Jr. Horatio Alger

“ If you think you can bully me, you will find yourself entirely mistaken."
"I am not in the habit of bullying anybody. I only want my rights," said John.
"Then you'll have to want. You may as well understand, first as last, John Oakley,"—and his stepmother raised her voice angrily,—"that I am mistress in this house, and owner of this property. You are entirely dependent upon me for the bread you eat and the clothes you wear, and it will be prudent for you to treat me respectfully, if you want any favors. Do you understand that?" ”

“ Mr. Huxter would have been angry at these words, but the secret thought that John was in his power moderated his resentment. He laughed in his sleeve at the thought of John's dismay, when he learned that he was not here on a visit, but to remain for an indefinite period. This fact he had not mentioned even to his wife, who, therefore, could not help wondering what could be John's business.
"You've made quite a speech, Oakley," said he, sarcastically. "You may think it all right to charge a man with impoliteness in his own house, but for my part I think it cursed impudent." ”

“ Huxter's eyes were fixed upon his face in cruel exultation, for he imagined the nature of John's feelings, and enjoyed his sorrow.
"Well, Oakley, what do you say to that?" he demanded.
"I don't know what to say," said John.
"No, I presume not. The fact is, you haven't got anything to say in the matter. My sister is your natural guardian, and she has sent you to me to manage. She says you're rather a tough subject; but I reckon I can manage you. You'll find me a little harder to deal with than a woman, I can tell you that." ”

“ So the afternoon passed. Twice more Mr. Huxter got out of the stage, and entered a wayside tavern, on the same mysterious errand. Each time he reappeared with his nose redder, and his eyes more inflamed. The liquor which he had drunk made him quarrelsome, and so disagreeable to his fellow-passengers. Finally one of them called to the driver in an authoritative voice to stop, and insisted that Mr. Huxter should travel outside for the remainder of the way. With some difficulty he was induced to make the change, and from that time John had the pleasure of his society. ”

“ John Oakley had triumphed in his encounter with Ben Brayton, and rode off like a victor. Nevertheless he could not help feeling a little doubtful and anxious about the future. There was no doubt that Ben would complain to his mother, and as it was by her express permission that he had taken the horse, John felt apprehensive that there would be trouble between himself and his stepmother. I have already said, that, though a manly boy, he was not quarrelsome. He preferred to live on good terms with all, not excepting Ben and his mother, although he had no reason to like either of them. ”

“ So saying, he produced the crumpled half sheet which John found in the stove.
Mr. Hall turned pale.
"I don't know what you mean," he faltered; but there was a look upon his face which belied his words.
"I think you do know, Mr. Hall," said the lawyer. "You must be aware that forgery is a serious matter."
"Give me back the note," said Hall.
"Do you admit it to be a forgery?"
"I admit nothing."
"Mr. Hall, I will hand you the note," said the lawyer, after a slight pause, "merely reminding you that, if it is what I suppose, the sooner you destroy it the better." ”

“ John himself had no doubts on that point. He felt that he would be willing anywhere else to work for his living; but to remain in his present position was insupportable. He could feel neither regard nor respect for Mr. Huxter. He witnessed daily with indignation the manner in which he treated his poor wife, whom he sincerely pitied. But it was not his business to interfere between man and wife. No, he could not stay any longer in such a house. To-morrow morning he would rise early, and, before Mr. Huxter woke, bid a silent farewell to Jackson, and start on his journey to Wilton. ”

“ Misfortunes have come thick and fast, and I've had a hard row to hoe. Hard work and poverty are enough to take away a man's pride."
Mr. Huxter certainly did not look as if he could ever have had much to be proud of; but then, pride and merit do not always go together, and appearances are sometimes deceitful.
"Well," said Mrs. Oakley, now graciously, "perhaps matters may take a turn with you. I cannot do much, for I have Mr. Oakley's son to provide for, as well as Benjamin and myself; but I may be able to do something."
"Thank you, Jane," said Mr. Huxter, more cheerfully. ”

“ You must require something hearty."
"It's my praising Ben that fetched her," said Mr. Huxter, when, being left to himself, he began to reflect upon the cause of his sister's sudden and agreeable change of manners. "I shall have to flatter up the young rascal, I expect, though I'd a good deal rather give him a taste of a horsewhip. So he turns up his nose at me, does he? He forgets the time when he'd have been obliged to beg from house to house but for me. Maybe he won't always be prosperous. The race isn't always to the strong, nor the battle to the swift." ”

