Jr. Horatio Alger

“ Was it possible that the boy was going to make a clean breast of his dishonesty?
"A bank bill was taken from the drawer yesterday," he said—"a five-dollar note."
"I didn't know that it was a five," said Gerald. "I didn't suppose you had discovered it."
"I am glad, however, that you have confessed the theft to me. Return the bill, and I will overlook your fault."
"What on earth do you mean, Mr. Tubbs?" ejaculated Gerald. "You surely do not think that I took the money?"
"Certainly I do."
"Then, sir, you are very much mistaken," said Gerald, indignantly. "I was never dishonest in all my life." ”

“ The time was when Abel had not been able to dress much better than John Holman; but, as this was unknown to Gerald, he posed as one who was "born in the purple."
"I shall try to get better acquainted with Munroe," proceeded Abel. "He seems like a gentleman."
"Everybody likes him; but he is also a friend of John Holman."
"It seems to me that society is rather mixed here."
"We don't judge each other by clothes or a good bank account," said Gerald, manfully.
"I do. I prefer to associate with those who are in my own social position."
"Abel appears to be a snob," thought Gerald. ”

“ I am captain of the Hillsdale fire company," he added, with an intonation of pride.
"I wouldn't want to be a fireman," said Abel.
"Why not?"
"Firemen are low."
"You won't think so if you are ever in a burning house, Abel."
"They are a very useful class of people," said Mrs. Lane.
"You wouldn't want me to be a fireman, ma, would you?"
"No, perhaps not."
"You might be something a great deal worse, nephew," said the blacksmith.
"Has Mr. Nugent no family?" asked Mr. Crane.
"He has a grandson about my age, but he is at a boarding-school somewhere," answered Gerald. ”

“ You are a thief!"
"That's false, Mr. Tubbs!" said Gerald, hotly. "That bill is mine."
"That's a likely story. Of course a boy that will steal will lie."
"It is true," said Gerald, firmly.
"Then where did you get this money?" demanded the grocer, sternly.
"From Mr. Barton, in the savings bank."
"Gerald Lane, you may think I am an idiot, but you are mistaken. I will keep this bill."
"Then it is you who are the thief. You can ask Mr. Barton if I do not tell the truth."
Brandon smiled gleefully. He was very much surprised to learn that Gerald had a five-dollar bill in his possession. ”

“ Gerald obeyed, directions. As a boy, of course, he was not a practised marksman; but luck—or perhaps it would be better to say Providence—was on his side, and the bullet entered Nero's eye and penetrated to his brain. The lion swayed a moment, and then fell over on his side. Death seemed to be instantaneous.
"By Jove! you have killed him!" exclaimed Paul King. "It was a fine shot!"
"Is he really dead?" asked Gerald, finding it difficult to believe in his success.
"Yes, he is dead fast enough. He is dead, and the circus is out nearly five thousand dollars." ”

“ What he saw was this: in a wooden chair, evidently of home manufacture, sat a decrepit old man. His face was thin, his cheeks hollow, and his hair, perfectly white, scarcely covered his head. His limbs were attenuated, his chest was hollow, and he looked like a very old and infirm man, though he numbered but sixty-five years.
"What a skeleton he is!" thought Ralph. "He is just on the verge of the grave, ready to tumble in. It's a lucky thing I came here, for if he had died those roughs at the store would have taken his money and his relations would never have been the wiser. ”

“ Who is he?"
"His mother is one of my tenants; but if she doesn't pay a month's rent on Monday I shall turn her out."
"That's right, mother. Business is business. I wish I were going to sleep in that large room to-night."
"You shall go into it to-morrow."
"I expect Gerald will make a fuss," chuckled Abel.
"No doubt he will."
"But you won't give in to him, will you, mother? You won't forget that I am to have the best of everything?"
"Yes, my darling; I will see that you are well provided for," said Mrs. Lane, fondly. ”

“ I will see that Gerald's expenses are paid, and that he has a satisfactory salary. I suppose I am accounted a miser by people in the village, but it is true that I do not care much for money, though I think it a duty to take care of what I have, and with it make what amends I can for my past transgressions. I will see that all the expenses which you have already incurred are paid. A new life is opening before me, thanks to your kind arrangements, and I hope that the close of my life may be more creditable than the years that are passed. ”

