i 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 00029633969 
 
 ,,^ w 6- «'/-*- ^^77 
 
 IJO,)^' ^ 
 
 'a41'-^ • 
 
 THOMAS HORNE 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 Or 
 
 Grant Thornton's Ambition 
 
 By HORATIO ALGER, Jr. 
 
 Author of *' Tom Temple's Career," " Tom Thatcher's 
 
 Fortune, ' ' * ' Tom Turner's Legacy, ' ' 
 
 Tony the Hero, " etc. , etc. 
 
 A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 
 NEW YORK 
 
Digitized by the Internet Arciiive 
 
 in 2011 with funding from 
 
 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/helpinghimselforOOalge 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 THE minister's SON 
 
 **I WISH we were not so terribly poor, Grant," 
 said Mrs. Thornton, in a discouraged tone. 
 
 "Is there anything new that makes you say so, 
 mother?" answered the boy 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 out the inclosure, a half sheet of 
 coarse letter paper, which contained the following 
 lines : 
 
 July 7, 1857. 
 "Rev. John Thornton : 
 
 "Dear Sir: Inclosed you will find a bill for 
 groceries and other goods furnished to you in the 
 last six months, amounting to sixty-seven dollars 
 
2 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 and thirty-four cents ($67.34). It ought to have 
 been paid before. How you, a minister of the Gos- 
 pel, can justify yourself 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 I suppose you recognize the Bible as an author- 
 ity, I expect you to pay up promptly, and oblige, 
 "Yours respectfully, 
 
 "Thomas Tudor." 
 
 Grant looked vexed and indignant. "I think 
 that Is an impudent letter, 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, vvithout taunting my poor father with his 
 inability to pay. He would pay if he could." 
 
 "Heaven knows he would, Grant," said his 
 mother, sighing. 
 
 "I would like to give Mr. Tudor a piece of my 
 mind." 
 
 "I would rather pay 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 
 to turn for money !" 
 
 "Have you shown the bill to father?^ asked 
 Grant. 
 
 "No; you know how unpractical your father is. 
 It would only annoy and make him anxious, and he 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 3 
 
 would not know what to do. Your poor father has 
 no business faculty." 
 
 "He Is a very learned man," said Grant, 
 proudly. 
 
 "Yes, he graduated very high at college, and is 
 widely respected by his fellow ministers, but he has 
 no aptitude for business." 
 
 "You hare, mother. If you had been a man, you 
 would have done better than he. Without your 
 good management we should have been a good 
 deal worse off than we are. It is the only thing that 
 has kept our heads above water." 
 
 "I am glad you think so. Grant. I have done 
 the best I could, but no management will pay bills 
 without money." 
 
 It was quite true that the minister's wife was a 
 woman of excellent practical sense, who had known 
 how to make his small salary go very far. In this 
 respect she differed widely from her learned hus- 
 band, who in matters of business was scarcely more 
 than a child. But, as she intimated with truth, 
 there was something better than management, and 
 that was ready cash. 
 
 "To support a family on six hundred dollars a 
 year is very hard. Grant, when there are three chil- 
 dren," resumed his mother. 
 
 "I can't understand why a man like father can't 
 command a better salary," said Grant. "There's 
 Rev. Mr. Stentor, in Waverley, gets fifteen hun- 
 
4 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 dred dollars salary, and I am sure he can't compare 
 with father In ability." 
 
 "True, Grant, but your father Is modest, and not 
 given to blowing his own trumpet, while Mr. Sten- 
 tor, from all I can hear, has a very high opinion of 
 himself." 
 
 "He has a loud voice, and thrashes round in his 
 pulpit, as if he were a — prophet," said Grant, not 
 quite knowing how to finish his sentence. 
 
 "Your father never was a man to push himself 
 forward. He Is very modest." 
 
 "I suppose that Is not the only bill that we owe," 
 said Grant. 
 
 "No; our unpaid bills must amount to at least 
 two hundred dollars more," answered his mother. 
 
 Grant whistled. 
 
 Two hundred and sixty-seven dollars seemed to 
 him an Immense sum, and so It was, to a poor min- 
 ister with a family of three children and a salary 
 of only six hundred dollars. Where to obtain so 
 large a sum neither Grant nor his mother could pos- 
 sibly imagine. Even If there were anyone to bor- 
 row it from, there seemed no chance to pay back so 
 considerable a sum. 
 
 Mother and sofi looked at each other in perplex- 
 ity. Finally, Grant broke 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 own living." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF S- 
 
 "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 before I could be anything but an 
 expense and a burden, and that would make me 
 unhappy." 
 
 "You are almost ready for college, Grant, are 
 you not?" 
 
 "Very nearly. I could get ready for the Septem- 
 ber examination. I have 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 much as nine hundred dollars a 
 year over and above all the help I could get from 
 the college funds, and perhaps from teaching 
 school this winter. Now, if he would allow me that 
 sum for a single year and let me go to work, I could 
 pay up all father's debts, and give him a new start. 
 It would save Uncle Godfrey nine hundred dol- 
 lars." 
 
 "He has set his heart on your going to college. 
 I don't think he would agree to help you at all If 
 you disappoint him." 
 
 "At any rate, I could try the experiment. Some- 
 thing has got to be done, mother." 
 
 "Yes, Grant, there is no doubt of that. Mr. 
 Tudor is evidently in earnest. If we don't pay him^ 
 
6 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 I think it very likely he will refuse to let us have 
 anything more on credit. And you know there is 
 no other 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. We can't get along without gro- 
 ceries. By the way, mother, doesn't the parish 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 the deacon'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 any- 
 thing. Go, then, Grant, but remember one thing." 
 
 "What is that, mother?" 
 
 "You have a quick temper, my son. Don't allow 
 yourself to speak hastily, 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." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 GRANT MAKES TWO BUSINESS CALLS 
 
 Deacon Gridley had a small farm, and farm- 
 ing was his chief occupation, but he had a few 
 thousand dollars laid away in stocks and bonds, 
 and, being a thrifty man, not to say mean, he man- 
 aged to save up nearly all the interest, which he 
 added to his original accumulation. He always 
 coveted financial trusts, and so it came about that 
 he was parish treasurer. It was often convenient 
 for him to keep in his hands, for a month at u time, 
 money thus collected which ought to have been paid 
 over at once to the minister, but the deacon was a 
 thoroughly selfish man, and cared little how pressed 
 for money Mr. Thornton might be, as long as he 
 himself derived some benefit from holding on to the 
 parish funds. 
 
 The deacon was mowing the front yard of his 
 house when Grant came up to his front gate. 
 
 "Good-raoming, Deacon Gridley," said the min- 
 ister's scm. 
 
8^ HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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 call six hundred dollars a pooty fair 
 income." 
 
 "It might be for a single man; but when a min- 
 ister has a wife and three 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 a year to live." 
 
 The deacon had the reputation of living very 
 penuriously, and Abram Fish, who once worked for 
 him and boarded in the family, said he was half 
 starved there. 
 
 "You get your milk and vegetables off the 
 farm," said Grant, who felt the comparison was 
 not a fair one. "That makes a great deal of differ- 
 ence." 
 
 "It makes some difference," the deacon ad- 
 mitted, "but not as much as the difference in our ex- 
 penses. I didn't spend more'n a hundred dollars 
 cash last year." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 9 
 
 This excessive frugality may have been the rea- 
 son why Mrs. Deacon Gridley was always so shab- 
 bily dressed. The poor woman had not had a new 
 bonnet for five years, as every lady in the parish 
 well knew. 
 
 "Ministers have some expenses that other people 
 don't," persisted Grant. 
 
 "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 ex- 
 changes." 
 
 "That's something," admitted the deacon. 
 "Maybe it amounts to twenty or 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 see if you hadn't collected 
 some money for father. Mr. Tudor has sent in 
 his 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, scanda- 
 lized. "You folks must be terrible extravagant." 
 
 Grant hardly knew whether to be more vexed or 
 amused. 
 
 "If wanting to have enough to eat Is extrava- 
 gant," he said, "then we are." 
 
10 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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. Have you 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 disapp'int you. Grant," he an- 
 swered, "but folks are slow 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 make collections.'* 
 
 "That would be very kind," said Grant, feeling 
 that he had done the deacon an injustice. 
 
 "Of course," the deacon resumed, hastily, "I 
 should have to charge interest. In fact, I was goin' 
 to lend out the money to a neighbor for a month at 
 one per cent. ; but I'd just as lieve let your fatlier 
 have it at that price." 
 
 "Isn't that more than legal interest?" asked 
 Grant. 
 
 "Well, you see, money Is worth good interest 
 nowadays. Ef your father don't want it, no mat- 
 ter. I can let the other man have It." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF ii 
 
 Grant rapidly calculated that the interest would 
 only amount to fifty cents, and money must be had. 
 
 "I think father'U agree to your terms," he said. 
 "I'll let you know this afternoon." 
 
 "All right, Grant. It don't make a mite of dif- 
 ference to me, but if your 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 went on his way, pleased with the 
 prospect of obtaining money for their impoverished 
 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 everything in the way of house supplies can 
 be obtained, from groceries to dry goods. 
 
 Mr. Tudor was a small man, with a parchment 
 skin and insignificant features. He was in the act of 
 weighing out a quantity of sugar for a 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've got bills to pay in the city." 
 
 "I've got a little money for you on account," said 
 Grant, watching Tudor's face anxiously. 
 
 "How much?" asked the storekeeper, his coun-- 
 tenance changing. 
 
12 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Eight dollars." 
 
 "Eight dollars !" ejaculated Tudor, indignantly. 
 "Only eight dollars out of sixty-seven! That's a 
 regular imposition, and I don't care ef your father 
 is a minister, I stick to my words." 
 
 Grant was angry, but he remembered his moth- 
 er's injunction to restrain 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 neighbor- 
 hood, and only get one dollar in ten of what's due 
 me?" spluttered Mr. Tudor. "Ministers ought 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 expect to pay the rest, I'd 
 like to know? I s'pose you expect me to go on 
 trustin', and mebbe six months from now you'll pay 
 me another eight dollars," said the storekeeper, 
 with withering sarcasm. 
 
 "I was going to tell you, if you hadn't inter- 
 rupted me," said Grant, "that we should probably 
 have some more money for you to-morrow." 
 
 "How much?" 
 
 "Twenty-five dollars," answered the boy, know- 
 ing that part of the money borrowed must go in 
 other quarters. "Will that be satisfactory?" 
 
 "That's more like!" said Tudor, calming down. 
 "Ef you'll pay that I'll give you a leetle more time 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 13 
 
 on the rest. Do you want anything this momin' ? 
 I've got some prime butter just come in." 
 
 "I'll call for some articles this afternoon, Mr. 
 Tudor. Here are the eight dollars. Please credit 
 us with that sum." 
 
 "Well, I've accomplished something," said 
 Grant to himself, as he plodded homeward. 
 
14 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 GRANT WALKS TO SOMERSET 
 
 Godfrey Thornton, Grant's uncle, lived in 
 the neighboring town of Somerset. He was an old 
 bachelor, three years older than his brother, the 
 minister, and followed the profession of a lawyer. 
 His business was not large, but his habits were fru- 
 gal, and he had managed to save up ten thousand 
 dollars. Grant had always been a favorite with 
 him, and having no son of his own he had formed 
 the plan of sending him to college. He was am- 
 bitious that he should be a professional man. 
 
 It might have been supposed that he would have 
 felt disposed to assist his brother, whose scanty sal- 
 ary he knew was inadequate to the needs of a fam- 
 ily. But Godfrey Thornton was an obstinate man, 
 and chose to give assistance in his own way, and no 
 other. It would be a very handsome thing, he 
 thought, to give his nephew a college education. 
 And so, indeed, it would. But he forgot one thing. 
 In families of limited means, when a boy reaches 
 the age of fifteen or sixteen he is very properly ex- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 15 
 
 pected to earn something toward the family Income, 
 and this Grant could not do while preparing for 
 college. If his uncle could have made up his mind 
 to give his brother a small sum annually to make up 
 for this, all would have been well. Not that this 
 Idea had suggested Itself to the Rev. John Thorn- 
 ton. He felt grateful for his brother's Intentions 
 toward Grant, and had bright hopes of his boy's 
 future. But, In truth, pecuniary troubles affected 
 him less than his wife. She was the manager, and 
 It was for her to contrive and be anxious. 
 
 After Grant had arranged the matters referred 
 to In the preceding chapter, he told his mother that 
 he proposed to go to Somerset to call on his uncle. 
 
 "No, Grant, I don't object, though I should be 
 sorry to have you lose the chance of an education." 
 
 "I have a very fair education already, mother. 
 Of course I should like to go to college, but I can't 
 bear to have you and father struggling with pov- 
 erty. If I become a business man, I may have a 
 better chance to help you. At any rate, I can help 
 you sooner. If I can only induce Uncle Godfrey to 
 give you the sum my education would cost him, I 
 shall feel perfectly easy." 
 
 "You can make the attempt, my son, but I have 
 doubts about your success." 
 
 Grant, however, was more hopeful. He didn't 
 see why his uncle should object, and it would cost 
 him no more money. It seemed to him very plain 
 
1 6 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 sailing, and he set out to walk to Somerset, full of 
 courage and hope. 
 
 It was a pretty direct road, and the distance — 
 five miles — was not formidable to a strong-limbed 
 boy like Grant. In an hour and a half he entered 
 the village, and soon reached the small one-story 
 building 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 old bachelor, not ill pleased. "Well, and 
 when are you going to be ready for college?" 
 
 "I can be ready to enter In September," replied 
 Grant. 
 
 "That Is good. All you will have to do will be 
 to present yourself for examination. I shall see you 
 through, as I have promised." 
 
 "You are very kind. Uncle Godfrey," said 
 Grant; and then he hesitated. 
 
 "It's Thornton family pride. Grant. I want my 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 17 
 
 nephew to be somebody. I want you to be a pro% 
 fesslonal man, and take a prominent place in the 
 world." 
 
 "Can't I be somebody without becoming a pro- 
 fessional 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 no- 
 tion 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 thought you might want to grow up a 
 dunce, and become a bricklayer or something of 
 that kind." 
 
 Somehow Grant's task began to seem more diffi- 
 cult than he had anticipated. 
 
 "But," continued Grant, summoning up his cour- 
 age, "I am afraid it will be rather selfish." 
 
 "I can't say I understand you, Grant. As long 
 as I am willing to pay your college bills, I don't see 
 why there is anything selfish in your 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, bold- 
 ly, "I ought to be at work earning money to keep 
 them. Father's Income Is very small, and " 
 
i8 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "You don't mean to say you want to give up 
 going to college?" said Godfrey Thornton, hastily. 
 
 "I think I ought to, uncle." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 "So that I can find work and help father along. 
 You see, I should be four years in college, and three 
 years studying a profession, and all that time my 
 brother and sister would be growing older and 
 more expensive, 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 sure it 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 dlioul- 
 ders, evidently. You are a foolish boy, Grant. 
 With a liberal education you can do something for 
 your family." 
 
 "But it is so long to wait," objected Grant. 
 
 "It will be a great disappointment to me to have 
 you give up going to 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 four 
 years — I may say for seven, however. You will be 
 throwing away a grand opportunity." 
 
 "Don't think I undervalue the advantage of a 
 college training, uncle," said Grant, eagerly. "It 
 isn't that. It's because I thought I might help 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 19 
 
 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 In college?" 
 
 "Well?" 
 
 "Would you be willing to give father two hun- 
 dred a year for the next four 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 un- 
 common assurance. You propose to defeat my 
 cherished plan, and want me to pay two hundred 
 dollars a year In acknowledgment of your consid- 
 eration." 
 
 "I am sorry you look upon It In that light, Uncle 
 Godfrey." 
 
 "I distinctly decline your proposal. If you re- 
 fuse to go to college, I wash my hands of you and 
 your family. Do you understand that?" 
 
 "Yes, Uncle Godfrey," answered Grant, crest- 
 fallen. 
 
 ^^Go home and think over the matter. My offer 
 ^ still holds good. You can present yourself at col- 
 lege In September, and, If you are admitted, notify 
 me." 
 
 The lawyer turned back to his writing, and 
 Grant understood that the interview was over. 
 
20 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 In sadness he started on his return walk from 
 Somerset. He had accomplished nothing except to 
 make his uncle angry. He could not make up his 
 mind what to do. 
 
 He had walked about four miles when his atten- 
 tion was sharply drawn by a cry of terror. Look- 
 ing up quickly, he saw a girl of fourteen flying 
 along the road pursued by a drunken man armed 
 with a big club. They were not more than thirty 
 feet apart, and the situation was critical. 
 
 Grant was no coward, and he Instantly resolved 
 to rescue the girl if it were a possible thing. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 21 
 
 CHAPTER ly 
 
 A TIMELY RESCUE 
 
 "I WILL save her if I can," said Grant to him- 
 self. 
 
 The task, however, was not an easy one. The 
 drunken man was tall and strongly made, and his 
 condition did not appear to interfere with his loco- 
 motion. He was evidently half crazed with drink, 
 and his pursuit of the young girl arose probably 
 from a blind impulse ; but it was likely to be none 
 the less serious for her. Grant saw at once that he 
 was far from being a match for the drunkard in 
 physical strength. It he had been timid, a regard 
 for his personal safety would have led him to keep 
 aloof. But he would have despised himself if he 
 had not done what he could for the girl — stranger 
 though she was — 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 the pursuer, 
 and thrust his stick between his legs, tripping him 
 
22 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 up. The man fell violently forward, and lay as if 
 stunned, breathing heavily. Grant was alarmed at 
 first, fearing that he might be seriously hurt, but a 
 glance assured him that his stupor was chiefly the 
 result of his potations. 
 
 Then he hurried to overtake the girl, who, seeing 
 what had taken place, 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 and I," 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 did not take much notice of him 
 at first, and was not aware of his condition till he 
 began to run after me. Then I was almost fright- 
 ened to death, and I don't think I ever ran so fast 
 in my life." 
 
 "You were in serious danger. He was fast over- 
 taking you." 
 
 "I saw that he was, and I believe I should have 
 dropped if you had not come up and saved me. 
 How brave you were I" 
 
 Grant colored with pleasure, though he disclaim- 
 ed the praise. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 23 
 
 "Oh, it was nothing!" he said, modestly. "But 
 we had better start at once, for he may revive." 
 
 "Oh, let us go then," exclaimed the girl in terror, 
 and, hardly knowing what she did, she seized 
 Grant's arm. "See, he is beginning to stir. Do 
 come quickly!" 
 
 Clinging to Grant's arm, the two hastened away, 
 leaving the inebriate 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, with a bright, 
 vivacious manner, and her young rescuer thought 
 her very attractive. 
 
 "Do you live round here?" she asked. 
 
 "I live in Colebrook, the village close by. I was 
 walking from Somerset." 
 
 "I should like to know the name of the one who 
 has done me so great a service." 
 
 "We will exchange names, if you like," said 
 Grant, smiling. "My name is Grant Thornton. I 
 am the son of Rev. John Thornton, who is minister 
 in Colebrook." 
 
 "So you are a minister's son. I have always 
 heard that minister's sons 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 compan- 
 ion. "My name is Carrie Clifton; my mother is a 
 
24 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 minister's daughter, so I have a right to think well 
 of ministers' families." 
 
 "How long have you been boarding in this neigh- 
 borhood, 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 ad- 
 venture as this. I hope you won't allow it to 
 frighten you away." 
 
 "Do you know that drunken man? Does he live 
 near by?" 
 
 "I think he is a stranger — a tramp. I never saw 
 him before, and I know 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 during the summer." 
 
 "I hope you are right. He might try to revenge 
 himself on you for tripping him up." 
 
 "I don't think he saw me to recognize me. He 
 was so drunk that he didn't know what he was 
 about. When he gets over his intoxication he prob- 
 ably won't remember anything that has happened." 
 
 By this time they had reached the gate of the 
 farmhouse where Carrie was 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 in and see mother." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 25 
 
 Grant hesitated, but he felt that he should like 
 to meet the mother of a young lady who seemed to 
 him so attractive, and he allowed himself to be led 
 into the yard. Mrs. Clifton was sitting in a rustic 
 chair under a tree behind the house. There Grant 
 and his companion found her. Carrie poured forth 
 her story impetuously, and then drawing Grant for- 
 ward, indicated him as her rescuer. 
 
 Her mother listened with natural alarm, shud- 
 dering at the peril from which her daughter had so 
 happily escaped. 
 
 "I cannot tell how grateful I am to you for the 
 service you have done 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 you did." 
 
 "You praise me more than I deserve, Mrs. Clif- 
 ton. I saw the man was drunk, and I did not really 
 run much risk In what I did. I am very thankful 
 that I was able to be of service to Miss Carrie." 
 
 "It is most fortunate that you were at hand. My 
 daughter might have been 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. Chfton, smiling, "for I am a minister's 
 daughter. Where does your father preach?" 
 
 "His church Is only a mile distant, In the vil- 
 lage." 
 
26 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I shall hear him, then, next Sunday. Last Sun- 
 day Carrie and I were both tired, and remained at 
 home, but I have always been accustomed to go to 
 church somewhere." 
 
 "Papa will be here next Sunday," said Carrie. 
 "He can only come Saturday 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 we shall be very glad to hare you 
 call," said Mrs. Clifton, graciously. 
 
 "Thank you; I should like to call very much," 
 answered Grant, who was quite sincere in what he 
 said. "But I don't often go to New York." 
 
 "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 was Mrs. 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't got acquainted with any 
 girls yet." 
 
\ 
 
 HELPING HIMSELF 27 
 
 Mrs. Clifton seconded the invitation, and Grant 
 promised that he would do so. In fact, he was 
 pleased at the opportunity it would give him of im- 
 proving his acquaintance with the young lady from 
 New York. He returned home very well pleased 
 with his trip to Somerset, though he had failed in 
 the object of his expedition. 
 
28 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 i 
 
 MRS. Thornton's pearls 
 
 The next Sunday Mrs. Clifton and her daugh- 
 ter appeared at church, and Grant had the pleasure 
 of greeting them. He was invited with his sister 
 to take supper with them on the next Monday 
 afternoon, and accepted the invitation. About sun- 
 set he met his new friends walking, with the addi- 
 tion of the husband and father, who, coming Satur- 
 day evening from New York, had felt too fatigued 
 to attend church. Mr. Clifton, to whom he was 
 introduced, was a portly man in middle life, who 
 received Grant quite graciously, and made for him- 
 self acknowledgment of the service which our hero 
 had rendered his daughter. 
 
 "If I ever have the opportunity of doing you a 
 favor. Master Thornton, you may call upon me 
 with confidence," he said. 
 
 Grant thanked him, and was better pleased than 
 if he had received an immediate gift. 
 
 Meanwhile Deacon Gridley kept his promise, 
 and advanced the minister fifty dollars, deducting 
 
HELPING HIiMSELF 29 
 
 a month's interest. Even with this deduction Mrs. 
 Thornton was very glad to obtain the money. Part 
 of It was paid on account to Mr. Tudor, and" 
 silenced his importunities for a time. As to his 
 own plans, there was nothing for Grant to do ex- 
 cept to continue his studies, as he might enter col- 
 lege after all. 
 
 If any employment should offer of a remunera- 
 tive character, he felt that it would be his duty to 
 accept it, in spite of his uncle's objections; but such 
 chances were not very likely to happen while he re- 
 mained in the country, for obvious reasons. 
 
 Three weeks passed, and again not only Mr. 
 Tudor, but another creditor, began to be trouble- 
 some. 
 
 "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 pay my bills regular, and I 
 can't afford to wait months for my pay." 
 
30 ' HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 Grant looked uncomfortable, but did not know 
 what to say. 
 
 "The short and the long of it is, that after this 
 week your father must either pay up his bill, or pay 
 cash for what articles he gets hereafter." 
 
 "Very well," said Grant, coldly. He was too 
 proud to remonstrate. Moreover, though he felt 
 angry, he was constrained to admit that the grocer 
 had some reason for his course. 
 
 "Something must be done," he said to himself, 
 but he was not wise enough to decide what that 
 something should be. 
 
 Though he regretted to pain his mother, he felt 
 obliged to report to her what the grocer had said. 
 
 "Don't be troubled, mother," he said, as he no- 
 ticed the shade of anxiety 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 help ourselves." 
 
 "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 she refer to? Did she mean that 
 they must move into a smaller house, and retrench 
 generally ? That was all that occurred to him. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 31 
 
 "We might, perhaps, move into a smaller houscy 
 mother," said he, "but we have none too much 
 room here, and the difference in rent wouldn't be 
 much." 
 
 "I didn't mean that, Grant. Listen, and I will 
 tell you what I do mean. You know that I was 
 named after a rich lady, the friend of my mother?" 
 
 "I have heard you say so." 
 
 "When she died, she left me by will a pearl neck- 
 lace and pearl bracelets, 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 a poor minister. My wearing them 
 would excite unfavorable comment in the 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. Thornton replied. 
 
 "How is it you have never shown the pearl orna- 
 ments tome, mother?" 
 
 "You were only five years old when they came to 
 me, and I laid them away at once, and have seldom 
 thought of them since. I have been thinking that, 
 as they are of no use to me, I should be justified in 
 selling them for what I can get, and appropriating 
 the proceeds toward paying your father's debts." 
 
 "How much do you think they are worth, 
 mother?** 
 
32 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "A lady to whom I showed them once said they 
 must have cost five hundred 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 and bracelets. They were very 
 handsome and Grant gazed at them with admira- 
 tion. 
 
 "I wonder what the ladies would say if you 
 should wear them to the sewing circle," he said, 
 humorously. 
 
 "They would think I was going over to the vani- 
 ties of this world," responded his mother, smiling. 
 "They can be of no possible use to me now, or here- 
 after, and I believe it will be the best thing I can do 
 to 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 de- 
 pend upon you to attend to 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 he knows very little. 
 You are only a boy, but you are a very sensible and 
 trustworthy boy, and I shall have to depend upon 
 you." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 33 
 
 "I will do the best I can, mother. Only tell me 
 what you want me to do." 
 
 "I wish you to take these pearls, and go to New 
 York. You can find a purchaser there, If anywhere, 
 I suppose it will be best to take them to some jew- 
 elry store, and drive the best bargain you can." 
 
 "When do you wish me to go, mother?" 
 
 "There can be no advantage in delay. If to- 
 morrow is pleasant, you may as well go then." 
 
 "Shall you tell father your plan?" 
 
 "No, Grant, it might make him feel bad to think 
 I was compelled to make a sacrifice, which, after 
 all, is very little of a sacrifice to me. Years since I 
 decided to trouble him as little as possible with mat- 
 ters of business. It could do no good, and, by mak- 
 ing him anxious, unfitted him for his professional 
 work." 
 
 Mrs. Thornton's course may not be considered 
 wise by some, but she knew her husband's peculiar 
 mental constitution, and her object at least was 
 praiseworthy, to screen him from undue anxiety, 
 though It involved an extra share for herself. 
 
 The next morning Grant took an early break- 
 fast, and walked briskly toward the depot to take 
 the first train for New York. 
 
 The fare would be a dollar and a quarter each 
 way, for the distance was fifty miles, and this both 
 he and his mother felt to be a large outlay. If, 
 
34 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 however, he succeeded in his errand it would be 
 wisely spent, and this was their hope. 
 
 At the depot Grant found Tom Calder, a youth 
 of eighteen, who had the reputation of being wild, 
 and had been suspected of dishonesty. He had 
 been employed in the city, so that Grant was not 
 surprised to meet 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 last person 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 and mother are willing." 
 
 "Let's take a seat together — that's what I'm 
 going for myself." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 35: 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 GRANT GETS INTO UNEXPECTED TROUBLE 
 
 Tom "Calder was not the companion Grant 
 would have chosen, but there seemed no good ex- 
 cuse for declining his company. He belonged to a 
 rather disreputable family living in the borders of 
 the village. If this had been all, It would not have 
 been fair to object to him, but Tom himself bore 
 not a very high reputation. He had been suspected 
 more than once of stealing from his school com- 
 panions, and when employed for a time by Mr. 
 Tudor, in the village store, the latter began to miss 
 money from the till; but Tom was so sly that he 
 had been unable to bring the theft home to him. 
 However, he thought it best to dispense with his 
 services. 
 
 "What kind of a situation are you goln' to try 
 for?" asked Tom, when they were fairly on their 
 way. 
 
 "I don't know. They say that beggars mustn't 
 be choosers." 
 
36 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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, emphati- 
 cally. 
 
 "Do they pay high wages?" 
 
 "Not extra, but a feller can get points, and make 
 something out of the market." 
 
 "What's that?" asked Grant, puzzled. 
 
 "Oh, I forgot. You ain't used to the city," re- 
 sponded Tom, emphatically. "I mean, you find out 
 when a stock is going up, and you buy for a rise." 
 
 "But doesn't that take considerable money?" 
 asked Grant, wondering how 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, more than 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 under- 
 stand such talk," he said, with some asperity. 
 
 "That's where It Is — you can't," said Tom. "It's 
 all like A, B, C to me, and I forgot that you didn't 
 know anything about Wall Street. A bucket shop 
 is where you can buy stock in small lots, putting 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 37 
 
 down a dollar 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 there isn't much." 
 
 This was Tom Calder's view of the matter. As 
 a matter of fact, the great majority of those who 
 visit the bucket shops lose all they put in, and are 
 likely sooner or later to get into difficulty; so that 
 many employers will at once discharge a clerk or 
 boy known to speculate in this way. 
 
 "If I had any money I'd buy some stock to-day; 
 that is, as soon as I get 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 know plenty of fellows in the city, and 
 I guess I can raise a tenner or so." 
 
 "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 pocket furthest away from Tom^ 
 
38 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 for his opinion of his companion's honesty was not 
 the highest. 
 
 When half an hour had passed, Tom yacated his 
 seat. 
 
 "I'm going into the smoking car," he said, "to 
 have a smoke. Won't you 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'll try it." 
 
 "Much obliged, but I am better off without it." 
 
 "You'll soon get over that little-boy feeling. 
 Why, boys in the city of 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 his company, and besides he foresaw 
 that it would be rather embarrassing If Tom should 
 take a fancy to remain with him in the city. He 
 didn't care to have anyone, certainly not Tom, 
 learn on what errand he had come to the city. 
 
 Two minutes had scarcely elapsed after Tom 
 vacated his seat, when a pleasant-looking gentle- 
 man of middle age, who had been sitting just be- 
 hind 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." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 39 
 
 "I overheard your conversation with the young 
 man who has just left you. I suspect you are not 
 very much alike." 
 
 "I hope not, sir. Perhaps Tom would say the 
 same, for he thinks me green." 
 
 "There is such a thing as knowing too much — 
 that isn't desirable to know. So you don't smoke ?" 
 
 "No, sir." 
 
 "I wish more boys of your age could say as 
 much. Do I understand that 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 parents to 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 you have been carefully trained. Some 
 of our most successful business men have been min- 
 isters' sons," 
 
 "Are you in business in New York, sir?" asked 
 Grant, thinking he had a right by this time to ask a 
 question. 
 
 "Yes; here is my card." 
 
 Taking the card. Grant learned that his compan- 
 ion was Mr. Henry Reynolds and was a broker, 
 with an office in New Street. 
 
40 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I see you are a broker, sir," said Grant. "Tom 
 Calder wants to get a 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 bucket shops." 
 
 At this point Tom re-entered the c^r, having fin- 
 ished his cigarette. Observing that his place had 
 been taken, he sat down at a little distance. 
 
 "When you get ready to take a place," said the 
 broker, "call at my office, and though I won't prom- 
 ise to give you a place, I shall feel well disposed to 
 if I can make room for you." 
 
 "Thank you, sir," said Grant, gratefully. "I 
 hope if I ever do enter your employment, I shall 
 merit your confidence." 
 
 "I have good hopes of it. By the way, you may 
 as well give me your name." 
 
