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THEUBRARYOFTHE
UNIVERSITY OF
NORTH CAROLINA
AT CHAPEL HILL
ENDOWED BY THE
DIALECTIC AND PHILANTHROPIC
SOCIETIES
PS1029
.A3
T6
UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL
00008078821
This book is due at the LOUIS R. WILSON LIBRARY on the
last date stamped under "Date Due." If not on hold it may be
renewed by bringing it to the library.
DATE
DUE
RET.
OCT 1 4 19£8
AUgZ
to i
arm No. 513
it JUL 2 o
&m
^wrr
DATE
DUE
S-
RET.
>3w
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hil
http://www.archive.org/details/tonyheroorbravebOOalge
Tony set to work with rapid hands to tie cue prostrate tramp hand
and t oou— (See page 73.) 2
\
TONY, THE HERO;
—OR,— tfi3
A Brave Boy's Adventures With
a Tramp.
By HORATIO ALGER, Jr.
Author of
'Tom, the Bootblack;" "Joe's Luck;" "Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy;'
" Tom Temple's Career ;" " Tom Thatcher's Fortune ;"
" The Errand Boy," etc., etc.
ILLUSTRATED.
NEW
A. L. BLURT
Copyright 1890, by A. L. Burt.
TONY, THE HERO
CHAPTEE I.
THE TWO WANDERERS.
A man and a boy were ascending a steep street in
a country town in Eastern New York. The man
was tall and dark-complexioned, with a sinister look
which of itself excited distrust. He wore a slouch
hat, which, coming down over his forehead, nearly
concealed from view his low, receding brow. A
pair of black, piercing eyes looked out from beneath
the brim. The first impression produced upon those
who met him was that he was of gipsy blood, and
the impression was a correct one. Where he was
born no one seemed to know; perhaps he did not
himself know, for all his life he had been a wan-
derer, but English was the tongue that he spoke,
and, apart from the gipsy dialect, he knew no other.
His companion was a boy of fourteen. Be-
tween the two there was not the slightest resem-
blance. Though embrowned by exposure to the
sun and the wind, it was easy to see that the boy
was originally of light complexion. His hair was
7
575Gr?6
t
8 TONY, THE HERO.
chestnut and his eyes blue. His features were reg-
ular and strikingly handsome, though, owing to the
vagrant life he was compelled to lead, he was not
able to pay that attention to cleanliness which he
might have done if he had had a settled home.
It was five o'clock in the afternoon, and the boy
looked wreary. He seemed scarcely able to drag one
foot after the other. His companion turned upon
him roughly.
"What are you dawdling that way for, Tony?"
he demanded. "You creep like a boy of three."
"I can't help it, Kudolph," said the boy, wearily;
"I'm tired."
"What business have you to be tired?"
"I've walked far to-day."
" You've walked no farther than I. I don't daw-
dle like you. "
' ' You're a man. You're stronger than I am, Ku-
dolph."
"And you're a milksop," said the man contempt-
uously.
"I'm nothing of the sort," said the boy, with a
flash of spirit. "I'm not made of cast-iron, and
that's why I can't stand walking all day long. Be-
sides, I have had no dinner."
"That isn't my fault, is it?"
"I didn't say it was, but it makes me weak for
all that."
"Well," said Eudolph, " perhaps you're right. I
feel like eating something myself. We'll go to some
house and ask for supper."
THE TWO WANDERERS. 9
Tony looked dissatisfied.
" I wish we were not obliged to beg our meals,"
fie said; " I don't like it."
"Oh, you're getting proud, are you? " sneered Ru-
dolph. "If you've got money to pay for your sup-
per, we won't beg, as you call it."
" Why can't we do as other people do?" asked
Tony.
"What's that?"
1 ' Live somewhere, and not go tramping round the
country all the time. It would be a good deal pleas-
anter."
" Not for me. I'm a vagrant by nature. I can't
be cooped up in one place. I should die of stagna-
tion. I come of a roving stock. My mother and
father before me were rovers, and I follow in their
steps."
The man spoke with animation, his eye flashing
as he gazed about him, and unconsciously quickened
his pace.
"Then, I'm not like you," said Tony, decidedly.
" I don't want to be a tramp. Were my father and
mother rovers like yours?"
1 ' Of course they were, " answered Rudolph, but
not without hesitation. " Ain't I your uncle?"
"I don't know. Are you?" returned Tony, search-
ingly.
"Haven't I told 3-ou so a hundred times?" de-
manded Rudolph, impatiently.
"Yes," said the boy, slowly, " but there's no like-
ness between us. You're dark and I am light."
10 TONY, THE HE&O.
"That proves nothing," said the elder tramp,
hastily. "Brothers are often as unlike. Perhaps
you don't want to look upon me as a relation?"
The boy was silent.
"Are you getting ashamed of me?" demanded Ru-
dolph, in a harsh tone.
"I am ashamed of myself," said Tony, bitterly.
" I'm nothing but a tramp, begging my bread from
door to door, sleeping in barns, outhouses, in the
fields, anywhere I can. I'm as ignorant as a boy of
eight. I can just read and that's all."
"You know as much I do."
" That don't satisfy me. When I grow up I don't
want to be "
Tony hesitated.
" You don't want to be like me. Is that it?" asked
Rudolph, angrily.
"No, I don't want to be like you," answered
Tony, boldly. "I want to have a home, and a busi-
ness, and to live like other people."
"Humph!" muttered Rudolph, fixing his eyes
thoughtfully upon his young companion. " This is
something new. You never talked like that be-
fore."
"But I've felt like that plenty of times. I'm
tired of being a tramp."
" Then you're a fool. There's no life so free and
independent. You can go where you please, with
no one to order you here nor there, the scene chang-
ing always, instead of being obliged to look always
upon the same people and the same fields."
THE TWO WANDERERS. 11
" What's the good of it all? I'm tired of it. I've
got no home, and never had any.*"
1 ' You've got no spirit. You're only fit for a farm-
boy or an apprentice. "
" I wish I was either one."
"Sit down here if you are tired," said the man,
abruptly, throwing himself down under a wide-
spreading tree by the roadside.
Tony stretched himself out at a little distance,
and uttered a sign of relief as he found himself
permitted to rest.
"'Have you been thinking of this long?" asked
Rudolph.
"Of what?"
" Of not liking to be a tramp? "
"Yes."
"You have not spoken of it before."
"I've been thinking of it more lately."
"How did that come?"
"I'll tell you," said Tony. "Don't you remem-
ber last week when we passed by a school house?
It was recess, and the boys were out at play. While
you were away a few minutes, one of the boys sat
down by me and talked. He told me what he was
studying, and what he was going to do when he got
older, and then he asked me about myself."
" What did you tell him? "
"What did I tell him?" said Tony, bitterly. "I
told him that I was a tramp, and that when I got
older I should be a tramp still."
"Well," said Rudolph, sharply, "what then?"
i% TONY, THE HERO.
"The boy told me I ought to get some regular
work to do, and grow into a respectable member of
society. He said that his father would help me, he
thought; and "
"So you want to leave me, do you?" demanded
Eudolph, fiercely. "Is that what you're coming to,
my chicken? "
"It isn't that so much as the life you make me
lead. I want to leave that, Rudolph."
"Well, you can't do it," said the man, shortly.
"Why not?"
" I say so, and that's enough."
Tony was silent for a moment. He was not
greatly disappointed, for he expected a refusal.
He changed the subject.
"Eudolph," he said, "there's something else I
want to ask you about."
"Well?" *
"Who am I?"
"Who are you? A young fool," muttered the
tramp, but he appeared a little uneasy at the ques-
tion.
" I want to know something about my father and
mother."
"Your mother was my sister. She died soon
after you were born."
"And my father?"
"He was put in jail for theft, and was shot in
trying to make his escape. Does that satisfy you? ''
"No, it doesn't, and what's more, I don't believe
it," said Tony, boldly.
THE TWO WANDERERS. 13
" Look here/' said Rudolph, sternly. "I've had
enough of your insolence. Do you see this strap? ''
He produced a long leather strap, which he drew
through his fingers menacingly,
"Yes, I see it."
"You'll feel it if you ain't careful. Now get up.
(t's time to be moving."
14 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTEK II.
THE FARM-HOUSE.
" Where are we going to stop to-night?" asked
Tony ten minutes later.
" There," answered Rudolph, pointing out a farm-
house, a little to the left.
" Suppose they won't let us."
' ' They will admit us into their barn, at least, if
we play our cards right. Listen to what I say.
You are to be my son."
"But I am not your son."
"Be silent!" said the other tramp, "and don't
you dare to contradict me. You have been sick,
and are too weak to go farther.
"That is a lie, Rudolph."
" That doesn't matter. If they believe it, they
won't turn us away. Perhaps they will let you
sleep in the house."
" Away from you?"
"Yes."
Tony was puzzled. It seemed as if Rudolph
wanted him to be more comfortably provided for
than himself, but the boy knew him too well not to
suspect that there was some concealed motive for
this apparent kindness.
"Well, what are you thinking about?" demanded
Rudolph, suspiciously, as he observed the boy's
earnest gaze.
THE FARM-HOUSE. 15
"Why do you want me to sleep in the house?"
he asked.
"I will tell you. When ah the family are asleep,
I want you to steal down stairs, open the back door,
and let me in."
"What for?" asked the boy, startled.
" Never you mind. Do as I tell you! "
" But I don't want to do it. You never asked me
to do that before."
"Didn't I? Well, I had no occasion. I ask you
now;"
" What are you going to do? Are you going to
harm any one?"
" No. I'll tell you what I'm going to do, but mind
you, if you breathe a word to any being, I'll cut
your tongue out."
Tony looked troubled, but not frightened.
"Go on," he said.
Eudolph continued in a rapid tone.
"I want money to carry out a plan of impor-
tance. This farm belongs to a farmer who is rich,
and who keeps a part of his money in the house."
"How do you know that?"
"A friend of mine stopped there last week, and
found out. He put me on the scent. The old man
keeps from two to three hundred dollars in his desk.
I must have that money."
" I don't want to help you in this, Eudolph," said
Tony. I won't betray you, but you mustn't compel
me to be a thief."
" I can't get along without you, and help me you
must."
16 TONY, THE HERO.
" Suppose we fail?"
' *' Then we must take to our legs. If we're caught
we're both in the same box. I don't ask you to take
any risk that I don't run myself. "
Tony was about to remonstrate further, but it was
too late. They had already reached the farm house,
and caught sight of the owner standing under a tree
in the front yard.
" Remember!" hissed the older tramp. u Follow
my lead, or I'll beat you till you are half dead.
Good evening, sir."
This last was said in a humble tone to the farmer,
who advanced to the gate.
" Good evening," said the farmer, ingeniously.
He was a man of sixty, roughly dressed to suit his
work, with grizzled hair, a form somewhat bowed,
and a face seamed with wrinkles. He had been a
hard worker, and showed abundant traces of it in
his appearance.
"We are very tired and hungry, my boy and I,"
whined Rudolph. " We've traveled many miles
since morning. Would you kindly give us some
supper and a night's lodging? "
k ' My wif ell give you something to eat, " said the
old man. " Thank Heaven! we've got enough for
ourselves and a bit for the poor besides. But I
don't know about lodging. I don't like to take in
strangers that I know nothing about."
" I don't blame you, sir," said Rudolph, in a tone
of affected humility. ' ' There's many rogues going
round the country, I've heard, but I'm a poor, hard-
working man."
THE FARM-HOUSE. 17
" Then why are you not at work?"
" Times are hard, and I can get nothing to do. I
am in search of work. I can do almost anything.
I'm a carpenter by trade."
Eudolph knew no more of the carpenter's trade
than the man in the moon, but that would do as well
as any other.
" Where are you from? "
" From Buffalo," he answered, with slight hesita-
tion.
"Is business dull there?"
" Nothing doing."
"Well, my friend, you haven't come to the right
place. There's nothing but farming clone here."
"I don't know anything about that," said Ru-
dolph, hastily, for he had no disposition to be set to
work in the fields.
" I don't need any extra hands," said the farmer.
" I am glad of that," thought the tramp.
' ' Go round to the back door, and I will speak to
my wife about supper," said the old man.
"Come, Tony," said Eudolph, motioning to take
tho boy's hand, but Tony did not see fit to notice the
movement, and walked in silence by his side.
A motherly-looking old woman made her appear-
ance at the back door.
"Come in," she said. "Come right in, and sit
down to the table. Abner, make room for the poor
man and his son."
Abner was a stalwart youth of eighteen, hard-
handed and muscular. He was the only permanent
18
"hired man" employed on the farm. In haying
time there were others transiently employed.
A farmer's table is plentiful, though homely. The
two tramps made an abundant meal, both doing
justice to the homely fare. The farmer's wife
looked on with hospitable satisfaction. She could
not bear to have anybody hungry under her roof.
" You'll excuse our appetite, ma'am," said Ru-
dolph, " but we've had nothing to eat since break-
fast."
1 ' Eat as much as you like, " said she. ' l We never
stint anybody here. Is that your son?"
" Yes, ma'am."
Tony bent his eyes upon his plate, and frowned
slightly. He wanted to deny it, but did not dare.
" He don't look a bit like you," said the woman.
"He's light, and you're very dark."
"His mother was light," said Rudolph. "He
takes after her."
" How old is he? "
"Tony, tell the lady how old you are."
"Fourteen."
" He is well grown of his age."
"Yes; he will make a good-sized man. He's
been sick."
"Has he? What has been the matter? "
"I don't know. Poor folks like us can't call in a
doctor."
"He don't look sick," said the farmer's wife,
thoughtfully.
"He's delicate, though he don't look it. It's
sleeping out in the open air, I expect."
THE FARM-HOUSE. 19
" Do you have to sleep out in the open air? "
"Yes; we can't afford to pay for lodgings, and
people won't take us into their houses. I don't
mind myself — I'm tough— but Tony can't stand it as
well as I can."
While this conversation was going on, Tony fixed
his eyes upon his plate. He was annoyed to have
such falsehoods told about him; but if he should
utter a word of objection he knew there would be an
explosion of wrath on the part of his guardian, and
he remained silent.
The farmer's wife was a simple-minded, kind-
hearted woman, and though Tony did not look at all
delicate, she never thought of questioning the state-
ment of Eudolph. Indeed she was already revolving
in her mind inviting the boy to sleep hi the house.
She was rather prejudiced in favor of Eudolph by his
show of parental solicitude.
When supper was over, having in the meantime
consulted her husband, she said to Eudolph:
' ' My husband says you may sleep in the barn, if
you don't smoke. We can find a bed for your son
with Abner. You won't mind taking him into your
room?"
" He can come," said Abner, good-naturedly.
So it was arranged. At half -past eight, for they
retired at that early hour in the farm house, Eu-
dolph left the fireside, and sought the barn. As he
left the room he looked suspiciously at Tony, and
shook his head warningly.
20 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER HI.
RUDOLPH'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
Abner slept in a large room in the attic. It had
been roughly partitioned off, and was not even plas-
tered. The beams were plainly visible. Upon nails
which had been driven into them hung Abner's
limited wardrobe. There were two cot-beds in the
room, as a part of the year the farmer employed
more than one hired man.
"You can sleep there, youngster," said Abner,
pointing to one of the beds. " This is my bed."
"Thank you," said Tony, politely.
"I s'pose you've traveled round considerable,"
said Abner, with curiosity.
"Yes, a good deal."
"Do you like it?"
"No; I'm tired of it."
" How do you make your livin'? "
"As we can. We often go hungry."
"Why don't your father settle down somewhere? "
Tony thought of disclaiming the relationship im-
plied, but he reflected that Eudolph would be angry,
and merely answered:
"He prefers to travel round."
" Was you ever in New York?" asked Abner.
"Do you mean the city of New York? Yes."
"I'd like to see it," said Abner, regarding Tony
Rudolph's disappointment. 21
with new respect. "I've heard a sight about it.
It's powerful big, isn't it? "
"It's very large."
" There's as many as a thousand houses, isn't
there?"
" There's a hundred thousand, I should think,"
answered Tony.
"Sho? you don't say so!" exclaimed Abner, awe-
struck. "Pd like to go there."
" Didn't you ever visit the city? "
"No; I never traveled any. I never was more'n
fifteen miles from home. Dad wouldn't let me.
When I'm a man, I'm bound to see the world."
"Ain't you a man now?" inquired Tony, survey-
ing his Herculean proportions with astonishment.
" No; I'm only eighteen."
"'You're as big as a man."
" Yes, I'm pooty big," said Abner, with a compla-
cent grin. 'k I can do a man's work."
" I should think you might. I thought you were
more than four years older than me. I'm fourteen. "
" I guess I weigh twice as much as you."
" I'm not small of my age," said Tony, jealously.
"Maybe not. I'm a regular bouncer. That's
what dad says. Why, I'm half as big again as he
is."
"Does he ever lick you? " asked Tony, smiling.
"I'd like to see him try it," said Abner, bursting
into a roar of laughter. " He'd have to get upon a
milkin' stool. Does your dad lick you? "
" No," answered Tony, shortly.
22 TONY, THE HERO.
" He looks as if he might sometimes. He's kinder
fractious-looking. "
Tony did not care to say much on the subject of
Rudolph. He felt that it was his policy to be silent.
If he said anything he might say too much, and if
it got to Eudolph's ears, the man's vindictive temper
would make it dangerous for him.
uWe get along pretty well," he said, guardedly.
" Do you get up early?"
' l Four o'clock. You won't have to, though. "
" What time do you get breakfast?"
"Half -past five, after I've milked and done the
chores. You must be up by that time, or you won't
get anything to eat."
"That's pretty early," thought Tony. " I don't
see the use of getting up so early."
" I guess I'll go to sleep, " said Abner. " I'm tuck-
ered out."
"Good-night, then," said Tony.
"Good-night."
The young giant turned over, closed his eyes, and
in five minutes was asleep.
Tony did not compose himself to sleep so readily,
partly because Abner began to snore in a boisterous
manner, partly because he felt disturbed by the
thought of the treachery which Eudolph required
at his hands.
Tony was only a tramp, but he had an instinct of
honor in him. In the farm house he had been
kindly treated and hospitably entertained. He felt
that it would be very mean to steal down in the
Rudolph's disappointment. 23
dead of night and open the door to his companion in
order that •he might rob the unsuspecting farmer of
his money. On the other hand, if he did not do
this, he knew that he would be severely beaten by
Eudolph.
" Why am I tied to this man?" he thought.
" What chance is there of my ever being anything
but a tramp while I stay with him? "
He had thought this before now, but the circum-
stances in which he now found himself placed made
the feeling stronger. He had been often humiliated
by being forced to beg from door to door, by the
thought that he was a vagrant, and the companion
of a vagrant, but he had not been urged to actual
crime until now. He knew enough to be aware
that he ran the risk of arrest and imprisonment if
he obeyed Eudolph. On the other hand, if he re-
fused, he was sure of a beating.
What should he do?
It was certainly a difficult question to decide, and
Tony debated it in his own mind for some time.
Finally he came to a determination. Rudolph
might beat him, but *he would not be guilty of this
treachery.
He felt better after he had come to this resolve,
and the burden being now off his mind, he composed
himself to sleep.
He did not know -how long he slept, but he had a
troubled dream. He thought that in compliance
with his companion's order he rose and opened the
door to him. While Rudolph was opening the far-
2i TONY, THE HERO.
mer's desk, he thought that heavy steps were heard,
and Abner and the farmer entered the room, pro-
vided with a lantern. He thought that Rudolph
and himself were overpowered and bound. Just as
he reached this part he awaked, and was reassured
by hearing Abner's heavy breathing.
" I'm glad it's a dream," he thought, breathing a
sigh of relief .
At this instant his attention was called by a noise
upon the panes of the only window in the room.
He listened, and detected the cause.
Some one was throwing gravel stones against it.
"It's Rudolph!" he thought instantly. "He's
trying to call my attention."
He thought of pretending to be asleep, and taking
no notice of the signal. But he feared Abner would
awake, and ascertain the meaning of it. He decided
to go to the window, show himself, and stop the
noise if he could.
He rose from his bed, and presented himself at
the window. Looking down, he saw the dark
figure of Rudolph leaning against the well-curb,
with his eyes fixed on the window.
" Oh, you're there at last," growled Rudolph. " I
thought I'd never wake you up. Is the man asleep? "
"Yes," said Tony.
" Then come down and let me in."
" I would rather not," said Tony, uneasily.
" What's the fool afraid of ? " answered Rudolph,
in a low, menacing tone.
" The man might wake up."
Rudolph's disappointment. 25
' ' No danger. Such animals always sleep heavily.
There's no danger, I tell you."
" I don't want to do it," said Tony. "It would
be mean. They've treated me well, and I don't
want to help rob them."
" Curse the young idiot! " exclaimed Rudolph, in
low tones of concentrated passion. " Do you mean
to disobey me? "
" I can't do as you wish, Rudolph. Ask me any-
thing else."
" I wish I could get at him! " muttered Rudolph,
between his teeth. "He never dared to disobey
me before. Once more! Will you open the door
to me? " demanded Rudolph.
Tony bethought himself of an expedient. He
might pretend that Abner was waking up.
"Hush! " he said, in feigned alarm. " The man
is waking up. Get out of sight quick."
He disappeared from the window, and Rudolph,
supposing there was really danger of detection,
hurriedly stole away to the barn where he had been
permitted to lodge.
He came out half an hour later, and again made
the old signal, but this time Tony did not show
himself. He had made up his mind not to comply
with the elder tramp's demands, and it would do no
good to argue the point.
' i I wish I knew whether he was asleep, or only
pretending, the young rascal," muttered Rudolph.
"I must manage to have him stay here another
night. That money must and shall be mine, and
he shall help to get it for me."
TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER IV.
SETTING A TRAP.
At half -past five Tony got up. He would have
liked to remain in bed two hours longer, but there
was no chance for late resting at the farm house.
Eudolph, too, was awakened by Abner, and the two
tramps took their seats at the breakfast table with
the rest of the family.
Eudolph furtively scowled at Tony. To him he
attributed the failure of his plans the night before,
and he was furious against him — the more so that
he did not dare to say anything in presence of the
farmer's family .
"Where are you going to-day?" asked the
farmer, addressing Eudolph.
" I am going to walk to Crampcon. I may get
employment there."
"It is twelve miles away. That's a good walk."
"I don't mind it for myself. I mind it for my
son," said Eudolph, hypocritically.
"He can stay here till you come back," said the
farmer, hospitably.
" If you're willing to have him, I will leave him
for one more night," said Eudolph. "It'll do him
good to rest."
" He can stay as well as not," said the farmer.
" When are you coming back? "
SETTING A TRAP. 21
" Perhaps to-night, but I think not till to-mois
row. "
" Don't trouble yourself about your son. He will
be safe here."
"You are very kind,'' said the elder tramp.
" Tony, thank these good people for then kindness
to you."
"I do thank them," said Tony, glancing uneasily
at the other.
When breakfast was over, Eudolph took his hat,
and said:
"I'll get started early. I've a long walk before
me."
Tony sat still, hoping that he would not be called
upon to join him. But he was destined to be disap-
pointed.
"Come and walk a piece with me, Tony," said
Eudolph.
Reluctantly Tony got his hat, and set out with
him.
As long as they were in sight and hearing, Ru-
dolph spoke to him gently, but when they were far
enough for him to throw off the mask safely, he
turned furiously upon the boy.
"Now, you young rascal/' he said, roughly, "tell
me why you didn't obey me last night."
"It wasn't safe," said Tony. "We should both
have been caught."
" Why should we? Wasn't the man asleep?"
"He stirred in his sleep. If I had moved abouf
much, or opened the door, it would have waked him
up."
28 TONY, THE HERO.
' ' You are a coward, " sneered Rudolph. " When I
was of your age, I wouldn't have given up a job so
easily. Such men sleep sound. Xo matter if they
do move about, they won't wake up. If you had
had a little more courage, we should have succeeded
last night in capturing the money.''
"I wish you'd give it up, Eudolph," said Tony,
earnestly.
''You don't know what you're talking about,"
said the tramp, harshly. "You're a milksop. The
world owes us a living, and we must call for it."
" I'd rather work than steal."
'"There's no work to be had, and we must have
money. More depends on it than you think. But
we've got one more night to work in."
"What do you mean to do?" asked Tony, un-
easily.
"Thanks to my management, you will sleep in
the same room to-night. Look round the house
during the day; see if the key's in the desk. If you
can get hold of the money, all the better. In that
case, come and hide it in that hollow tree, and we
can secure it after the hue and cry is over. Do you
hear? "
"Yes."
"But, if there is no chance of that, look out for
me at midnight I will throw gravel against your
window as a signal. When you hear it, steal down
stairs, with your shoes in your hands, and open
the door to me. I will attend to the rest. And
mind," he added, sternly, "I shall take no ex-
cuses."
SETTING A TRAP. 29
" Suppose I am caught going down stairs? "
" Say you are taken sick. It will be easy enough
to make an excuse."
"Are you going to Crampton?" asked Tony.
" Of course not. Do you think I am such a fool
as to take a long walk like that? "
"You said you were going."
"Only to put them off the scent. I shall hide in
yonder wood till night. Then I will find my way
back to the farmhouse."
"Do you want me to go any farther with you?"
"No; you can go back now if you want to.
Don't forget my directions."
" I will remember them," said Tony, quietly.
The two parted company, and Tony walked slowly
back to the farm. He was troubled and perplexed.
He was in a dilemma, and how to get out of it he
did not know.
It was not the first time that he thought over his
relations to Eudolph.
As far back as he could remember he had been
under the care of this man. Sometimes the latter
had been away for months, leaving him in the
charge of a woman whose appearance indicated
that she also was of Gipsy descent. He had experi-
enced hunger, cold, neglect, but had lived through
them all, tolerably contented. Now, however, he
saw that Eudolph intended to make a criminal of
him, and he was disposed to rebel. That his guard-
ian was himself a thief, be had reason to know.
He suspected that some of his periodical absences
30 TONY, THE HERO.
were spent in prison walls. Would he be content
to follow his example?
Tony answered unhesitatingly, "No." Whatever
the consequences might be, he would make a stand
there. He had reason to fear violence, but that was
better than arrest and imprisonment. If matters
came to the worst, he would run away.
When he had come to a decision he felt better.
He returned to the farm and found Abner just leav-
ing the yard with a hoe in his hand.
" Where are you going?" he asked.
" To the corn field."
" May I go with you? "
"If you want to."
So Tony went out to the field with the stalwart
"hired man," and kept him company through the
forenoon.
" That's easy work," said Tony, after a while.
"Do you think you can do it? "
"Let me try."
Tony succeeded tolerably well, but he could not
get over the ground so fast as Abner.
"Why don't you hire out on a farm? " asked Ab-
ner, as he took back the hoe.
" I would if I could," answered Tony.
" Why can't you? Won't your father let you? "
" He wants me to go round with him," answered
Tony
" Wouldn't he take me instead of you? " asked Ab-
ner, grinning. I'd like to travel round and see the
world. You could stay here and do farm work."
SETTING A TRAP. 31
"If he and the farmer agree to the change, I
will," answered Tony, with a sniile.
At noon they went back to the farm house to din-
ner. Tony stared with astonishment at the quan-
tity of food Abner made away with. He concluded
that farm work was favorable to the appetite.
The afternoon passed rapidly away, and night
came. Again Tony went up into the attic to share
Abner s room. He got nervous as the night wore
on. He knew what was expected of him, and he
shrank from Rudolph's anger. He tried to go to
sleep, but could not.
At last the expected signal came. There was a
rattling of gravel stones upon the window.
"Shall I he here and take no notice?" thought
Tony.
In this case Rudolph would continue to fling
gravel stones, and Abner might wake up. He de-
cided to go to the window and announce his deter-
mination.
When Rudolph saw him appear at the window,
he called out :
"Come down quick, and open the door."
' ' I would rather not, " answered Tony. ,
" You must!" exclaimed Rudolph, with a terrible
oath. " If you dare to refuse, I'll flay you alive."
"I cant do it," said Tony, pale but resolute.
"You have no right to ask it of me."
Just then Tony was startled by a voice from the
bed:
" Is that your father? What does he want?"
32 TONY, THE HERO.
"I would rather not tell," said Tony.
"You must!" said Abner, sternly.
" He wants me to open the door and let him into
the house," Tony confessed, reluctantly.
"What for?"
"He wants to get your master's money."
"Ho, ho!" said Abner. "Well, we'll go down
and let him in. "
' l What ! " exclaimed Tony, in surprise.
" Call from the window that you will be down di-
rectly. "
" I don't want to get him into trouble."
" You must, or I shall think you are a thief, too."
Thus constrained, Tony called out that he would
come down at once.
"I thought you'd think better of it," muttered
Eudolph. ' ' Hurry down, and waste no time. "
Five minutes later, Abner and Tony crept down
stairs, the former armed with a tough oak stick.
AN ATTEMPT AT BURGLARY. 33
CHAPTER V.
AN ATTEMPT AT BURGLARY.
Unsuspicious of danger, Rudolph took a position
on the door-step. He was incensed with Tony for
having given him so much unnecessary trouble, and
he was resolved to give the boy a lesson.
It was quite dark in the shadow of the house, and
wiien the door opened, Rudolph, supposing, of
course, it was Tony who had opened it, seized the
person, whom he saw but dimly, by the arm, ex-
claiming venomously, as he tried to reach him :
"I'll teach you to keep me waiting, you young
rascal."
He was not long in finding out his mistake.
Abner was considerably larger and more muscu-
lar than the tramp, and he returned the compliment
by shaking off Rudolph's grasp, and seizing him in
his own vise-like grasp .
" You'll teach me, will you, you villain," retorted
Abner. " I'll teach you to come here like a thief."
" Let go," exclaimed the tramp, as he felt him-
self shaken roughly .
"Not till I've given you a good drubbing," re-
turned Abner, and he began to use his cudgel with
effect on the back and shoulders of the tramp.
"You've come to the wrong house, you have."
Rudolph ground his teeth with ineffectual rage.
34 TONY, THE HERO.
He lamented that he had not a knife or pistol with
him, but he had made so sure of easy entrance into
the house, and no resistance, that he had not pre-
pared himself. As to brute force, he was no match
for Abner.
" The boy betrayed me! " he shrieked. " I'll have
his life."
" Not much," said Abner. " You'll be lucky to
get away with your own. It isn't the boy. I was
awake, and heard you ask him to let you in. Now
take yourself off."
As he said this he gave a powerful push, and Ru-
dolph reeled a moment and sank upon the ground,
striking his head with violence.
"He won't try it again," said Abner, as he shut
to the door and bolted it. "I guess he's got enough
for once."
Tony stood by, ashamed and mortified. He was
afraidAbner would class him with the tramp who had
just been ignominiously expelled from the house.
He was afraid he, too, would be thrust out of doors,
in which case he would be exposed to brutal treat-
ment from Eudoiph. But he did not need to fear
this. Abner had seen and heard enough to feel con-
vinced that Tony was all right in the matter, and
he did not mean to make the innocent suffer for the
guilty.
" Now let us go to bed, Tony, "he said in a friend-
ly manner. "You don't want to go with him, do
you*"
"No," said Tony. "I never want to see him
again,"
AN ATTEMPT AT BURGLARY. 35
"I shouldn't think you would. He's a rascal and
a thief."
"I hope you don't think I wanted to rob the
house," said Tony.
"No; I don't believe you're a bit like him; what
makes you go with him? "
"I won't any more."
u He isn't your father? "
" No; I don't know who my father is."
" That's strange," said Abner, who had seen but
little of the world. Every one that he knew had a
a father, and knew who that father was. He could
not realize that any one could have an experience
like Tony's.
"I wish I did know my father," said Tony,
thoughtfully. " I'm alone in the world now."
" What do you mean to do?"
"I'll go off by myself to-morrow, away from
Rudolph. I never want to see him again."
i ' Have you got any money?"
They had now got back into the chamber, and
were taking off their clothes.
''I've got five cents," answered Tony.
" Is that all?"
"Yes; but I don't mind; I'll get along some-
how."
Tony had always got along somehow. He had
never — at least not for long at a time— known what
it was to have a settled home or a permanent shel-
ter. Whether the world owed him a living or not,
he had always got one, such as it was, and though
36 TONY THE HERO.
he had often been cold and hungry, here he was at
fourteen; well and strong, and with plenty of pluck
and courage to carry with him into the lif e struggle
that was opening before him. Abner's training
had been different, and he wondered at the coolness
with which Tony contemplated the future. But he
was too sleepy to wonder long at anything, and
with a yawn he lapsed into slumber.
Tony did not go to sleep immediately. He had
need to be thoughtful. He had made up his mind
to be his own master henceforth, but Euclolph, he
knew, would have a word to say on that point. In
getting away the next morning he must manage to
give the tramp a wide berth. It would be better
for him to go to some distant place, where, free
from interference, he could make his own living.
There was another thought that came to him.
Somewhere in the world he might come across a
father or mother, or more distant relative — one of
whom he would not be ashamed, as he was of the
companion who tried to draw him into crime. This
was the last thought in his mind, as he sank into a
sound sleep from which he did not awaken tiU he
was called to breakfast.
abner's rusk 37
CHAPTER VI.
abner's ruse.
To say that Rudolph was angry when he recovered
from the temporary insensibility occasioned by hie
fall, would be a very mild expression. He had not
only been thwarted in his designs, but suffered vio-
lence and humiliation in presence of the boy of
whom he regarded himself as the guardian. He
thirsted for revenge, if not on Abner, then on Tony,
whom it would be safer to maltreat and abuse.
Anger is unreasonable, and poor Tony would have
fared badly, if he had fallen into Rudolph's clutches
just then. It made no difference that Abner had
exonerated Tony from any share in the unpleasant
surprise he had met. He determined to give him a
severe beating, nevertheless.
There is an old proverb: "You must catch your
hare before you cook it.'? This did not occur to the
tramp. He never supposed Tony would have the
hardihood or courage to give him the slip.
The remainder of the night spent by Tony in
sleeping was less pleasantly spent by Rudolph in the
barn.
He meant to be up early, as he knew he was lia-
ble to arrest on account of his last nights attempt,
and lie in wait for Tony, who, he supposed, would
wait for breakfast.
38 TONY, THE HERO.
He was right there. Tony did remain for break-
fast. The farmer — Mr. Coleman — had already been
informed of Eudolph's attempted burglary, and he
did Tony the justice to exonerate him from any
share in it.
" What are you going to do, my bo}r? " he asked
at the breakfast table.
"I am going to set up for myself," answered
Tony, cheerfully.
' ' That's right. Have nothing more to do with
that man. He can only do you harm. Have you
got any money? "
"I've got five cents."
" That isn't enough to buy a farm."
" Not a very large one," said Tony, smiling.
Abner nearly choked with laughter. This was a
joke which he could appreciate.
"I don't think I'll go to farming," continued
Tony.
"You can stay here a week or two," said the
farmer, hospitably, "till you get time to look
round."
" Thank you," said Tony. " You are very kind,
but I don't think it will be safe. Eudolph will be on
the watch for me."
"The man you came with? "
"Yes."
"Guess he won't touch you while I'm round,"
&iid Abner.
'k I don't think hell want to tackle you again,"
said Tony.
abner's ruse. 39
" Didn't I lay him out though? " said Abner, with
a grin, " He thought it was you, ho! ho! "
" He didn't think so long," said Tony. I haven't
got such an arm as you . "
Abner was pleased with this compliment to Ins
prowess, and wouldn't have minded another tussle
with the tramp.
"Where do you think that chap you call Eudolph
is?" he asked.
"He's searching for me, I expect," said Tony.
" If I'm not careful he'll get hold of me."
Just then a neighbor's boy, named Joe, came to
the house on an errand. He w-as almost Tony's
size. He waited about, not seeming in any hurry
to be gone.
" Abner," said the farmer, "if you've got noth-
ing else to do, you may load up the wagon with
hay, and carry it to Castleton. We shall have more
than we want."
' ' All right, " said Abner.
"May I go, too?" May I ride on the hay?"
asked Joe, eagerly.
" Will your father let you? " asked the farmer.
"Oh, yes; he won't mind."
"Then you may go," was the reply. "'Do you
want to go, too, Tonyr< "
Tony was about to say yes, when an idea seized
him.
" If the other boy goes, Eudolph will think it is I,
and he will follow the wagon. That wrill give me a
chance of getting off in another direction.''
40
" So it will," said Abner. "What a head-piece
you've got," he added, admiringly. "I wouldn't
have thought of that."
Abner's head-piece was nothing to boast of. He
had strength of body, but to equalize matters his
mind was not equally endowed.
The plan was disclosed to Joe, who willingly
agreed to enter into it. This was the more feasible
because he was of about Tony's size, and wore a hat
just like his.
The hay was loaded, and the wagon started off
with Abner walking alongside. Joe was perched
on top, nearly buried in the hay, but with his hat
rising from the mass. This was about all that
could be seen of him.
Thev had gone about half a mile when from the
bushes by the roadside Rudolph emerged. He had
seen the hat, and felt sure that Tony was trying to
escape him in this way.
" Well," said Abner, with a grin, as he recognized
his midnight foe, " how do you feel this morning?"
" Isone the better for you, curse you! " returned
the tramp, roughly.
Abner laughed.
"That's what I thought," he said, cracking his
whip.
Rudolph would like to have punished him then
and there for his humiliation of the night before,
but Abner looked too powerful as he strode along
manfully with vigorous steps. Besides, he had a
heavy whip in his hand, which the tramp suspected
ABNER's RUSE. 41
would be used unhesitatingly if there were occasion.
The prospect was not inviting. But, at any rate,
Eudolph could demand that Tony be remitted to his
custody.
" Where's my boy? " asked the tramp, keeping at
a safe distance.
" Didn't know you had a bo}^," said Abner.
" I mean that villain Tony. Is that he on the
load of hay? "
" Kinder looks like him," answered Abner, grin-
ning.
Rudolph looked up and caught sight of the hat.
" Come down here, Tony," he said sternly.
Joe, who had been instructed what to do, an-
swered not a word.
" Come down here, if you know what's best for
you," continued the tramp.
" Guess he's hard of hearing," laughed Abner.
"Stop your wagon," said Rudolph, furiously; "I
want to get hold of him."
"Couldn't do it," said Abner, coolly. "I'm in a
hurry."
"Will you give me the boy or not?" demanded
the tramp, hoarsely.
"He can get off and go along with you if he
wants to," said Abner. " Do you want to get down,
Tony?"
"No!" answered the supposed Tony.
"You see, squire, he prefers to ride," said Abner.
" Can't blame him much. I'd do it in his place."
"Where are you going?" demanded the tramp,
42 TONY, THE HERO.
who hadn't discovered that the voice was not that
of Tony.
"I'm going to Castleton," answered Abner.
" Are you going to leave the hay there?"
" Yes, that's what I calculate to do."
"How far is it?"
" Six miles."
"I'll walk along, too."
"Better not, squire, you'll get tired."
"I'll risk that."
Of course Rudolph's plan was manifest. When
the hay was unloaded, of course Tony would have
to get down. Then he would get hold of him.
"You can do just as you've a mind to," said
Abner. "'You'll be company to Tony and me, but
you needn't put yourself out on our account, hey,
Tony?"
There was a smoothered laugh on top of the hay,
which the tramp heard. His eyes snapped viciously,
and he privately determined to give Tony a settle-
ment in full for all his offenses just as soon as he
got hold of him."
So they jogged on, mile after mile. Abner walked
on one side, swinging his whip, and occasionally
cracking it. The tramp walked on the other side
of the road, and the boy rode along luxuriously em-
bedded in his fragrant couch of hay. Abner from
time to time kept up the tramp's illusions by calling
out, "Tony, you must take keer, or you'll fall off."
"I'll catch him if he does," said Eudolph, grimly*.
abner's ruse. 43
" So you will," chuckled Abner. " You'd like to,
wouldn't you? "
" Certainly. He is my son," said Kudolph.
"Do you hear that, Tony? He says you're his
son," said Abner, grinning again.
There was another laugh from the boy on the load
of hay.
" You won't find anything to laugh at when I get
hold of you," muttered Rudolph.
So they rode into Castleton.
From time to time Abner, as he thought how
neatly the tramp had been sold, burst into a loud
laugh, which was echoed from the hay wagon.
Kudolph was not only angry, but puzzled.
" Does the boy hope to escape me? " he asked him-
self. ' ' If so, he will find himself badly mistaken.
He will find that I am not to be trifled with."
"Say, squire, what makes you look so glum?"
asked Abner. "Maybe it's because I didn't let you
in when you called so late last night. We don't re-
ceive visitors after midnight."
Kudolph scowled, but said nothing.
"How long has the boy been with you?" asked
Abner, further.
"Since he was born," answered the tramp.
"Ain't I his father?"
" I don't know. If it's a conundrum I give it up."
"Well, I am, and no one has a right to keep him
from me," said the tramp, in a surly manner.
"I wouldn't keep him from you for a minute,"
said Abner, innocently.
44 TONY, THE HERO.
"'You are doing it now."
"No, I ain't."
"I can't get at him on that hay."
" He can come down if he wants to. I don't stop
him. You can come down if you want to, Tony,"
he said, looking up to where the boy's hat was visi-
ble.
Tony did not answer, and Abner continued:
" You see he don't want to come. He'd rather
ride. You know he's been sick," said Abner, with
a grin, "and he's too delicate to walk. He ain't
tough, like you and me."
"He'll need to be tough," muttered the tramp, as
he thought of the flogging he intended to give
Tony.
"What did you say?"
"Never mind."
" Oh, I don't mind," said Abner. " You can say
what you want to. This is a free country, only you
can't do what you've a mind to."
Eudolph wished that he had a double stock of
(Strength. It was very provoking to be laughed at.
and derided by Abner without being able to re-
venge himself. A pistol or a knife would make
him even with the countryman, but Eudolph was
too much of a coward to commit such serious
crimes when there was so much danger of detection
and punishment.
At last they entered Castleton.
The hay was to be delivered to a speculator, who
abner's ruse. 45
collected large quantities of it and forwarded over
the railroad to a large city.
It had to be weighed, and Abner drove at once to
the hay scales.
"Now," thought Eudolph, with exultation, "the
boy must come down, and I shall get hold of him."
" I guess you'd better slide down, *' said Abner. ' 'I
can't sell you for hay, Tony. "
There was a movement, and then the boy slid
down, Abner catching him as he descended.
Rudolph's face changed ominously when he saw
that it wasn't Tony who made his appearance.
" What does this mean? " he demanded furiously.
"What's the matter?"
"This isn't Tony."
fi Come to look at him, it isn't," said Abner, with
a twinkle in his eye.
"Didn't you say it was Tony?" asked tho tramp,
exasperated.
"I guess I was mistaken, squire," said Abner,
grinning.
"Where is he?"
"I don't know, I'm sure. It seems he didn't
come. Guess he must have given us the slip."
The tramp, unable to control his rage, burst into
a volley of execrations.
" Hope you feel better, squire," said Abner, when
he got through.
The tramp strode off, vowing dire vengeance
against both Abner and Tony.
" What does this mean ?" demanded the tramp furiously " This isn't
Tony."— (See page 45.> 46
A STRANGE HOTEL. 47
CHAPTER Til.
A STRANGE HOTEL.
From the upper window in the farm house, which
was situated on elevated ground, Tony saw his old
guardian follow Abner. Thus the way was opened
for his escape. He waited, however, a short time to
make sure that all was safe, and then bade farewell
to the farmer and his wife, thanking them heartily
for their kindness to him."
" Won't you stay longer with us?" asked the
farmer. " You can as well as not."
" Thank you," answered Tony, "but I wouldn't
dare to. Rudolph may be back for me, and I want
to get away before he has a chance."
"Are you going to walk?" asked the farmer's
wife.
" Yes, " said Tony. "I've only got five cents in
my pocket, and I can't ride far on that. "
" I'm afraid you will be tired," said she, sympa-
thetically.
"Oh, I'm used to tramping,'' returned Tony,
lightly. " I don't mind that at all. "
" Can't you put up some dinner for him, wife?"
suggested the farmer. s ' It'll make him hungry,
walking."
"To be sure I will," she replied, and a large sup-
ply of eatables were put in a paper, sufficient to
last Tony twenty-four hours, at least.
48 TONY, THE HERO.
The farmer deliberated whether he should not of-
fer our hero half a dollar besides, but he was natu-
rally close, so far as money was concerned, and he
decided in the negative.
So Tony set out, taking a course directly opposite
to that pursued by Abner. In this way he thought
he should best avoid the chance of meeting Ru-
dolph.
He walked easily, not being in any special hurry,
and whenever he felt at all tired he stopped by the
wayside to rest. Early in the afternoon he lay
down under a tree in the pasture and fell asleep.
He was roused by a cold sensation, and found that
a dog had pressed his cold nose against his cheek.
"Haven't you any more manners, sir?" demanded
Tony, good-naturedly.
The dog wagged his tail, and looked friendly.
" It's a hint that I must be on my journey," he
thought.
About ^ve o'clock he felt that it was about time
to look out for a night's rest. A hotel was, of
course, out of the question, and he looked about for
a farm house. The nearest dwelling was a small
one, of four rooms, setting back from the road,
down a lane.
" Perhaps I can get in there," thought Tony.
An old man, with a patriarchal beard, whose ne-
glected and squalid dress seemed to indicate poverty,
was sitting on the door-step.
" Good evening," said Tony.
