ROYAL GOOD FELLOW HIRAM W. HAYES A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW 'It is a great thing to be young and handsome, dear; but it is a greater to be good." Page 168. A Royal Good Fellow BY HIRAM W. HAYES (AUTHOR OF PAUL ANTHONY, CHRISTIAN; THE PEACE- MAKERS; BIBLE STORIES RETOLD) ( Copyright 1910 by Georgia E. Hayet ) PUBLISHED BT THE HOWERTON PRESS THE SHERMAN WASHINGTON D. C. TO MY SON Who, like many another young man, is slowly learn- ing that a good lime comes from within and not from without, this book is affec- tionately dedicated. Hiram W . Hayes. 2130452 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW CHAPTER ONE "IT'S no use!" declared Uncle Josiah as he stood on the back porch with a basket of corn on his arm, "and you might just exactly as well give it up first as last. He's a regular old skin- flint and he'll never let go of an acre of that land or a dollar of that money as long as he can shut his thumb over his fingers." "Why, Josiah!" exclaimed Aunt Clara, "aren't you ashamed to talk like that about your neighbors. Who made you to judge over the actions of your brother " "Brother!" interrupted Uncle Josiah, A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Brother! If that is my brother I am certainly ashamed of the whole human family." Aunt Clara threw up her hands in a deprecatory manner. To her chari- table disposition there could be no excuse for criticising one's neighbor, nor could any one of her acquaintances act so badly that she could not find some sort of an excuse for him. And besides, Thomas Dennison was one of the pillars of the church to which Aunt Clara had belonged for more than forty years and during most of that time had been held up by her as a model of virtue to Uncle Josiah, whose manners and dress were not such as met with the approval of his better educated and more dignified little wife; for it must be understood that Aunt Clara was descended from the purest of colonial stock, while Uncle Josiah had no in- terest or knowledge of his ancestry for more than a generation back. How Uncle Josiah was ever so fortu- nate as to win for his wife such a girl A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW as Aunt Clara must have been in her teens, or how Aunt Clara ever consented to marry such a swain as Uncle Josiah must have been in his youth, was al- ways a mystery to the younger genera- tion, and they often asked her. Loyal to the last, her replies were always evasive; but Aunt Philinda, Aunt Clara's maiden sister, declared that it was Uncle Josiah's voice; for Uncle Josiah, untutored and unconcerned as he was about his personal appearance, had been a sweet singer. Even now, there was no one in the family who could take such good care of the grand- children, or so quickly sing the babies to sleep. As the young folks grew a bit older, however, they ceased to wonder at the match, for they found something in Uncle Josiah which invariably drew everyone toward him. Kindly in dis- position and even in temperament, everything and everybody was his friend from the fierce old ram which would allow no one else in the field, to the A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW little black pickaninny that rolled around on the dirt in front of Judy's cabin. Usually he was the mildest of men, but on occasion and this was an occasion he allowed what he termed his "righteous indignation" to express itself, and then the things he could say, and do if it reached that point were many and forcible. In this particular instance, there seemed abundant reason for an out- burst, and this was the way of it : Among the two thousand residents of Sharon was Dame Rebecca Babcock Aunt Becky everyone called her who lived down where the little river upon which Sharon is located runs under the railroad. It might seem better to some who have never visited Sharon, to say that she lived down by the railroad bridge over the river, but this would not have been strictly cor- rect; for the great trestle that ran from the bluff on the north, out over the river bottoms and finally connected with the rising land on the south, was 6 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW more than a bridge; and the span that crossed the river was a very small part of the trestle. So, really, it is right where the river runs under the railroad that Aunt Becky lived. Time was when Aunt Becky's hus- band had been one of the most pros- perous residents of Sharon. He had owned the mill, located a little farther down the stream, and had been the chief buyer of the farm produce mar- keted in the little southern village. This was in the days before the rail- road came to Sharon, and Elijah Bab- cock had built a small barge line which was used for carrying this produce down the little river to the bigger one, some forty miles away. When the railroad came along, it brought with it one Thomas Dennison. The railroad soon put the Babcock barge line out of commission and Thomas Dennison, because of privileges granted him by the railroad, soon put Aunt Becky's husband out of the pro- duce business. A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW In order to save his other belongings, Mr. Babcock proposed a partnership with Mr. Dennison and the proposal was accepted. For several years there- after the firm of Thomas Dennison & Co. flourished and Mr. Babcock prospered more than ever. The firm erected a building in keeping with the growth of the village and Mr. Babcock built him a bigger house. From simple produce buyers the firm enlarged into general merchandise and was consid- ered a strong concern. But one day Elijah Babcock went to a nearby city to buy goods. It hap- pened that the room to which he was assigned in the hotel had a defective gas jet and the next morning a telegram from the hotel manager to Aunt Becky told of the fatal result. When they came to read his will, they found that Mr. Babcock had made his partner his sole executor, and in course of time the executor announced that Mr. Babcock was hopelessly in debt to the firm and that it would take A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW his entire estate to pay the indebted- ness. All that his wife had was a couple of thousand dollars of life insur- ance and the right to use the homestead. Of course she was greatly grieved that her husband should have died in debt, and when the executor showed her that if she w r ould sign off her interest in the property it would clear her husband's name from any stigma, she agreed to the proposition and signed herself out of house and home. With part of the insurance money, she had bought the little place under the railroad, and by hard work and the greatest economy had managed to keep herself and raise to womanhood a daughter, who had later married a young man as poor as herself. Soon afterward he had been attacked by the gold fever, and with his wife had gone to Cripple Creek. All this happened nearly a score of years before the conversation which opens this narrative. Since the departure of her daughter, Aunt Becky had lived as best she could 9 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW with the help of an occasional load of wood, or a barrel of potatoes or a couple of bags of meal unexpectedly left at her back door by Uncle Josiah. Now she had reached a point where she could no longer take care of herself and it was a suggestion by Aunt Clara that Thomas Dennison might be induced to help her that had called forth Uncle Josiah's outburst. "But why shouldn't he do something for her?" insisted Aunt Clara, return- ing to the attack after a brief pause. "No reason why," replied Uncle Josiah, "except ' "Then why do you think he won't?" she interrupted. Uncle Josiah stopped short and look- ed at his wife in unbounded surprise. That any one should ask such a ques- tion about Thomas Dennison was more than he could understand and for a minute he was unable to speak; but the basket of corn on his arm finally suggested a reply. 'If you'll come down to the pen 10 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW while I feed this corn to the hogs," he said, "I'll show you the reason why." "But men are not swine, Josiah!" "Who's talking about men!" ex- claimed Uncle Josiah, as he stepped down off the porch. "I'm talking about Tom Dennison," and off he marched, leaving his wife more shocked than she could express. "Men are certainly queer creatures," soliloquized Aunt Clara as she con- tinued folding and powdering the flan- nel blankets and furs preparatory to wrapping them up for the summer. "I sometimes wonder if they really are made in the image and likeness of God after all. At any rate," she continued speaking aloud to herself, "they are more than I can understand!" "Who is it that you can't understand, Aunt Clara ?" enquired a girlish voice at her back. "Men," replied the old lady without turning, "and I have had considerable to do with them, first and last, for sixty years, more or less first with my 11 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW father then with Josiah and then with my own sons. It is my firm opinion, Ruth, that you can't tell anything about them." "Are there no exceptions, Aunt Clara?" Aunt Clara gave the last blanket an energetic pat as she turned to greet her visitor. "There may be ; in fact I suppose there are, but I have never met any," and then Aunt Clara suddenly checked herself. "I wonder," she continued after a brief pause "if I'm not becoming un- charitable ? And besides, I think I do know one exception?" "May I know his name?" queried Ruth. "I hope he didn't live so many years ago that a girl like me has no chance of seeing him." Aunt Clara bent over and kissed the fair face of the girl beside her, for al- though Aunt Clara was only Aunt Clara by courtesy to Ruth and no kin what- ever, she loved her like one of her own grandchildren. 12 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "You already know his name," she said, "and I hope you will some day have the pleasure of meeting him. It's my grandson, Adelbert." Ruth gave her head a toss that upset her hat and shook her brown curls loose in the wind. "I am not so sure of the pleasure, and if it were not for hurting your feelings, Aunt Clara, I would say I hope I shall never see him. From all I have heard you tell about him he must be a terrible prig." Aunt Clara's brown eyes twinkled. "What do you mean by a prig?" she asked. "Oh, one of those goody-goody boys who never does anything wrong at least when anybody is looking and is always tied to his mother's apron string." Aunt Clara laughed outright. It was a silvery laugh, for in spite of her admission to sixty years, you would never have guessed it from Aunt Clara's voice. 13 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Where did you ever get such an idea as that of Adelbert?" "Aren't you always telling what a model he is and what an exception to the general rule? I suppose he is a regular Y. M. C. A. young man with a sanctimonious face and hair cut square across the back." "I don't know what you mean by a 'regular Y. M. C. A. young man,' Ruth. I am sure from his actions he is an earnest Christian, but I hardly think he fits your description." "Well, I'll not judge him till I see him; but I am sure that you and I are looking at him through different eyes. If he were my grandson I expect I should think he was perfection, too. Grandmothers always do." "Not always," replied Aunt Clara with just a touch of sadness in her voice. "Now there is Winfield. I re- gret to say that I can not help grieving over his ways many times." "Oh, Win's all right, Aunt Clara; he may be a little wild, but I have known 14 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW him ever since we moved here seven years ago, and I am sure he is all right at heart." "I hope so, Ruth!" "I know he is. You can't go to school with a boy from the time you're ten till you're seventeen without know- ing him. I do wish, though, he were not quite so selfish," and Ruth's face took on the least bit of a troubled took. "I shall have to get Adelbert after him," remarked Aunt Clara as she began tying up her bundle. "I should say that was about the last thing to do," declared Ruth with considerable spirit. "Win has been told about Adelbert's goodness so often that he detests the very name." Aunt Clara looked up in the greatest surprise. "Why, Ruthie!" she exclaimed. "Can this be possible. They were great friends as boys." "As little boys, Aunt Clara. That must have been " 15 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Ten years ago," interjected Aunt Clara. " Now they are big boys young men, they think." Aunt Clara nodded her head. "How time does fly!" she exclaimed. 'Yes, Ruth, you are right. They are young men. Why Adelbert graduates from Cornell this year. That's why he is coming to pay us a visit. His father wants him to start in business this fall." "Well, for your sake, Aunt Clara, I hope he'll have a good time here, but I'm afraid he won't take very well with the boys and girls in Sharon. They do hate a prig!" "We shall see, Ruth! We shall see! But what's the errand this morning. I have been so busy with my family that I haven't asked about yours." "It isn't my family at all. It's about Aunt Becky Babcock. Do you know, they say that Mr. Dennison has held a mortgage on her little place for years and now that she can't pay him any 16 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW more, he's going to have her sent to the poor-house." 'The poor-house!" exclaimed Aunt Clara sinking down into the old rocking chair. "Why, child, you can't mean it!" Then as she caught sight of her hus- band coming out of the woodshed she called: "Josiah, will you hear this: Thomas Dennison is going to take away Aunt Becky's place and send her to the poor-house! I can't believe it!" For a minute Uncle Josiah was silent. Then striking his right fist into the palm of his left hand he exclaimed: " By cracky ! The more I see of some men, the better I think of hogs!" 17 CHAPTER TWO One of the best proofs ever offered that the so-called law of heredity is in reality no law, was Sally Jones, Ruth's most intimate friend. Of all the girls in Sharon, Sally was by far the most lovable and the most sought after by all the young chaps who went to make up the masculine element of Sharon society. With gold- en hair, ruby lips and a complexion as fair as the snow drops which grew in profusion in her grandfather's front yard, she was not only as pretty as a picture, but a whole lot prettier; and she was just as kind and loving as she was pretty. Yet Sally's mother was Thomas Dennison's only child; and she, too, was quite as unlike her father as any two persons could be. The only mem- ber of Sally's family who at all resem- 18 bled her grandfather was her brother Herbert, and even in his case there was just about as much difference between him and his grandfather as there was similarity. As may have been guessed from the conversation we have heard about him, Thomas Dennison was a man who used almost any means to make a dollar and when once made, he hung on to it with a determination worthy of a better cause. On the other hand, Bert Jones, as he was commonly called, was a spendthrift. Otherwise he had many of his grandfather's ways and, even as a boy, cared little for the feelings or rights of others so long as he had what he was pleased to call a good time. As he grew into young manhood, this trait of his character became more noticeable, until at the age of twenty his chums were beginning to comment upon it, with the result that upon a number of recent occasions he had been left entirely out of the list of desirable fellows when arrangements for some 19 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW party or entertainment were being made. "There's no use of asking him to do anything," explained Win King, when the boys were talking the matter over, "because he won't do a thing unless he can run the whole show." And Win was supposed to know, for Win and Bert had always been con- sidered the closest chums. Later, this conversation was repeated to Ruth by Win himself. "Don't you think it's so?" he asked her. "It may be," she replied, "but look out, Win, that you don't fall into the same habit." "What do you mean?" he asked. "Just that," she replied. "I find it right hard not to want to do every- thing my own way and boys, I fancy, are not greatly different from girls." Win looked at Ruth for several minutes and gave his nose a little pull as was his wont when he was thinking- hard. 20 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Then you don't mean anything personal ?" he finally asked. "I don't know but I do," she replied slowly. "Why, Ruth! You don't think I'm selfish, do you? I'd do anything for you!" and he looked thoroughly in earnest. Ruth smiled at his ardor. "I'll take your w r ord for it," she re- plied, "but I'm not expecting to make you prove it." "Well, you needn't be afraid. I mean it." "And I really believe he did," said Ruth to Sally in telling her of their conversation a few days later. "You know Win and I have been almost like brother and sister ever since we first moved here from Nashville." "I'm awfully sorry that Bert acts as he does," explained Sally in defense of her brother. "Mother has spoken to him about it; but grandfather has some funny ideas as to what men ought to do, and he sort of stands by Bert. 21 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW He says if a man doesn't look out for himself, nobody else will." "Folks say your grandfather is a very successful man," replied Ruth guardedly, for Ruth was a wise little body and Sally's grandfather was one of the persons she never discussed with her friend. "He's easily the richest man in Sharon, everybody says." "And he's so kind to me and Bert," Sally added after a minute. "There's nobody quite like grand- father, I think." "Nobody could help being kind to you!" exclaimed Ruth throwing her arm lovingly around Sally's waist: "but "Is the very best brother in the world!" finished Sally. "I'm so sorry you don't like him." "But I do like him, Sally. I like everything that belongs to you. I even like old Caesar" naming Sally's Great Dane "although he almost knocks me over every time I come near him." A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "I think," continued Sally not to be led away from the object she had in mind, "that grandfather likes Bert even better than he does me!" "Impossible!" exclaimed Ruth, sur- prised that anyone could even suggest such a thing. Still Sally was not far from right. There was no one in the world by whom Thomas Dennison set so great store as by his grandson, Herbert. Having had no son of his own, he had for years been greatly disappointed ; and when Herbert was born, he showed more delight than he had ever been known to express. During the boy's childhood he had given him everything he asked for, and now that Herbert was coming of age, he had announced that he proposed to take him into his own business, pre- paratory to turning it over to him en- tirely in a few years. All of which, it may well be imag- ined, did not tend to lessen Herbert's good opinion of himself. There were a number of boys, and 23 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW men, too, for that matter, who toadied to Herbert on account of his grandfather's wealth; and it can readily be believed that the announcement of his future prospects did not tend to lessen their bearing toward him. In fact, taken all in all, it is small wonder that Herbert had become selfish and overbearing. On the other hand, Herbert was what some called a good fellow. As has been said, he was a spendthrift, but he had the faculty of spending the money his grandfather allowed him where it would increase his popularity with a certain class. When occasion demanded, he could even be liberal in helping a less wealthy companion, and there were few among the class just referred to who did not owe him more or less. "I can't see where the fellows have any kick coming," Herbert declared in talking over the action of his chums with Sally and Ruth as they sat out on the lawn one afternoon. "They're all of them glad enough to come to me when they want to borrow five." 24 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "But you can't buy friends," said Ruth. "And if you do, they won't stay bought," added Sally, for, young as she was, Sally had stumbled upon a great truth one which it has taken many a man years to find out. "I sometimes think," ventured Ruth, "that loaning money to the boys simply makes them jealous. Besides, I have no doubt you often loan them money when they would be better without it." Herbert smiled a knowing smile as he replied: * You girls have become mighty wise, it seems to me. If I can't make friends in my own way, I don't want them. That's all." "Perhaps you might learn to change your way," suggested Ruth. "One is never too old to learn, they say." "No," laughed Herbert, "my age doesn't seem to be much of a barrier. But I can't see why my way isn't just as good as any other way. You can't 25 please everybody no matter what you do." " You can't please anybody no matter what you do," added a voice behind them. They turned to greet the newcomer, a girl some two years younger than Sally, who had approached unnoticed from the side street. "Oh, it's you, Kate!" exclaimed Her- bert. 