Out for business, or, Robert Frost's strange career

I

i If

£»^§£5U;e

& HORATIO ALGER.JR.

This is the first of the Alger books "completed"
by Arthur M. Winfield whose real name was Edward
Stratemeyer .

"Out for Business" is a complete tale in itself,
but forms the first of two companion stories, the
second being entitled "Falling in with Fortune."

It is said that Alger became ill when on the point
of finishing the stories, and when he saw that he
would not be able to complete them hinself that
he turned to Stratemeyer, and outlines for the con-
clusions were drawn up which met with Alger^s
approval.

Out for Business; or Robert Frost *s Strange Career.
New York, Grosset & Dunlap ^n.d,j

Reprint. --

The first edition was published by the Mershon
Company in 1900. This is the first book "completed"
by Arthur M. Winfield x>7hose name was Edward
Stratemeyer. When Alger became ill and saw that
he was unable to complete his stories, the outlines
for the conclusions were drawn up to meet with
Alger's approval.

Gift of Edward G. Levy

m

J^

.. ^,- J

ROLIKRT OVERHEARS AN IMPORTANT C ONVERSii.riON. Fiontizpiec

OUT FOR BUSINESS

ROBERT FROST'S STRANGE CAREER

BY

HORATIO ALGER, Jr.

AUTHOR OF "FALLING IN WITH FORTUNE," "LUCK OR PLUCK,

"THE YOUNG BOATMAN," " ONLY AN IRISH BOY,"

"YOUNG MINER," ETC.

COMPLETED BY

ARTHUR M. WINFIELD

AUTHOR OF "THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL," "THE ROVER BOYS

ON THE OCEAN," " THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE,"

"THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST," ETC.

-**-

G R O S S ^: T & D U N L A P

PUBLISHERS ;: ;: NEW YORK

BY THE SAME AUTHOR

THE YOUNG BOOK AGENT;

Or, Frank Hardy's Road to Success.

FROM FARM TO FORTUNE;

Or, Nat Nason's Strange Experience.

LOST AT SEA;

Or, Robert Roscoe's

Strange Cruise.

JERRY, THE BACKWOODS BOY;

Or, The Parkhurst Treasure.

NELSON, THE NEWSBOY;

Or, Afloat in New York.

YOUNG CAPTAIN JACK;

Or, The Son of a Soldier.

OUT FOR BUSINESS;

Or, Robert Frost's Strange Career.

FALLING IN WITH FORTUNE;
Or, The Experiences of a

Young Secretary.

l2nio^ Jinely illustrated and bound. Price ^
^er volume t bo cents.

GROSSET & DUNLAP

PUBLISHERS NEW YORK

Copyright, iqoo, by
THE MERSHON COMPANY

fi

PREFACE.

" Out for Business "' is a complete tale in it»
self, but forms the first of two companion stories,
the second being entitled " Falling in with For-
tune."

In this tale are related the various haps and mis-
haps which befall a sturdy country youth, of high
moral aim, who, by the harsh actions of his step-
father, is compelled to leave what had once been
the best of homes, and go forth into the world to
make his own way.

Robert Frost finds his path to fortune no easy
one to tread. The thorns of adversity line the
way, and there is many a pitfall to be avoided.
But the lad is possessed of a good stock of hard,
common sense, and in the end we find him on the
fair road to success — and a success richly de-
served.

The two stories, " Out for Business " and
*' Falling in with Fortune," give to the reader the
last tales begun by that prince of juvenile writers,
Mr. Horatio Alger, Jr., whose books have sold

IV OUT FOR BUSINESS.

to the extent of hundreds of thousands of copies,
not only in America, but also in England and else-
where. The gifted writer was stricken when on
the point of finishing the stories, and when he saw
that he could not complete them himself, it was
to the present writer that he turned, and an out-
line for a conclusion was drawn up which met with
his approval, — and it is this outline which has
now been filled out in order to bring the tales to
a finish, so that both stories might be as nearly as
possible what Mr. Alger intended they should be.
It may be that the stories will not be found as in-
teresting as if Mr. Alger had written them en-
tirely, nevertheless the present writer trusts that
they will still hold the reader's attention to the
end.

Arthur M. Winfield.

March ist, 1900.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER

I. A Great Surprise,

II. Mr. Talbot and the Dog,

III. The Little Plot against Robert,

IV. Mr. Talbot is Mystified, .

V. A Crisis,

VI. On the Train, ....

VII. Baffled,

VIII. Peril

IX. At the Palmer House,

X. Robert Gets a Place,

XI. Mr. Palmer's Infatuation,

XII. An Unlooked-for Scene,

XIII. Robert Receives a Letter,

XIV, James Talbot Learns Something of Im

portance,

XV. The Result of a Fire,

XVL Two Disappointments,

XVII. Robert is Given a Mission,

XVIII. The Post-office Money Order,

XIX. An Unexpected Attack,

XX, The Escape of Cross and Huskin

XXI. Robert and the Old Lumberman,

PACK

15
24
33
42

51

59
67
75
83
92

lOI

no

118
127

136

143
150

160
169

178

vi

CHAPTER

CONTENTS.

PAGB

XXII.

A Clever Capture,

187

XXIII.

Palmer's Unfortunate D^but .

197

XXIV.

Palmer Calls upon Robert's Mother

209

XXV.

Another Talk about Robert, ,

215

XXVI.

Robert Speaks his Mind, ....

222

XXVII.

Mr. Talbot Receives another Set-back,

229

XXVIII.

The Conspirators are Disgusted,

236

XXIX.

A Lucky Change of Staterooms, .

245

XXX.

Another Plot against Robert,

253

XXXI.

The Missing Baggage Check, .

261

XXXII.

Robert Delivers the Precious Map,

269

XXXIII.

Robert Visits Home—Conclusion,

279

OUT FOR BUSINESS.

CHAPTER I.

A GREAT SURPRISE.

Robert Frost, with his books under his arm,
turned into the front yard of a handsome residence
in the village of Granville. He was a boy of six-
teen, strongly built, and with a handsome, expres-
sive face.

'' I wish mother were at home," he soliloquized^
*' It seems very lonesome when she is away."

He opened the front door and let himself into
the house. It was a handsome and spacious halL
Two paintings hung on the walls, and both were
portraits. One represented a lady, with a pretty,
but rather weak face. She looked as if she had
very little resolution, and might easily be influ-
enced by one with stronger will. The other
picture was that of a man of near forty. It was
an attractive face. The strong resemblance which
it bore to the boy made it probable that it was his
father, and such was the case. Robert looked up

8 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

to it regretfully, for he had not yet got over the
loss of his father, hardly twelve months dead,

" I wish dad were alive," he thought sadly,
^* we were such good friends, he and I."

Mr. Frost had not died of disease. He was cut
ofif in the full vigor of life, the victim of a railroad
accident. Robert remembered well when he was
taken home, mangled and hardly to be recognized.

His death did not entail any privation upon
his little family — Robert was the only child — for
he left a considerable fortune and was heavily in-
sured besides, so that they were still able to live in
handsome style.

^' When will supper be ready, Jane ? " Robert
asked of the servant, as he passed into the dining-
room.

" At half-past five o'clock, Master Robert."

" All right, Jane. I will be on hand, and with
a good appetite."

He put on his hat, after laying down his books,
and was about to go out, when Jane arrested his
steps.

" Wait a minute. Master Robert. There's a
telegram for you."

He took the yellow envelope in some surprise.

" When was it left? " he asked.
. " Half an hour since."

A GREAT SURPRISE, 9

" It must be from mother," he said thought-
fully.

'* Very likely — I hope it isn't bad news/'

Robert echoed the wish, but did not say a
word. He took out his penknife and opened the
envelope.

There it was — ^just a few words, but they puz-
zled him.

''What is it?" asked Jane, whose curiosity
was excited.

Robert read the telegram. It ran thus :

" Gloucester, June 5.
" Shall be at home to-morrow. Prepare for a
great surprise. " Mother."

Robert looked surprised and bewildered.
" What can it mean, Jane, do you think ? " he
asked.

'' I don't know, I'm sure, Master Robert. Per-
haps your mother is going to bring you a present."
" But she wouldn't call that a great surprise."
" I don't know then. You'll know to-morrow."
Yes, he would know to-morrow, but he could
not help letting his mind dwell on the mystery.
It occurred to him that it might be a gold watch,
which he had long wanted, and which his mother

lO OUT FOR BUSINESS,

had promised to get him very soon. But this
would scarcely be considered a great surprise.

" Well, there's no use guessing," he decided at
length. " I'll only have to wait till to-morrow,
and then I shall know."

The next day was Saturday, and school did
not keep. Robert looked over the railroad time-
table, and concluded that his mother would arrive
about twelve o'clock. This would bring her in
time for dinner, which was usually on the table at
half past twelve. He suggested to Jane to get a
better dinner than usual, as his mother would
probably be present to partake of it.

This suggestion proved unnecessary, for about
ten o'clock Jane herself received a telegram to this
effect.

" Have a good dinner ready at the usual time.
I shall reach home in time for it, and bring an-
other with me.''

" So that's the surprise ! " reflected Jane. " She
is going to bring a friend with her. I wonder
who it is. Maybe it's the lady she's been visiting.
I hope it isn't, for lady visitors are so fussy."

However, Jane went to the market and ordered
a pair of chickens, with a variety of vegetables,

A GREAT SURPRISE, II

and prepared apple dumplings, which she knew
Mrs. Frost always enjoyed.

*' Now," she said, '' I'll have a dinner good
enough for anybody."

Robert intended to go to the depot to meet his
mother, but he went on an expedition with one of
his schoolmates, and found that he would scarcely
have time to do so. So he returned home.

" Has mother come, Jane? " he asked.

" No, Master Robert, not yet."

He posted himself at the front window, and five
minutes later he saw the depot carriage approach-
ing the house.

" She's coming, Jane ! " he called out in excite-
ment.

" I forgot to tell you that she's going to bring
a visitor."

" How do you know ? "

" Because I received a telegraph this morning,"
answered Jane.

" Did she say who was coming with her ? "

" No; can you see anyone in the carriage? "

By this time the carriage had reached the en-
trance to the neat graveled path which led from
the gate to the front door.

The door of the carriage was opened, and a man
got out — a man of less than medium size.

12 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

Robert was surprised.

'' Why, Jane," he said, " it's a gentleman! "

" Go out and meet them, Master Robert."

Robert opened the front door quickly, and hur-
ried out. Meanwhile, the gentleman had helped
Mrs. Frost out, and she was advancing up the
walk, leaning on the arm of her companion. Mrs.
Frost smiled, and turning to the man at her side,
said, " This is my son Robert, James."

"Ah, indeed!" said the other with a smile.
" He looks like a stout, strong boy."

" I wonder who he is," thought Robert. But
he was soon to learn.

'' Did you have a pleasant visit, mother ? " he
asked.

" Yes, very pleasant," answered his mother,
■with a meaning glance at her companion. " Rob-
ert, did you receive my telegram ? "

" Yes, mother."

" You remember what I said about the great
surprise? "

" Yes, mother."

" Well, this gentleman is the great surprise,""
she said, simpering.

By this time the whole party had entered the
house.

" I don't understand you, mother," said the boy.

A GREAT SURPRISE. IJ

but a sudden suspicion had entered his mind, and
he was afraid that he did understand. He waited
in painful suspense for his mother to speak.

" I have brought you a new father, Robert.
This is my husband, Mr. Talbot."

" Oh, mother ! " exclaimed Robert in a grief-
stricken tone. " How could you marry again? "

Mrs. Talbot, for this was now her name,
blushed and looked uncomfortable. Her husband
looked angry.

" Really, young man," he said, " it seems to
me that is a very improper way of addressing
your mother."

For the first time Robert fixed his eyes upon
this man whom he was so suddenly called upon
to think of as — not his father, for he could not
tolerate the thought — but as his mother's hus-
band. As before mentioned, he was a small-sized
man, with black hair and side whiskers, a thin
face, aquiline nose, and an expression which, so
far from attracting, actually repelled the boy. It
was a baleful look, which suggested Mephistoph-
eles, though this well-known character in Faust
did not occur to Robert, for he had never heard
of him. The boy was not accustomed to regard
new acquaintances with repugnance, but this was
the feeling with which he regarded Mr. Talbot.

14 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I hate you ! " he blazed out in sudden fury.
" Oh, mother, why did you marry him ? "

This, it must be admitted, was not a very cor-
dial welcome, and the boy's anger was reflected
in the face of his new step-father, who bit his
nether lip, and glared at our hero with wrathful
eyes.

" You are an impudent cub ! " he exclaimed.
*' I won't forget the way you have received me."

'' Oh, James, forgive him ! " pleaded the
mother. " He doesn't realize what he says. He
will get over it to-morrow."

" I shall never get over it, mother ! " said Rob-
ert. '' If you must marry again, why at least
didn't you marry a gentleman ? "

'' I'll get even with you for this, young man ! "
exclaimed Talbot furiously.

Mrs. Talbot screamed and sat upon a couch.
Robert seized his hat, and without waiting for
dinner, dashed out of the house.

CHAPTER IL

MR. TALBOT AND THE DOG.

"You didn't tell me what a violent temper your
son had," said James Talbot, when Robert had
left the house.

" He has a good temper, James, but I suppose
he was taken by surprise."

" I'll take him by surprise ! " said Talbot spite-
fully. '' He'll find out that he has a master."

" No, James," pleaded Mrs. Talbot. " Remem-
ber that he is my son."

" I will treat him well if he treats me well, not
otherwise. He has the temper of a fiend."

" I am so sorry," said the bride, and she in-
dulged in weak tears. " I looked forward with so
much pleasure to this day, and now "

" Perhaps you are sorry you married me," said
Talbot, biting his mustache.

" Oh no, not that, but Robert has gone away
without his dinner."

" Serves him right. When he gets hungry
enough he will come back."

l6 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Promise, James, that you will overlook his
rudeness."

James Talbot was silent a moment, and then
constrained his harsh features into a smile, which
he tried to make pleasant.

" I will remember that he is your son, Sarah,"
he said, softening his voice. " It will not be my
fault if I do not teach him to like me."

'* Thank you ! How good you are ! "

" And now, my love, let me remind you that
I am hungry. Won't you order dinner served?
Really, I am almost famished."

" Jane, you may put the dinner on the table,"^
said Mrs. Talbot, looking relieved.

Jane followed directions.

" And where is Master Robert, Mrs. Frost — -
no, I mean Mrs. Talbot ? "

" He has gone out for a short time. If he is not
back before long, you may save some dinner for
him."

" That's queer, his going out just as his mother
gets back," thought Jane, but she kept silence.

She looked disapprovingly at the new hus-
band.

" Sure, he looks like a gorilla," she mused.
" How could the mistress marry him when her
first husband was such a fine handsome man? I

MR, TALBOT AND THE DOG, 17

mistrusts he and Master Robert won't get along
very well together."

James Talbot took the place at the head of the
table, and began to carve the fowls. Jane noticed
that though he helped his wife first, he reserved
the nicest portion of the chicken for himself.

" Sure, he's a selfish beast ! " reflected Jane.
" If he was a gentleman he wouldn't take all the
breast for himself."

She was right. Talbot was selfish and had al-
ways been so. Some men can conceal this trait.
He did not try to do so. He did not trouble him-
self about criticism, as long as he got what he
wanted.

" I wish Robert were here," said Mrs. Talbot
plaintively. " I can't be happy, thinking that he
is going without his dinner."

" He'll be all right to-morrow. I'll try to make
friends with him."

" Will you really? It will be so good of you."

" I always try to be kind and considerate, my
love. Your son is very hasty, but he will soon
understand me better."

" Oh, I do hope so."

After dinner Talbot said : *' Now, my love, I
wish you would show me over the house — ou?
house," he added with cat-like softness.

l8 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I shall be so glad to do so."

They passed out into the hall, and the new hus«
band's attention was drawn to the portrait of Rob-
ert's father. He frowned slightly.

"Who is that? "he asked.

"It is my first husband."

James Talbot glanced curiously at the picture.
He was displeased to notice that the portrait rep-
resented such a handsome man — a man with
whom he was not to be compared.

" He was generally considered a fine-looking
man," remarked the bride.

" Humph ! Tastes differ. No doubt he was a
good man, but I don't consider him handsome."

Through the open door Jane heard this remark,
and took instant offense, for she had liked Mr.
Frost, who was always kind to her.

" He didn't look a gorilla, as you do," she said
to herself, and would like to have said aloud.

Meanwhile Robert went dow^n to the village.
He was the prey of contending emotions. It
looked as if all the happiness of their quiet home
was gone. This man — this interloper — would
spoil it all.

" How could mother marry him ? " he said to
himself.

But in spite of his dissatisfaction, he felt hun-

MR. TALBOT AND THE DOG. 19

gry. There was a restaurant in the village, and
he turned in there. He felt that on this day at
least he could not dine at home.

He sat down at the table beside Mr. Jameson,
a jeweler, and an old friend of the family. The
jeweler regarded Robert with surprise.

" How is it that you don't dine at home? " he
asked. " I believe, however, that your mother is
away."

" It isn't that, for Jane prepares the meals."

" You want a change then ? " said Mr. Jame-
son smiling.

" No, it isn't that either. Mother has got
home," he added bluntly.

" And you go away at such a time? "

'' I may as well tell you — everybody will know
it soon. She has come home with a new hus-
band."

" You am.aze me ! And you don't like the ar-
rangement ? " he asked, w^ith a keen glance at his
young companion.

" No; he's not a gentleman," answered Robert
bitterly. " I don't see how she could have mar-
ried him — or anybody, after my father."

" It is natural for you to feel so. Still, she had
a right to do so."

They talked further, and Mr. Jameson gradu-

20 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

ally modified Robert's excited feelings. He made
the boy promise that if Mr. Talbot should show a
disposition to be friendly, he would at any rate
treat him with courtesy.

About three o'clock in the afternoon Robert met
his new step-father in the street. He paused, un-
certain how to act. But James Talbot approached
him with a soft, ingratiating smile.

" Robert," he said, '' I am sorry you have taken
:such a dislike to me. You will excuse my saying
that it is quite unreasonable, as you can't know
anything about me."

" Perhaps I was hasty," Robert forced himself
to say, '' but it was a trial to me to think my
mother had married again."

" Quite natural, I am sure, so I shall not look
upon your manifestations of dislike as personal
to myself."

" I suppose not," said Robert slowly. " Of
course, I don't know much about you."

" When you do, I hope you will like me better,"
said Talbot cheerfully. '' Have you had any din-
ner?"

" Yes, sin"

" I hope you will come home to supper. It
makes your mother feel very sad to have you stay
away."

MR. TALBOT AND THE DOG. 21

"Yes, I will come."

" Shall we take a walk together ? I don't know
anything of your village. You might show me
something of it."

Robert hesitated, but he was naturally polite,
and, though rather reluctantly, he walked through
different parts of the village and pointed out the
churches and the public library, the center school-
house, and other buildings. Gradually they ap-
proached the outskirts of the village till they
reached a house occupied by an eccentric old bach-
elor, who kept a large dog of an uncertain tem-
per. As the two passed, the dog bounded from
the yard and ran after them. This gave Robert
a chance to judge of his step-father's courage.

James Talbot turned pale v/ith fright, and
started to run.

" Save me, Robert ! " he called out, in tremulous
accents. " Will he — will he bite? "

'' I don't think so, Mr. Talbot," said Robert
manfully, not exhibiting the least alarm. '' What
do you mean, Tige ? " he continued sternly, ad-
dressing the dog.

He snatched a stout stick from the side of the
road, and made threatening demonstrations.

The dog stood still, evidently cowed.

" I don't think he is dangerous, Mr. Talbot,"

'«2 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

Robert started to say, but he looked in vain for
his step-father.

'' Here I am, Robert," he heard in quavering
accents.

James Talbot had managed, with an agility
hardly to be expected of a man of forty-five, to
climb into a tree by the roadside.

" I — I thought I should be safer here," he said.

Robert wanted to laugh, but he was polite, and
refrained.

" I — I hope he won't bite you."

" I'll risk it, sir."

" What a terrible situation ! I don't dare to
come down."

" I think you may, sir; I will protect you."

" How can you ? You wouldn't be a match for
a dog like that."

By this time Tiger had got over his fierce dem-
onstrations, and seemed quite friendly.

" You see he has got over his fierceness. You
had better come down."

" Do you really think it would be safe? "

" I am sure of it."

James Talbot got down from the tree cau-
tiously, eyeing the dog askance.

" Now let us get away from here at once," he
said nervously.

MR. TALBOT AND THE DOG, 23

'' Very well, sir."

They took the road for home, the dog making
no hostile demonstrations.

" I — I was always afraid of dogs/' said Talbot,
half ashamed. '' If it had been a man I wouldn't
have cared." And then he began to tell Robert
how he had once frightened a burglar from the
house where he was lodging; but Robert didn't
believe him. He felt contempt for his step-father
as a coward.

CHAPTER III.

THE LITTLE PLOT AGAINST ROBERT.

Robert resumed his place in the home circle.
Eetween him and his step-father there was no cor-
diahty, but form.al poHteness, though at times
Mrs. Talbot tried to cultivate more friendly rela-
tions. He was somewhat ashamed of the coward-
ice he displayed during their walk through the
village. It was partly because Robert had been a
witness of his humiliation that he grew to dislike
him the more and determined, when occasion of-
fered, to get even with the bo}^ He was somewhat
afraid of the spirited boy, but gradually plucked
up courage for an encounter.

When Robert came home from school three
days later, he found his step-father in the hall,
standing on a chair, engaged in taking down the
portrait of Mr. Frost.

"What are you doing, Mr. Talbot," he de-
manded indignantly.

Talbot turned his head, and answered curtly.
" I apprehend that is my business."

THE LITTLE PLOT AGAINST ROBERT 25

*' Are you going to take down my father's por-
trait?"

" That's exactly what I am going to do."

" Why? " asked Robert sternly.

" It is not fitting, now that your mother is my
wife, that the picture of her first husband should
hang here."

'' Are you going to put yours in its place ? "

" As soon as I have one painted."

Robert paused for a moment. After all, why
should he interfere ? His mother had transferred
her love and allegiance to another husband, and
his father's face would be a silent reproach to
her.

" Did my mother authorize this removal? " he
asked.

" Certainly."

" Then I have only one request to make, that
the portrait be hung up in my chamber. I still
revere the memory of my father."

" I have no objections. You can take it up to
your room when you please."

The portrait was taken down, and Robert re-
ceived it. He at once carried it upstairs. His
heart swelled within him, and a look of bitterness
came over his young face.

" I can't stand it long," he said to himself.

26 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" The sight of that man fills me with indignation
and disgust. I would as soon see a serpent."

As yet, however, there had been no open out-
break, but it was to come very soon.

" May I ask a favor of you, James? " said his
wife at the breakfast table.

" What is it, my dear ? "

" I find that our woodpile needs replenishing.
Will you stop at Mr. Webber's on your way to the
post-office and ask him to call? I want to speak
to him about sawing and splitting a new supply."

'' My dear," said her husband, '' let me make a
suggestion. Why employ Mr. Webber when you
have a strong, able-bodied boy in the house? "

" Do you mean Robert? "

" There is no other boy in the house, I take it."

" But," expostulated Mrs. Talbot, " there is no
occasion to put Robert at such work. I am quite
able to employ and pay Mr. Webber."

" And bring up the boy in idleness. That's a
very bad plan. He will be getting lazy."

" He has his studies to attend to."

" He needs physical exercise."

" He plays ball and foot-ball."

" His time is thrown away. He could get quite
as healthful exercise in sawing and splitting wood,
and it would save money."

THE LITTLE PLOT AGAINST ROBERT 27

Mrs. Talbot was of a gentle, yielding tem-
per, but she was not disposed to adopt her
husband's views. She still ventured to expostu-
late.

'' Robert is not lazy, James,'' she said. " If I
were poor and there were any need of it, he would
willingly saw and split the wood."

'' Perhaps he would and perhaps he wouldn't.
From what I have seen of him, I am decidedly of
the opinion that he has been pampered and
spoiled. He has a very bad temper "

" Oh, James ! "

" It is true, but it is partly because of his bring-
ing-up. He needs to have his will broken. He
has always had his own way, and it is quite time
that he learned who is master here."

" You are very hard and cruel, James," said his
wife, the tears filling her eyes.

*' You think so, but I am only seeking the boy's
good. I am quite decided on this point. We will
drop the discussion."

'' Oh, what will happen?" thought the poor
mother. '' Robert will never submit, and there
will be serious trouble."

The next morning was Saturday, and Robert
had a holiday from school. He was out in the
yard, after breakfast, and was about to leave the

28 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

premises, when his step-father appeared in the
doorway.

" Stop a minute/' he called out in a tone of com-
mand.

Robert looked back in surprise.

" What is wanted ? " he asked.

" Where are you going? "

" Out fishing with Harry Baker."

" I think you had better postpone it."

" Why? " demanded Robert in surprise.

" Come out in the back-yard and I will tell
you."

Very much surprised, Robert followed his step-
father out into the back-yard.

" What does all this mean ? " he thought.

" I want you to spend the forenoon in sawing
and splitting wood. Your mother tells me there
is need of a fresh supply."

" I don't understand you, sir," said Robert
coldly. " Mr. Webber always saws and splits
wood for us."

" He always has hitherto, but this arrangement
is to be changed."

Robert's eyes flashed. He was beginning to
understand now.

" Why ? Is my mother unable to pay
him?"

THE LITTLE PLOT AGAINST ROBERT, 29

" That is not the point. You are strong and
well able to do the work. There is no need of go-
ing to unnecessary expense."

Robert's lip curled.

" You really expect me to work at the wood-
pile ? " he said.

''I do. What is more, I command you to go
to work at once."

Robert looked his step-father firmly in the
face.

"You command me to go to work?" he re-
peated slowly.

" Yes, I do," blustered Mr. Talbot, thinking by
his loud voice to intimidate the boy.

But he didn't understand the boy with whom he
had to deal. Robert eyed his step-father con-
temptuously. James Talbot, though perhaps an
inch taller, was less heavily built, and looked thin
and puny beside the sturdy boy v/hom he was try-
ing to coerce. He felt the contempt which Rob-
ert's face so plainly expressed, and it enraged him,
for he was a man of violent temper.

'' I think, Mr. Talbot," said Robert, after a
pause, " that you will have hard work in getting
your orders obeyed."

If James Talbot had not been beside himself
with rage, he would not have dared to act as he

30 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

did. He seized a stout stick lying on the
ground and sprang towards his disobedient
step-son.

Robert instantly seized the ax, which was con-
veniently near, and brandished it in a threaten-
ing manner.

'' Don't you dare to touch me ! '' he exclaimed
in excitem.ent.

James Talbot turned pale.

"Are you insane?" he demanded, drawing
back in affright.

'' No, but I don't propose to be bulldozed. Just
lay down that stick, if you please."

Mechanically Talbot dropped it.

'' You have a terrible temper ! " he exclaimed.

'' I hope not, but I am quite prepared to defend
myself, Mr. Talbot."

'' How old are you, sir? "

" Sixteen."

" Then you are under authority. You are
bound to obey me."

'' Am I ? I don't recognize you as having any
authority over me."

'' Evidently you have a good deal to learn.
Once more, wih you obey me ? "

'' Once more, I won't," returned Robert
firmly.

THE LITTLE PLOT AGAINST ROBERT, 3 1

*' You will be sorry for your disobedience. You
haven't seen the end of this."

He turned and walked back to the house, feel-
ing with mortification that he had been worsted
in this first encounter with his step-son.

" I'd like to flog that boy within an inch of his
life," he muttered spitefully. '' I — I wish I dared
to grapple with him."

Robert and his step-father didn't meet at din-
ner or supper, as the latter had to go away on
business.

" Mother," said Robert, '' do you wish me to
take Mr. Webber's place at the woodpile? "

'' No, Robert. It was Mr. Talbot's idea. He
thought it would be healthful exercise for
you."

"Why not for him?"

" I will try to get him off the idea."

" It makes no difference. He can't make me do
it, though he threatened me with a stick this
morning."

'' Surely he did not strike you ? " said his
m.other nervously.

" No, I guess not. He did not dare to."

It so happened that Jamies Talbot did not reach
home till a late hour in the evening, when Robert
was already in bed. He went upstairs softly, as-

$2 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

certained from Robert's regular breathing that
he was sound asleep, then taking the key from
the lock inside, locked the door from the outside,
and went downstairs with a smile.

" When the boy wakes up, he will find himself a
prisoner," he said. " I shall get even with him,
after all"

CHAPTER IV.

MR. TALBOT IS MYSTIFIED.

Robert slept soundly, and didn't wake till near
breakfast-time. He jumped out of bed and hastily-
dressed himself. Then he went to the door of his
chamber, and tried to open it. To his surprise,
he found himself unable to do so. For the first
time he noticed that the key was not in the lock.

" What does this mean ? " he asked himself.

He peered through the key-hole and detected
the key sticking in from the other side of the door.

" This is Mr. Talbot's work," he decided.
*' What does he expect to gain by it ? "

Robert was qui'e cool, and upon the whole,
rather amused. It seemed to him a childish trick
to play upon him.

" What a contemptible fellow he is ! " he said
to himself. " It mortifies me to think he is my
mother's husband."

Robert's room was a large front apartment on
the third floor. It was quite as handsome as any

33

34 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

on the second floor. It was directly over the
room occupied by his mother. She, however,
must already be downstairs.

" I am sure mother can't know of this," he
decided.

Just then the breakfast bell rang, and Robert
wondered whether anyone would come up to see
why he did not come down.

Presently he heard a step on the stairs, and
a minute later he heard the voice of his step-
father.

'' Robert! " he called out, " are you up? ''

"Yes, Mr. Talbot. Why did you lock me
in?"

" I had my reasons. You were disobedient to
me yesterday."

Robert laughed, a little to Mr. Talbot's annoy-
ance. He hoped to find the boy in a state of
alarm, ready to submit to his orders.

'' About the wood, I suppose you mean."

" Yes."

" Are you going to unlock the door? "

His voice was quite calm, and he showed no
nervousness nor excitement.

" I will upon one condition.''

" You have no right to lock me up here, and no
right to make conditions."

MR. TALBOT IS MYSTIFIED. 35

" That is for me to say. I will unlock the door
on condition that you agree to saw and split the
wood, as I required yesterday."

'' To-day is Sunday. Do you expect me to
work to-day? "

Mr. Talbot was rather taken aback. He had
forgotten when the evening before he locked the
door of Robert's chamber that the next day would
be Sunday.

" No, but next week."

" I don't agree," said Robert firmly.

*' All right; I will come up in an hour, and see
if you have changed your mind."

With a malicious chuckle James Talbot drew
the key from the lock, put it in his pocket, and
went downstairs. His wife was already sitting in
her place at the breakfast table.

" What makes you so late, James," she asked.

'' I have been having a little interview with
your son, my dear."

" He is late, too. Is he coming down? "

" No doubt he would like to," said her husband,
chuckling.

" I don't understand you, Jam'es. If he would
like to comiC, why doesn't he? "

" Because he is locked in his chamber."

"W^ho locked him there?"

$6 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" I did."

Mrs. Talbot was a meek woman, but this ex-
cited her to anger.

" I will go right up and let him out," she
said.

James Talbot laughed, but allowed his wife to
leave the room without a word.

She hurried up to Robert's chamber.

" Robert ! " she called through the key-hole.

" Is it you, mother ? "

" Yes. Are you locked in ? "

" Yes."

"Where is the key?"

" In Mr. Talbot's pocket, I presume."

"Why did he lock you in?"

" Because I would not agree to saw and
split the wood in place of Mr. Webber next
week."

" That is shameful. Poor boy ! and you have
had no breakfast."

" And am not likely to have, unless you can
pass some through the key-hole. You see what
sort of a man you have married, mother."

Mrs. Talbot was silent. She began to realize
it herself.

" How is this going to end ? " she asked, half
crying.

MR. TALBOT IS MYSTIFIED, 37

" Don't mind me, mother. I'll get out some
way."

'* I will ask James — Mr. Talbot for the key."

" He won't give it to you. Let things take their
course. I will consider what is best to be done.
But first, is there any other key in the house that
will fit this door?"

'' No, I don't think so."

When Mrs. Talbot went downstairs her hus-
band was half through breakfast.

" I am afraid your breakfast will be cold, my
dear," he said.

'' How can you act so meanly, James? "

" It is all for Robert's good. He has been too
much indulged. I want to make a man qf him„
What did he say to you? "

" He told me not to mind — that he would get
out some way."

'' Perhaps through the key-hol®^" laughed
James Talbot, apparently much amused.

'' You are real mean," whimpered his wife.
*' The poor boy has had no breakfast."

" Don't let that interfere with your breakfast-
ing, Mrs. T."

" How can I eat when he is hungry? "

"" You see it doesn't affect my appetite. Really,
this steak is unusually ^ood."

38 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

Meanwhile Robert was considering how he was
to escape. It was rather a puzzHng question to
consider, and he could not think of any way. But
as he was looking out of the window he saw Sam
Jones, a school friend, pass by. An idea came to
him. Sam's father was a carpenter, and the
owner of a tall ladder.

" I say, Sam ! " he called out.

Sam looked up in the direction of the voice, and
to his surprise saw Robert at the window.

'M,Vhat'sup?" he asked.

" I am."

" Why don't you come down ? "

'' For a very good reason — because I am locked
in."

" What's that for ? " asked Sam in natural
surprise.

Robert explained.

" What are you going to do ? "

*' Get out, if you will help me."

"What shall I do?"

