"

"He didn't know where to direct. "

"Who is the other lad?"

"The son of the man I placed him with. I think he may have inducedSam to run away. "

Finally Ford reached Claremont, the town where the boys had actuallyfound refuge. Here he learned that two boys had been taken in by Dr. Stone, answering to the description he gave. One, the younger one, had been sick, but now was better. This information he obtained atthe hotel. 

Ford's eyes sparkled with exultation. He had succeeded in his quest, and once more Herbert was in his hands, or would be very soon. 

He inquired the way to Dr. Stone's. Everybody knew where the doctorlived, and he had no trouble in securing the information he sought. Indeed, before he reached the house, he caught sight of Abner, walking in the same direction with himself, but a few rods ahead. 

He quickened his pace, and laid his hand on the boy's shoulder. 

Abner turned, and an expression of dismay overspread his face. 

"Ha, my young friend! I see that you remember me, " said Ford, ironically. 

"Well, what do you want?" asked Abner, sullenly. 

"You know well enough. I want the boy you have persuaded to run awaywith you. "

"I didn't persuade him. "

"Never mind about quibbling. I know where the boy is, and I mean tohave him. "

"Do you want me, too?"

"No; I don't care where you go. "

"I reckon Herbert won't go with you. "

"And I reckon he will. That is Dr. Stone's, isn't it? Never mindanswering. I know well enough it is. "

"He'll have bub sure, " said Abner, disconsolately. "But I'll follow'em, and I'll get him away, as sure as my name's Abner Barton. "

CHAPTER XXXVIII

FORD TAKES A BOLD STEP, BUT FAILS

"I wish to see Miss Stone, " said Willis Ford, to the servant. 

"I'll tell her. What name shall I say?"

"Never mind about the name. I wish to see her on business ofimportance. "

"I don't like his looks, " thought the maid. "Shure he talks as if hewas the boss. "

She told Miss Stone, however, that a gentleman wished to see her, who would not tell his name. 

Miss Stone was in Herbert's chamber, and the boy--now nearly well, quite well, in fact, but for a feeling of languor and weakness--heardthe message. 

"What is he like?" he asked, anxiously. 

"He's slender like, with black hair and a black mustache, and hetalks like he was the master of the house. "

"I think it is Willis Ford, " said Herbert, turning pale. 

"The man who abducted you?" ejaculated Miss Stone. 

"Yes, the same man. Don't let him take me away, " implored Herbert. 

"I wish my brother were here, " said Miss Stone, anxiously. 

"Won't he be here soon?"

"I am afraid not. He has gone on a round of calls. Bridget, tell theyoung man I will be down directly. "

Five minutes later Miss Stone descended, and found Willis Fordfuming with impatience. 

"I am here, sir, " she said, coldly. "I understand you wish to seeme. "

"Yes, madam; will you answer me a few questions?"

"Possibly. Let me hear what they are. "

"You have a boy in this house, named Herbert Reynolds?"

"Yes. "

"A boy who ran away from Mr. Joel Barton, with whom I placed him?"

"What right had you to place him anywhere, Mr. Ford?" demanded thelady. 

"That's my business. Permit me to say that it is no affair ofyours. "

"I judge differently. The boy is sick and under my charge. "

"I am his natural guardian, madam. "

"Who made you so, Mr. Ford?"

"I shall not argue that question. It is enough that I claim him asmy cousin and ward. "

"Your cousin?"

"Certainly. That doubtless conflicts with what he has told you. Hewas always a liar. "

"His story is, that you beguiled him from his home in New York, andbrought him against his will to this part of the country. "

"And you believe him?" sneered Ford. 

"I do. "

"It matters little whether you do or not. He is my sister's child, and is under my charge. I thought fit to place him with Mr. JoelBarton, of Scipio, but the boy, who is flighty, was induced to runaway with Barton's son, a lazy, shiftless fellow. "

"Supposing this to be so, Mr. Ford, what is your object in calling?"

"To reclaim him. It does not suit me to leave him here. "

Ford's manner was so imperative that Miss Stone became alarmed. 

"The boy is not fit to travel, " she said. "Wait till my brothercomes, and he will decide, being a physician, whether it is safe tohave him go. "

"Madam, this subterfuge will not avail, " said Ford, rudely. "I willnot wait till your brother comes. I prefer to take the matter intomy own hands. "

He pressed forward to the door of the room, and before Miss Stonecould prevent it, was on his way upstairs. She followed as rapidlyas she could, but before she could reach him, Ford had dashed intothe room where Herbert lay on the bed. 

Herbert was stricken with terror when he saw the face of his enemy. 

"I see you know me, " said Ford, with an evil smile. "Get up at once, and prepare to go with me. "

"Leave me here, Mr. Ford. I can't go with you; Indeed, I can't, "said Herbert. 