" Who are you?" demanded the old man, suspi-
ciously.
A STRANGE HOTEL. 49
" I am a poor traveler," said Tony.
"A tramp!" said the old man, in the same suspi-
cious tone.
" Yes, I suppose so," said Tony, although he did
not like the title overmuch.
"Well, I've got nothing for you," said the old
man, roughly.
"I don't want anything except the chance to
sleep. "
" Don't you want any supper?"
" No, I've got my supper here," returned our hero,
producing his paper of provisions.
" What have you got there? " asked the old man,
with an eager look.
" Some bread and butter and cold meat."
"It looks good," said the other, with what Tony
thought to be a longing look.
"I'll share it with you, if you'll let me sleep here
to-night," said Tony.
" Will you? " the other answered.
" Yes; there's enough for both of us."
The old man was a miser, as Tony suspected. He
was able to live comfortably, but he deprived him-
self of the necessaries of life in order to hoard away
money. His face revealed that to Tony. He had
nearly starved himself, but he had not overcome
his natural appetites, and the sight of Tony's supper
gave him a craving for it.
" I don't know," he said, doubtfully. " If I let you
sleep here you might get up in the night and rob
50 TONY, THE HERO.
Tony laughed.
"You don't look as if you had anything worth
stealing, " he said, candidly.
" You're right, quite right," said old Ben Hay den,
for this was his name. "I've only saved a little
money — a very little — to pay my funeral expenses.
You wouldn't want to take that?"
"Oh, no," said Tony. "I wouldn't take it if
you'd give it to me."
"You wouldn't? why not?"
"Because you need it yourself . If you were a
rich man it would be different. "
" So it would," said old Hay den. " You're a good
boy — an excellent boy. I'll trust you. You can
stay. "
"Then let us eat supper," said Tony.
He sat down on the door-step, and gave the old
man half of his supply of food. He was interested
to see the avi dity with which he ate it.
" Is it good? " he asked.
"I haven't eaten anything so good for a long
time. I couldn't afford to buy food."
" I am sorry for you."
" You haven't got any left for breakfast," said the
old man.
''Oh, somebody will give me breakfast," said
Tony. " I always get taken care of somehow."
" You are young and strong."
"Yes."
" Do you travel around all the time?"
" Yes; but I hope to get a chance to go to work
soon; I'd rather live in one place,"
A STRANGE HOTEL. 51
" You might live with me if I were not so poor,"
said the old man.
"Thank you," answered Tony, politely; but it
did not appear to him that it was exactly such a
home as he would choose.
" Do you live alone? " he asked.
"Yes."
"I didn't know but you might be married."
" I was married when I was a young man, but
my wife died long ago."
"Why don't you marry again?" inquired Tony,
half in fun.
"I couldn't afford it," answered Hayden, fright-
ened at the suggestion. " Women have terrible ap-
petites."
" Have they?" returned Tony, amused.
"And I can't get enough for myself to eat."
" Have you always lived here? "
"No; I lived in England when I was a young
man."
"What made you leave it? "
" Why do you ask me that?" demanded old Ben,
suspiciously.
" Oh, if it's a secret, don't tell me," said Tony, in-
differently.
"Who said it was a secret?" said the old man,
irritably.
" Nobody that I know of."
" Then why do you ask me such questions? "
The old man surveyed Tony with a look of doubt,
as if he thought the boy were laying a trap for
him.
52 TOSY, THE HERO.
" Don't answer anything you don't want to," said
our hero. "I only asked for the sake of saying
something."
"I don't mind telling, said old Ben, more calmly.
" It was because I was so poor. I thought I could
do better in America."
"And didn't you?"
" When I was able to work. Now I'm weak and
poor, and can't always get enough to eat."
" Do you own this place? "
"Yes, but it's a very poor place. It isn't worth
much."
"I shouldn't think it was," said Tony.
"You're a good lad — an excellent lad. You see
how poor I am."
" Of course I do, and I'm sorry for you. I would
help you, only I am very poor myself."
"Have you got any money?" asked Ben, with
interest.
"I've got five cents," answered Tony, laughing.
I hope you've got more than that. "
"A little more — a very little more," said Ben,
cautiously.
The old miser began to consider whether he
couldn't charge Tony five cents for his lodging, but
sighed at the recollection that Tony had already
paid for it in advance by giving him a supper.
When eight o'clock came the miser suggested
going to bed.
"I haven't any lights," he said; "candles cost so
much. Besides, a body's better off in bed,"
A STRANGE HOTEL. 53
" I'm willing to go to bed," said Tony. "I've
walked a good deal to-day, and I'm tired."
They went into the honse. There was a heap of
rags in the corner of the room when they entered.
" That's my bed," said old Ben; "it all I have."
"I can sleep on the floor," said Tony.
He took off his jacket, and rolled it up for a pil-
low, and stretched himself out on the bare floor.
He had often slept so before.
54 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER VIII.
TONY HIRES OUT AS A COOK AND HOUSEKEEPER.
Tony was not slow in going to sleep. Neither his
hard bed nor his strange bed-chamber troubled him.
He could sleep anywhere. That was one of the ad-
vantages of his checkered life.
Generally he slept all night without awaking, but
to-night, for some unknown reason, he awoke
about two o'clock. It was unusually light for that
hour, and so he was enabled to see what at first
startled him. The old man was out of bed, and on
his knees in the center of the room. He had raised
a plank, forming a part of the flooring, and had
raised from beneath it a canvass bag full of gold
pieces. He was taking them out and counting
thenx, apparently quite unconscious of Tony's pres-
ence.
Tony raised himself on his elbow, and looked at
him. It occurred to him that for a man so suspi-
cious it was strange that he should expose his hoard
before a stranger. Something, however, in the old
man's look led him to think that he was in a sleep-
walking fit.
"Ninety-five, ninety-six, ninety-seven," Tony
heard him count; "that makes nine hundred and
seventy dollars, all gold, good, beautiful gold. No-
body knows the old man is so rich. There's another
TONY HIRES OUT AS A COOK AXD HOUSEKEEPER. 55
bag, too. There are one hundred pieces in that.
Three more, and this will be full, too. Nobody
must know, nobody must know. "
He put back the pieces, replaced the bag in its
hiding-place, and then putting back the plank, laid
down once more on his heap of rags.
" How uneasy he would be," thought Tony, "if
he knew I had seen his treasures. But I wouldn't
rob him for the world, although the money would
do me good, and he makes no use of it except to
look at it."
If Tony was honest, it was an instinctive feeling.
It could not have been expected of one reared as he
had been. But. singular as it may seem, beyond a
vague longing, he felt no temptation to deprive old
Ben of his money.
"Let him get what satisfaction he can from it,"
he said to himself. ' ' I hope he'll keep it till he
dies. I am only afraid that some night some one
will see him counting the gold who will want to
take it."
Tony went to bed again, and slept till six. Then
he was awakened by a piteous groaning, which he
soon found proceeded from the other bed.
" What's the matter? " he asked.
"Who's there? " demanded Ben, terrified.
"It's only I. Don't you remember you let me
sleep here last night? "
" 0, yes; I remember now. I'm sick; very sick."
"How do you feel? "
"I'm aching and trembling all over. Do you
56 TONY, THE HERO.
think I am going to die? " he asked, with a startled
look.
"Oh, no, I guess not," said Tony, reassuringly.
" Everybody is sick now and then."
"I never felt so before," groaned Ben. "I'm an
old man. Don't you think — don't you really think
I shall die? "
He looked appealingly at Tony, as if the flat of
life and death lay with him.
Tony, of course, knew nothing of medicine or of
diseases, but he had the sense to understand that
the old man would be more likely to recover if his
terror could be allayed, and he said, lightly:
"Oh, it's only a trifle. You've taken cold, very
likely. A cup of hot tea would be good for you."
"I haven't any tea," groaned Ben. "It costs a
great deal, and I'm very poor. I can't afford to
buy it."
Tony smiled to himself, remembering the hoard
of gold under the floor, but he would not refer to
it, at least not at present.
" Are you sure you haven't got a little money?"
he asked. "If you want to get well, you must be
made comfortable."
"It's hard to be poor," whined Ben.
" I guess you've got some money," said Tony.
"You'd better let me go to the store, and buy some
tea and a fresh roll for you."
" How much will it cost?" asked Ben.
"I can 'get some bread, and tea, and sugar for
thirty or forty cents," answered Tony.
TOXY HIRES OUT AS A COOK AND HOUSEKEEPER. 57
" Forty cents! It's frightful!" exclaimed Ben.
"I— I guess I'll do without it."
1 ' Oh, well, if you prefer to lie there and die its
none of my business, " said Tony, rather provoked
at the old man's perverse folly.
"But I don't want to die," whined Ben.
" Then do as I teU you."
Tony jumped out of bed, unrolled his coat, and
put it on.
"Now," said he, "I'm ready to go for you, if
you'll give me the money."
"But you may take it" and not come back," said
the old man, suspiciously.
"If you think you can't trust me, you needn't,"
said Tony. " I've offered to do you a favor."
"I think I'll go myself," said Ben.
He tried to raise himself, but a twinge of pain
compeUed him to lie down again."
"No, I can't," he said.
" Well, do you want me to go for you? "
"Yes," answered Ben, reluctantly.
"Then give me the money."
Still more reluctantly Ben produced twenty-five
cents from his pocket.
" Isn't that enough?" he asked.
"Better give me more," said Tony.
He produced ten cents more, and vowed it was
all the money he had in the world.
Tony decided not to contradict his assertion, but
to make this go as far as it would. He put on his
hat and started out. He meant also to call at the
58 TONY, THE HERO.
doctor's, and asked him to call round, for he
thought it possible that the old man might be seri-
ously sick.
First, however, he went to the grocery store,
which had only just been opened, and obtained the
articles which he had mentioned to Ben as likely to
do him good.
Next he called at the house of the village doctor,
obtaining the direction from the storekeeper. In a
few words he made known his errand.
f ' Old Ben sick ! " said Doctor Compton. ' ' What's
the matter with him?"
Tony explained how he appeared to be affected.
" How did you happen to be in his house? " asked
the doctor, with curiosity. ' ' You are not a relation
of his, are you? "
Tony laughed.
"I don't think he would let me into the house if
1 were," he said. "He would be suspicious of
me."
' ' Then how does it happen that you were with
him?"
Tony explained.
" He has been repaid for taking you in," said the
doctor. "I'll put on my hat, and go right over
with you."
After Tony left the house, old Ben lay and tor-
mented himself with the thought that the boy
would never come back. "Just as like as not," he
thought, 'fhe will go off with the money, and
leave me here to die."
TONY HIRES OUT AS A COOK AND HOUSEKEEPER. 59
Then lie tried to sit up, but without success.
Half an hour later he was relieved by seeing the
door open, and Tony enter. But he looked dis-
mayed when he saw the doctor.
" What did you come for?" he asked, peevishly.
"To see what I can do for you, Mr. Hayden. Let
me feel your pulse.''
"But I can't afford to have a doctor. I am poor,
and can't pay you," whined old Ben.
"We'll talk about that afterward."
" You can't charge when I didn't send for you."
" Make your mind easy. I won't charge for this
visit. Let me feel your pulse."
Old Ben no longer opposed medical treatment,
finding it would cost nothing.
" Am I going to die?" he asked, with an anxious
look.
"You need nourishing food and care, that is all,"
was the reply. ' ' You have had a chill, and you
are reduced by insufficient food."
"I have some bread and tea here," said Tony.
"Do you know how to make the tea? " asked the
doctor.
"Yes," said Tony.
"Then make a fire, and boil it at once. And, by
the way, Mr. Hayden needs somebody to be with
him for a few days. Can you stay with him and
look after him? "
"If he will give me money enough to buy what
he needs," said Tony.
" Will you do it, Mr. Hayden? " asked the doctor.
60 TONY, THE HERO.
Old Ben whined that he was poor, and had no
money, but the doctor interrupted him impatiently.
" That's all nonsense/7 he said. "You may not
have much money, but you've got some, and you'll
die if you don't spend some on yourself . If you
don't agree to it, I shall advise this boy here to leave
you to your fate. Then your only resource will be
to go to the poor-house."
This proposal was not acceptable to Ben, who was
unwilling to leave the house where his treasures
were concealed. He therefore reluctantly acceded
to the doctor's conditions, and Tony got his break-
fast. Despite his sickness, he relished the tea and
toast, and for the moment forgot what it cost.
"Well," thought Tony to himself with a smile,
"I've got a situation as plain cook and housekeeper.
I wonder how long it will last, and what'll come of
it. I don't believe Eudolph will look for me here."
But in this Tony was mistaken.
THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. 61
CHAPTEE IX.
THE FACE AT THE WINDOW.
Tony was not only cook and housekeeper, but he
was sick-nurse as well. Nor were his duties easy.
The main difficulty was about getting money to buy
what was absolutely necessary. This was very ag-
gravating, especially since Tony knew what he did
about Ben's hidden treasure. Moreover, he had rea-
son to suspect that Ben had more money concealed
elsewhere.
One morning Tony went to Ben for money, say
ing:
"There isn't a scrap of food in the house, except
a little tea."'
"You can make some tea. That will do," said
Ben.
"It may do for you, but it wont for me," said
Tony, resolutely. "I ain't going to stay here to
starve."
"It costs a sight to support two people," whined
the old man.
"I don't know about that. I've only spent two
dollars in six days. You don't call that much, do
you? "
"Two dollars!" ejaculated the old man, terrified.
" 0, it's too much. I am ruined! "
"Are you?" said Tony, coolly. "Then all I can
say is, you're easy ruined. I want half a dollar."
62 TONY, THE HERO.
"I shan't give it to you," snarled Ben.
"Do you mean to starve?"
' ' I won't part with all I have. You are robbing
me."
' ' That won't make much difference, as you'll be
dead in three days," said Tony.
" What?" almost shrieked Ben, in dismay. "Who
told you so? The doctor? "
"No."
" You ain't goin' to murder me, are you?"
"No; you are going to murder yourself."
"What do you mean?" demanded Ben, peevishly.
" You're not willing to buy anything to eat," ex-
plained Tony, " and you can't live above three days
on nothing. "
"Is that all? What made you frighten me so f
complained Ben, angrily.
"I only told you the truth. Are you going to
give me the money? "
"Perhaps you'll tell me where I am to get so
much money ?" said Ben, in the same tone.
"I will tell you if you want me to," answered
Tony.
"Where?" asked Ben, eagerly.
" Under the floor," returned Tony, composedly.
"What! " screamed Ben, in consternation.
"Just where I said. There's plenty of money
under that plank."
"Who told you?" groaned the old man, livid with
terror. " Have — have you taken any? "
"Not a dollar. It's all there. You needn't be
frightened."
THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. 63
"Have you been spying when I was asleep?" de-
manded Ben, incensed.
"No, I haven't. That ain't my style," answered
Tony, independently.
"You did. I know you did."
" Then you know too much."
" How could you find out, then ?"
"If you want to know, I'll tell you. The first
night I was here you got up in your sleep and took
up the board. Then you drew out two bags of gold
pieces and counted them."
"Oh, I'm ruined! I'm undone!" lamented Ben,
when he found that his secret had been discovered.
" I don't see how you are."
"I shall be robbed. There's only a little there —
only a few dollars to bury me."
"I guess you mean to have a tall funeral, then,"
said Tony, coolly. " There's as much as a thousand
dollars there."
"No, no— only fifty," answered the old man.
"There's no use talking, I know better. If you
don't believe it, suppose I take up the bags and
count the pieces."
"No, no!"
"Just as you say. All is, you've got plenty of
money, and I know it, and if }Tou ain't willing to
use some of it, IT1 go off and leave you alone."
"Don't go," said Ben, hastily. "You're a good
boy. You wouldn't rob a poor old man, would
you?"
"Nor a rich old man either; but I don't mean to
64 TONY, THE HERO.
starve. So give me fifty cents, and I'll go over to
the store and get some fresh bread and butter, and
tea and sugar."
"No matter about the butter. It costs too much."
"I want butter myself. My constitution requires
it," said Tony. You needn't eat it if you don't
want to."
Ben groaned again, but he produced the money
required, and Tony soon returned from the grocery
store with small supplies of the articles he had
named.
"Now we'll have some breakfast," said Tony,
cheerfully. " Don't you feel hungry?"
"A — a little," acknowledged Ben, reluctantly.
"I wish I wasn't. It costs so much to live."
"I don't think it costs you much," said Tony.
"This morning I'm going to give you a boiled egg
besides your tea and toast."
" Where did you get it? "
"I bought it at the store."
"I can't afford it," groaned the old man.
' i You may as well eat it as it's here. I bought
two, one for myself. "
" How much did you pay? "
"Three cents for two."
Ben groaned again, but when breakfast was ready
he showed an unusually good appetite, and did not
refrain from partaking of the egg, expensive as it
was.
Dr. Compton came in the next morning, and pro-
nounced the old man better and stronger.
(I
THE FACE AT THE WINDOW. 65
" Shall I be able to get up soon, doctor?" asked
Ben.
"In a day or two, I think."
Ben heaved a sigh of relief.
"I'm glad of it," he said. "I can't afford to be
sick."
"Has it cost you much?" asked the doctor,
amused.
"It costs a sight to live. He eats a good deal,"
indicating Tony.
"He's a growing boy; but he's worth all he costs
you. You'd better ask him to stay with you a few
weeks, till your strength is entirely recovered."
No, no; I can't afford it," said Ben, hastily.
He's a good boy; but he's very hearty — very
hearty."
Tony laughed.
"Don't vex him, doctor," said our hero. "I'm
tired of staying here. I want to get out on the road
again. There isn't much fun in staying shut up
here."
Ben looked relieved. He had feared that Tony
would be reluctant to go.
"Eight, boy," he said, " you're right. It's a dull
place. You'll be better off to go."
"You have been lucky to have him here during
your sickness, " said the doctor. ' ' Without his care,
or that of some one else, you would probably have
died."
"But I won't die now?" asked old Ben, anxiously,
peering up into the doctor's face.
66 TONY, THE HERO.
"Not at present, I hope. But you must live bet^
ter than you have been accustomed to do or you
will fall sick again.*'
"I shall be glad to get away," said Tony, hurried-
ly, to the doctor, outside of the house. ' ' I'm used
to tramping, and I can't stand it much longer.
There's one thing I want to tell you before I go, and
I might as well do it now."
"Go on, my boy."
"I'm afraid the old man will be robbed some
time."
"Is there anything to steal?"
" Yes; I think I had better tell you about it."
Tony, in a low tone, imparted to Dr. Compton the
discovery he had made of the old miser's hoards.
"I suspected as much," said the doctor. "I will
do what I can to induce Ben to have the gold moved
to a place of safety, but I don't feel confident of my
ability to do it. Such men generally like to have
then hoards within their own reach."
******
Two nights later, Tony woke shortly after mid-
night. It was a bright, moonlight night, as on the
first night he slept there. Again he saw Ben
crouched on the floor, with the plank removed from
its place, engaged in counting his hoards. The old
man had recovered enough strength to get out of
bed without assistance. This time, too, he was
broad awake.
Tony was not the only witness of the spectacle.
Casting his eyes toward the window he was startled
THE FACE AT THE WTXDOW. 67
by seeing a dark, sinister face, pressed against the
pane, almost devouring the old man and his gold.
It was a face he well knew, and he trembled not
alone for Ben, but for himself.
It was the face of Rudolph, the tramp.
G8 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER X
THE TRAMPS UNEXPECTED DEFEAT.
" Has Eudolph tracked me, or is it only accident
that has brought hirn here? "
This was the thought which naturally suggested
itself to our hero, as in a very disturbed state of
mind he stared at Eudolph through the uncertain
light.
He decided that it was accident, for as yet the
tramp did not appear to have discovered him. His
eyes were fastened upon old Ben with unmistaka-
ble cupidity. It was the gold that attracted h'm,
and between him and the possession of the gold it
seemed as if there were no obstacle to intervene.
"What was the old man's feeble strength, more fee-
ble still through disease, against this powerful man?
Tony felt the difficulties of the position. Not
only would the gold be taken, but as soon as Eu-
dolph discovered him, as he would, he too would
fall into the power of the tramp.
Old Ben had not yet discovered the sinister face
at the window. He was too busily occupied with
his pleasant employment of counting over his gold
for the hundredth time, it might be, to be aware of
the dangerous witness at the window.
But he was speedily aroused by the noise of the
window being raised from the outside.
THE TRAMP'S UNEXPECTED DEFEAT, 69
Then he turned with a startled look which
quickly deepened into astonishment and dismay as
he caught the lowering look fixed upon him. There
was more than this. There was recognition besides.
"You here?" he gasped, mechanically gathering
up the gold in his trembling fingers, with the inten-
tion of replacing it in the bag.
" Yes, Ben, it's me," answered the tramp, with a
sneer. " May I come in?"
"No, no! " ejaculated the old man, hastily.
" I think I must, "returned the tramp, in the same
mocking tone. " I came to see you as an old friend,
but I never dreamed you were so rich. That's a
pretty lot of gold you have there."
"Rich!" repeated Ben, with his usual whine.
" I'm very poor."
"That looks like it."
"It's only a few dollars — enough to bury me."
"Very well, Ben, 111 take charge of it, and when
you need burial I'll attend to it. That's fair, isn't
it?"
Rudolph, who had paused outside, now raised the
window to its full height, and despite the old man's
terrified exclamations, bounded lightly into the room.
"Help! help! thieves!" screamed Ben, almost
beside himself with terror, as he spread his feeble
hands over the gold which he had so imprudently
exposed.
"Hold your jaw, you driveling old idiot?" said
Rudolph, harshly, " or I'll give you something to yell
about.''
70 TONY, THE HERO.
" Help, Tony, help! " continued the old man.
The tramp's eyes, following the direction of Ben's,
discovered our hero on his rude bed in the corner of
the room. A quick gleam of exultation shot from
them as he made this discovery.
■ " Ho, ho! " he laughed with a mirth that boded ill
to Tony, "so I've found you at last, have I? You
served me a nice trick the other day, didn't you? I
owe you something for that."
' ' I hoped I should never set eyes on you again,"
said Tony.
"I've no doubt you did. You undertook to run
away from me, did you? I knew I should come
across you sooner or later."
While this conversation was going on, Ben
glanced from one to the other in surprise, his at-
tention momentarily drawn away from his own
troubles.
" Do you know this boy, Eudolph?" he inquired.
"I should think I did," answered the tramp,
grimly. "You can ask him. "
1 ' Who is he ? " asked Ben, evidently excited.
" What is that to you? " returned Eudolph. "It's
a boy I picked up, and have taken care of, and this
is his gratitude to me, and I've had a long chase to
find him. "
"Is this true?" asked Ben, turning to Tony.
"Some of it is true," said our hero. "I've been
with him ever since I could remember, and I ran
away because he wanted me to join him in robbing
a house. He calls me his son sometimes, but I
know he is not my father,"
THE TRAMP'S UNEXPECTED DEFEAT. 71
''How do you know?" demanded the tramp
sternly.
' ' Didn't you say so just now? "
' ' It was none of the old man's business, and I did
not care what I told him. "
"There's something within me tells me that
there's no relationship between us," said Tony,
boldly.
' f Is there, indeed, " sneered the tramp. ' ' Is there
anything within you tells you you are going to get
a good flogging? "
"No, there isn't."
"Then you needn't trust it, for that is just what
is going to happen."
He advanced toward Tony in a threatening man-
ner, when he was diverted from his purpose by see-
ing the old man hastily gathering up the gold with
the intention of putting it away. Punishment
could wait, he thought, but the gold must be se-
cured now.
"Not so fast, Ben! " he said. "You must lend
me some of that."
" I can't," said Ben, hurrying aU the faster. "It's
all I have, and I am very poor."
"I am poorer still, for I haven't a red to bless my-
self with. Come, I won't take aU, but some I must
have."
He stooped over, and began to grasp at the gold
pieces, some of which were heaped up in piles upon
the floor.
Even the weakest are capable of harm when ex-
72 TONY, THE HERO.
asperated, and Ben, feeble as he was, was gifted
with supernatural strength when he saw himself
likely to lose the hoards of a lifetime, and his anger
rose to fever heat against the scoundrel whom he
had known years before to be utterly unprincipled.
With a cry like that of a wild beast he sprang
upon the tramp, who, in his crouching position,
was unable to defend himself against a sudden at-
tack. Eudolph fell with violence backward, strik-
ing his head with great force against the brick
hearth. Strong as he was, it was too much for him,
and he lay stunned and insensible, with the blood
gushing from a wound in his head.
The old man stood appalled at the consequence of
his sudden attack.
"Have I kiUed him? Shall I be hanged?" he
asked, with anguish.
"No, he's only stunned!" said Tony, springing
over the floor with all his wits about him. ' ' We
have no time to lose."
" To run away? I can't leave my gold," said Ben.
" I don't mean that. We must secure him against
doing us any harm when he recovers. Have you
got some stout cord? "
"Yes, yes," said Ben, beginning to understand
our hero's design. " Stay, I'll get it right away."
"You'd better, for he may come to any minute."
The old man fumbled round until in some out-of-
the-way corner, where he had laid away a store of
odds and ends, he discovered a quantity of stout
cord.
THE TRAMP'S UNEXPECTED DEFEAT. T3
"Will that do? "he asked.
"Just the thing," said Tony.
The boy set to work with rapid hands to tie the
prostrate tramp hand and foot. He was only afraid
Eudolph would rouse to consciousness while the
operation was going on, but the shock was too
great, and he had sufficient time to do the job ef-
fectually and well.
"How brave you are," exclaimed the old man,
admiringly. " I wouldn't dare to touch him."
"Nor I if he were awake. I didn't think you
were so strong. He went over as if he were shot."
"Did he?" asked the old man, bewildered. "I
don't know how I did it. I feel as weak as a baby
now."
"It's lucky for us you threw yourself upon him
as you did. A little more cord, Mr. Hayden. I
want to tie him securely. You'd better be gather-
ing up that gold, and putting it away before he
comes to."
"So I will, so I will," said Ben, hastily.
Scarcely was the money put away in its place of
concealment, when the tramp recovered from his fit
of unconsciousness, and looked stupidly around him.
Then he tried to move, and found himself ham-
pered by his bonds. Looking up, he met the terri-
fied gaze of old Ben, and the steady glance of Tony.
Then the real state of the case flashed upon him,
and he was filled with an overpowering rage at the
audacity of his late charge, to whom he rightly at-
tributed his present humiliating plight.
74
CHAPTER XL
THE PRISONER.
" Let me up!'' roared Rudolph, struggling vigor-
ously with the cords that bound him.
Ben was terrified by his demonstration, and had
half a mind to comply -with his demand. But Tony
had his wits about him, and felt that there was no
safety in such a course.
"Don't you do it, Mr. Hayden!" he exclaimed,
hastily.
"What! young jackanapes," said the tramp,
scowling fiercely, " You dare to give him this ad-
vice? "
" Yes, I do," said Tony, boldly. " He will be a
fool if he releases you."
"If he don't Lll kill him and you too," returned
Eudolph.
" What shall I do? " added Ben, hopelessly.
He turned for advice to the boy, who was fifty
years his junior. Strong and resolute spirits natu-
rally assume the place of leading at any age.
" Do you know what he'll do if you untie him? "
asked Tony.
" What will I do? "demanded Rudolph.
' : You will steal this old man's money. It was
what you were about to do when you fell over
backwards."
THE PRISONER. 75
" He threw me over," said the tramp, now gazing
resentfully at Ben.
" I didn't mean to," said the terrified old man.
" You almost stunned me."
" I'm very sorry," stammered Ben.
' ' If you're very sorry, untie them cords and let
me up."
"I didn't tie you."
" Who did?"
"The— the boy."
"You dared to do it? " exclaimed Rudolph, turn-
ing upon Tony with concentrated fury.
"Yes, I did," said Tony, calmly. "It was the
only way to keep you out of mischief."
"Insolent puppy; if I only had my hands free I
would strangle you both."
" You hear what he says?" said Tony, turning to
old Ben. "Are you in favor of untying him
now? "
"No, no!" exclaimed Ben, trembling. "He is a
dreadful man. 0, why did he come here?"
" I came for your gold, you fool, and I'll have it
yet," said Rudolph, losing sight of all considerations
of prudence.
" What shall I do? " asked the old man. wringing
his hands in the excess of his terror.
"Let me up, and I won't hurt you," said the
tramp, finding that he must control his anger for
the present.
" Just now you said you would strangle the both
of us, Rudolph."
76 TOXY, THE HERO.
' ' I'll strangle you, you cub, but I will do no harm
to the old man."
(i You will take his gold."
"No."
" Don't you trust him, Mr. Hayden,"said Tony.
' He will promise anything to get free, but he will
forget all about it when he is unbound."
" I'd like to choke you! " muttered Eudolph, who
meant thoroughly what he said.
" But what shall I do, Tony? I can't have him
in here all the time."
"I'll go and call for help to arrest him," said
Tony.
"And leave me alone with him?" asked Ben,
terrified.
" No; we will lock the door, and you shall go and
stay outside till I come back."
Tony's proposal was distasteful to Eudolph. He
had a wholesome dread of the law, and didn't fancy
the prospect of an arrest, especially as he knew that
the testimony of Tony and the old man would be
sufficient to insure him a prolonged term of impris-
onment. He made a fresh and violent struggle
which portended danger to his captors.
"Come out quick," said Tony, hastily. "It is
not safe for you to stay here any longer."
The old man followed him nothing loth, and
Tony locked the door on the outside.
"Do you think he will get free?" asked Ben,
nervously.
' ' He may, and if he does there is no safety for
either of us till he is caught again.
THE PRISONER. 77
"The door is locked."
" But he may get out of the window "
" Oh, my gold! my gold! " groaned Ben. "He
may get it."
" Yes, he may; our only hope is to secure him as
soon as possible."
" I am so weak I can't go fast. I am trembling
in every limb. "
"You must conceal yourself somewhere, and let
me run on," said Tony, with decision. " There is
no time to be lost."
" I don't know of any place."
" Here's a place. You will be safe here till I come
for you."
Tony pointed to an old ruined shed, which they
had just reached.
"Will you be sure and come for me."
" Yes; don't be alarmed. Only don't show your-
self till you hear my voice."
Ben crept into the temporary shelter, glad that in
his weakened condition he should not be obliged to
go any farther. To be sure he tormented himself
with the thought that even now the desperate
tramp might be robbing him of his treasures. Still
he had great confidence in what Tony had told him,
and hope was mingled with his terror.
" He's a brave boy," he murmured. " I am glad
he was with me, though he does eat a sight. Oh,
how many wicked men there are in the world."
Tony hurried on to the village, where he lost no
time in arousing a sufficient number to effect the
73 TONY, THE HERO.
capture of the burglar. He no longer felt any
compunction in turning against his quondam guar-
dian, recognizing him as his own enemy and the
enemy of society.
"I owe him nothing," thought Tony. " What
has he ever done for me? He is not my father.
Probably he kidnapped me from my real home, and
has made me an outcast and a tramp like himself.
But I will be so no longer. I will learn a trade, or
do something else to earn an honest livelihood. I
mean to become a respectable member of society, if
I can."
It took him half an hour before he could rouse
the half-dozen men whom he considered necessary
to effect the arrest and get them under way.
Meanwhile Rudolph was not idle.
It may be thought strange that he should have so
much difficulty in freeing himself from the cords
with which Tony had bound him. But it must be
remembered that the boy had done his work well.
The cord was stout and strong, and he had had time
to tie it in many knots, so that even if one had been
untied, the tramp would have found himself almost
as far from liberty as ever.
After he had been locked in, Eudolph set about
energetically to obtain release. He succeeded in
raising himself to his feet, but as his ankles were
tied together this did not do him much good. By
main strength he tried to break the cords, but the
only result was to chafe his wrists.
" What a fool I am," he exclaimed at length.
Tflk *?fcISONER. 79
"The old nian must have some table-kDives about
somewhere. With these I can cut the cords."
It was not till some time had elapsed, however,
that this very obvious thought came to him. Fur-
ther time was consumed in finding the knives.
When found, they — there were two — proved so dull
that even if he had had free use of one of his hands
it would not have been found easy to make them of
service. But when added to this was the embar-
rassment of his fettered hands, it will not excite
surprise that it required a long time to sever the
tough cords which bound him. But success came
at length.
His arms were free, and he stretched th^m with
exultation.
His ankles next demanded attention, but this was
a much easier task.
"Now for revenge!" thought the tramp. "The
boy shall rue this night's task, or my name is not
Rudolph."
Whatever else he might do, he must secure the
miser's gold. He had seen the hiding-place.
He removed the plank, and there, beneath him,
visible in the moonlight, lay the much-coveted bags
of golden treasure.
He rose from the floor, and, with the bags in his
hand, jumped out of the still opened window.
But he was too late. Two strong men seized him,
each by an arm, and said, sternly :
"You are our prisoner."
Tony set to work with rapid bands to tie the prostrate tramp hatfK
and foot.— (See page 73.) 8°
TONY STARTS OUT ONCE MOTE. 81
CHAPTER XII.
TONY STARTS OUT ONCE MORE.
It was not until after Rudolph's seizure that Ben,
who had followed the extemporized police, discov-
ered the bags of gold in the hands of the tramp.
"Give me my money!" he shrieked, in excite-
ment and anguish. " Don't let him carry it off "
"It's safe, Ben," said one of the captors. " But
who would have supposed you had so much money? '
" It isn't much," faltered the old man.
" The bags are pretty heavy," was the significant
rejoinder. "Will you take two Hundred dollars
apiece for them? "
"No," said the old man, embarrassed.
"Then it seems there is considerable after all.
But never mind. Take them, and take better care
of them hereafter."
Ben advanced with as much alacrity as he could
summon in his weakness, and stooped to pick up
the bags. He had got hold of them when the
tramp, whose feet were unconfined, aimed a kick at
him which completely upset him.
Even though he feU, however, he did not lose his
grip of the bags, but clung to them while crying
with pain.
"Take that, you old fool!" muttered the tramp.
" It's the first instalment of the debt I owe you/"
82 TONY, THE HERO.
" Take him away, take him away ! He will mur-
der me! " exclaimed old Ben, in terror.
" Come along. You've done mischief enough,"
said his captors, sternly, forcing the tramp along.
"Fll do more yet," muttered Budolph.
He turned to Tony, who stood at a little distance
watching the fate of his quondam companion.
" I've got a score to settle with you, young traitor.
The day will come for that yet."
" I'm sorry for you, Budolph," said Tony; "but
you brought it on yourself."
" Bah ! you hypocrite! " retorted the tramp. "I
don't want any of your sorrow. It won't save you
when the day of reckoning comes."
He was not allowed to say more, but was hurried
away to the village lockup for detention until he
could be conveyed to more permanent quarters.
Doctor Compton was among the party who had
been summoned by Tony. He lingered behind, and
took Ben apart.
"Mr. Hay den," he said, "I want to give you a
piece of advice."
" What is it? " asked the old man.
"Don't keep this gold in your house. It isn't
safe."
"Who do you think will take it?" asked Ben,
with a scared look.
"None of those here this morning, unless this
tramp should escape from custody."
" Do you think he will ?" asked the old man, in
terror.
TONY STARTS OUT ONCE MORE. 83
" I think not; but lie may."
" If he don't, what danger is there? "
" It will get about that you have money secreted
here, and I venture to say it will be stolen before
three months are over. "
" It will kill me," said Ben, piteously.
" Then put it out of reach of danger."
" Where?"
" I am going over to the county town, where there
is a bank. Deposit it there, and whenever you
want any, go and get it."
"But banks break sometimes," said Ben, in
alarm.
"This is an old, established institution. You
need not be afraid of it. Even if there is some
danger, there is far less than here."
"But I can't see the money — I can't count it,"
objected Ben.
"You can see the deposit record in a book. Even
if that doesn't suit you as well, you can sleep com-
fortably, knowing that you are not liable to be
attacked and murdered by burglars."
The old man vacillated, but finally yielded to the
force of the doctor's reasoning. A day or two later
he rode over to the neighboring town, and saw his
precious gold deposited in the vaults of the bank.
He heaved a sigh as it was locked up, but on the
whole was tolerably reconciled to the step he had
taken.
We are anticipating, however.
When the confusion incident to the arrest was
over, Tony came forward.
84: TONY, THE HERO.
"Mr. Hayden," he said, "you are so much better
that I think you can spare me now."
"But," said the old man, startled at the boy's
question, "suppose Rudolph comes back."
' ' I don't think he can. He will be put in prison."
" I suppose he will. What a bold, bad man."
" Yes, he is a bad man, but I am sorry for him.
I don't like to think of one I have been with
so long in the walls of a prison. I suppose it
can't be helped, though."
" How did you come to be with him?" asked the
old man, in a tone of interest.
" I don't know. I have been with him as long as
I can remember. You used to know him, didn't
you?"
' l A little, " said the old man, hastily.
"Where was it?"
"In England — long ago."
" In England. Was he born in England?" asked
Tony, in surprise.
"Yes."
"And you, too?"
"Yes, I am an Englishman."
"Do you think I am English, too?" asked the boy,
eagerly.
"I think so; yes, I think so," answered Ben, cau-
tiously.
' ' Have you any idea who I am — who were my
parents?"
"No, I don't know/* said Ben, slowly.
" Can you guess? "
TONY STARTS OUT ONCE MORE. 85
"Don't trouble me now," said Ben, peevishly.
" I am not well. My head is confused. Some day
I will think it over and tell you what I know."
" But if I am not here? "
" I will write it down and give it to the doctor."
"That will do," said Tony. "I know he will
keep it for me, Now, good-by."
" Are you going? "
" Yes, I have my own way to make in the world.
I can't live on you any longer. "
" To be sure not," said Ben, hastily. " I am too
poor to feed two persons, and you have a very
large appetite."
" Yes," said Tony, laughing, "I believe I have a
healthy appetite. I'm growing, you know."
"It must be that," said old Ben, with the air of
one to whom a mystery had just been made clear.
" What is your name? "
"Tony," answered our hero, in surprise at the
question.
" No. I mean your full name."
" That is more than I know. I have always been
called Tony, or Tony the Tramp. Rudolph's last
name is Rugg, and he pretends that I am his son-
If I were, I should be Tony Rugg."
"You are not his son. He never had any son."
"I am glad to hear that. I shan't have to say
now that my father is in jail for robbery. Good-
by, Mr. Hay den."
"Good-by," said Ben, following the boy thought-
fully with his eyes till he had disappeared round a
turn in the road.
86 TONY, THE HERO.
" Well," thought Tony, "I've set up for myself
now in earnest. Kuciolph can't pursue me, and
there is no one else to interfere with me. I must
see what fortune waits me in the great world.
With a light heart, and a pocket still lighter,
Tony walked on for several miles. Then he stopped
at a country grocery store, and bought five cents
worth of crackers. These he ate with a good appe-
tite, slaking his thirst at a wayside spring.
He was lying carelessly on the green sward, when
a tin peddler's cart drove slowly along the road.
" Hallo, there! " said the peddler.
"Hallo!" said Tony.
"Are you travelin'? "
"Yes."
"Do you want a lift?"
"Yes," said Tony, with alacrity.
"Then get up here. There's room enough for
both of us, You can hold the reins when I stop
anywhere."
"It's a bargain," said Tony.
" Are you travelin' for pleasure?" asked the ped-
dler, who was gifted with his share of curiosity.
" On business," said Tony.
"'What is your business ? You're too young for
an agent."
" I want to find work," said Tony.
" You're a good, stout youngster. You'd ought
to get something to do."
"So I think," said Tony.
" Ever worked any? "
TONY GETS A PLACE. 87
"No."
"Got any folks?"
"If you mean wife and children, I haven't," an-
swered our hero, with a smile.
"Ho, ho! " laughed the peddler. "I guess not.
I mean father or mother, uncles or aunts, and such
like."
" No, I am alone in the world."
" Sho ! you don't say so. Well, that's a pity.
Why, I've got forty- 'leven cousins and a mother-
in-law to boot. I'll sell her cheap."
"Never mind!" said Tony. "I won't deprive
you of her."
" I'll tell you what," said the peddler, " I feel in-
terested in you. I'll take you round with me for a
day or two, and maybe I can get you a place.
What do you say?"
" Yes, and thank you," said Tony.
" Then it's settled. Gee up, Dobbin! "
4-
88 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER XIII.
TONY GETS A PLACE.
Toward the close of the next day the tin-peddler
halted in front of a country tavern, situated in a
village of moderate size.
ffFm going to stay here over night," he said.
"Maybe they'll let me sleep in the barn," said
Tony.
"In the barn! Why not in the house ? "
"I haven't got any money, you know, Mr. Bick-
ford."
" What's the odds ? They won't charge anything
extra for you to sleep with me. "
"You're very kind, Mr. Bickford, but they won't
keep me for nothing, and I don't want you to pay
for me."
At this moment the landlord came out on the pi-
azza, and asked the hostler:
"Where's Sam ?"
" Gone home — says he's sick," answered James.
"Drat that boy! It's my opinion he was born
lazy. That's what's the matter with him.''
"I guess you're right, Mr. Porter," said James.
" The boy don't earn his salt."
"I wouldn't take him back if I had anybody to
take his place."
"Do you hear that, Tony?" said the peddler,
nudging our hero.
TONY GETS A PLACE. 89
Tony was quick to take the hint.
He walked to the landlord, and said:
"I'll take his place."
' ' Who are you ? " asked the landlord, in surprise.
" I never saw you before."
"I have just come," said Tony. "I am looking
for a place."
" What can you do ? "
" Anything you want me to do."
" Have you any references ? "
"I can refer to him," said Tony, pointing to the
tin peddler."
"Oh, Mr. Bickford," said the landlord, with a
glance of recognition. "Well, that's enough. I'll
take you. James, take this boy to the kitchen, and
give him some supper. Then tell him what's to be
done. What's your name, boy ? "
"TonyEugg."
"Very well, Tony, I'll give you three doUars a
week and your board as long as we suit each other."
"I've got into business sooner than I expected,"
thought Tony."
The hostler set him to work in the barn, and
though he was new to the work, he quickly under-
stood what was wanted, and did it.
"You work twice as fast as Sam," said the host-
ler, approvingly.
' ' Won't Sam be mad when he finds I have taken
his place ? " asked Tony.
"Probably he will, but it's his own fault."
"Not if he's sick."
90 TONY, THE HERO.
" He?s no more sick than I am. He only wants to
get a day or two off.
"Well, I'm glad he left a vacancy for me," said
Tony.
" Where did you work last ? " asked the hostler.
"Nowhere."
" Never worked ? Then how did you live ? "
" I traveled with my guardian."
" Were you rich ?" asked James, rather impressed
by Tony's answer.
"No; I just went round and lived as I could. I
didn't like it, but I couldn't help it. I had to go
where Rudolph chose to lead me."
"Where is he now ? "
"I don't know. I got tired of being a tramp, and
ran away from him.
"You did right," said James, who was a steady
man, and looked forward to a snug home of his
own ere long. "All the same, Mr. Porter wouldn't
have taken you if he had known you were a
tramp."
' ' I hope you won't tell him, then. I don't want
to be a tramp any longer."
"No; I won't tell him. I want you to stay here.
I'd rather have you than Sam."
' ' Thank you. I'll try to suit. "
Tony was assigned to a room in the attic. There
were two beds in this chamber, one being occupied
by James. He slept soundly, and was up betimes
in the morning. After breakfast, Mr. Bickford, the
tin peddler, made ready to start.
TONY GETS A PLACE. 91
{ Good-by, Tony/' he said, in a friendly manner.
I'm glad you've got a place."
"I wouldn't have got it if I hadn't you to refer
to," said Tony.
"The landlord didn't ask how long I'd known
you, " said Bickf ord, smiling. ' ' However, I guess I
know enough of }'ou to give you a recommend.
Good luck to you."
As the peddler drove away, Tony noticed a big,
overgrown boy, who was just entering the hotel
yard.
" That's Sam," said the hostler. "He don't know
he's lost his place."
92 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTEE XIV.
TONY'S RIVAL,
Sam was about two inches taller than Tony, red
haired and freckled, with a big frame, loosely put
together. He was a born bully; and many were
the tricks he had played on smaller boys in the vil-
lage. He liked his place at the hotel because he
was no longer obliged to go to school; but he was
too lazy to fulfill the duties satisfactorily. His
father was a blacksmith, of surly disposition, very
much like Sanfs, who was generally believed to ill-
treat his wife, a meek, uncomplaining woman, who
filled the position of a household drudge.
Sam strutted into the yard with the air of a pro-
prietor. He took no particular notice of Tony, but
accosted James. The latter made a signal to Tony
to be silent.
"Well, have you just got along?" asked the
hostler.
" Ye-es," drawled Sam.
" What made you go home yesterday afternoon,
and not come back? "
" I didn't feel well," said Sam, nonchalantly.
" What was the matter with you?"
" I had a sort of headache."
' ' Do you think Mr. Porter can afford to pay you
TONY'S RIVAL. 93
wages and let you go home three times a week in
the middle of the afternoon? "
"I couldn't work when I was sick of course,"
said Sam.
"You're mighty delicate, getting sick two or
three times a week."
" Couldn't help it," said Sam, unconcerned.
"I suppose you have come to work this morn-
ing? "
■ ' Ye-es, but I can't work very hard — I ain't quite
got over my headache. "
" Then you'll be glad to hear that you won't have
to work at all. "
"Ain't there anything to do?" asked Sam, with
an air of relief.