" Ask your father to bring his tall ladder. I
am sure it will reach up to my window. Only
be quick about it. I want to get out before Mr.
Talbot is through breakfast."

*' I'll do it. It will be good fun to circumvent
the old rascal."

MR. TALBOT IS MYSTIFIED, 39

Sam started on a run, and in less than ten min-
utes came back with his father and the ladder.
Mr. Jones was very ready to lend his assistance,
for he had taken a dislike to Mr. Talbot, who had
beaten him down on the price of some repairs he
had made to the barn.

The two together put up the ladder against the
window, and Robert stepping through the open-
ing, put his foot on the top rung and quickly de-
scended.

He breathed a sigh of relief and exultation as
he set foot on the ground.

'* That's the first time I was ever a prisoner, and
I don't like it," he said. " I wish I had old Tal-
bot up there. He wouldn't dare to escape as I did,
for he is an awful coward."

He told the story of the dog, and how fright-
ened his step-father had been. Sam and his father
enjoyed the story.

'' Now, take away the ladder quick. I don't
want Mr. Talbot to know how I got out. I
mustn't forget to thank you for your kind-
ness."

" You can do as much for me if father ever
locks me up," said Sam.

" I don't think there's much danger."

Meanwhile, Mr. Talbot having got through

40 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

breakfast went upstairs to enjoy the uncomfort-
able position of his step-son.

" Robert ! " he called through the key-hole.

There was no answer.

" You needn't be sullen. It will do you no
good."

Still there was no answer.

" I would open the door," thought the man,
^' but he may be lying in wait for me, and he is
very strong for a boy."

A third time he called, but still there was no
answer.

" I hope he hasn't done anything desperate,"
thought James Talbot.

Finally he summoned up courage to unlock the
door. Lo, the bird was flown, and the window
was open.

*' 1 wonder if he has jumped out ! " said Talbot
in alarm.

He went to the window and looked out, but
could see nothing of Robert.

" It is very strange," he muttered. " If he had
broken a limb, he would be lying on the lawn."

He went downstairs considerably perturbed.
Hearing noise in the dining-room, he looked in,
and saw Robert sitting at the table.

"Good morning, Mr. Talbot," said Robert,

MR. TALBOT IS MYSTIFIED. \ 4 1

with mtich politeness. " You will excuse my be-
ing late to breakfast, but circumstances prevented
my being- on time."

James Talbot sank into a chair and stared at
Robert open-mouthed.

** Did you ^et out of the window ? " he asked.

" Yes, but next time I'd rather go through the
door."

" What a very remarkable boy ! " thought his
step-father.

CHAPTER V.

A CRISIS.

Nothing more was said about the wood-pile.
Apparently Mr. Talbot concluded that he was not
likely to carry his point, and prudently withdrew
from the conflict. But his sense of defeat only
made him the more incensed against his rebellious
step-son.

" I would give five dollars to see that boy
thrashed/' he said to himself moodily, as from
the window he watched Robert playing ball in the
street with his friend Sam Jones.

As Robert seemed to be enjoying himself, he
could not resist the temptation to interfere.

So he opened the window and called out, " Rob-
ert, I wish you would stop playing ball in the
street."

''Why?" asked his step-son.

" Because the ball might come this way and
break one of the windows."

" There is no chance of it, Mr. Talbot. We
are sending the ball up and down the street."

A CRISIS. 43

" Still there is danger."

" I don't see it."

" Will you be guided by my wishes ? " de-
manded Talbot querulously.

" I would if they were reasonable. I don't
think they are."

" I am the best judge of that. I don't want
you to play ball in front of my house."

" Your house ? How long has it been yours ?
It belongs to my mother."

" Your mother is my wife."

" I am sorry to say that you are right. But
that doesn't m.ake the house yours."

" I have no wish to quibble. I represent your
mother, and I have a right to ask you to stop play-
ing ball in front of the house."

" Even if the house were yours, you don't own
the street. Go ahead, Sam! "

Mr. Talbot banged the door and went into the
house.

" That is the most impudent cub I ever saw,"
he muttered. He was worsted again, and he felt
angry and provoked.

" What a sweet step-father you've got, Robert,"
said Sam.

" Isn't he ? But don't call him my step-
father. I want to forget that he is connected

44 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

with me in any way. He is constantly nag«
ging me. I don't think I can stand it much
longer."

" How does your mother stand it ? "

" Mother has a very sweet temper, and she has
no will of her own."

" Unlike you," said Sam, smiling.

" Yes, I have a will of my own. I don't think
a boy or man can succeed who hasn't."

" You say you can't stand it. What will that
lead to?"

" It m.ay lead to my leaving the house, and go-
ing out into the world to seek my fortune. Our
house is a large one, but it isn't large enough to
contain Mr. Talbot and myself."

" I hope you won't have to go, Robert. I
should miss you awfully."

" And I should miss you, Sam. But time will
show."

Probayj/ no persons could be more incompat-
ible, or less likely to get along together, than Rob-
ert and Mr. Talbot. The presence of one was a
constant irritation to the other. This could have
but one issue. One day, perhaps a week after the
dispute about ball-playing, Robert entered the gate
on his way back from the village. Mr. Talbot was
standing on the lawn. He had scarcely entered

A CRISIS. 45

the yard when a man reeling under the influence
of drink staggered by.

" That man has more than he can carry/' ob-
served Robert.

" Yes/' answered Talbot with a smile. " Take
care that you don't fall into the same habit."

" Why do you caution me/' asked Robert
curtly. " Do you think there is any need
of it?"

" Yes, if all that I have heard is true."

" What have you heard? "

*' That your father was an intemperate man."

Robert's eyes flashed with intense anger.

'' It is a lie/' he said. " Take it back."

" I have every reason to believe it is true, and
I won't take it back."

This was too much for Robert, who was a boy
of spirit, and had been devotedly attached to his
father.

" Take it back ! " he repeated in a tone of
menace.

" Do you think I would take it back at the order
of a whipper-snapper like you ? " sneered his step-
father.

Robert waited to hear no more. His affection
and reverence for his father were so strong that he
felt outraged by the insult to his memory. He

46 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

made a sudden attack upon his step-father, so
impetuous that it dashed Mr. Talbot to the
ground.

The man was very much frightened. His en-
counter with the dog showed that he was a
coward, and though he, a grown person, was at-
tacked by a boy, he seemed helpless and over-
whelmed.

" Ah — what does this mean ? " he gasped.

" It means that I won't allow you or any othe^
man to insult my father's memory," answered
Robert fiercely.

*' I will have you arrested," said Talbot venom-
ously.

'' Do as you please," returned Robert con-
temxptuously.

He sprang to his feet, and without waiting for
Mr. Talbot to rise, entered the house and sought
his mother, who had not witnessed the fracas.

The time had been brief, but he had already
made up his mind to do what had been in his mind
for some time. He would leave home and seek
his fortune in the great world. He felt that to
stay at home any longer — to live under the same
roof as his step-father — would be absolutely im-
possible. He was not afraid to depend upon his
own exertions. He was young, well-educated,

A CRISIS. 47

strong, and had confidence in his own ability to
earn a living. He would be sorry to leave his
mother cf course, but his mother didn't seem to
belong to him now that she was the wife of a
man whom he despised.

Leaving James Talbot to pick himself up at his
leisure, he sought his mother, who was in the
sitting room, engaged in sewing. She noticed
the flush upon Robert's face, and his excited air,
and asked at once, " What's the matter, Robert?
You look disturbed."

" I am disturbed, mother."

" What is it? Tell me about it."

" I got into a dispute with Mr. Talbot."

" I wish you could be friendly with him."

" It is impossible, mother. He is always irri-
tating me. This time he insulted my father's
memory."

^'How did he do that?"

" He said father was a man of intemperate
habits."

" Surely he did not mean it," said his mother,
looking troubled.

" I don't know whether he meant it or not. I
only know that he said it. And now, mother, you
mustn't take too hard what I am going to say to
you."

48 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" What is it ? " inquired Mrs. Talbot nervously.

" I have made up my mind to leave home"

" Surely you would not do that," said his
mother startled.

" Yes, it is the best way. I can't live under the
same roof as Mr. Talbot. Besides I am now
sixteen. It is time I was earning my own living."

" But that is not necessary, Robert. I have
enough for you."

'' I know it, but I can't live on you all my life.
I want to go out into the Vv^orld, and see what I
can do for myself."

" Take time to think it over, Robert. You are
not through school."

" I shall be very soon. I have a good educa-
tion already, and I can get along."

" What do you want to do? "

" I don't know yet. Something will open up
for me."

" Wait till next week," pleaded his mother.

" No, I must go this very day. I have had a
fight with Mr. Talbot, and I can't stay in the
house any longer."

" Oh, Robert, you will make me very unhappy."

" I am sorry for that, mother, but I don't see
how I can help it. Look on the bright side. I
think things will turn out well for me."

A CRISIS. 49

" If you must go, you must let me give you
some money," and Mrs. Talbot, rising, went to
her secretary.

" No, mother; I have twenty dollars laid by.
That will do for the present. When that is gone
I will write you for some more."

" Will you promise to do it, Robert ? '*

"Yes, mother?"

** Where do you think of going? "

" To Chicago, first."

" But you don't know anyone there, and I am
told there are a great many bad men there who
might lead you into temptation."

" I hope I am strong enough to resist them.
But I must go upstairs and get ready."

Robert went up to his chamber and drew out
from a closet a large grip-sack. Into this he put
hurriedly a supply of shirts, socks, handkerchiefs,
and underclothing.

" I came near forgetting a comb and brush," he
said to himself, unlocking the grip-sack after it
was closed. " I am not used to traveling, but I
suppose I shall be in time."

Meanwhile, Mr. Talbot after taking time to re-
cover his equanimity, sought his wife.

" Mrs. T.," he said, " your promising son
is getting worse and worse."

50 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Explain yourself," she said coldly.

" He sprang upon me with the ferocity of a
tiger, after I had made an inoffensive remark, and
taking me unawares, actually threw me down. I
can't endure his presence."

" You won't be obliged to. He has decided to
leave home."

"Where will he go?"

" He is going out into the w^orld to seek his
fortune," she answered sadly.

" He will fetch up in jail," said his step-father
savagely.

" I think, Mr. Talbot, we will drop the subject.
I do not feel equal to discussing it when my dear
and only child is about to leave home, driven from
it by you."

She rose and left the room.

" Well, I'm glad he's going," thought Talbot.
** I can the better carry out my plans."

CHAPTER VI.

ON THE TRAIN.

His valise filled with a stock of necessary
underwear, Robert walked to the railway station.
It was a very sudden start, and he had no time to
consider what he was to do, for the train moved
off five minutes after his arrival.

He selected a seat by a window, and placed his
valise on the seat beside his own.

It was not till the train had fairly started that
he began to realize the importance of the step that
he was taking. He was leaving a comfortable,
nay, a luxurious home, where he was provided
with every comfort, and by his own choice was
undertaking to earn his own living. It was
enough to make any boy feel serious. But Robert
was manly and resolute, and he decided that any-
thing vvould be better than to live under the same
roof vvith his odious step-father.

Five minutes later a tall thin man walked over
from the opposite side of the car, and said, "Will
you allow me to sit beside you ? "

5i

$2 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Certainly," answered Robert courteously, and
removed his grip-sack.

" Thank you. I am tired of sitting alone, and
thought I should like a chat with an intelligent
young man."

Robert smiled.

" So you think I am an intelligent young
man ? " he said.

" I am sure of it."

" I am very much obliged, but what makes you
think so?"

" I am well versed in character reading, being a
professional phrenologist and a student of physi-
ognomy. Are you going to the city? "

" Yes, sir. I think so."

" So am I. Are you connected with any busi-
ness house there ? "

" Not yet, sir. I may be before long."

" I may be able to help you get a place. I am
extensively acquainted with business firms. But
perhaps you have a place already secured ? "

" No, sir."

" Are you well acquainted in Chicago ? "

" I know scarcely anyone there— no one of any
prominence."

" You may have to wait for a position. Par-
don me — it is none of my business — but you ought

ON THE TRAIN, 53

to have money enough to carry you on a few
weeks in case you have to wait."

" I have some money/' said Robert cautiously.

" That is well. I am glad to hear it. Are you
well educated? "

" Tolerably so."

" Do you know anything about bookkeeping ? "

" Yes, sir."

" I have a brother-in-law who is a commission
merchant. Indeed I may say that Mr. Claflin,
the great merchant, is a cousin of mine."

" Indeed, sir."

" I was once in Claflin's employ," continued
the stranger. " I was head of one of the depart-
ments, with a salary of five thousand dollars a
year."

*' What made you leave so good a place? "

" I don't wonder yo\x ask. It was because
Claflin interfered with me. I felt that I ought to
have full charge of my department, and would
tolerate no interference. He interfered with me,
and in a fit of anger I threw up my position. I
dare say you think me foolish ? "

" Yes, I do," answered Robert frankly.

" You are right, but an angry man doesn't stop
to consider. Claflin seemicd surprised, and no
doubt he was sorry, but he is a proud man and he

54 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

wouldn't demean himself by asking me to stay.
So I put on my coat and left."

'' Have you got on well since? "

" I went over to a rival merchant, but had ten
take less pay. Still I got on very well, till last
spring, when I had an attack of malaria. That
broke me down in health and pocket, and now I
am what you call hard up."

" Hadn't you saved up anything from your
large salary? "

" Yes, but I invested in running stock, and lost
all."

" I wonder what he is telling me all this for? "
mused Robert.

*' I have about recovered my health, and now
I shall soon get a good place," went on the
stranger.

Here Robert took out his watch — it was an
excellent Waltham silver watch — and consulted it.

" Let me look at your watch ! " said the stran-
ger.

Robert put it in his hands.

" A very good watch ! Let me show you mine."

He drew from his pocket a showy gold watch —
at least it was yellow, and had a good appear*
ance.

'' What do you think of it? "

ON THE TRAIN, 55

" It is showy."

" Yes, and is of high grade. It is well worth
seventy-five dollars, though I have had it for three
years."

Robert was not especially interested. His own
watch had cost but twenty-five, but it was a gift
from his father, and as such he valued it.

" I have a great mind to offer you a bargain,"
said his companion.

Robert looked at him inquiringly.

" If you will give me ten dollars to boot, I will
exchange with you."

"Why should you do that? You say your
watch is worth seventy-five dollars."

" So it is, but, my young friend, I am very
short of money. The silver watch would keep as
good time, and the money would be of great serv-
ice to me."

Robert shook his head.

" My watch was a present," he said, " I
should not care to part with it."

*' Of course, that is a consideration," said the
stranger, appearing disappointed.

" Besides I could not very well spare ten dol-
lars."

" You could easily pawn the watch for forty
dollars."

$6 O UT FOR B USINESS.

"Why don't you do that?"

" Egad ! I didn't think of it. I beheve I will.
By the way, will you do me a favor? "

" What is it? "

" Will you keep the watch for fifteen minutes ?
I am going out into the smoking-car, and I may
go to sleep. That is the way smoking affects me.
I might get robbed, but if you hold the watch I
shall feel easy."

This seemed a strange proposal to make, but
after all it was plausible. It seemed a trifling
favor to grant. Why should he object?

" But how do you know I am honest," asked
Robert. " You have only known me a few
minutes."

" Didn't I tell you I was skilled in reading char-
acter? You have an honest face."

" Thank you for your favorable opinion."

" Do you consent? "

" Yes. How long will you be gone? "

" I shall come back before we reach the city."

" Very well, if you are anxious to have me take
charge of it."

" Yes ; I shall feel safe if it is in your
hands."

" All right, sir."

Robert wore a sack coat with pockets on each

ON THE TRAIN. 57

side. He put the watch in one of these pockets,
and resumed looking out of the window.

His companion left the car and went to the car
in the rear, which was the smoking-car.

Half an hour passed, and then a stout, thick-
set man of thirty-five entered the car and walked
through it, looking at the passengers as he passed
along.

He paused in front of Robert's seat.

" Young man," he said, " show me your
watch."

Robert looked at him in astonishment.

" What do you mean ? " he asked.

" I mean that I have had my watch stolen, and
I am sure some passenger has taken it."

'' What kind of a watch was it? "

" It was a gold watch. Have you such a watch
about you ? "

" Yes, but "

" Never mind about any buts," said the other
fiercely. '' I can tell by your expression that you
have got my watch. Let me have it at once."

" A gentleman, now in the smoking-car, gave
me a v/atch to keep for him."

''And you have it about you?"

" Yes.""

** Give it to me at once."

$8 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I couldn't, without his permission."

" That won't go down. Either give me the
watch, or I will have you arrested."

" I have no right to give you the watch. If it
is yours it was stolen by the man who handed
it to me to keep for him."

" I give you two minutes to produce the watch.
If you will do this, and pay me ten dollars be-
sides, I will overlook your offense."

Robert's face flushed. He felt that he was in
a tight place. This man might be a confederate
of the other. But how was he to prove it ?

CHAPTER VII.

BAFFLED.

The charge had come upon Robert so suddenly
that he hardly knew what to say. Gradually, his
presence of mind returned to him.

" What made you fix upon me as the one likely
to have the watch?" he asked. "Why didn't
you select some other passenger ? "

The stout man hesitated. He could not say
what was the truth, that Robert had been de-
scribed to him by his confederate.

" It was your guilty look," he answered, after
a pause.

" So you think I look guilty? " said our hero,
with an amused smile.

" Yes, I do," said the other defiantly. " I have
had a great deal to do with crooks in my time."

" No doubt of it," chimed in a new voice.

Both Robert and the man who accused him
looked round. The voice proceeded from a tall,
rough-looking man who sat behind Robert.

The accuser looked a little uneasy.

59

6o OUT FOR BUSINESS,

^' As I said, I know a crook when I see
him."

'' So do I," said the rough-looking man, who
had the appearance of a Western miner.

" My friend/' said the claim.ant of the watch
severely, " will you do me the favor to mind your
own business ? "

'' That's good advice. I hope you follow it
yourself."

** Will you give me the watch, or are you pre-
pared to be arrested ? "

" Describe the watch," said Robert composedly.

" I have. It is a gold watch."

" So is this," said the miner, producing a heavy
gold watch from his fob.

" You needn't put in your oar," said the claim-
ant, frowning.

" The boy is right. Describe the watch."

" I have already said that it is a gold watch."

" So is this. Do you claim this watch as
yours ? "

" No. I suppose it is your watch. The watch
in the boy's pocket is not his."

" Correct, squire. But that doesn't prove it is
yours."

"Where is the man who handed it to me?"
asked Robert.

BAFFLED. 6l

" I don't know. I don't believe there is any
such man."

'* Bring him here, and I will hand it to him."

*' That's where your head's level, boy," said
the miner. '' If this man wants any proof that he
asked you to keep it for him, he can call on me.
I saw him do it."

'' No doubt ! " sneered the accuser. " I pre-
sume you are in league with the boy."

The miner coolly lifted the window beside his
seat.

" Do you see that window," he asked.

"Yes. What of it?"

" Have you any particular desire to be thrown
out?"

" No," answered the other, in evident alarm.

" Then don't you dare to insinuate that I am in
league with anybody for crooked work."

As he spoke, he rose to his full height, show-
ing a muscular figure, rather more than six feet
in length. Robert's antagonist was about six
inches shorter.

" No offense, mister," he said meekly.

" You seem to be coming to your senses. Now,
is this watch yours? "

"What watch?"

" The watch in the boy's pocket."

62 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Yes."

" How did the other man get hold of it? "

" If he had it at all, he stole it from me."

" Very good; we'll investigate this. My young
friend, come with me into the smoking-car."

The claimant protested uneasily, but the miner
insisted.

He and Robert left the car and went into the
one behind.

There about the middle of the car sat the man
from whom Robert had received the watch.

" Give it back to him," said the miner.

Robert walked up to his first acquaintance.

" I want you to take back your watch," he
said. " This man says it belongs to him."

The tall, thin man looked at his confederate.
He saw that their little plan of frightening Robert
into giving them ten dollars had failed.

" Did you send him in to me ?" went on Robert.

*' There is some mistake. I sent him in for it,
but he misunderstood me."

He looked askance at the miner, v/ho he saw
was disposed to be a friend of Robert.

'' Look here," said the miner sternly, " you are
a precious pair of rascals. Your little game
hasn't worked. I have seen such men as you be-
fore. I was on the vigilance committee in San

BAFFLED, 63

Francisco some years ago, and such fellows as
you we strung up to the nearest lamp-post. Can
you make it convenient to get off at the next sta-
tion?"

" That's where we intend to stop," said the
tall man meekly.

" That is fortunate. It will save you a good
deal of trouble. Now, boy, come back into the
other car. We have no further business with
these gentlemen."

Going back, they sat down in the same seat.

" I am very much obliged to you for getting
me out of the scrape," said Robert gratefully.

" Don't mention it."

"Do you really think they were ?"

'' Crooks ? Yes. They had all the signs. I've
rubbed against such fellows before now. These
fellows are not smart. They don't understand
the rudiments of the business."

" You spoke of San Francisco. Have you been
there?" asked Robert with interest.

" I lived there and at the mines for five years."

" Were you lucky? "

" You mean, did I strike it rich ? Well, I had
middling luck. I didn't go there for nothing.
How much do you think I had when I landed at
Frisco?"

64 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

"A hundred dollars?"

" I had just three dollars and a half. I had
one extra shirt, and that was about all."

" That wasn't a very large supply. Where did
you go from ? "

" I was raised in Vermont. Worked on a farm
for dad till I was twenty-two. Then with fifty
dollars, which I had in the savings bank, I started
for California. Well, I got there at last, but my
funds were almost gone. I got a chance to do
some rough work till I had enough to go to the
mines. There I made something of a pile, enough
to pay off the mortgage on the old farm, and
have ten thousand dollars left. I've just come
from there."

" Do you ever expect to go back to the
mines? "

" Yes. I should not be satisfied now to remain
at the East. Where are you going ? "

" To the city."

"To get a place?"

" Yes, if I can."

" Have you parents living? "

" I have a mother," said Robert slowly.

" And you want to get work to help support
her?"

" No, she has plenty of money."

BAFFLED. 65

" Then why do you leave home? "

Robert looked at his companion. His plain,
honest face impressed him favorably. He felt that
he was a man in whom he could confide.

" I have a step-father," he said briefly.

" I understand. You and he don't hitch
horses. Is that so?"

" You are right."

" Tell me all about it."

" I will. I should like to ask somebody's advice.
I want to know whether I have done right."

" Go ahead, my lad."

Robert told the story, and the miner listened
attentively.

'' Do you know what I think of that step-father
of yours ? "

" Tell me."

" I think he is about as mean a skunk as I ever
heard mentioned. What made your mother
marry him ? "

" I don't know. She must have been infatu-
ated."

'' I suppose you had an easy time at home."

" Yes, I did."

" And now you will have to work for a liv-

ing?

Yes, but I don't mind that."

^6 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I see you're the right sort/' said the miner
approvingly.

They had reached the next station. In the next
car there was a tumult and a noise as of men
scuffling. The miner rose and opened the door
of the car.

He and Robert saw the two men who had tried
to swindle our hero in the hands of two angry
men, who hustled them out of the car with such
violence that they fell prostrate beside the track.

" What's the matter? " asked the miner.

" These men tried to relieve m^e of my watch.
They won't try it again in a hurry."

Bruised by the fall, the two men picked them-
selves up and slunk away.

" They're a precious pair of rascals," said the
miner. ''If we had them at the mines, they would
soon dangle from the branch of a tree."

CHAPTER VIII.

PERIL.

Jones and Barlow, the two men who had been

so ignominiously expelled from the train, picked
themselves up, and with faces flaming with anger
shook their fists at the train in impotent wrath,
" This is an outrage, Jones," said Barlow, the
taller of the two.

" So it is," said Jones, rubbing his knee, which
had received an abrasion from falling on a flinty-
stone.

" They don't know how^ to treat a gentleman.'^
" No, they don't. You're right, Barlow."
" I suppose the boy and that long-legged miner
are laughing in their sleeves."

As he spoke, both turned their glances upon
the car in which Robert and the miner were lo-
cated, and saw both looking out of a car window.
The miner's face wore a look of amusement and
satisfaction, which was enough to anger the two
adventurers.

67

68 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Good-by, boys ! " he said. " You're leaving
us in a hurry, but we won't forget you."

In reply, Jones, who was the more choleric of
the two, shook his fist at the miner, but did not
indulge himself in any remarks. His feelings
wxre probably too deep for words.

'' What shall we do, Barlow? " he asked.

" Foot it to the next station, I reckon. I'm
used to Vv^alkin', aint you ? "

" I've done a little of it in my time," said Jones,
with a grin.

" Then we can take the next train that comes
along. That cursed miner won't be on board, and
we can be received as gentlemen."

" Say, have you got a clothes-brush, Barlow ?
My knees — that is the knees of my pants — are all
over mud."

" So are mine. Yes, I believe I have, but don't
let us repair damages here. They will be looking
out of the car-windows and laughing at us."

" Go ahead, then. I'll follow."

They started in the direction in which the train
was going. Two minutes later they fell in with
a young Irish boy, who surveyed their dilapidated
appearance with amusement.

" Say," he remarked, " have youse been racin'
wid de train ? "

PERIL. 69

" Why do you ask, boy ? " inquired Barlow
with lofty dignity.

" I take it all back. I guess you've been on your
knees pray in'."

" Boy, don't you know how to address a gen-
tleman?"

" Where's the gentleman? " inquired the youth,
with a vacant look.

" Jones, chase that boy and give him a les-
son."

Jones undertook to do so, but he was short and
fat, and the boy easily eluded him. He climbed
over a fence on one side of the railway, and began
to make faces at the pair.

'' What would you have done to me if you had
caught me? " he asked in a mocking and derisive
tone.

" Given you a lirst-class thrashing," growled
Jones.

'' Then I'm glad you didn't catch me. Say,
I saw you get out of the train."

'' Suppose you did?"

'' You were kicked out. What had you been
doin'?"

Angry as the two adventurers were at their
humiliating treatment, their feeling of indignation
was intensified by the boy's taunts. Jones was

yo OUT FOR BUSINESS.

about to make an angry retort, when Barlow
stopped him.

" Don't mind the boy," he said. " We'd better
be getting on."

They walked briskly till they had probably got
a quarter of a mile on their way to the next sta-
tion. Then they paused and looked back, for on
the way they had passed the train.

"What's the matter with the train?" asked
Barlow.

'* Don't know. It's making quite a stop."

" I wish it would get wrecked."

This gave an idea to Jones.

'' So I say. We'd get even with that miner, and
the men that hustled us off the train. What do
you say to wrecking it? "

" We can do it. See that switch ? "

"Yes. What of it?"

" I'm an old switchman. Tended switch for
three years on a Western road. All we'll have to
do is to reverse that switch," pointing to one a
hundred feet farther on, " and there'll be a
smash."

Barlow's breath came quick. He was not as
daring a rascal as his companion.

" Do you really mean it, Jones? " he said.

" Yes, I do,"

PERIL. 71

" Suppose we get caught ? "

" We won't get caught/'

*' Somebody may see us."

*' There's no one around. Look and satisfy
yourself."

''If you think it safe?"

" Of course it's safe. Besides, if there's a
wreck, there'll be booty for us. I'd like to rifle
the pockets of that miner."

The train had been detained at a signal tower
by a telegram, and this allowed the two adven-
turers to arrange their plans for wrecking it.
But on trying to move the switch, Jones found
a difficulty. He had not the necessary appli--
ances.

"Can't you move it?" asked Barlow.

" No."

" Then we must give up the plan."

" No, there's another way. Do you see that
rock?"

He pointed to a square rock, weighing not far
from a hundred pounds, by the side of the rail-
road.

" Yes, that'll do the business. But there's no
time to lose. The train may come along at any
moment. I don't know v/hy it has been so de-
layed."

72 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

'' Come along then, and help me move it. It
is heavy/'

The two rascals bent over and lifted the rock
in concert.

They grumbled over the weight, neither of them
being used to hard labor.

'' I should think it weighed most half a ton,"
grumbled Barlow.

" Never mind. We will soon have it in posi-
tion. Quick ! I hear the train ! "

The rumbling of the train could be heard at a
considerable distance. The two scoundrels didn't
trouble themselves about the possible, or probable
consequences of their dastardly plot. They only
thought of revenging themselves upon the men
who had ejected them from the train, and they
felt, besides, an animosity against Robert and his
miner friend.

They thought themselves without a witness, but
in this they were mistaken. The boy already men-
tioned, whom they had pursued ineffectually, had
followed them at a distance, having a feeling of
curiosity about them.

"I w^onder what they're up. to?" he solilo-
quized, as he watched them tampering with the
switch. He could not quite understand the mean-
ing of their movements. But when they took the

PERIL. 73

rock, and between them conveyed it to the rail-
road track, and put it in the way of the coming
train, he understood.

" I believe the mean chaps want to wreck the
train," he said to himself.

What should he do?

He bethought himself of calling out to them,
and trying to prevent their plot. But he was sure
they would pay no attention to him, and besides
there was no time. He could already hear the
thundering sound of the approaching train.

Tommy was on a blufif about fifteen feet above
the roadbed. To descend the bank and run to
meet the train would consume more time than he
had at command.

" Oh, dear ! " muttered Tommy. " There'll be
a smash, and lots of people will be killed."

But there was one thing that neither Tommy
nor the two scoundrels had seen. It was a cow
that somehow or other had found its way through
a gap in the fence from a pasture to the left, and
was leisurely walking along the track, full in the
path of the approaching train.

The engineer could not see the rock, for it was
too small an object, but by great good luck he did
see the cov/.

With a tremendous effort, he stopped the engine

74 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

just in time. When the train halted, it was only
ten feet away from the animal, who was looking
with startled eyes at the coming train.

The shock of the sudden stop was such that the
passengers started to their feet, and the engineer
leaped from the engine.

By this time Tommy had descended the bank,
and was standing only a few feet away.

" We have had a narrow escape," said the
miner, wiping the perspiration from his brow.

'' You have had two narrow escapes," said
Tommy, pointing to the large rock which lay
across one of the rails fifteen feet further on.

The engineer started, and seemed horror-
struck.

"Who put that rock on the track?" he de-
manded sternly.

CHAPTER IX.

AT THE PALMER HOUSE.

Tommy Keegan pointed to Barlow and Jones,
who rather imprudently had maintained their po-
sition, in the hope that the train would be
wrecked.

The engineer and the group of passengers
around him eyed the two men with a quick, scruti-
nizing glance. Their appearance made the charge
a probable one.

" How do you know, boy ? " asked the engi-
neer.

" I seed them put the rock on the track," an-
swered Tommy.

" It's a lie ! " blustered Jones. " The boy did
it himself."

" The boy could not lift a rock of that size,"
said the engineer positively.

Among the group of passengers were Robert
and the miner.

" Why, it's the scamps that were put off the
train ! " exclaimed the miner.

76 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" You recognize them ? " asked the engineer.

*' Yes, they were put off the train at the last
station for trying to swindle some of the passen-
gers/*'

" What have you to say to this, man ? " de-
manded the engineer sternly.

" It's a lie. The gentleman is mistaken."

" No, he isn't. I was one of those who put
them off the train," said one of the other pas-
sengers.

'' Tell all you know about it, boy," said the en-
gineer.

'' I seed them try to turn the switch first," said
Tommy. " They couldn't do that, so they got the
rock and put dat on the track just before the train
come along."

Barlow and Jones saw that things were getting
serious for them, and very foolishly started to run.
But a dozen men went in pursuit, prominent
among them being the miner, whose long legs
soon brought him abreast of the rascally pair. He
seized Barlow by the collar, and at the same time
another passenger grasped Jones.

'' Now," said the engineer, '* what was your
object in trying to wreck the train ? "

" We didn't do it. The boy lies," said Jones
sullenly.

AT THE PALMER HOUSE. 77

" It was in revenge for being put off the train/'
suggested the miner.

'' Lynch them ! Hang them to the nearest
tree! " shouted half a dozen.

" That's my idea," said the miner.

Had the engineer sanctioned this, it would have
been done without further delay, but he was a man
of good judgment, and would not countenance
such a proceeding.

" No," he said, '' secure them and take them on
board the train."

" Come here, boy," said the miner, beckoning
to Tommy. '' The passengers owe you something
for exposing these infamous rascals. Who will
chip in? "

He took off his hat and dropped in a piece of
money. Others followed suit, and the happy
Tommy went away the richer by over thirty dol-
lars. The two men were secured by a strong cord,
and once again boarded the train as passengers,
but under very unfavorable circumstances, and
with gloomy forebodings as to the fate that was
in store for them.

As they neared Chicago the miner turned to
Robert and asked : " Are you intending to go to
a hotel, my lad ? "

Robert hesitated.

78 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I don't think I can afford it/' he said. " 1
have but little money, and I don't know how long
I may have to wait for work."

'' Don't let that worry. I am going to the
Palmer House, and will take you along with me."

'' Isn't it a high-priced hotel? "

'' Yes, but it will cost you nothing. You can
stay with me two or three days while you are
looking around for work."

'' You are very kind," said Robert gratefully,
" but I am a stranger to you."

" Not now. I feel as well acquainted with
you as if I had known you for years. I have
been poor myself, and it will go hard if Dick
Marden can't take care of a boy who is looking
out for a chance to make a living. Well, young-
ster, what do you say ? "

'' I can only say that I accept your offer with
gratitude, Mr. Marden."

'' That's all right. You may consider me your
guardian for the time being."

Twenty minutes more brought them to the Chi-
cago station.

The hackmen were on hand with their offers
of transportation, but the miner declined.

'' I want to unfold myself," he said, " and I
reckon I'll walk. My bag isn't heavy, for I don't

AT THE PALMER HOUSE. 79

carry round a dress suit. I suppose you're able
to walk, Robert?"

