BB - The Hidden Fortune . OF CALIF. LIBRARY, LOS ANGELES GEO. A. MILLER PTQ. CO. DES MOINES, IOWA They found a shady seat on the juniper covered rocks shaded by the overhanging pines and wild roses. The Hidden Fortune An Educational Story BY COLIN McKENZIE PINKERTON Author of " Buckeye-Hawkey e Schoolmaster' Dedicated to My Wife FLORA M. PINKERTON SH1SSLER-CHASE CO. Des Moines, Iowa Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1901. October sixth, BY C. M. PINKERTON, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. CONTENTS. Chapter Page I UNDECIDED 1 II HEADS OR TAILS - - 5 III OUR HOME 12 IV THE NOON HOUR IT Y THE RESOLVE 31 YI UNCLE JOSIAH - 41 YII THE OLD HOME 49 YIII THE INSTITUTE - - 60 IX EXPERIENCE - 69 X BEHIND THE BLACKS - - 86 XI THE EXAMINATION - 96 XII THE DISTRICT SCHOOL - - 103 XIII "!F I WERE A FAIRY" - 119 XI Y THE CAMPAIGN - 125 XY IN OFFICE 137 XVI A MODEL INSTITUTE - - 151 XVII DEVIL'S TOWER 166 XYIII CITY SUPERINTENDENT - - 174 XIX THE LONG JOURNEY 188 XX THE HIDDEN FORTUNE - - 196 XXI BITTER SWEET - 214 XXII SYLVAN LAKE - 223 XXIII THE LAST AFTERNOON - 246 XXIV THE UNDECIDED PROBLEM - - 256 2131934 CHAPTER 7. UNDECIDED. "To be or not to be." Shakespeare. "You will not tell me no, dear Helen: From earliest childhood we have been playmates and friends. The incipient love of the boy has rip- ened into the profound and enduring love of man- hood. "That unseen spirit which enters the boyish heart and tempts to mated love has always led me near to you in all my hopes and plannings for the future. In you, dear Helen, I have seen those graces of gentleness, beauty and intelligence which lead to love ; but above and beyond all these the spirit has ever whispered of returning love." "Oh, John, your words pain me beyond expres- sion. I know you love me better than I deserve and I know too, that my heart responds to that love. But there is another who woos my heart with equal warmth. Lawrence and I, too, have shared t THE HIDDEN FORTUNE our childhood's joys and hopes and friendships. He is your friend too, is he not? We have all three grown up together as neighbor's children. We have been playmates all our lives, classmates all our lives, baptized by the same minister at the same font. What you plead, he pleads with equal force. What he asks you ask with equal right and warmth. How is this poor heart of mine to give joy to one and pain to the other. I can not and I will not. My indecision makes me unworthy of either. I pray you go, John. Seek some heart who will not divide her love. Go seek a heart less fickle and one more worthy of your noble nature, your generous manhood." "This is a cruel fate, Helen ; Lawrence has been my playfellow in boyhood, my companion in youth and young manhood. I love him as a brother. I could not harm him or wish him harm. Selfishness and love are the two strongest passions of the liumaii heart. "I am in no mood to follow your suggestion to seek another and so give Lawrence the right to claim your undivided love. 2 UNDECIDED "Of all the torments, all the cares With which are lives are crust Of all the plagues a lover hears Sure rivals are the worst. How great soe'er your rigors are With them alone I'll cope, I can endure my own despair But not another's hope." "Strange indeed, John, but Lawrence quoted that same stanza to me, no longer ago than yester- day evening. If not classmates, you are at least pursuing the same literary studies." "And did you make him the same answer you have made to me ?" "Just the same. Call it weakness or what you will but I love you both and both the same." "But dear Helen, the time will come when a decision must be reached. Why not now ?" "Dear John, if now is to be the decisive mo- ment are you willing that I shall say farewell to you and give to Lawrence my whole heart and love?" "No and yes, dear Helen ; if they are his from the depth of your soul, or even if you can truly say you love him most, I will yield and say farewell. 3 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE. But if half that heart is mine I must claim my own." "I can not tell you yes, John, I dare not, will not tell you no. This moment is so oppressive let us cheer it a little with music and song." And taking the arm of John Hall, Helen Gray led the way the parlor and handing John the violin, she sat down at the piano. For more than an hour the song of the whip-poor-will was drowned by the sweeter music in that grand old ISTew England home. It was but just to say that both were sad and both were happy. The hour was not late when they walked out on the porcH in the mellow light of the rising moon. Tender words we.re spoken, hand lingered affectionately in hand a good night kiss and John Hall walked slowly homeward and Helen Gray stood looking after his departing figure half satisfied, half re- morseful. She had known them both all her life and to her they were equally handsome equally educated equally noble and generous and equally well to do. She remembered that only twenty-four hours since standing in the selfsame place she had watched the departing form of Lawrence Putnam, 4 CHAPTER II. HEADS OR TAILS. Lady Macbeth "Alack! I am afraid they have awakened and 'tis not done; the attempt and not the deed confounds us. Hark! I laid their daggers ready. He could not miss them." "You are looking sad, my Lawrence? What mishap now to put that anxious look upon your face, old fellow?" "Sit here, John, beside me while I tell you my thoughts. They must sometime be told ; why not now ?" "I am seated, and as I share your reverie may it brighten your sadness." "Back a little way from the old ocean lies the hills covered with oaks and sugar maples and pines. Between the hills the valley not broad but beautiful beautiful by nature thrice beau- tiful because of associations and recollections. Yonder is the wild rushing stream winding be- tween the alluvial banks and shaded by the over- hanging elms and willows. Back on either side 5 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE the rolling upland with here and there a stately oak or poplar. And in it all you may see the many varied tints of grass and flower and bird in summer and later the more gorgeous hues of autumn time. The herds are in the fields. Three homes, two on the western side, one on the east. Other homes in this valley not a few. The schoolhouse the church the graveyard. Two boys not brothers, not twins but closer in affec- tion by association, than either. "Playfellows classmates friends from earli- est childhood. Alike in disposition and tastes. The one ever seeking happiness of the other and the other the joy of the one. Childhood developes into youth and youth into young manhood and still the bond of fellowship grows stronger. As the years have come and gone nature and art have im- proved and beautified the landscape and the homes. By daily association the ocean the hills the valley and the flowing stream all seem a part of these two lives. "Every thought and recollection, every joy and sorrow has its setting and its memory here, HEADS OR TAILS "There is another affection that has charmed each of these two lives all the years. Another life has woven itself into every fiber and tissue of these two beings. She lives in the stately old farm house on the east bank of the rushing stream. All three had known unconsciously for many years that the flower comes forth from the land that the birds return as mates with songs in their throats and home making activity in their hearts. And now this same idea this heavenly impulse steals into the heart the blue eye the rosy cheek the fleet foot the merry laugh of youth all at once, and all in one, turn into the sweetness of soul that capti- vates the soul and holds its prisoner firm, as the hills upon which we gaze. And so to end this reverie the life of Helen Gray binds and holds the lives of John Hall and Lawrence Putnam." "The picture is a true one, Lawrence, but how shall this be settled ? That's the question." "I know, John, we both have tried in the light of reason friendship and justice to do right. Each has hoped but so far in vain that he 7 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE would be the winner and that she would name the victor." "Whatever it may cost me Lawrence, or you, I am willing to decide this matter here and now and for all time, will you say how ?" "Before you came up I was thinking how it might be decided by us and each still retain his self-respect and his honor and to some degree at least, his friendship for the other. Shall I pro- pose it ?" "Speak on, I have left the choice to you." "Then here it is. Here is a twenty dollar gold piece. Take it and examine it. Each shall toss it. Two best in three shall win. The winner shall take the gold piece and have it made into a ring " with diamond setting which shall be hers for life. The loser shall within the next fortnight, leave this State and never return while the other lives, and only three shall ever know of this agree- ment God in Heaven who shall witness it your- self and myself." "I accept the conditions Lawrence." Here is my hand and my oath to abide by the result. John "You toss first." 8 HEADS OR TAILS Lawrence "No you toss first, I made the terms." John ""Heads or tails ?" Lawrence "Heads." Both "Tails." Lawrence "Heads or tails ?" John "Tails." Both "Heads." John "I believe it is my throw now. Heads or tails?" Lawrence "I suppose this will decide but it gives you two throws to my one." John "True, but it was your proposition. You refused to throw first." Lawrence "I was only generous enough to offer it to you." John "And I was kind enough to accept." Lawrence "Are you going to throw ?" John "Yes, when you choose, or I will be gen- erous as you and you may throw and I will choose." Lawrence "No, go on and throw." John "Heads or tails?" 9 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE Lawrence "This is to decide it there is to be no flinching from the result?" John "We have both sworn it. Heads or tails ?" Lawrence "Tails." John "Heads thank God!" Lawrence "Fare you well for life." MYSTERIOUS. "Far from gay cities and the hearts of men." Homer. In less than a fortnight after the last conversa- tion, between John Hall and Lawrence Putnam, the "Boston Herald" contained the following: "Mysterious Disappearance ! ! Lawrence Putnam thought to have been murdered ! ! "The last time he was seen was late on Satur- day evening. He came to the city in the middle of the afternoon and drew a considerable amount of money from the Eagle Bank. Several persons saw him after this in different places in the city. The last to see him was 'Yard Master' Jones who saw him walking rapidly south near the East Street landing. The police are making every 10 HEADS OR TAILS effort to unravel the mystery. The parents are almost distracted with grief. A large reward is offered for any authentic information of his where- abouts." CHAPTER III. OUR HOME. You ask what land we love the best 'tis Iowa. The fairest State of all the rest. Iowa, O, Iowa." As the days, weeks and months passed and still no word of Lawrence Putnam the hearts that loved him were compelled to accept that stern reconciliation of sorrow unalterably fixed by fate. Somewhere in life these deep surging waves overwhelm us all. We bound along joyfully upon the ocean of life's duties. The turmoil of the city office, or factory, or store ; the cares of the farm the guiding of the engine the placing of the blast in the mine all these we must meet with joy. But the great surging billows of a lost fortune a lost home or the death of loved ones these are the sorrows that try the sinew of. the soul's endurance. Lawrence Putnam spent several evenings with Helen Gray before his disappearance, but not 12 OUR HOME once did he refer to marriage and much less did lie hint of his intended departure. When the Autumn frosts were painting the maple leaves and still no word from Lawrence John Hall felt at liberty to speak. He had met Helen often but not once had either referred to their conversation already mentioned in these pages. They had talked freely about the mysterious disappearance of Lawrence Putnam. John Hall was in the city of New York the Sat- urday night when Lawrence was last seen and first learned of his disappearance from the morn- ing papers in that city. A thousand times had Helen pondered in her heart whether John Hall knew how or why Law- rence Putnam had so suddenly disappeared. Sometimes she almost believed he did know. Had there been foul play?. Could she give her life to one who was a murderer ? Would he ever ask her for her love again ? Had Lawrence dis- appeared suddenly on purpose to test her love and would he soon, as mysteriously, return ? Why had John Hall never referred to his love for her since 13 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE the disappearance of Lawrence Putnam? These and a thousand similar thoughts occupied her mind for hours at a time. Her love for John Hall seemed rather to have lessened than in- creased during these months of anxiety. John Hall had watched with anxious eye and beating heart the effect of the departure of Law- rence upon Helen. There was a sadness in her demeanor not un- expected. She was just blooming into fullness of woman hood. Her eyes were as blue, her com- plexion as fair her smile as happy and cheerful as ever, when her thought was directed away from the lost one. He would have told her all had he not sworn to be forever silent. He longed to tell her again of his love, but how should he open the conversation . He would write no, that would look cowardly. What if she should ask him pointedly why Lawrence had gone away and if he knew anything whatever about the matter. Could he be false to the one he loved? Any faltering upon his part, in such a crisis would only lead her to believe that he did know why Lawrence Putnam had so suddenly disap- 14 OUR HOME peared. He thought he had won the prize, and now he realized he was far from having it in his possession. He felt confident her affection was not increasing for him but on the other hand she was less affectionate. To carry a burden like this into one's daily cares and activities casts a somberness over the soul that shades the luster of the eye, and clouds the brightness of the face. The burden was not always present with John Hall. There was ever present in his heart the knowledge of deepest love for Helen, and the strongest conviction that he had acted with perfect honor. The soul of man is always strong when it has a consciousness that no wrong was intended or done. Even March has its dark and snowy days when Spring seems a delusion and the cold wet days of April form an unwelcome link between Winter and Summer. Six months had almost past since the coin was tossed and "heads" won. Autumn was fully come, beautifying the earth with all her gorgeous hues. Helen Gray was seated in that spacious parlor with the cheerful autumn blaze in the fireplace. 