THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 LOS ANGELES
 
 Facing the World 
 
 The Haps and Mishaps of Harry Vane 
 
 By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 
 
 Author of "Tom Turner's Legacy," "Mark Mason's Victory," 
 
 " A Debt of Honor," " Bernard Brook's Adventures," 
 
 etc., etc. 
 
 A. L. BURT COMPANY, PUBLISHERS 
 NEW YORK
 
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 HARRY RECEIVES A LETTER. 
 
 "HERE'S a letter for you, Harry," said George 
 Howard. 
 
 "Thank you, Georgie. Where did you get it?" 
 
 "I was passing the hotel on my way home from 
 school when Abner Potts called out to me from the 
 piazza, and asked me to bring it to you." 
 
 The speaker was a bright, round-faced boy of 
 ten. The boy whom he addressed was five or six 
 years older. He had a pleasant face, but it was a 
 strong face, also, and there was an air of firm- 
 ness and resolution which indicated that he was a 
 boy who knew his rights, and knowing, dared 
 maintain. He was grave, too, but this was not 
 his ordinary expression. He had special reason to 
 
 503875 
 
 EDUCATIOT
 
 2 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 look sober, for only a week previous he had lost 
 his father, and as the family consisted only of these 
 two, he was left, so far as near relatives were con- 
 cerned, alone in the world. 
 
 Immediately after the funeral he had been in- 
 vited home by Mr. Benjamin Howard, a friend of 
 his father, but in no manner connected with him by 
 ties of relationship. 
 
 "You can stay here as long as you like, Harry," 
 said Mr. Howard, kindly. "It will take you 
 some time to form your plans, perhaps, and 
 Georgie will be glad to have your company." 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Howard," said Harry, grate- 
 fully. "There is no place that will seem so much 
 like home to me, but I am old enough to work at 
 some business directly." 
 
 "Shall you look for some employment here?" 
 
 "No, my father has a second cousin in Cole- 
 brook, named John Fox. Before he died he ad- 
 vised me to write to Mr. Fox, and go to his house 
 if I should receive an invitation." 
 
 "Do you know anything of this John Fox?" 
 
 "No; he and my father had not met for many
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 3 
 
 years in fact, since they were both boys. I be- 
 lieve there had been no communication between 
 them in all that time. He is a prosperous man, I 
 hear, and my father thought he would be a suit- 
 able guardian." 
 
 "Where does he live?" 
 
 "In Colebrook." 
 
 "That is a hundred miles away," said Mr. 
 Howard, thoughtfully. 
 
 "So father told me." 
 
 "Have you written to Mr. Fox?" 
 
 "I shall write to-night." 
 
 "Have you any idea how your father was situ- 
 ated as regards property?" asked Mr. Howard, 
 watching Harry's face with sympathetic interest. 
 
 "I am afraid there is very little property." 
 
 "You are right there. Your father had in my 
 hands he placed it with me for safe keeping 
 three hundred dollars. Then there is the furni- 
 ture, which it will be best to sell. I suppose it will 
 hardly bring more than enough to defray the 
 funeral expenses." 
 
 "I expected that, sir."
 
 4 FACING THE WORLD.. 
 
 "So that you inherit but three hundred dollars 
 clear." 
 
 "It is enough, sir, with my good health and 
 strong arms," answered Harry, calmly. 
 
 "You are not afraid, then, to begin the world on 
 this small provision?" 
 
 "No, sir," said Harry, with calm confidence. 
 
 "Well, I applaud your courage, Harry. I think, 
 myself, that you will get along." 
 
 "I ought to say that there is one item of prop- 
 erty besides, Mr. Howard." 
 
 "What is that?" 
 
 "Fifty shares in a Lake Superior copper mine." 
 
 "Indeed! I had not heard of it," said Mr. 
 Howard, showing surprise. 
 
 "My father gave them to me before he died, say- 
 ing that they were probably worthless, and not 
 worth handing over to my guardian. He advised 
 me to keep them myself, and if ever they amounted 
 to anything, to sell them." 
 
 "How long has he owned them?" 
 
 "Some years, I think. He was on a visit to the 
 Western country when he was induced to buy
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 5 
 
 them. I don't think the mine is worked now." 
 
 "Still, there is no knowing what may come of it. 
 You had better take good care of the shares." 
 
 "I should like to leave them with you, Mr. How- 
 ard. I don't care to hand them to Mr. Fox." 
 
 "Just as you please, Harry. Is Mr. Fox your 
 only relative?" he continued. 
 
 "There may be an exception," said Harry. "An 
 uncle of mine disappeared fifteen years ago. He 
 was a seafaring man, and, when last heard from, 
 was the mate of a merchant vessel. The vessel 
 was lost, and, I suppose, he was lost with it, but 
 we never could find out. You know my father 
 was an Englishman?" 
 
 "Yes, I know that." 
 
 "And my uncle had never been in America, un- 
 less he touched here on some voyage. Father 
 came to this country when he was twenty-five, and 
 married here." 
 
 "So you are American born, Harry?" 
 
 "I consider myself an American," said the boy, 
 proudly. "Besides, my mother was an Ameri- 
 can."
 
 6 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "And this Mr. Fox is he English?" 
 
 "He was born in Liverpool, but was brought 
 here when he was about the age of Georgie." 
 
 "I hope, for your sake, he will prove a good 
 man. What is his business?" 
 
 "I don't know, nor did my father. All I know 
 is, that he is considered a prosperous man." 
 
 We have kept the reader waiting for some time 
 in ignorance of the contents of Harry's letter. The 
 delay, however, has enabled us to understand it 
 better. It was inclosed in a brown envelope, and 
 ran as follows : 
 
 "HARRY VANE: I have receaved your letter, 
 saying that your father wants me to be your guar- 
 deen. I don't know as I have any objections, bein' 
 a business man it will come easy to me, and I think 
 your father was wise to seleck me. I am reddy to 
 receave you any time. You will come to Bolton 
 on the cars. That is eight miles from here, and 
 there is a stage that meats the trane. It wouldn't 
 do you any harm to walk, but boys ain't so active 
 as they were in my young days. The stage fare is 
 fifty cents, which I shall expect you to pay yourself, 
 if you ride.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. '7 
 
 "There is one thing you don't say anything 
 about how much proparty your pa left. I hope 
 it is a good round sum, and I will take good care 
 of it for you. Ennybody round here will tell you 
 that John Fox is a good man of business, and about 
 as sharp as most people. Mrs. Fox will be glad to 
 see you, and my boy, Joel, will be glad to have 
 some one to keep him kompany. He is about six- 
 teen years old. You don't say how old you are, 
 .but from your letter I surmise that you are as 
 much as that. You will find a happy united fam- 
 erly, consistin' of me and my wife, Joel and his sis- 
 ter, Sally. Sally is fourteen, just two years younger 
 than Joel. We live in a comfor'able way, but we 
 don't gorge ourselves on rich, unhelthy food. No 
 more at present. Yours to command, 
 
 "JOHN Fox." 
 
 Harry smiled more than once as he read this 
 letter. When Mr. Howard came in, he handed 
 it to him. 
 
 "Your relative isn't strong on spelling," re- 
 marked Mr. Howard, as he laid the letter on the 
 table. 
 
 "No, sir; but he appears to be strong in econ-
 
 B FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 omy. It is a comfort to know that I shall not be 
 injured by 'rich, unhelthy food.' " 
 
 "Do you think, from the letter, that you are 
 likely to get on well with this man?" asked his 
 friend, with a shade of anxiety. 
 
 "I don't think I shall," answered Harry, 
 quietly. "He must be a great contrast to my dear 
 father." 
 
 "Undoubtedly. Your father was a man of edu- 
 cation and refinement, and it is easy to see that this 
 man has neither." 
 
 "I will give him a fair trial, Mr. Howard. I 
 won't allow myself to be prejudiced in advance." 
 
 "That is right. When do you mean to start for 
 Colebrook?" 
 
 "To-morrow morning. I have been looking at 
 a railroad guide, and I find it will bring me to Cole- 
 brook in time for supper." 
 
 "We shall be glad to have you stay with us as 
 long as possible, Harry." 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Howard, I don't doubt that, 
 but the struggle of life is before me, and I may as 
 well enter upon it at once."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 THE STAGECOACH. 
 
 AT four o'clock in the afternoon the conductor 
 of the train on which Harry was a passenger called 
 out Bolton. 
 
 Harry snatched up his carpetbag, and made his 
 way to the door, for this was the place where he 
 was to take the stage for Colebrook. 
 
 Two other passengers got out at the same time. 
 One was an elderly man, the other a young man of 
 twenty-five. They appeared to be father and son, 
 and, as Harry learned afterward, they were en- 
 gaged in farming. 
 
 "Any passengers for Colebrook?" inquired the 
 driver of an old-fashioned Concord stage, which 
 was drawn up beside the platform. 
 
 "There's Obed and me," said the old farmer. 
 "I guess we'd rather ride than foot it, though 
 seventy-five cents is pretty steep just for gittin' 
 over the ground."
 
 io FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 " 'Tain't so steep as the hills between here and 
 Colebrook," said the driver, chuckling. "Still, ef 
 
 you'd rather walk " 
 
 "I'm too old to walk; but when I was Obed's 
 age I wouldn't have minded it." 
 
 "But I do," said Obed. "Time is more valu- 
 able than it was in your time, dad." 
 
 "That's the way with the young folks they are 
 all for spending." 
 
 Harry judged, from the old farmer's appear- 
 ance that he was not in the habit of spending much 
 for dress. His son was better attired. 
 
 "May I ride on the seat with you?" asked 
 Harry, of the driver. 
 
 "Sartin. Where are you going?" 
 "To Colebrook." 
 "Then this is your team." 
 
 Harry climbed up with a boy's activity, and sat 
 down on the broad seat, congratulating himself 
 that he would have a chance to see the country, and 
 breathe better air than those confined inside. 
 
 "Jest hold onto the reins, while I ship some 
 freight for the grocery store," said the driver.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 11 
 
 7 his Harry was perfectly willing to do, having 
 a liking for horses. 
 
 Soon the driver sat down on the box beside him, 
 and started the horses. 
 
 "You're a stranger, ain't you?" he remarked, 
 with an inquisitive glance at his young traveling 
 companion. 
 
 "Yes; I've never been here before." 
 
 "Where do you come from?" 
 
 "From Ferguson." 
 
 "Never heard of the place. Where is it?" 
 
 "About ninety miles west of here." 
 
 "Sho! Do you intend to stay long in Cole- 
 brook?" 
 
 "I don't know. It will depend on how I like 
 it." 
 
 "Are you a peddler, or traveling salesman, or 
 anything of that sort?" 
 
 "No," answered Harry, smiling. "I may be 
 some time, but I am afraid I'm too young to get 
 such a place." 
 
 "Well, you do look young. I've got a boy nigh 
 about as old as you look."
 
 li FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I am sixteen." 
 
 "I reckoned about that. Arc you goin' to the 
 tavern ?" 
 
 "No; I'm going to the house of Mr. John Fox. 
 Do you know him?" 
 
 "Well, I should smile. I reckon everybody 
 round here knows John Fox." 
 
 "I don't know him. I never saw him in my 
 life." 
 
 "Are you goin' to board with him ?" 
 
 "Very likely. He is to be my guardian." 
 
 "Shot You'll have a queer guardeen. That's 
 all I say." 
 
 "Why queer?" 
 
 "The fact is, old John'll cheat you out of your 
 eye teeth ef he gets a chance. He's about the 
 sharpest man round." 
 
 "He can't cheat me out of much," returned 
 Harry, not especially reassured by this remark. 
 "What is the business of Mr. Fox?" 
 
 "Well, he's got some land, but he makes his liv- 
 in' chiefly by tradin' hosses, auctioneerin', and such 
 like."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 13 
 
 "I suppose he is well off?" 
 
 "Well, the old man is pretty forehanded. He's 
 allus gettin' money in one way or another, and he 
 don't calc'late to spend much. They do say he sets 
 about as mean a table as any in Colebrook." 
 
 "That isn't very encouraging," said Harry, "if 
 I'm to live there." 
 
 "How in thunder d'you come to app'int him 
 your guardeen?" 
 
 "My father died recently, and Mr. Fox is about 
 the only relation he has in America." 
 
 "You father didn't know much about old John, 
 I reckon?" 
 
 "He knew nothing about him, except that he 
 lived in Colebrook, and was pretty well off. What 
 sort of a woman is Mrs. Fox?" 
 
 "She's a good match for the old man. She's 
 about as mean as he is. Once a year the Sewin' 
 Circle meets there, and my wife says she's a 
 member, you know that of all the dough pies and 
 cake that she ever ate, Mrs. Fox's will take the ' 
 premium." 
 
 "Mr. Fox wrote me that he had two children."
 
 T 4 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Yes, there's Joel he's about your age. He's 
 a chip of the old block, red-headed and freckled, 
 just like the old man. I don't believe Joel ever 
 spent a cent in his life. He hangs on to money as 
 tight as ef his life depended on't." 
 
 "I am afraid he won't prove a very agreeable 
 companion, then." 
 
 "Ain't a very pop'lar boy, that's a fact. He 
 swapped jackknives with my boy last week. I told 
 Jim he'd be took in, and he was. It's hard to git 
 ahead of Joel." 
 
 "There's a girl, too, isn't there?" asked Harry, 
 anxious to know about all the family. 
 
 "Yes, Sally." 
 
 "Is she pretty?" 
 
 "She looks like her ma, except that she's red- 
 headed like her pa. She's pretty smart to work, 
 but she's as homely as they make 'em." 
 
 "I'm glad to know something of the family, but 
 I'm afraid I shan't enjoy myself very much among 
 the Foxes." 
 
 "You ain't used to livin' with foxes, then?" said 
 the driver, with a grin.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 15 
 
 "No, nor with people like them. By the way, 
 who are the two other passengers?" 
 
 "Elias Jones and his son, Obed. 'Lias is a 
 farmer, and pretty well off. He's got a good 
 farm, and a few thousand dollars in bank stock. 
 Obed's got a farm, too." 
 
 "Are they anything like my friends, the Foxes?" 
 
 "No; they're a good sight better. Old 'Lias 
 don't spend money foolishly he's a careful man 
 but he isn't mean. Folks in his house have plenty 
 to eat, and good, wholesome food, too. Then he's 
 always willin' to pay his share for the church and 
 other purposes." 
 
 "He thought seventy-five cents rather high stage 
 fare?" 
 
 "That's only his joke. He'd rather pay a dol- 
 lar and a half than walk." 
 
 "Mr. Fox wrote me that he thought it wouldn't 
 do me any harm to walk from Bolton to Cole- 
 brook, and save the stage fare." 
 
 "Jest like old John. He grudges me my liv- 
 in'." 
 
 "Does he ever ride with you himself?"
 
 1 6 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "He always has a horse of his own. If he 
 hadn't he'd walk." 
 
 "I think I've got my money's worth in informa- 
 tion," said Harry, smiling. "I'm glad I rode on 
 the box." 
 
 "You're welcome to all I can tell you. I'm sorry 
 you're going to live with John Fox, though." 
 
 "So am I, after what you have told me. As it 
 was my father's wish, I shall give him a trial, but 
 I shan't stay long if I don't like him." 
 
 "You'll soon get tired of your new home, I 
 reckon." 
 
 With such conversation Harry beguiled the way. 
 On the whole, he enjoyed the ride. There were 
 hills, and here and there the road ran through the 
 woods. He could. hear the singing of birds, and, 
 notwithstanding what he had heard, he felt in 
 good spirits. There are times when the young, 
 buoyed by hope, fancy it is easy to conquer the 
 world. The future looks rose-colored, and success 
 seems certain. Harry was in such a mood. He 
 was coming to an uncongenial home and among 
 sordid, mean people, but he did not care for that.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 17 
 
 "I shan't have to live with them any longer than 
 I like," he said to himself. 
 
 It is well that youth is so hopeful and sanguine. 
 There are trials and difficulties enough in store in 
 most cases. Hope and courage make them easier 
 to meet, and easier to overcome. 
 
 At length the stage entered the village of Cole- 
 brook. It was a village of moderate size about 
 two hundred houses being scattered over a tract 
 half a mile square. Occupying a central position 
 was the tavern, a square, two-story building, with 
 a piazza in front, on which was congregated a num- 
 ber of villagers. After rapidly scanning them, the 
 driver said: 
 
 "Do you see that tall man leanin' against a 
 post?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "That's your guardeen ! That's John Fox him- 
 self, as large as life, and just about as homely."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE DANGER SIGNAL. 
 
 THE man pointed out to Harry as his guardian 
 was tall, loosely puf together, with a sharp, thin 
 visage surrounded by a thicket of dull-red hair. 
 He came forward, as Harry jumped on the ground 
 after descending from his elevated perch, and said: 
 "I reckon this is Harry Vane?" 
 
 "That is my name, sir." 
 
 "Glad to see you. Just take your traps, and 
 come along with me. Mis' Fox will have supper 
 ready by the time we come." 
 
 Harry was not, on the whole, attracted by the 
 appearance of his guardian. There was a crafty 
 look about the eyes of Mr. Fox, which seemed to 
 make his name appropriate. He surveyed his 
 young ward critically. 
 
 "You're pretty well grown," he said. 
 
 "Yes, sir."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 19 
 
 "And look stout and strong." 
 
 "I believe I am both." 
 
 "My boy, Joel, is as tall as you, but not so 
 hefty." 
 
 "How old is he, Mr. Fox?" 
 
 "Close on to sixteen." 
 
 "So am I." 
 
 "He's goin' to be tall, like me. He's a sharp 
 boy Joel." 
 
 "Perhaps he has an advantage of me in that," 
 said Harry, smiling. 
 
 "You look sharp enough." 
 
 "Thank you." 
 
 "I guess you can wrastle round and make a liv- 
 in'." 
 
 "I hope so." 
 
 "By the way, you didn't write how much prop- 
 erty your father left." 
 
 "No, I didn't think of it." 
 
 "It's really important, though, as your guardeen 
 I ought to know." 
 
 "After the funeral bills are paid, I presume 
 there'll be about three hundred dollars."
 
 20 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Mr. Fox stopped short and whistled. 
 
 "Sho!" he exclaimed; "is that all?" 
 
 "There may be a few dollars more." 
 
 "Well, well," said John Fox, in evident disap- 
 pointment, "I thought there'd be a good deal more 
 maybe three thousand dollars." 
 
 "Father hadn't much talent at making money," 
 said Harry, soberly. 
 
 "I should say not. Why, that money won't last 
 you no time at all." 
 
 "I mean to make it last a good while, Mr. 
 Fox." 
 
 "How?" 
 
 "I am old enough to work for a living. Isn't 
 there something I can find to do in Colebrook?" 
 
 "We'll think of that," said John Fox, surveying 
 Harry's strongly knit, though boyish, form, 
 thoughtfully. "Have you been used to horses?" 
 
 "Father didn't own any horses, but a neighbor 
 of ours did, and I've taken care of them a week at 
 a time when his son was away." 
 
 "That's good. Boys ought to know about 
 , horses. We had a city boy down here last summer
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 21 
 
 who was afraid of horses. He didn't dare to go 
 into the stall with them." 
 
 "I don't think you'll find me afraid of horses. 
 Do you keep any?" 
 
 "I mostly have two or three on hand. I do 
 considerable tradin' horses." 
 
 "Does your son like horses?" 
 
 "Well, middlin'. He's used to drivin' 'em. He 
 ain't got such a fancy for 'em as I have. I tell 
 you what, Harry that's your name, isn't it?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "I guess I can give you work myself. There's 
 always more or less to do round a place. I keep 
 a man part of the time, but, I reckon I can let him 
 go and take you on instead. You see, that will 
 count on your board, and you don't want to spend 
 your money too fast." 
 
 "How much are you willing to pay me, Mr. 
 Fox?" 
 
 "We'll settle that after a week, when I see how 
 well you work," replied Mr. Fox, cautiously. 
 
 "Very well, sir. There's only one thing I will 
 stipulate; I will wait a day or two before going to
 
 22 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 work. I want to look about the place a little." 
 
 "Just as you say, but I'd like to get you started 
 as soon as possible." 
 
 While this conversation was going on, they had 
 traversed a considerable distance. A little dis- 
 tance ahead appeared a square house, painted yel- 
 low, with a barn a little back on the left, and two 
 old wagons alongside. 
 
 "That's my house," said John Fox. 
 
 "Is it?" 
 
 "Yes, it was the old Payson place. I had a 
 mortgage on it which old Caleb Payson couldn't 
 pay, so I took possession six years ago." 
 
 "And what became of the former owner?" 
 asked Harry. 
 
 "Old Caleb? He died in the poorhouse last 
 year." 
 
 "That was a sad fate," 
 
 "Well, he had enough to eat, and didn't want 
 for nothin'. I made a pretty good bargain, for 
 the place was worth thirty per cent, more than the 
 face of the mortgage. Still, as there was nobody 
 wanted it enough to bid more, I got it for the face
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 23 
 
 of the mortgage. There's twenty acres belongs to 
 it." 
 
 "It seems as if Mr. Payson ought to have re- 
 ceived the full value of the place," said Harry, 
 thinking with pity of the old man who had to leave 
 his old home and live on the town. 
 
 "That's a very unpractical remark, Harry 
 Vane," said John Fox, somewhat contemptuously. 
 "It shows you ain't used to business. But here's 
 Joel." 
 
 Joel, a tall boy in figure, like his father, here 
 came forward and eyed Harry with sharp curiosity. 
 
 "Harry, this is my boy, Joel." 
 
 "Joel, this is Harry Vane," introduced his 
 father. 
 
 "How are ye?" said Joel, extending a red hand, 
 covered with warts. 
 
 "Pretty well, thank you," said Harry, not much 
 attracted to his new acquaintance. 
 
 "Here's Sally, too!" said John Fox. "Sally, 
 this is my ward, Harry Vane." 
 
 Sally, who bore a striking family resemblance to 
 her father and brother, giggled.
 
 24 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Don't be bashful, Sally. Shake hands with 
 the boy!" 
 
 Sally extended her hand shyly, giggling again. 
 
 "I leave you young folks to get acquainted, and 
 will go into the house, and see if your mother has 
 got supper ready." 
 
 "Ain't he nice lookin'," said Sally, in an audible 
 aside to Joel. 
 
 Harry heard the remark and felt uncomfortable. 
 It was flattering, but compliments from a girl like 
 Sally Fox didn't seem to affect him. 
 
 The three young people got better acquainted 
 within the next fifteen minutes, when they were 
 called to supper, but I have a special reason for 
 postponing any immediate account of their con- 
 ference. Mrs. Fox, to whom Harry was intro- 
 duced at the supper table, was as peculiar in her 
 appearance, and as destitute of beauty as the rest 
 of the family. She was prepared to be very atten- 
 tive to Harry, but, having learned from her hus- 
 band the moderate amount of his fortune, thought 
 it hardly worth while to be more than coldly civil.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 25 
 
 The next day, Harry, feeling, it must be con- 
 fessed, rather homesick, declined Joel's company, 
 and took an extended stroll about the town. He 
 found that though the railway by which he had 
 come was eight miles distant, there was another, 
 passing within a mile of the village. He struck 
 upon it, and before proceeding far made a startling 
 discovery. There had been some heavy rains, 
 which had washed out the road for a considerable 
 distance, causing the track to give way. 
 
 "Good heavens!" thought Harry, "if a train 
 comes over the road before this is mended, there'll 
 be a wreck and loss of life. What can I do?" 
 
 Just across a field stood a small house. In the 
 yard the week's washing was hung out. Among 
 the articles was a red tablecloth. 
 
 "May I borrow that tablecloth?" asked Harry, 
 in excitement, of a woman in the doorway. 
 
 "Land sakes! what for?" she asked. 
 
 "To signal the train. The road's washed 
 away." 
 
 "Yes, yes; I'm expectin' my darter on that 
 train," answered the woman, now as excited as our
 
 26 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 hero. "Hurry up ! the train's due in fifteen min- 
 utes." 
 
 Seizing the tablecloth, Harry ran back to the 
 railroad. He hurried down the track west of a 
 curve which was a few hundred feet beyond the 
 washout, and saw the train coming at full speed. 
 
 He jumped on a fence skirting the tracks, and 
 waved the tablecloth wildly. 
 
 "Will they see it?" he asked himself, anxiously.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 27 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 A GOOD MORNING'S WORK. 
 
 IT was an anxious moment for Harry as he 
 stood waving the danger signal, uncertain whether 
 it would attract the attention of the engineer. It 
 did ! The engineer though not understanding the 
 meaning of the signal, not knowing, indeed, but it 
 might be a boy's freak, prudently heeded it, and 
 reversing the engine, stopped the train within a 
 short distance of the place of danger. 
 
 "Thank God!'* exclaimed Harry, breathing a 
 deep sigh of relief. 
 
 The engineer alighted from the train, and, when 
 he looked ahead, needed no explanation. 
 
 "My boy!" he said, with a shudder, "you have 
 saved the train." 
 
 "I am glad of it, sir. My heart was in my 
 mouth lest you should not see my signal." 
 
 By this time the passengers, whose curiosity had
 
 28 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 been roused by the sudden halt, began to pour out 
 
 of the cars. 
 
 When they saw the washout, strong men turned 
 pale, and ladies grew faint, while many a fervent 
 ejaculation of gratitude was heard at the wonder- 
 ful escape. 
 
 "We owe our lives to this boy!" said the engi- 
 neer. "It was he who stood on the fence and 
 signaled me. We owe our deliverance to this 
 tablecloth." 
 
 One impressible lady, who had two young chil- 
 dren with her, threw her arms round Harry's neck, 
 and kissed him, much to our hero's embarrassment, 
 while half a dozen gentlemen shook hands with 
 him. 
 
 A small man, somewhat portly, pushed his way 
 up to Harry 
 
 "What is your name, my lad?" he asked, 
 brusquely. 
 
 "Harry Vane." 
 
 "Where do you live?" 
 
 "In Colebrook at present." 
 
 "When did you discover this washout?"
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 29 
 
 "Not over ten minutes since." 
 
 "And where did you get your signal?" 
 
 "In the yard of yonder house, sir." 
 
 "You have shown wonderful promptness and 
 presence of mind. Probably you don't know me." 
 
 "No, sir." 
 
 "I am the president and leading stockholder of 
 the road, and my property has come very near be- 
 ing the death of me. Gentlemen" here the presi- 
 dent turned to the group of gentlemen around him 
 "don't you think this boy deserves a testi- 
 monial?" 
 
 "Yes, yes!" returned the gentlemen, in chorus. 
 
 "So do I, and lead off with a subscription of 
 twenty dollars." 
 
 "Here's another twenty!" 
 
 "And here's ten!" 
 
 "Here's five!" 
 
 So one after another followed the president's 
 lead, the president himself making the rounds bare- 
 headed, and gathering the contributions in his hat. 
 
 "Oh, sir!" said Harry, as soon as he understood 
 what was going forward, "don't reward me for
 
 3 o FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 what was only my duty. I should be ashamed to 
 accept anything for the little I have done." 
 
 "You may count it little to save the lives of a 
 train full of people," said the president, dryly, "but 
 we set a slight value upon our lives and limbs. 
 Are you rich?" 
 
 "No, sir." 
 
 "So I thought. Well, you needn't be ashamed 
 to accept a little testimonial of our gratitude." 
 
 "Let me do my share," said a young lady, as she 
 dropped a bill into the hat. 
 
 "Certainly, miss. The ladies are by no means 
 to be slighted." 
 
 When all so disposed had contributed, the presi- 
 dent handed the pile of bills to Harry. 
 
 "Take them, my boy," he said, "and make good 
 use of them. I shall owe you a considerable 
 balance, for I value my life at more than twenty 
 dollars. Here is my card. If you ever need a 
 friend, or a service, call on me." 
 
 Then the president gave directions to the engi- 
 neer to run back to the preceding station, where 
 there was a telegraph office, from which messages
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 31 
 
 could be sent in both directions to warn trains of 
 the washout. 
 
 Though it has taken me considerable time to 
 narrate this incident, the time consumed was very 
 brief, and Harry was left with his hands full of 
 money, hardly knowing whether he was awake or 
 dreaming 
 
 One thing seemed to him only fair to give the 
 owner of the tablecloth some small share of the 
 money, as an acknowledgment for the use of her 
 property. 
 
 "Here, madam," said Harry, when he had re- 
 traced his steps to the house, "is your tablecloth, 
 for which I'm much obliged. It saved the train." 
 
 "Well, I'm thankful! Little did I ever think 
 a tablecloth would do so much good. Why, it 
 only cost me a dollar and a quarter." 
 
 "Allow me to ask your acceptance of this bill to 
 pay you for the use of it." 
 
 "Land sakes! why, you've given me ten dol- 
 lars!" 
 
 "It's all right. It came from the passengers. 
 They gave me something, too."
 
 32 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "How much did they give you?" 
 
 "I don't know yet," answered Harry, thinking it 
 unwise to gratify the curiosity of the good lady. 
 
 "Did they say this money was for me?" she 
 asked. 
 
 "No; but I am sure they would think you ought 
 to have it." 
 
 "Well, I'm sure I'm very much obleeged. Ten 
 dollars ! Why, I haven't hed so much money in a 
 long time." 
 
 "You can buy a new tablecloth." 
 
 "No, I won't; the old one will do. I'll buy me 
 a shawl to wear Sundays. I haven't had one since 
 I was married. You didn't tell me your name." 
 
 "My name is Harry Vane." 
 
 "Do you live round here? I never heard the 
 name afore." 
 
 "I've just come to the village. I'm going to live 
 with John Fox." 
 
 "You don't say ! Be you any kin to Fox?" 
 
 "Not very near. He's my guardian." 
 
 "Sho! you don't say. Well, I hope you'll like 
 him."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 33 
 
 She spoke in rather a dubious tone. Harry 
 smiled. He had already made up his mind on that 
 subject, but did not care to take a stranger into his 
 confidence. 
 
 "I hope so," he said. 
 
 "If he hears you've had any money give you, 
 he'll want to take care of it for you." 
 
 This consideration had not occurred to Harry. 
 Indeed, he had for so short a time been the pos- 
 sessor of the money, of which he did not know the 
 amount, that this was not surprising. 
 
 "Well, good-morning!" he said. 
 
 "Good-mornin' ! It's been a lucky mornin' for 
 both of us. Hadn't you better see how much 
 money you've got?" 
 
 "Not now. I'm in a hurry." 
 
 Indeed, Harry had some curiosity on the sub- 
 ject himself. He was not quite sure whether he 
 ought to have accepted money for the service he 
 had rendered, but then the president of the road 
 thought it right, and our hero felt in his own case 
 that he would have liked to do something for a 
 person who had saved his life. So he quieted his
 
 34 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 scruples, and determined to accept thankfully what 
 had been showered upon him. 
 
 "I must go somewhere where I can count this 
 money unobserved," he said to himself. 
 
 Not far away he saw a ruined shed. Near it 
 were the charred remains of a house that had been 
 consumed. The shed had not been much inju-red. 
 
 Harry entered the shed, and sitting down on a 
 log, took out the bills, which he had hurriedly 
 stuffed in his pocket, and began to count them. 
 
 It is not necessary to detail the counting. The 
 sum total is what we want to find out. It was 
 large enough to amaze and gratify him. Though 
 a majority of the bills were small, there were many 
 of them, and the aggregate sum was two hundred 
 and eight-nine dollars and fifty cents. 
 
 The fifty cents had been dropped into the hat by 
 a child. 
 
 Had Harry retained the ten dollars given to the 
 owner of the tablecloth, he would have had within 
 fifty cents of three hundred dollars.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 35 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 HARRY'S SAVINGS BANK. 
 
 "ALMOST three hundred dollars!" murmured 
 Harry, joyously. "It has been, indeed, a lucky 
 morning for me. It has nearly doubled my prop- 
 erty." 
 
 The question arose in his mind: "Should he give 
 this money to Mr. Fox to keep for him?" 
 
 Had his guardian been a man like Mr. Howard, 
 he would have had no hesitation in giving this 
 windfall into his hands. But he had formed a 
 poor opinion of John Fox, apart from the unfavor- 
 able accounts he had heard of him, and was begin- 
 ning to be sorry he had come into his charge. 
 
 "No," he decided, "I won't give him this money. 
 I won't even let him know I have it." Where, 
 then, could he conceal it? He could not very well 
 carry it about with him all the time. Moreover, it 
 would be dangerous. If he could put it in a sav-
 
 3 6 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 ings bank, that might answer, but should Mr. Fox 
 learn that he had a deposit anywhere, he might, as 
 guardian, have power to claim it. On the whole, 
 Harry felt puzzled to know what to do with his 
 suddenly acquired wealth. 
 
 "I wish I ha afked the president of the road to 
 take care of the money for me," thougat Harry. 
 "It would have been safe in his hands." 
 
 Still undecided, our hero walked over to the 
 ruined house, and began to look about him. In one 
 corner, he noticed a little, leather-covered, black 
 trunk, not more than a foot long, and six inches 
 deep, which was apparently uninjured, having been 
 rhrown out of a window. It was locked, but a 
 small key was in the lock. 
 
 An idea struck him. He would convert this 
 miniature trunk into a cash box, and deposit his 
 wealth therein. He could no doubt conceal it 
 somewhere afterwards. 
 
 Opening the trunk he found it empty. The 
 lock seemed in good condition. He made a pile of 
 the bills, and depositing them in this receptacle, 
 locked the trunk and put the key in his pocket.
 
 FACING ^HE WORLD. 37 
 
 Now for a place of concealment. 
 
 Harry came out of the shed, and looked scruti- 
 nizingly around him. Not far away was a sharp 
 elevation surmounted by trees. Without any defi- 
 nite idea, Harry, box in hand, ascended the eleva- 
 tion, and from the top had an extend rl view of the 
 neighborhood. This, however, was not what he 
 wanted. The hill was of a gravelly formation, 
 and therefore dry. At one point near a withered 
 tree, our hero detected a cavity, made either by acci- 
 dent or design. Its location near the tree made it 
 easy to discover. 
 
 "Why not hide the trunk here ?" he said to him- 
 self. 
 
 The more he thought of it, the more he liked the 
 idea. It might not be a good permanent hiding 
 place, but it would do till he had time to think of 
 another. 
 
 With a little labor he enlarged and deepened the 
 hole, till he could easily store away the box in its 
 recess, then covered it up carefully, and strewed 
 grass and leaves over all to hide the traces of exca- 
 vation.
 
 38 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "There, that will do," he said, in a tone of satis- 
 faction/ "Let Mr. Fox find it if he can." 
 
 He had reserved for possible need fifteen dol- 
 lars in small bills, which he put into his pocketbook. 
 He had been reduced to a single dollar after de- 
 fraying the expenses of his journey, but now he felt 
 quite in funds. Having no further business on 
 the hillock, he descended to the railway, and took 
 his way homeward, without passing the scene of the 
 washout. 
 
 Had he done so he would have found his re- 
 spected guardian, Mr. John Fox, and quite a 
 large number of the village peopl* 1 on the spot, 
 looking curiously about them. 
 
 John Fox had heard the news in the postoffice, 
 and had started off at once for the scene of danger. 
 He had a keen scent for possible advantage, and 
 not being sure when he started but there had really 
 been a smash-up such was the erroneous report 
 that had come to the village thought it possible 
 that he might discover something thrown away by 
 terrified passengers that would be of use to him. 
 I am not prepared to say that he was disappointed
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 39 
 
 to find that the danger had been averted, but he 
 was, at any rate, sorry that he was not likely to be 
 repaid for his journey. 
 
 "How'd they hear of the washout ?"he asked, 
 puzzled. 
 
 "I heerd that a boy discovered it, and signaled 
 the train," said his neighbor. 
 
 "A boy I What boy?" 
 
 "I didn't hear tell." 
 
 "How did he do it?" 
 
 "Waved a shawl, or somethin'. The engineer 
 saw it, and stopped the cars." 
 
 John Fox shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 "That don't seem likely," was his comment; 
 "where would a boy find a shawl ? He didn't wear 
 it, did he?" 
 
 His informant looked puzzled. 
 
 "Like as not he borrowed it of Mrs. Brock," he 
 suggested. 
 
 Mrs. Brock was the woman living in the small 
 house near by, so that the speaker's surmise was 
 correct. It struck John Fox as possible, and he 
 said so.
 
 40 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I guess I'll go and ask the Widder Brock," he 
 said. "She must have seen the train, livin' so near 
 as she does." 
 
 "I'll go along with you." 
 
 The two men soon found themselves on Mrs. 
 Brock's premises. The widow was out in the yard, 
 hanging some clothes on the line. 
 
 "Good-mornin', Mrs. Brock," said John Fox. 
 "You've come nigh havin' a causality here." 
 
 This was doubtless meant for casualty, but Mr. 
 Fox was not always correct in his language. 
 
 "You're right there, Mr. Fox," answered Mrs. 
 Brock. "I was awful skeered about it, for I 
 thought my Nancy might be on the train. When 
 the boy run into my yard " 
 
 "The boy! What boy?" asked Fox, eagerly. 
 It was the same question he had asked before. 
 
 "Land sakes! don't you know?" asked Mrs. 
 Brock, in surprise. 
 
 "How should I know? I've only just come." 
 
 "Why, it was your boy." 
 
 "My boy? I left Joel at home. I don't see 
 how he came here."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 41 
 
 "It wasn't Joel. It was that boy you are guard- 
 ccn of." 
 
 "What! Harry Vane?" ejaculated Fox, in genu- 
 ine surprise. 
 
 "I don't know his name. He didn't tell 
 me." 
 
 "Tell me all about it, Mrs. Brock. If it was my 
 ward, I want to know all that's took place." 
 
 "Well, you see, he ran into my yard all out of 
 breath, and grabbin' a red tablecloth from the line, 
 asked me if I would lend it to him. 'Land's sakes !' 
 says I, 'what do you want of a tablecloth ?' 
 