" Yes, there's plenty to do, but your services ain't
required. You're discharged! "
"What!" exclaimed Sam, his eyes lighting up
with anger?
" Mr. Porter's got tired of your delicate health; it
interferes too much with business. He's got a
tougher boy to take your place."
"Where is he?" demanded Sam, with an ominous
frown.
"There," answered the hostler, pointing out our
hero, who stood quietty listening to the conversa-
tion.
Sam regarded Tony with a contemptuous scowl.
So this was the boy who had superseded him. He
hated him already for his presumption in venturing
to take his place.
94 TONY, THE HERO.
" Who are you? " he demanded, roughly.
1 'Your successor," answered Tony, coolly.
He knew that his answer would make Sam ver^
angry, but he was not afraid of him, and felt under
no particular obligations to be polite.
"You won't be my successor long," retorted
Sam.
"Why not?"
"What business had you to take my place? "
"The landlord hired me."
" I don't care if he did. He hired me first."
" Then you'd better go to him and complain
about it. It's none of my business "
" It's my business," said Sam, with emphasis.
"Just as you like."
" Will you give up the place?"
" No," said Tony. " You must think I'm a fool.
What should I give it up for? "
"Because it belongs to me."
"I don't see that; I suppose Mr. Porter has a
right to hire anybody he likes."
" He had no right to give you my place."
"That's his business. What shall I do next,
James?"
" Go to the barn and shake down some hay for
the horses."
"All right."
Sam walked off, deeply incensed, muttering
threats of vengeance against Tony.
Three days later a boy entered the stable, and
calling for Tony, presented the following missive:
"If you ain't a coward, meet me to-morrow
night at seven o'clock, back of the school house,
and we'll settle, by righting, which shall have the
place, you or I. If you get whipped, you must
clear out, and leave it to me.
"Sam Payson."
Tony showed the note to the hostler.
" Well, Tony, what are }^ou going to do about it? '
asked James, curiously.
"I'll be on hand," said Tony, promptly. "He
won't find it so easy to whip me as he thinks.7'
96 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTEE XV.
THE BOYS' DUEL.
Sam Payson felt perfectly safe in challenging
Tony to single combat. He had measured him with
his eye, and seen that he was two inches shorter,
and probably twenty pounds lighter. But appear-
ances were deceitful, and he had no idea that Tony
had received special training, which he lacked.
This was the way it had happened :
In the course of his extensive wanderings, Tony
had attracted the attention of a certain pugilist who
was a friend of Eudolph.
"I'll tell you what, Eudolph," said the pugilist,
" you can make something of that boy."
"How?" asked the tramp.
' ' I'll teach him to box, and you can get an engage-
ment for him in a circus."
" Do it if you like," said the tramp. " It won't do
him any harm."
" So Tony received a gratuitous course of lessons
in boxing, which were at last interrupted by a little
difficulty between his teacher and the officers of the
law, resulting in the temporary confinement of the
former. The lessons were never resumed, but they
had gone so far that Tony was quite a skillful boxer
for a boy.
THE boys' duel. 97
He, too, had measured Sam, and felt quite sure
of being able to conquer him, and that with ease.
He did not, however, mention the grounds of his
confidence to James, when the latter expressed
some apprehension that he would find Sam too
much for him.
"Don't be alarmed, James," said Tony, quietly.
" I'm enough for him.'3
" He's bigger than you,1' said James.
"I know that, but he's clumsy."
" He's slow, but he's pretty strong."
"So anil."
"You've got pluck, and you deserve to beat,
Tony," said his friend.
' ' I mean to, " answered Tony. " Come along and
see that it's all fair."
' £ I will if I can get away. Will you give up your
place if you are licked?"
"Yes," replied Tony, "I'll give up my place and
leave the village."
"I don't believe Mr. Porter will take Sam back."
" I see you are expecting I will be whipped," said
Tony, laughing; " but you're mistaken. Sam isn't
able to do it. "
James feared that Tony overestimated his prow-
ess, but earnestly hoped that the boy, in whom he
already felt a strong interest, would achieve the
victory.
Meanwhile, Sam had made known the duel which
was about to take place. He confidently antici-
pated victory, and wanted the village boys to be
98 TO^vY, THE HERO.
witnesses of the manner in which he was going to
polish off that interloper.
"I'll learn him to cut me out of my place,"
he said, boastfully; "I'll learn him to mind his
own business. "
" Will you get your place again if you lick him? "
asked one of his companions.
" Of course I will."
" Suppose he won't give it up?"
"Then I'll lick him every day till he's glad to
clear out. All you boys know I don't stand no non-
sense."
The result of Sam's boastful talk was that about
a hundred boys collected about the school house to
witness the boys' duel.
Many of them who had suffered from Sam's
bullying disposition would have been glad to see
him worsted, but none anticipated it.
Nothing was known of Tony except that he was
considerably smaller and lighter, and probably
weaker. It was generally thought that he would
not be able to hold out long, and that Sam would
achieve an easy victory.
Tony tried to be on hand at the time appointed,
but he had more than usual to do, and it was five
minutes past seven when he entered the field, ac-
companied by James.
There had been various speculations as to the
cause of his delay.
"He won't come," said Sam, with a sneer; he's
afraid."
THE BOYS' DUEL. 99
" What '11 you do if he don't come?" asked John
Nolan.
" What will I do? I'll pitch into him wherever I
see him."
"Didn't he accept your challenge?"
" Yes, he accejDted, hut he's thought better of it,
likely."
"There he comes! " shouted a small boy.
All eyes were turned upon Tony, as he entered
the field, with James at his side.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting, boys," said
our hero, politely.
"We concluded you'd backed out," said Sam,
with a sneer.
"That isn't my style," returned Tony, with a
quiet smile. "I had more to do than usual to-
night."
"You've still more to do," said Sam, jeeringiy.
" I pity you."
"Do you? You're very kind," said Tony, un-
moved.
" Oh, don't thank me too soon? "
"Then I won't. When are the exercises to com-
mence?"
" He takes it cool," said Nolan.
"Oh, it's only show off," said Sam. "You'll see
how he'll wilt down when I get hold of him."
The two boys stripped off coat and vest, and
faced each other. Tony was wary and watchful,
and quietly looked into the eyes of his adversary,
showing no disposition to begin.
100 TOXY, THE HERO.
Sam began business by thrusting his right fist
violently in his face, or rather trying to do so.
With scarcely an effort Tony parried the blow, and
returned it quick as lightning, striking Sam full in
the nose.
Sam was not only maddened, but disagreeably
surprised, especially when he discovered that blood
was trickling from the injured organ. He was still
more incensed by the murmur of applause which
followed from the crowd of boys. Had the ap-
plause been elicited by his success, he would have
enjoyed it, but now it was quite a different matter..
He breathed an audible curse, and, losing all pru-
dence, began to let drive at Tony with each fist in
rapid succession, with the intention of overpower-
ing him. But, unfortunately for him, this exposed
him to attack, and a couple of forcible blows in his
face warned him that this was too dangerous.
Tony stood upright, as cool and collected as at
first. He had warded off every blow of his adver-
sary, and thus far was untouched.
There was a murmur of surprise among the boys.
They had come to see Tony used up, and all the
using up had proved to be from the other side.
James was as much delighted as surprised. He
could not repress clapping his hands, a movement
which was quickly imitated by the boys.
"Tony knows how to take care of kimceif,"
he thought. "That's why he took matters so
coolly. I didn't half believe him when he told me
there was no danger."
THE BOYS' DUEL. 101
Sam felt humiliated and maddened. He regretted
now that he had undertaken a task which seemed
every moment more formidable. What! was it pos-
sible that he, Sam Payson, the crack fighter of the
village, was being ignominiously whipped, and that
by a smaller boy. He felt that if he permitted this
his prestige would be forever gone, and with it the
influence which he so much prized. He must make
one desperate effort.
"If I can only get hold of1 him," he thought, 'I ,
can shake the life out of him."
He tried to grasp Tony round the body, intending
to throw him violently down upon the ground; but
our hero was too quick for him, and showered the
blows upon him with such rapidity that, blinded
and overwhelmed, Sam himself fell on his back.
Instead of following up the victory, Tony drew
off and let his adversary rise. Sam renewed the at-
tack so wildly that in two minutes he was again
lying flat.
"That's enough, Sam! You're whipped, " shouted
the boys.
But Sam was not convinced. He renewed the at-
tacked once more, but there was no hope for him
now.
He got up sullenly, and, in a voice nearly choked
with rage, said:
"111 be even with you yet, see if I don't."
"Hurrah for the stranger! " shouted the boys en-
thusiastically, as they crowded around our hero.
"Boys," said Tony, modestly, "I'm much obliged
102 TONY, THE HERO.
to you for your congratulations. Was it a fair
fight?"
"Yes, yes."
" Then's it all right. Don't say anything to him
about it. He feels bad, as I should do in his place.
I haven't any ill will toward him, and I hope he
hasn't toward me. "
This speech made Tony a still greater favorite
and the boys, making a rush, took him on their
shoulders, and bore him in triumph to the inn. Poor
Sam slunk home, suffering keener mortification
than he had ever before experienced in his life.
RUDOLPH ESCAPES. 10b
CHAPTEE XVI.
RUDOLPH ESCAPES AND SEES AN ADVERTISEMENT.
Leaving Tony for a short time, we must return
to Rudolph, whom we left in charge of a self-consti-
tuted body of police on his way to the station-
house.
Of course there was no regular prison in the vil-
lage. There was not properly even a station-house.
But under the engine house was a basement room,
which was used as a lock-up. It was not often used,
for few rogues of a serious character disturbed the
tranquility of the village. Occasionally a man
was put in who had disturbed the peace while under
the influence of liquor, but even such cases were
rare.
When first arrested Eudolph was disposed to be
violent and abusive. His disappointment was keen,
for he was just congratulating himself on the pos-
session of the miser's gold. Five minutes later,
and he would probably have been able to make good
his escape. Mingled with his disappointment was a
f eeling of intense hostility against Tony for his part
in defeating his plans.
"I'll be revenged upon him yet," he muttered be-
tween his teeth.
" What did you say?" asked one of his captors.
" Nothing," answered Rudolph.
104: TONY, THE HERO.
"I thought I heard you say something. "
"1 said I was tired."
" Then you will have a chance to rest in the lock-
up."
Eudolph frowned, but said nothing.
They reached the lockup. The door was opened,
and he was led in. A small oil lamp was lighted,
and set on the floor.
" Where are the handcuffs?" asked one of the
captors.
" I don't know. They haven't been needed for
so long that they have been mislaid."
" They won't be needed now. The man can't get
out."
Eudolph's face betrayed satisfaction, but he
thought it prudent to say nothing.
"There's your bed, " says Moses Hunt, who had
Eudolph by the arm, pointing to a rude cot in the
corner.
Eudolph threw himself upon it.
" I'm dead tired," he said, and closed his eyes.
" He'll be quiet enough. We can leave him
alone," said Hunt.
"All right."
The door was locked, and Eudolph was left alone.
When fiYe minutes had elapsed — time enough for
his captors to get away — he rose in bed, and looked
about him.
Beside the bed in which he was lying there was no
other furniture in the room than a wooden chair.
He got up and walked about.
RUDOLPH ESCAPES. 105
"I must get away from this if I can,"' thought
the tramp, " and before morning. I am glad they
didn't put on handcuffs. Let me see, how shall I
manage it."
He looked about him thoughtfully.
It was a basement room, lighted only by windows
three feet wide and a foot high in the upper part of
the room.
"I should like to set fire to the building, and
burn it up," thought the tramp. " That w^ould cost
them something. But it wouldn't be safe. Like as
not I would be burnt up myself, or, at any rate, be
taken again in getting away . No, no ; that won't
do."
" I wonder if I can get through one of those win-
dows?" was the next thought that came into his
mind.
He stood on the chair, and as the room was low-
slatted he found he could easily reach the windows
in question.
He shook them, and found to his joy that it
would be a comparatively easy thing to remove one
of them.
"What fools they are," he muttered contemptu-
ously. ' ' Did they really expect to keep me here.
They must think I am a green hand."
He removed the window, and by great effort suc-
ceeded in raising himself so that he might have a
chance of drawing himself through the aperture.
It did not prove so easy as he expected. He did,
however, succeed at length, and drew a long breath
106 TONY, THE HERO.
of satisfaction as he found himself once more in the
possession of his liberty.
"I'm a free man once more," he said. "What
next? "
He would have been glad to return to the miser's
house, and possessed himself of some of his gold,
but the faint gray of dawn was already perceptible,
and there was too much risk attending it. He
felt that this must be deferred to a more fitting oc-
casion.
A few days later the tramp found himself in the
streets of New York.
For the time he had given up the pursuit of
Tony. Indeed, he had wholly lost the clew. More-
over, prudence dictated his putting as great a dis-
tance as possible between himself and the village
where he had been arrested.
The hundred miles intervening between New York
and that place he had got over in his usual way,
begging a meal at one house, and a night's lodging
at another. He was never at a loss for a plausible
story. At one place where he was evidently looked
upon with suspicion, he said:
" I aint used to beggin'. I'm a poor, hard- work-
in' man, but I've heard that my poor daughter is
sick in New York, and she's in the hospital. Poor
girl! I'm afraid she'll suffer."
" What took her to New York?" asked the farmer
whom he addressed.
" She went to take a place in a store," said Kudolph
readily, " but she's been taken sick, and she's in the
hospital. Poor girl! I'm afraid she'll suffer."
RUDOLPH ESCAPES. lOY
" I'm sorry for you," said the farmer's wife, sym-
pathizingly. "Ephraim, can't we help along this
poor man?"
"If we can believe him. There's many impos-
tors about."
' ' I hope you don't take me for one, " said Ru-
dolph, meekly. "Poor Jane; what would she
think if she knew how poor father was so misun-
derstood."
"Poor man! I believe you," said the farmer's
wife. "You shall sleep in Jonathan's bed. He's
away now."
So Rudolph was provided with two abundant
meals and a comfortable bed. The farmer's wife
never doubted his story, though she could not help
feeling that his looks were not prepossessing. But,
was her charitable thought, the poor man can't help
his looks.
Of course Rudolph had been in New York often,
and his familiar haunts. As a general thing, how-
ever, he shunned the city, for he was already
known to the police, and he felt that watchful eyes
would be upon him as soon as it was known that he
was back again.
On the second day he strolled into a low drinking
place in the lower part of the city.
A man in shirt sleeves, and with unhealthy com-
plexion, was mixing drinks behind the bar.
"Hallo, Rudolph! Back again?" was his saluta-
tion.
£ 'Yes," said the tramp, throwing himself down
in a seat.
108 TONY, THE HERO.
" What's the news with you? Been prospering? *
"No."
"Where have you been?"
" Tramping round the country."
" Where's the boy you used to have with you? "
"Bun away; curse him! " returned the tramp with
a fierce scowl."
" Got tired of your company, eh?"
"He wants to be honest and respectable,"
answered Eudolph, with a sneer.
1 i And he thought he could learn better under an-
other teacher, did he? " said the bartender, with a
laugh.
" Yes, I suppose so. I'd like to wring his neck,"
muttered the tramp.
" You're no friend to the honest and respecta-
ble, then? "
"No, I'm not."
" Then, there's no love lost, for they don't seem
to fancy you. What '11 you have to drink? "
" I've got no money."
" I'll trust. You'll have some some time? "
"Give me some whisky, then," said the tramp.
The whisky was placed in his hands. He gulped
it down, and breathed a sigh of satisfaction.
Then resuming his seat, he took up a morning
paper. At first he read it listlessly, but soon his face
assumed a look of eager interest.
This was the paragraph that arrested his atten-
tion:
" Should this meet the eye of Rudolph Rugg, who
RUDOLPH ESCAPES.
left England in the fall of 1857, he is requested to
communicate with Jacob Morris, attorney-at-law,
Room 11, No. — , Nassau street."
Rudolph rose hurriedly.
" Going? " asked the bartender.
" Yes,- T'31 be back again soon."
JiO TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER XVn.
THE LADY AT THE ST. NICHOLAS,
When Rudolph reached the sidewalk he stopped a
moment to reflect on the prohable meaning of the
advertisement.
"Perhaps it is a trap," he thought. "Perhaps,
after so many years, they want to punish me.
Shall I go!"
His hesitation was only temporary.
"There's nothing to be afraid of," he concluded.
"Very likely I shall hear something to my advan-
tage. I will go."
Ten minutes' walk brought him to Nassau street.
He ascended two flights of stairs, opened the door
of No. — , and found himself in a lawyer's office.
A tall man of forty was seated at a desk, with some
papers and books lying before him.
" Well," he said inquiringly, " what can I do for
you, sir?"
The address was not very cordial, for Rudolph
did not have the look of one likely to be a profitable
client.
"Are you Mr. Jacob Morris, attorney-at-law? *
asked the tramp.
1 ' That is my name. "
" I am Rudolph Rugg."
THE LADY AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. Ill
" Rudolph Rugg! " exclaimed the lawyer, briskly,
jumping from his chair, " you don't say so. lam
very glad to see you. Take a chair, please."
Reassured by this reception, Rudolph took the
seat indicated.
" So you saw my advertisement? " said the law-
yer, brushing away the papers with which he had
been occupied.
"Yes, sir. I cnly saw it this morning."
"It has been inserted for the last two weeks,
daily. How happens it that you did not see it
sooner? "
' k I have been away from the city. I have been
traveling. It was only an accident that I happened
to see it to-day."
"A lucky accident, Mr. Rugg."
" I hope it is, sir, for I have been out of luck my-
self, and I've been hoping something would turn up
for me. What is the business, sir? "
" My business has been to find you. I can't say
anything more."
"To find me?"
"Yes."
"What for?"
" For a client of mine — an English lady."
"A lady?" ejaculated the tramp, with uncon-
cealed surprise.
"Yes."
"Who is it?"
' k' I suppose I am at liberty to tell. The lady is
Mrs. Harvey Middleton, of Middleton Hall, Eng-
land.''
112 TONY, THE HERO.
A peculiar expression swept over Rudolph's face,
but he only said:
"I have heard the name of Harvey Middleton.
Is — is the lady in New York? "
" Yes; she is staying at the St. Nicholas Hotel."
"And she wants to find me?"
"Yes, she authorized me to seek you out."
"Well," said Rudolph, after a brief pause, "I'm
found. "What next?"
' ' I shall at once send a messenger to Mrs. Middle-
ton, and await her orders. You will stay here."
He went to the door and called " John," in a loud
voice.
"Look here," said Rudolph, suspiciously, "just
tell me one thing. There ain't any trap is there? "
"Trap, my good friend? What can you possibly
mean? "
"You ain't sending for the police? "
" To be sure not. Besides, why should a gentle-
man like you fear the police? "
" Oh, that's all gammon. I do fear the police un-
common. But if you tell me it's all on the square,
I'll believe you."
" On my honor, then, it's all on the square, as you
call it. No harm whatever is designed you. Indeed,
I have reason to think that you will make consider-
able money out of it. Now, hark ye, my friend, a
word in confidence. We can do each other good. "
"Can we? " asked the tramp, surveying the law-
yer, in surprise.
THE LADY AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. 113
"Yes, and I'll tell you how. This lady, Mrs.
Middleton, appears to be rich."
"She is rich."
"So much the better for us. I mean to give her
the idea that I have been at great trouble and ex-
pense in finding you."
"I see," said Budolph, smiling. " You mean to
charge it in the bill."
" Of course, I shall represent that I sent out mes-
sengers in search of you, and you were found by
one of them."
"Very good."
" So you need not say anything about the adver-
tisement."
"All right, sir."
"Grant me a moment while I pencil a note to the
lady."
* * * * * * *
In a private parlor at the St. Nicholas sat a lady
of middle age. She had a haughty face, and stern,
compressed lips. She was one to repel rather than
to attract. She had a note before her, which she
threw down with an exclamation of impatience.
"So he has heard nothing yet. For three weeks
I have been wasting my time at this hotel, depend-
ing on this lawyer, and he has done absolutely
nothing. And the issue is so important. I may
have to employ another person, and that will be a
fresh bill of expense,"
At this moment a light knock was heard at the
door.
114 TOSY, THE HERO.
"Enter," said the lady.
"A note for Mrs. Middleton," announced a ser-
vant.
She took the missive and hastily opened it. It
read thus:
"My dear Madam — At last, after unwearied ex-
ertions, I have succeeded. The man, Rudolph
Rugg, has been found by one of my messengers,
and is at this moment in my office, ready to obey
your summons. Shall I send him to you?
' ' Yours, respectfully,
"Jacob Morris."
" P. S. — I assured you at the outset that if he
were living I would find him. I am sure you will
appreciate my exertions in your behalf. "
"That means a larger bill," thought the lady.
"However, I am willing to pay handsomely. The
man is found, and he can, doubtless, produce the
boy."
"Wait!" she said, in an imperious tone, to the
servant, who was about to withdraw. "There is
an answer."
She hastily penciled the following note :
' ' I am very glad you have found Rudolph Rugg.
I wish to speak to him at once. Send him here di-
rectly."
" Short and not sweet! " commented the lawyer,
when it was placed in his hands, " She says noth-
ing about the compensation, "
THE LADY AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. 115
" Is it about me?" asked the tramp, watching the
lawyer's face eagerly.
" Yes; it is from Mrs. Middleton. She wants you
to come to the hotel at once. But, my friend, if
you will excuse the suggestion, I would advise you,
since you are about to call upon a lady, to put on a
better suit of clothes."
The tramp scowled at the hint.
"How am I to do it," he demanded roup;lily,
"when these are all the clothes I have?"
The lawyer whistled.
"A pretty looking figure to call upon a lady at a
fashionable hotel! " he thought.
" You must go as you are," he said. " Wait a
minute."
He took a blank card and wrote upon it the name :
Eudolph Eugg.
" When you reach the hotel," he said, "inquire
for Mrs. Middleton, and send that card up to her."
"Very well, sir."
The tramp started for the hotel, his mind busily
occupied.
"What does she want with me? She wasn't Mrs.
Middleton when I knew her; she was Miss Vincent,
the governess. I suppose she's a great lady now.
So she got Mr. Harvey to marry her. That ain't
surprisin'. She looked like a schemer even then,
and I was a fool not to see what she was at. Likely
she was up to the other thing. Well, I shall soon
know,"
116 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTEE XVIII.
TWO CONSPIRATORS.
" You want to see Mrs. Middleton? " demanded the
hotel clerk, surveying Mr. Eugg's exterior with a
glance which betokened suspicion.
" Yes," said the tramp.
"I don't think she'll see one of your sort."
"That's where you're mistaken, young feller,'
said Eudolph, loftily. "She wants to see me un-
common. "
"You're a strange visitor for a lady."
"What if I am? There's my card. Just you send
it up, and see if she won't see me."
The clerk took the card, and looked at it doubt-
fully. Then summoning an attendant, he said:
"Take this up to 57."
Presently the servant returned.
"The gentleman is to go up," he said.
Eudolph looked at the clerk triumphantly.
"What did I tell you? " he said.
"Show the gentleman up," said the clerk, pur-
posely emphasizing the word.
As Eudolph entered the handsome parlor occupied
by Mrs. Middleton, she said:
' ' Take a seat, sir. " Then to the attendant : ' ' You
may go. You are Eudolph Eugg? " she commenced
when they were alone.
TWO CONSPIRATORS. 117
"Yes, ma'am," he answered; "arid you are Miss
Vincent, the governess. I haven't forgotten you."
"I am Mrs Harvey Middleton, " she said haught-
ay-
" Excuse me, ma'am. I hadn't heard as you had
changed your condition. You was the governess
when I knowed you."
uYou never knew me," she said, in the same
haughty tone.
•'Well, I knowed Mr. Harvey, at any rate."
" That is not to the purpose. Do you know why I
have sought you out? "
"I couldn't guess, ma'am," said Eudolph, cun-
ningly.
He could guess, but he wanted to force her to
speak out.
"Where is the boy? Is he living?" she demanded,
eagerly.
"What boy?" asked Eudolph, vacantly.
"You know very well. Eobert Middleton, my
husband's cousin, whom you stole away when he
was scarcely more than an infant."
"Can you prove what you say, Miss Vincent — I
mean Mrs. Middleton? "
" Yes. It is idle to beat about the bush. My hus-
band has told me all. "
"Then he has told you that he hired me to carry
the boy off, in order that he might inherit the
estate? "
The tramp looked searchingly in the lady's face as
he said this.
118
"Yes, he told me that," she answered, compos-
edly.
"Well, I didn't think he'd own up to that," said
the tramp, in surprise.
" My husband and I had no secrets," said the lady,
coldly.
" What does he want of the boy now? " asked Eu-
dolph.
" It is I that want to find the boy."
" Without his knowledge? "
" If you refer to my husband, he is dead."
t ' Dead ! You don't say so ? "
"He died six months ago."
"Well, I didn't expect that. Who has got the
estate? "
"I have."
The tramp whistled, and surveyed the lady with
genuine admiration. Here was a poor governess,
who had succeeded in life with a vengeance. When
he knew her she was not worth fifty pounds in the
world. Now she was a mistress of a fine English
estate, with a rental of two thousand pounds.
"Wasn't there no heirs? " he asked.
"Only this boy."
" And if this boy was alive would the estate be
his? "
The lady paused, meanwhile fixing her eyes stead-
ily upon the man before her. Then, as if rapidly
making up her mind, she approached him, and
placed her jeweled hand on his arm.
''Eudolph Eugg," she said, " do you want to be
comfortable for fife? "
TWO CONSPIRATORS. 119
" Yes, ma'am, that's exactly what I do want. I've
been wanting it ever since I was old enough to
know the power of money, but it has never come to
me."
"It will come to you now if you say the word,"
she said.
"I'll say it quick enough. Tell me what you
want."
1 i You talk like a sensible man. But first tell me,
is the boy living? "
"He is alive and well."
She frowned slightly, as if the intelligence didn't
please her.
"Do you know where he is? "
"Yes," answered Eudolph.
It was false, of course, but he thought it was for
his interest to answer in the affirmative.
" When did you see him last? "
"Last week."
" Very well, you know where he is. That is im-
portant. Now, in order that you may understand
what service I want of you, I must tell you a little
of my circumstances. I told you that my husband
left me the estate."
"Yes, ma'am."
" But only in trust."
" For the boy? " asked the tramp, in excitement.
' i Precisely."
"Well, I'll be Mowed."
"What excites you, Mr. Kugg?"
"To think that Tony, the tramp, should be the
120 TONY, THE HERO.
owner of a splendid estate in old Hingland, and not
know anything about it. "
"I ani the owner," said the lady, frowning.
' ' But you're only takin' care of it for him. "
" I don't mean that he shall ever know it."
Rudolph whistled.
' ' I wish you would forbear whistling in the pres-
ence of a lady. It is unmannerly," said Mrs. Mid-
dleton, annoyed.
" I ain't much used to associating with ladies,"
said the tramp.
"Bear it it in mind, then." she said, sharply.
"Now to business."
"Yes, ma'am, to business."
" My husband secured the inheritance, as you are
aware, through the disappearance of his young
cousin. And mighty well he managed it."
' Q But after he fell into ill health, and was given
over by the doctors, he became a prey to supersti-
tious fears, the result of his weakness, and at times
experienced great regret for the hand he had in the
abduction of the boy."
"You surprise me, ma'am. He wasn't that sort
when I knew him."
" No; he was then in jDerfect health, and was bold
and resolute. Ill health and the approach of death
made him superstitious."
"You ain't that way, ma'am, I take it," said Eu-
dolph, with a leer.
"No; I have a stronger will and greater resolu-
tion, I hope."
TWO CONSPIRATORS. 121
Her face did not belie her words. There was a
cold look in her light-gray eyes, and a firmness in
her closely-pressed lips, which made it clear that she
was not likely to be affected by ordinary weakness.
She was intensely selfish, and thoroughly unscrupu-
lous as to the means which she employed to carry
out her selfish ends.
"So you're afraid the boy'll turn up, ma'am?"
asked Rudolph.
"Precisely."
" Then why do you look for him? "
" I want to guard against his ever turning up. I
hoped you would be able to tell me he was dead."
" He don't know about the property."
" But he might have learned, or you might. My
husband, with the idea of reparation, left the prop-
erty to me, in trust, but if it should ever be fully
ascertained that the boy had died, then it was
to be mine absolutely. There must be clear proof."
"I begin to see what you're driving at, ma'am."
" You say the boy is alive? "
"Yes, ma'am."
"And well?"
" Stout and hearty, ma'am. He's been under my
care ever since he was a young 'un, ma'am, and I've
treated him like he was my own."
"Indeed!"
"Yes, ma'am. I'm poor, but I've always shared
my crust with him, givin' him the biggest half."
"Very kind, I'm sure," said the lady, sarcastically.
"I suppose you're very fond of him."
122
" Of course I am," said Kudolph, "but," he added,
after a slight pause, " there's one thing I like bet-
ter."
"What is that?"
"Money."
" Good! " said the lady, her face lighting up with
satisfaction. "I see we understand one another."
"'That's so, ma'am. You needn't be afraid to say
anything to me. Business is business."
"Draw your chair near mine, Mr. Kugg," said
Mrs. Middleton, affably.
The tramp did so. He foresaw what was coming,
but did not flinch.
THE WICKED COMPACT. 123
CHAPTEE XIX.
THE WICKED COMPACT.
"It appears to me, Mr. Rugg, that you have
prospered," said the lady.
"That's where you're right, ma'am, and you
couldn't be lighter. "
I'm as poor as I can be."
So am I," said the tramp, adding, with a cun-
ning look, " but times will be better now."
"Why will they be better?" asked Mrs. Middle-
ton, suspiciously.
" Tony won't see me want when he comes into ten
thousand a year."
" Who said he was coining into it? " demanded the
lady, coldly.
"You said he was the heir."
" He hasn't got the estate, and I don't mean he
shall have it."
" How will you prevent that ma'am?"
Mrs. Middleton again put her hand on the man's
tattered coat sleeve, and in a voice scarcely above a
whisper, said:
"Mr. Rugg, you must prevent it."
"How can I prevent it?" asked the tramp, with
an assumption of innocence.
" I take it, you are not a religious man? "
124
"Not much," answered the tramp, with a short
laugh.
" You are not afraid — -to do wrong? "
"Yes, I am, ma'am; but if I was paid for it I
might not mind."
" You shall be paid, and paid well."
" What do you want me to do? "
Mrs. Middleton said, with slow significance:
"This boy is in my way. Don't you think he
might manage to get sick and die? "
" Perhaps he might," said Rudolph, who did not
appear to be shocked at the suggestion.
"Couldn't you manage it?" she asked, her eyes
fixed upon the tramp.
"I might," he answered, shrewdly, " if it was
going to do me any good."
"Then the only question is as to pay," she con-
tinued.
"That's about it ma'am. It's a big risk, you
know. I might get caught, and then money
wouldn't do me much good."
"Nothing venture, nothing have. You don't
want to be a pauper all your life? "
"No, I don't, answered the tramp with energy.
"I'm tired of tramping round the country, sleeping
in barns and under hay-stacks, and picking up meals
where I can. I've had enough of it."
"Do as I wish, and you need never suffer such
privations again, " said the tempter.
" How much will you give me? " asked Rudolph,
in a business-like manner.
THE WICKED COMPACT. 125
"Five hundred dollars down and five hundred
dollars income as long as you live."
This was good fortune of which Eudolph had
never dreamed, but he understood how to make the
best of the situation.
" It is not enough," he said, shaking his head.
"Not enough!" exclaimed Mrs. Middleton, with
a look of displeasure. * ' Why, it seems to me very
liberal. You can live comfortably all your life just
for doing one thing."
" A thing which may bring me to the gallows.
It's all very well to talk, but I can't risk my neck
for that."
The lady was not surprised. She had expected
that she would be compelled to drive a bargain, and
and she had named a sum less than she was willing
to pay.
" You see," continued Rudolph, ' ' it's going to be
a great thing for you. You'll be sure of a big estate
and an income of two thousand pounds — that's ten
thousand dollars — a year, and it'll be me that gives
it to you."
" You overestimate your services, Mr. Eugg," she
said, coldly. "If I decline to proceed further the
estate will be mine."
" Not if I bring on the boy, and say he's the real
heir."
" I shall deny it," said the lady, composedly, " and
challenge you to the proof."
" You will?" queried the tramp, disconcerted.
" Of course I shall."
126 TONY, THE HERO.
" Then I'll prove it," he continued, in tone of
triumph.
"Who will believe you? " asked Mrs. Middleton,
quietly.
" Why shouldn't they? "
"You are a tramp, and a discreditable person.
Your appearance would be against you. I suspect
the boy is one of the same sort."
"No, he isn't. I don't like him overmuch, but
he's a handsome chap, looks the gentleman every
inch, even if he is dressed a little shabby."
" I should charge you with conspiracy, Mr. Eugg.
You'd find it uphill work fighting me without in-
fluence and without money. To begin with, how
would you get over to England? "
As presented by Mrs. Middleton, certainly the
chances did not look flattering.
But an idea occurred to Rudolph, and he instantly
expressed it:
" Then, if there ain't no danger from me or the
boy, why do you offer me anything to put him out
of the way?"
Mrs. Middleton hesitated.
"I may as well tell you," she said, after a mo-
ment's pause. " I take it for granted you will keep
the matter secret. "
"Of course I will."
" Then it is this: I married Mr. Harvey Middle-
ton to secure a home and a position. I didn't love
him."
•'Quite right, ma'am."
THE WICKED COMPACT. 127
"I was a poor governess. It was a great thing
for me to marry Mr. Middleton."
"I should think so."
f* I made him a good wife. He had no reason to
complain of me, and when he died he left me in
charge of the estate.''
" For the boy?"
" Yes, for the boy, and this has given me trou-
ble."
" He hasn't never troubled you."
" Not yet, and but for one thing I would not have
come to America in search of him."
"What is that?"
uThat is the secret I am going to tell you. I
want to marry again."
The tramp whistled.
Mrs. Middleton frowned, but went on:
" This time I love the man I want to marry. He
is from an excellent family, but he is a younger son,
and has little or nothing himself. If the estate
were mine absolutely, there would be no opposition
on the part of his family to his marrying me to-
morrow, but with the knowledge that the boy may
turn up at any time, nothing will be done."
" I see," said the tramp, nodding.
c* But for this, I never would have stirred in the
matter at all. I did not think it probable that the
boy would ever hear of his inheritance."
"He don't even know who he is," said Eudolph.
" You never told him, then?" said the lady in a
tone of satisfaction.
128 TONY, THE HERO.
c<
No. What was the good? "
" There was no good, and you did wisely. Now I
have told you how matters stand, and I renew the
offer which I made you a few minutes since."
"It is too little," said the tramp, shaking his
head."
"Tell me what you expect. Mind, I don't say
that I will meet your views if they are extravagant.
Still I might agree to pay you a little more."
"I want just double what you offered me,
ma'am."
' ' Why, that's extortion. "
"That's as you choose to consider it, ma'am.
It'll leave you money enough. It's one-tenth.
" Suppose I refuse."
" Then I'll go and see a lawyer, and he'll tell me
what I had better do."
" Even if you succeeded, and got the boy in pos-
session, do you think he would give you any more
than I offered?"
This was a consideration which had not occurred
to the tramp. He had only thought of punishing
the lady for not acceding to his terms. He asked
himself, moreover, did he really wish Tony to come
into such a piece of good fortune, and that after the
boy had been instrumental in having him arrested.
No, anything but that! He decided to work for
Mrs. Middleton, and make the best terms he could."
" I'll tell you what I'll do ma'am, " he said. " 111
say eight hundred dollars down, and the same every
year. "
THE WICKED COMPACT. 129
To this sum Mrs. Middleton finally agreed.
"You say you know where the boy is?" she
asked.
" Yes, ma'am."
" Then there need be no delay."
" Only a little. But I shall want some money.
i. haven t a penny. "
Mrs. Middleton took out her purse.
"Here are a hundred dollars/' she said. "The
rest shall be paid you when you have earned it."
Rudolph rose to go, and as he went down stairs
thoughtfully, he said to himself:
"That woman's a case if ever there was one.
How coolly she hires me to kill the boy. I don't
half like the job. It's too risky. But there's money
in it, and I can't refuse. The first thing is to find
him!"
130 TOXY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER XX.
THE FIGHTING QUAKER.
The tramp decided that the best way to find Tony
would be to return to that part of the country
where he had lost him, and make inquiries for a
boy of his description. He could do it more com-
fortably now, being provided with funds, thanks to
Mrs. Middleton. He was now able to command fair
accommodations, and this was satisfactory.
But there was another difficulty which, at times,
gave him uneasiness. He had escaped from the
custody of the law, and was liable to be arrested.
This would have disconcerted him, and interfered
seriously with the purpose he had in view.
" I must disguise myself," thought Eudolph. " It
won't do to run any risk. When I was a tramp I
didn't care, but now I've got something to live for."
It was not the first time in his varied experience
that he had felt the need of a disguise, and he knew
just where to go to find one. In the lower part of
the city there was a shop well provided with such
articles as he required. He lost no time in seeking
it out.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Rugg?" asked the
old man who kept the establishment.
"I want a disguise.*'
" Then you've come to the right shop. What will
you be — a sailor, a Quaker, a — "
THE FIGHTING QUAKER. 131
" Hold, there, " said Eudolph. "You've named
the very thing."
"What?"
"A Quaker. Can you make me a good broad-
brim?"
" Yea, verily/' answered the old man, laughing,
" I can suit thee to a TV'
" Do so, then."
From out a pile of costmes of various styles and
fashions the old man drew a suit of drab and a
broad-brimmed hat.
" How will that do? " he asked.
"Capital!" answered Rudolph, with satisfaction,
"that is, if it will fit,"
"I'll answer for that, It's made for a man of
your size. Will you try it on? "
" First tell me the price."
"Thirty dollars."
"Thirty dollars !" exclaimed the tramp, aghast.
" Do you think I am made of money? "
" Look at the quality, my good friend. Look at
the cloth."
"Why, I may not want the things for more than
a week."
"Then, I'll tell you what I'll do. If you only use
them a week, you shall bring them back, and I will
pay you back twenty-five dollars; that is," added
the old man cautiously, "if you don't hurt 'em too
much."
"That's better," said Eudolph. "I'll try them
on."
132 TONY5 THE HERO.
He went into an inner room, provided for the pur-
pose, and soon came out entirely transformed. In
addition to the drab suit, a gray wig had been sup-
plied, which gave him the appearance of a highly
respectable old Quaker.
The old man laughed heartily, for he had a merry
vein.
" How dost thee like it?" he asked.
"Capital," said Eudolph; "would you know
me?"
"I wouldn't dream it was you. But, Mr. Rugg,
there's one thing you mustn't forget."
"What's that?"
" To use the Quaker lingo. Just now you said,
' Would you know me?' That isn't right."
"What should I say?"
" Would thee know me?"
" All right. I'll get it after a while. There's
your money."
"There you are again. You must say thy
money."
"I see you know all about it. You've been a
Quaker yourself, haven't you? "
" Not I; but I was brought up in Philadelphia, and
I have seen plenty of the old feUows. That's right.
Now, don't forget how to talk. Where are you
going? "
"Into the country on a little expedition," said
Rudolph.
" When will you be back? "
"In a week, if all goes well."
THE FIGHTING QUAKER. 133
" Well, good luck to you."
" I wish thee good luck, too," said the tramp.
" Ha, ha! You've got it; you'll do."
The tramp emerged into the street, a very fair
representative of a sedate Quaker. At first he for-
got his gray hair, and walked with a briskness that
was hardly in character with his years. He soon at-
tracted the attention of some street boys, who,
not suspecting his genuineness, thought him fair
game.
"How are you, old Broadbrim?" said one.
Eudolph didn't resent this. He felt rather pleased
at this compliment to his get up.
" You'd make a good scarecrow, old buffer," said
another.
Still the tramp kept his temper.
A third boy picked up a half-eaten apple and fired
it at him.
This was too much for the newly-converted disci-
ple of William Penn.
" Just let me catch you, you little rascal," he ex-
claimed, "and I'll give you the worst licking you
ever had.
The boys stared open mouthed at such language
from the sedate old gentlemen.
"He's a fighting Quaker," said the first one,
' ' keep out of his way. "
" If thee don't, thee'U catch it," said Rudolph,
fortunately remembering how he must talk.
He had thought of pursuing the disturbers of his
\. )ace, but motives of prudence prevented him.
134: TONY, THE HERO
CHAPTEK XXI.
RUDOLPH HEARS OF TONY.
Four days afterward Rudolph arrived in the town
where Tony was employed. He had not been
drawn thither by any clew, but by pure accident.
He put up for the night at the hotel where our
hero had found work. He enrolled himself on the
register as " Obadiah Latham, Philadelphia."
This, he thought, would answer very well for a
Quaker name, much better, certainly, than Rudolph
Rugg, which on other accounts also was objection-
able.
"Can thee give me a room, friend?" he inquired
at the desk.
" Certainiy, sir," was the polite reply. "Here,
Henry, show this old gentleman up to No. 6. No.
6 is one of our best rooms, Mr. Latham."
"I thank thee," said the tramp, who, by this
time, was quite accustomed to the peculiar phrase-
ology of the Friends.
"The Quakers are always polite," said the book-
keeper. They are good pay, too, and never give
any trouble. I wish we had more of them stop
here."
"If all your customers were of that description,
your bar wouldn't pay very well."
RUDOLPH HEARS OF TONY. 135
"That is true."
"But later in the evening the speaker was
obliged to change his opinion.
The Quaker came up to the bar, and asked:
"Will thee give me a glass of brandy? "
"Sir?" said the barkeeper, astounded, and hardly
believing his ears.
"A glass of brandy!" repeated Eudolph, irrita-
bly. " Where is thy ears ? "
"I beg pardon, sir, but I was surprised. I did
not know that gentlemen of your faith ever drank
liquor."
' ' Thee is right, " said the tramp, recollecting him-
self. "It is only for my health. Thee may make
it strong, so that I may feel better soon."
Rudolph drained the glass, and then after a little
hesitation, he said:
"I feel better. Will thee mix me another glass,
and a little stronger? "
A stronger glass was given him, and he poured it
down rapidly.
The barkeeper looked at him shrewdly.
" Quaker as he is, he is evidently used to brandy,"
he said to himself. ' ' If he wasn't those two
glasses would have upset him. "
But Budolph did not appear to be upset, or, in-
deed, to be in the least affected.
He put his broad-brimmed hat more firmly on
his head, and went outside. He determined to take
a walk about the village. This was his usual cus-
tom on arriving in a new place. On such occasions
136
he kept his eyes open, and looked about, in the hope
that he might somewhere see the object of his
search. He little suspected that Tony was at that
very moment in the stable-yard in the rear of the
hotel.
He walked on for perhaps a quarter of a mile,
and then leaned against a fence to rest. As he
stood here, two boys passed him slowly, conversing
as they walked.
" I was surprised, Sam, at Tony Rugg's whipping
you," said the first.
" He couldn't do it again," said Sam, sullenly.
Rudolph's attention was at once drawn.
Tony Rugg! Why, there could be but one Tony
Rugg.
He advanced toward the boys.
"Boys," he asked, "did thee mention the name
of Tony Rugg?"
"Yes, sir."
" Does thee know such a boy? "
"Yes, sir. He is working at the hotel. He got
my place away from me," said Sam. "Do you
know him? "
"I once knew such a boy. But no! his name was
Charles."
"Perhaps he's a relation."
"Perhaps thee are right."
This the tramp said cunningly, not wishing Tony
to hear that he had been inquiring after him.
RUDOLPH HEARS OF TONY. 137
CHAPTER XXII.
RUDOLPH FINDS TONY.
Rudolph was very much elated at what he had
heard. His object then was already attained, and
the boy was found.
' ' Well, good luck has come to me at last," he said
to himself. "The young scoundrel is found, and
now I must consider how to get him into my hands
once more."
The Quaker, to designate him according to his
present appearance, at once made his way back to
the hotel. He wanted to see Tony and verify the
information he had obtained from the boys, though
he saw no reason to doubt it.
" There can't be two Tony Rugg's in the world,"
he said to himself. " I am sure this is the boy."
On reaching the hotel he sauntered out into the
stable-yard in the rear of the house. His eyes lighted
with pleasure, for he at once caught sight of Tony,
standing beside James, the hostler.
"There comes old Broadbrim," said James in a
low voice. "The barkeeper told me he took two
stiff horns of brandy. He's a queer sort of Quaker
in my opinion."
Tony gave a curious glance at the disguised
tramp, but entertained no suspicion of his not being
138 TONY, THE HERO.
what he represented. The white hair and costnme
made it difficult to doubt.
"I never saw a Quaker before," he said.
" Didn't you?"
Meantime Rudolph came nearer. His disguise
had been so successful that he felt perfectly safe
from discovery.
" Does thee keep many horses? " he asked.
" Yes, sir; we have twelve."
"That is a large number. Yea, verily, it is," said
the tramj).
"Well, it is, but we need them all. There's a
good deal of carting to do for the hotel, besides Mr.
Porter keeps a livery stable. Was you ever this
way before? " asked James, thinking he might as
well ask a few questions also.
"Nay, verily."