" Yes, I would prefer it."

So, unheeding the hackmen, they started for
the Palmer House, which was less than half a
mile distant. When Robert came in sight of the
hotel, he was impressed by the large size and
handsome appearance of the structure.

" I shouldn't dare to put up at such a hotel if
I were alone," he said with a smile.

'' No, I reckon not. As it is, you are all right.
Let us go in."

They walked in to the office.

'' I want a room with two beds," said the miner,
after registering his name.

'' All right, sir. Front ! "

A bell-boy came up at the summons.

" Take this gentleman and his son to 297."

The bell-boy took their bags and preceded them
to the elevator.

" Did you hear what the clerk said, Robert ?
He called you m^y son."

" Yes, I heard him."

'' I haven't chick nor child, and have no right
to have, as I never married, but if I did have a
son, you Vv'ould suit me as well as any boy I
know."

8o OUT FOR BUSINESS,

"Thank you, Mr. Harden; I consider that a
compliment."

" I mean it. Now let us see what sort of a
room has been assigned to us."

It proved to be a very good room, moderately
spacious, with two beds, one on each side of the
apartment.

" I think we'll be comfortable here, Robert,"
said his new friend.

" I feel sure of it," replied the boy, looking
about him with an air of satisfaction.

" You can have that bed and I'll take the other.
Now, do you feel hungry ? "

" I think I could eat something, Mr. Mar-
den."

"Don't call me Mr. Marden. I'm not used
to it."

"What shall I call you?"

" Call me Dick."

"If you wish me to, though I am afraid it is
hardly respectful, considering how much older
you are than I am."

" Oh, hang respect ! That won't bother me any.
Take a wash, if you want to, and we'll go down
to the dining-room."

Robert was glad to do so, as he felt heated and
dusty. Mr. Marden followed his example.

AT THE PALMER HOUSE. 8l

They went down to the dining-room, and
both did justice to the excellent meal pro-
vided.

They had just commenced on the dessert when
a small man with a slight hump entered the din-
ing-room, and took a seat opposite. He glanced
across the table.

'' Why, Dick Marden ! " he cried in surprise.
"Is that you?"

The miner looked across the table.

" Well, well, who would have expected to see
you here, Peter Gray? " he returned, arching his
eyebrows.

" Strange things will happen, Dick. I've been
in Chicago for nearly a year."

'' Are you in business here? "

" Yes, I keep a cut-rate ticket office on Clark
street."

"Are you making money?"

The ^nall man shrugged his shoulders.

" I'm not rich yet," he answered. " I suppose
you are."

" I have a little money," he answered.

"' Let me see; the last time I saw you was at the
diggings?"

" Yes, we were both in hard luck then. How
are you fixed ? "

82 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" I've got a little, and my business gives me a
living."

'' It must, if you are boarding here."

'' I am not. generally eat at a restaurant, but
once a week 1 come in here and get a good dinner.
The remembrance of it lasts me a week, and m^akes
my other meals more palatable."

" You are a sensible man."

" Is that your son, Dick ? "

" No, I wish he were. He is a young friend of
mine, who is for a short time under my protec-
tion. His name is Robert Frost. Don't you want
a clerk in your office? "

" Well, I don't know," said Mr. Gray. '' If he
were your son now "

" Consider him my son, then. But we'll speak
of this after dinner."

'' All right, Dick."

Robert's eyes lighted up with pleasant anticipa-
tion. He felt that he would indeed be fortunate
if he should obtain a place at once. He would not
be able to look up to his employer, for the cripple
was a little less than five feet in height, but their
relations might be pleasant, nevertheless.

CHAPTER X.

ROBERT GETS A PLACE.

" You can go out and take a v/alk, Robert,
while I go with Mr. Gray to his office/'

" All right, sir."

" Now," said Harden, as they emerged into
State street, "will you take the boy?"

" Yes, but I can't pay him much."

" How much? "

'' Five dollars a week."

'' That won't support him. He has been well
brought up, and will need twelve."

Peter Gray stopped short and whistled in his
surprise.

" I can't possibly pay twelve dollars to any
clerk, not even if he were experienced— and this
boy probably isn't."

" He knov/s nothing of the business."

" Then, Marden "

" Stop a minute ! I propose that you shall pay
him twelve dollars a week, but I will undertake to
pay seven of it."

83

§4 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" You must take a great interest in the lad/*

*' I do — a most unusual interest."

*' Of course that will make a difference."

" I should say so."

" In that case he can come at once."

*' He will come day after to-morrow. To-mor-
row^ I want to show him Chicago."

" All right. Oh, there is one thing I must men-
tion. I have another clerk — twenty-two years of
age — whom I only pay ten dollars a week. He
musn't know that the boy gets twelve."

" Very well; I will caution Robert. Should the
young man find out, let him understand that only
five dollars come from you."

*' That will be satisfactory."

Marden went to the office of his old acquaint-
ance. It was small, but as large as many in the
same line of business.

At four he returned to the hotel.

" Well, Robert," he said, '' it's arranged. You
will go to work on Thursday morning. Here is
the card of your employer. To-morrow I will go
round the city with you."

'' Shall I receive enough to pay my board, Mr.
Marden," asked Robert anxiously.

" You will receive twelve dollars a week."

Robert was amazed.

ROBERT GETS A PLACE. 85

" I don't see how Mr. Gray should be willing
to pay me so much," he said.

Marden smiled.

*' Oh, he has a little private arrangeme2it with'
me. There is another clerk, considerably older
than you. He is not to know how much you get.
Let him understand that it is five dollars.'^

" I understand. How generous you are, Mr.
Marden."

" Not Mr. Marden— Dick."

" Well, Dick. But you ought not to pay so
much for me."

" Why not ? Consider me your uncle, and take
care to do credit to my recommendation."

" I will," said Robert earnestly. '' Shall you
remain in the city. Uncle Dick? "

" I may come here now and then, but I expect
day after to-morrovv to go to the northern part
of Michigan, to visit an old friend there, who is
in the lumber business."

" Then, hadn't I better be looking for a board-
ing-place ? "

" Well thought of. We'll look over the Record
and hunt up a place."

Within an hour Robert had selected a small
room not far from La Salle street, where he was
to have full board for five dollars a week. The

^6 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

room was not equal to the one he had at home,
but he would spend very little time there.

During the day following, Robert and his
miner friend made an extensive tour of Chicago,
and Robert felt impressed with the magnitude of
the city and the extent of the business that was
carried on in it.

" Do you think you shall like Chicago, Rob-
ert?"

" Yes, Uncle Dick; I begin to feel like a man of
business already."

'' And you will be contented? "

" Yes, but I shall miss you."

'' I am glad to hear that, boy. Let me see, how
long have we known each other ? "

" Only two days."

'' And yet you seem like my own boy. I never
had anyone belonging to me before."

'' You may get tired of me, Uncle Dick."

" Perhaps so, but I don't believe it."

" Will you write to me? "

'' I'm not much on letter writing, but I reckon
I'll be able to scribble a few lines occasion-
ally."

Robert remained with the miner till Thursday
morning, and then made his way to Mr. Gray's
office.

ROBERT GETS A PLACE. S7

He found a tall young man with tallowy hair
and freckles standing behind the counter.

'' What can I do for you, boy ? " he asked with
lofty politeness.

Robert smiled.

" I'm the new clerk," he said. " Didn't Mr.
Gray mention me? "

" I believe he did say something about hiring
a boy. What's 3-our name?"

" Robert Frost."

" Well, Frost, my name is Mr. Livingston
Palmer."

" Indeed! Are you related to Mr. Palmer who
keeps the hotel? "

" I — ahem ! I believe we are distantly related.
Do your people live in Chicago? "

'' No. Some distance out in the country."

" Got a father and mother? "

" No, a mother — and a step-father."

" I sympathize with you. So have I a step-
father. He drinks."

" I don't think that is true of Mr. Talbot — my
step-father — but if he did, I should not dis-
like him any more. How do you like this.
business? "

" So-so."

'' Does Mr. Gray treat you w^ell ? "

«5 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" Well, I can't complain. He doesn't pay me
enough salary."

" That is a common complaint, I suppose/' said
Robert, smiling.

" How much are you to get? "

"" From Mr. Gray — five dollars."

*' That's what I got the first year. Now I only
get ten."

" That is considerabty more."

'' Yes, but it isn't enough. Why, I am the
brains of the establishment."

Robert was amused. But he saw that Mr. Liv-
ingston Palmer was quite in earnest.

'' How about the boss ? "

*' Oh, he's a fair business man, but he couldn't
get along without me."

*' Then I hope he won't have to. I will take it
as a favor if you will help me along. I am quite
inexperienced. I never was in any business be-
fore."

'' Yes, I'll look after you. If Mr. Gray knew
what was to his interest, he would take me into
partnership."

" Did you ever suggest it to him? "

"Well, no, not exactly, but I've given him a
delicate hint, but he never seemed to understand
what I meant."

ROBERT GETS A PLACE. 89

Just then Peter Gray came in. He looked quite
insignificant compared with either of his two
clerks, but Robert soon found, that he was a hus-
tler and a good man of business.

" So you are here on time? " he said pleasantly.

" Yes, sir."

" Where is my old friend, Marden? "

" He starts this forenoon for Michigan."

" So ? He seems to feel a great interest in you."

" I am glad to say he does."

*' He says you are a smart, go-ahead boy. I
hope you will prove so."

" I'll try, Mr. Gray."

" If you try you'll succeed. Now, let me tell
you a little about the business. You understand
that this is a cut-rate railroad ticket office ? "

" Yes, sir."

" You'll soon get to understand our way of do-
ing business — that is, if you pay attention."

" I will do that."

The day passed, and Robert, who was on the
alert, began to get an insight into the business.
He found that it w^as not very hard, and could
be soon mastered. He was not as much impressed
as he expected to be by the business ability of
Mr. Livingston Palmer, v/ho had claimed to be the
" brains of the business." It seemed to him that

9© OUT FOR BUSINESS.

Mr. Palmer was slow, and prone to make mis-
taKes, but those were only his first impressions,
which might be modified hereafter.

The office closed at six.

'' Where do you board, Frost? " asked the se-
nior clerk.

Robert told him.

'' I have a room, and get my meals at res-
taurants."

'' I don't think I should like that so well."

*' We live on the same street. Have you any
engagement this evening?"

" No."

'' I v/ould invite you to go to some amusement
with me, but I am almost broke."

" Then suppose you go to some amusement with
me, Mr. Palmier?"

" With pleasure," said the elder clerk, bright-
ening up — '' that is, if you don't mind the ex-
pense."

" No, I can afford it."

" I don't see how you can on five dollars a
week."

" Oh, I have an allowance besides."

" You're in luck. I wish I had."

Mr. Palmer selected a variety theater, and Rob-
ert purchased two orchestra seats, although he

ROBERT GETS A PLACE. 9I

would have preferred some performance of a
higher class.

'' Do you know why I wanted to come here? "
asked Palmer in a low confidential tone.

"No. Why?"

" There's a girl that sings here — she's a daisy,
and I have reason to think that she's sweet on
me. There's her name on the bill — Alameda
Churchill. When she comes out, give me your
opinion of her."

CHAPTER XL

MR. palmer's infatuation.

In about twenty minutes Miss Churchill ap-
peared. She was a stout young lady, weighing at
least one hundred and sixty pounds. She had a
high color, black hair, and a loud metallic voice.

Mr. Palmer surveyed her with rapt intensity.

'' That's she!" he whispered. ''Didn't I tell
you she was a daisy ? "

Robert was tempted to smile. He had a very
indefinite idea of what might be considered a
feminine daisy, but he recognized his companion's
conception of the term.

Miss Churchill sang in a loud voice and with
plenty of action one of the popular songs of the
day. Livingston Palmer looked the picture of
rapture. With his head thrown back and his eyes
fastened upon his charmer, he could hardly fail to
attract her attention.

She paused between two of the verses, and
looked at him with a smile.

92

MR. PALMER'S INFATUATION. 93

" Did you see? " he whispered in delight, " she
smiled at me."

" Yes/' answered Robert, " I noticed that she
did."

" It looks as if she was sweet on me, don't you
think so?"

" Perhaps so, I don't know much about young
ladies. I can't read their thoughts."

" How would it do for me to write her a
note?"

" What could you write ? You don't know
her?"

" But she has taken notice of me. I might ask
her for an interview."

" I don't feel competent to give you advice, Mr.
Palmer; I am only a boy."

" That is true. I — I think I will venture."

'' But what will it lead to? Your attachment
is not serious, I presume ? "

" I don't know but it may be. The fact is,
Robert, I am in love."

" ¥/ere you ever in love before, Mr. Palmer? '*

" Never. This is the first time I have met my
ideal."

" You surely wouldn't think of marrying her,"'
said Robert.

"Why not?"

94 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" I thought perhaps you would not care to
marry on ten dollars a week."

" I could not. But she is probably earning con-
siderably more. If we both of us worked, there
would be a nice income between us."

" Then you would not object to your wife ap-
pearing in a theater?"

^' No, Robert. I have no narrow prejudices."

" Then you think she would marry you ? "

" You saw for yourself how sweetly she smiled
on me. Oh, Robert, I am very happy!" and the
infatuated young m^an looked in the seventh
heaven of bliss.

" Excuse me for ten minutes, Robert," he said.
'' I am going into the Sherman House to write a
note. I will try to get it to her this evening."

Robert smiled. He was a good deal amused by
Palmer's romantic infatuation, but he did not feel
called upon to remonstrate with him.

'' I will wait for you here," he said.

In fifteen minutes Livingston Palmer returned
to his seat

''Well, have you written the note?" asked
Robert.

" Yes, here it is. Cast your eye over it, and see
what you think of it."

Robert glanced at the note.

MR. PALMER'S INFATUATION, 95

This was the way it was expressed :

"Adorable Alameda:

" Doubtless you will know from whom this
note comes. It is from the young man in the
fourth row of the orchestra on whom you smiled
so sweetly this evening. I am sure you read my
devotion in my face. I have never spoken to you,
but I feel that I love you, and I have never loved
before. Will you appoint a time when I can meet
you? Perhaps I flatter myself too much when I
say that you seem to be kindly disposed towards
me. I will send this by the usher, and will beg
for a reply. " Yours devotedly,

"Livingston Palmer."

"What do you think of it?" asked Palmer
eagerly.

" I think it ought to make a favorable impres-
sion on the young lady," said Robert, doubtfully,
however.

" I think it is pretty good, myself," said Palmer
complacently.

When the entertainment was over. Palmer went
up to one of the ushers.

" My friend," he said, " do you know Miss Al-
ameda Churchill, the singer ? "

96 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

'^Yes, sir."

" Can you manage to put this note into her
hands?"

"When?"

" To-night."

'' Well, I might if "

" I will pay you for your trouble."

" All right, sir. I see you are a gentleman.
Give it to me."

*' I shall be glad if she will send me an answer."

A few minutes later the usher returned.

" Did you give it to her ? " asked Palmer
eagerly.

" Yes, sir."

** Did she send an answer ? "

" Here it is."

It was a small scrap of paper, folded diago-
nally.

Palmer opened and read it, his heart beating
with feverish excitement. Then he smiled.

" Shall I read it to you, Robert? " he asked.

" Yes, if you like."

" Many thanks for your pretty note. To-mor-
row evening at eleven be under the window at No.
98 Lemore street.

"Alameda."

MR. PALMER'S INFATUATION, 97

" What do you think of that? " said Livingston
Palmer triumphantly. " Do you notice that she
signs herself Alameda ? "

" Yes."

" That seems nice and friendly, doesn't it? "

" Yes, it seems so."

" She is evidently taken with me. Oh, Robert,
I never was so happy."

Robert, of course, being a boy, could not enter
fully into Palmer's feelings. However, he an-
swered in a sympathetic tone which satisfied his
fellow clerk.

" I never thought I should be so fortunate," he
said. " Oh, Robert, you don't know how I feel
towards that girl."

" No, I suppose not, Mr. Palmer."

" It isn't to be expected, for you are only a
boy."

'' Yes, I am only a boy."

'' I suppose I was the same at your age. How
fortunate it was that you invited me to accompany
you this evening. I feel under the greatest obli-
gations to you," and Palmer, seizing our hero's
hand, shook it with impulsive energy.

" I am sure you are quite welcome, Mr.
Palmer."

Robert was beginning to be weary. To his

98 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

mind, Palmer seemed to be acting in a very silly
manner. However, as he reflected, he was only
a boy, and could not comprehend the effect
of a grand passion on a man like his fellow
clerk.

The next day Palmer was like a man in a dream.
He was at his desk in the office, but he found it
hard to attend to his duties in an intelligent man-
ner. He made some ludicrous blunders, which
finally attracted his employer's notice.

'' It seems to me, Mr. Palmxr," he said quietly,
'' that you are not quite yourself. Where did the
man you just v/aited on wish to go ? "

'' Alameda," blurted out Palmer. " No," he
corrected himself in some confusion, '' Denver,
Colorado."

" You seem to have Alameda on the brain. We
don't sell tickets to Alameda."

" No, sir."

'' Do you know vv^here Alam^eda is? "

" No," answered Palmer hesitatingly.

" I believe there is such a place in California,
but we never had any tickets for it."

" Yes, sir."

" For the rest of the day try to keep your wits
about you."

" Do 3^ou think he suspects," asked Palmer in

MR. PALMER'S INFATUATION'. 99-

a whisper to Robert, when Mr. Gray had gone out
for a minute.

"No; how should he?"

" Really, I hope not. It makes me feel embar-
rassed and confused."

'' I see it does. Can't you put the matter out
of your mind during business hours ? "

" I will try to, but oh, Robert, when I think of
to-night I feel like dancing a Highland fling
right in the office."

" If 3^ou did I am sure Mr. Gray would think
you were crazy."

'' Of course, I don't mean that exactly, Robert,
I was speaking figuratively."

" You refer to the figure you would cut when
you were dancing the Highland fling? "

'' I see you are witty, Robert."

" No one ever accused me of that before," said
Robert demurely.

Livingston Palmer laughed, and managed with
an effort to devote himself for the rest of the day
strictly to business.

" You will be with me to-night. Frost," he said,
as they closed the office, and started on their way
to supper.

" Do you mean that I am to go to 98 Lemore
street with you ? "

soo OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" Yes, you could stand on the other side of the
street."

" Your appointment is at eleven o'clock. What
are you going to do before that time comes ? Will
you go to the theater?"

" No. I could not enjoy it. May I pass the
evening in your room ? "

" Certainly, if you like."

" You know we can speak of her. That will be
tyetter than having my thoughts taken up by a va-
riety entertainment. But, oh, how long the even-
ing will be ! "

" We shall get through it after a while. You
might go round and take supper with me. I look
tipon you as my confidential friend."

CHAPTER XII.

AN UNLOOKED-FOR SCENE.

As the clocks of the city struck eleven Robert
and his friend Palmer turned into Lemore street.
It was a small, narrow street, lined with brick
houses, and evidently far from fashionable. The
house indicated by the singer was no. better than
its neighbors.

"I wonder which is her room?" murmured
Palmer. " There seems to be no light in any of
the windows."

But as he spoke, one of the windows was lighted
up by a lamp, which was lighted from within.

" That's her room," said Palmer joyfully.
" She is expecting me."

The curtain was lifted, and the fair face of Al-
ameda peered out. She looked across the street
and smiled, as she caught sight of Palmer and
his young companion.

"You see?"

" Yes. Perhaps I had better go now."

102 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

"No; stay till she opens the window and speaks
to me."

" Very well, if you wish it."

Livingston Palmer walked across the street,
and taking a harmonica from his pocket, started
on a tune. It was the only instrument on which
he knew how to play, and that is why he selected
it. It might have been hard to distinguish the
tune, but that was not of so much importance.
He felt that it was the proper thing to do, to sere-
nade his charmer.

Robert maintained his position, and wondered
what would come next. He had not long to wait.

The window opened, and Alameda leaned out
with something in her hand.

The next moment Palmer was drenched by the
contents of a pitcher, which Alameda poured out,
locating him with careful precision, so that he
should receive the full benefit of it.

Palmer started with a cry of dismay, and
turned quickly. But too late. His collar, his hat,
and coat were thoroughly wet. It was certainly
very aggravating, and his mortification was in-
creased by a hard, cold laugh, evidently proceed-
ing from his charmer.

" Good-night," she said, and then shut the win-
dow.

AN UNLOOKED-FOR SCENE. I03

Robert hurried across the street to where
Palmer was standing motionless, as if dazed. He
did not laugh, as most boys would have done, for
he felt indignant at the treatment his unlucky
companion had received.

'' Are you much wet? " he asked in a tone of
sympathy.

" Yes," answered Livingston Palmer in a hol-
low voice. '' But it is not that that troubles me.
She is false, heartless. Oh, Robert, my heart is
broken ! "

And the poor fellow actually shed tears.

" Brace up, Palmer ! " said Robert in a cheery
voice. " She is not worthy of you: You are
lucky to have found her out so soon."

" Perhaps you are right," said Palmer in a
mournful voice. " But how could she be so false,
so cruel? "

"" You had not known her long? "

" No."

" And you will soon forget her, nov/ that you
know how false she is."

'' I don't know, Robert," said the poor fel-
low sadly. " I don't think I shall ever get over
it."

'^ Oh, yes, you will. You will meet someone
else, who will appreciate your devotion."

I04 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

They heard the window opening again, and
fearing a second deluge, drew quickly away.

It was just in time, for the pitcher was again
emptied, but this time the water only wet the side-
walk.

" Surely you can't love her after that," said
Robert.

" No. She is not what my fancy painted her.
What can I do?"

" You had better let the matter drop."

'' No. I will go home and write her a reproach-
ful letter. I will make her ashamed of herself."

" Better not. She will only laugh at it."

'' But it will make me feel better. I — would
you mind going into the Sherman House with me
while I write the letter ? "

" Better wait till to-morrow."

" No, it will ease my breaking heart if I write
to her to-night."

Sympathizing with his friend, Robert made no
further opposition, and Palmer stepped into the
Sherman House, procured a sheet of paper, and
wrote thus :

" Perfidous Girl :

" How could you find it in your heart to treat
so cruelly one who loves you so wildly ? You led

AN UNLOOKED-FOR SCENE. 105

iiie to think that you returned my love, at any
rate that you felt an interest in me. I have just
returned from the house in Lemore street. I will
not refer to the way you received me. It was
cruel and unwomanly. I feel that my heart has re-
ceived a wound from which it will never recover.
Yet, if you acted in a thoughtless manner, and
did not mean to wound me, I am ready to forgive
and forget all. Once more I will come to
your side, and renew my vows of devotion. I put
my business address below, and shall be most glad
to hear from you.

" Your faithful friend,

" Livingston Palmer."

" What do you think of that, Robert? " asked
Palmer, handing the boy the letter to read.

" I wouldn't have said anything about going
back to her, if I had been you."

" But perhaps she only meant it in fun. Girls
sometimes act that way."

" Not if they love a person."

" But if there is any chance of getting in with
her again, I don't v/ant to lose it."

" Well, Mr. Palmer, if you are satisfied with
the letter, you had better mail it."

*' I'll get a stamp and mail it to-night"

lo6 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Now I think we had better go home and go
to bed."

" I shall not sleep to-night, Robert," said
Palmer mournfully. '' My poor heart is too
sore; " and he placed his hand on the place where
he supposed his heart to be.

'' I am glad I am not old enough to have any
heart troubles."

'' Yes, you are fortunate. But your time will
come."

Robert doubted whether he should ever be af-
fected like Palmer, but he dropped the subject,
and went home to bed.

Palmer appeared at business the next day. His
face showed a mild melancholy, but there were
no indications of a breaking heart.

Vvhenever the postman entered the office, he
looked up hopefully. But there was no letter for
him till three o'clock. And then it was not di-
rected in a teminine hand. But he opened it
eagerly. As he 'read it his face became blanched.
Then he laid it down on the counter and beck-
oned to Robert. Mr. Gray was not in the office,

" Is the letter from her? " asked Robert.

" No, but it is about her. Read it."

Robert cast his eye over he letter. It was
written in a large masculine harij. It ran thus:

AN UNLOOKED-FOR SCENE. lo7

*^ Mr. Livingston Palmer.

" Dear Sir : You have dared to write an insult-
ing letter to my wife and I demand an apology.
You are evidently seeking to alienate her affections
from me. If ever she should forsake me it won't
be for such a man as you. She requests me to say
that your attentions are unw^elcome, and that she
has never given you any encouragement. If you
renew them, I will horsewhip you on sight.
" Yours, etc.,

" Peter Churchill.

" Should you take offense at my letter, I am
willing to meet you on the field of honor. You
have the choice of weapons."

" So Alameda is a married woman ? " said
Robert, rather amused.

" Yes."

" And her husband charges you with trying to
alienate her affections ? "

" It is terrible ! " murmured Palmer.

" And he hints at a duel. Shall you meet him
on the field of honor, Mr. Palmer ? "

" No ! no ! I wouldn't fight a duel for
anything. What do you think I had better
do?"

" Write a letter of apology. Tell him you did

Io8 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

not know she was a married woman, and will
withdraw your attentions."

" I will. I — I don't think I love her any more,
now that I know she is another man's wife."

" You are quite right. It would not be hon-
orable."

" Still she encouraged me."

" You had better not say anything about that
Mr. Churchill might take offense, and insist on
your fighting a duel."

" My dream is at an end. I will never think of
her again."

" You are wise."

Livingston Palmer wrote a letter of apology,
and mailed it just after supper. After that he
seemed more cheerful. Robert concluded that
his heart was not quite broken.

The next day about eleven o'clock a large
dark-complexioned man with black hair and
whiskers and a deep, hoarse voice entered the
office.

" What can I do for you, sir ? " asked Robert,
who was nearest the door.

" Is Mr. Livingston Palmer employed here ? "

" Yes, sir. That is he."

The new arrival strode up to where Palmer was
standing.

AN UNLOOKED-FOR SCENE. 109

" Mr. Palmer," he said. " I have received
your letter. I am Peter Churchill."

Palmer turned pale, his knees knocked together,
and he looked terror-stricken.

CHAPTER XIII.

ROBERT RECEIVES A LETTER.

As Palmer looked at the stalwart black-bearded
man facing him a terrible fear sent a tremor
through his slender frame. Suppose the fellow
had come to inflict punishment upon him ? Sup-
pose he had a cowhide somewhere concealed about
his clothes? He felt ready to sink through the
floor.

" I hope," he said tremulously, '' you found my
letter satisfactory. I — I didn't know Alameda —
I mean Mrs. Churchill — was married."

" Oh, that's all right. So you supposed her
single ? "

*' I assure you I do."

" Well, at any rate she got even with you. She
told me of the pitcher of water she threw on you
out of the window. How did it feel ? "

" Very wet," responded Palmer with a faint
smile.

"Good joke!" said Churchill, laughing bois-
terously. " I wish I had been there.'*

ROBERT RECEIVES A LETTER. HI

Somehow Palmer did not enjoy having the
scene which had been so harrowing to him re-
called. Yet this man must be propitiated.

" I was there," he said with a feeble attempt at
a joke.

" So you were, so you were. When Alameda
told me about it I nearly laughed myself to death."

Palmer began to recover from his alarm. Evi-
dently the injured husband was not disposed to
take things seriously, for he seemed in a good
humor.

'' I hope you don't object to my admiring your
wife? " he said.

" No, it does credit to your taste, but I can't
have you flirting with her."

" I assure you my intentions were and are
strictly honorable."

'' Oh, Alameda will take care of that. I'll tell
you what I came about."

'' As long as it isn't about a duel, I don't mind,"
thought Palmer.

" My wife is to have a benefit next Thursday
evening. Tickets are a dollar each. How many
v/ill you take ? "
I'll take one."

Better take two. You can scare up some
young lady to take with you."

a T'1

112 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I don't know many young ladies/'

" Don't tell me that. You were not so very
bashful with Alameda."

" I— I believe I'll take two."

" All right ! Here they are."

" Fm afraid I haven't got two dollars with me,"
said Palmer embarrassed. In fact, he lived so
closely up to his income that he seldom had that
amount about him.

Peter Churchill frowned a little.

" I can't leave the tickets without the money,"
he said.

" I'll lend you the money, Mr. Palmer," said
Robert.

'' Thank you," said the senior clerk gratefully.

" Won't you take a couple of tickets, young
fellow ? " asked Churchill.

'' No, sir. I will use one of Mr. Palmer's
tickets."

The tickets were paid for and transferred to
Palmer's vest-pocket. Then Alameda's husband
left the office.

" I'm glad he's gone," said Livingston Palmer
feebly. " I — I really thought he'd come in to
horsewhip me."

'' I guess he could do it," said Robert, with a
smile.

ROBERT RECEIVES A LETTER, 113

'' Isn't he a terrible looking ruffian? To think
the divine Alameda should be married to such a
man!"

" It's a pity she didn't meet you first. But I
say, Mr. Palmer, you'd better give up paying at-
tentions to her. It wouldn't be safe."

" I shall never dare to speak to her again."

'' And you won't try to alienate her affections
from him."

'' No," answered Palmer fervently. " I — I
feel that I have had a narrow escape,"

Two weeks passed without any event of impor-
tance. Robert had no difficulty in "getting the
run " of the business in the office, and it is not
too much too say that he became in that short
time quite as efficient as Livingston Palmer,
though the latter had been in the office for several
years. Robert was on the whole satisfied with
his position, but it must be confessed that he was
looking around for something better.

'' I am sure Mr. Marden wouldn't want me to
remain here if I could improve myself," he
thought. " In fact, I think he would like me the
better for striking out for myself."

'' It's a terribly dull life — this in a stuffy
office," said Livingston Palmer one day. Since
his upsetting with the variety singer the senior

114 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

clerk had hardly known what to do with him-
self.

'' That's true," answered Robert. " But it's
much better than doing nothing."

'' That's true."

" When I struck out from home I was at first
afraid I would be left stranded."

" Humph ! that wouldn't happen to me," said
Palmer loftily. " I am certain I could strike
something at once, if I tried."

Robert did not agree with his fellow clerk, since
he had seen m.any a poor fellow on the streets beg-
ging for work of any kind. But he saw it would
be useless to attempt to argue Palmer out of his
high opinion of himself.

On the day following there came a long letter
for Robert. It was postmarked Timberville,
Michigan, and w^as from Dick Marden.

" My dear Robert," wrote the miner, " I've
been wanting to drop you a few lines for some
time, but could not get around to do it. When
I arrived here I found my uncle, Felix Amberton,
very ill, and I have had to take practically entire
charge of his affairs. My uncle is a bachelor like
myself, so he hadn't even a wife to depend upon
in this emergency.

ROBERT RECEIVES A LETTER. US

" My uncle owns a large lumber interest here,
close to the upper end of the State, and several
Canadians are trying to force him into a sale of
his lands at a low price. They claim to have
some hold upon the land.

** I must say I wish you were up here with me
— to help run the lumber office. I have to be out
on the lands a greater part of the time, and the
office clerk is not to be trusted, since he is a great
friend of the Canadians I mentioned. I am in
hopes that my imcle will soon recover, to take
charge for himself."

Dick Marden's letter interested Robert greatly.
The confinement of city life was beginning to tell
on the boy, who had heretofore lived more or less
in the open at home.

'' I'd like to go to Timberville," he said to
Palmer, when he showed the communication.
" The smell of pine and spruce would do a fellow
a world of good."

'' It wouldn't suit me," said Palmer, with a de-
cided shake of his head. " Why, you have no
amusements in a place like that — no theaters, no
concerts, no billiard parlors, nothing."

'' And yet people get along very well without
them," smiled Robert.

Il6 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" They can't have very elevated tastes."

" Perhaps more elevated than you think, Liv-»
ingston. I've known some lumbermen who were!
very well educated."

" If I made a change do you know what 1
would do ? " asked Palmer.

" No."

" I would go on the stage," said the senior cleric
earnestly.

" What stage ? Perhaps the variety stage the!
adorable Alameda is on, eh ? "

" No ! no ! I am done with that forever. I
would go in for tragedy."

" Tragedy doesn't pay, so I've heard said.'*

" Good, real talent will pay, I feel sure of it."

" And what would you play, Hamlet? "

" I would play all of Shakespeare's plays, but
the part of Sparticus the Gladiator would suit me
better."

" Did you ever act ? "

" Twice — at the Twice-a-week Club. Wei
gave Julius Caesar, and I was Caesar. The per-
formance was a great success from an artistic
standpoint."

" How about it financially? "

" Well, to tell the truth, we ran about thirty-
three dollars behind."

ROBERT RECEIVES A LETTER. "7

" Which proves what I said, that tragedy
doesn't pay," said Robert, with a short laugh.

'' My support was very poor, and, besides, our
performance was not advertised widely enough."

'' I presume the newspapers gave you some
favorable notices."

" No, they did nothing of the sort. We had
not given them much advertising and so they ig-
nored us. You know they won't do a thing
without being paid for it."

" I didn't know it. I thought they gave the
news. Why, sometimes they condemn a play
even while they advertise it."

'' Never mind, they ought to have praised our
play, but they didn't." And here Palmer walked
away and the subject was dropped.

CHAPTER XIV.

JAMES TALBOT LEARNS SOMETHING OF
IMPORTANCE.

A WEEK passed and nothing of special interest
happened. During that time Robert wrote to his
mother, telhng her where he was and what he was
doing. He hoped to receive a letter in return, and
was quite disappointed when no word came back.

The trouble was that the letter he had sent fell
into James Talbot's hands.