"We'll see about that, " said Ford. "I give you five minutes to riseand put on your clothes. If you don't obey me, I will flog you. "

Looking into his cruel face, Herbert felt that he had no otherresource. Trembling, he slipped out of bed, and began to draw on hisclothes. He felt helpless, but help was nearer than he dreamed. 

"Mr. Ford, I protest against this high-handed proceeding, " exclaimedMiss Stone, indignantly, as she appeared at the door of the chamber. "What right have you to go over my house without permission?"

"If it comes to that, " sneered Ford, "what right have you to keep myward from me?"

"I am not his ward, " said Herbert, quickly. 

"The boy is a liar, " exclaimed Ford, harshly. 

"Get back into the bed, Herbert, " said Miss Stone. "This man shallnot take you away. "

"Perhaps you will tell me how you are going to help it, " retortedFord, with an evil smile. 

"If my brother were here---"

"But your brother is not here, and if he were, I would not allow himto interfere between me and my cousin. Herbert, unless you continuedressing, I shall handle you roughly. "

But sounds were heard upon the stairs, and Ford, as well as MissStone, turned their eyes to the door. 

The first to enter was Abner. 

"Oh, it's you, is it?" said Ford, contemptuously. 

He had thought it might be Dr. Stone, whom he was less inclined toface than he professed. 

"Yes, it is. What are you doing here?"

"It is none of your business, you cub. He's got to come with me. "

"Maybe you want me, too?"

"I wouldn't take you as a gift. "

"Ho, ho, " laughed Abner, "I reckon you'd find me a tough customer. You won't take bub, either. "

"Who is to prevent me?"

"I will!" said a new voice, and Grant Thornton, who had fallen inwith Abner outside, walked quietly into the room. 

Willis Ford started back in dismay. Grant was the last person heexpected to meet here. He had no idea that any one of the boy's homefriends had tracked him this far. He felt that he was defeated, buthe hated to acknowledge it. 

"How are you going to prevent me, you young whippersnapper?" hesaid, glaring menacingly at Grant. 

"Mr. Willis Ford, unless you leave this room and this town at once, "said Grant, firmly, "I will have you arrested. There is a localofficer below whom I brought with me, suspecting your object incoming here. "

"Oh, Grant, how glad I am to see you! Is papa with you?" exclaimedHerbert, overjoyed. 

"I will tell you about it soon, Herbert. "

"You won't let him take me away?"

"There is no danger of that, " said Grant, reassuringly. "I shalltake you home to New York as soon as this good lady says you arewell enough to go. "

Ford stood gnawing his nether lip. If it had been Mr. Reynolds, hewould not have minded so much; but for a mere boy, like GrantThornton, to talk with such a calm air of superiority angered him. 

"Boy, " he said, "it sounds well for you to talk of arrest--you whostole my aunt's bonds, and are indebted to her forbearance for notbeing at this moment in State's prison. "

"Your malicious charge does not affect me, Mr. Ford, " returnedGrant. "It was proved before you left New York that you were thethief, and even your stepmother must have admitted it. Mr. Reynoldsdischarged you from his employment, and this is the mean revenge youhave taken--the abduction of his only son. "

"I will do you an injury yet, you impudent boy, " said Ford, furiously. 

"I shall be on my guard, Mr. Ford, " answered Grant. "I believe youcapable of it. "

"Don't you think you had better leave us, sir?" said Miss Stone. 

"I shall take my own time about going, " he answered, impudently. 

But his words were heard by Dr. Stone, who had returned sooner thanhe anticipated, and was already at the door of the room. He was apowerful man, and of quick temper. His answer was to seize Ford bythe collar and fling him downstairs. 

"This will teach you to be more polite to a lady, " he said. "Now, what does all this mean, and who is this man?"

The explanation was given. 

"I wish I had been here before, " said the doctor. 

"You were in good time, " said Grant, smiling. "I see that Herberthas found powerful friends. "

Willis Ford, angry and humiliated, picked himself up, but did notventure to return to the room he had left so ignominiously. Likemost bullies, he was a coward, and he did not care to encounter thedoctor again. 

Within an hour, Grant telegraphed to the broker at his office: "Ihave found Herbert, and will start for New York with him to-morrow. "Mr. Reynolds had only just returned from his fruitless Southernexpedition, weary and dispirited. But he forgot all his fatigue whenhe read this message. "God bless Grant Thornton!" he ejaculated. 

CHAPTER XXXIX

THE HOUSEKEEPER'S RETRIBUTION

The train from Chicago had just reached the Grand Central Depot. From the parlor car descended two boys who are well known to us, Grant Thornton and Herbert Reynolds. 

Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction. 

"Oh, Grant, " he said, "how glad I am to see New York once more! Iwonder if papa knows we are to come by this train?"

The answer came speedily. 

The broker, who had just espied them, hurried forward, and his lostboy was lifted to his embrace. 