'You must have good ears." "1 have sometimes. But it's so. It just seems that you can't please any- one, no matter what you do." "Have you tried ?" asked Sally. "Course I've tried; but no matter what I do some one finds fault with me. My folks seem to think a girl never ought to do anything but study and work." "Not quite as bad as that," laughed Ruth. "Yes, it is. Now only last night I wanted to go to see those new moving pictures instead of studying, and mother thought it was awful. Said I ought to be 26 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW sure I was ready for my examination." "Well, hadn't you?" asked Sally archly. "Maybe I had, but I could have done that later." "Can't you see the pictures just as well tonight?" "Oh, I suppose so, if mother don't think of something else. But she won't let me go out alone evenings. I can't see why; other girls go." "I think your mother is right," said Sally. "I don't think girls ought to be out alone evenings." "Pshaw!" exclaimed Herbert. "Why not?" Sally looked at him earnestly as she said: "Didn't you tell me only two days ago, Bert, that you w r ere glad I wasn't always 'prowling about the streets' as you expressed it ?" "Oh, well you're different." Ruth and Sally laughed, while Kate exclaimed with an air of pique: 27 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW " Why is she different ? Just because she's your sister?" "Oh, I don't know," replied Her- bert. "Sally seems made for home; that's all." Then seeing that he was getting him- self into a tangle he exclaimed : "But that doesn't change what I first said that you can't please every- body." "I think that's so too," declared Ruth. "I never saw but one person who appeared to, I'll admit," said Sally. "But he did." "He must have been a wonder," exclaimed Bert. "Well now I come to think of it I don't know but he was ; but I never thought of it before. It just kind of seemed natural for him always to do the right thing." "For goodness sake, Sally, tell us about him," said Kate. "Where did you meet him." "Oh, up at Cayuga lake, where we 28 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW spent last summer. He was camping over at Seneca Point with half a dozen other college boys. His name is Del Henderson." "Del Henderson!" exclaimed Ruth. ;< You don't mean Aunt Clara's Adel- bert, do you ?" and she looked at Sally in the most amused manner. "The very same," replied Sally. "Do you know him?" "No, and I don't think I want to. I like good boys, but I'm afraid he'd suit me too well." Sally laughed merrily. "Well, yes, he is pretty good," she admitted, "but I liked him and so did everybody else," she added quickly seeing the amused smile on the faces of the others. "He's coming down here this sum- mer," ventured Ruth. "This summer?" queried Herbert. "Coming down here in the summer? I should think he'd rather stay up north where it's cool and come down here in the fall." 29 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "I believe he's going into business this fall," explained Ruth. "And this was the only chance he had to pay his grandparents a visit, I suppose ?" "Sure! And Aunt Clara is looking forward to the visit as the time of her life." "I have no doubt that is why he is coming," said Sally. "I am sure if he were consulting his own pleasure en- tirely he would much rather go north." "You seem to have learned his thoughts and ideas pretty well," sug- gested Ruth. "But I suppose he is such a goody-goody that he spends most of his time telling his plans to the girls " " Just like any other nice young lady," laughed Herbert sarcastically. "And say, Sally," continued Ruth, "does he really wear his hair cut straight across the back, or does he let it grow long like the Pilgrim Fathers ?" Again Sally burst into a merry laugh. 30 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW 'You certainly have painted a pic- ture!" she finally managed to ejacu- late. "Where did you get it ?" "Well, isn't it true to life?" queried Ruth. "I refuse to discuss him with such prejudiced persons." ' At least you'll not deny that he is a goody-goody. His grandmother told me that much." "Doesn't smoke cigarettes, I sup- pose," suggested Bert. "No, he doesn't!" declared Sally with spirit, "and you don't know what a relief it was to go anywhere with him after being around with some of the other boys, who were always blowing smoke in your face and wanting to stand on the rear platform of street cars w r here they could smoke. It cer- tainly was nice to have some fellow who thought you were of quite as much importance as his old cigarette." "And now you know what Sally thinks of smoking," laughed Kate. "Oh, I knew before. It isn't the 31 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW first time she has told me. It's a good thing all the girls are not like her." "Most of them are," retorted Sally. "It would be a good thing for you boys if they would make it plain to you." "How about it, Ruth," queried Her- bert. "I quite agree with Sally." Herbert took a package of cigarettes from his pocket. "I can see this is no place for me," he sang, as with a laugh he picked up the hat he had thrown down on the grass and started to leave. "Going down town, Kate?" 'That's where I started for." "Well, come on," and the couple sauntered off, Bert puffing his cigarette and Kate doing her best to dodge the smoke. "It's too bad," declared Ruth medi- tatively as she and Sally were left alone, "that boys can't strike a happy medium. It seems they either have to be perfect sissies or else as wild and bad as they can be. That's their idea of 32 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW being good fellows. Really, I'm not sure but I'd rather have them like your paragon of goodness, Adelbert Hen- derson." Then, after a pause: "Can't he do anything only be good ?" "Can't he do anything ?" repeated Sally. "Just wait till you see him. Talk about goody-goody boys!" and Sally laughed till the tears came to her eyes. "I'm sure I don't see the joke," said Ruth. "It's no joke, Ruth. It's a serious condition. But I will say one good word for him. He was the best oarsman on the lake and there wasn't a girl at the hotel that wouldn't give her eyes just for a chance to go rowing with him." S3 CHAPTER THREE In Sharon, June is the show month of the year. Other months there are which are beautiful, but because Sharon gardeners make a specialty of roses and nearly everyone in Sharon is a gardener, more or less it is during June that Sharon puts on its most be- coming garb. "I don't believe," exclaimed Uncle Josiah one day, "that the rose of Sharon that Solomon sung about, could hold a candle to the roses of our Sharon." And there were plenty of people in Sharon who agreed with him. Certain it is that on this particular June day, Sharon never looked more beautiful. In fact, from the little hill- top on which Uncle Josiah's farm house was located, just at the edge of town, Sharon looked like a great full-blown rose. So at least thought Aunt Clara 34 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW as she sat on the back porch and let her eyes wander down over the village and the little valley beyond, through which the river wound its way. "What, indeed, is so rare as a day in June," she thought in the words of Lowell, for in spite of her three score and more years Aunt Clara had not lost the sentiment of her girlhood, and could not help saying: "Joy comes, grief goes, we know not how, "Everything is happy now; 'tis the natural way of living." It was in this way that Aunt Clara was happy. It seemed natural to her; and besides, had she not that very morning received a letter from her daughter in the north telling her that her favorite grandson had passed his final examinations without a single error and would be graduated with special honors. "After which," explained Aunt Clara to Ruth who dropped in, "we shall have a visit from him, and I want you to be sure and like him." Ruth tossed her dainty head as she 35 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW replied with a twinkle in her eye: "From what I have heard I won't be able to help myself." "Why should you want to?" "Just the perversity of human na- ture, I suppose. One does enjoy hav- ing some little individuality and 1 should like to be at least that much different from the rest of the girls." Then seeing the grieved look on Aunt Clara's face: "But I want to like him because he is your grandson, Aunt Clara. I'll do my best." Then as she turned: "I'm just on my way down io see Aunt Becky." "They haven't sent her to the poor- house, yet?" "No, and I haven't heard anything more about it; but she says they might just as well as she has nothing to live for anyway. That's why I go over to see her so often. It does seem hard to have no one to love," and Ruth, swing- ing her hat in her hand, started down the lane that led around to the highway where Aunt Becky lived, thinking some 36 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW pretty hard things of those who had made her life so lonely. "Poor soul!" exclaimed Aunt Clara, meaning Aunt Becky, "I do wish we could do more for her!" It was of Aunt Becky that Aunt Clara was thinking now as another couplet from "The Vision of Sir Launfal," came to her mind: "The heart is so full that a drop o'erfilla it, "We are happy now because God wills it." "Why should God will us, Ruth and me, to be happy and not Aunt Becky ?" she asked herself. Then Aunt Clara shook her head. It was more than she could answer, al- though she had been studying her Bible and commentaries for half a century. Down at Aunt Becky's a good deal the same sort of conversation was going on. "Why should some folks be happy all the time and me never?" queried Aunt Becky of Ruth, forgetful of the little grammar she had known in her 37 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW younger days, and falling into the verna- cular of the colored woman whom Uncle Josiah and some of the neighbors had hired to stay with her. "I ain't never done nothin' to nobody!" "But you are happy sometimes, are you not ?" asked Ruth evasively. "Only when you're here! Ain't that so, Mandy?" appealing to the colored woman. " 'Deed it is, honey!" This to Ruth. "You is the on'y one that ever seems to cheer her up a bit!" "Then I must come oftener," said Ruth. " Aunt Clara would come down, too, only it's so hard for her to climb the hill/' "Oh. I know she would," said Aunt Becky "She and Josiah have al'us been good friends of mine. I used to think she was mighty stuck up when she was a young woman, but I see now I was mistaken. But Josiah, he al- 'us was as common as an oP shoe!" "And he has such a kind heart/' said Ruth. A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW " 'Deed he has, Miss Ruth/' said Mandy. Then suddenly sticking her head out of the open door: "Now where dat black pickaninny gone ? Here you, Gawge Washington Abraham Lincoln Burley," she called. "Where is you? D'ye near ? Whe-e-ere is you ?" Receiving no reply, Mandy went out to see what had become of her four- year-old son whom she had left playing in the yard something like half an nour before. Ruth picked up her hat preparatory to going home. Can't you stay a little longer?" asked Aunt Becky. "I've been here more than an hour now," explained Ruth, "and it's getting toward dinner time. But I'll " Whatever she was going to say was interrupted by an agonizing shriek from outside the house, followed by Mandy crying: "Oh, Miss Ruth, he'll done git runned over! He'll done git runned over shuah!" 89 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW Ruth rushed to the door, while Aunt Becky muttered something about "that pesky little brat al'us gettin' into some kind of trouble." And sure enough he did seem in trouble this time! As Ruth looked in the direction in which Mandy was pointing, she saw, high up on the railroad trestle, little black George, bareheaded and bare- legged, picking his way on all fours toward the span over the river. He had wandered away off toward the higher ground where access to the track was level and was now crawling back toward home on the ties, which were close enough together to keep him from falling through. Every minute it look- ed as though he might tumble over, and if a train should come from the north he would be knocked off by the engine almost before the engineer could see him. Certainly the situation seemed seri- ous. Down on the ground Mandy kept up 40 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW her cries despite all Ruth could do to quiet her. "Run around and get him!" ex- claimed Ruth trying to start Mandy toward the place where the child had found his way to the track. 'Deed, Miss Ruth, my laigs won't walk, ise so scairt!" moaned Mandy. "I just cain't run." "Then you stand here and watch him and I'll go!" exclaimed Ruth. "But stop your screaming. You'll scare him so he'll fall off." As though to bear out the truth of Ruth's prediction, the child suddenly stopped, stood up in the middle of the track and looked down at his mother. "Go back! Go back!" she called waving her arms. The child started to turn and then, impressed by the mother's fear, sat down and began to scream. "I told you so!" exclaimed Ruth. "Now keep still!" and she started off to do what she could to rescue the child. 41 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW Even as she started, however, there came the noise as of an approaching engine. ' Dere comes a train ! Dere comes a train!" cried Mandy. "O my baby!" "Hush," commanded Ruth. "It's not a train. It's an automobile." But it was not even an automobile, only a motorcycle that came spinning around the bend in the road that passed by Aunt Becky's house. The rider was an athletic looking young chap in a cardinal and white sweater, who was at once attracted by the screaming child and its mother. At the same time the whistle of a train was heard in the distance. Leaping from his machine, it was but the work of two or three minutes for the young chap to climb, hand over hand, from one brace to another to the top of the steel pier and on to the track above. Taking the still screaming child in his arms, ne cautiously made his way over the side and was well down the pier when an engine drawing a 42 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW long Irain of freight cars dashed through the cut and onto the trestle. Both Mandy and Ruth hastened to the foot of the pier to meet him as he descended. The former did not wait for him to touch the ground, but reach- ing up, took the child from his arms and gave it a sounding box on the ear as she started for the house, ex- claiming as she went: "Dere now you, Gawge Washington Abraham Lincoln Burley, I done hope you has learned a lesson you'll nevah forgit. Why, if dat young man hadn't got you, you'd shuan be an angel by dis time and den what you tink you poor Mammy do!" In spite of the trying ordeal through which she had passed, Ruth could not help being affected by the humor of the situation and instead of receiving the stranger with the dignity which she felt the occasion demanded, she burst into a laugh in which he joined heartily. "Mandy is just as grateful as though she had stopped to tell you so," Ruth 43 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW hastened to say as soon as she could compose herself. "I'm sure of it," the young man replied, and at the first word Ruth was struck with his deep, rich voice, "and I'm also sure that she is grateful in the right way, even though she did ex- press her thought in a somewhat novel manner. But thanks are unnecessary." "I am sure it's very kind of you to say so," replied Ruth. "It was a brave thing to do." "It was the right thing and therefore the only thing to do," was the smiling rejoinder. "I don't believe that I stopped to think there was anything else I could do." And then, as though fearing he might appear a bit conceited, he added: "There really was no danger about it, if that is what you mean." "Wasn't there?" asked Ruth at a loss just what to say, for now that the excitement had passed off, she began to remember that she was talking to a perfect stranger and, unaccustomed to 44 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW such a situation, felt somewhat em- barrassed. "Not the slightest," he replied. "I presume your brother has climbed that pier many a time." Ruth's eyes twinkled, and the least bit of mischief was apparent. "Oh, I mean it," said the stranger. "You ask him." "Unfortunately I have no brother to ask," she replied, her embarrassment quickly passing. "Well, then you can ask some other girl's brother. But I must be going or I shall miss my dinner. Tell Mandy that the best way to show her gratitude, will be by keeping an eye on her baby after this," and mounting his machine he quickly disappeared to\vard town. 'Now who on earth can he be," asked Ruth of herself as he passed out of sight. "I wish I had dared ask him his name. Anyway it's a real adventure the first one I ever had." Then, as the novelty of it dawned upon her, "and what a story to tell Sally!" 45 CHAPTER FOUR Having announced that he was going to take his grandson, Herbert, into ousi- ness with him, Thomas Dennison pro- ceeded at once to carry out his inten- tion. "The sooner you get your hand into the real feature of the business," he said to Herbert the very morning of the event narrated in the preceding chapter, "the better." 'What's that?" asked Herbert in some surprise, for he had been about the store so much ever since he was a boy ten years old that he thought he knew all about it. "Buying goods." "Buying goods?" repeated Herbert, for want of something better to say. "Yes. If you don't buy right, of course you can't sell so as to make a profit."' 46 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Don't the wholesalers have a fixed price?" asked Herbert. "For the most part, yes. But there are always job lots. Then, too, there are things that are a little out of date in big cities that are just as salable as the newer things here. Get a few first class goods, more of the second and you can sell them all at the higher price." Herbert looked wise. "I see," he exclaimed. "And the profit is on the cheaper goods." "Exactly," replied his grandfather. "And there is another thing you might as well understand, and that is why I have allowed you to dress well and spend so much money. It helps trade. When the other young fellows see you wearing something new, they want it too, and even though their fathers can not always afford to let them have these things, they usually manage it some way especially," he added, rub- bing his hands together, "as they all run accounts with me." 47 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Yes," said Herbert with an air of added importance, "I know most of them do. It's a good way, isn't it ?" "For the storekeeper, yes," replied his grandfather. "That is if the cus- tomers are at all honest, and most men in towns of this kind are; but it's a bad thing for the customer!" Herbert looked surprised. "You don't see it, eh?" "No, sir." "Most men who run accounts," ex- plained Mr. Dennison, "buy more than they otherwise would, more than they need and more than they can afford. There isn't a man in this town whose ability to pay I do not know. If they don't pay once in so often I take their notes at a good interest, so you see I make a double profit. Later, if they do not pay the notes, I take a mortgage on their place. That is how I come to own so much of the valuable land in and about Sharon. "Now you see how it all works out 48 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW and I expect you to follow in my foot- steps/' Not realizing the dishonest thought back of some of the methods suggested, Herbert replied with more modesty than he had yet displayed that he would do the best he could. "That is all any one can do," said his grandfather. "And so to give you your first trial in buying I have deter- mined to start you for the city tomorrow. Midsummer is approaching and we need some novelties in various lines, such as gents' furnishing goods, sum- mer dress goods and the like. To- morrow being Wednesday, you will be able to finish your business and get back home by Saturday night. There's no use in paying hotel bills over Sun- day. "And by the way, speaking of ho- tels," continued Mr. Dennison, "there's no sense in putting up at the highest priced hotel in the city. If you were selling goods there might be; but in buying it doesn't matter. Salesmen will A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW hunt you out wherever you are as soon as they learn you are representing Thomas Dennison & Co." After his talk with his grandfather, Herbert sauntered out to the front of the store and looked up and down the street. About the first person he saw was Win King. As he approached, Herbert stepped out of the door to speak to him. "How's everything ?" queried Win as he took the cigarette Herbert offered him. "Oh, all right," replied Bert in an off-hand manner. "Pretty busy since the old man decided to take me into the firm. I've got to run up to Balti- more tomorrow to buy a few new goods. Can't go along, can you ?" and Bert lighted his cigarette and stood admir- ing himself in the big show window. "No! Wish I could," replied Win. "I never do get a chance to go any where. Dad's been promising to send me to Norfolk with the next carload of cattle, but something always happens 50 A UOYAL GOOD FELLOW that makes it necessary for him to go. The old folks never seem to think the young ones can do anything." v'"No," replied Bert nonchalantly, flicking the ash off his cigarette, "most of them don't; but grandfather has more advanced ideas than some." Then as his gaze turned up the street: "Hello, here comes Kate Black- burn! Hello, Kate!" as the girl ap- proached. "Which way this morn- ing?" " Only down to the market. I'm the errand girl for our family," she replied in a manner indicative of the distaste she felt for the task. "I can sympathize with you," ex- claimed Win with a shrug of his shoulders. "I have the same job in ours." 