 " 'The track's washed away,' he said, 'and I 
 want to signal the train. There's danger of an 
 accident.' Of course I let him have it, and he did 
 signal the train, standin' on the fence, and wavin' 
 the tablecloth. So the train was saved!" 
 
 "And did he bring back the tablecloth?" 
 
 "Of course he did, and that wasn't all. He 
 brought me a ten-dollar bill to pay for the use of 
 it." 
 
 "Gave you a ten-dollar bill !" exclaimed John 
 Fox, in amazement. "That was very wrong. I
 
 42 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 am his guardeen, and I can't allow him to waste 
 his money in that way." 
 
 "You needn't trouble yourself, John Fox," said 
 Mrs. Brock, indignantly. "You hadn't no claim 
 on the money if you are his guardian. A collec- 
 tion was took up by the passengers, and given to 
 the boy, and he thought I ought to have pay for the 
 use of the tablecloth, so he gave me a ten-dollar 
 bill and a little gentleman he is, too !" 
 
 "A collection taken up for my ward?" repeated 
 Fox, pricking up his ears. "Well, well! that is 
 news. Do you know how much there was?" 
 
 "No, he didn't tell me." 
 
 "I must look into this," continued Fox, much 
 interested. "Do you think there was as much as 
 thirty dollars?" 
 
 "Land's sakes! how should I know?" 
 
 "If there wasn't, he shouldn't have given you 
 so much money. Ten dollars for the use of an old 
 tablecloth! The boy must be crazy!" 
 
 "If it had been you, I wouldn't have got ten 
 cents," retorted Mrs. Brock. 
 
 "A quarter would have paid you well, widder !"
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 43 
 
 "I don't want any of your quarters, and I hope 
 the boy'll keep his money." 
 
 But John Fox was already on his way back to the 
 road. He was anxious to find his ward.
 
 44 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 HARRY DISAGREES WITH HIS GUARDIAN. 
 
 HARRY and his guardian met at the dinner 
 table. Mrs. Fox had provided a boiled dinner, to 
 which Harry was ready to do justice, not only on 
 account of his long forenoon walk, but also be- 
 cause the breakfast, taken at half-past six, had not 
 been palatable. He gained accordingly in the 
 good opinion of Mrs. Fox, who had decided in the 
 morning that he was dainty, and disdained her 
 humble fare. 
 
 Mr. Fox seemed unusually pleasant. 
 
 "I find, Harry," he said, clearing his throat, 
 "that you have already been distinguishing your- 
 self." 
 
 His wife and son both looked up in surprise. 
 They had not heard of the washout, nor of 
 Harry's success in saving the railroad train. 
 
 "Then you heard of the narrow escape of the 
 train?" said Harry.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 45 
 
 "Yes, I heard that but for your presence of mind, 
 and Mrs. Brock's tablecloth, there would have 
 been a smash-up." 
 
 "What on earth are you talkin' about. John 
 Fox?" demanded his wife, curiously. 
 
 "Well, you see, Maria, the rain of last night 
 washed away part of the railroad track, and the 
 train would have been plunged into a gully, if our A 
 young boarder here hadn't seen the danger, and, 
 borrowin' a tablecloth from Mrs. Brock, signaled 
 the train." 
 
 "You don't say? What on earth was the boy 
 doin' out that way?" 
 
 "I was exploring the town, Mrs. Fox," an- 
 swered Harry, with a smile. 
 
 "That isn't all," resumed John Fox. "The pas- 
 sengers took up a contribution, and I expect gave 
 quite a handsome sum to our young friend." 
 
 "I wish I'd been there!" said Joel, enviously. 
 
 "Joel is never in luck!" said his mother, in ac- 
 cents of regret. 
 
 "If I'd only known there was goin' to be an ac- 
 cident," complained Joel,
 
 46 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I didn't know," Harry felt called upon to re- 
 mark. 
 
 "No, it was your luck!" observed Mrs. Fox, 
 with some asperity. She was a woman who was 
 jealous of any good fortune falling to those outside 
 of her own family circle. She would have had all 
 the rain fall on her husband's farm, if there hadn't 
 been enough to "go round." She felt really ag- 
 grieved that Harry, instead of Joel, had had the 
 good luck to save the train. 
 
 "How much did the folks give you?" asked 
 Joel, eagerly. 
 
 "I was about to ask that question myself," said 
 his father, smoothly. 
 
 This was the question which Harry feared would 
 be put to him. He hardly knew what to say. He 
 did not choose to give an accurate answer, and felt 
 justified in a little evasion. 
 
 "I've got fifteen dollars left," he replied. "I 
 gave some money to Mrs. Brock for the use of the 
 tablecloth." 
 
 John Fox looked disappointed and disgusted. 
 
 J'You don't mean to say," he ejaculated, sharply,
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 47 
 
 "that you gave away almost half of your money for 
 the use of an old tablecloth that would be dear at 
 a dollar?" 
 
 "If I hadn't had the tablecloth, I couldn't have 
 attracted the engineer's attention," said Harry, 
 mildly. 
 
 "You must be crazy to throw away money like 
 that," said John Fox, angrily. "As your guardeen, 
 I have a right to protest against it." 
 
 "You must remember, Mr. Fox," said Harry, 
 firmly, "that you are my guardian so far as the 
 money left me by my father goes. This was a 
 special windfall." 
 
 "I should say you needed a guardeen if you are 
 goin' to throw away money in that style. Mrs. 
 Fox, what do you say to his givin' ten dollars for 
 the use of an old red tablecloth?" 
 
 "I say that I'd sell all my tablecloths for that 
 money. As you say, the boy acted like a fool." 
 
 "A dollar would have been handsome munifi- 
 cent," proceeded Fox, stumbling a little over the 
 last word. 
 
 "Ten cents would have been enough," said Mrs.
 
 48 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Fox, whom her best friends had never credited with 
 
 liberality. 
 
 "And you might have given me the rest of the 
 ten dollars," chimed in Joel. 
 
 "To be sure!" said his mother. "You'd ought 
 to have thought of them that live in the same house 
 with you." 
 
 "When I heard you'd given ten dollars to the 
 Widder Brock," continued Mr. Fox, "I con- 
 cluded, of course, that you must have received fifty 
 dollars." 
 
 "Twenty-five would satisfy me," added Joel. 
 
 "To be sure, but railroad accidents don't come 
 every day." 
 
 "I acted according to my judgment," said Harry. 
 
 "Then I don't think much of your judgment 
 that's all I say," observed Mrs. Fox. 
 
 There was a little more conversation on the 
 subject, but Harry remained tranquil, and did not 
 appear disturbed by the criticisms elicited by his 
 conduct. He heartily hoped that his guardian's 
 family would not find out how large a sum he had 
 received.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 49 
 
 When dinner was over, Harry was about to 
 leave the house, when John Fox said, insinuatingly : 
 "Don't you think you'd better give me that money 
 to keep for you?' 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Fox," said Harry, "but I 
 think I can take care of it myself." 
 
 "Fifteen dollars is a good deal of money for a 
 boy like you to carry round with you." 
 
 "I don't think I shall lose it, sir." 
 
 "Perhaps not, but you will be tempted to spend 
 it wastefully." 
 
 "I don't think so, sir. I am not rich enough to 
 venture to waste my money." 
 
 "I'm sorry you don't look at the matter in the 
 right light, Harry. Allow me to remind you that 
 I am your guardeen." 
 
 "Yes, sir; I am quite aware of that fact. The 
 little property that my father left me will be placed 
 in your hands." 
 
 "Ahem! It entitles me to your earnings, be- 
 sides." 
 
 "I don't agreed with you, Mr. Fox." 
 
 "I am considerably older than you are, Harry,
 
 50 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 and you can trust my judgment. You'd better 
 hand me the money." 
 
 "I must decline to do so, Mr. Fox. I will prom- 
 ise you, however, to take good care of it, and not 
 waste it." 
 
 John Fox didn't look amiable. He was in 
 doubt whether he might not properly take from his 
 ward the money by force, but it occurred to him 
 that it would be better not to assert his authority 
 quite so soon. 
 
 "We will speak of this again," he said. "Think 
 over what I have said, and you will see that I am 
 in the right." 
 
 When Harry went out of doors, Joel followed 
 him. 
 
 "I say, Harry," he began, "you're awful lucky." 
 
 "I think the passengers on the train were awful 
 lucky, as you express it." 
 
 "I wa'n't thinkin' of them," remarked Joel, 
 truly. "I say, now that dad's your guardian, that 
 makes you and me sort of brothers, don't it?" 
 
 "Well, perhaps so," answered Harry, with a 
 smile.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 51 
 
 'And it would be only fair for you to give me 
 half that money?" 
 
 Harry eyed Joel's eager face curiously, and 
 noticed the cupidity expressed in his eyes. It was 
 easy to see that Joel's organ of acquisitiveness was 
 well developed. 
 
 "Do you really mean that?" he asked. 
 
 "Of course I do. Brothers ought to divide, 
 hadn't they?" 
 
 "I am not sure about that. Have you got any 
 money?" 
 
 "Yes, I've got thirty-five dollars in the savings 
 bank. It took me an awful long time to save it 
 up." 
 
 "Then if you'll give me ten dollars of that, we'll 
 each have twenty-five. As you say, brothers ought 
 to divide." 
 
 "Oh, now, you're jokin' I" exclaimed Joel. 
 "That money don't count. Come, gimme five dol- 
 lars, and I'll let you off at that." 
 
 "I would rather not," answered Harry, quietly. 
 "However, I've got a dollar of my own besides, 
 and I'll give you that."
 
 52 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 He took the dollar bill from his pocketbook and 
 handed it to Joel, who seized it with avidity, and 
 speculated as to whether he could not get more out 
 of his father's ward after a while. 
 
 "This is rather a peculiar family," thought 
 Harry. "It is well I didn't bring all my money 
 home. I wonder how soon Mr. Fox will make an- 
 other attempt to secure the sum I have with me." 
 
 The attempt was made that same night.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 53 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 UP IN THE ATTIC. 
 
 HARRY was afraid he would be expected to 
 occupy the same room with Joel, in which case he 
 could hope for no privacy, and would be unable to 
 conceal his money, which he had little doubt his 
 guardian intended to secure, either by fair means 
 or foul. It chanced, however, that Joel slept in a 
 small bedroom opening out of his parents' cham- 
 ber. So Harry was assigned an attic room, in the 
 end of the house, the sides sloping down to the 
 eaves. It was inferior to the chambers on the sec- 
 ond floor, but our hero was not disposed to com- 
 plain. He valued solitude more than superior 
 finish. 
 
 Harry's suspicion was roused by the circum- 
 stance that his guardian did not again refer to his 
 money, nor did he manifest any disappointment at 
 his ward's declining to intrust him with it.
 
 54 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "He is foxy," thought Harry, smiling at the 
 well-worn joke. 
 
 During the evening, Joel brought out a back- 
 gammon board, and proposed to Harry to play. 
 If there had been anything to read Harry would 
 have preferred entertaining himself in that way, 
 but Mr. Fox didn't appear ''O be literary. There 
 were a few books in the house, but they were not 
 of an attractive character. 
 
 "Have you any stories in the house, Joel?" 
 "asked Harry, after looking over the dreary assort- 
 ment of volumes. 
 
 "No," answered Mrs. Fox, who had overheard 
 the question. "I don't think much of story books. 
 They only waste time. I never let Joel read 
 stories." 
 
 "I don't want to, mam," said Joel, dutifully. 
 
 Joel spoke the truth, for he had no liking for 
 books of any kind. 
 
 "Did your pa let you read story books?" con- 
 tlrued Mrs. Fox. 
 
 "Yes," answered Harry, briefly. 
 
 "I am surprised to hear it," continued the lady.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 55 
 
 Harry did not reply. He did not think it would 
 be worth while to get into an argument with Mrs. 
 Fox, for whose judgment he had very little re- 
 spect. 
 
 "You can play backgammon with Joel," said 
 Mrs. Fox, "unless you want to read 'Baxter's 
 Saints' Rest,' or Dr. Richardson's sermons." 
 
 "I think I will play backgammon," said Harry. 
 
 Partly in backgammon, partly in conversation 
 with the son and heir of the Foxes, the time passed 
 till half-past eight o'clock. 
 
 "Joel, you can go to bed," said his mother. "It 
 is half-past eight." 
 
 Joel yawned, and interposed no objection. 
 
 "You may as well go, too, Henry," said Mrs. 
 Fox. 
 
 "My name is Harry, madam." 
 
 "I shall call you Henry. I consider Harry a 
 foolish nickname," said the lady, severely. 
 
 Harry smiled. It really mattered little to him 
 what Mr. or Mrs. Fox called him. 
 
 "Mrs. Fox is right," said his guardian. "It's 
 good for a boy to go to bed early; ma and I go to
 
 5 6 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 bed at nine. It gives us a good night's rest. Be- 
 sides, it saves candles." 
 
 It may be remarked that the Fox mansion was 
 illuminated by tallow candles, probably on the 
 score of economy, though at present kerosene 
 would probably be cheaper as well as more satis- 
 factory. Every few minutes it was found neces- 
 sary to use a clumsy pair of snuffers, such as some 
 of my readers are probably familiar with. The 
 room was so poorly lighted that, except in the im- 
 mediate vicinity of the candle, it would have been 
 found difficult either to read or sew. 
 
 "I am ready to go to bed, sir," said Harry. 
 
 In fact, he felt rather sleepy, and anticipated 
 little pleasure in sitting up in the' far from exciting 
 company of Mr. and Mrs. Fox. 
 
 "Joel," said his mother, "take this candle and 
 show Henry upstairs in the attic chamber." 
 
 "Yes, mam." 
 
 So, preceded by Joel, Harry went up two flights 
 of stairs to the attic room reserved for him. It 
 was the only room that had been finished off, and 
 the garret outside looked dark and forbidding.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 57 
 
 "I would be scared to sleep up here," said his 
 companion. "If you're afraid, I'll ask mam to let 
 you sleep with me." 
 
 "I shall not be at all .frightened, Joel," said 
 Harry, hastily. "Besides, I like to sleep alone." 
 
 "I thought you might be scared," said Joel. 
 
 "What should scare me?" 
 
 "I don't know, but it seems lonely and dark." 
 
 "There is no danger. If burglars break into 
 the house, they will visit the second floor first." 
 
 "I guess they won't come here. Dad keeps all 
 his money in the bank." 
 
 "You've got a dollar, you know, Joel." 
 
 "Don't you tell dad ! He'd take it away from 
 me, and I want to keep it. I might want to spend 
 it, you know." 
 
 "I won't mention it if you don't want me to." 
 
 "Good-night, then. Just hold the candle while 
 I go downstairs." 
 
 When he was fairly all alone, Harry began to 
 look about him, to ascertain in what kind of quar- 
 ters he was to pass the night. To begin with he 
 examined the door, to find out whether there was
 
 5 8 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 any way of locking or securing it. He ascertained 
 that it was a common latch door, and there was no 
 lock. There was nothing to prevent anyone en- 
 tering the room during the night. There was a 
 small cot bed in one corner, a chair and an old 
 wooden chest, which probably contained articles 
 belonging to Mrs. Fox, perhaps blankets or bed 
 linen. There was no bureau nor washstand. The 
 absence of the latter annoyed Harry. He had 
 always been in the habit of washing himself as 
 soon as he got out of bed. 
 
 "Washing doesn't seem to be provided for in 
 this house," thought Harry. 
 
 He learned afterward that he was expected to 
 go downstairs and wash in a large tin basin in the 
 kitchen sink wiping his face on a brown, roller 
 towel which was used by the entire family. This 
 was quite unsatisfactory to Harry, who was 
 scrupulously neat in his tastes. His parents had 
 always encouraged this trait in him, but it was very 
 evident that Mr. and Mrs. Fox differed in many 
 respects from the father and mother he had been 
 so unfortunate in losing so early.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 59 
 
 "This isn't a palace exactly," Harry said to him- 
 self, as he surveyed his scantily furnished chamber. 
 "Luckily the bed" feeling it "seems tolerably 
 comfortable. If I can get a good night's rest, I 
 won't mind the rest." 
 
 Then came the thought, "What was he to do 
 with his money?" Perhaps he 'was unduly sus- 
 picious, but he could not help thinking that after 
 he was asleep Mr. Fox might pay him a visit, and 
 try to secure by stealth what he had refused to give 
 up. Now Harry was determined to keep his 
 money. He felt that he had the best right to it, 
 and that Mr. Fox, though his guardian, had no 
 claim to it. Yet how could he secure it? Should 
 he put it in his pocket, he was convinced that this 
 would be the very first place in which Mr. Fox 
 would look. If, on the other hand, it were not 
 found in his pocket, his guardian would search in 
 every other place that he could think of, and prob- 
 ably would eventually find it. 
 
 Now it so happened that Harry was the pos- 
 sessor of two pocketbooks one, shabby and well 
 worn, which he had failed to throw away on buy-
 
 60 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Ing another just before he left home. In connec- 
 tion with this, a scheme for outwitting Mr. Fox 
 came into his mind. He folded up a fragment of 
 newspaper, and put it into the old pocketbook, 
 bulging it out till it looked well-filled, and this he 
 left in the pocket of his pantaloons. 
 
 "Now to hide the other," said he to himself. 
 
 He looked about the room seeking for some 
 place of concealment. Finally he noticed in one 
 portion of the floor a square board, which looked 
 as if it might be lifted. He stooped over, and suc- 
 ceeded in raising it. The space beneath was about 
 a foot in depth the lower level being the lathing 
 and plastering of the room below. 
 
 "That will do," said Harry, in a tone of satis- 
 faction. "I don't think Mr. Fox will find my 
 money here," and dropping the pocketbook into 
 the cavity he replaced the square board. Then 
 he went to bed and awaited results.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 61 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 MR. FOX IS DISAPPOINTED. 
 
 WHEN Harry had gone up to his bed, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Fox naturally began to compare notes respect- 
 ing him. 
 
 "That new boy rides a high horse," said Mrs. 
 Fox, grimly. 
 
 "So he does," assented her husband. 
 
 "Are you going to allow it?" 
 
 "Certainly not." 
 
 "He has had his own way pretty much so far, 
 it strikes me." 
 
 "He hasn't found out what kind of a man Jo.hn 
 Fox is," remarked her husband, with an air of >ie- 
 termination. 
 
 "I'm afraid he'll have a bad influence on Joel." 
 
 "No, he won't, Mrs. Fox; I mean to subdue 
 him. I mean to let him know who is master here. 
 No boy shall defy John Fox."
 
 62 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "He wouldn't give up his money to you, though 
 you are his guardeen." 
 
 "Very true, but I mean to have it all the same. 
 There's two ways of doin' things, Mrs. Fox. Of 
 course, I might have taken the money from him 
 by violence, but I'd rather get it by strategy." 
 
 "How are you going to do it?" inquired his 
 wife, with some interest. 
 
 "I shall go up to his bedroom after he is asleep, 
 and then it will be the easiest thing in the world to 
 take the pocketbook without his knowin' it." 
 
 "He'll know it in the mornin'." 
 
 "Let him ! Possession is nine p'ints of the law, 
 Mrs. Fox." 
 
 "He might say you stole it." 
 
 "He can't do that, for I'm his guardeen, don't 
 you see? Oh, I've thought it all over, Mis. 
 Fox." 
 
 "He'll be apt to make a fuss," said the lady, 
 thoughtfully. 
 
 "What'll it amount to? Makin' a fuss won't 
 bring back the money. What do you think of my 
 plan?"
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 63 
 
 "It isn't a bad one; but if I was in your place 
 I'd take it from him by main force. I would have 
 no shilly-shally business about it." 
 
 John Fox looked with some admiration at his 
 wife. 
 
 "You'd ought to be a man, Maria," he said. 
 "You're bold and resolute, and ain't afeared of 
 anything." 
 
 "Not even of my husband," added Mrs. Fox, 
 with elephantine humor, smiling grimly. 
 
 "Well, no, there ain't no call for you to be 
 afeared of the partner of your life. But, Mrs. F., 
 there's a time to be bold and a time to be Foxy," 
 and Mr. Fox smiled in appreciation of the well- 
 worn joke. 
 
 "Well, well, I shan't interfere. I s'pose you 
 know your business best. All I've got to say is, 
 I wouldn't let no boy boss me." 
 
 "No boy shall boss me, Mrs. F.," responded 
 John Fox, loftily. "My ward will find that he 
 must obey his guardeen." 
 
 "And his guardeen's wife," added Mrs. Fox. 
 
 "Of course, I shall insist upon his treating you
 
 64 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 with proper respect, Mrs. Fox. Still, as he is a 
 boy, he more properly comes under my control. If 
 we should ever take a girl into the family, it would 
 be for you to regulate her, and I should stand aside 
 and not interfere." 
 
 Mrs. Fox was not altogether satisfied. 
 
 "That sounds very well," she said, "but I want 
 it understood that this boy hez got to observe the 
 rules and regulations of this house, and I'm the 
 one that makes 'em." 
 
 "Oh, there won't be any trouble about that, 
 mam," said John Fox, half impatiently, for he was 
 quite aware that his wife had a will of her own, 
 and, though he called himself the master of the 
 house, he was far from controlling its mistress. 
 
 A little after ten Mr. Fox, considering that 
 Harry must be sound asleep, decided to make him 
 a visit. He removed his shoes, and in his stocking 
 feet, candle in hand, began to ascend the narrow 
 nrd steep staircase which led to the attic. 
 
 "Shall I go with you, John?" queried his help- 
 meet. 
 
 "No, I guess I can manage to carry the boy's
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 65 
 
 pocketbook," responded Mr. Fox, sarcastically. 
 
 "I didn't know but he might resist you," ex- 
 claimed Mrs. Fox. 
 
 "Even if he does, I guess I am a match for a 
 boy of his size." 
 
 "Well, have your own way, then." 
 
 "My own way is best, Mrs. F." 
 
 "That's what you always say. If you fail it 
 won't be my fault." 
 
 Mr. Fox certainly did seem to be in the right, 
 but his wife wanted to share in the Qxcitement of 
 the night visit. There was something allu/ing in 
 the thought of creeping upstairs, and removing, by 
 stealth, the pocketbook of the new inmate of their 
 home. 
 
 Left to himself, Mr. Fox pursued his way up 
 the attic stairs. They creaked a little under his 
 weight, and, much to his annoyance, when he 
 reached the landing at the top he coughed. 
 
 "I hope the boy won't hear me," he said to him- 
 self. 
 
 He paused an instant, then softly opened the 
 door of Harry's chamber.
 
 66 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 All seemed satisfactory. Our hero was lying 
 quietly in bed, apparently in a peaceful sleep. Ordi- 
 narily he would have been fast asleep by this time, 
 but the expectation of a visit from his guardian had 
 kept him awake beyond his usual time. He had 
 heard Mr. Fox's cough, and so, even before the 
 door opened, he had warning of the visit. 
 
 Harry was not a nervous boy, and had such 
 command of himself, that, even when Mr. Fox 
 bent over, and, by the light of the candle, examined 
 his face, he never stirred nor winked, though he 
 very much wanted to laugh. 
 
 "All is safe! The boy is sound asleep," whis- 
 pered Mr. Fox to himself. 
 
 He set the candle on the floor, and then taking 
 up Harry's pantaloons thrust his hand into the 
 pockets. 
 
 The very first pocket contained the pocketbook 
 which our hero had put there. Mr. Fox would 
 have opened and examined its contents on the spot, 
 but he heard a cough from the bed, and, appre- 
 hending that his ward might wake up, quickly put 
 the pocketbook into his own pocket, and, taking up
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 67 
 
 the candle, noiselessly withdrew from the chamber. 
 
 After he was fairly gone, Harry had a quiet 
 laugh to himself. 
 
 "What will the old fellow say when he finds out 
 he has been humbugged?" said he to himself. "I 
 only wish I could be present." 
 
 Mr. Fox returned in triumph to his own cham- 
 ber, where his wife was anxiously waiting for him. 
 
 "Have you got it, Mr. F.?" she asked, eagerly. 
 
 "Got it? Why shouldn't I get it?" demanded 
 her husband. "What I undertake, Mrs. F., I gen- 
 erally carry through." 
 
 "Oh, yes; you're terrible smart, we all know. 
 Well, open it, and let us see what it contains." 
 
 "Don't be impatient, Mrs. F.," said her hus- 
 band, tantalizingly. "There's plenty of time," 
 and he slowly drew out the pocketbook, and held it 
 in his hand. 
 
 "You ought to let me have half the money," 
 said Mrs. Fox. 
 
 "Why should I ? You seem to forget, Mrs. F., 
 that the money isn't mine. It belongs to my ward, 
 and it is my duty merely to take charge of it."
 
 68 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I can take charge of it as well as you, I reckon, 
 Mr. Fox." 
 
 "Perhaps you can, and then again perhaps you 
 can't. However, I will open the wallet." 
 
 This Mr. Fox proceeded to do. But no sooner 
 did his glance rest on the contents than his lower 
 jaw fell, and his eyes opened wide in perplexity. 
 
 "Well, what are you staring at like a fool?" de- 
 manded his wife, who was not so situated that she 
 could see the contents of the pocketbook. 
 
 "Look at this, Mrs. F.," said her husband, in a 
 hollow voice. "There's no money here only this 
 piece of newspaper." 
 
 "Well, well, of all the fools I ever saw you are 
 about the most stupid!" ejaculated Mrs. Fox. 
 "What you undertake you generally carry through, 
 do you ? After all the fuss you Ve brought down a 
 pocketbook stuffed with waste paper." 
 
 "I don't understand it," said Fox, his face as- 
 suming a look of perplexity. "Surely the boy told 
 the truth when he said he had fifteen dollars." 
 
 "Of course ! Joel saw the money a roll of bills, 
 and saw him take them out of his pocketbook. He
 
 FACING THE WORLD 69 
 
 must have taken them out. Did you search all his 
 pockets?" 
 
 "No; when I found the pocketbook I thought I 
 was all right." 
 
 "Just like a man!" retorted Mrs. Fox. "I'll 
 go up myself, and see if I can't manage better than 
 you." 
 
 "Then you'd better take this wallet, and put it 
 back in his pocket." 
 
 "Give it to me, then." 
 
 With a firm step Mrs. Fox took the candle, and 
 took her turn in going up the attic stairs.
 
 7 o FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 MRS. FOX COMES TO GRIEF. 
 
 HARRY confidently anticipated a second visit to 
 his chamber. He concluded that when Mr. Fox 
 examined the purloined pocketbook, and ascer- 
 tained the worthlessness of its contents, he would 
 try his luck a second time. He therefore lay 
 awake and watchful. 
 
 He was rather surprised when the door was 
 again opened, and Mrs. Fox entered. Opening 
 his eyes a little way, he saw her, after a brief glance 
 at the bed, go to the chair containing his panta- 
 loons, and put back the deceptive wallet. She was 
 about to prosecute a further search, when Harry 
 decided that matters had gone far enough. He 
 did not fancy their night visits, and meant to stop 
 them if he could. 
 
 Chance favored his design. A puff of air from 
 the door, which Mrs. Fox had left wide open, ex?
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 71 
 
 tinguished the candle, and left the room, as there 
 was no moon, in profound darkness. 
 
 "Drat the candle!" he heard Mrs. Fox say. 
 
 Then a mischievous idea came to Harry. In 
 his native village lived a man who had passed a con- 
 siderable time in the w r ild regions beyond the Mis- 
 souri River, and had mingled familiarly with the 
 Indians. From him Harry had learned how to 
 imitate the Indian war whoop. Some of my read- 
 ers may have heard such an imitation, and they will 
 understand that it is rather a startling sound, es- 
 pecially when unexpected. 
 
 "I'll scare the old lady," thought Harry, smiling 
 to himself. 
 
 Immediately there rang out from the bed, in the 
 darkness and silence, a terrific war whoop given in 
 Harry's most effective style. 
 
 Mrs. Fox was not a nervous woman ordinarily, 
 but she was undeniably frightened at the unex- 
 pected sound. 
 
 "Heavens and earth, what's that?" she ejacu- 
 lated, and dropping our hero's clothes, retreated in 
 disorder, almost stumbling downstairs in her pre-
 
 72 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 cipitate flight. Dashing into the chamber where 
 Mr. Fox was waiting for her, she sank into a chair 
 gasping for breath. 
 
 "Good gracious, Maria, what's the matter?" ex- 
 claimed her husband, gazing at her in wonder. 
 
 "I don't know," she gasped. 
 
 "You look as if you had seen a ghost." 
 
 "I haven't seen anything," said his wife, recover- 
 ing her breath, "but I've heard something terrible. 
 Didn't you hear anything, Mr. Fox?" 
 
 "No; the door was shut." 
 
 "It's my belief the attic is haunted," said Mrs. 
 Fox, impressively. 
 
 "Pooh, nonsense! you must be crazy." 
 
 "It's easy enough to say pooh ! but if you had 
 been in the room you wouldn't feel like saying it." 
 
 "Tell me all about if " said her husband, his 
 curiosity aroused. 
 
 "I went upstairs and put back the wallet," said 
 his wife, "and was looking to see if I could find an- 
 other, when all at once the candle went out, and a 
 terrible noise shook the chamber." 
 
 "What was it like, Mrs. F.?"
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 73 
 
 "I can't tell you. I never heard anything like 
 it before. All I know is, I wouldn't go up there 
 again to-night for anything." 
 
 "It's very strange I can't make it out. Did 
 the boy sleep through it all?" 
 
 "How can I tell? The candle was out, I tell 
 you." 
 
 "Perhaps he blew it out." 
 
 "Perhaps you're a fool, Mr. Fox. It wasn't 
 near the bed, and he was fast asleep, for I looked 
 at him. It made me think of of Peter," and 
 Mrs. Fox shuddered. 
 
 Peter had been taken from the poorhouse three 
 years ago by Mr. Fox, and apprenticed to him by 
 the town authorities. According to popular re- 
 port he had been cruelly treated and insufficiently 
 fed, until he was taken sick, and had died in the 
 very bedroom where Mrs. Fox had been so fright- 
 ened. This may explain how it was that a woman 
 so strong-minded had had her nerves so easily up- 
 set. Though her conscience was not especially 
 sensitive, occasionally there passed through her 
 mind unpleasant thoughts of the poor drudge
 
 74 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 whose life she and her husband had contributed to 
 make miserable. 
 
 "We won't talk of Peter," said Mr. Fox, shortly, 
 for to him, also, the subject was an unpleasant one. 
 "I suppose you didn't find another wallet." 
 
 "No, I didn't. You can order the boy to give it 
 up to-morrow. The best thing to do now, is to go 
 to bed and rest." 
 
 The breakfast hour at the house of Mr. Fox 
 was half-past six. Harry was called at six, and 
 was punctual at the table. Mr. Fox cast a suspi- 
 cious glance at his ward, but the boy looked so per- 
 fectly unconcerned that he acquitted him of any 
 knowledge of the night visit. 
 
 "How did you sleep, Henry?" asked Mrs. Fox, 
 
 "Soundly, thank you," answered Harry, very 
 politely. 
 
 "You didn't hear any strange noises, then?" 
 
 "No; did you?" 
 
 "Ahem! yes, I heard a peculiar noise not long 
 after you went to bed." 
 
 "It didn't wake me up," said Harry, with truth. 
 
 "The boy must sleep sound," thought Mrs. Fox,
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 75 
 
 "for of all the unearthly screeching I ever heard, 
 that was the worst." 
 
 "Now, Henry," said Mr. Fox, after breakfast, 
 "we may as well speak of our future arrange- 
 ments." 
 
 "Very well, sir." 
 
 "I take it that with your small inheritance you 
 will prefer to earn a part of your living by labor?" 
 
 "You are right there, sir." 
 
 "I have considerable to do on my twenty acres 
 of land, and I can give you work here." 
 
 "What compensation do you offer, sir?" 
 
 "Why, you see, you are a boy, and of course a 
 boy cannot do as much as a man." 
 
 "I think I can do as much as some men, Mr. 
 Fox." 
 
 "Well, if you could, you couldn't get the same 
 wages. If you work around according to my di- 
 rections during the day, you can have your even- 
 ings to yourself, and I will consider it in your 
 board." 
 
 "I should like to have you tell me precisely what 
 you will allow me," said Harry, whom this speech
 
 76 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 did not impress with a very high idea of Mr. Fox's 
 liberality. 
 
 "As a boarder I should have to charge you five 
 dollars a week for your board, and fifty cents extra 
 for your washing that would go to Mrs. Fox; as 
 well as, say twenty-five cents a week for your mend- 
 ing. That also would go to my wife. Now, if 
 you work for me, I will take off three dollars, mak- 
 ing the charge to you only two dollars and seventy- 
 five cents per week." 
 
 "Don't you think, Mr. Fox, that is rather low 
 pay for my services ? I can't afford to pay it. It 
 would use up my small inheritance in about two 
 years, not to speak of my outlay for clothes." 
 
 "I might say two dollars and a quarter," said 
 Mr. Fox, deliberating. 
 
 Harry smiled to himself. He had not the slight- 
 est idea of working for any such trifle, but he did 
 not care to announce his determination yet. 
 
 "I will pay full price for a week, Mr. Fox," he 
 said, "and during that time I will consider your 
 offer." 
 
 "I may not offer you as favorable terms a week
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 77 
 
 from now," said Fox, who wanted to get his ward 
 to work at once. 
 
 "I will take my chance of it, sir. I prefer to 
 have a few days of freedom." 
 
 "By the way, Harry, don't you think you had 
 better give me your money to keep? You might 
 lose it." 
 
 "You are very kind, Mr. Fox; but I am not 
 afraid of losing it." 
 
 After breakfast Harry went to walk. His steps 
 naturally tended to the place where he had left the 
 greater part of his treasure. It was possible that 
 he had been seen hiding it, and he thought on the 
 whole it would be better to find another place of 
 concealment. 
 
 "Joel," said his mother, "follow Henry, and see 
 where he goes. He may be goin' to hide his 
 money. But don't let him see you." 
 
 "All right, mam; I'll do it. I wish I had fol- 
 lowed him yesterday."
 
 7 8 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 JOEL AS DETECTIVE. 
 
 A POSITION as detective would have suited Joel. 
 Whatever was secret or stealthy had a charm for 
 him. He liked to pry into the secrets of other 
 people, and had more than once managed to over- 
 hear conversations between his father and mother 
 which they had intended to keep from him. 
 
 In the present instance he managed to shadow 
 Harry very successfully. The task was made 
 easier, because our hero had no idea that anyone 
 was following him. If he had turned round he 
 might have caught sight of Joel wriggling along in 
 such a way as to escape notice. 
 
 "So he's goin' to the railroad," said Joel to him- 
 self, when Harry's direction became evident. 
 "Wonder if he expects to stop another train. If 
 he does he'll have to divide with me." 
 
 Arrived at the railroad track, Harry's course di-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 79 
 
 verged to the hillock, at the top of which he had 
 concealed his treasure. 
 
 "What in the world's he goin' up there for?" 
 thought Joel, puzzled. "It won't do for me to 
 foller him, or he'll see me and smell a rat.' 
 
 Joel posted himself at a point where he had a 
 good view of the elevation, and could see what 
 Harry was doing. He spied on general principles, 
 not expecting to make any notable discovery. 
 When, therefore, he saw our hero digging at a 
 particular spot, he concluded that he was going to 
 hide the fifteen dollars there. What was his sur- 
 prise and delight when he saw him dig up and 
 expose to view a large roll of bills, evidently far 
 exceeding in value the small sum which had ex- 
 cited his cupidity! 
 
 "Oh, cracky!" ejaculated Joel, "there must be a 
 hundred dollars in that roll of bills. Wouldn't 
 dad open his eyes if he saw it? Harry's a sly one, 
 to make us think he had only fifteen dollars. If I 
 don't get some of it, my name isn't Joel Fox." 
 
 Unconscious of observation, Harry held the 
 money in his hand and deliberated. Should he re-
 
 8o FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 place it in the hole or find another place of conceal- 
 ment? On the whole, he decided upon the latter. 
 He reflected that some one might find it, and, if so, 
 there would be small chance of his recovering it. 
 He put it in his pocket, resolved to think over at 
 his leisure its ultimate place of deposit. 
 
 Now, unfortunately for Joel, just at this moment 
 he slipped from his perch on the branch of a small 
 tree, and for about half a minute what Harry did 
 was concealed from him. He clambered into the 
 tree again, but only to see Harry filling up the hole 
 again. This was done so as to avoid exciting the 
 curiosity of anyone who might notice that the earth 
 had been disturbed. 
 
 "He's put it back," thought Joel. "Ho, ho! 
 maybe he'll find it there when he comes to look for 
 it next time." 
 
 He didn't want Harry to catch sight of him 
 when he descended from the hill, and accordingly 
 scuttled away sufficiently far to escape suspicion, 
 yet not too far to lose sight of Harry's movements. 
 
 Five minutes later Harry descended from the 
 hill, and bent his steps toward that part of the
 
 FACING THE WORLD. gi 
 
 railway where the accident had occurred. Joel, 
 who had hastened away in a different direction, 
 went back to the hill as soon as he thought it would 
 be safe, and eagerly ascended it. He found with- 
 out difficulty the spot where Harry had been dig- 
 ging. With the help of a fragment of wood which 
 he had picked up below, he in turn began to dig 
 his eyes glistening with expectation and cupidity. 
 
 "If I find the money," he said to himself, "I 
 won't tell dad. If I did, he would take it all', and 
 I wouldn't get a cent of it. I know a better way 
 than that. I'll keep it all myself, and nobody will 
 be the wiser. Harry won't know who's got it, and 
 he won't dare to make any fuss. Won't I feel rich 
 with a hundred dollars! I'll save it all up, and 
 keep it till I'm a man." 
 