"Thank God, I have recovered you, my dear son, " he exclaimed, fervently. 

"You must thank Grant, too, papa, " said the little boy. "It was hewho found me and prevented Mr. Ford stealing me again. "

Mr. Reynolds grasped Grant's hand and pressed it warmly. 

"I shall know how to express my gratitude to Grant in due time, " hesaid. 

On their way home Grant revealed to Mr. Reynolds for the first timethe treachery of the housekeeper, who had suppressed Herbert'sletter to his father, and left the latter to mourn for his son whenshe might have relieved him of the burden of sorrow. 

As Mr. Reynolds listened, his face became stern. 

"That woman is a viper!" he said. "In my house she has enjoyed everycomfort and every consideration, and in return she has dealt me thisfoul blow. She will have cause to regret it. "

When they entered the house Mrs. Estabrook received them with falsesmiles. 

"So you are back again, Master Herbert, " she said. "A fine frightyou gave us!"

"You speak as if Herbert went away of his own accord, " said thebroker sternly. "You probably know better. "

"I know nothing, sir, about it. "

"Then I may inform you that it was your stepson, Willis Ford, whostole my boy--a noble revenge, truly, upon me for discharging him. "

"I don't believe it, " said the housekeeper. "I presume it is youroffice boy who makes this charge?" she added, pressing her thin lipstogether. 

"There are others who are cognizant of it, Mrs. Estabrook. Grantsucceeded in foiling Mr. Ford in his attempt to recover Herbert, whohad run away from his place of confinement, "

"You are prejudiced against my son, Mr. Reynolds, " said Mrs. Estabrook, her voice trembling with anger. 

"Not more than against you, Mrs. Estabrook. I have a serious chargeto bring against you. "

"What do you mean, sir?" asked the housekeeper, nervously. 

"Why did you suppress the letter which my boy wrote to me revealinghis place of imprisonment?"

"I don't know what you mean, sir, " she answered, half defiantly. 

"I think you do. "

"Did Master Herbert write such a letter?" "Yes. "

"Then it must have miscarried. "

"On the contrary, the postman expressly declares that he deliveredit at this house. I charge you with concealing or suppressing it. "

"The charge is false. You can't prove it, sir. "

"I shall not attempt to do so; but I am thoroughly convinced of it. After this act of treachery, I cannot permit you to spend anothernight in my house. You will please pack at once, and arrange for aremoval. "

"I am entitled to a month's notice, Mr. Reynolds. "

"You shall have a month's wages in lieu of it. I would as soon havea serpent in my house. "

Mrs. Estabrook turned pale. She had never expected it would cometo this. She thought no one would ever be able to trace thesuppressed letter to her. She was not likely again to obtain socomfortable and desirable a position. Instead of attributing her illfortune to her own malice and evil doing, she chose to attribute itto Grant. 

"I am to thank you for this, Grant Thornton, " she said, in suddenpassion. "I was right in hating you as soon as I first saw you. Ifever I am able I will pay you up for this. "

"I don't doubt it, Mrs. Estabrook, " said Grant, quietly, "but Idon't think you will have it in your power. "

She did not deign to answer, but hurried out of the room. In half anhour she had left the house. 

"Now I can breathe freely, " said the broker. "That woman was so fullof malice and spite that it made me uncomfortable to feel that shewas in the house. "

"I am so glad that she has gone, papa, " said Herbert. 

That evening, after Herbert had gone to bed, Mr. Reynolds invitedGrant into his library. 

"My boy, " he said, "I have settled accounts with Mrs. Estabrook; nowI want to settle with you. "

"Not in the same way, I hope, sir, " said Grant. 

"Yes, in the same way, according to your deserts. You have done me aservice, that which none can be greater. You have been instrumentalin restoring to me my only son. "

"I don't want any reward for that, sir. "

"Perhaps not; but I owe it to myself to see that this service isacknowledged. I shall raise your salary to fifteen dollars a week. "

"Thank you, sir, " said Grant, joyfully. "How glad my mother willbe. "

"When you tell her this, you may also tell her that I have depositedon your account in the Bowery Savings Bank the sum of five thousanddollars. "

"This is too much, Mr. Reynolds, " said Grant, quite overwhelmed. "Why, I shall feel like a man of fortune. "

"So you will be in time, if you continue as faithful to business asin the past. "

"It seems to me like a dream, " said Grant. 

"I will give you a week's leave of absence to visit your parents, and tell them of your good fortune. "

CHAPTER XL

CONCLUSION

There were anxious hearts in the parsonage at Colebrook. For someweeks the minister had shown signs of overwork. His appetite hadfailed, and he seemed weary and worn. 