'' Here is a letter for Mrs. Talbot," said the
postmaster, one day to Talbot, when the latter
had called at the place for the mail.

'' All right, ril take it home to her," answered
Robert's step-father.

" It's from Chicago," said the postmaster,
whose name was Joel Blarcomb. '' It looks like
Robert's handwriting, too."

'' Do you know Robert's writing? " questioned
Mr. Talbot.

*' Very well. He once did some writing for
me in my books, when I had injured my finger on

JAMES TALBOT LEARNS SOMETHING. II9

a nail in a sugar barrel," said the Dostmaster, who
also kept the principal store in Granville.

" Well, give me the letter and I will take it
home," said Mr. Talbot, and soon after left the
store with the communication in his pocket.

As soon as he was out of sight of the store he
began to inspect the letter and wondered what it
contained.

" More than likely the young rascal has sent
to his mother for money," he thought. '^ I've a
good mind to open the letter and read it."

The communication was not sealed very well,
and by breathing repeatedly upon the flap James
Talbot soon had the envelope open. Then he
drew out the letter and read it.

He was chagrined to learn that his step-son
was doing so nicely and needed no assistance.

" He seems to have fallen upon his feet," he
murmured. " Well, I'll wager it won't last.
Sooner or later he'll be back home and wanting
me and his mother to take care of him. When
that time comes, I'll dictate pretty stiff terms to
him, or my name isn't James Talbot."

One passage in the letter positively angered
him.

" I trust Mr. Talbot treats you as you should be

120 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

treated," wrote Robert. " If he does not, let me
know, and I will compel him to do what is right.
He must remember that the house and everything
else belongs to you so long as you live."

" Belongs to you so long as you live," mused
James Talbot. " Can it be possible that the es-
tate goes to Robert after his mother's death? I
must look into this."

At first he was of a mind to destroy the letter,
but thought better of it and placed it again in the
envelope.

When he reached the house he found his
wife in the garden, sitting under a grape arbor.
Mrs. Talbot's face showed that she had been
weeping.

"Why, my love, what is the matter?" he
asked softly. Of late he had been treating her
well, having what is popularly called " an ax to
grind."

" Nothing is the matter, James."

" But your face shows that you have been
crying."

" It is nothing."

" Have you had any trouble with Jane ? "

" No."

"Then what is it?"

JAMES TALBOT LEARNS SOMETHING. 121

'' I was thinking of Robert. Isn't it terrible
that I get no word from him? "

Mr. Talbot started, and his hand went into the
pocket where the letter rested. Then he recov-
ered and shrugged his shoulders.

'' I have already told you what I think of the
boy," he said. '' My love, he is unworthy of your
tears."

" Oh, James ! "

" It is true. He has gone out into the world
and has forgotten you."

" No, no ! Robert would never be so heart-
less."

"■ I think I know him better than do you.
You are blind to the truth because you are his
mother."

" He may be penniless, or sick, so that he can-
not write."

" Perhaps he is out on the ocean, or on the
Great Lakes/' said Mr. Talbot.

*' Even so, I am sure he would have written be-
fore going."

'' You must not think so much of him, my love.
You are altogether too melancholy. I have just
learned that we are to have a first-class theatrical
company in Granville next week. I will get
good seats and take you there."

122 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I do not care to go to any play. Life is too
real to me for that."

" You are blue, Sarah. Forget the boy and
you will feel better," said James Talbot, and re-
ceiving no answer to this, he walked away.

'' Forget Robert ! forget my only child ! "
thought Mrs. Talbot. " Never ! Oh, if I only
knew where I could write to him ! "

On the day following Mrs. Talbot had occasion
to call at Joel Blarcomb's store to order a number
of groceries for the house.

" I hope you got good news from Robert," said
the postmaster, after she had given her order.

" Good news? " she repeated, in bewilderment.
" I haven't any news, Mr. Blarcomb."

'' Oh, then that Chicago letter wasn't from
him?"

"What Chicago letter?"

" The one I gave to Mr. Talbot yesterday. I
felt certain it was your son's handwriting on the
envelope."

" He gave me no letter," answered the lady,
and then a sudden fear came into her heart that
made her feel faint. Had her husband received
a letter from her son and destroyed it?

''No, no, he would not be so cruel?" she
thought.

JAMES TALBOT LEARNS SOMETHING, 1 23

" Well, the letter was for you, whether you got
it or not," said Joel Blarcomb bluntly. He did
not like James Talbot any more than did many
others in the little town. All who had had deal-
ings with Robert's step-father had found him
mean to the last degree.

" Perhaps he has forgotten to give it
to me," said Mrs. Talbot, and abruptly left
the store. Joel Blarcomb gazed after her pity-
ingly.

'' She didn't make no happy match an' I know
it," he muttered. ''That Talbot aint half the
man Frost was."

Arriving at home, Mrs. Talbot at once sought
out her husband.

'* James, v/here is the letter Mr. Blarcomb gave
you for me? " she demanded.

" The letter? " he said carelessly. " Why — er
— that didn't amount to anything."

" Did you open it ? "

" Yes — by mistake. It was only an advertise-
ment from a Chicago investment company. The
men who run it are little better than swindlers
and I don't want you to have anything to do with
them."

Mrs. Talbot's heart sank. The letter was not
from Robert after all.

124 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" Still, I would like to see the letter," she con«
tinued.

'' I am sorry, my love, but I really believe I
tore it up — in fact I am sure I did."

'' You shouldn't have done that, since it was
addressed to me."

" As your husband, I didn't do so very wrong
to open the letter. When I saw what it was I
thought best to destroy it — I didn't want you to
place any of your money in the hands of such
swindlers. If you did that you would never see
a dollar of it again."

" Don't you think I am capable of looking out
a little bit for myself, James ? "

'' Not in money matters, Sarah. Such things
a woman should leave entirely to her husband."

" I feel I must differ with you. After Mr.
Frost died I became the sole executrix of his will,
and I do not know that an3rthing has gone
wrong."

" Oh, I do not say that." James Talbot paused
for a moment. " Speaking of Mr. Frost," he
continued. " May I ask, did he leave his estate
entirely to you? "

" No, he left me my choice of one-half of all he
possessed, the other half to go to Robert, or the
use of everything so long as I lived, all to go to

JAMES TALBOT LEARNS SOMETHING, 125

Robert after my death, providing he was living
at that time."

*' And which did you choose," asked Talbot,
trying vainly to conceal his intense interest in the
matter.

" I chose a life interest only, and signed the
necessary papers for the surrogate."

'' Then when you die, all will go to that good-
for-nothing boy."

"All will go to Robert, yes; but he is not a
good-for-nothing boy."

" That is where we differ, Mrs. Talbot. Once
he gets the fortune he will run through it like
wildfire, mark my words."

" Robert is far too sensible to do any such
thing."

'' Suppose he dies before you do, what then be-
comes of the estate? "

" It becomes mine absolutely."
1 see.

" But I do not anticipate Robert will die be-
fore I do," went on Mrs. Talbot. "He is a
strong, healthy lad."

" True, but there is many an accident hap-
pens to a boy that is knocking around like
him."

" Mr. Talbot, do you wish any harm to befall

126 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

my son? " demanded the lady of the house, half
angrily.

" Oh, no, of course not. But in knocking
around he is taking a big risk, you must admit
that."

At these words Mrs. Talbot's face became a
study and she left her husband without another
word.

" I really believe he wishes Robert out of the
way," she thought. '' Then the money would be
mine, and he would try to get me to leave it to
him."

Left to himself James Talbot walked up and
down in moody contemplation.

" Here's a nice mess," he muttered. " I
thought the whole estate belonged to her. If she
died to-morrow I would be turned out without
a cent and that boy or his guardian would take
sole possession. I half wish I could get him out
of my way for good, I really do." And then he
began to speculate upon how such a dark deed
could be accomplished.

CHAPTER XV.

THE RESULT OF A FIRE.

On the following Sunday morning Robert at-=
tended one of the principal churches in Chicago
and heard what he considered a very fine sermon
on charity.

" I suppose we ought all to be more charitable,"
he thought, on coming out. '' But I must say I
find it very hard to have any charitabk feelings
for Mr. Talbot. I do hope he is treating mother
as he should."

He was walking down State Street when he
heard a comm.otion on the thoroughfare. A fire
engine was coming along, folloAved by a long
hook and ladder truck. He watched them and to
his surprise saw them draw up almost in front of
the tall office building in which Mr. Gray's cut-
rate ticket establishment was located.

'' Can it be possible that our place is on fire? "
he cried, and ran to the office with all speed.

He soon discovered that the building was a
mass of flames from top to bottom, the fire having

128 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

started in the boiler room in the basement and
found a natural outlet through the elevator shafts*
He tried to get into the office, but the door was
locked and he had no key.

•' Back there, young man ! " came from a
policeman, as he rushed up to force the gathering
crowd out of the firemen's way.

" I work in this office," answered Robert.
** Hadn't I better try to save something? "

" Are your books in your safe? "

*' I presume they are."

" Then you had better get back. Something
may cave in soon, you know."

While Robert hesitated another officer came
along, and then everybody was ordered back, and
a rope was stretched across the street at either
end of the block. Meanwhile the fire kept in-
creasing until it was easy to see that the office
building was doomed.

" It's too bad," thought Robert, as he watched
the progress of the flames. '' This will upset Mr.
Gray's business completely."

Half an hour later, as the boy was moving
around in the dense crowd, he ran across Living-
ston Palmer.

" This will throw us out of employment, Liv-
ingston," he said.

THE RESULT OF A FIRE. I29

" It looks like it, Robert," answered the senior
clerk. '' Still, I can't say that I care so much."

"You do not?"

" No. You see, after we closed up Saturday-
night I met my friend Jack Dixon, of the Combi-
nation Comedy Company, and he has offered me
a place to travel with the organization."

" And you are going to accept? "

'' I certainly shall now. At first I was on the
fence about it, for I wanted to get with a tragedy
company. But I suppose this will do for a step-
ping stone to something better."

Robert had his doubts about this, for Palmer
had recited several times for him, and he had
thought the recitations very poor. But the
senior clerk was thoroughly stage-struck, and
Robert felt that it would do no good to argue the
matter with him.

" Your leaving may throw Mr. Gray into a
worse hole than ever," he ventured.

" Oh, I guess not. He will have you to fall
back on. I doubt if he will be able to resume
business immediately."

Livingston Palmer was right in the latter sur-
mise. The next day Robert found his employer
in an office on the opposite side of the street.

'' I am ail upset, Frost," said Mr. Gray. " The

I30 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

safe has dropped to the bottom of the ruins and it
will be a week or two before they can dig it out."

" Shall you resume at once? "

*' I hardly think so. The fact is, I have tele-
graphed to my brother in New York about busi-
ness there. It may be that I shall open up in that
city instead of here."

'' Then I fancy I can consider myself disen-
gaged for the present."

" Yes. I am sorry for you, but you can see it
cannot be helped."

" I don't blame you in the least, Mr. Gray. I
am sorry on your own account, as well as mine,
that you have been burnt out. I hope you were
fully insured."

" I was, in a way. Yet I have lost valuable
records which no amount of money can replace."

When Robert left the office it was with a sober
face. He was out of a position. What should
he do next?

*' It's too bad," he mused. '' And just after
writing to mother that I was doing so nicely."

All told he had saved up about twenty-five dol-
lars, and he resolved to be very careful of this
amount and not spend a cent more than was neces-
sary, until another situation was secured.

Feeling that no time was to be lost, he pro-

THE RESULT OF A FIRE. 13I

cured two of the morning papers and carefully
read the want columns. There were several ad-
vertisements which seemed to promise well, and
he made a note of these and then started to visit
the addresses given.

The first was at a restaurant where a cashier
was wanted. Robert found the resort to be any-
thing but high-styled. It was on a side street and
looked far from clean.

" Well, a fellow can't be too particular," he
thought, and marched inside without hesitation.

" This way," said the head waiter, thinking he
had come in to get something to eat. ,

" I wish to see the proprietor," answered
Robert. " He advertised for a cashier."

" He's got one."

" Oh, if that's so, excuse me for troubling
you," and the boy turned on his heel to walk
out.

'' Hold on," said the head waiter. " I don't
think the new man suits Mr. Hinks entirely.
Perhaps he'll give you a show after all. You'll
find Mr. Hinks over at the pie counter yonder,"
and the waiter jerked his thumb in the direction.

Robert walked to the counter and found a short,
stout m-an in charge. The individual had a pair
of crafty eyes that the boy did not at all admire.

132 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I came to see about that position which you
advertised," he said.

" Yes? Have you had any experience? "

" I worked in a cut-rate ticket office — the one
that was burned out on Sunday last. I think I
could do the work of an ordinary cashier."

" No doubt you could, if you are used to han-
dling money. Did you work for Gray? "

'' Yes, sir."

" Well, I reckon he wouldn't have you unless
you were all right," said Mr. Hinks. " I've got
a new man on but he don't suit — he's too fussy
and particular. Last night he left his desk and
ran all the way to the sidewalk to give a man a
dollar bill which he had forgotten."

" Well, that shows he is honest," said Robert,
with a laugh.

" Yes, but my desk might have been robbed in
the meantime."

" I suppose that is true."

" I don't want a man to be so honest as all
that, — that is, with the customers, — although he
must be honest with me. If a customer is foolish
enough to leave his change behind, why let him
lose it, that's my motto. What do you want a
week?"

" I was getting twelve dollars."

THE RESULT OF A FIRE. 133

" Phew ! That's pretty stiff/'

" I might start in for less."

'' I never pay a man over five dollars."

'' I cannot live on five dollars, I am afraid."

" Well, you pick up a good deal, you know,"
replied Mr. Hinks, and closed one eye suggest-
ively.

" You mean in the way of tips? "

" Tips ? Oh, no, they go to the waiters. But
through making change and the like," and Mr.
Hinks closed one eye again.

Robert's face flushed.

" Do you mean by giving people the wrong
change ? " he demanded indignantly.

" I didn't say so. But I know almost every
cashier picks up lots of extra money in one way
and another."

" Not if they are honest, sir. And I would not
be dishonest — I would starve first. I am out for
business, but not the kind of business you seem
to expect of your employees."

At this plain talk Mr. Hinks scowled darkly at
Robert.

'' Here, here, I won't have you speak to me in
this fashion," he blustered. '' If you don't like
the offer I've made you, you can get out."

" I don't like the offer, and I think it is an out-

134 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

rage that you are allowed to conduct business on
such principles," replied Robert, and lost no time
in quitting the place. The proprietor followed
him to the door and shook his fist after him.

The next place was a map-maker's office.
Here there v/as a large force of clerks, and the
youth was received very politely.

" I am sorry to keep you waiting," said the
clerk who advanced to see what the boy wanted.
" But Mr. Ruggles is very busy at present. Will
you sit down or call again ? "

" ril wait a little while," said Robert, who
was favorably impressed by the surroundings.
'' That is, if the place that was advertised is still
open."

'' I can't say as to that. There have been sev-
eral applicants, but the entire matter is in Mr.
Ruggles' hands."

The clerk turned away and Robert dropped on
a long bench running up one side of the waiting
room. Hardly had he settled himself than two
men came in. One looked like an Englishman
while the other was evidently French.

The clerk greeted them as if they had been there
before.

'' Mr. Stanhope will see you directly," he said.

" We cannot wait too long," said the English-

THE RESULT OF A FIRE. 1 35

man. " My friend — ^Jean Le Fevre, must get
back to Michigan as soon as possible."

" I will tell Mr. Stanhope," said the clerk, and
vanished into an inner office.

Left to themselves, the Englishman and the
Frenchman began to converse rapidly, the sub-
ject of their talk being a certain tract of timber
land in the upper section of Michigan. This
interested Robert, who could not help but hear all
that was said.

'' Ze map — zat is what we want," he heard the
French Canadian — for such Jean Le Fevre was —
say. '' Once we have zat, and the land will be
ours."

" Right you are," answered the Englishman.
" And then old Felix Amberton can whistle for
his money. His claim won't be worth the paper
it is written upon."

Robert was startled at these words. He re-
membered that Felix Amberton was the name of
Dick Marden's uncle, the Michigan lumberman.
Were these the fellows who wished to get the lum-
berman's lands av/ay from him?

CHAPTER XVI.

TWO DISAPPOINTMENTS.

" I MUST hear all they have to say," thought
Robert.

Ordinarily he despised playing the part of an
eavesdropper, but in the present instance he felt
justified in doing so.

" It ees a great pity zat man came to help Mis-
tair Amberton," went on the Canadian. " Who
is he, do you know, Mistair Hammerditch ? "

" His name is Harden and he is Amberton's
nephew."

" He seem to be verra smart, as you call heem."

" Perhaps he is smart, Le Fevre. But I don't
think he can outwit me," returned Oscar Ham-
merditch. He was one of the kind of men who
hold a very exalted opinion of themselves.

The French Canadian nodded his round head
rapidly.

" No, he cannot outwit you — nor Jean Le

Fevre. Once we have ze map and all will be

well."

136

TWO DISAPPOINTMENTS. 137

At that moment the clerk came forward again.

** Mr. Ruggles is at hberty now," he said to
Robert. '^ You had best go in at once, before
one of the clerks engages him."

'' Thank you, I will," answered the boy.

" I wish he had left me to listen to those
schemers a bit longer," was what he thought.

But there seemed no help for it, and leaving
the Englishman and the Canadian talking ear-
nestly to each other he entered the private office
of the proprietor of the firm.

Mr. Ruggles proved to be a pleasant man past
middle age.

" If you have been waiting to see me I am
sorry for you," he said, after Robert had stated
the object of his visit. *' I engaged a clerk less
than an hour ago."

This was a set-back and the boy's face fell.

" I am sorry too," he said. '' I imagine this
office would just suit me."

" You can leave your name and address. Per-
haps the other young man may not be suitable.
Have you any recommendations ? "

" I worked for Mr. Peter Gray, the cut-rate
ticket man. We were burnt out, and Mr. Gray
doesn't know what he is going to do next."

" I know Mr. Gray, and if he can recommend

138 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

you that will be sufficient. Here is a sheet o£
paper. Do you know what I pay a clerk at the
start?"

"No, sir?"

" Can you keep an ordinary set of books ? "

" Yes, sir."

" How about writing an ordinary business
letter?"

" I wrote many letters for Mr. Gray."

*' In that case I would be willing to start you
at eight dollars per week, and after six months I
w^ould raise you to ten dollars."

" That would be satisfactory."

" Then leave your name and address. Even if
that new clerk does suit there may be another
opening before long — although I would not ad-
vise you to lay back and depend upon \ir

" I couldn't afford to lay back, sir."

" You have to support yourself? "

" I do."

*' Then I trust you get an opening soon — if I
cannot use you," concluded Mr. Ruggles.

Robert wrote out his name in his best style, and
added the address of his boarding house. The
handwriting pleased the map-publisher, but he
put it on file without comment. Tiien the boy
bowed himself out.

TWO DISAPPOINTMENTS. 139

" What a nice man/' he thought. ^^ I like him
even better than I do Mr. Gray."

He was pleased to think that, although there
was no immediate opening for him, there might
be one in the near future.

As Robert entered the outer office he looked
around for the Englishman and the Canadian.
They v/ere nowhere to be seen.

*' They are either in one of the other offices or
they have gone," he said to himself. ^' I'd give
a good deal to know just what they are up to.
When I wTite to Mr. Marden I must tell him
about the pair."

Once on the sidewalk the boy hardly knew
how to turn. He had one more place on his list
— that of a wholesale butcher, but the idea
of working in a packing house did not please
him.

'' I don't believe it would suit me," he said to
himself. " Especially if I had to work down by
the stockyards."

Nevertheless, he was resolved not to remain
idle if it could be helped, and so started out to find
the address.

The locality was some distance from the center
of the city and in a neighborhood filled with fac-
tories and saloons. At the corner of the block

I40 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

upon which the packing establishment was
located, Robert came to a halt.

" I don't believe mother would like me to work
in such a place as this," he mused. " The folks
may be honest enough, but they don't know the
meaning of the word refinement."

" Lookin' fer sumthin', mister ? "

The question came from a very small and very
dirty boy who had brushed up against Robert's
elbow.

" Hardly," answered Robert. " Is that Rogers'
packing house over there? "

" Yes."

" Thank you, that's all I wanted to know."

'' Goin' in to see Mr. Rogers ? "

" I was thinking of it."

** Better not go now ? "

"Why?"

" He jest came out of O'Grady's saloon and
he's more'n half full."

'^ Do you mean drunk ? "

" Dat's it."

" Then I don't think I care to see him."

"Does he owe you anything?" went on the
street urchin, with a coolness that swallowed up
the impertinence of the question.

" No, he doesn't owe me anything. He ad-

TIVO DISAPPOINTMENTS, 14I

vertised for a clerk and I had a notion I would
strike for the situation/' answered Robert, who
could not help but like the street lad, he had such
an open, friendly face.

'' He had a fight with one o' his clerks day be-
fore yesterday, an' the clerk got a black eye."

"Indeed. iVnd what did the clerk do?"

" I heard dad say he was going to have old
Rogers arrested, but Rogers gave him some extry
money to keep still about it."

" And that is the reason he wants a new clerk,
eh? " said Robert, with a short laugh. " Well, I
don't think I'll apply."

" Couldn't you lick old Rogers if he hit you
first?"

" I wouldn't want to get into a fi.ght with him."

" He's a terror when he's half drunk — my dad
says so."

'' Does he work in the place? "

" Yes, he's a butcher."

" And did he ever have any trouble? "

*' Lots of times. Once old Rogers followed
my dad with a butcher knife, but dad up and
knocked the knife from his hand with a club."

" i\nd what did your father do then ? "

" He vv^as goin' to have old Rogers locked up
for salt the battery, or sumt'ing like that, but

142 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

Rogers he raised dad's wages a dollar a week,
an' so dad didn't do nuthin."

*' Evidently Mr. Rogers thinks money will
cover everything," said Robert. '*' Well, it
wouldn't cover everything with me."

" I'd like to see old Rogers git one good wal-
lopin' — an' so would all of the boys around here.
He won't let none of us around the packing
house to see what's going on. He calls us all a
set of thieves."

" He certainly must be a hard m.an to work
for," concluded Robert. " I don't want to go
near him," and with this remark he walked back
the way he had come.

CHAPTER XVIL

ROBERT IS GIVEN A MISSION.

"Well, what luck?" asked Livingston
Palmer, when he and Robert met again.

" No luck at all," answered Robert.

" That's bad."

" One man said he might have an opening in
the near future."

" That's all right, but a fellow can't live on
promises."

" Exactly my idea."

" Why don't you try the stage, as I am going
to do."

'' I don't believe I can act."

" No one knows what is in him until he tries.
Didn't you ever recite ? "

" In school, yes. But I don't think I ever made
a hit, as actors call it."

" If you managed to get in with Jack Dixon I
might be able to coach you in your .part," said
Livingston Palmer loftily.

43

144 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Have you had a part assigned to you yet ? "
asked Robert curiously.

'' Yes. We are to play two plays, ' The Home-
less Sister/ and ' All for Love/ In ' The Home-
less Sister ' I am to take the part of a heartless
landlord, and in ' All for Love ' I am a butler in a
Fifth Avenue mansion in New York."

" Are they leading parts ? "

" Well — er — hardly. Dixon says he can't put
me in leading parts yet, for it would make the
older actors jealous."

" I see."

" He says he will shove me ahead as soon as
I've made a hit."

" Then I trust you make a hit on the opening
night."

" Oh, I certainly shall. I have my lines down
fine, and Dixon says my make-up is just what it
ought to be."

" Aren't you afraid of being nervous ? "

'' Nervous ? Not a bit. Did you ever see me
nervous, Frost ? "

" No — excepting-- — " Robert was going to
mention the time when the adorable Alameda's
husband had called at the ticket office, but cut
himself short.

'' Excepting when? "

THE RESULT OF A FIRE. 129

" It looks like it, Robert," answered the senior
clerk. '* Still, I can't say that I care so much."

"You do not?"

'' No. You see, after we closed up Saturday
night I met my friend Jack Dixon, of the Combi-
nation Comedy Company, and he has offered me
a place to travel with the organization."

'* And you are going to accept? "

'' I certainly shall now. At first I was on the
fence about it, for I wanted to get with a tragedy
company. But I suppose this will do for a step-
ping stone to something better."

Robert had his doubts about this, for Palmer
had recited several times for him, and he had
thought the recitations very poor. But the
senior clerk was thoroughly stage-struck, and
Robert felt that it would do no good to argue the
matter with him.

" Your leaving may throw Mr. Gray into a
worse hole than ever," he ventured.

" Oh, I guess not. He will have you to fall
back on. I doubt if he will be able to resume
business immediately."

Livingston Palmer was right in the latter sur-
mise. The next day Robert found his employer
in an office on the opposite side of the street.

" I am all upset. Frost," said Mr. Gray. " The

t30 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

safe has dropped to the bottom of the ruins and it
will be a week or two before they can dig it out."

'' Shall you resume at once? "

" I hardly think so. The fact is, I have tele-
graphed to my brother in New York about busi-
ness there. It may be that I shall open up in that
city instead of here."

'* Then I fancy I can consider myself disen-
gaged for the present."

*' Yes. I am sorry for you, but you can see it
cannot be helped."

" I don't blame you in the least, Mr. Gray. I
am sorry on your own account, as well as mine,
that you have been burnt out. I hope you were
fully insured."

" I was, in a way. Yet I have lost valuable
records which no amount of money can replace."

When Robert left the office it was with a sober
face. He was out of a position. What should
he do next?

" It's too bad," he mused. " And just after
writing to mother that I was doing so nicely."

All told he had saved up about twenty-five dol-
lars, and he resolved to be very careful of this
amount and not spend a cent more than was neces-
sary, until another situation was secured.

Feeling that no time was to be lost, he pro-

THE RESULT OF A FIRE. 13 1

cured two of the morning papers and carefully
read the want columns. There were several ad-
vertisements which seemed to promise well, and
he made a note of these and then started to visit
the addresses given.

The first was at a restaurant where a cashier
was wanted. Robert found the resort to be any-
thing but high-styled. It was on a side street and
looked far from clean.

'' Well, a fellow can't be too particular," he
thought, and marched inside without hesitation.

" This way," said the head waiter, thinking he
had come in to get something to eat.

'' I wish to see the proprietor," answered
Robert. " He advertised for a cashier."

" He's got one."

" Oh, if that's so, excuse me for troubling
you," and the boy turned on his heel to walk
out.

" Hold on," said the head waiter. " I don't
think the new man suits Mr. Hinks entirely.
Perhaps he'll give you a show after all. You*lI
find Mr. Hinks over at the pie counter yonder,"
and the waiter jerked his thumb in the direction.

Robert walked to the counter and found a short,
stout man in charge. The individual had a pair
of crafty eyes that the boy did not at all admire.

132 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I came to see about that position which you
advertised/' he said.

" Yes ? Have you had any experience ? "

" I worked in a cut-rate ticket office — the one
that was burned out on Sunday last. I think I
could do the work of an ordinary cashier."

" No doubt you could, if you are used to han-
dling money. Did you work for Gray? "

" Yes, sir."

" Well, I reckon he wouldn't have you unless
you were all right," said Mr. Hinks. " I've got
a new man on but he don't suit — he's too fussy
and particular. Last night he left his desk and
ran all the way to the sidewalk to give a man a
dollar bill which he had forgotten."

" Well, that shows he is honest," said Robert,
with a laugh.

" Yes, but my desk might have been robbed in
the meantime."

" I suppose that is true."

" I don't want a man to be so honest as all
that, — that is, with the customers, — although he
must be honest with me. If a customer is foolish
enough to leave his change behind, why let him
lose it, that's my motto. What do you want a
week?"

" I was getting twelve dollars."

THE RESULT OF A FIRE. 133

'' Phew ! That's pretty stiff."

" I might start in for less/'

" I never pay a man over five dollars."

" I cannot live on five dollars, I am afraid."

" Well, you pick up a good deal, you know,"
replied Mr. Hinks, and closed one eye suggest-
ively.

" You mean in the way of tips? "

'' Tips? Oh, no, they go to the waiters. But
through making change and the like," and Mr.
Hinks closed one eye again.

Robert's face flushed.

"Do you mean by giving people the wrong
change ? " he demanded indignantly.

" I didn't say so. But I know almost every
cashier picks up lots of extra money in one way
and another."

" Not if they are honest, sir. And I would not
be dishonest — I would starve first. I am out for
business, but not the kind of business you seem
to expect of your employees."

At this plain talk Mr. Hinks scowled darkly at
Robert.

" Here, here, I won't have you speak to me in
this fashion," he blustered. " If you don't like
the offer I've made you, you can get out."

" I don't like the offer, and I think it is an out-

134 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

rage that you are allowed to conduct business on
such principles/' replied Robert, and lost no time
in quitting the place. The proprietor followed
him to the door and shook his fist after him.

The next place was a map-maker's office.
Here there was a large force of clerks, and the
youth was received very politely.

" I am sorry to keep you waiting," said the
clerk who advanced to see what the boy wanted.
" But Mr. Ruggles is very busy at present. Will
you sit down or call again? "

'' I'll wait a little while," said Robert, who
was favorably impressed by the surroundings.
*' That is, if the place that was advertised is still
open."

" I can't say as to that. There have been sev-
eral applicants, but the entire matter is in Mr.
Ruggles' hands."

The clerk turned away and Robert dropped on
a long bench running up one side of the waiting
room. Hardly had he settled himself than two
men came in. One looked like an Englishman
while the other was evidently French.

The clerk greeted them as if they had been there
before.

'' Mr. Stanhope will see you directly," he said.

" We cannot wait too long," said the English-

THE RESULT OF A FIRE. 135

man. " My friend — ^Jean Le Fevre, must get
back to Michigan as soon as possible."

" I will tell Mr. Stanhope," said the clerk, and
vanished into an inner office.

Left to themselves, the Englishman and the
Frenchman began to converse rapidly, the sub-
ject of their talk being a certain tract of timber
land in the upper section of Michigan. This
interested Robert, who could not help but hear all
that was said.

'* Ze map — zat is what we want," he heard the
French Canadian— for such Jean Le Fevre was —
say. "' Once we have zat, and the land will be
ours."

" Right you are," answered the Englishman.
" And then old Felix Amberton can whistle for
his money. His claim won't be worth the paper
it is written upon."

Robert was startled at these words. He re-
membered that Felix Amberton was the name of
Dick Marden's uncle, the Michigan lumberman.
Were these the fellows who wished to get the lum-
berman's lands away from him?

CHAPTER XVI.

TWO DISAPPOINTMENTS.

'* I MUST hear all they have to say," thought
Robert.

Ordinarily he despised playing the part of an
eavesdropper, but in the present instance he felt
justified in doing so.

'' It ees a great pity zat man came to help Mis-
tair Amberton," went on the Canadian. " Who
is he, do you know, Mistair Hamimerditch ? "

'' His name is Harden and he is Amberton's
nephew."

" He seem to be verra smart, as you call heem."

" Perhaps he is smart, Le Fevre. But I don't
think he can outwit me," returned Oscar Ham-
merditch. He was one of the kind of men who
hold a very exalted opinion of themselves.

The French Canadian nodded his round bead
rapidly.

" No, he cannot outwit you — nor Jean Le

Fevre. Once we have ze map and all will be

well."

136

TH^O DISAPPOINTMENTS. 137

At that moment the clerk came forward again.

" Mr. Ruggles is at Hberty now," he said to
Robert. " You had best go in at once, before
one of the clerks engages him."

" Thank you, I will," answered the boy.

" I wish he had left me to listen to those
schemers a bit longer," was what he thought.

But there seemed no help for it, and leaving
the Englishman and the Canadian talking ear-
nestly to each other he entered the private office
of the proprietor of the firm.

Mr. Ruggles proved to be a pleasant man past
middle age.

"If you have been waiting to see me I am
sorry for you," he said, after Robert had stated
the object of his visit. '' I engaged a clerk less
than an hour ago."

This was a set-back and the boy's face fell.

" I am sorry too," he said. '' I imagine this
office would just suit me."

" You can leave your name and address. Per-
haps the other young man may not be suitable.
Have you any recommendations? "

" I worked for Mr. Peter Gray, the cut-rate
ticket man. We v/ere burnt out, and Mr. Gray
doesn't know what he is going to do next."

" I know Mr. Gray, and if he can recommend

13^ OUT FOR BUSINESS.

you that will be sufficient. Here is a sheet of
paper. Do you know what I pay a clerk at the
start?"

"No, sir?"

" Can you keep an ordinary set of books ? "

" Yes, sir."

" How about writing an ordinary business
letter?"

" I wrote many letters for Mr. Gray."

" In that case I would be willing to start you
at eight dollars per week, and after six months I
would raise you to ten dollars."

*' That would be satisfactory."

'^ Then leave your name and address. Even if
that new clerk does suit there may be another
opening before long — although I would not ad-
vise you to lay back and depend upon it."

" I couldn't afford to lay back, sir."

" You have to support yourself? "

" I do."

*^ Then I trust you get an opening soon — if I
cannot use you," concluded Mr. Ruggles.

Robert wrote out his name in his best style, and
added the address of his boarding house. The
handwriting pleased the map-publisher, but he
put it on file without comment. Then the boy
bowed himself out.

TPFO DISAPPOINTMENTS, 139

" What a nice man/' he thought. '^ I Hke him
even better than I do Mr. Gray."

He was pleased to think that, although there
was no immediate opening for him, there might
be one in the near future.

As Robert entered the outer office he looked
around for the Englishman and the Canadian.
They were nowhere to be seen.