 It was a very pretty air castle that Joel was 
 building, and the thought that he would be virtu- 
 ally stealing money belonging to another did not 
 trouble him in the least. His conscience was not 
 remarkably sensitive, and it only struck him as a 
 very creditable piece of strategy. 
 
 He kept digging, but gradually became anxious,
 
 82 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 as the expected treasure did not show itself. 
 
 "I'm sure I have dug deep enough," he said to 
 himself. "Can I have got the wrong place?" 
 
 But no ! there was little doubt of that. He had 
 watched carefully the spot when Harry had been at 
 work. Moreover, the ground had not been dis- 
 turbed in any other place near at hand. 
 
 "He must have took the money when I fell from 
 the tree," thought Joel, crestfallen. -"He's served 
 me a mean trick. Won't I tell dad, though, and 
 get him into trouble? Oh, no!" 
 
 Meanwhile, Harry, not knowing how narrowly 
 he had escaped being robbed, pursued his way to 
 the railway. He had his money in his pocket, but 
 he began to feel the embarrassment of riches. He 
 was quite at a- loss to know what to do with it. To 
 keep it by him in the house of his guardian after the 
 experiences of the previous night would be hazard- 
 ous. Though he was fully resolved to defend his 
 property, he was quite aware that his guardian was 
 stronger than himself, and could take it by force if 
 he undertook to do so. 
 
 "If I were only in my old home," he thought,
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 83 
 
 "I would ask Mr. Howard to take care of it for 
 me. Then I should know it was all right." 
 
 But Mr. Howard was a hundred miles away, and 
 that arrangement was hardly practicable. 
 
 Then he thought of the president of the railroad, 
 to whom he was principally indebted for the money. 
 
 "If I could only see him," he thought, "I would 
 ask him to take care of it for me." 
 
 What was his surprise, when on reaching the de- 
 pot the first person on whom his eyes fell was the 
 very gentleman of whom he was thinking. 
 
 "How do you do, sir?" said Harry, politely. 
 
 "Ah, my young friend that saved the train!" 
 said the president, cordially. "I hope you haven't 
 spent the money you received on riotous living?" 
 
 "My living has been far from riotous," an- 
 swered Harry, smiling. "At my boarding place 
 there is very little chance of my falling a rictim to 
 the gout. But, sir, I have a favor to ask of you." 
 
 "Very well, my lad; what is it?" 
 
 "Will you take care of my money for me? I 
 don't want to spend it, and I'm afraid of losing it." 
 
 "How much have you?"
 
 84 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I had nearly three hundred dollars. I should 
 like to put two hundred and fifty into your hands." 
 
 "Suppose I should take a sudden flight to Can- 
 ada?" said the president, jocosely. 
 
 "I will take the risk of that, sir." 
 
 "Well, my boy, if you really desire it, I will take 
 the money." 
 
 "I shall regard it a very great favor." 
 
 No sooner said than done. They went into the 
 depot, and Harry, counting out two hundred and 
 fifty dollars, passed it over to the president. 
 
 "I will give you a receipt for it," said the rail- 
 road official. 
 
 "It isn't necessary, sir." 
 
 "It is business," was the brief reply. 
 
 He made out a brief receipt, signing it "Thomas 
 Conway, President of the Craven County Rail- 
 road," and Harry pocketed it with a feeling of re- 
 lief. 
 
 "I will send it to Mr. Howard, and get him to 
 keep it for me," Harry decided. "Then my guard- 
 ian can't get on the track of it." 
 
 While he was standing in front of the depot
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 85 
 
 waiting for the arrival of the eight-thirty train, 
 Joel came up. 
 
 "Coin' a-travelin' ?" asked Joel, with a grin. 
 
 "Not this morning." 
 
 "I wish I had a hundred dollars!" continued 
 Joel, surveying Harry sharply. 
 
 "Suppose you had, what then?" 
 
 "I'd make a journey out West. Say, Harry, 
 did you ever have a hundred dollars in your 
 pocket?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Maybe you've got it now?" 
 
 "Where should I get it?" demanded Harry, ey- 
 ing Joel sharply in his turn. 
 
 "I do'no. Jest empty your pockets, and le'me 
 see how much you've got." 
 
 "Thank you; I don't see any use in it," said 
 Harry, coldly. 
 
 "Youdassent!" 
 
 "Very well! Call it that." 
 
 "Joel's been spying upon me. He must have 
 seen me on the hill," concluded Harry. "It's welA 
 I gave most of my money to Mr. Conway."
 
 86 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 MR. FOX LEARNS HARRY'S SECRET. 
 
 HARRY had acted none too soon. It happened 
 that his secret had been discovered not only by 
 Joel, but by Joel's father, that very morning. 
 
 Mr. Fox had been surprised that Harry had re- 
 ceived so little, especially when he considered how 
 large a sum he had given to Mrs. Brock. Men- 
 tally he had stigmatized his ward as a reckless fool 
 to part with so large a proportion of his money. 
 Yet he had never doubted that fifteen dollars was 
 all that Harry had left, and, small as it was, he 
 was eager to get it into his hands, as we already 
 know. 
 
 About ten o'clock Mr. Fox had occasion to go 
 to the village. In the postoffice he met an ac- 
 quaintance from a neighboring town, with whom 
 he passed the usual compliments. 
 
 "By the way, Fox," said his friend, "I had a 
 narrow escape the other day."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. $ 7 
 
 "What was it, Pearson?" 
 
 "Came near being smashed up on the railroad." 
 
 "Where?" 
 
 "Here, down by your depot. Didn't you hear 
 of the washout?" 
 
 "Yes. Were you on the train ?" 
 
 "I was. There would have been an end of us 
 but for a brave boy, who signaled the train in time." 
 
 "That boy was my ward," said John Fox, com- 
 placently. 
 
 "You don't say so! Well, he was a lucky chap." 
 
 "I don't think so. He didn't get much for his 
 bravery. On my word, I think he was meanly 
 treated." 
 
 "I don't see how you can say that. How much 
 money did he get?" 
 
 "Twenty-five dollars, and of that he gave ten to 
 the woman whose tablecloth he borrowed." 
 
 "There's some mistake about that. There must 
 have been forty or fifty bills put into his hands, 
 and I know that there were two ten-dollar bills 
 among them. I myself gave two dollars." 
 
 "Is this true?" ejaculated Fox, in amazement.
 
 8* FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Just as true as I'm standing here. If there 
 wasn't two or three hundred dollars I'll eat my 
 head." 
 
 "The artful young rascal!" exclaimed Fox, in 
 virtuous indignation. "He told me he had only 
 fifteen dollars left after what he gave to Mrs. 
 Brock." 
 
 "Perhaps he thought you would take it from 
 him. The boy was smart," said Pearson, laugh- 
 ing. 
 
 "You call it smart ! I call it base and treacher- 
 ous!" said John Fox, very much excited. 
 
 "Did he give you the fifteen dollars?" 
 
 "No, he didn't. He wanted to keep it him- 
 self. As it was a small sum, I let him do it." 
 
 Mr. Fox was silent as to the character of the 
 efforts he made to secure the money. 
 
 "After all, the money belonged to the boy, 
 Fox." 
 
 "I don't agree with you. Ain't I his guardeen, 
 I'd like to know?" 
 
 "I won't deny it, though I don't know anything 
 about it. I'll take your word for it."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 89 
 
 "Then, of course, I'm entitled to his money," 
 continued Mr. Fox. 
 
 "To what money was left him, I admit; that is, 
 to keep in trust for him. But this money was dif- 
 ferent." 
 
 "No difference at all! As his guardeen it's my 
 duty to take it from him, and not let him spend it 
 foolishly, as I've no doubt he would." 
 
 "He must have hidden it somewhere." 
 
 "I'll find it, wherever it is. If that boy expects 
 to outwit John Fox, he's got to get up pretty early 
 in the morning." 
 
 "Have you been appointed his guardian?" 
 
 "Well, no, not yet; but I was his father's choice, 
 and of course there won't be any opposition." 
 
 "How old is the boy?" 
 
 "About fifteen or sixteen." 
 
 "He might make a different choice. The law 
 would allow it in a boy of his age." 
 
 "Don't you go to putting that into his head," 
 said Mr. Fox, uneasily. 
 
 "I am not likely to see him. Did his father 
 know you?"
 
 90 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Well, no; we never met." 
 
 "That explains it." 
 
 "Explains what?" demanded Fox, suspiciously. 
 
 "Oh, nothing particular," answered Pearson, 
 evasively. 
 
 Mr. Fox suspected that he meant something un- 
 complimentary, but did not 'push the question. 
 
 "Of all the artful boys," said Fox to himself, 
 "this boy, Harry, takes the cake. But it won't do 
 him any good. He'll find that John Fox is a 
 match for him." 
 
 Mr. Fox walked thoughtfully away. He was 
 considering how he should get hold of his ward's 
 money. It was not a question easy to answer. 
 Evidently Harry was a boy who kept his own 
 counsel, and knew how to take care of himself. . 
 
 As Mr. Fox was walking up the road he fell in 
 with Joel. 
 
 "Where've you been, Joel?" he asked. 
 
 "Follerin' Harry, as mam told me to." 
 
 "So she did. Well, where did he go?" 
 
 "To the top of the hill about five minutes' walk 
 from the depot."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 91 
 
 "What did he do there?" 
 
 "What'll you give to know, dad?" 
 
 "No foolin' with your father, Joel. Tell me 
 right away." 
 
 "I've found out something, dad; something 
 that'll surprise you." 
 
 "I don't know about that. I've found out 
 something myself." 
 
 "This is something important awful impor- 
 tant. What do you think he did upon the hill?" 
 
 "Hid his money?" suggested Mr. Fox. 
 
 "You're mighty near, but you ain't right. He 
 dug it up. It was hid there already." 
 
 "Did you see it? How much was there?" 
 asked Fox, eagerly. 
 
 "There was a big roll of bills. There must 
 have been over a hundred dollars." 
 
 Joel expected his father to exhibit astonishment, 
 but in this he was disappointed. Mr. Fox nodded 
 in a satisfied way. 
 
 "Then that story that Pearson told me was cor- 
 rect," he said. 
 
 "What did he tell you?"
 
 92 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "He said there was a big collection made for 
 the boy by the passengers; that it must have 
 amounted to two hundred dollars or more." 
 
 Joel whistled. 
 
 "I guess it's so," he replied. "There was a big 
 roll of bills he took out of a hole in the ground." 
 
 "What did he do with it?" 
 
 "Put it in his pocket." 
 
 "That's good. Then he's got it with him now ; 
 eh, Joel?" 
 
 "Yes, dad." 
 
 "That suits me. Joel, I must have that 
 money." 
 
 "Will you give me some, dad?" 
 
 "What should I give you any for, I'd like to 
 know?" 
 
 "Because I told you." 
 
 "You told me what I knew before. Besides, 
 the money won't be mine. I'm to take care of it 
 as his guardeen." 
 
 "I wish I was somebody's guardeen," said Joel. 
 
 "It wouldn't do much good. It's more bother 
 than it's worth."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 93 
 
 "Then why don't you give it up, dad?" asked 
 Joel, shrewdly. 
 
 "P'rhaps I will some time." 
 
 "After Harry's money is all gone," thought 
 Joel. 
 
 "On the whole, Joel, you may as well keep on 
 follerin' Harry to see what he does with the money. 
 I want him to keep it about him, and I'll get hold 
 of it afore mornin'." 
 
 "All right, dad." 
 
 Joel turned back and joined Harry, who was 
 still near the depot. 
 
 "I thought I'd come back," he explained. "If 
 I go home the old man will make me work." 
 
 "Have you seen your father?" asked Harry. 
 
 "I saw him up the road a few minutes ago." 
 
 "And he put you on my track," said Harry to 
 himself, with a smile. "You're- too late, my young 
 friend. The money is disposed of." 
 
 Having nothing further to conceal, our hero 
 chatted socially with Joel, who flattered himself 
 he was playing the detective in creditable style.
 
 94 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 HARRY BECOMES A PRISONER. 
 
 "JOEL seems to have a great partiality for my 
 society," thought Harry, when, after dinner, his 
 guardian's son continued to follow him about. 
 
 Our hero would have been quite willing to dis- 
 pense with Joel's companionship, but, being good- 
 natured, he did not feel like dismissing him, as he 
 would have done had he suspected that the boy was 
 acting as a spy upon him, at his father's request. 
 
 Mr. Fox said very little to his ward at the table, 
 but Harry felt that he was eying him intently. 
 
 "I wonder what makes me so interesting," he 
 asked himself, half inclined to laugh. 
 
 Mrs. Fox, too, was very silent. She had 
 learned from her husband the extent of Harry's 
 good fortune, and felt very indignant at the new 
 boy's evident intention of keeping the money in his 
 own possession. On the whole, therefore, the
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 95 
 
 dinner party was not very social. Joel alone 
 seemed in good spirits, and chatted and laughed, 
 occasionally glancing significantly from his father 
 to Harry. He was looking forward with enjoy- 
 ment to the scene between them., when his father 
 demanded the money. He had no doubt that 
 Harry would have to give in, and while he had no 
 particular dislike for our hero, he was prepared to 
 rejoice over his humiliation. 
 
 After supper Harry was about to leave the 
 room when Mr. Fox stopped him. 
 
 "Wait a moment, young man," he said, in a 
 commanding tone. 
 
 "Very well, sir," returned Harry, quietly; "do 
 you wish to speak to me?" 
 
 "Yes, I do wish to speak to you, Harry Vane." 
 
 "Aha ! there's something in the wind," thought 
 Harry, and he resumed his seat. 
 
 "You have deceived me," continued Mr. Fox, 
 severely. 
 
 Harry didn't seem intimidated, but said, com- 
 posedly: "Will you be kind enough to let me know 
 in what manner I have deceived you?"
 
 96 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "You have concealed from me the amount of 
 money you received yesterday for saving the rail- 
 road train." 
 
 "I deny that, sir. I have not told you, because 
 I did not think it was necessary." 
 
 "Am I not your guardeen? I ask you that." 
 
 "Not yet, sir." 
 
 "Well, I shall be, and that is the same thing. 
 It is my duty to take care of your money." 
 
 "The money I received for my service yesterday 
 was not left me by my father. It belongs to me, 
 and I mean to keep it," said Harry, firmly. 
 
 "We shall see about that," said John Fox, nod- 
 ding his head with emphasis. "We shall see about 
 that. Now, will you answer the question I am go- 
 ing to ask you?" 
 
 "What is it, sir?" 
 
 "How much money did the passengers give 
 you?" 
 
 "Almost three hundred dollars," answered 
 Harry, composedly. 
 
 "Did you ever hear the like!" exclaimed Mrs. 
 Fox, in amazement. "If it had only been Joel."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 97 
 
 "Thunder!" exclaimed that young gentleman. 
 "Well, you was lucky. No such luck for me!" 
 
 "It is well you have told me," said John Fox; 
 "not but I knew before. I met one of the pas- 
 sengers to-day, and he gave me an idea how much 
 it was. You will please hand it over to me, and 
 I will take care of it." 
 
 "I shall not be able to comply with your re- 
 quest, Mr. Fox,"- said Harry. 
 
 "You won't, hey? And why not?" 
 
 "Because I have not the money with me." 
 
 "I don't believe it. You had it this morning." 
 
 "That is true, though I don't know how you 
 found out." 
 
 "And Joel has been with you ever since, so you 
 haven't had time to hide it." 
 
 "So that was the reason you favored me with 
 your company, Joel," said Harry, with a glance at 
 his guardian's son. 
 
 Joel grinned, but did not speak. 
 
 "Oh, yes; I was too sharp for you," said John 
 Fox, complacently. "I've trapped you at last." 
 
 "I think you are mistaken, Mr. Fox," said
 
 98 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Harry, showing no signs of confusion or alarm. 
 
 "All you've got to do is to hand over that money 
 now, Harry Vane. Mind, I will have it." 
 
 "I assure you, Mr. Fox, that I haven't the 
 money with me." 
 
 "Where is it, then?" asked Mr. Fox, incredu- 
 lous. 
 
 "I managed to put it in a place of security, in 
 spite of Joel's watchfulness." 
 
 "I shan't believe it unless you tell me where it 
 is." 
 
 "Did you put it back in the hole?" asked Joel, 
 in eager curiosity. 
 
 "So you were watching me this morning? No, 
 I did not. If I had you would have seen me do 
 it." 
 
 "I'm your guardeen; I ought to know where the 
 money is," said Fox, in a different tone, resorting 
 to finesse. 
 
 "Very well, sir, I will give you a clew. I have 
 put it into the hands of a gentleman in whom I 
 have confidence, who will take care of it for 
 me."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 99 
 
 "What's the man's name?" demanded John 
 Fox, frowning. 
 
 "That is my secret." 
 
 "You seem to forget that you are only a boy, 
 .Harry Vane." 
 
 "No, I don't, sir; but I remember that boys 
 have some rights." 
 
 "You have rebelled against my lawful authority. 
 Maria, what is it my duty to do with this boy?" 
 
 "Lock him up!" answered \lrs. Fox, grimly. 
 
 "A good suggestion, Mrs. F. Imprisonment 
 may change the boy's ideas. He may repent his 
 base conduct." 
 
 "Mr. Fox," said Harry, coolly, "why are you so 
 anxious to get hold of my money?" 
 
 "Because you are too young to take care of 
 it." 
 
 "You think it will not be safe in my hands, 
 sir?" 
 
 "Yes, that is what I mean." 
 
 "I don't agree with you. Still, the money is 
 not in my hands, as I have already told you." 
 
 "Where is it, then?" asked Fox, suspiciously.
 
 ioo FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I decline to tell you." 
 
 "John Fox, are you goin' to let that whipper- 
 snapper get the best of you?" asked Mrs. Fox, in- 
 dignantly. "Brace up and be a man." 
 
 "There ain't no need to tell me that, Maria. 
 I'll show him his duty. So, boy, you defy me, eh?" 
 
 "No," answered Harry, "I am willing to submit 
 to proper authority. But you are asking of me 
 what you have no right to do." 
 
 "I guess I'm the proper judge of that," said 
 John Fox, gathering courage from the stern ex- 
 pression of his wife's face. "I ask you once more, 
 will you hand over that money?" 
 
 "I would prefer not to, Mr. Fox." 
 
 "That's no answer. Will you, or will you 
 not?" 
 
 "If you put it that way, I will not." 
 
 Mrs. Fox jerked her head quickly, and glared 
 at Harry with an expression by no means amiable. 
 
 "What are you going to do about it, Mr. Fox?" 
 she asked. 
 
 "What would you do, Maria?" returned her 
 husband, apparently undecided.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 101 
 
 "I think it a case where a horsewhip should 
 come into play." 
 
 Mr. Fox glanced at his ward. On his boyish 
 face he saw a look of stern determination which 
 led him to hesitate. 
 
 "It may come to that," he said, "but I'll try 
 somethin' else fu'st. Joel, get a candle." 
 
 Joel obeyed. 
 
 "Now, young man," said Fox, in a tone of au- 
 thority, "go up to your chamber and stay there till 
 you're ready to obey orders.'" 
 
 Harry hesitated a moment, then took the candle 
 quietly and went upstairs. Mr. Fox was relieved, 
 for he was a little apprehensive that his ward 
 would prove rebellious and decline to obey. 
 
 "You see, Maria," he said, triumphantly, after 
 Harry had left the room, "I've conquered him." 
 
 "You haven't got the money!" rejoined Mrs. 
 Fox, dryly. 
 
 John Fox stole up after his ward, and Harry 
 heard the door bolted on the outside. 
 
 He was a prisoner.
 
 102 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 HARRY ESCAPES. 
 
 IF Mr. Fox had been wiser, it would have oc- 
 curred to him that it would be more prudent to 
 wait till he had actually received the appointment 
 of guardian, before he pushed his ward to extrem- 
 ity. But he was of a bullying disposition, and had 
 a good deal of faith in his ability to manage boys. 
 Harry was inferior to him in size and physical 
 strength, and he felt sure he could subject him 
 to his authority in time. He didn't know the boy 
 with whom he had to deal. Our hero was not 
 difficult to manage by an appeal to his reason, but 
 his spirit rose indignantly when anyone attempted 
 to bully or browbeat him. 
 
 When he heard the bolt slide in the lock, he said 
 to himself: "Mr. Fox and I can never agree. He 
 has not yet been appointed my guardian, and he 
 never will receive the appointment. I have the
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 103 
 
 right to choose for myself, as Mr. Howard told 
 me, and I mean to exercise it." 
 
 Some of my readers may, perhaps, picture 
 Harry as forcing open the door of his chamber, 
 and rushing from the house, breathing loud de- 
 fiance as he went. But he was a sensible boy, and 
 meditated nothing of the kind. 
 
 "I can wait till morning," he reflected. "I don't 
 think I shall be here twenty hours hence, but I 
 mean to get a good night's sleep. It will be time 
 enough to decide in the morning what I will do." 
 
 So, in spite of his imprisonment, Harry enjoyed 
 a comfortable night's sleep, and was awakened in 
 the morning by hearing his door opened. 
 
 Mr. Fox entered, and sat down on a chair by the 
 bed. 
 
 "Good-morning, sir," said Harry, composedly. 
 "I hope you had a good night's rest." 
 
 "I say, boy, you've got cheek," remarked Fox, 
 puzzled. "You are talkin' as if nothin' had hap- 
 pened." 
 
 "Nothing has happened to prevent my being 
 polite, Mr. Fox."
 
 ;io4 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Much you care about my night's rest! Ef I 
 had acted as bad as you, I couldn't have slept a 
 wink." 
 
 "I slept very well, thank you, Mr. Fox." 
 
 "I didn't ask," snapped Fox, "and I don't care. 
 What I want to know is, have you made up your 
 mind to do as I told you last night?" 
 
 "About the money?" 
 
 "Sartain, about the money." 
 
 "I prefer to keep it in my own possession, if 
 that is what you want to know." 
 
 "So you ain't subdued yet! I guess I'll have to 
 keep you here a little longer." 
 
 "Then be kind enough to send me up some 
 breakfast." 
 
 "You don't deserve none." 
 
 "Still, as I am paying my board, I shall object 
 to paying unless I get my meals regularly." 
 
 This consideration weighed with John Fox, and 
 he sent Joel up with a cup of coffee and some dry 
 bread, five minutes later. 
 
 "Don't let him get out, and bolt the door after 
 you, Joel," said his mother.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 105 
 
 "Here's your breakfast, Harry," said Joel, his 
 speckled face overspread with a grin. 
 
 "Thank you, Joel. Didn't you have anything 
 better than that?" 
 
 "Yes, we had sassiges and pertaters, but dad and 
 mam are awful mad with you, and mam says this 
 is good enough for you." 
 
 "It will keep me from starving, at least," and 
 Harry began to dispose of his meager meal. 
 
 "I say, Harry, you'd better give in. The old 
 man is bound to make you." 
 
 "The old man has undertaken a large job, 
 Joel," said Harry, quietly. 
 
 "You don't mean to say you'll stick it out?" 
 
 "I think I shall." 
 
 "You've got spunk!" said Joel, admiringly. 
 
 "Thank you, Joel; so I have when I know I am 
 right." 
 
 "S'pose dad should keep you here a month?" 
 
 "I don't think he will. By the way, Joel, come 
 . up here about the middle of the forenoon ; I want 
 to say a few words to you in private." 
 
 "All right, I'll come. I must go down now."
 
 106 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "What did he say, Joel?" asked Mrs. Fox, as 
 her son and heir descended the stairs. 
 
 "He asked if that was all we had for breakfast, 
 mam." 
 
 "Turned up his nose at the breakfast, hey? 
 It's more'n he deserves after such goin's on." 
 
 "I wonder what he wants to see me about?" 
 said Joel, to himself. 
 
 Joel made a pretty shrewd guess, and resolved, 
 by all means, to keep the appointment. 
 
 He was anxious to get his father out of the way, 
 but John Fox was unusually deliberate in his mo- 
 tions. Finally, about half-past nine, he left the 
 house for the village. Mrs. Fox went in and out 
 about her work as usual. She was somewhat sur- 
 prised to find Joel remaining in the house contrary 
 to his custom. 
 
 "What makes you hang round the house, Joel ?" 
 she asked. 
 
 "I've got a little headache, mam," answered 
 Joel, drawing down the corners of his mouth. 
 
 "Shall I mix you some camomile tea, Joel?" 
 
 "No," answered Joel, hastily, for he remem-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 107 
 
 bered very well the bitter taste of this, his mother's 
 sovereign remedy. "I guess it'll go off bimeby." 
 
 Presently his mother said: "Joel, if you'll stay 
 and mind the house, I'll run over to Mrs. Bean's 
 and borrow some sugar; I never thought to ask 
 your father to get some. If you was well, I'd ask 
 you to go up to the store." 
 
 "I'll stay and mind the house, mam," -said Joel, 
 with avidity. 
 
 His mother put on her bonnet, and started 
 across a field to her nearest neighbor's. 
 
 "Now's my time," thought Joel. "Mam's 
 sure to get to talkin' with Mrs. Bean, and stay 
 half an hour or more." 
 
 He ran up the garret stairs, and drew the bolt 
 that held Harry captive. 
 
 "Well, Harry, I've come," he said. "You 
 wanted me to come, you know." 
 
 "Yes, Joel." 
 
 "Have you got anything to say to me?" said 
 Joel, suggestively. 
 
 "Yes, Joel, I want you to let me out of this 
 place."
 
 io8 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Oh, gracious!" exclaimed Joel, in apparent 
 dismay. "Dad would give me the wu'st kind of a 
 lickin'." 
 
 "Would he know how I got out?" asked Harry. 
 
 "I don't know. What are you willing to give?" 
 
 Harry saw that it was merely a matter of bar- 
 gaining, and finally prevailed upon Joel to release 
 him for a five-dollar bill. Of course, more was 
 demanded, but, on the whole, Joel was satisfied 
 with the terms finally agreed upon. 
 
 "I want the money now," said Joel. 
 
 "How do I know that you will do as you have 
 agreed?" 
 
 "Give me the money, and I'll tell you." 
 
 Harry passed over the bank bill, and Joel said: 
 
 "Dad's gone to the village, and mam's gone 
 over to Mrs. Bean's. All you've got to do is to 
 go downstairs, and walk out." 
 
 Harry was by no means slow to take the hint. 
 
 "Good-by, Joel," he said, extending his hand; 
 "I won't forget the favor you've done me." 
 
 "Ain't you comin' back?" 
 
 "Not at present. I find that your father and I
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 109 
 
 will never agree, and I prefer to go away some- 
 where and face the world by myself." 
 
 "I don't know what dad'll say. There'll be an 
 awful fuss. Just give me a box on the ear, won't 
 you?" 
 
 "What for?" 
 
 "I'll tell dad you gave me an awful clip on the 
 side of the head, and ran off, though I tried to stop 
 you." 
 
 "All right," said Harry, laughing. 
 
 He gave Joel the required box on the ear, 
 tripped him up, laying him gently on his back on 
 the landing, and then, with a friendly "good-by," 
 he ran down the stairs, and before Mrs. Fox re- 
 turned from her call was a mile away. 
 
 She found Joel wiping his eyes. 
 
 "What's the matter, Joel?" she asked. "Is 
 your headache wuss?" 
 
 "Yes, mam, and that isn't the wu'st of it." 
 
 "What's happened? Tell me, quick!" 
 
 "That boy, Harry, called me upstairs, and got 
 me to open the door. Then he gave me an al- 
 mighty clip on the side of my head that almost
 
 i io FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 stunned me, then he knocked me over, and ran out 
 of the house as fast as he could run my head 
 aches awful!" 
 
 "The owdacious young ruffian!" ejaculated 
 Mrs. Fox. "To beat my poor, dear Joel so! 
 Never mind, Joel, dear, I'll give you a piece of pie 
 and some cake. As for that boy, he'll be hung 
 some day, I reckon!" 
 
 After eating the cake and pie, which were luxu- 
 ries in that frugal household, Joel said he felt bet- 
 ter. He went out behind the house, and taking 
 out the five-dollar note, surveyed it with great sat- 
 isfaction.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. in 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 AN EXCITING CHASE. 
 
 WHEN John Fox went to the village he usually 
 stopped first at the tavern, and invested ten cents 
 in a glass of whiskey. Though economical to the 
 verge of meanness, he generally indulged himself 
 once a day or more in this way. But for his love 
 of money, he would have gratified his taste oftener. 
 So, in this instance^ his avarice served him a good 
 turn, and prevented his becoming a drunkard. 
 
 He had a little business in the village, but called, 
 first, as usual, at the tavern. Here he met two or 
 three of his cronies. 
 
 "Folks say you've got a new boarder, Fox," 
 said Bill Latimer, as he laid down his glass on the 
 counter. 
 
 "Yes," answered Fox, complacently. "I'm his 
 guardeen." 
 
 "He's the boy that saved the train, ain't he?" 
 asked Latimer.
 
 ii2 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Yes, that's he." 
 
 "Folks say he got a pile of money for doing it." 
 
 "He got a pretty stiff sum," answered Fox, cau- 
 tiously. 
 
 "How much, now?" 
 
 "What do you say to two hundred dollars?" 
 
 "I'd save ten trains for that money? Do you 
 keep his money?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "How much property did his father leave him?" 
 
 "The estate hasn't been settled yet," said Fox, 
 who knew how to keep his own counsel. "I can't 
 say how much money there is." 
 
 "How did he happen to apply to you?" asked 
 Eben Bond, curiously. 
 
 "There's a sort of relationship between us, 
 Eben." 
 
 "Is he easy to manage?" asked John Blake. 
 
 "Well, some folks might find trouble with him," 
 said Fox, complacently. "The fact is, gentlemen, 
 I don't mind telling you that he's been try'm' to 
 buck agin' his guardeen a'ready. Where do you 
 think I left him?" continued Fox, chuckling.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 113 
 
 "Where?" 
 
 "Up in the attic, locked up in his chamber. I'm 
 goin' to feed him on bread and water a while, just 
 to show him what sort of a man John Fox is." 
 
 A grin overspread the face of Eben Bond, who 
 had just looked out of the front window. 
 
 "So you left him in the attic, hey?" he said, 
 waggishly. 
 
 "Yes, I did. Do you mean to say I didn't?" 
 
 "I'll bet you a quarter he isn't there now." 
 
 "I know he is, Eben Bond. Seems to me you're 
 making a fool of yourself." 
 
 "Maybe I am, but I'm willin' to bet he isn't 
 there now." 
 
 "What makes you say that?" asked Fox, sus- 
 piciously. 
 
 "Oh, I'm foolin'. It don't make any difference 
 what I say," returned Eben, with a comical leer. 
 
 "You jest tell me what you mean, Eben Bond!" 
 said John Fox, provoked. 
 
 "I mean that I saw that boy of yours I don't 
 know his name go by the tavern only two minutes 
 since."
 
 ii 4 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Is that true?" gasped Fox. 
 
 "True as gospel ! I reckon he's more'n a match 
 for his guardeen; hey, boys?" 
 
 "Where did he go? In what direction?" de- 
 manded Fox, eagerly. 
 
 "Down toward the river." 
 
 "There ain't no trick about it?" asked Fox. 
 
 "Ask Sam Wallace he must have met him." 
 
 Sam Wallace, a stout young man, had just en- 
 tered the room. 
 
 "Did you meet my new boy, Sam?" asked Fox, 
 turning to the newcomer. 
 
 "Yes, I met him down the road a piece; he 
 seemed in an awful hurry." 
 
 "He's running away," Fox said to himself, in 
 dismay. "How in the world did he get out?" 
 
 He ran up the road, gazing anxiously on this 
 side and on that, hoping to come upon the run- 
 away. One thing was favorable ; it was a straight 
 road with no roads opening out of it for at least a 
 mile beyond the tavern. It led by the river at a 
 point half a mile on. 
 
 "I'll catch him yet. He can't escape me!" Fox
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 115 
 
 reflected, his courage beginning to return. "When 
 I get hold of him I'll handle him pretty rough. 
 He'll find he can't cut any of his didos on me." 
 
 "Have you seen a boy up the road?" he asked 
 of Georgie Foster, a small boy, whom he met. 
 
 "Yes," answered Georgie, carelessly. 
 
 "Who was it?" 
 
 "It's the boy that's livin' at your house I don't 
 know his name." 
 
 "Thank you, Georgie ! That's a nice boy. I'll 
 give you a cent some time." 
 
 "Hadn't you better give it to me now?" asked 
 Georgie, shrewdly. 
 
 "I haven't got any now. Where did he go?" 
 
 "I guess he went down to the river." 
 
 John Fox pushed on breathless, and a minute 
 later came in sight of the fugitive. 
 
 Harry had sobered down to a walk, thinking 
 himself no longer in danger. If Mr. Fox had 
 been wise enough to keep silent till he had come 
 within a few rods he might have caught him easily, 
 but excitement and anger were too much for pru- 
 dence, and he called out, angrily: "Just wait till
 
 u6 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 I get hold of you, you young villain ! I'll give 
 you a lesson." 
 
 Harry turned quickly and saw the enemy close 
 upon him. 
 
 That was enough. He set out on what the boys 
 call a dead run, though he hardly knew in what di- 
 rection to look for a refuge. But through the 
 trees at the west side of the road he caught sight 
 of something that put new hope into his heart. 
 It was a boat, floating within three feet of shore. 
 In it sat a boy of about his own age. It was 
 Willie Foster, a brother of Georgie. 
 
 There was no time for ceremony. Harry 
 sprang into the boat, and, seizing an idle oar, 
 pushed out into the river. 
 
 The owner of the boat, who had been thought- 
 fully gazing into the water, looked up in surprise. 
 
 "Well, that's cool!" he ejaculated. 
 
 "I beg your pardon," said Harry, still plying 
 the oar; "I couldn't help it; Mr. Fox is after 
 me." 
 
 "What's he after you for?" 
 
 "I'll tell you presently. There he is I"
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 117 
 
 John Fox, by this time, stood on the river bank 
 shaking his fist, with a discomfited expression, at 
 his intended victim. 
 
 "Come back here!" he shouted. 
 
 "Thank you, I would rather not," answered 
 Harry, still increasing the distance between him- 
 self and his guardian. 
 
 "You, Willie Foster, row the boat back!" 
 bawled John Fox. 
 
 "Is your name Willie Foster?" asked Harry, 
 turning to his companion, who was looking, with a 
 puzzled expression, from one to the other. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Then, Willie, if you will help me row over to 
 the other side of the river and set me off there, 
 I'll give you a dollar." 
 
 "I'll do it," said Willie, seizing the other oar, 
 "but you needn't give me any money." 
 
 To his intense disgust, Fox saw the boat, pro- 
 pelled by the two boys, leaping forward energetic- 
 ally, while he stood helplessly on the bank. 
 
 The other bank was half a mile away, and could 
 not be reached except by a bridge a considerable
 
 n8 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 distance away. The two boys said little until the 
 trip was accomplished. 
 
 "I hope you won't get into any trouble with Mr. 
 Fox," said Harry, as they drew near the bank. 
 
 "I don't care for old Fox, and father doesn't 
 like him, either. Why are you running away?" 
 
 Harry told him in a few words. 
 
 As he got out of the boat he pressed a dollar 
 into Willie's reluctant hand. 
 
 "Don't be afraid! I've got plenty more!" 
 said Harry. "Now, which way had I better go?" 
 
 "Take that footpath. It will lead to Medfield. 
 There you can take the cars." 
 
 "Good-by, Willie; and thank you." 
 
 Willie didn't row back immediately. John Fox 
 was lying in wait on the other side, and he didn't 
 care to meet him.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 119 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE MAGICIAN OF MADAGASCAR. 
 
 HARRY pushed on till he reached a highway. 
 He felt in doubt as to where it might lead him, 
 but followed it at a venture. He wondered whether 
 John Fox would pursue him, and from time to 
 time looked back to make sure that his guardian 
 was not on his trail. In about three hours he 
 found himself eight miles away. Then, for the 
 first time, he felt that it might be safe to stop and 
 rest. In a village a little way back he had entered 
 a bakeshop and purchased some rolls and a glass of 
 milk, which he ate with a good relish. 
 
 He resumed his walk, but had not gone a quar- 
 ter of a mile when he heard the noise of wheels, 
 which, on coming up with him, came to a halt. 
 
 "Shall I give you a lift?" said the driver of the 
 team. 
 
 Looking up, he saw that it was a covered wagon
 
 120 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 with four wheels, such as is often to be met in 
 New England towns. The man who held the 
 reins was of large frame and portly, with dark 
 hair and whiskers. He might be about forty-five 
 years of age. 
 
 "If you prefer riding to walking, my young 
 friend, jump in !" 
 
 "Thank you, sir," said Harry. "I do prefer it 
 at the present moment, for I am getting tired." 
 
 "I'm sorry I didn't overtake you before. I'm 
 sociable, and like some one to talk to." 
 
 "Perhaps your horse isn't sorry," suggested 
 Harry, with a smile. 
 
 "Oh! he won't mind your weight. When you 
 get to my weight it will make a difference. Where 
 are you bound, if you don't mind my being inquisi- 
 "ive?" 
 
 "I don't know," answered Harry, doubtfully. 
 
 "Don't know! Well, that is curious. Don't 
 you live round here ?" 
 
 "No; my home is a hundred miles away." 
 
 "You ain't goin' West to kill Indians, are you?" 
 inquired his companion, jocosely.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 121 
 
 "No; I'm willing the Indians should live. The 
 fact is, I'm seeking my fortune, as they say." 
 
 "Well, you ought to find it," returned the other, 
 after a deliberate survey of his young companion. 
 "You're well built, and look healthy and strong. 
 Have you got any money?" 
 
 "A little. My father died lately and left me 
 three hundred dollars. He recommended to me 
 as guardian a man named John Fox, living eight 
 miles back. Well, I have tried Mr. Fox. and I 
 prefer to be my own guardian." 
 
 "I've heard of John Fox. He's fox by name, 
 and fox by nature. So you and he didn't hitch 
 horses?" 
 