15 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE The glow of beauty health, intelligence, and love shone in the girlish face, ruddy in the light of the blazing wood. John Hall sat beside her and meas- ured her finger for a ring. "Did you say a gold band with diamond setting, John ? How perfectly lovely it will be. "My dear John I do hope this ring will ever be the token of our future happiness. I am yours and you are mine. And while it will be sad to leave the old childhood scenes and loved ones here for the great West, I do it all gladly for my love for you. You are wholly mine and I am yours for life forever. " John Hall was trembling with emotion. "Oh, Helen, your purity and your love how sweet. You are mine always. This is indeed joy supreme. We cannot be other than happy in our new home in the far West." "Joy or sorrow wealth or poverty dear John, I am your own Helen forever and forever." 16 CHAPTER IV. THE NOON HOUR. "Down the dimpled greensward dancing, Burst a flaxen-headed bevy Bud-lipt boys and girls advancing, Love's irregular levy." "Shinny on your own side, Bill " "Whoop it up Walter." "Crack his shins Jake, if he don't stay on his own side." "Home ! Ten to six for our side." "That last hit of yours was a daisy, Walter." "Oh, say boys, won't you come and play Ant'ny- over with us girls? It's no fun playing all by ourselves.'" "Come on boys, let's play Anti." "Walter Tone and Annie Hall choose up." "Wet or dry Walter ?" "Dry." "Dry it is. Your first choice Walter." And the choosing began. The opposing forces ti.ok their positions on either side the school house 17 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE and for nearly an hour the old leather covered yarn ball went back and forth over the comb of a little frame school house on an Iowa prairie. It was a hotly contested game. Walter aiid Annie, as captains, cheered on their hosts. Finally the tide turned in Annie's favor and Walter Tone remained alone on his side. "Ant'ny-over," shouted Walter and threw the ball. Annie caught it in her apron and in her eagerness to touch Walter with the ball she ran against him slipped, fell, and slightly cut her lip on the rough ground. Walter gallantly assisted her to her feet and seeing the blood, he took his kerchief and gently pressing it to the wounded lip, said, "Don't cry Annie. You have won, but my side gets first blood." "I don't care; we Beat," said Annie. As she spoke the bell sounded and all made a mad rush for the water pail. Annie lingered a little, putting her kerchief to her lip to see if it were still bleeding. Walter paused also saying, "Let me see, Annie, if it's 18 THE NOON HOUR. hurt much." He put his face near to hers and slightly touched her lip with his finger. And Annie looked full at him with her childish blue eyes, then smiled, hit him in the face with her kerchief, "Go 'way Walt Tone, you know I'm not hurt." Walter ran backward, saying "First Blood." Walter was a black-eyed rosy-cheeked farm boy, the son of an educated Scotch farmer who had come to Iowa to build a home. Annie Hall was the only daughter of the widow Helen Gray Hall. Why Walter Tone should peep over the top of his book that afternoon in the direction of Annie's seat was a mystery to him. And no less mysterious that those blue eyes always answered his own. What is that strange spirit that suddenly creeps into child life and brings blushes to the cheeks and thrills the whole being until the life seems oblivious to all things else save the one object? There is a sweetness an unseen mysterious some- thing that the child-like soul cleaves to as your eye to the opening rose or your ear to the 'notes of the thrush. Imagination and fancy show signs of life not known before and the soul spreads her 19 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE wings to soar aloft in the blue ether of what would seem, nay is, a new world. Annie's parents and the Tone's had moved to Iowa for the same reason, namely: to make a home. Her parents were both of Puritan blood and the daughter had been reared in Puritan sim- plicity and frugality. Mr. Hall had chosen for his home a beautiful knoll covered with native oak, adjacent to the river and overlooking the vast unbroken prairie. Many times had Annie watched the prairie fires, driven by fierce winds as they rushed on in their wild, mad fury. Little by little the wide expanse of prairie be- came dotted with groves and cottages, until it was a landscape than which none was more productive, none more beautiful. "From yonder Mississippi stream To where Missouri's waters gleam Oh, fair it is, a poet's dream, Iowa, O, Iowa!" There is a solemn grandeur about the vast ex- panse of unbroken prairie experienced nowhere else. This is doubly true when the gathering 20 THE NO N HOUR shades of evening come slowly settling down, and the stars come shooting out from the cerulean sky and the stillness fills the soul with reverence and awe. Goethe has said: "Talent develops itself in solitude; character in the stream of life." Even the child life is influenced by this sublime soli- tude, and the little soul lifts its eyes to the starry dome and feels: "The heavens declare the glory of God." Children are lovers of nature. How joy- fully the child follows close upon the trail of the last snow drift to pluck the first violet that lifts its face to the warm Spring sun. How the little heart bounds with joy as it awakes in the morn- ing and hears the song of the first robin. They are the first to notice the swelling buds on the lilac and the delicate pink of the unfolding peach-tree bloom. Annie Hall was ever awake to all of nature's wooings. Both the father and mother were per- sons of culture and refinement of education of hand, of mind, of heart. Walter Tone was a handsome boy of ten quick to perceive quiet and thoughtful. 21 . THE HIDDEN FORTUNE It was but natural that in the afternoon follow- ing the game of "Ant'ny-over" these two children, Walter Tone and Annie Hall, should recite poor- ly. Unconsciously to them they were violating the foundation principle of intellectual acquirement. No mind can acquire unless it wills to acquire, and it is impossible to will without attention. How many swellings in little human hearts never seen by teacher or parent. With all our wealth of child lore how far we are from seeing the real child. How social duties, business cares and poor health blind our vision until we see not at all. "Eyes we have and see not ears and we hear not" the things which pertain to the real growth of the souls committed to our care. O, teacher, pause, think and pray, for you have immortal beings in your presence. These same children will cross your pathway again and again during the eons of eternity. Will they always meet you with faces beaming with gratitude and unmarred by sin? We may rejoice that through the systematic child study of to-day we are learning that as much 22 THE NOON HOUR depends upon the physical as the mental develop- ment of the child and the social world would be putrid without the element of Christianity. Evening came and the teacher said, "Good night children." "Good night Miss Brown." They were gone. Annie Hall forgot her dinner basket. Walter Tone loitered at the pump. "Don't you want a drink, too, Annie ?" he said. She did of course. How soon children learn to interpret emotions! Miss Brown looked from the window and saw Walter Tone and Annie Hall swinging a dinner basket between them as they walked homeward down the road. The scene recalled to the tender memories of other faces, other voices. Memory often comes within the fortress of the soul and holds her forces captive. Miss Brown was a pure and noble woman and a fine teacher. She had had that laudable ambition that fixed hope and purpose to marry, but the ambition had never been realized, and now age was stealing away her personal charms. She knew it. Her 23 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE soul was still young and her joy was in the love she freely gave to the children. Walter Tone and Annie Hall continued as classmates and the best of child lovers. To Wal- ter's eye she grew more beautiful, to his ear her voice grew sweeter. However listless he might be the name of Annie always stirred the emotions of his soul. One day in the early Summer, laden with hooks and lines, he had wandered with his dog Fido to the river. The best fishing was near to Annie's home. She was hunting flowers and saw Fido, and Fido led her to where Walter was sitting on the bank under the drooping limbs of a stately elm which leaned half way over the stream. She sat down along side of Walter and watched the two corks bobbing upon the water. Her straw hat was thrown upon the ground by her side. Her auburn hair hung loosely upon her shoulders. She pulled the petals from a rose, and reaching over, dropped them in the stream below. Fido was hero and there, as he catches the scent of squirrel or rabbit. The robin he frightens from the ground to a limb in the tree above them. A cat bird just 24 THE NOON HOUR across the stream is filling the air with sweetest song. Annie's eye with anxious look turns from the cork to Walter's face as he lifts the pole. Dimples of sunlight play upon the water and upon her face through the openings of the elm shade. Once when Walter lifted the pole, a minnow was seen upon the hook. "Oh, Walter, you have a fish ! Land him ! Land him !" "No, Annie, I'll do as papa does. I'll leave the 'Minny' on the hook as bait for a larger fish." Walter did not wait long. With sudden plunge the cork went out of sight. The pole almost slipped from his hands. "Let me help you, Walter. It must be a mon- ster." "Be careful, Annie. You will slip and be drowned." Another sudden jerk at the pole, this time pulling it against her ankles. She tripped and fell. Walter clambered down the projecting roots of the elm, and holding firmly with one hand to a projecting root, succeeded, as she came to the surface, in -catching her dress, and by hard strug- gling he kept her head above the water until she could partially assist herself in climbing out. Fido 25 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE in the meantime had set up a terrific barking, which attracted the attention of a hired hand near by, who came and accompanied Annie home. Walter felt it to be his duty to call at Mrs. Hall's and tell her all about the accident, although he knew Annie had done so upon reaching home. Even youth has its spirit of gallantry, and Wal- ter felt it would be gallant in him to speak face to face with the mother. His own another gave consent. Mrs. Hall received him warmly thanked him graciously for saving the life of her daughter. When it was time for Walter to return home, Annie gained permission to accompany him part way. The road was along the river bank. Wild roses and honeysuckles lined the bank. Annie stopped and plucked a bouquet, and taking the ribbon from around her neck, tied the stems to- gether, and handing it to Walter, said : "This is my 'Good-bye present,' ' "Are you going back so soon ?" "Yes, Walter, Mamma is going back. I was born in Iowa I cannot say I am going back," "What do you mean, Annie ?" 