 "I am Grant Thornton, of Colebrook," said our 
 hero. 
 
 ^ Mr. Reynolds entered the name in a little pocket 
 diary, and left the seat, which Tom Calder Immedi- 
 ately 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. Key- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 41 
 
 nolds was a broker, as he knew that Tom would 
 press for an introduction in that case. 
 
 When they reached New York, Tom showed a 
 disposition to remain with Grant, but the latter 
 said: "We'd better separate, and we can meet 
 again 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 to dispose of his pearls ? He 
 walked along undecided, till he came to a large jew- 
 elry store. It struck him that this would be a good 
 place for his purpose, and he entered. 
 
 "What can I do for you, young man?" asked a 
 man of thirty behind the counter. 
 
 "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 jaem." 
 
 Grant took out the necklace and bracelets, and 
 passed them over. No sooner had he done so than 
 a showily dressed lady advanced to the place where 
 he was standing, and held out her hand for the 
 ornaments, exclaiming : "I forbid you to buy those 
 articles, sir. They are mine. The boy stole them 
 from me, and I have followed him here, suspecting 
 that he intended to dispose of them." 
 
 "That is false," exclaimed Grant, indignantly^ 
 "I never saw that woman before in my life." 
 
42 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "So you are a liar as well as a thief I" said the 
 woman. "You will please give me those pearls, 
 sir." 
 
 The clerk looked at the two contestants in inde- 
 cision. He was disposed to believe the lady's state- 
 ment. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 43 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 MRSo SIMPSON COMES TO GRIEF 
 
 "Surely I have a right to my own property," 
 said the showily dressed lady In a tone of authority, 
 which quite Imposed upon the weak-minded sales- 
 man. 
 
 "I dare say you are right, ma'am," said he, hesl- 
 tatingly. 
 
 "Of course I am," said she. 
 
 "If you give her those pearls, which belong to 
 my mother, I will have you arrested," said Grant, 
 plucking up spirit. 
 
 "Hoity-toity!" said the lady, contemptuously. 
 "I hope you won't pay any regard to what that 
 young thief says." 
 
 The clerk looked undecided. He beckoned an 
 older salesman, and laid the 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. 
 
44 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I do," she answered, promptly. 
 
 "How did you come by them?" 
 
 "They were a wedding present from my hus- 
 band." 
 
 "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 an impression on the first 
 clerk. 
 
 "I think the pearls belong to the lady," he whis- 
 pered. 
 
 "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 a poor 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 man- 
 aged to find his way to the second floor, and opened 
 the bureau drawer where I kept the pearls." 
 
 "What have you to say to this?" asked the elder 
 salesman. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 45 
 
 "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. Simp- 
 son?" 
 
 "Of course I can. His name is John Cavanaugh, 
 and the very suit he has on I gave him." 
 
 Grant was thunderstruck at the lady's brazen 
 front. She was outwardly a fine lady, but he began 
 to suspect that she was an impostor. 
 
 "I am getting tired of this," said the so-called 
 Mrs. Simpson, impatiently. "Will you, or will you 
 not, restore my pearls?" 
 
 "When we are satisfied that they belong to you, 
 madam," said the elder salesman, coolly. "I don't 
 feel like taking the responsibility, but will send for 
 my employer, and leave the matter to him to de- 
 cide." 
 
 "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 kept from her," said Mrs. Simpson, 
 while the elder clerk was at the other end of the 
 store, giving some instructions to a boy. 
 
 "I don't in the least doubt your claim to the arti- 
 cles, Mrs. Simpson," said the first salesman, obse- 
 quiously. "Come, boy, you'd better own up that 
 
46 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 you have stolen the articles, and the lady will prob- 
 ably let you off this time." 
 
 "Yes, I will let him off this time," chimed in the 
 lady. "I don't want to send him to prison." 
 
 "If you can prove that I am a thief, I am willing 
 to go," said Grant, 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 amaze- 
 ment. 
 
 "I wouldn't have believed the boy would lie so !" 
 she said. 
 
 "What is your name?" 
 
 "My name is Grant Thornton. I live In Cole- 
 brook, and my father is Rev. John Thornton." 
 
 "I know there is such a minister there. To whom 
 do these pearls belong?" 
 
 "To my mother." 
 
 "A likely story that a country minister's wife 
 should own such valuable pearls," said Mrs. Simp- 
 son, 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 a good friend of hers. She has 
 jiever had occasion to wear them." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 47 
 
 Mrs. Simpson smiled significantly. 
 
 "The boy has learned his story," she said. "I 
 did not give you credit 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 the policeman he 
 felt nervous, but when he glanced at the gentleman 
 his face 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 he related the circumstances 
 already known to the reader. 
 
 When Mrs. Simpson found that the boy whom 
 she had selected as an easy victim was known to the 
 proprietor of the place, she became nervous, and 
 only thought of escape. 
 
 "It Is possible that I am mistaken," she said. 
 "Let me look at the pearls again." 
 
 They were held up for her Inspection, 
 
 "They are very like mine," she said, after a brief 
 glance; "but I see 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 
 
48 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 Mr. Clifton knows him, I must be mistaken. I am 
 sorry to have given you so much trouble. I have 
 an engagement to meet, and must go." 
 
 "Stop, madam!" said Mr. Clifton, sternly, in- 
 terposing an obstacle to her 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 that they were not yours. Officer, 
 have you ever seen this woman before?" 
 
 "Yes, sir, I know her well." 
 
 "Hov/ dare you insult me?" demanded Mrs, 
 Simpson ; but there was a tremor 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 may as 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 think them worth." 
 
 The jeweler examined them attentively. After 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 49 
 
 his examination was concluded, he said: "I am 
 willing to give four hundred dollars for them. Of 
 course they cost more, but I shall have to reset 
 them." 
 
 "That Is more than I expected," said Grant, joy- 
 fully. "It will pay all 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 like you carrying so much with 
 you." 
 
 "What would you advise, Mr. Clifton?" 
 
 "That you take perhaps a hundred dollars, and 
 let me bring the balance next Saturday night, when 
 I come to pass Sunday at Colebrook." 
 
 "Thank you, sir; If It won't be too much trouble 
 for you." 
 
so HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 GRANT TAKES A DECISIVE STEP 
 
 Grant came home a messenger of good tidings, 
 as his beaming face plainly showed. His mother 
 could hardly believe in her good fortune, when 
 Grant informed her that he had sold the pearls for 
 four hundred dollars, 
 
 "Why, that will pay up all your father's debts," 
 she said, "and we shall once more feel indepen- 
 dent." 
 
 "And with a good reserve fund besides," sug- 
 gested Grant. 
 
 On Saturday evening he called on Mr. Clifton, 
 and received the balance of the purchase money. 
 On Monday, with a little list of creditors, 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, to the grocer. 
 
 "You mustn't feel hard on me on account of my 
 pressing you. Grant," said the grocer, well pleased, 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 51 
 
 in a conciliatory tone. "You see, I needed 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 unfriendly conduct on 
 the part of Mr. Tudor. 
 
 "No, I didn't. Of course I knew he was honest, 
 but all the same I needed the money. I wish all 
 my customers was as honest as your folks." 
 
 With this Grant thought it best to be contented. 
 The time might come again when they would re- 
 quire the forbearance of the grocer; but he did not 
 mean that It should be so if he could help it. For 
 he was more than ever resolved to give up the pro- 
 ject of going to college. The one hundred and fifty 
 dollars which remained after paying the debts 
 would tide them over a year, but his college course 
 would occupy four ; and then there would be three 
 years more of study to fit him for entering a profes- 
 sion, and so there would be plenty of time for the 
 old difficulties to return. If the parish would In- 
 crease his father's salary by even a hundred dollars, 
 they might get along; but there was such a self- 
 complacent feeling in the village that Mr. Thorn- 
 ton was liberally paid, that he well knew there was 
 no chance of that. 
 
 Upon this subject he had more than one earnest 
 conversation with his mother. 
 
 "I should be sorry to have you leave home," she 
 
52 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 said; "but I acknowledge the force of your rea- 
 
 sons. 
 
 u 
 
 I shouldn't be happy at college, mother," re- 
 sponded Grant, "if I thought 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 I go 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 consult- 
 ing my own happiness as well as yours." 
 
 "Yet you would like to go to college?" 
 
 "If we had plenty of money, not otherwise. I 
 don't want to enjoy advantages 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 to him for his good intentions toward 
 me, and I have no right to expect that he will feel 
 as I do about the matter. If he is angry, I shall be 
 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 most interested. But suppose you 
 make up your mind to enter upon a business career, 
 what chance have you of obtaining a place?" 
 
HELPING HIMSELF S3 
 
 "I shall call upon Mr. Reynolds, and see if he 
 has any place for me." 
 
 "Who is Mr. Reynolds?" asked his mother, in 
 some surprise. 
 
 "I forgot that I didn't tell you of the gentleman 
 whose acquaintance I made on my way up to the 
 city. He is a Wall Street broker. His attention 
 was dr^wn to me by something that he heard, and 
 he offered to help me, if he could, to get employ- 
 ment." 
 
 "It would cost something to go to New York, 
 and after all there is no 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. Of course his expenses were to be paid. 
 He resolved to take this opportunity to call at the 
 office of Mr. Reynolds. 
 
 I do not propose to speak of Mrs. Simpson's 
 trial. I will merely say that she was found guilty 
 of the charge upon which she had been indicted, 
 and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. 
 
 When Grant was released from his duties as wit- 
 ness, he made his way to Wall Street, or rather 
 New Street, which branches out from the great 
 
54 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 financial thoroughfare, and had no difficulty in find- 
 ing the office of Mr. Reynolds. 
 
 "Can I see Mr. Reynolds?" he asked of a young 
 man, who was writing at a desk. 
 
 "Have you come to deliver stock? If so, I will 
 take charge of it." 
 
 "No," answered Grant; "I wish to see him per- 
 sonally." 
 
 "He is at the Stock Exchange just at present. If 
 you will take a seat, he will be back in twenty min- 
 utes, probably." 
 
 Grant sat down, and in less than the time men- 
 tioned, Mr. Reynolds entered the office. The 
 broker, who had a good memory for faces, at once 
 recognized our hero. 
 
 "Ha, my young friend from the country," he 
 said; "would you like to see me?" 
 
 "When you are at leisure, sir," answered Grant, 
 well pleased at the prompt recognition. 
 
 "You will not have to wait long. Amuse your- 
 self as well as you can for a few minutes." 
 
 Promptness was the rule in Mr. Reynolds' office. 
 Another characteristic of the broker was, that he 
 was just as polite to a boy as to his best customer. 
 This is, I am quite aware, an unusual trait, and, 
 therefore, the more to be appreciated when we 
 meet with it. 
 
 Presently Mr. Reynolds appeared at the door of 
 his inner office, and beckoned to Grant to enter. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF SS 
 
 "Take a seat, my young friend," he said; "and 
 now let me know what I can do for you." 
 
 "When I met you in the cars," said Grant, "you 
 invited me, if I ever wanted»a position, to call upon 
 you, and you would see if you could help 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 
 mv father will agree to whatever she decides to be 
 best." 
 
 "So far so good. I wouldn't engage any boy 
 who came against his parents' wishes. Now let me 
 tell you that you have come at a very favorable 
 time. I have had in my employ for two years the 
 son of an old friend, who has suited me in every 
 respect ; but now he is to go abroad with his father 
 for a year, and I must supply his place. You shall 
 have the place if you want it." 
 
 "Nothing would suit me better," said Grant, joy- 
 fully. "Do you think I would be competent to ful- 
 fill the duties?" 
 
 "Harry Becker does not leave me for two vv^eeks. 
 He will initiate you into your duties, and if you are 
 as quick as I think you are at learning, that will be 
 sufficient." 
 
 "When shall I come, sir?" 
 
S6 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Next Monday morning. It Is now Thursday, 
 and that will give you time to remove to the city." 
 
 "Perhaps I had better come Saturday, so as to 
 get settled in a boarding-house before going to 
 work. Could you recommend some moderate 
 priced boarding-house, Mr. Reynolds?" 
 
 "For the first week you may come to my house as 
 my guest. That will give you a chance to look 
 about you. I live at 5 8 West 3-th Street. You had 
 better take it down on paper. You can come any 
 time on Monday. That will give you a chance to 
 spend Sunday at home, and you need not go to 
 work till Tuesday." 
 
 Grant expressed his gratitude in suitable terms, 
 and left the office elated at his good fortune. A 
 surprise awaited him. At the junction of Wall and 
 New Streets he came suddenly upon a large-sized 
 bootblack, whose face looked familiar. 
 
 "Tom Calderl" he exclaimed. "Is that you?" 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 57 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 UNCLE GODFREY PARTS FROM GRANT 
 
 When Tom Calder turned round and saw who 
 had addressed him, he turned red with mortifica- 
 tion, and he tried to hide his blacking box. He was 
 terribly mortified to have it known that he had been 
 forced into such a business. If Tom had nothing 
 worse to be ashamed of he need not have blushed, 
 but he was suffering from false shame. 
 
 "When did you come to the city?" he stam- 
 mered. 
 
 "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 honest business." 
 
 "It's an awful come down for me," said Tom, 
 uncomfortably. "The fact is, 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, and things are awful dull anyway. 
 Then I was robbed of my money." 
 
58 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "How much?" asked Grant, curiously, for he 
 didn't beHeve a word of it. 
 
 "Eight dollars and thirty-three cents," replied 
 Tom, glibly. 
 
 "I thought you were too smart to be robbed," 
 said Grant, slyly. "If it had been a green boy 
 from the country like me, now, it wouldn't have 
 been surprising." 
 
 "I was asleep when I was robbed," explained 
 Tom, hurriedly. "A fellow got into my room in 
 the night, and picked my pocket. I couldn'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 some- 
 thing else to do." 
 
 "It's a great deal better blacking boots than be- 
 ing idle, in my opinion," said Grant. 
 
 "That's the way I look at it. But you didn't tell 
 me what you came to the city for ?" 
 
 "I'm coming here for good," announced 
 Grant. 
 
 "You haven't got a place, have you?" ejaculated 
 Tom, In surprise. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 59 
 
 "Yes, I am to enter the office of Mr, Reynolds, 
 a stock broker. There is his sign." 
 
 "You don't say so ! 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 we came to New York together." 
 
 "And you asked him for the place?" 
 
 "I asked him this morning." 
 
 "You might have given me the chance," grum- 
 bled Tom, enviously. "You knew 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 Tom Calder, 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 bucket shops. 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 back from the smoking car?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Just my luck," said Tom, ruefully. 
 
 "When are you goln' to work?" asked Tom, 
 after a pause. 
 
6o HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Next Monday." 
 
 "Where are you going to board? We might 
 take a room together, you know. It would be kind 
 of social, as we both come from the same place." 
 
 It did not occur to Grant that the arrangement 
 would suit him at all, but he did not think it neces- 
 sary to say so. He only said : "I am 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 folks won't let you take the place?" 
 he asked, suddenly, brightening up. 
 
 "They won't oppose it." 
 
 "I thought they wanted you to go to college." 
 
 "I can't afford it. It would take too long before 
 I could earn anything, and I ought to be helping 
 the family." 
 
 "I'm goin' to look out for number one," said 
 Tom, shrugging his shoulders. "That's all I can 
 do." 
 
 Tom's mother was a hard-working woman, and 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 6i 
 
 had taken in washing for years. But for her the 
 family would often have lacked for food. His 
 father was a lazy, intemperate man, who had no 
 pride of manhood, and cared only for himself. In 
 this respect Tom was like him, though the son 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 done so with a clear conscience. 
 This omission, however, Tom did not notice. 
 
 "Well, Tom, I must be going. Good-by, and 
 good luck." 
 
 Grant went home with a cheerful face, and an- 
 nounced his good luck to his mother. 
 
 "I am glad you are going to your employer's 
 house," she said. "I wish you could remain there 
 permanently." 
 
 "So do I, mother; but I hope at any rate to get a 
 comfortable boarding place. Tom Calder wants to 
 room with me." 
 
 "I hope you won't think of it," said Mrs. Thorn- 
 ton, alarmed. 
 
 "Not for a moment. I wish Tom well, but I 
 shouldn't like to be too intimate with him. And 
 now, mother, I think I ought to write to L^ncle 
 Godfrey, and tell him what I have decided upon." 
 
62 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "That will be proper, Grant." 
 Grant wrote the following letter, and mailed It 
 at once: 
 
 "Dear Uncle Godfrey: I am afraid you 
 won't like w^hat I have to tell you, but I think It Is 
 my duty to the family to give up the college course 
 you so kindly offered me, In view of father's small 
 salary and narrow means. I have been offered a 
 place In the office of a stock broker In New York, 
 and have accepted It. I enter upon my duties next 
 Monday morning. I hope to come near paying my 
 own way, and before very long to help father. I 
 know you will be disappointed. Uncle Godfrey, and 
 I hope you won't think I don't appreciate your kind 
 offer, but I think It would be selfish In me to accept 
 It. Please to 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 and ungratefully. It is 
 not often that such an offer as mine is made to a 
 boy. I did think you were sensible enough to un- 
 derstand the advantages of a professional educa- 
 tion. I hoped you would do credit to the name of 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 63 
 
 Thornton, and keep up the family reputation as a 
 man of learning and a gentleman. But you have a 
 foolish fancy for going into a broker's office, and I 
 suppose you must be gratified. But you needn't 
 think I will renew my offer. I wash my hands of 
 you from this time forth, and leave you to your 
 own foolish course. The tim.e will come when you 
 will see your folly. 
 
 "Godfrey Thornton." 
 
 Grant sighed as he finished reading this missive. 
 He felt that his uncle had done him injustice. It 
 was no foolish fancy, but a conscientious sense of 
 duty, which had led him to sacrifice his educational 
 prospects. 
 
 On Monday morning he took the earliest train 
 for New York. 
 
64 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 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 small stock of clothing. 
 The broker was just leaving the office for the Stock 
 Exchange as Grant entered. 
 
 "So you are punctual," he said, smiling. 
 
 "Yes, sir, I am always on time." 
 
 "That is an excellent habit. Here, Harry." 
 
 In answer to this summons, Harry Becker, a boy 
 two years older and correspondingly larger than 
 Grant, came forward. He was a pleasant-looking 
 boy, and surveyed Grant with a friendly glance. 
 
 "Harry," said Mr. Reynolds, "this Is your suc- 
 cessor. Do me the favor of initiating him into his 
 duties, so that when you leave me he will be quali- 
 fied to take your place." 
 
 "All right, sir." 
 
 The broker hurried over to the Exchange, and 
 the two boys were left together. 
 
 "What is your name?" asked the city boy. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 6s\ 
 
 "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, scrutinizing him 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 fill your 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, a little anxiously. 
 
 "He is very kind and considerate. Still he is 
 stanch, and expects a boy to serve him faithfully." 
 
 "He has a right to expect that." 
 
 "As I am to break you In, you had better go 
 about with me everywhere. First, we will go to the 
 post-oflice." 
 
66 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 The two boys walked to Nassau Street, where 
 the New York post-office was then located. Harry 
 pointed out the box belonging to the firm, and pro- 
 ducing a key opened it, and took out half a dozen 
 letters. 
 
 "There may be some stock orders in these let- 
 ters," he said; "we will go back to the office, give 
 them to Mr. Clark to open, and then you can go 
 with me to the Stock Exchange." 
 
 Ten minutes later they entered the large room 
 used by the brokers as an Exchange. Grant looked 
 about him in undisguised astonishment. It seemed 
 like a pandemonium. The room was full of men, 
 shouting, gesticulating and acting like crazy men. 
 The floor was littered with fragments of paper, 
 and on a raised dais were the officers of the Ex- 
 change, the chief among them, the chairman, call- 
 ing rapidly the names of a long list of stocks. Each 
 name was followed by a confused shouting, which 
 Grant learned afterward to be bids for the stock 
 named. There were several groups of brokers, 
 each apparently interested in some leading security. 
 In each of the galleries, one at each end, overlook- 
 ing the stock room, curious spectators were watch- 
 ing what was going on. 
 
 Harry Becker was amused at Grant's look of 
 surprise and bewilderment. 
 
 "You'll get used to it In time," he said. "Stay — 
 there is Mr. Reynolds. I must speak to him." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 67 
 
 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 dol- 
 lars," 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, but you'll understand better as 
 you go on. Now we'll go back and see if there's 
 anything to do in the ofiice." 
 
 Not long afterward Harry had to come back to 
 the Exchange again, and Grant came with him. 
 He found something new to surprise him. 
 
 -A tall man of dignified presence was walking 
 across the floor, when a fellow member with a sly 
 stroke sent his tall hat spinning across the floor. 
 When the victim turned the mischief-maker was 
 Intent upon his memorandum book, and the tall 
 
68 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 man's suspicions fell upon a short, stout young man 
 beside him. With a vigorous sweep he knocked the 
 young man's hat off, saying, "It's a poor rule that 
 don't work both ways." 
 
 This led to a little scrimmage, in which a dozen 
 were involved. The brokers, staid, middle-aged 
 men, most of them, seemed like a pack of school 
 boys at recess. Grant surveyed the scene with un- 
 disguised astonishment. 
 
 "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 in business hours," explained 
 Harry. "It's one of the customs of the place." 
 
 Just then, to his astonishment. Grant saw his em- 
 ployer, Mr. Reynolds, pursuing his hat, which was 
 rolling over the floor. He was about to run to his 
 assistance, but Harry stopped him. 
 
 "No interference is allowed," he said. "Leave 
 them to their fun. I used to think it strange my- 
 self, when I first came into the Exchange, but I'm 
 used to it now. Now we may as well go back to the 
 office." 
 
 There is no occasion to follow the boys through 
 the day's routine. Grant found his companion very 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 6^ 
 
 obliging, and very ready to give him the informa- 
 tion he needed. Many boys would have been super- 
 cilious and perhaps been disposed to play tricks on 
 a country boy, but Harry was not one of them. He 
 took a friendly interest in Grant, answered all his 
 questions, and did his best to qualify him for the 
 position he was to assume. 
 
 Before the office closed. Grant and his new 
 friend went to the bank to make a deposit of money 
 and checks. The deposit amounted to about twenty 
 thousand dollars. 
 
 "There must be plenty of money in New York," 
 said Grant. "Why, up in Colebrook, if a man 
 were worth twenty thousand dollars he would be 
 considered 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 in proportion 
 to his capital than in the mercantile business." 
 
 On their way back from the bank. Grant came 
 face to face v/ith Tom Calder. Tom was busily 
 engaged in talking to a companion, some years 
 older than himself, and didn't observe Grant. 
 Grant was by no means prepossessed 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." 
 
70 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "He Is in bad company. I hope he Is not an inti- 
 mate friend of yours?" 
 
 "Far from it. Still, I know him, and am sorry 
 to see him with such a companion." 
 
 At four o'clock Mr. Reynolds proposed to go 
 home. He beckoned to Grant to accompany him. 
 
HELPING HIMSELE 3,i 
 
 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 of helping 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 not strong in body, though very 
 bright and quick, mentally. I wish he were more 
 fond of play and would spend less time in reading 
 and study." 
 
 "I don't think that is a common complaint 
 among boys, sir." 
 
72 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "No, I judge not from my own remembrance 
 and observation. My wife is dead, and I am such a 
 busy man that I am not able to give my boy as 
 much attention as I wish I could. My boy's health 
 is the more important to me because I have no other 
 child," 
 
 Grant's interest was excited, and he looked for- 
 ward to meeting his employer's son, not without 
 eagerness. He had not long to wait. 
 
 The little fellow was in the street in front of the 
 house when his father reached home. He was a 
 slender, old-fashioned boy in appearance, who 
 looked as if he had been in the habit of keeping 
 company with grown people. His frame was small, 
 but his head was large. He was pale, and would 
 have been plain, but for a pair of large, 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 have brought you some company, 
 Herbert. This is Grant Thornton, the boy I spoke 
 to you about." 
 
 "I am glad to make your acquaintance," said the 
 boy, with old-fashioned courtesy, offering his hand. 
 
 "And I am glad to meet you, Herbert," re- 
 sponded Grant, pleasantly. 
 
 The little boy looked up earnestly In the face of 
 his father's office boy. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 73 
 
 "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 to occupy?" 
 
 "It is next to mine, isn't It, papa?" 
 
 "Yes, my son." 
 
 "Come with me," said Herbert, putting his hand 
 in Grant's. "I will show you the way." 
 
 Grant, who was only accustomed to the plain 
 homes in his native village, was impressed by the 
 evidence of wealth and luxury observable in the 
 house of the stock broker. The room assigned to 
 him was small, but it was very handsomely fur- 
 nished, and he almost felt out of place in it. But 
 it was not many days, to anticipate matters 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, containing perhaps a hundred volumes, 
 the majority of a juvenile character, but some 
 suited to more mature tastes. 
 
 "Do you like reading?" asked Grant. 
 
 "I have read all the books you see here," an- 
 swered Herbert, "and some of papa's besides. 1 
 like to read better than to play." 
 
74 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "But you ought to spend some of your time In 
 play, or you will not grow up healthy." 
 
 "That is what papa says. I try to play some, 
 but I don't care much about It." 
 
 Grant was no longer surprised at the little boy's 
 delicacy. It was clear that he needed more amuse- 
 ment and more exercise. "Perhaps," he thought, 
 "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 a better appetite." 
 
 "I should like to," replied Herbert; "that Is, 
 with you. I don't like 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 an animated conversation, consist- 
 ing, for the most part, of questions proposed by 
 Grant, and answers given by Herbert. 
 
 Not far from the park they came to a vacant lot 
 where some boys were playing ball. 
 
 "Now, If we only had a ball, Herbert," said 
 Grant, "we might have a little amusement." 
 
 "I've got a ball in my pocket, but I don't use It 
 much." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 75 
 
 "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 fifty feet away. Now, throw it to me, 
 no matter how swiftly." 
 
 They were soon engaged in throwing the ball to 
 each other. Grant was a good ball player, and he 
 soon interested the little boy in the sport. Our hero 
 was pleased to see Herbert's quiet, listless manner 
 exchanged for the animation which seemed better 
 suited to a boy. 
 
 "You are improving, Herbert," he said, after a 
 while. "You would make a good player in time." 
 
 "I never liked it before," said the little boy. "I 
 never knew there was so much fun in playing ball." 
 
 "We shall have to try it every day. I suppose it 
 is about time to go home to supper." 
 
 "And we haven't been to Central Park, after 
 all." 
 
 "That will do for another day. Are boys allow- 
 ed to play ball in the park?" 
 
 "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 
 
76 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 unusually bright and animated face of his son, 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 want to become stout and strong 
 like Grant, that is the best thing for you 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 the household, acting as housekeeper, 
 "Herbert will be the better for having a boy In the 
 house." 
 
 "I don't know about that," said Mrs. Estabrook, 
 stiffly. "When he came into the house he had mud 
 on his clothes. Lie never did that till this boy 
 came." 
 
 "I won't complain of that, if his health Is Im- 
 proved." 
 
 Mrs. Estabrook, who was a poor relation of 
 Herbert's mother, pursed up her mouth, but did 
 not reply. In her eyes. It was more Important that 
 ?i boy should keep his clothes whole and clean than 
 to have color In his cheeks, and health In his frame. 
 
 "I hope that boy won't stay here long," she 
 thought, referring, of course, to Grant. "He'll 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 77 
 
 quite spoil Herbert by making him rough and care- 
 less of his appearance." 
 
 "Well, Herbert, and how do you like Grant?" 
 asked Mr. Reynolds, as his son was bidding him 
 good-night before going to bed. 
 
 "I am so glad you brought him here, papa. I 
 shall have good times now. You'll let him stay all 
 the time, won't you ?" 
 
 "I'll see about it, Herbert," answered his father, 
 smiling. 
 
 THOMftS HiP.Me 
 
78 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 MRS. ESTABROOK's PLANS 
 
 Grant was going home with Mr. Reynolds at 
 the close of the fourth day, when it occurred to him 
 to say what had been in his mind for some t'lm&i 
 "Isn't it time, Mr. Reynolds, for me to be looking 
 out for a boarding place ?" 
 
 The broker smiled, and said with assumed con- 
 cern: "Are you dissatisfied with your present 
 boarding place?" 
 
 "How could I be, sir?" returned Grant, earnest- 
 ly. "But you told me I could stay with you a week> 
 while I was looking about for a suitable place to 
 board." 
 
 "That is true. Now, however, there is a diffi- 
 culty about your making a change." 
 
 "What is that, sir?" 
 
 "Herbert would not give his consent. The fact 
 is. Grant, Herbert finds so much pleasure in your 
 society, and derives so much advantage from the 
 increased exercise you lead him to take, that I think 
 you will have to make up your mind to stay." 
 
 Grant's face showed the pleasure he felt. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 79 
 
 "I shall be very glad to stay, Mr. Reynolds," he 
 answered, "if you are willing to have me." 
 
 "I had this in view from the first," said the 
 broker, "but I wanted to see how you and Herbert 
 got along. I wished to be sure, also, that your in- 
 fluence on him would be good. Of that I can have 
 no doubt, and I am glad to receive you as a member 
 of my family." 
 
 There was one member of the household, how- 
 ever, who was not so well pleased with the pro- 
 posed arrangement. This was Mrs. Estabrook, 
 the housekeeper. 
 
 As the week drew to a close, she said, one even- 
 ing after the boys had 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 arrange- 
 ments," answered the housekeeper, 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 de- 
 sirable to keep him." 
 
 "Herbert soils his clothes a deal more now than 
 he used to do," said the housekeeper, discontent- 
 edly. "I am sure I don't know where the other boy 
 carries him." 
 
8o HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Nor I, but I am not afraid to trust him with 
 Grant. As to the clothes, I consider them of very 
 small account, compared with my boy's health." 
 
 Mrs. Estabrook knitted in silence for five min- 
 utes. She was by no means pleased with her em- 
 ployer's plan, having taken a dislike to Grant, for 
 which. Indeed, her chief reason was jealousy. She 
 had a stepson, a young man of twenty-one. In Mr. 
 Reynolds' office, whom she would like to have In 
 the house in place of Grant. But Mr. Reynolds 
 had never taken notice of her occasional hints to 
 that effect. The housekeeper's plans were far- 
 reaching. She knew that Herbert was delicate, and 
 doubted If he would live to grow up. In that case, 
 supposing her stepson had managed to ingratiate 
 himself with the broker, why might he not hope to 
 become his heir? Now this Interloper, as she called 
 Grant, had stepped Into the place which her own 
 favorite — his name was Willis Ford — should have 
 had. Mrs. Estabrook felt aggrieved, and unjustly 
 treated, and naturally incensed at Grant, who was 
 the unconscious cause of her disappointment. She 
 returned to the charge, though, had she been wiser, 
 she would have foreborne. 
 
 "Do you think a poor boy like this Grant Thorn- 
 ton Is a suitable companion for a rich man's son, 
 Mr. Reynolds ? Excuse me for suggesting it, but I 
 am so Interested In dear Herbert." 
 
 "Grant Thornton Is the son of a country minis- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 8i 
 
 ter, and has had an excellent training," said the 
 broker, coldly. "The fact that he is poor is no 
 objection in my eyes. I think, Mrs. Estabrook, we 
 will dismiss I'le subject. I think myself competent 
 to choose my son's associates." 
 
 "I hope you will excuse me," said the house- 
 keeper, seeing that she had gone too far. "I am so 
 attached to the dear child." 
 
 "If you are, you will not object to the extra trou- 
 ble you may have with his clothes, since his health 
 is benefited." 
 
 "That artful young beggar has wound his way 
 into his employer's confidence," thought Mrs. Esta- 
 brook, resentfully, "but it may not be always so." 
 
 A few minutes later, when the housekeeper was 
 in her own sitting-room, she was told that Willis 
 Ford wanted to see her. 
 