"He needs change, " said the doctor. "A run over to Europe would dohim good. He has no disease; he only wants change. "

"A trip to Europe, " said Mr. Thornton, shaking his head. "It isimpossible. It has been the dream of my life, but a country ministercould not, in half a dozen years, save money enough for that. "

"If your brother Godfrey would lend you the money, Grant might, intime, help you to pay it. "

Godfrey never had forgiven Grant for running counter to his plans. 

"I wish I could spare the money myself, Mr. Thornton, " said thedoctor. "Five hundred dollars would be sufficient, and it would makea new man of you. "

"It might as well be five thousand, " said the minister, shakinghis head. "No, my good friend, I must toil on as well as I can, andleave European trips to more favored men. "

It was noised about through the parish that the minister was sick, and the doctor recommended a European trip. 

"It's ridikilus, " was Deacon Gridley's comment. "I work harder thanthe minister, and I never had to go to Europe. It's just becauseit's fashionable. "

"Mr. Thornton is looking pale and haggard, " said Mrs. Gridley. 

"What if he is? He ought to work outdoors like me. Then he'd knowwhat work was. Ac-cordin' to my notion, ministers have a pooty easytime. "

Mr. Tudor was of the same opinion. 

"It's all nonsense, deacon, " he said. "Father wanted me to be aminister, and I'd have had a good deal easier time if I had followedhis advice. "

"You wouldn't have had so much money, Mr. Tudor, " said Miss LucretiaSpring, who heard this remark. 

"Mebbe not; but what I've got I've worked for. "

"For my part, although I am not near as rich as you are, I'd givetwenty dollars toward sending the minister abroad, " said kindly MissSpring. 

"I wouldn't give a cent, " said Mr. Tudor, with emphasis. 

"Nor I, " said Deacon Gridley. "I don't believe in humorin' theclergy. "

Saturday came, and the minister was worse. It seemed doubtful if hewould be able to officiate the next day. No wonder he becamedispirited. 

Just before supper the stage drove up to the door, and Grant jumpedout. 

"I am afraid he has been discharged, " said Mr. Thornton, nervously. 

"He does not look like it, " said Mrs. Thornton, noticing Grant'sbeaming countenance. 

"What is the matter with father?" asked Grant, stopping short as heentered. 

"He is not feeling very well, Grant. He has got run down. "

"What does the doctor say?"

"He says your father ought to take a three-months trip to Europe. "

"Which, of course, is impossible, " said Mr. Thornton, smilingfaintly. 

"Not if your brother would open his heart, and lend you the money. "

"He would not do it. "

"And we won't ask him, " said Grant, quickly, "but you shall go, allthe same, father. "

"My son, it would cost five hundred dollars. "

"And for twice as much, mother, could go with you; you would needher to take care of you. Besides she needs a change, too. "

"It is a pleasant plan, Grant; but we must not think of it. "

"That's where I don't agree with you. You and mother shall go assoon as you like, and I will pay the expenses. "

"Is the boy crazy?" said the minister. 

"I'll answer that for myself, father. I have five thousand dollarsin the Bowery Savings Bank, in New York, and I don't think I canspend a part of it better than in giving you and mother a Europeantrip. "

Then the explanation came, and with some difficulty the minister wasmade to understand that the dream of his life was to be realized, and that he and his wife were really going to Europe. 

"Well, well! who'd have thought it?" ejaculated Deacon Gridley. "That boy of the minister's must be plaguey smart. I never thoughthe'd be so successful. All the same, it seems to me a mighty poorinvestment to spend a thousand dollars on racin' to Europe. Thatmoney would buy quite a sizable farm. "

Others, however, less narrow in their notions, heartily approved ofthe European trip. When three months later the minister came home, he looked like a new man. His eye was bright, his face bronzed andhealthy, his step elastic, and he looked half a dozen years younger. 

"This all comes of having a good son, " he said, smiling, in reply tocongratulations, "a son who, in helping himself, has been alive tohelp others. "

Half a dozen years have passed. Grant Thornton is now a young man, and junior partner of Mr. Reynolds. He has turned his money to goodaccount, and is counted rich for one of his age. He has renewed hisacquaintance with Miss Carrie Clifton, whom he met for the firsttime as a summer boarder in Colebrook, and from their intimacy itwouldn't be surprising if Grant should some day become the wealthyjeweler's son-in-law. 

Uncle Godfrey has become reconciled to Grant's following his owncourse. It is easy to become reconciled to success. 

Willis Ford is confined in a penitentiary in a Western State, havingbeen convicted of forgery, and there is small chance of hisamendment. He has stripped his stepmother of her last penny, and sheis compelled to live on the charity of a relative, who accords her agrudging welcome, and treats her with scant consideration. Thebitterest drop in her cup of humiliation is the prosperity of GrantThornton, toward whom she feels a fierce and vindictive hatred. Asshe has sown, so she reaps. Malice and uncharitableness seldom bringforth welcome fruit. 

THE END