“ When the bank officer had left the store Mr. Tubbs said:
"There seems to be a great mystery about this robbery."
"Yes, sir," answered Brandon.
"Mr. Barton seems to vouch for Gerald."
"He is a good man, but not very sharp. He is surely taken in."
That evening when Gerald went home he said to his stepmother:
"Mrs. Lane, I have something to tell you."
"Well?" she responded, coldly.
"I am going to leave the grocery store," Gerald announced quietly.
"What? without my permission?" she demanded, in displeasure.
"Yes, Mrs. Lane."
"What's your reason? Are you getting lazy? Are you tired of work?" ”

“ Carried away by his indignation, Gerald struck Ralph a smart blow on the head with the broom-handle. The ruffian was immediately on his feet, his face blazing with wrath.
"I'll give you a lesson!" he exclaimed, between his set teeth.
Gerald began to realize that he was in a tight place, but he was a brave boy, and he had no intention of surrendering. He dodged quickly to one side, and dealt the intruder another blow on his head. This added to his fury, and he made a mad dash after Gerald. He finally seized him by the shoulder, and, with a violent push, threw him on the floor. ”

“ I came here to oblige the landlady, who is an old friend of mine, and was finding it difficult to pay the rent. I wish I could live in the country. Everything is so much neater there. I was born in the country, but my business requires me to live in New York."
"I don't think I should like to live in the city," said Gerald.
"Of course it is a better place for a business man. You may come to live here in time." ”

“ He signaled, to Gerald, who rose from his seat, flushed and bashful. The whole audience, and especially the miners, cheered him loudly. Gerald bowed his acknowledgment and sat down.
When the performance was over more than one went up to Gerald and shook his hand. Among them was a tall, slabsided Yankee, who closely resembled the pictures of Uncle Sam.
"I tell you, boy, you're true grit," he said; "take the word of Joshua Burdoch for that. I've shot a panther, but I own I shouldn't dare to tackle a lion." ”

“ My being out of work made no difference to her. I wish the house was yours, Gerald."
"Nothing seems to be mine, John," said Gerald, gravely. "Mrs. Lane told me this morning that I must leave school and go to work."
"What a shame! How could your father leave you in the power of such a woman?"
"I can't tell, John. That is what puzzles me. But how much is the rent?"
"Six dollars." ”

“ Crane," said Gerald.
"I wish you would," said the blacksmith, warmly. "If you ever find it in your way to come to Hillsdale, I will give you the best room in the house."
"Shall I bring Abel with me?" asked Gerald, smiling.
"I'm not at all particular about seein' him. You seem a good deal nearer to me than he does, even if he is a blood relation. When do you go to work?"
"On Monday."
"You won't stay in the grocery long—I'll predict that. If you ever have a notion of becomin' a blacksmith, I'll take you into my employ, and be glad to do it." ”

“ SAUL GRIDLEY SEEKS REVENGE The tramp was only amused by Gerald's precipitate flight. There was no object in pursuing him, as he had obtained what he sought—the box of gold coins. He was in a hurry to open it, and realize his good fortune. He felt that Fortune had been kind to him. When once the gold was transferred to his pockets, he would leave the neighborhood, as he knew very well that by the miners' code the robbery would be punished with death. ”

“ It looked as if Brand were deceived, and that Gerald might save the more considerable sum in his vest-pocket. But to part with it too easily might excite suspicion.
"Mr. Brand," said Gerald, "I appeal to you once more. Let me go free; or, at any rate, don't take all my money."
"All your money is very little. I thought you had more. Fifty dollars will hardly pay me for the trouble I have taken." ”

“ I bought it, furniture and all, from Jim Morris, who has made his pile, and is going back to his old home in New Hampshire."
"Are you willing to sell or let it?"
"Either one. Are you going to get married and settle down among us?"
"Not quite yet," answered Gerald, with a laugh. "I have been sent from the East to Mr. Nixon, and I shall stay with him for a while. He has authorized me to look him up a more suitable home."
"I am glad to hear it. That old tumble-down shanty isn't fit for the old man to live in." ”