 Mrs. Estabrook's thin face lighted up with pleas- 
 ure, for she was devotedly attached to her stepson. 
 
 "Bring him up here at oncC;" she said. 
 
 A minute later the young man entered the room. 
 He was a thin, sallow-complexioned young man, 
 with restless, black eyes, and a discontented expres- 
 sion — as of one who thinks he is not well used by 
 the world. 
 
 "Welcome, my dear boy," said the housekeeper, 
 warmly. "I am so glad to see you." 
 
 Willis submitted reluctantly to his stepmother's 
 
,82 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 caress, and threw himself into a rocking chair oppo- 
 site 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 last January you were raised three 
 dollars." 
 
 "And I expected to be raised three dollars more 
 on the first of July." 
 
 "Did you apply to Mr. Reynolds?" 
 
 "Yes, and he told me I must wait till next Janu- 
 ary." 
 
 "I think he might have raised you, if only on ac- 
 count of the connection between our families.", 
 
 "Perhaps he would if you would ask him, 
 mother." 
 
 "I will when there is a good opportunity. Still, 
 Willis, I think fifteen dollars a week very com- 
 fortable." 
 
 "You don't know a young man's expenses, 
 mother." 
 
 "How much do you pay for board, Willis?" 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 83 
 
 *'Six dollars a week. I have a room with a 
 friend, or I should have to pay eight." 
 
 "That leaves you nine dollars a week for all 
 other expenses. I think you might save something 
 out of that." 
 
 'T can't. I have clothes to buy, and sometimes I 
 want to go to the theatre, and — in fact, nine dollars 
 don't go as far as you think. Of course, a woman 
 doesn't need to spend much. It's different with a 
 young man." 
 
 "Your income would be a good deal increased If 
 you had no board to pay." 
 
 "Of course. You don't know any generous 
 minded person who will board me 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 here permanently, 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 where I please." 
 
 "But you forget. It would give you a chance to 
 
.84 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 get him Interested in you, 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. It Isn't for me." 
 
 "It may be for the office boy. He's an artful 
 boy, and that's what he's working for, in my opin- 
 ion." 
 
 "I didn't think the little beggar was so evil- 
 headed. He seems quiet enough." 
 
 "Still waters run deep. You'd better keep an 
 eye on him, and I'll do the same." 
 
 "I will." 
 
 The next day Grant was puzzled to understand 
 why Willis Ford spoke so sharply to him, and re- 
 garded him with such evident unfriendliness. 
 
 "What have I done to offend you?" he thought. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 85 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 TWO VIEWS OF TOM CALDER 
 
 Thus far nothing had been said about the com- 
 pensation Grant was to receive for his work in the 
 broker's office. He did not Hke to ask, especially 
 as he knew that at the end of the first week the 
 matter would be settled. When he found that he 
 was to remain for the present at the house of his 
 employer he concluded that his cash pay would be 
 very small, perhaps a dollar a week. However, 
 that would be doing quite as well as if he paid his 
 own board elsewhere, while he enjoyed a much 
 more agreeable and luxurious home. He would be 
 unable to assist his father for a year or two; but 
 that was only what he had 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 satis- 
 factory?" 
 
86 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Very much so, Mr. Reynolds; but there will be 
 a deduction for board." 
 
 Mr. Reynolds smiled. 
 
 "That Is a different matter," he said. "That 
 comes to you as Llerbert's companion. It Is worth 
 that to me to have my boy's happiness Increased." 
 
 Grant was overjoyed at the bright prospect 
 opened before him, and he said, with glowing face : 
 "You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds. Now I shall 
 be able to help my father." 
 
 "That Is very creditable to you, my boy. Willis, 
 you may pay Grant six dollars." 
 
 Willis Ford did so, but he looked very glum. 
 He estimated that, Including his board. Grant 
 would be In receipt of twelve dollars a week, or its 
 equivalent, and this was only three dollars less than 
 he himself received, who had been in the office five 
 years and was a connection of the broker. 
 
 "It's a shame," he thought, "that this green, 
 country boy should be paid nearly as much as I — 
 I must call and tell mother." 
 
 Grant was a very happy boy that evening. He 
 resolved to lay aside three dollars a week to send to 
 his mother, to save up a dollar a week and deposit 
 it in some savings bank, and make the other two 
 dollars answer for his clothing and miscellaneous 
 expenses. 
 
 On the next Monday afternoon Grant walked 
 home alone, Mr. Reynolds having some business 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 87 
 
 which delayed him. He thought he would walk 
 up Broadway, as there was much In that crowded 
 thoroughfare to amuse and Interest him. 
 
 Just at the corner of Canal Street he came across 
 Tom Calder. Tom was standing In a listless atti- 
 tude with his hands In his pockets, with apparently 
 no business cares weighing upon his mind. 
 
 "Hello, Grant!" he said, with sudden recogni- 
 tion. 
 
 "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 it till next week," continued Tom, 
 watching Grant's face to see If he believed it. 
 
 Grant did not believe it, but did not think it nec- 
 essary 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 room with me. It would come 
 cheaper." 
 
 "I shall stay where I am for the present," said 
 Grant. 
 
88 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 He did not care to mention, unless he were 
 asked, that he was making his home at the house of 
 Mr. Reynolds, as it might either lead to a call from 
 Tom, whom he did not particularly care to intro- 
 duce to his new friends, or mjght 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 1 like. 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't a quarter to spare, 
 have you?" Grant produced the desired sum and 
 handed it to his companion. He didn't fancy Tom, 
 but he was willing to help him in a small way. 
 
 "Thanks," said Tom. "That'll buy my supper. 
 I'll give it back to you in a day or two." 
 
 Grant did not think there was much likelihood 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 89 
 
 of that, but felt that he could afford to lose this 
 small sum. 
 
 Four days later he met Tom In Wall Street. But 
 what a change ! He was attired In a new suit, wore 
 a fancy necktie, while a chain, that looked like 
 gold, dangled from his watch pocket. Grant stared 
 at him In amazement. 
 
 "How are you. Grant?" said Tom, patroniz- 
 ingly. 
 
 "Very well, thank you." 
 
 "I hope you are a-doln' well." 
 
 "Very well. You seem to be prosperous." 
 
 "Yes," answered Tom, languidly, evidently en- 
 joying his surprise. "I told you I expected to get 
 Into something good. By the way, I owe you a 
 quarter — there It Is. Much obliged for the accom- 
 modation." 
 
 Grant pocketed the coin, which he had never ex- 
 pected to receive, and continued to regard Tom 
 with puzzled surprise. He could not understand 
 what business Tom could have found that had so 
 altered his circumstances. He ventured to Inquire. 
 
 "I wouldn't mind tellln' you," answered Tom, 
 "but, you see. It's kind of confidential. I'm a con- 
 fidential agent; that's It." 
 
 "It seems to be a pretty good business," re- 
 marked Grant. 
 
 "Yes, It is; I don't work for nothin', I can tell 
 you that." 
 
90 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I'm glad of your good luck, Tom," said Grant, 
 and he spoke sincerely. "I hope you'll keep your 
 agency." 
 
 "Oh, I guess I will! A feller like me is pretty 
 sure of a good livin', anyway. Hello, Jim!" 
 
 This last was addressed to a flashily dressed indi- 
 vidual — the same one, 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 the office 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. Thorn- 
 ton," said Jim Morrison, jauntily, offering his 
 hand. 
 
 "Thank you," said Grant, in a reserved tone; 
 for he was not especially attracted by the look of 
 Tom's friend. He shook hands, however. 
 
 "Come 'round and see us some evenin', Grant," 
 said Tom. "We'll take you 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's lunch time." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 91 
 
 Tom pulled out a watch, which, If not gold, was 
 of the same color as gold, and the two sauntered 
 away. 
 
 "What in the world can Tom have found to 
 do?" Grant wondered. 
 
92 HELPING HIMSELE 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 WILLIS ford's new FRIENDS 
 
 When Harry Becker left the office at the end of 
 two weeks, Grant was fully able to take his place, 
 having, with Harry's friendly assistance, complete- 
 ly mastered the usual routine of a broker's office. 
 He had also learned the names and offices of prom- 
 inent operators, and was, in all respects, qualified 
 to be of service to his employer. 
 
 Mr. Reynolds always treated him with friendly 
 consideration, and appeared to have perfect confi- 
 dence in him. For some reason which he could not 
 understand, however, Willis Ford was far from 
 cordial, often addressing him in a fault-finding 
 tone, which at first disturbed Grant. When he 
 found that it arose from Ford's dislike, he ceased 
 to trouble himself about it, though it annoyed him. 
 He had discovered Ford's relationship to Mrs. 
 Estabrook, who treated him In the same cool man- 
 ner. 
 
 "As It appears I can't please them," Grant said 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 93 
 
 to himself, "I won't make any special effort to do 
 so." He contented himself with doing his work 
 faithfully, and so satisfying his own conscience. 
 
 One evening some weeks later. Grant was re- 
 turning from a concert, to which the broker had 
 given him a ticket, when, to his great surprise, he 
 met Willis Ford walking with Tom Calder and 
 Jim Morrison. The three were apparently on inti- 
 mate terms. 
 
 "Good-evenin', Grant," said Tom. 
 
 "Good-evening, Tom." 
 
 Grant looked at Willis Ford, but the latter's lip 
 curled and he did not speak. Grant, however, 
 bowed and passed on. He was surprised at the 
 Intimacy which had grown up between Ford and 
 those two, knowing Ford's spirit of exclusiveness. 
 He would have been less surprised had he known 
 that Morrison had first ingratiated himself with 
 Ford by offering to lend him money, and afterward 
 had lured him into a gambling house, where Ford, 
 not knowing that he was a dupe, had been Induced 
 to play, and was now a loser to the extent of sev- 
 eral hundred dollars, for which Morrison held his 
 notes. 
 
 "I don't know when I can pay you," said 
 Ford, gloomily, when he came to realize his situa- 
 tion. 
 
 "Oh, something will turn up 1" said Jim Morri- 
 son, lightly. "I shan't trouble you." 
 
94 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 Two weeks later, however, he lay in wait for 
 Ford when he left Wall Street. 
 
 "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 you for it." 
 
 "That's all the good it will do," said Willis, ir- 
 ritably. "I haven't a 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 Morrison had no intention of allowing 
 the matter to end so. He laid his hand on Ford's 
 shoulder and said, firmly: "Mr. Ford, this won't 
 do. Yours is 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 pay you. And now, good-afternoon." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 95 
 
 He made another attempt to walk away, but 
 again there v/as a hand placed upon his shoulder. 
 
 "Understand, Mr. Ford, that I am In earnest," 
 said Morrison. "I can't undertake to tell you how 
 you are to find the money, but It must be found." 
 
 "Suppose It Isn't?" said Ford, with a look of 
 defiance. 
 
 "Then I shall seek an Interview with your re- 
 spected em.ployer, tell him of the debt, and how it 
 was Incurred, and — I think he would look for an- 
 other clerk." 
 
 "You wouldn't do that!" said Ford, his face be- 
 traying 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 may suggest a way." 
 
 The two parted, and Willis Ford was left to 
 many uncomfortable reflections. He knew of no 
 way to raise the money; yet. If he did not do it, he 
 was menaced with exposure and ruin. Would his 
 stepmother come to his assistance? He knew that 
 Mrs. Estabrook had a thousand dollars in govern- 
 ment bonds. If he could only induce her to give 
 him the custody of them on any pretext, he could 
 meet the demand upon him, and he would never 
 again incur a debt of honor. He cursed his folly 
 
96 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 for ever yielding to the temptation. Once let him 
 get out of this scrape, and he would never get into 
 another like it. 
 
 The next evening he made a call upon Mrs. 
 Estabrook, and made himself unusually agreeable. 
 The cold-hearted woman, whose heart warmed to 
 him alone, smiled upon him with affection. 
 
 "I am glad to see you in such good spirits, Wil- 
 lis," she said. 
 
 "If she only knew how I really felt," thought 
 her stepsoH. But it was for his interest to wear a 
 mask. 
 
 "The fact is, mother," he said, "I feel very 
 cheerful. I've made a little turn in stocks, and 
 realized three hundred dollars." 
 
 "Have you, indeed, Willis? I congratulate you, 
 my son. No doubt you will find the money useful." 
 
 "No doubt of that. If I had the capital, I could 
 make a good deal more." 
 
 "But there would be the danger of losing," sug- 
 gested Mrs. Estabrook. 
 
 "That danger is very small, mother. I am in a 
 situation to know all about the course of stocks. I 
 v/ouldn't advise another to speculate, unless he has 
 some friend in the Stock Exchange; but for me it is 
 perfectly safe." 
 
 "Pray be careful, Willis." 
 
 "Oh, yes. I am sure to be. By the way, mother, 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 97 
 
 haven't you got some money 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 of a month," 
 
 Mrs. Estabrook had a large share of acquisi- 
 tiveness, but she had also a large measure of cau- 
 tion, which she had inherited from her Scotch 
 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 dependence I have 
 for my old age, and I can't run the risk of los- 
 ing it." 
 
 "But two thousand dollars will be better than 
 one, mother. Just let me tell you what happened 
 to a customer of ours : He had above five hundred 
 dollars in the savings bank, drawing four per cent, 
 interest — only twenty dollars a year. He had a 
 friend in the Stock Exchange who took charge of 
 it, bought stocks judiciously on a margin, then re- 
 invested, and now, after three months, how much 
 do you think it amounts to?" 
 
 "How much?" asked the housekeeper, with in- 
 terest. 
 
 "Six thousand five hundred dollars — just thir- 
 teen times as much!" answered Willis, glibly. 
 
98 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 This story, by the way, was all a fabrication, in- 
 tended to Influence his stepmother. Mrs. Esta- 
 brook never doubted Ford's statement, but her In- 
 stinctive caution saved her from falling Into the 
 trap. 
 
 "It looks tempting, Willis," she said, "but I 
 don't dare to take the risk." 
 
 Ford was deeply disappointed, but did not be- 
 tray It. 
 
 "It Is for you to decide," said he, carelessly, then 
 drifted to other subjects. 
 
 Ten minutes later he pressed his hand upon his 
 breast, while his features worked convulsively. 
 "I — believe I am sick," he said. 
 
 "What can I do for you, my dear son?" asked 
 the housekeeper, In alarm. 
 
 "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 upper drawer — he had a key 
 in his pocket which fitted the lock — and, thrusting 
 In his hand, drew out a long envelope containing 
 one five-hundred-dollar government bond and five 
 bonds of one hundred dollars each, which he thrust 
 Into his side pocket. Then, closing the drawer, he 
 unlocked the door of the room, and when his step- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 99 
 
 mother returned he threw himself back In his chair, 
 groaning. He took the glass of brandy the house- 
 keeper brought him, and, after a few minutes, pro- 
 fessing himself much better, left the house. 
 
 "Saved!" he exclaimed, triumphantly. "Now I 
 shall be all right again." 
 
100 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 AN ARTFUL TRAP 
 
 Willis Ford was anxious to get away. He 
 feared that Mrs. Estabrook might go to the bu- 
 reau and discover the loss before he got out of the 
 house, which would make it awkward for him. 
 Once out in the street, he breathed more freely. 
 He had enough with him to pay his only debt, and 
 give him four hundred dollars extra. It might be 
 supposed he would feel some compunction at rob- 
 bing his stepmother of her all. Whatever her 
 faults, she was devoted to him. But Willis Ford 
 had a hard, selfish nature, and the only thought 
 that troubled him was the fear that he might be 
 found out. Indeed, the housekeeper's suspicions 
 would be likely ♦'o fall upon him unless they could 
 be turned in some other direction. Who should it 
 be? There came to him an evil suggestion which 
 made his face brighten with relief and malicious 
 joy. The new boy. Grant Thornton, was a mem- 
 ber of the household. He probably had the run of 
 the house. What more probable than that he 
 should enter Mrs. Estabrook's chamber and search 
 
HELPING HIMSELF loi 
 
 her bureau? This was the way Willis reasoned. 
 He knew that his stepmother hated Grant, and 
 would be very willing to believe anything against 
 him. He would take care that suspicion should fall 
 in 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 way down Broadway, Willis Ford 
 dropped into the Grand Central Hotel, and walked 
 through the reading room in the rear. Here sat 
 Jim Mrorison and Tom Calder, waiting for him 
 by appointment. 
 
 Ford took a chair beside them. 
 
 "Good-morning," he said, cheerfully. 
 
 "Have you brought the money?" asked Morri- 
 son, anxiously. 
 
 "Hush! don't speak so loud," said Ford, cau- 
 tiously. "We don't want everybody to know our 
 business." 
 
 "All right," said Morrison, In a lower voice; 
 "but have you brought it?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "You're a trump!" said Morrison, his face ex- 
 pressing 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, "I don't want it." 
 
102 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "It Isn't a note. It's what will bring the money." 
 
 "What is it, then?" 
 
 "It's government bonds for six hundred dollars." 
 
 "1 don't know anything about bonds," said Mor- 
 rison. "Besides, the amount is more than six hun- 
 dred dollars." 
 
 "These bonds are worth a hundred and twelve, 
 amounting in all to six hundred and seventy-two 
 dollars. That's forty more than I owe you. I 
 won't make any account of that, however, as you 
 will have to dispose of them." 
 
 "I may get Into trouble," said Morrison, sus- 
 piciously. "Where did they come from?" 
 
 "That does not concern you," said Ford, haught-, 
 ily. "Don't I give them to you ?" 
 
 "But where did you get them?" 
 
 "That Is my business. If you don't want them, 
 say the word, and I'll take 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 you can pay the exact sum 
 and save the forty dollars." 
 
 "I don't choose to do so," said Ford. "It seems 
 to me you are treating me In a very strange man- 
 ner. I offer you more than I owe you, and you 
 make no end of objections to receiving It." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 103 
 
 "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 business except you." 
 
 "Yes, you do," said Ford, a bright idea occur- 
 ring to him. 
 
 "Who?" 
 
 "You know the boy in our office." 
 
 "Grant Thornfon?" said Tom. 
 
 "Yes, Grant Thornton. Manage to see him, 
 and zsL him to dispose of the bonds for you. He 
 will bring them to our office, and I will dispose 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 to- 
 day." 
 
 "Good ! Hand over the bonds." 
 
 Willis Ford had already separated the bonds 
 into two parcels, six hundred in one and four hun- 
 dred in the other. The first of these he passed over 
 to Jim Morrison. 
 
 "Put it into your pocket at once," he said. "We 
 don't want anyone to see them. There is a tele- 
 graph boy looking at us." 
 
 "I'm going to see if it is all there," muttered 
 Morrison ; and he drew from the envelope the two 
 
 ■••.■*■ 
 
104 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 bonds, and ascertained, by a personal inspection, 
 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 the confidence man. 
 
 "I wonder what they're up to," said the little 
 telegraph boy to himself. "I know one of them 
 fellers is a gambler. Wonder who that feller with 
 him is? Them must be gov'ment bonds." 
 
 Johnny Cavanagh was an observing boy, and 
 mentally photographed upon his memory the faces 
 of the entire group, though he never expected to 
 see any of them again. 
 
 When Grant was hurrying through Wall Street 
 about noon he came upon Tom 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 a good fellow, and I'll give you 
 a dollar for your trouble." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 105 
 
 "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 to- 
 morrow morning at nine o'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 hur- 
 ried 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 to be 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 your order, 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. 
 
io6 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 GRANT FALLS UNDER SUSPICION 
 
 In furtherance of his scheme to throw suspicion 
 upon Grant, Willis Ford decided to make another 
 call upon his stepmother the succeeding evening. 
 It occurred to him that she might possibly connect 
 his visit of the evening before with her loss, and he 
 wished to forestall this. 
 
 "Is Mrs. Estabrook at home?" he asked of the 
 servant. 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 When the housekeeper made her appearance he 
 ciirefully scrutinized her face. She was calm and 
 placid, and it was clear that she had not discovered 
 the abstraction of the bonds. 
 
 "I dare say you are surprised to see me so soon 
 again," he commenced. 
 
 "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 your sickness?" she asked, anxiously. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 107 
 
 "No, I have been perfectly well. By the way, 
 mother, I have a special object in calling." 
 
 "What is it, Willis?" 
 
 "I want to speak to you about those bonds of 
 yours. If you will only sell them out, and invest In 
 Erie, I am sure you will make in six months a sum 
 equal to several years interest." 
 
 "That may be, Willis, but I am very timid about 
 taking a risk. Those bonds represent all the prop- 
 erty I have." 
 
 Willis Ford's conscience pricked him a little, 
 when he heard her speaking thus of the property 
 he had so heartlessly stolen; but he did 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 most valuable." 
 ' "I can easily tell," said the housekeeper, as she 
 rose from her chair and opened the bureau drawer, 
 in full confidence that the bonds were safe. 
 
 It was an exciting moment for Willis Ford, 
 knowing the sad discovery that awaited her. 
 
 She put her hand in that part of the drawer 
 where she supposed the bonds to be, and found 
 nothing. A shade of anxiety overspread her face, 
 and she searched hurriedly in other parts of the 
 drawer. I 
 
io8 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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 cor- 
 ner 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 thor- 
 oughly searched, but, of course, 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 burst into tears. "All these 
 years I have been saving, and now I have lost all. 
 I shall die in the poorhouse after all." 
 
 "Not while I am living, mother," said Willis. 
 "But the bonds must be found. They must be mis- 
 laid." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 109 
 
 "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 can have 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 were mine — the young vil- 
 lain !" 
 
 "I greatly fear so, mother." 
 
 "You ought to have kept them, Willis. Oh! 
 why didn't you? Where is the boy? I will see 
 Mr. Reynolds at once." 
 
 "Wait a minute, till I tell you all I know. The 
 boy said the bonds were handed to him by an 
 acquaintance." 
 
 "It was a falsehood." 
 
no HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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 which Willis Ford brought 
 with him, and the numbers were identical. Four 
 numbers, of course, were missing from Ford's list. 
 
 "That seems pretty conclusive, mother. The 
 young rascal has stolen your bonds, and offered a 
 part of them for sale. It was certainly bold 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 housekeeper went downstairs and found 
 both parties of whom she was in search in the 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 charge against him, he was almost 
 speechless with indignation. 
 
 "Do you mean to say I stole your bonds?" he de- 
 manded. 
 
 "Yes, I do; and it was a base, cruel act." 
 
 "I agree with you In that, Mrs. Estabrook. It 
 
HELPING HIMSELF iii 
 
 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, WiUis, to be sold to-day?" 
 
 "Is this true. Grant?" asked Mr. Reynolds. 
 "Did you sell any bonds at 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 busi- 
 ness?" 
 
 "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 Avenue Hotel, and pay him." 
 
 "Why doesn't he call at the office ?" 
 
 "I don't know," answered Grant, puzzled. "I 
 suggested to him to bring 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 the housekeeper, spitefully. 
 "That boy opened my bureau drawer, and stole the 
 bonds." 
 
^ 
 
 112 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "That is not true, Mr. Reynolds," exclaimed 
 Grant, indignantly. 
 
 "How did you know the bonds were offered for 
 sale at my office to-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 remained silent during her absence. 
 
 ..•<>.f**^ 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 113 
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 THE TELLTALE KEY 
 
 Willis Ford entered the presence of his em- 
 ployer with an air of confidence which he did not 
 feel. ICnowing his own guilt, he felt ill at ease and 
 nervous; but the crisis had come and he must 
 meet it. 
 
 "Take a seat, Mr. Ford," said Mr. Reynolds, 
 gravely. "Your stepmother tells me that she has 
 lost some government bonds?" 
 
 "All I had in the world," moaned the house- 
 keeper. 
 
 "Yes, sir; I regret to say that she has been 
 robbed." 
 
 "I learn, moreover, that a part of the bonds 
 were brought to my office 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?" 
 
114 HELPING HLMSELF 
 
 "He volunteered the information. He said they 
 were intrusted to him for 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 real sentiments. 
 
 "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 the bonds?" 
 
 "No, sir; I am to meet him to-morrow morning 
 at the Fifth Avenue Hotel." 
 
 Willis Ford's countenance changed when he 
 heard this statement. He supposed that Jim Mor- 
 rison already had his money and was safely off with 
 it. Now it was clear that Grant would not be al- 
 lowed to pay it to him, and his own debt would re- 
 main unpaid. That being the case, Morrison 
 would be exasperated, and there was no knowing 
 what he would say. 
 
 "What do you know of this man, Grant?" 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 115 
 
 "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. Rey- 
 nolds?" 
 
 "No," answered the broker, firmly. "On the 
 other hand, I insist upon your saying what you had 
 In your mind." 
 
 "Having seen Mr. Ford In this man's company, 
 I concluded he was all right." 
 
 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 gain time. 
 
 "James Morrison." 
 
 "Yes ; I know him. He was Introduced to me by 
 an intimate friend of that boy," indicating Grant. 
 
 Willis Ford smiled triumphantly. He felt that 
 he had checkmated our hero. 
 
 "Is this true. Grant?" 
 
ii6 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I presume so," ansv/ered Grant, coolly. "You 
 reler to Tom Calder, do you not, Mr. Ford?" 
 
 "I believe that is his name." 
 
 "He is not an intimate friend of mine, but we 
 came from the same village. It is that boy who 
 was with me when I first met you, Mr. Reynolds." 
 
 l^he 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 a friend of this boy." 
 
 "Do you know anything of him — how he earns 
 his living?" 
 
 "Haven't the faintest idea," answered Ford. 
 "My acquaintance with him is very slight." 
 ^^ "There seems a mystery here," said the broker. 
 "This Morrison gives Grant two bonds to dispose 
 of, which are identified as belonging to my house- 
 keeper. How did he obtain possession of them ? 
 Tha't is the question." 
 
 "There isn't much doubt about that," said Mrs. 
 Estabrook. "This boy whom 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 house- 
 keeper; "but it stands to reason that that is the way 
 it happened^. You took them and gave them to this 
 man — that is, if there is such a man." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 117 
 
 "Your son says there Is, Mrs. Estabrook," said 
 the broker, quietly. 
 
 "Well, I don't intend to say how It happened. 
 Likely enough the man is a thief, and that boy is 
 his accomplice." 
 
 "You will oblige me by not jumping at conclu- 
 sions, Mrs. Estabrook," said Mr. Reynolds. 
 "Whoever has taken the bonds Is likely to be dis- 
 covered. Meanwhile your loss will, at all events, 
 be partially made up, since Grant has the money 
 realized from the sale of the greater part of them." 
 
 "I should like to place the money In your hands, 
 Mr. Reynolds," said Grant. 
 
 "But It belongs to me," said the housekeeper. 
 
 "That Is undoubtedly true," said her employer; 
 "but till the matter Is ascertained beyond a doubt L 
 wlll retain the money." 
 
 "How can there be any doubt?" asked the house- 
 keeper, discontented. 
 
 "I do not think there is; but I will tell you now. 
 You claim that your bonds were marked by certain 
 numbers, two of which belong to those which were 
 bought by Mr. Ford at the office to-day?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "Meanwhile, you and your stepson have had 
 time to compare notes, and you have had a chance 
 to learn his numbers." 
 
 Mrs. Estabrook turned livid. 
 
 "I didn't expect to have such a charge brought 
 
ii8 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 against me, Mr, Reynolds, and by you," she said, 
 her voice trembling with passion. 
 
 "I have brought no such charge, Mrs. Esta- 
 brook. 1 have only explained 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 think him capable of abstracting your 
 bonds. Yet you have had no hesitation in bringing 
 this serious charge against him." 
 
 "That is different, sir." 
 
 "Pardon me, I can see no difference. He has the 
 same right that you have to be considered innocent 
 till he is proved to be guilty." 
 
 "You must admit, sir," said Willis Ford, "that 
 appearances are very much against Grant." 
 
 "I admit nothing, at present; for the affair seems 
 to be complicated. Perhaps, Mr. Ford, you can 
 offer some suggestion that will throw light upon 
 the mystery." 
 
 "I don't think it very mysterious. Sir. My 
 mother kept her bonds in the upper drawer of her 
 bureau. This boy had the run of the house. What 
 was to prevent his entering my mother's room, 
 opening the drawer, and taking anything he found 
 of value?" 
 
 "What was to prevent some one else doing it, 
 Mr. Ford — myself, for example?" 
 
 "Of course that is different, Mr. Reynolds." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 119 
 
 "Well, I don't know. I am honest, and so, I be- 
 lieve, Is Grant." 
 
 "Thank you, sir," said Grant, gratefully. 
 
 "It just occurred to me," said Ford, "to ask my 
 mother if she has at any time lost or mislaid her 
 keys." 
 
 "Well thought of, Mr. Ford," and Mr. Rey- 
 nolds turned to his housekeeper for a reply. 
 
 "No," answered Mrs. Estabrook. "I keep my 
 keys in my pocket, and I have them there yet." 
 
 So saying, she produced four keys attached to a 
 ring. 
 
 "Then," continued Ford, "if Grant chances to 
 have a key which will fit 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 looked at them in astonishment. 
 
 "One of them unlocks my valise," he said. "The 
 other is a strange key. I did not know I had it." 
 
 Ford smiled maliciously. "Let us see if it will 
 open the bureau drawer," he said. 
 
 The party adourned to the housekeeper's room. 
 The key was put into the 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. 
 
I20 HELPING HIMSELE 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 grant's enemies triumph 
 
 It is not too much to say that Grant was over- 
 whelmed by the unexpected discovery, in his pocket, 
 of a key that fitted the housekeeper's drawer. He 
 saw at once how strong it made the evidence against 
 him, and yet he knew himself to be innocent. The 
 most painful thought v/as, that Mr. Reynolds 
 would believe him to be guilty. 
 
 In fact, the broker for the first tim.e began to 
 think that Grant might possibly have yielded to 
 temptation. 
 
 "Can't you account for the possession of that 
 key?" he asked. 
 
 • "No, sir," answered Grant, in painful embar- 
 rassment. "I have occasion 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 to think me guilty; but I care noth- 
 ing for your opinion. I should be very sorry if Mr. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 121 
 
 Reynolds should think me capable of such base- 
 ness." 
 
 "Your guilt seems pretty clear," said Ford, sar- 
 castically; '"as I have no doubt Mr. Reynolds will 
 agree." 
 
 "Speak for yourself, Mr. Ford," said the bank- 
 er, 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 he ought to 
 be arrested." 
 
 "You are rather in a hurry, Mrs. Estabrook," 
 said Mr. Reynolds; "and I 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 I intend to shield a supposed thief. 
 I have only to say that at present 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 admits that he sold a 
 part of them and has the money in his possession, 
 and a key is found in his possession which will open 
 the drawer In which the bonds were kept." 
 
 "Who put the key in my pocket?" demanded 
 Grant, quickly. 
 
 For a moment Willis Ford looked confused, and 
 
122 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 his momentary confusion was not lost upon Grant 
 or the banker. 
 
 "No doubt you put it there yourself," he an- 
 swered, sharply, after a monent'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. "You are related to Mrs. Esta- 
 brook, and may be supposed to have some Interest 
 In the matter." 
 
 "What proof can I have?" asked the house- 
 keeper, disturbed by this unexpected 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 pro- 
 duced, triumphantly, a memorandum to the effect 
 that she had purchased the bonds of a well-known 
 house in Wall Street. 
 
 "So far, so good!" said the broker. "It ap- 
 pears that besides the bonds sold you had four one- 
 hundred-dollar bonds?" 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 123 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "You had not parted with them?" 
 
 "No, sir." 
 
 "They will some time be put on the market, and 
 then we shall have a clew to the mystery." 
 
 "That boy has probably got them," said the 
 housekeeper, nodding her head emphatically. 
 
 "You are at liberty to search my chamber, Mrs. 
 Estabrook," said Grant, quietly. 
 
 "He may have passed them over to that man 
 Morrison," suggested the housekeeper. 
 
