Dick Hamilton

“ There was an anxious moment, and the cadets and instructors waited in fear and trembling.
"He may be overcome by the powder fumes," said the colonel. "Poor lads—they may both be killed."
An instant after the colonel had spoken a form appeared in the blackened doorway. One form? No, two, for in his arms Dick Hamilton bore the limp body of Dutton.
"He's got him! He's got him!" yelled Paul Drew, and a great shout followed his words.
On staggered Dick with his burden. Grit saw his master in the now dimming light from the fire, and barked joyfully. ”

“ Still, they can mend the steering knuckle I should think."
"Come on then," urged Dick. "We'll take you as far as there, and if you can't hire a car you're welcome to ride to Hazelton with us."
"Oh, Mr.——"
"Hamilton—Dick Hamilton," supplied our hero.
"I couldn't think of it, Mr. Hamilton. I wouldn't put you to that trouble for the world."
"It's no trouble," Dick assured him. "I believe in being helpful whenever I can. I might be in the same boat myself some day."
"It doesn't look as though your car would ever break down," said the lame man. "It certainly is a beauty. What make is that?" ”

“ Most of the cadets do when they get out."
"Back to the college," ordered Dick a bit curtly, for he did not like the familiar tone of the man.
"Hum, he must be one of those tight-wads," thought the driver, as he threw in his gears and started off. "I like a fellow that spends money."
If he had known how much Dick Hamilton could have spent had our hero been so inclined, the taxi-man might have had a different opinion of him.
The machine was bowling along at a good speed, through the principal street of the town, preparatory to turning off on the road that led to the military academy. ”

“ He had thought of a plan to pretend that he had suddenly grown poor, but Uncle Ezra's mistake made this unnecessary.
"I don't know whether it's more fun to be rich or poor," thought Dick, as he went to bed that night. But he had other adventures, in which his great wealth played a part, and those of you who care to follow Dick Hamilton's fortunes further may read of them in the next volume of this series, to be called: "Dick Hamilton's Steam Yacht; or, A Young Millionaire and the Kidnappers." ”

“ What's to be done, Dick? I rather thought you might have a scheme, when you heard the news."
There was silence in the room for a moment, and nearly all eyes were turned on Dick Hamilton.
"A plan—yes—I might—by Jove, fellows, I believe I have a plan!" he exclaimed suddenly. "It ought to work, too. We've got to have the best team on the gridiron in the Military League, and just now I thought of something that will bring it about."
"Then in the name of the two-horned rhinoceros speak it quickly!" begged Innis. "Say something so I can get back at this dub Anderson. I'll write him a hot one!" ”

“ He can't refuse very wxll, after we won the prize. You fellows come around, and we'll have some fun," and, as there came a chorus of eager assents, Dick Hamilton hurried to his room.
There, even before he rid himself of his uncomfortable uniform, he drew from his pocket a letter which he began to read for perhaps the fifth time. As he perused it a puzzled look came over his face.
"I can't understand why dad is so anxious for me to come home and do some investigating for him," he mused. "I wonder what sort of investigating it can be? Maybe he wants me to turn detective. ”

“ He will be all right after a few days' rest. But he must be kept quiet. No excitement. I congratulate you on your brave son, Mr. Hamilton."
The millionaire silently wrung the hand the physician held out to him.
"It wasn't anything," murmured Dick, in sleepy tones. "I had to stop the boat, and the only way I saw was to put a hole in the bottom. Too bad; it was a fine boat."
"You can have another, if we can't raise her," interrupted Mr. Hamilton.
"Then I knew I'd have to swim under water to avoid the flames," went on Dick. "I held my breath as long as I could, and then I hit something. ”

“ Long years afterward some of the boys and girls, who were quite small when they attended Dick's party, used to tell of it as though it was a visit to fairyland. Dick fairly outdone himself in seeing that everyone had a good time, and from the faces around the long tables, set within the tent, it was evident that the way to young people's hearts, or, at least, to their good spirits, is through their stomachs.
Dick walked about, like a perfect host, seeing that everyone was served, before sitting down himself. At his heels followed Grit, who was unhappy when away from his master. ”