“ He walked round to the door, and without the ceremony of knocking, opened it and made his way into the cabin.
Thomas Nixon looked up, and seemed alarmed when he saw the intruder.
"Who are you?" he asked, in a thin, quavering voice.
It was natural that he should be alarmed, for a western mining settlement has generally its share of rough and unscrupulous men, social outlaws, who have made their way thither in search of gain or booty.
"Don't be alarmed, Uncle Thomas," said Ralph, in a reassuring tone. "I am your nephew Ralph, come from the East to look after you." ”

“ Everybody knows that the old man is a miser. Why, I've no doubt he is worth ten thousand dollars."
"Nor have I any doubt," said Gerald to himself. "But, of course, that is none of our business."
"Look here, youngster; you seem to be as simple as they make 'em."
"Why?" asked Gerald, in affected surprise.
"You can't see that I am a bad man, and have made up my mind to have that gold."
"You don't really mean it? You are trying to frighten me."
"No more nonsense! Stop the horse, and I'll relieve you of the box."
"But what will Mr. Nixon say?" ”

“ None of the boys made any comments, and they soon separated.
"Who is this Munroe Hill?" asked Abel, when he was left alone with Gerald.
"His father is a lawyer."
"Is he well off?"
"I presume so. He lives in a nice house."
"And John Holman?"
"He works in a shoe shop. His father is dead, and he has to help support the family."
"I thought he was poor. Did you notice that his pants were patched?"
"Yes," said Gerald, gravely; "the poor fellow hasn't much money to spend on clothing."
"Is he a friend of yours?"
"Yes," replied Gerald, warmly; "he is a capital fellow." ”

“ They entered the store and were speedily supplied. Gerald drew a dollar bill from his vest-pocket and paid the bill.
"I wonder how much money he carries round with him?" thought Abel. "I must ask mother."
"Now I guess we'll go home. I feel tired after my journey."
"Very well."
"Where did you go?" asked Mrs. Lane, when they re-entered the house.
"I took Abel round the village, Mrs. Lane."
"And what do you think of it, Abel?" asked his mother.
"Oh, it'll do; but I'd rather live in the city."
"The city would naturally be more attractive to a young person. You prefer it to Fulton, I hope?" ”

“ Will you tell me what plans you have formed for me?"
"I don't like your tone, Gerald; you are too independent and are scarcely respectful. However, I will answer your question. Mr. Tubbs, the grocer, needs a boy to tend in his store and to help keep his books. You have studied book-keeping, I believe?"
"Yes," answered Gerald, eying his stepmother, intently.
"He will take you and pay you three dollars a week. You can stay at home, and I will allow you half your salary, but I shall expect you to buy your own clothing." ”

“ Soon afterward Mr. Crane and Gerald left the house and returned home. They found Abel and his mother sitting at the table in the sitting-room. They looked up with some curiosity as the two entered.
"How did you enjoy your call, Alonzo?" asked his sister.
"I had good reason to enjoy it," said the blacksmith.
"Did he give you anything for putting out the fire?"
"Yes."
"As much as five dollars?"
"The squire is a liberal man. He gave me enough to rebuild my shop."
"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Lane in incredulous amazement.
"I've got in my pocket a check for three hundred dollars, Melindy." ”

“ Tubbs's store, Gerald?"
"Yes, sir. I am not afraid of work, but that is about the last position which I should have selected for myself."
"No doubt. Mr. Tubbs is an ignorant and illiterate man, and your education will be thrown away in his store. I have a great mind to call on your stepmother and protest against her treatment of you."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Nugent; but I don't think it would do any good. I have sometimes thought I would leave Portville and try to make my own way in the world." ”

“ Mr. Hawk's share he secured for thirty thousand. He then made a formal proposal to Gerald to go to work for him as assistant manager. But to this Mr. Nixon demurred.
"I can't spare Gerald, Mr. Burdoch," he said.
"But, Mr. Nixon, think of the boy's interests. I am willing to pay him a salary of a hundred dollars a month."
"And I," said the old man, "will give him outright ten thousand dollars—one-fourth of the sum you have paid me for my interest in the mine."
"Give me your hand, Mr. Nixon," said Burdoch, "I can't go ahead of that. He is a good boy, and he deserves his good fortune." ”