" Where might you be from? "
"From Philadelphia. "
" I've heard there's a good many Quakers out that
way."
" Yea, verily, my friend, thee is right."
" Are you going away to-morrow morning? "
"Nay, friend, I think I shall tarry a day or two.
Is that lad thy son? "
"Tony, he asks if you are my son," said James,
laughing. "No, his name is Tony Rugg, while
mine is James Woodley."
' ' Anthony, was thee born in this town? " asked the
tramp, boldly defying detection.
"No, sir," answered Tony. "I only came here a
few weeks ago."
RUDOLPH HEARS OF TONY. 139
"Yea, verily," was the only comment Endolph
made.
' ' I'd like to choke the boy. I can hardly keep my
hands off him," he said to himself. "But I'd bet-
ter be going. He is looking at me closely. He
might suspect something."
"Good -night," he said, and the two responded
civilly to the salutation.
"Well, Tony, what do you think of Broadbrim?"
asked James.
' ' I don't know, there's something in his voice that
sounds familiar to me."
" Perhaps you may have met him somewhere be-
fore," suggested the hostler.
"No, I am sure I have not. I never met any
Quaker before."
" Well, there's strange likenesses sometimes. Did
I ever tell you my adventure out in Maine? "
"No, what was it? "
" I went down East to see a sifter of mine that is
married down near Augusta. When, as I was goin'
through Portland, a woman came up and made a
great ado about my deserting her. She took me
for her husband, and came near having me arrested
for desertion. You see I and her husband was as
like as two peas, that's what some of her neighbors
said."
" How did you get off? "
" Luckily I had documents in my pocket showing
who I was. Besides, my brother-in-law happened
to be in the city, and he identified me."
140 TONY, THE HERO.
Eudolph sat in the public room of the hotel for a
time, and then he went up to his room, partly to be
out of the way of possible recognition, partly to
think how he could manage to get Tony into his
clutches once more, without betraying himself, or
exciting any interference.
He had a back room, the window of which looked
out upon the stable-yard. He seated himself at this
window, and in this position could easily see and
hear all that passed there.
Tony and the hostler were lounging about, the
latter smoking a clay pipe, their work being done
for the day.
" Tony," said the hostler, "I almost forgot to tell
you, you're to go to Thornton to-morrow. "
"What for?"
"There's a top-buggy Mr. Porter has sold to a
man there. You're to take it over, and lead the
horse back."
"How far is it?"
" About five miles."
"All right. I'd just as leave go as stay here. Can
I find the road easily?"
"There's no trouble about that. It's straight all
the way. Part of it runs through the woods — about
a mile, I should say."
"Did Mr. Porter say when he wanted me to
start?"
"About nine o'clock; by that time you'll be
through your chores."
"Well, I'm willing."
RUDOLPH HEARS OF TONY. 141
Eudolph heard this conversation with no little
pleasure.
i( It's the very chance I was waiting for," he said
.o himself. "I'll he in wait for him as he comes
back. I can easily hide in the woods."
TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE NEGLECTED WELL.
Rudolph took care to breakfast in good season
the next morning. He felt that this day was to
make his fortune. The deed which would entitle
him to a life support was to be perpetrated on that
day. He shuddered a little when he reflected that
in order to compass this a life must be sacrificed,
and that the life of the boy who had been for years
under his guardianship, who had slept at his side,
and borne with him the perils and privations of his
adventurous career. He was a reckless man, but
he had never before shed blood, or at any rate taken
the life of a human being. He would have been
less than human if the near approach of such a
crime had not made him nervous and uncomforta-
ble.
But against this feeling he fought strenuously.
"What's the odds?" he said to himself. "The
boy's got to die some time or other, and his dying
now will make me comfortable for life. Xo more
hungry tramps for me. I'll settle down and be re-
spectable. Eight hundred dollars a year will relieve
me from all care, and I shall only need to enjoy my-
self after this.
Rudolph must have had strange notions of respect-
THE NEGLECTED WELL. 143
ability to think it could be obtained by crime ; but
in fact his idea was that a man who could live on
his own means was from that very power respecta-
ble, and there are plenty of persons of a higher so.
cial grade who share in this delusion,
At a few miuutes after nine Tony set out on his
journey. It never occurred to him that the old
Quaker in suit of sober drab, who sat on the piazza
and saw him depart, was a man who cherished sin-
ister besigns upon him. In fact, he had forgotten
all about him, and was intent upon his journey
alone. Most boys like to drive, and our friend
Tony was no exception to this general rule. He
thought it much better than working about the
stable-yard.
" Take care of yourself, Tony," said James, the
hostler, in a friendly tone.
"Oh, yes, 111 do that," said Tony, little dreaming
how necessary the admonition was likely to prove.
"I may as well be starting too," thought
Eudolph, and some ten minutes afterward he
started at a walk along the road which led to Thorn-
ton.
"I'll keep on as far as the woods," he thought,
"and then I'll form my plans. The boy must not
escape me, for I may never have as good a chance
to dispose of him again."
About two miles on began the woods to which
reference has already been made. The tramp se-
lected this as probably the best part of the road to
accomplish his criminal design.
144 TONY, THE HERO.
They extended for nearly a mile on either side of
the road, and this was likely to facilitate his pur-
pose.
"HI explore a little," thought Rudolph. "I
shall have plenty of time before the boy comes
back."
Some forty rods from the road on the right hand
side, the tramp discovered a ruined hut, which had
once belonged to a recluse who had for years lived
apart from his kind. This had now fallen into de-
cay, for the former occupant had been for some time
dead, and no one had been tempted to succeed him.
The general appearance of the building satisfied
Euclolph that it was deserted. Impelled partly by
curiosity, he explored the neighborhood of the house.
A rod to the east there was a well, open to the
view, the curb having decayed, and being in a ruined
condition, Rudolph looked down into it, and judged
that it might be about twenty feet deep.
A diabolical suggestion came to him. If he could
only lure Tony to this well and dispose of him for-
ever. "
" I'll do it," he muttered to himself, and started
to return to the road, where he hoped to intercept
our hero.
Poor Tony ! he little dreamed of the danger that
menaced him.
THE DEED IS DONE. 145
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE DEED IS DONE.
Tony drove rapidly to Thornton and sought the
purchaser of the buggy. There was a delay of half
an hour m rinding him, but at last his business was
done, and he set out for home.
It was not quite so amusing leading the horse as
sitting in a buggy and driving him. But all our
pleasures have to be paid for, and Tony was ready
to pay the price of this one. After all, he reflected,
it was quite as amusing as working about the
stable yard, especial^ after it occurred to him to
mount the animal and thus spare himself fatigue.
Everything* went smoothly till he entered the
woody part of the road.
" Now I shall be home soon," he said to himself.
"But, hallo! who's that?" as a figure stepped out
from the side of the road. " Oh, it's the Quaker. I
wonder what brought him here? "
u Friend, is thee in a hurry?" asked the impostor.
"I suppose I ought to get back as soon as I can,"
said Tony. " Why, what's up?"
"Thee is the boy from the hotel, is thee not?"
asked Rudolph.
"Yes. You're the Quaker gentleman that is stop-
ping there? "
146 TONY, THE HERO.
"Yes."
" Well, what do you want of me?"
"There's a man in the woods that has fallen down
a well, and I fear lis is badly hurt."
" A man fallen down a well! " exclaimed Tony.
"Yes."
"Where is the well?"
" Back in the woods."
" How did you find him? "
' ' I was walking for amusement when I heard
groans, and looking down I could see the poor
man."
Tony never thought of doubting this statement,
and said, in a tone of genuine sympathy: "Poor
fellow!"
" Will thee go with me and help get him out ?"
asked the Quaker.
"Yes," said Tony, readily, "I'll do it. Never
mind if I am a little late. Where shall I put the
horse?"
" Lead him into the woods and tie him to a tree."
"All right. I guess that'll be the best way."
The horse was disposed of as had been suggested,
and the two set forth on what Tony supposed to be
their charitable errand.
" I don't see what made you go into the woods?"
said our hero, a little puzzled.
' ' I was brought up in the woods, my young friend.
It reminds me of the time when I was a boy like
thee."
" Oh, that's it. Well, it was lucky for the man.
THE DEED IS DOXE. lit
that is if we can get him out. Did you speak to
him?"
"Yes, verily."
"And did he answer?"
"He groaned. I think he was insensible. I saw
that I should need help, and I came to the road
again. Luckily thee came by."
" Had you been waiting long? "
"Only five minutes," answered Rudolph.
In reality he had been compelled to wait near an
hour, much to his disgust. In fact, he had been led
to fear that there might be some other road by
which one could return from Thornton, and that
Tony had taken it. Should this be the case, his
elaborate trap would be useless.
They had come quite near the ruined dwelling,
and already the curb of the well was visible.
" Is that the well?" asked Tony.
"Yes," answered the Quaker.
"Let us hurry, then," said Tony.
But the time had come when Tony was to have
revealed to him the real character of his compan-
ion. A branch, which hung unusually low, knocked
off the hat and wig of the pseudo Quaker, and Tony
was petrified with dismay when he saw revealed
the black, cropped head and sinister face of Ru-
dolph, the tramp.
"Rudolph!" he exclaimed, stopping short in his
amazement.
"Yes," said the tramp, avowing himself, now that
he saw disguise was useless; " it's Rudolph. At last
14:8 TONY, THE HERO.
I have you, you young scamp ! " and he seized the
boy's arm as in the grip of a vise.
Tony tried to shake off the grip, but what could
a boy do against an athletic man.
k ' It's no use, " said the tramp, between his teeth,
I've got you, and I don't mean to let you go. "
"What do you mean to do, Eudolph?" asked
Tony, uneasily.
" What do I mean to do? I mean to make you
repent of what you've done to me, you young
whelp."
"What have I done?"
"What haven't you done? You've betrayed me,
and sold me to my enemies. That's what you've
done. "
"I've only clone what I was obliged to do. I
don't want to do you any more harm. Let me go,
and I won't meddle with you any more, nor say a
word about you at the hotel."
"Really," said Rudolph, with a disagreeable sneer,
' ' I feel very much obliged to you. You are very
kind, upon my soul. So you won't tell them at the
hotel that the Quaker gentleman is only a tramp
after all.
"No, I will say nothing about you."
" I don't think you are to be trusted, boy."
" Did you ever know me to tell a he, Rudolph?"
asked Tony, proudly. {iI don't pretend to be a
model boy, but there's one thing I won't do, and
that is lie."
' ' I think I had better make sure that you don't
THE DEED IS DONE. 149
say anything about me," said the tramp, signifi-
cantly.
"How?" asked Tony.
"I don't mean to let you go back to the hotel at
all."
"But I must go back. I must drive the horse
back."
" That's of no importance."
"Yes, it is," persisted Tony, anxiously. "They
will think I have stolen it."
" Let them think so."
" But I don't want them to think me a thief."
"I can't help it."
" What are you going to do with me? Where are
we going? "
"Before I tell you that I will tell you something
more. You have often asked me who you were."
"You always told me I was your son.
"It was not true," said Eudolph, calmly. " You
are not related to me."
"I felt sure of it."
"Oh, you did!" sneered the tramp. "You are
glad that you are not my son! "
"Who ami?"
" I will tell you this much, that you are the heir
to a fortune."
"I the heir to a fortune!" exclaimed Tony, in
natural excitement.
"Yes; and I could help you to secure it if I
pleased."
Tony knew not what to say or to think. Was it
150 TONY, THE HERO.
possible that he — Tony, the tramp — was a gentle-
man's son, and heir to a fortune? It was almost
incredible. Moreover, what was the object of Ru-
dolph in imparting this secret, and at this time,
when he sought revenge upon him.
" Is this true? " he asked.
"Perfectly true."
"And you know my real name and family?"
"Yes, I do."
"Oh, Rudolph, tell me who I am," Tony said,
imploringly. " Help me to the fortune which you say
I am entitled to, and I will take care that you are
rewarded."
Rudolph surveyed the boy, whom he still held in
his firm grasp, and watched his excitement with
malicious satisfaction.
" There is one objection to my doing that, boy," he
said.
"What is that?"
" I'll tell you," he hissed, as his grasp grew tight-
er, and his dark face grew darker yet with passion,
" I hate youl"
This he uttered with such intensity that Tony,
brave as he was, was startled and dismayed.
" Then why did you tell me? " he asked.
"That you might know what you are going to
lose — that you might repent betraying me," an-
swered Rudolph, rapidly. " You ask me what I am
going to do with you? I am going to throw you
down that well, and leave you there — to die! "
Then commenced a struggle between the man
THE DEED IS DONE. 151
and boy. Tony knew what he had to expect, and
he fought for dear life. Rudolph found that he had
undertaken no light task, but he, too, was desperate.
He succeeded at last in dragging Tony to the well-
curb, and, raising him in his sinewy arms, he let
him fall.
Then, without waiting to look down, he hurried
out of the wood with all speed. He reached the
hotel, settled his bill, and paid to have himself car-
ried over to the nearest railroad station.
Not until he was fairly seated in the cars, and
was rushing through the country at the rate of
thirty miles an hour, did he pause to congratulate
himself.
"Now for an easy life!" he ejaculated. "My
fortune is made ! I shall never have to work any
152
CHAPTER XXV.
On reaching New York, Rudolph made his way
at once to the shop from which he had obtained his
Quaker dress.
" Has thee come back ? " asked the old man, in a
jocular tone.
"Yea, verily," answered Rudolph.
" How do you like being a Quaker ? "
' ' I've had enough of it. I want you to take them
back. You promised to return me twenty-five
dollars."
" Let me look at them," said the old man, cau-
tiously.
"They've seen hard usage," he said. "Look at
that rip, and that spot."
" Humbug ! " answered Rudolph. " There's noth-
ing but what you can set straight in half an hour,
and five dollars is handsome pay for that. "
But the old man stood out for seven, and finally
the tramp, though grumbling much, was obliged to
come to his terms.
"Where have you been?" asked the old man,
whose curiosity was aroused as to what prompted
Rudolph to obtain the disguise.
" That's my business, "said Rudolph, who had his
reasons for secrecy, as we know.
153
" 1 meant no offense — I only wondered if yon left
the city."
"Yes, I've been into New Jersey," answered the
tramp, who thought it politic to put the customer
on the wrong scent. "You see I've got an old
uncle — a Quaker — living there. The old man's got
plenty of money, and I thought if I could only
make him thiDk me a good Quaker, I should stand
a good chance of being remembered in his will."
" I see — a capital idea. Did it work ? "
"I can't tell yet. He gave me four dollars and his
blessing for the present," said Eudolph, carelessly.
" That's a lie every word of it," said the old man
to himself, after the tramp went out. "You must
try to fix up a more probable story next time, Mr.
Eudolph. He's been up to some mischief, proba-
bly. However, it's none of my business, I've made
seven dollars out of him, and that pays me well —
yes, it pays me well."
When Rudolph left the costumer's, it occurred
to him that the tramp's dress which he had resumed
had better be changed, partly because he thought
it probable that a journey lay before him. He sought
out a large ready-made clothing establishment on
Fulton street, and with the money which had been
returned to him obtained a respectable-looking suit,
which quite improved his appearance. He regarded
his reflection in a long mirror with considerable sat-
isfaction. He felt that he would now be taken for
a respectable citizen, and that in discarding his old
dress he had removed all vestiges of the tramp. In
154 TONY, THE HERO.
this, however, he was not wholly right. His face
and general expression he could not change. A
careful observer could read in them something of
the life he had lead. Still he was changed for the
better, and it pleased him.
"Xow," he reflected, "I had better go and see
Mrs. Harvey Middleton. I have done the work, and
I shall claim the reward."
He hurried to the St. Nicholas, and, experienced
now in the ways of obtaining access to a guest, he
wrote his name on a card and sent it up.
" The lady will see you," was the answer brought
back by the servant.
" Of course she will," thought Eudolph. " She'U
want to know whether it's all settled, and she has
no further cause for fear. "
Mrs. Middleton looked up as he entered.
"Sit down, Mr. Eugg," she said, politely.
Her manner was cool and composed; but when
the servant had left the room, she rose from her
chair, and in a tone which showed the anxiety
which she had till then repressed, she asked, ab-
ruptly : ' ' Well, Mr. Rugg, have you any news for
me ? "
"Yes, ma'am, I have," he answered, deliberately.
"What is it ? Don't keep me in suspense," she
said, impatiently.
" The job's done," said Rudolph briefly.
" You mean that the boy —
" Accidentally fell down a well, and was killed,"
said the visitor, finishing the sentence.
"i HOLD YOU TO THE BOND." 155
" Horrible !" murmured the lady.
" Wasn't it?" said Rudolph, with a grin. "He
must have been very careless."
Mrs. Middleton did not immediately speak.
Though she was responsible for this crime, having
instigated it, she was really shocked when it was
brought home to her.
"You are sure he is dead?" she said, after a
pause.
"When a chap pitches head-first down a well
thirty feet deep, there isn't much hope for him, is
there? "
"No, I suppose not. Where did this accident
happen? " asked the lady.
' ' That ain't important, " answered Rudolph. "It's
happened — that's all you need to know. Tony won't
never come after that estate of his."
" It would have done him little good. He was not
fitted by education to assume it."
"No; but he might have been educated. But
that's all over now. It's your's. Nobody can take
it from you."
"True! " said Mrs. Middleton, and a look of pleas-
ure succeeded the momentary horror. "You will
be ready to testify that the boy is dead? "
" There won't be any danger, will there? They
won't ask too many questions ? "
" As to that, I think we had better decide what
we will say. It won't be necessary to say how the
boy died."
"Won't it?"
156 TONY, THE HERO.
" No. Indeed, it will be better to give a different
account."
"Wfll that do just as well? "
" Yes. You can say, for instance, that he died of
small-pox while under your care in St. Louis, or any
other place."
' f And that I tended him to the last with the af-
fection of a father, " added Eudolph, grinning.
" To be sure. You must settle upon all the de-
tails of the story, so as not to be caught in any dis-
crepancies. "
"What's that?" asked the tramp, rather mysti-
fied.
' ' Your story must hang together. It mustn't con-
tradict itself."
v i To be sure. How long are you going to stay in
New York?"
"There is no further occasion for my staying
here. I shall sail to England in a week."
"Will it be all right about the money?" asked
Eudolph, anxiously.
"Certainly."
" How am I to be sure of that ? "
"The word of a lady, sir," said Mrs. Middleton,
haughtily, " ought to be sufficient for you."
" That's all very well, but suppose you should get
tired of paying me the money ? "
' ' Then you could make it very disagreeable for
me by telling all you know about the boy. How-
ever, there will be no occasion for that. I shall
keep my promise. Will you be willing to sail for
England next week." _
157
" Do you mean that I am to go with you ? "
"I mean that you are to go. Your testimony
must be given on the other side, in order to make
clear my title to the estate."
" I see, ma'am. If I'd known that I wouldn't have
had no fears about the money."
" You need have none, Mr. Eugg," said Mrs. Mid-
dleton, coldly. " The fact is, we are necessary to
each other. Each can promote the interests of the
other."
" That's so, ma'am. Let's shake hands on that,"
said Eudolph, advancing with outstretched hand.
"No, thank you," said Mrs. Middleton, coldly.
" You forget yourself, sir. Do not forget that I am
a lady, and that you are — "
" We are equal, ma'am in this matter," said Ru-
dolph, offended. " You needn't shrink from shak-
ing hands with me."
Ce That is not in the agreement," said Mrs. Middle-
ton, haughtily. "I shall do what I have agreed, but
except so far as it is necessary in the way of busi-
ness, I wish you to keep yourself away from me.
We belong to different grades in society. "
' ' Why didn't you say that the other day, ma'am ? "
said Eudolph, frowning.
"Because I didn't suppose it to be necessary.
You did not offer to shake hands with me then.
Besides, at that time you had not — "
" Pushed the boy down the well, if that's what
you mean," said Eudolph, bluntly.
" Hush ! don't refer to that. I advise you this for
your own sake."
158 TONY, THE HERO.
"And for the sake of somebody else."
"Mr. Eugg, all this discussion is idle. It can do
no good. For whatever service you have rendered,
you shall be well paid. That you understand. But
it is best that we should know as little of each other
henceforth as possible. It might excite suspicion,
as you can understand. "
" Perhaps you are right, ma'am," said Eudolph,
slowly.
" Call here day after to-morrow, and I will let you
know by what steamer I take passage for England,
that you may obtain a ticket. Good afternoon."
Eudolph left the lady's presence not wholly
pleased.
"Why wouldn't she shake my hand ?" he mut-
tered to himself. " She's as deep in it as I am."
TONY'S ESCAPE. 159
CHAPTER XXVI.
tony's escape.
We must now return to our young hero, who was
certainly in a critical position. Though strong of
his age, the reader will hardly be surprised that he
should have been overpowered by a man like Ru-
dolph.
When the false Quaker's hat and wig were taken
off, though he was at first surprised, he for the first
time understood why the man's face and voice had
seemed familiar to him from the time they first met.
He struggled in vain against the fate in store for
him. He felt that with him it was to be a matter
of life and death, and taken by surprise though he
was, he was on the alert to save his life if he could.
The well curb was partially destroyed, as we have
said, but the rope still hung from it. At the instant
of his fall, Tony managed while in transit to grasp
the rope by one hand. He swung violently from
one side to the other, and slipped a few feet down-
ward. This Rudolph did not see, for as soon as he
had hurled the boy into the well he hurried away.
Tony waited for the rope to become steady before
attempting to ascend hand over hand. Unfortun-
ately for his purpose the rope was rotten, and broke
just above where he grasped it, precipitating him to
1G0 TONY, THE HERO.
the bottom of the well. But he was already so far
from the opening that his fall was not over ten feet,
Luckily also the water was not over two feet in
depth. Therefore, though he was jarred and start-
led by the sudden descent, he was not injured.
" Well," thought Tony, " I'm as low as I can get
— that's one comfort. Now is there any chance of
my getting out?"
He looked up, and it gave him a peculiar sensa-
tion to look up at the blue sky from the place where
he stood. He feared that Eudolph was still at hand
and would resist any efforts he might make to get
out of the well.
"If he don't interfere I'm bound to get out," he
said to himself, pluckily.
His feet were wet, of course, and this was far
from comfortable.
He made a brief examination of the situation,
and then decided upon his plan. The well, like
most in the country, was provided by a wall of
stones, piled one upon another. In parts it looked
rather loose, and Tony shuddered as he thought of
the possibility of the walls falhng, and his being
buried in the ruins.
"It would be all up with me, then," he thought,
" I must get out of this as soon as I can. If I can
only climb up as far as the rope I can escape. "
This, in fact, seemed to be his only chance. Using
the wall as a ladder, he began cautiously to ascend.
More than once he came near falling a second time,
but by greatest exertion he finally reached the rope.
TONY'S ESCAPE. 161
He did not dare to trust to it entirely, but contrived
to ascend as before, clinging to the rope with his
hands. He was in constant fear that it would break
a second time, but the strain upon it was not so
great, and finally, much to his delight, he reached
the top.
He breathed a deep sigh of relief when he found
himself once more on terra firma. He looked about
him cautiously, under the apprehension that Ru-
dolph might be near by, and ready to attack him
again. But, as we know, his fears were ground-
less.
"He made sure that I was disposed of," thought
Tony. " What could have induced him to attempt
my life? Can it be true, as he said, that I am hen
to a fortune? Why couldn't he tell me? I would
have paid him well for the information when I got
my money. Then he said he knew who I was — I
care more for that than the money."
But Tony could not dwell upon these thoughts.
The claims of duty were paramount. He must
seek the horse, and go back to the hotel. He had
been detained already for nearly three-quarters of
an hour, and they wouM be wondering what had
become of him.
He made his way as quickly as possible to where
he had tied the horse. But he looked for him in
vain. He had been untied and led away — perhaps
stolen. Tony felt assured that the horse of himself
could not leave the spot.
" It must be Rudolph," he said to himself. " He
162 TONY, THE HERO.
has made off with the horse. Now I am in trouble.
What will Mr. Porter -say to me?"
Tony was in error, as we know, in concluding
that Rudolph had carried away the horse. The
tramp had no use for him. Besides, he knew that
such a proceeding would have exposed him to sus-
picion, which it was very important for him to
avoid.
Who, then, had taken the horse? That is a ques-
tion which we are able to answer, though Tony
could not.
Fifteen minutes before Sam Payson, whose place
Tom had taken, with a companion, Ben Hardy,
while wandering through the woods had espied a
horse.
" Hallo! " said Ben, " here's a horse."
"So it is," said Sam. "It's rather odd that he
should be tied here."
" I wonder whose it is? "
Sam had been examining him carefully, and had
recognized him.
" It's Mr. Porter's Bill. Don't you see that white
spot? That's the way I know him. I have har-
nessed that horse fifty times."
"But how did he come here? That's the ques-
tion? "
"I'll tell you," said Sam. "I was at the hotel
this morning, and heard that that boy Tony was to
go over to Thornton with him."
"That don't explain why he is tied here, does it?"
" Tony must have tied him while he was taking a
tony's escape. 163
tramp in the woods. Wouldn't Porter be mad if he
knew it? "
" I shouldn't wonder if Tony would get bounced."
" Nor I. I tell you what, Ben, I've a great mind
to untie the horse, and take him back myself."
"What's the good? It would be an awful job.
We came out here to have some fun," grumbled
Ben.
"This would be fun to me. I'll get Tony into
trouble, and very likely get back the place he cheat-
ed me out of. I guess it'll pay. "
"All right, Sam. I didn't think of that. I'd like
to see how Tony looks when he comes back, and
finds the horse gone."
" It'll serve him right," said Sam. "What busi-
ness had he to interfere with me, I'd like to know."
" If you're going to do it you'd better hurry up.
He may go back any time."
"That's so. Here goes, then."
In a trice Bill was untied, and Sam taking the
halter led him away. When Tony came up he was
not in sight.
Though Tony felt convinced that Eudolph had
carried away the horse, he felt it to be his duty to
look about for it. There was a bare chance that he
might find it somewhere in the wood. In this way
he lost considerable time. Had he started for the
hotel immediately he would very likely have over-
taken the two boys.
Sam kept on his way, and finally arrived at the
hotel.
16^ TONY, THE HERO.
As he led the horse into the stable-yard James,
the hostler, exclaimed in surprise :
" How came you by that horse, Sam Payson?"
" Is that the way you thank me for bringing him
back? " asked Sam.
" He left the stable under the charge of Tony Rugg
this morning."
" Pretty care he takes of him, then."
" What do you mean? Where did you find him?"
" Down in the woods.''
" What woods?"
" Between here and Thornton."
" Wasn't Tony with him? "
"No."
"Are you sure of that? Are you sure you two
boys didn't attack Tony and take the horse away? "
demanded James, suspiciously.
"No, we didn't. If you don't believe me, you
may ask Ben."
" How was it, Ben?" he asked.
"Just as Sam has said. We found the horse alone
in the woods. We thought he might be stolen, and
we brought him home. It was a good deal of trou-
ble, for it's full two miles. "
James looked from one to the other in perplexity.
' ' I don't understand it at all, " he said. " It don't
look like Tony to neglect his duty that way."
' ' You've got too high an opinion of that boy en-
tirely," said Sam, sneeringly.
Tony sprung forward and seized the would-be murderer by tne arm.
(See page 182.) -.16g
166
CHAPTEE XXVII.
TONY IS DISCHARGED.
Presently Tony came into the yard. He was look-
ing very sober. He had lost the horse, and he didn't
know how to excuse himself. He didn't feel that
he had been to blame, but he suspected that he
should be blamed nevertheless.
"What did you do with the horse, Tony?" asked
James.
"He was stolen from me," answered Tony.
" How could that be?"
" I expect it was the Quaker."
"The Quaker!" repeated James, in amazement.
"Are you sure you're not crazy — or drunk?"
"Neither one," said Tony. "It's a long story
and "
"You must tell it to Mr. Porter then. He wants
to see you right off. But I'll tell you for your in-
formation that the horse is here."
' ' Is here? Who brought it? "
" Sam Payson brought it a short time since."
"Sam Payson! Where did he say he found it?"
'*In the woods."
"Then he might have left it there," said Tony, in-
dignantly. ' ' What business had he to untie it, and
give me all this trouble? "
TONY IS DISCHARGED. 167
" You can speak to Mr. Porter about that."
"Where is he?"
"In the office."
Tony entered the office.
Mr. Porter regarded him with a frown.
' ' How is this, Tony? " he began. ' ' You leave my
horse in the woods to be brought home by another
boy. He might have been stolen,, do you know
that?"
"I've been deceived, and led into a trap," said
Tony.
' ' What on earth do you mean? Who has deceived
and trapped you?"
"The Quaker who was stopping here. Has he
come back?"
" He has settled his bill and left the hotel. What
cock-and-bull story is this you have hatched up?"
"It is a true story, Mr. Porter. This man was
not a Quaker at all. He was a tramp."
"Take care what you say, Tony. Do you take
me for a fool? "
" He is a man I used to know. When I was com-
ing home he was waiting for me in the woods, only
I didn't know who he really was. He told me there
was a man who had fallen into a well in the woods,
and he wanted my help to get him out. So I tied
the horse and went with him. I wouldn't have left
him but for the story of the man in the weU. "
" Go on, " said the landlord. ' ' I warn you I don't
believe a word of this wonderful story of yours."
"I can't help it," said Tony, desperately. It's
true."
168 TOXY, THE HERO.
"Go on, and I'll give you my opinion of it after-
ward."
" Just before we got to the well a branch took off
his hat and wig, and I saw that he was no Quaker,
but my enemy, Eudolph Rugg."
"Rudolph Rugg! A very good name for a ro-
mance. "
Tony proceeded:
"Then I tried to get away, but it was too late.
The man seized me and threw me down the well.
But first he told me that he knew who I was, and
that I was heir to a large fortune."
"Indeed! How happens it that you are not at
the bottom of the well still? "
"I got out."
"So I see; but how?"
"I climbed up by the stones till I reached the
rope, and then I found it easy. I hurried to where
I had left the horse, but it was gone. I supposed
that the Quaker had taken it, but James tells me
Sam Pay son found it and brought it back."
"'Look here, boy," said the landlord, sternly, "do
you expect me to believe this romance of yours? "
"I don't know whether you will or not, sir. All
I can say is that it is the exact truth."
"I cannot keep you in my employ any longer. I
have been deceived by you, and should no longer
trust you. You certainly have mistaken your vo-
cation. You are not fit to be a stable boy. "
" I should like to know what I am fit for," said
Tony, despondently.
TONY IS DISCHARGED. 169
u I will tell you, then. Judging from the story
you have told me,, I should think you might succeed
very well in writing a romance. I don't know
whether it pays, but you can try it."
i ' Some time you will find out that I have told the
truth," said Tony.
"Perhaps so, but I doubt it."
" When do you want me to go? "
"You can stay till to-morrow morning. Wait a
minute. Here is a five-dollar bill. That is a fair
price for the time you have been with me."
As Tony was going out he came near having a
collision with Sam Payson.
Sam looked at him inquiringly.
"Have you been discharged?" he asked.
" Yes/" said Tony. "It was your fault. What
made you take that horse?"
" I was afraid Mr. Porter might lose it. Is he in?"
" Yes. You can apply for my place, if you want
to."
" I mean to."
Sam went in, and addressed the landlord.
"I brought your horse back," he said.
' ' Thank you. Here's two dollars for your trou-
ble."
Sam tucked it away with an air of satisfaction.
" Tony tells me he is going away."
" Yes. He don't suit me."
"Wouldn't I suit you? " asked Sam, in an ingra-
tiating tone.
"No; I've tried you, and you won't suit," was the
unexpected reply.
170 TONY, THE HERO.
"But I brought back the horse," pleaded Sam,
crest-fallen.
"I've paid you for that/' said the landlord.
"Didn't I pay you enough? "
"Yes, sir; but I thought you'd take me back
again."
1 ' I know you too well, Sam Payson, to try any
such experiment. The Widow Clark told me yester-
day that she wanted to get her boy into a place, and
I am going to offer it to him.
"He don't know anything about horses," said
Sam.
" He will soon learn. He is a good boy, and in-
dustrious. I am sure he will suit me better than
you."
1 ' I wish I hadn't brought back his old horse, '
muttered Sam, as he left the office and went back
into the yard. He hoped to triumph over Tony by
telling him that he had taken his place, but the op-
portunity was not allowed him.
"Well, Sam, are you going to take my place?"
asked Tony.
" Xo, I'm not," said Sam.
" Didn't you ask for it? "
"The old man had promised it to another boy,"
said Sam, sourly.
" He's been pretty quick about it, then," said
James.
"A boy that don't know the first thing about
horses," grumbled Sam.
"Who is it?"
TONY IS DISCHARGED. 171
" Joe Clark."
" He's a good boy; I'm glad he s coming, though
I'm sorry to lose Tony. "
"Thank you, James," said Tony. "I'd like to
stay, but I can't blame Mr. Porter for not believing
my story. It was a strange one, but it's true for all
that."
James shrugged his shoulders.
"Then you believe you're heir to a fortune, as he
told you?"
" Yes; he had no reason to tell me a lie."
" What's that? " asked Sam.
" The Quaker gentleman who was here told Tony
that he was heir to a large fortune."
"Ho, ho!" laughed Sam, boisterously. "That's
a likely story, that is."
"Why isn't it?" asked Tony, frowning.
"You heir to a fortune — a clodhopper like you!
Oh! I shall split! " said Sam, giving way to another
burst of merriment.
"I am no more a clodhopper than you are," said
Tony, ' ' and I advise you not to laugh too much, or
I may make you laugh on the other side of your
mouth."
" It'll take more than you to do it," said Sam, de-
fiantly,
"I have done it already, Sam Payson, and I'm
ready to try it again before I leave town."
"I wouldn't dirty my hands with you," said Sam,
scornfully.
"You'd better not."
172 TONY, THE HERO.
When Sam had gone, Tony turned to James.
"I wonder whether I shall ever see you again,
James?" he said, thoughtfully.
'fI hope so, Tony. I'm sorry you're going; but
you couldn't expect Mr. Porter to believe such a
story as that."
"Then you don't believe it, James? I'll come
back some day just to prove to you that it is true."
"Come back at any rate; I shall be glad to see
you. When do you go? "
" To-morrow morning."
" Where shall you go first? "
" To New York; but I'll help you tiU I go."
So Tony did his work as usual for the remainder
of the day. He felt rather sober. Just as he had
found a home his evil genius, in the character of
Rudolph, appeared and deprived him of it.
THE WORLD BEFORE HIM. 173
CHAPTEE XXVIII.
THE WORLD BEFORE HIM.
Though Tony was out of a place he was consider-
ably better off than he had generally been. He
had five dollars in his pocket for the first time in
his life. A few weeks ago he would have consid-
ered himself rich with this amount, and would have
been in high spirits. But now he took a different
view of life. He had known what it was to have a
settled home, and to earn an honest living, and he
had learned to like it. But fortune was against
him, and he must go.
1 £ Good-by, James, " he said, soberly, to the hostler
the next morning.
" Good-by, Tony, and good luck, " said the kind-
hearted hostler.
' f I hope I shall have good luck, but I don't expect
it," said Tony.
" Pooh, nonsense ! You're young, and the world
is before you."
" That's so, James, but so far the world has been
against me."
" Come here a minute, Tony," said James, lower-
ing his voice.
As Tony approached, he thrust a bank-note has-
tily into his hand.
" Take it," he said, quickly. " I don't need it, and
you may."
174: TONY, THE HERO.
Tony looked at the bill, and found it was a tern
dollar note.
" You're very kind, James," he said, touched by a
kindness to which he was unaccustomed, " but I
can't take it. "
' ' Why not ? I shan't need it. "
"Nor I, James. I've got some money. It isn't
much, but I'm used to roughing it. I've done it all
my life. I always come down on my feet like a
cat."
" But you may get hard up."
"If I do, I'll let you know."
" Will you promise that ? "
"Honor bright."
So James took back the money reluctantly, and
Tony bade him goocl-by.
It was a rainy day when Tony arrived in New
York. The stores were deserted, and the clerks
lounged idly behind the counter. Only those who
were actually obliged to be out appeared in the
streets. If Tony's hopes had been high they would
have been lowered by the dreary weather. He
wandered aimlessly about the streets, having no
care about his luggage for he had brought none,
looking about him listlessly. He found himself
after a while in the lower part of Broadway, not far
from the Battery. It is here, as my city readers
know, the most of the European steamer lines
have their offices.
At once Tony saw a figure that attracted his eager
attention.
>
-
THE WORLD BEFORE HIM. 175
It was Eudolph Rugg, his old comrade, and now
bitter enemy.
"Where is he going ? " thought Tony.
This question was soon solved.
Rudolph entered the office of the Anchor Line of
steamers.
" What can he want there ? " thought Tony. " 111
watch him."
He took a position near by, yet far enough off to
avoid discovery, and waited patiently for Rudolph
to reappear. He waited about fifteen minutes.
Then he saw the tramp come out with a paper in
his hand, which he appeared to regard with satis-
faction. He turned and went up Broadway.
As soon as he thought it safe Tony crossed the
street and entered the office. He made his way up
to the counter and inquired the price of passage.
The rates were given him.
"Can you tell me/' he asked, carelessly, "if a Mr.
Rugg is going across on one of your steamers ? "
"Mr. Rugg? Why, it is the man who just left
the office.''
' ' Did he buy a passage ticket ? "
"Yes."
" When does he sail ? "
"On Saturday."
"And where does he go ? "
"To Liverpool, of course. Can I sell you a
ticket ? "
' ' I haven't decided, " said Tony.
"If you go, you will find it to your advantage to
go by our line."
176 TONY, THE HERO.
' ' I'll go by your line, if I go at all, " said Tony.
"I wonder whether he'd be so polite if he knew I
had but three dollars and a quarter in my pocket ? "
said our hero to himself.
Then he began to wonder how it happened that
Eudolph was going. First, it was a mystery where
he could have obtained the money necessary for the
purchase of a ticket. Next, what could be his rea-
son for leaving America.
' ' Probably he has picked somebody's pocket, "
thought Tony.
That disposed of the difficulty, but, as we know,
Tony was mistaken. It was money that he had re-
ceived for a worse deed, but Tony never thought of
connecting the state of Rudolph's purse with the
attempt that had been made upon his own life.
When Tony came to think of it he felt glad that
Rudolph was going abroad. He felt that his own
life would be safer with an ocean flowing . between
him and the man who latterly had exhibited such
an intense hatred for him. As to his motive, why
perhaps he thought that he would be safer in Lon-
don than in New York.
Tony bethought himself of securing a temporary
home. He was not a stranger in New York, and
knew exactly where to go. There was a house not
far from Greenwich street, where he had lodged
more than once before, and where he was known.
It was far from a fashionable place, but the charge
was small, and that was a necessary consideration
with Tony.
THE WORLD BEFORE HIM. 177
He rang the bell, and the proprietor, a hard-
favored woman of fifty, came to open it.
"How do you do, Mrs. Blodgett ?" said Tony.
" Why, it's Tony," said the woman, not unkindly,
"Where have you been this long time ?"
" In the country," answered our hero.
" And where is your father ? "
" Do you mean the man I used to be with ? "
" Yes. He was your father, wasn't he ? "
"No. He was no relation of mine," said Tony,
hastily. " We used to go together, that is all."
"Where is he?"
" I don't know exactly. We had a falling out, and
we've parted."
"Well, Tony, what can I do for you ? "
' ' Have you got any cheap room to let, Mrs. Blod-
gett?"
" I've got a room in the attic. It's small, but
if it'll suit you, you can have it for a dollar a
week."
"It's just the thing," said Tony, in a tone of satis-
faction. " Can I go right up ? "
"Yes, if you want to. I generally want a
week's pay in advance, but you've been here be-
fore "
"No matter for that. Here's the money," said
Tony.
"I'll show you the way up."
"All right. I guess I'll lie down awhile. I've
been about the streets all day, and am pretty
tired."
178 TONY, THE HERO.
The room was quite small, and the furniture was
shabby and well-worn ; but Tony was not particu-
lar. He threw himself on the bed, and soon fell
asleep.
How long he slept he did not know, but when he
woke up the room was quite dark. He stretched,
and did not immediately remember where he was ;
but it flashed upon him directly.
"I wonder what time it is ? " he asked himself .
"I must have slept a long time. I feel as fresh as
a lark. I'll get up a take and tramp. "
"When he went down stairs he found that it was
already ten o'clock.
" I feel as fresli as if it were morning,'' thought-
Tony. ' ' I'll go out on Broadway and watch some
of the theatres when the people come out."
Ten o'clock seems late in the country ; it is the
usual hour for retiring for many families ; but in
the city it is quite different. There are still many
to be seen in the streets, and for many it is the com-
mencement of a season of festivity.
Tony walked for half an hour. He was so thor-
oughly rested that he felt no fatigue. Presently he
stepped into a crowded billiard-room, and seating
himself, began to watch a game between a young
man of twenty-five and a man probably fifteen
years his senior. The first was evidently a gentle-
man by birth and education ; his dress and manners
evinced this. The other looked like an adventurer,
though he was well-dressed.
' ' Come, let us play for drinks, " said the elder.
THE WORLD BEFORE HIM. 179
( ' I've drank enough," said the young man.
" Nonsense. You can stand a little more."
"Just as you say."
The game terminated in favor of the elder, and
the drinks were brought.
This went on for some time. The young man was
evidently affected. Finally he threw down his cue,
and said ;
" I won't play again."
" Why not?"
" My hand is unsteady. I have drank too much."
"I've drank as much as you, but I am all right."
" You can stand more than I. Ill settle for the
drinks and games and go home."
"Shan't I see you home ? " asked the elder.
"I don't want to trouble you."
"No trouble at all."
The young man paid at the bar, displaying a
well-filled pocketbook. There was something in
his companion's expression which made Tony sus-
picious. He formed a sudden resolve.
" I'll follow them, " he said, and when they left
the room he was close behind them.
ISO TONY. THE HERO.
CHAPTER XXIX.
A STRANGE ADVENTURE.
The young man leaned on the arm of his com-
panion. He was affected by the potations in which
he had indulged, and was sensible of his condition.
"I ought not to have drank so much," he said,
in unsteady accents.
"Pooh! it's nothing," said the other, lightly.
"Where are you stopping? "
"St. Nicholas."
" We'd better walk; it will do you good to walk.'
"Just as you say."
"Of course, I would only advise you for your
good."
"I know it; but old fellow, why did you make
me drink so much?"
"I thought you could stand it better. I'm as cool
as a cucumber."
He pressed the young man's arm, and led him
into a side street.
"What's that for? This ain't the way to St.
Nicholas."
"I know it."
"Why don't you go up Broadway?"
"You are not fit to go in yet, You need a longer
walk, so that your condition will not be noticed
when you go in. "
A STRANGE ADVENTURE. 181
" Go along old fellow; you're right."
Still Tony kept behind. All seemed right; enough,
but somehow he could not help feeling suspicious of
the older man.
"I'll watch him," he thought, "and if he at-
tempts any mischief I'll interfere. "
The two men walked in a westerly direction,
crossing several streets.
"Look here," said the young man, " we'd better
turn back. "
Now was the time.
The other looked swiftly around, but did not no-
tice Tony, who was tracking him in the darkness.
" Give me your watch and money at once, or I'll
blow your brains out."
" Look here, you're only trying to play a joke on
me."
"You're mistaken. I'm a desperate man. I will
do as I say."
"Then you're a villian," said the young man,
with spirit. "You've made me drunk in order to
rob me."
"Precisely. Your money or your life. That's
about what I mean."
" I'll call the police."
" If you do it will be your last word. Now make
up your mind."
The young man, instead of complying, endeav-
ored to break away, but in his intoxication he had
lost half his strength, and was no match for . the
other.
182 TONY, THE HERO.
" You fool ! your blood be on your own hands! "
said his companion, and he drew a pistol from his
side pocket.
An instant and he w^ould have fired, but Tony
was on the alert. He sprang forward, seized the
would-be murderer by the arm, and the pistol went
off, but the bullet struck a brick wall on the op-
posite side of the street.
iC Police! " shouted Tony, at the top of his lungs.
" Confusion!" exclaimed the villian. "I must
be getting out of this."
He turned to fly, but Tony seized him by the
coat, and he struggled fiercely, but in vain.
" Let go, you young scoundrel! " he shouted, " or
I'll shoot you. "
"With an unloaded pistol? " asked Tony. " That
don't scare much."'
A quick step was heard, and a policeman turned
the corner.
" What's the matter?" he asked.
' ' I charge this man with an attempt at murder,"
said Tony.
" The boy is right," said the young man.
" They are both lying, " said the adventurer, fu-
riously. " It's a plot against me."
"I know you, Bill Jones," said the policeman,
after a careful scrutiny of the man's features.
" You're a hard ticket. Come along with me. You
two must go with me to prefer your charge."
"Let me have your arm, my boy," said the
young man; "I'm ashamed to own that I need
A STRANGE ADVENTURE. 183
your help. It is the last time I will allow liquor to
get the better of me."
'•'I guess you're about right there." said Touy.
" You've had a narrow escape."
"I owe my life to you," said the young man,
warmly. " How did you happen to come up just
in the nick of time? "
" I suspected the man meant you no good. I fol-
lowed you from the billiard saloon, where I saw you
playing."
"You were sharper than I. I never suspected
harm. You have done me the greatest possible
service. "
"Curse the young brat!" muttered the man in
custody. "I'd like a good chance to wring your
neck."