'Yes, but you're a boy and can do things that you want to once in a while; I never can." Then to Bert: "Why don't you ever come up to the house any more. You haven't been up in a month." 51 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Oh, no; not as long as that." "Sure it is! Come up tomorrow night, won't you ?" "Can't," replied Bert with an air of importance most tantalizing to Win. "I have to go up to Baltimore to buy goods tomorrow morning!" "Honest?" exclaimed Kate, as she looked up and took a hasty mental survey of the young man. "Yes, honest. You know I'm a member of the firm now." "I'd forgotten; but, gee, I wish I was a boy. I'd like to go to Baltimore to buy goods, or anywhere else to get out of this town. It s awful dead here, don't you think ?" "Well, yes, it is pretty quiet. I expect I'll go to New York a little later when we get ready to lay in our winter stock." 'You sure are in luck!" exclaimed Win as Kate passed on. "But I must be moving. I have to go to the tailor's after I've ordered the things for dinner." "Having a new suit?" 52 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "No, only an old one cleaned and pressed. Father said he couldn't spare me the money now to buy me a new one." "Nonsense!" exclaimed Bert. "If you want a new suit or anything else, you come right in and get it any time. Your credit is good with Thomas Dennison & Co. You can get it now if you want to." "Oh, I wouldn't dare. Father would be awful mad. And besides I've got to go to the market." "Well, come in anyhow on your way back and I'll show you some new goods that came in the other day; and say!" he exclaimed as Win moved away, "if you don't see anything you like I'll order you something when I'm in Baltimore." "Bert Jones is certainly a good fel- low," was Win's mental comment as he passed on, "and he sure meant what he said. I think I'll just take him at his word." "He'll be back all right," said Bert 53 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW to himself as he went into the store and commenced sorting over the stock to see what he had on hand that might suit. "It's just as grandfather says: Give 'em a chance to have it charged and they'll buy any old thing!" The result was as Herbert had pre- dicted. Before Win went home he had bought the goods for a new suit and had them charged, exacting from Her- bert the promise that he would say nothing about it till he had a good chance to break the news to his father. Then he started for home with a troubled conscience, but still with the belief that Herbert was his friend. Herbert's words and manner had also increased the feeling of dissatisfac- tion in the mind of Kate Blackburn. It appeared to her that every one except herself was having a good time. Her- bert's business trip seemed a simple holiday and she walked slowly home with the firm belief that she was the most abused person in Sharon. Just as she entered her father's gate 4 a young man on a motorcycle went spinning by. He seemed enjoying him- self to the fullest. So noticeable was this and so in contrast with her own dissatisfied thought, that Kate turned and looked after him as he sped down the street. "I wonder who he is?" she solilo- quized. "He sure looks all right!" Then as she turned into the house: "Everybody has a good time but me. My, but don't I wish I could get away from this old town!" 55 CHAPTER FIVE "Guess who's here?" asked Sally rushing into Ruth's home about four o'clock that afternoon, her face all aglow with color and her voice and manner full of excitement. "Guess who's where?" asked Ruth. "In Sharon, to be sure." "I can't imagine, unless it's the President." " Nonsense !" exclaimed Sally. " It's someone we have been talking about. Of course you wouldn't guess if you could so I might as well tell you. It's Del Henderson." "Oh, Adelbert!" exclaimed Ruth mockingly. "So the paragon has ar- rived, has he? But how did he ever happen to come so soon? The last I heard of him was this morning when Aunt Clara told me he had passed a 56 'wonderful examination' and was com- ing down after he graduated." "It appears he's going to Europe as soon as he graduates, so he determined to spend his senior vacation with his grandparents. He has about three weeks, you know." "No, I don't know and I don't know as I care. But how on earth do you get all your information ?" "From Bert. Win brought Del into the store this afternoon. I told Bert to ask both of them out to the house to- night and he said he would. I want you to come over and meet him." "Well, I don't mind, if Win is going to be there. But who else have you asked ? There ought to be some real goody-goody girl to entertain Adelbert". "Oh, you're good enough," laughed Sally. "Besides we ought to have con- trasts and so, at Bert's request, 1 1 have asked Kate Blackburn. Really I don't know what Bert can see in her, but they get along well together." 57 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW Ruth smiled. "Birds of a feather," she quoted. "Now, Ruth! That is hardly kind to me," she added. "You mean that Kate is worse than Bert, then." "Well, I don't know as I ought to say that. I know Bert is wild and selfish, but he's my brother, while Kate " "I know how you feel!" exclaimed Ruth impulsively. "I'm sorry I said anything about either one of them. I must try and break myself of criticis- ing other persons. Aunt Clara says it isn't charitable, dear old soul! I don't know how anybody can be so good." "Perhaps that's where Adelbert, as you insist on calling him, gets his. He may inherit it." "Maybe: but Sally!" suddenly ex- claimed Ruth, "I almost forgot to tell you of my wonderful adventure." "Adventure?" "Yes! A really and truly one with the nicest young fellow you ever met; 58 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW or I should say that I ever met, for you didn't see him at all and so hand- some! Say! He had the laughingest blue eyes and the most musical voice and his face was just like the pictures of the old Greeks, only he was fair and had brown hair!" "Now there's another picture for you!" laughed Sally. "Isn't it?" "And where was the meeting and how did it all happen ?" "Well, you see I was down at Aunt Becky's this morning sympathizing with her because she has to go to the poor- house " "Aunt Becky going to the poor- house!" interrupted Sally. "Aunt Becky going to the poor-house! Why?" Ruth's face flushed and she stam- mered something about being just in fun. "It's nothing of the kind, Ruth Jackson," exclaimed Sally. "You are trying to hide something from me!" "Well, I don't know much about 59 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW it," said Ruth slowly, "only they say someone holds a mortgage on her place and he is going to put her out because she can't pay any mor^ on it." "Impossible!" exclaimed Sally. "No one could be so mean. I'll tell grand- father about it and if it's true, I know he will help her. Do you know who it is ?" "Not for sure; but you tell your grandfather all about it. That will be the very best thing I know. "And now let's see," continued Ruth hastily, "where was I?" "Down at Aunt Becky's." "Oh, yes. And while I was talking to her I heard Mandy scream. I rushed out of the house to see what was the matter and there was little George up on the railroad bridge " "On the railroad bridge!" interrupt- ed Sally. "How on earth did he ever get there?" "Climbed the hill out back of Aunt Becky's and toddled round onto the track." 60 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW x "Well did you ever!" "That's what I thought, too. But however it happened, there he was and Mandy screaming at the top of her voice. Directly George heard her he began, too, and I didn't know what to do. Mandy was so scared she couldn't move and just then we heard an engine whistle in the distance." "Well, what did you do?" exclaimed Sally now thoroughly interested. "This is where the hero enters," laughed Ruth, "just as it happens in real melodrama. Around the curve in the road comes a flying motorcycle. Off jumps this wonderful person I've been telling you about. Up the great pier he clambers and just as the engine dashes along, down he comes with the little black pickaninny as mild as you please." "How thrilling!" exclaimed Sally in amazement. "Then what happened ?" "That's just what I have been trying to settle in my own mind ever since. I don't know whether I thanked him or 61 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW what I did. I did try to tell him it was a brave act, but he just laughed and said it was the only thing there was to do. Then he said he was hungry, or something like, and off he rode with- out ever telling me who he was or even taking the trouble to as much as ask my name. Now what do you think of that?" "I'm too amazed to have any thoughts at all about it. Who do you suppose it could have been ? I'm simply purple with curiosity." "I haven't the slightest idea. But I suppose it must be some tourist on his way south from Washington. You know they make the run down here in a day. But if I never see him again, I'll never forget that voice." "Speaking of voices," exclaimed Sally, "I just want you to hear Del " "Don't!" interrupted Ruth putting her hands to her ears in mock distress. "Don't dare to compare my hero with that namby-pamby " 62 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW But Sally's laugh drowned the rest of the sentence. "Ruth! Ruth!" she exclaimed. "I certainly do feel sorry for what you will have to endure this evening!" Then, as she was going: "But never- theless don't you fail to come and to come early." "Oh, I'll be there," was Ruth's reply, and she was. Likewise she came early and she and Sally had just seated themselves on the porch in the gloam- ing when footsteps were heard coming up the walk. "Bert has gone over after Kate," explained Sally, "so that must be Win and his cousin now." "I'm glad it's not very light so he won't notice if I stare at him," said Ruth, and just then she caught the sound of a voice saying: "What a beautiful old place. I wish it were lighter so I could see it better." "Sally!" exclaimed Ruth as she sud- denly sat up and placed her hand on -63 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW her friend's arm. "That voice! Who is it?" "Why it's Del Henderson," and then before she had time to say more the callers were at the porch. All that Ruth realized was that Sally was say- ing, "Ruth, this is our friend, Mr. Hen- derson, of whom you have heard us speak so often," and then as she gazed at the newcomer in the most unbounded surprise, unable for her life to answer, she realized that both Sally and Win were laughing merrily. If the porch would only fall, or the earth open and swallow her up ! B ut neither happened . Instead, as she began to realize how she had been fooled, Del was saying: "I think Miss Jackson and I have met once before today. I shall there- fore claim the right of shaking hands as an old acquaintance." Now it was the others who were surprised, and they showed it by the suddenness with which their laughter ceased. As the utter ludicrousness of the whole situation flashed across Ruth's 64 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW mind, her sense of humor overcame her embarrassment and she, too, burst into a merry laugh. "What a tangle!" she at length ex- claimed. Then seeing the puzzled look on Del's face she explained. "Please, Mr. Henderson, pardon our merriment, but how was I possibly to know from Sally's and Aunt Clara's description, that you rode a motorcycle and went about like a knight errant, aiding dam- sels in distress and rescuing black babies from lofty trestles!" "If you got my picture from grand- mother, I am not surprised you did not recognize me," replied Del. "Oh, she was no more biased in her description than Sally," declared Ruth, determined to get even. "Sally said you were " "Ruth Jackson," exclaimed Sally, suddenly putting her hand over Ruth's mouth, "if you say another word of what I told you I declare I'll tell Mr. Henderson all the things you told me about that rescue!" 65 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Win, won't you interfere to protect me!" exclaimed Del. "I don't think it would be at all fair to have my weaknesses made a matter of debate by two such " "Antagonists," suggested Win, see- ing that his cousin paused for a word. "That isn't at all what I was going to say," declared Del. "I should hope not," exclaimed Sally. "Critics, might be better," laughed Win. "Oh, no!" exclaimed Del. "I am sure there are no critics here. I was about to say " But his sentence was interrupted by the arrival of Bert and Kate. In the in- troductions which followed the subject was dropped and at the suggestion of Sally the little party went into the music room, which was Sally's favorite retreat, 66 CHAPTER SIX Sharon, like most small villages, is a church-going community and there is hardly a family in town that is not connected with some one of the half dozen religious denominations there represented. What society there is centers about the churches, and the church suppers, strawberry festivals, fairs and donations form the greater part of the social life of the place. As a result, church topics and relig- ious subjects furnish the thought for a great part of the conversation, not only with the grown-ups, but with the younger element as well, and biblical references and quotations are as com- mon to the young folks of Sharon as are the hits and quips from the latest theatrical productions to the more up- to-date dwellers of the metropolis. It was the most natural thing in the 67 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW world, therefore, that Sharon's young people should form their estimate of their elders from their prominence in church work, and there was not one of them who did not have a pretty clear idea of what living a Christian life meant from their viewpoint. The diversion of having a stranger in town was always enjoyed and as a result it was a merry little party that gathered in Sally's music room a few minutes after the arrival of Kate and Bert. There was one in the room, however, who was far from happy. This was Win. He had told his mother about the new suit and she, too, was sure his father would be very angry. She had promised, however, that she would mention the subject to him, and it was of this that Win was now thinking. Of course, when he bought the suit, Bert had said to him he could have all the time he wanted to pay for it, but even this did not now seem to carry much weight. 68 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "I'm sure Dad'll be awful mad," was the way Win had put it. "He thinks boys ought to stay boys at least till they're twenty-one." He's an old fogy," replied Bert. "Why just look at me. I'm only turned twenty and still grandfather has taken me into partnership. You're a man now and ought to have all a man's privileges." "That's what I think," said Win, "but I'm sure he'll be mad all the same." "Well, of course, if he makes a row come to me and I'll fix it all right," said Bert. With this declaration Win at first felt quite contented, but later his heart misgave him and on the way over to Sally's he had said to Del: "It must be awfully jolly to be away from home at school." "Well, yes, there are many things pleasant aoout it," replied Del. "But 1 find I have a better time at home. Some one to kind of look after me, don't you know." 69 L A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Some fathers and mothers look after you too much," declared Win. "Maybe that is because they haven't learned to have confidence in you. You'll find, however, that just as soon as they see you showing good judg- ment about the things you undertake and never doing anything they will not like, they'll begin to look up to you." "Not my folks," said Win emphati- cally. "I'd like to get away from home." "Yes, your folks, just the same as every young man's folks," insisted Del, "and you don't need to go away from home. Just look around among the families you know and see how glad the fathers are to turn the hard work over to the sons." "The hard work, yes; but they al- ways want to boss the job," declared Win. Del laughed heartily. "It does seem so, doesn't it? But I've noticed that when they find us young fellows able to do the work, 70 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW they are soon glad to turn over the responsibility also.'* "My folks are not that way. They treat me like a baby," and it was this thought and the thought of wrongdoing that was making Win's evening any- thing but pleasant, although he did his best not to show it. "I don't believe Del would have done such a thing," he mused while Sally was playing. "But he doesn't have to. His folks let him do as he has a mind." Then, after a moment, "What a good- looking fellow he is. He doesn't act like he ever had any trouble in his life," and Win wasn't the only one of the group that was thinking the same about the visitor. Never once, however, did Win look for the real cause of his unhappiness. Never once did he realize that he was greatly in the wrong and was doing things every day that caused his parents the greatest anxiety. Just then Sally's music ceased. 71 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW f "Won't you play something?" asked Ruth turning to Del. "You should ask him to sing, in- stead," laughed Sally. "You know what a wonderful voice he has," and she cast a sly glance at Ruth who colored to the tips of her ears. "Yes, sing something," urged Kate. "All right. This ought to fit the occasion," laughed Del as he seated himself at the piano and sang a sweet little thing with a refrain that went: 1.1. IJ J >. . gW- * f f ^^ ^ lun> to lov. to E ff ^ l F * BE i" 111-, If ,g ,j. ,^, H ,J r r ' i T^ A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW p 6h tp tun your faMrt.MA jour br*(o whirl. J.