26 NOOK HOUR "I mean we are going back to Mamma's old home in Boston. I intended to tell you all about it the other day when you were fishing, and I guess you know why I didn't." "Will you never come back to the farm ?" "No, Walter. Mamma has sold the farm and stock and all our things, and we are going to-mor- row. 1 had written you a little note, and the hired man was just going to take it to you, when you came." "I don't want you to go, Annie. I'll be so lone- some. School won't seem like school any more if you are not there." "And I do not want to go either; but poor Mamma is so sad ever since Papa died, and she says this never did seem like home to her, and she longs to see the old home and the old home faces." Walter turned half round and pushed the clods in the road with his toe. He dared not look at Annie. He wanted to ask her to write, but feared to risk his voice. Annie continued : "When you grow up to be a man, Walter, you can come to Boston to see the sights and make our home your home while there." 27 This sentence gave him courage, and taking her little hands in his he said: "Till I'm a man you will write to me, Annie, and then I'll visit Boston." "Will you promise 'honor bright' Walter, to come if I write ?" "I promise 'honor bright' to always love you, to always call you my blue-eyed sweetheart, and to go and see you when I am a man, and if you will let me, I'll seal that promise with a kiss." "Oh, Walter, Mamma would not like it. She would not want me to kiss a boy." "You need not kiss me. Just let me kiss your lips to seal the promise, won't you, Annie ?" "That would only seal half the promise, Wal- ter." She pressed his hands and with tears said, "Honor bright." He kissed her proffered lips, and said, "Honor bright" "Good-bye until you are a man, and I am a woman," and she sealed the promise and was gone. There is something really sublime in this inno- cent youthful liking. It is pure, innocent, genial, rapturous. It comes in the morning of the heart 28 THE NOON HOUR when the blood is warm and before it has been chilled by the selfishness of business, occupation or sin. Is it not from above ? This same love is in every child heart. Can you find it ? Can you warm it into activity ? You can, my teacher. Then open and go inland take with you "showers of blessings." Here is the key. Intellectual strength will always command re- spect, but it takes affection to awaken affection. Have you the key ? Open, possess and bless. Walter Tone grew to strong physical manhood. He attained all it was possible for him to attain in the common district school. His school work was greatly augmented by the home library. One little volume in this library Walter prized very highly and read it many times. It was by that peerless educator, Horace Mann, entitled, "Thoughts for a Young Man." This book opened his eyes and his ears to the world of nature around him. It is a blessed thing to fall in love with a great and good person, especially if we are permitted to enjoy his or her society, and next to this is falling in love with a good book. It brings a stream of 29 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE new thought and influence to inspire and refine our lives. Walter became a practical farmer. He was a great lover of fine stock, and his judgment often determined the price to be paid at the country sale. He attended the lyceum at the country school house and took part in the debates. He did not absent himself from the political meetings but at- tended the "Grand Rally" and carried a torch in the procession. He was faithful to his religious vows and was a regular attendant at the little country church. "The sweetest lives are those to duty wed, Whose deeds, both great and small, Are close knit strands of unbroken thread, Whose love ennobles all." 30 CHAPTER V. THE RESOLVE. Several years had passed since Annie said "Good-bye" to Walter. No letter from her had ever reached his hand. Why he kneAV not. He would give the world to know. His impulsive child love, the love that cut her initials in the smooth bark with his beneath, had not died out, but on the contrary the vision of the beautiful girl with auburn hair, blue eyes and tempting lips was more and more intense. One Saturday afternoon as Walter was driving home from the county seat, the vision of Annie seemed more real than ever before. She must have grown to young womanhood now. He .had prom- ised to visit her home near historic Boston. What of her home ? Would a farmer boy with a meager education be welcome there now? Was she a beautiful young lady with wealth, education and the poise of polite and cultured society? His imagination led him to see by her side a tall and 31 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE handsome gentleman polite and graceful with gloved hand and polished shoe. The hot blood came to his cheek, and his hand clinched the lines. Then he came to himself and said aloud, "How foolish." He tried to whistle but could not. He felt disappointed with himself. He knew his edu- cation was meager, and yet it was superior to that of the average young man in his neighborhood. His heart burned to know more. His parents had given him every advantage possible to the son of a farmer whose income was limited to the prod- ucts of a quarter section of Iowa land. He loved and honored his parents. He loved the old home stead. Yet he was not satisfied with his present attainments nor his social environment. How often the same battle has been fought by the farmer's son. We believe now that the time is al- most here when every township will support the high school and that closely following the tele- phone and rural mail delivery, the electric car will furnish safe, rapid and comfortable transpor- tation to the school. As Walter neared his home his reverie was broken by an approaching team. The vehicle con- 32 THE tained the portly and genial personage of the county superintendent, Mr. James Benson. Mr. Benson was a gentleman who, himself, had been reared on an Iowa farm. By dint of his own energy he had obtained a high school* education in a small city of possibly one thousand inhabi- tants. "Hello! Good evening, Mr. Tone." "Good evening, Mr. Benson. We do not see you often out our way. Turn about and spend the night with us, can't you?" "No, I thank you, not this time, Mr. Tone. How is everything on the farm. Making lots of money this year?" "Well, sir, I've not seen it if we have. The hog cholera and drouth have laid us out for the year. You don't need a secretary, do you, Mr. Benson ?" "Ha ! ha ! No, I do not, but if you are looking for employment other than the farm can furnish, why not attend our institute next month and teach a fall and winter school ?" "The thought is new to me, Mr. Benson. It cer- tainly has never occurred to me that I could teach. I need to be taught myself, rather than to instruct *The author is at loss to define "high school." Everything is high school now, from two apartments up. 33 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE} others. I do not suppose I could pass your exam- ination, and even if I had a certificate, it would be difficult to obtain a school. There are so many young ladies anxious to teach, and for such meager wages, too, that I feel that ought to have the schools." "All you say is true, Mr. Tone, but if you will attend the Institute, I will take care of the certifi- cate for you and also see to it that you have a school. I agree with you that there are too many incompetent misses who are not only seeking but obtaining these positions. Many of them in no way qualified to fill the responsible position of in- structor of children." "As county superintendent, Mr. Benson, I sup- posed it was your bounden duty to protect the schools against such an intrusion." "It would seem easy to say so, but these young ladies cram for examinations. They pass. They are employed by their uncles and cousins. These men are voters. Any county superintendent needs these votes. This is very frank, Mr. Tone, but it is likewise the truth. 34 THE RESOLVE "Many of these young ladies are worthy and competent and will become efficient teachers. They must begin somewhere, sometime. "What is needed is more and better training schools to prevent this ruinous experimental work. What I have said about the young ladies may be said with equal force about the young gentlemen. Shall I expect to enroll you next month, Mr. Tone." "Your last remark cools by enthusiasm, that is, if I possess any. I thank you, Mr. Benson, for your expression of confidence. I shall consider the matter and write to you." "Good-bye Mr. Tone; I hope you will follow my suggestion." "Good-bye, Mr. Benson." Mr. and Mrs. Tone noticed that Walter was un- usually thoughtful and quiet that evening. He retired early but not to sleep. A new hope was born. What strange voices and influences come to us all in the quiet hours of night. Some trivial event suddenly and unexpectedly gives birth to a new thought and immediately a 35 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE vivid imagination makes an environment and places you within as chief actor. These little events, these events over which we have no control, these thoughts of the God above, enter, we know not why or how, and shape our destiny. Over and over again that night in his imagina- tion Walter taught a country school. His whole being was afire with enthusiasm. The pupils be- came plastic in his thought mind beat in unison with mind countenance answered to countenance and heart to heart. In the heat of his enthusiasm he was astonished at what feats his memory achieved. Thoughts, seemingly long since forgotten, shone like diamonds. The result of his hours of thought and study in the past came rushing in on the mind like a mighty torrent. The way had finally and unexpectedly opened for the attain- ment of that he so much desired. His imagina- tion lured him on until he even saw the door of the university open to admit him. Would Annie be a bride before that time ? Why had she never written ? The following afternoon Walter and his father were enjoying the shade of the porch and talking 36 THE RESOLVE about the arrangements for the next year's crop when Walter related his conversation with Mr. Benson on the previous evening and asked his father's judgment in the matter. "Have you ever given the subject any serious thought, Walter ?" "No sir, not before Mr. Benson mentioned it- to me on yesterday. I thought of the matter a while last night and found myself quite pleased with the idea." "To many, my son, enter the profession of teaching without giving the subject that careful thought its responsibilities demand. One should consider first one's own fitness. I should want to know something of the professional training of that physician to whom it might be my sad duty to call to set your broken arm. The thought is too common now, and ever has been, that anybody can successfully teach a school. "There is a supreme selfishness abroad in this land that would jeopardize the God-given talent of a community of children for the sake of a few dollars. A country youth may feel that this win- ter will end his school career The inefficient 37 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE teacher will send him out disgusted before the term is half over. The efficient teacher will not only keep him there the whole term, but will so inspire him that he will never be satisfied short of the university. It is so easy, my son, for Mrs. Jones to say : 'Sarah, you teach this winter. You can do as well as Mary Smith, and besides your Uncle eTohn is director in No. 2, and he will be glad to give you the school, and you can board with him.' "There is no other calling, Walter, that de- mands so much of nerve force, none that requires such careful and constant preparation. The very moment a teacher ceases to be bouyant and hope- ful and cheerful in the presence of his pupils in the presence of those recipient minds that mo- ment the children should be placed in a different atmosphere. "The pay of the ordinary teacher is inadequate. The temptation to shirk plain duty is almost irre- sistable. "Look well to your motives, Walter, before you decide to teach. If you are taking up the work for a term or two, better let it alone. Human in- 38 THE RESOLVE tellects are not entities to be trifled with. Should you consider the subject in the light of a life work. Will the compensation justify the outlay? Can you save enough money to protect you when the silver is in your hair? Gray heads are seldom wanted in the schools of to-day. When the toils of school life have sapped the mind and body'of their elasticity and buoyancy it is better for the children to gaze upon a chizeled marble statute than a human mummy of former greatness." "You have chilled my enthusiasm if I ever pos- sessed any." "I would not have it so. I shall feel proud in- deed to have my son enter the greatest of callings but not blindly. Count the cost my boy count the cost." "One would suppose you had been a teacher yourself, father. Did you ever teach?" "No, I never did, but I have seen so many piti- ful failures and so much sham business that I do not want to see a child of mine enter the profes- sion like one approaching a precipice in the dark." "I thank you for all you have said. I shall try to be thoughtful and act discretely. It was 39 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE certainly kind in Mr. Benson to speak to me about the matter." "That may be true, and I shall not impugn his motives ; but there is at least the shadow of a pos- sibility that Mr. Benson was looking for votes." The result of Walter Tone's careful considera tion of the subject was that he would at least- at- tend the institute. 