CHAPTER XXXIII
A FRIEND IN NEED
Herbert left Mr. Godfrey's counting-room very much depressed in spirits.But an hour before he had rejoiced in his excellent prospects, and,depending on the favor of his employer and his own fidelity, had lookedforward to a bright future. Now all was changed. He was dismissed fromhis situation in disgrace, suspected of a mean theft. He had, to besure, the consciousness of innocence, and that was a great deal. He wasnot weighed down by the feeling of guilt, at least. Still his prospectswere dark. Suppose the matter should not be cleared up, and he shouldstill remain under suspicion? How could he hope to obtain another placewithout a recommendation from his late employer? No; he must resign allhope of a position and adopt some street occupation, such as sellingpapers or vending small articles in a basket, as he had seen boys ofhis own age doing. He did not doubt but that in some way he could geta living, but still he would be under suspicion, and that was hard tobear.
While these things were passing through his mind he walked downBroadway, with his eyes fixed upon the sidewalk. All at once he startedto hear his name called, and, looking up, to his unbounded astonishmenthe saw before him Ralph the Ranger, whom he had supposed a thousandmiles away in his cabin in the Ohio woods.
The sight of a friendly face was most welcome to him at such a time, andRalph's face was friendly.
"Ralph!" he exclaimed, seizing the Ranger's hand. "How did you comehere? When did you arrive? You are the last person I expected to see."
"And you are the one I most wanted to see," said Ralph, his toneunconsciously softened by his friendly interest in the boy before him.
"I can say the same, Ralph," said Herbert, soberly, "for I am introuble."
"In trouble, boy? I am sorry for that. Is it money? I can get you out ofthat trouble."
"It is not that exactly, Ralph. If you will come into the City Hall Parkand sit down on a bench with me I will tell you all about it."
"Instead of that, let us go into the Astor House," said Ralph. "It iswhere I am stopping."
"You are stopping at the Astor House?" said Herbert, in momentarysurprise. "Perhaps you do not know that there are cheaper hotels. ShallI direct you to one?"
"No, Herbert, I am not poor, as you perhaps think. I suppose I shouldbe called rich; but that I can explain afterwards. For the present youraffairs require attention. Come in."
They went up the steps of the Astor House, and Ralph led the way to hisroom, an apartment of good size and handsomely furnished.
"Now, Herbert, take a chair and tell me all," he said.
To repeat Herbert's story here is unnecessary. Ralph listened withattention, and when it was concluded he said: "The main thing is toaccount for the money in your possession. Do you think you shouldremember the policeman who aided you in recovering your money?"
"I am sure I should."
"Did he know how much money you recovered?"
"Yes, for he saw me count the bills."
"Then we must seek him out and induce him to go with us to Mr. Godfrey'scounting-room and give his testimony."
"I never thought of that," said Herbert, his face brightening. "Whenshall we go?"
"Now. I have nothing else to occupy me, and the sooner you are rightedthe better."
They went out together, and made their way at once to the spot whereHerbert had encountered Greenleaf. They had to wait but a brief timewhen the policeman came up.
"Do you remember me?" asked Herbert, going up to him.
"Yes," he replied; "you are the boy that overhauled a thief the otherday, and got back his money."
"You see, he remembers," said Herbert, with satisfaction.
"My friend," said Ralph, "when will you be off duty?"
"In half an hour," said the policeman, in surprise.
"In half an hour, then, I want you to go with me to this boys employerand repeat your story. The possession of the money has caused him tobe suspected, and your evidence, confirming his own, will clear him ofhaving obtained it improperly."
"I will go," said the officer, "and shall be glad to get him out of ascrape. It was all fair and above-board, and I'll say so cheerfully."
At the end of the half hour the three made their way to Mr. Godfrey'splace of business and entered together.
Mr. Godfrey marked their entrance with surprise, and looked inquiringlyat Herbert.
"Mr. Godfrey," said Herbert, respectfully, "I have come to prove to youthat the money I have in my pocketbook is my own."
"I shall be very glad if you can do so," said Mr. Godfrey; and it wasevident from his manner that he spoke sincerely.