 "I hardly think that likely," said Willis Ford, 
 who saw danger to himself in any persecution of 
 Jim Morrison. 
 
 Mr. Reynolds noticed his defense of Morrison, 
 and glanced at him thoughtfully. 
 
 "Mrs. Estabrook," he said, "I am satisfied that 
 you possessed the bonds which you claim, and I will 
 relieve your mind by saying that I will guarantee 
 you against loss by their disappearance. You need 
 have no further anxiety on the subject. I will un- 
 dertake to investigate the matter, which at present 
 appears to be involved in mystery. Whether or 
 not I succeed in solving it will not matter to you, 
 since you are saved from loss." 
 
 "Thank you, sir," said the housekeeper, feeling 
 considerably relieved; "it wasn't much, but it was 
 my all. I depended upon it to use when old age 
 prevented me from earning my living." 
 
124 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I am glad you are so wise in providing for the 
 future." 
 
 "You won't let that boy escape?" the house- 
 keeper could not help adding. 
 
 "If you refer to Grant Thornton, I think I may 
 say for him that he has no intention of leaving us." 
 
 "Is he to stay In the house?" 
 
 "Of course; and I expect him to aid me In com- 
 ing to the truth. Let me request, Mrs. Estabrook, 
 that you discontinue referring to him in offensive 
 terms, or I may withdraw my offer guaranteeing 
 you from loss. Grant, if you will accompany me, I 
 have some questions to put to you." 
 
 Grant and his employer left the room together. 
 
 "Lie won't let the boy be punished, though he 
 must know he's guilty," said Mrs. Estabrook, spite- 
 fully. 
 
 "He makes a fool of himself about that boy," 
 said Willis Ford, disconcerted. 
 
 "He's an artful young vagabond," said the 
 housekeeper. "I know he took the bonds." 
 
 "Of course he did," Ford assented, though he 
 had the best of reasons for 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 you get your 
 money, just consult me about investing It. Don't 
 put it Into bonds, for they may be stolen." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 125 
 
 "Perhaps I'd better put it into the savings bank," 
 said his stepmother. 
 
 "You'll get very small interest there; I can in- 
 vest it so you can make quite as much. However, 
 there will be time enough to speak of that when 
 you've got the money. Now, mother, I shall have 
 to bid you good-evening." 
 
 "Can't you stay longer, Willis? T feel so upset 
 that I don't like to be left alone. I don't know 
 what that boy may do." 
 
 "I think you are safe," said Willis Ford, secret- 
 ly amused. But, as he left the house, he felt seri- 
 ously disquieted. There was danger that Jim Mor- 
 rison, when he found the money which he was to 
 receive withheld, would be incensed and denounce 
 Ford, who had received back his evidence of in- 
 debtedness. Should he divulge that the bonds had 
 been given him by Ford, Grant would be cleared, 
 and he would be convicted of theft. 
 
 As Ford was leaving the house a telegraph boy 
 was just ascending the steps. It was John Cava- 
 nagh, already referred to. 
 
 As his eyes rested on Ford, he said to himself: 
 "Where have I seen that feller? I know his face." 
 
 Then it flashed upon the boy that he had seen 
 Ford at the Grand Central Hotel, In the act of 
 giving bonds to Jim Morrison. 
 
 "It's queer I should meet him here," said the 
 
126 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 telegraph boy to himself. "I wonder what game 
 he's up to." 
 
 Johnny was introduced into the presence of Mr, 
 Reynolds, for whom he had a message. On his 
 way out he met Grant in the hall. The two boys 
 were acquainted, Grant having at one time ad- 
 vanced Johnny two dollars 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 yester- 
 day givin' some bonds to 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. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 127 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 IMPORTANT EVIDENCE 
 
 Mr. Reynolds looked rather surprised when 
 Grant appeared, drawing the telegraph boy after 
 him. 
 
 "This boy has got something to tell you about 
 Mr. Ford," said-Gra'it, breathless with excitement. 
 
 "About Mr, Ford?" repeated the broker. 
 "What do you know about Willis Ford?" 
 
 "I don't know his name," replied Johnny. "It's 
 the chap that just went 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 a flashy-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?" 
 
128 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Was Jim Morrison, the same man that gave 
 me the bonds to sell" 
 
 "That seems important," said Mr. Reynolds. 
 "I did not believe Ford capable of such rascality." 
 
 "He had as good a chance to take the bonds as I, 
 sir. He was here last 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, and enjoined hi mto silence. 
 
 "My boy," he said, "come here to-morrow even- 
 ing 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. Your time 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 earn- 
 ings this sum would come in very handy. He turn- 
 ed away, nearly forgetting the original errand that 
 brought him to the house, but luckily it occurred in 
 time. The nature of it has nothing to do with this 
 story. 
 
 ^^ When Johnny had gone, Mr. Reynolds said: 
 •'Grant, I need not caution you not to breathe a 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 129 
 
 word of this. I begin to think that there is a con- 
 spiracy against you; but whether Willis Ford is r^ 
 alone in it, or has a confederate I cannot decide. 
 My housekeeper does not appear to like you." 
 
 "No, sir, I am sorry to say she does not; but I 
 don't think she is in 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 a little shaken when the key was found. 
 You have no idea how it came in your pocket, 1 
 suppose?" 
 
 "No, sir, I can't guess. I might suspect Mr. 
 Ford of putting it there, but I can't see how he 
 managed it." 
 
 "Well, we will let matters take their course. 
 You will go to work as usual, 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, he wa's by no means in a comfor- 
 table frame of mind. He felt that it was abso- 
 lutely necessary to see Jim Morrison, and have an 
 understanding with him. What arrangements he 
 could make with him, or how he could reconcile 
 him to the loss of the money which he had ex- 
 pected to receive from the sale of the bonds, he 
 could not yet imagine. Perhaps he would be will- 
 ing to receive the other four bonds in part pay- 
 ment. In that case Willis himself would not profit 
 
130 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 as much as he had hoped from the theft ; but there 
 seemed no alternative. He had got himself into a 
 scrape, and he must get out of it the best way 
 possible. 
 
 Though he did not know where to find Morri- 
 son, he thought it likely that he might be seen at 
 the White Elephant, a large and showy billiard 
 room on Broadway, near Thirtieth Street. There 
 were several gambling houses near by, and there or 
 in that neighborhood he thought that Morrison 
 might be met. 
 
 He was right. On entering the billiard room he 
 found the man he sought playing a game of bil- 
 liards with Tom Calder, at the first table. 
 
 "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 this time." 
 
 He was right in his estimate. Two minutes later 
 the two went out of the saloon together, accom- 
 panied by Tom. 
 
 "Well, what is it?" he asked. 
 
 "Let us turn into a side street." 
 
 They turned into Thirtieth Street, which was 
 much less brilliantly lighted than Broadway, and 
 sauntered leisurely along. 
 
 "Did you buy the bonds of that boy?" asked 
 Morrison, anxiously. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 131 
 
 "Then it's all right. Have you brought me the 
 money?" 
 
 "How should I?" returned Ford, impatiently. 
 "I couldn't pay him, and keep the money myself." 
 
 "Oh, well, it doesn't matter. He is to meet me 
 to-morrow morning and hand over the money." 
 
 "I am afraid you will be disappointed." 
 
 "Disappointed," repeated Morrison, quickly. 
 "What do you mean? The boy hasn't made off 
 
 with the money, has he? If he has " and the 
 
 sentence ended with an oath. 
 
 "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 are stolen." 
 
 "How is that? You gave them to me," said 
 Morrison, suspiciously. 
 
 Now came the awkward moment. However, 
 Ford had decided on the story he 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 step- 
 mother." 
 
 Morrison whistled. 
 
132 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Well, he said. 
 
 "Of course you mustn't say that I gave them to 
 you. You would get me into trouble." 
 
 "So you want to save yourself at my expense ? I 
 am to be suspected of stealing the bonds, am I? 
 That's a decidedly cool proposal, but it won't do. 
 I shall clear myself, by telling just where I got the 
 bonds." 
 
 "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 a gambling debt, and agreed to 
 meet you to-morrow morning to pay it. Of the 
 bonds, you are to l^now nothing, unless you say that 
 he told you he had some which he was going to sell, 
 in order to get money to pay you." 
 
 "What advantage am I to get out of all this?" 
 
 "What advantage? Why, you will save your- 
 self from suspicion." . 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 133 
 
 "That isn't enough. I didn't take the bonds, 
 and you know it. I believe you did it yourself." 
 
 "Hush!" said Willis Ford, looking around hini 
 nervously. 
 
 "Look here, Ford, I gave up your I O U, and 
 now I find I've got to whistle for my money." 
 
 "Go with me to my room, and you shall have 
 four hundred dollars to-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 dis- 
 pose of them — ^when this excitement blows over." 
 
 Finally Morrison gave a sulky assent, and the 
 conspirators parted. 
 
134 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 AT THE FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL 
 
 "If I thought he was playing me false," said 
 Jim Morrison, after Ford and himself had parted 
 company, "I'd make him smart for it." 
 
 "I guess it's all right," said Tom, who was less 
 experienced and less 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 Grant to-morrow morning." 
 
 "Of course I shall. I want to see what the boy 
 says. It may be a put-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 morn- 
 ing to see Morrison and Tom Calder?" 
 
 The broker paused a moment and looked 
 thoughtful. 
 
 "Yes," he answered, after a pause. "You may." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 135 
 
 "And what shall I say when he demands the 
 money?" 
 
 Upon this Mr. Reynolds gave Grant full instruc- 
 tions as to what he desired him to say. 
 
 About quarter after eight o'clock the next morn- 
 ing a quiet-looking man, who looked like a respec- 
 table bookkeeper entered the Fifth Avenue Hotel 
 and walked through the corridor, glancing, as it 
 seemed, indifferently, to the right and left. Finally 
 he reached the door of the reading room and en- 
 tered. His face brightened as at the further end 
 he saw two persons occupying adjoining seats. 
 They were, in fact, Morrison and Tom Calder. 
 
 The newcomer selected a Boston daily paper, 
 and, as it seemed, by chance, settled himself in a 
 seat not six feet away from our two acquaintances, 
 so that he could, without much effort, listen to their 
 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, I don'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 the truth about the bonds. I believe 
 he stole 'em himself." 
 
 Five minutes later Grant entered the reading- 
 room. A quick glance showed him, not only the 
 
136 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 two he had come to meet, but the quiet, little man 
 who was apparently absorbed in a copy of the Bos- 
 ton Journal. 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 counter- 
 feit, were they?" 
 
 "They were genuine, but " 
 
 "But what?" 
 
 "A lady claims that they belong to her — that 
 they were stolen from her. Of course you can ex- 
 plain how they came into your hands?" 
 
 "They were given me by a party that owed me 
 money. If he's played a trick on me, it will be the 
 worse for him. Did you sell them?" 
 
 ^Tes." 
 
 "Then give me the money." 
 
 "Mr. Reynolds won't let me.'* 
 
 "Does he think I took the bonds?" asked Morri- 
 son, hastily. 
 
 "No, he doesn't," answered Grant, proudly, 
 "but he would like to have an interview with you, 
 and make some inquiries, so that he may form some 
 idea as to the person who did take them. They 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 137 
 
 belonged to his housekeeper, Mrs. Estabrook, who 
 is the stepmother of Mr. Ford, a young man em- 
 ployed In our office." 
 
 Tom Calder and Jim Morrison exchanged 
 glances. Grant's story agreed with Ford's, and 
 tended to confirm their confidence in his good faith. 
 
 "When does he want to see me?" asked Morri- 
 son. 
 
 "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, address- 
 ing the question to Grant. 
 
 "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 at the door. The quiet man seem- 
 ed no longer Interested In the Boston Journal, for 
 he hung It up In Its place, and sauntered out of the 
 hotel. He had not attracted the attention of Jim 
 Morrison or Tom. 
 
 When Grant entered the office, and with his 
 usual manner asked Ford If he should go to the 
 post-office, the young man eyed him curiously. 
 
 "Are you to remain In the office?" he said. 
 
 "Yes, I suppose so," 
 
 "After what you have done?" 
 
138 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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 boy convicted of dis- 
 honesty." 
 
 "Do you believe me guilty, Mr. Ford?'* asked 
 our hero, calmly. 
 
 "The evidence against you Is overwhelming. My 
 mother ought to have you arrested." 
 
 "The person who stole the bonds may be ar- 
 rested." 
 
 "What do you mean?" asked Willis Ford, flush- 
 ing, and looking disconcerted. 
 
 "I mean that I have no concern in the matter. 
 Shall I go to the post-oflice ?" 
 
 "Yes," snapped Ford, "and take care you don't 
 steal any of the letters." 
 
 Grant did not reply. He knew that his vindica- 
 tion was certain, and he was willing to wait. 
 
 If Willis Ford had been prudent he would have 
 dropped the matter there, but his hatred of Grant 
 was too great to be easily concealed. When a few 
 minutes later the broker entered the office and In- 
 quired, "Where is Grant?" Ford, after answering, 
 "he has gone to the post-office," could not help say- 
 ing, "Are you going to keep that boy, Mr. Rey- 
 itolds?" 
 
 "Why should I not?" the broker replied. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 139 
 
 "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 hard- 
 ly be said of Grant Thornton." 
 
 "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. "Can you make it convenient to 
 call at my house this evening? Possibly something 
 may be discovered by that time." 
 
 "Yes, sir; I will come, with pleasure. I have no 
 feeling in regard to the boy, except that I don't 
 think it safe to employ him in a business like yours." 
 
 "I agree with you, Mr. Ford. One who is capa- 
 ble of stealing bonds from a private house is unfit 
 to be employed in an office like mine." 
 
 "Yet you retain the boy, sir?" 
 
 "For the present. It is not fair to assume that 
 he is guilty till we have demonstrated it beyond a 
 doubt." 
 
 "I think there will be no difficulty about that. 
 
I40 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 Mr. Reynolds," said Willis 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 Willis Ford returned to his routine 
 duties. 
 
 "With the testimony of Jim Morrison I shall be 
 able to fix you, my young friend," he said to him- 
 self, as Grant returned from the post-office. 
 
 No further allusion was made to the matter dur- 
 ing the day. Grant and Willis Ford were both 
 looking forward to the evening, but for different 
 reasons. Grant expected to be vindicated, while 
 Ford hoped he could convince the broker of the 
 boy's guilt 
 
HELPING HIMSELF. 141 
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 THE THIEF IS DISCOVERED i 
 
 Willis Ford ascended the steps of the broker's 
 residence with a jaunty step. The servant ad- 
 mitted 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. "You had better make the most 
 of it." 
 
 He was ushered not into the housekeeper's room, 
 but into a sitting-room on the second floor. He 
 found Mr. Reynolds and his stepmother there al- 
 ready. Both greeted him, the broker gravely, but 
 his stepmother cordially. Grant did not come in. 
 
 "I have come as you requested, Mr. Reynolds," 
 he said. "I suppose it's about the bonds. May I 
 ask if you have discovered anything new?" 
 
 "I think I have," answered the broker, slowly. 
 
 The housekeeper looked surprised. If anything 
 new had been discovered, she at least had not 
 heard it 
 
142 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "May I ask what it Is?" Ford inquired, care- 
 lessly. 
 
 "You shall know In good time. Let me, how- 
 ever, return the question. Have you hea.rd any- 
 thing calculated to throw light on the mystery?" 
 
 "No, sir, I can't say I have. To my mind there 
 is no mystery at all about the affair." 
 
 "I presume I understand what you mean. Still 
 I will ask you to explain yourself." 
 
 "Everything seems to throw suspicion upon that 
 boy. Grant Thornton. Nobody saw him take the 
 bonds, to be sure, but he has had every opportunity 
 of doing so, living in the same house, as he does. 
 Again, a key has been found in his pocket, which 
 will open the bureau drawer in which the bonds 
 were kept; and, thirdly, I can testify, and the boy 
 admits, that he presented them at our office for sale, 
 and received the money for them. I think, sir, that 
 any jury would consider this accumulation of proof 
 conclusive." 
 
 "It does seem rather strong," said the broker, 
 gravely. "I compliment you on the way you have 
 summed up, Mr. Ford." 
 
 Willis Ford looked much gratified. He was sus- 
 ceptible to flattery, and he was additionally pleased, 
 because, as he thought, Mr. Reynolds was impress- 
 ed by the weight of evidence. 
 
 "I have sometimes thought," he said, compla- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 143 
 
 cently, "that I ought to have became a lawyer. I 
 always had a liking for the profession." 
 
 "Still," said the broker, deliberately, "we ought 
 to consider Grant's explanation of the matter. He 
 says that the bonds were intrusted 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 in by such a state- 
 ment 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 he and Morrison had agreed upon. 
 It may be stated here that he had been anxious to 
 meet Morrison before meeting the coming appoint- 
 ment, in order to ascertain what had passed be- 
 tween him and Grant. With this object in view, 
 he had gone to the usual haunts of the gambler, but 
 had been unable to catch sight of him. However, 
 as he had seen him the evening previous, and 
 agreed upon the story to be told, he contented him- 
 self 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 method of raising it." 
 
144 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "But how should he owe him money?" asked the 
 broker, curiously. 
 
 "I don't wish to say anything against Morrison^ 
 but I have been told that 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 has had any opportunity to lose 
 money in that way, as he spends his evenings usually 
 at home." 
 
 "It wouldn't take long to lose a great deal of 
 money, sir." 
 
 "That explains It," said the housekeeper, speak- 
 ing for the first time. "I have no doubt Willis is 
 right, and the boy gambles." 
 
 "I presume, Mr. Ford," said the broker, with a 
 peculiar look, "that you do not approve of gam- 
 bling?" 
 
 "Most certainly not, sir," said Ford, his face ex- 
 pressing the horror which a so-well-conducted 
 young man must naturally feel for so pernicious a 
 habit. 
 
 "I am glad to hear It. Will you excuse me a 
 moment?" 
 
 After the broker had left the room, Mrs. Esta- 
 brook turned to Willis and said: "You are pretty 
 sharp, Willis. You have found out this wretched 
 boy, and now I think we shall get rid of him." 
 
 "I flatter myself, mother," said Willis, compla- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 145 
 
 cently, "that I have given the old man some new 
 ideas as to the character of his favorite. I don't 
 think we shall see him in the office again." 
 
 As he spoke, his ears caught the sound of ascend- 
 ing footsteps on the stairs without. He was rather 
 puzzled. He conjectured that Grant had been 
 summoned to confront his accuser, but there seem- 
 ed, from the sound, to be more than two approach- 
 ing. When the door opened, and the broker grave- 
 ly ushered in Jim Morrison and Tom Calder, both 
 looking ill at ease, followed by Grant Thornton, 
 he looked amazed and perplexed. 
 
 "I believe you know these gentlemen," said Mr. 
 Reynolds, gravely. "I have thought it best to make 
 our present investigation thorough and complete." 
 
 "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 two bonds, with a request that I 
 would sell them for him, and hand him the money 
 the next morning, at the Fifth Avenue Hotel." 
 
 "Were these the same bonds that you sold to 
 Mr. Ford?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
146 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I think the boy is lying, sir," burst out Ford. 
 
 "What have you to say to the boy's story, Mr. 
 Morrison?" asked the broker. 
 
 "He's made a little mistake," answered Jim 
 Morrison, who by this time 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, with virtuous frankness. "The 
 boy lost the money to me at play, and said he'd 
 meet and pay me at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. I 
 didn't know where he was goin' to get the money, 
 but I expect he must have stolen the bonds, and got 
 it that way." 
 
 Considering the damaging nature of the revela- 
 tion, Garnt showed considerable self-command. He 
 did not turn pale, nor did he look guilty and con- 
 science-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, but audible voice. 
 
 "Mr. Reynolds will hardly believe you," said 
 Ford, turning upon our hero and speaking in a tone 
 of virtuous indignation. "You see, sir," he con- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 147 
 
 tinned, addressing the broker, "that I was right in 
 my conjecture." 
 
 "I am not quite satisfied yet," said Mr. Rey- 
 nolds. "Grant, call the boy." 
 
 Great was the perplexity of Willis Ford and his 
 friends when Grant left the room, and almost im- 
 mediately reappeared with a small boy in blue uni- 
 form. Not one of them recognized him. 
 
 "Have you ever seen any of these gentlemen be- 
 fore, my boy?" asked the 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 Willis Ford, Jim Morrison and Tom 
 Calder, "at the Grand Central Hotel yesterday 
 
 mornm'." 
 
 Ford started and became very pale. 
 
 "What passed between them?" 
 
 "He," indicating Ford, "gave some bonds to 
 him," indicating Morrison, "and got back a bit of 
 paper. I don't know what was on it." 
 
 "It is false!" ejaculated WiUis Ford, hoarsely. 
 
148 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 WILLIS FORD AT BAY 
 
 The telegraph boy's evidence overwhelmed Wil- 
 lis Ford and his confederates with dismay. The 
 feeling was greater in Ford, for It tended to fasten 
 the theft upon him, while Jim Morrison and Tom 
 Caldcr, though convicted of falsehood, were at all 
 events sustained by the consciousness that nothing 
 worse could be alleged against them. 
 
 "It Is false!" asserted Willis Ford, with a flush- 
 ed face. 
 
 "It is true !" declared the telegraph boy, sturdily. 
 
 "I don't believe a word of it," said the house- 
 keeper, 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 against mine. Besides, 
 these gentlemen," indicating Jim Morrison and 
 Tom Calder, "will corroborate my statement." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 149 
 
 "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?" demanded Willis Ford, furiously. 
 
 "I will answer that question, Mr. Ford," said 
 Grant, thinking it time to speak for himself. "I 
 paid him nothing, and did not know till last even- 
 ing that he had witnessed the interview between 
 you and Mr, Morrison." 
 
 "Your word is of no value," said Ford, scorn- 
 fully. 
 
 "That is a matter for Mr. Reynolds to con- 
 sider," answered Grant, with composure. 
 
 "Mr. Ford," said the broker, gravely, "I attach 
 .more importance to the testimony of this telegraph 
 boy than you appear to ; but then it is to be consid- 
 ered that you are an Interested party." 
 
 "Am I to be discredited on account of what a 
 wretched telegraph boy chooses to say?" asked 
 Ford, bitterly. "Even supposing him worthy of 
 ■credence, my two friends sustain me, and it is three 
 against one." 
 
 "They are your friends, then?" asked Mr. Rey- 
 nolds, significantly. 
 
 Willis Ford flushed. It was not to his credit to 
 admit that an acknowledged gambler was his 
 friend, yet he knew that to deny It would make 
 
150 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 Morrison angry, and perhaps lead him to make 
 some awkward revelations. 
 
 "I have not known them long, sir," he answered, 
 embarrassed, "but I believe they feel friendly to 
 me. One of them," he added, maliciously, "is an 
 old friend of Grant Thornton." 
 
 "Yes," answered Grant, by no means discon- 
 certed. "Tom Colder is from the same town as 
 myself, and I wish him well." 
 
 Tom looked pleased at this friendly declaration 
 on the part of Grant, whom, indeed, he personally 
 liked better than Willis Ford, who evidently looked 
 down upon him, and had more than once snubbed 
 him. 
 
 "You see," said Ford, adroitly, "that Grant 
 Thornton's old friend testifies against him. I don't 
 think I need say any more except to deny, in toio, 
 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 very discreditable conspiracy against 
 my stepson. I am sure, Mr. Reynolds, you won't 
 allow his reputation to be injured by such a base 
 attack." 
 
 "Mr. Ford," said the broker, "I have listened 
 attentively to what you have said. I ought to say 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 151 
 
 that a telegraph boy has as much right to be be- 
 lieved 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 with Grant Thornton, who is a 
 suspected thief." 
 
 "I deny that, Mr. Ford," exclaimed Grant, in- 
 dignantly. 
 
 "You are certainly suspected of stealing my step- 
 mother'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 back directly." 
 
 When he had left the room, the parties left be- 
 hind looked at each other uncomfortably. Willis 
 Ford, however, was too angry to keep silence. 
 
 He turned to Grant, and made an attack upon 
 him. 
 
 "You won't accomplish anything, you young ras- 
 cal, by your plotting and contriving! I give you 
 credit for a good deal of cunning in bringing this 
 boy to give the testimony he has; but it won't do 
 you any good. Mr. Reynolds Isn't a fool, and he 
 will see through your design." 
 
 "That he will, Willis," said the housekeeper. 
 "After all the kindness that boy has received in this 
 
152 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 house, he might be better employed than In stealing 
 my bonds, and then trying to throw it upon a 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 you know," 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 hap- 
 pens." 
 
 "I Intend to," said the housekeeper, nodding 
 spitefully. "If you had returned the bonds, I did 
 not mean to let the matter drop, but since you have 
 tried to throw suspicion on my son, who has always 
 been devoted to me, I mean to punish you as severe- 
 ly as the law allows." 
 
 "I think you will change your mind, Mrs. Esta- 
 brook, and let the thief go unpunished," said 
 Grant, in no ways disturbed. 
 
 "Not unless you make a full confession; and even 
 then I think you ought to suffer for your base wick- 
 edness." 
 
 "You are making a mistake, Mrs. Estabrook. I 
 referred to the thief." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 153 
 
 *'That Is yourself." 
 
 Grant shrugged his shoulders. He was spared 
 the necessity of answering 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 what had 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 have seen any of these gentlemen 
 before?" 
 
 "Yes," answered Graham, and he Indicated 
 Grant Thornton, Jim Morrison 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, "acknowl- 
 edged giving to the boy to sell. He asked for the 
 proceeds, but tlie boy told him there was something 
 wrong about the bonds, and his employer wouldn't 
 allow him to pass over the money. Upon this, 
 Morrison, as I understand him to be called, said 
 
154 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 they were given him by a party that owed him 
 money, and threatened that, if he had played a 
 trick upon him, it would be the worse for him." 
 
 "Who is that man, Mr. Reynolds?" asked Ford, 
 in nervous excitement. 
 
 "One of the best known detectives in the city," 
 quietly answered the broker. "What have you to 
 say to his evidence?" 
 
 "That it doesn't concern me. I may be wrong 
 about the boy taking the bonds, but that doesn't 
 Involve me. There may have been another party." 
 
 "You forget the testimony of the telegraph boy 
 ^ — that he saw you give the bonds to your friend 
 there." 
 
 "The boy told a falsehood 1" 
 
 "I am in a position to confirm the boy's testi- 
 mony," said the detective. 
 
 Willis Ford gasped for breath and seemed ready 
 to sink into the floor. What was coming next ? 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 155 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 JUSTICE TRIUMPHS 
 
 Mr. Graham turned to the broker and ad- 
 dressed further remarks to him. 
 
 "Your statement that four hundred dollars re- 
 mained to be accounted for, led me to conclude that 
 they would be found In the possession of the party 
 who had abstracted the others. I therefore obtain- 
 ed a search warrant and visited the room occupied 
 by that gentleman, whose name I believe Is WUIis 
 Ford." 
 
 This was an unexpected stroke. Ford did not 
 speak, but kept his eyes fixed upon the detective in 
 evident panic. 
 
 *'I have just come from Mr. Ford's room," he 
 resumed. "These are what I found there." 
 
 He drew from his pocket a long envelope, from 
 which he took four government bonds. 
 
 "Will you be kind enough, Mrs. Estabrook," 
 said the broker, gravely, "to examine these bonds 
 and determine whether they arc yeurs?" 
 
156 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 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 themx. I — am as much surprised as you 
 are." 
 
 "We have had enough of this, Mr. Ford," said 
 the broker, coldly. "Your guilt is evident. In rob- 
 bing your stepmother you have committed a serious 
 crime ; but in attempting to throw the guilt upon an 
 innocent boy, you have been guilty of an offense 
 still more detestable, and one which I cannot for- 
 give. You cannot remain in my employment an- 
 other day. If you will call at the office in the morn- 
 ing, I will pay your salary to the end of the month. 
 That will end all relations between us." 
 
 Willis Ford looked like a convicted criminal. 
 For the moment all his hardihood and bravado de- 
 serted him. 
 
 "Can this be true, Willis?" wailed his step- 
 mother. "Is It possible that you took my bonds, 
 and would have left me to an old age of poverty?" 
 
 "No," answered Ford, with a return of his usual 
 assurance. "I am as innocent as a babe unborn. I 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 157 
 
 am the victim of a conspiracy. As Mr. Reynolds is 
 determined to shield his favorite by throwing the 
 blame on it, I must submit. The time will come 
 when he will acknowledge my Innocence. Mother, 
 I will satisfy you later, but I do not believe you will 
 think me guilty. Gentlemen, I bid you all good- 
 evening." 
 
 No one spoke as he withdrew from the room, 
 and not even Morrison offered 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. I think you will find It to your 
 Interest to answer correctly. Do you still maintain 
 that these bonds were given you by Grant Thorn- 
 ton?" 
 
 "I may as well make a clean breast of It," said 
 Morrison. "They were given me by Willis Ford." 
 
 'To atisfy I ^ambling debt, svas 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 been suspected of stealing 
 them myself." 
 
 "I believe you." 
 
 "You're a gentleman," said Morrison, gratified 
 that his word was accepted. 
 
 "Of course you have lost the amount which you 
 
158 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 consider due you. To be 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 you will realize this, and give up a discredita- 
 ble profession." 
 
 "I have no doubt your advice is good, sir. Do 
 you want me and Tom any longer?" 
 
 "You are at liberty to go. I am indebted to you 
 for coming. You have helped to clear up the mys- 
 tery of the theft." 
 
 "He's a little hard on us, Tom," said Morrison, 
 as they went down the front steps, "but he's treated 
 us like a gentleman. That Ford is a 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 morning your property shall be re- 
 stored to you." 
 
 Next the detective and the telegraph boy with- 
 drew, the latter rich by 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 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 159 
 
 to your employer, and this 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 who have 
 wickedly conspired against you have come to grief, 
 and you come out of the trial unscathed. As I 
 am to part with Willis Ford, though you are not 
 competent to take his place, your duties will be 
 somewhat enlarged, and I will take care that your 
 compensation shall be 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 pay you now ?" 
 
 "Six dollars a week, sir." 
 
 "I will allow you four dollars more, but this 
 additional sum I will keep in my own hands, and 
 credit you with. It is time you were saving some- 
 thing for future use. Will this be satisfactory to 
 you?" 
 
 "You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds," said Grant. 
 "I don't know hov/ to thank you." 
 
 "Then I will tell you — be faithful in your du- 
 ties in the office and continue your kindness to 
 Herbert." 
 
 "Gladly, sir." 
 
 Grant decided not to write to his mother about 
 his increase in salary. He preferred to wait till 
 
i6o HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 his savings amounted to a considerable sum, and 
 then surprise her by the announcement of his good 
 fortune. In six months, he estimated, he would 
 have more than a hundred dollars, and this to the 
 country minister's son seemed a large sum. At 
 any rate, when he was twenty-one he might hope 
 to be the possessor of a thousand dollars. This 
 opened to Grant a brilliant prospect. It was prob- 
 ably all his father was worth, including all his 
 possessions. 
 
 "In spite of my uncle's opposition," thought 
 Grant, "I think I acted wisely in preferring busi- 
 ness to college. Now I shall be able to make the 
 family more comfortable." 
 
 When Willis Ford called at the office the next 
 morning Grant was gone to the post office. As 
 he returned he met Ford coming out with a 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 anything unpleasant 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 with re- 
 spect and tried to do my duty faithfully." 
 
 "You are a little angel, to be sure." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF i6i 
 
 "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 worm yourself Into the confidence 
 of Mr. Reynolds. You have plotted against 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 gen- 
 erally pay my debts, and I 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. 
 
1 62 HELPING HIMSELF. 
 