" I've no doubt of it," said Tony. " I'll keep out
of your way."
The station house was not far off. The party en-
tered. The charge was formally made, and Tony
and the young man went out.
' ' Won't your father and mother feel anxious
about your being out so late?" asked George Spen-
cer, for this was the young man's name.
"I don't think they will," answered Tony. "I
haven't got any for that matter."
" Who do you live with then? "
"I take care of myself."
" Have you no one belonging to you? "
" Not one."
" Are you poor? " asked Spencer, for the first time
taking notice of Tony's rather shabby apparel.
184 TONY, THE HERO.
" Oh, no," said our hero. " I've got a little over
two dollars in my pocket."
"Is that all?"
" Yes, and it's a good deal more than I generally
have."
"You don't say so. How do you make your
living? "
"Any way I can. Any way that's honest."
" And don't you ever get discouraged — down in
the mouth? "
"Not often," answered Tony. " I've always got
along, and I guess something will turn up for me.
But there's one thing I'm sorry for."
"What's that?"
" I would like to get some sort of an education; I
don't know much."
"Can you read?"
' i A little, and write a little. I mostly picked it
up myself."
The young man whistled.
" Have you any place to sleep to-night? "
" I've hired an attic room for a week."
" What do you pay? "
"A dollar a week."
"Of course, it's a poor room? "
" Yes; but it's all I can expect, and better than I
often have. Why, I've slept in barns and under
haystacks plenty of times."
" What is your name? "
"TonyEugg."
1 ' Well, Tony, you must come and stop with me
to-night."
A STRANGE ADVENTURE. 185
"With you?"
"Yes; at the St. Nicholas Hotel. You can help
me get there, and share my room."
Tony hesitated.
" Do you mean it? " he asked.
" Why shouldn't I? "
" Because you're a gentleman, and I — do you
know what they call me? "
"What?"
"Tony, the Tramp."
' c It is your misfortune and not your fault. I re-
peat my invitation — will you come?"
"I will," answered Tony.
He saw that the young man was in earnest, and
he no longer persisted in his refusal.
" To-morrow morning I will talk with you fur-
ther about your affairs. I want to do something
for you."
" You are very kind."
" I ought to be. Haven't you saved my life? But
there is the hotel."
Tony and his new friend entered the great hotel.
It was brilliantly lighted, though it was now nearly
midnight.
Mr. Spencer went up to the desk.
" My key," he said; " No. 169."
"Here it is, sir."
" This young man will share my room; I will en-
ter his name. "
The clerk looked at Tony in surprise. He looked
rather shabby for a guest of the great caravansery.
" Has he luggage? " asked the clerk.
186 TONY, THE HERO.
" None to night; I will pay his bill."
(( All right, sir."
They got into the elevator, and presently came to
a stop. Mr. Spencer opened the door of 169.
It was a good-sized and handsomely furnished
chamber, containing two beds.
u You will sleep in that bed, Tony," said Spencer.
"I feel dead tired. Will you help me off with my
coat?"
Scarcely was the young man in bed than he fell
asleep. Tony lay awake some time, thinking of his
strange adventure.
"It's the first time in my life," he said to him-
self, "when I've had two beds — one here and the
other at my lodgings. What would Eudolph say if
he knew I was stopping at a fashionable hotel, in-
stead of being at the bottom of the well, where he
threw me?"
BREAKFAST AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. 187
CHAPTER XXX.
BREAKFAST AT THE ST. NICHOLAS.
When Tony woke up in the morning he looked
about him with momentary bewilderment, wonder-
ing where he was.
George Spencer was already awake.
"How did you sleep, Tony?'' he asked.
"First rate."
" It must be late. Please look at my watch and
tell me what time it is."
" Half -past eight," said Tony, complying with his
request. " Why, it's late."
"'Xot very. I didn't get up until ten yesterday.
Well, what do you say to getting up and having
some breakfast? "
"Am I to breakfast with }^ou, Mr. Spencer? "
" To be sure you are, unless you have another en-
gagement," added Spencer, jocosely.
"If I have it can wait," said Tony. "How much
do they charge here for board, Mr. Spencer? "
"Four or five dollars a day. I really don't know
exactly how much."
"Four or five dollars a day!" exclaimed Tony,
opening his eyes in amazement. "How much I
shall cost you! "
" I expect you will cost me a good deal, Tony,"
188 TONY, THE HERO.
said the young man. "Do you know, I have a great
mind to adopt you! "
" Do you really mean it, Mr. Spencer? "
" Yes; why shouldn't I. I like what I have seen
of you, and I have plenty of money."
" It must be a nice thing to have plenty of mon-
ey/' said Tony, thoughtfully.
" There is danger in it, too, Tony. I am ashamed
to tell you how much I have spent in gambling and
"dissipation."
"I wouldn't do it, Mr. Spencer," said Toney, so-
berly.
" Capital advice, Tony. lam going to keep you
with me for fear I might forget, that is, if you think
you will like me well enough to stay."
' ' I am sure to like you, Mr. Spencer, but you may
get tired of me."
"I'll let you know when I do, Tony. How much
income do you think I have?"
"A thousand dollars!" guessed Tony, who consid-
ered that this would be a very large income.
Spencer laughed.
"It is over ten thousand," he said.
"Ten thousand! " exclaimed Tony. "How can
you spend it all? "
"I did spend it all, last year, Tony, and got a
thousand dollars in debt. I gambled, and most of
it went that way. But I'll leave that off. I shall
have you to take up my time, now."
"Did you know that man you played billiards
with last night, Mr. Spencer? "
BREAKFAST AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. 189
" I made his acquaintance in a gambling house,
and I was well punished for keeping company with
such a man. "
Tony was now nearly dressed.
"You didn't get your clothing from a fashionable
tailor, I should judge, " said his new guardian.
" No/' said Tony, " I haven't been to fashionable
tailors much."
"After breakfast I must go with you and see you
properly clothed. If you are to be my ward, I must
have your appearance do me credit."
"How very kind you are to me, Mr. Spencer,"
said Tony, gratefully. " I don't know how to repay
you."
"You've done something in that way already."
"It seems like a dream that a poor boy like me
should be adopted by a rich gentleman."
"It is a dream you won't wake up from very soon.
Now if you are ready we will go down to breakfast."
Tony hung back.
"Won't you be ashamed to have me seen with
you in these clothes? " he asked.
"Not a bit. Besides you will soon be in better
trim. Come along, Tony. "
They went down together, and entered the break-
fast room. A considerable number of persons were
there. Several stared in surprise at Tony as he en-
tered and took his seat. Our hero noticed it, and it
made him nervous.
" Do you see how they look at me? " he said.
"Don't let it affect your appetite, Tony," said his
190 TONY, THE HERO.
friend. "When you appear among them again you
will have no reason to feel ashamed."
A speech which Tony heard from a neighboring
table did not serve to reassure him.
An over-dressed lady of fifty said to a tall, angular
young lady, her daughter:
"Elvira, do you see that very common-looking
boy at the next table? "
"Yes, ma."
" He looks low. He is not as well dressed as our
servants. It is very strange they should let him
eat at an aristocratic hotel like this."
"Isn't he with that gentleman, ma? "
"It looks like it. He maybe the gentleman's
servant. I really think it an imposition to bring
him here."
Mr. Spencer smiled.
"Don't mind it, Tony," he said. "I know those
people by sight. They are parvenus. I suppose
you don't understand the word. They are vulgar
people who have become rich by a lucky speculation.
They will change their tune presently. What will
you have for breakfast? "
" There's such a lot of things," said Tony, "I don't
know what to choose. "
"You'll get used to that. I'll order breakfast for
both."
The waiter appeared, and Mr. Spencer gave the
order.
The waiter looked uncomfortable.
"Mr. Spencer," he said, "it's against the rules for
you to bring your servant to the table with you."
BREAKFAST AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. 191
" I have not done so," said Mr. Spencer, promptly.
" This young gentleman is my ward."
"Oh, excuse me," said the waiter, confused.
" Has any one prompted you to speak to me about
him?"
"'Those ladies at the next table."
" Then those ladies owe an apology to my ward,"
said the young man, loud enough for the ladies to
hear.
The shot told. The ladies looked confused and
embarrassed, and Tony and his guardian quietly
finished their breakfast.
There was another lady who noticed Tony, and
this was Mrs. Harvey Middleton. She was to sail
for England in the afternoon.
As Tony and Mr. Spencer were going out of the
breakfast-room, they met her entering.
She started at the sight of Tony, and scanned his
face eagerly.
"Who are you, boy?" she asked, quickly, laying
her hand on his arm.
Tony was too surprised to answer, and Mr. Spen-
cer answered for him.
"It is my ward, madame, " he answered. "He
has been roughing it in the country, which accounts
for the state of his wardrobe."
" 0, I beg pardon, sir," said Mrs. Middleton. "I
thought his face looked familiar. "
"You see, Tony, that your appearance attracts
attention," said Mr. Spencer, laughing. "Xow we'll
go out, and I'll get you a fit-out."
192 TONY, THE HERO.
They went to a well-known clothier's, and Mr.
Spencer purchased two handsome suits for our hero,
one of which he put on at once. At another place a
plentiful supply of under-clothing was purchased.
Next a hat and shoes were procured. Tony's hair
was cut, he took a bath, and in a couple of hours he
was transformed into a young gentleman of distin-
guished appearance.
"Beally, Tony, I shouldn't have known you,"
said his friend.
"I shouldn't have known myself," said Tony. " I
almost think it must be some other boy. Who'd
think I was Tony, the Tramp, now? "
"You are not to be a tramp any longer, I have
not yet formed my plans for you, but I shall soon.
I suppose, Tony, your education has been neglected. "
"I should think it had," answered Tony. "I'm
as ignorant as a horse."
" Then you ought to learn something."
"I wish I could."
li You shall, but, as I said, I must arrange details
later."
# # # # # # #
About this time Eudolph and Mrs. Middleton
were conversing, preparatory to starting for the
steamer.
" You are sure the boy is dead? " she said.
" Sure? I ought to be. Didn't I see him dead with
my own eyes? "
' ' I saw a boy this morning who looked as I sup-
pose the boy would have looked — of the same age,
too."
RREAKFAST AT THE ST. NICHOLAS. 193
" Where did you see him? "
"He was with a gentleman, coming out of the
breakfast-room as I was entering it."
"It couldn't have been he," said Eudolph, posi-
tively. "Even if he were alive, he wouldn't be here.
But he's dead, I tell you. There's no doubt of it."
"There are strange resemblances," said the lady.
" But, of course, it couldn't have been the boy. In-
deed, the gentleman with him told me that it was
his ward."
Eudolph laughed.
"Tony wasn't likely to have a gentleman for a
guardian," he said.
But Eudolph would have felt less easy in his mind
if he had known that the boy whom he supposed
dead at the bottom of a well was really in the hotel
at that very moment.
194 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER XXXI.
TONY AND HIS GUARDIAN SET UP HOUSEKEEPING.
"Xow, Tony/' said George Spencer, after dinner,
" I want to tell you what plans I have formed foi
you and myself. I have got tired of hotel life, and
want a home. I shall seek a couple of handsomely-
furnished rooms up town, make it social and pleas-
ant with books and pictures, and we will settle
down and enjoy ourselves."
"I am afraid you will get tired of me, Mr. Spen-
cer, " said Tony, modestly. ' i I am too ignorant to
be much company for you. "
" Ignorance, like poverty, can be remedied," said
the young man. ' ' I shall obtain a private tutor
for you, and expect you to spend some hours daily
in learning." Tony's face brightened up.
"That is just what I would like," he said.
" You would like it better than going to school? "
1 i Yes, for at school I should be obliged to go into
a class with much younger boys."
" While with a tutor you can go on as fast as you
please."
" Yes, sir."
" To-night we both need a little recreation. Sup-
pose we go to some place of amusement. Have
you ever been to Barnum's?"
It
TONY SETS UP HOUSEKEEPING. 195
Yes, sir, but I didn't take a reserved seat.''
I suppose not."
" I sat in the upper gallery."
" To-night you shall be fashionable. Have you a
pair of kid gloves?"
"The last pair I had is worn out/" said Tony,
laughing.
' ' Then you must have another pair. We will get
a pair on our way there."
It was already time to start.
At eight o'clock Tony found himself occupying
an orchestra chair near the stage, his hands encased
in a pair of gloves of faultless fit, and looking
enough like a young patrician to pass muster among
his fashionable neighbors.
" How does it seem, Tony? " asked Spencer, smil-
ing.
"Tip-top," answered Tony: "but how queer kid
gloves feel. I never had a pair on in my life
before."
" There are the two ladies who found fault
with your appearance at the breakfast table this
morning. "
"They are loooking at me through an opera-
glass."
" Wondering if you can be the same boy. I have
no doubt they are puzzled to account for your trans-
formation.
Mr. -Spencer was right. The two ladies were at
the same moment exchanging remarks about our
hero.
190 TONY, THE HERO.
" Goodness, Elvira! there is that boy that was
at breakfast this morning at the hotel,"
" The boy that was so shabbily dressed, mamma?
Where?"
' ' Just to the left. He isn't shabby now. See how
he is decked out. Who would have thought it? "
" It's queer, isn't it? "
" I think we must have been mistaken about
him. He looks like a young gentleman now. But
why should he have worn such clothes before? "
" I can't tell, I am sure."
" That's a nice-looking young man, Elvira. I
wish he would take a fancy to you."
"La! mamma, how you talk," said Elvira, brid-
ling and smiling.
"Depend upon it, Tony, those ladies will be po-
lite to you if they get a chance," said Spencer,
laughing.
"It makes a great deal of difference how a boy
is dressed, " said Tony.
" You are right, Tony. Remember you are fash-
ionable now."
" There's a gentleman in front that I know," said
Tony, suddenly.
"Where." '
"The man with a partly bald head."
"How do you know him? "
" He was staying two or three days at the coun
try hotel where I was stable boy."
" Do you think he would know you now?"
"May I see?"
TONY SETS UP HOUSEKEEPING. 197
" Yes, but don't let him find you out. It won't
do in society to let it be known that you were ever
a stable-boy."
" All right."
Tony leaned over, and addressing the gentleman,
said:
"Would you be kind enough to lend me your
programme a minute, sir?"
"Certainly," was the reply. Then, looking at
Tony: "Your face looks very familiar. Where
have I seen you before?"
" Perhap at the St. Nicholas, sir, said Tony; "I
am stopping there."
" No; I never go to the St. Nicholas. Bless me!
You're the very image of a boy I have seen some-
where."
"Am I?" said Tony. "I hope he was good-
looking?"
"He was; but he was not dressed like you. In
fact — I remember now — he was employed as stable-
boy in a country hotel. "
"A stable boy !" exclaimed Tony, with comic
horror. " I hope you don't think I am the boy."
"Of course not. But really the resemblance is
striking."
"Mr. Spencer," said Tony, " this gentleman has
met a stable boy who looks like me."
"I really beg your pardon," said the gentleman;
"I meant no offense."
"My ward would not think of taking offense,"
said Mr. Spencer, courteously.
198 TONY, THE HERO.
Tony smiled to himself; he had a strong sense of
humor, and was much amused.
It is needless to say that he enjoyed the perform-
ance— all the more so from his luxurious seat and
nearness to the stage.
"Its a good deal better than sitting in the gal-
lery," he said, in a whisper to his companion.
"I should think so. I never sat up there,
Tony."
"And I never sat anywhere else."
As they were leaving the house, they found them-
selves close to the ladies whom they had noticed at
breakfast.
Elvira chanced to drop her handkerchief, probably
intentionally.
Tony stooped and picked it up. Though he had
led the life of a tramp, he had the instincts of a
gentleman.
"Thank you, young gentleman," said Elvira.
"You are very polite."
" Oh, don't mention it," said Tony.
"Really, Mamma, he is a born gentleman," said
Elvira, later, to her mother. " How could we make
such a mistake."
" His clothes were certainly very shabby, my
dear." ,
"Very likely he had been out hunting or some-
thing. We must not judge so hastily next time."
The ladies were foiled in their intentions of culti-
vating the acquaintance of Tony and his guardian,
as two days later they left the hotel, and installed
TONY SETS UP HOUSEKEEPING. 199
themselves in an elegant boarding-house on Madison
avenue.
"Now," said Mr. Spencer, "we must go to
work."
" I must," said Tony.
"And I too," said Spencer.
" What can you have to do? "
' ' I have received a proposal to invest a part of
my money — only one-fourth — in a business down
towm, and shall accept. I don't need to increase
my income, but I think I shall be less likely to yield
to temptation if I have some fixed employment. I
shall be so situated that I can do as much or as little
as I please. As to yourself I have put an advertise-
ment in a morning paper for a teacher, and expect
some applicants this morning. I want you to
choose for yourself."
' ' I am afraid I shan't be a very good judge of
teachers. Shall I examine them to see if they know
enough?"
"I think, from what you say of your igno-
rance, that any of them will know enough to
teach you for the present. The main thing is to
select one who knows how to teach, and whom
you will like."
1 i I wish you were a teacher, Mr. Spencer. "
"Why?"
"Because then I should have a teacher whom
Hiked."
"Thank you, Tony," said the young man, evi-
dently gratified. " The liking is mutual. I
200 TONY, THE HERO.
think myself fortunate in having you for my com
panion."
' ' The luck is on my side, Mr. Spencer. What
would I be but for you. I wouldn't be a tramp any
more, for I am tired enough of that, but I should
have to earn my living as a newsboy or a bootblack,
and have no chance of getting an education. "
So the relations between Tony and his new friend
became daily more close, until Mr. Spencer came to
regard him as a young brother, in whose progress
he was warmly interested.
A tutor was selected, and Tony began to study.
His ambition was roused. He realized for the first
time how ignorant he was, and it is not too much to
say that he learned in one month as much as most
boys learn in three. He got rid of the uncouth
words he had acquired in early life, and adapted his
manners to the new position which he found him-
self occupying in society. Mr. Spencer, too, was
benefited by his new friend. He gave up drink and
dissipation, and contented himself with pleasures in
which he could invite Tony to participate.
Meanwhile Mr. Harvey Middleton and Eudolph
had arrived in England, and we must leave our hero,
for a time and join them.
HOME AGAIN. 201
CHAPTER XXXII.
HOME AGAIN".
When Mrs. Harvey Middleton reached England,
she delayed but a day in London to attend to neces-
sary business. This business was solely connected
with her mission to America. Eudolph Eugg ac-
companied her to the chambers of a well-known
lawyer, and testified to having had the charge of
Tony, closing with the description of his death. Of
course nothing was said of the well, or about his
having thrown him in, for Eudolph was not a fool.
The details of a probable story had been got up by
Mrs. Middleton and Eugg in concert. According to
them and the written testimony, Tony had been run
over by a train on the Erie railway, and a newspa-
per paragraph describing such an accident to an un-
known boy was produced in corroboration.
It was an ingenious fabrication, and Mrs. Middle-
ton plumed herself upon it.
"Poor boy! "she said, with a hypocritical sigh,
*' his was a sad fate.*'
" It was, indeed," said the lawyer; "but," he
added, dryly, " you have no cause to regret it, since
it secures the estate."
' ' Don't mention it, Mr. Brief. It is sad to profit
by such a tragedy. "
202 TOXY, THE HERO.
" You don't take a business view of it, madame.
Such things happen, and if we can't prevent them,
we may as well profit by them."
" Of course I will not refuse what has fallen in
my way," said Mrs. Middleton; " but I had formed
the plan, if I found the boy alive, of bringing him
home and educating him for his position. He would
not have let me want."'
"Don't she do it well, though?'' thought Eu-
dolph, who heard all this with a cynical admiration
for the ex-governess. "If I was a gentleman, I'd
make up to her, and make her Mrs. Eugg if she'd
say the word."
"You think this man's evidence will substan-
tiate my claim to the estate? " she asked, after a
pause.
" I should say there was no doubt on that point,
unless, of course, his evidence is impeached or con-
tradicted."
" That is hardly likely, Mr. Brief. The poor
man suffered much at the death of the boy, to whom
he was ardently attached."
" So you loved the boy, Mr. Eugg? " said the law-
yer.
"Oh, uncommon," said Eudolph. "He was my
pet, and the apple of my eye. We was always to
gether, Tony and I. "
' ' And I suppose he loved you. "
" He couldn't bear me outrof his sight; he looked
upon me as a father, sir. "
' ' If he'd come into the estate, he would probably
HOME AGAIN. 203
have provided for you," suggested the lawyer,
watching him keenly.
" It's likely, sir. I wish he had.'7
"So it's a personal loss to you — the death of the
boy."
"Yes, sir."
" Mrs. Middleton probably will not forget your
services to the bo}r."
"No, sir. I shall, of course, do something for
Mr. Rugg, though not as much, perhaps, as my poor
cousin would have done. Mr. Rugg, will you see
me to my carriage? "
"Certainly, ma'am."
Mrs. Middleton was anxious to go away. The
conversation had taken a turn which she did not
like. It almost seemed as if the lawyer was trying
to find out something, and she thought it best to get
Rudolph away from the influence, lest Mr. Brief
should catechise him, and draw out something' to
her disadvantage.
"Mr. Rugg," she said, as they were going down
stairs, "I advise you not to go near Mr. Brief
again. "
" Why not, ma'am? "
" These lawyers are crafty. Before you knew
what he was after, he would extract the secret from
you, and there would be trouble for both of us."
iQ Do you think so, ma'am? I didn't see nothing
of it?"
"I think he suspects something. That matters
nothing if it does not go beyond suspicion. Unless
204 TONY, THE HERO.
he can impeach your testimony and draw you into
contradictions, we are safe, and you are sure of an
income for life."
" You needn't be afraid for me, ma'am. We are
in the same boat. "
She frowned a little at the familiar tone in which
he spoke. It was as if he put himself on an equal-
ity with her. But it was true, nevertheless, and it
was unpleasant for her to think of.
Was there nothing else that was unpleasant? Did
she not think of the poor boy who, as she thought,
was killed, and at her instigation? Yes, she thought
often of him, but as much as she could she kept the
subject away from her thoughts.
" He's better off," she said to herself. " He didn't
know anything of the property, and he wasn't fit to
possess it. All the troubles of life are over for
him."
i ' What are your plans, Mr. Rugg? " she asked.
" I have a mind to go down to Middleton Hall
with you, ma'am. I used to live there years ago,
and I might find some of my old cronies. "
"For that very reason you must not go," she
said, hastily. "They would be asking you all sorts
of questions, and you'd be letting out something."
"They wouldn't get nothing out of me."
"If you made no answer it would be as bad.
They would suspect you."
"And you, too."
" Precisely."
HOME AGAIN. 205
" It's rather hard, Mrs. Middleton, I can't see my
old friends. "
" You can make new ones. A man with money
can always find friends."
" That's true, ma'am," said Rudolph, brightening
up. "Then you'd recommend me to stay in Lon-
don? "
"In London, or anywhere else that you like bet-
ter. Only don't come within twenty miles of Mid-
dleton Hall.
"Well, ma'am, you're wiser than I am, and you
know better what it's best to do."
"Of course I do. You are safe in being guided
by me."
" But about the money, ma'am. How am I to
get that if I don't see you?"
"Once a quarter I will pay in forty pounds to
your account at any bank you choose. You can let
me know. "
" All right, ma'am. It's strange to me to think
of having a bank account."
" It need not be strange henceforth. And now,
Mr. Rugg, we must part. I must hasten down to
Middleton Hall to look after the estate. I have been
absent from it now for nearly three months."
" I suppose you are in a hurry to see your young
man," said Rudolph, with a grin.
" Mr. Rugg," said the lady, haughtily, " I beg you
will make no reference to my private affairs. You
speak as if I were a nurserymaid.'*
206 TONY, THE HERO.
"I beg your pardon, ma'am. No offense was
meant.'5
"Then none is taken. But remember my cau-
tion."
" She stepped into the hansom which was waiting
for her, and Eudolph remained standing on the
sidewalk."
"She's puttin' on airs," said the tramp, frowning.
"She forgets all about her bein' a governess once,
without five pounds in the world. She acts as if
she were a lady born. I don't like it. She may try
her airs on others, but not on Rudolph Rugg. He
knows a little too much about Mrs. Harvey Middle-
ton. Rich as you are, you're in his power, and if
he was so inclined he could bring you down from
your high place, so he could."
But Rudolph's anger was only transient. He was
too astute not to understand clearly that he could
not harm Mrs. Middleton without harming himself
quite as much. As things stood, he was securely
provided for. No more tramping about the country
for him in all weathers He had enough to lodge
and feed him, and provide all the beer and tobacco
he could use. This was certainly a comfortable re-
flection. So he sought out a comfortable lodging
and installed himself before night, determined to
get what enjoyment he could out of London and
the income he had so foully won.
And Mrs. Middleton, she, too, congratulated her-
self.
She leaned back in the cab and gave herself up to
HOME AGAIN. 207
joyful anticipations of future happiness and secu-
rity.
1 ' Thank Heaven, I have got rid of that low fel-
low," she ejaculated, inwardly. I never want to see
the brute again. He was necessary to my purpose,
and I employed him, but I should be glad if he
would get drowned, or be run over, or end his mis-
erable life in some way, so that I might never see or
hear of him again. "
But the thought of Eudolph did not long trouble
her. She thought rather of the handsome Captain
Lovell, whom she loved, and to marry whom she
had committed this crime, and the hard woman's
face softened, and a smile crept over it.
"I shall soon see him, my Gregory," she mur-
mured. " He will soon be mine, and I shall be re-
paid for my long, wearisome journey."
208 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
CAPTAIN GREGORY LOVELL.
A carriage drove rapidly up the avenue leading
to Middleton Hall.
The hall was not large, but was handsome and
well proportioned, and looked singularly attractive,
its gray walls forming a harmonious contrast with,
the bright green ivy that partially covered them,
and the broad, smooth lawn that stretched out in
front.
Mrs. Middleton regarded her home with un-
mingled satisfaction. It was to be her home now as
long as she lived. Xow that the boy was dead no
one could wrest it from her. She would live there,
but not in solitary ^grandeur. The news of her suc-
cess would bring Captain Gregory Lovell to her side,
and their marriage would follow as soon as decency
would permit. If afterward he should desire to
have the name of the residence changed to Lovell
Hall, Mrs. Middleton decided that she would not
object. Why should she? She had no superstitious
love for her present name, while Lovell had for her
the charm which love always gives to the name of
the loved one.
The housekeeper, stout and matronly, received
her mistress at the door.
CAPTAIN GREGORY LOVELL. 209
" Welcome home, Mrs. Middleton," she said;
" how long it seems since you went away."
"How do you do, Sarah," said her mistress,
graciously. "I can assure you I am glad to be
back."
" You will find everything in order, mum, I hope
and believe," said Sarah. "We expected to see
you sooner."
( ' I hoped to be back sooner, but the business de-
tained me longer than I desired."
"And did you succeed, mum, if I may be so bold,'
inquired the housekeeper, curiously.
"As I expected, Sarah. I found that the poor
boy was dead."
"Indeed, mum."
" I hoped to bring him back with me, according
to my poor husband's desire, but it was ordered
otherwise by an inscrutable Providence."
Sarah coughed.
"It is very sad," she said, but she looked cu-
riously at her mistress.
She knew very well that this sad news rejoiced
the heart of Mrs. Middleton, and the latter knew
that she could not for a moment impose upon her
clear-sighted housekeeper. But the farce must be
kept up for the sake of appearances.
" Come up to my chamber with me, Sarah. I
want, to ask you what has been going on since I
went away? Have you heard from Lady Lo veil's
family? Are they all well? "
Lady Lovell was the mother of Captain Gregory
Lovell, and the question was earnestly nut.
210 TONY, THE HERO.
"They are all well except the captain," answered
Sarah.
"Is he sick?" demanded her mistress, turning
upon her swiftly.
" Ko, mum; I only meant to say that the cap-
tain was gone away."
" Gone away! When? Where?"
" He's ordered to India, I believe, mum. He went
away a month ago."
Mrs. Middleton sank into her chair, quite
overcome. Her joy was clouded, for the reward
of her long and toilsome journey was snatched
from her.
"Did he not leave any message?" she asked.
" Did he not call before he went away? "
"Yes, mum. He left a note."
" Give it to me quick. Why did you not mention
it to me before?"
"It's the first chance I got, mum. The letter is
in my own chamber. I took the best care of it. I
will get it directly."
"Do go, Sarah."
Mrs. Middleton awaited the return of Sarah with
nervous impatience. Perhaps the captain had
thrown her over, after all, and, loving him as she
did, this would have torn the heart of the intriguing
woman, who, cold and selfish as she was so far as
others were concerned, really loved the handsome
captain.
Sarah speedily reappeared with the letter.
"Here it is, mum," she said. "I have taken the
best care of it."
CAPTAIN GREGORY LOVELL. 211
Mrs. Middleton tore it open with nervous haste
This is the way it ran:
" My Dear J axe — I am about to set out for India
— not willingly, but my regiment is ordered there,
and I must obey or quit the service. This, as you
well know, I cannot do ; for apart from my official
pay, I have but a paltry two hundred pounds a
year, and that is barely enough to pay my tailor's
biU. I am sorry to go away in your absence. If I
were only sure you would bring home good news, I
could afford to sell my commission and wait. But it
is so uncertain that I cannot take the risk.
" I need not say, my dear Jane, how anxious I
am to have all the impediments to our union re-
moved. I am compelled to be mercenary. It is,
alas! necessary for me, as a younger son, to marry a
woman with money. I shall be happy, indeed, if
interest and love go hand in hand, as they will if
your absolute claim to your late husband's estate is
proved beyond a doubt. I append my India ad-
dress, and shall anxiously expect a communication
from you on your return. If you have been suc-
cessful, I will arrange to return at once, and our
union can be solemnized without delay. Once
more, farewell.
" Your devoted
" Gregory Lovell."
Mrs. Middleton, after reading this letter, breathed
a sigh of relief. He was still hers, and she had
only to call him back. There would be a vexatious
212 TOXY, THE HERO.
delay, but that must be submitted to. She had
feared to lose him, and this apprehension, at least,
might be laid aside.
To some the letter would have seemed too mer-
cenary. Even Mrs. Middleton could not help sus-
pecting that, between love and interest, the latter
was far the most powerful in the mind of Captain
Lovell. But she purposely closed her eyes to this
unpleasant suspicion. She was in love with the
handsome captain, and it was the great object of
her life to become his wife. She decided to answer
the letter immediately.
Her desk was at hand, and she opened it at once,
and wrote a brief letter to her absent lover:
"Dear Gregory — I have just returned. I am
deeply disappointed to find you absent, for, my dar-
ling, I have succeeded. I have legal proof — proof
that cannot be disputed — that the boy, my hus-
band's cousin, is dead. The poor boy was accident-
ally killed. I have the sworn affidavit of the man
who took him to America, and who was his constant
companion there.
" It is a sad fate for the poor boy. I sincerely de-
plore his tragical end — he was run over by a train of
cars — yet (is it wicked?), my grief is mitigated by
the thought that it removes all obstacle to our union-
I do not for an instant charge you with interested
motives. I am sure of your love, but I also com-
prehend the necessities of }^our position. You have
been brought up as a gentleman, and you have the
CAPTAIN GREGORY LOVELL. 213
tastes of a gentleman. You cannot surrender your
social position. It is necessary that, if you marry,
you should have an adequate income to live upon.
My darling Gregory, I am proud and happy in the
thought that I can make you such. You know my
estate. The rental is two thousand pounds, and
that is enough to maintain our social rank. Come
home, then, as soon. as you receive this letter. I am
awaiting you impatiently, and can hardly reconcile
myself to the delay that must be. Make it as short
as possible, and let me hear from you at once.
' ' Your own,
" Jane Middleton."
There was unexpected delay in the reception of
this letter. It was three months before it came into
the hands of Captain Lovell. When at length it
was received, he read it with a mixture of emo-
tions.
" Decidedly," he said, removing the cigar from his
mouth, "the old girl is fond of me. I wish I were
fond of her, for I suppose I must marry her. It will
be rather a bad pill to swallow, but it is well gilded.
Two thousand pounds a year are not to be thrown
away by a fellow in my straits. The prospect might
be brighter, but I suppose I have no right to com-
plain. It will make me comfortable for life. I must
take care to have the estate settled upon me, and
then the sooner the old girl dies the better."
So Captain Lovell wrote at once, saying that he
would return home as soon as he could make ar-
214 TONY, THE HERO.
rangements for doing so — that every day would
seem a month till he could once more embrace his
dear Jane. The letter was signed, "Your devoted
Gregory. "
Mrs. Middleton read it with unfeigned delight.
Her plans had succeeded, and the reward would
soon be hers.
But there was fresh delay. Arrangements to re-
turn could not be made so easily as Captain Lovell
anticipated. It was seven months from the day
Mrs. Middleton reached England when Captain
Lovell was driven to his hotel in London. Mean-
while events had occurred which were to have an
effect upon Mrs. Middleton's plans.
TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FRIENDS. 215
CHAPTER XXXIV.
TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FRIENDS.
"Tony," said George Spencer one evening, "you
have been making wonderful progress in your
studies. In six months you have accomplished as
much as I did at boarding school in two years
when at your age."
' ' Do you really mean it, Mr. Spencer ? " said
Tony, gratified.
" I am quite in earnest."
" I am very glad of it," said Tony. " When I be-
gan I was almost discouraged. I was so much be-
hind boys of my age."
" And now your attainements raise you above the
average. Your tutor told me so yesterday when I
made inquiries. "
"I am rejoiced to hear it, Mr. Spencer, I was very
much ashamed of myself at first, and I did not like
to speak before your friends for fear they would
find out what sort of a life I led. That is what made
me work so hard."
"Well, Tony, you may congratulate yourself on
having succeeded. I think you can venture now to
take a little vacation."
" A vacation ! I don't need one."
"Suppose it were spent in Europe ?"
TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FRIENDS. 215
CHAPTER XXXIV.
TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FRIENDS.
"Tony," said George Spencer one evening, "you
have been making wonderful progress in your
studies. In six months you have accomplished as
much as I did at boarding school in two years
when at your age."
' ( Do you really mean it, Mr. Spencer ? " said
Tony, gratified.
" I am quite in earnest."
"I am very glad of it," said Tony. u When I be-
gan I was almost discouraged. I was so much be-
hind boys of my age."
" And now your attainements raise you above the
average. Your tutor told me so yesterday when I
made inquiries."
"I am rejoiced to he*** it, Mr. IS' aieer, I was very
much ashamed of myself at fire* did not like
to speak before your friencu f« -ney would
find out what sort of a life I led. s what made
me work so hard."
"Well, Tony, you may congraio , yourself on
having succeeded. I think you cart iture now to
take a little vacation. "
" A vacation ! I don't need one. '
"Suppose it were spent in Europe '"
216 TONY, THE HERO.
" What ! " exclaimed Tony, eagerly, " you don't
think of our going abroad ? "
' ' Yes. The house with which I am connected
wants me to go abroad on business. If I go you
may go with me if you would like it."
" Like it ! " exclaimed Tony, impetuously. " There
is nothing I would like better."
" So I supposed," said George Spencer, smiling.
" I may as well tell you that our passage is taken
for next Saturday, by the Eussia."
"And this is Monday evening. How soon it
seems ! "
"There won't be much preparation to make —
merely packing your trunk."
"Mr. Spencer," said Tony, "I want to ask a
favor."
"What is it?"
"I have told you about being employed at a
country hotel, just before I came to the city and
found you."
"Yes.
" I would like to go back there for a day, just to
see how all my old friends are."
"You don't mean to apply again for your old
place ? "
1 1 Not unless you turn me off, and I have to find
work somewhere."
"Turn you off, Tony! Why, I shouldn't know
how to get along without you. You are like a
younger brother to me," said the young man, earn-
estly.
TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FRIENDS. 2 IT
5 ' Thank you, Mr. Spencer. You seem like an
older brother to me. Sometimes I can hardly be-
lieve that I was once a tramp."
" It was your misfortune, Tony, not your fault.
So you want to go back and view your former
home? "
"Yes, Mr. Spencer."
tC Then you had better start to-morrow morning,
so as to be back in good time to prepare for the
journey."
"Do you know, Mr. Spencer," said Tony, "Ive
got an idea. I'll go back wearing the same clothes
I had on when I left there."
" Have you got them still? "
" Yes, I laid them away, just to remind me of my
old life. I'll take my other clothes in a bundle, and
after a while I can put them on. "
" What is your idea in doing this, Tony?" asked
the young man.
" I want to give them a surprise."
"Very well, do as you please. Only don't stay
away too long. "
7T •& vr * -rS- vr
Tony proceeded to carry out the plan he had pro-
posed.
He traveled by rail to a village near by, and then
with his bundle suspended to a stick, took up his
march to the tavern.
He entered the familiar stable yard. All looked
as it did the day he left. There was only one per-
son in the yard, and that one Tony recognized at
218 TONY, THE HERO.
once as his old enemy, Sam Payson, who appeared
to be filling his old position, as stable boy.
"Hallo, Sam!" said Tony, whose entrance had
not been observed.
Sam looked np and whistled.
"What, have you come back? " he said, not ap-
pearing overjoyed at the sight of Tony.
" Yes, Sam," said Tony.
" Where have you been all the time? "
" In New York part of the time."
"What have you been doing for a living?"
" Well, I lived with a gentleman there."
" What did you do— black his boots?"
"Not exactly."
" Did he turn you off? "
" No ; but he's going to Europe next Saturday."
" So you're out of a place? "
" I have no employment."
"What made you come back here?" demanded
Sam, suspiciously.
" I thought I'd like to see you all again."
" That don't go down, "said Sam roughly. I know
well enough what you're after. "
"What am I after?"
" You're after my place. You're hoping Mr. Por-
ter will take you on again. But it's no use. There
ain't any chance for you."
"How long have you been back again, Sam? "
" Three months, and I am going to stay, too. You
got me turned off once, but you can't do it again."
"I don't want to." ■
TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FBIENDS. 219
uOh, no, I presume not," sneered Sam. "Of
course, you don't. You've got on the same clothes
you wore away, haven't you? "
"'Yes, it's the same suit, hut I've got some more
things in my bundle."
' ' I guess you haven't made your fortune, by the
looks."
"The fact is, Sam, I haven't earned much since I
went away."
"I knew you wouldn't. You ain't so smart as
people think."
"I didn't know anybody thought me smart."
" James, the hostler, is always talking you up to
me, but I guess I can rub along as well as you."
' i You talk as if I was your enemy, Sam, instead
of your friend."
"I don't want such a friend. You're after my
place, in spite of all you say."
Just then James, the hostler, came out of the
stable.
" What, is it you, Tony?" he asked, cordially.
"Yes, James; I hope you're well."
" Tip-top; and how are you?" asked the hostler,
examining Tony, critically.
"I'm well."
" Have you been doing well? "
" I haven't wanted for anything. I've been with
a gentleman in New York."
Here Mr. Porter appeared on the scene.
He too, recognized Tony.
"What ! back again, Tony?" he said.
220 TONY, THE HERO.
"I thought I'd just look in, sir."
" Do you want a place? "
"What sort of a place?"
"Your old place."
Sam heard this, and looked the picture of dismay.
He took it for granted that Tony would accept at
once, and privately determined that if he did he
would give him a flogging, if it were a possible
thing.
He was both relieved and surprised when Tony
answered:
' ' I am much obliged to you, Mr. Porter, but I
wouldn't like to cut out Sam. Besides, I have a
place engaged in New York. "
"I would rather have you than Sam, any day."
" Thank you, sir, but I've made an arrangement,
and can't break it."
" How long are you going to stay here? "
' ' If you've a spare room, I'll stay over till to-mor-
row."
"All right. Go into the office., and they'll give
you one."
" I say, Tony," said Sam, after the landlord had
gone, "you're abetter fellow than I thought you
were. I thought you'd take my place when it was
offered you."
"You see you were mistaken, Sam. I'll see you
again. "
Tony went into the hotel — went up to a small
chamber that had been assigned him, changed his
clothes for a handsome suit in his bundle, took a
TONY ASTONISHES HIS OLD FRIENDS. 221
handsome gold watch and chain from his pocket
and displayed them on his vest, and then came down
again.
As he entered the yard again, Sam stared in
amazement.
" It can't be you, Tony! " he said. ( ' Where'd you
get them clothes, and that watch?"
"I came by them honestly, Sam."
" But I can't understand it, "said Sam, scratching
his head. " Aint you poor, and out of work?"
" I'm out of work, but not poor. I've been adopfc-
ted by a rich gentleman, and am going to sail for
Europe on Saturday."
" Cracky ! who ever heard the like ? Wouldn't he
adopt me, too? "
"I believe there is no vacancy," said Tony, smil-
ing.
""Was that the reason you wouldn't take my
place?"
" One reason."
" James! " caUed Sam, " just look at Tony now."
James stared, and when an explanation was made,
heartily congratulated our hero.
" Sam," said Tony, producing a couple of showy
neck- ties, " to prove to you that I am not your ene-
my, I have brought you these."
"They're stunning!" exclaimed the enraptured
Sam. ' i I always thought you was a good fellow,
Tony. Are they really for me? "
" To be sure they are, but I'm afraid, Sam, you
didn't always think quite so well of me. "
222 TONY, THE HERO.
" Well, I do now. You're a trump."
"And, James, I've brought you a present too."
Here Tony produced a handsome silver watch with
a silver chain appended. "It's to remember me by."
' ( I'd remember you without it, Tony, but I'm very
much obliged too. It's a real beauty."
When the landlord was told of Tony's good for-
tune, he was as much surprised as the rest. Our
hero was at once changed to the handsomest room
in the hotel, and was made quite a lion during the
remainder of his stay.
There is something in success after all.
" Good-by, Tony," said Sam heartily, when our
hero left the next day. You're a gentleman, and
I always said so."
" Thank you, Sam. Good luck to you! " responded
Tony, smiling.
" I'm a much finer fellow than when I was a
tramp," he said to himself. "Sam says so, and he
ought to know. I suppose it's the way of the world.
And now for Europe! "
TONY'S BAD LUCK. 223
CHAPTER XXXV.
toxy's bad luck.
Two weeks later Tony and his friend were guests
at a popular London hotel, not far from Charing
Cross.
" We will postpone business till we have seen a
little of London," said George Spencer. " Luckily
my business is not of a pressing character, and it
can wait."
" You have been in London before, Mr. Spencer,"
said Tony. "I am afraid you will find it a bore go-
ing round with me."
" Not at all. I spent a week here when a boy of
twelve, and saw nothing thoroughly, so I am at
your disposal. Where shall we go first ? "
"I should like to see Buckingham Palace, where
the queen lives."
" She doesn't live there much. However, we'll go
to see it, but we'll take the Parliament House and
Westminster Abbey on the way."
In accordance with this programme they walked
— for the distance was but short — to Westminster
Abbey. It would be out of place for me to describe
here that wonderful church where so much of the
rank and talent of past ages lies buried. It is
enough to say that Tony enjoyed it highly. He
afterward visited the Parliament House. This oc-
224 TONY, THE HERO.
cupied another hour. When they came out Mr.
Spencer said:
" Tony, I have got to go to my banker's. Do you
care to come ? "
"No, thank you, Mr. Spencer, I would rather
walk round by myself."
"Very well, Tony, just as you please. Only don't
get lost."
"I'll take care of that; I'm used to cities."
"You are not used to London. It is one of the
blindest cities in the world; it is a complete laby-
rinth."
"I don't mean to get lost. You'll find me at the
hotel at four o'clock."
" Very well. That will be early enough."
So George Spencer went his way, and Tony set
out upon his rambles.
He found plenty to amuse him in the various
buildings and sights of the great metropolis. But
after awhile he began to wonder where he was. He
had strayed into a narrow street, scarcely more than
a lane, with a row of tumble-down dwellings on
either side.
" There's nothing worth seeing here," said our
hero. " I'll inquire my way to Charing Cross."
He went into a small beer house, and preferred
his request."
' ' Charing Cross ! " repeated the publican. It's a
good ways from 'ere."
"How far?" asked Tony.
" A mile easy, and there's no end of turns."
TONY'S BAD LUCK. 225
si Just start me, then," said Tony, ' ' and I'll reach
there. Which way is it \ "
" Turn to the left when you go out of this shop."
"All right, and thank you."
Tony noticed that there were three or four men
seated at tables in the back part of the shop, but he
had not the curiosity to look at them. If he had,
he would have been startled, for among these men
was Euclolph Rugg, more disreputable than ever in
appearance, for he had been drinking deeply for
the last six months. He stared at Tony as one
dazed, for he supposed him dead long ago at the
bottom of a well three thousand miles away.
" What's the matter, Rugg?" asked his compan-
ion. " You look as if you'd seen a ghost."
"So I have," muttered Rugg, starting for the
door.
" Where are you going ? "
"I've, got a headache," said Rudolph.
"You've left your drink."
"I don't want it."
"What's come over him ?" said his late compan-
ion, in surprise.
"No matter. He'll be back soon."
Rudolph swiftly followed Tony. He wanted to
find out whether it was really the boy whom he had
sought to murder or not. Then what did his appear-
ance in London mean ? Was he possibly in search
of him — Rugg ? It was wonderful, certainly. How
had he obtained the means of coming to England ?