-. - ^^ J ft ^ F NMi ^ ' f r & SU fa ,g j jj priJs.fold DiiJ Mj Sooth. I f w> j |>j- fm*m Jj i e ^* * w . - f "Great!" exclaimed Win as the song was finished. "Where'd you get it. I never heard it before." "Wrote the words myself," laughed Del, "and a chap named Hall, an Eng- lishman, set it to music for me. Glad you like it." "It's beautiful!" exclaimed Kate. "I don't think much of it," declared Bert. "Too sent* ^ntal for me. I like something rolikking. Can't you give us something from one of the new musical shows." "Sure!" replied Del good-naturedly. "I think I like them, too," and he 73 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW sang several selections, closing with Robyn's "Love Me and the World is Mine." That Kate was completely carried away by the music was very evident to Bert and when Del stopped, he ex- claimed : "You sing right well, but it always seems to me a fellow could find some- thing better to do than play the piano. Men seem made for business!" "Bert!" exclaimed Sally under her breath; but if Del heard her he paid no attention to it, and replied good- humoredly : "There's a good deal in that. I think myself, that a man might give too much time to the piano unless he were going to make it his profession. But we must all have our fun, and music is one of my sports." "Little tame, ain't it!" sneered Bert. "Give me a horse race." "I like a horse race too," declared Del. "But we don't get a chance to see many in New York." 74 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Give me a good game of ball," said Win. "Or a rattling good game of foot- ball," declared Del. "I like football because it gives a fellow such a good chance to show his real self." " How so ?" asked Ruth. "Football always looked to me like a rough and tumble fight; but then," she added half apologetically, "I never saw one of the big games. Of course you have." "O yes," exclaimed Win anxious to make Del seem as important as possible. "He was on the University eleven two years." "Answering your question," said Del to Ruth, "the fact that it looks to you like a big rough and tumble fight, brings out the idea I have in mind. If each fellow doesn't control his tem- per it is likely to become just what it appears to you. That's where a chap is able to show his real self in keeping cool in the midst of the excitement." "It would be a mighty poor excuse for a man that wouldn't punch back," 75 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW exclaimed Bert, "if some big duffer hit him one." "It would be a mighty poor football player who did," replied Del. Then with a laugh, "although I don't think this would be a case where you would ex- pect a fellow to 'turn the other cheek also/ ' "Of course not," laughed Sally, who saw the point at once. "That isn't what the words mean." "What do you think they mean?" asked Ruth. "Why I think they mean that if some one in anger were to strike you, instead of returning the blow, you should try to avoid trouble. In a football game, no one would strike you in that way, of course; but it might make you angry just the same." "Well, I don't know a lot about foot- ball," said Bert, "but if any one hits me, I'll fight." "That's the way I think," declared Kate. "I wouldn't give a snap for a 76 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW boy who wouldn't fight when it was necessary." "There might be a difference of opinion as to whether it were neces- sary," laughed Del. "But outside of a football game, or a cane rush, where fellows get excited and don't know what they are doing, I can't see any reason why a blow should ever be struck any more than I can see why anyone should ever do a mean act." "Most folks seem to think the other way," said Kate. "It seems to me that pretty nearly everyone I know would rather treat you mean than to treat you well." "Why, Kate!" exclaimed Sally and Ruth in one breath. "Well, it's so." "Why, Kate Blackburn!" said Sally. "That's the most un-Christian thing I ever heard. You ought to be ashamed of yourself!" "Kate doesn't profess to be a Chris- tian," laughed Bert. "You know what I say is true, Sally 77 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW Jones," exclaimed Kate, considerably nettled by Sally's words. "Just look how your grandfather " "What do you mean by being a Christian, Bert ?" suddenly asked Ruth, more for the sake of something to say that would interrupt Kate than with any expectation of getting an answer. "Oh, anybody who belongs to the church and goes to prayer meetir g regularly," laughed Bert, also anxious to keep Kate from saying anything that would hurt Sally's feelings, for Sally was Bert's one unselfish thought and to Sally, her grandfather was the per- sonification of goodness. All during this unexpected conversa- tion Del had been looking from one to another of the young people with con- siderable surprise pictured on his face, which led Win at this point to say: "Is that your idea of a Christian, Del?" "Not exactly," was the somewhat forcible reply. The tone of the voice, rather than 78 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW the words themselves, brought the other conversation to an abrupt stop and, not knowing just how Bert might take it, Sally asked: "Then what is your idea of a Chris- tian?" "To my sense," replied Del, "to be a Christian means always to do right." "And I suppose you always do right," sneered Bert, who seemed determined to say disagreeable things. "I'm afraid not," replied Del soberly; "but I always try to." "I can't see," said Ruth, "how it is possible for anyone always to do right." "It is pretty hard," was Del's reply. "But there is a way." "How?" "Always think right. Then we would know that in reality there is but one way to do anything and that is the right way." "I heard you say that same thing once before today," said Ruth, "and I don't think I quite understand it." "Well," replied Del, "I read a story 79 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW a few weeks ago that partly illustrates it. The story was about two boys who were sent on an errand to a railroad construction camp. There was only one road to the camp, but after the boys had gone a short distance they came to a place where there seemed to be two roads, and for some minutes they were unable to decide upon what course to pursue. "Said one of them, 'It appears there are two ways a right way and a wrong way and it's up to us to decide which to take.' But the other boy replied, 'No! Father told me there was but one road. It is for us to determine which is the road and follow it, because the other isn't a road at all; it only seems to be.' "In a few minutes, by changing their point of view, they saw that what the boy's father had said was true. There was only one road. The other, which seemed to be a highway, was only a little branch leading into a gravel pit. As soon as they discovered which was 80 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW the road, there was but one thing to do follow it; and that is what they did." "To me," explained Del, "there is only one way to do anything and that is the right way. The other is only a seeming way. The Christian has a guide book the Bible which shows him the real way and it's up to him to follow it. "And how is that for a sermon?" he laughed. "But you'll all admit that I didn't start it. You asked me and I had to tell you." "Of course you did," replied Sally, "and I think you told it well." 81 CHAPTER SEVEN Herbert was astir early the following morning, for in spite of his attempt to treat the matter as though it were an everyday occurence, his trip to Balti- more was an event of much importance in his life. He was at the store before his grandfather, which was unusual, for Thomas Dennison was an early riser, and was busily engaged in looking over the stock when his grandfather arrived. "That's right, my boy," was the elder man's greeting. "Never go to mar- ket without knowing what you have on hand," and together they went over the lines which it was intended to replenish. "Here's a couple of hundred dollars," said Mr. Dennison when Herbert an- nounced at 9.30 that he guessed he'd better be getting down to the station. "You won't need anywhere near that A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW amount as you will buy everything on time, but it's just possible that you might find something in one of the auction houses you would like to pick up. These sales are spot cash. It certainly would be worth while looking in." Herbert's opinion of his own impor- tance increased as he tucked the money into his pocketbook and placed it in his inside vest pocket. "It might be a good plan," explained his grandfather watching him not to put it all in one place, but I guess you are able to look after yourself. If you are not, nobody is." "Oh, I can take care of myself all right," replied Herbert as he picked up his grip and left the store. It was some little distance to the station, but Herbert decided to walk as it gave him a chance to mention his mission to several of the young fellows as he passed along. About a block from me station he met Win King. One glance at his face was sufficient to 83 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW tell Bert that something had happened; but he did not let on that he noticed it. "You're out early," he exclaimed. "Coming down to the train to see me off." "Not exactly," replied Win in a sullen manner, "but I just had to see you. We've had a terrible row up at the house and I don't think I'll ever go back." "Why, what's the matter?" "Oh, it's that suit I bought yester- day. Mother told father about it last night and he gave me an awful dressing down this morning. Said I couldn't and he wouldn't pay for it, and that he was going down to see your grandfather about it. Why, he'll disgrace me be- fore the whole town," declared Win, thinking more of the criticism of his young friends than of the trouble he was causing his parents. "Oh, not so bad as that, Win. He'll just speak to the old man about it and he'll smooth him down all right." "No he won't," replied Win. "Father 84 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW says he's one of the men that Thomas Dennison was never able to get any hold on, and he don't propose to give him a chance now. Said he'd rather owe a bill to any man in the world. I know what he'll do and the whole town will hear it." "It is kind o' rough, isn't it?" de- clared Herbert after a brief pause. "But I don't see what can be done about it. If I wasn't going away I could explain it to grandfather; but I've got to take this train, or the old man would be pretty mad." "Well, what do you think of me? And besides, Bert, you got me into this and you ought to stand by me." "I would, Win, if I were going to be here; but I've just got to go. Business is business and I can't endanger my prospects." "I suppose my feelings don't amount to anything . Why, I'll be the laughing stock of the whole town." For a couple of minutes they walked in silence. 85 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "What are you going to do?" Bert finally asked, as they reached the station. "I don't know, but I won't go home. If I had any money I'd go up to Balti- more and get a job." "Why, I'll pay your fare if you want to go, and see you through while I'm there. You'll get a job by the time I get ready to come back." "Think so?" asked Win eagerly. "Sure! I'll introduce you to a friend of mine, a travelling man by the name of Ford, who sells us goods every month or two. There may be something right in his house." "And you'll pay my fare to Balti- more ?" "Yes. You can go right along with me." "Well, I'm certainly much obliged, Bert. I always knew you were a good fellow, but I didn't expect all this." "That's because you never really knew me." replied Bert, swelling up with his own importance. "What do 86 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW I care for a few dollars when a friend is in trouble. You just stick to me and I'll make a man of you." "I expect maybe the folks will worry. Mother always does about everything." "Oh, that'll be all right," urged Bert. "When you get a job you can write them and show them you're big enough to take care of yourself. We'll have some fun in Baltimore, too. What do you say ? Shall I get you a ticket ?" "Sure! Didn't I say I'd go if I had the money?" It was not until Mr. King came home to dinner that Win's absence was noted. "Isn't Win with you?" Mrs. King asked her husband as he entered the house alone. " Why, no. Isn't he home ?" "He hasn't been back since I sent him to market this morning," replied Mrs. King. "He was feeling so badly over what was said about that suit, I've kind o* worried." 'You always do; but maybe I was A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW a bit hasty," said Mr. King. "I was mightily put out about that bill." "Of course he didn't do right " "But I don't believe he'd have done such a thing if Bert Jones hadn't put him up to it," interrupted Mr. King. "I'm sure he wouldn't," replied his wife. "Maybe Bert thought he was doing you a good turn." "Not likely; but anyway I went in this morning and paid the bill without any words. I might 'a made a few remarks to young Jones if he'd been there; but he went to Baltimore this morning, one of the clerks told me." " Well, I'm glad you settled it, Eben," with a sigh of relief. "I was kind o' worried about it myself. I don't be- lieve Win will ever do such a trick again." When supper time came and still Win did not put in an appearance, his parents were even more anxious and after supper decided to go over to Aunt Clara's and see if Del knew aught about him. 88 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "It's just possible he's gone over home," suggested Mrs. King. "Pa is such a hand to take the children's part whenever any of them do anything." "Yes," declared Mr. King, "or he and Del may have gone off into the mountains somewhere." Del and his grandparents were sitting on the back porch when Mr. and Mrs. King came into sight up the hill. "There's Uncle Eben and Aunt Mary," exclaimed Del. "I wonder where Win is." "We don't see much of Win these days," replied Aunt Clara. "I'm afraid he's getting into bad company." "Pshaw," exclaimed Uncle Josiah, "He's just busy with the young folks and we old ones don't interest him. That's all." "I'm sure of it," replied Del. "I think he's a fine fellow. I'm sorry he didn't come along." But neither Del nor his grandparents were at all prepared for trie news the visitors brought. 89 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Now where do you suppose he can be?" asked Aunt Clara after hearing what her daughter had to say. "We can't imagine," declared Mrs. Bang. "I've asked all the boys, and none of them have seen him." "The last seen of him," explained Mr. King, "was at the market. When he left there he went down toward the station." Recalling his conversation with Win the night before, Del asked: "Is there any place he could have gone on the cars ?" "Plenty," replied his father, "only I don't think he had more than a dollar or so. Why?" Del related briefly the conversation he had with him the night before. "Of course," he continued, "I didn't know what he was driving at then; but now that I know about me bill, I can see why he was dissatisfied and un- happy. No one can be happy who has any fear for the future." "Then I can't see how anyone can 90 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW be happy in this world," declared Mrs. King. "Why, you're not afraid of the fu- ture, are you, Aunt Mary?" "Of course I am. 1 never know what's going to happen from one day to the next." "Well, what's the difference ?" laugh- ed Del, "if whatever happens, as you call it, is good ?" "It isn't always good," was the reply. "It seems to me like it was mostly bad." "But it only seems, Aunt Mary. It can not really be, you know, because God only makes good, and He makes all that really is." "You talk just like your mother, Del Henderson," declared Mrs. King, "and she and I never did agree. Now don't you think Win's running that bill and then turning up missing is bad ?" "Not a bit of it," replied Del, "It only seems bad, because we don't know the real facts about it." "Looks to me like he's got the best of you, Mary," exclaimed Uncle Josiah. 91 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "I don't see nothin' very bad about it myself. He wanted a suit of clothes and got it." "What, nothing bad in making his father and me worry like this." "But why worry?" asked Uncle Josiah. "Now what a question to ask, Pa! I'd like to know how you can help worrying when you never can tell what may happen." Del burst into a laugh. "You're right back at the same old place, Aunt Mary; but if you'll just understand for one minute that it's only good that really does or can happen, you'll see there is nothing to worry about and stop." "That's good common sense," de- clared Uncle Josiah emphatically. " Win's surely big enough to take care of himself." "If he'll only shun evil companions," continued Aunt Clara. "Well, how any good is going to come out of all this is more than I can 92 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW see!" exclaimed Mrs. King, dejectedly. "Neither do you have to," replied Del, "any more than you have to figure out how the truth about any- thing destroys the untruth about it. It just does; that's all.'* 93 CHAPTER EIGHT Early the next morning Del started out to see if he could get any trace of his cousin. He visited the various places in Sharon where young men are wont to congregate, but none had seen Win. He asked at the railroad station, but, strange as it may seem in a small village, no one had seen him board the train. Just as he was passing Mr. Denni- son's store on the way home, he met Sally. "You are an early bird," he said, m wishing her good morning. "Yes," she replied, "I'm one of those who believe in keeping ahead of my work. I had so much to do this morning, because Bert has gone to Baltimore, that I had to come out unusually early." 94 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "When did your brother go to Balti- more?" "Yesterday morning." "Alone?" "Oh, yes. It was his first business trip. But why do you ask ?" "My Cousin Win went somewhere yesterday and didn't come home last night. His mother is anxious about him." "I don't think he could have gone with Bert. At least, neither of mem said anything to me about it. "But I'll tell "you," suddenly ex- claimed Sally. : 'You might ask Ruth. Win tells her pretty nearly everything." "I will," replied Del as he touched his hat and turned suddenly off in the direction of Ruth's home. "Surely a fellow who makes a girl like Ruth Jackson his confidante can't go far wrong," he thought to himself as he hastened along. "I hope he has done it this time." But he was doomed to disappoint- ment. Win had not confided to Ruth 95 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW anything about his little financial trans- action, nor had he even suggested that he was thinking of going away. In fact, as we know, he had not contem- plated it when he left Ruth at her nome the previous night. "I am sure, however," the girl de- clared, "that Win has not gone away alone. I know him well. In the first place he hasn't independence enough to start out for himself and in the next place " She stopped. Del waited for her to proceed. "I do not know that I ought to say it to his cousin," Ruth continued, "but Win is somewhat selfish." "I can see that," replied Del, "or he would not cause his parents unneces- sary anxiety. To make others unhappy is the greatest proof of selfishness." "And that same selfishness," said Ruth, "would keep him from doing anything that would cause him any hardship." "True," exclaimed Del. "Selfish- ness makes cowards." 96 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "For that reason," continued Ruth, "I do not think he has gone away alone and without money, fife has gone with someone who has money, and Bert Jones is the only boy in Sharon that has much to spend." "None of us have much," laughed Del. "But Sally says you are going to Europe," exclaimed Ruth before she thought just how her words would sound. "That doesn' indicate that I am one who has much money to spend," declared Del. "It simply means that father has made some sacrifices." Ruth's color deepened. "I certainly beg your pardon," she said. "I had no wish to pry into your affairs." Del laughed good-humoredly as he replied: "I am sure you did not, and as a proof of it I will take you into my confidence. The money on which I am going to Europe is about five hun- dred dollars that I did not use out of 97 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW the allowance that father set aside for my four years at college." "Most young fellows use ," began Ruth, but Del interrupted. "Oh, it wasn't that I didn't spend enough as it was, for father was liberal. But I felt sure he could use all the money he had to advantage, and as my needs did not demand the extra five hundred I didn't use it. "About ten days ago, however, father sent me a draft for the amount, saying he had set aside a certain sum for my college expenses. Had I been extrava- gant, he declared he should not have increased the amount. Now that I had saved it, he felt it was mine to do with as I pleased. Knowing that I had been anxious for a run through Europe, he suggested I use it that way. A party of us are going and I expect to have the time of my life. Why, now that I have arranged for it, I can hardly wait till I am climbing some Alpine peak " "Just as you climbed that railroad bridge," interrupted Ruth. 98 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "O pshaw! let's forget that." "You may forget it as soon as you have a mind, but Mandy thinks you are the most wonderful young man she ever saw. Of course, she says, 'he just couldn't help it with such a grand- pa.' She is a firm believer in heredity." "So am I," declared Del. "But I understand that the birthright which prompts us to do right and which is our only real heritage, comes from our Father in Heaven; therefore every young man inherits that ability if he only knows it. "But now about Win. I am sure you think as I do, that he has gone to Baltimore with Bert Jones." "I almost know it and and I'm so sorry. I do hate to see Win get into evil company, and Bert well, Bert is wild and always has lots of money and ' There were tears in her voice and Del interrupted her by exclaiming. "And you think he ought to be brought back ?" 