40 CHAPTER VI. UNCLE JOSIAH. "Ye jovial hunters, in the morn Prepare them for the chase; Rise then at the sound of horn And health with sport embrace. When a hunting we do go." "T t keer boys. That gun's loaded Walter," said Uncle Josiah. , t It was at that season of the year when the busy time of harvest and the laying by of the corn had passed that Walter decided to enjoy a ramble in the woods and along the river, and perchance shoot a mess of young squirrels. He loved to hunt as well as fish. The poetry of our nature calls us forth to ramble in the groves, "God's first temples" or to sit by the onflowing stream and listen to nature's orchestra of rippling water, sing- ing birds and humming insects. "As a diamond has many facets and every one reflects the sun, so the universe itself is a gem whose every facet reflects the mind and genius of 41 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE God." How rich we are when all nature is ours to see to hear to smell to taste. God is in it all and He draws near to us if we stop to admire and love His handiwork. The rugged oak and the vine which so gracefully festoons it the tintings of the flower the plumage of the bird the arma- ture of the insects the colorings of the shell, and all the myriad voices of nature speaks to us of His infinite love of the beautiful. He carpets the mountain with flowers and strews the ocean bed with pearls. Walter Tone in his manly strength of character loved the nature about him and felt a wealth of appreciation of these bountiful gifts of tKe Cre- ator. Josiah Tone was Walter's uncle. For many years he had made his home with Walter's father. In his young manhood he had studied law, but before he had completed his law course he was taken sick with the measles and for weeks it was thought impossible for him to recover. When physical health did return his mental equilib- rium was often disturbed. He possessed a round fat face and when cleanly shaven and attired in 42 UNCLE JOSIAH THE HIDDEN FORTUNE his Sunday best he was a pleasant looking gentle- man. Every one for miles around knew, respected and enjoyed Uncle Josiah. "I am going out for a little hunt, Uncle Josiah. Would you like to go along ?" said Walter. "T t keer there now boys, I believe I would squirrels must be half grown now just right to fry." "Little squirrel living there, in hollow tree, Here's a pretty cage for you, come and live with me." Uncle Josiah was a great student of the poets and never lost an opportunity to give a practical quotation. The two started across the meadow toward the woodland along the river. The meadow larks were soaring high warbling their morning songs. The silver beads of dew were still lingering 011 the clover leaves. "Bob-white" "Bob-white" thrilled upon the air. As they entered the wood a cooing dove sent forth her mournful nqtes. The woodland air was ladened with the scent of leaf and flower and moss. The two walked in silence. They paused and sat upon a log. 44 "T t keer there now boys "There together we sat by the beautiful stream, We had nothing to do but to love and to dream In the days that have gone on before." "Uncle you are great on poetry, but while we are wailing for a squirrel to come our way, tell me what you think of my becoming a school teacher." "T t keer there boys What, you become a teacher ! Ha, ha, ha ! He, he, he ! Well, I guess you would be all right, Walter that is if you didn't fall in love with the big girls. Un-ehe Un-che T t keer there boys." " 'Twas in the prime of summer time. An evening calm and cool. And four and twenty happy boys Came bounding out of school. There were some that ran and some that leapt Like troutlets in a pool." "I have observed there is a great difference in teachers, Walt, some are always sittin' down and sittin', and others always gittin' up and gittin'." "Possible Uncle I might strike the golden mean. But seriously I am thinking of making teaching my life work. Mr. Benson has suggested it to 45 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE me and father and I have talked it over." "T t keer there boys . " 'Aim to understand whatever you believe and be able to give a reason for every position you assume.' This is a good motto for a school teacher as well as a lawyer." - Both Josiah and Walter sat in silence for some time. Not far distant from where they were sit- ting Walter had years before experienced that sweetest sensation known to physical man the kiss of innocent girlish lips. Naturally his mind turned to that event. He had never ceased to love her but why had she never written ? He would make good his part of the promise but what if he should find her already wooed and won by an- other ? Had the mother objected to her daughter writing to a son of Iowa ? Did she fear a childish correspondence might lead to the separation of her- self and her only daughter ? Did she fear it might lead her daughter into the toil and care and dull routine of an Iowa farmer's wife? He would some day know for himself whether the child love was still alive. 46 UNCLE JOSIAH Walter broke the silence and said: ef l shall have to begin in the district school, but by econ- omy I can save enough money to obtain a college education. The more I think about it the more I am enraptured with the thought. My whole life in this work can then be given to helping other lives into higher and nobler ambitions. The op- portunities to do good are without limit. To help the undeveloped intellect to find its power to awaken the imagination and watch it soar aloft to see reason strengthen her sinews and conquer to watch memory call up her hidden treasures to discover the latent powers in boy or girl un- soiled by sin and help those powers to feel the pul- sations of their own existence and then with leaps and bounds to reach out into this universe of ideas and affiliate themselves with the boundless wisdom within arm's reach of them all. To be able to do this and do it well should be an ambition worthy of the highest intellect." "T t keer there now boys, t t keer. You will find occasion once in a while to soar in a heavier atmosphere. 47 "If what shines afar so grand Turns to nothing in thy hand On again the virtue lies In the struggle not the prize." Walter did not catch the last line for just as the quotation was begun, he saw peeping over a maple limb the head of a squirrel. The conversa- tion ended and before the clock struck twelve the odor of fried squirrel tantalized the appetites of the hungry hunters. "T t keer boys I say sister Kate, Walter is a fine shot "And now when comes the calm mild days as still such days will come To call the squirrel and The line was not finished for Walter passed the savory dish saying: "Have some more squirrel Uncle. The laborer is worthy of his hire and I am sure while I did the shooting you carried the game." 48 CHAPTER VII. THEOLD HOME. "Farewell: a word that must be and hath been O, sound which makes us linger yet farewell." John Hall and Helen Gray, after their mar- riage, did just what thousands of other young married people have done, came west to make a home. They had prospered. Sweet, blue-eyed Annie had come to bless the home but this life to us all is a co-mingling of joy and sorrow. The perfume of the rose is mingled with the odor of varnish from the coffin on which it rests. They had been in Iowa scarcely two years until the wire flashed the sad news of the death of Helen's par- ents. A few years later came the death of her hus- band. She struggled on as best she could bear- ing her sorrow with a brave heart! But Iowa was not home to her and when an opportunity offered, she sold all her possessions and returned to the land that gave her birth. Annie had been born in Iowa and this was in- deed her home; she loved the prairie with the 49 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE same devotion that her mother loved the hills and valleys of the East. It was a long, tiresome jour- ney to Mrs. Hall, but not so to Annie. It was the unfolding of a new world to her. She sscw ap- preciated and was thrilled and this is education. She had read of the great "Father of Waters" and her soul was delighted as she looked from the car window when the train moved slowly over the great iron bridge at Rock Island. The great city of Chicago was indeed a new world to her. The towering buildings the crowded streets the cable cars the white sailed ships were all won- derful. When they left Chicago the old-fashioned log houses of Indiana and Ohio reminded her of the stories of Lincoln and his cabin home. "See! Mamma see ! Is there where Mr. Lincoln lived ?" They were met at the depot in Boston by her Uncle Henry. They entered the carriage and as they drove along the beautiful avenues with state- ly mansions on either side, shaded by elm and sugar maple her whole being was delighted. To the mother it was coming home. It was hopes fruition to the full. Aunt Sarah Helen's only 50 THE OLD HOME sister stood upon the porch watching and at first sight of the carriage she ran down the walk to meet them. What a joy filled Helen's heart as she felt the warm embrace of an only sister. The heart had been sad so long and now it was full full to the brim no need now of blossoms and trees and warblers for the heart is full of un- speakable gratitude. Uncle Henry and Aunt Sarah were happy too for they had been lonely ever since their only child little Margarite had died. They had de- cided before Helen and Annie came that this home should be theirs too. Annie soon became reconciled. The contrast between country life in Iowa and city life in Bos- ton was truly great. Yet it was only so in environment. The auburn hair, the blue eyes, the rosy lips were not changed the hyacinths the roses the lilacs were not changed the blue bird and the robin had not changed either in plumage or in song, the moon and stars looked just the same. Annie was still among her friends that nature had given. 51 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE Helen had expressed a desire to visit the old home not far in the country -and worship in the old church. Sabbath morning came cloudless and beautiful the chimes from the cathedral calling to early Mass awoke Annie she listened and wondered "Mamma ! Mamma ! What is it I hear ?" "Only the chiming of the bells, dear, in the great church." "What sweet music, Mamma! How do they do it ? - May I see it ?" "Sometime, dear, I'll take you there but this morning you are going to the country with us to the church where your Mamma attended when she was a child like you." "Is it far ? How large is the church mamma ?" "Not far and not large ; wait, dear, until you see for yourself." At nine o'clock the four were in the carriage. They had not gone far when Annie caught the sound of the ocean's waves. "What is that noise, Uncle, we hear ?" "That is the sound of the waves of the ocean." "Oh, yes, the ocean ; the great Atlantic. Can't I go and see it ?" THE OL,D HOME "It is but little out of our way, and we have ample time, so we will gratify Annie's wish," said Uncle Henry. "And mine too, brother Henry," said Mrs. Hall. As they approached the ocean Mrs. Hall re- peated : "Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean, roll; Ten thousand fleets sweep over thee in vain, Man marks the earth with ruin, his control Stops with the shore upon the watery plain The wrecks are all thy deed, nor doth remain A shadow of man's ravage, save his own,. When for a moment like a drop of rain, He sinks into thy depths with bubling moan, Without a grave, unknelled, uncofflned and unkown." As they reached the eminence from which the vast expanse of water might be clearly seen, Annie said: "Oh, Mamma, how like the prairie when I was a tiny chick. It is more awful, but not so beautiful." They were soon winding up the little valley. There were the same hills. Here and there on their wooded sides could be seen the white blos- soms of the service and dogwood trees, like flags of truce. The wheat fields were almost heading ; the peach, plum and cherry were in bloom; the 53 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE apple blossoms showed the first tint of red. The same rushing stream played over its pebbly bot- tom. It all seemed so real to Helen. A thousand memories crowded her mind, so she rode in silence beside her sister. The next turn in the road and they would be in sight of the old church and grave- yard. But the old church was not there. Long since it had been replaced by a modern edifice. This was Helen's first keen disappointment. They stepped from the carriage and entered the grave- yard. Henry and Sarah, one on either side, lead the way to where the dear father and fond mother rested in their last sleep. There is the kneeling, the sobbing, the half audible words "My father ! My mother ! I so far, far away !" The slowly rising, looking back and then arm in arm they depart. "I cannot enter that church now. Henry drive us, I pray you, up the old road to the old home past the school house." "The old school house is gone, Helen, and they have built a new brick one farther up and \ on the other side of the creek." 