—as a gentleman, too, for Rudolph had not failed to
226 TONY, THE HERO.
notice his rich clothes. Had he obtained rich and
powerful friends, and was he in search of the in-
heritance that had been wrongfully kept from
him ?
Budolph asked himself all these questions, but he
could not answer one.
" If I could only ask him," he thought, " but that
wouldn't be safe."
By this time he had come in sight of Tony, who
was walking along slowly, not feeling in any par-
ticular hurry.
An idea struck Eudolph.
A boy who had been employed in begging was
standing on the sidewalk.
"Gi'me a penny, sir," he said.
Eudolph paused.
' ' Walk along with me, and I'll show you how you
can earn half a crown," he eaid.
"Will you ? " said the boy, his face brightening.
" Yes, I will, and you won't find it hard work,
either."
" Go ahead, gov'nor."
"Do you see that boy ahead ?"
' ' That young gentleman ? " I
" Yes," said Eudolph.
"I see him."
"I want you to manage to get him up to my
room; it's No. 7 street, top floor, just at the
head of the stairs."
"Shall I tell him you want to see him ? "
"No, he wouldn't come. Tell him your p(K>r
TONY'S BAD LUCK. 22"<
grandfather is sick in bed — anything yon like, only
get him to come. "
"S'posin' he wont come ?"
" Then follow him, and find out where he is stay-
ing. Do you understand \ "
"Yes, gov nor. I'll bring him."
"Go ahead, and I'll hurry round to the room. I'll
be in bed."
" All right."
The boy was a sharp specimen of the juvenile
London beggar. He was up to the usual tricks of
his class, and quite competent to the task which
Eudolph had engaged him to perform.''
He came up to Tony, and then began to whim-
per.
" What's the matter, Johnny?" said Tony, ad-
dressing him by the usual New York name for an
unknown boy.
"Oh, my poor grandfather is so sick," said the
boy.
" What's the matter with him ? "
" I don't know. I guess he's goin' to die."
" Why don't you send for a doctor ? "
"He would't come — we're so poor."
"Do you live near here ? "
" Oh, yes, sir; only a little way."
"I want to go to Charing Cross — is it much out
of the way?"
" No, sir; it's right on the way there."
"Then, if you'll show me the way to Charing
Cross afterward, I will go round with you and look
228 TOXY, THE HEEO.
at your grandfather. Perhaps I can do something
for Mm."
"Oh, sir, how kind you are! I know'd you was
a gentleman when I fust saw you."
" When was your grandfather taken sick ? "
" Two days ago/'' said the boy.
"Is he in bed ?"
" Yes, sir. Leastways, he was when I came out.
We didn't have no breakfast."
" I am sorry for that. Don't you want to buy
something to take to him ? "
"If you'll give me a shillin , sir, I'll ask him what
he can eat. Sick folks can't eat the same things as
the rest of us."
"To be sure. You are right. Well, here's a
shilling."
" The boy little thinks that I have known many
a time what it is to be without breakfast or money
to buy any," thought Tony. "I'll do something for
the poor man, if only to show how grateful I am
for my own good fortune."
He followed the boy for about ten minutes^ until
they reached rather a shabby building. This was
No. 7.
"Come right up after me," said the boy.
The two went up till they reached the room indi-
cated by Rudolph. The boy pushed the door open.
A sound of groaning proceeded from the bed.
"Grandfather, I've brought a kind young gentle-
man," said the boy.
"Come here," muttered the person in bed.
TONY'S BAD LUCK. 229
Tony came up to the bed.
In an instant Rudolph had thrown off the clothes
and had him seized by the arm.
" There's your money, boy. Go! " he said to the
other, flinging a half-crown."
"I've got you at last! " he shouted. " Now, you
young villain, I'll get even with you! "
His face was almost fiendish with rage, as he
uttered these words.
230 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
"i HATE YOU!"
To say that Tony was not startled would not be
true. Without a moment's warning he found him-
self in the power of his old enemy — completely in
his power, knowing, too, the desperate character
of the man, which would let him stick at nothing.
Eudolph enjoyed his evident surprise.
"I've been waiting for this," he said. "It's a
great joy to me to have you here in my power."
By this time Tony had collected himself, and had
become composed.
"Rudolph," he said, "what makes you hate me
so?"
" Haven't you tried to injure me — didn't you get
me arrested? Do you forget that night in the old
miser's hut? "
" No, I don't forget it, but you forced me to act
as I did. But even if I did injure you, you took
your revenge."
"When, and how?"
" When you threw me into the well. How could
you do such a dark deed? What had I done that
you should seek to murder ne?"
" How did you get out? " \sked Rudolph, giving
way to curiosity.
231
"I climbed out."
"How?"
' ' By means of the wall that lined the well. Fi-
nally I got hold of the rope. "
"So that was the way, was it? I ought to have
made surer of your fate."
" How could you do that? "
" By throwing some rocks down on you," an-
swered the tramp, with a malignant frown.
" I am glad I have not such a wicked disposition
as you, Rudolph, " said Tony, looking at him fix-
edly.
"Take care how you insult me, boy!" said Ru-
dolph, angrily.
" I have no wish to insult you. Now tell me why
you have lured me here? I suppose you hired the
hoy."
"I did, and he did the work well, "said the tramp,
triumphantly.
' ' Well, now I am here, what do you want of
me?"
" First, tell me how you happen to be in London?
Did you know I was here? "
"I knew you crossed the Atlantic."
'SHow?"
"I saw you buy your ticket."
"What?" exclaimed the tramp, in surprise.
"Did you reach New York so soon? "
"Yes. I lost my situation at the inn, for they
did not believe my story about having been thrown
down the well by a Quaker."
232 TONY, THE HERO.
Rudolph laughed.
ci It was a good disguise," he said. " So they dis-
charged you? That was good."
" I did not think so at the time, but it proved to
be the luckiest thing that could happen to me."
" How was that?"
"It led me to go to New York. There I found a
rich and generous friend. I have been with him
ever since."
"Asa servant?"
"No; as his adopted brother. He supplied me
with teachers, and in little more than six months I
have acquired as much as most boys do in two or
three years."
" So you have gone in for education, have you?"
said Rudolph, sneering.
" Yes. Could I go in for anything better? "
"And you consider yourself a young gentleman,
now, do you? "
"That is the rank I hold in society," said Tony,
calmly.
" And you forget that you were once Tony, the
Tramp?"
"No, Rudolph, I have not forgotten that. It was
not my fault, and I am not ashamed of it. But I
should be ashamed if I had not left that kind of life
as soon as I was able."
"By Heaven, you shall go back to it! " said Ru-
dolph, malignantly.
' ' I never will, " answered Tony, gently, but firm-
233
" I will force you to it."
" Neither you nor any one else can force me to it.
I will black boots in the street first.-'
" That will suit me just as well," said the tramp,
laughing maliciously. You have grown too proud.
I want to lower your pride, young popinjay."
' ' I am not afraid of anything you can do to me,
Rudolph," said Tony, bravely.
" Suppose I choose to kill you? "
" You won't dare do it. We are not in the woods
now. "
Tony had hit the truth. Rudolph did not dare to
kill him, though he would have been glad to. But
he knew that he would himself be arrested, and he
had more to live for now than formerly. He had
an income, and comfortably provided for, and he
did not choose to give up this comfortable and in-
dependent life.
"No," he said, "I won't kill you; but I will be
revenged for all that. First, I will keep you from
that generous friend of yours."
" What will he think has become of me? " thought
Tony, uneasily.
A thought came to him. He would appeal to the
man's love of money.
" Rudolph," he said, "I am afraid my friend will
be uneasy about me. If you will let me go I will
give you ten pounds that I have in my pocket."
1 I don't believe you have so much money," said
Rudolph, cunningly.
Tony fell into the snare unsuspectingly. He
23± TOXY, THE HERO.
drew out his pocket-book and displayed two five-
pound notes on the Bank of England.
Eudolph quickly snatched them from him.
" They are mine already/*' he said, with a mock-
ing laugh.
" So I see," said Tony, coolly; "but I was about
to offer you fifty pounds besides."
"Have you the money in your pocket book? "
" No, I haven't, but I could get it from Mr. Spen-
cer.'*
" It don't go down, Tony," said Rudolph, shak-
ing his head. " I am not so much in need of money
as to pay so dearly for it. Listen to me. If you
have been lucky, so have I. I have an income, safe
and sure, of one hundred and fifty pounds."
' ' You have ! " exclaimed Tony, surprised.
"Yes."
" Do you hold any position?*'
" No; I merely promise to keep my mouth shut."
" Is it about me?"
" Yes. The long and short of it is that there is
m English estate, bringing in two thousand pounds
rental, that of right belongs to you. "
"Tome — an estate of two thousand pounds a
7ear?" exclaimed Tony, in astonishment.
" Yes; the party who owns it pays me an income
as hush money. I have only to say the word, and
the estate will be yours, Tony. "
u Say the word, Eudolph, and }~ou shall have the
same income," entreated Tony. " It isn't the money
I so much care for, but I want to know who I am.
235
I want to be restored to my rightful place in socie-
ty. Is my mother living? "
""No."
"Nor my father?"
'No."
Tony looked sober.
' ' Then I should not care so much for the money.
Still it ought to be mine.
' ' Of course it ought, " said Rudolph, gloating over
the boy's emotion.
"You shall lose nothing by telling me — by be-
coming my friend. I will never refer to the past —
never speak of what happened in America."
" No doubt," sneered Rudolph, "but it can't be."
"Why cant it be? "
"Because I hate you!" hissed the tramp, with a
baleful look. "Not another word. It's no use, I
shall lock you up here for the present, while I am
out. When I come back I will let you know what
I am going to do to }rou."
He left the room, locking the door behind him.
Tony sat down to reflect upon the strange posi-
tion in which he was placed.
236 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
MRS. MIDDLETON AND HER LOVER.
When Rudolph left Tony imprisoned, he began
to think over the situation with regard to his own
interest.
He was already dissatisfied with the income he
received from Mrs. Middleton; though at the time
it seemed to him large, he found that he could easily
spend more. He did not have expensive lodgings —
in fact, they were plain, and quite within his means,
but he drank and gambled, and both these amuse-
ments were expensive. He had already made up
his mind to ask for a larger income, and Tony's
offer stimulated him to ask at once.
" If Mrs. Middleton won't, the boy will," he said
to himself.
Mrs. Middleton was in London, In fact, at that
moment she was conversing with Captain Lovell, to
whom she had been formally betrothed. He had
satisfied himself that the prospects were all right,
and then had renewed his offer. The marriage was
to take place in a month, and Mrs. Middleton was
in town to make suitable preparations for it. She
was perfectly happy, for she was about to marry a
man she loved.
As for Captain Lovell, he was well enough con-
MRS. MIDDLETON AND HER LOVER. 237
tented. He did not care much for the lady as re-
gards love, but he was decidedly in love with her
property.
"It will make me comfortable for life," he said,
with a shrug of the shoulders, " and after marriage
I can pay as little attention to Mrs. Lovell as I
choose. She must be content with marrying my
name."
The widow had taken handsome apartments at a
West End boarding house. There she received
callers.
Captain Lovell was lounging in an easy chair,
looking rather bored. His fiancee was inspecting
an array of dry goods which had been sent in from
a fancy London shop.
"Don't you think this silk elegant, Gregory! " she
asked, displaying a pattern.
" Oh, ah, yes, I suppose so, '"he answered with a
yawn.
" I would like to have your taste, Gregory."
u I have no taste, my dear Mrs. Middleton, about
such matters."
" Don't you think it will become me? "
" Why, to be sure; everything becomes you, you
know."
She laughed.
' ' Would a yellow turban become me? " she asked.
"Well, perhaps not," he said, "but of course
you know best."
" How little you men know about a lady's dress! "
238 TONY, THE HERO.
" I should think so. The fact is, my dear Mrs.
Middleton,that part of my education was neglected."
" When I am your wife, Gregory, I shall always
appeal to your taste. "
' ' Will you? " he said, rather frightened. Ton my
honor, I hope you won't now. "
' 'And I shall expect you to consult me about your
wardrobe."
"What, about my trousers and coats? Eeally,
that's very amusing; 'pon my honor it is."
"Don't you think I feel an interest in how my
dear Gregory is dressed? "
" I don't know, I'm sure."
"But I do, and shall I tell you why?"
"If you want to."
"Because I love you," she said softly, and she
rose from her chair, and crossing, laid her hand
affectionately on his shoulder.
He shrank, just the least in the world, and felt
annoyed, but didn't like to say so. She might be
angry, and though he did not love her, he did want
to marry her, and so escape from his money trou-
bles."
"Of course, I'm ever so much obliged to you,"
he said, "and all that sort of thing."
"And you love me, Gregory, don't you?" she
asked, tenderly.
"Did You ever! I wish she'd stop," he said to
himself. " She makes me awful uncomfortable."
" Don't you love me, Gregory?"
" If I didn't love you, do you think I would have
MRS. MIDDLETON AND HER LOVER. 239
asked you to become Mrs. Lovell? " he said, evading
the question.
"To be sure, Gregory," she replied, trying to look
satisfied.
"And now I must go; I must, 'pon my honor,"
he said, rising.
"You have been here so short a time," she
pleaded.
" But I promised to be at the club. I'm to meet
a fellow officer, and it's the hour now.
" Then I must let you go. But you'll come again
soon? "
"Yes, 'pon honor/' and the captain kissed his
hand to his fiancee.
"I wonder if he really loves me!" she said to
herself, wistfully.
At this moment the servant entered.
" Please, ma'am, there's a rough-looking man
below, who says he wants to see you. His name is
Rugg."
"Admit him," said Mrs. Middleton, looking an-
noyed.
240 TONY, THE HERO.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
A STORMY INTERVIEW.
" Why are you here Mr. Rugg ? " demanded Mrs.
Middleton, coolly.
" On business," said the tramp, throwing himself,
uninvited upon the same chair from which Captain
Lovell had just risen.
Mrs. Middleton flushed with anger, but she did
not dare to treat his insolence as it deserved.
"What business can you have with me? "she
asked, coldly.
"It's about the allowance."
' k' It was paid punctually, was it not ? "
"Yes."
1 ' Then you can have no business with me. Have
I not told you that you are not to call upon me at
any time ? My agent attends to that."
" I want the allowance raised," said Rudolph, ab-
ruptly.
"Raised?"
"Yes, you must double it."
Mrs. Middleton was now really angry.
" I never heard such insolence," she said. " You
have taken your trouble for nothing. I shall not
give you a pound more."
"You'd better, Mrs. Middleton," said Rudolph,
" or I may tell all I know."
A STORMY INTERVIEW. 241
"You would only ruin yourself, and lose your
entire income."
"I should ruin you, too."'
" Not at all. JNo one would believe you against
me. Besides, are you ready to be tried for mur-
der?"
' ' Who has committed murder ? "
"You have."
"Prove it."
" Didn't you kill the boy 1 "
"No."
" You swore to me he was dead."
" Suppose he didn't die."
"You are wasting your time, Mr. Rugg, " said Mrs.
Middleton, coldly. "Of course I understand your
motives. You have been extravagant, and wasted
your money, hoping to get more out of me. But it
is useless."
"You'll be sorry for this, ma'am," said Rugg, an-
grily.
' c I don't think I shall. Before doing anything
that you will be sorry for, consider that to a man
in your position the income I give you is very
liberal."
" Liberal ! It isn't one-tenth of what you get."
"Very true, but the case is different."
" You may believe me or not, but the boy is alive,
and I know where he is."
Mrs. Middleton did not believe one word of what
he said. She was convinced that Tony had been
killed by the man before her, and was indignant at
242 TONY, THE HERO.
the trick which she thought he was trying to play
upon her. She felt that if she yielded to his im-
portunity, it would only be the beginning of a series
of demands. She had courage and firmness, and
she decided to discourage him once for all in his ex-
actions.
" I dont believe you/' she said, " and I am not
afraid."
"Then you won't increase my income," he said.
"No, I will not. Neither now nor at any other
time will I do it. What I have agreed to do I will
do, but I will not give you a penny more. Do you
understand me, Mr Rugg ? "
"I believe I do," said Rudolph, rising, "and
I teU you you'll be sorry for what you are say-
ing."
"I will take the risk," she said, contemptuously.
Rudolph's face was distorted with passion as lie
left the room.
"I hate her more than the boy," he muttered.
a4He shall have the estate.7'
TONY'S ESCAPE. 2±6
CHAPTER XXXIX.
TONY'S ESCAPE.
When Tony found himself left a prisoner in his
enemy's room, he did not immediately make an
effort to escape. In fact, he did not feel particu-
larly alarmed,
" I am in a large city, and there are other lodgers
in this building. There can be no danger. 1 will
wait awhile and think over what Rudolph has told
me. Can it be true that I am heir to a large estate
in England, and that he can restore me to it if he
will? He can have no motive for deceiving me. It
must be true."
Tony felt that he would give a great deal to know
more. Where was this estate, and who now held
it ? It occurred to him that somewhere about the
room he might find some clew to the mystery. He
immediately began to explore it.
Rudolph was not a literary man. He had neither
books nor papers whose tell-tale testimony might
convict him. In fact, the best of his personal pos-
sessions was very small. A few clothes were lying
about the room. Tony decided to examine the
pockets of these, in the hope of discovering some-
thing in his interest. Finally, he found in the
pocket of a shooting coat a small memorandum
244
book, in which a few entries, chiefly of bets, had been
made. In these Tony felt no interest, and he was
about to throw down the book, when his eye caught
this entry:
"Dead broke. Must write to Mrs. Middleton for
more money."
Tony's heart beat rapidly.
This must be the person from whom Eudolph re-
ceived his income, and, by consequence the person
who was in fraudulent possession of the estate that
was rightfully his.
"Mrs. Middleton!"
" I wish I knew where she lives," thought our
hero. "No doubt there are hundreds of the name
in England."
This might be, but probably there was but one
Mrs. Middleton in the possession of an estate worth
two thousand pounds rental.
"I am on the track," thought Tony. "Now let
me get away, and consult George Spencer."
It was easier said than done. The door was
locked, and it was too strong to break down.
"There must be somebody in the room below,"
thought Tony. 'Til pound till they hear me."
He jumped up and down with such force that it
did attract attention in the room below. Presently
he heard a querulous voice at the key-hole:
" What's the matter? Are you mad? "
" No, but I'm locked in," said Tony. " Can't you
let me out? "
245
"I have no key to the door, but the landlady
has."
"Won't you please to ask her to let me out? I'll
be ever so much obliged. "
" Stop pounding then."
"I will."
Scarcely two minutes had elapsed when a key was
heard in the lock and the door was opened.
" How came you here, sir? " asked the landlady,
a short, stout woman — suspiciously.
" The gentleman locked me in — in a joke," said
Tony.
"Maybe you're a burglar," said the landlady, eye-
ing him doubtfully.
Tony laughed.
" Do I look like it? " he asked.
" Well, no," the landlady admitted, " but appear-
ances are deceitful."
"Not with me, I assure you. I am really sorry
to put you to so much trouble to let me out. Won't
you accept of this? " and Tony produced a half sov-
ereign.
"Beally, sir, I see that you are quite the gentle-
man," said the landlady, pocketing the piece with
avidity. " Can't I do anything for you? "
"Only, if you'll be kind enough to give this to
the gentleman when he returns. "
Tony hastily wrote a line on a card, and gave it
to the now complacent dame.
Fifteen minutes after Tony's departure Eudolph
returned.
216
He sprang up stairs only to find the room empty
and the bird flown.
" What's come of the boy! " he exclaimed in dis-
may; "how did he get out? "
He summoned the landlady quickly.
" Do you know anything of the boy that was in
my room, Mrs. Jones? "
•'Yes, Mr. Eugg, I let him out. He said you
locked him in in fun.
" Humph! what else did he say? "
" He left this card for you."
Eugg seized it hastily, and read with startled
eyes:
" I am at Mor]ey's. Come and see me soon, or I
will go to Mrs. Middleton.
"Tony."
"Confusion? wmere did the boy find out? " thought
the tramp. "I mast do something, or I am
ruined."
It was a mystery to him how Tony had learned
so much, and he naturally concluded that he knew
a good deal more. He felt that no time was to be
lost, and started at once for Morley's. Inquiring
for Tony, he was at once admitted to the presence
of Tony and George Spencer.
" So you got my card! " said Tony.
"Yes. What do you know about Mrs. Middle-
ton? " demanded Eudolph.
Tony's escape. 247
" ' That she possesses the estate that ought to be
**iine. That's about it, isu't it?"
" Yes/' said Rudolph, "but you can't get it with-
out me?"
" Why not?"
"I was the man that was hired to abduct you
when you was a boy."
" Can you prove that? " asked Spencer.
"lean."
" Will your story be believed? "
"Yes. The tenantry will remember me. I was
one of them at the time."
" Are you ready to help my young friend here to
recover his rights?" asked Spencer.
" This morning I said no. Now I say yes, if he'll
do the fair thing by me."
A conference was entered into and a bargain was
finally made. Eudolph was to receive two hundred
pounds a year as a reward for his services, if suc-
cessful.
When this arrangement had been completed, an
appointment was made for the next morning; at
which hour a lawyer of repute was also present.
After listening attentively to Rudolph's statement,
he said, decisively:
" Your young friend has a strong case, but I ad-
vise you to see Mrs. Middleton privately. It may
not be necessary to bring the matter into court;
and this would be preferable, as it would avoid
scandal."
24S TONY, THE HERO.
" I put myself in your hands," said Tony,
promptly.
" Mrs. Harvey Middleton is in London," said the
lawyer. " I "will call this afternoon."
all's well that ends well. 249
CHAPTEE XL.
all's well that exds well.
Mrs. Harvey Middleton sat in her boudoir, trying
to read a novel. But it failed to interest her. She
felt uneasy, she scarcely knew why. The evening
previous she had been at the Haymarket Theatre,
and had been struck by a boy's face. Ten feet from
her sat Tony, with his friend, George Spencer. He
looked wonderfully like his father, as she remem-
bered him, and she was startled. She did not know
Tony, but Eugg's angry warning struck her.
"Was he right? Can this be the boy I have so
much reason to dread?" she asked herself.
She was thinking of this when the servant en-
tered the room with a card.
"C. Barry," she repeated, "wishes to see Mrs.
Middleton on business of the greatest importance."
"Ask him to come up," she said, uneasily.
It was the lawyer, as the reader may have sus-
pected.
"Mrs. Middleton," he said, with a bow, "I must
apologize for my intrusion."
"You say your business is important," said the
lady.
"It is — of the first importance."
"Explain yourself, I beg."
250
"I appear before you, madame, in behalf of your
late husband's cousin, Anthony Middleton, who is
the heir of the estate which you hold in trust."
It was out now, and Mrs. Middleton was at bay.
"There is no such person," she said. " The boy
you refer to is dead."
"What proof have you of his decease?"
"I have the sworn statement of the man who
saw him die."
"And this man's name?"
"Is Rudolph Rugg."
"I thought so. Mr. Rugg swore falsely. He is
ready to contradict his former statement."
"He has been tampered with!" exclaimed Mrs.
Middleton, pale with passion.
"That maybe," said the lawyer; but he added,
significantly, " Not by us."
"Tkeboyisan impostor," said Mrs. Middleton,
hotly. " I will not surrender the estate."
" I feel for your disappointment, madame; but I
think you are hasty."
"Who will believe the statement of a common
tramp?"
" You relied upon it before, madame. But we
have other evidence/' continued the lawyer.
• ' What other evidence? "
' ' The striking resemblance of my young friend
to the family."
"Was — was he at the Haymarket Theatre last
evening? "
4 ' He was. Did you see him? "
251
" I saw the boy I suppose you mean. He had a*
slight look like Mr. Middleton."
"He is his image."
" Suppose — suppose this story to be true, what do
you offer me? " asked Mrs. Middleton, sullenly.
"An income of three hundred pounds from the
estate," said the lawyer. " If the matter comes to
court, this Kugg, I am bound to tell you, has an
ugly story to tell, in which you are implicated."
Mrs. Middleton knew well enough what it meant.
If the conspiracy should be disclosed, she would be
ostracised socially. She rapidly made up her mind.
" Mr. Barry," she said, "I will accept your terms,
on a single condition."
"Name it, madame."
"That you will give me six weeks' undisturbed
possession of the estate, keeping this matter secret
meanwhile."
"If I knew your motive, I might consent."
"I will tell you in confidence. Within that time
I am to be married. The abrupt disclosure of this
matter might break off the marriage."
"May I ask the name of the bridegroom? "
"Captain Gregory Lovell."
The lawyer smiled. He knew of Captain Lovell,
and owed him a grudge. He suspected that the
captain was mercenary in his wooing, and he
thought that it would be a fitting revenge to let
matters go on."
"I consent, upon my own responsibility," he
said.
252 TONY, THE HERO.
"Thank you," said Mrs. Middleton, with real
gratitude.
She would not lose the man she loved, after all.
* ***** *
A month later the marriage of Captain Gregory
Lovell, of Her Majesty's service, and Mrs. Harvey
Middleton, of Middleton Hall, was celebrated.
There was a long paragraph in the Morning " Post,"
and Mrs. Lovell was happy.
When, a week later, at Paris, the gallant captain
was informed of the trick that had been played
upon him, there was a terrible scene. He cursed
his wife, and threatened to leave her.
' ' But, Gregory, I have three hundred pounds in-
come," she pleaded. "We can live abroad."
"And I have sold myself for that paltry sum!"
he said, bitterly.
But he concluded to make the best of a bad bar-
gain. Between them they had an income of five
hundred pounds, and on this they made shift
abroad, where living is cheap. But the marriage
was not happy. He was brutal at times, and his
wife realized sadly that he had never loved her.
But she has all the happiness she deserves, and so
has he.
Eudolph drank himself to death in six months.
So the income which he was to receive made but a
slight draft upon the Middleton estate.
And Tony! — no longer Tony the Tramp, but the
Hon. Anthony Middleton. of Middleton Hall — he has
just completed a course at Oxford, and is now the
all's well that ends well. 253
possessor of an education which will help fit him
for the responsibilities he is to assume. His frank,
otf-hand manner makes him an immense favorite
with the circle to which he now belongs. He says
little of his early history, and it is seldom thought
of now. He has made a promise to his good friend,
George Spencer, to visit the United States, and will
doubtless do so. He means at that time to visit
once more the scenes with which he became famil-
iar when he was A Poor Boy.
WHITMARSH'S REVENGE.
Eoger Blake and Belcher Whitmarsh were both
called quite good boys, but for different reasons.
As their friends used sometimes to put it, Belcher
was liked because of his temper, and Eoger was liked
in spite of his temper.
Eoger was quick to fly into a passion, and as
quick to get over it, while Belcher was almost
always good natured, but when once really offended
remembered the offense like an Indian.
The broad play-green in front of the country
schoolhouse, where the boys spent their term times
together, was surrounded by trees and rocky pas-
ture lots. A pretty brook ran through it. On the
sides of the brook and in the rain-gulleys there were
plenty of pebbles and small stones.
One noon, when the boys had begun a trial of
skill in firing stones at a mark, an unlucky turn was
given to this small "artillery practice" by the
thoughtless challenge of one of the youngsters to a
playmate :
" I stump you to hit meP
The stones soon began to fly promiscuously, and
255
the play grew more lively than safe. The boys
became excited and ran in all directions, exclaiming
" Hit me, hit me /" The missiles were dodged with
exultant laughter, and the shots returned with
interest.
As must be supposed, some of the players were
really hit, and sore heads, and backs, and limbs
made the sham skirmish before long a good deal
like a real battle.
Belcher Whitmarsh was about the only really
cool fellow on the ground.
" Come, fellows," he remonstrated, " this is get-
ting dangerous. What's the good of throwing
stones when you're mad ? It's poor play, any way."
u Ho, you're afraid," shouted Koger Blake, and in
this he was joined by several others.
Roger had received one rather hard thump, and
feeling quite fiery about it determined to be " even
with somebody." He kept on hurling right and
left reckless of consequences.
Belcher paid no attention to the derision with
which his words were treated. He was preparing,
with one or two companions, to leave the play-
ground when he saw Roger near him with a heavy
stone in his hand drawing back for a furious throw.
Partly in sport and partly out of regard for the
lad aimed at, he stepped behind the excited boy and
caught his arm.
Roger whirled about instantly in a great heat. As
Belcher stepped quickly backward, laughing, he let
fly the stone at him with all his force, crying :
256 TOKY, THE HERO.
" Take it yourself, then !"
The stone struck Belcher full in the face, break-
ing two of his front teeth and knocking him down.
Seeing what he had done, Blake sobered in an
instant and ran to the aid of his fallen schoolfellow.
" I didn't mean to, Belcher," said Eoger, bending
over him remorsefully, and evidentally afraid he
had killed him.
The boys began to express their indignation quite
loudly, but Blake made no attempt to defend him-
self, only hanging over the injured lad, and declaring
how sorry he was.
" Come," pleaded he, " try to get up, and let me
help you down to the schoolhouse — I'll pay the
doctor anything in the world to make you well
again."
But Whitmarsh, as soon as he recovered a little,
showed that he resented his sympathy as bitterly
as he did his blow.
Pushing away his hand spitefully, he staggered to
his feet with the help of another boy, and holding
his handkerchief to his bloody face moved off the
green, sobbing with pain and revengeful rage.
By the time school commenced he had been
assisted to wash and bind up his bleeding mouth,
when he started for home, giving Roger a look
which was very seldom seen on his face, but which
meant plainly enough :
" I'll have the worth of this out of your skin
some day, see if I don't !"
That afternoon the boys received a sound lecture
whitmabsh's revenge. 257
from the teacher on the evil of throwing stones, and
a penalty was imposed upon the leaders in the reck-
less sport, Roger among them, who, however, in con-
sideration of his penitence, was only charged with a
message to his parents, making full confession and
submitting his case entirely to their judgment.
Days passed, and everything went on much as
before at the school, save that Belcher Whitmarsh
was missed, being at home healing his wound.
Every day that his absence was noticed was to
Roger's quick feelings like a new condemnation.
No one was more pleased, then, than Roger Blake
to see Belcher, after a little more than a week had
passed, back at his place in school.
He soon found, however, that bj^gones were not
to be bygones between them.
Belcher not only refused to respond to his hearty
congratulations, but showed by his manner and
words (hissed through his broken teeth) that so far
from forgiving Roger's offense he meant to lay it up
against him.
Several times when thrown in close company with
him Blake tried to disarm his dislike,
"Come," he would say, "now, Belch, shake hands
and say quits."
But Whitmarsh would only answer with a surly
half threat, or grin significantly, to expose the
notch in his gums where the teeth were gone.
The boys saw this unreasonable dislike, and
gradually transferred their sympathy to Roger.
At last the school closed, and though Belcher was
258 TOlffY, THE HERO.
not cordial the whole affair between the two lads
seemed likely to be soon forgotten.
One day during vacation, as Roger was picking
whortleberries with two other boys in a lonely pas-
ture, he was unexpectedly joined by Belcher, who
had come thither on the same errand.
It was not noticed that they greeted each other
very differently from the usual manner of boys, and
during the whole time they were together Belcher
behaved himself in a way that made neither Blake
nor his companions feel any the less at ease for his
company. Least of all had they any reason to
suspect that he still harbored his old revenge.
A ruined house, many years deserted, stood in
sight of the spot where the boys were picking, and
growing tired of their work they agreed to go and
examine the old building, and perhaps take a game
of " hi spy " there.
As they went over the house they found a trap-
door opening into a small vault, which had evidently
once been used for the family cellar — for the
ancient dwelling was rather cramped in size and
accommodations — and, boy-like, they all went down
into the moldy hole.
As the last boy was descending the rotten ladder
tumbled to pieces under his weight, and the
adventurous youngsters found themselves caught
like the fox and goat in the well.
Philip Granger, however, being a lad of quick
resources, soon hit upon the fox's plan of getting
out, which was that each should climb the shoulders
whitmaksh's revenge. 259
of a comrade, and when all but one were safely
above ground these should join in pulling out the
last.
The plan was varied a little in practice, as it was
awkward business to decide who of them should be
the ''goat.''
Phil got up first, climbing over Frank Staples,
and then aided his helper out.
Belcher, who had made a ladder of Roger Blake,
was performing the pulling of his generous com-
panion toward the opening, when a sudden yell was
heard outside, and crying out " There come Dirk
Avery and Ben Trench !" Frank and Phil darted
away, running as if for their lives.
Seized with their panic, Belcher instantly dropped
Roger, and regardless of his terrified calls rushed
from the hut in a twinkling.
The jar of the hurried departure of the boys over
the rickety floor brought down the trap-door with
a bang, and Roger was left a prisoner indeed.
Dirk Avery and Ben Trench were two bad char-
acters who lived a sore of half- vagabond life, rarely
doino- any honest work, and whose savage looks and
cruel natures made them the terror of all the chil-
dren of the neighborhood.
Their appearance in any place was the signal for
a general stampede of the young people who
happened to be about, There was not one in our
little whortleberry party who was not as much
afraid of them as if they had actually worn horns
and hoofs.
260 TONY, THE HERO.
On this occasion they were out on a fishing tramp,
and the contents of a bottle of cheap rum that each
of them carried had made them more wicked than
usual.
Accordingly, they were in just the mood to take
all possible advantage of the fright they had caused,
and when the boys fled so precipitately from the
ruined house they pursued them with horrible
threats and shouts of hoarse laughter.
Frank and Phil ran toward the lot where they
had hidden their baskets, the loud voice of Dirk
crying, " Skin the rascals ! Wring their necks !"
Dirk, however, soon overdid himself, for the two
bo}7s were fleet of foot, and saved their breath.
They finally got away, with their berries.
Belcher struck a bee-line for home, forgetting his
basket, and though Ben gave him a hot chase he
succeeded in distancing him.
Poor Roger ! For some minutes after he found
himself shut fast in the vault his mortal fear of
being found by the two roughs left him no courage
to cry out, and gave him no time to think whether
he ought to blame Belcher or not.
Judging his act> by his own feelings then, he could
not say but he should have done the same.
But the immediate fright soon passed, and he
began to feel the real misery of his situation.
Nobody but Whitmarsh knew where he was.
What if he should leave him there, for the old
grudge? And then it came to him how singular it
was that the one on whom he depended to help him
whitmarsh's revenge. 261
out should be just he — the boy who had threatened
him.
"Wearily enough passed the time to Roger down
there in the dismal hole.
Neither shout nor scream would help him. ]S"o
one lived within half a mile of the house ; or if his
cries should chance to be heard it might be Avery
and Trench, and they would certainly bring him
more hurt than good.
Suddenly he heard footsteps. A hand seized the
trap-door and lifted it. Belcher Whitmarsh's face
looked into the vault.
" Hollo," said Eoger joyfully, " I thought you'd
be back before long, Now let's get out of this — I've
had enough of it, I'm sure."
But Belcher only grinned, showing the vacancy in
his front teeth, and replied coolly :
" Want me to help you out ?"
"Of course. Don't be fooling now," pleaded
Roger.
"Well," said Belcher, "I've thought it over, and
seeing you're in there so nicely I've concluded I
wont. I've an old score against you. Perhaps
you'd like to pay it now."
With that he dropped the trap-door, and made
off.
He had come after his basket of berries. Would
he be heartless enough to go home now and leave
his schoolmate in that damp hole, pestilent with
mildew and haunted, perhaps, by sliding adders and
loathsome creatures ?
262 TONY, THE HERO.
Meantime the parents of Boger, when the hour
passed at which he was expected home, began to
make inquiries for him. Frank Staples and Philip
Granger, who both supposed he had climbed out of
the vault and ran away with Belcher from the hut,
were much surprised when asked where he was, and
told that he had not returned.
Their story of the encounter with Dirk Avery
and Ben Trench made the parents still more
anxious.
Possibly their boy had come to some harm at the
hands of those drunken ruffians. Would Philip
mind going over to the pasture again and showing
just where it all happened ?
Philip gladly consented, and getting leave from
home accompanied Mr. Blake to the lot where they
had gathered their berries.
Koger's basket was found untouched, precisely
where he had been seen to hide it. Mr. Blake
looked pale and Phil began to feel frightened.
"Let's go down to Mr. Whitmarsh's," said Mr.
Blake, " and see Belcher."
It was now about sundown, but as the old house
lay not far out of the way it was decided to visit it.
No sooner had they reached it and looked in than
Phil exclaimed, " The trap-door is shut. I'm sure
•'twas open when we left it."
In a moment more they had uncovered the vault
and found poor Roger.
Overjoyed, they helped him out, a good deal the
worse for the hunger and fear he had undergone.
whitmabsh's reyekge. 263
The story of Belcher's mean revenge was soon
noised abroad. He excused himself by saying he
meant to leave Roger only a little while for a joke,
but his father made him go to Mr. Blake's and
apologize for his wanton trick.
^Ye must do Belcher the justice to say that he
performed the duty promptly and with apparent
frankness and sincerity. There is no doubt, how-
ever, that he meant harm — not such serious harm as
might have occurred — but sufficient injury to his
playfellow to satisfy his malignant feelings and glut
his revenge. The spirit he exhibited was the same
in kind, although not in degree, as that which makes
a man a murderer.
A true man never allows anger to get the per-
manent control of his feelings. He knows its mean
and dangerous tendencies, and remembers the
words of Him who spake as never man spake: "If
ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will
your Father forgive your trespasses."
THE BOY IN THE BUSH.
" The impudent scoundrel ! Just look at this,
mamma. I should like to see him at it," exclaimed
Sydney Lawson in great wrath, as he handed his
mother a very dirty note which a shepherd had
brought home. On coarse, crumpled grocer's paper
these words were written in pencil :
" Master sidney i Want your Mare the chesnit with
the white starr, soe You Send her to 3 Mile flat
first thing Tomorrer Or i Shall Have to cum an
Fetch Her. Warrigal."
" Sam says," Sydney went on to say, " that the
fellow was coward enough to give it him just down
by the slip-panels. He wouldn't have dared to talk
about sticking us up if he hadn't known father
was away. Send him my mare Yenus ! I seem to
see myself doing it !"
Sidney Lawson, who made this indignant speech,
was a tall, slim lad of fourteen. He and his mother
had been left in charge of the station while his
father took some cattle to Port Philip.
Sydney was very proud of his charge ; he thought
THE BOY IK THE BUSH. 265
himself a man now, and was very angry that
Warrigal, a well-known desperado, should think he
could be frightened " like a baby."
Warrigal was a bushranger who with one or two
companions wandered about in that part of Xew
South Wales, doing pretty much as he liked. They
stopped the mail, and robbed draymen and horse-
men on the road hy the two and three dozen
together. The police couldn't get hold of them.
The note that Sydne\r had received caused a
great deal of excitement in the little station.
Miss Smith, who helped Mrs. Lawson in the house,
and taught Sydney's sisters and his brother Harry,
was in a great fright.
" Oh ! pray send him the horse, Master Sydney,"
she cried, "or we shall all be murdered. You've
got so many horses one can't make any difference."
Mrs. Lawson was as little disposed as Sydney to
let Mr. Warrigal do as he liked. She knew that
her husband would have run the risk of being
" nabbed," if he had been at home, rather than have
obeyed the bushranger's orders ; and that he would
be very pleased if they could manage to defy the
rascal.
Still it was a serious matter to provoke Messrs.
"Warrigal & Co. to pay the house a visit. She felt
sure that Sydney would fight and she meant to fire
at the robbers herself if they came ; but would she
and Sydney be able to stand against three armed
men?
Xot a shepherd, or stockman, or horse-breaker
266 T0XY, THE HERO.
about the place was to be depended on ; and Ki Li,
the Chinaman cook, though a very good kind of
fellow, would certainly go to bed in his hut if the
robbers came by day, and stay in bed if the robbers
came by night. John Jones, the plowman, whose
wife was Mrs. Lawson's servant, slept in the house,
and he was too honest to band with the bushrangers
in any way ; " but then, he's such a sheep, you know,
mamma," said Sydney.
There was time to send word to the police in
Jerry's Town ; but who was to go ?
Ki Li would be afraid to go out in the dark, and
John Jones would be afraid to ride anything but
one of the plow horses, and that only at an
amble, It wouldn't do for Sydney to leave the
place, since he was the only male on it who was to
be depended upon, so what was to be done?
Little Harry had heard his mother and brother
talking ; and as soon as he made out their difficulty
he looked up and said :
" Why, mamma, / can go. Syd, lend me your
stock-whip and let me have Guardsman."
Xeither mother nor brother had any fear about
Harry's horsemanship, but they scarcely liked to
turn the little fellow out for a long ride by night.
However, he knew the way well enough, and if
he did not fall in with any of the TTarrigal gang
nobody would harm him.
So Sydney put the saddle and bridle on Guards-
man and brought him round to the garden-gate,
where Harry stood nicking about Sydney's stock-
THE BOY IX THE BUSH. 267
whip very impatiently, while his mamma kissed him
and tied a comforter round his neck.
Harry shouted " Good-night," gave Guardsman
his head, and was off like a wild boy.
Sydney stabled Yenus, his favorite mare, and — an
unusual precaution — turned the key in the rusty
padlock ; and when he had given a look about the
outbuildings it was time for him to go in to supper
and family prayers.
He read the chapter and Mrs. Lawson read the
pra}Ters. She was a brave woman, but with her
little girls about her and her little boy away she
couldn't keep her voice from trembling a little when
she said, " Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee,
O Lord ; and by Thy great mercy defend us from
all perils and dangers of this night."
Sydney went into his mothers bedroom and
looked at the blunderbuss that stood by the bed-
head (Mrs. Lawson had selected the blunderbuss as
her weapon, because she thought she " must be sure
to hit with that big thing") and he showed her once
more how to pull the trigger.
Then he bade her " good-night," and went along
the veranda to his own little room at one end,
where he locked himself in, and drew the charge of
his rifle and loaded it again, and looked at the
chambers of his revolver, and put the caps on, and
laid it down on a chair, ready to his hand.
When his preparations were completed he said
his prayers and tumbled into bed with his clothes
on.
268 TOi^T, THE HEKO.
Harry wasn't expected home until the next day.
He had been told to sleep at the tavern in Jerry's
Town, when he had left his message at the barracks,
and come home at his leisure in the morning.
About four miles from Wonga-Wonga, the drear-
iest part of the road to Jerry's Town, begins a two-
mile stretch of dismal scrub. Harry put his heels
into Guardsman's sides to make him go even faster
than he was going when they got into the scrub,
and was pleased to hear a horse's hoofs coming
toward him from the other end.
He thought it was a neighbor riding home to the
next station ; but it was Warrigal. As soon as
Harry pulled up Guardsman to chat a minute,
Warrigal laid hold of the bridle and pulled Harry
on to the saddle before him.
" Let's see, you're one of the Wonga-Wonga" (that
was the name of his father's station) " kids, ain't
you ?" said the robber. " And where are you off to
this time of night ? Oh, oh, to fetch the traps, I
guess ; but I'll put a stop to that little game."
Just then Harry gave a eoo-ey. He couldn't give
a very loud one, for he was lying on a sack on the
robbers horse ; but it made Warrigal very savage.
He put the the cold muzzle of a pistol against
Harry's face and said, " You screech again, young-
ster, and }Tou won't do it no more."
And then Warrigal took Harry and the horses
into the scrub, and gagged Harry with a bit of iron
he took out of his pocket, and tied him up to a
crooked old honeysuckle-tree with a long piece of
rope he carried in his saddle-bags.
THE BOY IK THE BUSH. 2G9
" Don't frighten yourself, I'll tell yer mar where
you are, and you'll be back by breakfast," said
Warrigal, as he got on Guardsman and rode off,
driving his own tired horse before him.
Next morning, just as the day was breaking,
Warrigal and his two mates, with crape masks on,
rode up to Wonga-Wonga.
They made as little noise as they could; but the
dogs began to bark and woke Sydney.
When he woke, however, Warrigal had got his
little window open, and was covering him with a
pistol.
Sydney put out his hand for his revolver, and
though Warrigal shouted, " Throw up your hands,
boy, or I'll shoot you through the head ," he jumped
out of bed and fired.
He missed Warrigal, and Warrigal missed him ; but
Warrigal's bullet knocked Sydney's revolver out of
his hand, and one of Warrigal's mates made a butt
against the bedroom door and smashed it ; and he and
Warrigal rushed into the room, and threw Sydney
down on the bed, and pinioned his arms with a sheet.
The other bushranger was watching the horses.
By this time the whole station was aroused. The
men peeped out of their huts, half frightened, half
amused ; not one of them came near the house.
John Jones and his wife piled their boxes against
their room door, and then crept under the bed.
Miss Smith went into h}rsterics ; and Gertrude and
her sisters couldn't help looking as white as their
night-dresses.
270
Mrs. Lawson had fired off her blunderbuss, but it
had only broken two panes of the parlor window,
and riddled the veranda posts ; so Wonga-Wonga
was at the bushrangers' mercy.
They ransacked the house, and took possession of
any little plate, and jewelry, and other portable
property they could find. When the robbers had
packed up what they called the " swag," and put it
on one of their horses, they pulled Ki Li out of bed,
and made him light a fire, and cook some chops and
boil some tea.
Then they marched Mrs. Lawson, and Miss Smith,
and Sydney, and his sisters, and Mr. and Mrs. Jones,
and Ki Li, into the keeping-room, and sat down to
breakfast, with pistols in their belts, and pistols
laid, like knives and forks, on the table.
