CHAPTER XVIII. LOST, OR STOLEN
Harry learned rapidly. At the end of four weeks he had completed theLatin grammar, or that part of it which his teacher, thought necessaryfor a beginner to be familiar with, and commenced translating the easysentences in "Andrews' Latin Reader."
"You are getting on famously, Harry," said his teacher. "I never had ascholar who advanced so."
"I wish I knew as much as you."
"Don't give me too much credit. When I compare myself with ourprofessors, I feel dissatisfied."
"But you know so much more than I do," said Harry.
"I ought to; I am seven years older."
"What are you going to study, Mr. Morgan?"
"I intend to study law."
"I should like to be an editor," said Harry; "but I don't see muchprospect of it."
"Why not?"
"An editor must know a good deal."
"There are some who don't," said Leonard Morgan, with a smile. "However,you would like to do credit to the profession and it is certainly inthese modern days a very important profession."
"How can I prepare myself?"
"By doing your best to acquire a good education; not only by study butby reading extensively. An editor should be a man of large information.Have you ever practiced writing compositions?"
"A little; not much."
"If you get time to write anything, and will submit it to me, I willpoint out such faults as I may notice."
"I should like to do that," said Harry, promptly.
"What subject shall I take?"
"You may choose your own subject. Don't be too ambitious but selectsomething upon which you have some ideas of your own."
"Suppose I take my motto? 'Live and learn.'"
"Do so, by all means. That is a subject upon which you may fairly besaid to have some ideas of your own."
In due time Harry presented a composition on this subject. The thoughtswere good, but, as might be expected, the expression was somewhat crude,and of course the teacher found errors to correct and suggestions tomake. These Harry eagerly welcomed and voluntarily proposed to rewritethe composition. The result was a very much improved draft. He sent acopy home and received in reply a letter from his father, expressingsurprise and gratification at the excellence of his essay.
"I am glad, Harry," the letter concluded, "that you have formed justviews of the importance of learning. I have never ceased to regret thatmy own opportunities for education were so limited and that my time hasbeen so much absorbed by the effort to make a living, that I havebeen able to do so little toward supplying my deficiencies. Even in apecuniary way an education will open to you a more prosperous career,and lead, I hope, to competence, instead of the narrow poverty which hasbeen my lot. I will not complain of my own want of success, if I can seemy children prosper."
But while intent upon cultivating his mind, Harry had not lost sight ofthe great object which had sent him from home to seek employment amongstrangers. He had undertaken to meet the note which his father had givenSquire Green in payment for the cow. By the first of December he hadsaved up thirty-three dollars toward this object. By the middle ofJanuary the note would come due.
Of course he had not saved so much without the strictest economy, and bydenying himself pleasures which were entirely proper. For instance, hewas waited upon by Luke Harrison on the first day of December, and askedto join in a grand sleighing excursion to a town ten miles distant,where it was proposed to take supper, and, after a social time, returnlate in the evening.
"I would like to go," said Harry, who was strongly, tempted, for he wasby no means averse to pleasure; "but I am afraid I cannot. How much willit cost?"
"Three dollars apiece. That pays for the supper too."
Harry shook his head. It was for rum a week's wages. If he were nottrying to save money for his father, he might have ventured to incurthis expense, but he felt that under present circumstances it would notbe best.
"I can't go," said Harry.
"Oh, come along," urged Luke. "Don't make such a mope of yourself.You'll be sure to enjoy it."
"I know I should; but I can't afford it."
"I never knew a feller that thought so much of money as you," sneeredLuke.
"I suppose it looks so," said Harry; "but it isn't true."
"Everybody says you are a miser."
"I have good reasons for not going."
"If you would come, it would make the expense lighter for the rest of usand you would have a jolly time."
This conversation took place as they were walking home from the store inthe evening. Harry pulled out his handkerchief suddenly from his pocketand with it came his pocketbook, containing all his savings. He didn'thear if fall; but Luke did, and the latter, moreover, suspected what itwas. He did not call Harry's attention to it, but, falling back, said:"I've got to go back to the store. I forgot something. Good night!"
"Good night!" said Harry, unsuspiciously.
Luke stooped swiftly while our hero's back was turned, and picked upthe pocketbook. He slipped it into his own pocket, and, instead ofgoing back to the store, went to his own room, locked the door, and theneagerly pulled out the pocketbook and counted the contents.
"Thirty-three dollars! What a miser that fellow is! It serves him rightto lose his money."