99 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "That isn't what I was going to say; but I wish he could." "Well, he shall be." Del looked at his watch. "It's too late for the morning train, but I'll take the 4.30. I don't think I'll tell anyone if you don't mind. I'll just go and get him." Ruth understood without further words. "You can depend on me," she said. "I'll be as mum as an oyster." "And if it's not too much trouble," said Del, "would you drop in and see his mother some time today and cheer her up a bit?" " Of course I will. I'll go right now." "All right. I'll walk down town with you." Together they strolled down the street and were about to separate when they heard someone behind them calling: "O Miss Ruth! O Mr. Man! Wait fob me! Wait foh me!" Turning about they beheld Mandy coming as fast as her short legs would 100 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW carry her, for Mandy was one of the short kind that looked much like the proverbial feather bed tied in the middle with a string. " Mandy seems considerably excited," laughed Del. "I hope George Wash- ington and so forth hasn't been up to some new mischief." "Aunt Becky, more likely," replied Ruth as they waited for Mandy to come up. Then as she approached, "What is it, Mandy?" "Wa-wa-wait till I done cotch my bref, Miss Ruth. I clar I'se mos ready to drop. Oh, it's awful! It's awful!" "It certainly would be if you should drop, Mandy. ' "Dis ain't no time foh jokin', Miss Ruth. No, ma'am. Dis is de mos awfulles thing you ever heard." Then in a stage whisper: "De sheriff's done been dar!" ''The sheriff's been where?" "Down to Miss Becky's. He says she done got to go, shua nuff." 101 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW " Got to go ? You don't mean to the poor-house?" gasped Ruth. "He done say he don' care where she go. She got to git outen dat house right off. Oh, it's awful! Awful!" and Mandy rolled her eyes in a manner expressive of her sentiment. *' What's it all about, Miss Ruth?" asked Del, for he was not up on the village gossip. "About Aunt Becky Babcock," re- plied Ruth. "If you'll walk along with me I'll tell you all I know and maybe you can tell me what to do. You seem to see the bright side." "Thank you," laughed Del. "That is certainly a compliment to my method of thinking." Ruth looked up and smiled. "How different you are," she ex- claimed, "from what I thought!" :< Yes? In what way?" "In every way. Because Aunt Clara said you were good, I thought you must be a sanctimonious prig, who never smiled and and " A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW . "And what?" "And wore your hair cut straight across the back!" laughed Ruth "if you must know. Now it's all out and 1 feel better!" Del's laugh was hearty and infec- tious. Even Mandy joined in. "What a surprise I must have been," he finally managed to say. "But," he added a bit more seriously, "being good or trying to be good anyway doesn't make one sanctimonious as you call it; it make one jolly. Good- ness makes the world look bright to you, and after a bit it becomes a habit to look on the bright side, because you learn that in reality there is no other." They proceeded a few steps in silence. "Now then," said Del, "tell me about Aunt Becky Babcock and what you want done for her." As they walked along through the June sunshine, Ruth narrated to Del as best she could the story of Aunt Becky. Told him of the aged woman's trials from the time she was left a 103 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW widow up to the present; told him of the help that had been given her from time to time and finally of what was about to happen. "And did she never hear from her daughter and son-in-law after they went away." ;< Yes, for a few years," explained Ruth. "and then all at once the letters stopped coming." "Did she never try to locate them. Certainly her daughter would be glad to help her. It's right that she should." "Maybe she would, if we knew where to reach her; but no one does." "And has no one ever told Mr. Dennison " "About her condition? Oh, yes, Uncle Josiah told him once so that all the village heard it; but that made no difference to Thomas Dennison. 'Busi- ness is business,' was all he said." "Yes, business is business," replied Del, "and to some men it is more it is their god; but that wasn't what I was going to ask. I was going to ask 104 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW if no one had ever told Mr. Dennison about the Golden Rule ?" Ruth looked up in surprise. "Why, I suppose so," she replied. "He's a member of the church, and claims to be a Christian." "Do you think he is?" "I used to," replied Ruth. "Now I am not so sure. What do you think ?" "You heard my definition of a Christian the other night: One who always does right. Do you think Mr. Dennison is doing right? Do you think the Golden Rule is his standard of measurement ?" "He may think so," replied Ruth. "But that doesn't necessarily make it so. The rule is capable of proof." "Doesn't the Bible say we should not judge?" asked Ruth. "Nor should we; but would it be judging to point out to any one that he ought to work out his mathematical problems on the basis of twice two are four?" "Hardly," laughed Ruth. 105 "The Golden Rule is just as scien- tific a rule of life as the other is of mathe- matics," declared Del. "Is it judging to call attention to this great rule? Jesus did." "But Jesus was different." "Of course He was different; and the things he did and told others to do were what made Him so. We can be like Him if we try." "Do you think so?" asked Ruth. "I have tried, but He seems so far above us." "And so He was," replied Del ear- nestly. " But first of all He was human. His heart went out to the sick and suffering; to the poor and needy like Aunt Becky. It was through the love of Jesus for struggling humanity that the divinity of Christ appeared. If we would prove ourselves the 'sons of God* as John says we are we must follow in Jesus' footsteps." For some minutes they walked in silence, until Mandy coming up close to Ruth whispered: 106 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "He done talk jus' laik a preacher, but he don't look nor act like one." Arriving at Aunt Becky's humble home they found the old woman greatly distressed, but apparently resigned to her fate. "As long as it's got to come," she declared as Del was leaving, "the sooner the better. I've worked my hardest and prayed my best, but it's clear the good Lord has forgotten that there is such a woman as Rebecca Babcock." "Don't you believe it," exclaimed Del. "Didn't you just say he was a good Lord and how can a good God forget His children. Just you know that He has not forgotten you. Just you get so close to Him that trouble can not come near. Read the Ninety- first Psalm, believe what it says and your dwelling place will be secure. If it is right that you should remain here, you are going to, for right will certainly prevail." At dinner Del told his grandparents 107 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW of his forenoon's experiences and his surmise about Win, saying he should take steps to get him back. When he told about Aunt Becky, Aunt Clara asked : "Isn't there any one who can prevent her from being turned out ?" "Not if Tom Dennison wants to go ahead and foreclose," replied Uncle Josiah, "and I understand he's deter- mined to do it." "Couldn't some one pay him the money, Josiah?" "Oh, yes, they could; but I don't know anybody in Sharon that's got four hundred dollars in cash to put up for such a purpose. "No," continued Uncle Josiah as he viciously cut a piece of corn bread, "if Tom Dennison's mean enough to turn Aunt Becky out, he's got the pow- er to do it." "And an evil power it is!" exclaimed Aunt Clara. "Then it is no power at all," de- 108 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW clared Del emphatically, "for good is the only power." Uncle Josiah stopped in the midst of buttering his bread, and with his knife poised in the air asked: "Now where on earth did you ever get such an idea as that?" "Isn't it true?" "Well if you think so, young man, you just wait around here till Tom Dennison gets ready, and you'll see it ain't got the power to stop him." "All right," laughed Del. "I think I shall wait and see." 109 CHAPTER NINE The four hours trip from Sharon to Baltimore is a pleasant ride, down the mountain side and across a historical part of the Old Dominion; thence up the valley, catching here and there a glimpse of the Potomac, into the na- tional capital and finally across the most fertile part of Maryland into its busy metropolis. Having travelled little, the trip was full of novelty to Win, and had it not been for the consciousness of wrong within himself, he would have enjoyed it immensely. Even as it was, there were times when he became so inter- ested in what he saw that he forgot the inharmony within for the beauty with- out and would be feeling quite happy, when again the sense of wrong doing would make itself felt and take all pleasure out of the occasion. At 110 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW such times the smile would leave his face and he would suddenly become so serious that once Bert said to him : "What are you looking so grumpy about? Anyone would think you'd lost your last friend." Win felt like saying that it was just the way he did feel, but fear of Bert's ridicule caused him to make an eva- sive answer and to appear as bright as possible. Arriving in Baltimore, they went at once to a leading hotel, where they engaged adjoining rooms with a bath between, for which the price was five dollars a day. "We won t be here only three days," said Bert, "and we might as well have a good time. There's nothing that makes you feel so swell as having a nice room with all the accommodations." It was an entirely new experience to Win and there was so much that was novel, that he forgot for the time being that he had but a couple of dollars in the world and no immediate chance 111 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW of getting any more. To be sure, Bert had plenty 01 money and had agreed to let him have all he needed for tne time they were together; but he did not stop to consider that this was not his; that he was incurring a debt which he did not know when he could pay and above all, that he was placing himself in a position he could not maintain and from which he could not- withdraw with honor. It was two o'clock when they arrived, but by the time they had engaged their rooms and had their dinner, it was nearly four, so Bert, impressed with his own importance, suggested that Win wait at the hotel while he go out and call upon one or two of the firms with whom he had business. "I won't be gone more than an hour," he explained, "and in the mean- time you can go out and get you some clean linen and a new tie. You look a little the worse for wear, and I want you to put on a good front when you 112 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW meet my friends. It will be time enough to look for a job tomorrow." Following Bert's suggestion, Win walked down the street looking in the windows until he came to a furnishing goods establishment. Here he made his purchases and after walking about till he thought the hour must be about up, went back to the hotel. Bert had not yet returned and Win sat down to wait. Alone with himself, for the first time he began to take account of his. act. He knew he had done wrong and he knew when night came his folks would be greatly worried. "But," he said to himself by way of an excuse, "they have no business to treat me as though I were a kid. I'm nineteen years old and ought to be treated as a man." In spite of his arguments, however, he failed to make himself easy. He could see his mother's face and hear his father's voice almost as though he were there. "Mother's always worrying," he 113 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW again argued, "and she might as well worry over me as anything else. I cer- tainly like this better than being nagged at all the time, anyway." Then after a few minutes pause he made the only resolve of the day that was a credit to him. "I'll go write them," he declared. "I certainly am not trying to hide and I'll just tell them I've decided to get a job and look out for myself." He had not yet learned that he could have writing materials sent to his room, so he started for the writing room; but at the foot of the elevator met Bert. "Hello, Win," he exclaimed. "I was just coming after you. Come into the smoking room and meet a friend of mine." "I was going to write a letter," re- plied Win, "but I guess it can wait," and he followed Bert to where a fash- ionably dressed young man was await- ing them. "Mr. Ford, this is my friend King," said Bert introducing them. "Win, 114 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW shake hands with Mr. Ford of Buxton & Williams." "Just plain Jack Ford," said the young man, extending his hand in a hearty manner. "Pleased to meet you." Win shook hands in a listless man- ner, feeling all the time that he was out O of place and contrasting his feeling of awkwardness with Ford s easy manner. "Jack," explained Bert absorbing quite readily the atmosphere of his surroundings, "is the crack salesman of the house, and has agreed to help me select some new goods tomorrow." "And in the meantime," explained Mr. Ford, "I want you to take dinner with me. Tonight we'll go out to the garden." "I didn't know gardens were open evenings," ventured Win. "This is," laughed Ford. "It's called a garden, however, simply because it is outdoors. It is really a place of amusement, and there is a very good show there this week. How does the plan suit you ?" 115 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "It suits me down to the ground/' answered Bert. "Me too" replied Win. "Very well, then," said Mr. Ford, "suppose we give our order for dinner now," and suiting the action to the word he led the way to the cafe, Bert remarking to Win as they passed along : "Don't be so everlasting green." For the next few hours Win was given his first taste of the so-called "life" of a great city. Following the dinner, at which, with a wrong idea of hospital- ity, Mr. Ford had made wine one of the features, they boarded an electric car and started for the summer garden. The effects of the liquor, the excite- ment induced by the hustle and bustle of the city and the lights and music of the cafe, made the boys practically oblivious to any definite sense of the things they saw, all uniting to form one great kaleidoscopic picture of gayety and pleasure. To Win, particularly, the whole event seemed like a dream, and he allowed himself to be carried 116 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW along without knowing or caring whith- er he went or where he would awaken. Robin Hood was the opera in the garden theater, and between the acts the young men strolled about the brilliantly lighted resort and visited the buffet, where, the night being warm, they had several cool drinks, in all of which was more or less that intoxi- cates. The result was that by the time the opera was over, not only Win, but Bert as well, were in a pitiable con- dition. When half an hour later they encountered a party of young folks, composed largely of members of the opera company, they had about lost consciousness of time and place. All Win realized was that someone men- tioned supper and that after much con- fusion in securing a table and seats, he found himself beside an attractive girl with a low sweet voice, to whom Mr. Ford was saying: "They tell me, Miss Ray, that you are leaving the company this week. 117 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW What will Miss Cabott do for an under- study?" "Oh, there are plenty of others who will do quite as well, I am sure," rej lied Miss Ray. "Now, Maude, don't be so modest!" exclaimed another young woman. "You know there isn't a girl in the company that could have gone on and sung the part as you did when Miss Cabott was called away last week." "I think there is," was the reply. "At any rate someone will have a chance to try." "I'm sure we shall all miss you," said Mr. Ford. "In the company as well as out," said one of the young men. "Where are you going, Maude ?" "I'm taking a rest for a week and then over to New York where I have an engagement." "In stock?" "No, I'm going with the 'Prairie Queen.' Six weeks in New York and then to Chicago, I have a small part." 118 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Glad to hear it. Hope you make good!" "I feel sure I shall. I just can't help it, you know." "Yes, I know that's the way you think," laughed Mr. Ford. "But there have been failures!" Maude laughed in reply. "Not really, you know. But I'm sure it is right for me to have the place and I shall do the best I can." "Well, I'm not going to argue with you. You've made too big a hit here for anyone to doubt your ability." "I'd give a season's salary to have Maude's optimism," said one of the others. "Most anyone would," replied Mr. Ford. "But I'm beginning to think it's something more than that," he continued more seriously. Maude made no reply, for just then her attention was attracted to Win. He was looking from one to another in a helpless sort of way and trying to attract Bert's attention. 119 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "What's the matter?" she asked auietly, so as not to call the attention of tne others to his condition. "I don't know. I feel awful bad. I wish I were home." "Where's home?" 'Too far for me to get there," re- plied Win. "My, but I'm dizzy!" A look of pity came into the girl's eyes and then she burst into a merry laugh. ' Of course I'll go," she said loud enough to attract everyone's attention. "Come on!" Then as she pushed her chair back she explained to the others: "We're going to take a ride on the coaster while we're waiting for supper. Come on!" and taking Win by tne arm she almost lifted him from his seat and led him out into the garden. Maude Ray was an athletic girl, but it took all her strength to guide Win along so that his condition could not be noticed. A few minutes walk helped some and as soon as she saw he was 120 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW again able to look after himself she asked : " Where are you stopping?" Win told her the name of the hotel. "Do you think you can find your way there alone." "The car runs almost by the door." "Then I'm going to put you on the car and I want you to promise me you'll go straight to the hotel and to oed. This is no place for you." "What will the rest of them think?" asked Win. "It doesn't make a bit of difference what they think. They are nothing to you. How did you ever get into such company ?" Win looked at her in maudlin sur- prise and instead of replying asked : "How did you get into such com- pany yourself?" "I am making the stage my pro- fession, and it seems one has to begin at the bottom. I'm working for my living. But you you ought to be back in the country where you belong." A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW In his unnatural and overwrought condition Win burst into tears. "I know I ought," he exclaimed. "I never should have left there." "Why did you?" "I ran away with Bert this morning; or rather, I ran away. He didn't. He had business here. But I just came to get away from home." Maude looked at him in compassion. "Well, you take this car to the hotel and go to oed." Then as he was about to get aboard: "Have you any money ?" "Bert has." "Take my advice and make him give you enough to go home on the first train tomorrow morning." "I will." A sudden impulse seized the girl and, opening her purse, she handed him her card. "There is my address," she said as the car started. "When you reach home, write me. I should like to be sure you get there all right," 122 CHAPTER TEN When Win awoke the next morning it was with a heavy head and a heavier heart. He attempted to rise, but for some minutes was unable to do so. Then he tried to recall the events of the preceding evening, but with little avail. The scene at the garden and his return home were so jumbled up in his mind that he had almost no recollec- tion of how he reached the hotel or his room. Pulling himself together with a strug- gle, however, he finally managed to reach the bath tub, wnere a plunge into the cold water gave him much relief and enabled him to dress. Entering Bert's room he discovered that his companion had already gone out. He was about to go in search of him when Bert came in. " You're a nice one," was Bert's first 123 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW greeting, "to play me a trick like that." "Like what?" asked Win, unable to remember what he might have said or done. "Why, go off and leave me with all that supper to pay for." "You expected to pay for it, didn't you ? You knew I had no money ?" "I knew you didn't have much, but I expected you'd offer to stand your share." "I have but fifty cents to my name," said Win with a trembling voice. "Besides I was sick and better in bed." 'Yes, there's no doubt you were better in bed. That's what Maude said." "Did she say that?" "Yes, she said that and a whole lot more. She gave Ford and me a terrible roasting for bringing you out. Said it was all our fault that you were in the condition you were and that you ought to be back home with your mother!" "Oh, I wish I were!" exclaimed Win 124 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW bursting into tears, his heavy head and heart making it impossible for him to control his feelings. "I wish you were, too," declared Bert angrily. "Ford felt terribly cut up at being talked to like that before all those friends of his." "I couldn't help it," pleaded Win. "I never drank anything in my life before and I didn't know it would affect me like that. Just give me money enough to pay my hotel bill and my fare home and I'll bet I'll never touch another drop." " Baby !" sneered Bert. " Why should I give you money to pay your hotel bill and your fare home ?' "You said you'd see me through," said Win in surprise, "You're not go- ing back on your word, are you ?" "I didn't tell you I'd give you money to play the baby act," said Bert eva- sively. "I thought you were coming along to help me nave some fun. Now look at you!" Win could hardly speak for the sobs 125 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW that came up in his throat, but he managed to say, with some little dis- play of manhood: "All right, if you don't want to, you don't have to!" "I know I don't have to. But what'll you do if I don't?" "I don't know; but I'll do something. I'll get a job." " Yes, you will," sneered Bert. "Why if I wasn't here to help you out, you'a starve to death." Win made no reply. He had already discovered that he was out of place and that only under the most favorable conditions would he be able to make his way in a large city. His evil acts had deprived him of the strength he would nave experienced from a clean conscience and a clear head, and he was most wretched; so he simply cried, like the child he was. "Then you will help me!" he sobbed. "You'll let me have the money to pay up here and go home." Then as a feeling of dizziness came over him he sank into a chair. 