 Thomas hopne 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 STARTLING NEWS 
 
 Willis Ford's feelings were far from enviable 
 when he took leave of the office in which he had 
 long enjoyed an excellent position. He was con- 
 scious, though scarcely willing to admit it, that his 
 misfortunes had been brought upon him by his own 
 umvise, not to say criminal, course. None the less, 
 however, was he angry with those whom he had 
 connected with the disaster that had come upon 
 him. He had always disliked Grant Thornton. 
 Now he hated him, and thirsted for an opportun- 
 ity to do him mischief. Next he felt embittered 
 against Mr. Reynolds, who had discharged him, 
 though it is hardly possible to see how the broker 
 could have done otherwise. This dislike was in- 
 creased within a few days, and for this reason. 
 
 Ford addressed a letter to Mr. Reynolds, request- 
 ing a certificate of good character, which would 
 enable him to procure a new situation. 
 
 To this request the broker answered substan- 
 tially as follows : 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 163 
 
 "I shall be glad to hear that you have changed 
 your course, and have decided to lead an honest 
 lift; but, for the same reason that I am not willing 
 to retain you in my employment, I am unwilling 
 to recommend you without reserve to another 
 business man. If you are willing to refer him to 
 me, on condition that I tell the truth, I will cheer- 
 fully testify that you have discharged your office 
 duties to my satisfaction." 
 
 "The old fool!" muttered Ford, angrily crush- 
 ing the letter in his hand. "What use would such 
 a recommendation be to me? Not content with 
 discharging me, he wants to keep me out of em- 
 ployment." 
 
 In truth, Willis Ford hardly knew where to turn. 
 He had saved no money, and was earning nothing. 
 In his dilemma he turned to his stepmother. 
 
 One forenoon, after he knew the broker and 
 Grant would be out of the way, he rang the bell, 
 and inquired for the housekeeper. 
 
 Mrs. Estabrook was agitated when she saw her 
 step-son. She did not like to believe that he had 
 robbed her, but it was hard to believe otherwise. 
 
 "Oh, Willis!" she said almost bursting into 
 tears, "how could you take my small savings? I 
 would not have believed you capable of it!" 
 
 "You don't mean to say, mother," returned 
 Willis, with well-dissembled and reproachful sor- 
 row, "that you believe this monstrous slander?" 
 
1 64 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I don't want to believe it, Willis, heaven knows. 
 But were not the bonds 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 house- 
 keeper, 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 told that I was 
 out, he asked leave to go up and wait for me. As 
 the servant had no suspicion, he was allowed to go 
 up. I don't know how long he stayed; but no doubt 
 he had the bonds with him and concealed them 
 where they were found." 
 
 "Did you ask for a description of the boy? Was 
 it like Grant?" asked the housekeeper, quickly. 
 
 "Unfortunately, the girl did not take particular 
 notice of him. I have no doubt that it was either 
 Grant or the telegraph boy, who seems to have 
 been in the plot." 
 
 Now, this story was an audacious fiction, and 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 165 
 
 should not have Imposed upon a person of ordinary 
 Intelligence; but the housekeeper was anxious to 
 believe her step-son Innocent and Grant guilty. She 
 therefore accepted it without question, and was 
 loud in her denunciation 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 prejudiced against me. What do you 
 think? He has refused me a letter of recommenda- 
 tion. What does he care if I starve?" concluded 
 Willis, bitterly. 
 
 "But I care, Willis. I will not desert you," said 
 Mrs. Estabrook, in a tone of sympathy. 
 
 This was just the mood in which Ford desired 
 his step-mother to be. He was desirous of effect- 
 ing a loan, and after a time succeeded In having 
 transferred to him two of the one-hundred-dollar 
 bonds. He tried hard to obtain the five hundred, 
 but Mrs. Estabrook was too prudent 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 this way, WIlHs?" asked his 
 step-mother, anxiously. 
 
 "By all means, mother. You don't want to throw 
 away a good position." 
 
 "But It will be hard to see that boy high In Mr. 
 
1 66 HELPING HLMSELF 
 
 Reynolds' confidence, after all his wickedness." 
 
 "You must dissemble, mother. Treat him 
 fairly, and watch your opportunity to harm him 
 and serve me. Don't say much about me, for it 
 would do no good; but keep your hold on 
 Reynolds." 
 
 "If you think it best, Willis," said his step- 
 mother, not without a feeling of relief, for she was 
 reluctant to relinquish a good home and liberal 
 salary, "I will remain." 
 
 "Do so by all means. We may as well make all 
 we can out of the enemy, for Mr. Reynolds has 
 treated me very shabbily. And now I must bid 
 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 pleasant to see that 
 his employer reposed confidence in him. His re- 
 lations with others in the office were pleasant, now 
 that Willis Ford was away, and every day he 
 seemed to get new insight into the details of the 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 167 
 
 business. Whether Jim Morrison and Tom Calder 
 were in. the city, he did not know. At all events, 
 they were never seen in the neighborhood of Wall 
 Street. Grant was not sorry to have them pass out 
 of his life, for he did not consider that he was likely 
 to draw any benefit from their presence and com- 
 panionship. 
 
 He was still a member of Mr. Reynolds' house- 
 hold. Herbert appeared to be as much attached 
 to him as if he were an older brother, and the 
 broker looked with pleasure upon the new happi- 
 ness that beamed from the face of his son. 
 
 As to Mrs. Estabrook, Grant had feared that 
 she would continue to show animosity toward him, 
 but he had nothing to complain of. She certainly 
 did not show any cordiality in her necessary inter- 
 course with him; but then, on the other hand, she 
 did not manifest any desire to injure him. This 
 was all Grant desired. He felt that under no cir- 
 cumstances could he have made a friend of the 
 housekeeper. He was content to have her leave 
 him alone. 
 
 After the lapse of six months Grant expressed 
 a desire to go home to pass a day or two. His 
 mother's birthday was close at hand, and he had 
 bought for her a present which he knew would be 
 acceptable. Permission was readily accorded, and 
 Grant passed four happy days at home. His par- 
 ents were pleased that he was so highly regarded 
 
1 68 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 by his employer, and had come to think that 
 Grant's choice had been a wise one. 
 
 When Grant returned he went at once to the 
 office. He found it a scene of excitement, 
 
 "What has happened?" he asked, eagerly. 
 
 "Herbert Reynolds has disappeared, and his 
 father is almost beside himself with grief!" was 
 the startling reply. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 169 
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 
 ANXIOUS INQUIRIES 
 
 After a while Grant learned the particulars 
 about Herbert's disappearance. He had gone out 
 to play In the street about three o'clock In the after- 
 noon. Generally he waited for Grant to return 
 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 no watch, 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 glad to see him back." 
 
 To this Mrs. Estabrook did not reply. She had 
 learned, to her cost, that It would not be politic 
 
1 70 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 to speak against Grant, and she was not disposed 
 to praise him. She seldom mentioned him at all. 
 
 The dinner bell rang, and still Herbert had not 
 returned. His father began 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 some excursion," returned the housekeeper 
 calmly. 
 
 "You think there Is nothing wrong?" asked the 
 broker, anxiously. 
 
 "How could there be here, sir?" answered Mrs. 
 Estabrook, with unruffled demeanor. 
 
 This answer helped to calm Mr. Reynolds, who 
 ordered dinner delayed half an hour. 
 
 When, however, an hour — two hours — passed, 
 and the little boy still remained absent, the father's 
 anxiety became insupportable. He merely tristed 
 a few spoonfuls of soup, and found it impossible 
 to eat more. The housekeeper, on the contrary, 
 seemxcd quite unconcerned, and showed her usual 
 appetite. 
 
 "I am seriously anxious, Mrs. Estabrook," said 
 the broker. "I will take my hat and go out to see 
 if I can gain any Information. Should Herbert 
 return while I am away, give him his supper, and, 
 if he Is tired, let him go to bed, just finding out 
 why he was out so late." 
 
 "Very well, sir." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 171 
 
 When Mr. Reynolds had left the house a singu- 
 lar expression of gratified malice swept over the 
 housekeeper's face. "It is just retribution," she 
 murmured. "He condemned and discharged my 
 stepson for 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 two years 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 
 Flarvey 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 the anxious father did not recog- 
 nize 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 an excursion." 
 
172 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Did he say that?" asked the father, startled. 
 
 "Yes, sir.'"' 
 
 "Then there is some mischief afoot. I never 
 sent for him," said the agitated father. 
 
 Mr. Reynolds requested Harvey to accompany 
 him to the nearest police station, and relate all 
 that he knew to the officer in charge, that the po- 
 lice might be put on the track. He asked himself 
 in vain what object any one could have in spirit- 
 ing away the boy, but no probable explanation oc- 
 curred to him. 
 
 On his return to the house he communicated to 
 the housekeeper what he 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 far more 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 the boy will come to any harm." 
 
 Little sleep visited the broker's pillow that night, 
 but the housekeeper looked fresh and cheerful in 
 the morning. 
 
 "Has the woman no feeling?" thought the anx- 
 ious father, as he watched the tranquil countenance 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 173 
 
 of the woman who for five years had been, in charge 
 of his house. 
 
 When she was left alone in the house Mrs. Esta- 
 brook took from her workbasket a letter, bearing 
 date a month previous, and read slowly the fol- 
 lowing paragraph: "I have never forgotten the 
 wrong done me by Mr. Reynolds. He discharged 
 me summarily from his employment and declined 
 to give me a recommendation which would secure 
 me a place elsewhere. I swore at the time that 
 I would get even with him, and I have never 
 changed my resolution. I shall not tell you what 
 I propose to do. It is better that you should not 
 know. But some day you will hear something that 
 will surprise you. When that time comes, if you 
 suspect anything, say nothing. Let matters take 
 their course." 
 
 The letter was signed by Willis Ford. 
 
174 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 a western cabin 
 
 "Abner!" 
 
 The speaker was a tall, gaunt woman, in a loose, 
 faded, calico dress, 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 boy in 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 he gets hold of; he never 
 gives me a cent. This is the only gown I've got, 
 except an old alpaca. Much he cares !" 
 
 "It isn't my fault, is it?" asked the boy. Indif- 
 ferently. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 175 
 
 "You're a-follerin' in his steps. You'll be just 
 another Joel Barton — just as shif'less and lazy. 
 Just split me some wood before I get hold of yer !" 
 
 Abner rose slowly, went to the shed for an ax, 
 and in the most deliberate manner possible began 
 to obey his mother's commands. 
 
 The cabin occupied by Abner and his parents 
 was far from being a palace. It contained four 
 rooms, but the furniture was of the most primitive 
 description. Joel Barton, the nominal head of the 
 famliy, was the possessor of eighty acres of land, 
 from which he might have obtained a comfortable 
 living, for the soil was productive ; but he was lazy, 
 shiftless and intemperate, as his wife had described 
 him. Had he been as active and energetic as she 
 was, he might have been in very different circum- 
 stnaces. It is no wonder that the poor woman was 
 fretted and irritated almost beyond endurance, see- 
 ing how all her industry was neutralized by her 
 husband's habits. Abner took after his father, 
 though he had not yet developed a taste for drink, 
 and was perfectly contented with their poor way 
 of living, as long as he was not compelled to work 
 hard. What little was required of him he would 
 shirk if he possibly could. 
 
 This cabin was situated about a mile from the 
 little village which had gathered round the depot. 
 The name of the tov/nship was Scipio, though it 
 is doubtful if one in fifty of the inhabitants knev/ 
 
176 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 after whom it was named. In fact, the name was 
 given by a schoolmaster, who had acquired some 
 rudiments of classical learning at a country- 
 academy. 
 
 To the depot we must transport the reader, on 
 the arrival of the morning train from Chicago. 
 But two passengers got out. One of them was a 
 young man under twenty. The other was a boy, 
 apparently about ten years of age, whom he held 
 firmly by the hand. 
 
 He was a delicate-looking boy, and, though he 
 was dressed in a coarse, ill-fitting suit, he had an 
 appearance of refinement and gentle nature, as if 
 he had been brought up in a luxurious home. He 
 looked sad and anxious, and the glances he fixed 
 on his companion indicated that he held him in 
 fear. 
 
 "Where are you going?" he asked timidly, look- 
 ing about him apprehensively. 
 
 "You'll know soon enough," was the rough 
 reply. 
 
 "When are you going to take me home, Mr 
 Ford?" asked the boy, in a pleading 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." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 177 
 
 "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, and I 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 your father and Grant Thornton. 
 When your father dismissed me, without a recom- 
 mendation, not caring whether I starved or not, he 
 made me his enemy." 
 
 "But he wouldn't if you hadn't " 
 
 "Hadn't what?" (^manded 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 exquisite susceptibility to pain. 
 
 "I didn't mean to offend you," he said. 
 
 "You'd better not. Wait here a minutes, while 
 I look around for some one of v/hom I can make 
 Inquiries. Here, sit down on that settee, and, mind 
 you, don't stir till I come back. Will you obey 
 me?" 
 
 "Yes," answered the boy, submissively. 
 ( 
 
178 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 THE RIDE TO BARTON's 
 
 Willis Ford went to the station master, who 
 stood at the door with a cheap cigar in his mouth. 
 
 "Is there a man named Joel Barton Hving here- 
 abouts?" he asked. 
 
 The station master took his cigar from his 
 mouth and surveyed his questioner 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." 
 
 "Straight on?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Is there anyway of riding?" 
 
 "Well, stranger, I've got a team myself. Is that 
 boy with you?" 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 179 
 
 "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 old horse that 
 had seen better days, it is to be hoped, for she was 
 a miserable-looking mare. 
 
 "Jump in, Herbert," said Ford. 
 
 The boy obeyed, and sat on the front seat, be- 
 tween the driver and his 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 unex- 
 pected answer. 
 
 "When was that?" 
 
 " 'Bout fifteen years ago," replied the driver, 
 with grim humor. "I reckon 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?" 
 
i8o HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Lie'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. She has a hard time with him. 
 and Abner — Abner's her son, and just like his 
 father, only doesn't drink — yet. Like as not he 
 will when he gets older." 
 
 Willis Ford was not the only listener to this 
 colloquy. Herbert paid attention to every word, 
 and in the poor boy's mind there was the uncom- 
 fortable query, "Why are we going to these 
 people?" He would know soon, probably, but 
 he had a presentiment of trouble. 
 
 "Yes," continued the station master, "Mrs. Bar- 
 ton has a hard row to hoe; 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 Bar- 
 ton a piece of her mind whenever he comes home 
 full." 
 
 "She ought to have that satisfaction. From 
 what you tell me, I don't feel 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 glance at the boy. He fore- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF i8i 
 
 saw a scene when he announced his purpose to leave 
 Herbert in this unpromising place, but he did not 
 wish to anticipate 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. Then they've got a cow, and she 
 makes butter. As for Joel, he brings in precious 
 little money. He might pick up a few dollars hirin' 
 out by the 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 me to pay 
 him for that half day. I knew well enough where 
 the money would go, so I told him I wouldn't pay 
 him unless he worked until sunset." 
 
 "Did he do it?" 
 
 "Yes, he did; but he grumbled a good deal. 
 When he got his pay he went over to Thompson's 
 saloon, and he didn't leave it until all the money 
 was spent. When his wife heard of it she was 
 mad, and I expect she 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 
 
1 82 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 saw the team stop than he 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 boy gettin' 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 Ab- 
 ner, with a grin. 
 
 "Is your mother at home?" 
 
 "Marm will be right out. She's sllckin' 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 understood the 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 In the doorway. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 183 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 HERBERT IS PROVIDED WITH A NEW HOME 
 
 Mrs. Barton regarded the newcomers with a 
 ■^^ronderlng stare. 
 
 "Did you want to see Joel?" she asked. 
 
 "I shall be glad to see him in due time, Mrs. 
 Barton," returned Willis Ford, with unwonted po- 
 liteness; "but I came principally to see you." 
 
 "Who be you?" inquired Mrs. Barton, uncere- 
 moniously; "I don't know you no more'n the 
 dead." 
 
 "There is a slight connection between us, how- 
 ever. I am the stepson of Pauline Estabrook, of 
 New York, who is a cousin of yours." 
 
 "You don't say Pauline is your mother?" ejacu- 
 lated the lady of the house. "Well, I never ex- 
 pected 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 omi- 
 nous frown from Willis Ford intimidated him. 
 
1 84 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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 not contradict 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 I ain't got any- 
 thing in the house fit for dinner." 
 
 "Thank you," returned Ford, with an inward 
 shudder. "I shall dine at the 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 the house, with your permission, and we will 
 leave the two boys together." 
 
 "Come right in," said Mrs. Barton, whose curi- 
 osity was aroused. "Here, you Abner, just take 
 care of the little boy." 
 
 Abner proceeded to do this, first thinking it 
 necessary to ask a few questions. 
 
 "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 the finger toward the house. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 185 
 
 "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 do nothin'. 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 to kidnap 
 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 me back." 
 
 "Humph!" remarked Abner, surveying with 
 
i86 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 some contempt the small proportions of the boy 
 before him. "You ain't much good. I don't be- 
 lieve 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 call him 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. Ford bought 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. He was afraid some one 
 would know me in the others." 
 
 "I wonder what he and mam are talking about 
 so long?" 
 
 This question Herbert was unable to answer. 
 He did not guess how nearly this conversation af- 
 fected 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. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 187 
 
 "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't you ?" 
 
 "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 was something in her tone that satisfied Ford 
 that she was favorably inclined to the proposal. 
 
 "Oh, no, he won't. He's so small that you can 
 twist him round your finger. Besides, Abner will 
 be company for him. He will be with him most 
 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 obliged to, but it was of Importance 
 to obtain at least a temporary refuge for the boy, 
 of whose care he was heartily tired. It seemed to 
 him that five dollars would be enough to support 
 the whole family in the style in which they were 
 apparently accustomed to live. However, it was 
 politic to make the sum sufficient to Interest these 
 people in retaining 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 
 
1 88 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 accept your terms. I conclude Mr. Barton will not 
 object to your taking a boarder?" 
 
 "Oh, Joel is of no account," returned Mrs. Bar- 
 ton, 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 the money to me. Jest as sure as 
 it goes into Joel's hands, it'll go for drink. 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 to have anythin' to eat. I've got to 
 send to the village, and I haven't got a cent In the 
 house." 
 
 Willis Ford took out a pocketbook. Extracting 
 therefrom four five-dollar bills, he handed them to 
 Mrs. Barton. 
 
 "There's money for four weeks," he said. 
 "When that time is up I'll send 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 look out Joel don't get hold of it. Don't 
 you tell Joel or Abner how much you've paid me." 
 
 "I'll take care of that, Mrs. Barton. By the 
 way, I must caution you not to believe any of the 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 189 
 
 boy's stories. He's the son of a friend of mine, 
 who's put him under my care. The boy's weak- 
 minded, and has strange fancies. He thinks his 
 name isn't Sam Green, and that his father is rich. 
 Why, only the other day he insisted his name was 
 George Washington." 
 
 "Land's sake ! How cur'us !" 
 
 "Of course ; you won't pay any attention to what 
 he says. He may take it into his head to run away. 
 If he does, you must get him back." 
 
 "You can trust me to do that!" said Mrs. Bar- 
 ton, with emphasis. "I ain'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 time to 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 for a few weeks with this good 
 lady." 
 
 Herbert stared at him in dismay. This was 
 something he had never dreamed of. 
 
190 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 INTRODUCES MR. BARTON 
 
 When Herbert realized that he was to be left 
 behind he ran after Willis Ford, and pleaded for 
 the privilege of accompanying him. 
 
 "Don't leave me here, Mr. Ford!" he said. "I 
 should die of homesickness!" 
 
 "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 feel complimented. I am 
 sorry to disappoint you, but I shall have to leave 
 you here for a few weeks. This good lady will 
 take good care of you." 
 
 Herbert stole a glance at Mrs. Barton, who 
 was watching him with mingled contempt and im- 
 patience, but he did not become any more recon- 
 ciled to the prospect. He reiterated his request. 
 
 "I have had enough of this," said Ford, sternly. 
 "You will stop making a fuss if you know what is 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 191 
 
 best for yourself. Good-by ! You will hear from 
 me soon." 
 
 Herbert realized the uselessness of his resist- 
 ance, and sank despondently upon the grass. 
 
 "Is he goin' to stay here, mam?" 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't make him any more homesick 
 than he is. Just try ef you can't amuse him." 
 
 "Say, Sam, I guess we'll have a stavin' time to- 
 gether," said Abner, really pleased to have a com- 
 panion. "What'll we do? Want to play leap- 
 frog?" 
 
 "I don't feel like playing," answered Herbert^ 
 despondently. 
 
 "We might go fishin'," suggested Abner. 
 "There's a pond only a quarter 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 nice place ?" 
 
 "I wish I was back there. I never shall be happy 
 anywhere's else." 
 
192 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Tell me what you fellows do there. I dunno 
 but I'd like to go myself." 
 
 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, mam?" 
 
 "I'm going to buy some sausages for dinner. 
 We haven't got anything in 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 the money. Ef I gave you a five- 
 dollar bill, I'd never see any on't back again," 
 
 "Say, mam, you haven't got a five-dollar bill, 
 have you?" asked Abner, 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. Bar- 
 ton, in a menacing tone. "Your father ain't got 
 nothin' to do with it. It's money for Sam's board." 
 
 "My name isn't Sam," expostulated Herbert, 
 who had a natural preference for his own appella- 
 tion. 
 
 "That's what I'm goin' to call you. You can 
 call yourself George Washington, or General Jack- 
 son, ef you want to. Mebbe you're Christopher 
 Columbus." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 193 
 
 "My name Is Herbert Reynolds," said Herbert, 
 annoyed. 
 
 "That's what you call yourself to-day. There's 
 no.knowin' who you'll be 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 told me you was loony, and 
 thought you was somebody else than your own 
 self." 
 
 "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, Indig- 
 nantly; "and I'd like to tell him so to his face." 
 
 "Well, you won't have a chance for some time. 
 But I can't stand here talkin'. I must be goin' to 
 the store. You two behave yourselves while 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 plied his young 
 companion with questions, which Herbert an- 
 swered wearily. Though he responded listlessly, 
 and did not say any more than he felt obliged to, 
 he excited Abner's Interest. 
 
194 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I mean to go to New York some time," he said. 
 ^'Isitfar?" 
 
 "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 fine mornin', and mebbe your 
 father would give me something to do when we 
 got there." 
 
 For the first time Herbert began to feel an in- 
 terest in the conversation. 
 
 "Oh, I wish we could," he said, fervently. 
 "I know pa would give you a 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?" ques- 
 tioned Herbert. 
 
 "Why wouldn't I? What's to keep me here? 
 Mam's always scoldin', and dad gets drunk when- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 195 
 
 ever he has any money to spend for drink. I 
 reckon they wouldn't care much if I made myself 
 sca'ce." 
 
 Herbert was not sure whether he ought not to 
 feel shocked. He admitted to himself, however, 
 that if he had a father and mother answering the 
 the description of Abner's, that he would not so 
 much regret leaving them. At any rate, Abner's 
 words awoke a hope of sometime getting away 
 from the place he already hated, and returning to 
 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," as- 
 serted Abner, positively. "Hello! there's dad!" 
 
 Herbert looked up, and, following Abner's 
 glance, saw a man approaching the farmhouse. 
 Mr. Barton — for it was he — was a tall man, shab- 
 bily attired, his head crowned with a battered hat, 
 whose gait indicated a little uncertainty, and be- 
 trayed some difficulty about 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 drlnkin", as usual; but he didn't 
 
196 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 drink enough to make him tight. Guess his funds 
 give out." 
 
 Herbert was rather shocked at Abner's want of 
 respect in speaking of his father, but even to him 
 Mr. Barton hardly seemed like a man who could 
 command a son's respect. 
 
 "Wonder whether dad met mam on the way?" 
 said Abner, musing. 
 
 By this time Mr. Barton had entered the yard, 
 and caught sight of his son and Herbert. 
 
 "Abner," said he, in a thick voice, "who's that 
 boy?" 
 
 "Then he didn't meet mam," thought Abner. 
 "He's a boy that's goin' to board with us, dad," 
 he answered. 
 
 "You don't say! Glad to make your acquaint- 
 ance, boy," he said, straightening up. 
 
 "Thank you, sir," answered Herbert, faintly. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 197 
 
 CHAPTER XXX 
 
 A MODEL HOUSEHOLD 
 
 "When did you come?" asked Barton, steady- 
 ing himself against a tree. 
 
 "Half an hour ago," answered Abner, for Her- 
 bert was gazing, with a repulsion he found it diffi- 
 cult to conceal, at Barton, whose flushed face and 
 thick utterance indicated his condition very clearly. 
 
 "Who came with him?" continued Barton. 
 
 "You'd better ask mam. She attended to the 
 business. It was a young man." 
 
 "Where is she?" 
 
 "Gone to the village to buy some sassiges for 
 dinner." 
 
 "Good!" exclaimed Barton, in a tone of satis- 
 faction. "I'll stay at home to dinner to-day. Did 
 the man pay your mother any money?" 
 
 "I s'pose so, or she wouldn't be buyin' sassiges. 
 Old Schickman won't trust us any more." 
 
 "The money should have been paid to me. I'll 
 see about it when your mam comes back from the 
 store." 
 
198 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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 dodged easily, and his father, being 
 unsteady on his legs, fell on the ground. 
 
 Abner laughed, but Herbert was too much 
 shocked to share in his enjoyment. • 
 
 ^ "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 have fallen !" 
 
 "Let me help you, sir!" said Herbert, conquer- 
 ing his instinctive disgust and approaching the 
 fallen man. 
 
 "You're a gentleman !" murmured Barton, as he 
 took the little boy's proffered hand and, after con- 
 siderable ado, raised himself to a standing position. 
 "You're a gentleman; I wish I had a boy like you." 
 
 Herbert could not join in the wish. He felt that 
 a father like Joel Barton would be a great mis- 
 fortune. 
 
 But just then Mrs. Barton entered the yard, 
 marching with long strides like a man's. 
 
 "Here's mam!" 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 have dinner?" 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 199 
 
 "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. I shan'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 to understand that I'm the master of 
 this house, and it's my right to take 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 for drink." 
 
 "Would you grudge me the few pennies I spend 
 for drink? My system requires it. That's what 
 the doctor says." 
 
 "Then you must find the money for it yourself. 
 My system requires something to eat, and, ef I 
 take a boarder, he's got to have something to eat, 
 too." 
 
 "Mrs. B., I didn't think your heart was so 
 hard," said Barton, in a maudlin tone. 
 
 "Look here, Joel Barton; you might as well 
 stop such foolish talk. It won't do no good. I 
 
200 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 can't stay here all day. I must go and be gettin* 
 dinner." 
 
 Had Barton succeeded in raising money from 
 his wife, he would probably have returned at once 
 to the tavern, and his place would have been vacant 
 at the dinner table. Failing in this, he lay back 
 and fell asleep, and was not roused till dinner time. 
 
 Mrs. Barton was a fair cook, and Herbert ate 
 with an unexpected relish. It is needless to say that 
 Abner also did full justice to the 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 ex- 
 plained. "Mam and I gen'ally have to skirmish 
 round for vittles. We don't often get meat." 
 
 This frank confession rather alarmed Herbert. 
 He was not over self-indulgent, but he had never 
 lacked for nourishing food, and the prospect of an 
 uncertain supply was not encouraging. 
 
 When dinner was over — there was no second 
 course — they left the table. Joel Barton made a 
 fresh attempt to extort a small sum from his wife, 
 but was met with an inflexible refusal. Mrs. Bar- 
 ton proved deaf alike to entreaties and threats. 
 She was a strong, resolute woman, and not one to 
 be intimidated. 
 
 When Barton left the house his look of disap- 
 pointment had given place to one of cunning. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 201 
 
 "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 his father. 
 
 "I want you to find out where your mam keeps 
 that money," said Barton, 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 mam?" 
 
 " 'Twon't be hookin'. The money by right be- 
 longs to me. Ain't I the head of the family?" 
 
 "I dunno about that. Mam's the boss, and al- 
 ways has been," chuckled Abner. 
 
 Joel frowned, but immediately tried another 
 attack. 
 
 "Of course I'll give you some of it, Abner," he 
 resumed. "If there's five dollars I'll give you a 
 quarter." 
 
 M 
 
202 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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 that had taken place between him- 
 self and his father. 
 
 Herbert was shocked. He did not know what 
 to think of the singular family 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 would keep the money. She'll 
 spend it for vittles, and dad would spend it for 
 drink. Wouldn't you like to go a-fishin' ? It's fine 
 weather, and we'll have fun." 
 
 Herbert assented, not knowing how to dispose 
 of his time. Abner turned the conversation again 
 upon New York. What Herbert had already told 
 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, disap- 
 pointed. "Stop a minute, though," he added, after 
 a minute's pause. "Wouldn't your folks send you 
 some money, if you should write to them?" 
 
 "Yes," answered Herbert, his face brightening. 
 "Why didn't I think of that before ? If I could get 
 some paper and ink I'd write at once to papa. T 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 203 
 
 know he'd either send the money or come for 
 me. 
 
 "We'll go to the post office," said Abner. 
 "There you can buy some paper and a postage 
 stamp. You've got just money enough. There's 
 a pen and ink there." 
 
 "Let us go at once," said Herbert, eagerly. 
 
 The boys took their way to the village. The 
 letter was written and posted, and a burden was 
 lifted from the boy's mind. He felt that his father 
 would seek him out at once, and he could bear his 
 present position for a short time. But, alas! for 
 poor Herbert — the letter never came into his fath- 
 er's hands. Why, the reader will learn in the next 
 chapter. 
 
204 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI 
 
 THE HOUSEKEEPER'S CRIME 
 
 It is not to be supposed that during this time the 
 family of the missing boy were idle. The mys- 
 terious disappearance of his only son filled his fath- 
 er's heart with anguish, and he took immediate 
 steps to penetrate the mystery. Not only was the 
 fullest information given to the police, but an ex- 
 perienced detective connected with a private agency 
 was detailed for the search. The matter also got 
 into the papers, and Herbert, in his Western home, 
 little suspected that his name had already become a 
 household word in thousands of families. 
 
 Days passed, and in spite of the efforts that were 
 being made to discover him, no clew had been ob- 
 tained by Herbert's friends, either as to his where- 
 abouts, or as to the identity of the party or parties 
 that had abducted him. It is needless to say that 
 Grant heartily sympathized with the afflicted 
 father, and was sad on his own account, for he 
 had become warmly attached to the little boy whose 
 constant companion he had been in his hours of 
 leisure. 
 
 The only one in the house who took the matter 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 205 
 
 coolly was Mrs. Estabrook, the housekeeper. She 
 even ventured to suggest that Herbert had run 
 away. 
 
 "What do you mean, Mrs. Estabrook?" ex- 
 claimed the father, impatiently. "You ought to 
 know my poor boy better than that!" 
 
 "Boys are a worrisome set," returned the house- 
 keeper j composedly. "Only last week I read in 
 the Herald about two boys who ran away from 
 good homes and went out to kill Indians." 
 
 "Herbert was not that kind of a boy," said 
 Grant. "He had no fondness for adventure." 
 
 "I have known Herbert longer than you, young 
 man," retorted the housekeeper, with a sneer. 
 
 "It is very clear that you didn't know him as 
 well," said Mr. Reynolds. 
 
 Mrs. Estabrook sniffed, but said nothing. With- 
 out expressly saying so, it was evident that she dis- 
 sented from Mr. Reynolds' opinion. 
 
 The broker's loss unfitted him for work, and he 
 left the details of office work to his subordinates, 
 while nearly all his time was spent in interviews 
 with the police authorities or in following up faint 
 clews. His loss seemed to strengthen the intimacy 
 and attachment between him and Grant, in whom 
 he confided without reserve. When at home in the 
 evening he talked over with Grant, whom he found 
 a sympathetic listener, the traits of the stolen boy, 
 and brought up reminiscences, trifling, perhaps, but 
 
2o6 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 touching, under the circumstances. To Mrs. Esta- 
 brook he seldom spoke of his son. Her cold and 
 unsympathetic temperament repelled him. She 
 had never preferred to feel any attachment for 
 Herbert, and the boy, quick to read 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, which had been left 
 by the postman. As curiosity was by no means 
 lacking In the housekeeper's composition, she took 
 it up, and peered at the address 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 result would doubt- 
 less be that the boy would be recovered, and would 
 reveal the name of his abductor. This would sub- 
 ject her favorite, Willis Ford, to arrest, and prob- 
 ably imprisonment. 
 