 "Not at all." 
 
 "When did you leave him?" 
 
 "This morning. I don't know but I may say 
 that I am running away from him, as I left with- 
 out his knowledge or permission, but as he is not 
 yet my legal guardian, I don't consider that he has 
 any right to interfere with me." 
 
 "Tell me what sort of a time you had with him, 
 if you don't object."
 
 122 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Upon this Harry gave a graphic account of his 
 experiences, as already detailed. His companion 
 seemed very much amused, and laughed repeat- 
 edly. 
 
 "That's very clever," he said. "You outwitted 
 the old man nicely. There'll be apt to be a circus 
 when they find out how you got away." 
 
 "I don't believe they will find out. Joel will be 
 cunning enough to invent some story." 
 
 "I should like to be there to see how they cut 
 up." 
 
 "I wouldn't," said Harry. "I don't care to set 
 eyes on any of the family again. There !" he sud- 
 denly exclaimed, "I've forgotten something." 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 "I'm owing Mr. Fox for board." 
 
 "How long have you been with him?" 
 
 "About two days." 
 
 "Then it can't be much." 
 
 "I'll mail a letter from the first place that is far 
 enough to be safe, and inclose five dollars." 
 
 "That's too much for two days." 
 
 "I will pay the week's board. I won't give him
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 123 
 
 any reason to charge me with dishonesty. Then 
 we shall be even, and I needn't think of him 
 again." 
 
 "Perhaps you are right. You haven't told me 
 your name yet." 
 
 "My name is Harry Vane." 
 
 "A good name. Who do you think I am?" 
 
 "You may be Gen. Miles," answered Harry, 
 smiling, "but I don't think you are." 
 
 "I am not, to the best of my knowledge. I am 
 the Magicia'n of Madagascar. You may have 
 heard of me." 
 
 "I don't think I have," said Harry, puzzled. 
 
 The magician looked slightly disconcerted. 
 
 "I have been before the public for many years," 
 he said. "I give magical entertainments, and, in 
 the course of the last twenty years, have traveled 
 all over the continent." 
 
 "You see," explained Harry, apologetically, "I 
 have always lived in a small country town, \vhere 
 there were few amusements, and so I know very 
 little of such things. I never saw a magical en- 
 tertainment in my life."
 
 I2 4 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Didn't you, indeed? Then you shall see me 
 perform to-night. I am to give a magical soiree 
 in Conway, the town we are coming to." 
 
 "I should like it very much, Mr. " and 
 
 Harry paused in doubt. 
 
 "I am called Prof. Hemenway Hiram Hem- 
 cnway," said the magician. "I was raised in New 
 England, and by parents tried to make a 
 farmer of me. But it was of no use. The public 
 needeci me, and I became what you see." 
 
 The professor spoke complacently. He evi- 
 dently considered himself a man of considerable 
 importance. 
 
 "Do you like your business?" asked Harry, 
 curiously. 
 
 "Why shouldn't I? I have a chance to travel. 
 The people appreciate my efforts, and reward me 
 generously. I've called down a few thousands, I 
 can assure you, my young friend." 
 
 "I am very glad to hear it, Prof. Hemen- 
 way." 
 
 "Money isn't to be despised, my young friend, 
 and I earn it in a pleasant way."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 125 
 
 By a fortunate accident Harry happened to turn 
 in his seat and look through a small window in the 
 back part of the wagon. What he saw startled 
 him. In a buggy, ten rods back, he recognized his 
 late guardian and Joel. They were making good 
 speed, and were doubtless in pursuit of him. 
 
 Harry quickly imparted his discovery to his 
 companion. 
 
 "Don't let him capture me !" he said. 
 
 "I should like to see him do it," responded the 
 professor. "Get into the back part of the wagon, 
 and crouch down/' 
 
 Harry did as directed. 
 
 Then the professor slackened his speed, and al- 
 lowed the pursuers to overtake him. 
 
 "I say, stranger," said Fox, as he drew up 
 alongside. 
 
 "All right, my friend, go ahead and say it!" 
 observed the professor, blandly. 
 
 "A boy ran away from me this morning. Per- 
 haps you have seen him?" 
 
 "Perhaps so. Is he your son?" 
 
 "No, I'm his guardeen."
 
 126 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Why did he run away? Did you ill treat 
 him?" 
 
 "Certainly not. He wouldn't obey my rightful 
 authority." 
 
 "I saw a boy about a mile back," said the magi- 
 cian, reflectively, "a stout, good-looking lad, dark- 
 brown hair, and a pleasant expression ; didn't look 
 at all like you." 
 
 "Why should he? Didn't I say he was not my 
 son?" said Mr. Fox, appearing annoyed. 
 
 "I chatted with him a while. He said he was 
 leaving a man who claimed to be his guardian, but 
 wasn't." 
 
 "The young liar!" ejaculated Fox, wrathfully. 
 "Where is he now?" 
 
 "Is he in your wagon ?" put in Joel, sharply. 
 
 "If he were you'd see him, wouldn't you?" said 
 Prof. Hemenway. 
 
 "In behind you?" 
 
 "Yes, are you kidnapping him?" demanded 
 Fox, fiercely. 
 
 "There is a boy in the back of my wagon," said 
 the magician, coolly. "If you ain't afraid of
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 127 
 
 smallpox, you may see him. Which shall it be, 
 you or the boy?" 
 
 A pallid hue overspread the face of John Fox, 
 which was increased by an agonizing moan, which 
 appeared to proceed from behind the magician. 
 
 "Turn the horse, Joel !" was all he said. 
 
 He whipped up his horse without a word, and 
 did not pull up for half a mile. 
 
 "You can come out now, Harry," said the pro- 
 fessor, with a queer smile. "I am a ventriloquist, 
 and that moan did the business."
 
 128 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 A NEW ENGAGEMENT. 
 
 HARRY was not a little relieved at his narrow 
 escape. He did not propose to be taken captive 
 without making a stout resistance, but still, in a 
 struggle with Mr. Fox and Joel, he felt that he 
 would be considerably at a disadvantage. 
 
 "I am much obliged to you for saving me, Prof. 
 Hemenway," he said. 
 
 "You are quite welcome. So you didn't like old 
 Fox?" 
 
 "Not much." 
 
 "He doesn't appear to like you any better." 
 
 "There isn't much love lost between us," re- 
 turned Harry, laughing. 
 
 "How do you like the boy?" 
 
 "He served me a good turn for five dollars 
 but he would help capture me for the same money, 
 or less." 
 
 "You seem to know him."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 129 
 
 "He is fond of money, and would do almost 
 anything for it." 
 
 u You thanked me for saving you from capture, 
 my lad," continued the magician. "Well, I had 
 an object in it a selfish object." 
 
 Harry looked puzzled. 
 
 "It struck me that I needed a boy about your 
 size, and character, for a general assistant, to sell 
 tickets, take money and help me on the stage. 
 How do you like the idea?" 
 
 "I like it," answered Harry, "but there is one 
 objection." 
 
 "What is that?" 
 
 "I don't come from Madagascar," responded 
 Harry, slyly. 
 
 Prof. Hemenway laughed. 
 
 "You've been as near there as I have," he said. 
 "Did you really think I came from Madagascar?" 
 
 "You look more as if you came from Maine, 
 sir." 
 
 "You've hit it ! That's where I did come from. 
 I was raised twenty-five miles from Portland, on a 
 farm. But it would never do to put that on the
 
 130 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 bills. People are ready to pay more for im- 
 ported than for native curiosities. However, to 
 come to business. I had a young man traveling 
 with me, who wasn't suited to the business. He 
 was a dry goods clerk when I took him, and is bet- 
 ter adapted to that business than to mine. He left 
 me last week, and I've been in a quandary about 
 his successor. How much do you consider your 
 time worth?" 
 
 "Just at present it isn't worth much. If you 
 will pay my traveling expenses, that will satisfy 
 me." 
 
 "I will do better than that. I will give you five 
 dollars a week besides, if business is good." 
 
 "Thank you, sir. I think I shall enjoy travel- 
 ing." 
 
 There are few boys who do not like change of 
 scene, and the chance of seeing new places is at- 
 tractive to nearly all. Harry was decidedly of 
 opinion that he had a streak of luck. It would be 
 much better in all ways than living with his late 
 guardian, and working for partial board. 
 
 As they approached the village of Conway,
 
 FACING THE WORLD. . 131 
 
 Harry's attention was drawn to a variety of post- 
 ers, setting foth, in mammoth letters, that the 
 world-renowned Magician of Madagascar would 
 give a magical soiree at the Town Hall in the 
 evening. Tickets, fifteen cents; children under 
 twelve years, ten cents. The posters, further- 
 more, attracted attention by a large figure of the 
 professor, dressed in bizarre style, performing one 
 of his tricks. 
 
 "That draws attention," observed the professor, 
 "particularly among the boys. I think I shall 
 have a hall full this evening. An audience of 
 three hundred will pay very well. My expenses 
 are light. I do most of my traveling in this 
 wagon, and at hotels I get the usual professional 
 reduction." 
 
 "Did it take you long to learn the business?" 
 
 "I have been learning all along. Every now 
 and then I add a new trick. I will teach you 
 some." 
 
 "I might leave you and set up on my own hook 
 when I have learned," suggested Harry, with a, 
 smile,
 
 132 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "It will be some time before you look old 
 enough for a magician. When you are I'll give 
 you my blessing, and send you out." 
 
 Meanwhile th^y had been jogging along, and 
 were already in the main street of Conway. The 
 professor drew up in front of the village hotel, 
 and a groom came forward and took his horse. 
 
 "Wait a minute, my friend," said the profes- 
 sor. "Harry, you can help me take my imple- 
 ments out of the back of the wagon." 
 
 These "implements" were of a heterogeneous 
 character, but all would come in use in the even- 
 ing. A number of boys watched their transfer 
 with mingled awe and curiosity. 
 
 "What's them?" Harry heard one ask another, 
 in a half-whispered tone. 
 
 "Those," said the professor, in an impressive 
 tone, turning toward the boys. "Those are para- 
 phernalia !" 
 
 The boys looked more awestruck than ever. 
 All inwardly resolved to go to the Town Hall that 
 evening, and get a nearer view of the articles which 
 had such a grand name.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 133 
 
 After a while Harry came downstairs from the 
 room assigned him, and stood on the piazza. 
 
 One of the boys drew near him cautiously. 
 
 "Are you the magician's son?" he asked. 
 
 "No," answered Harry, smiling. 
 
 "Do you come from Madagascar?" 
 
 "I have not been there recently." 
 
 "Are all the people there magicians?" 
 
 "Not quite all." 
 
 This information was rather scanty, but it was 
 whispered about among the boys, the first boy 
 boasting that he had a talk with the young magi- 
 cian. If Harry had heard himself called thus, he 
 would ha\*e been very much amused. 
 
 . Directly after supper Harry went with his em- 
 ployer to assist in preparing the stage for the 
 evening performance. Though a novice, he ac- 
 quitted himself to the satisfaction of his employer, 
 who congratulated himself on having secured so 
 efficient an assistant. Half an hour before the 
 performance he stationed himself in the entry, pro- 
 vided with tickets. He sat at a small table, and 
 received the crowd. Though new to the business
 
 i 3 4 FACING THE WORLD, 
 
 he managed to make change rapidly. He found 
 his position one in which he had a chance to study 
 human nature. 
 
 An old lady entered with a brutish-looking boy 
 as large as Harry. 
 
 "Gimme a whole ticket and a half," she said 
 offering a quarter. 
 
 "Who is the half ticket for?" asked Harry, 
 with a glance at the boy. 
 
 "For my grandson here. Did you think 'twas 
 for me?" demanded the old lady, aggressively. 
 
 "Is your grandson under twelve?" asked Harry, 
 with a smile. 
 
 "Can't you let him in for ten cents?" 
 
 "I am sorry, but it's contrary to orders." 
 
 "It's real mean, I vow 'tis! Timothy, I guess 
 you'll have to go home." 
 
 "No, I won't!" said the boy. "If anybody's 
 goin' home, it ought to be you, granny. What 
 does an old woman like you want to see the show 
 for, anyway?" 
 
 This proposal, however, did not suit the grand- 
 mother.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 13 j 
 
 "I'll give you the extra five cents to-morrow," 
 she said to Harry. 
 
 "That won't do, madam. Please stand aside, 
 as others are waiting." 
 
 Finally, after a great deal of grumbling, the old 
 lady managed to discover a three-cent piece and 
 two pennies, which she tendered to the young ticket 
 seller, and this removed all difficulties. But Tim- 
 othy, who was provoked at Harry's inflexible re- 
 fusal to let him in for a half ticket, launched a 
 farewell shot at the young financial agent. 
 
 "I'd lick you for a cent!" he said, scowling. 
 
 "I don't allow any boy under twelve to lick me," 
 returned Harry, quietly. 
 
 This answer provoked a laugh among the crowd 
 in the entry, and Timothy, reddening with morti- 
 fication, slunk in after his grandmother.
 
 136 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 HARRY IN A NEW ROLE. 
 
 DURING the evening Harry was called upon to 
 assist the professor in some of his tricks. Some 
 boys would have been embarrassed upon finding 
 themselves objects of general attention, but Harry 
 was by temperament cool and self-possessed. He 
 had been fond of declamation at school, and this 
 had accustomed him, to some extent, to a public 
 appearance. 
 
 The entertainment was in two parts, with an in- 
 termission of ten minutes 
 
 "I wish you were a singer," said the professor, 
 when they were standing behind the screen. 
 
 "Why?" asked Harry. 
 
 "Because the audience sometimes gets impatient 
 during the intermission. If I could put you on for 
 a song, it would help quiet'them." 
 
 "I can sing a little," said Harry, modestly. 
 
 "What can you sing?"
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 137 
 
 "How would 'The Last Rose of Summer,' do?" 
 
 "Capitally. Can you sing it?" 
 
 "I can try." 
 
 "You are sure you won't break down? That 
 would make a bad impression." 
 
 "I can promise you I won't break down, sir." 
 
 "Then I'll give you a trial. Are you ready to 
 appear at once?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "Wait, then, till I announce you." 
 
 The professor came from behind the screen, 
 and. addressing the audience, said: "Ladies and 
 gentlemen, lest you should find the necessary inter- 
 mission tedious, I am happy to announce that the 
 young vocalist, Master Harry Vane, has kindly 
 consented to favor you with one of his popular 
 melodies. He has selected, by request, 'The Last 
 Rose of Summer.' " 
 
 Harry could hardly refrain from laughing when 
 he heard this introduction. 
 
 "One would think I was a well-known singer," 
 he said to himself. 
 
 He came forward, and, standing before the
 
 138 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 audience, with his face a little flushed, made a 
 graceful bow. Then, pausing an instant, he com- 
 menced the song announced. He had not sung 
 through two lines before the professor, who waited 
 the result with some curiosity and some anxiety, 
 found that he could sing. His voice was high, 
 clear and musical, and his rendition was absolutely 
 correct. The fact was, Harry had taken lessons 
 in a singing school at home, and had practiced 
 privately also, so that he had reason to feel con- 
 fidence in himself. 
 
 The song was listened to with earnest attention, 
 and evident enjoyment by all. When the last 
 strain died away, and Harry made his farewell 
 bow, there was an enthusiastic burst of applause, 
 emphasized by the clapping of hands and the 
 stamping of feet. 
 
 "You did yourself proud, my boy!" said the 
 gratified professor. "They want you on again." 
 
 This seemed evident from the noise. 
 
 "Can't you sing something else?'* 
 
 "Very well, sir." 
 
 Harry was certainly pleased with thii evidence
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 13$ 
 
 of popular favor. He had never before sung a 
 solo before an audience, and, although he had felt 
 that he could, he was glad to find that he had not 
 overestimated his powers. 
 
 Once more he stood before the audience. 
 
 "I thank you for your kindness," he said. "I 
 will now sing you a comic song." 
 
 He sang a song very popular at that time, the 
 words and air of which were familiar to all. While 
 it did not afford him so good a chance to show his 
 musical capacity, it was received with much greater 
 favor than the first song. 
 
 There was a perfect whirlwind of applause, and 
 a third song was called for. 
 
 "I would rather not sing again, professor," said 
 Harry. 
 
 "You needn't. They would keep you singing 
 all the evening if you would allow it. Better leave 
 off when they are unsatisfied." 
 
 "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "Master Vane 
 thanks you for your kind applause, but he makes it 
 an unvarying rule never to sing but two songs in 
 an evening. He never broke over that rule but
 
 1 40 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 once, and that was at the special request of the 
 governor-general of Canada. I shall now have 
 the pleasure of performing, for your amusement, 
 one of my most popular experiments." 
 
 "I wonder when I sang before the governor- 
 general of Canada ?" thought Harry, amused. 
 "My new employer seems to be a man of vivid 
 imagination." 
 
 When he asked the professor, after they re- 
 turned to the hotel, the magician answered : "My 
 dear boy, we can't get along without a little hum- 
 bug. The people like it, and if you don't indulge 
 in it, you can't keep up with your competitors." 
 
 "But suppose that they find out that I was never 
 in Canada?" 
 
 "How are they going to find out? Even if 
 they did, they would only laugh. You know that 
 Barnum has been a colossal humbug all his life, 
 but everybody likes him, and he never fails to 
 please the people. Well, you have pleased the 
 people, and that is the main point. By Jove ! my 
 boy, you've got a lovely voice." 
 
 "I am glad you think so, sir."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 141 
 
 "You will prove a very valuable addition to my 
 entertainment. I mean to show my appreciation, 
 too. How much did I agree to give you?" 
 "Five dollars a week if business was good." 
 
 "It's bound to be good. I'll raise your wages 
 to ten dollars a week, if you'll agree to sing one 
 song, and two, if called for, at each of my even- 
 ing entertainments." 
 
 "I'll do it, sir," said Harry, promptly. "It's 
 a surprise to me, though, to find my voice so valu- 
 able to me." 
 
 "It's a popular gift, my boy; and all popular 
 gifts are valuable. When I get my new bill 
 prfnted, I must have your name on it." 
 
 They left Conway about noon the next day. 
 During the forenoon, Harry, in walking through 
 the village street, found himself an object of at- 
 tention. Among others, he met the boy whom he 
 refused to admit for half price. 
 
 "Good-morning," said Harry, smiling. 
 
 "Mornin' !" answered the young rustic. "Say, 
 I wish I could sing like you !" 
 
 "Perhaps you could if you tried."
 
 I 4 * FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "No, I couldn't. Granny says I've got a voice 
 like a frog." 
 
 "Not so bad as that, I am sure." 
 
 "My voice is as good as hers, anyway. When 
 did you sing before that bigbug the old man told 
 of?" 
 
 "You must ask him," said Harry, smiling. "It 
 won't do for me to tell tales out of school." 
 
 "Well, I wish I could sing like you. There's a 
 gal in the village I'm kinder shinin' up to. I 
 heard her say last night she wished she knowed 
 you." 
 
 "Give her my regards, please," said Harry. 
 "If she likes music you might learn to play on 
 something, and that might help you win her 
 favor." 
 
 "I guess I will. I can play on the jewsharp 
 now." 
 
 "I think the violin or flute would do better." 
 
 "You're a good fellow, after all. Last night I 
 felt like lickin' you." 
 
 "It's better to be friends. What's your name?" 
 
 "Timothy Tompkins."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 143 
 
 "Then shake hands, Timothy. I wish you 
 good luck with your girl, and shall be glad to 
 meet you again some day." 
 
 "I think I shall be getting self-conceited before 
 long," thought Harry; "I certainly never expected 
 to become a public singer. I wonder what my 
 'guardeen,' as he calls himself, would have said, 
 if he had been in the audience last evening." 
 
 The Foxes, however, were destined to hear of 
 Harry's success. The Cqnway Citizen was taken 
 in the family, and, much to their astonishment, this 
 was what they read in the next number : 
 
 "The magical entertainment of Prof. Hemen- 
 way, on Thursday evening, was even more success- 
 ful than usual. He has had the good fortune to 
 secure the services of a young vocalist named 
 Harry Vane, who charmed both young and old by 
 two popular selections. His voice and execution 
 are admirable, and we predict for him a brilliant 
 future." 
 
 Mr. Fox read this aloud in evident wonder and 
 excitement. 
 
 "Did you ever hear the like?" he said.
 
 i 4 4 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Who'd have thought it?" chimed in Mrs. 
 Fox. 
 
 "I wonder if he gets good pay," said Joel. "I 
 say, dad, I believe that old feller in the wagon was 
 the magician, and Harry was in behind. That 
 was all a blind about the smallpox." 
 
 "Shouldn't wonder if you were right, Joel," 
 said his father. "I wish I'd knowed the boy could 
 sing so well. I'd have got up a concert and had 
 him sing. I might have made it pay." 
 
 "Shall you try to get him back, dad?" 
 
 "It's no use now," said John Fox, shaking his 
 head.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 145 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 A LIBERAL OFFER. 
 
 THEN commenced a round of travel what the 
 professor called a professional tour. By day they 
 traveled in the wagon, carrying their paraphernalia 
 with them, stopping at the principal towns, and 
 giving evening entertainments. At many of these 
 places the magician was w r ell known, and his tricks 
 were not new. But he had an attraction in his 
 young assistant, who was regularly advertised on 
 his posters as the "celebrated young vocalist, whose 
 songs are everywhere received with admiring ap- 
 plause." 
 
 Indeed, this was very near the truth. Harry 
 was really a fine singer, and his fresh, atrractive 
 face, and manly appearance won him a welcome in 
 all the towns on their route. Sometimes a ypung 
 girl in the audience threw him a bouquet. This 
 made him blush and smile, and the donor felt re- 
 warded.
 
 i 4 6 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Where was it going to end? Was he to con- 
 tinue in the service of the professor, and in time 
 become himself a magician and a traveling celeb- 
 rity ? Harry was not sure about it. He saw that 
 it would pay him better than most kinds of busi- 
 ness, and he also discovered that Prof. Hemen- 
 way was even better off than he had represented. 
 Yet, he was not quite ready to select the same pro- 
 fession, but, being only sixteen, felt that he could 
 afford to remain in it a while longer. 
 
 One day the professor gave him a surprise. 
 
 "Harry," he said, as they were jogging along a 
 dusty road, "do you think you would like to 
 travel?" 
 
 "I am traveling now," said Harry, with a smile. 
 
 "True, but I don't mean that. Would you like 
 to go on a long journey?" 
 
 "I should like nothing better," replied Harry, 
 promptly. 
 
 "I'll tell you what I have been thinking about. 
 I recently read in some paper that a man in my 
 line had made a trip to Australia, and reaped a rich 
 harvest. Everywhere he was received with en-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 147 
 
 thusiasm, and made as much money in one month 
 as he would do here in four. Now, why shouldn't 
 I go to Australia?" 
 
 Harry's eyes sparkled. 
 
 "It would be a fine thing to do," he said. 
 
 "Then you would be willing to accompany me?" 
 
 "I would thank you for taking me," answered 
 the boy. 
 
 "That is well!" said the professor, in a tone of 
 satisfaction. "I confess I shouldn't like to go 
 alone. It would be a great undertaking, but, with 
 a companion, it would seem different. But, is 
 there anyone who would object to your going?" 
 
 "Yes," answered Harry, smiling, "Mr. Fox, 
 my 'guardeen,' would." 
 
 "We won't mind Mr. Fox. Very well, then, 
 Harry, we will consider it settled. I shall rely on 
 you to help me by your singing there as you do 
 here. As to your wages, I may be able to pay 
 you more." 
 
 "Never mind about that, professor. It will 
 cost you a good deal to get us there. I am per- 
 fectly willing to^work for the same sum I do now,
 
 i 4 8 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 or even less, on account of the extension of the 
 
 trip." 
 
 "Then you leave that matter to me. I won't 
 take advantage of your confidence, but you shall 
 prosper if I do." 
 
 "How soon do you propose to go, professor?" 
 asked Harry, with interest. 
 
 "As soon as possible. I shall ascertain when 
 the first packet leaves Boston, and take passage in 
 her." 
 
 The professor's decision pleased Harry. He 
 had been a good scholar in geography indeed, it 
 was his favorite study and had, besides, read as 
 many books of travel as he could lay his hands on. 
 Often he had wondered whether it would ever be 
 his fortune to see some of the distant countries of 
 which he read with so much interest. Though he 
 had cherished vague hopes, he had never really ex- 
 pected it. Now, however, the unattainable seemed 
 within his grasp. He would not have to wait till 
 he was a rich man, but when still a boy he could 
 travel to the opposite side of the world, paying his 
 expenses as he went along.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 149 
 
 Two weeks passed. Each day they halted in 
 some new place, and gave an evening performance. 
 This life of constant motion had, at first, seemed 
 strange to Harry. Now he was accustomed to it. 
 He never felt nervous when he appeared before an 
 audience to sing, but looked upon it as a matter of 
 course. 
 
 At last they reached Boston. They were to 
 give two entertainments at a hall at the south end. 
 It was the first large city in which Harry had sung, 
 but he received a welcome no less cordial than that 
 accorded to him in country towns. 
 
 They were staying at a modest hotel, comfort- 
 able, but not expensive. Harry was sitting in the 
 reading room, when a servant brought in a card. 
 It bore the rather remarkable name of 
 
 "DR. MENDLESSOHN BROWN." 
 
 "A gentleman to see you, Mr. Vane," said the 
 servant. 
 
 Harry rose and surveyed the stranger in some 
 surprise. He had long hair, of a reddish yellow, 
 with an abundant beard of the same hue. His suit
 
 1 50 FACING THE WORLD, 
 
 of worn black fitted him poorly, but Dr. Brown 
 evidently was not a devotee of dress. No tailor 
 would ever point to him, and say with pride : 
 "That man's clothes were made at my shop." 
 
 "Do I speak to Mr. Harry Vane, the young 
 vocalist?" asked the stranger, with a deferential 
 smile. 
 
 "That's my name," answered our hero. 
 
 "You are alone?" 
 
 "Yes, sir," said Harry, a little puzzled. 
 
 "It is well. I will come to business at once. 
 You have probably heard of me, eh?" 
 
 "Probably I have, but I do not remember names 
 well." 
 
 "The name of Mendelssohn Brown is pretty 
 well known, I flatter myself," said the visitor, com- 
 placently. "To be brief I heard you sing last 
 evening, and was much pleased with your vocal 
 organ." 
 
 Harry bowed. 
 
 "I am about to form a juvenile Pinafore com- 
 pany, and would like to have you take the leading 
 part. You would make an excellent Admiral. I
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 151 
 
 propose to take my opera company all over the 
 United States. I should be willing to pay you, as 
 the star performer, twenty-five dollars a week." 
 
 Harry opened his eyes in amazement. 
 
 "Do you think me capable of singing in opera ?" 
 he asked. 
 
 "Yes, after being trained by your humble serv- 
 ant. What do you say?" 
 
 "I thank you for your flattering offer, Dr. 
 Brown, but I don't feel at liberty to leave Prof. 
 Hemenway." 
 
 The doctor frowned. 
 
 "Let me tell you, you stand in your own light, 
 Mr. Vane," he said, impatiently. "There is some 
 difference between a common juggler, like the 
 Magician of Madagascar" the doctor laughed 
 ironically "and a well-known musical director, 
 who could make you famous. Does Hemenway 
 pay you as much as I offer?" 
 
 "No, sir." 
 
 "I thought so. Then how can you hesitate?" 
 
 "We are about to make an Australian tour," 
 answered Harry, "and, apart from all other con-
 
 152 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 siderations, I am glad to have a chance to travel." 
 
 "Couldn't you put it off?" 
 
 "No, sir." 
 
 "Then," said Dr. Brown, rather crestfallen, "I 
 can only bid you good-morning. I think you are 
 making a mistake." 
 
 "Perhaps, after I return from Australia, I may 
 be ready to accept your offer." 
 
 "It will be too late," said the doctor, gloomily. 
 
 "Twenty-five dollars a week is large pay," 
 thought Harry, "but I don't believe I should ever 
 get it. Dr. Brown doesn't look like a capitalist." 
 
 Half an hour later, Prof. Hemenway entered 
 the hotel. 
 
 "Well, my boy," he said, "the die is cast! Next 
 Saturday we sail from Long Wharf, bound to 
 Australia." 
 
 "But, professor, I have just had an offer of 
 twenty-five dollars a week to sing in Pinafore." 
 
 "And have accepted!" exclaimed the magician, 
 in dismay. 
 
 "No; I respectfully declined. I would rather 
 go with you."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 153 
 
 "You shan't regret it, Harry!" said the profes- 
 sor, relieved. "If I am prosperous you shall share 
 in my prosperity." 
 
 "Thank you, professor; I am sure of that. 
 What is the name of our vessel?" 
 
 "The Nantucket. It's a good, solid-looking 
 craft, and I think it will bear us in safety to our 
 destination."
 
 i 5 4 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 THE PASSENGERS. 
 
 THE Nantucket, Capt. Jabez Hill, master, was 
 a large vessel, stanch and strong, and bore a good 
 record, having been in service six years, and never 
 having in that time met a serious disaster. It was 
 a sailing vessel, and primarily intended to convey 
 freight, but had accommodations for six passen- 
 gers. Of these it had a full complement. Harry 
 and the professor I name first, as those in whom we 
 are most interested. 
 
 Next came John Appleton, a business man from 
 Melbourne, who had visited the United States on 
 business. He was a plain, substantial-looking 
 person, of perhaps forty-five. Next came Mont- 
 gomery Clinton, from Brooklyn, a young man of 
 twenty-four, foppishly attired, who wore an eye- 
 glass and anxiously aped the London swell, though 
 born within sight of Boston State House. Harry
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 155 
 
 regarded him with considerable amusement, and 
 though he treated him with outward respect, men- 
 tally voted him very soft. Fifth on the list was a 
 tall, sallow, thin individual, with a melancholy 
 countenance, who was troubled with numerous 
 symptoms, and was persuaded that he had not long 
 to live. He was from Pennsylvania. He carried 
 with him in his trunk a large assortment of pills 
 and liquid medicines, one or another of which he 
 took about once an hour. This gentleman's name 
 was Marmaduke Timmins. Last came a tall, 
 kan Yankee, the discoverer and proprietor of a 
 valuable invention, which it was his purpose to in- 
 troduce into Australia. Mr. Jonathan Stubbs, 
 for this was his name, was by no means an unde- 
 sirable addition to the little circle, and often ex- 
 cited a smile by his quaint and shrewd observa- 
 tions. 
 
 It was the third day at sea, when Harry, who 
 had suffered but little from seasickness, came on 
 deck, after a good dinner, and saw the dudish pas- 
 senger, till now invisible, holding himself steady 
 with an effort, and gazing sadly out upon the wild
 
 156 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 waste of waters without the help of his eyeglass. 
 
 "How do you feel, Mr. Clinton?" asked Harry. 
 
 "Horribly, Mr. Vane," answered Clinton, with 
 a languid shudder. "I never thought it was such 
 a bore, crossing the ocean, don't you know. I've 
 a great idea of offering the captain a handsome 
 sum to land me somewhere, I don't care much 
 where." 
 
 "I don't think we shall go near any land, Mr. 
 Clinton. I think you will have to make the best 
 of it." 
 
 "There isn't any best, Mr. Vane. Really, I 
 give you my word, it has taken away all my am- 
 bition. I don't even care for my looks. You 
 won't believe it, but I haven't shaved since I came 
 on board. Couldn't do it, don't you know. My 
 face feels horribly rough. If this goes on I shall 
 soon look like a tramp." 
 
 Harry surveyed the smooth, vacant countenance 
 of his fellow passenger, but could not discover 
 the stubbly beard which it might have been ex- 
 pected to show. 
 
 "I look horrid, don't I?' drawled Clinton.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 157 
 
 "I shouldn't know but you had shaved this 
 morning," said Harry, bluntly. 
 
 "You are very kind, I'm sure," lisped the dude, 
 "but I know I am a sight to behold. If there were 
 any ladies on board, I should be dreadfully morti- 
 fied, I give you my word." 
 
 "I haven't shaved myself since I came aboard," 
 said Harry, gravely. "Would you notice it?" 
 
 "Well, no, I don't think I should," answered 
 Clinton, after a scrutinizing look. 
 
 "Thank you," said Harry, appearing relieved, 
 "but perhaps that is because you have not your 
 eyeglass with you." 
 
 "On my honor, your face looks very clean. 
 You are only a boy, you know." 
 
 "How does it happen that you are making a sea 
 voyage, Mr. Clinton?" 
 
 Montgomery Clinton heaved a deep sigh. 
 
 "You touch a tender chord, Mr. Vane," he re- 
 plied. "If I tell you it must be in strict confi- 
 dence." 
 
 "You can depend on me." 
 
 "Then I don't mind telling you. It is a relief
 
 i 5 8 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 to confide in a friend. It is because my heart is 
 broken, Mr. Vane." 
 
 "Indeed! May I ask how long it has been in 
 that condition?" asked Harry, with commendable 
 gravity. 
 
 "Ever since I met Blanche Devere at Saratoga. 
 She's a daisy, Mr. Vane, if ever there was one. I 
 got mashed on her directly." 
 
 "Did she return your affection, Mr. Clinton?" 
 
 "I think she did," said Clinton, pensively. 
 "She always smiled when she saw me. Wouldn't 
 you regard that as encouraging?" 
 
 "It seems like it," answered Harry, gravely, 
 though he could imagine another reason for smil- 
 ing. 
 
 "One day I proposed to Blanche. She hesi- 
 tated and appeared agitated. Then she told me 
 she had a cousin, a military officer, who was des- 
 perately in love with her, and had threatened to 
 shoot anyone else who offered her attentions. She 
 said she expected him the next day, and said she 
 hoped no one would tell him of my attentions." 
 
 "What did you do, Mr. Clinton?"
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 159 
 
 "I left Saratoga that night, Mr. Vane," an- 
 swered Clinton, sadly, "but my heart was broken. 
 I decided to make a sea voyage, hoping it would 
 help me, but I didn't know the sea was so beastly 
 horrid. I think I shall die, don't you know." 
 
 Hearing a step behind him, Harry turned, and 
 his eye rested on the melancholy countenance of 
 Marmaduke Timmins, the chronic invalid. 
 
 "Good-morning, Mr. Timmins," said our hero. 
 "I hope you stand the voyage well." 
 
 "I've had several new symptoms since I came 
 on board," responded Mr. Timmins, gloomily, 
 "and I've made a dreadful discovery." 
 
 "What is it?" inquired Mr. Clinton, in alarm. 
 
 "I find I've mislaid or forgotten to bring my 
 box of Remedial pills. I don't know what I shall 
 do without them." 
 
 "I've got a box of Brandeth's pills downstairs," 
 said Clinton. "You're welcome to a part of them, 
 I'm sure." 
 
 "They wouldn't do! What can you be think- 
 ing of, young man? Do you think there's no dif- 
 ference between pills?"
 
 160 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I am sure I can't tell, don't you know?" 
 
 "Young man, you are sadly ignorant," said 
 Timmins, severely. "I've got five other kinds of 
 pills downstairs, for different maladies I am sub- 
 ject to, but none of them will take the place of 
 Remedial pills." 
 
 "Will any of them cure seasickness?" asked the 
 dude, eagerly. 
 
 "I can give you a remedy for seasickness, Mr. 
 Clinton," said Mr. Holdfast, the mate, who 
 chanced to overhear the inquiry. 
 
 "What is it, Mr. Holdfast? I shall be really 
 grateful, I assure you, if you can cure that beastly 
 malady." 
 
 "Swallow a piece of raw, salt pork about an 
 inch square," said the mate, gravely, "and follow 
 it up by a glass of sea water, taken down at a 
 gulp." 
 
 "That's horrid, awfully horrid!" gasped Clin- 
 ton, shuddering, and looking very pale. "It actu- 
 ally makes me sick to think of it, don't you know," 
 and he retreated to the cabin, with one hand 
 pressed on his stomach.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 161 
 
 "That young man's a fool!" said Mr. Timmins. 
 "He knows no more of pills than a baby." 
 
 "Nor do I, Mr. Timmins," said Harry, smiling. 
 
 "I pity you, then. My life has been saved sev- 
 eral times by pills." 
 
 "I'd rather live without them." 
 
 Marmaduke shook his head as he walked away. 
 
 "That man's a walking drug store," said the 
 mate, looking after him. "I'd rather go to Davy's 
 locker, and be done with it, than fill myself up with 
 pills and potions." 
 
 "You're looking chipper, my boy," said a new- 
 comer, in a nasal voice. "Haven't been seasick, I 
 guess." 
 
 Harry recognized the voice of the Yankee in- 
 ventor, Mr. Jonathan Stubbs. 
 
 "No, sir; I have had very little trouble." 
 
 "I'm goin' to get up a cure for seasickness when 
 I have time a kind of a self-acting, automatic 
 belt I guess there's money in it." 
 
 "It would be a great blessing, Mr. Stubbs. 
 Poor Mr. Clinton would no doubt be glad to buy
 
 1 62 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Do you mean that languishin' creeter with an 
 eyeglass and spindle legs? What are such fellows 
 made for?" 
 
 "Rather for ornament than use," answered 
 Harry, gravely. 
 
 The Yankee burst into a loud guffaw, and re- 
 garded Harry's remark a capita! joke.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 163 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 A CLOUD IN THE SKY. 
 
 THE voyage was to be a long one, and after a 
 couple of weeks all had their ,sea legs on. All 
 had become acquainted, and settled down to a 
 regular routine. But the time dragged, and as 
 there were no morning or evening papers, some- 
 thing seemed necessary to break up the. monotony. 
 "Harry," said the professor, "I have an idea." 
 "What is it, professor?" 
 
 "Suppose we give an exhibition for the benefit 
 of our fellow passengers and the crew." 
 "Why do you say we, professor?" 
 "Because I shall want you to assist me, as you 
 did on shore." 
 