126 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "No, I won't," exclaimed Bert an- grily. "I haven't any use for a baby. You can stay here a week before they'll ask you for any money and if you're any good you can get a job by that time. I've spent twenty-five dollars on you already. I've got to look out for mvself and I'm not going to queer my chances. Here's a dollar to get some breakfast and that's the last cent I'll give you." Throwing a dollar bill on the table, Bert left the room. The sound of the slamming door brought Win to himself and he slowly rose to his feet. The full sense of his false position now dawned clearly upon him. Here he was in a strange city, without a friend, a big hotel bill staring him in the face and only a dollar and a half to his name. "And I'll not take his old dollar if I starve!" he exclaimed as he slowly left the room and wandered aimlessly out on to the street. The fresh air revived him a little and 127 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW after he had walked around a few minutes he felt he must have some- thing to eat. He saw a restaurant and went in, by force of habit putting his hand in his pocket for the fifty cents he thought was there; but it was miss- ing. 'I'm sure I had it," he said to him- self as he stopped and began to feel in his other pockets. "I felt it before I began to dress." He thrust his hand into every pocket, but his search was vain. Then he remembered that he heard something drop while he was dressing and came to the conclusion it must have been the coin. "I'll go back to the hotel and get it," he said to himself as he turned. Then he suddenly stopped. "If I do they may ask me for my hotel bill and I can't pay it," was his second thought. He failed to consider that he was no more likely to be asked for his bill now than he had been before; but his guilty conscience made him fearful of every- 128 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW thing, and he turned and walked in the opposite direction, his head seem- ing as though it would burst at every step. "I must get a job," was the thought uppermost in his mind; but where? What could he do? Another restaurant across the way suggested to him that he might wait on the table and he went across and entered. At least he might earn some- thing to eat. In response to his request for work the proprietor asked: "Where you been working?" "I never worked anywhere," ex- plained Win. "What!" exclaimed the proprietor. "Want a job as a waiter and never had any experience. Not here." Out again into the street he came, the odor of the cooking food causing him to realize his hunger more than ever, and the refusal rankling in his mind. During the next three or four hours 129 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW he tried many places, but the reply was always the same that is in places where they gave him any encourage- ment whatever "We want only ex- perienced help." "How do they expect a fellow to get experience unless he can first get a job?" he thought. The query was not original with Win, but it was none the less puzzling. So he struggled on from place to place, hardly knowing whither, and becoming each hour more oppressed with discouragement, hunger and the heat. At last, exhausted with his efforts and the unusual strain upon his physical resources, and with no moral courage to support him, he sank fainting on the sidewalk in front of the Morning Sun office. A couple of reporters just coming to their work saw him fall and hastened to his assistance. "Sun stroke!" said one. "Summon the ambulance!" In almost less time than it takes to 130 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW tell it, Win was being whirled to the emergency hospital, where his condi- tion was declared, by the physician in charge, to be most serious as indeed it was. More serious than the physi- cian knew; for it was the direct result of violating not only human laws, but the law of divine Love, the law of good. It was not until late that evening, when one of the reporters who had run to his assistance dropped in at the hospital to learn how he was, that any clue was found that might lead to ''JVin's identity. He had few correspondents and therefore had no letters in his poc- ket, nor anything giving his name or address; but in going carefully through his clothing for some information that would enable him to make his story complete, the reporter found, tucked way down in Win's vest pocket, the card Maude Ray had given him the night before. "Why," exclaimed the reporter, "here's Maude Ray's card!" " Who's Maude Ray ?"asked the nurse. 131 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "She's that girl out at Bayside who's been scoring such a success in Robin Hood. She's the understudy for Em- ma Cabbott, and when Miss Cabbott was called home last week, she went on and made a tremendous hit. I'll hustle right out and see what she knows about him." Little did Maude Ray think, when, in the goodness of her heart, she gave Win King her card, what an important event in her life it would prove to be. 132 CHAPTER ELEVEN It was after 8 o'clock when Del Henderson arrived in Baltimore that night. He had a definite idea of what he was going to do and went at once to the leading commercial hotel in the city. As he surmised, he found Win and Bert registered there, but neither of them was in. "Mr. Jones was here a short time ago," explained the clerk, "but I haven't see Mr. Bang since he went out this morning. I presume they will be in shortly." Del strolled into the reading room, thinking that perhaps one or the other of them might be there, but not finding them returned to the office and took a seat where he could watch for their arrival. He had not been there many minutes when Bert entered accompanied by 133 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW Mr. Ford. The latter being unknown to Del, he did not wish to interrupt their conversation, but he arose and approached them in time to hear Ford say as he was leaving: "All right, then; I'll meet you there at eleven. ' As Bert turned to go back to the desk, he came face to face with Del. For a minute he was speechless with surprise. Then, as he saw the cool and determined look in DePs eyes and re- called his shabby treatment of Win, the blood left his cheeks; but quickly re- gaining his composure and assuming a cordiality he did not feel he exclaimed : "Why, hello, Henderson! Where did you come from ?" "Sharon," replied Del quietly. "Where's Win?" "Isn't he in his room?" said Bert evasively, while the tell-tale flush that mounted to his temples gave proof that he knew otherwise. "Don't you know that he isn't?" asked Del. 134 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "I don't know anything about him," replied Bert with an attempt at in- difference. "He started out to look for a job this morning and I haven't seen him since. I'm here on business and can't be looking after other people's affairs." "I thought you were a friend of Win." "So I am," declared Bert, "but he's big enough to look after himself. Besides, he said something about going home." "Going home?" queried Del. "Yes; said he was sick and wanted me to give him money to go back home." "Did you give it to him?" Again Bert's face flushed. "No; but I was going to if he didn't find a job today," he added hastily. Del gave Bert a look that made nim feel small even in his own estimation as he said slowly: "Do you mean to tell me that know- ing Win to be sick and broke, you are 135 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW not enough of a friend to give him a helping hand, or even to take the trouble to find out where he is ?" Bert leaned against a post, while his fingers toyed nervously with a cigarette he nad forgotten to smoke. "Oh, he'll turn up all right," he finally managed to say. "He may have gone out to the garden, expecting to meet me there." "What garden?" "Bayside. We had a great time there last night. I'm going out again. You'd better come along. He might be there ?" "Do you honestly think so?" asked Del looking Bert squarely in the eye. "He might be," declared Bert, his eyes falling under Del's steady gaze. "But you don't really think so; do you?" "Well, we did have a little trouble last night; but the girls would all be glad to see him. You'd better come. There's p enty of fun." "No, thank you," replied Del em- 136 "It's very plain to me, Jones, that you and I are not in the same class!" A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW phatically. "I didn't come here for fun. I've something else to do!" "You're too good to go to a summer garden, I suppose," sneered Bert. "No, not for the legitimate recrea- tion a summer garden offers; but I hope I am too good to go for the pur- pose you and Win went for last night." "And what did we go for?" "You know," replied Del. " Just to have a little fun," exclaimed Bert. " Was it my fault if Win made a fool of himself." "It's not for me to judge," replied Del earnestly. "But do you think he'd have gone and made a fool of himself, as you put it, if it had not been for you ?" "Well I don't care what he does!" exclaimed Bert angrily. "He's noth- ing but a great big baby, anyway!" "All the more reason why those who claim to be his friends should help him," said Del. "It's very plain to me, Jones, that you and I are not in the same class. Good evening!" 137 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW Leaving Bert alone with his thoughts and with a very uncomfortable sense of having done a mean and contemptible act, Del walked over to the desk where he engaged the clerk in conversation. Telling him that Win was his cousin, he finally drew out of him the condi- tion in which Win came back to the hotel the previous evening, together with the further statement that he appeared not to have entirely recovered when he left his key at the desk that morning. " He didn't say where he was going ?" queried Del. "No; just handed in his key and walked out." For several minutes Del remained quietly thinking over the situation and trying at the same time to realize that there was but one way to help his cousin and that he would be shown that way. Then he turned and walked slowly out of the hotel. Emerging upon the street, he found himself undecided as to the next step 138 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW to be taken. He did not want the publicity that would come through seeking the aid of the police, and yet, because it was the most common plan, he decided it might be the best way. Just at this juncture, however, he re- called Bert's suggestion about the sum- mer garden. "Being a stranger and with nothing to do, it is just possible that Win might return to the only place he knows," he thought. "I'll take a chance, anyway; and I always have the police as a last resort." Making some enquiries as to direc- tion, he boarded a car and took his way to the garden. When he arrived it was almost ten o'clock and the place was crowded. All the attractions were doing a rushing business and after walk- ing about for a few minutes Del made up his mind that the most likely way of finding Win, if by any chance he might be there, was to remain in one spot and watch the passing throng. He accordingly seated himself at a table 139 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW near one of the principal walks and, ordering a sandwich and a lemonade, proceeded to leisurely eat this light luncheon while he kept his eyes on the moving crowd. He had not been seated many min- utes when his attention was attracted to a voung fellow who hastily approach- ed the box office and at once became earnestly engaged in conversation with the ticket seller. After a moment an usher was summoned and sent with some sort of a message, while the young fellow strolled over and took a seat at Del's table. In the course of five minutes the usher returned. "Miss Ray will see you on the stage immediately after the performance," he said to the young man. "How long will that be?" looking at his watch. "About twenty minutes." "All right, I'll be there." Then turning to Del as the usher 140 left: "These singers are mighty indepen- dent." "Perhaps they have to be," ventured Del. "Oh, no, they don't; but I guess she's all right. I reckon she's got to do as she's told and old Bob," naming the stage manager, "is mighty strict. But this is an important matter." "Yes?" replied Del not knowing what else to say. "Yes! Looks like a good story, too." At the word 'story' a sudden idea presented itself to Del and he exclaimed interrogatively : ;< You're a newspaper man?" The young man laughed. "I'm Eaton of the Sun you must under- stand the vernacular?" "I've done a little newspaper work," explained Del, "and it just occurs to me that you may be able to help me. I'm on a story myself." "Yes, who for?" "Just for myself. I am a stranger in Baltimore. I'm looking for my 141 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW cousin who is also a stranger here. He left his hotel early this morning and no one has seen or heard of him since." "So?" exclaimed Eaton with much interest. "How old a man?" "Hardly a man at all," replied Del. "He's only nineteen. I learned he was out here last night and I didn't know but he might have come out again." "Like enough. What kind of a looking chap was he?" "Oh, just ordinary. Wore a light gray suit and a straw hat." * Real black hair?" asked Eaton suddenly. "Yes." "By Jove," leaning forward, "it may be the same chap." And he proceeded to relate the finding of a youth on the sidewalk and his removal to the hospi- tal. "That's the story I want to see Miss Ray about," he continued. "I found her card in his pocket." Del had listened to the recital of the story with great interest. "It sounds as though it might be Win," he said. "The card is the only thing that makes me think it may not be." "Didn't you say he was out here last night?" asked Eaton. "Yes, but I don't see how he could possibly have met any of the com- pany." "You can't tell." Then looking at his watch, "But she'll be visible in about five minutes. Come on back with me?" Eaton leading the way, the two young men walked around to the stage en- trance where, upon Eaton's explana- tion, they were quickly admitted. The curtain had just fallen and the sing- ers were trooping noisily to their dressing rooms, laughing and joking as they hurried along. The boys were at once espied by Maude who hastened to greet them. "I am so sorry to have kept you 143 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW waiting," she said, "but I was just going on and hadn't a moment until now. What can I do for you ?" As briefly as possible Eaton told her his story and asked if she could identify the card. "I'm sure it must be the one I gave to a young fellow last night. I felt so sorry for him!" she exclaimed. "Black-haired boy with a gray suit?" asked Eaton. "Yes. He told me he wished he were back home and I advised him to go the first thing this morning. That's ow I came to give him my card. I told him to write me." "Did you learn his name ?" asked Del. 'They called him Win, I think." "It must be my cousin!" "Your cousin? Oh, I'm so sorry! Isn't there something I can do for him ?" "I don't know," replied Del, "I trust not. I shall go right down and see him that is," turning to Eaton, "if you think they'll let me see him tonight." 144 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Sure! I can fix it for you." Then to Maude: "We are certainly much obliged to you." "I'm so glad I could be of any assis- tance." After a brief pause: "If you'll let me, I should like to go to the hospi- tal with you." Del made no reply, but Eaton, think- ing that such a visit would add a feature to his story, replied that he would be pleased to have her accompany them. In less time than seemed possible, Maude was ready and the trio left the theater. Almost the first persons they encountered as they approached the pavilion on their way to the cars were Bert and Mr. Ford. The latter tipped his hat as they stepped aside for the trio to pass, while IJert in angry sur- prise exclaimed: "Why, hello, Henderson! I thought you were too good to come to such a place for such a purpose." "I am never too good to go any- where," replied Del, "where I can help to right a wrong!" 145 CHAPTER TWELVE Chaperoned by Eaton, Del and Maude had no difficulty in gaining admission to the hospital, late as it was, and they were quickly shown to the ward in which Win had been placed. They found him on a cot with a nurse in attendance, and still unconscious. "It's Win!" said Del as soon as he caught sight of him. "Poor boy!" exclaimed Maude sym- pathetically. "But I'm sure there is nothing to worry about. It's all error." Del gave her a hasty glance to see if he had heard aright. Perceiving she had but spoken what was in her mind he replied: "You are right, and we must know it has no power to harm any child of God, for Truth is omnipotent. We must have him out of here just as soon as possible." 146 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Which won't be for some days, I'm thinking," said Eaton. "Oh, not so long as that," replied Del. "Of course we should not expect an order for his dismissal tonight, even though he were to sit up and ask it; but tomorrow morning, sure!" Maude heard Del's words with even more surprise than he had shown at hers, for she was not used to hearing young men speak thus. When he announced, "tomorrow morning, sure," she asked: "Are you really as sure as that?" "I haven't a doubt of it." Then to Eaton: "Do you think I could get permission to stay with my cousin a while. I should like to be with him when he regains consciousness." Eaton turned to the nurse. "How about it?" he asked. "It's a little unusual, Mr. Eaton; but if you wish it I don't think there will be any trouble. Dr. Broome thinks you're all right." "Thanks," said Eaton. Then to Del. 147 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW 'You just stay here and I'll speak to Doc as I go out. If it isn't all right he'll send some one after you." "And how will Miss Ray get home ?" asked Del. "Don't think about me at all," said Maude hastily. "I'm used to going about alone." Then to Del as she and Eaton started to leave: ' ;< You'll come and see me before you return to wherever you do return to," she finished with a laugh. ; 'You must remember I don't even know your name, much less your home." "Sure," laughed Del softly. "I hadn't thought. My name's Hender- son, and my cousin is Winfield King from Sharon." "Sharon?" exclaimed Maude. "Then surely you must come and see me in the morning. There are many things I want to talk to you about," and giving him her hand she followed Eaton out of the ward. Left alone with his cousin, Del 148 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW seated himself on a stool beside the cot and, after allowing his gaze to wander about the ward For a few moments, bowed his head upon his hand, his elbow upon his knee, and for a long time sat silently, thinking. The place was absolutely quiet. The dim light from the night lamps seemed but to add to the quietude. The man in the cot next to Win's, aroused by the entrance of the party, watched Del as he thus sat for a few minutes and then gently dropped off to sleep. Still the minutes passed and Del did not move until he was aroused by a weak voice exclaiming : "Mother! Mother!" Del hastily raised his head and leaning over the cot asked: "What is it, Win?" For a moment Win looked at him in a bewildered manner. "Where am I?" he asked. "In good hands," replied Del. "You know me, don't you ?" "Of course." His voice becoming 149 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW stronger, "It's Del. But where am I ?' "You're in the hospital in Baltimore; but we'll have you out in the morning. Now go to sleep." Attracted by the voices, the nurse came quickly down from the upper end of the ward. "Oh, he's conscious," she said. "Yes," replied Del. "He'll be all right now and I think I'll leave him in your care. I'm sure he'll be able to leave in the morning." Then to Win. " Just you go to sleep and I'll be here as soon as you've had your breakfast." Win put out his hand. "What is it?" asked Del leaning over him. "Mother! Father! They're all right, are they?" "Never better." "And, Del; I owe a bill at the hotel. Will you take care of it for me ? And then I want to go home." "I'll fix everything," said Del pleased 150 to note Win's changed thought. "Now go to sleep." The tired look on the boy's face faded away, the eyes gently closed, the breathing became long and deep and Win slept as restfully as though in his own little room in Sharon, soothed by the gentle, rose-laden southern breeze. Bright and early the next morning Del was up and busy. Before he went to bed the previous night he had wired Ruth that all was well and asked her to tell Win's parents; but after breakfast he sat down and wrote his uncle and aunt telling them that Win was all right and that they would be home in two or three days. Then he took his way to the hospital where he found his cousin anxiously awaiting his arrival. The physician in charge made his visit soon after and finding Win so greatly improved at once ordered his dismissal. The young men quickly left the place, entered a waiting cab and were driven to their hotel. 