The bushrangers tried to be funny, and pressed
Mrs. Lawson and the other ladies to make them-
selves at home, and take a good meal. One of the
robbers was going to kiss Miss Smith ; but Sydney,
pinioned as he was, ran at him, and butted him like
a ram.
He was going to strike Sydney ; but Gertrude ran
between them, calling out, " Oh, you great coward !"
and Warrigal felt ashamed, and told the man to sit
down.
"We call him PolitefulBill," Warrigal remarked,
in apology ; " but he ain't much used to ladies'
serciety."
When breakfast was over, Warrigal asked Sydney
where the mare was.
THE BOY IN THE BUSH. 271
"Find her yourself," said Sydney. .
" Well, there won't be much trouble about that,"
answered Warrigal. " She's in the stable, I know ;
and you've locked her in, for 1 tried the door. I
suppose you are too game to give up the key, my
young fighting-cock ? But since you're so sarey,
Master Sydney, you shall see me take your mare.
You might as well ha' sent her instead of sending
for the police, and then I shouldn't ha' got the bay
horse too;" and he pointed to Guardsman, hung up
on the veranda.
There was no time to ask what had become of
Harry.
Warrigal hurried Sydney by the collar to the
stable, while the other men mounted their horses,
and unhooked Guardsman, to be ready for their
captain.
Warrigal blew off the padlock with his pistol ;
but Venus was fractious, and wouldn't let him put
on her halter. While he was dodging about the
stable with her, Sydney heard hoofs in the distance.
Nearer and nearer came the tan-ta-ta-ta n-ta-ta-ta n-
ta-ta.
Four bluecoats galloped up to the slip-panels,
three troopers and a sergeant ; the sergeant with
Harry on his saddlebow.
In a second Harry was down, and in three seconds
the slip-panels were down too.
The waiting bushrangers saw the morning sun
gleaming on their carbines, as the police clashed
272 TOXT, THE HERO.
between the aloes and the prickly pears, and letting
Guardsman go, were off like a shot.
Sydney banged to the stable door ; and, setting
his back against it, shouted for help. His mother,
Gertrude, and even John Jones, as the police were
close at hand, ran to his aid ; and up galloped the
troopers.
Warrigal fired a bullet or two through the door,
and talked very big about not being taken alive ;
but he thought better of it, and in an hour's time
he was jogging off to Jerry's Town with handcuffs
on, and his legs tied under his horse's belly.
If Warrigal had not taken up little Harry, most
likely he would not have been caught ; for when
Harry had got to Jerry's Town, he would have
found all the troopers away except one. In the
scrub, however, Harry heard the sergeant and his
men returning from a wild-goose chase they had
been sent on by the bush telegraphs ; and managing
at last to spit the gag out of his mouth, he had given
a great co-oo-oo-oo-oo-ey.
After that night Miss Smith always called Sydney
Mr. Sydney ; and Sydney let Harry ride Yenus as
often as he liked.
THE MIDNIGHT RIDE.
It was half-a-dozen years before the war that
Godfrey Brooks made a visit to his Cousin Sydney
in Virginia. It was his first glimpse of plantation
life, and he was not sparing of his questions or com-
ments. Boys in a strange place find it hard to carry
about with them the politeness or reticence which
are such easy fitting garments at home.
The two boys were standing on the piazza one
sunny morning looking down to the distant swamp.
"You mean to tell me," said Godfrey hotly,
"that gentlemen hunted their runaway slaves out
of the swamp with bloodhounds ? Bloodhounds ?"
"]STo, I don't. Gentlemen, of course, do no such
dirty work. In the first place, our people (we don't
call them slaves) never run away. Why, bless you,
old Uncle Peter there, was a boy with my grand-
father, and I'm sure I like him a deal better. Of
all the hundreds of men and women mjr father owns,
there's not one that don't respect and love him.
But there's a class of whites who are not so respected,
and when their people escape they bring them back
—that's all."
" It's brutal," muttered Godfrey.
274 TONY, THE HERO.
" A man has a right to reclaim his propertj^" said
Syd coolly.
Xow neither of the boys knew much of the in-
trinsic merits of the question. They only echoed
the words and arguments their elders threw back
and forth unceasingly. When Syd began to give
the details of the late hunt after a runaway horse-
thief in the swamp, therefore, Godfrey's moral
indignation cooled in the borrowed ardor of the
chase.
"You see," Syd said in conclusion, "Boosey was
really a criminal of the worst sort, as well as a
slave, and he belonged to old Johnson. Johnson's
the man that owns the hounds. That's his place
beyond the hill. He's a whiskey distiller, and
raises slaves for the market. Oh, of course he's
tabooed. Even a decent laborer looks down on a
man that raises slaves for the market."
The boys went out fishing presently, and Godfrey
looked with a thrill of horror into the dark thicket
of laurel and poisonous ivy as they passed where
Boose}7 was still hidden. Down in his secret soul
there was an idea of the fierce and terrible zest of
hunting anything — even a man — with a bloodhound,
through that tragic dusk and quagmire. It would
be akin to the gladiatorial combats between man
and beast of old Home, or the bull-fights of the
plaza, which his gentle Cousin Anne had learned to
relish in Madrid.
" What do you say to riding over to Col. Page's
to-night ?" said Syd at supper. " The girls want to
THE MIDXIGHT RIDE. 275
practice some new music before the next party.
It's only six now. We can ride over in an hour."
" All right," said Godfrey.
" Kemember, boys," said Dr. Brooks, " you are to
be at home and in bed by ten." For Syd's father,
while he bestowed horses, guns, every accessory to
pleasure upon his son with an unstinting hand, yet
held a tisyht rein on him and never allowed him to
fancy that he was a man and not in reality a child.
"We'll be home by ten, sir," the boys said
promptly.
ISTow Godfrey was but a schoolboy, and at home
only snubbed and kept in place by a half-dozen
grown brothers and sisters. This riding out at
night, therefore, on a pony, which for the time was
his own ; this calling on young ladies to whom he
was known as Mr. Brooks, of Xew York, was an
ecstatic taste of ad nit freedom which almost
intoxicated the boy. When nine o'clock came, and
Syd beckoned him from the sofa, where he was
reading " Locksley Hall" to Miss Amelia Page, he
rose so unwillingly as to cause Joe Page to look
from his game of backgammon.
"It's too bad in the doctor to put your cousin
into strict prison regulations, Syd," he said. " I'll go,
however, and see about your horses."
He came back with a queer twinkle in his eye.
" Sam declares he hitched them securely ; but
they're gone now. Sit down, boys, sit down. You
may as well make the best of it. The fellows are
after them. They'll be here by and by."
276 T0XY, THE HERO.
S37 cl looked annoyed. "I believe Joe unhitched
them himself. I promised father I'd be back early."
However he sat down quietly and waited. Godfrey
had no annoyance to hide.
It wanted but ten minutes to eleven o'clock that
night when the ponies were brought to the door,
and the boys, after many hand-shakings and cordial
invitations, were allowed to depart for home.
Then the glow of gallantry and manhood began
to cool in Godfrey's bosom, and the unpleasant
tremor to take its place which was wont to over-
come him when he was late at school.
" I say, Sycl, I wish we were at home," he said,
mounting.
" I wish we were," gloomily.
"Will your father be very angry ?"
" It isn't that. But I never broke my word to
him before, never. I know what he thinks of a man
that breaks his word. The road is heavy. It's a
good ride for an hour and a half," shutting his
watch with a snap.
" Is there no short cut ?"
"Yes, there's one," looking at him dubiously;
" but it's through Johnson's place."
" The dogs — they're not loose, eh ?"
" That I don't know. He keeps them chained in
daytime, of course, but whether the scoundrel
looses them at night or not I never heard. It
would be just like him."
The boys rode on in silence. Suddenly Syd drew
up with a jerk. " Here's the gate into Johnson's, and
THE MIDNIGHT RIDE. 277
I tell you what it is I must go this way, dogs or no
dogs. I'm in honor bound to try to keep my prom-
ise as nearly as I can, no matter what lies in the
way. You can ride down the hill ; I'll wait for you
at the house."
"No, sir; I'm with you," feeling himself every
inch a man at the chance of an adventure. " Open
the gate, Syd. Now come on !" and giving their
horses the rein they struck into a gallop down the
road leading close by Johnson's house and stables.
It was so heavily covered with tan-bark that the
sound of the hoofs was deadened, and the boys
spoke in whispers, afraid to stir the midnight
silence.
Syd nodded toward a low kennel, back of the
stables.
" There !" he motioned with his lips. " There's
where they were when they took them to hunt
Boosey."
But kennel and stables were silent and motionless
in the cold moonlight.
The tan-bark was replaced by pebbles near the
house. The boys took their ponies up on the short
velvet turf, on which their swift feet fell with a
crisp, soft thud, a noise hardly sufficient to rouse
the most watchful dog, but which drove the blood
from Godfrey's cheeks. His short-lived courage
had oozed out.
" A man one could fight," he thought. " But to
be throttled like a beast by a dog." The glad-
iatorial fights of Rome did not thrill him so much
now as the thought of them had sometimes done.
278 TONY, THE HERO.
Thud — thud. Every beat of the hoofs upon the
grass sounded through the boys1 brains. They were
up to the kennels — past them — safe. Two minutes
passed and not a sound. Godfrey drew a long
breath, when — hark !
A long, deep bay, like thunder, sounded through
the night.
" God save us ! They're loose and are after us,"
gasped Syd.
Glancing back they saw two enormous black
shapes darting from behind the shadow of the
porch, and coming down the slope behind them.
"Now, Pitch and Tar!" sang out Syd, "it all
rests on you." He shouted as cheerily, Godfrey
thought, as though he were chasing a hare. Chas-
ing and being chased were different matters, both
the boys thought ; though there was a reckless, gay
defiance about the Southern boy which his cousin
lacked, courageous as he was.
The ponies seemed to catch the meaning of SycFs
call. They looked back. Their feet scarcely
touched the sward, their nostrils were reel, their
eyes distended.
After the first fierce howl the dogs followed in
silence. They had no time to give tongue ; they
had work to do.
A long stretch of pebbly road lay before the boys,
then there was a thick patch of bushes, and beyond,
the gate.
There was no doubt of the horses keeping up
their pace. Terror served them for muscle and
THE MIDNIGHT RIDE. 279
blood. But the hounds were swifter of foot at any
time. They gained with every minute. The dis-
tance was about fifty yards.
" Can we do it ?" Godfrey asked. His tongue
was hot and parched.
" Of course we'll do it, unless the gate is locked."
After this new dread came they were silent.
Godfrey thought of home, his mother, and poor
little Xell ; wished he had not snubbed her as he
used to do.
Syd felt desperately in his pockets, where he
found only a penknife. Why would not his father
let him carry firearms as the other bo}Ts ?
Suddenly turning to Godfrey he made a gesture,
and turned his horse full on the hedge of privet. It
leaped boldly — Godfrey's followed. But the hounds
followed, relentless as fate, and dashed through the
lower branches. They were closer than before.
"The gate! the gate!" cried Syd. He had
reached it and fumbled for the bolt. Godfrey, a
dozen paces behind, fancied he felt the tramp of the
powerful beasts shake the ground. He turned, saw
them coming with open jaws, closer, closer.
Would the gate never open ? There was a creak
and crash, and it rolled back on its rusty hinges.
The horses darted through so violently as to throw
Godfrey on the ground. When he looked up Syd
was standing beside him, and from the other side of
the iron bars came the baffled roar of the angry
beasts.
The boys rode home without a word.
280 TOHY, THE HERO.
"What about reclaiming property by means of
bloodhounds, S}7d?" asked Godfrey.
" It's brutal," cried Syd vehemently, and then he
laughed. "I tell you, Godfrey, one must actually
take another man's place before he can be quite
just to him, eh !"
A THOUSAND A YEAR.
" I am afraid Daniel must give up his studies/'
Mrs. Brooks said, sadly. "I've been thinking how
we are to meet the expenses of another year, and it
seems quite impossible to get money enough to do
so."
" Oh, it would be such a pity, and brother so
nearly through," Susan said, looking up in a dis-
tressed way. "He mustn't leave college now, when
he is so near graduating ! There must be a way of
helping him through."
Mrs. Brooks stooped to kiss the pale, tender face
upturned to hers.
" You have a wise little head, Susan, but I am
afraid there is a problem here you cannot solve,"
said the widow, mournfully.
" How much will be needed ?"
"At least a hundred dollars besides what he will
earn himself. You know there are always extra
expenses for the graduating class."
Susan's countenance fell. It was a great sum in
her estimation, and it was already difficult for them
to meet their weekly expenses.
"Everything depends upon brother's success,"
282 TOKY, THE HERO.
Susan said, presently. " We must give up every^
thing for him."
" I cannot forget I have two children," the mother
said, kissing the girl again more tenderly than
before.
" Two children ; but only one that will be a blessing
to you," Susan said, brushing away a tear.
" Don't say that, Susie. I am proud of Daniel, I
do not deny that — but I love you, too, all the same."
" But you never can be proud of me, weak and
deformed as I am ! Oh, mother, why are some
flowers made so beautiful and fragrant, and some so
dark and noisome? Why was my brother so fair,
so talented, and I so repulsive ?"
" ~No, no, no, not repulsive ; don't say that," the
widow cried, putting her arms around the girl in a
sheltering way.
" Do you think Daniel will let me go to see him
take his diploma, mother ?"
" You would not be able, dear."
The girl laughed bitterly.
" !N"o ; brother would say I was not able, too.
But I should be glad, so very glad to see him
graduate. I think I would be willing to die then."
"Hush, my darling," the mother cried, with a
sharp pain in her voice. "When you are gone 1
shall soon follow. Daniel will be satisfied with his
laurels, but women — ah, my child — women must
love something, and you are all that is left me to
love."
Susan nestled her head in her mother's bosom
A THOUSAND A TEAR. 283
without speaking, and lay there so long that her
mother thought she was sleeping. Suddenly she
opened her eyes and said :
"I have thought it all out, mother. Daniel can
graduate, and we will go see him take his diploma.
Mr. Green needs girls to braid straw hats. You
know I am nimble with my fingers, and I could
braid a thousand a year, and that would be how
much ?"
"But it would be wicked for me to allow you to
overtask yourself in that wav, darling. I am not
sure but it might ruin your health, feeble as you are.
No, no, it is not to be thought of."
" How many might I undertake, mother ?"
"Not half that amount ; not a third, even."
"Would Daniel be willing for me to braid, do
you think ?"
"I don't know. AVe will ask him."
"Mother," Susan said, looking into her eyes, "I
believe this is my mission, to educate Daniel. You
know we have given him everything — my portion of
the property and yours. I think I could hold out
to do this last, and you will consent when you come
to reflect upon what it will be to brother, and to
you, when I am gone. But he must not know it.
It would wound his pride, and he would get some
false notion in his head that he could not use money
I had earned in that way. Now, promise me, that
let what will come, }Tou will never tell him that I
braided straw hats that he might complete his educa-
tion."
284 TOXT, THE HERO.
" I cannot promise never to tell him, darling, uecause
I cannot foresee the future, but I should not like him
to be humbled and wounded, more than yourself.
I am too old to learn readily, but perhaps I, too,
could earn something b\7 braiding."
The determination was now fully settled in the
mind of each, that the young man must graduate,
and that the bills must be met by them. The
patronage of Mr. Green was solicited, and it was
agreed the work should be taken home, and that a
thousand hats should be braided for ten cents each,
which he assured them was more than he would
think of pa}dng to any one else, and only to Susan
in consideration of her infirmity.
We ought, perhaps, to explain that Susan had
been earl}7 afflicted with a curvature of the spine,
which had sadly deformed her. She would never
have been a beautiful girl, Daniel having inherited
not only all the family talent, but its beauty as
well. But her eyes were wondrously attractive,
with their loving, yearning persuasiveness, and few
could remember her deformity who had felt the
warmth of her generous nature.
In clue time, the anticipated letter of inquiry
came from Daniel, asking what the prospects were
for the coming year. It was full of dismal fore-
bodings and egotistical complaints of the hard for-
tune that made him dependent upon his mother,
but there was no regret that she suffered too ; no
longing to be a man that he might take this
lonely couple in his strong arms and bear them
A THOUSAND A YEAR. 285
tenderly over the rough places of life ; only vague,
ambitious dreamings of what he was to be to the
world, and the world to him.
The widow laid down the letter with a sigh.
Susan read the pages over and over again. So
grounded was she in her love for this earthly idol
that the selfishness was less apparent to her than to
her mother.
Its sadness seemed like tenderness, and he could
not speak too often or too much of the genius which
she believed he possessed, and which would some
time break upon the world like the meteor to which
he rather tritely compared himself.
" Ah, we shall be so proud of him !" Susan said,
folding the letter and laying it away near her heart,
where it rested many and many a day, while she
wove the strands of straw in and out, thinking how
ten times ten made one dollar, and how the dollars
would some time count up to a hundred, and that
sum, which her fingers had wrought out, would save
her brother from discouragement, if not from
despair.
The first twenty-five dollars was earned, and the
money was sent the brother.
"He was very glad of it," he said. "He had
begun to fear lest they would fail him." There was
no inquiry how it had been obtained ; no solicitude
lest those who loved him had deprived themselves
of luxuries, perhaps necessities, to meet his demands.
The next twenty-five dollars was earned, with
greater difficulty. The widow was awkward at
286 TONY, THE HERO.
braiding, and her work unsatisfactory, and so some
of it was returned to Susan. She sat up later nights,
that her mother should not see how hard the work
pressed upon her ; but the twenty-five dollars came
at last, and was sent to the student. Then there
was another letter of thanks.
"If you would but rest, darling," the mother
would say, when some look more wan than another
startled her into keener anxiety.
"When it is done we will rest together," was
all the reply the solicitude brought.
It was too late to retract now, the mother
thought ; and Daniel so nearly through ! So they
pinched a little from their daily meals, a little from
the store of candles, a little from the evening fire,
and prayed that every penny might be multiplied
like the widow's meal.
One night Mrs. Brooks had gone to bed exhausted
and hysterical with overlabor. Susan pressed the
blankets tenderly around her mother's shoulders,
and having given her the good-night kiss, and quieted
her with many promises of soon following her, she
went back to the kitchen fire and resumed the
weary braiding.
She had not completed her usual task that week,
and the idea occurred to her that her mother having
fallen asleep, she could braid another hat before
retiring. So she set up new strands and the thin
fingers wove them patiently in and out, until sharp
pain clutched her with merciless teeth, and she
leaned forward, her head falling upon the table, in
a dead faint.
A THOUSAND A TEAR. 287
It was long past midnight when Susan found her-
self in this position. Shivering with cold, she crept
to her mother's side and lay the remainder of the
night, racked by alternate fevers and chills.
How could the poor child tell her mother of what
she knew was creeping so steadily toward her?
Would she make a final effort to save her own life
and let Daniel struggle with his fortunes as he best
could ?
Poor, brave little heart, with the chill of the
grave stealing over it, but warmed back into life
and renewed suffering by the wonderful strength of
its undying love !
Another twenty five dollars was forwarded to
Daniel, and a few lines came flying back by the
return post, for Daniel was a man of business habits,
and punctual in all things.
Susan looked it all over carefully for some loving
message to her ; some sign answering to what she
felt in her own heart toward him, but there was
nothing there but " With love to Susan, I remain,
etc., Daniel."
A dry sob escaped the poor child as she laid it by,
and took up the weary, rustling braids. The sound
rasped upon her nerves now. The ver\T odor of the
strands nauseated her. Every kink in the braids
fretted her; and when one hat was finished and
laid aside, it seemed such a mountainous task to
commence another.
Sometimes hours would pass by without a round
being accomplished, then again the nimble fingers
would be inspired, and the work would grow as of old.
288 TONY, THE HERO.
"If I could only go and see Daniel take his
diploma," she would say, I think it would make me
strong again. I would wear my white muslin frock,
with the blue sash, and he would not be ashamed of
me."
But it was not to be. The one thousand hats
were braided, and Susan's task was done. Nothing
remained for her but to lie down in her modest
casket and sleep with folded hands until the blessed
Saviour shall bid her approach to receive His wel-
come— " Well done, thou good and faithful servant."
Daniel returned with his collegiate honors only to
listen to the sad story of her labors and death. His
mother told it as they stood by the coffin. There
were the worn letters she had cherished, blistered
all over with tears.
He was conscience stricken when he looked them
over, and saw how cold and egotistical they were,
and how" thoughtless he had always been of the
treasure that death had taken. He took the thin
hands in his — the hands that had braided and
plaited while he slept, and wrought out the treasure-
trove that molded the key to his success, and he
made solemn resolutions for the future. Let us
hope that, in her broken life, he learned how
beautiful in the sight of God and angels is the self-
sacrifice of the lowly in heart : and how much
better it is to die in the struggle to bless others
than it is to live to a selfish, unloving, unsanctifled
old age.
THE END,
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS
For Young People
BY POPULAR WRITERS,
97-99-101 Reade Street, New York,
Bonnie Prince Charlie : A. Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden. By
G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon
Browne. 12ino, cloth, price $1.00.
The adventures of the son of a Scotch officer in French service.
Tne boy, brought up by a Glasgow bailie, is a rested for aiding a
Jacobite agent, escapes, is wrecked on the French coast, reaches
Paris, and serves with the French army at Dettingen. He kills
bis father's foe in a duel, and escaping to the coast, shares the
adventures of Prince Charlie, but finally settles happily in Scot-
land
"Ronald, the hero, is very like the hero of ' Quentin Durward.1 The lad's
]ourney across France, and his hairbreadth escapes, make up as good a nar-
rative bf the kind as we have ever read. For freshness of treatment and
variety of incident Mr. Henty has surpassed himself. "'—Sped a tor.
With Clive in India ; or, the Beginnings of ^an Empire. By
G. A. Henty. With 12 full-page Illustrations by Gordon
Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The period between the landing of Clive as a young writer in
India and the close of his career was critical and eventful in the
extreme. At its commencement the English were traders existing
on sufferance of the native princes. At its close they were masters
of Bengal and f the greater part of Southern Indir.. The author
has given a full and accurate account of the events of that stirring
time, and battles and sieges follow each other in rapid succession,
while he combines with his narrative a tale of daring and adven-
ture, which gives a lifelike interest to the volume.
'" He has taken a period of Indian history of the most vital importance,
and he has embroidered on the historical facts a story which of itself is deeply
interesting. Young people assuredly will be delighted with the volume."—
Scotsman.
The Lion of the North : A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the
Wars of Religion. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illus*
trations by John Schonberg, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
In this story Mr. Heiry gives the history of the first rart of the
Thirty Years' War. The issue had its importance, which has ex
tended to the present day, as it established religious freedom
in Germany. The army of the chivalrous king of Sweden was
largely composed of Scotchmen, and among these was the hero of
the story.
" The tale is a clever and instructive piece of history , and as boys may be
trusted to read it conscientiously, they can hardlvfah to be profited-' '— Times.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
The Dragon and the Raven; or, The Days of King Alfred. By
G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by C. J. Stani-
land, R.I. 12ino, cloth, price $1.00.
In this story the author gives an a count of the fierce struggle
between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents
a vivid picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was
reduced by the ravages of the sea- wolves. The hero, a young
Saxon thane, takes part in all the battles fought by King Alfred.
He is driven from his home, takes to the sea and resi.ststhe Danes
on their own element, and being pursued by them up the Seine,
is present at the long and desperate siege of Paris.
" Treated in a manner most attractive to the boyish reader." — Athenaeum*
The Young Carthaginian : A Story of the Times of Hannibal.
By G. A. Hexty. With full-page Illustrations byC. J. Stani-
land, R.I. 12U10, cloth, price $1.00.
Boys reading the history of the Puuic Wars have seldom a keen
appreciation of the merits of the contest. That it wras at first a
struggle for empire, and afterward for existence on the part of
Carthage, that Hannibal was a great and skillful general, that he
defeated the Romans at Trebia, Lake Trasimenus, and Cannae,
and all but took R une, represents pretty nearly the sum total of
their knowledge. To let them know more about this momentous
struggle for the empire of the world Mr. Henty has written this
story, which not only gives in graphic style a brilliaut descrip-
tion of a most interesting period of history, but is a tale of ex-
citing adventure sure to secure the interest of the reader.
"Well constructed and vividly told. From first to last nothing stays the
interest of the narrative. It bears us along as on a {stream whose current
varies in direction, but never loses its force.*1— Saturday Review.
In Freedom's Cause : A Story of Wallace and Bruce. ByG. A.
Henty, With full page Illustrations by Gordon Browne.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
In this story the author relates the stirring tale of the Scottish
War of Independence. The extraordinary valor and personal
prowess of Wallace and Bruce rival the deeds of the mythical
heroes of chivalry, and indeed at one time Wallace was ranked
with these legendary personages. The researches of modern
historians have shown, however, that he was a living, breathing
man — and a valiant champion. The hero of the tale fought under
both Wallace and Bruce, and while the strictest historical accuracy
has been maintained with respect to public events, the work is
full of "hairbreadth 'scapes" and wild adventure.
" It is written in the author's best style. Full of the wildest and most re-
markable achievements, it is a tale of great interest, which a boy, once he has
begun it. will not willingly put on one side.1'— The Schoolmaster-
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. b*
With Lee in Virginia: A Story of the American Civil War. By
G. A. Hexty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon
Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The story of a young Virginian planter, who, aft r bravely
proving his sympathy with the slaves of brutal masters, serves
with no less courage and enthusiasm under Lee and Jackson
through the most exciting events of the struggle. He has many
hairbreadth escapes, is seve al times wounded and twice taken
prisoner; but bis courage and readiness and, in two cases, the
devoti m of a black servant and of a runaway slave whom he had
assisted, bring him safely through all difficulties.
" One of the best stories for lads which Mr. Henty has yet written. The
picture is full of life and color, and the stirring and romantic incidents are
skillfully blended with the personal interest and charm of the story."—
Standard.
By England's Aid ; or, The Freeing of the Netherlands (1585-
1604). By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by
Alfred Pearse, and Maps. 12 mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The story of two English lads v. ho go to Holland as pages in
the service of one of " the righting Veres." After many adven-
tures by sea and land, one of the lads finds himself < n board a
Spanish ship at the time of the defeat of the Armada, and escapes
only to fall into the hands of the Corsairs. He is successful in
getting back to S ain under the protection of a wealthy merchant,
and regains his native country after the capt -re of Cadiz.
" It is an admirable book for youngsters. It overflows with stirring inci-
dent and exciting adventure, and the color of the era and of the scene are
finely reproduced. The illustrations add to its attractiveness.1' — Boston
Gazette.
By Right of Conquest ; or, With Cortez in Mexico. By Q. A.
Hexty. With full-page Illustrations by W. S. Stacey, and
Two Maps. 12mo, cloth, price $1.50.
The conquest of Mexico by a small band of resolute men under
the magnificent leadership of Cortez is always rightly ranked
among the most romantic and daring exploits in history. With
this as the groundwork of his story Mr. Henty has interw ven the
adventures of an English youth, Roger Hawkshaw, the sole sur-
vivor of the good ship Swan, which bad sailed from a Devon port
i~ challenge the mercantile supremacy o tbe Spaniards in the
New World. He is beset by many perils among the natives, but
is saveo. by his own judgment and strength, and by the devotion
of an Aztec princess. At last by a ruse he obtains the protection
of the £■?; aniards, and after tbe fall of Mexico h° succeeds in re-
gaining his native shore,, with a fortune and a charming Aztec
bride.
" ' By Right of Conquest ' is the nearest approach to a perfectly successful
historical tale that Mr. Henty has yet ^}ublished.,'' — Academy.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
In the Reign of Terror : The Adventures of a Westminster Bof
By (j. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations bv J. Schon-
berg. 12ino, cloth, price $1.00.
Harry Sandwitk, a Westminster boy, becomes a resident at th&
chateau of a French mar prs, and aft r various adventures accom-
panies the family to Pal is at the crisis of the Revolution. Im-
prisonment and death reduce their number, and the hero finds
himself beset by perils with the three young daughters of the
1 ouse in his charge. After hairbreadth escapes they reach Nan-
tes. There the l iris are condemned to death in the coffin-ships,
but are saved by the unfailing courage of their boy protector.
" Harry Sandwith, the Westminster boy, may fairly be said to beat Mr.
Henty*s record. His adventures will delight boys by the audacity and peril
they 'depict. . . . The story is one of Mr. Henty's best.'''— Saturday
Bevieic.
With Wolfe in Canada ; or, The Winning of a Continent, By
G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordon
Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
In the present volume Mr. Henty gives an accoun+ of the strug-
gle between Britain and France for supremacy in the North
American continent. On the issue of this war depended not only
the destinies of North America, but to a large extent those of the
mother countries themselves. The fall of Quebec decided that
the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New World;
that Britain, and not France, should lake the lead among the
nations of Europe; and that English and American commerce, the
English language, and English literature, should spread right
round the globe.
" It is not only a lesson in history as instructively as it is graphically told,
but also a deeply interesting and often thrilling tale of adventure and peril by
flood and field.' ^—Illustrated London Xeivs.
True to the Old Flag : A Tale of the American War of Inde-
pendence. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by
Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
In this story the author has gone to the accounts of officers who
took part in the conflict, and lads will find that in no war in which
American and British soldiers have been engaged did they behave
with greater courage and good conduct. The historical portion of
the book being accompanied with numerous thrilling adventures
with the redskins on the shores of La e Huron, a story of exciting
interest is interwoven with the general narrative and carried
through the book.
" Does justice to the pluck and determination of the British soldiers during:
the unfortunate struggle against American emancipation. The pon of an
American loyalist, who remains true to our flag, falls among the hostile red-
skins in that very Huron country which has been endeared to us by the ex-
ploits of Hawkey e and Chingachgook."'— The Times.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
The Lion of St. Mark : A Tale of Venice in the Fourteenth.
Century. By G. A. Hexty. With full-page Illustrations by
Gordox Browxe. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A story of Venice at a period when her strength and splendor
were put to the severest tests, The hero displays a fine sense and
manliness which carry him safely through an atmosphere of in-
irigue, crime, and bloodshed. He contributes largely to the vic-
tories of the Venetians at Porto d'Anzo and Chioggia, and finally
wins the hand of the daughter of one of the chief men of Venice.
" Every boy should read ' The Lion of St. Mark.' Mr. Henry has never pro-
duced a story more delightful, more wholesome, or more vivacious. "— Satur-
day Review.
A Final Reckoning: A Tale of Bush Life in Australia, ByG. A
Hexty. With full-page Illustrations by W. B. Wollen*
12mo, cloth, price $1.00,
The hero, a young English lad. after rather a stormy boyhood,
emigrates to Australia, and gets employment as a^ officer in the
mounted police. A few years of active work on the frontier,
where he has many a brush with both natives and bushrangers,
gain him promotion to a captaincy, and he eventually settles
down to the peaceful life of a squatter.
"Mr. Henty has never published a more readable, a more carefully coo
structed. or a better written story than this." —Spectator.
Under Drake's Flag : A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. A.
Hexty. With full-page Illustrations by Gordox Browne,
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A story of the days when England and Spain struggled for the
supremacy of the sea. The her ies sail as lads with Drake in the
Pacific expedition, and in his great voyage of circumnavigation.
The historical portion of the story is absolutely tc be relied upon,
but this will perhaps be less attractive than the great variety of
exciting adventure through which the young heroes pass in the
course of their voyages.
!- A book of adventure, where the hero meets wic^ experience enough, one
would think, to turn his hair gray."- -Harper's Monthly Magazine.
By Sheer Pluck : A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. A. Henty
With full- page Illustrations by Gordox Brovxe. i2mo
cloth, price $1.00.
The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the de
tails of the Ashanti campaign, of \rhich he was himself a witness.
His hero, after many exciting adventures in the interior, is de-
tained a prisoner by the king just before the outbreak of the war
but escapes, and accompanies the English expedition on theii
march to Coomassie.
- ' Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer ol boys' stories. ' By Sheer
Pluck ' will be eagerly read."- At snceum.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
By Pike and Dyke : A Tale of the Riss of the Dutch Republic.
By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Maynarb
Brown, and 4 Maps. 12ino, cloth, price $1.00.
In this story Mr. Henty traces the adventures and brave deeds
Of an English boy in the household of the ablest man of his age —
William the Silent. Edward Martin, the son of an English sea-
Captain, enters the service of the Prince as a volunteer, and is em-
ployed by him in many dangerous and responsible missions, in the
discharge of which he passes through the great sieges of the time
He ultimately settles down as Sir Edward Martin.
" Boys with a turn for historical research will be enchanted with the book,
while the rest who only care for adventure will be students in spite of them
selves.1'1 — St. James'' Gazette.
St. George for England : A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By
G. A. Henty. With fuh-page Illustrations by Gordcxt
Broavne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
No portion ox English history is more crowded with great events
than that of the reign of Edward III. Cressy and Poitiers; the
destruction of the Spanish fleet; the plague of the Black Death;
the Jacquerie rising; these are treated by the author in " St.
George for England." The hero of the story, although of good
family, begins life as a London apprentice, but after countless ad.
ventures and perils becomes by valor and good conduct the squire,
and at last the trusted friend of the Black Prince.
"Mr. Henty has developed for himself a type of historical novel for boys
which bids fair to supplement, on their behalf, the historical labors of Sir
Walter Scott in the land of fiction.''',— The Standard.
Captain's Kidd's Gold : The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor
Boy. By James Franklin Fitts. 12mo, clotn, price $1.00.
There is something fascinating to the average youth in tlie very
idea of buried treasure. A vision arises before his eyes of swarthy
Portuguese and Spanish rascals, with black beards and gleaming
eyes — sinister-looking fellows who once on a time haunted the
Spanish Main, sneaking out from some hidden creek in their long,
low schooner, of picaroonisn rake and sheer, to attack an unsus-
pecting trading craft. Tnere were many famous sea rovers in
their day, but none more celebrated than Capt. Kid'd. Perhaps
the most fascinating tale of all is Mr. Fitts' true story of an adven-
turous American boy, who receives from his dying father an
ancient bit of vellum, which the latter obtained in a cur'ous way
The document bears obscure directions purporting to locate a cer-
tain island in the Bahama group, and a considerable treasure
buried there by two of Kidd's crew. The hero of this book,
Paul Jones Garry, is an ambit:ous, persevering lad, of salt-water
New England ancestry, and bis efforts to reach the island and
serurc! the money form one of the nost absorbing tales for our
youth Uifct has come from the press.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
Cap'.ain Bayley's Heir : 1 Tale of the Gold Fields of California
By Cr. A. Henty. With full-page Illustrations by H. M
Paget. 12rno, cloth, price $1.00.
A frank, manly lad and his cousin are rivals in the heirship of a
co. .siderable property. The former fills into a trap laid by the
latter, and while under a false accusation of theft foolishly leaves
England for America. He works his passage before the mast,
joins a small band of hunters, crosses a tract of country infested
with Indians to the Californian gold diggings, and is successful
both as digger and trader.
"Mr. Henty is careful to mingle instruction with entertainment; and the
humorous touches, especially in the sketch of John Holl. the Westminster
dustman, Dickens himself could hardly have excelled.11— Christian Leader.
For Name and Fame ; or, Through Afghan Passes. By G. A
Henty. With full -page Illustrations by Gordon Browne.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
An interesting story of the last war in Afghanistan. The hero,
after being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures
among the Malays, finds his way to Calcutta and enlists in a regi-
ment proceeding to join the army at the Afghan passes. He ac-
companies the force under General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotalj
is wounded, taken prisoner, carried to Cabul, whence he is trans'
ferred to Candahar, and takes part in the final defeat of the armt
of Ayoub Khan.
"The best feature of the book— apart from the interest of its scenes of ad-
venture—is its honest effort to do justice to the patriotism of the Afghan
people.11 — Daily Xews.
Captured by Apes : The Wonderful Adventures of a Young
Animal Trainer. By Harry Prentice. 12mo, cloth, $1.00.
The scene of this tale is laid on an island in the Malay Archi-
pelago, Philip Garland, a young animal collector and trainer, of
New York, sets sail for Eastern seas in quest of a new stock of
living curiosities. The vessel is wrecked off the coast of Borneo
and young Garland, the sole survivor of the disaster, is cast ashore
Dn a small island, and captured by the apes that overrun the
place. The lad discovers that the ruling spirit of the monkey
tribe is a gigantic and vicious baboon, whom he identifies as
Goliah, an auimal at one time in his possession and with whose
instruction he had been especially diligent. The brute recognizes
him, and with a kind of malignant satisfaction puts his former
master through the same course of training he had himself ex
perienced with a faithfulness of detail which shows how astonish-
ing is monkey recollection. Very novel indeed is the way by
which the young man escapes death. Mr. Pr mtice has certainly
worked a new vein on juvenile fiction, and thf ability with willed
he handles a difficult subject stamps him as a * liter of undoubted
skill.
8 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
The Bravest of the Brave ; or, With Peterborough in Spain
By G. A. Hexty. With full-page Illustrations by H< M.
Paget. 12ni<>, cloth, price $1.00.
There are few great leaders whose lives and actions have so
completely fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peter
borough. This is largely due to the fact that they were over-
shadowed by the glory and successes of Marlborough. His career
as general extended over little more than a year, and yet, in that
time, he showed a genius for warfare which has never been sur
passed.
" Mr. Henty never loses sight of the moral purpose of his work— to enforce
the doctrine of courage and truth. Lads will read ' The Bravest of the Brave '
with pleasure and profit; of that we are quite sure."— Daily Telegraph.
The Cat of Bubastes : A Story of Ancient Egypt. By G. A.
Henty. With full-page Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A story which will give young readers an unsurpassed insight
into the customs of the Egyptian people. Amuba, a prince of the
Rebu nation, is carried with his charioteer Jethro into slavery.
They become inmates of the house of Ameres, the Egyptian high-
p:iest. and are happy in his service until the priest's son acci-
dentally kills the sacred cat of Bubastes. In an outburst of popular
fury Ameres is killed, and it rests with Jethro and Amuba to
secure the escape of the high-priest's son and daughter.
" The story, from the critical moment of the killing of the sacred cat to the
perilous exodus into Asia with which it closes, is very skillfully constructed
and full of exciting adventures. It is admirably illustrated. "Saturday
Bevieio.
With Washington at Monmouth : A Story of Three Phila-
delphia Boys. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Three Philadelphia boys, Seth Graydon " whose mother con-
ducted a boarding-house which was patronized by the British
officers;" Enoch Ball, "son of that Mrs. Ball whose dancing
school was situated on Letitia Street," and little Jacob, son of
" Chris, the Baker," serve as the principal characters. The
story is laid during the winter when Lord Howe held possession
of the city, and the lads aid the cause by a-sisting the American
spies who make regular and frequent visits from Valley Forge.
One reads here of home-life in the captive city when bread was
scarce among the people of the lower classes, and a reckless prodi-
gality shown by the British officers, who passed the winter in
feasting and merry-making while the members of the patriot army
but a few miles away were suffering from both cold and hunger.
The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life skillfully
drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are giver.
<show that the work has not been hastily done, or without coo
aiderable study.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 9
For the Temple: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. By G. A.
Henty. With full-page Illustrations by S. J. Solomon. 12ldo,
cloth, price $1.00.
Mr. Henty here weaves into the record of Josephus an admirable
and attractive story. The troubles in the district of Tiberias, the
march of the legions, the sieges of Jotapata, of Gamala, and of
Jerusalem, form the impressive and carefully studied historic
setting to the figure of the lad who passes from the vineyard to
the service of Josephus, becomes the leader of a guerrilla band of
patriots, fights bravely for the Temple, and after a brief term of
slaverv at Alexandria, returns to his Galilean home with the favor
of Titus.
"Mr. Henty 's graphic prose pictures of the hopele^ Jewish resistance to
Roman sway add another leaf to his record of the famous wars of the world.'"
— Graphic.
Facing Death ; or, The Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale of
the Goal Mines. By G. A. Henty. With full-page Illustra-
tions by Gordon Browne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"Facing Death" is a story with a purpose. It is intended to
show that a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that
he will rise in life, and who is prepared to face toil and ridicule
and hardship to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed.
The hero of the story is a typical British boy, dogged, earnest,
generous, and though " shamefaced" to a degree, is ready to face
death in the discharge of duty.
" The tale is well written and well illustrated, and there is muc' . canty in
the characters. If any father, clergyman, or schoolmaster is on the lookout
for a good book to give as a present to a boy who is worth his salt, this is the
book we would recommend.*''— Standard.
Tom Temple's Career. By Horatio Alger. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
Tom Temple, a bright, self-reliant lad, by the death of his
father becomes a boarder at the home of Nathan Middleton, a
penurious insurance agent, Though well paid for keeping the
boy, Xathan and his wife endeavor to bring Master Tom in line
with their parsimonious habits. The lad ingeniously evades their
efforts and revolutionizes the household. As Tom is heir to
$40,000, he is regarded as a person of some importance until by
an unfortunate combination of circumstances his fortune shrinks
to a few hundreds. He leaves Plympton village to seek work in
New York, whence he undertakes an important mission to Cali-
fornia, around which center the most exciting incidents of his
young career. Some of his adventures in the far west are so
startling that the reader will scarcely close the book until the last
page shall have been reached. The tale is written in Mr. Alger's
most fascinating style, and is bound to please the very large class
of boys who regard this popular author as a prime favorite.
10 A, L, BtRTS PUBLICATIONS.
Maori and Settler : A Story of the Xew Zealand War. Bj
Gr. A, Henty. With full-page Illustrations by Alfred Pearse.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The Renshaws emigrate to Xew Zealand during the period of
the war with the natives, Wilfrid, a strong, self-reliant, coura-
geous lad, is the mainstay of the household. He has for his friend
.Mr. Atherton, a botanist and naturalist of herculean strength and
unfailing nerve and humor. In the adventures among the Maoris
there are many breathless moments in which the odds seem hope-
lessly against the party, but they succeed in establishing them-
selves happily in one of the pleasant New Zealand valleys.
" Brimful of adventure, of humorous and interesting conversation, and
vivid pictures of colonial life."— Schoolmaster.
Julian Mortimer : A Brave Boy's Struggle for Home and Fortune=
By Harry Castlemon. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00,
Here is a story that will warm every boy's heart. There is
mystery enough to keep any lad's imagination wound up to the
highest pitch. The scene of the story lies west of the Mississippi
river, in the days when emigrants made, their perilous way across
the great plains to the land of gold. One of the startling features
of the book is the attack upon the wagon train by a large party of
Indians. Our hero is a lad of uncommon nerve and pluck, a brave
young Americau in every sense of the word. He enlists and holds
the reader's sympathy from the outset. Surrounded by an un-
known and constant peril, and assisted by the unswerving fidelity
of a stalwart trapper, a real rough diamond, our hero achieves the
most happy results. Harry Castlemon has written many enter-
taining stories for boys, and it would seem almost superfluous to
say anything in his praise, for the youth of America regard him
as a favorite author.
11 Carrots : " Just a Little Boy. By Mrs. Molestvorth. With
Illustrations by Walter Craiste. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
" One of the cleverest and most pleasing stories it has been our good for-
tune to meet with for some time. Carrots and his sister are delightful little
beings, whom to read about is at once to become very fond of."— Examiner.
"A genuine children's book: we've seen "em seize it. and read it greedily.
Children are first-rate critics, and thoroughly appreciate Walter Crane's
illustrations. "—Punch.
Mopsa the Fairy. By Jeax Ixgelow. With Eight page
Illustrations. 12mo, cloth, price To cents.
" Miss Ingelow is, to our mind, the most charming of all living writers for
children, and ' Mopsa ' alone ought to give her a kind of pre-emptive right to
the love and gratitude of our young folks. It requires genius to conceive a
purely imaginary work which must of necessity deal with the supernatural,
without runuing into a mere riot of fantastic absurdity; but genius Miss In-
gelow has and the stor}- of 'Jack ' is as careless and joyous, but as delicate,
as a picture of childhood."— Eclectic.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. j]
A Jaunt Through Java : The Story of a Journey to the Sacred
Mountain. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The central interest of this story is found in the thrilling ad-
ventures of two cousins, Hermon and Eustace Hadley, on their
trip across the island of Java, from Samarangtothe Sacred Moun-
tain. In a land where the Royal Bengal tiger runs at large;
where the rhinoceros and other fierce beasts are to be met with
at unexpected moments; it is but natural that the heroes of this
book should have a lively experience. Hermon not only dis-
tinguishes himself by killing a full grown tiger at short range,
but meets with the most startling adventure of the journey.
There is much in this narrative to instruct as well as entertain the
reader, and so deftly has Mr. Ellis used his material that theie is
i.ot a duil page in the book. The two heroes are brave, manly
young fellows, bubbling over with boyish independence. They
cope with the many difficulties that arise during the trip in a fear-
less way that is bound to win the admiration of every lad who is
so fortunate as to read their adventures.
Wrecked on Spider Island; or, How Ned Rogers Found the
Treasure. By James Otis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A "down-east" plucky lad who ships as cabin boy, not from
love of adventure, but because it is the only course remaining by
which he can gain a livelihood. While in his bunk, seasick,
Ned Rogers hears the captain and mate discussing their plans for
the willful wreck of the brig in order to gain the insurance. Once
it is known he is in possession of the secret the captain maroons
him on Spider Island, explaining to the crew that the boy is
afflicted with leprosy. While thus involuntarily playing the part
of a Crusoe, Ned discovers a wreck submerged" in the sand, and
overhauling the timbers for the purpose of gathering material
with which to build a hut finds a considerable amount of treasure.