54 THE OLD HOME Sure enough. When they reached the spot where the old school house stood but one land mark remained an old elm, and beneath its shade a flock of lazy sheep. "We never wrote you, Helen, because we did not wish to add to your sorrow, that our old house burned down three years ago, and a new house has been built, but not exactly in the same location. The barn and well and the old pear tree all seem out of place and what was our garden is now a lawn. I thought best to tell you, Helen, before we reach it, but we are here already." "Drive slowly past, brother Henry, and when you reach the road that turns to the right and crosses the creek, we will follow it. I am too sad to see any but your own dear faces to-day." A few had gathered at the church before the carriage, but its four occupants had driven away. And it was told from one to another that Helen Gray Hall had returned from the great West and had been there that morning to visit the graves of her parents. Some doubted it, but old Aunt Sally Timmons declared it wa.s true ? for ghe had 55 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE passed them on the road, and she knew Helen as soon as she set her eyes on her. The four reached home about noon, and after the noon meal, the two sisters and Uncle Henry lay down for an afternoon rest. Annie knew this was her time to write to Walter, and stealing up stairs she wrote Boston 18 Dear Walter Boston is a great city. We all went to the country to-day. I saw the Atlantic Ocean. It's awful big. We saw where Mamma used to live such big hills. Uncle Henry is just the nicest man. I love him already. I'm going to school to-morrow. I know I won't like the boys. I wish you could be there, but you are coming to Boston sometime "Honor bright." I think about you every day and hope you think about me. I don't like Boston as well as Iowa, but I expect I'll learn to like it sometime. I hope you won't wait very long until you write. I am forever your blue-eyed "Annie Hall." Annio sealed and stamped the letter and the next morning gave it to Uncle Henry to mail, 56 THE OLD HOME On the same morning she entered the Boston schools. On the second morning after she had enrolled, her teacher said to the principal: "What do you know about the girl, called Annie Hall, you brought to my room yesterday." "Nothing, only this; she comes from the West from Iowa, I think. I was not sure she could remain in your grade, but she seemed bright, and I thought best to make the trial. Of course, we cannot expect, Miss Simpson, that children from the West where they have so few advantages will be advanced as our own pupils are, who live in the very center of the world's civilization." "I beg leave to say, Prof. Green, that this child is an exception. She is timid, of course, but she is so sweet and smart, and what she does know, she knows thoroughly. We haven't a pupil in this room that shows a finer spirit or a more earnest desire to know. And, as I said before, what she knows, she knows, and modestly knows she knows it." "I am pleased to have you say this, Miss Simp- son, and for the child's good, I am pleased to know 57 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE that you recognize her worth and frankly tell me of it, even though she comes from the prairies of the West." Annie Hall maintained her good name as an excellent student and graduated from the high school with honor. Henry Harmon was a man of only moderate means. Helen and Annie had made their home with the brother-in-law and sister. Mrs. Hall had entrusted all her means to him, and the income had been far short of meeting her part of the ex- pense account. Annie knew all this, and deter- mined she would provide for herself in the future. She had taken the industrial work in the high school rather than the Greek and Latin course, al- though she could speak the French and German fluently. She had no trouble in securing a posi- tion as instructor in the sewing department of the industrial school. The mother had rounded out her e4ucation by teaching her the domestic duties of the household. Uncle Henry was justly proud of his niece, and never lost an opportunity to show her historic 58 OLD HOME Boston Boston to him was about the only place on earth. They visited Gore's Hall, and he pointed out to Annie the historical and Revolutionary maps and charts and pictures. They climbed to the very summit of Bunker Hill Monument, and, to his delight, she repeated for her uncle the words of Webster. "Let it rise till it meets the sun in the morning. Let the earliest rays of morning gild it. Let the parting day linger and play upon its summit." From its summit Annie gazed down upon the shipping, the ocean and the city with its endless activities. She recalled the battle of Bunker Hill, and thought how at her feet in the great city be- low was constantly being waged the battle for bread for fame for honor. At another time Uncle Henry led the way until they stood under the old elm where Washington received his command of the colonial forces. They wandered together in the halls of the old State House where Independence was born and felt that they stood on "Holy Ground." These were happy hours for Annie, and we leave her in her happiness. 59 CHAPTER VIIL THE INSTITUTE. "We live in deeds, not years, in thoughts, not breaths; In feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count time by heart throbs. He most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, acts the best." - More than two hundred persons had signified their purpose to be present at the institute. Able and experienced instructors had been em- ployed. Some were coming who had been there many hot Augusts before some to whom the ex- perience would be new and novel. Some came with anxous hopes, high resolves and noble pur- poses. Others came for a "good time." If teaching is a profession, why is it necessary, two weeks each year, and those the hottest weeks in the year, to call together the teachers who for nine months have been confined in the scKbol room with all of its arduous duties ? They are called together and roasted roasted in stuffy unventilated bed rooms at night and by the scorching sun in the day time. They are 60 THE INSTITUTE roasted by the "hobby rider," and the fellow with a new "Method," and the mendicant book agent, and the state lecturer, who reads his little essay in a feminine voice that cannot be heard half way across the hall; nor is this all. For two whole days the poor sufferer is subjected to the intense heat of the examination. Then exhausted and penniless he is permited to go. If the institute is a necessity, then, for the sake of suffering human- ity, hold it at some other season of the year, and do not close it with an examination. If Superintendent Smith issues a certificate to Brown, that certificate should be valid as long as Brown continues to teach, and it should be valid also anywhere in the state. The difficulty is here, namely: one-half of the Superintendent Smiths are incompetent officers, and no man or woman is competent to hold this high office who does not possess a state certificate or a college diploma. Superintendent Benson had secured a boarding place for Walter Tone. Walter's valise was in the buggy. Josiah held the horses. Mr. and Mrs. Tone came down to the gate to say "Good-bye." They felt justly proud of their son, but there was 61 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE a little pulling at the heartstrings when the "Good-bye" was spoken and when the buggy was out of sight and they turned to go back to the house. Mrs. Tone wiped a tear from her cheek and said: "I do hope Walter will do well. We shall be real lonesome without him." "The mother sending forth her child To meet with cares and strife, Breathes through her tears her doubts and fears For the loved one's future life; No cold "Adieu," no "Farewell" lives Within her choking sigh. But the deepest soul of anguish given God bless the boy; Goodbye." "T t keer there boys. You are going away from home for the first time, Walter. Take the advice of your uncle my boy, and keep a stiff upper lip. Put in your oar boy and pull. "Lay the proud usurper low, Tyrants fall in every foe, Liberty's in every blow, Walter do or die." "That's good advice, Uncle. Have you any more of that kind ?" "T t keer there boys . I am glad you are to board with our old friend and neighbor, Mr. 62 THE INSTITUTE Noble. He is a great lover of horses. I remem- ber when he sold his farm and moved to town. That was the mistake of his life, but Mrs. Noble wanted more society, and now he wants more money. I suppose that is why they are boarding you." "I understand you, Uncle. You mean to say that I too, am leaving the farm and making the mistake of my life." "T t keer there boys. I said nothing of the kind. TJn-che Un-che. "Down to the wharves as the sun goes down And the daylights tumult and dust and din Are dying away in the busy town I go to see if my ship conies in." "Where did you learn that stanza, Uncle ? Never mind. Tell me a story." "T t keer there boys. That I will. A farmer, on his way to the dairy with his milk, stopped by the flowing stream to pour some water on his wagon wheels to tighten the tires. By mis- hap he slipped and some of the water got into the milk and took two little froggies with it. Those f roggies kicked and kicked but could not get out. 63 THE} HIDDEN FORTUNE Finally one said: 'No use brother, I shall go to the bottom and die ;' but the other kept on kicking, and when the milk was emptied he was sitting on a lump of butter of his own churning. I hope when the institute is over you will be roosting on the butter, Walt." When it looks like all is up, Keep a-goin'; Drain the sweetness from the top, Keep a-goin'; See the wild bird on the wing, Hear the bells that sweetly ring When you feel like sighin', sing But keep a-goin'." "I thank you, Uncle, for your advice, your story and your poetry, but here we are at Mr. Noble's." Mrs. Noble came out to welcome Walter and to show him to his room. She hoped he would feel at home; they would do all they could to make him feel so. Her manner was most cordial, but she seemed to him a little more stately and re- served than when he knew her on the farm. He spent an hour in his room, and then supper was announced. When he entered the dining 64 room he was warmly received by Mr. Noble, who introduced him to half a dozen young lady boarders. When seated, these young ladies seemed to have turned into six interrogation points. At what school had he "been educated? Had he taught? Did he know Professor Snowdown ? Could he play tennis ? Was he fond of boating ? When the meal was ended and he walked out alone in the yard, he said to himself: "Uncle was right. 'Keep a stiff upper lip, Wait/" He was courageous. He knew that well; but to have twelve searching eyes focused on him for a full half hour, and those eyes beaming out from six intelligent, happy, fun-loving faces almost took his courage away. If Mr. Noble had only come to his -rescue and asked him about the price of stock or grain, or the best way to grade a country road, or had even asked his views politically, he could have talked an hour and enjoyed it. He felt he was a "ten- derfoot" among mountain lions. He half mut- tered to himself; "Had Annie's eyes been there, I would not have felt the gaze of others." 65 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE "Were you speaking to me Mr. Tone?" He had not noticed the approach of Miss Nellie Ford. "Oh, excuse me, I was just humming," he said. "A delightful evening, Mr. Tone," said Nellie. "Very, indeed," he responded. At this juncture Mr. Noble came out and said : "I remember, Mr. Tone, that you are a great lover of fine horses. If Miss Ford will excuse us, I shall be pleased to introduce you to as fine a span of blacks as you have seen in many a day." "Certainly, gentlemen, you are perfectly excus- able," said Nellie. "Thank you, Miss Ford." Then turning to Mr. Noble, he said, "I shall not only be pleased to see your blacks but to ride behind them as well. The blacks were soon in harness, and for more than an hour they enjoyed the ride, Mr. Tone holding the lines a part of the time, convinced Mr. Noble of his ability to manage blooded horses. "I am a little surprised, Mr. Tone, to find you enrolling as one of the teachers of this county. It seems to me that you possess a fine business tal- ent that would lead you into some other occupa- tion." 66 THE INSTITUTE "If I understand myself, Mr. Noble, it is my purpose to get the very most out of life. I have tried to be a dutiful son on the farm; but the farm is not mine. I have accumulated practically nothing. I have a burning desire to obtain an education, and then, when I am qualified to enter that vocation which promises most opportunities for service to humanity. The farm has taught me how to work; has toughened my muscles; taught me economy, sympathy for the toiler, a love and appreciation for nature ; but above all it has taught me my lack of scholastic attainment and the cul- ture of refined society. I do not know as yet that I possess, even in embryo, the tact to become a suc- cessful teacher. This is one reason why I am here. I am here to test myself, to study the other man who is already a success in his profession. I am to stand beside him and measure the two as to apti- tude and natural ability for the work proposed." "I can plainly see, Mr. Tone, that you mean business, and that you do not intend to buy the horse until you try him." ''Exactly, Mr. Noble. That is just what I 67 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE mean. I find myself in the same position as the Irishman. "Pat and Pete were two day laborers. Pat in- herited a fortune and did what most men would do. He bought a fine home, fine clothes and fine horses. He was driving out one morning, and Pete was sitting on the fence beside the road. " 'Hello, Pat !' 