151 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW :< You'll want to go to the room and have a good bath," said Del, "and then we'll look about town a bit." Win said little as they drove along, but when he entered the room and saw the preparation which Del had made for his return he burst into tears. "I don't deserve it," he exclaimed as he saw that Del had been out and purchased him a complete change of linen and had made the room bright with flowers. "I ought to be thrashed instead." "Now that's all right," replied Del. " You just get into the tub while I send your clothes out and have them pressed." "Have you seen Bert?" "Not since last night," replied Del. "But I notice he has paid his bill and left the hotel. Perhaps his conscience hurt him. I told the clerk as little as possible about you and that I would occupy your room with you." "Perhaps Bert didn't do just as he might have done," said Win, "but I 152 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW blame no one but myself. When shall we go home?" "Oh, whenever we get ready. There's no hurry. We might just as well have a good time and see the town while we're here. Baltimore's a live place." "But I have no money." Del took out his purse. "Do you owe Bert anything?" he asked. "Only my railroad fare." "Here," counting out the money, "are twenty-five dollars: but remember, Win, it is only a loan. It would not be right for me to give it to you, nor for me to pay your expenses while you are here; but this will enable you to pay Bert what you owe him and you will soon be able to pay me. I shall never ask you for it, but I shall expect you to pay it just the same. Now get your bath. We have a call to make." "A call?" 'Yes, we must go and thank Maude Ray for what she has done." "I'd be ashamed to see her, Del." 153 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW * You'd be ashamed all your life if you didn't let her see you when you are yourself." Win raised no further objection and shortly before noon the boys called at the address Maude had given them. "I was expecting you," she said to Del, "but I wasn't so sure about your cousin." " 'O ye of little faith,' " laughed Del, "and yet I am sure you had hope." "And I'm afraid that's about all I did have," she replied, "the idea is so new to me." Win looked from one to the other of the speakers in a puzzled manner. "I am afraid I do not know what you two are talking about," he said. "About your case," laughed Del. "Miss Ray was afraid you would not be well enough to come out here this morning." "Was I as sick as that?" "Of course you were not, she was just afraid mat's all the same as you were, because neither of you knew 154" A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW the truth. I knew the truth, and when you know the truth about any- thing there's nothing to fear, because all is good." "And the other thought about it?" suggested Maude. 'Is simply error and it isn't so at all," laughed Del. "It's just as simple as twice two are four." "It's what you meant the other night?" said Win, "when you told us down at Sharon that there was only one way to get anywhere and that was the right way. The wrong way is no way at all." "Exactly," replied Del. "Speaking of Sharon," said Maude changing the subject, "did either of you ever hear of a Mrs. Rebecca Babcock ?" "Did we ever?" exclaimed Win. "Why everybody knows Aunt Becky." "Is she your aunt?" asked Maude with the greatest interest. "Oh, no," said Win, "she isn't any- body's aunt; but everyone calls her that. She hasn't anybody." 155 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Hasn't anybody?" asked Maude. "Why, is she all alone?" "Except Mandy," ventured Del, "and Ruth Jackson and now, poor soul, a stonyhearted creditor wants to sell her little place over her head and send her to the poor-house." "The poor-house, "exclaimed Maude. "Oh, you don't mean it! Why she's she's my grandmother!" and Maude buried her face in her handkerchief and burst into tears. For several moments the young men were too surprised to speak and simply looked at each other in astonishment, while Maude sat with her head bowed in her hands. Gathering his scattered ideas after a bit, Del said good-naturedly: "Well, now, really I don't see any reason for crying just because you've found your grandmother. She isn't a bit worse off than she has been, and you never cried about her before, did you?" "But it never came to me in this 156 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW way before," said Maude drying her eyes. "Of course it didn't," replied Del, "and you think you're crying because she will have to go to the poor-house." "I know I am," replied Maude; "and because she is all alone." "That isn't it at all," declared Del; "in the first place, because she prob- ably won't have to go to the poor-house ana, in the second, because she's not alone as long as Sharon is Sharon. You're simply crying because you're sorry for yourself." Maude looked at him half indig- nantly as she replied: "Then you don't think I'm sorry for her?" "If you were, you'd have made some effort to see her or to do something for her before this." Maude's face flushed and Win, think- ing Del a little severe, was about to make some excuse for her, but the girl gave him no opportunity. "You are right," she said. "I knew 15?' A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW she was poor, and I was ashamed of her, and that without even a human excuse for I am only a chorus girl and poor, too. "A few months ago, however, a friend of mine wanted me to go to Sunday school with her and I did. It was different from any Sunday school I ever attended and I became interested in the Bible. Since then I have dis- covered my wrong thought and fully made up my mind that during my vacation I would go to Sharon and see her. After what you have told me, I am more anxious than ever to see her. While I cannot pay her debts, I may be able to help her. ' "There is no doubt that you can," said Del. "Now that you have found the right thing to do, there is nothing else that you can do." "How do you know that it is the right thing to do ?" asked Win, who had been an interested listener. "Because," replied Del, "It's doing 158 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW to others as you would that others should do to you." "And you say there is no other way ?" asked Win. "Absolutely none," replied Del. "How about the way Bert treated me ?" "It is like the way that led into that gravel pit no road at all. Bert will find it out some day and will have his life journey to travel over again. Don't you think I'm right, Miss Ray?" "That is the way I understand it." "I've heard the Golden Rule preached all my life," said Win, "but Delis the only person I ever knew, who seemed to practice it. I don't see yet how he can." "Because to me," replied Del, "it is the only rule of life." "I wish I could see it in that light." "You very soon would if you would go to our Sunday school a while," said Maude. "What Sunday school is that?" asked Win. "The Christian Science. You ought to try it." 159 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "I will, the first chance I get; but when are you going to Sharon?" "Yes," said Del, "why can't you go down with us?" "I should like to, but my engage- ment doesn't close until tomorrow night." "Oh, we're in no hurry; we can wait until Monday just as well as not." "But I cannot think of making you all of that trouble " "No trouble at all, and besides Win and I want to see Baltimore." "And you can go to church with me Sunday." "Sure! And we want to make an excursion on the bay, don't we, Win ?" "If you say so, but " "Oh, never mind the expense on an occasion like this. It's only once in a life -time that one can restore a long lost granddaughter especially such a charming one as this." Del broke into a merry laugh, in which the others joined. 16Q A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "It certainly will be the event of my life!" exclaimed Maude. "And ours, too, I imagine," said Del; "so we'll consider it settled. We'll see you again tomorrow and per- fect our arrangements." For some moments after leaving the house the boys walked in silence, until Win finally exclaimed: "I don't wonder everybody likes you, Del. You certainly are a good fellow the real thing and I'm mighty sorry for the way I've acted. I just begin to appreciate the fact that all my troubles and discontent are due to my own bad thoughts and I'm going to be different." "Of course you are, Win. Just as soon as you discover that there is only one way to live and have a good time the right way that is the way you'll want to do. Now let's begin today to have all the fun we can along that line." And what a jolly time they did have, to be sure! They started in with an 161 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW excursion on the bay and wound up with a visit to the garden the following night to meet Maude at the close of her engagement. Time and again Win re- marked how different everything seem- ed and what a good time he was having. "Del is certainly the best fellow I ever went out with," he remarked aside to Maude as they were taking her home that night. "He knows where everything is that's worth seeing and doesn't worry over spending a dollar." Maude smiled sweetly as she replied : "That's no news to me. I recognized him as a good fellow the first time I ever saw him. It simply sticks out all over him." 162 CHAPTER THIRTEEN It is nearly a week later and the people of Sharon have had more to talk about during that time than during any previous week of their lives. In the first place it had become generally known that Thomas Denni- son had notified Aunt Becky that she must vacate her little cottage at once or he would sell the place over her head. On top of this had come the news that Win King had run away from home and this was speedily fol- lowed by the information that he had been found in a hospital in Baltimore. The later information came through a paper which Bert mailed to the post- master, and which was read by as many as could spend that much time at the postoffice. But the greatest event of all was the return of Win and Del accompanied by 163 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW a handsome girl who, it was speedily learned, was Aunt Becky's grand- daughter. When this became known, the village gossips were so excited that they forgot it was dinner-time and many a man in Sharon that day had to wait for his mid-day meal. Great, how r ever, as was the surprise of the villagers, it was as nothing com- pared to the joy of Aunt Becky herself. No intimation had been given anyone of Maude's coming, and when the trio alighted from the train about eleven o'clock, Win had gone immediately home while Del volunteered to escort Maude to her grandmother's humble abode. When they reached it, Mandy was out in the garden picking peas for dinner, and, recognizing Del, did not consider it necessary for her to cease work. The door stood open and they entered without knocking. Aunt Becky was sitting in her big rocking-chair reading her Bible. Her back was to- ward mem as they entered and she did not hear them until Del said : 164 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Aunt Becky, I have brought you a visitor." "A visitor?" said Aunt Becky turn- ing her head, "Now who would want to spend their time visiting an old woman like me." Maude could contain herself no longer and rushing forward threw her- self at Aunt Becky's feet exclaiming: "I do, grandmother! I do!" The book which Aunt Becky was reading fell to the floor. Taking the girl's head between her trembling hands she raised Maude's face so she could look into her eyes, while Del silently withdrew. " Grandmother ! Grandmother !" repeated Aunt Becky in a voice scarcely more than a whisper. "You call me grandmother! Is it true?" "Can you doubt it?" asked Maude, tears and smiles chasing each other up and down her cheeks. "Can't you see I am my mother's daughter ?" "Yes! Yes!" answered Aunt Becky, while she leaned over and kissed the 165 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW girl tenderly on her shining tresses, 'Yes, you are Cora's daughter. I can see it. And your mother?" "I have no mother, I am all alone except you." They still sat thus when Mandy came in with the peas. Del had stop- ped on his way up the hill to Aunt Clara's and told her the news. She had waited iust as long as she could before coming in, but her inborn curiosity would allow her to wait no longer and she entered with her apron full of peas, exclaiming : " De Lawd be praised ! De Lawd be praised ! De projigul has returned and we mus' kill de fatted calf; but de Lawd on'y knows whar we's gwine ter git one onles we borry it." For two days thereafter there were great happenings at Aunt Becky's. Ruth took Maude into her especial favor and Sally became her fast friend. Even Kate Blackburn, who had gone down with Sally more out of curiosity than anything else, admitted that Maude was about the nicest girl she 166 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW ever knew. As for Win he was her sworn champion. It was upon Del, however, that Maude leaned most for advice in her new and trying situation. He had taken her up to see Aunt Clara, where she had undergone a most rigid scru- tiny by that excellent lady, who, among other things had asked, in a manner quite severe: "So you are an actress, are you ?" "I'm trying to be," was the some- what timid response, for Maude had never seen anyone just exactly like Aunt Clara. "Does your grandmother approve of it?" was the next question. Maude laughed a little rippling laugh that won Aunt Clara's heart in spite of her, as she replied: "I haven't asked her; but she hasn't made any objections. I'm not sure that she knows it. She's just willing that I should be her granddaughter and has never asked anything further." "And I don't think there is a grand- 167 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW mother in Sharon who would not be glad to accept you on the same terms," said Del; "now is there, grandma?" laying his hand caressingly on Aunt Clara's head. The old lady's eyes moistened and for a moment she made no response. Then reaching over and taking from a bouquet at her side one of the most beautiful of the roses of Sharon, she laid it lovingly against Maude's cheek as she said: "It is a great thing to be young and handsome, dear; but it is a greater to be good. Yes, I am sure any grandmother in Sharon would be glad of such a granddaughter." But now Sharon was having even a more fascinating bit of gossip, for in spite of the fact that we ought to love good and detest evil, there are some who seem to enjoy spreading evil re- ports rather than good perhaps be- cause good is more natural than evil and therefore more ordinary. At any rate, Sharon was greatly 168 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW interested in the report that Thomas Dennison and his grandson Herbert had fallen out, because of Bert's doings in Baltimore. Not only had Bert neg- lected much of the business for which he made the trip, but he had spent the money given him to pick up bar- gains, for an altogether different pur- pose. Only the day previous Win had met Bert on the street. It was the first time they had met, as Bert did not arrive home till the day after Win. "Here," said Win stopping him, "I want to pay you what I owe you." "I'm mighty glad to get it," said Bert. "I wish some of the rest of the fellows would pay up. I'm just going out now to see a couple that owe me a lot. I spent a good deal more in Baltimore than I ought and I'm afraid the old man will be pretty mad." Win did not stop to discuss it with him, but it was just as Bert had pre- dicted. That afternoon his grand- father called him into his office and 169 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW asked for an account of the trip and an accounting of the money. All that Bert had left out of the two hundred dollars was about thirty-five dollars and five of that was what Win had just given him. "What did you do with all your money ?" asked Mr. Dennison. "Nothing special. It costs a lot to go out with those salesmen " "Costs a lot! Why, boy, you must have thrown your money away." "I didn't spend any more than they did." "Nonsense! I have heard all about how you took young King with you and picked up this granddaughter of old Mrs. Babcock. Was that part of your work bringing her down nere?" "Course not. I just happened to meet her one night. Why, she's noth- ing but a chorus girl." "A chorus girl? So that's the way you spent your money, was it?" and Mr. Dennison became very severe. "Now, young man, listen to me! I 170 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW have told everyone that I intended tak- ing you into this business; but I have changed my mind. A young man who can not go out and attend to it, is not fit to become a partner in any business. You can consider that arrangement off." Bert's heart sank. After all his brag- fing, this was greater humiliation than e felt he could stand. He was being punished for the very things which, from his early training, his grandfather ought to have expected; but did not. At last Bert managed to say: "I ex- pect maybe I have done wrong, sir, but if you'll give me another chance I'll do better next time." For some minutes Mr. Dennison said nothing. At length he slowly arose from his chair ana put the money Bert had handed him into the safe. Then, as he locked the cash drawer and put the key in his pocket, he said: "So you want another chance, do you?" "Yes, sir." 171 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "To do what squander my money on chorus girls?" " No, sir. To do anything there is to do." For a minute Thomas Dennison made no reply. Then as he turned to leave the office he said slowly: "Well, I think I'll give you another chance and this time there must be no mis- take." 172 Ever since the day that Ruth had mentioned to Sally that some one held a mortgage on Aunt Becky's house and had advised her that the best thing she could do was to speak to her grandfather, Sally had been thinking the matter over. But for some reason the opportunity did not offer, and then, all at once, came the startling announce- ment that is, startling to Sally that it was her grandfather who held the mortgage and who was about to send Aunt Becky to the poor-house. When she learned this, she deter- mined that she would speak to her grandfather without delay, but the rumors about Win and the continued absence of her brother, which she could see was greatly annoying her grandfather, again interfered. During a visit with Maude and Ruth at Aunt 173 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW Becky's, however, she determined that she would speak to her grandfather that very day. As a result, when Thomas Dennison came home for supper he found Sally on the porch awaiting him. Without any preliminary remarks she plunged immediately into the middle of her subject by asking: "What makes you want to send Aunt Becky to the poor-house, grandfather ?" If a clap of thunder had come out of the clear sky above, Mr. Dennison could not have been more surprised. "Why do I want to send Aunt Becky to the poor-house?" he repeated after her to gain time. "Why, I don't." "There!" exclaimed Sally exultantly. "I knew you didn't. And you won't put her out of her house, will you ?" "Well, now, I didn't say that," he replied. "I don't want to send her to the poor-house, because it makes no difference to me where she goes; but unless she pays me what she owes me I shall have to sell her house in order to get my money." 