Raising the wreck; a voyage to Havana under sail; shipping there
a crew and running for Savannah; the attempt of the crew to
seize the little craft after learning of the treasure on board, and,
as a matter of course, the successful ending of the journey, all
serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most
captious boy could desire.
Geoff and Jim : A Story of School Life. By Ismay Thorn. Il-
lustrated by A. Or. Walker. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
" This is a prettily told story of the life spent by two motherless bairns at
a small preparatory school. Both Geoff and Jim are very lovable characters,
only Jim is the more so; and the scrapes he gets into and the trials he en-
dures will, no doubt, interest a large circle of young readers.' ''—Church
Times.
" This is a capital children's story, the characters well portrayed, and the
book tastefully bound and well illustrated.'*— Schoolmaster.
" Tbe story can be heartily recommended as a present for boys.1'—
Standard.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
The Castaways ; or, On the Florida Reefs, By James Otis.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
This tale smacks of the salt sea. It is just the kind of story
that the majority of boys yearn for. From the moment that the
Sea Queen dispenses with the services of the tug in lower New
York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off the coast ot
Florida, one can almost hear the whistle of the wind through her
rigging, the creak of her straining cordage as she heels to the
leeward, and feel her rise to the snow-capped waves which hei
sharp bow cuts into twin streaks of foam. Off Marquesas Keys
she floats in a dead calm. Ben Clark, the hero of the story, and
Jake, the cook, spy a turtle asleep upon the glassy surface of the
water. They determine to capture him, and take a boat for that
purpose, and just as they succeed in catching him a thick fog
cuts them off from the vessel, and then their troubles be in.
They take refuge on board a drifting hulk, a storm arises and they
are cast ashore upon a low sandy key. Their adventures from
this point cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young
people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite. His style is captivating, and
never for a moment does he allow the interest to flag. In " The
Castaways " he is at his best.
Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By Hoeatio Alger, Jr. 12mo,
cloth, price $1.00.
Like all of Mr. Alger's heroes, Tom Thatcher is a brave, am-
bitious, unselfish boy. He supports his mother and sister on
meager wages earned as a shoe-pegger in John Simpson's factory.
The story begins with Tom's discharge from the factory, because
Mr. Simpson felt annoyed with the lad for interrogating him too
closely about his missing father. A few days afterward Tom
learns that which induces him to start overlandfor California with
the view of probing the family mystery. He meets with many ad-
ventures. Ultimately he returns to his native village, bringing con-
sternation to the soul of John Simpson, who only escapes the con-
sequences of his villainy by making full restitution to the man
whose friendship he had betrayed. The story is told in that en*
tertaining way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household
wTord in so many homes.
Birdie : A Tale of Child Life. By H. L. Chtlde-Pembertok-.
Illustrated by H. W. Rainby. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
" The story is quaint and simple, but there is a freshness about it that
makes one hear again the ringing laugh and the cheery shout of children at
play which charmed his earlier years." — New York Express.
Popular Fairy Tales. By the Brothers Grimm Profusely
Illustrated. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
" From first to last, almost without exception, these stories are delightful,"
— Athenaeum.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 13
With Lafayette at Yorktown : A Story of How Two Boys
Joined the Continental Army. By James Otis. 12lqo, cloth,
price $1.00.
The two boys are from Portsmouth, N. H., and are introduced
in August, 1781, when on the point of leaving home to enlist in
Col. Scammell's regiment, then stationed near New York City.
Their method of traveling is on horseback, and the author has
given an interesting account of what was expected from boys in
the Colonial days. The lads, after no slight amount of adventure,
are sent as messengers — not soldiers — into the south to find the
troops under Lafayette. Once with that youthful general they
are given employment as spies, and enter the British camp,
bringing away valuable information. The pictures of camp-life
are carefully drawn, and the portrayal of Lafayette's character is
thoroughly well done. The story is wholesome in tone, as are all
of Mr. Otis' works. There is no lack of exciting incident which
the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful excitement brim-
ming with facts which every boy should be familiar with, and
while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffreys and
Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will
remain in his memory long after that which he has memorized
from text-books has been forgotten.
Lost in the Canon : Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great
Colorado. By Alfred R. Calhoun. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
This story hinges on a fortune left to Sam Willett, the hero,
and the fact that it will pass to a disreputable relative if the lad
dies before he shall have reached his majority. The Vigilance
Committee of Hurley's Gulch arrest Sam's father and an associate
for the crime of murder. Their lives depend on the production
of the receipt given for money paid. This is in Sam's possession
at the camp on the other side of the canon. A messenger is dis-
patched to get it. He reaches the lad in the midst of a fearful
storm which floods the canon. His father's peril urges Sam to
action. A raft is built on which the boy and his friends essay to
cross the torrent. They fail to do so, and a desperate trip down
the stream ensues. How the party finally escape from the hor-
rors of their situation and Sam reaches Hurley's Gulch in the very
nick of time, is described in a graphic style that stamps Mr. Cal-
houn as a master of his art.
Jack : A Topsy Turvy Story. By C. M. Crawley-Boeyey.
With upward of Thirty Illustrations by H. J. A. Miles.
12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
" The illustrations deserve particular mention, as they add largely to the
interest of this amusing volume for children. Jack falls asleep with his mind
full of the subject of the fishpond, and is very much surprised presently to
find himself an inhabitant of Waterworld, where he goes though wonderful
and edifying adventures. A handsome and pleasant book. '"—Literary World.
It A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
Search for the Silver City : A Tale of Adventure in Yucatan.
By James Otis. 12nio, cloth, price $1.00.
Two American lads, Teddy W right and Xeal Emery, embark
on the steam yacht Day Dream for a short summer cruise to the
tropics. Homeward bound the yacht is destroyed by fire. All
hands take to the boats, but during the night the boat is cast upon
the coast of Yucatan. They come across a young American
named Cummings, who entertains them wTith the story of the
wonderful Silver City, of the Chan Santa Cruz Indians. Cum-
mings proposes with the aid of a faithful Indian ally to brave
the perils of the swamp and carry off a number of the golden
images from the temples. Pursued with relentless vigor for days
their situation is desperate. At last their escape is effected in an
astonishing manner. Mr. Otis has built his story on an historical
foundation. It is so full of exciting incidents that the reader is
quite carried away with the novelty and realism of the narrative.
Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By Hokatio Alger, Jr. 12ino,
cloth, price $1.00.
Thrown upon his own resources Frank Fowler, a poor boy,
bravely determines to make a living for himself and his foster-
sister Grace. Going to New York he obtains a situation as cash
boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service to a wealthy old
gentleman named Wharton, who takes a fancy to the lad. Frank,
after losing his place as cash boy, is enticed by an enemy to a
lonesome part of New Jersey and held a prisoner. This move re-
coils upon the plotter, for it leads to a clue that enables the lad to
establish his real identity. Mr. Alger's stories are not only un-
usually interesting, but they convey a useful lesson of pluck and
manly independence.
Budd Boyd's Triumph; or, the Boy Firm of Fox Island. By
William P. Chipman. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The scene of this story is laid on the upper part of Narragansett
Bay, and the leading incidents have a strong salt water flavor.
Owing to the conviction of his father for forgery and theft, Budd
Boyd is compelled to leave his home and strike out for himself.
Chance brings Budd in contact with Judd Floyd The two boys,
being ambitious and clear sighted, form a partnership to catch
and sell fish. The scheme is successfully launched, but the un-
expected appearance on the scene of Thomas Bagsley, the man
whom Budd believes guilty of the crimes attributed to his father,
leads to several disagreeable complications that nearly caused the
lad's ruin. His pluck and good sense, however, carry him through
his troubles. In following the career of the boy firm of Boyd &
Floyd, the youthful reader will find a useful lesson — that industry
and perseverance are bound to lead to ultimate success.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 15
The Errand Boy ; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By
Horatio Alger, Jr. 12rno, cloth, price $1.00.
The career of " The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures
of a smart country lad who at an early age was abandoned by his
father. Philip was brought up by a kind-hearted innkeeper
named Brent. The death of Mrs. Brent paved the way for the
hero's subsequent troubles. Accident introduces him to the
notice of a retired merchant in New York, who not only secures
him the situation of errand boy but thereafter stands as his
friend. An unexpected turn of fortune's wheel, however, brings
Philip and his father together. In "The Errand Boy" Philip
Brent is possessed of the same sterling qualities so conspicuous in
all of the previous creations of this delightful writer for our youth.
The Slate Picker : The Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines.
By Harry Prentice. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
This is a story of a boy's life in the coal mines of Pennsylvania.
There are many thrilling situations, notably that of Ben Burton's
leap into the " lion's mouth " — the yawning shute in the breakers
— to escape a beating at the hands of the savage Spilkins, the
overseer, Grade Gordon is a little angel in rags, Terence O'Dowd
is a manly, sympathetic lad, and Enoch Evans, the miner-poet, is
a big-hearted, honest fellow, a true friend to all whose bur-
dens seem too heavy for them to bear. Ben Burton, the hero, had
a hard road to travel, but by grit and energy he advanced step by
step until he found himself called upon to fill the position of
chief engineer of the Kohinoor Coal Company.
A Runaway Brig ; or, An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
" A Bunaway Brig " is a sea tale, pure and simple, and that's
where it strikes a boy's fancy. The reader can look out upon
the wide shimmering sea as it flashes back the sunlight, and
imagine himself afloat with Harry Vandyne, Walter Morse, Jim
Libby and that old shell-back, Bob Brace, on the brig Bonita,
which lands on one of the Bahama keys. Finally three strangers
steal the craft, leaving the rightful owners to shift for themselves
aboard a broken-down tug. The boys discover a mysterious
document which enables them to find a buried treasure, then a
storm comes on and the tug is stranded. At last a yacht comes in
sight and the party with the treasure is taken off the lonely key.
.The most exacting youth is sure to be fascinated with this "enter-
taining story.
Fairy Tales and Stories. By Hans Christian Andersen.
Profusely Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"Ifl were asked to select a child's library I should name these three volumes
'English,1 ' Celtic' and 'Indian Fairy Tales,' with Grimm and Hans Ander-
sen's Fairy Tales."— Independent.
16 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
Tha Island Treasure ; or, Harry Barrel's Fortune. By Frank
H. Converse. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Harry Darrel, an orphan, having received a nautical training on
a school-ship, is bent on going to sea with a boyish acquaintance
named Dan Plunket. A runaway horse changes his prospects.
Harry saves Dr. Gregg from drowning and the doctor presents his
preserver with a bit of property known as Gregg's Island, anr1
makes the lad sailing-master of his sloop yacht. A piratical hoard
is supposed to be hidden somewhere on the island. After much
search and many thwarted plans, at last Dan discovers the
treasure and is the means of finding Harry's father. Mr. Con-
verse's stories possess a charm of their own which is appreciated
by lads who delight in good healthy tales that smack of salt
water.
The Boy Explorers: The Adventures of Two Boys in Alaska.
By Harry Prentice. l2mo, cloth, price $1.00.
T>vo boys, Raymond and Spencer Manning, travel from San
Francisco to Alaska to join their father in search of their uncle,
who, it is believed, was captured and detained by the inhabitants
of a place railed the " Heart of Alaska." On their arrival at
Sitka the boys with an Indian guide set off across the mountains.
The trip is fraught with perils that test the lads' courage to the
utmost. Reaching the Yukon River they build a raft and float
down the stream, entering the Mysterious River, from which they
barely escape with their lives, only to be captured by natives of
the Heart of Alaska. All through their exciting adventures the
lads demonstrate what can be accomplished by pluck and resolu-
tion, and their experience makes one of the most interesting tales
ever written.
The Treasure Finders : A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua. By
James Otis. 12mo, -cloth, price $1.00.
Roy and Bean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their
father's indigo plantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient
city. The boys eagerly explore the dismantled temples of an ex-
tinct race and discover three golden images cunningly hidden
away. They escape with the greatest difficulty; by taking advan-
tage of a festive gathering they seize a canoe and fly down the
river. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes.
Mr. Otis is the prince of story tellers, for he handles his material
with consummate skill. We doubt if he has ever written a more
entertaining story than " The Treasure Finders."
Household Fairy Tales. By the Brothers Grimm. Profusely
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
" As a collection of fairy tales to delight children of all ages this work
ranks second to none.'*— Daily Graphic.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
Dan the Newsboy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth,
price $1.00.
The reader is introduced to Dan Mordaunt and his mother living
in a poor tenement, and the lad is pluckily trying to make ends
meet by selling papers in the streets of New York. A little
heiress of six years is confided to the care of the Mordaunts. At
the same time the lad obtains a position in a wholesale house.
He soon demonstrates how valuable he is to the firm by detecting
the bookkeeper in a bold attempt to rob his employers. The
child is kidnaped and Dan tracks the child to the house where
she is hidden, and rescues her. The wealthy aunt of the little
heiress is so delighted with Dan's courage and many good qualities
that she adopts him as her heir, and the conclusion of the book
leaves the hero on the high road to every earthly desire.
Tony the Hero : A Brave Boy's Adventure with a Tramp. By
Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control
of Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal, shiftless and lazy, spending
his time tramping about the country. After much abuse Tony
runs away and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is
heir to a large estate in England, and certain persons find it nec-
essary to produce proof of the lad's death. Rudolph for a con-
sideration hunts up Tony and throws him down a deep well. Of
course Tony escapes from the fate provided for him, and by a
brave act makes a rich friend, with whom he goes to England,
where he secures his rights and is prosperous. The fact that Mr.
Alger is the author of this entertaining book will at once recom-
mend it to all juvenile readers.
A Young Hero ; or, Fighting to Win. By Edward S. Ellis.
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
This storytells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen
from the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded
ladies. Fred Sheldon, the hero of this story and a friend of the
old ladies, undertakes to discover the thieves and have them ar-
rested. After much time spent in detective work, he succeeds in
discovering the silver plate and winning the reward for its re-
storation. During the narrative a circus comes to town and a
thrilling account of the escape of the lion from its cage, with its
recapture, is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every
boy wall be glad to read this delightful book.
The Days of Bruce: A Story from Scottish History. By Grace
Aguilar. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"There is a delightful freshness, sincerity and vivacity about all of Grace
Aguilar's stories which cannot fail to win the interest and admiration of
every lover of good reading."— Boston Beacon,
IS A L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
Tom the B :)otblack ; or, The Road to Success. By Horatio
Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A bright, enterprising lad was Tom the bootblack. He was
not at all ashamed of his humble calling, though always on the
lookout to better himself. His guardian, old Jacob Morton, died,
leaving him a small sum of money and a written confession that
Tom, instead of being of humble origin, was the son and heir of
a deceased Western merchant, and had been defrauded out of his
just rights by an unscrupulous uncle. The lad started for Cin-
cinnati to look up his heritage. But three years passed away
before he obtained his first clue. Mr. Grey, the uncle, did not
hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The plan failed, and
Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a comfortable
fortune. This is one of Mr. Alger's best stories.
Captured by Zulus : A story of Trapping in Africa. By Harry
Prentice. 12mo, cloth, price $1.C0.
This story details the adventures of two lads, Dick Els worth
and Bob Harvey, in the wilds of South Africa, for the purpose of
obtaining a supply of zoological curiosities. By stratagem the
Zulus capture Dick and Bob and take them to their principal
kraal or village. The lads escape death by digging their way
out of the prison hut by night. They are pursued, and after a
rough experience the boys eventually rejoin the expedition and
take part in several wild animal hunts. The Zulus finally give
up pursuit and the expedition arrives at the coast without further
trouble. Mr. Prentice has a delightful method of blending fact
with fiction. He tells exactly how wild-beast collectors secure
specimens on their native stamping grounds, and these descrip-
tions make very entertaining reading.
Tom the Ready ; or, Up from the Lowest. By Randolph
Hill. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
This is a dramatic narrative of the unaided rise of a fearless,
ambitious boy from the lowest round of fortune's ladder — the
gate of the poorhouse — to wealth and the governorship of his
native State. Thomas Seacomb begins life with a purpose. While
yet a schoolboy he conceives and presents to the world the germ
of the Overland Express Co. At the very outset of his career
jealousy and craft seek to blast his promising future. Later } a
sets out to obtain a charter for a railroad line in connection wich
the express busiuess. Xow he realizes what it is to match him-
self against capital, let he wins and the railroad is built. Only
an uncommon nature like Tom's could successfully oppose such a
combine. How he manages to win the battle is told by Mr. Hill
in a masterful way that thrills the reader and holds his attention
and sympathy to the end.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 19
Roy Gilbert's Search: A Tale of the Great Lakes. By Wm. P.
Chipman. 12ino, clotli, price $1.00.
A deep mystery hangs over the parentage of Roy Gilbert.
He arranges with two schoolmates to make a tour of the
Great Lakes on a steam launch. The three boys leave Erie on
the launch and visit many points of interest on the lakes. Soon
afterward the lad is conspicuous in the rescue of an elderly gentle-
man and a lady from a sinking yaclit. Later on the cruise of the
launch is brought to a disastrous termination and the boys nar-
rowly escape with their lives. The hero is a manly, self-reliant
boy, "whose adventures will be followed with interest.
The Young Scout; The Story of a West Point Lieutenant. By
Edwaed S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
The crafty Apache chief Geronimo but a few years ago was the
most terrible scourge of the southwest border. The author has
woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the incidents of Geronimo's
last raid. The hero is Lieutenant James Decker, a recent graduate
of West Point. Ambitious to distinguish himself so as to win
well-deserved promotion, the young man takes many a desperate
chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion nar-
rowly escapes with his life. The story naturally abounds in
thrilling situations, and being historically correct, it is reasonable
to believe it will find great favor with the boys. In our opinion
Mr. Ellis is the best writer of Indian stories now before the
public.
Adrift in the Wilds : The Adventures of Two Shipwreckei
Boys. By Edward S. Ellis. 12mo, cloth, price, $1.00.
Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence, cousins and school-
mates, accompanied by a lively Irishman called O'Rooney, are en
route for San Francisco. Off the coast of California the steamer
takes fire. The two boys and their companion reach the shore
with several of the passengers. While O'Rooney and the lads
are absent inspecting the neighborhood O'Rooney has an excit-
ing experience and young Brandon becomes separated from his
party. He is captured by hostile Indians, but is rescued by an
Indian whom the lad'o had assisted. This is a very entertaining
narrative of Southern California in the days immediately preced-
ing the construction of the Pacific railroads. Mr. Ellis seems to
be particularly happy in this line of fiction, and the present story
is fully as entertaining as anything he has ever written.
The Red Fairy Book. Edited by Andrew Laxg. Profusely
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
" A gift-book that will charm any child, and all older folk who have been
fortunate enough to retain their taste for the old nursery stories.'"— Literary
World-
20 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
The Boy Cruisers; or, Paddling in Florida. By St. George
Rathborne. 12nio, cloth, price, $1.00.
Boys who like an admixture of sport and adventure will find
this book just to their taste. We promise them that they will
not go to sleep over the rattling experiences of Andrew George
aud Roland Carter, who start on a canoe trip along the Gulf
roast, from Key West to Tampa, Florida. Their first adventure
is with a pair of rascals who steal their boats. Next they run
into a gale in the Gulf and have a lively experience while it lasts.
After that they have a lively time with alligators and divers
varieties of the finny tribe. Andrew gets into trouble with a
band of Seminole Indians and gets away without having his
scalp raised. After this there is no lack of fun till they
reach their destination. That Mr. Rathborne knows just how to
interest the boys is apparent at a glance, and lads who are in
search of a rare treat will do well to read this entertaining story.
Guy Harris: The Runaway. By Harry Castlemon. 12mo,
cloth, price $1.00.
Guy Harris lived in a small city on the shore of one of the
Great Lakes. His head became filled with quixotic notions of
going West to hunt grizzlies, in fact, Indians. He is per-
suaded to go to sea, and gets a glimpse of the rough side of life
in a sailor's boarding house. He ships on a vessel and for five
months leads a hard life. He deserts his ship at San Francisco
and starts out to become a backwoodsman, but rough experiences
soon cure him of all desire to be a hunter. At St. Louis he be-
comes a clerk and for a time he yields to the temptations of a
great city. The book will not only interest boys generally on
account of its graphic style, but will put many facts before their
eyes in a new light. This is one of Castlemon's most attractive
stories.
The Train Boy. By Horatio Alger, Jr. 12mo, cloth, price
$1.00.
Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported
his mother and sister by selling books and papers on one of th >
trains running between Chicago and Milwaukee. He detects «■
young man named Luke Denton in the act of picking the pocfeo*
of a young lady, and also incurs the enmity of his brother Ste-
phen, a worthless follow. Luke and Stephen plot to ruin Paul,
but their plans are frustrated. In a railway accident many pas-
sengers are killed, but Paul is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago
merchant, who out of gratitude takes him into his employ. Paul
is sent to manage a mine in Custer City and executes his com-
mission with tact and judgment and is well started on the road
to business prominence. This is one of Mr. Alger's most attrac-
tive stories and is sure to please all readers
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. CI
Joe's Luck : A Boy's Adventures in California. By Horatio
Alger, Jr. 12ino, cloth, price $1.00.
Without a doubt Joe Mason was a lucky boy, but he deserved
the golden chances that fell to his lot, for he had the pluck and
ambition to push himself to the front. Joe had but one dollar in
the world when he stood despondently on the California Mail
Steamship Co s dock in New York watching the preparations in-
cident to the departure of the steamer. The same dollar was
still Joe s entire capital when he landed in the bustling town of
tents and one-story cabins— the San Francisco of '51, and inside
ot the week the boy was proprietor of a small restaurant earning- a
comfortable profit. The story is chock full of stirring incidents
while the amusing situations are furnished by Joshua Bickford'
from Pumpkin Hollow, and the fellow who modestly styles him-
self the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co., Missouri." Mr Ale-er
never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is certainly one of
his best. J
Three Bright Girls : A Story of Chance and Mischance. By
Annie E. Armstrong. With full page Illustrations by W.
Parkinson. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
By a sudden turn of fortune's wheel the three heroines of this
story are brought down from a household of lavish comfort to
meet the incessant cares and worries of those who have to eke out
a very limited income. And the charm of the story lies in the
cheery helpfulness of spirit developed in the girls by their changed
circumstances; while the author finds a pleasant ending to all
their happy makeshifts. °
as'^eS? ^^Ln^T* "" ** ^ be ™m* -commended
Giannetta : A Girl's Story of Herself. By Rosa Mulholland.
With full-page Illustrations by Lockhart Bogle. 12mo
cloth, price $1.00.
The daughter of a gentleman, who had married a poor Swiss
girl, was stolen as an infant by some of her mother's relatives.
I he child having died, they afterward for the sake of gain sub-
stitute another child for it, and the changeling, after becoming
a clever modeler of clay images, is suddenly transferred to the
position of a rich heiress. She develops into a good and accom-
plished woman, and though the imposture of her early friends is
finally discovered, she has gained too much love and devotion to
be really a sufferer by the surrender of her estates
BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
Margery Merton's Girlhood. By Alice Corkran. With full-
page Illustrations by Gordon Browne. 12lqo, cloth, price
$1.00.
The experiences of an orphan girl who in infancy is left by her
father — an officer in India — to the care of an elderly aunt residing
near Paris. The accounts of the various persons who have an
after influence on the story, the school companions of M.irgery,
the sisters of the Conventual College of Art, the professor, and
the peasantry of Fontainebleau, are singularly vivid. There is a
subtle attraction about the book which will make it a great favorite
with thoughtful girls.
" Another book for girls we can warmly commend. There is a delightful
piquancy in the experiences and trials of a young English girl who studies
painting in Paris.'n— Saturday Review.
Under False Colors : A Story from Two Girls' Lives. By
Sarah Doudney. With full-page Illustrations by G. G. Kil-
burne. 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
A story which has in it so strong a dramatic element that it
will attract readers of all ages and of either sex. The incidents
of the plot, arising from the thoughtless indulgence of a decep-
tive freak, are exceedingly natural, and the keen interest of the
narrative is sustained from beginning to end.
"Sarah Doudney has no superior as a writer of high-toned stories— pure
in style, original in conception, and with skillfully wrought out plots; but
we have seen nothing equal in dramatic energy to this book.'1— Christian
Leader.
Down the Snow Stairs ; or, From Good-night to Good-morning.
By Alice Corkran. With Illustrations by Gordon Browne.
12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
This is a remarkable story: full of vivid fancy and quaint
originality. In its most fantastic imaginings it carries with it a
sense of reality, and derives a singular attraction from that con>-
bination of simplicity, originality, and subtle humor, which is so
much appreciated by lively and thoughtful children. Children
of a larger growth will also be deeply interested in Kitty's strange
journey, and her wonderful experiences.
"Among all the Christmas volumes which the year has brought to our
table this one stands out facile princeps—a gem of the first water, bearing
upon every one of its pages the signet mark of genius. . . . All is told
with such simplicity and perfect naturalness that the dream appears to be a
solid reality. It is indeed a Little Pilgrim's Progress.'"— Christian Leader.
The Tapestry Room: A Child's Romance. By Mrs. Moles-
worth. Illustrated by Walter Crane. 12mo, cloth, price
75 cents.
*' Mrs. Molesworth is a charming painter of the nature and ways of children ;
and she has done good service in giving us this charming juvenile which will
delight the young people. "—Athenaeum, London.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
Little Miss Peggy : Only a Nursery Story. By Mrs. Moles-
worth:. With Illustrations by Walter Crane. 12uio, cloth,
price 75 cents.
Mrs. Molesworth's cliildren are finished studies. She is never
sentimental, but writes common sense in a straightforward man-
ner. A joyous earnest spirit pervades her work, and her sym-
pathy is unbounded. She loves them with her whole heart,
while she lays bare their little minds, and expresses their foibles,
their faults, their virtues, their inward struggles, their concep-
tion of duty, and tbeir instinctive knowledge of the right and
wrong of things. She knows their characters, she understands
their wants, and she desires to help them.
Polly: A New Fashioned Girl. By L. T. Meade. Illustrated
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
Few authors have achieved a popularity equal to Mrs. Meade
as a writer of stories for young girls. Her characters are living
beings of flesh and blood, not lay figures of conventional type.
Into the trials and crosses, and everyday experiences, the reader
enters at once with zest and hearty sympathy. While Mrs.
Meade always writes with a high moral purpose, ber lessons of
life, purity and nobility of character are rather inculcated by
example than intruded as sermons.
Rosy. By Mrs. Molesworth. Illustrated by Walter Crane.
12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
Mrs. Molesworth, considering the quality and quantity of her
labors, is the best story-teller for children England has yet
known. This is a bold statement and requires substantiation.
Mrs. Molesworth, during the last six years, has never failed to
occupy a prominent place among the juvenile writers of the
season.
" A very pretty story. . . . The writer knows children and their ways
well. . . . The illustrations are exceedingly well drawn."— Spectator.
Little Sunshine's Holiday: A Picture from Life. By Miss
Mttlock. Illustrated by Walter Crane. 12mo, cloth, price
75 cents.
" This is a pretty narrative of haby life, describing the simple doings and
savings of a verv charming and rather precocious child nearly three years
old."— Patt Mall Gazette.
4i Will be delightful to those who have nurseries peopled by ' Little Sun-
shines ' of their own.11— Athenaeum.
Esther : A Book for Girls. By Bosa N. Carey. Illustrated,
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
" She inspires her readers simply by bringing them in contact with the
characters, who are in themselves inspiring Her simple stories are w~ven
in order to give her an opportunity to describe her characters by thei own
conduct in seasons of trial "—Chicago Times.
24 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
Sweet Content. By Mrs. Molesworth. Illustrated by W.
Rainey. 12tno, cloth, price 75 cents.
" It seems to me not at all easier to draw a lifelike child than to draw a
lifelike man or woman: Shakespeare and Webster were the only two men of
their age who could do it with perfect delicacy and success. Our own age is
more fortunate, on this single score at least, having a larger and far nobler
proportion of female writers; among whom, since the death of George Eliot,
there is none left whose touch is so exquisite and masterly, whose love is so
thoroughly according to knowledge, whose bright and sweet invention is so
fruitful, so truthful, or so delightful as Mrs. Molesworth."— A. C. Swinburne.
One of a Covey. By the Author of "Honor Bright," "Miss
Toosey's Mission." With Numerous Illustrations by H. J. A.
Miles. 12tno, cloth, price 75 cents.
" Full of spirit and life, so well sustained throughout that grown-up readers
may enjoy it as much as children. This ' Covey ' consists of the twelve
children of a hard-pressed Dr. Partridge, out of which is chosen a little giri
to be adopted by a spoilt, fine lady. . . . It is one of the best books of the
season. ' ' — Guardian.
" We have rarely read a story for boys and girls with greater pleasure.
One of the chief characters would not have disgraced Dickens' pen."—
Literary World.
The Little Princess of Tower Hill. By L. T. Meade. Illus-
trated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
" This is one of the prettiest books for children published, as pretty as a
pond-lily, and quite as f ragraut. Nothing could be imagined more attractive
to young people than such a combination of fresh pages and fair pictures;
and while children wiU rejoice over it — which is much better than crying for
it— it is a book that can be read with pleasure even by older boys and girls.'11
—Boston Advertiser.
Honor Bright ; or, The Four- Leaved Shamrock. By the Author
of "One of a Covey," "Miss Toosey's Mission," etc., etc.
With full-page Illustrations, 12ino, cloth, price $1.00.
" It requires a special talent to describe the sayings and doings of children,
and the author of 'Honor Bright,1 'One of a Covey,'' possesses that talent
in no small degree." — Literary Churchman.
"A cheery, sensible, and healthy tale.'" — The Times.
The Cuckoo Clock. By Mrs. Molesworth. With Illustra-
tions by Walter Cranes. 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
"A beautiful little story. It will be read with delight by every child into
whose hands it is placed. . . . The author deserves all the praise that has
been, is, and will be bestowed on ' The Cuckoo Clock.' Children's stories are
plentiful, but one like this is not to be met with every day."— Pa 11 Mall
Gazette.
Girl Neighbors ; or, The Old Fashion and the New. By Sarah
Tytler. With full-page Illustrations by C. T. Garland.
12nio, cloth, price 75 cents.
" One of the most effective and quietly humorous of Miss Tytler's stories.
' Girl Neighbors ' is a pleasant comedy ,"not so much of errors as of preju-
dices got rid of, very healthy, very agreeable, and very well written."-—
Spectator.
A. L. BCRT'S PUBLICATIONS. 25
Th; Little Lame Prince. By Miss Mulock. Illustrated,
cloth, price 75 cents.
" No sweeter — that is the proper word — Christmas story for the little folks
20uld easily be found, and it is as delightful for older readers as well. There
is a moral to it which the reader can find out for himself, if he chooses to
think. "—Herald, Cleveland.
The Adventures 'of a Brownie. As Told to my Child. By
Miss Mulock. Illustrated, 12nio, cloth, price 75 cents.
"The author of this delightful little book leaves it in doubt all through
whether there actually is such a creature in existence as a Brownie, but she
makes us hope that there might be."— Standard, Chicago.
Only a Girl : A Story of a Quiet Life. A Tale of Brittany.
Adapted from the the French by C. A. Jones. Illustrated,
12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
" We can thoroughly recommend this brightly written and homely narra-
rative.11— Saturday Review.
Little Rosebud ; or, Things Will Take a Turn. By Beatrice
Harraden. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
" A most delightful little book. . . . Miss Harraden is so bright, so
healthy, and so natural withal that the book ought, as a matter of duty, to
be added to every girl*s library in the land.'"— Boston Transcript.
Little Miss Joy. By Emma Marshall. Illustrated, 12mo,
doth, price 75 cents.
" A very pleasant and instructive story, told by a very charming writer iB
such an attractive way as to win favor among its young readers. The illus-
trations add to the beauty of the book.11— Utica Herald.
Little Lucy's Wonderful Globe. By Charlotte M. Yonge.
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
" This story is unique among tales intended for children, alike for pleasant
instruction, quaintness of humor, gentle pathos, and the subtlety with which
lessons moral and otherwise are conveyed to children, and perhaps to theii
seniors as well.11 — The Spectator.
Joan's Adventures at the North Pole and Elsewhere. By
Alice Corkran. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price 75 cents.
" Wonderful as the adventures of Joan are, it must be admitted that they
are very naturally worked out and very plausibly presented. Altogether
this is an excellent story for girls.11 — Saturday Review.
Count Up the Sunny Days : A Story for Boys and Girls. By
C A. Jones. With full-page Illustrations, 12ino, cloth, price
75 cents.
"An unusually good children's story.11— Glasgow Herald.
Sue and I. By Mrs. O'Reilly. Illustrated, 12nio, cloth, price
75 cents.
" A thoroughly delightful book, full of bound wisdom as well as fun.11-
Athenceum.
26 A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. By Lewis Carroll.
With 42 Illustrations by John Tenniel. 12rno, cloth, price
75 cents.
" From first to last, almost without exception, this story is delightfully
droll, humorous and illustrated in harmony with the story." — New York
Express.
Celtic Fairy Tales. Edited by Joseph Jacobs. Illustrated by
J. D. Batten. 12rnos cloth, preic $1.00.
" A stock of delightful little narratives gathered chiefly from the Celtic
speaking peasants of Ireland.*1— Daily Telegraph.
'"A perfectly lovely book. And oh! the wonderful pictures inside. Get
this book if you can; it is capital, all through.**— Pall Mall Budget.
English Fairy Tales. Edited by Joseph Jacobs. Illustrated
by J. D. Batten. 12rno, cloth, price $1.00.
"The tales are simply delightful. No amount of description can do them
justice. The only way is to read the book through from cover to cover. " —
Magazine and Book Review.
"The book is intended to correspond to * Grimm's Fairy Tales.' and it must
be allowed that its pages fairly rival in interest those of the weU-known re-
pository of folk-lore.'" — Sydney Morning Herald.
Indian Fairy Tales. Edited by Joseph Jacobs. Illustrated by
J. D Batten. 12rno, cloth, price $1.00.
" Mr. Jacobs brings home to us in a clear and intelligible manner the enor-
mous influence which ' Indian Fairy Tales " have had upon European litera-
ture of the kind.*" — Gloucester Journal.
" Tbe present combination will be welcomed not alone by the little ones for
whom it is specially combined, but also by children of larger growth and
added yeavs.''— Daily Telegraph.
The Blue Fairy Book. Edited by Andrew Lang. Profusely
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"The tales are simply delightful. No amount of description can do them
justice. The only way is to read the book through from cover to cover.*"—
Magazine and Book Review.
The Green Fairy Book. Edited by Andrew Lang. Profusely
Illustrated, 12ino, cloth, price $1.00.
• ' The most delightful book of fairy tales, taking form and contents to
gether, ever presented to children."— E. S. Hartlaxd, in Folk-Lore.
The Yellow Fairy Book. Edited by Andrew Lang. Profusely
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
"Asa collection of fairy tales to delight children of all ages ranks second
to Done."' — Daily Graphic (with illustrations).
Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There.
By Lewis Carroll. With 50 Illustrations by John Tenniel.
"A delight alike to the young people and their elders, extremely funny
both in text and illustrations.*"— Boston Express.
A. L. BURT'S PUBLICATIONS. 27
The Heir of Redclyffe. By Charlotte M. Yoxge. Illustrated,
l2ino, cloth, price $1.00.
'A narrative full of interest from first to last. It is told clearly and in a
straightforward manner and arrests the attention of the reader at once, so
that one feels afresh the unspeakable pathos of the story to the end.11—
London Graphic.
The Dove in the Eagle's Nest. By Charlotte M. Yonge.
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price Si. 00.
"Among all the modern writers we believe Miss Yonge first, not in genius
hut in this, that she employs her great abilities for a high and noble purpose
We know of few modern writers whose works may be so safely commended
as hers.'' — Cleveland Times.
A Sweet Girl Graduate. By L. T. Meade. Illustrated, 121110,
cloth, price $1.00.
" One of this popular author's best. The characters are well imagined and
drawn. The story moves with plenty of spirit and the interest does not flag
until the end too quickly comes.1*— Providence Journal.
The Palace Beautiful : A Story for Girls, By L. T. Meade.
Illustrated, cloth, 12rao, price $1.00.
" A bright and interesting story. The many admirers of Mrs. L. T. Meade
in this country will be delighted with the ' Palace Beautiful ' for more reasons
than one.11 — Neio York Recorder.
A World of Girls : The Story of a School. By L. T. Meade.
Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
" One of those wholesome stories which it does one good to read. It wili
afford pure delight to her numerous readers.11— Boston Home Journal.
The Lady of the Forest : A Story for Girls. By L. T. Meade.
Illustrated, l2mo, cloth, price $1.00.
" This story is written in the author's well-known, fresh and easy style.
All girls fond of reading will be charmed by this well- written story. It is
fcold with the author's customary grace and spirit.11 — Boston Times.
At the Back of the North Wind. By George Macdoxald.
Illustrated hy George Groves, 12ino, cloth, price $1.00.
"A very pretty story, with much of the freshness and vigor of Mr. Mac-
ionald's earlier'work. . . . It is a sweet, earnest, and wholesome fairy
story, and the quaint native humor is delightful. A most delightful volume
for young readers.11— Philadelphia Times.
The Water Babies : A Fairy Tale for a Land Baby. By Charles
Klkgsley. Illustrated, 12mo, cloth, price $1.00.
" The strength of his work, as well as its peculiar charms, consist in his
description of the experiences of a youth with life under water in the luxu-
riant wealth of which he revels with all the ardor of a poetical nature.'1—
New York Tribune.
The "Little Men" Series.
Uniform Cloth Binding,
Profusely Illustrated.
PRICE 75 CENTS PER COPY.
This series of books have been selected
from the writings of a large number of
popular authors of juvenile stories, and are
particularly adapted to interest and supply
attractive reading for young boys. The books
are profusely illustrated, and any one seek-
ing to find a book to give a young boy can-
not make a mistake by selecting from the
following list of titles.
Black Beauty. The Autobiography of a Horse. By Anna.
Sewell. Illustrated cloth, price 75 cents.
Carrots: Just a Little Boy. By Mrs. Molesworth. Illus-
trated, cloth, price 75 cents.
Chunk, Fusky and Snout. A Story of Wild Pigs for
Little People. By Gerald Young. Ill us., cloth, price 75 cents.
Daddy's Boy. By L. T. Meade. Illus., cloth, price 75 cents.
Geoff and Jim. A Story of School Life. By Ismay
Thorn. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents.
Jackanapes. By Juliana Horatia Ewing. Illustrated,
cloth, price 75 ce ts.
Jack: A Topsy Turvy Story. By C. M. Crawley-Boeve^.
Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents.
Larry's Luck. By the author of " Miss Toos^y's Mission,"
,: Tom's Opinion," "One of a Covey," etc. Illustrated, cloth,
price 75 cents.
3Iopsa the Fairy. By Jean Ingelow. Illustrated
cloth, price 75 cents.
Peter the Pilgrim. The Story of a Boy and His Pet Hab
bit. By L. T. Meade. Illustrated by Gordon Browne, cloth, prico
75 cents.
Tom's Opinion. By the author of "Miss Toosey's Mis-
sion," "One of a Covey," etc. Illustrated, cloth, pr'ce 75 cents.
We and the World. A Story for Boys. By Juliana Ho-
ratia Ewing. Illustrated, cloth, price 75 cents.
For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
publisher, A. !L. PURT, 97 Beade Street, New York.
THE "LITTLE WOMEN" SERIES.
Uniform Cloth Binding*
Profusely Illustrated.
A series of most delightful stones for young girls.
Selected from the best-known writers for children.
These stories are narrated in a simple and lively
fashion and cannot but prove irresistible with the
little ones, wdiile throughout the volumes there is a
comprehension of and sympathy with child thought
and feeling that is almost as rare out of books as in.
These stories are sunny, interesting, and thoroughly
winsome and wholesome.
Adventures of a Brownie, As Told to My Child. By Miss Mulock.
Illustrated. Price 75 cents.
Alice's Adventures in "Wonderland. By Lewts Carroll. With 42
Illustrations by John Tenniel. Price 75 cents.
Birdie. A Tale of Child Life. By H. L. ChildePemberton. Illustrated.
Price 5 cents.
Count Up the Sunny Days. A Story for Girls. By C.A.Jones. Illus-
trated. Price 75 cents.
Cuckoo Clock, The. By Mrs. Molesworth. With 7 Illustrations by
Walter Crane. Price 75 cents.
Down the Snow Stairs; or, From Good Night to Good Morning. By
Alice Corkran. With 60 Illustrations by Gordon Browne. Price 75c.
Joan's Adventures. At the North Pole and Elsewhere. By Alice
Corkrax. Illustrated. Price 75 cents.
Little Lame Prince, and His Traveling Cloak. By Miss Mulock. Illus-
trated. Price 75 cents.
Little Miss Joy. By Emma Marshall. Illustrated. Price 75 cents.
Little Miss Peggy . Only a Nursery Story. By Mrs. Molesworth. With
13 Illustrations by Walter Crane. Price 75 cents.
Little Princess of Tower Hill. By L. T. Meade. Illustrated. Price
75 cents.
Little Sunshine's Holiday. A Picture from Life. By Miss Mulock.
Illustrated. Price 75 cents.
Little Lucy's "Wonderful Glohe. By Charlotte M. Yonge. Illus-
trated. Price 75 cents.
Little Rosebud; or, Things Will Take a Turn. By Beatrice Harraden.
Illustrated. Price 75 cents.
One of a Covey. By the author of " Honor Bright." With 19 Illustra-
tions by H. J. A. Miles. Price 75 cents.
Rosy. By Mrs. Molesworth. With 8 Illustrations by Walter Crane.
Price 75 cents.
Sweet Content. By Mrs. Molesworth. With 20 Illustrations by W.
Rainey. Price 75 cents.
Sue and I. By Mrs. Robert O'Reilly. Illustrated. Price 75 cents.
Tapestry Room, The. By Mrs. Molesworth. Illustrated. Price 75 cts.
Through the Looking"-Glass, and What Alice Found There. By Lewis
Carroll. With 50 Illustrations by John Tenniel. Price 75- cents.
For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price
by the publisher, A.. L, BURT, 97 Reade Street, New York,
THE ALGER SERIES for BOYS
Uniform -with This Volume.
This series affords wholesome reading for boys and girls, and all the
volumes are extremely interesting.— Cincinnati Commercial-Gazette.
JOE'S LUCK ; or, A Brave Boy's Adventurer, in California. By
Horatio Alger, Jr. *
JULIAN MORTIMER ; or, A Brave Boy's Struggles for Home
and Fortune. By Harry Castlemon.
ADRIFT IN THE WILDS; or, The Adventures of TwoSbip.
wrecked Boys. Bv Edward S. Ellis.
PRANK FOWLER, THE CASH BOY. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
eU T HARRIS, THE RUNAWAY. By Harry Castlemon.
THE SLATE-PICKER ; A Story of a Boy's Life in the Coatf
Mines. Bv Harry Prentice.
TOM TEMPLE'S CAREER. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
TOM, THE READY ; or, Up from the Lowest. By Randolph Hill.
THE CASTAWAYS ; or, On the Florida Reefs. By James Otis.
CAPTAIN KIDD'S GOLD. The True Story of an Adventurous
Sailor Boy. By James Franklin Fitts.
TOM THATCHER'S FORTUNE. By Horatio Alger, Jr.
LOST IN THE CANON. The Story of Sam Willett's Adventure*.
on the Great Colorado of the West. By Alfred R. Calhoun.
A YOUNG HERO ; or, Fighting to Win. By Edward S. Ellis.
THE ERRAND BOY ; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. By
Horatio alger, Jr.
THE ISLAND TREASURE ; or, Harry Darrel's Fortune. By
Frank H. Converse.
A RUNAWAY BRIG ; or, An Accidental Cruise. By James Otis.
A JAUNT THROUGH JAVA. The Story of a Journey to the
Sacred Mountain by Two American Boys. By E. S. Ellis.
CAPTURED BY APES ; or, How Philip Garland Became King
of Apeland. Bv Harry Prentice.
TOM THE BOOT-BLACK ; or, The Road to Success. By Horatio
Alger. Jr.
ROY GILBERT'S SEARCH. A Tale of the Great Lakes. By
William P. Chipman.
THE TREASURE-FINDERS. A Boy's Adventures in Nicara-
uga. Bv James Otis.
BUDD BOYD'S TRIUMPH ; or, The Boy Firm of Fox Island.
By William P. Chipman.
TONY, THE HERO ; or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a
Tramp. Bv Horatio Alger Jr.
CAPTURED BY ZULUS, A Story of Trapping in Africa. By
Harry Prentice.
THE TRAIN BOY. Bv Koratio Alger. Jr.
DAN THE NEWSBOY. Bv Horatio Alger. Jr.
SEARCH FOR THE SILVER CITY. A Story of Adventure
in Yucatan. By James Otis.
?HE BOY CRUISERS ; or, Paddling in Floride. By St. George
Rath borne.
The above stories are printed on ^xtra paper, and bound in
Handsome Cloth Binding, in all respects uniform with this
volume^ at $1.00 per copy.
For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sen* noxt-paid on, receipt of price, by tfa
publisher, J.. X. BURT, 66 Reade /St.- New Yn*-k. *-"**•
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