“ One must have the siesta or—well, business is never done during the siesta or sleep hour," and once more the Spanish lawyer shrugged his shoulders, raised his eyebrows, and threw his hands out in front of him as if he had no further use for them.
"Well," remarked Dick, with a sigh, "when you're in Rome, you have to do as the Romans do, I suppose."
"That's it, Senor Hamilton!" cried the attorney, with a relieved laugh. "And when one is in Havana, he goes to hear the band, he sips his chocolate, and he takes his siesta at the usual hour. ”

“ CHAPTER XX OFF TO SANTIAGO
"Ah, Senor Hamilton, I will be most happy to do all in my power for you," remarked Don Ferdinand Hondora, the Spanish lawyer, when he had read slowly through the letter of introduction from the law firm of Blake & Carrington, which epistle Dick handed him. "Most happy to oblige you. You do me an honor to call on me thus, and to-morrow—or manana—as we Spaniards say—manana, I shall be most happy to set on foot an inquiry to locate the Valdez family."
"Can't you do anything to-day?" asked Dick, who was used to business being attended to promptly. ”

“ Hamilton's wealth, and, as he employed many men in the various industries, which he controlled or was interested in, he was regarded as the most important man in the place.
But this did not make him overbearing in character. In fact, he was a very kind man, always ready to help the poor, and as he had begun as a poor boy and made his money by hard work, he had a great sympathy for those not so well off in this world's goods.
Dick took after his father. Though surrounded by wealth all his life, and accustomed to luxury, he was a lad of democratic spirit. ”

“ It was arranged that they were to take an early train to Dankville, and, soon after breakfast, Dick, having packed his suitcase, and arranged to have his trunk forwarded to him at The Firs, went to the library where his father and uncle were waiting for him.
"Well, Dick," remarked Mr. Hamilton, with a little catch in his voice, for he hated to part with his son, though he knew the experience might be good for him. "I guess it's time to say good-bye." ”

“ Dick put in several notices that afternoon, offering to pay a reward of a hundred dollars for the return of Grit.
"Now we'll have to wait," said the millionaire. "Never mind, Dick; if Grit is gone you can get another dog," for Mr. Hamilton was as fond of animals as was his son.
"There'll never be another Grit," answered Dick, sorrowfully.
Meanwhile, Grit was being led across the country fields which stretched out back of the Hamilton mansion.
"I've got to keep off the roads," muttered the youth who had hold of the leash. "There's too many people as knows a dorg like this. ”

“ Then you shall have the check book, Dick. But there is another matter," and Mr. Hamilton turned to the second page of the document in his hand.
Dick's heart sank. Perhaps, after all, he was not to have the wealth with which his imagination was already building fairy castles in the air.
"In case you fail to make this paying investment," went on Mr. Hamilton, "not only do you lose control of the money for a long time, but you have to undergo a sort of penance. It is this. You will have to go and live with your Uncle Ezra Larabee at Dankville—"
"Uncle Ezra!" exclaimed Dick, and his face fell. ”

“ Poor fellow, he knows something's in the wind and he's trying to break his chain to come along. But I'm afraid something will happen to him in New York, so he's got to stay home."
"He thinks as much of that dog as if it was a brother," remarked Guy with something of a sneer, as the five youths entered the tonneau, for Dick had elected to ride with the driver.
"I don't blame him," said "Bricktop." "Grit's a dog worth having."
"I hope Dick brings plenty of money along with him," whispered Simon to Guy, as they followed Frank Bender into the machine. ”

“ You needn't play if you don't want to."
The two boys, who in spite of their fine clothes, did not have an air of good breeding, watched the approach of Dick Hamilton as he sauntered down the main street of the town that pleasant afternoon late in June. ”

“ Hamilton said by way of reproof. "No, I've no objection to you going to New York. Hire the car you wish, and be sure they supply a good driver. You're not quite capable of managing one of those ponderous machines yet. But be careful. Don't go to buying any gold bricks," and he laughed.
"No danger," replied Dick. "I've cut my eye teeth."
It was arranged that they should start in three days. Dick engaged the largest and finest car in the garage of a neighboring city, and told his friends to get ready.
"Are you going?" asked Guy of Simon, the day before that set for the trip. ”