 "I am ready to do my part." 
 "Then I will speak to the captain." 
 The result was that on the first quiet day Prof. 
 Hemenway and his assistant gave a matinee per- 
 formance on the deck of the Nantucket, at which
 
 1 64 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 all who could possibly be spared were present. To 
 some of the sailors it was a novelty, and the magi- 
 cian's mysterious tricks actually inspired some 
 with the feeling that he was possessed of super- 
 natural powers. 
 
 "Will you lend me your hat, Mr. Clinton?" he 
 asked presently, of the dude. 
 
 "Certainly, professor," drawled the young man. 
 
 The professor took it, and tapped it. 
 
 "Are you sure there is nothing in it?" he asked. 
 
 "I am sure of it. Really, I don't carry things 
 in my hat, don't you know." 
 
 "What do you say to this, then?" and Prof. 
 Hemenway drew out of the hat half a dozen 
 onions, a couple of potatoes, and a ship biscuit. 
 "My dear sir, I think you are mistaken," he 
 said. "I see you carry your lunch in your hat." 
 
 All present laughed at the horrified face of the 
 dude. 
 
 "On my honor, I don't know how those horrid 
 things came in my hat," he stammered. 
 
 "Are you fond of onions, Mr. Clinton?" asked 
 Harry, gravely.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 165 
 
 "I wouldn't eat one for for a new suit of 
 clothes!" protested Clinton, earnestly. 
 
 "Allow me to return your hat, Mr. Clinton," 
 said the professor, politely. "I suppose you want 
 the vegetables, too. Here are the onions, and the 
 rest." 
 
 "They arc not mine, on my honor," said Clin- 
 ton, very much embarrassed. "Here, my good 
 man, can you make use of these?" 
 
 The sailor whom he addressed accepted the gift 
 with a grin. 
 
 "Thank you kindly, sir," he said, "if so be as I 
 ain't a robbin' you." 
 
 "I have no use for them, my good man. I 
 never ate an onion in my life." 
 
 "Then I don't think you know what's good," 
 said Mr. Stubbs. "An onion, let me tell you, is 
 mighty good eatin', and healthy, too." 
 
 At the close of the magical entertainment, 
 Harry sang by request, and no part of the per- 
 formance was more popular. He received many 
 congratulations. 
 
 "Really, Mr. Vane, you sing like a nightingale,
 
 1 66 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 don't you know," was the tribute of Montgomery 
 Clinton. 
 
 "Bless me!" said Mr. Timmins; "I was so ab- 
 sorbed in your song that I have forgotten to take 
 my catarrh medicine." 
 
 "Thank you, sir; that is the best compliment I 
 have received," returned Harry, with a smile. 
 
 Mr. Timmins did not hear him. He was al- 
 ready half-way downstairs, in haste to repair his 
 omission. 
 
 Little has been said thus far of Capt. Hill, the 
 chief officer of the Nantucket. He was a stout, 
 red-faced seaman, nearing fifty years of age, and 
 had been in service ever since he was fifteen. He 
 was a thorough sailor, and fitted in every way but 
 one to take charge of a ship bound to any part of 
 the world. His one disqualification may be stated 
 briefly he had a passion for drink. 
 
 It was not immediately that this was found out. 
 He took his meals with the passengers, but it was 
 not then that he indulged his appetite. He kept 
 a private store of liquors in his cabin, and had re- 
 course to them when by himself, under the impres-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 167 
 
 sion that he could keep it a secret. But intemper- 
 ance, like murder, will out. 
 
 Harry and the professor were standing by the 
 rail looking out to sea, one day, when a thick 
 voice greeted them, "Good-morn'n', gentlemen," 
 this address being followed by a hiccough. 
 
 Both turned quickly, and exchanged a significant 
 glance when they recognized the captain. 
 
 u Yes," answered Prof. Hemenway, "it is in- 
 deed a fine morning." 
 
 "That's what I shay," responded the captain, 
 in a combative tone, "and what I shay I mean." 
 
 Prof. Hemenway answered him in a conciliatory 
 way, and shortly after the captain resumed his 
 march, plainly unsteady on his legs. 
 
 "I am sorry to see this, Harry," said the pro- 
 fessor, gravely. 
 
 "Yes, sir; it is a pity any gentleman should 
 drink too much." 
 
 "Yes, but that isn't all," said the professor, 
 earnestly; "it is a pity, of course, that Capt. Hill 
 should so sin against his own health, but we must 
 consider, furthermore, that he has our lives under
 
 ,168 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 his control. Our safety depends on his prudent 
 management." 
 
 "He seems to understand his business," said 
 Harry. 
 
 "Granted; but no man, however good a seaman, 
 is fit to manage a vessel when he allows liquor to 
 rob him of his senses. I wish I had known before- 
 hand the captain's infirmity." 
 
 "Suppose you had, sir." 
 
 "I wouldn't have trusted myself on board the 
 Nantucket, you may be sure of that." 
 
 "It may be only an exceptional case." 
 
 "Let us hope so." 
 
 This happened when they were a week out. It 
 must be stated that the captain did not, for a long 
 time, expose himself to observation again when 
 under the influence of his potations. Yet that he 
 still continued them was evident from his appear- 
 ance. There are certain indications that may be 
 read in the face of an intemperate man by anyone 
 of experience, and these convinced not only the 
 professor, but others, that Capt. Hill drank every 
 day.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 169 
 
 The next occasion on which the captain dis- 
 played his infirmity was rather a laughable one. 
 He came up from the cabin about three o'clock in 
 the afternoon so full that he was forced to stagger 
 as he walked. Directly in front of him the young 
 dude, Montgomery Clinton, was pacing the deck, 
 carrying in his hand a rattan cane such as he used 
 on shore. As he overhauled him, Capt. Hill, with 
 the instinct of a drunken man, locked arms with 
 the young man, and forced him to promenade in 
 his company, talking rather incoherently mean- 
 while. Clinton's look of distress and perplexity, 
 as he submitted to his fate, caused Harry nearly to 
 explode with laughter. They were indeed a sin- 
 gular pair. 
 
 Finally there came a disaster. A lurch of the 
 vessel proved to much for the captain, who, in los- 
 ing his equilibrium, also upset Clinton, and the 
 two rolled down under one of the ship's boats, 
 which was slung up on one side. 
 
 Montgomery Clinton picked himself up, and 
 hurriedly betook Himself to his cabin, fearing that 
 he might fall again into the clutches of his un-
 
 1 7 o FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 welcome companion. The captain was helped to 
 his feet by the mate, and was persuaded also to go 
 downstairs. 
 
 "The captain was pretty well slewed, profes- 
 sor," said Mr. Stubbs, who chanced to be on deck 
 at the time. 
 
 "It looks like it," answered Prof. Hemenway, 
 gravely. 
 
 "If he does that often it'll be a bad lookout for 
 us." 
 
 "Just what I was thinking, Mr. Stubbs. I wish 
 we could do something about it. I feel that our 
 lives may be in peril from this unfortunate weak- 
 ness of the chief officer." 
 
 "I've a great mind to speak to Capt. Hill about 
 it. He ought to have his duty set before him." 
 
 "If you don't object, it may be advisable to do 
 so, Mr. Stubbs." 
 
 Jonathan Stubbs, who was a very free-spoken 
 person, took an early occasion to carry out his 
 plan, but with ill success. Capt. Hill became furi- 
 ously angry, vowed that Stubbs had insulted him; 
 that he had never drunk too much in his life, and
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 171 
 
 threatened to put him in irons if he repeated the 
 offense. 
 
 Mr. Stubbs was not frightened, but saw that 
 further remonstrance -would be unavailing. He 
 shrugged his shoulders and walked away. 
 
 "There's no arguing with a fool or a drunkard," 
 he said to the professor.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 THE YOUNG SAILOR. 
 
 THE crew of the Nanlucket consisted of twelve 
 sailors and a boy, not counting the officers. This 
 boy was about Harry's age, but an inch or two 
 shorter, and with great breadth of shoulders. He 
 had a good-natured face, and was a general favor- 
 ite on board, as is apt to be the case with a boy, if 
 he possesses any attractive qualities. He came 
 from New Hampshire and he was known as Jack. 
 
 It was natural that Harry, as the only other 
 boy on board, though a passenger, should be at- 
 tracted to Jack. He took an opportunity when 
 Jack was off duty to have a chat with him. 
 
 "How long have you been a sailor, Jack?" he 
 asked. 
 
 "Three years; I first went to sea when I was 
 thirteen." 
 
 "How did you happen to go in the first place?" 
 
 "Well, you see, Mr. Vane "
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 173 
 
 "Call me Harry. I am only a boy like your- 
 self." 
 
 "So I will, if you don't mind. Well, Harry, I 
 may say, to begin with, that I always liked the 
 water. I was born in a little village bordering on 
 Lake Winnipiseogee, and was out on the lake 
 whenever I could get the chance, either in a row- 
 boat or sailboat. I ^felt as much at home on the 
 water as on the land. Still, I never should have 
 gone to sea but for my stepfather." 
 
 "Then you have a stepfather?" 
 
 "Yes. My father died when I was ten, leaving 
 my mother a little farm and a comfortable house. 
 J was a young boy, and it is hard for a woman to 
 carry on a farm. A man came into town and 
 started in some small business. He pretended 
 that he had money, but I guess he had precious 
 little. At any rate, he didn't object to more. 
 Pretty soon he fixed his eyes on our farm, and, 
 finding that mother owned it clear, he got to com- 
 ing round pretty often. I never liked him, though 
 he pretended to be fond of me, and used to pat me 
 on the head, and bring me candy. I wondered what
 
 174 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 made him come so often, but I didn't mistrust any- 
 thing till one day mother called me and said she 
 had something important to say to me. 
 
 " 'Jack,' she said, 'what do you think of Mr. 
 Bannock?' 
 
 "'I don't think much of him,' I answered; 
 'what makes him come here so often?' 
 
 " 'He's going to come here oftener,' she said, 
 looking displeased. 
 
 * 'Then he might as well board here,' said I. 
 
 " 'He's going to live here,' answered mother. 
 
 " 'What's that for?' I asked, still not dreaming 
 of the truth. But it all come out in a minute when 
 she said: 'He is to be your father, Jack. I have 
 promised to marry him.' 
 
 ' 'You may marry him,' I answered, hotly, 'but 
 he will be no father of mine. My father lies in 
 the churchyard. I wish he were alive again.' 
 
 " 'So do I, Jack,' said mother, wiping her eyes, 
 'but we know that car.'t be.' 
 
 ' 'What makes you marry again, mother?' I 
 asked. 
 
 ' 'I need some one to look after me and the
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 175 
 
 farm, Jack,' said mother. 'A woman has a hard 
 lot when she is alone.' 
 
 " 'Wait till I am old enough, and I will take 
 care of the farm, mother. Don't marry that 
 man!' I pleaded. 'What does he know of farm- 
 ing, anyway? He keeps a store.' 
 
 " 'His father was a farmer, and he was brought 
 up on a farm,' answered mother. 
 
 "Well, I teased and teased her not to marry Mr. 
 Bannock, but it was no use. She had given her 
 promise, and her mind was made up. It wasn't 
 long before the wedding, wh::h I wouldn't attend, 
 and mother became Mrs. Bannock. It wasn't long 
 before old Bannock showed himself up in his true 
 colors. It turned out that he was worth scarcely 
 anything. Though the farm was still mother's, 
 he got her to agree to have a mortgage placed on 
 it, and the money he put "into his business." 
 
 "How did he treat you, Jack?" asked Harry, 
 interested. 
 
 "I am coming to that. He never liked me, 
 especially when he found that I didn't attend the 
 wedding, and didn't like him at all. He tried to
 
 176 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 impose upon me, and order me round, but he 
 didn't make out much. Still, he was always an- 
 noying me in mean little ways, and finally I got all 
 I could stand, and the long and short of it is, that 
 I ran away to Portsmouth, and went on a coasting 
 voyage. After I got back I shipped from Boston 
 for Liverpool, and ever since I've kept sailing in 
 one direction or another. This will be my longest 
 voyage." 
 
 "Haven't you been to see your mother since you 
 left home three years ago?" Harry inquired. 
 
 "Of course I have," said Jack, promptly. "I 
 always go to see her as soon as I get home from a, 
 voyage." 
 
 "Do you ever see your stepfather?" 
 "I have seen him twice. Once he was out of 
 town, and I wasn't sorry." 
 
 "Has he ever tried to detain you?" 
 "No. The fact is," said Jack, laughing, "I ex- 
 pect he was very well content to be rid of me. He 
 made up his mind that I was a pretty hard boy for 
 him to manage. There's only one reason why I 
 should like to be at home."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 177 
 
 "What is that?" 
 
 "So that I could stand between my mother and 
 that man," said Jack, gravely. 
 
 "I hope he doesn't ill treat her." 
 
 "He doesn't strike her, if that's what you mean. 
 I'd like to see him do it!" exclaimed Jack, with 
 flashing eyes. 
 
 "But he teases her, and has his own way in 
 everything, but she won't allow any one to inter- 
 fere. Poor mother ! She was looking pale and 
 thin when I saw her three weeks ago. I am sure 
 she has repented marrying, but she won't own up. 
 When I'm a man " 
 
 "Well, Jack; when you're a man?" 
 
 "I'll see that she has a better time, and, if old 
 Bannock don't like it he can clear out. I think he 
 will, anyway." 
 
 "Clear out?" 
 
 "Yes ; he will have spent all the property by that 
 time, and when that is done, he won't make much 
 objection to going away. Then I will take care of 
 mother, and see that she does not suffer for any- 
 thing."
 
 178 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "You are right, Jack. I sympathize with you. 
 I hope you'll succeed. I only wish I had a mother 
 to look out for," and Harry's fine face wore an ex- 
 pression of sadness. "But there's one thing I 
 can't help saying, though I don't want to discour- 
 age you." 
 
 "What is that, Harry?" 
 
 "I don't see how you are going to lay up much 
 money in going before the mast. Your pay must 
 be small." 
 
 "It is. I only earn ten dollars a month," re- 
 plied Jack. 
 
 "And out of that you must buy your clothes?" 
 said Harry. 
 
 "Yes, that's true." 
 
 "Then how do you expect to better yourself?" 
 asked Harry, looking puzzled. 
 
 "I'll tell you, if you won't say anything about 
 it," answered Jack, in a lower tone. 
 
 "Go ahead." 
 
 "We are going to Australia, you know. I've 
 heard there are good chances of making money 
 there, in mining or herding cattle, and I mean to
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 179 
 
 leave the ship at Melbourne. Of course, I don't 
 want anything said about it." 
 
 "Would the captain try to prevent you, Jack?" 
 
 "I think he would. He don't like me, at any 
 rate." 
 
 "Why not?" 
 
 "That is more than I can tell, but I can see that 
 he has a prejudice against me." 
 
 The boys were so absorbed in their conversation 
 that they did not notice the approach of the cap- 
 tain till his harsh voice was heard. 
 
 "What are you two boys chattering about?" he 
 demanded, with a frown. 
 
 Jack turned round startled, but Harry faced the 
 captain calmly, and did not speak. 
 
 "Will you answer me?" he repeated, raising his 
 voice. 
 
 "I was talking about home and my mother," 
 said Jack. 
 
 "Mighty interesting, upon my word! And 
 what were you talking about?" continued Capt. 
 Hill, turning to Harry. 
 
 "That can be of no interest to you, Capt. Hill,"
 
 i8o FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 said Harry, coldly. "You appear to forget that 
 I am a passenger." 
 
 As he walked away, the captain regarded him 
 with an ominous scowl. He wished that for fif- 
 teen minutes Harry had been one of the crew. It 
 was fortunate for Jack that his temper was di- 
 verted, for, apparently forgetting the young sailor, 
 he strode on, and Jack managed to slip down to 
 the forecastle.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 181 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 HARRY'S DARING ACT. 
 
 THIS was not by any means the last conversation 
 Harry had with Jack Pendleton for this he 
 found to be the young sailor's name and they 
 soon became excellent friends. 
 
 "Jack," said Harry, one day, "I never should 
 take you to be a sailor if I met" you on land." 
 
 "Why not?" 
 
 "You don't talk like one." 
 
 Jack smiled. 
 
 "I suppose you mean that I never say 'shiver 
 my timbers,' and use other like expressions." 
 
 "No; but you talk like a well-educated boy." 
 
 "So I am. I was always fond of my books, 
 and stood high in school. But for my stepfather 
 I might be there yet. As it is, my education 
 stopped at the age of thirteen." 
 
 "Not necessarily. You have learned a good 
 deal since."
 
 1 82 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Yes, but not of books. I hope some time to be 
 able to continue my studies. At present it is my 
 business to learn seamanship." 
 
 Harry had the more time on his hands, as his 
 traveling companion, the professor, took sick, and 
 was confined for three or four weeks to his cabin. 
 There was no danger, but still the ship's surgeon 
 advised him to stay below. 
 
 "What makes you keep company with that 
 sailor boy, Mr. Vane?" asked Mr. Clinton, who 
 would have liked more of Harry's society himself. 
 
 "I think he is rather an uncommon sailor. He 
 is very well educated." 
 
 "Oh, yes; I suppose he can read and write; but, 
 of course, he can never be admitted into society, 
 don't you know?" 
 
 "Why shouldn't I?" 
 
 "Because he is a common sailor, don't you 
 know?" 
 
 "No, I don't, Mr. Clinton. He may be a cap- 
 tain some day." 
 
 "But he isn't now. I give you my word I 
 noticed this morning, when you were speaking
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 183 
 
 with him, that his fingers were all soiled with tar. 
 That's horrid, you know." 
 
 "Don't you think he's a good-looking boy?" 
 
 "Well, yes, for one of the lower order." 
 
 "You forget we don't have any distinction of 
 classes in America." 
 
 "Don't we, though? By Jove! Mr. Vane, 
 you don't put yourself on a level with those crea- 
 tures that dig ditches and climb masts, and such 
 things?" 
 
 "Your sentiments are very undemocratic. You 
 ought to have been born in Enghnd." 
 
 "I wish I had been. I like their institutions a 
 good deal better than ours, don't yoa know?" 
 
 "When I first spoke with you, Mr. Clinton, I 
 thought you might be an Englishman." 
 
 "Did you, really?" inquired Clinton, with evi- 
 dent pleasure. "I'm often taken for an English- 
 man, on my honor. I don't know why it is, but 
 positively, I'm often asked when I came from the 
 other side." 
 
 "Would you rather be taken for an Englishman 
 than an American?"
 
 1 84 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Well, you see, there are some Americans that 
 are so vulgar, don't you know? talk through 
 their noses, and all that." 
 
 "Where were you born, Mr. Clinton?" 
 
 "In Massachusetts, not far from Boston." 
 
 "Then you are a Yankee." 
 
 "Oh! don't call me that, Mr. Vane. I really 
 couldn't stand it. People always think of a Yan- 
 kee as a tall, slat-sided individual, like Asa Tren- 
 chard, in the play of 'Our American Cousin.' " 
 
 "But he's a much more creditable character than 
 Lord Dundreary," said Harry, who had once seen 
 the play performed by a traveling company in the 
 town hall of his native place. "Dundreary, 
 though a lord, was a perfect idiot." 
 
 "Still, he knew how to behave in society, and 
 wore good clothes." 
 
 "Would you prefer to be Lord Dundreary 
 rather than Asa Trenchard?" 
 
 "Of course. How can you ask the question, 
 Mr. Vane?" 
 
 Harry smiled. "I wanted to get your idea on 
 the subject," he said.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 185 
 
 "By the way, Mr. Vane, are you descended from 
 Sir Henry Vane, one of the royal governors of 
 Massachusetts? I have been meaning to ask 
 you." 
 
 "I can't tell, Mr. Clinton; but my name hap- 
 pens to be the same Harry." 
 
 "Really, that is very interesting. I should 
 think you would look up the matter." 
 
 "Perhaps I will when I return home!" said 
 Harry, who cared very little about the matter. 
 From this time, however, Clinton regarded him 
 with increased respect, and manifested an increased 
 liking for his society, from his supposed aristo- 
 cratic lineage. Our hero treated him with good- 
 natured toleration, but muck preferred the com- 
 pany of Jack Pendleton, sailor as he was, though 
 his fingers were not infrequently smeared with tar. 
 Harry did not mind this, but was attracted by the 
 frank, good-humored face of young Jack, and was 
 always glad to have a chat with him. He had a 
 chance, though at some personal risk, to do him a 
 signal service before long. 
 
 The captain's habits, it must be said, did not
 
 1 86 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 improve. His stock of liquor was ample, and he 
 continued to indulge himself. Generally he kept 
 within safe bounds, but at times he allowed his 
 appetite to get the better of him. Whenever that 
 happened, it was fortunate if he drank himself into 
 a state of stupefaction, and remained in his cabin, 
 leaving the management of the ship to the mate, 
 Mr. Holdfast, who was thoroughly temperate. 
 Unfortunately, he was not always content to re- 
 main in the cabin. He would stagger upstairs and 
 give orders which might, or might not, be judi- 
 cious. 
 
 Of course, this state of things was perfectly 
 well understood by all on board. One of the pas- 
 sengers, in an interview with the mate, tried to 
 draw him out on the subject, and asked him, if mat- 
 ters should absolutely require it, whether he would 
 assume command of the ship. 
 
 "I would rather not express myself on that 
 point," said Holdfast, cautiously. "As a subor- 
 dinate it would not be becoming. It will be time 
 enough when the contingency you speak of ar- 
 rives."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 187 
 
 With this they had to be satisfied. Indeed, they 
 thought that the mate was right, and his caution 
 increased their respect for him. 
 
 One day it was about a month after they left 
 port Capt. Hill came up on deck in one of his 
 worst fits of intoxication. All the passengers were 
 on deck, it being a fair day. They regarded the 
 captain with alarm, for in his hand he held a pistol, 
 which he carried in such careless style that it might 
 be discharged at any time. 
 
 Jack Pendleton had been sent up to the mast- 
 head on some duty by the mate. The captain's 
 roving eyes fell upon him, and the dislike he felt 
 for the boy found vent. 
 
 "What are you doing up there, you young lub- 
 ber?" he shouted. 
 
 "Mr. Holdfast sent me," answered Jack. 
 
 "You lie!" roared the captain. "I'll teach you 
 to lie to me!" 
 
 "I'll come down, sir," said Jack, "if you say so." 
 
 "I'll bring you down !" shouted the captain, furi- 
 ously, as he deliberately pointed the pistol at the 
 cabin boy, and prepared to pull the trigger.
 
 1 88 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 There was a cry of horror on the part of the 
 passengers as they saw the insane act of the cap- 
 tain, and realized the peril of poor Jack. But, in 
 spite of all, the boy would probably have fallen a 
 victim to the drunken fury of Capt. Hill. Jack 
 himself fully understood his danger, and his ruddy 
 face turned pale. His life hung in the balance, 
 and was saved only by the courage of his boy 
 friend, Harry. 
 
 Of all the passengers, Harry stood nearest to 
 the captain. When he saw the pistol pointed at 
 Jack, he did not stop to think, but made a bound, 
 and dashed the weapon from the captain's hand. 
 It was discharged, but the bullet sped over the rail 
 and dropped into the ocean. Nor did Harry stop 
 here. He seized the fallen pistol, and hurled it 
 over the side of the vessel. 
 
 The captain was for a moment stupefied by the 
 suddenness of the act. Then, in a voice of fury, 
 he exclaimed, pointing to Harry: "Put that boy in 
 irons!"
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 189 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 A SENSATIONAL SCENE. 
 
 "Pur that boy in irons!" repeated Capt. Hill, 
 his eyes blazing with anger. 
 
 Not a sailor stirred. There was not one that 
 did not admire Harry's promptness, which had 
 saved Jack's life, and prevented the captain from 
 becoming a murderer. 
 
 "Here, you two men, seize the boy, and carry 
 him below!" exclaimed the captain, addressing 
 Brown and Higgins, the two sailors nearest. 
 
 The two men looked at each other, moved a 
 step forward and then stopped. 
 
 "Is this mutiny?" roared the captain, with a 
 blood-curdling oath. "Am I master in my own 
 ship or not?" 
 
 What might have been the issue, it is hard to 
 tell, had not the Yankee passenger, already re- 
 ferred to, Jonathan Stubbs, come forward and 
 taken up the gauntlet.
 
 190 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Look here, cap'n," he commenced, in a drawl- 
 ing tone, "what's all this fuss you're kickin' up? 
 You're kinder riled, ain't you?" 
 
 "Who are you that dare to bandy words with 
 me?" roared the captain, with a terrific frown. 
 
 "I thought you knew my name," answered the 
 Yankee, with imperturbable coolness, "but, if you 
 don't, here is my card;" and he deliberately drew 
 a card from his pocket, and tendered it to the chief 
 officer. 
 
 Capt. Hill struck it from his hand, and threw it 
 upon the deck. 
 
 "That is the way I treat your card, sir. Men, 
 do you hear me ? Put that bxoy in irons, or must I 
 do it myself ?" 
 
 "Look here, cap'n, let's argy that matter a 
 little," said Stubbs. "What's the boy to be put in 
 irons for?" 
 
 "For grossly insulting me, and defying my au- 
 thority, sir." 
 
 "He has prevented your committing murder, if 
 that's what you mean. You ought to thank 
 him."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 19 T 
 
 "Take care, sir!" thundered the captain, "or I 
 may put you in irons, also." 
 
 "I reckon you might find a little opposition," 
 said the Yankee, quietly. "I'm a passenger on this 
 vessel, Capt. Hill, and your authority doesn't ex- 
 tend to me." 
 
 "We'll see about that, sir," said the captain, and 
 he grasped Stubbs by the collar. 
 
 Now, the Yankee was not a heavy man, but he 
 was very strong and wiry, and, moreover, in his 
 early days, like Abraham Lincoln, he had been the 
 best wrestler in the Vermont village in which he 
 was born. He was a very quiet, peaceable man, 
 but he was accustomed to resent insult in an effect- 
 ive way. He wrenched himself free by a power- 
 ful effort, then, with a dexterous movement of one 
 of his long legs, he tripped up the captain, who fell 
 in a heap upon the deck. 
 
 The shock, added to the effects of his intoxica- 
 tion, seemed to stupefy the captain, who remained 
 where he fell. 
 
 "Boys," said Stubbs, coolly, to the two sailors, 
 who had been ordered to put Harry in irons,
 
 1 92 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "hadn't you better help the captain into his cabin? 
 He seems to be unwell." 
 
 Just then the mate came on deck. He didn't 
 make inquiries, but took in the situation at a glance, 
 and assisted the captain to his feet. 
 
 "Shall I help you downstairs, sir?" he asked. 
 
 The captain silently acquiesced, and the prime 
 actor in this rather startling scene left the deck. 
 
 Jack Pendleton scrambled down from his ele- 
 vated perch with the agility of a cat. He ran up 
 to Harry, and grasped his hand, with evident emo- 
 tion. 
 
 "You have saved my life!" he said. "I will 
 always be your friend. I would lay down my life 
 for you." 
 
 "It's all right, Jack," said Harry, rather shyly. 
 "You would have done the same for me." 
 
 "Yes, I would," answered Jack, heartily, "but 
 there's no one else who would have done it for 
 me." 
 
 "Are you goin' to leave me out, my boy?" asked 
 the Yankee, with a smile on his plain but good- 
 natured face.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 193 
 
 "No, sir," responded Jack. "You stood up to 
 the captain like a man. He didn't frighten you." 
 
 "No. I wasn't much scared," drawled Stubbs, 
 contorting his features drolly. "But, I say, young 
 man, I've got a piece of advice to give you. You 
 don't seem to be much of a favorite with the cap- 
 tain." 
 
 "It don't look so," said Jack, laughing. 
 
 "Just you keep out of his way as much as you 
 can. When a man gets as full as he does, he's apt 
 to be dangerous." 
 
 "Thank you, sir; I will." 
 
 Among the spectators of the scene just de- 
 scribed, the most panic-stricken, probably, was 
 Montgomery Clinton, the Brooklyn dude. 
 
 After the captain had gone below, he walked 
 up to Harry, whom he regarded with evident ad- 
 miration. 
 
 "I say, you re quite a hero. I was awfully 
 frightened, don't you know, when that big bully 
 aimed at the sailor boy." 
 
 "You looked a little nervous, Mr. Clinton," said 
 Harry, smiling.
 
 i 9 4 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "You were awfully brave, to knock the pistol 
 out of his hand. I don't see how you dared to do 
 it." 
 
 "I didn't stop to think of the danger. I saw 
 that Jack's life was in danger, and I did the only 
 thing I could to save him." 
 
 "I'm glad you're not put in irons. It must be 
 awful to be in irons." 
 
 "I don't think I should like it, though I never 
 had any experience. You'd have stood by me, 
 wouldn't you, Mr. Clinton?" 
 
 Clinton was evidently alarmed at the sugges- 
 tion. 
 
 "Yes, of course," he said, nervously; "that is, 
 I would have gone down to see you on the sly. 
 You wouldn't expect me to fight the captain, don't 
 you know." 
 
 Harry could hardly refrain from smiling at the 
 idea of the spindle-shaped dude resisting the cap- 
 tain; but he kept a straight face as he answered: 
 
 "I look upon you as a brave man, Mr. Clinton. 
 When I get into trouble, I shall be sure to call upon 
 you."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 195 
 
 "Oh, certainly," stammered Clinton; "but I say, 
 Mr. Vane, I hope you'll be prudent; I do, really. 
 Capt. Hill might shoot you, you know, as he tried 
 to shoot the sailor boy just now." 
 
 "If he does, Mr. Clinton, I shall expect you to 
 interfere. You are not as strong as the captain, 
 but a bold front will go a great way. If you 
 threaten to to horsewhip him, I think it might 
 produce an effect upon him." 
 
 "Really, my dear Mr. Vane," said Clinton, 
 turning pale, "I don't think I could go so far as 
 that." 
 
 "I thought you were my friend, Mr. Clinton," 
 said Harry, reproachfully. 
 
 "So I am, but I think you are, too too blood- 
 thirsty, Mr. Vane. It is best to be prudent, don't 
 you know ? There's that Yankee, Mr. Stubbs ; he 
 would do a great deal better than I. He's 
 stronger, and older, and you'd better speak to 
 him, don't you know." 
 
 "A very good suggestion, Mr. Clinton," said 
 Harry, gravely. 
 
 "I am afraid I should fare badly," thought our
 
 196 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 hero, "if I depended upon Clinton to stand by me. 
 He isn't of the stuff they make heroes of." 
 
 Twenty-four hours passed before Capt. Hill re- 
 appeared on deck. Meanwhile, Harry had re- 
 ceived congratulations from all the passengers on 
 his display of pluck, and from some of the sailors 
 besides. 
 
 In fact, if he had not been a sensible boy, 
 he might have been in danger of being spoiled 
 by praise. But he answered, very modestly, that 
 he had only acted from impulse, actuated by a de- 
 sire to save Jack, and had not had time to count 
 the consequences. 
 
 "I'll stand by you, my lad," said Hiram Stubbs. 
 "The captain may try to do you a wrong, but he 
 will have somebody else to reckon with I won't 
 see you hurt." 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Stubbs," said Harry, heartily. 
 "I know the value of your help already. Mr. 
 Clinton also is willing to stand by me, though he 
 says he doesn't want to get into a fight with the 
 captain." 
 
 "Clinton! That spindle-legged dude!" said
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 197 
 
 Stubbs, exploding with laughter. "My! he 
 couldn't scare a fly." 
 
 Harry laughed, too. He could not well help it. 
 
 "He seems a good fellow, though not exactly a 
 hero," he said. "I am glad to have his good 
 will." 
 
 "He is more of a tailor's dummy than a man," 
 said Stubbs. "I always want to laugh when I 
 look at him. Hist ! there's the captain." 
 
 Harry turned quickly toward the companion 
 way, and saw Capt. Hill set foot on the deck. A 
 glance satisfied him that the captain was sober.
 
 198 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 A STORM. 
 
 CAPT. HILL must have observed Harry and 
 Mr. Stubbs, but he walked by them without notice, 
 and attended to his duties, giving his orders in a 
 sharp, quick tone. He was an experienced sea- 
 man, and thoroughly fitted for the post of chief 
 officer, when not under the influence of liquor. 
 
 "I am glad to see that the captain is sober," 
 said Stubbs, in a low voice. 
 
 "So am I," answered Harry. 
 
 Harry was a little apprehensive that Capt. Hill 
 would show resentment for his boyish interference, 
 though it had saved him from committing murder 
 under such circumstances, and before so many wit- 
 nesses, that he could not well have escaped con- 
 viction and punishment whenever the ship reached 
 land. But, except ignoring his presence, the cap- 
 tain did not in any way intimate his recollection of
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 199 
 
 the occurrence. From this time, indeed, he 
 seemed to turn over a new leaf. Whether he still 
 indulged his appetite for strong drink in the se- 
 clusion of his cabin or not, he did not again appear 
 on deck in a state that unfitted him for the per- 
 formance of his duties. 
 
 One change, however, all noticed in Capt. Hill. 
 He became silent, reserved, morose. His orders 
 were given in a quick, peremptory tone, and he 
 seemed to cherish a grudge against all on board. 
 Some captains add much to the pleasure of the pas- 
 sengers by their social and cheery manners, but 
 whenever Capt. Hill appeared, a wet blanket 
 seemed to fall on the spirits of passengers and 
 crew, and they conversed in an undertone, as if 
 under restraint. 
 
 Between the captain and the mate, there Was a 
 great difference. Mr. Holdfast had a bluff, 
 hearty way with him, which made him popular 
 with all on board. As an officer, he was strict, 
 and expected his orders to be executed promptly, 
 but in private he was affable and agreeable. The 
 sailors felt instinctively that he was their friend,
 
 200 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 and regarded him with attachment, while they re- 
 spected his seamanship. If a vote had been taken, 
 there was not one but would have preferred him as 
 captain to Capt. Hill. 
 
 Thus far I am speaking of a time when the 
 Nantucket was three months out there had been 
 no serious storm. Rough weather there had been, 
 and wet, disagreeable weather, but the stanch ship 
 had easily overcome all the perils of the sea, and, 
 with the exception of Montgomery Clinton, no one 
 had been seriously alarmed. But one afternoon a 
 cloud appeared in the hitherto clear sky, which 
 would have attracted no attention from a lands- 
 man. Mr. Holdfast observed it, however, and, 
 quietly calling the captain, directed his attention to 
 it. 
 
 "I think we are going to have a bad storm, Capt. 
 Hill," he said. 'That's a weather breeder." 
 
 The captain watched the cloud for a moment, 
 and then answered, quietly: "I think you are right, 
 Mr. Holdfast. You may give your orders ac- 
 cordingly." 
 
 The sails were reefed, and the vessel was pre-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 201 
 
 pared for the warfare with the elements which 
 awaited it. 
 
 "What are they doing that for, Mr. Vane?" 
 asked Clinton, who chanced to be conversing with 
 our hero. "It's a pity to reef the sails when we 
 are going so nicely. For my part, I wish we could 
 go faster. I'm tired of being at sea." 
 
 "I shall be glad to reach land myself, Mr. Clin- 
 ton, but I suppose if they furl the sails they have 
 good reason for it." 
 
 "I give you my word, Mr. Vane, I'm quite tired 
 of wearing the same clothes day after day. When 
 I was on shore my tailor had orders to make me 
 twelve suits a year. We've been at sea three 
 months, and I've just had to wear the same suits 
 till I'm tired of them." 
 
 "How many suits did you bring with you?'* 
 asked Harry, smiling. 
 
 "Only six. It was all I had room for," an- 
 swered Clinton, in a tone of apology. 
 
 "I don't know what you will think of me, then," 
 said Harry. "I have but one besides the one I 
 have on."
 
 202 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Oh, by Jove ! that's a very narrow margin ! I 
 don't see how you manage, don't you know?" 
 
 "You see, I never aspired to be a leader of fash- 
 ion like you, Mr. Clinton." 
 
 "You are awfully kind, Mr. Vane," said the 
 dude, with a gratified smile; "quite complimentary, 
 on my word. I don't want to boast, but my 
 tailor tells me I have more pairs of trousers than 
 any other young society man in Brooklyn. 'Pon 
 my word." 
 
 "That must be a great satisfaction, Mr. Clin- 
 ton," said Harry, with considerable gravity; "we 
 can't all be fashionable. Now, I wouldn't dare to 
 tell you how few clothes I have." 
 
 "You are only a boy, you know. No offense, of 
 course." 
 
 . "Certainly not; as you say, I am only a boy. 
 But if you don't mind telling me how many pairs 
 of pants " 
 
 "Excuse me," interrupted Clinton, in a horrified 
 tone. "I never wear pants. They never say 
 pants in fashionable circles." 
 
 "I beg your pardon, I meant trousers. How
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 203 
 
 many pairs of trousers did your wardrobe con- 
 tain?" 
 
 "Forty-three," answered Clinton, in a compla- 
 cent tone. 
 
 "You must spend a great deal for clothes, 
 then." 
 
 "I have bills with several tailors," Clinton ex- 
 plained. "That class of people expect to wait, 
 you know." 
 
 "Then I hope, for their sake, we shan't be ship- 
 wrecked," said Harry. 
 
 "Don't mention such a horrid word," said Clin- 
 ton, nervously. "Really, it makes me verv uncom- 
 fortable, don't you know?" 
 
 Harry, out of regard to Clinton's feelings, did 
 not pursue the subject, but in a short time it forced 
 itself upon the attention of all on board. The 
 little cloud increased portentously in size. All at 
 once a strong wind sprang up, the sea roughened 
 and the billows grew white with fury, while the 
 good ship, stanch as she was, creaked and groaned 
 and was tossed about, as if it were a toy boat on 
 the wrathful ocean.
 
 204 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 The passengers were all seriously alarmed. 
 They had never before realized what a storm at sea 
 was. Even a man of courage may well be daunted 
 by the terrific power of the sea when it is roused 
 to such an exhibition. 
 