174 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "But you don't need the money, do you, grandfather? Why look at all the things you have and then look at the little Aunt Becky has." "But you don't understand, Sally. She owes it to me and has owed it for a long time. It's right I should have it. I m afraid it's a matter that you do not understand." "Yes, I do," replied Sally. "But I know that you are a rich man and don't need the money. You are a member of the church and claim to be a Chris- tian, and that means to follow the example of Jesus. I know that Jesus would never have turned Aunt Becky out of her home." Sally's voice was very earnest and Thomas Dennison wiped the perspira- tion from his face. "It's a warm day," he said. But Sally was not to be diverted by any allusions to the weather and con- tinued : "Now, grandfather, won't you just let Aunt Becky stay where she is? It 175 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW would be terrible to turn her into the street, especially when she has just found her granddaughter!" The mention of Maude brought to Thomas Dennison's mind what Her- bert had told him and also the further fact that Herbert had squandered almost two hundred dollars of his money. This thought completely over- shadowed any kindlier one he might have had and he exclaimed angrily: "Then let her granddaughter take care of her. It will be much bettter business than helping young men get rid of their money." Sally could hardly believe her ears. "Why, grandfather!" she exclaimed. "I'm surprised to hear you say such things. Maude Ray isn't that kind of a girl." "How do you know? Isn't she a chorus girl ?" "Well, suppose she is. That's the way she earns her living, and now that she has found her grandmother she will do all she can for her; but she 176 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW hasn't money enough to pay you what Aunt Becky owes you." "Oh, she hasn't?" sarcastically. "No; but if you will just let Aunt Becky stay in ner house, Maude will take care of her and every summer she will come here and visit." "She will?" "Yes, sir. Just think how nice it would be." "I don't think anything of the kind, Sally. I don't approve of Rebecca Bab- cock's granddaughter and I forbid you going there any more. If I had not already determined to foreclose the mortgage, I should do so now. I think I shall be doing Sharon a good turn by driving Mrs. Babcock and her chorus girl granddaughter out of town." "Why, grandfather" "I don't want to hear any more about it," he interrupted. " My mind is made up and I shall let the sale, which is set for tomorrow, proceed." Without more words he hastily picked 17? up his hat and hurried into the house, while Sally with her eyes full of tears betook herself sadly to her room. "I can't see why grandfather should take such a dislike to Maude just be- cause she is a chorus girl!" exclaimed Sally in telling Ruth of her failure, after supper. "Nor I either," replied Ruth. "He is probably influenced by stories he may have read, or it may be the effect of his early training," said Del when the girls were talking the matter over with him and Win later in the evening. " I imagine it would be pretty hard to find any class in which there are not some black sheep; but I think we should be judged by our own thoughts and deeds. That seems to me righteous judgment." "Perhaps that isn't the reason he doesn't like Maude," suggested Win. "That may be just an excuse. But when I think of what she has done for me, it makes me mad to hear anyone say a word against her." 178 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "False judgment is no judgment," declared Del. "Just as a knowledge of error is no knowledge." "Is that another case of the * no road ' story?" asked Ruth. "Exactly," laughed Del. "I can't see it," said Sally. "What is error?" asked Del. "Something that isn't so, a mistake, of course." "Well, then, how could a belief about anything that isn't so, be knowledge ?" "Because you would know it wasn't so," laughed Sally. "Let me put it to you another way,' said Del. "To know that twice two are four, is knowledge, isn't it? Be- cause it is true." "Of course." "Then if you know twice two are four, you can not know that twice two are five, can you?" "Of course not," replied Sally. "But you can know that twice two are not five " "Which is the truth," laughed Del. 179 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Therefore, just as a knowledge of the correct relation of figures is all the knowledge there is about mathematics, so is a knowledge of the correct con- dition about anything, all the knowl- edge there is. Hence it follows, that good being true and evil, its opposite, untrue, alt the knowledge that really exists is the knowledge of good." "But how is that going to help Aunt Becky ?" asked Win, just for the sake of saying something and not with any expectation of receiving a reply. 'A whole lot," replied Del earnestly. "If it is right for Aunt Becky to stay where she is, she will stay. I know that, because right is truth and wrong is error. If it is wrong to put her out, I know that error has only one chance of success and that is to make people believe it is true and right." "Do you think it is right for Aunt Becky to stay where she is ?" asked Ruth. "It is right for everyone to have a home; that's certain." 180 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Grandfather says it is right for him to have his money," said Sally. "That is undoubtedly true, too," replied Del. "But do you know how much Mr. Dennison claims." "Four hundred dollars, everyone says," answered Win. "Aunt Becky tells me," said Del, "that all he ever let her have was one hundred dollars and that was in goods from his store. The rest is interest, and she has already paid more interest than the original account." Sally's eyes filled with tears as she asked in a broken voice: "Why do men do such things." "Because business and money are their gods," declared Del. "To such an extent do they worship this god that they are unable to see its falsity. In fact, men have reached a point where they expect the very treatment from their neighbors that Aunt Becky is meeting from your grandfather in case they do not obey the commandments of this false god. But that God who is Love 181 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW will, I am sure, in some way prove to Aunt Becky that His law is supreme." "I do pray so," declared Ruth, "for it seems most unjust that Aunt Becky should be forced to leave a home in which she has lived all these years " "And which is worth a good deal more than what she owes Mr. Denni- son," interrupted Win. 1 What things soever ye desire,' ' quoted Del in reply to Ruth's words, * 'when ye pray believe that ye receive them ana ye shall have them.' ' "Do you?" she asked. "Why not?" asked Del. "And to the best of my ability I try to make my belief practical." In strict accord with this statement, Del arose early the next morning and made his way to Mr. Dennison's store. "You have a claim against Mrs. Rebecca Babcock," said Del, coming at once to the object of his visit. "I have," replied Mr. Dennison. "How much will you take for it?" 182 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Four hundred dollars, young man. Not a cent more, or a cent less.' "And still, Mr. Dennison, you know that she has more than paid you the amount of her original debt." "Business is business," declared Mr. Dennison grimly. "Then you know no higher law?" "Not in a matter of this kind." For a moment Del was silent. Then he said: "Mr. Dennison, I do not feel that you have a right to the amount you claim " "What?" interrupted Mr. Dennison, "you think " "I think that you are taking what the law of man gives you; but I do not think you are acting in accord with the higher law of Love. But I am not here to argue that. I am here to make you an oner. I have some money which I have counted much upon using for another purpose, but if you will take two hundred dollars and release your claim against this aged woman, I will give it to you." 183 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Why should I take two hundred dollars when I have a right to four hundred dollars and can get it." ''You may be able to get it, but I deny your right." "And pray what is my right, young man ?" "I am unable to say; but I am will- ing to make it double the debt, for we are told if our enemy demand that we f3 a mile with him, we should go twain, urthermore, you know that the place is worth much more than four hundred dollars and that you have no more right to defraud Mrs. Babcock out of the extra value than she has to keep you out of your rightful claim." "She has a perfect right to bid the place in," declared Mr. Dennison ris- ing. "Unless you can pay me four hundred dollars, the sale must go on this morning as advertised." Seeing that it was impossible to change Mr. Dennison's mind, Del took his departure, encountering Herbert as he went out. 184 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "What did Del Henderson want so early in the morning?" asked Herbert of his grandfather. "He wanted me to release my claim against Mrs. Babcock for two hundred dollars." "The nerve of him!" exclaimed Bert. "And who would pay the two hundred dollars?" "He said he would." "He ?" and Bert looked at his grand- father to see if he were joking. 'Yes; and if it were not for driving that girl out of town, I might have been tempted to take it. But here is the other chance you wanted, to prove your ability to do something. If you were more like the young fellow who just went out I should have more faith in you." Bert bristled up. "Don't you think I can do things just as well as Del Henderson ?" he asked. "Maybe you can," replied his grand- father drily, "but you haven't proved it. 185 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW now listen," continued Mr. Dennison. "While my claim is four hundred dollars, I want to get the place for a great deal less. I want it said in the community that I gave everyone a fair chance. There will be no one to bid against us, unless it is this young Henderson, and he has only two hundred dollars. I want you to go and bid the place in at the auction this morning. Henderson will probably bid two hundred dollars. You bid two hundred and fifty dollars and not a cent more. Do you think you can do this?" "Sure!" "Very well then, but no mistakes. I want the place, but I want it for two hundred and fifty dollars." 186 CHAPTER FIFTEEN Around Aunt Becky's house a crowd of curious village folk; had assembled. It was approaching ten o'clock, the hour set for the sale. Inside the house, Aunt Becky sat reading her Bible while by her side was Maude, explaining as best she could the simpler meaning of some of the words which Aunt Becky declared she "had read for years and never did have no idee of what it all meant." "'He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High,'" she read "'shall abide under the shadow of the Al- mighty.' Now where is the secret place of the Most High ?" she asked. "The secret place of the Most High, grandmother, is where God, Spirit, dwells. To dwell there we must be so spiritual, so clothed in love, that human hatred can not disturb us. Then, in- 187 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW deed, shall no plague come near our dwelling." "Well, that would certainly keep Tom Dennison away," declared Aunt Becky, "for he's the worst plague ever I saw." While they were talking Del and Uncle Josiah entered. "Good morning, Josiah," said Aunt Becky taking her old neighbor's hand while Del and Maude exchanged greet- ings. "I certainly never expected you would find me being turned out of my house and home." "It is pretty tough, Becky, but there are other places in Sharon where they'll be glad to have you live. Clara wants you and Maude to come up and spend tonight with us and tomorrow we'll talk over the future." "Suppose you take no thought for the morrow," laughed Del. "That's what your Bible tells you." "It would be a mighty poor man that didn't take any thought for the mor- row," declared Uncle Josiah. 188 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "I never could see much sense in that either," said Aunt Becky. "Have you any idea you can make things different by worrying over them, grandmother?" enquired Maude. "And worry is all most people do who believe in taking thought for the morrow," laughed Del. "One of our professors told me he considered the better translation of that phrase; 'be not concerned for the morrow,' meaning absolutely not to worry." "That sounds better," said Aunt Becky, "for sufficient to the day is the evil tnereof." "And the good thereof, too," con- tinued Del. "Why not think of that for a while." "Well I don't see much good in this day," declared Aunt Becky, emphati- cally. "Nor I either, Becky," said Uncle Josiah. "But Del, here, keeps on declaring thatgood is all powerful and that neither Tom Dennison nor any- 189 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW body else is able to beat it. I tell him to just wait awhile and he'll see." "And I told you I would," laughed Del. At this juncture there was a com- motion outside and directly they heard the voice of the Sheriff saying: "This sale, ladies and gentlemen, is to take place under an act of foreclos- ure to satisfy a claim held by Thomas Dennison. The terms are cash; or part cash and thirty days time on good security. Now, then, Mr. Auctioneer, let's see what sort of a bid you can get for this valuable little property." At the sound of the voice Aunt Becky began to cry softly and Uncle Josiah said some strong words under his breath, while Del stepped outside to see what was going on. "Now don't cry, Becky," said Uncle Josiah trying his best to comfort the aged woman. ;< You'll be taken care of all right. The Lord will provide." "It looks to me as though the Lord had forgotten all about me," 190 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Not a sparrow falleth," said Maude. " and you have me. To be sure I don't earn much, but it will be enough to keep you from want." Aunt Becky dried her eyes, and tak- ing Maude's hand pressed it against her cheek. "No matter what they take away from me, they can't take you can they, honey?" Maude leaned over and kissed the thin gray hair while Uncle Josiah drew the back of his hand across his eyes and cleared his throat with a loud noise. Then suddenly he stopped to listen. What was that he heard ! No, he could not have been mistaken. It was Del's voice bidding two hundred dollars. "What's the boy thinking of," he said to himself. "Why, he can't expect to beat Tom Dennison; and if he does it'll take every cent he's got to go to Europe on," and Uncle Josiah hastened outside to watch the proceedings. "Two hundred dollars I'm bid for 191 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW this beautiful little property," sang the auctioneer. "Only two hundred dol- lars. Why it's worth a thousand of any man's money. Who'll make it three hundred ?" As Uncle Josiah could see, the only other bidder was Herbert Jones. He was standing on the opposite side of the crowd from Del with a sneer on his lip, and at a nod from the auctioneer bid two hundred and fifty dollars. 'Two hundred and fifty," called the auctioneer. "Tw r o hundred and fifty dollars. A ridiculous price, gentle- men, for this beautiful property. Look about you, gentlemen," and ne swept his arm around. A smile passed over the faces of the spectators, for Aunt Becky's home had very little about it that could be called beautiful, except the wilderness of roses in the front yard. "Two hundred and fifty I'm bid," he continued, "who'll make it three hundred ?" 192 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Two hundred and seventy-five," said Del quietly. "Two Hundred and seventy-five," called the auctioneer. "Two hundred and seventy-five. Make it three hun- dred, Mr. Jones," looking significantly at Bert. But there was no answering response on Bert's lip. Instead, his face turned pale and he looked hopelessly about. He had his grandfather's order not to pay more than two hundred and fifty dollars and still he was sure he ought to bid. After a pause, therefore, he bid three hundred dollars. Then he whispered to a boy at his side who started for town on a run. "That's right," exclaimed the auc- tioneer. "I knew you would never let this beautiful property go to a stranger for such a small sum. Three hundred dollars I'm bid." Then to Del. "Shall I make it three hundred and fifty." "Three hundred and twenty-five," said Del. "Three hundred and twenty-five,'* 193 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW called the auctioneer. "Now, Mr. Jones, shall I say three fifty." Herbert shook his head. He did not dare bid any more and he watched the boy, whom he had sent to call his grandfather, legging it down the road. "What," exclaimed the auctioneer. "You are going to let this valuable home go for three hundred and twenty- five dollars?'* Then looking around. "Who else wants to bid on this beauti- ful property ?" There was no response. "Very well, then. If there are no more offers I shall feel obliged to sell to the highest bidder. Three hundred and twenty-five dollars I'm offered and no more ?" Again he looked at Bert but that young man stood with blanched face, utterly unable to speak. "Three hundred and twenty-five dol- lars once," called the auctioneer; "three hundred and twenty-five dollars twice; three hundred and twenty-five dollars third and last call, gentlemen " 194 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "Wait! Wait!" Bert finally managed to cry out. "My grandfather wants the place. I know he'll bid more." The auctioneer looked at the sheriff. "The sale cannot be stopped," ex- claimed that official. "Three hundred and twenty- five dol- lars," again began the auctioneer. "He hasn't got three hundred and twenty-five dollars," almost shrieked Bert. The auctioneer looked at Del. "You understand the terms of the sale, do you not ?" he asked. "Perfectly. The money will be paid at once." "And I'll vouch for it!" exclaimed Uncle Josiah pushing his way forward in his excitement. "Anything this boy buys he can pay for." "If you say so, Uncle Josiah, it's all right,' said the sheriff good-naturedly. Then to the auctioneer. "Go on with the sale." "Three hundred and twenty-five dol- lars once; three hundred and twenty- 195 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW five dollars twice, three hundred and twenty-five dollars three times and sold to ' "My grandson, Adelbert Hender- son," called out Uncle Josiah triumph- antly as he elbowed his way through the villagers and grabbed Del by the hand. "So that's what you meant by saying good was all powerful !" Del laughed as he pressed his grand- father's hand. "You told me if I stayed here till Thomas Dennison was ready to turn Aunt Becky out, I'd see there was no power to stop him and I told you I'd wait around and see. I'm glad I waited." Del was just about to step forward to the auctioneer, when a terrible com- motion was heard, and down the road, with his coat tails streaming out behind, came Thomas Dennison as fast as his long legs could carry him, calling at the top of his voice : "Five hundred dollars! Five hun- 196 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW dred dollars. I'll bid five hundred dollars!" A great laugh went around the throng and there was no doubt that everyone present was glad at the turn the affair had taken. They were still laughing when Mr. Dennison came near enough for the auctioneer to say: " You're too late, Mr. Dennison, the place has been sold to Mr. Henderson of New York." Mr. Dennison's face fell. Then catching sight of Herbert he shouted: "You ignoramus! You call yourself a grandson of mine. Get out of my sight and never come near me again! You'll never make a business man as long as you live." "But, grandfather " began Bert about to excuse himself. "Don't grandfather me!" said the old man angrily. "Go home and stay there till I send for you," and, crest- fallen, Bert obeyed. "A pretty piece of business this," exclaimed Mr. Dennison turning to the 197 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW sheriff. "A fine place like this sold for less than enough to satisfy my claim." "That's no affair of mine," replied the sheriff. "Excuse me, Mr. Dennison," said Del stepping forward, "it may not have brought enough to satisfy your claim, for your claim is unjust, but it brought more than enough to pay what is your just due. I believe this is now mv place, and I will be greatly obliged if you will free it of your presence until you are in a better frame of mind. Then I am sure you will be most welcome." Mr. Dennison turned and left with- out a word, while Del and Uncle Josiah stepped inside the house with the officials, where the purchase money was paid over and a court receipt given. "It must have taken about all the money you had," said Uncle Josiah as he saw Del putting his purse back into his pocket. "You'll hardly be able to sell the place in time to go to Europe." 198 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW "I'm not going to Europe," replied Del. "Not going to Europe!" exclaimed Uncle Josiah and Maude in the same breath. "Not going to Europe!" "No! I'm having more real down- right pleasure here than I could possibly get out of a trip abroad." Then turning to Aunt Becky, he said : "Unless you wish to accept grand- mother's invitation to pay her a visit, there will be no occasion for your leaving the house. It is still yours." Aunt Becky strove to speak, but her voice failed her. She could only look her thankfulness, while Maude, her eyes filled with tears, exclaimed im- pulsively : !< Your sacrifice is too great. We can not accept it!" "It is no sacrifice at all. I never had such a good time in my life as I have had this morning in making my under- standing of the omnipotence of good practical. If you should allow some misapprehension to prevent your accept- 199 A ROYAL GOOD FELLOW ance of what has been sent you through a very humble channel, you would mar my happiness more than I can express." Uncle Josiah laid his hand on the young man's shoulder and patted him affectionately, as he said: "I certainly am proud of you, my boy. No wonder that Win says you're a good fellow." Maude's eyes glistened with the tears she could not shed because of the joy that filled her heart, and in reply to Uncle Josiah's words exclaimed: "That he is, Uncle Josiah, in all that the term implies a royal good fellow !" And Del, laughing lightly as he drew Uncle Josiah gently toward the door, replied : "Of course, for good fellows are really the only kind there are." THE END. 200