'Hello, Pete !' " 'Och ! Pat, ye must be very happy this foin mornin' wit your foin clothes and ilegant horses ?' " 'Ah, I dun know, Pete. I dun know, but I tell ye, Pete, I'de jist give fifty cints if I could sit on thot fince beside ye and see mesilf drive by.' "I want to sit on the fence and see how I'll look as I drive by, Mr. Noble." "You would, no doubt, be delighted with the 'turn out.' " CHAPTER EXPERIENCE. "An old farm home with meadows wide And sweet with clover on each side, A bright-eyed boy who looks from out The door with woodbine wreathed about And wishes his one thought all day, O, if I could but fly away From this dull spot the world to see, How happy, happy, happy, How happy I should be." Monday morning came and with its dawn Wal- ter awoke. His first thought was the recollection of those six interrogation points and the six pairs of eyes. Then he thought of home and wondered how everything was there. He knew he would be be sadly missed. Again he wondered what would be expected of him at Normal. He opened his history to make sure that 1492 marked the time of the discovery of America. He soon settled that point, but he could not study. He realized what a great many teachers do not realize, viz. : that look- ing at the pages of a book is not study, even say- 69 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE ing over the words on the page is not study, plodding away at something in which we are not interested is not study. The human mind grasps and grows only when it is intensely awake to the thought in hand. Read the sentence again, dear teacher, burn it into your very soul. The little mind in front of you may be flooded with a torrent of troubled thoughts and thus it is absolutely unable to think the lesson. A thousand things might happen at its home before starting to school to fill the little soul too full for the thoughts of school. The father and mother quarreled that morning the family are about to move their dear old uncle is to come that day the father has suffered loss in business the elder sister is to marry the big show is coming day after tomorrow lit- tle baby sister, in her sick bed, brought that anxious look and that shining tear to mamma's face just as your pupil was starting to school. That teacher is wise, very wise, who can see through the outer walls into the inner soul and bring it blessings. O, teacher ! God will bless you 70 EXPERIENCE if you can learn to stand beside the crystal spring to dip up and give to the passing children. And doubly blessed if when the little hand lifts the cup to its lips and its bright searching, innocent eyes look through your eyes down, deep into your very soul and see there "That living water." How blessed to give! Giving is the life work of the teacher. What do we give to society ? To the school? Self. Can we give what we do not possess? You can direct the mind to follow the thought of the text. You may lead to the appre- ciation of nature. And these are valuable. But cheerfulness, hopefulness and love, come down from heaven. Look up and "be." "Howe'er it be it seems to me Tis only noble to be good. Kind hearts are more than coronets, And simple faith than Norman blood." Walter Tone very wisely laid aside his history and strolled out into the yard. He sat down in a rustic seat and a moment later he heard voices through the latticed window. "Say, Nell," said Bess, "there sits Mr. Tone. He must have gotten up to milk the cow, forget- ting that he is not on the farm." 71 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE "You are unjust Bess, farmers are used to ris- ing early, and Mr. Tone has followed his usual custom. I think Mr. Tone is a splendid fellow, and I mean to have a ride behind those blacks be- fore this institute is over, and Mr. Tone shall be the driver." "Well, who cares if you do, Nell. I do not, for one. I came here to " A breeze rustled the leaves, and the sentence was lost. Mr. Tone, not wishing to hear himself discussed, arose and walked to the farther side of the lawn. He put his foot upon a railing, leaned against the fence, and pulling down an overhang- ing maple branch, he severed it and began to whittle. One sentence filled his mind "I mean to ride behind those blacks, and Mr. Tone shall be the driver." "She is rather handsome so are the blacks." "Breakfast, Mr. Tone!" "Yes, sir." The repast being over, Walter went first to his room and immediately after to the school build- ing. Superintendent Benson greeted him warmly. To the clerk he gave his name, age and two dollars, 72 EXPERIENCE also an extra twenty-five cents for a certain kind of note book (tips). He was handed his classification card and shown to the assembly room. He met the same aggregation one always meets at a county institute. The maiden with silver hair, who has been a long time in the service. She had attended every institute since . Then there are fats and leans, tails and shorts, all the way down to the lassie of fourteen summers, who is there to cram because she did not pass from her grade into the high school. The tall, lank, stoop- shouldered, polite old gentleman with glasses, sit- ting in the back seat is also a veteran in the cause. He farms in the summer and teaches in the win- ter. He finds it necessary to attend the institute each year and "rub up" in order to keep apace with all the "new fangled" ideas. The instructors walk about in a kindly, dignified way like those possessed of power both to dare, and to do. Nine o'clock, and all are seated. The super- intendent, the instructors and the minister all on the platform. "Work for the Night is Coming" was an- nounced and sung. Rev. Body read from the 73 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE "Holy Word" and in his prayer impressed all with a sense of great responsibility. "America" and all who could, sang. Superintendent Benson made a neat little speech of greeting, pressing home the thought that "Education is the unfolding of the mental powers and not the mere obtaining of facts, also that it would be impossible for the instructors to aid the teachers unless they willed to know ; no being can unfold truth to another being unless he is willing to receive it; that acquisition is a means and not an end ; that study means self activity and growth, the development of that innate power which pierces through the densest and darkest textures and makes them luminous ; power to see one's self and feel and know that the habits of life and the thoughts of life are something more than the mere acquisition of facts we call knowledge." " 'For wisdom is better than rubies and all things thou canst desire are not to be compared to her/ " Each instructor followed with a brief outline of the work as he intended to present it. I copy a 74 EXPERIENCE part of the first pages of Walter's note book for that first day. "Notes observations Aug. , 18 . One gentleman to five ladies present. Seven instructors only one of these a lady. Each of the seven in- structors insisted upon a certain amount of work being carefully done before the next recitation on the following day. Three out of the seven on the first day, as an incentive to study, swung the blood-stained club of "examinations" over the heads of the teacher. "Instructors seem to be scholarly, but without a single exception follow a 'one idea' both in meth- od and matter. (On the farm we raised the Duroc hogs. Father and I both liked them best but we never thought they were the only good hogs. ) Some of the teachers want to talk all the time, and some not at all. (I prefer a 'bucking broncho' to a 'braying ass' but the span of blacks are the horses for me.)" As the days went by, Walter acquainted him- self with the book agent and the school journal vender. He could not understand why a part of an institute should be a book store. He hinted this 75 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE to the tall senior who sat in the back seat, and the old man said: "Tips" tenderfoot "tips" to the superintendent. Mr. Tone did not believe it. "We are all all honorable men." As stated before, Mr. Tone was a student in this institute to get all out of it possible. He watched with eagle eye each instructor, not for the purpose of criticism, but to satisfy his longing to know. He was always pleasant and courteous and was held in the highest esteem by each instructor. When asked a question he was unable to an- swer, his reply was always such as to indicate his deep desire to know, and this always led the in- structor to exemplify to the full extent of his ability. He scanned the various journals and books on sale. The "one idea' "the one method" seemed to be prevalent everywhere. "Lo here is the way," said one. "Lo, this is the way," said another ; and to him either way seemed a possible and a plain way. If he should enter the profession would it be necessary for him to master all the ways ? How would he ever be able to bring all these conflicting 76 EXPERIENCE theories and methods into one harmonious whole in order to present the truth to the child ? He remembered that David laid aside the heavy armor, and old Goliath lost his head, but he knew there were not many Davids. He called to mind that this diversity is in every avenue of activity in the State, in religion, in commerce ; even farm- ers differ as to the best method and right time to plant potatoes. He also learned in later years that he who could succeed in getting a child to look at its inner self long enough to see and feel its responsibility, if but for a day, had started that soul heavenward, and no power on earth, or under the earth, could ever stop its onward way. The divergent ways but show the power of mind to break through the little circle of thought en- vironment and push out into the fresh and illim- itable fields of truth. Go on, O, human mind, by love divine inspired! To you the universe lies open and free ; to you "No heights are inaccessible, no depths unfathomable, no distance untravers- ible." God invites to the counsels of search after truth. To the teacher is given this high preroga- 77 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE tive of introducing the child to this Freedom of the Universe. The little child who timidly opens your school- house door next autumn possesses powers and beauties and sublimities above and beyond all things physical. "Virtue shines more brilliantly than pearl or diamond. Beautiful and fragrant as these flower-covered prairies are, yet they can exhale no such sweetness as charity diffuses." Truth is Godlike, eternal, and he who can lead the child within its presence and make that child feel happy and at home there, has reached the climax of human greatness. Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne, But that scaffold sways the future And behind the great unknown Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above his own. "How sensitive is the soul of a child." One night as Walter sat by his table thinking over the events of the day at the institute, he fell into a profound sleep. He beheld a young teacher with dinner pail in hand. In the distance was a little white schoolhouse; children were playing 78 " HE FELL INTO A SOUND SLEEP." THE HIDDEN FORTUNE near it, full of the wholesome joy of childish sport. A blaze of light came over the scene; gradually the light seemed to separate into beams, which, converging in an indescribable splendor, formed a paradise far up in the sky ! Above this paradise in golden letters he read : "The Teachers' Heaven." In angelic form Minerva with golden wand came forth and touched each beam of light. And on each appeared brilliant letters set in diamonds and pearls. And the first read: "The A. B. C. Method," and thousands of redeemed souls cried out : "Amen ! Amen !" The second read : "The Word Method," and again another great multitude cried : "Even so, Amen ! Amen !" And the third was touched, and the inscription read : "Sentence Method," and an innumerable host shouted: "So be it. Amen! Amen!" And as Minerva continued to touch and the mul- titudes to shout, there flashed before his astonished vision "The Synthetic Method," "Grube Method," "Speer Method," "Natural Method," "Laboratory Method," "Observation Lessons Method," "Dia- graming Method," "Source Method," "Do by Do- ing Method," "Vertical Method." Then he thought 80 WE? 1 . >s vW A ^f ^ WALTER'S DREAM THE HIDDEN FORTUNE the young teacher's knees were violently smiting each the other and striking his own knee against the table he awoke. Walter afterward related this dream to his Uncle Josiah. "T t keer there, boys!" the old gentleman said. "The beam of light that went into the school- house door I would label, in plain English, 'The Common-Sense Method.' T t keer there, boys !" "There is no force, however great, Can stretch a cord, however fine, Into a horizontal line That shall be exactly straight." "Un-che! Un-ehe!" In this free country every