"This officer knows all the circumstances, and will tell you what heknows."
The policeman made his statement, partly in answer to questions from Mr.Godfrey.
"The explanation is satisfactory," said Mr. Godfrey, "and convinces me.It does not, however, absolutely clear you, since between the time ofthe money being lost and your being searched you went out to the postoffice, and you might have disposed of the pocketbook and its contentson the way."
Herbert's countenance fell, but Mr. Godfrey hastened to add. "Althoughyour vindication is not complete, I will say that I believe you fully,and will receive you back into my employ."
"You have forgotten one thing, sir," said Herbert. "Thomas declares thathe saw me pick up the wallet and put it in my pocket."
"So I did," said Tom, boldly.
Mr. Godfrey looked perplexed, and was hesitating what to say when Mr.Walton, the owner of the lost pocketbook, hurriedly entered.
"Mr. Godfrey," he said, "I have to beg your pardon, and, most ofall, the pardon of this boy," indicating Herbert. "I have found mypocketbook. I didn't lose it here, but my pocket was picked in thestreet. The pickpocket was arrested, and the wallet has been returned tome. This boy is innocent."
"I am very glad to hear it," said Mr. Godfrey, with emphasis. "Herbert,I will try to make amends to you for my transient suspicions of yourhonesty. As for you," he continued, turning to Thomas and speakingsternly, "I despise you for your mean attempt to injure yourfellow-clerk. You must leave my employment to-day. I shall write to yourfather the reasons for dismissing you."
"I can get along without your paltry four dollars a week," said Tom,with bravado. "I am not a beggar."
"You may be something worse, if you do not amend," said Mr. Godfrey."Mr. Pratt, you may pay him for the entire week, and he can go at once."
Although Tom professed so much disdain for the four dollars a week, hedid not decline the week's pay directed to be paid to him, but placedthe money in his vest pocket and went out with assumed nonchalance,though, in reality, deeply mortified at the unexpected discovery of hismeanness.
"As for you, Herbert," said Mr. Godfrey, "you can come back at once, andI will raise your pay to eight dollars a week. I owe you some reparationfor the injury you came so near suffering. I will never again doubt yourintegrity."
"Thank you, sir," said Herbert; "I shall be glad to come back."
"Before this matter is decided," said Ralph, "I have a propositionto make to Herbert. I am rich, and have no one to share or inherit mywealth. I propose to adopt him--to give him an opportunity to completehis education in Europe, whither I propose going, and if some yearshence you shall be willing to receive him, he can then enter yourcounting-room to learn business. The amount of compensation will beunimportant, as I shall provide for him amply."
Herbert stared at Ralph in amazement. He could hardly realize that theoffer was indeed a genuine one.
"Do you mean that I am to go to Europe with you, Ralph?" he said.
"Yes, if you like."
"I shall like it VERY MUCH," said Herbert, enthusiastically. "How can Ithank you for so much generous kindness!"
"Your companionship will cheer me, and give me something to live for,Herbert," said Ralph. "Through you I hope some day to enjoy life again."
Herbert's clasped the Ranger's hand in impulsive gratitude, while hisface beamed with pleasure.
> "I congratulate you, Herbert," said Mr. Godfrey, kindly, "though I amsorry to lose you. Whenever your guardian is ready to have you enter ona business career, a place in my counting-room shall be open to you."
"Ralph," said Herbert, seriously, as they went from the counting-roomin company, "all that has happened seems so wonderful that I am a littleafraid I shall wake up to find it all a dream."
"It is a change to me also," said Ralph, "to have a new interest inlife. The past is a sealed book. Let us look forward to a bright andpleasant future. Whatever pleasures and advantages money can obtain foryou shall be yours."
"Thank you," said Herbert, gratefully.
CHAPTER XXXIV
CONCLUSION
"Where are you boarding, Herbert?" asked Ralph.
"In Stanton Street."
"I shall wish you at once to remove to the Astor House, in order that wemay be together until we sail for Europe."