 "He should have been more careful, and not al- 
 lowed the boy to write," said the housekeeper to 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 207 
 
 herself. "Willis must have been very imprudent. 
 If I only knew what was in the letter !" 
 
 The housekeeper's curiosity became so ungovern- 
 able that she decided to open It, By steaming it, 
 she could do It, and If It seemed expedient, paste 
 It together again. She had little compunction In 
 the matter. In a few minutes she was able to with- 
 draw the letter from the envelope and read its 
 contents. 
 
 This Is what Herbert wrote : 
 
 "Scipio, III. 
 "Dear Papa: I know you must have been very 
 anxious about me. I would have written you be- 
 fore, but I have had no chance. Willis Ford found 
 me playing In the street, and got me to go with him 
 by saying you had 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 board 
 a steamer in the harbor, and Mr. Ford took me In 
 a stateroom. Then he put a handkerchief to my 
 face, and I became sleepy. When I waked up we 
 we were at sea. I don't know where I went, but 
 when we came to land, some time the next day, we 
 got into the cars and traveled for a couple of days. 
 I begged Mr. Ford to take me home, but It made 
 him cross. I think he hates you and Grant, and 
 I think he took me away to spite you. I am sure 
 he is a very wicked man. 
 
2o8 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Finally we came to this place. It Is a small 
 place In Illinois. The people who live here are 
 Mr. and Mrs. Barton and their son Abner. Mr, 
 Joel Barton Is a drunkard. He gets drunk when- 
 ever he has money to buy whisky. Mrs. Barton 
 Is a hard-working woman, and she does about all 
 the work that Is done, Mr. Ford paid her some 
 money In advance. She Is a tall woman, and her 
 voice sounds like a man's. She does not 111 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 to me and he wants to come to New 
 York. He says he will run away and take me with 
 him. If we can get enough money to pay our fares. 
 I don't think we could walk it so far. Abner might, 
 for he Is a good deal stronger than I am, but I 
 know I should get very tired. 
 
 "Now, dear papa. If you will send me monev" 
 enough to pay for railroad tickets, Abner and I 
 win start just as soon as we get It. I don't know 
 as he ought to run away from home, but he says 
 his father 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 Is scolding 
 him all the time. I don't think she would do that 
 If she cared much for him, do you? 
 
 "I have filled the paper, and m.ust stop. Be sure 
 to send the money to your loving son, 
 
 "Herbert Reynolds." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 209 
 
 "How easy you write!" said Abner, in wonder, 
 as he saw Herbert's letter growing long before his 
 eyes. "It would take me a week to write 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, you see, I have a good deal to write 
 about." 
 
 "Then there's another thing," said Abner. "I 
 shouldn't know how to spell so many words. You 
 must be an awful good scholar." 
 
 "I always liked to study," said Herbert. "Don't 
 you like to read and study?" 
 
 "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 up ignorant." 
 
 "I expect I'll always be a know-nothin', but I 
 reckon I know as much as dad. The old man's 
 awful ignorant. He don't care for nothin' but 
 whisky." 
 
 "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 at me, as they did at dad once when 
 he was tight. I licked a couple of 'em." 
 
 ^ *P *|» 3p S|« 37? Jfi 
 
 Mrs. Estabrook read Herbert's letter with in- 
 tense interest. She saw that the little boy's testi- 
 
210 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 mony would seriously incriminate Willis Ford, If 
 he were recovered, as he would be if this letter 
 came into his father's hands. 
 
 "There's only one thing to do," the housekeeper 
 reflected, closing her thin lips tightly. 
 
 She lit the gas jet In her chamber, and, without 
 a trace of compunction, held the letter In the flame 
 until It was thoroughly consumed. 
 
HELPING HIMSELfe 211 
 
 ' CHAPTER XXXIl 
 
 HOPE DEFERRED 
 
 Day after day Herbert and Abner went to the 
 post office and inquired for letters, but alas ! none 
 came. Poor Herbert was in despair. He thought 
 his father would have Instantly sent the money, or 
 come out himself to take him home. Was it pos- 
 sible his father had forgotten him, or was indif- 
 ferent to his absence ? He could not believe It, but 
 what was he to think? 
 
 "I reckon your father didn't get the letter," sug- 
 gested Abner. 
 
 Herbert hailed this suggestion with relief. 
 
 "Or, maybe, mam has told the postmaster to 
 give her any letters that come." 
 
 This suggestion, too, seemed not improbable. 
 
 "What can we do?" asked Flerbert, helplessly. 
 
 "I reckon we'd better run away." 
 
 "Without money?" 
 
 "We'll hire out to somebody for a week or two 
 and write from where we are." 
 
 "I'm afraid I couldn't do much work," said the 
 little boy. 
 
212 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Then I'll work for both," said Abner, stoutly. 
 "I've got tired of stayin' at home, anyway." 
 
 "I'll do whatever you say," said Herbert, feel- 
 ing that any change would be for the better. 
 
 "I'll tell you when I'm ready," said Abner. 
 "We'll start some time when mam's gone to the 
 village." 
 
 There was another reason for Herbert's being 
 dissatisfied with his new home. A month had 
 passed — the full time for which Willis Ford had 
 paid the boy's board — and there were no indica- 
 tions that any more was to be paid. During the 
 the first week the fare had been tolerable, though 
 Mrs. Barton was not a skillful cook; but now there 
 was no money left, and the family fell back upon 
 what their limited resources could supply. Mush 
 and milk now constituted their principal diet. It 
 is well enough occasionally, but, when furnished at 
 every meal, both Herbert and Abner became tired 
 of it. 
 
 "Haven't you got anything else for dinner, 
 mam?" asked Abner, discontentedly. 
 
 "No, I haven't," answered the mother, snap- 
 pishly. 
 
 "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?" indicating Herbert. 
 
 "It's spent, and I wish WiHis Ford would send 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 213 
 
 along some more mighty quick. He needn't expect 
 me to take a free boarder." 
 
 She looked severely at Herbert, as if he were in 
 fault. Certainly the 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 come from 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't open it." 
 
 "All right, mam." 
 
 "Come along, bub," said Abner. 
 
 This was the name he gave to Herbert, whom he 
 liked in his own rough way. 
 
 "I don'f think," said Herbert, as they walked 
 along, "that your mother can have got any letter 
 written by my father. If she had, she would not 
 be out of money." 
 
 "I reckon you're right. Do you think that Ford 
 feller will send money for your board?" 
 
 "I think he will, if he can, for he wants to keep 
 me here ; but I don't think he has much money with 
 him." 
 
 "All the worse for mam." 
 
 "Abner," said Herbert, after a pause, during 
 which he had been thinking seriously, "would you 
 mind running away pretty soon ?" 
 
214 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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's rich " 
 
 "No, I guess not. Ef she hadn't married sech a 
 good-for-nothin' as dad " 
 
 "I wouldn't speak so of your father, Abner." 
 
 "Why not? Isn't it the truth? Dad's no grit. 
 He gits drunk whenever he has a chance. Mam's, 
 a good, hard-workin' woman. She'd git along 
 well enough ef she was alone." 
 
 "At any rate, she can't afford to board me for 
 nothing. So I am ready to start whenever you are, 
 Abner." 
 
 "Suppose we get up early to-morror and start ?"^ 
 
 "How early?" 
 
 "Three o'clock. Mam gets up at five. We must 
 be on the road before that 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- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 215 
 
 ; CHAPTER XXXIII 
 
 THE JOURNEY BEGINS 
 
 "Wake up, there." 
 
 The little boy stirred in his sleep, and finally 
 opened his eyes. By the faint light that entered 
 through the window, he saw Abner bending over 
 him. 
 
 "What is it?" he asked, drowsily. 
 
 "The kitchen clock's just struck three," whis- 
 pered Abner. "You haven'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 had taken a great deal longer for 
 Herbert to dress at home, but he had become less 
 particular as to his toilet now. 
 
 The boys took their shoes in their hands, and 
 stole out in their stocking feet. As they passed the 
 door of the room in which Mr. and Mrs. Barton 
 slept, they heard the deep breathing of both, and 
 knew that they were not likely to be heard. 
 
2i6 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 Outside the door they put on their shoes, and 
 Vv'cre now ready to start. 
 
 "Wait a minute, bub," said Abner. 
 
 He re-entered the house, and presently came out 
 holding half a loaf In his hand. 
 
 "That'll do for our breakfast," he said. "We 
 won't eat it now. We'll wait till five o'clock. Then 
 we'll be hungry." 
 
 By five o'clock they were as many miles on their 
 way. They had reached 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 bigger than 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 feel that he ought to be generous 
 and kind to a boy so much smaller, and he felt re- 
 paid for his self-denial by noticing the evident 
 relish with which Herbert ate his allowance of 
 bread, even to the smallest crumb. 
 
 They found a spring, which yielded them a cool, 
 refreshing draught, and soon were on their way 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 217 
 
 once more. They had proceeded perhaps two miles 
 further, when the rumbling of wheels was heard 
 behind them, and a farm wagon soon came up 
 alongside. The driver was a man of about thirty — 
 sunburned and roughly clad. 
 
 "Whoa, there," he said. 
 
 The horse stopped. 
 
 "Where are you two goin'?" he asked. 
 
 "We're travelin'," answered Abner, noncom- 
 mittally. 
 
 "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 that little feller your brother?" 
 
 "No; he's my cousin." 
 
 Herbert looked up in surprise at this avowal of 
 relationship, but he thought It best not to say any- 
 thing that would conflict with Abner's statement. 
 
 "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." 
 
2i8 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Thank you," said x'\bner, prompt to accept the 
 offer. "I'll help you in, bub." 
 
 The two boys took their seats beside the driver, 
 Herbert being in the middle. The little boy was 
 really tired, and he found it very pleasant to ride, 
 instead of walking. He had walked seven miles 
 already, and that was more than he had ever be- 
 fore walked at one time. 
 
 They rode about three miles, when the driver 
 pulled up in front of a comfortable-looking house. 
 
 "This is where I stop," he said. "My aunt lives 
 here, and my sister has 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 in and 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 half full." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 219 
 
 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 had never in his 
 remembrance sat down at home to a meal equally 
 attractive. He wielded his knife and fork with an 
 activity and energy which indicated thorough en- 
 joyment. Even Herbert, though in the city his 
 appetite had been delicate, and he had already 
 eaten part of a loaf of bread, did excellent justice 
 to the good things set before him. He was himself 
 surprised at his extraordinary appetite, forgetting 
 the stimulating effect of a seven-mile walk. 
 
 After breakfast they set out again on their 
 tramp. At sunset, having rested several hours in 
 the middle of the day, they had accomplished 
 twenty miles. Abner could have gone further, but 
 Herbert was well tired out. They obtained per- 
 mission from a friendly farmer to spend the night 
 in his barn, and retired at half-past seven. Mr. 
 Reynolds would have been shocked had he known 
 that his little son was compelled to sleep on a pile 
 
220 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 of hay, but it may truthfully be said that 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 mam thought when 
 they found us gone?" said Abner, with a grin. 
 
 "Won't they feel bad?" 
 
 "Not much," said Abner. "They ain't that kind. 
 I reckon it won't spoil their appetite." 
 
 When they descended from the haymow, the 
 farmer was milking his cows. 
 
 "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 a good 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 the bereaved parents, and inquire how 
 they bore their loss. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 221 
 
 When Mrs. Barton rose to commence the labors 
 of the day, she found that no wood was on hand 
 for the kitchen fire. 
 
 "Abner's gittin' lazier and lazier," she solilo- 
 quized. "I'll soon have him up." 
 
 She went to the foot of the stairs, and called 
 "Abner !" in a voice by no means low or gentle. 
 
 There was no answer. 
 
 "That boy would sleep if there was an earth- 
 quake !" she muttered. "Come down here and split 
 some wood, you lazy boy!" she cried, still louder. 
 
 Again no answer. 
 
 "He hears, fast enough, but he don't want to 
 work. I'll soon have him down." 
 
 She ascended the stairs, two steps at a time, and 
 opened the door of her son's room. 
 
 If Abner had been in bed his mother would have 
 pulled him out, for her arm was vigorous, but the 
 bed was empty. 
 
 "Well, I vum!" she ejaculated, in surprise. "Ef 
 that boy isn't up already. That's a new wrinkle. 
 And the little boy gone, too. What can It mean ?'" 
 
 It occurred to Mrs. Barton that Abner and Her- 
 bert might have got up early to go fishing, though 
 she had never known him to make so early a start 
 before. 
 
 "I reckon breakfast'll bring 'em round," she said 
 to herself. "I reckon I shall have to split the wood 
 myself." 
 
222 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 In half an hour breakfast was ready. It was of 
 a very simple character, for the family resources 
 were limited. Mr. Barton came downstairs, and 
 looked discontentedly at the repast provided. 
 
 "This is a pretty mea nbreakfast, Mrs. B.," he 
 remarked. "Where's your 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 see that 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. Ef you'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 business to provide me with money; 
 you can't expect one boy's board to support the 
 whole family." 
 
 "It's strange where them boys are gone," said 
 Joel, desirous of changing the subject. "Like as 
 not, they hid under the bed, and fooled you." 
 
 "Ef they did, I'll rout 'em out," said Mrs. Bar- 
 ton, who thought the supposition not improbable. 
 
 Once more she ascended the stairs and made an 
 irruption into the boy's chamber. She lifted the 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 223, 
 
 quilt, and peered under the bed. But there were 
 no boys there. Looking about the room, however, 
 she discovered something else. On the mantel- 
 piece 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 than she had gone up just before. 
 
 "Look at that," she exclaimed, holding out a 
 scrap of paper to Joel Barton. 
 
 "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 skillful penman, were these words : 
 
 "Bub and I have runned away. You needn't 
 worry. I reckon we can get along. We're going 
 to make our fortunes. When we're rich, we'll come 
 back. Abner." 
 
 "What do you think of that, Joel Barton?" de- 
 manded 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, 
 
224 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 Joel. You can't expect a 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, no dinner." 
 
 "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 com- 
 pelled by the stress of circumstances to do the work 
 expected of him. It made him feel angry with 
 Abner, whom he did not miss for any other reason. 
 
 "I'll break that boy's neck when he comes back," 
 he muttered. "It's a shame to leave all this work 
 for his poor, old dad." 
 
 To-morrow came, but the boys did not. A week 
 slipped away, and still they were missing. Mrs. 
 Barton was not an affectionate mother, but it did 
 seem lonesome without Abner. As for Herbert, 
 she did not care for 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 a surprise for Mrs. Barton. 
 
 As she was at work in the kitchen, she heard a 
 loud knock at the door. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 225 
 
 "Can It be Abner ?" she thought. "He wouldn't 
 knock." 
 
 She went to the door, however, feeling rather 
 curious as to who could be her visitor, and on open- 
 ing It started In surprise to see Willis Ford. 
 
 "Mr. Ford !" she ejaculated. 
 
 "I thought I would make you a call," answered 
 Ford. "How's the boy getting along?" 
 
 "If you mean the boy you left here," she an- 
 swered, composedly, "he's run 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 off to make their for- 
 tunes." 
 
 "Why didn't you take better care of him, wom- 
 an?" exclaimed Ford, angrily. "It's your fault, 
 his running away I" 
 
 "Look here. Ford," retorted Mrs. Barton; 
 "don't you sass me, for I won't stand It. Ef vc 
 hadn't been for you, Abner would be at home 
 now." 
 
 "I didn't mean to offend you, my dear Mrs. Bar- 
 ton," said Ford, seeing that he had made a false 
 step. "Tell me all you can, and I'll see if I can't 
 get the boys back." 
 
 "Now you're talkin'," said Mrs. Barton, 
 smoothing her ruffled plumage. "Come into the 
 house, and I'll tell you all I know." 
 
226 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV 
 
 HERBERT BREAKS DOWN 
 
 "I don't think I can walk any further, Abner. 
 I feel sick," faltered Herbert. 
 
 Abner, who had been v/alking briskly, turned 
 round to look at his young companion. Herbert 
 was looking very pale, and had to drag one foot 
 after the other. Day after day he had tried to 
 keep up with Abner, but his strength was far in- 
 ferior to that of the other boy, and he had finally 
 broken down. 
 
 "You do look sick, bub," said Abner, struck by 
 Herbert's pallid look. "Was I walking too fast 
 for you?" 
 
 "I feel very weak," said Herbert. "Would you 
 mind stopping a little while? 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 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 227 
 
 gentleness and consideration for the little boy, 
 whose weakness appealed to his better nature. He 
 picked out a nice, shady place for Herbert to re- 
 eline upon, and, taking off his coat, laid it down for 
 a pillow on which 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 
 
 vou are." 
 
 "So do I. I reckon I was born tough. I was 
 brought up different from you." 
 
 "I wish I were at home," sighed Herbert. "Is 
 it a long way from here?" 
 
 "I reckon it is, but I don't know," answered 
 Abner, whose geographical notions were decidedly 
 hazy. 
 
 An hour passed, and still Herbert lay almost 
 motionless, as if rest were a luxury, with his eyes 
 fixed thoughtfully upon the clouds that could 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'." 
 
228 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I'll try," said Herbert, and he rose to his feet, 
 but he only staggered 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 com- 
 panion. He was not used to sickness or weakness, 
 but there was something in the little boy's face that 
 startled him. 
 
 "I don't think you're fit to walk any further to- 
 day," he said. "I wish we had some good place to 
 stay." 
 
 At this moment a carriage was seen approach- 
 ing. It was driven by a lady of middle age, with a 
 benevolent face. Her attention was drawn to the 
 two boys, and especially to Herbert. Her experi- 
 enced eyes at once 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 the relationship. "We've been travelin' 
 for several days. He ain't so tough as I am," 
 
 "He looks as if he were going to be sick. Have 
 you sny friends near here?" 
 
 "No, ma'am. The nighest is over a hundred 
 miles off." 
 
 The lady reflected a moment. Then she said: 
 "I think you had better come to my house. My 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 229 
 
 brother Is a doctor. He will look at your little 
 brother and see what can be done for him." 
 
 "I should like it very much," said Abner, "but 
 we haven't got any money 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, got in himself. 
 
 "May I drive?" he asked, eagerly. 
 
 "Yes, if you like." 
 
 The kind lady supported with her arm Herbert's 
 drooping head, and so they drove on for a mile, 
 when she indicated that they were to stop in front 
 of a large, substantial, square house, built after the 
 New England style. 
 
 Herbert was taken out, and, after Abner helped 
 him upstairs, into a large, 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 brother comes, I will send him up." 
 
 Herbert breathed a sigh of satisfaction, as he 
 reclined on the comfortable bed, which was more 
 
230 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 like the one he slept in at home than 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 felt Herbert's pulse. 
 
 "The boy is tired out," he said. "That is all. 
 His strength has been exhausted by too severe phy- 
 sical effort." 
 
 "What shall we do to bring him round?" asked 
 his sister. 
 
 "Rest and nourishing food are all that is re- 
 quired." 
 
 "Shall we keep him here? Have you any objec- 
 tion?" 
 
 "I should object to letting him go in his present 
 condition. He will be 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'm strong, 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 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 231 
 
 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 to- 
 gether?" 
 
 "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 1" repeated Miss Stone, much sur- 
 prised. "Surely, you have not walked from there?" 
 
 "No, Miss Stone; I was stolen from my home in 
 New York about a month ago, and left at Abner's 
 house. It was a poor cabin, and very different 
 from anything I was accustomed to. I did not like 
 Mr. and Mrs. Barton ; but Abner was always kind 
 to me." 
 
 "Is your father living?" asked Miss Stone, who 
 had become interested. 
 
 "Yes; he is a broker." 
 
 "And no doubt you have a nice home?" 
 
 "Yes, very nice. It is a brownstone house up- 
 town. I wonder whether I shall ever see it again ?" 
 
 "Surely you will. I am surprised that you have 
 not written to tell your father where you are. He 
 must be feeling very anxious about you." 
 
232 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "I did write, asking him to send me money to 
 come home. Abner was going with me. But no 
 answer came to my letter." 
 
 "That is strange. Your father can't have re- 
 ceived 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 for consideration. 
 
 "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 the particulars with which the reader is 
 already acquainted. When he had finished, she 
 said: "My advice Is, that you write to your boy 
 friend. Grant Thornton, or tell me what to write, 
 and I will write to him. His letters will not be 
 likely to be tampered with." 
 
 "I think that will be a good idea," said Herbert; 
 "Grant will tell papa, and then he'll send for me." 
 
 Miss Stone brought her desk to the bedside, and 
 wrote a letter to Grant at Herbert's dictation. This 
 letter she sent to the village postofdce immediately 
 by Abner. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 233, 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI 
 
 GRANT RECEIVES A LETTER 
 
 Mr. Reynolds had spared no expense m his ef- 
 forts to obtain tidings of his lost boy. None of his 
 agents, however, had succeeded in gaining the 
 smallest clew to Herbert's whereabouts. Through 
 the public press the story had been widely dissemi- 
 nated, and in consequence the broker began to re- 
 ceive letters from various points, from persons pro- 
 fessing to have seen such a boy as the one described. 
 One of these letters came from Augusta, Ga., and 
 impressed Mr. Reynolds to such an extent that he 
 decided to go there In person, and see for himself 
 the boy of whom his correspondent wrote. 
 
 The day after he started Grant, on approaching 
 the house at the close of business, fell in with the 
 postman, just ascending the steps. 
 
 "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„. 
 
^34 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 He was surprised to find that It had a Western 
 postmark. He was more puzzled by the feminine 
 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 to follow up a clew.'* 
 
 "Two weeks since," said the postman, "I left a 
 letter here dated at Scipio, 111. It was In a boy's 
 handwriting. I thought it might be from the lost 
 boy." 
 
 "A letter from Scipio, In a boy's handwriting!" 
 repeated Grant, surprised. "Mr. Reynolds has 
 shown me all his letters. He has received none 
 from there." 
 
 "I can't understand It. I left It here, I am posi- 
 tive 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 a boy's handwriting?" 
 
 "Yes; the address was In a round, schoolboy 
 hand. The servant couldn't have lost It, could 
 5he?" 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 235 
 
 "No ; Sarah is very careful." 
 
 "Well, I must be going." 
 
 By this time Grant had opened the letter. He 
 had glanced rapidly at the 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, who is taking care of me, to do 
 so, because I wrote to papa two weeks since, and I 
 am afraid he did not get the letter, for I have had 
 no answer. 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 scarcely 
 enough 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 money from 
 papa. But we waited and waited, and no letter 
 came. So at last we decided to run away at any 
 rate, for I was afraid Mr. Ford would come back 
 and take me somewhere else. I can't tell you much 
 
236 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 about the journey, except that we walked most of 
 the way, and we got very tired — or, at least, I did, 
 for I am not so strong as Abner— till I broke down. 
 I am stopping now at the house of Dr. Stone, who 
 is very kind, and so is his sister, who is writing this 
 letter for me. Will you show papa this letter, and 
 ask him to send for me, if he cannot come himself? 
 I do so long to be at home once more. I hope he 
 will come before Willis Ford finds me out. I think 
 he has a spite against papa, and that is why he stole 
 me away. lYour affectionate friend, 
 
 "Herbert Reynolds.'^ 
 
 "Please say nothing about this," said Grant to 
 the postman. "I don't want it known that this let- 
 ter has come." 
 
 "What will you do?" 
 
 "I shall start for the West myself to-night." 
 
 "Mrs. Estabrook intercepted that letter," said 
 Grant to himself. "I am sure of It." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 237 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII 
 
 WILLIS FORD FINDS THE RUNAWAYS 
 
 "I SHALL be absent for a few days, Mrs. Esta- 
 brook," said Grant to the housekeeper, as he en- 
 tered 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 be spared." 
 
 The housekeeper concluded that Grant was go- 
 ing to Colebrook, and did not connect his journey 
 with the lost boy. 
 
 "Oh, well, I suppose you understand your own 
 business best. Herbert will 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 not have traveled so far in search 
 of him." 
 
238 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Shall you be glad to see him back, Mrs. Esta- 
 brook?" 
 
 "Of course! What makes you doubt it?" de- 
 manded 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. Esta- 
 brook, sharply. "Why do you ask?" 
 
 "I was wondering whether he knew that Her- 
 bert had been abducted." 
 
 "That is more than we know. Very likely the 
 boy ran away." 
 
 Grant called on the cashier at his private resi- 
 dence, confided to him his plan, and obtained a sum 
 of money for traveling expenses. He left the 
 Grand Central Depot by the evening train, and by 
 morning was well on his way to Chicago. 
 
 Meanwhile Willis Ford had left no stone un- 
 turned to obtain news of the runaways. This he 
 did not find difficult, though attended with delay. 
 He struck the right trail, and then had only to in- 
 quire, as he went along, whether two boys had been 
 seen, one small and delicate, the other large and 
 well-grown, wandering through the country. Plenty 
 had seen the two boys, and told him. so. 
 
 "Are they your sons, mister?" asked a laborer of 
 whom he inquired. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 239 
 
 "Not both of them — only the smaller," an- 
 swered Ford, with unblushing falsehood. 
 
 "And what made them run away now?" 
 
 "My son probably did not like the boarding 
 place I selected for him." 
 
 "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 induced Sam to run away." 
 
 Finally Ford reached Claremont, the town where 
 the boys had actually found refuge. Here he learn- 
 ed 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 at the 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 scon. 
 
 He inquired the way to Dr. Stone's. Everybody 
 knew where the doctor lived, 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 over- 
 spread his face. 
 
240 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Ha, my young friend ! I see that you remeni" 
 ber me," said Ford, ironically. 
 
 "Well, what do you want?" asked Abner, sul- 
 lenly. 
 
 "You know well enough. I want the boy you 
 have persuaded to run away with you." 
 
 "I didn't persuade him." 
 
 "Never mind about quibbling. I know where 
 the boy is, and I mean to have 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 mind answering. I know well 
 enough it is." 
 
 "Fle'll have bub sure," said Abner, disconsolate- 
 ly. "But I'll follow 'em, and I'll get him away, as 
 sure as my name's Abner Barton.'* 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 24 ^ 
 
 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 of importance." 
 
 "I don't like his looks," thought the maid. 
 "Shure he talks as if he was 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 — heard the mes- 
 sage, 
 
 "What Is he like?" he asked, anxiously. 
 
 "He's slender like, with black hair and a black 
 mustache, and he talks 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. 
 
242 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "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 the young man I will be down 
 directly." 
 
 Five minutes later Miss Stone descended, and 
 found Willis Ford fuming with impatience. 
 
 "I am here, sir," she said, coldly. "I understand 
 you wish to see me." 
 
 "Yes, madam; will you answer me a few ques- 
 tions?" 
 
 "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 the lady. 
 
 "That's my business. Permit me to say that it 
 is no affair of yours." 
 
 "I judge differeAtly. The boy is sick and under 
 my charge." 
 
 "I am his natural guardian, madam," 
 
 "Who made you so, Mr. Ford?" 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 243 
 
 "I shall not argue that question. It Is enough 
 that I claim him as my cousin and ward." 
 
 "Your cousin?" 
 
 "Certainly. That doubtless conflicts with what 
 he has told you. He was always a liar." 
 
 "His story is, that you beguiled him from his 
 home in New York, and brought 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. Joel Barton, of Sclpio, but 
 the boy, who is flighty, was induced to run away 
 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 brother comes, and he will decide, being a 
 physician, whether it is safe to have him go." 
 
 "Madam, this subterfuge will not avail," said 
 Ford, rudely. "I will not wait till your brother 
 comes. I prefer to take the matter Into my own 
 hands." 
 
 He pressed forward to the door of the room, 
 
244 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 and before Miss Stone could prevent It, was on his 
 way upstairs. She followed as rapidly as she could, 
 but before she could reach him. Ford had dashed 
 into the 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 rise and 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 other resource. Trembling, he slipped out 
 of bed, and began to draw on his clothes. He felt 
 helpless, but help was nearer than he dreamed. 
 
 "Mr. Ford, I protest against this high-handed 
 proceeding," exclaimed Miss Stone, indignantly, as 
 she appeared at the door of the chamber. "What 
 right have you to go over my house without per- 
 mission?" 
 
 "If it comes to that," sneered Ford, "what right 
 have you to keep my ward 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 shall not take you away." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 245 
 
 "Perhaps you will tell me how you are going to 
 help Itj" retorted Ford, with an evil smile. 
 
 "If my brother were here " 
 
 "But your brother is not here, and if he were, I 
 would not allow him to interfere between me and 
 my cousin. Herbert, unless you continue dressing, 
 I shall handle you roughly." 
 
 But sounds were heard upon the stairs, and Ford, 
 as well as Miss Stone, 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 to face 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 in v/Ith Abner outside, walked 
 quietly into the room. 
 
 Willis Ford started back in dismay. Grant was 
 the last person he expected to meet here. He had 
 no Idea that any one of the boy's home friends had 
 tracked him this far. He felt that he was defeated, 
 but he hated to acknovvledge it. 
 
246 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "How are you going to prevent me, you young 
 whlppersnapper?" he said, 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 local officer below 
 whom I brought with me, suspecting your object in 
 coming here." 
 
 "Oh, Grant, how glad I am to see you ! Is papa 
 with you?" exclaimed Herbert, 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, reas- 
 suringly. "I shall take you home to New York as 
 soon as this good lady says you are well enough 
 to go." 
 
 Ford stood gnawing his nether lip. If it had 
 been Mr. Reynolds, he would not have minded so 
 much ; but for a mere boy, like Grant Thornton, to 
 talk with such a calm air of superiority angered 
 him. 
 
 "Boy," he said, "it sounds well for you to talk of 
 arrest — you who stole my aunt's bonds, and are in- 
 debted to her forbearance for not being at this mo- 
 ment in State's prison." 
 
 "Your malicious charge does not aftect me, Mr. 
 Ford," returned Grant. "It was proved before 
 you left New York that you were the thief, and 
 even your stepmother must have admitted it. Mr. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 247; 
 
 Reynolds discharged you from his employment, 
 and this Is the mean revenge you have 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 you capable of It." 
 
 "Don't you think you had better leave us, sir?" 
 said Miss Stone. 
 
 "I shall take my own time about going," he an- 
 swered, impudently. 
 
 But his words were heard by Dr. Stone, who had 
 returned sooner than he anticipated, and was al- 
 ready at the door of the room. He was a powerful 
 man, and of quick temper. His answer was to 
 seize Ford by the 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 Herbert has found powerful friends." 
 
 Willis Ford, angry and humiliated, picked him- 
 self up, but did not venture to return to the room 
 he had left so Ignominiously. Like most bullies, he 
 was a coward, and he did not care to encounter the 
 doctor again. 
 
 Within an hour Grant telegraphed to the broker 
 
248 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 at his office: "I have found Herbert, and will 
 start for New York with him to-morrow." Mr. 
 Reynolds had only just returned from his fruitless 
 Southern expedition, weary and dispirited. But he 
 forgot all his fatigue when he read this message. 
 "God bless Grant Thornton!" he ejaculated. 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 249; 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX 
 
 THE housekeeper's RETRIBUTION 
 
 The train from Chicago had just reached the 
 Grand Central Depot. From the parlor car de- 
 scended 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 ! I wonder 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 lost boy 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 he who 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," he said. 
 
250 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 On their way home Grant revealed to Mr. Rey- 
 nolds for the first time the treachery of the house- 
 keeper, who had suppressed Herbert's letter to his 
 father, and left the latter to mourn for his son 
 when she 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 every comfort and every con- 
 sideration, and in return she has dealt me this foul 
 blow. She will have cause to regret it." 
 