'' They are either in one of the other offices or
they have gone," he said to himself. " I'd give
a good deal to know just what they are up to.
When I write to Mr. Marden I must tell him
about the pair."

Once on the sidewalk the boy hardly knew
how to turn. He had one more place on his list
— that of a wholesale butcher, but the idea
of working in a packing house did not please
him.

" I don't believe it would suit me," he said to
himself. " Especially if I had to work down by
the stockyards."

Nevertheless, he was resolved not to remain
idle if it could be helped, and so started out to find
the address.

The locality was some distance from the center
of the city and in a neighborhood filled with fac-
tories and saloons. At the corner of the block

I40 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

Upon which the packing establishment was
located, Robert came to a halt.

" I don't believe mother would like me to work
in such a place as this," he mused. " The folks
may be honest enough, but they don't know the
meaning of the word refinement."

" Lookin' fer sumthin', mister?"

The question came from a very small and very
dirty boy who had brushed up against Robert's
elbow.

'' Hardly," answered Robert. " Is that Rogers'
packing house over there ? "

" Yes."

*' Thank you, that's all I wanted to know."

" Goin' in to see Mr. Rogers ? "

" I was thinking of it."

" Better not go now ? "

^^Why?"

'' He jest came out of O' Grady's saloon and
he's more'n half full."

" Do you mean drunk ? "

" Dat's it."

" Then I don't think I care to see him."

"Does he owe you anything?" went on the
street urchin, with a coolness that swallowed up
the impertinence of the question.

" No, he doesn't owe me anything. He ad-

TIFO DISAPPOINTMENTS. 14I

vertised for a clerk and I had a notion I would
strike for the situation," answered Robert, who
could not help but like the street lad, he had such
an open, friendly face.

'' He had a fight with one o' his clerks day be-
fore yesterday, an' the clerk got a black eye."

" Indeed. And what did the clerk do?"

" I heard dad say he was going to have old
Rogers arrested, but Rogers gave him some extry
money to keep still about it."

" And that is the reason he wants a new clerk,
eh? " said Robert, with a short laugh. '' Well, I
don't think I'll apply."

" Couldn't you lick old Rogers if he hit you
first?"

'•' I wouldn't want to get into a fixght with him."

" He's a terror when he's half drunk — my dad
says so."

'' Does he work in the place? "

" Yes, he's a butcher."

" And did he ever have any trouble? "

*' Lots of tim.es. Once old Rogers followed
my dad with a butcher knife, but dad up and
knocked the knife from his hand with a club."

" And what did your father do then ? "

" He vras goin' to have old Rogers locked up
for salt the battery, or sumt'ing like that, but

142 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

Rogers he raised dad's wages a dollar a week,
an' so dad didn't do nuthin."

" Evidently Mr. Rogers thinks money will
cover everything," said Robert. '' Well, it
wouldn't cover everything with me."

" I'd like to see old Rogers git one good wal-
lopin' — an' so would all of the boys around here.
He won't let none of us around the packing
house to see what's going on. He calls us all a
set of thieves."

" He certainly must be a hard man to work
for," concluded Robert. " I don't v/ant to go
near him/' and with this remark he walked back
the way he had come.

CHAPTER XVII.

ROBERT IS GIVEN A MISSION.

"Well, what luck?" asked Livingston
Palmer, when he and Robert met again.

" No luck at all," answered Robert.
. "That's bad."

" One man said he might have an opening in
the near future."

" That's all right, but a fellow can't live on
promises."

" Exactly my idea."

" Why don't you try the stage, as I am going
to do."

" I don't believe I can act."

" No one knows what is in him until he tries.
Didn't you ever recite ? "

" In school, yes. But I don't think I ever made
a hit, as actors call it."

" If you managed to get in with Jack Dixon I
might be able to coach you in <your part," said
Livingston Palmer loftily.

♦3

144 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" Have you had a part assigned to you yet ? "
asked Robert curiously.

'' Yes. We are to play two plays, * The Home-
less Sister/ and ' All for Love.' In * The Home-
less Sister ' I am to take the part of a heartless
landlord, and in * All for Love ' I am a butler in a
Fifth Avenue mansion in New York."

" Are they leading parts? "

" Well — er — hardly. Dixon says he can't put
me in leading parts yet, for it would make the
older actors jealous."

" I see."

" He says he will shove me ahead as soon as
I've made a hit."

'' Then I trust you make a hit on the opening
night."

" Oh, I certainly shall. I have my lines down
fine, and Dixon says my make-up is just what it
ought to be."

" Aren't you afraid of being nervous? '*

" Nervous ? Not a bit. Did you ever see me
nervous, Frost ? "

" No — excepting " Robert was going to

mention the time when the adorable Alameda's
husband had called at the ticket office, but cut
himself short.

" Excepting when ? "

ROBERT IS GIVEN A MISSION. 145

^' It's of no consequence, Palmer."

"' But I demand to know when I was ever ner-
vous/' insisted the would-be actor.

*' Well, you were rather put out when the
husband of that variety actress called upon
you."

'' Oh ! Well— er— ni admit it. But that was
an unusual case, wasn't it ? "

'' I presume so. Does she know you are going
on the stage ? "

" Yes; I took particular pains to let her hear of
it, through one of the ladies of our combination."

'' And did you hear what she said? "

" The lady says she laughed and said I would
ruin Dixon. But I'll show her that she is mis-
taken," added Livingston Palmer, drawing him-
self up to his full height and inflating his chest.
'' Robert, I am a born actor — I feel it in my
bones."

" Do your bones ache? "

" You know what I mean. Shall I give you a
sample of what I am to do? "

" If you get through by the time the supper bell
rings. My walk has made me tremendously
hungry."

" The part of the landlord is not a long one — in
fact it contains but six speeches each about thirty

«4^ OUT FOR BUSINESS.

words in length. At first I come into the parlor
where the guests have arrived. I make a low
bow and turn to the gentleman and say : * What,
it is my father's friend, Roger Brockbury, as I
live ! Thrice welcome to the Lion Inn, sir. And
what is the matter with the lady, sir ? ' ''

As Palmer began to recite he strutted around in
grand style, ending by elevating his eyebrows,
clenching his fists and throwing his head so far
back that he nearly lost his balance.

"Is that what you have to say?" questioned
Robert, who could scarcely keep from laughing
outright.

" Yes. How do you like it? "

" You'll certainly make them take notice of
you?"

'' I knew you would say that. Why, Robert,
it won't be a month before I'm the star of the
combination."

" You have my best wishes."

" Shall I take you to see Jack Dixon? "

" No — at least, not for the present."

" But you may be missing the chance of your
life."

" No, I'm no actor. I believe I was cut out for
some office business and nothing else."

*' Do you mean to say you would be content to

ROBERT IS GIVEN A MISSION. 147

sit on a high stool keeping books all your life?
That wouldn't suit me/'

'' No, I don't mean that exactly. I would like
to manage some large office business — after I had
learned it thoroughly."

'' Of course that is somewhat better."

At that moment the supper bell rang, and
Palmer took his leave, to go to the theater for re-
hearsal. As Robert went down to the dining
room of the boarding house he could not help but
utter a short sigh.

" Poor Palmer," he mused. '' He means well,
but I'm afraid he will make an awful mess
of it"

The evening was spent in his room reading a
paper, for Robert was in no humor to go any-
where, even if he had felt like spending any
money.

" I must try my luck again to-morrow," was
his resolve. '' And I must get around early,
too."

He was up before seven o'clock, and dressing
hastily, went out and purchased several news-
papers. At the house he sat down in the sitting
room to examine the Help Wanted columns, as he
had done the day before.

Presently he heard the postman's whistle and

148 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

ring. Soon after one of the servant girls came in
with a letter for him.

It was from Timberville, as he could see by the
postmark, and he tore it open eagerly, feeling it
must have been sent by Dick Harden.

The communication interested Robert deeply.
It ran as follows:

" My Dear Robert :

" I have just learned by the newspapers that
Peter Gray's office was burnt out last Sunday. I
see that the loss was heavy, and in an interview
Gray says he may not resume.

" This will, of course, throw you out of a posi-
tion. In one way I am sorry of it; in another, I
am glad.

*' I hate to have you compelled to make a
change, yet, as matters have turned, I v/ould like
to have a smart boy like you up here to help me,
since my uncle is worse than before and those
swindlers — for such they are — are determined to
get the lumber lands away from him.

" In the crowd are tv/o men, a French Canadian
Le Fevre and an Englishman named Hammer-
ditch. They want to get hold of an old map
which was in the possession of a certain lumber-
man named Herman Wenrich. This lumber-

ROBERT IS GIVEN A MISSION, 149

man used to live In upper Michigan but now re-
sides in Chicago.

"If you can do so, I would like you to find Her-
man Wenrich and get the map from him, even if
you have to pay fifty or a hundred dollars for
it. The map will be valuable in showing up the
actual grants which belong to my uncle.

'' In case Wenrich cannot be found in the
course of two or three days you can drop the
matter and come on to here without further delay.
I send you some money in case the fire has left you
short, and in case you have a chance to buy the
map. " Yours truly,

" Richard Harden.''

Enclosed in the letter were money orders
amounting to one hundred and fifty dollars.

" I'm glad I didn't get a job now," thought
Robert. " If I had I would only had to have
thrown it up. I'll go down to the post-office at
once, get those money orders cashed, and then go
on a hunt for Herman Wenrich."

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE POST-OFFICE MONEY ORDER.

Robert had been to the post-office a number of
times for Mr. Gray, so he made his way there
after breakfast without difficulty.

He found the money-order department some-
what crowded, and had to take his place at the enc
of a Hne numbering a dozen persons or more.

While he was moving toward the window his
attention was attracted to a loudly-dressed indi-
vidual, who cam.e in and glanced around as if
looking for somebody he knew.

The man singled out Robert and came up to
him.

"Are you acquainted here, young man?" he
asked, in a low tone, so that those standing
around might not hear.

" What do you mean ?" asked the youth.

He was positive he had never seen the loudly-
dressed individual before.

" I mean do they know you at yonder win-
dow?"

" One of the clerks knows me."

THE POST-OFFICE MONEY ORDER, 151

" Then I wish you would do me a favor. My
name is Charles Shotmore. I come from Lexing-
ton. I received a money order yesterday from
my aunt, with whom I reside, and I want to get
the order cashed."

"Well?"

** Won't you identify me ? Of course, it's a
mere matter of form, but it places one in a regu-
lar hole if one is not known," went on the man
glibly. '' You know they are very particular just
at present, although they didn't used to be."

" But I don't know you," said Robert, with
considerable surprise.

" I have just told you my name — Charles Shot-
more, of Lexington. My aunt's name is Caroline

Shotmore. And your name is ?" The man

paused, expecting Robert to fill in the blank.

But the youth had seen enough of city life to
make him shy of strangers, and he did not men-
tion his name.

*' Never mind about my name," he said coldly.

" Won't you identify me?"

" How can I when I do not know you."

" I have just told you my name. Isn't that suf-
ficient?"

'' Why don't you tell them the same thing at
the window?"

152 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Because they are too particular."

" I don't think they are."

" Then you won't do me the favor?" And the
loudly-dressed individual frowned darkly.

" I cannot, conscientiously."

" Humph ! it seems to me you are mighty par-
ticular."

" And you are very forward," retorted Robert,
and turned his back on the fellow. The man
started to say more, but suddenly turned and
walked to the corner of the room.

Robert had no difficulty in getting his money
orders cashed.

'' For yourself?" said the clerk, with a smile.

" Yes."

'' You're in luck."

'' I've got to use most of the money," answered
the boy, and left the window.

A hundred and fifty dollars was quite a sum,
even for Robert to handle, and he placed the
amount in the breast pocket of his coat.

The flashily-dressed man saw the youth stow
the bank bills away, and his eyes glistened
greedily.

He was a sharper by the name of Andy Cross,
and it is doubtful if he had ever done an honest
day's work in his life.

THE POST-OFFICE MONEY ORDER, I53

The money order he carried was one belonging
to a man who had been stopping at the same
boarding place at which Andy Cross had put up.

The order had come in a letter the day before,
and Cross was anxious to get it cashed before
Charles Shotmore should become aware of his
loss.

" I've a good mind to follow that boy and see
if I can't get hold of that money," said Cross to
himself.

As Robert went out of the post-office he came
behind him.

Not far away was a drug store, where several
directories lay on a stand for the use of the public.

Robert stepped into the drug store to look for
Herman Wenrich's name in the directory, and
Andy Cross took a stand outside where he might
watch the boy.

While the sharper was waiting, he felt himself
touched on the arm, and wheeling about, found
himself confronted by the man to whom the stolen
money order belonged.

" Mr. Smith, I wish to speak to you," said
Charles Shotmore, somevv^hat excitedly. He did
not know Cross' real name, for he had never
heard it.

" What do you want ?" demanded Andy Cross^

154 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

as coolly as he could, although he was much dis-
concerted.

" I — I— that is, I believe you have a letter be-
longing to me."

*' A letter belonging to you ?"

" Yes."

*' I have no such letter, Mr. Shotmore. What
makes you think I have?"

" The servant at the boarding house says a
letter came yesterday for me, and that she saw
you pick it up from the hall rack."

'' She is mistaken."

" She says she is positive, and — and she says
your record is none of the best."

" Sir, do you mean to insult me !" demanded
Cross, but his face turned pale with sudden
fear.

" The girl comes from the South End, and she
says you are known by the name of Cross. She
is positive you took my letter, and I want it."

" Preposterous ! Why should I take your
letter?"

" I don't know. But I was expecting a money
order from my aunt, and if it was in the letter I
want it."

'* Did you follow me to here?" asked Andy
Cross, nervously.

THE POST-OFFICE MONEY ORDER, 155

" I came down to the post-office, yes, for that is
where they cash money orders."

" Well, I haven't your money order, and that
is all there is to it. Let go of my arm."

For Charles Shotmore had clutched the sharper
while they were conversing.

At that moment Robert came out of the drug
store. On catching sight of Cross in the grasp
of another, he paused in wonder.

'' Something is wrong," he thought, and drew
closer to the pair.

" I am of the opinion that you have the money
order," said Charles Shotmore. '' If you are
an honest man you will not object to being
searched."

'' But I do object !" burst out Andy Cross,
fiercely, and tried to wrench himself loose. He
had almost succeeded when Robert came to
Charles Shotmore's assistance.

" I'll help you hold him, sir," he said quietly,
but firmly.

" Let go, boy !" fumed the sharper. " Let go,
or it will be the worse for you !"

" I'll not let go." Robert turned to the other
man. "Do you know this fellow, sir?"

" Perhaps I had better ask you that question,"
returned Charles Shortmore, cautiously.

156 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

*' I was at the post-office a while ago and he
wanted me to identify him. He said his name
was Charles Shotmore."

*' Why, that in my name."

" He had a money order he wished to have
cashed."

'' My money order, I'll wager a new hat. You
villain. I have caught you just in time," and
Charles Shotmore clutched Cross tighter than be-
fore.

It must be confessed that the sharper was non-
plussed, for he had not expected to have Short-
more follow him up thus rapidly.

'' This is — er — a — a great mistake," he stam-
mered.

'' I guess it was a mistake — for you," said
Shotmore grimly.

'* If I — I have the letter, I took it by mistake,"
went on Andy Cross. " Sometimes I have violent
headaches, and during those periods I do the most
extraordinary things."

"Indeed!" sneered Charles Shotmore. "Never
mind the headaches, just you hand over the
money order."

As he spoke he slipped his hand into Cross^
breast pocket and drew forth the letter

" Mine, sure enough !" he ejaculated.

THE POST-OFFICE MONEY ORDER. 157

Is the money order in it?" questioned Robert.
Yes. My boy, you have done me a valuable
•ice."

" I am glad of it."

'* I really believe I ought to have this rascal
arrested."

" I think you are justified, Mr. Shotmore. It's
bad policy to have such dishonest persons run-
ning around loose."

"Arrest me?" gasped Andy Cross. "If you
have me arrested you will make the greatest mis-
take of your lives."

" I'll risk it," said Charles Shotmore.

He started to look around for an officer.

As he did so, Andy Cross gave a pull and freed
himself from both Shotmore and Robert. Then
he dashed into the street, among the cars and
trucks going in both directions.

"Hi! stop him!" cried Shotmore. "Police!
Police!"

Robert at once took up the chase. Soon Shot-
more joined in. But Andy Cross was fleet of
foot, and fear lent speed to his feet. By the time
the other side of the crowded thoroughfare was
gained he was nowhere to be seen.

" He's disappeared," panted Robert, coming ta
a halt at the corner.

15S OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" So I see," returned Charles Shotmore. " He
could run, couldn't he?"

'' Well, he had something to run for."

*' That's right." Shotmore indulged in a low-
laugh. "I'm glad I got my letter and money-
order away from him before he started."

''Do you know him?"

" No more than that he boarded at the same
house with me. I fancy he is an all-round
sharper, from what the servant girl said of him."

'' Then it's a pity he escaped."

" I may meet him again some day. But I owe
you something for your aid."

" You are welcome to whatever I have done
for you."

'' But I would like to pay you something," per-
sisted Charles Shotmore.

" I don't wish it."

" May I ask your name?"

Robert gave it, and they shook hands.

" I hope we meet again," said the gentleman,
and after a few more words they parted. Shot-
more going over to have his money order cashed
without further delay, — he being already known
at the post-office.

From the directory in the drug store Robert
had obtained Herman Wenrich's address. The

THE POST-OFFICE MONEY ORDER. 159

old lumberman lived on the outskirts of the city,
on the other side of the Chicago River, and the
youth set off for the place, little dreaming of what
trouble his visit was to bring to him.

CHAPTER XIX.

AN UNEXPECTED ATTACK.

Andy Cross ran for several blocks after leav-
ing Charles Shotmore and Robert so uncere-
moniously. Then he turned into a large office
building and took the elevator to one of the upper
floors.

Here he felt himself tolerably safe from pur-
suit.

He stood at a hall window, which overlooked
the street, and gazing down saw a friend walking
along on the opposite sidewalk.

" Jim Huskin," he murmured. " I wonder if
he has anything new on ?"

Feeling that Shotmore and Robert must have
given up the pursuit by this time, he descended
again and hurried after the man he had recog-
nized.

" Hullo, Jim !" he said, as he caught the other
by the arm.

Jim Huskin started, half fearing that it was a

z6o

AN UNEXPECTED ATTACK, i6l

detective who had accosted him, for he was
wanted for several petty crimes — indeed the two
rascals were well matched, and had committed
many a wrong deed together.

" Andy !" replied Jim Huskin. " How are
you?"

'' Nothing to brag of," answered Andy Cross.

'' Then you haven't been striking it rich lately."

" On the contrary, I've had mighty poor luck.
Have you got another cigar, Jim ?" He said this
for Huskin was smoking.

'' No. I got this out of a gent at the Palmer
House. I tried to work him for a loan, but it was
no go."

'' Then I reckon you haven't any more money
than I."

'T've got a quarter," answered Jim Huskin,
frankly.

'' You are exactly five cents richer than yours
truly."

Both sharpers laughed at this. With them it
was " easy come, easy go," and temporary poverty
did not bother them.

'' Perhaps I am five cents richer," went on Jim
Huskin. " But I owe my hotel three weeks'
board."

" It's a wonder they let you stay that long."

l62 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I've got a well-filled trunk in my room." And
Huskin chuckled and winked one eye.

"Filled with bricks, eh?"

" No, paving stones — although they are about
the same thing. Say, when the hotel keeper opens
that he'll have enough to build on another ad-
dition."

" He won't build it on to accommodate such
guests as you."

" I don't suppose he will — and I don't care."

" I am behind two weeks with my landlady.
She's sharp after me — ^but I don't care. I can't
go back, even if I wanted to."

" Had a falling out with somebody?"

" Yes. One of the boarders got a money order
and I tried to get it cashed for him."

" And it didn't work, eh?"

" No, it didn't — and what's more, the man and
a boy came close to having me arrested. I'll tell
you what, Jim, I would like to get that boy in
some spot where I could go through his pockets."

''Has he got much?"

" He's got a good silver watch, and I saw him
cash money orders at the post office amounting to
one hundred and fifty dollars."

'' Phew ! that would make a nice haul. Where
is the boy ?"

AN UNEXPECTED ATTACK. 163

" I don't believe he's far off. I left him near the
post office."

" Why not look him up ?"

" He would recognize me and make trouble."

'' Then point him out to me, and I'll see what
I can do."

Andy Cross was willing to do this, providing
Jim Huskin would '' whack up " with anything
which was netted from the proceedings, and the
pair sauntered the way Cross had come.

" There he is now !" cried the sharper presently.

He pointed across the street to where Robert
was walking, bound for the place where Herman
Wenrich lived.

" You are sure that's the boy?" asked Huskin,

" I am positive."

" Is the money in his vest pocket? "

" I think he put it in his breast pocket."

** Then I'll soon have it from him, providing I
get half a chance."

'' You've got to be careful. He's a smart cus-
tomer, I can tell you that."

'' I've never met the boy or man I couldn't
work — if I had half a show," returned Jim Hus-
kin confidently. " What will you do, follow
me?"

*' Yes. If you can corner him and want assist-

l64 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

ance, whistle, and I'll do all I can," added Andy
Cross.

So it was arranged, and a moment later Jim
Huskin crossed the street and placed himself at
Robert's heels.

By this time the boy was close to the river, and
crossing the bridge at the foot of the street, he
hurried on in the direction where the old lumber-
man resided.

" I wonder if he lives over here?" thought Hus-
kin. 'If he does I must tackle him before he
reaches home."

Several blocks were passed, and Robert came
to a halt on a street corner.

As he did so Huskin stooped down and pre-
tended to pick up a handkerchief.

" Excuse me, but you dropped your handker-
chief," he said, holding out the article.

Robert felt in his pocket.

" You are mistaken, the handkerchief is not
mine," he answered.

" Is that so ? Why, I was sure you dropped
it." And Jim Huskin appeared much surprised.
" It's a pretty good article," he continued. " I
guess I'll keep it."

" You might as well — if you can't find the

AN UNEXPECTED ATTACK. 165

" I once had a funny thing happen with a hand-
kerchief," went on Jim Huskin, as he ranged up
alongside of Robert when the boy started off
again. " A lady dropped hers in a street car. I
picked it up, and as I did so, out rolled, what do
you think?"

'' I'm sure I cannot imagine."

'' A set of false teeth. The lady had been
wiping her mouth and the teeth had dropped
into the handkerchief. Maybe both of us weren't
embarrassed. The lady got as red as a beet, and
left the car at the very next corner." And Jim
Huskin laughed loudly. '' A good joke, wasn't
it?"

'' Perhaps for the others in the car; not for the
lady," answered Robert, yet he could not help
smiling.

" Live down this way?" asked the sharper care-
lessly.

*' No, I am a stranger in this part of Chicago.
I am looking for Grandon street."

'' Grandon Street. I can take you there easily
enough. I own property on that street."

" Do you ? Then perhaps you can take me to
number 238 — that is, if you are going there
now."

" Yes, I was bound there— to see one of my

266 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

tenants who talks of moving. Number 238 is less
than a block from my houses. I think the Nelsons
live at 238, — or is it the Romers."

'' I am looking for a man named Herman Wen-
rich — an old lumberman from Michigan."

" Oh, yes, to be sure. I know him fairly well.
Doesn't he live in the house with the Nelsons, — or
maybe it's next door?"

'^ I don't know w^ho he lives with, or if he lives
alone. He is a stranger to me. I want to see
him on a little business."

'' And you have never been in this part of
Chicago before?"

"No."

Jim Huskin turned his head to conceal a smile.
^' I reckon I can lead him where I please now,"
he thought. Then he looked back, to see Andy
Cross following them at a distance of less than a
block.

Several squares were covered, and Huskin
took Robert around a corner into a street which
was little better than an alleyway.

" This is a short cut," he said. " The street is
all torn up a bit further on, and unless we go this
way we will have to walk several blocks out of our
way."

" Any way will suit me," answered Robert

AN UNEXPECTED ATTACK, 167

" Only I may have some difficulty in finding my
way back.'*

" Not if you take the street two blocks to our
left."

As they entered the alleyway Jim Huskin be-
gan to whistle a lively air. It was the signal for
Andy Cross to draw closer.

" I always whistle when I get here," explained
the sharper, glibly, as he stopped for a second.
" I was born and brought up in this neighbor-
hood, and the scene takes me back to my boy-
hood days."

Robert was not favorably impressed by the
surroundings. On one side of the alleyway were
a number of deserted tenement houses, and on
the other the high brick wall surrounding a fac-
tory yard. " He must have been pretty poor to
have lived in one of those shanties," thought the
boy.

" In those days these houses were well kept, and
where the factory stands was a pretty open lot,"
said Huskin, as if reading his thoughts. " Every-
thing is changed now. Will you mind my stop-
ping at one of the houses for a minute ? An old
negro lives here, and I want to see if he is sick.'^

" All right."

i6S OUT FOR BUSINESS.

Jim Huskin entered one of the tenements, to
find it as he expected, deserted.

" Say, just look here a minute!" he cried, com-
ing to the front door. '' What do you think is
the matter with this poor fellow ?"

Wondering what was up, Robert advanced and
entered the hallway of the tenement.

The light was poor, and for several seconds he
could see but little.

" I don't see anybody — " he began, when, with-
out warning, Jim Huskin leaped upon him and
caught him by the arm and collar.

'' Give me that money and your watch !" he
cried, harshly. '^ Give it to me instantly, or it
will be the worse for you,"

CHAPTER XX.

THE ESCAPE OF CROSS AND HUSKIN.

For the moment Robert was dumfounded, for
he had not dreamed that this pleasant stranger
v/as about to attack him.

" Do you hear ? Give me that money," repeated
Huskin, and tightened his grip.

" Let me go !" returned Robert. " Would you
rob me?"

" I want that money you drew out of the post-
office. And I want it instantly."

" I won't give you a cent," cried Robert, and be-
gan to struggle with all the strength at his com-
mand.

Although but a boy, he was strong, and soon it
looked as if he might break away in spite of all the
sharper could do to hold him. Seeing this, Hus-
kin whistled loudly three times, — a signal that
Andy Cross must join him at once.

The signal had scarcely come to an end when
Andy Cross pushed his way into the hallway.

169

lyo OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" Quick — hold him !" shouted Jim Huskiiic
" He's a regular eel."

'' I've got him," answered Andy Cross, and
caught Robert from behind, and soon his bony
fingers were pressing themselves directly into the
poor youth's windpipe, so that it looked as if
Robert would be choked to death.

Robert could not see Cross, but he recognized
the sharper's voice, and at once came to the con-
clusion that the two men had laid a plot to rob
him.

Nearly strangled, he let go his hold of Huskin,
and tried to break Andy Cross' grip.

The m^oment Jim Huskin felt himself free he
wrenched Robert's watch and chain from their
fastening and placed them in his own pocket.

Then he dove into the boy's coat.

" Let— let me go !" spluttered Robert. " Help !
thiev "

He could go no farther, for now his wind was
cut off entirely. All grew black before his eyes,
and it was only in a hazy fashion that he felt
Huskin snatch the money from where he had
placed it with care.

'' Got what you want ?" asked Andy Cross.

" Yes."

" Sure about the money ?"

THE ESCAPE OF CROSS AND HUSKIN, 171

" Here is a package of five and ten dollar
bills."

" That's it. And the watch T

" Safe."

" Then we had better make tracks."

" Ram his head against the wall first. We
don't want him to give the alarm too soon."

Andy Cross understood what Huskin meant,
and between them the sharpers raised the boy's
body up and threw him with great violence
against the hard v/all close at hand.

The shock landed mainly upon Robert's head,
as was intended, and with a groan, the youth
sank down in a heap unconscious.

" I guess he's done for," said Cross.

" He is for a while, anyway," responded Hus-
kin. " Come, the sooner we get out of this neigh-
borhood the better off we will be."

Running to the doorway of the tenement, both
sharpers peered forth.

" A man is coming!" cried Cross.

" Let us get out by the back way," said his
companion.

They hurried back past Robert, and into the
kitchen.

Here, to their surprise, a fire was burning in a
dilapidated stove.

172 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Hullo ! I thought this place was deserted,"
ejaculated Jim Huskin, in astonishment.

" We must not be caught," added Cross.
*' Here is a back door and another alleyway."

The door was unlocked, and they slipped out-
side. Soon the rascals had placed several blocks
between themselves and the scene of the nefarious
encounter.

Meanwhile the man coming up the alleyway
paused at the tenement.

He lived in the place, paying no rent. He was
very old, and could hardly walk, and his eyesight
was poor.

He had been to the corner grocery to buy him-
self a few of the necessities of life.

Entering the semi-dark hallway he shambled
along until his foot struck Robert's body.

''Why, what can this be?" he muttered, and
bent over that he might see.

He was greatly amazed to find a boy there,
suffering from a slight cut over one eye, from
which the blood was flowing.

'* Something is wrong," he thought. " Has the
lad met with foul play ?"

He was half of a mind to summon the police,
but was afraid he could not find an officer short
of six or seven blocks off.

THE ESCAPE OF CROSS AND HUSKIN. 173

Setting down his basket, he raised up Robert's
head. As he did this, our hero gave a groan and
a shiver.

'' Don't, don't hit me again," he murmured.
" Don't r

" I ain't hit ye," answered the old man. " How
did ye git here?"

But Robert did not answer, having relapsed
again into unconsciousness.

Not without considerable trouble did the old
man bring some cold water and bathe Robert's
face, and bind up the wound with an old towel.
He carried the boy to the kitchen and set him
down on a worn-out lounge.

'' How do you feel ?" he asked as Robert
opened his eyes and stared around him.

" Where are they — the rascals ?" asked Robert.
He was completely bewildered.

" Who do you mean ?"

" I mean the men who attacked me."

" I don't know anything about 'em. I found
ye in the hallway in a heap."

" Two men attacked me and robbed me."

" Gee shoo ! Did they git much ?"

" Yes." Robert gave a groan. " They got
my watch and over a hundred and fifty dol-
lars."

174 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

At this announcement the eyes of Lemuel
Branley almost started from their sockets.

" A hundred and fifty dollars !"

" Yes; and a watch worth twenty-five more."

" What was ye a-doing with so much money
about ye?"

"" I was expecting to use the most of it to buy
something with. So you didn't see the men ?"

Lemuel Branley shook his head.

" They couldn't have left so long ago."'

" Then they didn't go out by the front door, for
I was at the top of the alleyway quite a spell."

" Is there a rear way out ?"

"Yes; and come to think of it, the back door
was wide open when I first came in for the
water."

" Then they went out that wa}^"

There was a pause.

" Did you know them ?" asked the old man,
curiously.

" I knew one of them in a way. The other in-
troduced himself to me while I was on my way
over here."

And Robert related how he had fallen in with
Jim Huskin, and how the sharper had gotten
him to enter the tenement hallway.

" You're lucky to escape with your life," said

THE ESCAPE OF CROSS AND HUSKIN. 175

Lemuel Branley. " You don't know how bad
some of the criminals in Chicago are."

" I must try to get on their track. I can't
afford to lose my money, nor the watch, either."
And Robert's face grew serious. The watch was
the one his father had given him, and without
the money how was he to purchase the map Dick
Marden was so anxious to possess ?

" You'll have to hustle to find them rogues, to
my way of thinking," said Lemuel Branley.
*' Like as not they'll quit Chicago just as soon as
possible."

Robert stood up. He felt strangely weak and
far from able to pursue anybody.

" Can you call a policeman? " he asked.

" Certainly."

Lemuel Branley made off, and while he was
gone the boy brushed off his clothing and washed
himself. Luckily he had a bit of court-plaster in
his pocket, and this he plastered over the cut on
forehead, thus doing away with the ragged towel.

By the time he had finished he felt a little
stronger. Soon the old man came back, followed
by a tall, heavy-set officer of the law.

" I saw you and one of the men a while ago,"
said the policeman, after our hero had told his
story. " The man didn't impress me very favor-

176 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

ably. I rather think I've seen his picture in the
rogues' gallery."

*' Then you would know him again? "

" I think I would."

" I wish you would try to hunt him up."

" I will. Will you go along."

Robert was willing, and they left the tenement
by the back way, our hero first thanking Lemuel
Branley for what he had done.

But nothing was to be seen of Andy Cross and
Jim Huskin, and in an hour the policeman and the
youth gave up the hunt. The officer directed
Robert to the nearest station house, and here the
particulars of the robbery were taken down. A
large book of photographs was placed before
Robert, and he soon found Jim Huskin's por-
trait.

" That's the man," he said.

" You are certain."

" Yes, I would know him out of a thousand."

Andy Cross' photograph could not be found,
since he had not yet sat for the rogues' gallery,
even though he richly deserved it.

The officer in charge took down Robert's ad-
dress, and told our hero if anything was learned
he would let the youth know.

With this small consolation Robert had to be

THE ESCAPE OF CROSS AND HUSKIN. I77

content. He left the station house much crest-
fallen.

'' Everything seems to be going wrong," he
mused. " I do hope those rascals are caught, and
that very sooHo"

CHAPTER XXI.

ROBERT AND THE OLD LUMBERMAN.

It must be confessed that Robert was in no hu*
mor to hunt up Herman Wenrich.

'' Even if I find him, what good will it do, if I
can't offer him the money for the map ? " was his
mental comment.

Nevertheless, there seemed to be nothing else to
do, and so, after a lunch, he started again for No.
238 Grandon Street.

He was careful where he went this time, and
found the thoroughfare without further difficulty.
It was fully eight blocks from the tenement where
he had been robbed.

The nurhber he was searching for was a block
away, and as he walked toward it two men passed
him whom he instantly recognized. The men
were Jean Le Fevre and Oscar Hammerditch.