To this pleasant arrangement Herbert made no opposition. He found it agreat change from the dirty and slipshod boarding-house to the elegantarrangements of a first-class hotel. It is needless to say that heenjoyed that change not a little. He often had the feeling, of which hehad spoken to Ralph, that it was a dream from which he would some timeawake. But the dream was destined to be a pretty long one.
Within a week, much against his will, Mr. Stanton paid over to RalphPendleton the fifty thousand dollars of which he had years ago defraudedhim, and thus the Ranger found himself master of a fortune of nearlyone hundred and fifty thousand dollars. He settled without delay acomfortable annuity on David Marston, the old clerk, through whoseevidence he had been able to ferret out the treachery of Mr. Stanton.Marston needed it, for his health was broken down and he was an invalid,prematurely old. He is now settled in a comfortable boarding-housein Clinton Street, and usually spends his mornings at the MercantileLibrary Reading-Room, in Astor Place, reading the morning papers.Sometimes he ventures downtown, and takes a slow walk through thestreets, crowded with busy, bustling men, and recalls the years when he,too, was one of them.
Before sailing for Europe, Herbert expressed a desire to repay his unclethe sum of ten dollars, which the latter had sent to him. Ralph wassurprised when he learned that this uncle, of whom Herbert spoke, wasthe same man who had been his former guardian. He approved our hero'sdetermination, and one morning Herbert entered for the first time hisuncle's place of business.
"Is Mr. Stanton in?" he asked of a clerk.
The clerk, in reply, pointed to the office.
Herbert entered.
His uncle looked up, but although he had seen our hero at a concertat the Academy of Music, he did not recognize him in the new andfashionable suit which Ralph had purchased for him.
"Mr. Stanton, I suppose?" said Herbert, with quiet self-possession.
"Yes. Do you wish to speak with me?"
"I must introduce myself," said Herbert. "I am Herbert Mason, yournephew."
"Indeed!" said Mr. Stanton, surprised. "When did you come to the city?"
"Some weeks since."
"What brought you here?"
"I had my living to make. I preferred to make it in the city."
"The city is crowded. You had better have remained in the country."
"I do not think so," said Herbert.
"You could have got a place on a farm, and in time perhaps might havebought a little land for yourself."
Herbert smiled.
"I did get a place on a farm," he said; "but I did not like it."
"What are you doing in the city? Have you got a place?"
"Not at present."
"So I supposed," said his uncle, frowning. "I told you the city wasovercrowded. You should not have come here. I suppose you relied on meto help you to something. But I have my own family to take care of, andmy first duty is to them, as you must be aware."
"I don't think you quite understand my object in calling," said Herbert,quietly. "I have not come for assistance of any kind."
"Indeed!" returned Mr. Stanton, appearing to be puzzled.
"You sent me ten dollars in a letter to Dr. Kent some months since?"
"Yes. I felt that it was best for you to depend on yourself, and thatmore would only encourage you to idleness."
"I have come to thank you for the LOAN," said Herbert, emphasizing thelast word, "and to return the money."
"What!" exclaimed Mr. Stanton, now thoroughly amazed.
Herbert repeated his former words.
"But I don't understand this. You are out of a place; yet you do notneed this money."
"No, I do not need it."
This was certainly astonishing, and Mr. Stanton gazed at his nephew asif he did not know what to make of it.
"What are your plans?" he asked. "What are you going to do?"
"I sail for Europe next week," said Herbert, enjoying his uncle'ssurprise.
"Sail for Europe!" ejaculated Mr. Stanton, scarcely believing his ears.
"Yes, I am to go to school there, and shall probably remain three orfour years."
"You are trifling with me," said his uncle, irritably. "How can you goto Europe without money?"
Herbert felt that the time had come for an explanation.
"A friend," he said, "kindly undertakes to pay all my expenses. I gowith him."
"Who is your friend?"
"Mr. Ralph Pendleton. I believe you know him."
"Ralph Pendleton!" repeated Mr. Stanton, in renewed surprise. "How didyou become acquainted with him?"
"The farmer with whom I was placed in Ohio ill-treated me. Ralph livednear by, and helped me to run away."