 When they entered the house Mrs. Estabrook 
 received them with false smiles. 
 
 "So you are back again. Master Herbert," she 
 said. "A fine fright you gave us !" 
 
 "You speak as if Herbert went away of his own 
 accord," said the broker^ sternly. "You probably 
 know better." 
 
 "I know nothing, sir, about it." 
 
 "Then I may inform you that it was your step- 
 son, Willis Ford, who stole my boy — a noble re- 
 venge, truly, upon me for discharging him." 
 
 "I don't believe it," said the housekeeper. "I 
 presume it is your office boy who makes this 
 charge?" she added, pressing her thin lips together. 
 
 "There are others who are cognizant of it, Mrs. 
 Estabrook. Grant succeeded in foiling Mr. Ford 
 in his attempt to recover Herbert, who had run 
 away from his place of confinement,'* 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 251 
 
 "You are prejudiced against my son, Mr. Rey- 
 nolds," said Mrs. Estabrook, her voice trembling 
 with anger. 
 
 "Not more than against you, Mrs. Estabrook. I 
 have a serious charge to bring against you." 
 
 "What do you mean, sir?" asked the house- 
 keeper, nervously. 
 
 "Why did you suppress the letter which my boy 
 wrote to me revealing his place of Imprisonment?" 
 
 "I don't know what you mean, sir," she an- 
 swered, 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 delivered It 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 thor- 
 oughly convinced of it. After this act of treachery 
 I cannot permit you to spend another night In my 
 house. You will please pack at once, and arrange 
 for a removal." 
 
 "I am entitled to a month's notice, Mr. Rey- 
 nolds." 
 
 "You shall have a month's wages In lieu of it. I 
 would as soon have a serpent In my house." 
 
 Mrs. Estabrook turned pale. She had never ex- 
 
252 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 pected it would come to this. She thought no one 
 would ever be able to trace the suppressed letter to 
 her. She was not likely again to obtain so com- 
 fortable and desirable a position. Instead of attri- 
 buting her ill fortune to her own malice and evil 
 doing, she chose to attribute it to Grant. 
 
 "I am to thank you for this, Grant Thornton," 
 she said, in sudden passion. "I was right in hating 
 you as soon as I first saw you. If ever I am able I 
 will pay you up for this." 
 
 "I don't doubt it, Mrs. Estabrook," said Grant, 
 quietly, "but I don't think you will have it in your 
 power." 
 
 She did not deign to answer, but hurried out of 
 the room. In half an hour she had left the house. 
 
 "Now I can breathe freely," said the broker. 
 "That woman was so full of malice and spite that 
 it made me uncomfortable to feel that she was in 
 the house." 
 
 "I am so glad that she has gone, papa," said 
 Herbert. 
 
 That evening, after Herbert had gone to bed, 
 Mr. Reynolds Invited Grant into his library. 
 
 "My boy," he said, "I have settled accounts with 
 Mrs. Estabrook; now I 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 a service, than which none can 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 253 
 
 be greater. You have been instrumental in restor- 
 ing 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 is acknowledged. I shall raise your 
 salary to fifteen dollars a week." 
 
 "Thank you, sir," said Grant, joyfully. "How 
 glad my mother will be." 
 
 "When you tell her this, you may also tell her 
 that I have deposited on your account in the 
 Bowery Savings Bank the sum of five thousand 
 dollars." 
 
 "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 faith- 
 ful to business as in 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." 
 
 THO^'flSHORNe 
 
254 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 CONCLUSION 
 
 There were anxious hearts in the parsonage at 
 Colebrook. For some weeks the minister had 
 shown signs of overwork. His appetite had failed, 
 and he seemed weary and worn. 
 
 "He needs change," said the doctor. "A run 
 over to Europe would do him good. He has no 
 disease; he only wants change." 
 
 "A trip to Europe," said Mr. Thornton, shaking 
 his head. ''It is impossible. It has been the dream 
 of my life, but a country minister could not, in half 
 a dozen years, save money enough for that." 
 
 "If your brother Godfrey would lend you the 
 money. Grant might, in time, 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 the doctor. "Five hundred dollars 
 would be sufficient, and It would make a new man 
 ot you. 
 
 "It might as well be five thousand," said the min- 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 255 
 
 ister, shaking his head. "No, my good friend, I 
 must toil on as well as I can, and leave 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. 
 
 "ItV ridikilus," was Deacon Gridley's comment. 
 "I work harder than the minister, and I never had 
 to go to Europe. It's just because it'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 know what work was. Ac- 
 cordin' to my notion, ministers have a pooty easy 
 time." 
 
 Mr. Tudor was of the same opinion. 
 
 "It's all nonsense, deacon," he said. "Father 
 wanted me to be a minister, and I'd have had a 
 good deal easier time if I had followed his advice." 
 
 "You wouldn't have had so much money, Mr. 
 Tudor," said Miss Lucretia Spring, 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 give twenty dollars toward sending the 
 minister abroad," said kindly Miss Spring. 
 
 "I wouldn't give a cent," said Mr. Tudor, with 
 emphasis. 
 
256 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 "Nor I," said Deacon Gridley. "I don't believe 
 in humorin' the clergy." 
 
 Saturday came, and the minister was worse. It 
 seemed doubtful if he would be able to officiate the 
 next day. No wonder he became dispirited. 
 
 Just before supper the stage- drove up to the 
 door, and Grant jumped out. 
 
 "I am afraid he has been discharged," said Mr. 
 Thornton, nervously. 
 
 "He does not look like it," said Mrs. Thornton, 
 noticing Grant's beamiing countenance. 
 
 "What is the matter with father?" asked Grant, 
 stopping short as he entered. 
 
 "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, smiling faintly. 
 
 "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, all the same, father." 
 
 "My son, it would cost five hundred dollars." 
 
 "And for twice as much, mother, could go with 
 you ; you would need her to take care of you. Be- 
 sides she needs a change, too." 
 
HELPING HIMSELF 257 
 
 "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 as soon 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 dollars in the Bowery Savings Bank, in 
 New York, and I don't think I can spend a part of 
 it better than in giving you and mother a European 
 trip." 
 
 Then the explanation came, and with some diffi- 
 culty the minister was made 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 thought he'd be so suc- 
 cessful. All the same, it seems to me a mighty poor 
 investment to spend a thousand dollars on racin' to 
 Europe. That money would buy quite a sizable 
 farm." 
 
 Others, however, less narrow in their notions, 
 heartily approved of the European trip. When 
 three months later the minister came home, he look- 
 ed like a new man. His eye was bright, his face 
 bronzed and healthy, his step elastic, and he looked 
 half a dozen years younger. 
 
 "This all comes of having a good son," he said,. 
 
258 HELPING HIMSELF 
 
 smiling, in reply to congratulations, "a son who, in 
 helping himself, has been alive to help others." 
 
 Half a dozen years have passed. Grant Thorn- 
 ton Is now a young man, and junior partner of Mr. 
 Reynolds. He has turned his money to good ac- 
 count, and Is counted rich for one of his age. He 
 has renewed his acquaintance with Miss Carrie 
 Clifton, whom he met for the first time as a sum- 
 mer boarder in Colebrook, and from their intimacy 
 it wouldn't be surprising if Grant should some day 
 become the wealthy jeweler's son-in-law. 
 
 Uncle Godfrey has become reconciled to Grant's 
 following his own course. It Is easy to become 
 reconciled to success. 
 
 Willis Ford is confined in a penitentiary In a 
 Western State, having been convicted of forgery, 
 and there is small chance of his amendment. He 
 has stripped his stepmother of her last penny, and 
 she is compelled to live on the charity of a relative, 
 who accords her a grudging welcome, and treats 
 her with scant consideration. The bitterest drop in 
 her cup of humiliation is the prosperity of Grant 
 Thornton, toward whom she feels a fierce and vin- 
 dictive hatred. As she has sown, so she reaps. 
 Malice and uncharitableness seldom bring forth 
 welcome fruit. 
 
 THE END 
 
A* L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for 
 Young People by Popular Writers, 52- 
 58 Duane Street, New York >« ^< >< 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Joe's Luck: A Boy's Adventures in California. By, 
 
 HoBATio Aloer, Jr. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Tbe story is chock full of stirring incidents, while the amnslng situ- 
 ations are furnished by Joshua Bickford, from Pumpkin Collow, and the 
 fellow who modestly styles himself the "Eip-tail Boarer, from Pike Co., 
 Missouri." Mr. Aljrer never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" la cer- 
 tainly one of his best. 
 
 Tom the Bootblack; or. The Eoad to Success. By 
 
 Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the Bootblack. He was not at all 
 ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the lookout to better 
 himself. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr. 
 Grey, the uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The 
 plan failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a com- 
 fortable fortune. This la one of Mr. Alger's best stories. 
 
 Dan the Newsboy. By Hoeatio Alger, Jk. 13mo, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price 81.00. 
 
 Dan Mordaunt and his mother live in a poor tenement, and the lad is 
 pluckily trying to make ends meet by selling papers in the streets of New 
 York. A little heiress of six years is confided to the care of the Mor- 
 daunts. The child is kidnapped and Dan tracks the child to the house 
 where she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little 
 heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities 
 that she adopts him as her heir. 
 
 Tony the Hero: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a 
 
 Tramp. By Horatio Algbb, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of 
 Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away 
 and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a 
 large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws 
 him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the fate provided 
 for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony 
 is prosperous. A very entertaining book. 
 
 The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. ISmo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a 
 •mart country lad. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper 
 named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the hero's 
 subsequent troubles. A retired merchant in New York secures him the 
 situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend. 
 
 Tom Temple's Career. By Hoeatio Algee, Je. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price f 1.00. 
 
 Tom Temple is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village 
 to seek work In New York, whence he undertakes an Important mission 
 to California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that 
 the reader will scarcely close the book until the last page shall have been 
 reached. The tale Is writ ten In Mr. Alger's most fascinating style. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher. A, L, BUKI, 52-58 DuaAa Street. Kew York. 
 
2 ' A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By Hoeatio Algee, Jb. 
 
 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for 
 himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to Nevr York he obtains a 
 situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a 
 wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter 
 telpfi the lad to gain success and fortune. 
 
 Ton Thatcher's Fortune. By Horatio Algek, Je, 
 
 ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Tom Thatcher is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports hia 
 mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John 
 Simpson's factory. Tom is discharged from the factory and starts over- 
 land for California- He meets with many adventures. The story is told 
 in a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word in so many 
 homes. 
 
 The Train Boy. By Hoeatio Algee, Je. 12ma, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother 
 and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee 
 Railroad. He detects a young man in the act of picking the pocket of a 
 joung lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul 
 is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude 
 takes him into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and 
 Is well started on the road to business prominence. 
 
 Mark Mason's Victory. The Trials and Triumphs of 
 
 a Telegraph Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jb. 12mo, cloth, Dlustrated, price 
 
 Mark Mason, the telegraph boy, was a sturdy, honest lad, who pluckily 
 won hli way to success by his honest manly efforts under many diffi- 
 culties. This story will please the very large class of boys who regard 
 Mr. Alger as a favorite author. 
 
 A Debt of Honor. The Story of Gerald Lane's Success 
 
 in the Far West. By Horatio Ai.ger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 
 
 $1.00. 
 
 Tne story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and dis- 
 appointments which he passed through befoi he attained success, will 
 Interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful 
 author. 
 
 Ben Bruce. Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. 
 
 By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts, 
 and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success, are 
 most interesting to all readers. The tale is written in Mr. Alger'a 
 most fascinating style. 
 
 The Castaways; or, On the Florida Keefs. By James 
 
 Otis. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.04. 
 
 This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea 
 43ueen leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed oCC 
 the coast of Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind 
 through her rigging, the creak of her straining corda.8;e as she heels to 
 the leeward. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the story and 
 Jake the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young 
 people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite. 
 
 For Bale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by ^he 
 "ublisber, A. L. BUBI, 52-58 Suane Street, New York. 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOE YOUNG PEOPLE. S 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Wrecked on Spider Island ; or, How Ned Eogers Found 
 
 the Treasure. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earD 
 :». livelihood. Ned is marooned on Spider Island, and while there dis- 
 covers a wreck submerged in the sand, and finds a considerable amount 
 of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the incidents of the- 
 voyage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most 
 captious boy could desire. 
 
 The Search for the Silver City : A Tale of Adventure in 
 
 Yucatan. By Jasiss Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the steam 
 yacht Day Dream for a cruise to the tropics. The yacht is destroyeu 
 by fire, and then the boat is cast upon the coast of Yucatan. They 
 hear of the wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians, 
 and with the help of a faithful Indian ally carry off a number of the 
 golden images from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor at last 
 their escape is effected in an astonishing manner. The story is so 
 full of exciting incidents that the reader is quite carried away with 
 the novelty and realism of the narrative. 
 
 A Runaway Brig; or. An Accidental Cruise. By 
 
 James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmer- 
 ing sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and imagine himself afloat with 
 Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim Libby and that old shell-back. Bob 
 Brace, on the brig Bonita. The boys discover a mysterious document 
 which enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on 
 an island and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure- 
 to be fascinated with this entertaining story. 
 
 The Treasure Finders: A Boy's Adventures in 
 
 Nicaragua. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father's^ 
 indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The 
 boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three 
 golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest 
 difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We 
 doubt If there ever was written a more entertainrng story than "The 
 Treasure Finders." 
 
 Jack, the Hunchback. A Story of the Coast of Maine. 
 
 By James Otis. Price $1.00. 
 
 This is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elizabeth, 
 on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most interesting. 
 From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears us 
 along as on a stream whose current varies In direction, but never losea 
 Its force. 
 
 With Washington at Monmouth: A Story of Three 
 
 Philadelphia Boys. By James Otis. 18mo, ornamental cloth, olivin* 
 
 edges, illustrated, price $1.50. 
 
 Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular 
 and frequent visits to Valley Forge in the Winter while the British ' 
 occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life 
 skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are 
 given shown that the work has not been hastily done, or without con- 
 siderable study. The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are 
 all of Mr. Otis' works. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher. A. L. BUBT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York, 
 
4: A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. ^ 
 
 With Lafayette at Yorktown: A Story of How Two 
 
 Boys Joined the Continental Army. By Ju£es Otis. 12mo, ornanaental 
 
 cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price $1.60. 
 
 Two lads from Portm«uth, N. H., attempt to enlist In the Colonial 
 Army, and are given employment as spies. There is no lack of exciting 
 incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it Is healthful excite- 
 ment brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with, 
 and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and 
 Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain 
 in his memory long after that which he has memorized from text- 
 books has been forgotten. 
 
 At the Siege of Havana. Being the Experiences of 
 
 Three Boys Serving under Israel Putnam in 1762. By Jambs Otis. 13mo, 
 
 ornamental cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price S1.50. 
 "At the Siege of Havana" deals with that portion of the Island's 
 history when the English king captured the capital, thanks to the 
 assistance given by the troops from New England, led In part by Col. 
 Israel Putnam. 
 
 The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as 
 telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas 
 Vallet. Colonel Putnam also fieures to considerable extent, necessarily. 
 In the tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded on 
 historical facts. 
 
 The Defense of Fort Henry. A Story of Wheeling 
 
 Creek in 1777. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, 
 
 illustrated, price $1.50. 
 
 Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or 
 thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women 
 Who founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The 
 recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as can 
 be imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCuUoch 
 and his gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their sacrifice 
 of blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young readers. 
 
 The Capture of the Laughing Mary. A Story of Three 
 
 New York Boys in 1776. By James Otis. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine 
 
 edges, price $1.50. 
 
 "During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the 
 Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's 
 person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They 
 do some astonishing things, and, incidentally, lay the way for an 
 American navy later, by the exploit which gives Its name to the 
 work. Mr. Otis' books are too well known to require any particular 
 commendation to the young." — Evening Post. 
 
 With Warren at Bunker Hill. A Story of the Siege of 
 
 Boston. By James Otis. 13mo, ornametnal cloth, olivine edges, illus- 
 trated, price $1.50. 
 
 "This Is a tale of the siege o*" Boston, which opens on the day after 
 the doings at Lexington and C'"Jcord, with a description of home life 
 in Boston, Introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown, 
 shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the 
 battle of Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising of the siege. The 
 three heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, 
 incur the enmity of a joung Tory, who causes them many adventures 
 the boys will like to read." — Detroit Free Press. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BUBT, 52-58 Duane Street, Kew York. 
 
A. L. BURT'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 5 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 With the Swamp Fox. The Story of General Marion's 
 
 Spies. By James Otis. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This story deals with General Francis Marion's heroic struggle in the 
 Carolinas. General Marion's arrival to take command of these brave 
 men and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and 
 although the story is devoted to vehat the lads did, the Swamp Fox 
 is ever present in the mind of the reader. 
 
 On the Kentucky Frontier. A Story of the Fighting 
 
 Pioneers of the West. By James Otis. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 
 In the history of our country there is no more thrilling story than 
 that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiers- 
 men. Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the 
 arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kaskaskia was 
 captured. He relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which 
 Is not usually touched upon either by the historian or the story teller. 
 This is one of the most entertaining books for young people which has 
 been published. 
 
 Sarah Dillard's Ride. A Story of South Carolina in 
 
 in 1780. By James Otis. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail of 
 the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's troops. 
 Major Ferguson is the prominent British officer of the story, which is 
 told as though coming from a youth who experienced these adventures. 
 In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out as an 
 Incident of the plot." — Boston Journal. 
 
 A Tory Plot. A Story of the Attempt to Kill General 
 
 Washington. By Jambs Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 " 'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something 
 of the plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tryon to capture 
 or murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. 
 Putnam and are commissioned by him to play the role of detectives 
 In the matter. They do so, and meet with many adventures and hair- 
 "breadth escapes. The boys are, of course, mythical, but they serve to en- 
 able the author to put into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge 
 concerning one phase of the Revolution." — Pittsburgh Times. 
 
 A Traitor's Escape. A Story of the Attempt to Seize 
 
 Benedict Arnold. By James Otis. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "This is a tale with stirring scenes depicted in each chapter, bringing 
 clearly before the mind the glorious deeds of the early settlers in thia 
 country. In an historical work dealing with this country's past, no 
 plot can hold the attention closer than this one, which describes the 
 attempt and partial success of Benedict Arnold's escape to New York, 
 where he remained as the guest of Sir Henry Clinton. AH those who 
 actually figured in the arrest «£ the traitor, as well as Gen. Washing- 
 ton, are included as characters." — AUiany Union, 
 
 A Cruise with Paul Jones. A Story of Kaval Warfaro 
 
 in 1776. By James Otis. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price fl.OO. 
 
 "This story taLes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life 
 when he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an oppor- 
 tunity to strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with 
 bis descent upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and 
 the famous battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tale 
 Is one who was taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after thie 
 particular cruise was begun." — Chicago Inter-Ocean. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price By tb6 
 publlsber, A. L. BUBI, 62-68 Duane Street, New York. 
 
6 A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR boys" 
 
 Corporal Lige's Recruit. A Story of Crown Point and 
 
 Ticonderoga. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price Si, 00. 
 
 "In 'Corporal Lige's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an 
 old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king in '58, and who 
 talies the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad acquits 
 himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the con- 
 tinental congress,' infuses much martial spirit into the narrative, which 
 will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point. Ticon- 
 deroga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical names 
 appear in tbis dramatic tale." — Boston Globe. 
 
 Morgan^ the Jersey Spy. A Story of the Siege of York- 
 town in 1781. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price §1.00. 
 "The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the details 
 of the work done during that memorable time were real boys who lived 
 on the banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy In his 
 dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit York- 
 town, are suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks 
 his life to save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with a 
 squad of red coats, when they are exposed CQually to the bullets of 
 friends and foes, told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one 
 of the most entertaining books of the year." — Inter-Ocean. 
 
 The Young Scout: The Story of a West Point Lieu- 
 tenant. By Edward S. Elijs. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the 
 most terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has woven, 
 in a tale of thrilling Interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's last raid. 
 The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate of West Point. 
 Ambitious to distinguish himself the young man takes many a desperate 
 chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly 
 escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis is the best writer of 
 Indian stories now before the public. 
 
 Adrift in the Wilds: The Adventures of Two Ship- 
 wrecked Boys. By Edward S. Ellis. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Fran- 
 cisco. Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys 
 reach the shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon be- 
 comes separated from his party and is captured by hostile Indians, 
 but is afterwards rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of 
 Southern California. 
 
 A Young Hero; or, Fighting to Win. By Edwaed S. 
 
 Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 81.00. 
 
 This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from 
 the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded ladies. Fred 
 Sheldon, the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thieves and 
 have them arrested. After much time spent In detective work, ha 
 succeeds in discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The 
 story is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will be 
 glad to read this delightful book. 
 
 lost in the Kockies. A Story of Adventure in the 
 
 Rocky Mountains. By Edward S. Ellis. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 
 Incident succeeds Incident, and adventure is piled upon adventure, 
 and at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced 
 breathless enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures In 
 the Rockies and among the Indinns. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher. A, I.. BTJBT, 52-58 Duane Street, New Tork. 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 7l 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYSl 
 
 A Jaunt Through Java: The Story of a Journey to 
 
 the Sacred Mountain. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, 
 
 price $1.00. 
 
 The interest of this story is found in the thrilling adventures of 
 two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their trip acrosss the island 
 of Java, from Samarang to the Sacred Mountain. In a land where the 
 Koyal Bengal tiger, the rhinoceros, and other fierce beasts are to be 
 met with, it is but natural that the heroes of this book should have a 
 lively experience. There is not a dull page in the book. 
 
 The Boy Patriot. A Story of Jack, the Young Friend 
 
 of Washington. By Edwaed S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, illus- 
 trated, price $1.50. 
 
 "There are adventures of all kinds for the hero and his friends, whose 
 pluck and ingenuity in extricating themselves from awkward fixes are 
 always equal to the occasion. It is an excellent story full of honest, 
 manly, patriotic efforts on the part of the hero. A very vivid description 
 of the battle of Trenton is also found in this story." — Journal of 
 Education. 
 
 A Yankee Lad's Pluck. How Bert Larkin Saved his 
 
 Father's Ranch in Porto Rico. By Wm. P. Chipman. 13mo, cloth, illus- 
 trated, price $1.00. 
 
 "Bert Larkin, the hero of the story, early excites our admiration, 
 and is altogether a fine character such as boys will delight in, whilst 
 the story of his numerous adventures is very graphically told. This 
 will, we think, prove one of the most popular boys' books this season," — 
 Gazette. 
 
 A Brave Defense. A Story of the Massacre at Fort 
 
 Griswold in 1781. By William P. Chipman. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, prica 
 
 $1.00. 
 
 Perhaps no more gallant fight against fearful odds took place during 
 the Revolutionary War than that at Fort Griswold, Groton Heights, Conn., 
 in 1781. The boys are real boys who were actually on the muster rolls, 
 either at Fort TrumouU on the New London side, or of Fort Griswold on 
 the Groton side of the Thames. The youthful reader who follows Halsey 
 Sanford and Levi Dart and Tom Malleson, and their equally brave com- 
 rades, through their thrilling adventures will be learning something more 
 than historical facts; they will be Imbibing lessons of fidelity, of bravery, 
 of heroism, and of manliness, which must prove serviceable in the arena 
 of life. 
 
 The Young Minuteman. A Story of the Capture of 
 
 Gteneral Prescott in 1777. By William P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, 
 
 price $1.00. 
 
 This story is based upon actual events which occurred during the British 
 occupation of the waters of Narragansett Bay. Darius Wale and William 
 Northrop belong tO( "the coast patrol." The story is a strong one, dealing 
 only with actual events. There is, however, no lack of thrilling adventure, 
 and every lad who is fortunate enough to obtain the book will find not 
 only that his historical knowledge is increased, but that his own patriotism 
 and love of country are deepened. 
 
 For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. 
 
 By G. A. Hentt. With illustrations by S. J. Solomon. 12ino, cloth, olivine 
 edges, price Sl-00. 
 
 "Mr. Henty's graphic prose picture of the hopeless Jewish resistance 
 to Roman sway adds another leaf to his record of the famous wars of 
 the world. The book is one of Mr. Henty's cleverest efforts." — Graphio. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BUKT, 52-58 Cuane Street, New York. 
 
S A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Roy Gilbert's Search : A Tale of the Great Lakes. By 
 
 Wm. p. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price gl.OO. 
 
 A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert. He arranges 
 with two schoolmates to make a tour of the Great Lakes on a steam 
 launch. The three boys visit many points of interest on the lakes. 
 Afterwards the lads rescue an elderly gentleman and a lady from a sink- 
 ing yacht. Later on the boys narrowly escape with their lives. The 
 hero is a manly, self-reliant boy, whose adventures will be followed 
 with Interest. 
 
 The Slate Picker: The Story of a Boy's Life in the 
 
 Coal Mines. By Hakry Prentice. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. 
 Ben Burton, the hero, had a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy 
 he advanced step by step until he found himself called upon to fill the 
 position of chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company. This is a 
 book of extreme interest to every boy reader. 
 
 The Boy Cruisers; or, Paddling in Florida. By St. 
 
 George Rathborne. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price SlOO 
 Andrew George and Rowland Carter start on a canoe trip along the 
 Gulf coast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure 
 is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run into 
 a gale in the Gulf. After that they have a lively time with alli- 
 gators and Andrew gets into trouble with a band of Seminole Indians. 
 Mr. Rathborne knows just how to interest the boys, and lads who are 
 in search of a rare treat will do well to. read this entertaining story. 
 
 Captured by Zulus: A Story of Trapping in Africa. 
 
 By Harry Prentice. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Elsworth and Bob 
 Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa. By stratagem the Zulus capture 
 Diclc and Bob and take them to their principal kraal or village. The 
 lads escape death by dig ing their way out of the prison hmt by night. 
 They are pursued, but the Zulus finally give up pursuit. Mr. Prentice 
 tells exactly ho./ wild-beast collectors secure specimens on their native 
 stamping grounds, and these descriptions make very entertaining rending. 
 
 Tom the Ready; or, Up from the Lowest. By ItAN- 
 
 DOLPH Hill. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1 00. 
 
 This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless, ambi- 
 tious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder to wealth and the 
 governorship of his native State. Tom Seacomb begins life with a pur- 
 pose, and eventually overcomes those who oppose him. How he manages 
 to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill in a masterfrl way that thrills 
 the reader and holds his attention and sympathy to the end. 
 
 Captain Kidd's Gold: The True Story of an Adven- 
 turous Sailor Boy. By James Franklin Fitts. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, 
 price $1.00. 
 
 There is something fascinating to the average youth in the very idea 
 of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy Portu- 
 guese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming eyes. There 
 were many famous sea rovers, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kidd. 
 Paul Jones Garry Inherits a document which locates a considerable 
 treasure buried by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this book is an 
 ambitious, persevering lad, of salt-water New England ancestry, and his 
 efforts to reach the Island and secure the money form one of the most 
 absorbing tales for our youth that has come from the press. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BTJRT, 52-58 Duane Street, New York. 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 9 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 The Boy Explorers: The Adventures of Two Boys in 
 
 Alaska. By Harrv Prentice. iSmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Two boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel to Alaska to join 
 their father in search of their uncle. On their arrival at Sitka the boys 
 with an Indian guide set off across the mountains. The trip is fraught 
 with perils that test the lads' couracu to the utmost. All through their 
 exciting adventures the lads demonstrate what can be accomplished by 
 pluck and resolution, and their experience makes one of the most in- 
 teresting tales ever written. 
 
 The Island Treasure; or, Harry DarreFs Fortune. 
 
 By Frank H. Converse. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price ^l.OO. 
 
 Harry Darrel, having received a nautical training on a school-ship, is 
 bent on going to sea. A runaway horse changes his prospects. Harry 
 saves Dr. Gregg from drowning and afterward becomes sailing-master 
 of a sloop yacht. Mr. Converse's stories possess a charm of their own 
 which is appreciated by lads who delight in good healthy tales that 
 smack of salt water. 
 
 Guy Harris: The Eunaway. By Harry Castlemon. 
 
 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the Great 
 Lakes. He is persuaded to go to sea, and gets a glimpse of the rough 
 side of life in a sailor's boarding house. He ships on a vessel and for 
 five months leads a hard life. The book will interest boys generally 
 on account of its graphic style. This Is one of Castlemon's most attract- 
 ive stories. 
 
 Julian Mortimer: A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home 
 
 and Fortune. By Habry Castlemon. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 
 The scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi River, in the days 
 when emigrants made their perilous way across the great plains to the 
 land of gold. There is an attack upon the wagon train by a large party 
 of Indians. Our hero is a ?ad of uncommon nerve and pluck. Befriended 
 by a stalwart trapper, a real rough diamond, our hero achieves the most 
 happy results. 
 
 By Pike and Dyke: A Tale of the Else of the Dutch 
 
 Republic. By G. A. Hentt. "With illustrations by Matnard Brown. 
 
 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with the 
 book, while the rest who only care for adventure will be students in spite 
 of themselves." — St. James's Gazette. 
 
 St. George for England: A Tale of Cressy and Poi- 
 tiers. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12mo, 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "A story of very great interest for boys. In his own forcible style 
 the author has endeavored to show that determination and enthusiasm 
 can accomplish marvellous results; and that courage is generally accom' 
 panied by magnanimity and gentleness." — Pall Mall Gazette. 
 
 Captain Bayley's Heir: A Tale of the Gold Fields of 
 
 California. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by H. M. Paget. ISmoi 
 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Mr. Henty is careful to mingle Instruction with entertainment; and 
 the humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl, the West- 
 minster dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have excelled." — Chris- 
 tian Leader. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid en receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BXJRT, 62-68 Duane Street, New York. 
 
10 A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOE YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. ^ 
 
 Budd Boyd's Triumph; or, The Boy Firm of Fox Island. 
 
 By "William P. Chipman. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price |1.00. 
 
 The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett Bay, 
 and the leading Incidents have a strong salt-water flavor. The two 
 boys, Budd Boyd and Judd Floyd, being ambitious and clear sighted, 
 form a partnership to catch and sell fish. Budd's pluck and good sense 
 carry him through many troubles. In following the career of the boy 
 firm of Boyd & Floyd, the youthful reader will find a useful lesson- 
 that industry and perseverance are bound to lead to ultimate success. 
 
 Lost in the Canyon: Sam Willetfs Adventures on the 
 
 Great Colorado. By Alfred R. Calhoun. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1, 
 This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett. the hero, and the 
 fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad dies before 
 he shall have reached his majority. The story of his father's peril and 
 of Sam's desperate trip down the great canyon on a raft, and how the 
 party finally escape from their perils is described in a graphic Style 
 that stamps Mr. Calhoun as a master of his art. 
 
 Captured by Apes : The Wonderful Adventures of a 
 
 Young Animal Trainer. By Habey Prentice. 12mo, cloth, illustrated. 
 
 price Sl.OO, 
 
 Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, sets sail for 
 Eastern seas in quest of a new stock of living curiosities. The vessel 
 is wrecked off the coast of Borneo, and young Garland is cast ashore 
 on a small island, and cantured by the aoes that overrun the place. 
 Very novel indeed is the way by which the young man escapes death. 
 Mr. Prentice is a writer of undoubted skill. 
 
 Under Drake's Flag: A Tale of the Spanish Main. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, 
 
 olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "There is not a dull chapter, nor, Indeed, a dull page in the book; but 
 the author has so carefully worked up his subject that the exciting 
 deeds of his heroes are never incongruous nor absurd." — Observer, 
 
 By Sheer Pluck: A Tale of the Ashanti War. By 
 
 G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. 13mo, cloth, olivine 
 
 edges, price SI. 00. 
 