" Well, I declare ! " muttered the boy. " Can it
be possible that they have been calling upon Her-
man Wenrich?"

It certainly would seem so, yet Robert had no

ROBERT AND THE OLD LUMBERMAN, 179

way of proving it. Both the Canadian and the
Englishman were walking rapidly, and soon they
passed out of sight around the corner.

Robert found No. 238 Grandon Street a
modest dwelling set in the rear of a tiny garden
of flowers. As he entered the garden a girl
came out on the front porch and gazed up
and down the street anxiously. She was probably
fifteen years of age, and was pale and thin, as if
just getting over a long sickness, which was the
case.

'' Does Mr. Herman Wenrich live here ? " asked
Robert politely, as he tipped his hat. ,

" Yes, sir," answered the girl.

"Is he in?"

'' He is, but he is not very well."

As she spoke the girl eyed Robert sharply,
wondering what he wanted.

" He doesn't look like one of these traveling
agents," she thought. She had been bothered
with agents a great deal lately.

" I am sorry to hear Mr. Wenrich is not well,"
said Robert. " I wished to see him on a little
business."

" May I ask your name? "

" My name is Robert Frost. But he doesn't
know me. You might tell him that I came here at

l8o OUT FOR BUSINESS,

the request of Richard Marden, who is a nephew
of FeHx Amberton, of Timberville, Michigan. I
wish to see him about a lumber tract up there."

" Why, that is what those two men came
about ! " cried the girl.

" You mean the two men I just met on the
street?''

" I presume they are the same. The men left
but a minute before you came."

" Can you tell me if they came for a map ? "

" Why, yes, they " The girl stopped short.

" I do not know as I have any right to talk of these
things, Mr. Frost. My father might not like it."

" So Mr. Wenrich is your father."

" Yes. My name is Nettie Wenrich."

Robert bowed. '' I certainly would not wish to
make any trouble for you," he said, with a smile.
" But I would like to see your father."

Nettie Wenrich hesitated for a moment. " He
looks like a nice boy," she thought. " I like him
better than I did those men."

" Come into the parlor and I will tell father you
are here," said she.

Robert found the parlor small but cozy. There
were several covered chairs, some pictures and
books, and in one corner stood a small organ.
The youth sat down near a window and waited.

ROBERT AND THE OLD LUMBERMAN, l8j

The girl was gone fully five minutes. When
she returned her face bore a puzzled look.

" Father does not know what to make of this,"
she said. " You say you came because Mr. Am-
berton sent you ? ''

" Mr. Marden sent me. He is Mr. Amberton's
nephew and has taken full charge, now that Mr.
Amberton is sick."

" Father says Mr. Hammerditch, one of the
men who just called, said Mr. Amberton sent him
for the map."

'' What ! " cried Robert, leaping to his feet.
" That cannot be possible."

"Why?"

" Because those men are enemies of Mr. Am-
berton. They wish to get some of his lumber
lands away from him."

The girl studied Robert's honest face for a mo-
ment.

" I believe you. But it is a queer mix-up," was
her comment.

'' Perhaps I can explain some things, Miss
Wenrich. But I would like to talk with your
father first."

" Very well. But my father is quite sick,
and I would not like to have you excite
him."

l82 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I will be careful. But I hope he didn't let
them have the map."

" No, he is holding that. They made a propo-
sition to him and he said he would think it over."

Nettie Wenrich led the way to the second story
of the cottage, and to the front bedchamber.
Here, on a snowy couch lay Herman Wenrich,
feeble with age and a malady that had attacked
his digestive organs.

" I do not wish to disturb you, Mr. Wenrich,"
said Robert, after introducing himself and shak-
ing hands. " But I think it very strange that I
should come here right after those two men I met
outside."

" It is strange, lad," responded Herman Wen-
rich feebly. " I cannot understand it."

*' I think I can safely say that Mr. Amberton
never sent them and that he knows nothing of
their coming," continued our hero.

" That makes the whole thing even more
strange."

" They wish to get a certain map from you — a
map of some lumber lands in upper Michigan."

" Yes, yes, there is but one map," cried Her-
man Wenrich. " 1 have kept it safely for years."

" Papa, please do not excite yourself," pleaded
Nettie Wenrich, coming to the bedside.

ROBERT AND THE OLD LUMBERMAN, iSj

" I am not excited, my child."

" I do not know a great deal about the matter,"
continued Robert. " But I do know that those
two men, Le Fevre and Hammerditch, are Mr.
Amberton's enemies and not his friends."

" Can you prove that ? "

For the instant the youth was nonplussed.
Then he thought of Dick Marden's letter.

" Here is a letter I got from Timberville," he
said. " You can read that."

" My eyesight is poor. Nettie, read the letter."

At once the daughter complied. Herman
Wenrich listened attentively.

" Ah, yes, I remember this Marden now," he
said slowly. " He was the son of Amberton's
youngest sister. Where does he come from? "

" He belongs in California and is a rich minen
But he was brought up down east — in Vermont,
if I remember rightly."

" Exactly — he is Grace Amberton's boy. A
good fellow, too — if he takes after his mother.
So Amberton is sick and has put Dick Marden in
charge. Then what those two men told me is a
— a string of falsehoods."

" You can see what I am authorized to offer you
for the map," said Robert. " I started for here
with the money in my pocket "

l84 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Stop, Mr. Frost. You do not understand
old Herman Wenrich. I am not thinking to sell
the map."

" But you are willing to see justice done to Mr.
Amberton, are you not ? "

" Yes, yes — full justice — for he deserves it.
He could have had the map before, but it affected
some land of mine — which I have since sold."

" Then you will let him have the map ! " ex-
claim.ed Robert, much delighted. '' I will
pay "

" Not a cent, my lad, not a cent. He can have
it and welcom.e. But — but "

''But what, sir?"

" I must be dead sure, as they say, of what I
am doing. You look honest enough, but so did
those men."

'' Those men didn't look very honest to me,"
came from Nettie Wenrich, who had taken a
strong liking to Robert, and it must be admitted
that the feeling was reciprocated. " I could not
bear that Englishman."

" I cannot blame you for being suspicious," said
Robert gravely. " I wish I had been so this
morning. I might have saved my watch and
some of my money." He did not feel called upon
to state that he had lost the amount which was

ROBERT AND THE OLD LUMBERMAN, 185

to be paid over to Herman Wenrich for the
map.

Of course he had to tell his story — or, at least,
a part of it. Nettie Wenrich was quite affected.

" It was too bad ! " she cried. " I hope you
get your watch and money back and succeed in
sending those bad men to prison."

'' I will tell you what I will do/' said Herman
Wenrich, after several minutes of silent thinking.
" Let Felix Amberton send me a written order to
deliver the map to you and I will do so."

'' That is fair," said Robert. '' No honest per-
son could ask more at your hands. But what of
those tvvo men? They are to call again, I be-
lieve."

" I will put them off, for, say three days. You
ought to be able to get your order by that time."

" Perhaps I can get it sooner, but I wish you
would make it four days. There may be some
delay, especially if Mr. Amberton is very ill."

'' Very well, we will make it four days then,"
said Herman Wenrich, and thanking him for his
kindness Robert withdrew and follov/ed Nettie
W^enrich downstairs.

" Do your father and you live here alone? " he
asked.

" Yes."

1 86 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" I hope he gets well soon," said the youth
gravely, and his voice was full of a sympathy
which went straight to the girl's heart.

" I am afraid he will never get well,'' answered
Nettie, and the tears sprang into her eyes.

He took her hand and shook it warmly. " You
must hope for the best," he said. And then, as
she looked straight into his clear, honest eyes, he
added, " If I can ever be of service to you don't
hesitate to call upon me."

And a minute later he was gone.

CHAPTER XXII.

A CLEVER CAPTURE.

As Robert was approaching his boarding house
he ran into Livingston Palmer, vahse in hand,
bound for the theater.

" I'm off," said Palmer. " Our company leaves
town to-day."

" Well, I wish you every success."

" Have you struck anything yet ? " asked
Palmer curiously.

" I have and I haven't. I've got a letter from
Mr. Marden requesting me to come to Timber-
ville in Michigan."

" It wouldn't suit me to bury myself in such a
hole."

" I don't know that I will stay there any great
length of time. I am to go up on a little private
business."

" I see. Well, I must hurry. What time have
you?"

" No time at all. My w^atch is gone."

" Hullo ! Do you mean to say you've had to
187

1 88 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

pawn it already. I thought you were one of the
saving kind, to look out for a rainy day."

"" The watch was stolen from me."

"Indeed!"

*' Yes, and some of my money went with it."

" That's too bad, Robert," and Palmer's face
was full of real sympathy.

" It is bad."

" I would loan you some money if I had it.
But the truth is, I'm broke excepting for a couple
of dollars that Jack Dixon advanced me on my
salary."

'' Thank you, Livingston, but I am not quite
broke, even if I have been robbed."

" I'm glad to hear it. Now I am off, or I will
be left behind."

And with a hearty grasp of Robert's hand the
would-be actor hurried down the street. Robert
gazed after him meditatingly.

" I hope his engagement proves all he wishes,"
he thought. '' But I am afraid he is running up
against a tremendous disappointment."

Retiring to his room, Robert wrote a long letter
to Dick Harden, telling of the receipt of the
money orders and of his interview v/ith Herman
Wenrich. He also mentioned Le Fevre and
Hammerditch and asked for the order from Felix

A CLEVER CAPTURE. 189

Amberton for the map. At first he thought to
put in about the stolen money and the watch, but
then reconsidered the matter.

" I'll wait, since the map is not to be paid for,"
he said to himself. '' Perhaps the police will
catch the sharpers. If the worst comes to the
worst I guess I can scrape up enough money to
take me to Timberville without applying to Mr.
Mar den for more."

The letter finished, Robert went down to the
post-office to post it. There now seemed nothing
to do but to wait, and he returned to his board-
ing house worn out with the exertions of the
day.

A good sleep made the youth feel much better,
and while he was eating his breakfast he began
to deliberate upon what to do during the time in
which he would have to wait for an answer from
his miner friend.

The front door bell rang, and presently he
heard somebody ask to see the landlady of the
house.

" Please, mum, a gentleman to see you," said
Mary, coming into the dining room.

Mrs. Gibbs, the landlady, went into the parlor
at once, thinking the newcomer might be some*
body for board.

190 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

*' This is the landlady? " asked the man, bow-
ing.

" Yes, I am Mrs. Gibbs."

" I am looking for a nice, quiet boarding
place," went on the newcomer. '' Have you any
vacant rooms? "

" I have one room vacant, but it is on the third
floor."

" Is it a nice, quiet room ? "

" It is in the rear and looks out on a small pri-
vate garden. I think you will find it quiet
enough."

'' I cannot stand a noise. I used to board on
the other side of the city, but there was a factory
in the neighborhood and the rumble set me wild."

'' We have no noises of that kind here."

" And what do you ask for board and room ? "

" With one person in the room my charges are
ten dollars per week. If two gentlemen take the
room together the rate is eight dollars each."

" I prefer to be alone, madam."

*' I will show you the room," said Mrs. Gibbs,
moving toward the door. " I am sure you will
find it as nice as any for the price."

" I think so myself — for the house shows it,"
replied the man, with a glance around at the well-
kept parlor.

A CLEVER CAPTURE. 191

Mrs. Gibbs led the way into the hall. As she
did so Robert came out of the dining room.

The man glanced carelessly at our hero and
then fell back as if he had received a shock.

Then Robert uttered a cry of amazement.

*''You!" he gasped, and rushing forward
caught the man by the arm.

'' Let go of me, young man ! '^ cried the man
savagely.

" I will not," answered Robert firmly. *' I
know you, and I am going to hand you over to the
police."

At these words Mrs. Gibbs uttered a little
shriek.

*' Oh, Mr. Frost, what can this mean ? " she
demanded.

'' It means that this man is a thief," declared
Robert. " I met him in the post-office yesterday,
where he saw me cash several money orders.
After that he and a confederate robbed me of both
money and my watch."

At these words the face of Andy Cross— for it
was really he — became a study.

The sharper had not dared to go back to his
former boarding house. He had calculated to
find some new victim and to keep " shady " by
pretending to be too ill to leave his room for sev-

192 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

eral days. Now his little game was knocked
completely in the head.

''He is a thief?" ejaculated the landlady.
"Oh, my! and to think I was going to take him
in to board ! "

And the good old lad}^ appeared ready to
faint.

" There is some strange mistake here," said
And}^ Cross. '' Young man, how dare you call
me a thief ! "

" I dare to because it is the truth."

" Do you know who I am? "

" You are what I just called you."

" I have a strong inclination to knock you
down, but I will try to curb my temper, as all
Christian people should. I am Ralph Goodwill,
the son of the Reverend Amos Goodwill, of Den-
ver. I have come to Chicago to complete my
studies for the ministry."

" You'll have to turn over a new leaf before
you become a minister," answered Robert.

" Evidently you do not believe me."

" Why should I ? You are a thief, and you
cannot humbug me into believing otherwise."

" Mr. Frost, there may be some mistake," put
in the landlady timidly.

" There is no mistake, Mrs. Gibbs. Did you

A CLEVER CAPTURE. 193

ever see a seminary student sporting such a suit
of clothing."

" Wen— er— I don't know as to that."

'' The suit is one I picked up in the slums," said
Andy Cross glibly. " I have been doing some
work there, assisted by some Salvation Army
people. You can work better among the poor,
lost ones if you are dressed like them," he added
softly.

'' Yes, yes, I presume that is so," said Mrs.
Gibbs, who was somewhat interested in slum
work herself.

'' He is an out and out fraud," said Robert, as
firmly as ever. '' Mrs. Gibbs, will you send Mary
to call a policeman ? I will be responsible for the
arrest."

" But if there is a mistake "

" Haven't I said that I v/ill be responsible? I
am not going to let him escape if I can help it."

At that moment the front door opened, to ad-
mit one of the lady boarders. Robert stepped
back to let her pass, and as he did so Andy
Cross wrenched himself free and leaped for the
door.

" Stop ! " cried Robert. " Stop ! "

" Go to blazes ! " snarled the sharper, and pull-
ing the door back, he leaped out on the piazza.

194 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

Our hero's blood was up and he was determined
that Cross should not escape him again.

He, too, leaped for the doorway, and as the
sharper gained the piazza Robert put otit his foot
to trip him up.

The movement was far more successful than
anticipated.

Down went Andy Cross on his knees, and be-
fore he could recover he went down the steps,
bump! bump! bump! to the sidewalk.

The wind was knocked completely out of him,
and he was sadly bruised about the head, while
the blood spurted from his nose in a stream.

'' Oh ! oh ! I'm killed ! " he moaned, as he sat
up.

'' If you were, you wouldn't be able to groan
over it," answered Robert. " Stay where you
are, if you know when you are well off."

" Don't have me arrested," pleaded the sharper.
The unexpected fall had taken all his self-posses-
sion from him.

At that moment a policeman showed himself at
the corner, and Robert called to him to come up.

"What's the trouble?" demanded the officer
of the law.

Seeing to it that Andy Cross did not get away,
Robert told his story.

A CLEVER CAPTURE. 195

*' Yes, I have the report of the robbery," said
the policeman. '' You were lucky to fall in with
him."

In vain the sharper protested that he was inno-
cent. The policeman marched him off to the
nearest station house.

Here he was examined and searched, and fifty
dollars of Robert's money was found in the en-
velope which our hero had obtained at the post-
office.

" What of the rest of the money and the
watch ? " asked Robert.

Seeing there was no help for it, Andy Cross
made a confession. He stated that Jim Hus-
kin had kept both the timepiece and the rest
of the money, and left Chicago the night be-
fore.

" And where did he go ? " asked Robert.

" He took a steamer for Muskegon, Michigan,"
answered Andy Cross.

" Muskegon ! " cried our hero. And then he
said no more. But he was filled with interest,
for he had thought to journey to Timberville by
way of a steamer to the town named and then by
railroad for the balance of the journey.

" We will look this matter up and telegraph to
the authorities at Muskegon," said the officer who

196 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

was examining Cross. "If we learn anything
we will let you know."

This ended the matter for the time being, and
Andy Cross was locked up. Robert returned to
his boarding house, feeling lighter in both heart
and mind than he had a couple of hours before.

CHAPTER XXIII.

PALMER^S UNFORTUNATE DEBUT.

It had made James Talbot feel very bitter to
think that should his wife die the Frost fortune
would go entirely to his step-son.

" He doesn't deserve a cent of it — ^^with his im-
pudence to me and his running away from home/'
he said to himself. " The money ought to come
to me."

The miore he thought over the matter the more
bitter did he become. He tried to think of some
way by which he could alter the conditions of Mr,
Frost's will, but nothing came to his mind that
was satisfactory.

Of course he did not dare show his wife his real
feelings. She was still angry over the lost letter,
and he was afraid of causing an open rupture.

He concluded to do everything he could to win
her good graces, and then question her again
about the will and the property. Perhaps he
might be able, he thought, to get control of the

198 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

money lying in the bank, which aniounted to
about thirty thousand dollars.

" Once I get control of that," he told himself.
" Robert can whistle for his share. Ill run away
to Europe before I'll give it up."

The first thing he did was to buy Mrs. Talbot
a new bonnet, since he had heard that a woman
w^ill be pleased over a new bonnet, if over nothing
else. The lady, however, received the gift rather
coldly.

" It is very nice," she said. *' But I do not
need it, James."

" Never mind, my love, I want my wife to
look as good as or better than any lady in Gran-
ville."

'' Thank you, but I never tried to set the
fashion."

" I know that. But you should — with so much
money behind you."

" The money is for Robert, not for me." And
Mrs. Talbot sighed as she thought of her son, and
wondered how he was faring.

" Always the boy," thought James Talbot sav-
agely. " Will she never forget him ? "

" There is going to be a play at the opera house
to-night," he said sweetly. " I would like you to
go. You can wear the new bonnet, if you will."

PALMER'S UNFORTUNATE DEBUT. 199

" Thank you. What is the play, James ?"

" * All for Love/ a romance of high life in
New York. The newspaper says it is a good
play."

*' The newspapers cannot always be depended
upon. Do you know anything of the company ?"

"It is the Dixon Combination Comedy Com-
pany of Chicago."

" I never heard of it."

" I am afraid, my love, that you do not keep
very good track of theatrical affairs."

'' I like to read about the good ones in the
papers."

" This company has some very good adver-
tising. One of the bills says they carry ten star
actors and actresses. I am sure you will like
the play."

'' I will go if you wish me to," answered Mrs.
Talbot, although she was doubtful if she would
enjoy the performance. During the time Mr.
Frost had been living, husband and wife had
gone to both the theater and to the concert, but
only to the very best. But Mr. Talbot had no
taste for such things, and an ordinary perform-
ance pleased him about as well as one which was
far superior.

There had been no show in Granville for over

aoo OUT FOR BUSINESS.

two weeks. Consequently when the doors of the
opera house were opened that night, the fair-
sized hall became crowded in short order.

The Dixon Combination Comedy Company
was entirely unknown, and for good reason — it
had never existed until two weeks previous to the
opening at Granville.

Jack Dixon, the manager, had been a " hanger-
on " among theatrical people for several years,
and having received several hundred dollars
through the death of a rich aunt, had at once set
to work to put a company of his own on the
road.

The man meant well, but he knew very little
about the business, as was proved by his hiring
Livingston Palmer and several others who were
no better actors.

Rehearsals had been backward and unsatisfac-
tory from the start, and the combination would
have done much better had it held back for
another week for practice before appearing in
public.

But everyone was anxious to make a hit, and
nobody thought failure possible.

" We will carry the town by storm," said the
leading man, a fellow by the name of Caster. He
had been on the boards for several years, but

PALMER'S UNFORTUNATE DEBUT. 201

had never before risen to a position higher than
that of being a member of a stock company at-
tached to a dime museum.

'' Yes, we will show them what real acting
is," answered Livingston Palmer. " To-morrow
the newspapers will be full of complimentary
notices."

At quarter to eight the orchestra, consisting of
a piano player, a violinist, a flutist, and a cor-
netist, struck up on the overture, and at eight
o'clock sharp the curtain went up on the first act
of "AH for Love."

The scene represented Fifth avenue, in New
York — at least, so the programme said,—
although it is doubtful if anybody living on that
fashionable thoroughfare would have recognized
the locality. People v/ere coming and going, and
doing this as if their lives depended upon it, the
same person appearing and disappearing every
half minute or so.

In the crowd was a girl who was supposed to
be a companion to a rich old lady. As she stood
waiting for something, the villain of the play, a
fashionably-dressed man, came up and tried to
tem.pt her into stealing the rich lady's jevv^els.
While this was going on the butler of the lady's
mansion appeared and overheard the plot.

202 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

The acting was crude from the start, but at the
opening of a play few people pay much attention,
and it was not until Livingston Palmer appeared
as the spying butler that the audience began to
grow attentive.

" Ha, what is this I hear !" cried Palmer, as he
peered forth from behind a dry goods box set up
against a building marked Plotel. " She is plot-
ting to rob my mistress. Base woman that she is,
I will— will— will "

Palmer should have said, " I will expose her
to Mrs. Ulmer and have her arrested," but the
words would not come, for he had caught sight of
the hundreds of faces in the audience and become
stage-frightened in consequence.

" I will — will — I will " he stammered, try-^

ing again.

" Will you ?" came a voice from the gallery,
"All right, Willie!"

There was a laugh and then a hiss.

" I will expose her," whispered the prompter,
who stood in the prompter's box with the book of
the play in his hand.

"I will — will expose her!" burst out Living-
ston Palmer. " I will expose her, base — I
mean — I will expose her to be arrested — to —
by — I mean — Mrs. Ulmer shall arrest herl" and

PALMER'S UNFORTUNATE D^BUT. 203

then he fell back out of sight, and all but over*
come.

At once the prompter ran up to him.

"You fool!" he whispered wildly. "That
wasn't right. YouVe ruined the scene."

" Have I ?" asked Palmer, in awe-stricken
tones. " Oh, I — I — something slipped my mind.
But — but I'll be all right in the next scene."

" I hope so. Better study your lines before
you go on,"

" I will," answered the would-be actor, and
began to study as never before.

In the meantime the scene went on, the actors
reciting their lines without a break, but with so
little dramatic action that scarcely anyone in the
audience was interested.

" Do you like it, my love?" asked James Tal-
bot, who sat beside his wife in one of the
orchestra rows.

" No, it is very stupid so far," answered Mrs.
Talbot.

" The next act may be better, Sarah. The best
plays rarely start well."

" That young man missed his part entirely,"
was Mrs. Talbot's comment.

The second act of the play represented the
drawing room of Mrs. Ulmer's mansion. There

204 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

was at first a love scene which promised very well*
But the lover in the play v^^as as nervous as he
might have been in real life, and when he started
to kiss his lady-love good-by, he smacked her so
warmly that his false mustache fell off into her
lap.

" Oh !" she cried, and there was a roar of
laughter from the audience.

The lover snatched the mustache up in a trice
and hurried off as if he was leaving an enemy,
instead of her whose heart he was supposed to
have won.

The rich old lady came in, supported on the
arm of her nephew, a captain of the regular army.
The captain was wearing his sword, but he was
not used to the weapon, and it got tangled up be-
tween his legs more than once, and came near to
upsetting him.

"Take it off!" cried a voice from the gal-
lery. Of course a laugh followed the bit of
advice.

The captain was about to conclude an import-
ant interview with his rich aunt, when the butler
walked in with a tray, on which were a bottle sup-
posed to contain wine, and two glasses.

" Be careful there, Willie, or you'll drop the
tray!" cried the voice from the gallery.

PALMER'S UNFORTUNATE D^BUT, 205

" Will — he ?" said another voice, with an at-
tempt at a pun.

"Ah, so this is honest John!" exclaimed the
captain, turning to the butler. " John, what have
you to say to the captain who used to go horse-
back riding on your foot?"

" I'm glad to see you, sir," said Livingston
Palmer. '' Very glad, sir." Then he took a deep
breath, and started again, so that his next lines
might not escape him. " Mrs. Ulmer, Ihavea
secret to tell." He meant, " I have a secret to
tell," but some of his words ran one into another.

" A secret, John. What can it be?"

" You'retoberobb'd, yes, madam, youretobe
robb'd."

"Robbed!"

" Yes, madam, robb'd. Oneyou have fondly
robbed intendsto loveyou."

A shout went up at this, a shout that speedily
became a roar. Of course Palmer meant to say,
" One you have fondly loved intends to rob you,"
but he v/as hopelessly bewildered, and hardly
knew what he was doing. For once his self-con-
fidence had entirely left him.

" Go ! I will not believe it !" cried the rich
lady. " Leave my sight !"

" Yes, madam, Iwillgo, but — but " Living-

206 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

ston Palmer stared around wildly. He wanted to
add, '' I can prove what I have to say," but the
words became mixed as before. '' Icansay —
whatlcanprove — I mean, I provetosay v/hat I
can — I can say what Icansay "

" Then go and say it !" yelled somebody from
the gallery. " Say it, and give somebody else a
chance to talk."

"Say, but this is a bum company," added
somebody else.

" Worst I ever saw !" came from a third party.
And then followed a storm of hisses. In the
midst of this Palmer hurried from the stage. At
once Dixon collared him.

"Palmer, what do you mean by this?" de-
manded the manager. " Have you lost your
wits?"

" No, but — ^but — it's awful to have so many
folks staring at you, and cat-calling, too."

" You spoiled both acts."

" I did my best," pleaded Livingston Palmer.

*' Then you'll never make an actor if you live to
be a hundred years," responded Jack Dixon, and
with this cold cut he walked off, leaving Palmer
the picture of misery and despair.

But the scene was not yet ended, and scarcely
had Dixon turned away when there came another

PALMER'S UNFORTUNATE DEBUT. 207

roar and a hiss. The unfortunate captain had
fallen down with his sword between his feet. In
trying to pick himself up he had upset a small
table, scattering the books thereon in every direc-
tion. His wig came off, and when he managed to
gain his feet once more it was found that his coat
was split up the back for a foot and over.

''They are a disgrace to the opera house!"
came the cry.

*' They are no good! "

" Let us give 'em something to remember us
by!"

The last suggestion was greeted with a wild as-
sent, and soon half a dozen different articles
landed on the stage, including the core of an apple
and a half-decayed orange. In the midst of the
uproar a number of the audience started to leave
and the drop curtain came down with a bang.

CHAPTER XXIV.

PALMER CALLS UPON ROBERTAS MOTHER.

Among the first to leave the opera house were
Mrs. Talbot and her husband.

" I have had quite enough of this," said the lady
to James Talbot. '' The company and the play
are both very poor."

" Perhaps you are right," he admitted. " I
must say I looked for something much better my-
self. That poor butler couldn't act at all."

'' He was dumstruck," said Mrs. Talbot, and
felt compelled to laugh. " Poor fellow, he ought
to go at some other line of work."

They were soon on the way home. Mr. Talbot
had ordered a carriage to come for them when
the performance was over, but this w^as not at
hand, so they were forced to walk.

" I didn't make much by taking her out to-
night," said the schemer to himself. " Next time
ril have to make sure that I am taking her to
something that is really first-class."

When the pair reached home James Talbot

PALMER CALLS UPON ROBERT'S MOTHER, 209

wished his wife to come into the sitting-room, to
talk over their business affairs. The fact of the
matter was, he was running short of money, and
he desired his wife to make him an advance.

'' I have something of a headache, James,'' she
said. '' I think I had better retire early."

'' I will not detain you long, my love," he an-
swered.

Soon they were in the sitting-room and the lady
dropped into an easy chair. He could not sit
dow^n, but began to walk up and down nervously.

'' I hate very much to mention the matter to
you, Sarah," he began, '' but the fact is, a remit-
tance from a man in Chicago who owes me quite
some money has been delayed, and this has cut me
short."

'^ Do you want money? "

"If you can spare it, I would like to have a hun-
dred dollars or so until the remittance comes."

" Very well, you can have it in the morning,"
answered Mrs. Talbot quietly.

James Talbot had told her before they were
married that he was fairly well-to-do, but since
they had become man and wife she had not seen
a dollar of his money.

It was true, he had a little money, or had had
it, but the amount was less than a thousand dol-

SIO OUT FOR BUSINESS,

lars, and it was now tied up in a speculation that
promised little or no return. James Talbot had
no head for business, and even his wife was be-
ginning to find that out. He could be miserly,
but miserliness is not true economy. He pre-
tended to deal in real estate, but he was too shift-
less and lazy to apply himself to steady work.

" I will be all right as soon as the money
comes," went on Talbot cheerfully. " After this
I trust I shall never have to trouble you again."

" How is the real estate business progressing? "
she asked.

" Fairly well. Granville is not a booming
town."

" I know that."

" I am half of a mind to try my luck in Chi-
cago. That is where they make fortunes in real
estate every year."

" Perhaps; but they have to have a large capi-
tal to start on."

" Exactly, my love. But with a large capital
it is a dead sure thing, for it cannot burn up, can-
not be stolen from you, and constp^ntly increases
in value. What do you think of my plan to start
in Chicago? "

" I am sure I have no objection, although I am
comfortably situated here."

PALMER CALL S UPON ROBER r > MOt HER, 2 1 1

'' You could keep this home if you wished — at
least, at first, and I could come out every Satur-
day afternoon and remain until Monday. The
trouble is, the venture would require quite some
capital."

'' I presume it would."

" If I had five or ten thousand dollars to spare,
I would start at once."

'' Haven't you that much, James? " she askedy
with interest.

'' Not in ready money. My cash is tied up in
investments. But you could loan me the amount,
couldn't you, my love ? "

Mrs. Talbot's face flushed, and her eyes sought
the floor. She had been afraid that this was what
was coming-.

*' I — I suppose so," she faltered, hardly know-
ing what to say.

" Of course you would be secured. I would see
to that."

'' Yes, James, I would want that. For the
m.oney is to go to Robert, you know."

His face fell. ^' The boy always ! " he thought.
" Oh, I wish he would never be heard from
again ! "

" But if I make a barrel of money out of my
investments, that must go to you,'* he said aloud

212 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" No, you shall keep the money," she replied
*' I have as much as I will ever need.'*

In a few minutes more Mrs. Talbot retired.
James Talbot walked the sitting-room floor with
considerable satisfaction.

" Ten thousand dollars will be a nice sum," he
mused, rubbing his horny hands together. " Rob-
ert, eh? Well, he'll never see the cash, I'll give
James Talbot's word on that! It will be several
years before he becomes of age, and who knows
hov/ much more of the fortune will come my way
before that time ? "

The morning paper contained a long and semi-
humorous account of the performance of " All for
Love." It said the actors and actresses were prob-
ably well-meaning amateurs who had yet much to
learn before they would become successful in their
profession. They advised the butler in the play to
perfect himself in the part of a stuttering come-
dian ! By the account it was evident that the play
had come to a conclusion in a perfect uproar, and
that many in the audience had demanded their
money back.

James Talbot had gone off to his real estate of-
fice, to perfect his plans for opening up in Chi-
cago, when the door-bell rang and Jane announced
a visitor to see Mrs. Talbot.

PALMER CALLS UPON ROBERT'S MOTHER, 213

" He gives his name as Livingston Palmer,"
said Jane.

" Livingston Palmer ? " mused the lady of the
house. " Why, where have I heard that before ?
Oh, I remember now. It was on that theatrical
programme," and she looked it up to make sure.
" He was that butler who started all the trouble.
What can he want of me ? "

She descended to the parlor to greet her visitor.
Livingston Palmer v/as seated on the edge of a
chair, his face far more careworn than ever before,
and his clothing much soiled and torn.

" Good-m.orning," he said humbly. " This is
Mrs. Talbot, who used to be Mrs. Frost, I be-
lieve."

" Yes," she answered.

" I am a stranger to you, madam, but I come
from Chicago, and I am well acquainted with your
son Robert."

'' Indeed ! " cried Mrs. Talbot, and her whole
manner changed. '' Is Robert in Chicago ? "

" He is — or at least he was when I left there,
two days ago."

*' Can you tell me what he is doing? "

" He and I v/ere clerks in a cut-rate ticket
office. But a fire threw us both out of employ-

214 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" And you joined a theatrical company," added
Mrs. Talbot.

" How do you know that? "

" I was at the opera house last night and saw
you on the stage."

For once in his life Livingston Palmer's face
grew as red as a beet.

'' You — er — witnessed that unfortunate affair,"
he stammxred. '' I — I "

" I thought you were nev/ at acting," said the
lady candidly. " It was, as you say, unfortu-
nate."

" The people used us meanly," exclaimed
Palmer. " I was struck in half a dozen places,
and my coat was nearly torn from my back, and
in the struggle to get away I lost my money and
could not find it again."

'' When was this ? I came away at the conclu-
sion of the second act."

" It was after the play was over. A regular
mob congregated around the stage door, and we
could scarcely escape with our lives. I never shall
go on the stage again, never ! " And Palmer
shook his head bitterly. He meant what he said,
and let it be recorded here that he kept his word.

CHAPTER XXV.

ANOTHER TALK ABOUT ROBERT.

Mrs. Talbot saw plainly that Livingston
Palmer was suffering, both from humiliation and
from the manner in which he had been treated
physically, and her heart was touched.

'' I am very sorry for you, Mr. Palmer," she
said. " If there is anything I can do for you I
will do it willingly. But I would first like to hear
something of my son."

'' I will tell you all I know," answered the
young man quickly. '' I was in hope that Rob-
ert's mother might aid me. We have been good
friends. He's a splendid lad."

" Yes, Robert is a good boy and always was.
Is he well?"

" Perfectly well, and was, as I said before, do-
ing finely, until the fire threw us both out."