Mr. Stanton made no comment. Indeed, his surprise was such that he knewnot what to say. His friendless and penniless nephew, as he had regardedhim, was about to share advantages which he would gladly have obtainedfor his own son. When, that evening, at home, he told his family ofHerbert's good fortune, Tom was filled with bitter envy. If it had beenany other boy he would have cared less, but for "that begger Herbert"to go to Europe in charge of a man of wealth was very mortifying to hispride.
Mr. Stanton made a faint protest against receiving the ten dollarstendered by his nephew, but Herbert was determined to repay it. Heplaced it on the desk and eventually Mr. Stanton placed it in hispocketbook.
After some reflection, finding his nephew very differently situated fromwhat he had supposed, Mr. Stanton, with the concurrence of his wife,whose opinion also had been changed, sent an invitation to Ralph andHerbert to dine with them previous to their sailing for Europe. Herbert,by his new guardian's direction, returned a polite reply, to the effectthat they were too busy in making preparations for their departure toaccept the invitation. Ralph did not feel like sitting as the guest of aman who had cruelly defrauded him, and had only done him justice when hewas actually compelled to do so.
In due time our hero sailed for Europe with Mr. Ralph Pendleton. Theydivided their time between Paris and Berlin, Herbert studying at bothplaces. With his natural good abilities, he made rapid progress, and atthe end of four years was an accomplished scholar, able to speakboth French and German with facility. In watching his progress, RalphPendleton found a new and fresh interest in life. He recovered from hisold, morbid feeling, and became cheerful and happy. On returning to NewYork, Herbert, who felt that he should enjoy a life of business betterthan a professional career, entered the counting-room of Mr. Godfrey. Attwenty-one, the junior partner retiring, he was received as partner inhis place, his guardian, Ralph Pendleton, purchasing an interest forhim at a cost of fifty thousand dollars. He developed good businessabilities, and bid fair to swell this sum, in time, to a large fortune.There is a prospect that he will, in time, sustain a closer relation tohis senior partner, as it is rumored that Julia Godfrey, now a brilliantyoung belle, prefers her father's young partner to any of the crowd ofyoung men who pay her court.
The other characters in our story demand a few closing words. First,for Mr. Stanton. It might have been the sudden withdrawal of the fiftyth
ousand dollars from his business that embarrassed him. At any rate,from that time nothing prospered with him. He met with loss after loss,until, in a time of financial panic he failed. He saved but a littlefrom the wreck of his fortune, That little started him in a modestbusiness, yielding him, perhaps, one-tenth his former income. Thebrownstone house was sold. He moved into a shabby house in an obscurestreet, where Mrs. Stanton spends her time mostly in bewailing the lossof her former splendor.
Tom developed habits of extravagance, and seemed indisposed to worksteadily. Finally, when his reverses came, his father was compelled torefuse further assistance, and now Tom, in an inferior clerkship, on asmall salary, gazes with envy at his once-despised cousin, with whomhe has completely changed places. How he will come out eventually isdoubtful. Unless he changes considerably, it is not likely that hiscircumstances will ever be much better than at present.
Abner Holden died suddenly last year in a fit of delirium tremens. Hishabits of intemperance grew upon him until they led to this sad result.His death did not excite any very prolonged grief in the community, ashis temper and uncertain honesty had made him very far from popular. Tothe housekeeper who had been kind to him, Herbert sent a valuable silkdress, of the richest fabric, of which Mrs. Bickford is very proud. Sheonly wears it on great occasions, and then is particular to mention thatit was presented to her by Herbert Mason, of the great New York firm ofGodfrey & Mason, who was once Abner Holden's bound boy.
Nor was Herbert forgetful of his good friends, the Kents. He paid offthe mortgage on the doctor's place, and insisted on putting the housein thorough repair, and newly furnishing it, so that now the town ofWaverley does not contain a handsomer house, inside and out, than thatof Dr. Kent.
So we bid farewell to our young hero, fairly launched on a prosperouscareer, trusting that his life-path may be bright to the end, and thathe may leave behind him, at the end of his career, the reputation of anoble and honorable merchant, and a life filled with good deeds.
THE END
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