“ That wish ought to be sacred with you."
"I understand my duty."
"I trust you will do something more than understand it," said the lawyer, gravely. "I must remonstrate with you on your intentions with regard to John. He is an excellent scholar, and his abilities are superior. It would be a great pity that he should be debarred from the privilege of a college education."
"You say he is an excellent scholar," said Mrs. Oakley. "Then, if his education is already so excellent, there is no further need of his studying. He can begin to earn his living." ”

“ So I consider that he laid the foundation of my present prosperity, and therefore I shall not desert his son while he is in trouble."
"Thank you, Squire Selwyn," said John. "I did not know what you just told me; but I did know that my father looked upon you as one of his most valued friends."
"Well, John, good-by," said the lawyer, kindly, extending his hand. "Keep up a good heart, and something may turn up which may set matters right. Be sure to keep me apprised of your movements, and rely upon me to do what I can for you in Hampton." ”

“ Huxter looked inquiringly at John, whose presence with her husband she did not understand.
"I believe I am to stop here for a day or two," said John, responding to her look. "My name is John Oakley. I am the stepson of Mr. Huxter's sister."
"Oh, yes, I know," said Mrs. Huxter. "I am afraid we can't accommodate you very well, Mr. Oakley, but we'll do our best."
"What's good enough for us is good enough for him," said Mr. Huxter, fiercely. "He's as poor as we are. Sister Jane's got all the money. She's a deep one, is sister Jane." ”

“ Huxter, who was resolved to extort as much as possible.
"No doubt you think so; but I am the best judge of what I can afford," said Mrs. Oakley.
"If I were rich I wouldn't see you and Ben suffer," said Mr. Huxter.
"As to that, your health is good, and your family ought not to suffer if I gave you no assistance at all. I don't think much of a man who can't support his family."
"I've been a very unlucky man," said Mr. Huxter. "I'd ought to be independent now, but something or nuther was always happening. There was my best cow, that I could have got fifty dollars for easy, up and died one night." ”

“ Mike saddled Prince, and led him out into the yard.
"You must be careful, Master Ben," he said. "The horse has got a spirit of his own, and he isn't used to you."
Ben was a poor horseman, and he knew it; but he was too proud to admit it to Mike.
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"Don't trouble yourself," he said, haughtily. "If John can manage him, I can."
"He's used to Master John."
"Well, he's got to get used to me," said Ben. "If he don't behave well it will be the worse for him. You haven't given me the whip."
"You'd better not use it much, Master Ben. He won't stand a whip very well." ”

“ Hall," said Mr. Bradley. "I have no further business with you."
"I shall leave Wilton to-morrow, Mrs. Berry," said Hall. "I must ask you to get somebody else in my place."
"I will pay you to-night whatever wages are due you" said the lawyer, "in behalf of Mrs. Berry."
"But how shall I manage about the store?" asked Mrs. Berry.
"I will take charge of it, aunt," said John, promptly, "if you will get some one to assist me."
"Very well, John; but I am afraid it will be too much for you."
"Never fear, aunt; I haven't been in the store long, but I've learned a good deal about the business." ”

“ So he said that I had no business to give you the horse, did he?"
"Yes; he has no more respect for you than for a servant," said Ben, artfully, knowing well that nothing would be so likely to make his mother angry as this. Having once been in a subordinate position, she was naturally suspicious, and apprehensive that she would not be treated with a proper amount of respect by those around her. It was Ben's object to incense his mother against John, feeling that in this way he would best promote his own selfish ends.
"So he has no respect for me?" exclaimed Mrs. Oakley, angrily. ”

“ There are some whose chief enjoyment of wealth arises from the happiness which it enables them to impart to others, and some, in Mrs. Oakley's position, would have been glad to do something for such of their relatives as were in struggling circumstances; but it was not so with her. She was of a stingy, penurious disposition, and did not mean that her money should benefit any one but Benjamin and herself, except the small sum which she felt obliged to spend on John. ”

“ Stop on the way back, won't you?"
"Well, I don't know but I will. I only took a mouthful of breakfast, I was in such a hurry to pursue this young scamp."
"Well, it's an ill wind that blows nobody good," thought the landlord. "The boy's running away has brought me two customers. I had no idea he was such a young rascal."
"I might as well get a good breakfast," soliloquized Mr. Huxter. "I can charge it to Jane. She can't expect me to chase John Oakley over hill and dale on an empty stomach!" ”