" How much was he getting a week ? "

" Five dollars."

" I do not call that very good," cried Mrs. Tal-

215

21 6 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

bot. " He cannot live very well on that in such a
city as Chicago."

" He told me he had an allowance besides."

" An allowance ? " Mrs. Talbot looked puzzled.
" I can't understand that. I made him no allow-
ance, for he would not permit it. He said he was
going to make his own way in the world."

" Well, I can only tell you what he said," re-
turned Livingston Palmer.

" Will you give me his address, so that I can
write to him? "

'' Why, haven't you his address? I am sure he
wrote to you."

'' I never got the letter." And then Mrs. Tal-
bot's face flushed, as she remembered about the
letter her husband had destroyed. Had she been
deceived in the matter, after all?

" Then I will write the address down for you,"
said Palmer, and did so.

A long talk followed, and the young man told
Mrs. Talbot all he knew about Robert, and also
mentioned Dick Marden, but not in such a way
that the lady suspected the allowance Robert re-
ceived came from the miner.

Palmer frankly admitted that he was without
means of any sort.

" If I were in Chicago, this would not matter

ANOTHER TALK ABOUT ROBERT. 217

SO much," he added. " But in Granville I know
nobody but you and the members of our company,
or rather the company to which I belonged. I was
discharged, and Dixon refuses to even give me
my carfare back to the city."

" I shall be pleased to give you what you need,"
replied Mrs. Talbot. " I am overjoyed to learn
that Robert is well. I am going to pay Chicago
a visit soon, and then if he will not come to me I
will go to him."

" He will come to you fast enough, madam. It
is only his step-father whom he dreads."

" Yes, yes, I know." Mrs. Talbot thought best
to change the subject. " Will you not have break-
fast with me, Mr. Palmer? "

'' With pleasure," answered the young man.
" But I — er — I would like to brush and wash up
first."

" To be sure." Mrs. Talbot surveyed him crit-
ically. '' I really believe some of Robert's clothing
would fit you. At least his coat would."

" Yes, his coat vvould."

" Then I can perhaps replace that torn garment
you are wearing."

Mrs. Talbot was as good as her word, and half
an hour later Livingston Palmer came down from
the room Robert had occupied, thoroughly

2l8 OUT FOR BUSINESS. [

brushed and washed and wearing a coat and rest
which had belonged to the boy. They wxre rather
tight, it is true, but they were almost new, and a
vast improvement over the ragged garments
Palmer had worn upon presenting himself.

A substantial breakfast followed, of fish,
omelet, hot rolls, and coffee, and it is perhaps
needless to say that Palmer did full justice to all
that was set before him. And small wonder, for
he had eaten nothing since the afternoon of the
day before.

It was nearly noon before the young man pre-
pared to take his departure, with twenty dollars
in his pocket, which he had insisted should be a
loan only, to be paid back as soon as the oppor-
tunity afforded.

'' I am very grateful to you, Mrs. Talbot," he
said, on parting. " You have treated me like a
king. Why Robert should leave such a home
and such a mother I can't understand."

Mrs. Talbot was visibly affected.

'' It was entirely on his step-father's account,
Mr. Palmer. Robert is high spirited and would
not bend as Mr. Talbot wished."

" Then let me be bold enough to say that I
imagine Robert was in the right."

To this Mrs. Talbot made no reply. But she

ANOTHER TALK ABOUT ROBERT, 2x9

begged Palmer to keep an eye on her son, and if
anything went wrong to let her know by sending
her a letter in care of the postmaster, and marked
for personal delivery only. Then Palmer hurried
away, to catch the first train he could for the great
city by the lakes.

When her visitor was gone Mrs. Talbot sat
down to review the situation in her mind Her
thoughts were not pleasant ones. Her second
marriage was proving to be anything but agree-
able. She realized that her husband was not the
man she had imagined him to be.

Dinner was on the table at twelve, for Mr.
Talbot insisted on having his main meal at mid-
day. Yet the man did not come in until nearly
half an hour later, and then he appeared to be
much put out about something.

" I understand you had a visitor this morning/'
he began, as he and his wife sat down to the table,
and Jane brought on the food.

" Yes.''

" Some friend of that reckless son of yours,"
went on Mr. Talbot. " What did Robert send
him for, money? "

Mrs. Talbot was surprised.

" How did you learn my visitor was a friend of
Robert? " she asked.

220 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I got it from Sproggens at the depot. H^
was talking with the fellow while he was waiting
for a train. I hope you didn't encourage him,
Sarah. If the boy sees fit to run away and stay
away, let him make his own way."

" That is just what Robert is doing, James/'
cried the lady, her face flushing.

'' Then why did Robert send that young man
here?"

" He didn't send him here."

" Humph ! " James Talbot was on the point
of saying that he did not believe the statement,
but cut himself short. If he angered his wife
now he might have trouble in getting the fiA^e or
ten thousand dollars she had said she would loan
him.

'' The young m^an belonged to that theatrical
company we went to see," continued Mrs. Talbot.
*' He knew Robert and so he thought he would
call here and see me."

" What did he have to say about the boy? "

" He said Robert had been doing very well, but
a fire burnt out the office in which he was em-
ployed."

" And what is the boy doing now ? "

*' Nothing, just at present."

*' He won't find it easy to get another opening.'*

ANOTHER TALK ABOUT ROBERT. 221

*' Mr. Palmer said Robert might go up to
Michigan in a few days. He had to do some-
thing for a m.an interested in some timber lands
in the upper part of that State."

" Humph ! I shouldn't wonder if the boy
came home soon. He'll get tired of roughing it."

'' Robert has a stout heart, Mr. Talbot, and I
doubt if he ever comes home so long as you are
here."

And with these words Mrs. Talbot arose and
swept from the dining room, hardly having
touched a mouthful of the food Jane had taken so
much pains to prepare.

James Talbot finished his meal in silence, and
ate as heartily as ever, for seldom did anything
interfere with his appetite. From the kitchen
Jane eyed him in a manner which was anything
but agreeable.

'' The old gorilla," she said to herself, as she
rattled the pans angrily. '' He ought to be
thrown out of the house. If it wasn't for the
poor mistress, sure and I wouldn't stay another
minute. I wish the victuals would choke him."
And then she vowed that the next time she fixed
the dessert she would make Mr. Talbot's portion
so bad that he could not eat it.

CHAPTER XXVI.

ROBERT SPEAKS HIS MIND.

Robert waited for two days for a letter from
Dick Marden. In the meantime he went down
to the poHce station twice to learn if anything had
been found out about Jim Huskin.

" We telegraphed to Muskegon and several
other points," said the officer in charge " But
so far no one has seen the rascal."

In the evening mail of the second day came two
letters for the boy, both of which he perused with
great interest.

The first was from his mother, telling of the
meeting with Livingston Palmer, and of what
the would-be actor had told her.

" I am glad to hear that you have not suffered
so far, Robert," she wrote. " But I am afraid
that the fire may prove an unexpected setback for
you, and so I enclose twenty dollars, which may
come in useful. So far I have received no letter

ROBERT SPEAKS HIS MIND. 223

from you, although Mr. Palmer says you have
written. When you write again send it in care
of the postmaster, and mark it for personal de-
livery only. Then I am sure Mr. Blarcomb will
give it to me and to nobody else."

It may be imagined that Robert was indignant.

"I'll wager old Talbot stole that letter," he
told himself. " And I guess mother thinks as
much. Oh, what a mistake she made in marry-
ing that man ! I'll write her another letter this
very night." And he did so, and posted it be-
fore retiring. In the communication he told her
to beware of his step-father and not trust him in
money m.atters, as she might be very sorry for it.

'' It's best to open her eyes," he reasoned,
" even if it does cause her pain."

The second letter was from Dick Marden, en-
closing the order from Felix Amberton for the
map. In this the old miner urged Robert to ob-
tain the document at the earliest possible moment.

" Our enemies are hedging us in and intend to
proceed against us in the county court in a day or
two," he added. " As soon as we get the map
we will know just where we stand, and our law-
yer will know exactly what claims he can make.

224 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

My uncle is of the opinion that the other side is
making a big bluff in the hope that we will offer
to compromise."

" I'll go and get the document the first thing in
the morning/' Robert told himself. '' And if all
goes well I'll be on my way to Timberville by
noon."

With the money recovered from Andy Cross,
and with what his mother had sent to him, he now
had ample funds for the trip. After waiting the
letter to his parent, he packed his valise, that
nothing might delay his start.

A surprise awaited him the next miorning just
after he had left the dining room, and while he
was telling Mrs. Gibbs that he intended to go
away, to be gone an indefinite time.

" A gentleman to see Mr. Frost," announced
the girl, and entering the parlor Robert found
himself confronted by his step-father.

" Good-morning, Robert," said James Talbot,
smiling affably and extending his hand.

" Good-morning, Mr. Talbot," replied our hero
coldly. He pretended not to see the outstretched
hand.

" I suppose you are surprised to see me here,"
began Mr. Talbot awkwardly.

ROBERT SPEAKS HIS MIND, 22$

" I am surprised. How did you learn my ad-
dress?"

" Never mind that now, Robert. I came to see
how you are getting along."

" You ought to know. You got my letter,
even if my mother didn't," answered Robert bit-
terly.

" I got no letter, my lad, upon my honor I did
not. I came out of pure friendliness to you."

" Then let me tell you that I am doing very
well."

" I heard something about your being out of
work on account of a fire."

"Did Mr. Gray tell you?"

" Never mind who told me." James Talbot
cleared his throat. '' As you are out of work I
thought perhaps that you would like to come to
work for me."

"Work for you!"

" Exactly. I don't mean for you to go back to
Granville. I am going to open a real-estate office
in Chicago, and I shall want a clerk. I under-
stand that you take to that sort of thing."

" I don't believe I'll take to clerking for you,"
returned Robert bluntly.

" Ahem ! That is rather harsh of you, Robert.
I mean to do well by you. Why not take a fresh

226 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

Start? I am sure we shall get along very well
together."

'' Are you going to give up the office you
opened in Granville ? "

'• Not just yet. But I may in the future — after
the office here is in full blast. I expect to make a
big thing of the business here."

" A big business here means the investment of
a lot of money," said the boy shrewdly. " Where
is that to come from? "

" Never mind about the money. It will be
forthcoming as it is needed."

'' Is my mother going to let you have some of
her money ? "

" If she did, it would be no more than right that
she should depend upon her husband in her in-
vestments."

" I wouldn't advise her to depend upon you.
With your own money you can do as you please,
but I don't think you ought to touch any of her
funds."

" You are decidedly plain-spoken, boy! " cried
James Talbot, frowning.

" Because one must speak plainly to such a man
as you, Mr. Talbot. I don't know why my
mother married you, but I think I know why you
married my mother."

ROBERT SPEAKS HIS MIND. 227

"And why?"

'* To get hold of her money."

James Talbot leaped from the chair upon which
he had been sitting. He was enraged, but quickly
calmed himself.

"' You are entirely mistaken, boy, entirely mis-
taken. Why, I have all the money I want."

" I saw you borrow fifty dollars from my
mother once."

" Merely a bit of accommodation because I
didn't have the cash handy. Why I can draw my
check for twenty or thirty thousand dollars if I
wish to."

Robert did not believe the statement. Yet as
he had no way to disprove it, he remained silent
on the point.

" Then you are going to use your own money
entirely in this real estate venture in Chicago ? "

" Well — er — most likely. Of course I may
become pushed for ready cash at times and will
then look to your mother to help me out a little.
Every man, no matter how well off, gets pushed
at times, when he cannot turn his securities into
ready cash, you know."

" I shall advise my mother to keep her fortune
in her own hands."

" You will ! " James Talbot became more en-

228 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

raged than ever. " Don't you dare to interfere
between my wife and myself."

" I will do all I can to keep her money out of
your reach."

" Perhaps you want it yourself ? " sneered
Talbot.

" No, I want her to keep it and enjoy it as long
as she lives. I don't believe you are any kind of
a business manager, and if she put the money in
your care she might be a beggar in a year or two."

*' Boy, boy, this to me ! me, your father! " cried
Talbot.

" You are not my father, Mr. Talbot, and you
need not call yourself such. My father was a far
better man than you are, I can tell you that. He
made his own way in the world, just as I am try-
ing to do, and ask no favors from anybody."

'' You are impertiment — a thorough good-for-
nothing! " howled James Talbot, hardly knowing
what to say. '' I want to do you a kindness, and
this is the way you receive me. I will not speak
to you longer. But don't you dare to set my
wife against me, or there will be trouble, mind
that — there will be trouble ! "

And thus talking he left the parlor, clapped his
silk hat on his head, and dashed from the board-
ing house.

CHAPTER XXVII.

MR. TALBOT RECEIVES ANOTHER SET-BACK.

" He^s in a rage, it's easy to see that. I won-
der what he will do next? "

Such was the mental question Robert asked
when he found himself once more alone.

James Talbot had tried a little plan of his own,
and it had failed and left him in a worse posi-
tion than before.

He had hoped by offering Robert a good salary
— to be paid out of Mrs. Talbot's money — to get
the youth under his thumb. But our hero had
refused to have anything to do with him and had
threatened to do all he could to induce Mrs. Tal-
bot to keep her fortune in her own control.

" He's a regular imp," muttered James Talbot,
as he hurried down the street, so enraged that he
scarcely knew where he was walking. '' If he
writes home to his mother it will be harder than
ever to do anything with her. I wish he was at
the bottom of the sea ! "

His soliloquy was brought to a sudden and un-

2 so OUT FOR BUSWESS.

expected termination when he passed around a
corner and ran full tilt into another individual.
Both went sprawling, and both were for the in-
stant deprived of their wind.

"Who— what— ?" spluttered James Talbot,
as he picked himself up.

" You fool, you ! " panted the other individual.
" What do you mean by driving into me in this
fashion?"

'' I — I didn't see you," answered Talbot.

'' You must be blind," stormed the party who
had been knocked down.

" Tm not blind. I — I — was in a tremendous
hurry." James Talbot looked at the other man
curiously. " I — er— I — think I've met you be-
fore."

" I don't remember you."

" Isn't your name Livingston Palmer ? "

" It is."

" I saw you in Granville — at the theater, and
later on at the railroad station."

Palmer, for it was really he, flushed up.

" Perhaps you belonged to that mob that
assaulted our troupe," he sneered. " Your actions
here are in the same line."

" No, I had no fault to find with the theatrical
company," returned James Talbot slowly. The

TALBOT RECEIVES ANOTHER SET-BACK, 23!

meeting had surprised him greatly, and he began
to wonder how he might turn it to account. '' I
wonder if you know who I am ? " he added, after
a pause.

" I can't say that I do."

" I am James Talbot, the husband of the lady
upon whom you called."

" Oh ! Then you are Robert Frost's step-
father," exclaimed Livingston Palmer.

" I am. May I ask what induced you to call
upon m.y wife? "

Again Palmer flushed up.

"I think, Mr. Talbot, that that was my af-
fair."

" Do you mean to say you refuse to tell ? "

" Well, if you must know, I will tell you — so
that Mrs. Talbot may not get into trouble over it.
Your townpeople treated me so shabbily that I
called upon your wife for a small loan, so that I
might get back to Chicago."

" Humph ! Then Robert didn't send you to
see her ? "

" No, Robert knew nothing about my going to
Granville."

" I thought you and he were great friends ? "

" So we are, but he didn't know where I was
going when we separated."

232 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

"A likely story," sneered James Talbot. "I
believe that boy sent you to my wife with a mes-
sage."

" You can think as you please," cried Palmer
hotly. " I have told you the plain truth. But I
guess Robert will have to send a private mes-
senger, since his letters don't reach his mother."

The shot told, and James Talbot grew pale for
the moment. Then he recovered himself.

" I won't stand any of your slurs, young man.
I reckon you are no better than Robert."

*' I don't want to be any better than Robert.
He's a first-rate fellow."

'' He is an impudent cub."

" That is only your opinion."

" I am his step-father, and in the eyes of the
law I am as a real father to him. Yet instead of
minding me he openly defies me."

'' I don't know but what I would do the same,"
answered Palmer coolly.

" I want to do what is right by him — make
something of him — but he won't let me do it."

" He is able to take care of himself."

'' No, he is not. Sooner or later he'll be going
to the dogs."

" He told me all about how you had treated
him. I don't blame him for leaving home, al-

TALBOT RECEIVES ANOTHER SET-BACK. 233

though it may be possible that he would have done
better by sticking to his mother/'

" Do you mean to insinuate that his mother
may need him ? "

" I don't wonder if she does, Mr. Talbot. As
I understand the matter she is rich."

"Well?"

" It would be a great temptation for some hus-
bands to try to get that money in their own
hands."

James Talbot grew crimson.

'' You insult me ! " he ejaculated.

Livingston Palmer shrugged his shoulders.

" You can take it as you please. I didn't stop
you. You ran into me and knocked me down."

" Where are you going? "

" That is my affair."

'' You are going to call upon Robert."

" Perhaps I am."

"If you do, let mic warn you not to talk about
me and my wife. Did she send the boy a mes-
sage ? "

" If she did I shan't deliver it to you," answered
Livingston Palmer, and proceeded on his way.
James Talbot gazed after him in anger and dis-
appointment.

" Another who is against m.e," he muttered.

234 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I must hurry my schemes, or it will be too late
to put them through."

Livingston Palmer had just reached Mrs.
Gibbs' boarding house when he met Robert com-
ing out, on his way to see Herm.an Wenrich about
the map.

'' Robert ! " cried the former clerk. " I'm glad
I caught you."

'' Why, Livingston, I thought you were on
the road," returned Robert, as he shook hands.

^' Not much ! No more theatrical life for me,"
said Palmier.

" What, have you had enough already? "

*' Yes, and got it in your native tcv/n, too."

"In Granville?"

" Exactly. W^e opened in Granville and we
busted in Granville," said Palmer, and in such a
dubious fashion that our hero could scarcely keep
from laughing outright.

" What, has the Dixon Combination Comedy
Company gone to pieces? "

" It has — at least so far as I am concerned.
Dixon isn't going to show again until the per-
formers have rehearsed for another couple of-
weeks."

Palmer did not wish to go into the details of
his bitter experience, so without delay he began

TALBOT RECEIVES ANOTHER SET-BACK. 235

to tell of his visit to Mrs. Talbot and of what she
had done and said, and then before Robert could
interrupt him he told of the meeting with James
Talbot.

" Yes, my step-father was here," said Robert.
" I am satisfied that he is not to be trusted. I
shall write my mother a long letter about him as
soon as I can get the chance. But now I must
be off, as I have some important business to at-
tend to for Mr. Marden. What are you going
to do?"

" I am going to call upon Mr. Gray and see if
he intends to open up again," answered Living-
ston Palmer. " After this office life will be good
enough for me,"

CHAPTER XXVIII.

THE CONSPIRATORS ARE DISGUSTED.

Less than an hour later found Robert at Her-
man Wenrich's modest home. A ring at the
door bell brought Nettie Wenrich, who smiled
pleasantly upon seeing our hero.

'' My father is much better, thank you," said
the girl, in reply to Robert's question concerning
her parent's health. " I was afraid he would not
get well before, but now I am sure he will."

'' I am glad to hear that," answered the boy.

'' Those men were here again," went on Nettie.
" They are very anxious to get the map, and they
offered my father fifty dollars for it."

" They offered two hundred dollars," came
from the bedchamber, for Robert and Nettie were
ascending the stairs, and old Herman Wenrich
had overheard the talk. " The fifty dollar offer
was only their first."

The old lumberman shook hands cordially.

" But you have the m.ap, haven't you?" ques-
tioned Robert eagerly.

836

THE CONSPIRATORS ARE DISGUSTED. 237

" To be sure I have, my lad. Herman Wen-
rich's word is as good as his bond."

" You know I am authorized to give you a
hundred dollars," went on Robert.

" And didn't I say I didn't want a cent from
Felix Amberton?" cried the old man. "All I
want is that order, to make certain that I am not
going astray — not but what you look honest
enough."

'' Here is the order, just received by mail," and
Robert handed it over.

Herman Wenrich had his daughter bring spec-
tacles and he perused the paper with great care.

'' That's all right — I know Amberton's signa-
ture well — saw it on many a check he gave me.
You shall have the map. Nettie, bring me my
tin box."

" I will, father," answered the daughter, and
left the room.

'' What did those men have to say when you
told them that I had said they were not working
for Felix Amberton's interest?" asked Robert
while she was gone.

" I didn't tell them anything about it. I
merely told them to hold off for a day or two, and
I would consider their offer."

" They'll be mad when they learn the truth."

23^ OUT FOR BUSINESS.

*' I shall show them this order for the map.
They probably know Amberton's signature as
well as I do."

" Perhaps so."

" I suppose you are going to send that to Tim-
berviile by the first mail."

" I am going to take it up m.yself. Mr. Mar-
den wants to come up."

" You will find it a wild section of the country
— a good bit different from around here."

*' I shan't mind that — in fact, I think I'll rather
like the change."

'' It's a good place for a fellow who is strong
and healthy. There are fortunes in the lumber
business."

'' I've no doubt of it."

'' I went into the district a poor man, and
worked at cutting lumber at a dollar and a half a
day. Inside of fifteen years I came out some-
thing like twelve thousand dollars ahead. Of
course that isn't a fortune, but you must remem-
ber that I lost about ten thousand dollars by two
spring freshets which carried off nearly all I at
those times possessed. If I had remained there I
would have been better off. But I came to
Chicago and speculated, and now my fortune
amounts to very little, I can tell you that"

THE CONSPIRA TORS ARE DISGUSTED. 239

By this time Nettie came back with a long tin
box painted black. It was locked, and the key
was in a pocketbook under the sick man's pillow.
Soon the box was opened and Herman Wenrich
took out a paper yellow with age.

" This is the map/' he said. " If I were you
I would be very careful of how I handled it, or it
may go to pieces. Nettie, haven't you a big en-
velope in which to place it ? "

" I think I have, father," she replied, and went
off to hunt up the article.

During her absence Robert looked over the
document, and found that it contained not only a
map but also a long written description of sev-
eral lumber tracts, including that which Felix
Amberton had once purchased from a man named
Gregory Hammerditch.

'' This must be some relative to the Hammer-
ditch I met," said our hero.

" It was an uncle. The trouble started through
this Gregory Hammerditch and the Canadian,
Jean Le Fevre. They claimed the land was never
paid for, I believe."

At that moment came a ring at the front door
bell.

" It is those two men ! " cried Nettie, who stood
close to the window.

240 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" You mean the Canadian and the English-
man ? " asked Robert.

" Yes."

" Do you wish to meet them ? " questioned
Herman Wenrich. " If so, I have no objection."

" I would like to hear what they have to say,
sir."

'* You can go into the back bedroom, if you
wish."

The idea struck Robert as a good one, and
while Nettie went below to let the visitors in our
hero entered the rear apartment, leaving the door
open several inches.

Soon he heard Hammerditch and Le Fevre as-
cending the stairs.

'' Good-morning," said both, as they came
in and sat down close to Herman Wenrich's
bedside.

" Good-morning," replied the old lumberman
shortly.

" Well, I trust you have decided to sell us the
map," continued the Englishman.

^' I have decided not to do so."

" Indeed." The faces of both men fell.
" The map is of no use to you, Mr. Wenrich,"
went on Hammerditch.

" That may be true."

THE CONSPIRATORS ARE DISGUSTED. 241

" And it is no more than right that we should
have it."

" Dat is so," said the Canadian. " Ze map
should be ours."

'' You said Mr. Amberton had sent you for the
map," said Herman Wenrich.

'' So he did," answered Hammerditch, and Le
Fevre nodded.

" Did he give you a written order ? "

'' He did not. He didn't think it was neces-
sary."

" I have received a w^ritten order — or rather, a
written request, for it."

At this both of the visitors were dumfounded.

** A written order? " gasped Hammerditch.

" Yes."

"By mail?"

" No, a young man brought it."

" Ze order must be von forgery ! " came from
the French Canadian.

" Certainly it must be a forgery," added his
companion.

" It is no forgery, gentlemen."

The voice came from the rear doorway, and
Robert confronted them.

"Who are you?" demanded Hammerditch
roughly.

«42 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" My name is Robert Frost."

*' I never heard of you before."

" I am a friend to Mr. Richard Mar den, the
nephew of Felix Amberton."

" And you come for ze map ? " queried Jean Le
Fevre.

" Yes."

" It's an outrage ! " burst out Hammerditch.
" The map belongs to us."

" No, it belongs to Mr. Wenrich."

" What do you intend to do with it? "

" I intend to turn it over to Mr. Amberton and
Mr. Marden."

" It will do them no good."

" I think it will."

" Amberton shall never have that timber land."

" How will you stop him ? "

" Never mind, he shall never have it."

" We haf ze other map," said Le Fevre.

" There isn't any other map," put in Herman
Wenrich.

" Yes, there is," said Hamm^erditch.

" Perhaps it's one you had made down to
Cresson & Page," said Robert, mentioning the
firm of mapmakers, to whom he had applied for a
■situation.

Both Le Fevre and Hammerditch were amazed

THE CONSPIRATORS ARE DISGUSTED, 243

" What do you know of that? " demanded the
Englishman.

** He haf played ze part of a spy ! " hissed the
French Canadian.

" I have spied upon nobody. I was at Cresson
& Page's place when you came there, and I
couldn't help overhear what you said about the
map."

" Bah, he is a spy, sure enough," ejaculated
Hammerditch, in disgust. '' Jean, we have
played into the hands of our enemies."

" Zat is so, but it shall do zem no good," an-
swered the Canadian. " We haf better git back
to Timberville as soon as possible," he added, in a
whisper.

" I reckon you are about right," said Hammer-
ditch. He bowed himself toward the door.

" You are going ? " asked Herman Wenrich.

" Yes, we are going. You have played us for
a pair of fools," replied the Englishman.

He ran down the stairs, with Le Fevre at his
heels. Soon both were outside and stalking up
the street rapidly. Robert began to laugh.

" They are a pair of rascals," he remarked. " I
am awfully glad I outwitted them."

" So am I glad," answered Herman Wenrich.

" And I am glad, too," said Nettie, with a

244 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

bright smile. " But if I were you I wouldn't lose
any time in getting to Timberville with the map."
" I will leave this afternoon," answered the
boy.

CHAPTER XXIX.

A LUCKY CHANGE OF STATEROOMS.

Robert found that the afternoon boat for Mus-
kegon left at half past three, so there was still
time left in which to get back to Mrs. Gibbs'
house for a late dinner.

At the boarding house he found a short note
from Livingston Palmer.

" Mr. Gray is going to go into business again,"
it read; " with one office here and another in
New York. He is going to take me back and he
says you can return too, if you desire,"

"That's nice," thought Robert. "But Til
have to see Dick Marden before I decide upon
what's best to do next."

While waiting for dinner he penned a hasty
reply to the note, and also a letter to his mother.
In the latter he mentioned that he had seen Pal-
mer, and that his step-father had called upon him,

245

24^ OUT FOR BUSINESS.

and urged her to keep her financial affairs entirely
under her own control. He was careful to send
the letter in care of Mr. Blarcomb, for personal
delivery only.

" She'll g^t that, I know," he said to himself.
" And I hope it does some good."

At the proper time our hero went down to the
dock and boarded^the Arrow , as the steamer was
named. He found about two hundred passen-
gers besides himself bound for Muskegon and
other points along the Michigan shore. Besides
passengers the Arrow carried a large quantity of
baggage and freight.

The distance from Chicago to Muskegon is
about one hundred and twenty-five miles. The
Arrow was rather a slow boat and did not reach
the latter point until some time in the early morn-
ing, so that Robert must spend a night on board.
This being so, he lost no time in obtaining a berth.

He had just turned away from the clerk's office
when he saw two men approaching. They were
Hammerditch and Le Fevre.

" Hullo, they are going too," he thought, and
was about to step out of sight, when the English-
man espied him.

*' Humph ! so you are going with us," said the
man, with a scowl.

A LUCKY CHANGE OF STATEROOMS. 247

" Not with you," answered Robert quietly.
** I believe this is a public boat."

" You have been following us again."

" Excuse me, Mr. Hammerditch, but I never
followed you in my life."

" Then why are you on this boat? "

" Because I am going to take a trip in her."

"To Muskegon?"

" That is my affair."

" I suppose if we get off at Muskegon you will
get off too."

" Perhaps I shall."

'' Don't you know that you may get, into a good
deal of trouble through following us, young
man?"

'' As I said before, I am not following you. I
have my own business to attend to and I am at-
tending to it."

" Bah, do you think we will believe zat," burst
in Jean Le Fevre. *' You are von spy. Perhaps
you are von — vot you call heem? — von detective."

At this Robert laughed. " No, I am no detec-
tive. Only a young fellow out for business."

" Zen you are on ze way to Timberville, hey? "

'' If I am that is my business."

At this the French Canadian began to dance
around and shook his fist in Robert's face.

248 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I know you ! '^ he shouted. " But ve vill see
who comes out best ! Ha ! ve vill see zat ! "

" Hush ! " interrupted Hammerditch. " Don't
raise a disturbance on the boat," and he led his
companion away to the upper deck.

'' I shall have to keep my eye on them," thought
Robert. " That Frenchmen wouldn't like any-
thing better than to get into a fight. I might
fight one of them, but I don't think I could get the
best of both."

Once on the upper deck and away from obser-
vation, Hammerditch began to talk earnestly to
his companion.

'' We made a mistake by quarreling with him,"
he said.

" I cannot see eet," muttered Le Fevre.

" If we had made friends with him he might
have shown us the map."

"Ha! zat is so."

*' I would give a good lot to get hold of the
map," continued the Englishman. '' Our false
map may help us some, but that real map ought to
be out of the way."

At this Le Fevre clutched his companion by
the arm.

" I haf an idee," he whispered. " Let us see
if ze boy has got a stateroom."

A LUCKY CHANGE OF STATEROOMS. 249

" We can find that out at the office."

" And if he is to sleep alone."

" All right."

A little later they went to the office and looked
over the register.

'' Here he is — Robert Frost, room 45," said
Hammerditch.

" Anybody else in zat room? "

They looked over the register, but could find
nobody else.

" He will haf ze room all to himself," chuckled
Jean Le Fevre. " Now if I can find a way to
open ze door "

" You mean to search his valise for the map ? "

" To be sure."

" A good idea. We must work the plan, by all
means," replied Hammerditch.

In the meantime Robert had gone to the bow
of the boat and was enjoying the sea breeze.

Presently the clerk of the boat came up, fol-
lowed by two burly Germans.

''' I believe this is Mr. Robert Frost," said the
clerk.

" That's miy name," answered Robert, wonder-
ing what vvas v/anted.

*' These gentlemen are brothers and desire a
stateroom together," explained the clerk. ''If

250 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

you do not mind I would like to put you in state-
room No. 50, along with a very nice gentleman
named Porter, and give these gentlemen No. 45.
Otherwise I will have to put one of them with
you and one with Mr. Porter. They prefer to be
together."

'' It vill pe a great favor," said one of the Ger-
mans politely.

" All right, I would just as lief go in with the
gentleman you mentioned," answered Robert.

^' Dank you very mooch," said the German.

" You vos very kind," added his brother.

" All right then, that's settled," said the clerk.
" Mr. Frost, I will have your baggage trans-
ferred, if you will give me your key."

" I will transfer the baggage myself and take a
look at the other stateroom," rejoined Robert.

Our hero and the clerk went below, and Robert
took his bag to stateroom No. 50, which was bet-
ter than the other. Mr. Porter sat outside of the
door reading a newspaper, and the clerk intro-
duced the pair. The stranger proved to be a Chi-
cago hardware merchant on his way into Michi-
gan on a business trip.

"I am glad to know you," he said, smiling
pleasantly. " I hate to travel alone when there is
the chance of an agreeable companion."

A LUCKY CHANGE OF STATEROOMS, 25'

'^ Thank you ! I think I can say the same/* re-
plied Robert, with a smile.

The boy retired at ten o'clock, and Mr. Por-
ter with him. Soon Robert was sound asleep.

The Germans had gone to bed early, and both
w^ere in the land of dreams and snoring lustily
when Jean Le Fevre and Hammerditch stole up
to the door of stateroom 45.

" This is the one," whispered the French Can-
adian. " I was lucky to get the pincers, hey?"

" Hush, make no noise, the boy may be awake,"
said the Englishman, warningly.

While Hammerditch stood on guard Le Fevre
inserted a small pincers in the keyhole of the door
and managed to turn the key, which was stuck in
from the other side.

Then the Frenchman opened the door several
inches.

" Ha ! he is snoring loudly — he is fast asleep,"
he thought, not noticing that two persons were in
the stateroom instead of one, for the German in
the upper berth happened just then to be silent.

In the dim light the French Canadian made out
a valise standing on the floor and grabbed it
hastily. Then he came away, shutting the door
behind him.

" I haf eet !" he whispered. " Come !" And he

252 CUT FOR BUSINESS,

almost ran for the stateroom assigned to him
and Hammerditch. Once inside, the pair secured
the door and then turned up the light.

'' It's a mighty rusty-looking bag," was the
Englishman's comment. " Have you got the
key?'^

" It ees in ze lock," answered La Fevre.

Soon the valise was opened, and out tumbled a
few articles of dirty underwear and a pair of em-
broidered slippers.

" I don't see any map !" exclaimed Hammer-
ditch, in disgust.

'' 'Tis ze wrong bag!" groaned the French
Canadian. " See, ze clothing is too big for a boy,
and so are ze slippers."

" You've made a mess of it," answ^ered his
companion. '' Better take that bag back or
there'll be a jolly row all for nothing."