child is entitled to the best; and all so far as possible should have the same advantages. What the chil- dren need most is equality of opportunity, v and a state law back of this to compel the child to ac- cept and make the most of these opportunities. May we not hope that from the conglomeration of methods order and system soon will be evolved ? No man can now fence himself up with one idea and label it : "This is tlie way." 82 EXPERIENCE Even the churches are smashing their creeds and casting out all that prevents the fullest search after truth. Some of the greatest minds this country ever produced came up through the old log cabin schoolhouse with the old-fashioned school- master. Yet no one now believes the old way to be the best way. The time cannot be far in the future when boards of education will demand age and training for those who assume to instruct the children. Thousands of us parents would rather have our children taught yea rooted and grounded in truth, honesty, and virtue, than taught by the Speer Method or Grube Method. Not that I am criticis- ing either of these methods. They are both means to an end, and they are meritorious, too. Let us have a renaissance. Let us have more politeness, more truthfulness, more honesty. And why not emphasize all the Christian virtues in this Chris- tian land ? Two things the child does not possess when he enters this life; and these are the only things he will take out of this life with him. They are ideas and memories. When the child enters the school- 83 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE room door he brings with him a store of ideas and of memories. How delicate, how searching should be the diagnosis of that child mind by the teacher. What kind of personality do you desire shall make this diagnosis of your child's mind ? One source- ful of knowledge! One pure in purpose! One who would love the child even were the little one clothed in rags and the son of a pauper. One abso- lutely certain of the kind of treatment necessary. Throttle the man who tells you anybody can teach your child. It is false! false! (Stand, Honorable Board of Education. This is your sentence: You have placed that delicate little woman as a teacher in a small room poorly lighted, poorly ventilated^ and assigned her fifty pupils. You are guilty of the crime of slow tor- ture of which the Inquisition is only a fair paral- lel. Our state and national educational gather- ings will tend more and more to unify and sim- plify all school work. The report of The Commit- tee of Ten was a movement in the right direction, but only the learned can comprehend it. They never read it. It is the private soldier who loads and shoots. He is the one who must understand 84 EXPERIENCE the force of the powder, the strength of the barrel and the distance to cover. It is safe to give a horse the rein only when he knows the road and is sure-footed. We need more training schools and the near future must bring them.) Walter Tone soon lost his fear of the dozen mis- chievous eyes and really sought the presence of two of them. One day at dinner, when repartee and conundrums were a part of the menu, Bess asked : "Mr. Tone, why are school teachers like grind- stones ?" "Because they wear away gray matter in sharp- ening other minds," he, answered, then, "What is between Superintendent Benson and heaven?" he asked in his turn. "Nat a hair," cried Nellie; "he is bald!" "There Nell," said Bess laughingly, "that ought to win you a ride behind those blacks." 85 CHAPTER X. BEHIND THE BLACKS. And the night shall be filled with music And the cares that infest the day Shall fold their tents like the Arabs And steal silently away. The evening was perfect. The silver moon was full; not a cloud was in the sky. A breeze had dispelled the intense heat of an August day. The katydids were in full voice and sang a duet with the crickets. The corn had just reached its growth and sent forth, from silk and tassel, sweet odors of a promised harvest. The cattle had lain down for a night's repose in the dewy pastures. The turkeys were perched high in the maples by the orchard. The vast expanse of undulating prairie in the somber stillness of a summer night, with moon and stars o'er head, combined to lift the soul in solemn gratitude to Him who rules above the stars. BEHIND THE BLACKS Night is the time to muse. When from the eye the soul Takes flight; and with expanding views Beyond the starry pole Descries athwart the abyss of night The dawn of uncreated light. Nellie Ford, always han'dsome, was unusually so that evening. She wore a light blue dimity trimmed with white ribbons. Her yellow hair was knotted under her hat and curled about her face. With snowy gloves and light evening wrap she was a picture to delight and charm the eye. Walter felt proud as he assisted her into the buggy, and the touch of his strong arm sent a thrill through her. He held with tightened rein the eager blacks until the robe was adjusted, then said: "And now which way, Miss Ford ?" "You are the driver, make your own choice." The loosened rein was all the signal the horses desired. "What a handsome team, Mr. Tone, and how well you drive !" "Thank you. I have had quite an experience handling horses on the farm." 87 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE "How charming farm life must be ! I have al- ways wanted to live on a farm myself. Like you I am passionately fond of fine horses. What a perfect night this is. Let me see; what is that quotation from Shakespeare we used to-day in the institute ? I have it "The moon shines bright in such a night as this, When the sweet wind did gently kiss the trees And they did make no noise." "That surely describes this night, Miss Ford, and the rest of the quotation reads : "In such a night did young Lorenzo swear he loved her well, Stealing her soul with many vows of faith, And ne'er a true one." "The wind is just a little chilly, is it not ?" "Let me help you with your wrap." "If you please." Walter Tone was a skilful driver, but he did not know just how to hold a spirited team and at the same moment adjust a lady's cape. Besides, he was in doubt as to which was the top and which the bottom of the garment. His hands seemed un- usually large and awkward. He did just what any 88 BEHIND THE BL/ACKS other man would have done under similar circum- stances. He put the lines between his knees and turned to adjust the cape. "How handsome she is," he thought. The lines slipped, the blacks felt their freedom, the cape dropped ; the road was straight and smooth. Nellie summoned all her courage and sat still. She dared not jump; to scream would be fatal. Walter succeeded in securing the lines and speak- ing kindly to the horses gradually checked them. "How brave you are, Miss Ford! Not one woman in a thousand but would either have caught the lines and screamed, or screamed and jumped, either of which would have proved dis- astrous at the speed we were going." "What could I do but sit still and trust to a careful driver?" "Thank you. I suppose it is as the professor said to-day. 'We are to learn to do by doing,' and I have had more experience in handling horses than in adjusting ladies' wraps." "Oh ! that was aptly spoken. 'Experience makes perfect.' How are you enjoying this institute, Mr. Tone?" 89 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE "The evening sessions, very much, specially this one." "Now, be serious. Are you getting acquainted with many of the teachers ?" "Solemnly, I declare, I am getting somewhat acquainted with six of them and seriously with one of them." "Don't you think, Mr. Tone, that most of the teachers are simply cramming for the exam ?" "I suppose in a degree that is true of us all. We are certainly reminded of it often enough. It will all be new to me." "What did you think of Professor Curran's talk about the great increase in the number of women teachers ?" "Well, Miss Ford, in some points, I agree with him. He is right when he says that work done by a woman should receive the same compensation as the same work done by a man. I do not share his views that women are as well suited for high school work as men, especially in mathematics and the natural sciences. They may be as well or even better fitted to teach the languages. Men are better 90 BEHIND THE BRACKS executive officers than women. This certainly needs no argument." "So you think women ought to teach only in the lower grades ?" "As a rule, yes, but not always so." "Of course, it is pleasant to work among the smaller children. I love them and love my work with them. I believe child study, now in its in- fancy, is destined to revolutionize the work in the primary grades. Half the dullness and indiffer- ence in children is clue to physical defects, and the time must come when every child upon entering school will be examined by a competent physician. The time will come when no teacher will be given a position in our schools until she has made a thor- ough study of child nature and shows herself com- petent to lead in child development. The time will come when overcrowded rooms will be a hid- eous relic of the past. "Returning to our first thought, Mr. Tone, do you think men are really being crowded out of the profession by their sisters ? How do you account for this, and is it detrimental to the schools ?" "There are many reasons for the change. Co- 91 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE education in the higher grades and in the colleges and universities qualifies women* for monied posi- tions. They are conscious of their developed powers and wish to make use of them, an3 teach- ing is one of the greatest and most attractive ave- nues opened for the accomplishment of this desire. "Again, the work done, or attempted to he done, in our high schools to-day is at least ten years in advance of the community in which the high school exists. This overcrowded high school course is due to the demands of the colleges, and the am- bitious desire of the high school to get on the ac- credited list. This all tends to crowd the boys out of the high school because they develop more slowly than their sisters. "Then, too, this is a commercial age, and the boy catches the spirit of business and moneymak- ing from the father, and so becomes restless and anxious to get out into the world and make money. The profession of teaching offers but little induce- ment because the remuneration is small barely a living and ceases to be an income at all shortly after the age of fifty years." 92 BEHIND THE BLACKS "Do you expect to make teaching a lifework, Mr. Tone?" "Unless I change my mind, I shall." "I do not see how you can think of it. I should judge a man of your taste would want a perma- nent home, and it seems to me the teacher must be forever on the move." "I suppose all you say is true. A permanent home would certainly be desirable, but I have heard it said that even cabbages are improved by transplanting. One will get to know more people if he moves frequently." "Oh ! did you see that rabbit cross the road in front of us, Mr. Tone? How glad I am it was not a black cat, aren't you ?" "Why, Miss Ford?" "You know it's bad luck to have a black cat cross ; one's path." "Suppose it were a white cat, or a gray cat, spotted or yellow cat, then what would happen ?" "You men always have a suppose to everything. Won't you please raise the top ? The dew is gath- ering, and I feel chilly. Let me take the lines this time to prevent a runaway." 