“ Ben listened with gratification to this praise. He didn't doubt that Winchester was the first-class player he represented, and in fact he was a superior player, but he had never yet put forth his utmost skill. He had only played with Ben, suiting himself to his inferior style of playing.
Gradually Winchester suggested higher play.
"A dollar is nothing," he said. "Let us make it five."
Ben hesitated.
"That's a good deal to lose," he said.
"That's true, but isn't it as much to win? Come, it will make our games more interesting, and you're as likely to come out ahead as I am." ”

“ Oakley, not altogether pleased to hear Mr. Huxter spoken of in that style, though she felt no very warm attachment for him herself.
"I mean Mr. Huxter," said Ben, carelessly, breaking an egg as he spoke.
"He is your uncle."
"I don't mean to call him so. I'm ashamed of the relationship."
"He is my brother."
"That's your misfortune," said Ben. "All I know is, that I hope he won't darken our doors again."
"What have you against him?"
"He's a coarse, low man. He isn't a gentleman. You're a rich woman now, mother. You'd better cut his acquaintance. He won't do us any credit. ”

“ Certainly Ben's black felt hat did not look much in keeping with the faded calico dress, now properly filled out by the hoop-skirt, which swayed from side to side as he walked.
"Oh, it's too rich!" thought Sam, almost choking with suppressed laughter. "What a sensation he will make in the village!"
Just then Ben's foot got caught somehow, and he fell sprawling. He gathered himself up with furious [331] energy, and did not observe that there was a conspicuous stain of mud on his dress. He took a roundabout way, so as to remain under cover of the woods as long as he could. ”

“ Oakley looked rather incredulous.
"I say, mother, is Uncle Huxter going to prepare John for college?"
Mrs. Oakley laughed—heartily for her.
"Your uncle's shoe-shop will be the only college John will enter," she said.
"Do you mean that he is to peg shoes?"
"Yes."
"His pride will have a pretty hard fall."
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"I mean that it shall," said Mrs. Oakley, compressing her thin lips.
"Well, I don't envy John. Every dog has his day, and he has had his. It's our turn now. Another cup of coffee, and not so weak as the last." ”

“ Huxter.
"You don't say so! Well, he is a bad case," said the landlord, who concluded, as it was intended he should, that John had stolen the money. "Well, he don't look like it."
"Oh, he's a deep young rascal!" said Mr. Huxter. "You'd think butter wouldn't melt in his mouth; but he's a regular scamp. Which road did he take?"
"He said he was going to Redport."
"What time did he start?"
"Less than half an hour ago. He can't have got much over a mile. If you keep on, you'll be sure to overhaul him."
"I'll do that with a vengeance," said Mr. Huxter. ”

“ Ben's clothes he hid away in the hollow trunk of an old tree not more than two rods distant. But in doing so a folded paper slipped out of the coat-pocket. Sam's attention was drawn towards it, for it looked like the legal papers of which his father had so many in his office. Opening it under an impulse of curiosity, his face instantly glowed with an expression of the most earnest and enthusiastic joy.
"By all my lucky stars!" he exclaimed; "if this [328] isn't the lost will! This will set John all right. ”

“ It was very much against his will that he left John; but the horse, as he knew, was the best in the stable, and valued at not less than three hundred dollars,—a sum which he would be unable to make up. Besides this, the chaise might be injured.
"Curse my luck!" exclaimed Mr. Huxter, as he glanced back at John, with a baffled look. "Every thing turns against me. But I'll come back after the young rascal as soon as I catch the horse." ”

“ Huxter. "Did he buy anything?"
"Only two sheets of paper and two envelopes."
A light began to dawn upon Mr. Huxter. John wanted to make trouble by writing home.
"Look here," said he; "if the boy brings in a letter you needn't send it. Keep it, and hand it to me."
The clerk looked surprised. Mr. Huxter, finding some explanation necessary, continued:—
"He's a very troublesome boy. He's almost broken his poor mother's heart,—she's my sister,—and I've agreed to take charge of him for a time. It takes a man to manage him. But it won't do for him to be writing home and making a fuss. ”

“ Oakley supply you with so much?"
"No, sir; but when my father was alive he gave me an allowance of a dollar a week pocket-money. I had saved up thirty dollars, thinking I might some time want to make a large purchase,—a row-boat, or something of that kind. When I came away with Mr. Huxter, I thought I had better bring it with me."
"It is lucky you did so. You may have occasion to use it. Does Mr. Huxter know you have this money?"
"He knows I have some money," said John, "but probably does not suspect how much."
"I advise you to take care of it then. Such a man is not to be trusted. ”