 "Harry, v said the professor, seriously, "this is 
 terrible." 
 
 u Yes, indeed," answered the boy, gravely. 
 
 "If I were indeed the magician I claim to be," 
 added the professor, with a faint smile, "I would 
 try to subdue the storm, but all my tricks are of no 
 avail here." 
 
 "I suppose it is because we are landsmen that it 
 seems so terrible to us." 
 
 "Not wholly. See how grave and anxious the 
 captain and mate look. The sailors, too, work as 
 if they knew their lives were at stake." 
 
 "It is very fortunate the captain is not intoxi- 
 cated." 
 
 "Even if he were, such a thing as this ought to 
 sober him. It looks very doubtful whether we 
 shall ever give entertainments in Australia." 
 
 "We will hope for the best, at any rate, pro-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 105 
 
 fessor," said Harry, manfully. "There is noth- 
 ing to do but to trust in Providence.'" 
 
 "Well thought of, Harry. I am not a religious 
 man more's the pity but I believe in God, and 
 trust in Him." 
 
 It became so rough and difficult to stand on 
 deck, on account of the vessel being tossed about 
 like a cockle shell, that Harry felt constrained to 
 go below. 
 
 As he passed the cabin of Montgomery Clinton, 
 he heard a faint voice call his name. 
 
 Entering, he saw the dude stretched out in his 
 berth, with an expression of helpless terror in his 
 weak face. 
 
 "Oh! Mr. Vane," he said; "do you think we 
 are going to the bottom?" 
 
 "I hope not, Mr. Clinton. Our officers are 
 skillful men. They will do all they can for us." 
 
 "It is too awfully horrid!" groaned Clinton. 
 
 * "I'd cheerfully give away all my trousers and wear 
 
 overalls the rest of my life, if I could be on land." 
 
 Harry was amused in spite of himself. 
 
 "I think I would do the same," he said. "But
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 wouldn't you find life a burden if you had to dress 
 in that way?" 
 
 "I don't care. I'm awfully in earnest!" said 
 Clinton, with heroic self-sacrifice. "Oh! what's 
 that?" and he moaned in terror as a heavy sea 
 struck the vessel on the side and nearly threw him 
 out of his berth.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 207 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 THE "NANTUCKET'S" DANGER. 
 
 IT was a terrible night. None of the pas- 
 sengers ventured upon deck. Indeed, such was 
 the motion that it would have been dangerous, as 
 even the sailors found it difficult to keep their foot- 
 ing. Harry was pale and quiet, unlike his friend 
 from Brooklyn, whose moans were heard mingled 
 with the noise of the tempest. 
 
 It was about three o'clock in the morning when 
 those below heard, with terror, a fearful crash, 
 and a trampling of feet above. One of the masts 
 had fallen before the fury of the storm, and the 
 shock made the good ship careen to a dangerous 
 extent. What had happened, however, was not 
 understood below. 
 
 "I wonder what has happened," said the pro- 
 fessor, nervously. "I think I will go and see." 
 
 He got out of his berth, but only to be pitched 
 helpless to the other end of the cabin.
 
 208 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "This is terrible!" he said, as he picked himself 
 up. 
 
 "I will try my luck, professor," said Harry. 
 
 He scrambled out of his berth, and, with great 
 difficulty, made his way upstairs. 
 
 One glance told him what had occurred. The 
 crippled ship was laboring through the sea. It 
 seemed 1-ike a very unequal combat, and Harry 
 might be excused for deciding that the ship was 
 doomed. All about, the sea wore its fiercest as- 
 pect. Harry returned cautiously to his cabin. 
 
 "Well?" said the professor. 
 
 "One of the masts is gone," answered the boy. 
 "The ship is having a hard time." 
 
 "Is there danger?" asked the professor, anx- 
 iously. 
 
 "I am afraid so," said Harry, gravely. 
 
 Montgomery Clinton heard both question and 
 answer, and was seized with panic. 
 
 "Do you think we are going to the bottom, Mr. 
 Vane?" he asked, trembling. 
 
 "We are in great peril, but there is always hope. 
 I don't give up."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 209 
 
 "Oh! why did I ever come to sea?" sobbed the 
 wretched dude. "I was having a good time in 
 Brooklyn, I was a great favorite with the ladies, 
 and all the young men admired my clothes. I 
 wish I was there now." 
 
 "What is the fool bawling about?" was heard 
 from the cabin occupied by Mr. Stubbs. "If you've 
 got to die, can't you take it calmly, as I do?" 
 
 "I don't want to be drowned. It's perfectly 
 awful!" moaned Clinton. "I I never expected 
 to become food for fishes." 
 
 "Don't be alarmed! None of the fishes will 
 meddle with you," returned Stubbs, in a sarcastic 
 tone. 
 
 Critical as was their position, Harry could not 
 avoid smiling at this remark. But the sarcasm did 
 not touch Clinton. He was too much under the 
 influence of terror. 
 
 At length the night wore away. The violence 
 of the storm seemed to have abated, for, after a 
 time, the motion diminished. More enterprising 
 than the rest of the passengers, Harry resolved to 
 go on deck.
 
 2io FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Won't you come with me, Mr. Clinton?" he 
 asked. 
 
 "I I couldn't, 'pon my honor. I'm as weak 
 as a rag. I don't think I could get out of my 
 berth, really, now." 
 
 "I'll go with you, my young friend," said Mr. 
 Stubbs. 
 
 Harry and his Yankee Friend set foot cautiously 
 on deck. The prospect was not reassuring. The 
 ship rolled heavily, and from the creaking it 
 seemed that the timbers of the hull were strained. 
 The sailors looked fagged out, and there was a set, 
 stern look on the face of the captain, whom, never- 
 theless, Mr. Stubbs ventured to accost. 
 
 "What's the prospect, captain?" he asked, anx- 
 iously. 
 
 "You'd better make your will," said the captain, 
 grimly. 
 
 "That's cheerful," commented Stubbs, turning 
 to Harry. 
 
 "Yes, sir," answered Harry, soberly. 
 
 "Don't tell our foppish friend below, or he'll 
 rend our ears with his howls. But you, my young
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 211 
 
 friend, it's rather rough on you. How old arc 
 you ?" 
 
 "Sixteen." 
 
 "And I'm rising fifty. Even if I am taken 
 away I've a good thirty years the advantage of 
 you. I've had a good time, on the whole, and en- 
 joyed myself as well as the average. Still, I don't 
 quite like going to the bottom in the Nantucket. 
 I was looking forward to twenty years or so more 
 of life." 
 
 "We must submit to the will of God," said 
 Harry, quietly. 
 
 "You are right, my boy ! It is easy to see that 
 you have been well trained. Mr. Holdfast" 
 for they had reached the place where the mate 
 was standing "shall we outlive the storm?" 
 
 "It is hard to say, Mr. Stubbs. It depends on 
 the stanchness of the ship. We will do what we 
 can." 
 
 Ten minutes later there was a sinister answer 
 to the inquiry of Mr. Stubbs. A sailor, who had 
 been sent down into the hold, came with the in- 
 formation that the ship had sprung a leak.
 
 212 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Then commenced the weary work at the pumps. 
 The sailors were already worn out with fighting 
 the storm under the direction of the captain and 
 mate, and it seemed almost more than flesh and 
 blood could stand to undertake this additional 
 labor. 
 
 Harry and Mr. Stubbs had a hurried confer- 
 ence. 
 
 "Can't we help at this work, Mr. Stubbs?" 
 asked Harry. "The poor men look utterly ex- 
 hausted." 
 
 "Well thought of, my boy ! I am with you. I 
 will speak to the captain." 
 
 But Mr. Holdfast, the mate, chanced to be 
 nearer, and to him Mr. Stubbs put the question. 
 
 ^Can_'t I help at the pumps?" 
 
 "It is hard work, sir." 
 
 "I used to turn grindstone when a boy. I guess 
 I can do it." 
 
 "And I, too, Mr. Holdfast," put in Harry. 
 
 "I accept your offer with thanks. The men are 
 very tired." 
 
 So Harry and Mr. Stubbs helped at this neces-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 213 
 
 sary work, and when the professor and the Mel- 
 bourne merchant heard of it they, too, volunteered. 
 But Marmaduke Timmins, the valetudinarian, 
 and Montgomery Clinton felt quite inadequate to 
 the task. 
 
 "My wretched health would not allow of any 
 physical exertion," said Mr. Timmins, sadly. 
 "This storm makes me feel worse than usual. I 
 have taken double doses of pills, but it has done me 
 no good." 
 
 As for Clinton, no one asked him. Work did 
 not appear to be in his line. 
 
 "He hasn't got the strength of an able-bodied 
 cat," said Mr. Stubbs, "even at the best of times. 
 Now, I should rate him at about one-mouse 
 power." 
 
 Harry found his work tiresome and fatiguing, 
 but he had the comfort of feeling that he was re- 
 lieving the exhausted sailors and doing something 
 to save his own life and the lives of his compan- 
 ions. 
 
 He caught sight; of poor Jack, looking ready to 
 drop.
 
 2i 4 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Jack, you must be very tired," he said. 
 
 "If I stood still I should drop on the deck fast 
 asleep," said Jack. 
 
 "Can't you lie down for an hour? I am taking 
 your place." 
 
 Mr. Holdfast coming up. at this moment, Harry 
 suggested this to him, and the mate said kindly: 
 
 "Jack, my lad, go below and catch a little nap. 
 I will call you when I want you." 
 
 So Jack, much relieved, went below, and, with- 
 out a thought of the danger, so fatigued was he, 
 fell asleep the moment he got into his bunk, and 
 was not called up for four hours. 
 
 After a while they reduced the flow of water, 
 but ascertained that the ship was badly strained, 
 and by no means safe. It was not till the next day, 
 however, that an important decision was reached. 
 
 All were called on deck. 
 
 "It is my duty to tell you," said Capt. Hill, 
 "that the ship is so damaged by the recent storm 
 that it is liable to sink at any time. Those who 
 choose to run the risk, may remain, however. I 
 propose, with such as choose to join me, to take to
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 215 
 
 the boats. I will give you fifteen minutes to de- 
 cide." 
 
 Excitement and dismay were painted on the 
 faces of all. The ship might be insecure, but to 
 launch out upon the great ocean in a frail boat 
 seemed to involve still greater danger.
 
 216 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 'WHO WILL STAY?'' 
 
 THE decision was a momentous one. It might 
 be death to remain on the ship, but to a landsman 
 it seemed still more perilous to embark on an 
 angry sea in a frail boat. 
 
 The passengers looked at each other in doubt 
 and perplexity. 
 
 They had but fifteen minutes in which to make 
 up their minds. 
 
 The mate stood by, serious and thoughtful. 
 
 "Mr. Holdfast," said Mr. Stubbs, "do you 
 agree with the captain that it is our best course to 
 take to the boats?" 
 
 "It is hard to tell," said the mate, cautiously. 
 
 "What is your impression?" 
 
 "I should prefer to try the ship a little longer. 
 I say so with diffidence, since the captain has a 
 longer experience than I."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 217 
 
 "I don't think much of your judgment, Mr. 
 Holdfast," said Capt. Hill, in a tone of contempt. 
 
 The mate's face flushed not so much at the 
 words, as the tone. 
 
 "Nevertheless, Capt. Hill," he said, "I stand by 
 what I have said." 
 
 "Mr. Holdfast," said Mr. Stubbs, who seemed 
 to speak for the passengers, "if some of us decide 
 to remain on the ship, will you remain with us?" 
 
 "I will!" answered the mate, promptly. 
 
 "Then set me down as the first to remain," said 
 Stubbs. 
 
 Somehow, this man, rough and abrupt as he 
 was, had impressed Harry as a man in whom con- 
 fidence might be reposed. He felt safe in follow- 
 ing where he led. 
 
 "I am but a boy," he said, "but I have to decide 
 for my life. I remain with the mate and Mr. 
 Stubbs." 
 
 Quietly Stubbs shook hands with Harry. 
 
 "I am glad to have you with us," he said, earn- 
 estly. "We will die or live together." 
 
 Next came Prof. Hemenway.
 
 218 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Put me down as the third," he said. "Harry, 
 we sailed together, and we will remain together to 
 the end." 
 
 "I go in the boat," said John Appleton. "I 
 have a great respect for Mr. Holdfast, but I defer 
 to the captain's judgment as superior." 
 
 He went over and ranged himself beside the cap- 
 tain. 
 
 "You are a sensible man, sir," said Capt. Hill, 
 with a scornful glance at the mate and the pas- 
 sengers who sided with him. "Mr. Holdfast can 
 go down with the ship, if he desires. I prefer to 
 cut loose from a doomed vessel." 
 
 Marmaduke Timmins, the invalid, looked more 
 sallow and nervous than ever. He had swallowed 
 a pill while the others were speaking, to give him- 
 self confidence. 
 
 "I will go with the captain," he said. "My life 
 is likely to be short, for my diseases are many, but 
 I owe it to myself to do my best to save it." 
 
 "In deciding to go with me, you are doing your 
 best, sir," said Capt. Hill. 
 
 He had not hitherto paid much attention to Mr.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 219 
 
 Timmins, whom he looked upon as a crank on the 
 subject of health, but he was disposed to look upon 
 him now with more favor. 
 
 At this moment Montgomery Clinton appeared 
 at the head of the stairs. The poor fellow was 
 pale, and disheveled, and tottered from weakness. 
 
 "What's going on?" he asked, feebly. Harry 
 took it upon himself to explain, using as few words 
 as possible. 
 
 "Will you go with the captain, or stay on the 
 Nantucketf" asked Harry. 
 
 "Shall you stay on the ship, Mr. Vane?" asked 
 Clinton, feebly. 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Then I will. Really, I couldn't stand sailing 
 in a little boat, you know. It's too horrid." 
 
 "That's settled, then !" said the captain. "Into 
 the boat with you I" 
 
 The sailors and the two passengers lowered 
 themselves into the long boat, which was large 
 enough to receive them all, till only Jack Pendle- 
 ton and the captain remained. 
 
 "Get in, boy!" said the captain, harshly.
 
 220 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Jack stepped back, and said, manfully: "I will 
 remain on board the ship, sir." 
 
 "Stay, then!" said the captain, rounding up the 
 sentence with an oath. 
 
 "I am glad you will remain with us, Jack," said 
 Harry, smiling kindly. "I don't want to be 
 separated from you." 
 
 While this discussion had been going on, the 
 boat was being stored with kegs of water and pro- 
 visions, and soon after the sailors began to ply the 
 oars. 
 
 The little band that remained looked on s'lently 
 and solemnly, as they saw their late companions 
 borne farther and farther away from them on the 
 crested waves. 
 
 "It's a question which will last longer, the ship 
 or the boat," said Mr. Holdfast. 
 
 "We must work I know that," said Mr. 
 Stubbs. "Capt. Holdfast, I salute you as my com- 
 mander. Give us your orders." 
 
 "Are you all agreed, gentlemen?" asked Hold- 
 fast. 
 
 "We are," answered all except Montgomery
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 221 
 
 Clinton, who was clinging to the side with a green- 
 ish pallor on his face. 
 
 "Then I shall set you to woik at the pumps. 
 Jack, I assign you and the professor to duty first. 
 You will work an hour; then Mr. Stubbs and Mr. 
 Vane will relieve you. I will look out for the ves- 
 sel's course." 
 
 "I am afraid I couldn't pump," said Montgom- 
 ery Clinton. ""I feel so awfully weak, you know, 
 I think I'm going to die !" 
 
 His slight form was immediately convulsed, and 
 he leaned over the side with a woebegone look. 
 When he was relieved, the mate said, with a slight 
 smile, "You had better go below, Mr. Clinton. 
 You may be fit for duty to-morrow. To-day I will 
 excuse you." 
 
 "You're awfully kind, I'm sure," said poor Clin- 
 ton, not forgetting his politeness even in his an- 
 guish. "If I'm alive to-morrow, I hope I'll be 
 strong enough to pump. I used to pump water 
 for my auntie when I was a boy." 
 
 The poor fellow, with wild, uncertain steps, 
 staggered to the stairs, and, with the help of
 
 222 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Harry, who saw that he was really very weak, de- 
 scended to his cabin. 
 
 "You're very kind, Mr. Vane," he faltered. 
 
 "I am afraid you are feeling very miserable, Mr. 
 Clinton," said Harry, with a touch of genuine pity. 
 He would not have liked to be so weak and un- 
 manly as the dude, but he pitied him, nevertheless. 
 
 "Yes, Mr. Vane," said Clinton, dolefully, "I 
 don't expect to live long." 
 
 "We may none of us live long," answered 
 Harry, gravely. 
 
 "You're awfully strong, you know, compared to 
 me," said Clinton. "My grandmother used to say 
 I had a girl's constitution. If I die first, I leave 
 you all my trousers and the rest of my wardrobe. 
 I'd make a will, but I don't feel like writing, you 
 know." 
 
 Harry wanted to laugh, but he suppressed the 
 inclination. 
 
 "I doubt whether your trousers would fit me, 
 Mr. Clinton," he said, "but it's very kind of you, 
 all the same." 
 
 "Don't mention it, Mr. Vane."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 223 
 
 "But I think you had better make up your mind 
 to live and wear the trousers yourself." 
 
 "I will try to, but " 
 
 Here a lurch of the ship pitched him into his 
 bunk, where Harry left him and rejoined his fel- 
 low voyagers on deck. 
 
 He looked out to sea and saw the little boat con- 
 taining the remnant of their company growing 
 smaller and smaller. A sudden feeling of loneli- 
 ness overcame him, and he asked himself, seriously, 
 "Is death, then, so near?"
 
 224 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 THE END OF THE CRUISE. 
 
 THE sea was still rough, but the violence of the 
 storm was past. In a few hours the surface of the 
 sea was much less agitated. The spirits of the 
 passengers rose, especially after learning from the 
 mate that he had been able to stop the leak, 
 through the experience which he had acquired in 
 his younger days as assistant to a ship carpenter. 
 
 "Then the old ship is likely to float a while 
 longer?" said Mr. Stubbs, cheerfully. 
 
 "Not a short time, either, if the weather con- 
 tinues favorable." 
 
 "Capt. Hill was in too much of a hurry to leave 
 the vessel," remarked Harry. 
 
 "Yes," answered Holdfast. "Such was my 
 opinion when I thought the Nantucket in much 
 worse condition than at present. If the captain 
 and sailors had remained on board, we could have
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 225 
 
 continued our voyage to Melbourne without diffi- 
 culty." 
 
 "And now?" said Mr. Stubbs, interrogatively. 
 
 "Now we have no force to man her. Little 
 Jack and myself are the only sailors on board." 
 
 "But not the only men." 
 
 "That is true. I think, however, that you or 
 the professor would find it rather hard to spread 
 or take in sail." 
 
 Mr. Stubbs looked up into the rigging and 
 shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 "You are right, captain," he said. "Here is 
 Harry, now. He might possibly climb aloft. As 
 for me, it makes my head swim to think of myself 
 up there." 
 
 "There is Mr. Clinton," suggested Harry, smil- 
 ing. 
 
 "He would make a good tailor's dummy," said 
 Mr. Stubbs. "I apprehend that's all he's fit for. 
 Have you formed any plans, captain?" 
 
 "We must drift, I suppose," said Holdfast. "If 
 we could obtain even four or five able seamen, I 
 would continue the voyage."
 
 226 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Is there any hope of that, do you think?" 
 
 "We might encounter some ship that could spare 
 us that number, though vessels in these latitudes 
 seldom carry more men than they require for their 
 own needs. Meanwhile we have one comfort." 
 
 "What is that?" 
 
 "We are plentifully supplied with provisions. 
 We shall not fall short either of food or drink." 
 
 The next day Mr. Clinton appeared on deck. 
 He looked faded and played out, but he was no 
 longer the woebegone creature of a day or two 
 previous. Even he turned out to be of use, for he 
 knew something about cooking, and volunteered 
 to assist in preparing the meals, the ship's cook 
 having left the ship with the captain. Accord- 
 ingly, he rose in the estimation of the passengers 
 having proved that he was not wholly a drone. 
 
 Jack and Harry grew still more intimate. The 
 young sailor was under no restraint now that the 
 captain was not on board, for with the mate he 
 had always been a favorite. 
 
 All efforts were made to keep the ship on her 
 course. They could not put up all the sails, how-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 227 
 
 ever, and made but slow progress. They did little 
 but drift. Nor did they encounter any other ves- 
 sels for several days, so that there was no chance 
 of obtaining the desired assistance. 
 
 "I wonder where it will all end, Jack?" said 
 Harry, one evening. 
 
 "I don't trouble myself much about that, 
 Harry," said the young sailor. "I am content as 
 I am." 
 
 "Don't you look ahead, then?" 
 
 "I am happy with you and the few we have on 
 board. They are all kind to me ; what more do I 
 need?" 
 
 "I can't be contented so easily, Jack. I hope 
 there is a long life before us. Here we are, mak- 
 ing no progress. We are doing nothing to ad- 
 vance ourselves." 
 
 But this did not make much impression on Jack. 
 He did not look beyond the present, and so that 
 this was comfortable, he left the future to look out 
 for itself. 
 
 "What do you think has become of Capt. Hill 
 and his companions, Mr. Holdfast?" asked Mr.
 
 228 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Stubbs, on the third evening after the separation. 
 
 "He is probably still afloat, unless he has been 
 fortunate enough to be picked up by some ves- 
 sel." 
 
 "Do you think that probable?" 
 
 "It is possible, but the ocean is wide, and there 
 is plenty of chance to escape observation." 
 
 "Speaking plainly, do you think his chance of a 
 safe deliverance as good as ours?" 
 
 "No, I do not," answered the mate, promptly. 
 "If I did, I should favor our taking the remaining 
 boat, and following his example." 
 
 "You don't favor this?" 
 
 "No; here we have a good stock of provisions, 
 far more comfortable accommodations and are 
 more likely, from our size, to attract attention." 
 
 "There is no hope of reaching land in the Nan- 
 tucket, is there?" continued Mr. Stubbs. 
 
 "There is considerable fear of it," said the 
 mate. 
 
 "Why do you use the word fear?" asked 
 Stubbs, puzzled. 
 
 "What I mean is, that we are likely to run
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 229 
 
 aground upon some unknown island. If the shore 
 is rocky, it may break us to pieces, and that, of 
 course, will be attended with danger to life or 
 limb." 
 
 Stubbs looked thoughtful. 
 
 "I should like to see land," he said, "but I 
 wouldn't like to land in that way. It reminds me 
 of an old lady who, traveling by cars for the first 
 time, was upset in a collision. As she crawled out 
 of the window, she asked, innocently: 'Do you 
 always stop this way?' " 
 
 "There are dangers on land as well as on the 
 sea," said the mate, "as your story proves; though 
 one is not so likely to realize them. In our pres- 
 ent circumstances, there is one thing I earnestly 
 hope for." 
 
 "What is that?" 
 
 "That we may not have another storm. I fear, 
 in her dismantled condition, the Nantucket would 
 have a poor chance of outliving it, particularly as 
 we have no one but Jack and myself to do seamen's 
 work." 
 
 Mr. Stubbs walked thoughtfully away.
 
 2 3 o FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Harry, who had seen him talking with the mate, 
 asked him the nature of the conversation. 
 
 Mr. Stubbs told him. 
 
 "The fact is, Harry," he said, u we are in a criti- 
 cal condition. Whether we are ever to see old 
 terry firmy again" Mr. Stubbs was not a classical 
 scholar "seems a matter of doubt." 
 
 "And the worst of it is," said Harry, "there 
 seems to be nothing you and I can do to increase 
 our chances of safety." 
 
 "No, unless we could manage to see a ship 
 which the chief officer had overlooked. That, I 
 take it, is not very likely. I don't care so much 
 about being lost for my own sake." 
 
 "What, then?" asked Harry, puzzled. 
 
 "It's when I think of what the world will lose 
 by my invention," explained Stubbs, gravely. "I 
 tell you, Harry Vane, it's going to revolutionize 
 the world." 
 
 "What is it?" Harry naturally inquired. 
 
 "That would be telling," answered Stubbs, 
 shrewdly. "I am not prepared to make known 
 my discovery yet. If I did, ten to one some other
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 231 
 
 fellow would seize the idea, and get the start of 
 me. I want to reap the advantage of it myself." 
 
 "Why didn't you develop it in America, Mr. 
 Stubbs?" 
 
 "Because I got no encouragement. Besides, I 
 was afraid it would be stolen. My countrymen 
 are sharp. In Australia it will be different. Some- 
 thing told me that there was the place to try it, so 
 I took passage on the Nantucket, and here I 
 am." 
 
 "I suppose you'd rather be somewhere else," 
 said Harry, smiling. 
 
 "I don't mind owning up that I would. But it 
 can't be helped now I must grin and bear it." 
 
 It was toward morning of the fifth night after 
 the captain had left the ship that all on board were 
 startled by a mighty thumping, accompanied by a 
 shock that threw the sleepers out of bed. 
 
 Harry ran hastily on deck. The mate was there 
 already. 
 
 "What's happened, Mr. Holdfast?" asked the 
 boy, anxiously. 
 
 "The ship has struck on a rocky ledge!"
 
 232 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Are we in danger?" 
 
 "In great danger. Call all the passengers. We 
 must take to the boat, for the Nantucket is 
 doomed!"
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 233 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 IT was still quite dark, but it was light enough 
 to see that the ship had struck upon a reef. Strain- 
 ing their eyes, the alarmed passengers could de- 
 scry land. Indeed, the reef was an outlying part 
 of it. 
 
 All eyes were turned upon the captain, as Mr. 
 Holdfast was now called. 
 
 "If I had had men enough to stand watch, this 
 would not have happened," he said. 
 
 "Is there any hope, Mr. Holdfast?" asked 
 Montgomery Clinton, clasping his hands in terror. 
 
 "Plenty of it," answered the mate, curtly, "but 
 we must leave the ship." 
 
 Under his direction the remaining boat for 
 Capt. Hill and his companions had only taken 
 away one was lowered. Steering clear of the 
 reef, they found themselves in a cove, bordered on 
 three sides by land. By the light, now rapidly in-
 
 234 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 creasing, they saw grass and trees, and the sight 
 gladdened them in spite of the grave peril that 
 menaced them. 
 
 "Mr. Holdfast," said Clinton, anxiously, 
 "won't you let me go back for my wardrobe? I 
 can't get along without that, don't you know?" 
 
 "I don't think it's the fashion to wear clothes 
 here, Mr. Clinton," said the mate, his eye twink- 
 ling. "You'll be sure to be in fashion." 
 
 "But that's horrid, you know. I assure you I 
 don't care to imitate the natives." 
 
 "Provisions are of the first importance, Mr. 
 Clinton," said Holdfast, seriously. "After that 
 we will save what we can." 
 
 They put on the boat as large a supply of stores 
 as they dared, and then rowed ashore. Landing 
 the passengers, Holdfast selected Jack and Harry, 
 and went back to the ship for a further supply. 
 
 "We must lay in as much as we can, for we 
 don't know how long we are to remain here," he 
 said. 
 
 When the second trip had been made, it was de- 
 cided to rest for a time and eat breakfast.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 235 
 
 The little group gathered on a bluff looking out 
 to sea, and sitting down, ate heartily. By this 
 time the sun had made its appearance, and it bade 
 fair to be a pleasant day. 
 
 "Have you any idea where we are, Mr. Hold- 
 fast?" asked Mr. Stubbs. 
 
 "I only know that we are on an island. There 
 is no mainland near here," answered the com- 
 mander 
 
 "It seems to be a large one, then. While you 
 were gone with the boys, I ascended a tree, and, 
 looking inland, could not see the ocean in that di- 
 rection." 
 
 "What tree did you climb, Mr. Stubbs?" asked 
 Harry. 
 
 Mr. Stubbs pointed it out. 
 
 "There's another one higher and on higher 
 ground. Mr. Clinton, won't you climb it, and see 
 what you can discover?" asked Harry, mischiev- 
 ously. 
 
 "Really, Mr. Vane," answered Clinton, in great 
 trepidation, "I couldn't think of it. I am quite 
 sure I should tear my trousers, and they are the
 
 23* FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 only ones I have here. I wish the captain would 
 let me go to the ship and get the balance of my 
 wardrobe." 
 
 "Do you think you could manage this boat alone, 
 Mr. Clinton?" asked the mate. 
 
 "Good gracious, no. Perhaps Mr. Vane would 
 go with me." 
 
 "I feel like exploring the island," said Harry; 
 "who will go with me?" 
 
 Curious to see what kind of a new home they 
 had, all set out. First, however, the professor 
 asked : 
 
 "How long before the ship is likely to go to 
 pieces, Mr. Holdfast?" 
 
 "Not under a day or two in this weather," was 
 the answer. "Later in the day I will board her 
 again." 
 
 They struck inland and walked for about two 
 miles. There were trees and plants such as they 
 had never seen before, and the songs of unknown 
 birds floated out upon the air. It was certainly a 
 delightful change from the contracted life they had 
 been leading upon shipboard.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 237 
 
 "Do you think the island is inhabited?" asked 
 Harry. 
 
 "I know no more about it than you do, my lad," 
 answered Holdfast. 
 
 "Suppose we should meet with a pack of savages 
 armed with spears!" suggested Harry, with a side 
 
 look at Clinton, who was walking soberly beside 
 him. 
 
 "Oh, good gracious! Mr. Holdfast, do you 
 think we will?" asked that young gentleman, 
 nervously. 
 
 "We must do the best we can. I take it we are 
 all brave, and would be willing to fight." 
 
 "Certainly," said Harry; "I can answer for Mr. 
 Clinton and myself." 
 
 "Oh ! but really, now, I don't think I could 
 fight with savages, you know," said Clinton, turn- 
 ing pale. "We'd better go back, don't you 
 know." 
 
 "You can go back, Mr. Clinton," said Mr. 
 Stubbs. "As for me, I am going forward." 
 
 "But I shouldn't dare to go back alone. They 
 might surprise me, you know."
 
 23& FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I am quite sure you would surprise them, Mr. 
 Clinton," said the professor, smiling. 
 
 "Do you think so, really?" said the dude, not 
 understanding the significance of this remark. 
 
 "I am sure of it." 
 
 "Won't you go back with me, Mr. Vane?" 
 
 "No, Mr. Clinton; I am curious to explore our 
 new home." 
 
 "I wish I was back in Brooklyn," sighed Clin- 
 ton. 
 
 "I should rather be there myself," said Harry. 
 "Yet, if I were only sure of it, I should not mind 
 staying here a while." 
 
 "I wonder," said Mr. Stubbs, reflectively, "if 
 anyone were ever shipwrecked on this island be- 
 fore." 
 
 "I think it quite likely," said the mate. "It is, 
 it seems, pretty large. If it were located within a 
 convenient distance of New York, I should not be 
 surprised if it were a favorite summer resort." 
 
 "I am afraid, Harry," said the professor, "that 
 it will hardly pay to give one of our magical enter- 
 tainments here."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 239 
 
 "Unless the island should be inhabited," sug- 
 gested Harry. 
 
 "Even in that case, I doubt whether the enter- 
 tainment would be within the comprehension - of 
 the dusky savages who might be found here." 
 
 "Think, Mr. Clinton," said Harry, "how the 
 dusky maidens would admire you ! I am not sure 
 but they might fight among themselves for your 
 favor." 
 
 The young man from Brooklyn didn't appear 
 flattered by the suggestion. 
 
 "I admire the fair sex, I admit," he said, "but 
 when it comes to copper-colored savages, I would 
 rather be excused, don't you know? I was a great 
 favorite with the young ladies of Brooklyn, and 
 had no end of invitations to parties. If they could 
 only see me now !" he concluded, with a sigh. 
 
 After a considerable walk, they reached a grove 
 of trees, bearing a different leaf from any to which 
 they were accustomed. They did not appear to 
 produce fruit of any kind, but were comely and af- 
 forded a grateful shade. This was the more ap- 
 preciated, because the sun had begun to make its
 
 2 4 o FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 heat felt, and a feeling of languor diffused itself 
 over all. 
 
 "I move we squat here a while," said Mr. 
 Stubbs, quaintly. 
 
 "Very well," said the mate. "We have all day 
 before us, and I am afraid a great many to come, 
 in which we may explore the island." 
 
 All threw themselves on the grass without cere- 
 mony, except Mr. Clinton, who carefully drew 
 from his pocket a linen handkerchief, and spead 
 it out to sit upon. 
 
 Harry smiled. 
 
 "You are more careful than the rest of us, Mr. 
 Clinton," he said. 
 
 "I don't want to soil my trousers," said Clin- 
 ton. 
 
 "Especially as you don't know when you can 
 get another pair," suggested Stubbs. "Really, 
 my young friend, I am a little curious as to how we 
 will all be looking a year hence, if we stay here as 
 long. Ten to one we shall have to extemporize 
 new garments of sailcloth." 
 
 "Oh! Mr. Stubbs, don't mention such a horrid
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 2 4 r 
 
 thing," said Clinton, with an expression of anguish. 
 
 "I think you would look rather picturesque, Mr. 
 Clinton, in a sailcloth suit," said Harry, smiling 
 mischievously. 
 
 All laughed except Clinton, to whom the sub- 
 ject was a very solemn one.
 
 242 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 PREPARING A HOME. 
 
 THEY returned to the shore about noon, and 
 sitting down on the bluff, ate heartily of the 
 stores they had brought with them from the ship. 
 They had brought no water, but, fortunately, dis- 
 covered a spring on their homeward walk, which 
 promised a constant supply of refreshing drink. 
 
 "This seems like a picnic," said Harry, as they 
 sat down on the grass with the food in the center. 
 
 "I am afraid it will prove a larger picnic than 
 we care for," remarked the professor. 
 
 "Speaking of picnics," said Mr. Clinton, "re- 
 minds me of this time last year. I was sojourning 
 in the country. I went to a picnic with two beauti- 
 ful creatures. Ton my word, they actually got 
 jealous of each other. Each thought I liked the 
 other best. I found it very embarrassing, don't 
 you know."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 243 
 
 "I should think you would," said Harry, smil- 
 ing. "How did it turn out?" 
 
 "There was a small lake in the picnic grounds, 
 and they insisted on my taking them out in a row- 
 boat." 
 
 "Of course you did." 
 
 "Certainly. I couldn't refuse, don't you know." 
 
 "Did you row, or they?" asked Mr. Stubbs. 
 
 "Well, you see, they wanted to row, and I let 
 them. After a while one of them asked me a very 
 embarrassing question." 
 
 "What was it?" 
 
 "She asked: 'Suppose the boat was to upset, Mr. 
 Clinton, which of us would you save, Sarah or 
 me?' But she didn't catch me. I answered: 'I 
 shouldn't know which to choose, and so I think I 
 should save myself." 
 
 "How did that answer suit her?" 
 
 "She got mad some girls are so unreasonable, 
 don't you know? But then, if I had said I would 
 save her, Sarah would have been mad." 
 
 All laughed at Mr. Clinton's reminiscence, but 
 he sighed sadly as he thought of the happy past,
 
 244 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 and contrasted with it the unpromising present. 
 
 When dinner was over, if their informal meal 
 can be dignified by the name, Mr. Holdfast said: 
 
 "I think we had better make another trip to the 
 ship, and bring back what we can. We shall need 
 a further supply of provisions, and there will be 
 other things that will occur to us as likely to be 
 needed." 
 
 "Won't you bring my wardrobe, Mr. Hold- 
 fast?" asked Clinton, anxiously. "I want to put 
 on my striped trousers." 
 
 "Your wardrobe can wait, Mr. Clinton," said 
 Holdfast, curtly. "There are plenty of things we 
 need more than trousers." 
 
 "May I go with you] Mr. Holdfast?" asked 
 Harry. 
 
 "Yes," answered the mate; "I will take you and 
 Jack, and Mr. Stubbs, too, may come, if he will." 
 
 "I am quite at your command, captain," said 
 the Yankee. 
 
 "Then you don't want me?" said Prof. Hemen- 
 way, good-naturedly. 
 
 "You are rather stout, professor, and a little
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 245 
 
 clumsy. Perhaps you will be kind enough to re- 
 main with Mr. Clinton and entertain him." 
 
 "He is more likely to entertain me," said the 
 magician, smiling. 
 
 "You are awfuly kind, professor," said Clin- 
 ton, who took the remark in a complimentary 
 sense. 
 
 "Not at all," was the professor's smiling dis- 
 claimer. 
 
 Nothing suited Harry better than to make one 
 of the expedition. He and Jack clambered up the 
 ship's sides, and chased each other with boyish fun. 
 Jack had no fear of a stern rebuke from Mr. Hold- 
 fast, who had a sympathy with the young. He 
 would not have dared to take such liberties with 
 Capt. Hill. 
 
 "How long do you think the ship will hold to- 
 gether, Mr. Holdfast?" asked Stubbs. 
 
 "For a week, perhaps, unless the sea becomes 
 rough, and dashes her against the reef with vio- 
 lence." 
 
 "At present she seems motionless." 
 
 c 'Yes, she is not at present receiving any damage.
 
 246 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 It will be a sad day when she goes to pieces," con- 
 tinued the mate, gravely. 
 
 "Yes, but it will hardly make our position worse. 
 There is no chance of our making any use of her, 
 I take it." 
 
 "You don't quite understand me," said Hold- 
 fast. "A sailor gets to feel an attachment for the 
 craft he sails on, and she seems to him something 
 like a living creature. This is my first voyage on 
 the old Nantucket, but it will grieve me to see her 
 disappear." 
 
 "You take a romantic view of it, captain. Never 
 having been a sailor, I can't quite show your reel- 
 ings. Still, I shall feel rather lonely when the 
 old hulk collapses. It'll be breaking the last tie 
 that connects us with home and friends, as it were." 
 