“ CHAPTER IX A CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN
Dick and his friends went home in the big automobile a few days later, having crowded into their stay as much sight-seeing as was possible. Dick had just finished telling his father, the evening of his arrival, of his various adventures, including the one with the swindler, when the servant announced:
"Some one to see you, Master Dick."
"Who is it?"
"Henry Darby."
"Ah, there's a young man who will make his mark some day!" exclaimed Mr. Hamilton. "If his father was only like him Henry would have more chances." ”

“ I wish Dick Hamilton was here."
"Where is he?" asked Beeby, as he folded the crumpled letter.
"He went to town to send a message home, I guess. He'll soon be back."
"Let's go to the Sacred Pig, and talk this over," suggested Dutton, as he opened a few buttons on his tightly fitting parade coat, for drill among the cadets was just over, and they had not yet gotten into their fatigue uniforms.
"Yes, let's plan some scheme to get even with those Blue Hill snobs," added Paul. "Say Toots," he went on to one of the janitors about the academy, "if you see Mr. ”

“ Dick forced his rather unwilling steed up to the object. The next moment he uttered a cry.
"It's a man!" he exclaimed.
He leaped off his horse, and bent closely to the black, huddled mass. Then he reached over and took hold of it.
"Here, Paul!" cried Dick. "Help me!"
"What is it?"
"It's Dutton, and he's unconscious and half frozen. Must have fallen from his horse and struck on his head! We must get him to shelter in a hurry."
Paul was quickly at his companion's side. He helped Dick lift the unconscious youth from the pile of snow. ”

“ When you overheat a horse you sometimes have to buy medicine for him, and horse medicine is expensive."
Seeing that his brother-in-law could not be prevailed upon to remain, Mr. Hamilton bade him good-bye, and Dick offered to take his uncle to the depot in the auto, but Mr. Larabee would not hear of it. He would walk, he said, and save the car fare.
"He's a queer man—your uncle," said Mr. Hamilton that night. "I guess you wouldn't fancy staying with him; eh Dick?"
"No, indeed, dad. A military academy for mine, as Bricktop would say." ”

“ As Dick and his friends entered the side yard, they saw, standing on the driveway, a rather dilapidated wagon, drawn by a very bony horse. In the wagon was something covered with a sheet, while on the seat sat a grizzled, dried-up sort of a man, with a little bunch of whiskers on his chin.112 Beside him was a woman in a calico dress, and she looked worried.
"Are you Mr. Richard Hamilton?" asked the man, looking at Bricktop.
"No; he is," was the answer, and Bricktop pointed at Dick. ”

“ Hamilton himself was not overly-fond of his brother-in-law, but he always treated him well.
"I suppose I may as well go in the library, say how d'ye do to my respected relative, and get a bad job over with," remarked Dick, in no pleasant frame of mind at the information Gibbs furnished. "Uncle Ezra will be sure to scold me for 'wasting my time,' as he calls it, at the military school, and he's positive to make a fuss about Grit. He always does. Grit, old man, I guess you'd better stay out in the hall, until we get this business over with. You remember Uncle Ezra, don't you?" ”

“ Larabee and Dick's father chatted in the library. The talk ranged from business matters to subjects in Dankville, where Mr. Hamilton knew several families.
"Perhaps you'd like to take a look about the house," suggested Mr. Hamilton, after a pause166 "I've been putting in some improvements lately, and enlarging the conservatory. Dick will show you around."
"What? Tramp through the house just to look at it? I don't believe in doing that," replied Uncle Ezra, firmly. "Things wear out fast enough as it is without using them when it isn't necessary. ”

“ He sank into a doze, with Grit still licking the drooping hand.
"I think he will sleep now," said the physician who had examined Dick at the lake. "We will go out, and the dog had better come, too."
"Come, Grit," called Mr. Hamilton, but Grit paid no attention.
"I'll bring him," said the physician, as he reached for the bulldog's collar. Grit growled menacingly.
"Better not," advised the millionaire. "No one but Dick can do anything with him." ”