Much crestfallen, Le Fevre took the bag back.
On his second visit he saw both Germans, and he
retreated even more speedily than he had on his
first trip to the stateroom.

'' The cake is dough," announced Hammer-
ditch. '' But though we are foiled this time, we
must get that map away from the boy, no matter
at what cost."

CHAPTER XXX.

ANOTHER PLOT AGAINST ROBERT.

Robert enjoyed his sleep, and did not awaken
until after the Arrow had tied up at the dock
in Muskegon. He was just finishing his toilet
when Mr. Porter opened his eyes.

" Ah, so you are ahead of me!" cried the hard-
ware dealer, springing up. " Have we arrived ?''

" I believe we have," answered Robert.

'^ May I ask where you are bound ?"

" For the depot. I am going to take a train for
Timberville."

'' I know the place and the route well. You
cannot get a train for Timberville until eleven
o'clock. Here is a time-table." And selecting
one of several from his pocket, Mr. Porter passed
it over.

A short examination showed Robert that his
friend was right.

" It's a long wait," he said.

253

254 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" It will give you time for breakfast and a
chance to look around. Supposing we dine to-
gether ?"

" Thank you ! that will suit me first-rate."

In less than half an hour they had left the boat
and were walking up the main street of Muske-
gon. The gentleman knew the place well, and led
the way to a substantial restaurant where a good
meal could be had at a reasonable figure.

Hammerditch and Le Fevre had followed the
youth, and now came to a halt outside of the eat-
ing resort.

'' He seems to have picked up a friend," said
the Englishman. " That will make our task so
much harder."

" Perhaps ze man vill not remain wid heem,"
suggested Le Fevre.

Satisfied that Robert and his companion would
not come out immediately, the pair went to
another restaurant and procured a hasty break-
fast.

Mr. Porter expected to do considerable busi-
ness in Muskegon, and breakfast over, he shook
Robert by the hand cordially.

" We must part now," he said. " I am glad
to have met you, and trust we shall meet again."

" The same to you, Mr. Porter," replied our

ANOTHER PLOT AGAINST ROBERT. 255

hero. *' I wish you were going to Timberville
with me."

" I'm afraid I wouldn't do much there. There
is only one small store and two or three sawmills.
Of course, they use some hardware, but not a
great deal."

And thus they parted.

By consulting a clock Robert found he had still
two hours to wait before the departure of the
train. Looking at the clock reminded him of his
lost watch, and he had remembered how Andy
Cross had said that Jim Huskin had left Chicago
for Muskegon.

" I would just like to land on that fellow," he
said to himself. " He deserves to be in prison
quite as much as Cross does."

Walking around to the depot, Robert pur-
chased a ticket for Timberville, made sure that he
was right about the train, and had his valise
checked straight through.

Although he was not aware of it, his move-
ments were shadowed by Hammerditch and Le
Fevre.

" He has checked the bag," said the English-
man. " I wonder if we can get at it through the
baggage master?"

" It ees not likely," said the French Canadian.

25^ OUT FOR BUSINESS,

" Za are verra particular here about baggage. If
ve can get ze check ve be all right."

*' Let us follow him and see if anything turns
up in our favor."

So the two rascals followed Robert in his walk
about the town.

All unconscious of the nearness of his enemies,
our hero sauntered from street to street.

His eyes were wide open for some glimpse of
Jim Huskin, and it must be confessed that he
never gave a thought to being attacked from be-
hind.

Having traveled the main thoroughfares of
Muskegon, the youth commenced a tour of the
streets of lesser importance.

One street, near the docks, was lined with
saloons, and here the worst element of the tov/n
appeared to be congregated.

" Set 'em up, lad," cried one 'longshoreman, as
he bumped up against Robert.

" Thanks, I don't drink," answered Robert,
coolly.

''Don't drink?" cried the man, "Wot yer
doin' down here, then?"

" That is my business."

" Don't yer git uppish about it."

" Make him treat, Mike," put in another man,

ANOTHER PLOT AGAINST ROBERT 257

whose nose showed that strong drink and he were
no strangers.

" Come on an' have jess one glass," went on
the man who had first addressed Robert.

As he spoke he caught Robert by the shoulder.

Our hero shook him off.

" Don't you dare to touch me," he said sharply.
" If you do you will be laying up a good bit of
trouble for yourself."

^'Infightin'trim, hey?"

'' I can defend myself, and more, if I am called
upon to do it."

The 'longshoreman leered at Robert for a
moment.

" Yer too soft," he sneered, and aimed a blow
for Robert's head.

As quick as a flash our hero ducked, and hit out
in return. The blow caught the tippler on the
chin, and made him stagger up against the saloon
window.

'' Now I guess you'll leave me alone," remarked
the boy. And then he walked on, but kept glanc-
ing behind him, to be prepared for another
attack.

" Phew, he's a fighter, Mike," said the second
man.

'' Dat's wot he is," grumbled Mike, rubbing

*58 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

his chin, where the blow had landed. " He must
be wot da call a scientific boxer, hey?"

"Are yer goin' ter drop him?"

"Wot shall I do?"

" Make him treat or lick him."

" Maybe you want ter lick him," suggested
Mike.

" I kin if I set out fer ter do it."

" Then pitch in, Pat."

But Pat hesitated about going ahead. Robert
looked strong, and he felt that the youth could
not be easily intimidated.

" We kin do it tergether," he ventured.

While the two roughs were conversing Ham-
merditch and Le Fevre drew near.

They had seen the short encounter and saw
how angry were the men who wanted to be
treated.

" Got the best of you, did he?" said Hammer-
ditch.

" You mind your own business," growled
Mike, ciossly.

" Why didn't you pitch into him?" went on the
Englishman. " I would have done so."

" Dat's wot I'm a-tellin' him," put in Pat.

" He's a boy zat wants taking down," said
Le Fevre.

ANOTHER PLOT AGAINST ROBERT 2Sg

The two roughs looked at the newcomers
curiously.

'' Do 3^er know de boy?" demanded Mike.

*' Yes, I know him, and I would like to see him
get a sound thrashing," answered Hammer ditch.

" Gif him what he deserves and ve vill pay you
veil for eet," added the French Canadian.

^' Wot yer down on him fer?" questioned Pat.

*' He stole a baggage check from mx," said
Hammer ditch, promptly. ''Of course, he claims
the check, but it is mine."

*' I see. Do yer want ter git the check away
from him?"

" I do."

"Where is it?"

" In his trousers' pocket."

" An' if we git it fer yer, w^ot will yer give us ?"
asked Pat.

" Five dollars," quickly answered Hammer-
ditch.

To these roughs, who had not done a full day's
work for a long time, five dollars appeared quite
a sum of mioney.

"We'll go yer," said Pat promptly. " Aint
dat right, Mike?"

" If you'll v^^ork wid me," answered Mike.

"All right; I'll follow you up for the check,"

26o OUT FOR BUSINESS.

said Hammerditch. " And here is the five dol-
lars." And he showed the bill, so that they might
know that he meant what he said.

In a few minutes more the two roughs had laid
their plans and were stealing after Robert.

" We can git dat check an' his money too," said
Mike, and Pat agreed with him.

CHAPTER XXXL

THE MISSING BAGGAGE CHECK.

All unconscious of the plot being hatched out
against him, Robert walked on along the docks.

At one point he saw a large lake steamer at
anchor, and thought to walk out to the craft to
inspect her.

The way took him past a large quantity of mer-
chandise piled high on the rear end of the dock.

He was just passing around the merchandise
when he found himself suddenly seized from be-
hind.

He tried to cry out, but before he could do so
a dirty hand was clapped over his mouth.

He struggled to free himself, but soon found
that two men were holding him. At last he man-
aged to turn partly around and saw that the m.en
were the two roughs who had wanted him to
treat.

" Let me go !" he managed to say at last.
261

262 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Hold him, Mike/' cried Pat, and slipped his
hand into Robert's trousers' pocket.

Robert struggled, but before he could break
away Pat had secured not only the baggage
check, but also some loose change amounting to
about a dollar.

" Now his udder pockets, Pat," panted Mike
heavily. " Hurry up, I can't hold him much
longer."

'' You scoundrels !" exclaimed our hero, and
breaking away at last, he dealt Mike a stagger-
ing blow in the chest.

But as the rough tumbled he caught the boy by
the arm, and both fell, Robert on top.

" Help me, Pat !" roared Mike, seeing he was
getting the worst of the encounter.

Pat started to jump in, but then thought better
of it. As Robert leaped up with fire in his clear
eyes, the man began to run.

"Stop, you thief!" yelled the boy, and made
after him. Left to himself, Mike also got up and
limped away, his nose bleeding, and suffering
from a bruised rib, where Robert had stepped
upon him.

'' Dat boy is a reg'lar lion," he murmured.
" We was fools ter tackle him."

Pat ran as he had never ran before, and coming

THE MISSING BAGGAGE CHECK. 263

to an alleyway, darted to the lower end and hid
behind some empty barrels.

Robert ran past and then Pat came out again.

" Only a dollar/' he said to himself, as he
sized up his dishonest haul. '' Well, wid that five
I'm ter git fer de check it will be six. Dat aint
bad."

Pat was no particular friend to Mike, and
speedily resolved to keep the haul for himself.

'' I'll tell Mike I didn't git no check and dat
dere w^as only twenty cents in de pocket," he rea-
soned. He was willing to allow Mike ten cents
for his share in the work, and no more.

The roughs had agreed to meet Hammerditch
on a certain corner, and to this spot Pat made his
way with all possible speed.

'' Come in out of sight!" said the rough, and
motioned the way to a nearby saloon. He was
afraid Mike v/ould come up before the transfer of
the check could be made.

They w^ent inside and ordered some drinks,
and then Pat turned the baggage check over to
the Englishman, and received the five dollars
reward.

'' I'll bet yer goin' ter make a fortune out of dat
check," observed Pat.

*' Not at all," answered Hammerditch. " The

264 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

check is of little value really. But I was bound to
have it."

Afraid that Robert would hurry to the railroad
station as soon as the loss of the check was dis-
covered, the Englishman did not remain in the
drinking place long. At a hotel several squares
away he met Le Fevre.

"You haf eem?" queried the French Can-
adian anxiously.

^' I have, Jean. Come."

^' Ve vill haf von drink first," was the reply,
and they went to the barroom. Here they met
several lumbermen they knew, and in consequence
it was some time before they could get away from
the hotel.

One of the lumbermen knew about the
Amberton land claim, and thought that it would
be a hard m^atter to disposses the present in-
cumbent.

" Ve vill do eet," grinned Le Fevre. " Ve hold
ze vinning cards — not so, Hammerditch ? "

" That is so," answered Hammerditch.

The lumbermen wanted to know the particu-
lars, but the others were not willing to disclose all
of their secrets.

In the meantime Robert was hunting around
for the rough called Pat.

THE MISSING BAGGAGE CHECK, 265

Mike he did not care so much about, since it
had been Pat who had made off with his belong-
ings.

" He didn't get much money," he mused.
" But he got that baggage check, and I don't want
to lose that."

At first he thought to inform the police of what
had occurred.

He was making for a policeman when he saw
Pat coming out of the saloon. The rough had
had half a dozen glasses of liquor, and he was in
consequence quite hazy in his mind.

" You rascal!" cried our hero, catching him by
the shoulder. " Give me back what you stole
from me."

" That's all right, boss — didn't steal nothin',"
mumbled Pat.

" I say you did — a baggage check and about a
dollar in change. Give them up or I'll have you
arrested."

" Aint got no check," hiccoughed Pat. *' An'
the mxoney is spent."

" Then you come with me."

At this the tough grew alarmed, and at last he
broke down and confessed that he had got the
check for another party who had given him five
dollars for it. He had part of the five dollars left^

2 66 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

and out of this he gave Robert a sum equal to
that which had been stolen.

'' Who took that check?" demanded our hero, a
sudden suspicion crossing his mind.

As well as he was able Pat described Hammer-
ditch.

'' He's goin' ter git sumthin' on de check," he
added.

'' Not if I can prevent it," answered Robert.
'' He wants to steal my valise. You come with
me."

" I aint goin' ter ! " roared Pat, and breaking
away, he started on a clumsy run. Robert could
readily have caught him, but concluded not to
waste the time.

" Hammerditch will be hot- footed after my
bag," he thought. '' He expects to get that map."

He looked around, and espying a hack stand-
ing near, leaped in, and ordered the driver to get
him to the depot with all possible speed.

Pat ran for fully six blocks, and then sank
down on a pile of lumber, panting for breath.

" Pm in fer it," he groaned, expecting that
Robert was at his heels.

But the boy was nowhere to be seen, and at
once his courage arose, and he concluded that
Robert had given up the chase. He counted his

THE MISSING BAGGAGE CHECK. 267

money and found that he had exactly a dollar and
ten cents left. The balance of the cash had been
paid over to the saloon keeper and to Robert.

" I guess I'll git anudder drink," he murmured,
and rolled over to the nearest dive. Here in less
than half an hour every cent that had been left
was spent, and then Pat started for home. He
could not vv^alk straight, and frequently bumped
up against those he passed. He had passed less
than three blocks when he espied Mike coming
toward him.

" Bedad, I can't let him see me!" he reasoned,
and tried to steer out of sight. But Mike was too
quick for him, and the pair confronted each other
at the entrance to a lumber yard.

*' Well, hov/ much did yer git?" was Mike's
first question.

'' Didn't git nuthin," answered Pat boldly.

'' Yer got a whole handful of money," retorted
Mike. '' I want half, do yer mind dat?"

" I ain't got nuthin," was all Pat could answer.

A wordy quarrel followed, and then the two
roughs came to blows. They were encouraged to
fight by the by-standers, who loved nothing bet-
ter than to witness a " scrap," and it was not un-
til a policeman came up that the encounter came
to an end. Each contestant had a bloody nose.

268 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

and their eyes were so swollen they could scarcely
see out of them.

" You're both good for sixty days in jail," said
the officer of the law, and marched them to head-
quarters. Instead of sixty, each got ninety days,
and I think my readers will agree with me that
they richty deserved their sentences.

CHAPTER XXXII.

ROBERT DELIVERS THE PRECIOUS MAP.

" There aint no train now, boss," said the
hack driver, after receiving his directions from
Robert.

*' I don't want to catch a train; I want to catch
a couple of thieves who want to make off with my
vahse," answered our hero.

" Did you forget the vaHse?"

*' No, they have stolen my baggage check."

" Oh, that's it! Well, I'll get you to the depot
in short order."

Away went the hack at a rate of speed which
was far from agreeable so far as riding was con-
cerned.

But, disagreeable as it was, it pleased Robert,
and soon the railroad station came in sight.

" There are the fellows who are after my bag ! "
cried our hero, as the hack came to a halt. He
had espied Hammerditch and Le Fevre making
their way to the baggage room.

269

270 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" You are certain they are after the vaUse ?
Perhaps you may be mistaken," went on the
driver, who was a rather elderly m.an and cau-
tious.

" I'll watch them and make sure," said Robert.

Taking his station behind the baggage room
door, our hero saw the Englishman and the
French Canadian approach the baggage master.

" I am after my valise," said the Englishman,
producing Robert's check. " My son left it here
a few hours ago. I have concluded to remain in
Muskegon over night."

'' All right, sir," answered the baggage mas-
ter, taking the check. He glanced at the piles of
baggage which littered the room. " \¥hat kind
of a looking bag was it? "

For the minute Hammerditch was nonplussed,
as he did not remember Robert's bag very w^ell.
\ '' It was — er — a tan-colored bag, not very
large," he stammered. " I just bought it, so I
don't remember it — er — very well."

'' I reckon this is it," said the baggage master,
after a short hunt. '' Check 432, — that's right."

Hammicrditch was about to take the valise
when Robert came up and seized it.

" No, you don't, you thief ! " he exclaimed.
" Your little game is nipped in the bud."

ROBERT DELIVERS THE PRECIOUS MAP, 271

The Englishman turned and his face fell, and
Le Fevre was also discomfited.

" What's the trouble? " asked the baggage mas-
ter, in astonishment.

" This rascal was about to steal my bag."

"Your bag?"

" Yes, my bag. Don't you remember my leav-
ing it here a couple of hours ago ? "

" I do."

" He got a tough to steal my check, and he
would have had the bag if I hadn't got here just
in time."

" He said you were his son."

'' I wouldn't have him for a relative," cried
Robert. '' Mr. Hammerditch, you are a thor-
ough-paced scoundrel," he went on, facing the
Englishman.

" What, this to me ! " gasped the schemer.

" Yes, that to you. You are a would-be thief,
and I reckon your companion is little better."

" Boy, boy ! I vill haf ze law on you ! " howled
the French Canadian,

'' And I will have the law on you," retorted
Robert. " You wanted to steal that map. You
need not deny it."

'' The bag is mine," said Hammerditcli boldly.
*^ This is a plot to get me into trouble.'*

272 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" I reckon I can prove my property," said
Robert. '' Have you the key that will unlock the
bag?"

" Never mind about that."

" I have the key," went on our hero. He pro-
duced it and opened the bag. " I wish you to
bear witness that this bag contains my wearing
apparel," he said to the baggage master.

" Yes, that must be your stuff," was the an-
swer.

'' Here are my initials, R. F. My name is
Robert Frost, while his name is Oscar Hammer-
ditch. There isn't a single thing here that be-
longs to him, or that would fit him."

" What did you say about a map ? " went on
the baggage man.

" I have a map that he wants to steal, in order
to lay claim to certain lumber lands located near
Timberville."

" But I see no map."

" The map is in my pocket, here," and Robert
produced the document.

If ever Hammerditch had looked sheepish it
was now. He realized Jhat even if he had ob-
tained the valise he would have been outwitted.
Plainly this American lad was too smart for
him.

ROBERT DELIVERS THE PRECIOUS MAP. 273,

'' I'll see you about this later," he howled, and
started to back out.

'' Wait a minute, I want to give you a bit of ad-
vice," said Robert, catching him by the arm. '' If
I wanted to I could have you arrested on the spot.
But I am not going to take that trouble. But
this baggage man is a witness to the fact that you
tried to steal my valise, and if you or that French-
man ever bother me again, I'll have you locked up
on the charge, and I'll see that you go to prison
for it. Now^ you can clear out."

For the moment Hammerditch was speechless.
He wanted to flare up, but the words would not
come. He grated his teeth, turned on his heel
and almost ran from the baggage room. With
him went Jean Le Fevre; and it may be added
right here that that was the last Robert ever saw
of the dishonest pair.

After the pair were gone Robert gave the bag-
gage man the particulars of what had occurred,
so that he might remember, in case the affair
came up later.

'' I thought it was queer he couldn't remember
how his bag looked," said the baggage master.
" I reckon, howxver, they won't bother you again
in a hurry."

It was now nearly train time, and Robert re*

574 OUT FOR BUSINESS,

mained in the dq)ot. Presently the train came
in and he got on board, and the journey to Tim-
berville was continued.

" I'll not forget my stop-off at Muskegon," he
mused, as he sped on his way.

The remainder of the journey passed without
special incident. Hammerditch and Le Fevre
had expected to take this same train, but could
not screw up the necessary courage to do so.

Timberville was reached about three o'clock,
and our hero alighted at the depot, which was
little better than a shed. As Mr. Porter had said
the village was small and looked almost deserted.

" I wish to get to Mr. Felix Amberton's place,"
he said to the station master. " How can I best
reach it? "

"It's several miles from here," was the reply.
" Guess Joe Bandy will take you along in his rig."

Joe Bandy proved to be the mail carrier, who
drove a two horse wagon through the lumber
region of the vicinity. He agreed to take Robert
along for the usual fare, thirty-five cents. Soon
they were on the way.

" Come out to try your luck? " questioned the
mail carrier, with a grin.

" No, I came out on business."

" Say, you can't be the lawyer Mr. Marden is

ROBERT DELIVERS THE PRECIOUS MAP. 275

expectinV' went on the mail carrier, with a look
at the valise.

" No, I'm no lawyer,'' laughed Robert. '' BtT
I am a friend to Mr. Harden. How is Mr.
Amberton ? "

" Doin' poorly. Those land sharks are worry-
ing him to death. They want to take his timber
from him," answered Bandy.

They passed over several hills and through a
heavy forest, and then made a sharp turn to the
left. Presently a well-built cabin came into
sight.

" There is Amberton's hang-out," said the
driver, and drew up.

'' Hullo, Robert ! " came a voice from behind
some trees, and Dick Harden rushed forth. His
face w^ore a broad smile and he almost broke the
bones of Robert's fingers, so hearty was his hand
shake. ''How are you, lad — well? And did
you get that map ? "

'' Yes, I'm well, and the map is safe in my
pocket," answered Robert, and then they walked
to the cabin, while the mail carrier proceeded on
his way.

Once inside of the place Robert was introduced
to Dick Harden's uncle, who sat in an old-
fashioned easy chair by one of the little windows

276 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

of v/hich the cabin boasted. Mr. Ambertoit
seemed weak and careworn.

" Dick has been telHng me about you," he said,
in a low voice. " He felt sure you would manage
to get the map."

There was of course nothing for Robert to do
but to tell his story from beginning to end, and
this he did without delay, Dick Marden in the
meantime ordering the negro servant to cook a
good dinner for the youth.

'' Well, you outwitted Hammerditch and Le
Fevre nicely," cried the miner. " I would like to
have seen them at the railroad station. They
must have felt cheap and no mistake."

" They are rascals, and I always knew it," said
Felix Amberton. " But now we have a hold
upon them, for through Robert we can show up
their true characters, if it becomes necessary."

The map was examined with care, and Dick
Marden announced that it was just what was
wanted.

" They can't go behind this," he said. " Robert,
I think you have saved the estate for my
uncle."

" I think so myself," came from Felix Am-
berton. " But I am afraid I am in for a long law-
suit, nevertheless."

ROBERT DELIVERS THE PRECIOUS MAP. 277

Inside of an hour a hot dinner awaited our
hero, to which he, as was usual with him, did full
justice.

The balance of the day passed quietly, and on
the day following Dick Harden took the boy over
the timber lands.

''Would you like it out here?" asked the
miner.

" I don't believe I would," answered Robert
promptly. " I much prefer city life."

'' Honestly spoken," cried Marden. '' Now
with me it is just the opposite. I can remain in
the city a couple of weeks, or possibly a month,
and then I feel that I must get somev/here where
there is lots of elbow room."

Two days later a lawyer arrived — the one sent
for by Marden and Felix Amberton.

'' The claim is all right," said the legal gentle-
man. '' This map is good proof, too. If they
want to fight let them. You will surely come out
on top."

This w^as cheering news, and its effect upon
Amberton Vv^as soon visible.

" V/hen it is settled I shall not forget you," he
said to Robert.

" Thank you," replied the boy, '' but I am glad
to have been of service to you and Mr. Marden,

278 OUT FOR BU SIN-ESS.

my best friend. He helped me, you know, when
I actually did not know how to turn myself."

On Monday of the week following Dick Mar-
den announced his intention of going to Chicago
on business, and as there was nothing to keep
Robert in the lumber camp, he decided to accom-
pany his friend back to the great city by the lakes.

CHAPTER XXXIII.

ROBERT VISITS HOME CONCLUSION.

^' You have had lots of adventures since last we
met in Chicago," remarked Dick Harden, while
he and Robert were making the trip from Tim-
berville to Muskegon.

*' That is true, and some adventures that I
didn't care much about," returned our hero.

" It's the way of the world, lad — ^you can't get
through without some pretty hard knocks and
dangerous brushes. But tell me frankly, what
would you like to do next? "

" I would like to obtain some good office situa-
tion. I like to keep books, write business letters,
and handle money — especially if the business done
is on a large scale."

" I understand." Dick Marden mused for a
moment. " I was thinking of offering you a
place at Timberville, or in my mine in California;
but I reckon you had best remain in Chicago.
But I shan't forget to keep my eye on you, and

279

28o OUT FOR BUSINESS.

you can be sure that my uncle won't forget you if
he comes out on top, as that lawyer says."

The run to Muskegon was without special inci-
dent, and once in the town bordering the lake they
found they had several hours to wait until a
steamer would leave for Chicago.

" The wait will just suit me," said the miner.
" I want to call on a man who deals in lumber and
make an arrangement with him to handle some of
my uncle's output."

The office building in which the wholesale lum-
ber dealer did business was situated several blocks
from the depot and thither the pair made their
way.

As they entered the wide hallway Robert sud-
denly clutched Dick Harden by the arm.

" There he is at last ! " he whispered.

"He? Who?"

'* That rascal who robbed me — ^Jim Huskin ! "

And our hero pointed to where Huskin stood,
in conversation with an old gentleman in black.

''You are certain he is the man?" asked the
miner.

''Yes; I would never forget that smooth face
and those wicked eyes."

" He seems to be playing some confidence game
now," went on Dick Harden.

ROBERT VISITS HOME— CONCLUSION. 281

The miner was right. Jim Huskin had the old
man in black in an out of the way corner and was
conversing with him in great earnestness.

'* You cannot lose on the venture, Mr. Price,"
he said, as our hero and Harden drew closer.
" The shares will always be worth the money you
put into them. Better let me have the check
now, and I will buy them inside of the next
hour."

'' Yes, yes, but are you quite sure it is safe? "
asked the old man, in a trembling voice. " You
see, I cannot afford to lose four hundred dollars."

'' You will not lose — I will guarantee the shares
myself," answered the confidence man earnestly.

" Very well, if you will guarantee them," said
the old m.an, and drew out his pocketbook, which
held several bankbills, and a filled in check for the
amount Huskin desired.

At that moment Robert placed his hand upon
the confidence man's shoulder.

'' So we meet again, Jim Huskin," he said
coldly.

The rascal turned in amazement, and then his
face fell.

"Why — er— vv'hat — who are you?" he stam-
mered, hardly being able to speak.

" You know very well who I am," answered

282 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

our hero. " I am the boy you robbed in Chi«
cago."

''Robbed!" gasped the old man in black.

" Did you say robbed? "

" I did. Sir. This man is a rascal and a
thief."

*' You are mistaken " began Jim Huskin,

but his manner showed how uncomfortable he
felt.

'" A rascal and a thief ! " murmured the old
man, and looked as if he would faint. It did not
take him long to place his pocketbook in his
pocket again.

Jim Huskin was a man who made up his mind
quickly. He saw that Robert had the best of
him, and that his only chance for safety lay in
flight. Turning swiftly, he started to run from
the building.

But he had reckoned without Dick Harden, and
he had scarcely taken two steps when the miner
put out his foot and sent him sprawling in the
hallway. At once a crowd began to collect.

"What's the row here?" demanded the jani-
tor of the building, as he rushed up.

" We've collared a thief," answered Marden.
" Call a policeman."

" What! do you mean to have me arrested?''

ROBERT VISITS HOME— CONCLUSION, 283

demanded Jinii Huskin, as he got up, to find him-
self in the grajp of both Robert and his friend.

'' That's what/' answered the miner coolly.

Jim Huskin began to expostulate, but all to no
piirpose. Soon an officer cam.e in, followed by
another crowd.

"What has he done?" demanded the police-
man.

" I charge him with robbing me/' answered
Robert. " His name is Jim Huskin."

" My name isn't Huskin, it is Williams," put
in the confidence man.

"Jim Huskin?" repeated the officer. "I've
heard that before."

" He and another man named Andy Cross
robbed me in Chicago. Cross was caught, but
this fellow came to Muskegon."

" Oh, yes, I remember the case now. So this
is Huskin, eh? You were lucky to land on him."

" This is all wrong," persisted Huskin. He
turned to the old man in black. " Mr. Price,
w^on't you testify that my name is Williams? "

" I don't know as I will," was the slow answer.
" You said it was, but I have no further proof
of it."

" He was going to get you to invest in some
scheme, wasn't he? " asked Robert.

284 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

" Yes, he wanted to sell me some unlisted min-
ing shares. Said they were a good invest-
ment."

*' What were the shares?" asked Dick Mar-
den. " I am an old miner and I know the mines
pretty well."

" They were shares of the Golden Bucket Mine,
of California."

''The Golden Bucket! Why, that mine gave
out six years ago. It never paid back the money
put into it. Why, it's dead, and so are the stocks.
You had a lucky escape."

" I believe you," returned the old man, and
looked greatly relieved.

Inside of quarter of an hour Jim Huskin was
transferred to the local jail and his capture was
telegraphed to Chicago. He was searched, and
on him were found about forty dollars belonging
to Robert and a pawn-ticket for the watch, show-
ing that it had been pawned in Muskegon for six
dollars. Before he left the town Robert got the
watch back.

Later on Jim Huskin was taken back to Chi-
cago, and he and Andy Cross were tried together,
and each received a sentence of two years in
State's prison for his misdeeds.

On getting back to Mrs. Gibbs' boarding house

ROBERT VISITS HOME— CONCLUSION. 285

Robert found a telegram from his mother await-
ing him. It read ;

" Come home at once. Your step-father is
very ill."

Without delay our hero started for Granville,
arriving there late in the evening. His mother
met him at the front door, and it was plain to see
that she had been weeping.

" Oh, Robert ! " she cried, and embraced him.
It was several minutes before she could say more.

" Mr. Talbot is very sick then? " asked the boy.

" Yes, very sick, and the doctor is afraid he will
never get well," answered Mrs. Talbot.

James Talbot was suffering from a sudden
stroke of paralysis, which had affected his
stomach and his left side. He was almost uncon-
scious, and remained in that state for several days.
During that time Mrs. Talbot was at his bed-
side constantly, and Robert did all he could for
both.

At the end of two weeks the physician pro-
nounced James Talbot out of danger. The
paralysis w^as gradually leaving him, and he could
now take a little nourishment.

His sickness seemed to have changed him won-

286 OUT FOR BUSINESS.

derfully, and his harshness appeared to be a thing
of the past.

*' I have had my eyes opened," he said to his
wife and Robert. '' I have done v\Tong in the
past, but from now on you will find me a different
man."

These words pleased Mrs. Talbot greatly and
removed a heavy load from her heart. Robert,
however, said but little on the subject.

" I hope he does turn over a new leaf," he
thought. " But I want to test him for a while
before I trust him."

" Your step-father will be all right now,
Robert," said his mother, hopefully.

^' I sincerely trust so," he answered gravely.
** For your sake even more than for my own."

Here we will bring to a close the story of
Robert Frost's adventures while " Out for Busi-
ness." He had succeeded in taking several for-
ward steps in life, and had brought to grief the
enemies who had tried to drag him down and
overcome him.

As soon as Mr, Talbot was on the mend our
hero returned to Chicago and called upon Mr.
Gray. The cut-rate ticket broker had already
opened both his Chicago and his New York

ROBERT VISITS HOME— CONCLUSION, 287

offices, and he at once agreed to give the boy his
position back^ with two dollars per week added to
his salary. The next day found Robert again
working beside Livingston Palmer.

" Right glad to see you 1 " cried Palmer. And
he shook hands cordially. '' I reckon we have
both had adventures enough for the present."

" I know I have," answered Robert. '' I hope
in the future I am left alone to buckle down to
business."

For the time being all went well. But there
were still many adventures in store for Robert,
which will be related in a companion volume to
this, entitled: " Falling in with Fortune; or, The
Experiences of a Young Secretary." In this
book we will meet all of our old friends and some
new ones, and also learn something more about
James Talbot and his schemes for getting posses-
sion of the Frost fortune.

And now, kind reader, good-by, in the hope
that some day we will meet again.

I

The Famous Rover Boys Series

By ARTHUR W. WINFIELD
Each volume is hailed with delight by boys and girls everywhere.
i2mo. Cloth. Handsomely printed and illustrated.
Price* GO Ces&ts iper VoI«&sne. Postpaiido
THE ROVER BOYS DOWN EAST
Or, The Struggle for the Stanhope Fortune.
Old enemies try again to injure our friends.
THE ROVER BOYS AT COLLEGE
Or, The Right Road and the Wrong
Brimming over with good nature and excitement,
THE ROVER BOYS ON TREASURE ISLE
Or, The Strange Cruise of the Steam Yacht
A search for treasure ; a particularly fascinating volum©,
THE ROVER BOYS ON THE FARM
Or, The Last Days at Putnam Hall
The boys find a mysterious cave used by freight thieves,
THE ROVER BOYS IN SOUTHERN WATERS
Or, The Deserted Steam Yacht
A trip to the coast of Florida.
THE ROVER BOYS ON THE PLAINS
Or, The Mystery of Red Rock Ranch
Relates adventures on the mighty Mississippi River,
THE ROVER BOYS ON THE RIVER
Or, The Search for the Missing Houseboat
The Ohio River is the theme of this spirited story.
THE ROVER BOYS IN CAMP
Or, The Rivals of Pine Island
At the annual school encampment.
THE ROVER BOYS ON LAND AND SEA
Or, The Crusoes of Seven Islands
Full of strange and surprising adventures.
THE ROVER BOYS IN THE MOUNTAINS
Or, A Hunt for Fame and Fortune
The boys in the Adirondacks at a Winter camp.
THE ROVER BOYS ON THE GREAT LAKES
Or, The Secret of the Island Cave
A story of a remarkable Summer outing ; full of fun.
THE ROVER BOYS OUT WEST
Or, The Search for a Lost Mine
A graphic description of the mines of the great Rockies.
THE ROVER BOYS IN THE JUNGLE
Or, Stirring Adventures in Africa
The boys journey to the Dark Continent in search of their father*
THE ROVER BOYS ON THE OCEAN
Or, A Chase for a Fortune
From school to the Atlantic Ocean.
THE ROVER BOYS AT SCHOOL
Or, The Cadets of Putnam Hall
The doings of Dick, Tom, and Sam Rover.

GROSSET & DUNLAP I NEW YORK