 It was not easy to decide of what the boat's load 
 should consist. In the main, provisions were taken 
 as an article of first necessity. Some clothing, 
 also, was selected, and among the rest, at Harry's 
 instance, an extra pair of Mr. Clinton's trousers. 
 
 Stubbs and Holdfast laughed when Harry came 
 up from below with them hanging over his arm.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 247 
 
 "There are other articles of more consequence," 
 said the mate. 
 
 "Not to him, Mr. Holdfast," replied Harry, 
 with a smile. 
 
 "He wants to be a dude even on a desert island," 
 said Stubbs, shrugging his shoulders. 
 
 "I may take them, may I not, Mr. Holdfast?" 
 
 "Yes, if you like. They seem to be what he 
 most cares for." 
 
 Great was the delight of Clinton when Harry 
 stepped out of the boat with his beloved trousers 
 in his hands. 
 
 "You are awfully kind, Mr. Vane," he said. 
 "They are my nicest pair, too. I paid fifteen dol- 
 lars for them." 
 
 "Very suitable to wear here, Mr. Clinton," re- 
 marked Mr. Stubbs. "It is a pity there are not 
 more people to admire them." 
 
 "It's a satisfaction to be well dressed even if you 
 are alone," observed Clinton, gazing at his trousers 
 with rapture. 
 
 "I never cared much for clothes," said Mr. 
 Stubbs.
 
 ,348 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I shouldn't think he did," said Clinton after- 
 wards, in confidence to Harry. "Have you 
 noticed how baggy and shapeless his trousers are? 
 Really, I think he must have employed Noah's 
 tailor. They look as if they came out of the ark, 
 don't you know." 
 
 It was decided not to make another trip to the 
 ship that day. Mr. Holdfast expressed the opin- 
 ion that the Nantucket was not in any immediate 
 danger of going to pieces, and there was other 
 work on hand. 
 
 "Do you know anything about the climate here, 
 Mr. Holdfast?" asked the professor. 
 
 "I don't think it is ever cold. It is too far 
 south for that." 
 
 "I mean as to the chance of rain. I am told 
 that in these tropical places, rain comes on very 
 suddenly at times." 
 
 "I suspect this is the dry season, professor." 
 
 "Still, it may be wise to provide ourselves with 
 some shelter." 
 
 "True; have you anything to suggest?" 
 
 "It occurred to me that we might procure some
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 249 
 
 of the sails, and use as a roof covering, to shield us 
 from the heat of the sun, and from any unexpected 
 showers." 
 
 "A very good idea. I am glad you mentioned 
 it. On the whole, I think I will make one more 
 trip to the ship this afternoon for the special pur- 
 pose of bringing back materials for a roof. Then 
 we can put it up to-night." 
 
 "Better bring hatchets, if there are any on 
 board, some nails and cordage." 
 
 "Also well thought of. You arc a practical 
 man, professor." 
 
 "We shall all have to think for the general bene- 
 fit. I am sorry I can't do more work, but I never 
 was handy at tools." 
 
 "I am," said Stubbs. "In fact, most Yankees 
 are, and I am a Yankee. You can command my 
 services, Mr. Holdfast, in any way that you see 
 fit." 
 
 Mr. Holdfast made another trip to the vessel, 
 and brought back quite an expanse of sailcloth. 
 All hands, with the exception of Mr. Clinton, went 
 to work at once, and by sunset a considerable space
 
 250 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 was roofed over, which the .little company re- 
 garded with complacency. 
 
 "Aren't you going to have any sides or doors?" 
 asked Clinton. 
 
 "That can be considered hereafter," said Hold- 
 fast. "I don't think we shall need any, since the 
 probability is that the island is not inhabited." 
 
 The next morning a great surprise awaited 
 them.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 251 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 AN UNEXPECTED ARRIVAL. 
 
 IT might have been because it was the first night 
 on land, or perhaps because they were unusually 
 fatigued, but at any rate the little party slept un- 
 usually late. The first one to awake was Harry 
 Vane. It took very little time for him to dress, 
 since he had only taken off his coat. He glanced 
 at his slumbering companions, who were scattered 
 about in different postures. Next to him was 
 Montgomery Clinton, who had carefully placed 
 two handkerchiefs underneath him lest his apparel 
 should be soiled by contact with the earth. He 
 had been rather reluctant to sleep in so unconven- 
 tional a manner, but there was no help for it. 
 
 "Really, Mr. Vane," he said, "I never slept on 
 the ground before. I don't know what my dear 
 auntie would say if she could see me now. She 
 always gave me a nice bed with linen sheets, don't 
 you know, and was so particular that I was made 
 comfortable."
 
 252 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "It won't do us any harm to rough it a little, 
 Mr. Clinton," said Harry. "It will make men of 
 us." 
 
 "I don't care about roughing it," said Clinton, 
 rather mournfully. "It's horribly uncomfortable, 
 and I don't see the good of it." 
 
 "I don't think you'll find any linen sheets on the 
 island," said Harry, smiling, "unless you put one 
 handkerchief on the grass, and spread the other 
 over you." 
 
 "That's a good idea, Mr. Vane. I'm awfully 
 obliged. I'll put,, two handkerchiefs on the grass 
 and that will save my trousers from being soiled." 
 
 Harry could not help wondering how long Clin- 
 ton would be able to be so particular about his ap- 
 pearance, but he did not harrow up that young 
 gentleman's feeings by a prediction as to the fu- 
 ture. 
 
 "I'll go up to the spring, and have a wash," 
 Harry decided. "I won't wake anybody, for 
 there's no hurry about getting up." 
 
 Returning from the spring, Harry for the first 
 time looked in the direction of the ship. What
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 253 
 
 he saw filled him with amazement. The wreck, 
 which he had thought deserted, was alive with 
 men. He saw a dozen on deck, including two 
 who were obviously not sailors. He could not im- 
 mediately discern the figures, and ran hastily to the 
 top of the bluff. Then he made the startling dis- 
 covery that these intruders were the captain and 
 his companions, who had abandoned the ship in 
 the expectation that it was doomed, and after float- 
 ing about in the long boat had by a wonderful co- 
 incidence drifted to the very point which they 
 themselves had reached. 
 
 Harry did not know whether to be glad or sorry. 
 He felt that there was likely to be antagonism be- 
 tween the two parties. All was harmony at pres- 
 ent under the management of Mr. Holdfast, but 
 this was not likely to last. Would the captain as- 
 sume general command, and interfere with their 
 arrangements? From what he knew of him, he 
 thought it likely. Of course he was glad that the 
 chief officer and his companions were saved, but 
 he would have preferred that they had drifted in 
 some other direction.
 
 254 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 The news was too important to keep, and he re- 
 turned to their encampment, and entering, ap- 
 proached the mate, wHo was sleeping soundly. He 
 leaned over and shook him gently. 
 
 "Mr. Holdfast!" he cried. 
 
 The mate slowly opened his eyes and started up. 
 
 "What's the matter?" he asked. "Has any- 
 thing happened?" 
 
 "I've got great news for you, Mr. Holdfast. 
 Capt. Hill has arrived." 
 
 "What!" exclaimed the mate, in amazement. 
 "Arrived where ?" 
 
 "He is at this moment on the Nantucket, with 
 all the men that accompanied him in the long boat." 
 
 Uttering an exclamation of amazement, Mr. 
 Holdfast sprang from the ground, and hastily 
 made his way to the edge of the bluff. 
 
 "By Jove!" said he, "you're right. I never 
 heard of anything more wonderful." 
 
 Harry could not tell from the expression of his 
 face whether he considered the news good or not. 
 
 "Go and wake up the rest, Harry," he said. 
 "They will be surprised, too."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 255 
 
 It is needless to say that the news produced sur- 
 prise and excitement. All hurried to the edge of 
 the bluff, and Mr. Clinton, in his excitement, waved 
 one of his extemporized sheets. 
 
 "There's that fool again!" said Capt. Hill, as 
 looking shorewards, he observed this signal. 
 
 It was fortunate for Mr. Clinton that he did not 
 hear this remark. 
 
 "Will they come on shore, do you think?" 
 asked Harry, of the mate. 
 
 "They will have to; but I shall at once go out 
 to the ship to report to my superior officer. You 
 and Jack may go with me." 
 
 It is needless to say that both boys were very 
 glad to accept this invitation. The rest of the party 
 remained on shore and watched the boat's course. 
 
 "What will be the issue of this, Mr. Stubbs?" 
 asked the professor, thoughtfully. 
 
 "I am afraid there will be friction. The cap- 
 tain is a natural despot, and he will undertake to 
 control us." 
 
 "He can have no authority after the ship is 
 wrecked."
 
 256 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "He will claim it, as sure as my name is Stubbs. 
 The fact is, I am rather sorry he hadn't managed 
 to drift to another island. Mr. Holdfast is a 
 must more agreeable man to deal with." 
 
 "I agree with you. As a passenger, I shall not 
 recognize the captain's authority on shore." 
 
 "Nor I." 
 
 Meanwhile, the mate and the two boys had 
 pulled to the ship, and securing the boat, scrambled 
 on deck. 
 
 "Good-morning, Capt. Hill; I am glad to meet 
 you once more," said the mate. 
 
 "Humph!" growled the captain, not over 
 politely. "When did you reach here?" 
 
 "Yesterday morning." 
 
 "Where are the rest of your party?" 
 
 "We have a little camp just back of the bluff." 
 
 "I see you have been removing articles from the 
 ship," continued the captain, in a tone of disap- 
 proval. 
 
 "Certainly," answered the mate. "We need 
 them, and I didn't know how long the ship would 
 last."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 257 
 
 "It seems in no immediate danger of going to 
 pieces." 
 
 "Things look more favorable than they did yes- 
 terday morning. What sort of a trip did you 
 have in the boat?" 
 
 "A curious question to ask," said the captain, 
 captiously. "We were in danger of being 
 swamped more than once." 
 
 "We had better have remained on board the 
 Nantucket with you, Mr. Holdfast," said Apple- 
 ton, the Melbourne merchant. 
 
 Capt. Hill chose to take offense at this remark. 
 
 "You were quite at liberty to stay, Mr. Apple- 
 ton," he said. "I didn't urge you to go with me." 
 
 "True, Capt. Hill; but I trusted to your opinion 
 that the ship was unsafe." 
 
 The captain looked angry, but did not make any 
 reply. 
 
 By the sailors, Mr. Holdfast was warmly 
 greeted. He was much better liked than the cap- 
 tain, being a man of even temper, and reasonable 
 in his demands. 
 
 "Good-morning, Mr. Holdfast," said Marma-
 
 25 8 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 duke Timmins, the valetudinarian. "I am glad to 
 be out of that miserable boat." 
 
 "Then you didn't have a good time." 
 
 "I came near dying, sir. I managed to lose 
 overboard all the pills and powders I carried with 
 me, and, if you will believe it, I haven't taken any 
 medicine for four entire days." 
 
 "You don't seem any the worse for it, that I can 
 see. Indeed, you seem to be less sallow." 
 
 Mr. Timmins shook his head in a melancholy 
 way. 
 
 "You can't depend upon surface indications," 
 he said. "I feel" striking his breast "that I 
 am worse, much worse." 
 
 "I hope, then, you have more pills on board," 
 said the mate, politely. 
 
 "Yes, fortunately. I could not have lived long 
 without them." 
 
 "That man is a greater fool than Clinton," 
 thought Holdfast. "One poisons himself with 
 drugs, while the other only indulges a little harm- 
 less vanity."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 259 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 THE LAST OF THE U NANTUCKET." 
 
 THOUGH the mate had removed some of the 
 stores, much the larger portion was left on board, 
 for the Nan tucket had been provisioned for a long 
 voyage. Yet Capt. Hill saw fit to complain. 
 
 "It is fortunate that you didn't take all the 
 stores, Mr. Holdfast," he remarked, in a sarcastic 
 tone. 
 
 The mate eyed the captain steadily. 
 
 "May I ask your meaning, Capt. Hill?" he 
 asked. 
 
 "I mean what I say, sir. I think my language 
 requires no interpreter." 
 
 "Then I can only reply that it would have made 
 no difference if I had removed all the provisions." 
 
 "You appear to forget that I am your superic 
 officer," said the captain, in a heat. 
 
 "I had no superior officer at the time I ordered 
 the removal."
 
 260 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "You have now, at any rate." 
 
 "We are not at sea, Capt. Hill. The vessel is 
 wrecked, and all distinctions are at an end. Now 
 it is each for himself." 
 
 "So, sir, you defy my authority!'' exclaimed the 
 captain, looking black. 
 
 "I don't recognize it, that is all, sir," answered 
 Mr. Holdfast. 
 
 "You shall, sir!" retorted the captain, frowning. 
 "You shall learn, also, that I have means to en- 
 force it. I have nearly a dozen seamen under me 
 and you have only the boy, Jack Pendleton." 
 
 "Capt. Hill, all this is very foolish. We are 
 shipwrecked, and have taken refuge on the same 
 island. Instead of quarreling, we should help 
 each other." 
 
 "So you presume to lecture me!" sneered the 
 captain. 
 
 Mr. Holdfast didn't care to continue the dis- 
 pute. 
 
 "I am ready to help you remove what you re- 
 quire," he said, quietly. "It will be well to re- 
 move as much as possible to-day, for we may at any
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 261 
 
 time have a storm, that will effectually put an end 
 to our work." 
 
 "Very well, sir; I am glad you show a better 
 spirit." 
 
 The mate was both annoyed and amused at this 
 evident intention to throw upon him the whole 
 onus of the quarrel, but he did not care to reply. 
 He and the two boys helped remove the stores, and 
 it being quite early, by noon several boat loads 
 had been deposited on shore, to be removed far- 
 ther inland when there was a good opportuity. 
 One thing Mr. Holdfast noted with apprehension. 
 There was a considerably quantity of brandy and 
 other spirits in the captain's cabin, which he took 
 care to have included in the articles removed. Re- 
 membering the captain's weakness, he feared this 
 might lead to trouble. But he did not take it 
 upon himself to remonstrate, knowing that in the 
 state of the captain's feeling toward him it would 
 be worse than useless. 
 
 By three o'clock about all the stores, with other 
 needful articles, had been removed, and there was 
 a large pile on the bluff.
 
 262 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Captain, will you walk over and see my en- 
 campment?" asked Holdfast, now that there was 
 leisure. 
 
 "Lead on, sir," said the captain, not over- 
 politely. 
 
 It was not far away and a short walk brou^' 
 them in front of it. 
 
 "Perhaps you will feel inclined to settle near 
 by," suggested Holdfast. 
 
 "No, sir; I don't care to intrude upon you." 
 
 Eventually the captain selected a spot about half 
 a mile away. Here an encampment was made, 
 very similar to the mate's, but on a larger scale. 
 
 "I am glad the captain is not close alongside," 
 said Jack Pendleton. 
 
 "So am I," answered Harry, to whom this re- 
 mark was made. "We are better off by our- 
 selves." 
 
 "He would be sure to interfere with us. I saw 
 him scowling at me more than once this morning. 
 You know he don't like me." 
 
 "Nor me either, Jack. It will be well for both 
 of us to keep out of his way."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 263 
 
 To the great delight of Clinton, more of his 
 "wardrobe," as he called it, was brought ashore. 
 For this he was indebted to the good-natured per- 
 sistence of Harry, who, though amused at the 
 vanity of the young man from Brooklyn, felt dis- 
 posed to gratify him in a harmless whim. 
 
 "You are awfully kind, Mr. Vane," said Clin- 
 ton. "Did you save your own wardrobe?" 
 
 "I have an extra pair of pants, and some under- 
 clothing." 
 
 "Don't say pants it's vulgar. Say trousers," 
 expostulated Clinton. 
 
 "It comes to the same thing, I fancy," said 
 Harry, with a smile. 
 
 "If you should get short of clothing I'll give 
 you a pair of my trousers," said Clinton, gener- 
 ously. 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Clinton." 
 
 Harry doubted, however, whether he should 
 avail himself of the offer. Clinton's limbs were 
 exceedingly attenuated and his trousers were an ex- 
 act fit. Now, Harry had a sturdy pair of legs, and 
 felt sure it would be impossible to get them into
 
 264 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 his companion's trousers. He contented himself, 
 however, with thanking him. 
 
 The two parties remained apart, the original 
 company remaining with the captain, while four 
 passengers and Jack Pendleton stayed with the 
 mate. Capt. Hill showed a disposition to claim 
 Jack, but Holdfast said, quietly: "I think, cap- 
 tain, Jack had better stay with me for the present, 
 as he is company for Harry Vane." 
 
 The captain looked dissatisfied, but was too tired 
 to remonstrate at that time. He went to his own 
 encampment, and indulged in liberal potations of 
 brandy, which had the effect of sending him to 
 sleep. 
 
 That night a violent wind sprang up. It blew 
 from the sea inland, and though it did not affect 
 the shipwrecked parties or their encampment seri- 
 ously, on account of their being screened by the 
 intervening bluff, it had another effect which a day 
 or two previous might have been disastrous. The 
 ill-fated Nantucket was driven with such force 
 against the reef that the strength of its hull was 
 overtaxed. When the mate went to the edge of
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 265 
 
 the bluff in the morning to take an observation, he 
 was startled to find in place of the wreck a con- 
 fused debris of timbers, and fragments of the 
 wreck. Kegs and chests which it had not been 
 thought necessary to move had been thrown upon 
 the reef, and the elements had done a work of de- 
 struction which the skill of man would have found 
 it hard to repair. 
 
 As the mate was surveying the scene of ruin, 
 Jack and Harry joined him. 
 
 "Look there, my lads!" said Holdfast. "That's 
 the last of the poor old Nantucket. She will never 
 float again." 
 
 They had known this before, but it was now im- 
 pressed upon their minds forcibly, and a feeling of 
 sadness came over the three. 
 
 "That settles it," said Harry, giving expression 
 to a common feeling. "We are prisoners on the 
 island now, and no mistake." 
 
 "When we leave here, it won't be on the Nan- 
 tucket, anyway," said Jack. 
 
 "It is lucky this happened after we had brought 
 our stock of provisions ashore,'' said the mate.
 
 266 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Let us go down and see what these kegs and 
 boxes contain," suggested Harry. 
 
 So the three descended to the reef, and began to 
 examine the articles thrown ashore. For the most 
 part they were of little value, though here and 
 there were articles that might prove useful. 
 
 "Couldn't we make a raft out of the timbers of 
 the old ship?" asked Jack. 
 
 "That is worth thinking of, though a raft would 
 not do for a long voyage," said Holdfast. 
 
 "No, but we might be picked up." 
 
 "When the captain's party is awake it will be 
 well for us to haul the loose timbers up to a place 
 of safety." 
 
 "Here's Clinton's trunk," said Harry, bending 
 over and recognizing the initials. "Here is the 
 name, *M. C., Brooklyn.' He will be overjoyed. 
 Suppose we take it up between us." 
 
 No opposition being made by Mr. Holdfast, the 
 boys took it between them, preceding the mate. 
 They had just reached the summit of the bluff. 
 
 "Put down that trunk!" said a stern voice. 
 
 Looking up, the boys saw Capt. Hill.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 267 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 THE CAPTAIN INTERFERES. 
 
 THE captain's face was a dull, brick-red color, 
 and it was clear that he had already been drinking, 
 early as it was. Naturally, the boys, on hearing 
 his voice, put down the trunk in their surprise, but 
 they maintained the position, one on each side of 
 it. Of the two, Jack was the more impressed, 
 having been one of the crew, and subject to the 
 captain's authority on shipboard. Harry, as a 
 passenger, felt more independent. Indeed he was 
 indignant, and ready to resist what he thought un- 
 called-for interference on the part of the captain. 
 
 -"This is Mr. Clinton's trunk," he said. "We 
 are going to carry it to him." 
 
 "Do you dare to dispute my authority?" roared 
 the captain, his red face becoming still redder. 
 
 "I don't see what you have to do with the 
 trunk," answered Harry, boldly. 
 
 "This to me!" shrieked the captain, looking as
 
 268 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 if he were going to have a fit of apoplexy. "Do 
 you know who I am?" 
 
 "You were the captain of the Nantucket" said 
 Harry, quietly. 
 
 The captain, notwithstanding his condition, 
 noticed that Harry used the past tense. 
 
 "I am still the captain of the Nantucket, as I 
 mean to show you," he retorted. 
 
 "Then, sir, you are captain of a wreck that has 
 gone to pieces." 
 
 Capt. Hill upon this looked at the fragments 
 of the unfortunate ship, and for the first time took 
 in what had happened. 
 
 "It doesn't matter," said he, after a brief pause. 
 "I am in command here, and" here he interpo- 
 lated an oath "I don't allow any interference 
 with my authority." 
 
 "You are not captain of Mr. Clinton's trunk," 
 said Harry, in a spirited tone. "Jack, let us carry 
 it along." 
 
 This was too much for the captain. With a 
 look of fury on his face, he dashed toward Harry, 
 and there is no doubt that our young hero was in
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 269 
 
 serious danger. He paled slightly, for he knew 
 he was no match for the tall, sinewy captain, and 
 was half regretting his independence when he felt 
 himself drawn forcibly to one side, and in his place 
 stood the mate, sternly eying the infuriated cap- 
 tain. 
 
 "What do you want to do, Capt. Hill?" he 
 asked. 
 
 "To crush that young viper!" shouted the cap- 
 tain, fiercely. 
 
 "You shall not harm a hair of his head!" 
 
 "Is this mutiny, Mr. Holdfast? Are you aware 
 that you are speaking to your superior officer?" 
 
 "I have no superior officer here, Capt. Hill. 
 You were captain on shipboard, but the ship has 
 gone to pieces." 
 
 Capt. Hill seemed astounded by this answer. 
 
 "Do you dispute my authority, sir?" he ejacu- 
 lated. 
 
 "I do." 
 
 "Zounds, sir; this is mutiny." 
 
 "Then make the most of it," said the mate, con- 
 temptuously.
 
 2 7 o FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "I will have you put in irons." 
 
 Mr. Holdfast smiled. 
 
 "I don't think any irons were brought ashore," 
 he said. "You have been drinking, Capt. Hill; 
 or you would not make such a foolish threat." 
 
 By this time the captain's wrath had been di- 
 verted to the mate. He struck out with his right 
 hand, intending to fell him to the ground, but, the 
 mate swerving, he fell from the force of his abor- 
 tive blow, and being under the influence of his 
 morning potations, could not immediately rise. 
 
 "Boys," said Mr. Holdfast, "you may take 
 hold of the trunk again, and go on with it. Don't 
 be afraid. If the captain makes any attempt to as- 
 sault you, he will have me to deal with." 
 
 Harry and Jack did as directed. Jack, how- 
 ever, could riot help feeling a little nervous, his old 
 fear of the captain asserting itself. But Harry, 
 confident in the protection of his good friend, the 
 mate, was quite unconcerned. 
 
 Mr. Holdfast walked on beside them. 
 
 "The captain seems disposed to make trouble," 
 he said. "He fancies that he is captain of this is-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 271 
 
 land, as he was chief officer of the Nantucket. I 
 shall convince him of his mistake." 
 
 "I hope you won't get into any trouble on my 
 account, Mr. Holdfast," said Harry, considerately. 
 
 "Thank you, my lad; but Tom Holdfast doesn't 
 propose to let any man walk over him, even if it is 
 Jiis old skipper. Now that the ship is gone, Capt. 
 Hill has no more authority here than I have." 
 
 As the captain fell, his head came in contact 
 with a timber with such violence that, combined 
 with his condition, he was forced to lie where he 
 fell for over an hour. 
 
 As the boys emerged upon the blufif with the 
 trunk, Clinton, who had just got up, recognized 
 it, and ran up to them, his face beaming. 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Vane!" he said, "have you really 
 brought my trunk? You are awfully kind." 
 
 "Twenty-five cents, please, Mr. Clinton," said 
 Harry, smiling. "We don't work for nothing." 
 
 "Really, upon my word," said Clinton, thrust- 
 ing his hands into his pockets, "I am afraid I 
 haven't got my purse with me." 
 
 "That's a pity," said Harry, gravely, "for I
 
 272 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 wanted to call at a cheap furnishing goods store 
 and buy a cheap necktie. Didn't you, Jack?" 
 
 "Oh, you're joking! Very good, upon my 
 word. But I'm awfully obliged, don't you know." 
 
 "You've had a narrow escape, Mr. Clinton. 
 The captain met us, and forbade our bringing the 
 trunk." 
 
 "Why?" asked Clinton, with eyes opened wide. 
 
 "I think he wanted it himself." 
 
 "But he couldn't wear my trousers," said Clin- 
 ton, perplexed. 
 
 The mere suggestion of the burly captain in- 
 casing his legs in Clinton's dudelike garments sent 
 both boys into a gale of laughter. Clinton sur- 
 veyed them with a wondering smile. He didn't 
 see the joke. 
 
 "You'd better put the trunk away whero the cap- 
 tain won't see it, or there's no knowing what will 
 happen," suggested Harry. 
 
 Then they had breakfast a very plain meal, as 
 might be supposed. Some of the sailors came over 
 from the other camp, and one of them asked Mr. 
 Holdfast if he had seen the captain.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 273 
 
 "You will find him on the beach," answered the 
 mate. "He has been carrying too much sail, I 
 think," he added, dryly. 
 
 The sailor shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 "He wanted me and Jack Bowling to stand 
 watch last night," he said. "He thought he was 
 on the ship." 
 
 "Did you?" 
 
 "We just stood outside till he was asleep, and 
 then we turned in." 
 
 "He'll never stand on the Nantucket's deck 
 again." 
 
 "Why not?" 
 
 "In the blow last night the ship went to pieces." 
 
 The sailor hurried to the edge of the bluff, anx- 
 ious to see for himself. 
 
 "That's so, Mr. Holdfast," he said, soberly. 
 "Shall we ever see America again, think you?" 
 
 "A brave man never despairs, Tom. We can 
 rig up a raft or something. Meanwhile, we've 
 got enough to eat for a couple of months. There's 
 some satisfaction in that." 
 
 "And the captain saved his brandy. He's got
 
 274 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 enough to last him longer than that, if he don't get 
 help." 
 
 "What do you mean by that?" 
 
 "I mean that there's some of the men as fond 
 of spirits as he is. I expect he'll have help." 
 
 "You don't include yourself, I hope, Tom." 
 
 "No, Mr. Holdfast. My brother died of drink 
 a year ago, and though up to that time I'd taken 
 my glass of grog along with the rest of my ship- 
 mates, I swore off then, and I haven't drunk a glass 
 since, and I don't mean to." 
 
 "Then you're a wise man. To my thinking, 
 the brandy had better have been left aboard. 
 Nothing but harm can come of it. I've had 
 trouble with the captain already this morning on 
 account of it, and I'm afraid this isn't the end." 
 
 After a while the captain picked himself up, 
 and gazed moodily at the wreck, of which so little 
 remained. Then, the events of the morning re- 
 curring to him, he frowned savagely, and, turn- 
 ing toward the bluff, he shook his fist angrily in the 
 direction of the mate's encampment.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 275 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 THE ITALIAN SAILOR. 
 
 FOR several days nothing of note occurred on 
 the island. The captain exhibited an inclination 
 for solitude. In the morning he would drink 
 freely, and then wander off by himself, not return- 
 ing till nightfall. It must be admitted that his 
 absence was felt as a relief by both parties. When 
 at the camp, he showed a disposition to domineer, 
 as if he were still the tyrant of the quarterdeck. 
 
 Not having anything special on their hands, the 
 shipwrecked party, still keeping apart in their two 
 camps, amused themselves as best they could. 
 Still, there were hours, and plenty of them, when 
 all felt blue. 
 
 An idea came to Harry. 
 
 "Professor," he said, to his employer, "why 
 can't we give one of our entertainments this even- 
 ing?"
 
 276 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Is there any hall that we can have?" asked the 
 professor, smiling. 
 
 "I think it will be best to make an open-air en- 
 tertainment, under the circumstances," returned 
 Harry. "You see, some of the men are getting 
 downhearted, when they think of the small pros- 
 pect of seeing home, and it may cheer them up a 
 little." 
 
 "It's a good idea, Harry," said the professor, 
 seriously. "By good luck, I have in my trunk" 
 the professor's trunk, like Clinton's, had come 
 ashore "some printed programs, requiring only 
 the insertion of place and time, and you may post 
 two of them up, one at each camp. Of course, 
 you will assist." 
 
 "I will do my best." 
 
 Great was the surprise and interest when the 
 sailors and passengers saw the printed posters at- 
 tached to trees, Harry having attended to that duty 
 in person, setting forth that a magical entertain- 
 ment would that evening be given, admission free, 
 beginning at seven o'clock. The hour was made 
 early, because there was no means of lighting up.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 277 
 
 "I say, Jack, that 'minds me of home," said 
 Tim. "Never did I expect to see a bit of printin' 
 nor a theayter ag'in." 
 
 "You're right, Tim. It looks good, it do." 
 
 Nothing was spoken of all day but the enter- 
 tainment, and half an hour before the time the 
 audience collected. 
 
 Fortunately, the professor had saved in his 
 trunk all the implements of his profession, and the 
 entertainment he gave, therefore, was quite as 
 good as any he was accustomed to furnished on 
 shore. 
 
 Some of the sailors had never seen any such ex- 
 hibition, and they gazed with open-eyed wonder 
 at the tricks and transformations, in which Harry 
 ably seconded the "Magician of Madagascar." 
 The ventriloquism, too, excited amazement, and 
 some were half disposed to think that the pro- 
 fessor was in league with unholy powers. 
 
 At the close the professor said : 
 
 "Our young friend, Harry Vane, will now 
 oblige us all by a song." 
 
 Harry stepped to the front and sang he had
 
 278 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 not decided upon the song "Home, Sweet 
 Home!" 
 
 Before he had finished it tears came to the eyes 
 of more than one of the sturdy sailors. The song 
 intensified their yearning for home, and the doubt 
 whether they would ever leave the island power- 
 fully affected them. From the same cause 
 Harry's own voice became tremulous, aifd he saw 
 that he had made a mistake. 
 
 "This won't do, Harry," said the professor, in 
 a low voice. "Give them something jolly. Let 
 us send them away in good spirits." 
 
 Harry took the hint, and dashed into a lively 
 song that soon called forth smiles to the faces but 
 lately sad. He followed it up by another, and 
 was greeted with uproarious applause. 
 
 "Ladies and gentlemen," said the professor "I 
 beg pardon, gentlemen, for the ladies are un- 
 avoidably absent. This concludes our entertain- 
 ment for this evening. Hoping that you have 
 been pleased with our humble efforts, Harry and 
 myself will now bid you good-night!" 
 
 "That professor's a smart man !" was the opin-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 279 
 
 Ion expressed by more than one, "and the lad sings 
 like a martingale." 
 
 "That isn't the word, Jack. You're all wrong." 
 
 "Well, it's some kind of bird. I disremember 
 the exact name." 
 
 All the party were present except one. Capt. 
 Hill didn't make his appearance till the meeting 
 was breaking up. Then he came in sight, round the 
 corner of the encampment. "What's all this?" 
 he demanded, suspiciously, of a sailor. "What 
 mischief have you been hatching up while I was 
 away?" 
 
 "That poster will inform you, Capt. Hill," said 
 the mate, pointing to the tree close by, to which it 
 was attached. "The professor has been trying to 
 cheer up the men a little." 
 
 The captain muttered something under his 
 breath, and passed on. 
 
 Among the sailors was an Italian named Fran- 
 cesco. Probably he had another name, but no one 
 knew what it was. In fact, a sailor's last name is 
 very little used. He was a man of middle height, 
 very swarthy, with bright, black eyes, not unpopu-
 
 280 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 lar, for the most part, but with a violent temper. 
 His chief fault was a love of strong drink. 
 On board the Nantucket grog had been served to 
 the crew; and with that he had been content. But 
 at the time of the wreck no spirits had been saved 
 but the captain's stock of brandy. Francesco felt 
 this to be a great hardship. More than any other 
 sailor he felt the need of his usual stimulant. It 
 was very tantalizing to him to see the captain 
 partaking of his private stock of brandy, while he 
 was compelled to get along on water. 
 
 "The captain is too mucha selfish," he said one 
 day, to a fellow sailor. "He should share his 
 brandy with the men." 
 
 Ben Brady, the sailor to whom he was speak- 
 ing, shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 "Brandy is too good for the likes of us," he said. 
 
 "Who says that?" demanded the Italian, an- 
 grily. 
 
 "I say so, my hearty." 
 
 "Then the captain he not say so, eh?" 
 
 "I never heard him say so, but no doubt he 
 thinks so."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 281 
 
 "I no want brandy if I can get grog; but there 
 is no grog." 
 
 "Then you will have to do without." 
 
 "I think I will try some of the captain's brandy 
 when he is away," said Francesco, slyly. 
 
 "If you do, you will get into trouble. The cap- 
 tain will half murder you if he finds it out." 
 
 "He is not captain now we are all equal all 
 comrades. We are not on ze sheep." 
 
 "Take my advice, Francesco, and leave the 
 brandy alone." 
 
 Francesco did not reply, but he became more 
 and more bent on his design. His mouth watered, 
 if that is a correct expression, for the brandy which 
 he saw the captain partake of every day. Why 
 should one man monopolize all the good spirit, he 
 asked himself, when he was suffering for a draught 
 of it? 
 
 He watched the captain, and ascertained where 
 he kept his secret store. Then he watched his op- 
 portunity to help himself to it. It was some time 
 before he had an opportunity to do so unobserved, 
 but at length the chance came.
 
 282 FACING THE WORLD 
 
 The first draught brought light to his eyes, and 
 made him smack his lips with enjoyment. It was 
 so long since he had tasted the forbidden nectar 
 that he drank again and again, forgetting that 
 brandy had a strength which the more common 
 liquors to which he was accustomed have not. 
 Finally he found himself overcome by his pota- 
 tions, and sank upon the ground in a drunken 
 stupor. 
 
 He was getting over the effects when, to his ill 
 luck, the captain returned from his usual solitary 
 ramble, and wended his way to the place where he 
 had stored his brandy. Prone on the ground, in a 
 state which no one could misunderstand, he saw 
 Francesco. 
 
 "He has been at my brandy!" Capt. Hill said 
 to himself, with flaming eyes. "The fool shall 
 pay dearly for his temerity." 
 
 He advanced hastily to the prostrate man, and 
 administered a severe kick, which at once aroused 
 the half-stupefied man. 
 
 Francesco looked up with alarm, for the captain 
 was a much larger and stronger man than himself.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 283 
 
 "Pardon, signer capitan," he entreated. 
 
 "You have been drinking my brandy, you 
 beast," said Capt. Hill, furiously. 
 
 "Pardon me; indeed, I could not help it, I was 
 so thirsty." 
 
 "I pardon you ?" roared the captain. "I'll give 
 you a lesson you will never forget." 
 
 I draw a veil over the brutal treatment poor 
 Francesco received. When it was over he crawled 
 away, beaten and humiliated, but in his eye there 
 was a dangerous light that boded no good to the 
 captain.
 
 284 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 MR. CLINTON'S TERRIBLE ADVENTURE. 
 
 MONTGOMERY CLINTON, having, like most of 
 his companions, very little to occupy his mind, got 
 into the habit of taking long walks about the is- 
 land. He had got over his fear of a possible en- 
 counter with savages, having made up his mind 
 that the island was uninhabited save by the ship- 
 wrecked sailors and passengers of the Nantucket. 
 Though he was not likely to meet anyone, habit 
 was strong upon him, and he attired himself as 
 carefully for these expeditions as if he were about 
 to visit Prospect Park, on a Sunday afternoon, or 
 take a stroll down Fulton Avenue, in his native 
 Brooklyn. 
 
 Mr. Clinton was not fond of solitude. He felt 
 that it was a pity no one was privileged to see him 
 in all the splendor of his apparel. But he could 
 always admire himself. By some strange over-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 285 
 
 sight, not a mirror not even a handglass had 
 been brought on shore, and his only chance to sur- 
 vey himself was to gaze into the depths of some 
 pellucid pool, and admire the slender figure and 
 attenuated limbs, which qualified him for h's 
 crowning distinction as a modern dude. 
 
 About two miles from the camp, not far from 
 the shore, was a small pond, or pool, which he 
 used for a mirror. His reason for going alone 
 was, that he could not have indulged otherwise, 
 without ridicule, in his favorite amusement of ad- 
 miring his own form and figure. 
 
 One warm day he fell asleep a few rods from 
 the pond. His walk, together with the heat, had 
 made him drowsy, and pillowing his head on a 
 clump of earth, he enjoyed a refreshing slumber. 
 At length he had a dream that terrified him. It 
 seemed to him that he was in the region beyond 
 the Missouri, in the heart of the forests, sur- 
 rounded by a pack of American Indians, who, 
 armed with bows and spears, were executing a 
 war dance about him, preparatory to inflicting 
 cruel tortures upon him. Poor Clinton's brow was
 
 286 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 covered with beads of cold perspiration in spite of 
 the heat, and his mental agitation was such that 
 the chains of slumber were loosened, and he woke 
 up. But his awakening did not release him from 
 the thraldom of terror. As from his lowly pillow 
 he looked upward, he saw a brown face scanning 
 him with curiosity. It was only one of half a 
 dozen Polynesian savages, scantily clothed, as is 
 the custom of their race, who were gathered in a 
 circle about him. 
 
 Clinton at first thought that it was only a con- 
 tinuation of his dream, but a hurried glance at the 
 familiar surroundings satisfied him that he was 
 broad awake, and that these were creatures of real 
 flesh and blood. 
 
 The poor fellow's heart sank within him. They 
 might be cannibals, he thought, about to kill him 
 to satisfy their degraded appetite. He was neither 
 brave nor bold, but even if he had been, he was 
 but one against six. What could he do? If only 
 he could propitiate them by gentle and conciliatory 
 speech, he might yet save his life. 
 