 The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the details 
 of the Ashanti campaign, of which he was himself a witness. 
 
 "Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys' stories. 'By 
 Sheer Pluck' will be eagerly read." — Athenseum, 
 
 With Lee in Virginia : A Story of the American Civil 
 
 War. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, olivine edges, price ^1.00. 
 
 "One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet written. 
 The picture is full of life and color, and the stirring and romantic Inci- 
 dents are skillfully blended with the personal Interest and charm of the 
 story. ' ' — Standard. 
 
 By England's Aid; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands 
 
 (1585-1604). ByG. A. Henty. With illustrations by Alfred Pearse. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with stirring 
 Incident and exciting adventure, and the color of the era and of the 
 scene are finely reproduced. The illustrations add to its attractiveness."— 
 Boston Gazette. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Cuane Street, New York. 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEO' iS. 11 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 By Right of Conquest; or, With Cortez in Mexico. 
 
 By Q. A. Henty. With illustrations by W. S. Stacby. ISmo. cloth, 
 
 ofivine edges, price $1.50. 
 "The conquest of Mexico by a small band of resolute men under the 
 magnificent leadership of Cortez is always rightful!} ranked among the most 
 romantic and daring exploits in history. 'By Rie;ht of Conquest' is the 
 nearest approach to a perfectly successful historical tale that Mr. Henty 
 has yet published."— Academy. 
 
 For Name and Fame; or. Through Afghan Passes. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, 
 
 olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Not only a rousing story, replete with all the varied forms of excite- 
 ment of a campaign, but, what Is still more useful, an account of a 
 territory and its inhabitants whxch must for a long time possess a supreme 
 interest for Englishmen, as being the key to our Indian Empire.'' — 
 Glasgow Herald. 
 
 The Bravest of the Brave; or. With Peterborough in 
 
 Spain. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by H. M. Paget. 12mo 
 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Mr. Henty never loses sight of the moral purpose of his work — to 
 enforce the doctrine of courage and truth, mercy and loving kindness, 
 as indispensable to the making of a gentleman. Boys will rea^ 'The 
 Bravest of the Brave' with pleasure and profit; of that we are quite 
 sure." — Daily Telegraph. 
 
 The Cat of Bubastes : A Story of Ancient Egypt By 
 
 G. A. Henty. With illustrations. ISmo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "The story, from the critical moment of the killing of the sacred cat 
 to the perilous exodus into Asia with which it closes, is very skillfully 
 constructed and full of exciting adventures. It is admirably illustrated." 
 — Saturday Keview. 
 
 Bonnie Prince Charlie: A Tale of Fontenoy and Cul- 
 
 loden. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Bro'^e. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Ronald, the hero, is very like the hero of 'Quentin Durward.' The 
 lad's journey across Prance, and his hairbreadth escapes, maUea up as 
 good a narrative of the kind as we have ever read. For frechness of 
 treatment and variety of incident Mr. Henty has surpassed himself."^ 
 Spectator, 
 
 With Clive in India; or. The Beginnings of an Empire. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, 
 
 olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "He has taken a period of Indian history of the most vital impor- 
 tance, and he has embroidered on the historical facts a story which of 
 itself is deeply interesting. Young people assuredly will be delighted 
 with the volume." — Sootsman, 
 
 In the Reign of Terror: The Adventures of a West- 
 minster Boy. By G. A.. Hentt. With illustrations by J. Schonberg. 
 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 "Harry Kandwlth, the Westminster boy, may fairly be said to beat 
 
 Mr. Henty's record. His adventures will delight boys by the audacity 
 
 and peril they depict. The story is one of Mr. Henty's best." — Saturday 
 
 Review. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BXTET, 62-58 Duane Street, Kew York. 
 
12 A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 The Lion of the North : A Tale of Gustavus Adolplms 
 
 and the Wars of Relision. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by John 
 
 ScHONBERG. ISmo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "A praiseworthy attempt to interest British youth in the great deeds 
 of the Scotch Brigade in the wars of Gustavus Adolphus. Mackey, Hep- 
 burn, and Munro live again in Mr. Henty's pages, as those deserve to 
 live whoso disciplined bands formed really the germ of the modern 
 British army." — Athenseum. 
 
 The Dragon and the Raven; or, The Days of King 
 
 Alfred. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by C. J. Staniland. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 In this story the author gives an account of the fierce struggle be- 
 tween Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents a vivid 
 picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was reduced by the 
 ravages of the sea-wolves. The story is treated in a manner most at- 
 tractive to the boyish reader." — Athenaeum, 
 
 The Young Carthaginian: A Story of the Times of 
 
 Hannibal. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by C. J. Staniland. 12mo, 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Well constructed and vividly told. From first to last nothing stays 
 the interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a stream whose 
 current varies in direction, but n3ver loses its force." — Saturday Review. 
 
 In Freedom's Cause: A Story of Wallace and Bruce. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, 
 
 olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "It is written in the author's best style. Full of the wildest and most 
 remarkable achievements, it is a tale of great interest, which a bov, once 
 he has begun it, will not willingly put one side." — The Schoolmaster. 
 
 With Wolfe in Canada; or. The Winning of a Con- 
 tinent. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. 13mo, 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00, 
 
 "A model of what a boys' story-book should be. Mr. Henty has a 
 great power of infusing into the dead facts of history new life, and as 
 no pains are spared by him to ensure accuracy in historic details, his 
 boolis supply useful aids to study as well as amusement." — School Guard- 
 iani 
 
 True to the Old Flag: A Tale of the American War of 
 
 Independence. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Brownb, 
 
 13mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Does justice to the pluck and determination of the British sollders 
 during the unfortunate struggle against American emancipation. The son 
 of an American loyalist, who remains true to our flag, falls among the 
 .nbstile red-skins in that very Huron country which has been endeared 
 to us by the exploits of Hawkeye and Chlngachgook." — The Times. 
 
 A. Final Reckoning: A Tale of Bush Life in Aus- 
 tralia. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by W. B. Wollen. 12mo, 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 "All boys will read this story with eager and unflagging Interest. The 
 
 fpisodes are in Mr. Henty's very best vein — graphic, exciting, realistic; 
 
 and, as in all Mr, Henty's books, the tendency is to the formation of an 
 
 honorable, manly, and even heroic character." — Birmingham Post. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BUBT, 52-58 Suane Street, New York. 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 13 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 The Lion of St. Mark: A Tale of Venice in the Four- 
 teenth Century. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. 
 IJJmo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 "Every boy should read 'The Lion of St. Mark.' Mr. Henty has never 
 
 produced a story more delightful, more wholesome, or more vivacious."— 
 
 Saturday Review. 
 
 Facing Death; or. The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A 
 
 Tale of the Coal Mines. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon 
 
 Brovtne. 18mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "The tale is well written and well illustrated, and there Is much 
 reality in the characters. If any father, clergyman, or schoolmaster 
 is on the lookout for a good book to give as a present to a bo.y who is 
 worth his salt, this is the book we would recommend." — Standard. 
 
 Maori and Settler: A Story of the New Zealand War. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Alfred Pearse. 12mo, clothi 
 
 olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "In the adventures among the Maoris, there are many breathless 
 moments in which the odds seem hopelessly against the party, but they 
 succeed in establishing themselves happily in one of the pleasant New 
 Zealand valleys. It is brimful of adventure, of humorous and interesting 
 conversation, and vivid pictures of colonial life." — Schoolmaster. 
 
 One of the 28th: A Tale of Waterloo. By G. A. 
 
 Hentt. With illustrations by W. H. Overend. 13mo, cloth, olivine 
 
 edges, price $1.00. 
 "Written with Homeric vigor and heroic inspiration. It is graphic, 
 picturesque, and dramatically effective . . . shows us Mr. Hent.y at 
 his best and brightest. The adventures will hold a boy enthralled as he 
 rushes through them with breathless interest 'from cover to cover.' " — 
 Observer. 
 
 Orange and Green: A Tale of the Boyne and Limer- 
 ick. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by Gordon Browne. ISmo, 
 cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 "The narrative is free from the vice of prejudice, and ripples wltli 
 
 life as if what is being described were really passing before the eye." — 
 
 Belfast News-Letter. 
 
 Through the Fray: A Story of the Lnddite Eiots. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. With illustrations by H. M. Paget. 12mo, cloth, olivine 
 
 edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Mr. Henty inspires a love and admiration for straightforwardness, truth 
 and courage. This is one of the best of the many good books Mr. 
 Henty has produced, and deserves to be classed with his 'Facing Death.' " 
 — Standard. 
 
 The Yonng Midshipman: A Story of the Bombard- 
 ment of Alexandria. With illustrations. 12mo, cloth, oUvine edges, 
 price $1.00. 
 
 A coast fishing lad, by an act of heroism, secures the interest of 
 a shipowner, who places him as an apprentice on board one of his ships. 
 In company with two of his fellow-apprentices he is left behind, at 
 Alexandria, in the hands of the revolted Egyptian troops, and is present 
 through the bombardment and the scenes of riot and bloodshed which 
 accompanied it. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher. A. L. BTJET, 52-58 Duaua Street, New York. 
 
14 A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 In Times of Peril. A Tale of India. By G. A. 
 
 Hentt. "With illustrations. 12ino, cloth, oUvine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 The hero of the story early excites our admiration, and is altogether 
 a fine character such as boys -will delight in, whilst the Story of the 
 campaign is very graphically told." — St. James's Gazette. 
 
 The Comet of Horse: A Tale of Marlborough's Wars. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. With illustrations. 13mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1. 
 
 "Mr. Henty not only concocts a thrilling tale, he weaves fact and fiction 
 together with so skillful a hand that the reader cannot help acquiring a 
 just and clear view of that fierce and terrible struggle known as the 
 Crimean War." — Athenasum. 
 
 The Young Franc-Tireurs : Their Adventures in the 
 
 Franco-Prussian War. By G. A. Hentt. With Olustrations. 12mo, cloth, 
 
 olivine edges, price fl.OO. 
 
 "A capital book for hoys. It is bright and readable, and full of good 
 sense and manliness. It teaches pluck and patience in adversity, and 
 shows that right living leads to success." — Observer, 
 
 The Young Colonists: A Story of Life and War in 
 
 South Africa. By G. A. Hentt. With illustrations. 12mo, cloth, olivine 
 
 edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "No boy needs to have any story of Henty's recommended to him, and 
 parents who do not know and buy them for their boys should be ashamed 
 of themselves. Those to whom he is yet unknown could not make a 
 better beginning than with this book. 
 
 The Young Buglers. A Tale of the Peninsular War. 
 
 By G. A. Henty. With illustrations. ISmo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1. 
 
 "Mr. Henty is a giant among boys' writers, and his books are suffi- 
 ciently popular to be sure of a welcome anywhere. In stirring interest, 
 this is quite up to the level of Mr. Henty's former historical tales." — 
 Saturday Review. 
 
 Sturdy and Strong; or, How George Andrews Made his 
 
 Way. By G. A. Henty. With illustrations. ISmo, cloth, olivine edges, 
 
 price SI -00. 
 
 "The history of a hero of everyday life, whose love of tr th, clothing of 
 modesty, and innate pluck, carry him, naturally, from povrty to afflu- 
 ence. George Andrews is an example of character with nothing to cavil 
 at, and stands as a good instance of chivalry in domestic life." — The 
 Empire. 
 
 Among Malay Pirates. A Story of Adventure and 
 
 Peril. By G. A. Hentt. With illustrations. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, 
 
 price $1.00. 
 
 "Incident succeeds incident, and adventure Is piled upon adventure, 
 and at the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced 
 breathless enjoyment in a romantic story that must have taught him 
 much at its close." — Army and Navy Gazette. 
 
 Jack Archer. A Tale of the Crimea. By G. A. 
 
 Henty. With iUustrations. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Mr. Henty not only concocts a thrilling tale, he weaves fact and fiction 
 together with so skillful a hand that the reader cannot help acquiring a 
 just and clear view of that fierce and terrible struggle." — Athenteum. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BXTRT, 52-58 Buane Street, New York. 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 15 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Friends, Though Divided. A Tale of the Civil War. 
 
 By G. A. Hentt. With illustrations. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1. 
 
 "It has a good plot; It abounds In action; the scenes are equally spirited 
 and realistic, and we can only say we have read it with much pleasure 
 from first to last." — Times. 
 
 Out on the Pampas; or. The Young Settlers. Bj 
 
 G. A. Hkntt. With illustrations. 13mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "A really noble story, which adult readers will find to the full as satis- 
 fying as the boys. Lucky boys! to have such a caterer as Mr. G. A. 
 Henty." — Black and White. 
 
 The Boy Knight: A Tale of the Crusades. By G. A. 
 
 Hknty. With illustrations. 12mo, cloth, olivine edges, price $1.00. 
 
 "Of stirring episode there is no lack. The book, with its careful accu- 
 racy and its descriptions of all the chief battles, will give many a school- 
 boy his first real understanding of a very important period of history." — 
 St. James's Gazette. 
 
 The Wreck of the Golden Fleece. The Story of a North 
 
 Sea Fisher Boy. By Robert Leighton. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 
 A description of life on the wild North Sea, — the hero being a parson's 
 son who is appreciated on board a Lowestoft fishing lugger. The lad has 
 to suffer many bufEets from his shipmates, while the storms and dangers 
 which he braved on board the "North Star" are set forth with minute 
 knowledge and intense power. The wreck of the "Golden Fleece" forms 
 the climax to a thrilling series of desperate mischances. 
 
 Olaf the Glorious. A Story of the Viking Age. By 
 
 Robert Leighton. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1 .00. 
 
 This story of Olaf the Glorious, King of Norway, opens with the incident 
 of his being found by his uncle living as a bond-slave in Esthonia: then 
 come his adventures as a Viking and his raids upon the coasts of Scot- 
 land and England, his victorious battle against the English at Maldou in 
 Essex, his being bought off by Ethelred the Unready, and his conversion 
 to Christianity. He then returns to Pagan Norway, is accepted as king, 
 and converts his people to the Christian faith. 
 
 To Greenland and the Pole. A story of Adventure in 
 
 the Arctic Regions. By Gordon Stables. ]2mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 
 The unfailing fascination of Arctic venturing is presented in this s.;ory 
 with new vividness. It deals with skilobning in the north of Scotland, 
 deer-hunting in Norway, sealing in the Arctic Seas, bear-stalking on the 
 ice-floes, the hardships of a journey across Greenland, and a successful 
 voyage to the back of the North Pole. This is. Indeed, a real sea-yarn 
 by a real sailor, and the tone is as bright and wholesome as the adventures 
 are numerous. 
 
 Yussuf the Guide. A Story of Adventure in Asia 
 
 Minor. By George Manviiae Fenn. ]2mo, cloth, illustrated, price SIOO. 
 
 This story deals with the stirring Incidents in the career of a lad who has 
 been almost given over by the doctors, but who rapidly recovers health 
 and strength In a journey through Asia Minor. The adventures are many, 
 and culminate in the travellers being snowed up for the winter in the 
 mountains, from which they escape while their captors are waiting for 
 the ransom that does not come. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher. A, L. BXTET, 52-58 Duane Street, New York. 
 
IG A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 jGrettir the Outlaw. A Story of Iceland. By S. Bae- 
 
 iNG-GoDLD. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price SlOO. 
 
 "This is the boys' boob of the year. That Is, of course, as mnch as 
 to say that it will do for men grown as well as juniors. It is told in 
 simple, straightforward English, as all stories should be, and it has a 
 freshness and freedom which make it Irresistible." — National Observer. 
 
 Two Thousand Years Ago. The Adventures of a 
 
 Roman Boy. By A. J. Church, liimo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "Prof. Church has in this story sought to revivify that most interesting 
 period, the last days of the Roman Republic. The book is extremely en- 
 tertaining as well as useful; there is a wonderful freshness in the Roman 
 scenes and characters." — Times. 
 
 Nat the Naturalist. A Boy's Adventure in the East- 
 em Seas. By George Manville Fenn. 12mo, cloth, Dlustrated, price $1. 
 Nat and his uncle Dick go on a voyage to the remoter islands of the 
 Eastern seas, and their adventures are told in a truthful and vastly in- 
 teresting fashion. The descriptions of Mr. Ebony, their black comrade, 
 and of the scenes of savage life, are full of genuine humor. 
 
 The Log of the Flying Fish. A Story of Peril and 
 
 Adventure. By Harry Collingwood. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 
 "This story is full of even more vividly recounted adventures than those 
 Whicll charmed so many boy readers in 'Pirate Island' and 'Congo Rovers.' 
 . . . There is a thrilling adventure on the precipices of Mount Everest, 
 when the ship floats off and providentially returns by force of 'gravita- 
 tion.' " — Academy. 
 
 The Congo Rovers. A Story of the Slave Squadron. 
 
 By Harry Colltngwood. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price §1.00. 
 
 "The scene of this tale is laid on the west coast of Africa, and In the 
 lower reaches of the Congo; the characteristic scenery of the great river 
 being delineated with wonderful accuracy. Mr. Collingwood carries us off 
 for anothi-i- cruis at sea, in 'The Congo Covers,' and boys will need no 
 pressing to join the daring crew, which seeks adventures and meets with 
 any number of them." — The Times. 
 
 Boris the Bear Hunter. A Tale of Peter the Great and 
 
 His Times. By Fred Wishaw. ]2mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 "This is a capital story. The characters are marked and lifelike, and It 
 is full of incident and adventure. "—Standard. 
 
 Michael Strogoff ; or, The Courier of the Czar. By 
 
 Jules Verne. l2mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "The story is full of originality and vigor. The characters are lifelike, 
 there is plenty of stirring incident, the interest is sustained throughout, 
 and every boy will enjoy following the fortunes of the hero." — Journal of 
 Education. 
 
 Mother Carey's Chicken. Her Voyage to the Unknown 
 
 Isle. By George Manville Fekn. ]2mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "Undoubtedly one of the best Mr. Penn has written. The Incidents are 
 of thrilling interest, while the characters are drawn with a care and com- 
 pleteness rarely found in a boy's book." — Literary V/orld. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BURT, 52-58 Duane Street, TTew York. 
 
 ^ ? 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 17 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Dick Sand; or, A Captain at Fifteen. By Jules 
 
 Veene. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "Jules Verne himself never constructed a more marvellous tale. It con- 
 tains the strongly marked features that are always conspicuous in his 
 stories — a racy humor, the manly vigor of his sentiment, and wholesome 
 moral lessons." — Christian Leader. 
 
 Erling the Bold. A Tale of the Norse Sea Kings. 
 
 By R. M. Ballantyne. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price SI. 00. 
 
 "This volume makes a really fascinating book, worthy of its telling 
 title. There is, we venture to say, not a dull chapter in the book, not 
 a page which will not bear a second reading." — Guardian. 
 
 Mastennan Ready; or. The Wreck of the Pacific. By 
 
 Captain Marryat. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price $1-00. 
 
 "As racy a tale of life at sea and adventure as we have met with for 
 some time. . . . Altogether the sort of book that boys will revel in." 
 —Athenaeum. 
 
 The Green Mountain Boys. A Tale of the Early Set- 
 tlement of Vermont. By D. P. Thompson. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 A story of very great interest for boys. In his own forcible style the 
 author has endeavored to show that determination and patriotic enthu- 
 siasm can accomplish marvellous results. This story gives a graphic ac- 
 count of the early settlers of Vermont, and their patriotic efforts in de- 
 fending their homes from the invasions of enemies. 
 
 Every Inch a Sailor. By Gordon Stables. 12nio, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "A story which is quite as good in Its way as 'Treasure Island,' and is 
 full of adventure of a stirring yet most natural kind. Although it is 
 primarily a boys' book, it Is a real godsend to the elderly reader." — 
 Evening limes. 
 
 The Golden Galleon. A Narrative of Adventure on 
 
 Her Majesty's Ship the Rerenge. By Robert Lbighton. ]2mo, cloth, 
 
 illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "This story should add considerably to Mr. Lelghton's high reputation. 
 Excellent in every respect, it contains every variety of incident. The plot 
 is very cleverly devised, and the types of the North Sea sailors are 
 capital." — The Times. 
 
 The Gorilla Hunters. A Tale of the Wilds of Africa. 
 
 By R. M. Ballantykb. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "We conscientiously belive that boys will find it capital reading. It is 
 full of incident and mystery, and the mystery is kept up to the last 
 moment. It is full of stirring adventure, daring and many escapes; and 
 it has a historical interest." — Times. 
 
 Gascoyne the Sandalwood Trader. By E. M. Bal- 
 
 LANTYNE. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "One of the best stories of seafaring life and adventure which have 
 appeared this season. Entertaining in the highest degree from beginning 
 to end, and full of adventure which is all the livelier for its close con- 
 nection vrfth history." — Spectator. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BT7ET, 62-58 Duane Street, New York, 
 
18 A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Two Years Before the Mast. A Personal Narrative of 
 
 Life at Sea. By R. H. Dana, Jr. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "One of the very best books for boys that we have seen for a long time: 
 its author stands far in advance of any other writer for boys as a teller 
 of stories of the sea." — The Standard. 
 
 The Young Rajah. A Story of Indian Life. By W. 
 
 H. G. Kingston. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "This story will place the author ail once in the front rank. It is full 
 of life and adventure, and the Interest is sustained without a break from 
 first to last." — Standard. 
 
 How Jack Mackenzie Won His Epaulettes. A Story 
 
 of the Crimean War. By Gordon Stables. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, 
 
 price $1.00. 
 
 "This must rank among the few undeniably good boys' books. He 
 will be a very dull boy indeed who lays it down without wishing that 
 it had gone on for at least 100 pages more." — Mail. 
 
 The King's Pardon. A Story of Land and Sea. By 
 
 Robert Overton. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "An excellent story, the interest being sustained from first to last. 
 This is, both in Its intention and the way the stor.v is told, one of the 
 best books of its kind which has come before us this year." — Saturday 
 Eeview. 
 
 Under the Lone Star. A Story of the Eevolntion in 
 
 Nicaragua. By Herbert Haynes. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "We have not of late come across a historical fiction, whether intended 
 for boys or for men, which deserves to be so heartily and unreservedly 
 praised as regards plot, incidents, and spirit as this book. It is its au- 
 thor's masterpiece as yet." — Spectator. 
 
 Geoff and Jim: A Story of School Life. By Ismay 
 
 Thorn. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "This is a prettily told story of the life spent by two motherless bairns 
 at a small preparatory school. Both Geoff and Jim are very lovable char- 
 acters, only Jim is the more so; and the scrapes he gets into and the 
 trials he endures will, no doubt, interest a large circle of young readers." 
 —Church Times. 
 
 Jack: A Topsy Turvy Story. By C. M. Crawley- 
 
 BoEVEY. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "The illustrations deserve particular mention, as they add largely to 
 the interest of this amusing volume for children. Jack falls asleep with 
 his mind full of the subject of the fishpond, and is very much surprised 
 presently to find himself an inhabitant of Waterworld, where he goes 
 through wonderful and edifying adventures. A handsome and pleasant 
 book." — Literary World. 
 
 Black Beauty. The Autobiography of a Horse. By 
 
 Anna Sewell. l3mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 This is the life story of a horse; how he was ill treated and well 
 cared for. The experiences of Black Beauty, Ginger, and Merrylegs are 
 extremely interesting. Wherever children are, whether boys or girls, there 
 this Autobiography should be. It Inculcates habits of kindness to all mem- 
 bers of the animal creation. The literary merit of the book is excellent. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A, L. BURT, 62-68 Duane Street, New York. 
 
A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 19 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Mopsa the Fairy. By Jean Ingelow. 13mo, cloth, 
 
 illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "Mrs. Ingelow is, to our mind, the most charming of all living writerg 
 for children, and 'Mopsa' alone ought to give her a kind of pre-emptive 
 right to the love and gratitude of our young folks. It requires genius 
 to conceive a purely imaginary vrork which must of necessity deal with 
 the supernatural, without running into a mere riot of fantastic absurdity; 
 but genius Mrs. Ingelow has, and the story of 'Jack' is as careless and 
 joyous, but as delicate as a picture of childhood." — Eclectic. 
 
 Carrots: Just a Little Boy, By Mrs. Molesworth. 
 
 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "One of the cleverest and most pleasing stories it has been our good 
 fortune to meet with for some time. Carrots and his sister are delight- 
 ful little beings, whom to read about is at once to become very fond of. 
 A genuine children's book; we've seen 'em seize it, and read it greedily. 
 Children are first-rate critics, and thoroughly appreciate Walter Crane's 
 Illustrations. " — Punch. 
 
 Larry's Luck. By the author of "Miss Toosey's Mis- 
 sion.'" 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "It is believed that this story, by this favorably known author of 
 'Miss Toosey's Mission,' will be found both highly interesting and instruc- 
 tive to the young. Whether the readers are nine years old, or twice as 
 old, they must enjoy this pretty volume." — The Examiner. 
 
 A Child's Christmas: A Sketch of Boy Life. By Mrs. 
 
 Molesworth. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 "This is another of those delightful juvenile stories of which this author 
 has written so many. It is a fascinating little book, with a charming 
 plot, a sweet, pure atmosphere, and teaches a wholesome moral in the 
 most winning manner." — Gazette. 
 
 Chunk, Fusky and Snout. A Story of Wild Pigs for 
 
 Little People. By Gerald Young. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "The story Is an extremely interesting one, full of incident, told in a 
 
 quiet, healthful way, and with a great deal of pleasantly interfused 
 
 information about wild pigs and their ways. It is sure to interest both 
 
 boys and girls." — Christian Union. 
 
 Daddy's Boy. By L. T. Meade. IP-mo, cloth, illus- 
 trated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "A charming story of child life. Little Sir Rowland Is one of the 
 most fascinating of the misunderstood child heroes of the day. The quaint 
 doings and imaginings of this gentle, lovable, but highly original child are 
 Introduced by Mrs. Meade, with all her accustomed pathos." — G-uardian. 
 
 Adventures of Prince Prigio. By Andrew Lang. 
 
 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "This bobk has so much charm of style and good writing that it will be 
 eagerly read by many other than the young folk for whom it is intended." 
 —Black and White. 
 
 A Flock of Four. A Story for Boys and Girls. By 
 
 IsuAT Thorn. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 "As a gift book for boys It is among the best new books of the kind. 
 The story Is interesting and natural, from first to last." — Gazette. 
 
 For Bale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BITKT, 62-68 Duane Street, New York. 
 
20 A. L. BURT^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 A Flat Iron for a Farthing. The Story of an Only 
 
 Son. By Juliana Horatia Ewing. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "A very good book it is, full of adventure, graphically told. The style 
 
 is just what it should be; simple but not bold, full of pleasant humor, 
 
 and with some pretty touches of feeling. Like all Mrs. Bwing's tales, 
 
 it is sound, sensible, and wholesome." — Times. 
 
 The Greek Heroes. Fairy Tales for My Children. By 
 
 Charles Kingslet. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "We do not think these heroic stories have ever been more attractively 
 told. . . There is a deep under-current of religious feeling traceable 
 throughout its pages which is sure to Influence young readers power- 
 fully. One of the children's books that will surely become a classic." — 
 London Review. 
 
 Jackanapes. By Juliana Hoeatia Ewing. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "This is one of Mrs. Ewing's charming little stories for young children. 
 The narrative ... is full of interest for its real grace and delicacy, 
 and the exquisiteness and purity of the English in which it is written." — 
 Boston Advertiser, 
 
 Princess and Curdie. By George Macdonald. 12nio, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "One of the cleverest and most pleasing stories it has been onr good 
 fortune to meet with for some time. The Princess and Curdie are delight- 
 ful little beings, whom to read about is at once to become very fond of." 
 ^Examiner. 
 
 Peter the Pilgrim. The Story of a Boy and His Pet 
 
 Rabbit. By L. T. Meadh. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 "Little Peter, with his soft heart, clever head, and brave spirit Is no 
 morbid presentment of the angelic child 'too good to live,' and who is 
 certainly a nuisance on earth, but a charming creature, if not a por- 
 trait, whom it is a privilege to meet even in fiction." — The Academy. 
 
 We and the World. A Story for Boys. By Juliana 
 
 Horatla Ewing. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 "The author has evidently studied the ways and tastes of children and 
 got at the secret of amusing them; and has succeeded in what is not 
 so easy a task as it may seem — in producing a really good children's 
 book." — Daily Telegraph. 
 
 Little Ivan's Hero. A Story of Child Life. By 
 
 Helen Milman. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 "We should imagine those queer folk indeed who could not read this 
 Btory with eager Interest and pleasure, be they boys or girls, young or 
 old. We highly commend the style in Which the book is written, and the 
 spirit which pervades it." — World. 
 
 Dick, Marjorie and Fidge. The Wonderful x4dventures 
 
 of Three Little People. By G. E. Fareow. 12mo, cloth, illust'd, price 75c. 
 
 "... To the young, for whom It is especially Intended, this Is a 
 most Interesting book of adventures, well told, and a pleasant book to 
 take up when their wish is to while away a weary half-hour. We have 
 seen no prettier gift-book for a long time." — AthenKum. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BTXET, 62-58 Duano Street, New York. 
 
A. L. BURT'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 21 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. ~ 
 
 A Wonder Book: For Boys and Girls. Comprising 
 
 stories of Classical Fables. By Nathaniel Hawthorne. 12mo, cloth, 
 illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "A beautiful little story. It will be read with delight by every child 
 Into whose hands it is placed." — Gazette. 
 
 My Dog Plato: His Adventures and Impressions. By 
 
 H. M. Cornwall Legh. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 "A capital story, and one we heartily commend to boy readers, both 
 gentle and simple." — Guardian. 
 
 Squib and His Friends. A Story for Children. By 
 
 Ellen Everett Green. ISmo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 "This book will please by its simplicity, its tenderness, and Its healthy 
 interesting motive. It is admirably written."— Scotsman. 
 
 Tom's Opinion. The Story of a Boys' School. By 
 
 the author of " Mss Toosey's Mission." 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75c. 
 "A beautiful little story. ... It will be read with delight by 
 every boy into whose hands it is placed." — Pall Mall Gazette. 
 
 Robin's Ride. A Story for Children. By Ellinor 
 
 T>. Adams. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "It is a first-rate boys' book. It is a capital story; the characters ar« 
 well drawn, and the incidents are perfectly natural." — Times. 
 
 Peter and Tom. A Story for Boys. By Belle S. 
 
 Cragin. 13mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 Peter and Tom were unlikely heroes, particularly in the direction of 
 heroism, but the proper cliord was touched in each of their lives, and 
 through many trials and adventures they developed Christian principles and 
 successful business traits. 
 
 iTurse Heatherdale's Story. By Mrs. Molesworth. 
 
 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 " 'Nurse Heatherdale's Story' is all about a small boy, who was good 
 enough, yet was always getting into sone trouble through complications 
 in which he was not to blame. He is an orphan, though he is cared for in 
 a way by relations, who are not so very rich, yet are looked on as well 
 fixed. After many youthful trials and disappointments he falls into a 
 big stroke of good luck, which lifts him and goes to make other* happy." 
 — Commercial Advertiser. 
 
 The Last of the Huggermuggers. A Giant Story. By 
 
 Christopher P. Crauch. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "Fresh and charming in style, with fun that is never forced, pathos 
 that is always genuine, and with a distinctly wholesome purpose. This is 
 certain to be a favorite with boys." — Literary World. 
 
 The Hunting of the Snark. By Lewis Carroll^ 
 
 author of "Alice in Wonderland." 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 75 cents. 
 
 "Whether as regarding author or illustrator, this book is a jewel 
 rarely to be found nowadays. Not a whit inferior to its predecessor in 
 grand extravagance of imagination, and delicious allegorical nonsense." 
 — Quarterly Review. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BTTRT, 62-58 Duane Street, New York. 
 
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