 He gathered himself up, and with blanched face
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 287 
 
 and troubled look, returned the steadfast gaze of 
 the strangers. When he rose, they moved back a 
 step, and surveyed him doubtfully, as if uncertain 
 of his intentions. 
 
 "Gentlemen," said Clinton, in a tremulous tone, 
 "I hope you will excuse me for intruding upon your 
 domains. 'Pon my word, I didn't know you lived 
 here. I'm awfully sorry, don't you know." 
 
 The savages looked at each other in bewilder- 
 ment. They heard the words, but they were as un- 
 intelligible to them as Greek would have been to 
 Clinton. The object before them evidently 
 aroused their curiosity. The thin figure and at- 
 tenuated limbs of the white stranger, with the 
 striped trousers, fitting closely to the skin, which 
 covered them, seemed to them very singular. They 
 were evidently not quite clear in mind whether 
 Clinton was not curiously tattooed, for one of them 
 bent down and passed his brown hands over the 
 trousers. Then he turned, and spoke in a soft 
 gibberish to his companions, as if to inform them 
 of the discovery he had made. 
 
 Poor Clinton trembled when this examination
 
 288 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 was going on. He did not know what it por- 
 tended. Then another of the savages came for- 
 ward and gratified his curiosity in the same way. 
 Then he put his hand upon his own leg, and spoke 
 to the others, no doubt calling attention to the dif- 
 ference between them. 
 
 "They are admiring my trousers," thought Clin- 
 ton, and in spite of his fears, he felt a certain grati- 
 fication in feeling that he was once more appre- 
 ciated, though it were only by these untutored 
 savages. 
 
 But great was his dismay when they made signs 
 for him to remove his trousers, in order that they 
 might the better form an opinion as to this un- 
 known covering. 
 
 *T really hope you'll excuse me, gentlemen," he 
 said, with trepidation. "I really couldn't spare 
 them, don't you know." 
 
 Of course they did not understand him, but they 
 saw that he was making objections, and one of 
 them made a threatening gesture that brought 
 Clinton to terms. 
 
 In anguish of heart, he proceeded to divest him-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 289 
 self of his pantaloons. One of the savages took 
 them, and they were passed from one to another, 
 and attentively examined. 
 
 "I hope they'll give them back to me," thought 
 Clinton, anxiously. 
 
 Finally one of the party undertook to draw 
 them over his own limbs, which were quite double 
 the size of the unhappy dude's. 
 
 "You'll tear them, my good friend," he said, in 
 alarm. "They are much too small for you, don't 
 you know." 
 
 Naturally the savage took no notice of the re- 
 monstrance, and proceeded with his experiment. 
 The natural result followed. In attempting to 
 thrust his sturdy limbs into the dudelike legs, the 
 trousers burst at the side, and after a hard struggle 
 the gentleman from the South Seas was obliged to 
 give it up. 
 
 He shook his head with an expression of great 
 disgust, and threw the trousers upon the 
 ground. 
 
 Clinton picked them up, and with mental an- 
 guish surveyed the irreparable damage which had
 
 290 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 been done to his choicest trousers, the pride of his 
 wardrobe. He put them on, but they hung limp 
 and tattered to his limbs. Their glory and beauty 
 had departed. 
 
 "What will they do next?" the unhappy Clin- 
 ton asked himself. 
 
 He did not need to wait long for an answer to 
 his question. 
 
 The first savage espied his hat, a choice one 
 bought from Knox, and unceremoniously snatching 
 it from his head, put it on his own. 
 
 His companions seemed amused, and laughed in 
 their way at the perpetrator of this high-handed 
 outrage, as he strutted about with Mr. Clinton's 
 fashionable hat. 
 
 "Please give it back to me, most noble savage!" 
 pleaded Clinton, in piteous accents of genuine 
 alarm, for although he had recovered from the 
 wreck six pairs of trousers, he had but one hat, 
 and if that were lost, he would be obliged to go 
 about without any head covering. 
 
 His first fears had departed. The strange 
 visitors seemed too gentle to be cannibals. But
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 291 
 
 even were it otherwise, the Brooklyn dude would 
 have made very poor pickings for any cannibal 
 with a hearty appetite. Montgomery Clinton, 
 though of average height, weighed but one hun- 
 dred and two pounds when completely dressed, and 
 would have required a long time to fatten. 
 
 The poor fellow's trials, however, were near an 
 end. All at once a party of sailors burst out of a 
 leafy covert, and began to run to the spot. Im- 
 mediately the savages took to their heels and ran 
 swiftly to the sea, where a couple of canoes were 
 awaiting them. The sailors joined in the pursuit, 
 but did not succeed in overtaking them. Into the 
 canoe they jumped, and began to paddle away. 
 But alas ! Clinton's hat went with them. The new 
 wearer of the hat forgot to return it, and pre- 
 sented a curious spectacle as he sat in the canoe in 
 his scant attire with a fashionable Broadway hat 
 on his head. 
 
 "What did they do to you, Mr. Clinton?" asked 
 a sailor. 
 
 "See here!" said Clinton, pointing: mournfully 
 to his ruined trousers.
 
 292 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 But the sailors only laughed, and made light of 
 what to Clinton was a serious trouble. 
 
 "And they've got my hat, too!" said Clinton, 
 sadly. 
 
 "Take mine, my hearty I" said a sailor, clapping 
 his own tarpaulin on Clinton's head. "I don't need 
 any, not bein' delicate, or afraid of bein' tanned." 
 
 Clinton was about to decline, but finally ac- 
 cepted, feeling a headache coming on from the 
 powerful rays of the sun, and henceforth his dude- 
 like appearance was marred by the incongruity be- 
 tween the hat and the rest of his attire.
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 293 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 A TRAGICAL END. 
 
 WHILE Clinton was undergoing persecution 
 from the unappreciative natives, a different and 
 much more tragical scene was being enacted at a 
 different part of the island. 
 
 Capt. Hill, from his unfortunate temperament, 
 was on cordial terms with none of his shipwrecked 
 companions. The sailors, indeed, yielded him a 
 certain outward respect on account of the position 
 he had held on shipboard, but when he tried to 
 exercise an equal authority on the island they were 
 stubborn, and declined to obey him. Now, the 
 captain was inclined to be a despot, and naturally 
 liked to domineer. This disposition on the part 
 of his former subordinates annoyed him exceed- 
 ingly, yet he was obliged to submit to it. Had he 
 been pleasant and reasonable, like the mate, he 
 would have found no difficulty in maintaining his 
 ascendancy, and the sailors would have yielded him
 
 294 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 a willing obedience. He would have found pleas- 
 ure also in the society of the passengers. As it 
 was, all avoided him, and he was forced to depend 
 upon his own thoughts, not altogether agreeable, 
 for companionship. 
 
 Usually soon after breakfast he set out on a 
 long and aimless walk, which occupied him all day. 
 Where he went, or how he occupied himself, none 
 knew, for no one took the trouble to follow him, 
 with one exception. 
 
 If Capt. Hill had been a prudent man, he would 
 have noticed that while no one was friendly to him, 
 one man among the small company hated him. 
 This was Francesco, the Italian sailor, whom he 
 had brutally beaten when he discovered him in the 
 act of purloining his brandy. Others, however, 
 noticed the glances of hatred with which the 
 swarthy-faced Italian regarded his former com- 
 mander. One day Mr. Holdfast thought it right 
 to call it to the attention of the captain. 
 
 "Capt. Hill," he said, "I think it only right to 
 tell you that there is a man in your camp who may 
 do you a mischief."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 295 
 
 "What do you mean?" demanded the captain, 
 haughtily, drawing himself up. 
 
 "I mean that Francesco, the Italian sailor, evi- 
 dently hates you, and is quite capable of doing you 
 harm." 
 
 "That pygmy!" said the captain, disdainfully; 
 "why, he is only a boy in stature, and I could man- 
 age half a dozen like him." 
 
 "True, if you had fair warning; but he is treach- 
 erous he will not take you at advantage." 
 
 Capt. Hill laughed scornfully. 
 
 "I am not an old man, Mr. Holdfast," he said, 
 "to be frightened at trifles. The fellow is wel- 
 come to hate me. I would as soon apprehend dan- 
 ger from a five-pound puppy." 
 
 "No enemy is unworthy of notice," said the 
 mate, sententiously. 
 
 Capt. Hill made a gesture of impatience, and 
 walked away. 
 
 Holdfast shook his head in disapproval. 
 
 "Heaven grant his confidence be not mis- 
 placed!" he said to himself. "I am no coward, 
 but if Francesco looked after me with such mur-
 
 296 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 derous glances as those with which he regards the 
 captain, I should feel nervous and try to placate 
 him." 
 
 No one is in so much danger as the man who is 
 overconfident. Capt. Hill did not allow the warn- 
 ing he had received to make him more prudent. 
 Indeed, it did harm, for he picked out Francesco 
 as a fit subject for further ill treatment, and on 
 more than one occasion kicked and cuffed him. 
 The Italian made no open resistance, but slunk 
 away, while the captain followed lim ;vith a de- 
 risive smile. 
 
 "So that is the man I am to be afraid of, accord- 
 ing to Holdfast," he muttered. "Well, I propose 
 to make it unpleasant for him." 
 
 Presently Francesco began to absent himself. 
 Where he went no one knew or cared, but he, too, 
 would be away all day. His small, black eyes 
 glowed with smoldering fires of hatred whenever 
 he looked at the captain, but his looks were al- 
 ways furtive, and so for the most part escaped ob- 
 servation. 
 
 One day Capt. Hill stood in contemplation on
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 297 
 
 the edge of a precipitous bluff, looking seaward. 
 His hands were folded, and he looked thoughtful. 
 His back was turned, so he could not, therefore, 
 see a figure stealthily approaching, the face dis- 
 torted by murderous hate, the hand holding a long, 
 slender knife. Fate was approaching him in the 
 person of a deadly enemy. He did not know that 
 day by day Francesco had dogged his steps, watch- 
 ing for the opportunity which at last had come. 
 
 So stealthy was the pace, and so silent the ap- 
 proach of the foe, that the captain believed him- 
 self wholly alone till he felt a sharp lunge, as the 
 stiletto entered his back between his shoulders. He 
 staggered, but turned suddenly, all his senses now 
 on the alert, and discovered who had assailed him. 
 
 "Ha ! it is you I" he exclaimed, wrathfully, seiz- 
 ing the Italian by the throat. "Dog, what would 
 you do?" 
 
 "Kill you !" hissed the Italian, and with the rem- 
 nant of his strength he thrust the knife farther into 
 his enemy's body. 
 
 The captain turned white, and he staggered, still 
 standing on the brink of the precipice.
 
 298 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 Perceiving it, and not thinking of his own dan- 
 ger, Francesco gave him a push, and losing his 
 balance the captain fell over the edge, a distance 
 of sixty feet, upon the jagged rocks beneath. But 
 now alone! Still retaining his fierce clutch upon 
 the Italian's throat, the murderer, too, fell with 
 him, and both were stretched in an instant, man- 
 gled and lifeless, at the bottom of the precipice. 
 Whether either had a gleam of consciousness after 
 the terrible fall could not be told. They passed 
 out of life together. 
 
 When night came, and neither returned, it was 
 thought singular, but the night was dark and they 
 were unprovided with lanterns, so that the search 
 was postponed till morning. It was only after a 
 search of several hours that the two were found, 
 the captain even in death retaining his hold upon 
 his swarthy foe, while the faces of both showed 
 them to have been under the influence of passion. 
 
 "He would have been alive to-day if he had 
 heeded my warning!" said the mate. "I told him 
 that no enemy was unworthy of notice." 
 
 There was little mourning for either. Fran-
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 299 
 
 cesco had never been a favorite with the .other 
 sailors, though they sympathized with him against 
 the captain, whose brutal treatment was without 
 adequate excuse.
 
 300 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 AFTER the captain's death two distinct camps 
 were still maintained, but the most cordial relations 
 existed between them. At the suggestion of the 
 mate, an inventory was made of the stock of pro- 
 visions, and to each camp was assigned an amount 
 proportioned to the number of men which it con- 
 tained. 
 
 There was no immediate prospect of want. Still, 
 the more prudent regarded with anxiety the steady 
 diminution of the stock remaining, and an attempt 
 was made to eke them out by fresh fish caught off 
 the island. But the inevitable day was only post- 
 poned. At length only a week's provisions re- 
 mained. The condition was becoming serious. 
 
 "What shall we do?" was the question put to 
 Mr. Holdfast, who was now looked upon by all 
 as their leader and chief.
 
 FACING THE WORLD 301 
 
 Upon this the mate called a general meeting of 
 all upon the island, sailors and passengers alike. 
 
 "My friends," he said, "it is useless to conceal 
 our situation. We are nearly out of provisions, 
 and though we may manage to subsist upon the 
 fish we catch, and other esculents native to this 
 spot, it will be a daily fight against starvation. I 
 have been asked what we are to do. I prefer 
 rather to call for suggestions from you." 
 
 "How far is the nearest land, in your opinion, 
 Mr. Holdfast?" asked Mr. Stubbs. 
 
 "Probably it is at least a thousand miles to the 
 continent, meaning the continent of Asia. No 
 doubt there are islands much nearer." 
 
 "We are on an island now, and probably we 
 should not improve our condition by seeking an- 
 other." 
 
 "We might make it worse if we reached an is- 
 land inhabited by warlike savages. Upon that 
 point I can give you no information. This is my 
 first voyage to this part of the world." 
 
 "In my view there are two courses open to us," 
 said Mr. Stubbs, finding that no one else appeared
 
 302 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 to have anything to propose. "We must remain 
 here and eat up the rest of our provisions, but there 
 seems very little chance of our attracting the at- 
 tention of any passing vessel. We appear to be 
 out of the ordinary course. Of course, it is possi- 
 ble that some ship may have passed the island 
 without attracting our notice. What is your opin- 
 ion, Mr. Holdfast?" 
 
 "The flag of the Nantticket, as you all know, 
 has floated night and day from a pole erected on 
 a high bluff," said the mate. "The chances are 
 that if any vessel had come sufficiently near it 
 would have attracted attention, and led to a boat 
 being lowered, and an exploring party sent 
 thither." 
 
 "Precisely. It looks, therefore, as if we were 
 out of the general course of vessels." 
 
 Here the boatswain, Harrison, spoke up. 
 
 "I agree with Mr. Stubbs," said he, "and I say 
 there's only one thing to do." 
 
 "Go on, sir," said Stubbs. 
 
 "While we've got any provisions left," con- 
 tinued the boatswain, "let us take the boats, and
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 303 
 
 put out to sea. We can go where the ships are, 
 and then we'll have some chance. They'll never 
 find us here, leastways, such is my opinion." 
 
 There was a murmur of assent from the sailors, 
 who clearly agreed with the boatswain. 
 
 "Ay, ay; let us take to the boats!" they said. 
 
 "Mr. Harrison expresses my sentiments," said 
 Stubbs, with a bow. "His proposal is identical 
 with the one I intended to make." 
 
 "My friends," said the mate, "you have heard 
 the proposal made by the boatswain, and indorsed 
 by Mr. Stubbs. All who are in favor of it will 
 please raise their right hand." 
 
 All voted in the affirmative with the exception 
 of Montgomery Clinton. 
 
 "Don't you think the plan a good one, Mr. 
 Clinton?" asked Harry. 
 
 "It's so horrid being out in a small boat, don't 
 you know," responded Clinton. "It's much nicer 
 on the island." 
 
 "But it would not be very nice staying here all 
 our lives," said Harry. "Still, we can leave you 
 here, if you prefer it."
 
 3 o 4 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 "Oh, no!" said Clinton, hastily. "I might 
 meet some of those horrid natives, don't you know. 
 I'll go if the rest go." 
 
 "My friends," said Mr. Holdfast, "it seems to 
 be the unanimous sentiment that we leave the is- 
 land, and sail out far enough to be in the course 
 of passing vessels. I concur in the expediency of 
 this step, and am ready to command one of the 
 boats." 
 
 "Mr. Clinton will command the other," said 
 Harry. 
 
 There was a general laugh, which reassured 
 poor Clinton, who had taken Harry's proposal in 
 earnest, and was about to excuse himself, in 
 alarm. 
 
 "Mr. Harrison will command the other," con- 
 tinued the mate. 
 
 "When shall we start?" asked a passenger. 
 
 "The sooner the better ! To-morrow morning, 
 if it is pleasant." 
 
 This decision pleased all. Something was to be 
 done, and hope was rekindled in the breasts of all. 
 Heretofore they had been living on, without hope
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 305 
 
 or prospect of release. Now they were to set out 
 boldly, and though there was the possibility of 
 failure, there was also a chance of deliverance. 
 
 No sooner was the decision made than all hands 
 went to work to prepare for embarking. Mr. 
 Clinton, even, volunteered his assistance, but he 
 proved so unhandy, and got so mixed in attempt- 
 ing to follow directions, that Mr. Holdfast gravely 
 excused him from personal labor, and asked him 
 to superintend the others. This gave Mr. Clin- 
 ton an idea that he was of great service, although 
 his orders received no attention. He was very 
 much disturbed because the mate would not agree 
 to carry his trunk in the boat, but restricted him 
 to the clothes he had on. 
 
 "What will become of my trousers?" he asked, 
 pathetically. 
 
 "The next party of natives landing on the is- 
 land will probably find them very convenient," said 
 the mate, with a twinkle in his eye. 
 
 "I couldn't think of their wearing them," re- 
 sponded Clinton, mournfully. "May I take one 
 pair under my arm?"
 
 306 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 This favor was finally accorded to the young 
 man, and his grief was somewhat mitigated. 
 
 In the apportionment of passengers, Mr. Hold- 
 fast, who commanded the long boat, retained 
 Harry, the professor and Clinton. Six sailors, in- 
 cluding Jack Pendleton, made up the comple- 
 ment. 
 
 "I am glad you are going to be with us, Jack," 
 said Harry, joyfully. "I shouldn't like to be sep- 
 arated from you." 
 
 "Nor I from you, Harry," returned Jack, with 
 a look of affection, for he had grown very much 
 attached to our hero. 
 
 "I don't know what fate is in store for us," con- 
 tinued Harry, "but, at any rate, we shall be to- 
 gether." 
 
 At eight o'clock the next morning they started. 
 As the island faded in the distance, all looktd 
 thoughtfully at their sometime home. 
 
 "Shall we ever see it again, Jack, I wonder?" 
 said Harry. 
 
 "I hope not," answered Jack, "except from the 
 deck of a good ship."
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 307 
 
 "I have passed some happy days there. It isn't 
 so bad a place, after all." 
 
 "But I like the ship's deck better." 
 
 "Because you arc fond of the sea. You will be 
 a captain some time, Jack." 
 
 "I hope so," answered the young sailor, with 
 glowing face. 
 
 "How would you like to be a sailor, Mr. Clin- 
 ton?" asked Harry, mischievously. 
 
 "It is a horrid business," said Clinton, shudder- 
 ing. "The sea is very nasty. Ohl" 
 
 "What's the matter?" 
 
 "Some nasty sea water was splashed on my 
 trousers. You sailor men, please row more care- 
 fully." 
 
 The sailors only laughed, and five minutes later 
 poor Clinton suffered again in the same way, 
 whether by accident or design I am not sure. 
 
 Three days the two boats floated about on the 
 bosom of the ocean three days and nights of 
 anxiety, during which no sail was visible. But at 
 length a ship was sighted. 
 
 "All of you wave your handkerchiefs!" said the
 
 3 o8 FACING THE WORLD. 
 
 mate. "In one way or another we must try to 
 attract attention." 
 
 "Wave your trousers, Clinton," said Harry. 
 
 "I can't, don't you know," said Clinton, be- 
 wildered. 
 
 Not to protract the reader's suspense, let me say- 
 that by great good fortune the mate of the ap- 
 proaching ship, in sweeping the ocean with his 
 glass, caught sight of the two boats, and changed 
 the course of the vessel so as to fall in with 
 them. 
 
 "Who are you?" he hailed. 
 
 "Shipwrecked sailors and passengers of the ship 
 Nantucket," was the answer of Mr. Holdfast. 
 
 They were taken on board, and discovered that 
 the vessel was the Phocis, from New York, bound 
 for Melbourne. 
 
 "We shall reach our destination after all, then, 
 professor," said Harry, "and you will be able to 
 give your entertainments as you proposed." 
 
 Prof. Hemenway shook his head. 
 
 "I shall take the first steamer home," he said. 
 "My wife will be anxious about me, and even now
 
 FACING THE WORLD. 309 
 
 is in doubt whether I am alive or dead. You can 
 return with me if you like." 
 
 "No," answered Harry. "After the trouble I 
 have had in getting to Australia, I mean to stay 
 long enough to see what sort of a country it is. I 
 think I can make a living in one way or another, 
 and if I can't, I will send to America for the money 
 I have there." 
 
 In due time they reached Melbourne, without 
 further mischance. Harry induced Jack to re- 
 main with him, but Mr. Clinton, with a new stock 
 of trousers, purchased in Melbourne, returned to 
 America on the same steamer with the professor. 
 What befell the two boys, in whom I hope my 
 readers have become interested, will be told in a 
 new story, entitled: "In a New World; or Harry 
 Vane in Australia." 
 
 THE END.
 
 A, L. Burt's Catalogue of Books for 
 Young People by Popular Writers, 52- 
 58 Duane Street, New York ^ ^ x 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Joe's Luck: A Boy's Adventures in California. By 
 
 HORATIO ALGER, JR. IStno, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 The story is chock fall of stirring incidents, while the amusing situ- 
 ations are furnished by Joshua Blckford, from Pumpkin Kollow, and the 
 fellow who modestly styles himself the "Rip-tail Roarer, from Pike Co., 
 Missouri." Mr. Alger never writes a poor book, and "Joe's Luck" is cer- 
 tainly one of his best. 
 
 Tom the Bootblack; or, The Koad to Success. By 
 
 HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, 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. The lad started for Cincinnati to look up his heritage. Mr. 
 Grey, th.? uncle, did not hesitate to employ a ruffian to kill the lad. The 
 plaij failed, and Gilbert Grey, once Tom the bootblack, came into a com- 
 fortable fortune. This Is one of Mr. Alger's best stories. 
 
 Dan the Newsboy. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Dan Mordaunt and his mother live 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 Mor- 
 daunts. The child is kidnapped 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. 
 
 Tony the Hero: A Brave Boy's Adventure with a 
 
 Tramp. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price SI. 00. 
 
 Tony, a sturdy bright-eyed boy of fourteen, is under the control of 
 Rudolph Rugg, a thorough rascal. After much abuse Tony runs away 
 and gets a job as stable boy in a country hotel. Tony is heir to a 
 large estate. Rudolph for a consideration hunts up Tony and throws 
 him down a deep well. Of course Tony escapes from the at provided 
 for him, and by a brave act, a rich friend secures his rights and Tony 
 Is prosperous. A very entertaining book. 
 
 The Errand Boy; or, How Phil Brent Won Success. 
 
 By HORATIO AI-GER, JR. 12mo, cloth illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 The career of "The Errand Boy" embraces the city adventures of a 
 mart country lad. 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. A retired merchant in New York secures him the 
 situation of errand boy, and thereafter stands as his friend. 
 
 Tom Temple's Career. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Tom Temple Is a bright, self-reliant lad. He leaves Plympton village 
 to seek work in New York, whence he undertakes an important mission 
 to California. Some of his adventures in the far west are so startling that 
 the reader will scarcely close the book until tho last page shell have been 
 reached. The tale Is written in Mr. Alger's most fascinating style. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BUST, 62-58 Duane Street, New York.
 
 & A. E. BtJET^S BOOKS FOE YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 
 
 32mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Frank Fowler, a poor boy, bravely determines to make a living for 
 himself and his foster-sister Grace. Going to New York be obtains a 
 situation as cash boy in a dry goods store. He renders a service a 
 Wealthy old gentleman who takes a fancy to the lad, and thereafter 
 helps the lad to gain success and fortune. 
 
 Tom Thatcher's Fortune. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 
 
 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Tom Thatcher Is a brave, ambitious, unselfish boy. He supports his 
 mother and sister on meagre wages earned as a shoe-pegger In John 
 Bimpson's factory. Tom Is discharged from the factory and starts over- 
 land for California. He meets with many adventures. The story Is told 
 In a way which has made Mr. Alger's name a household word In so many 
 homes. 
 
 The Train Boy. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 12mo, 
 
 cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Paul Palmer was a wide-awake boy of sixteen who supported his mother 
 and sister by selling books and papers on the Chicago and Milwaukee 
 Railroad. He detects a young man In the act of picking the pocket of a 
 young lady. In a railway accident many passengers are killed, but Paul 
 Is fortunate enough to assist a Chicago merchant, who out of gratitude 
 takes him Into his employ. Paul succeeds with tact and judgment and 
 Is well started on the road to business prominence. 
 
 Mark Mason's Victory. The Trials and Triumphs of 
 
 a Telegraph Boy. By HORATIO ALGER, Ja. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 
 
 Mark Mason, the telegraph boy. was a sturdy, honest lad, who plucklly 
 won his way to success by his tanest manly efforts under many diffi- 
 culties. This story will please the very large class of boys who regard 
 Mr. Alger as a favorite author. 
 
 A Debt of Honor. The Story of Gerald Lane's Success 
 
 in the Far West. By HORATIO ALGER, JR, 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 
 . $1.00. 
 
 The story of Gerald Lane and the account of the many trials and dis- 
 appointments which he passed through befoi he attained success, will 
 Interest all boys who have read the previous stories of this delightful 
 
 i Ben Bruce. Scenes in the Life of a Bowery Newsboy. 
 
 By HORATIO ALGER, JR. ISino, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Ben Bruce was a brave, manly, generous boy. The story of his efforts, 
 and many seeming failures and disappointments, and his final success, are 
 most Interesting to all readers. The tale Is written In Mr. Alger'i 
 most fascinating style. 
 
 The Castaways; or, On the Florida Eeefs. By JAMES 
 
 OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This tale smacks of the salt sea. From the moment that the Sea 
 Queen leaves lower New York bay till the breeze leaves her becalmed off 
 the coast of 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. The adventures of Ben Clark, the hero of the storv and 
 Jake the cook, cannot fail to charm the reader. As a writer for young 
 people Mr. Otis is a prime favorite. ^________ 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by tb* 
 publisher, Ao I> BUET S-68 Bsa Strut. New York
 
 A. L BURT'S BOOKS FOB TOUNG PEOPLE, 5 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYST" 
 
 Wrecked on Spider Island; or, How Ned Rogers Found 
 
 the Treasure. By JAMES OTIS. I2mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Ned Rogers, a "down-east" plucky lad ships as cabin boy to earn 
 a livelihood. Ned Is marooned on Spider Island, and while there dis- 
 covers a wreck submerged In the sand, and finds a considerable amount 
 of treasure. The capture of the treasure and the Incidents of the 
 royage serve to make as entertaining a story of sea-life as the most 
 captious boy could desire. 
 
 The Search for 'the Silver City: A Tale of Adventure in 
 
 Yucatan. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Two lads, Teddy Wright and Neal Emery, embark on the stea 
 
 A Runaway Brig; or, An Accidental Cruise. By 
 
 JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This is a sea tale, and the reader can look out upon the wide shimmer- 
 ing 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. The boys discover a mysterious document 
 which enables them to find a buried treasure. They are stranded on 
 an island and at last are rescued with the treasure. The boys are sure 
 to be fascinated with this entertaining story. 
 
 The Treasure Finders: A Boy's Adventures in 
 
 Nicaragua. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 Roy and Dean Coloney, with their guide Tongla, leave their father't 
 Indigo olantation to visit the wonderful ruins of an ancient city. The 
 boys eagerly explore the temples of an extinct race and discover three 
 golden images cunningly hidden away. They escape with the greatest 
 difficulty. Eventually they reach safety with their golden prizes. We 
 doubt if there ever was written a more entertaining story than "The 
 Treasure Finders." 
 
 Jack, the Hunchback. A Story of the Coast of Maine. 
 
 By JAMES OTIS. Price $1.00. 
 
 This Is the story of a little hunchback who lived on Cape Elizabeth, 
 on the coast of Maine. His trials and successes are most Interesting. 
 From first to last nothing stays the interest of the narrative. It bears u 
 along as on a stream whose current varies in direction, but never lose* 
 Its force. 
 
 With Washington at Monmouth: A Story of Three 
 
 Philadelphia Boys. By JAMES OTIS. ISmo, ornamental cloth, olivine 
 
 edges, illustrated, price $1.50. 
 
 Three Philadelphia lads assist the American spies and make regular 
 and frequent visits to Valley Force in the Winter while the British 
 occupied the city. The story abounds with pictures of Colonial life 
 skillfully drawn, and the glimpses of Washington's soldiers which are 
 given shown that the work has not been hastily done, or without con- 
 siderable study. The story is wholesome and patriotic in tone, as are 
 all of Mr. Otis' works, 
 
 For sate by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price hr * 
 publisher. A, "L* BUKT, $8-68 J)una Street, Hw York,
 
 4 A. L. BURT'S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 With Lafayette at Yorktown: A Story of How Two 
 
 Boys Joined the Continental Army. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental 
 
 cloth, olivine edges, illustrated, price 1.50. 
 
 Two lads from Portmuth, N. H., attempt to enlist In the Colonial 
 Army, and are given employment as ipies. There is no lack of exciting 
 Incidents which the youthful reader craves, but it is healthful excite- 
 ment brimming with facts which every boy should be familiar with, 
 and while the reader is following the adventures of Ben Jaffrays and 
 Ned Allen he is acquiring a fund of historical lore which will remain 
 In his memory long after that which be has memorized from text- 
 books has been forgotten. 
 
 At the Siege of Havana. Being the Experiences of 
 
 Three Boys Serving under Israel Putnam in 1762. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, 
 
 ornamental cloth, oliTine edges, illustrated, price J1.50. 
 
 "At the Sieg of Havana" deals with that portion of the island'* 
 history when th English king captured the capital, thanks to the 
 assistance given by the troops from New England, led in part by Col. 
 Israel Putnam. 
 
 The principal characters are Darius Lunt, the lad who, represented as 
 telling the story, and his comrades, Robert Clement and Nicholas 
 Vallet. Colonel Putnam also figures to considerable extent, necessarily, 
 In the tale, and the whole forms one of the most readable stories founded on 
 historical facts. 
 
 The Defense of Fort Henry. A Story of Wheeling 
 
 Creek in 1777. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine edges, 
 
 illustrated, price $1.50. 
 
 Nowhere in the history of our country can be found more heroic or 
 thrilling incidents than in the story of those brave men and women 
 who founded the settlement of Wheeling in the Colony of Virginia. The 
 recital of what Elizabeth Zane did is in itself as heroic a story as can 
 b imagined. The wondrous bravery displayed by Major McCulloch 
 and bis gallant comrades, the sufferings of the colonists and their sacrifice 
 of blood and life, stir the blood of old as well as young readers. 
 
 The Capture of the Laughing Mary. A Story of Three 
 
 New York Boys in 1776. By "JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornamental cloth, olivine 
 
 edges, price $1.60. 
 
 "During the British occupancy of New York, at the outbreak of the 
 Revolution, a Yankee lad hears of the plot to take General Washington's 
 person, and calls in two companions to assist the patriot cause. They 
 do some astonishing things, and. Incidentally, lay the way for an 
 American navy later, by the exploit which gives its name to the 
 work. Mr. Otis' books are too well known to require any particular 
 commendation to the young." Evening: Post. 
 
 With Warren at Bunker Hill. A Story of the Siege of 
 
 Boston. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, ornametnal cloth, olivine edges, illus- 
 trated, price gl. 50. 
 
 "This is a tale of the siege of Boston, which opens on the day after 
 the doings at Lexington and Concord, with n description of home life 
 In Boston, introduces the reader to the British camp at Charlestown, 
 shows Gen. Warren at home, describes what a boy thought of the 
 battle of Bunker Hill, and closes with the raising of the siege. The 
 three heroes, George Wentworth, Ben Scarlett and an old ropemaker, 
 incur the enmity of a young Tory, who causes them many adventures 
 the boys will like to read." Detroit Free Press. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the 
 publisher, A. L. BUK.T, 52-58 Duane Street, New York.
 
 A. L. BUET^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 5 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 With the Swamp Fox. The Story of General Marion's 
 
 Spies. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This story deals with General Francis Marlon's heroic struggle In the 
 Carolinas. General Marion's arrival to take command of these brave 
 men and rough riders is pictured as a boy might have seen it, and 
 although the story is devoted to what the lads did, the Swamp Fox 
 is ever present in the mind of the reader. 
 
 On the Kentucky Frontier. A Story of the Fighting 
 
 Pioneers of the West. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 
 In the history of our country there Is no more thrilling story than 
 that of the work done on the Mississippi river by a handful of frontiers- 
 men. Mr. Otis takes the reader on that famous expedition from the 
 arrival of Major Clarke's force at Corn Island, until Kasbaskia was 
 captured. Ee relates that part of Simon Kenton's life history which 
 Is not usually touched upon either by the historian or the story teller. 
 This is one of tha most entertaining books for young people which bos 
 been published. 
 
 Sarah Dillard's Ride. A Story of South Carolina in 
 
 in 1780. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price 1.00. 
 
 "This book deals with the Carolinas in 1780, giving a wealth of detail of 
 the Mountain Men who struggled so valiantly against the king's troops. 
 Major Fereuson is the prominent British officer of the story, which is 
 told as though coming from a youth who experienced these adventures. 
 In this way the famous ride of Sarah Dillard is brought out as an 
 incident of the plot." Boston Journal. 
 
 A Tory Plot. A Story of the Attempt to Kill General 
 
 Washington. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 " 'A Tory Plot' is the story of two lads who overhear something 
 of the plot originated during the Revolution by Gov. Tr.von to capture 
 or murder Washington. They communicate their knowledge to Gen. 
 Putnam and are commissioned by him to play the role of detectives 
 In the matter. They do so, and meet with many adventures and hair- 
 breadth escapes. The boys are, of coui-se, mythical, but they serve to en- 
 able the author to put into very attractive shape much valuable knowledge 
 concerning one phase of the Revolution." Pittsburgh Times. 
 
 A Traitor's Escape. A Story of the Attempt to Seize 
 
 A Cruise with Paul Jones. A Story of Naval Warfare 
 
 In 1776. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 "This story takes up that portion of Paul Jones' adventurous life 
 When he was hovering off the British coast, watching for an oppor- 
 tunity to strike the enemy a blow. It deals more particularly with 
 his descent upon Whitehaven, the seizure of Lady Selkirk's plate, and 
 the famous battle with the Drake. The boy who figures in the tal* 
 Is one who was taken from a derelict by Paul Jones shortly after this 
 particular cruise was begun." Chicago Inter-Oeean. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by U 
 A. L. BUST, 63-53 Duano Street, New Yor*.
 
 fe . C, BUET^S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 
 
 BOOKS FOR BOYS. 
 
 Corporal Lige's Recruit. A Story of Crown Point and 
 
 Ticonderoga. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1,00. 
 "In 'Corporal Line's Recruit,' Mr. Otis tells the amusing story of an 
 old soldier, proud of his record, who had served the king In '58. and who 
 ( takes the lad, Isaac Rice, as his 'personal recruit.' The lad acquits 
 himself superbly. Col. Ethan Allen 'in the name of God and the con- 
 tinental congress," Infuses much martial spirit into the narrative, which 
 will arouse the keenest interest as it proceeds. Crown Point, Ticon- 
 deroga, Benedict Arnold and numerous other famous historical names 
 appear in this dramatic tale." Boston Globe. 
 
 Morgan, the Jersey Spy. A Story of the Siege of York- 
 town in 1781. By JAMES OTIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 "The two lads who are utilized by the author to emphasize the details 
 Of the work done during that memorable time were real bo.vs who lived 
 on the banks of the York river, and who aided the Jersey spy in his 
 dangerous occupation. In the guise of fishermen the lads visit York- 
 town, are suspected of being spies, and put under arrest. Morgan risks 
 his life to save them. The final escape, the thrilling encounter with * 
 squad of red coats, when they are exposed equally to the bullets ol 
 friends and foes, told in a masterly fashion, makes of this volume one 
 of the most entertaining books of the year." Inter-Ocean. 
 
 The Young Scout: The Story of a West Point Lieu- 
 tenant. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 The crafty Apache chief Geronlmo 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 the young man takes many a desperate 
 chance against the enemy and on more than one occasion narrowly 
 escapes with his life. In our opinion Mr. Ellis* Is the best writer of 
 Indian stories now before the public. 
 
 Adrift in the Wilds: The Adventures of Two Ship- 
 wrecked Boys. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 00. 
 Elwood Brandon and Howard Lawrence are en route for San Fran- 
 cisco. Off the coast of California the steamer takes fire. The two boys 
 reach the shore with several of the passengers. Young Brandon be- 
 comes separated from his party and Is captured by hostile Indians, 
 but is afterwards rescued. This is a very entertaining narrative of 
 Southern California. 
 
 A Young Hero; or, Fighting to Win. By EDWARD S. 
 
 ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1.00. 
 
 This story tells how a valuable solid silver service was stolen from 
 the Misses Perkinpine, two very old and simple minded Indies. Fred 
 Sholdon, the hero of this story, undertakes to discover the thioves and 
 have them arrested. After much time spent in detective work, he 
 succeeds in discovering the silver plate and winning the reward. The 
 story is told in Mr. Ellis' most fascinating style. Every boy will r* 
 glad to read this delightful book. 
 
 Lost in the Rockies. A Story of Adventure in the 
 
 Rocky Mountains. By EDWARD S. ELLIS. 12mo, cloth, illustrated, price $1. 
 
 Incident succeeds Incident, and adventure Is piled upon adventure, 
 and t the end the reader, be he boy or man, will have experienced 
 breathloss enjoyment in this romantic story describing many adventures in 
 the Rockies and among the Indians. 
 
 For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by th 
 publisher, A. L. BUKT, 62-58 Duane Street, New York.
 
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