93 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE "I see you have held the lines before, but I feel lost without them. I do not know what to do with my hands." "Just keep them on your side of the buggy, and they will behave very well." Nellie soon tired of the lines for the horses now had their heads turned homeward. Finally when they drove up the avenue to Mr. Noble's Nellie said, "I certainly thank you very much, Mr. Tone, for this evening's pleasure. I have enjoyed it very much indeed." "I thank you, and I hope it may not be our last ride, Miss Ford." "I heartily concur in your wish. Good-night." "Good-night." Before Nellie Ford slept she recalled again and again every little detail of that ride. What a noble man he was ! Would she dare to allow a friendship so auspiciously begun to ripen into something more serious ? She knew too that a buggy ride was but a mere incident. Yet she felt that beside the exhileration of an evening ride she would be glad to go again. She was not sure of 94 BEHIND THE BLACKS her own mind, but she was sure that she had spent a very happy evening. Walter Tone was cognizant of the same happy feeling. She was handsome, intelligent, entertain- ing. He would be glad to repeat the ride. What if this friendship should really ripen into love! He censured himself for the thought. She had other suitors doubtless and with no little effort he dismissed it all. 95 CHAPTER XL THE EXAMINATION. To yield to the foe meant worse than death; So we men and women all worked on; It was one day more of work and war, And then it would all be done. The day following the drive was the beginning of a two days' examination. On the previous afternoon the whole institute had assembled and the usual resolutions' had been adopted. It was the sense of the institute that the present instructors should be employed for the next year. That this had been the most successful institute ever held in the county. That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the county papers for publication. The questions for the examination had been prepared as usual by the several instructors. Every precaution had been taken to make the examina- tion test a fair one. Walter Tone felt very confident of success as he entered upon the examination. Be it said to 96 THE EXAMINATION his credit he was among the first to hand in his papers upon every subject. Superintendent Benson had announced an aver- age of 70 per cent with no grade below 50 per cent for a second grade certificate, and an average of 90 per cent no grade below 75 per cent for a first- grade certificate. Three out of the seven instructors remained the following week to grade the papers. Walter's grades stood as follows: Arthmetic 100 Grammar 95 TJ. S. History 98 Geography 40 Orthography 92 Reading 95 Writing 84 The general average was all right, but 40 per cent in geography would defeat him. The examiners re-examined the manuscript. Some favored arbitrarily raising the grade. Others not. Miss Isinagle was high in all but arithmetic. If one is raised, raise all. Some fav- ored re-examination in that branch, but the appli- 97 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE cant lived many miles away. Would it be right to put him to the extra expense? Is it right to establish an arbitrary grade? Be it said to the credit of Mr. Benson that he raised the grades of both Miss Isinagle and Mr. Tone and issued each a certficate. They all knew that Mr. Tone was as well qual- ified to teach a successful school as half those who held first grade certificates. When one mind comes in contact with another mind for two weeks the one knows pretty well the power of the other, or else the one has no business to be there as an institute instructor. When Uncle Josiah came to take his nephew home he was shown the span of blacks. "T t keer there boys. They are beauties! What limbs they have. I'd give a good deal to hold the reins behind that team." "'Tis fine, Uncle, especially when one has a beautiful lady by his side." "T t keer there boys. No women for me. I'm averse to buying lottery tickets, Walt. There would be no chance work in investing in these blacks, my boy." "Were you ever in love, Uncle ?" 98 THE EXAMINATION "T t keer there boys. Yes I was once a de- voted lover to my dear old mother. Un-che Un-che." "Of course, Uncle, we all love our mothers. But did you ever love any other women?" "No, not exactly a woman. I remember, away back in Scotland playing with little Mary and making mud pies with her, Mary Scott. I believe I did love her. She had the blackest eyes ! I re- member she cried when we came away. Poor Mary, she died soon after we left. I still love to think about her, Walter, and you are the only one I have ever told about it. I think in my childish way that I promised to go back and then she would be my wife, but you see she died and I have never gone back. Dear old Scotland! I would love to see its hills again!" Uncle Josiah averted his head and seemed lost in thought. What did this recall to Walter Tone? He had promised to go back, not to Scotland, but to the New England hills. But Annie had never written. Had she too like "Mary" passed away ? Walter went after his valise and to bid adieu to Mrs. Noble, On his return from the house he, 99 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE met Nellie who said, "Are you really going, Mr. Tone?" "Yes, Miss Ford really going." "You must accept a button hole bouquet of these honeysuckles before you go as a remembrance of our pleasant institute. I am sure I have never enjoyed an institute as well. I do hope I have passed the examination for I already have a school engaged." As she talked she pinned the bouquet on his coat. "Thank you, Miss Nellie. I hope you have passed the examination and that you will find your school work very pleasant, and with your permis- sion when the honeysuckles bloom again we will take another ride." "That's a long time to wait, Mr. Tone. Good- bye." He left her standing by the trellis in her queen- ly beauty, and when the buggy turned from the avenue into the main road he looked back and each waved a good-bye to the other. On arriving at home Walter received as warm a welcome from his parents as though he had been a returning veteran from the war. All the ani- 100 THE EXAMINATION mals too seemed to welcome the young master home. The cats purred and rubbed their furry sides against his legs. His pony neighed his wel- come and followed him around the barn lot for more caresses. T"ido ran around and around the house and finally reached the climax of excite- ment by chasing a squaking young rooster. Walter listened long that night to the tick, tick, tick of the old family clock. He lived again the institute the ride with Nellie the questions in the examination Uncle Josiah's story of Mary Scott. He wandered by the river and gathered wild flowers with Annie. He remembered that both Annie and Nellie had given him honeysuckles as a parting gift. He thought how mysterious is life. Only a few weeks before he had not the least idea of becoming a teacher. Now he would suffer the keenest disappointment if denied this privi- lege. Had a kind Providence been leading ? Sleep came and he rested. And when the new day gladdened all the earth he went forth to take up his former routine of daily cares and duties. A week later the mail brought him his certifi- cate, When he handed it to his parents the look 101 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE of satisfaction could not have been greater had he been crowned king. Did I say king ? Yes, great- er than a king is he who goes forth equipped to lead the children into noble manhood and woman- hood. Greater than a queen is she who can teach the child to recognize his relationship to his fellow pupil, to teacher, to home, to society and assist him to build a broad and enduring character that will exhibit in future life the graces of politeness, truth and virtue. This wonderful age of intellectual activities, of great universities, great commercial enterprises, great and benign governments, should call forth the most careful preparation of our youth who within the next fifty years will be in supreme con- trol of all the world's activities. "Ask and it shall be given you Seek and ye shall find." 102 CHAPTER XII. THE DISTRICT SCHOOL. Superintendent Benson enclosed a letter of in- troduction with Walter Tone's certificate. On the day following the receipt of his certifi- cate he delighted his pony by giving him a gallop of ten miles over the prairie roads. As he ap- proached the gate leading to the McFadden home, for the house set back a short distance from the road, a lady, also on horseback, approached the gate from the other side. Walter alighted, raised his hat, opened the gate. The lady thanked him and was just about ready to pass out when she reined her horse and said : "Aren't you Mr. Tone ?" "Yes ma'am, I am Walter Tone." "I remember I saw you at the institute. I am Miss Dolly Wheatley. Are you coming here to apply for the school, Mr. Tone ?" "Yes ma'am, that is why I am here. Are you also an applicant?" 103 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE "I am, and I feel I have a fair chance to get it although there are several other applicants. I un- derstand, Mr. Tone, that nearly all the schools are taken, but I did not know whether I would pass until yesterday. I am very anxious to secure a school, for my mother is a widow and partly de- pendent upon me for support." "Ride back with me and I shall assist you, to the extent of my power, in securing this school. I remember you now quite well and know of your excellent work in the normal. I assure you I shall not stand in, your way in securing this school." "This is very kind, Mr. Tone, and I thank you a thousand times, but I do not think it is best to return with you. I know from what you have al- ready said you will assist me, and for this sacri- fice on your part I am most profoundly grateful." "I promise you that I shall do all in my power to secure you this position. What is your address, Miss Wheatly ?" "Our post office is Panther. Good morning, Mr. Tone." "Good-bye, Miss Wheatly." 104 THE DISTRICT SCHOOL Walter was in no hurry to mount his pony, but stood looking after the departing rider. This was a condition of affairs he had not counted upon. Here was competition. The daughter of a widow looking for work to support herself and mother. He would not stand in her way if he never taught school. Above all things he desired a school, but never at the cost of taking bread and butter from a widow's table. He would return home. No, he had promised to see Mr. McFadden in her behalf and he would do so. As he rode up he found Mr. McFadden and his eight-year-old son working in the barn yard. "Howdy !" said Mr. McFadden. "Good morning, sir, this is a fine morning." "I guess it's good enough. Suits me all right. You don't live in these parts I reckon ?" "Well, no sir, not exactly." "Buyin' stock, eh ?" "No sir, not exactly." "Oh, an agent maybe." "No sir, I am not an agent." "By yunks, I understand, a politician. Lookin' 105 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE fur an office. I thought you looked too slick for a farmer and too honest for an agent. If you had a dress on I would take you for a school "marm." I have only had three here already this morning. I want a "man" teacher and no pretty little girl teacher need apply. Did you meet a lady as you rode in?" "I did. A Miss Wheatly of Panther. I know the lady and believe she is capable of teaching a good school." "May be so stranger, but no female need apply. I've set my head on that and when my head's set its set." "You remember Mr. Lincoln said, 'Wise men change their minds fools never.' ' "Well, stranger, I may be a fool, but as I said before my head's set. She looked and talked like a smart sensible young woman. When she rode up here Jim and me was 'discussin' ' the best way to make a hog trough so as to hold the most swill. Jim's a smart boy but him and 'me' don't just agree. We left the subject to her and she said kind o' pert like, that she wa'nt out figerin' on hog troughs, said she was lookin' fur a school. Now 106 THE DISTRICT SCHOOL stranger if you are lookin' fur votes you ought to be able to settle this simple question fur Jim and me that is, you ought to be able to convince Jim that I am right and he is wrong. Now this is the question, stranger: You see we have there three twelve-foot planks they are twelve inches wide and two inches thick now I say to Jim it will hold more swill to lay one board down flat and put the other two on it, edge to edge but Jim says it will hold more to nail the two boards on the edges of the third one, making the outside bottom six- teen inches instead of twelve inches wide. Now what do you say stranger? Listen, Jim." "Well, sir, I say Jim is right." "Ha ! ha ! ha ! daddy, I knew I was right all the time !" "When my head's set it's set, I tell you. Give us your proofs. I want to see you prove it." "Easy enough. Your boy can show you the fig- ures." "No, he can't no backing down. You show 'em yourself." "Here it is," and, taking a slip of paper from 107 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE his pocket, Walter jotted down the following fig- ures for the stubborn farmer : 144 X 12 X 10 = 17280 Jim 144 X 12 X 8 = 13724 Daddy "By junks ! I guess maybe you are right. It's only fools who never change their minds." "When daddy sets his head, it's set," Jim whis- pered slyly to Mr. Tone. "I don't know who you are, or what your busi- ness is," Jim's father went on, "but if you want our school you can have it, and I'll put in as a bonus the best dinner my old woman can get up." "Why not give the school to Miss Wheatly ? She is every way worthy. Her mother is a widow and needs the girl's assistance for support." "No use talkin', stranger ; when my head's set, it's set. I told Superintendent Benson this sum- mer we would have a man teacher or no school. He said he would send me a good one, just the man we needed. He hasn't sent anybody yet, and if you want the school you can have it." "Why do you offer it to me ? I am an entire stranger." "Well, I know you can read by the way you 108 THE DISTRICT SCHOOL talk. I know you can write by them figures you made. And you can figger 'ritmuetic with any of 'em." "You have fully decided no woman can have the school ?" "I was elected director on that issue only two votes against me. They all said: 'When Uncle Jim McFadden sets his head, it's set, and we want a man teacher/ ' "But if I can convince you, Mr. McFadden, that Miss Wheatly is a very superior teacher that Mr. Benson will give her his support that her mother is a widow and needs the money then will you not let her have the school ?" "No, sir, I tell you it is a man teacher or no teacher; that was the issue at my election. I am the director, and no female can have our school. That's settled." "Then, sir, I think I am the man for whom you are looking. Here is a letter of introduction from Mr. Benson." "By yunks, that was a close call ! You had me almost persuaded when you said her mother was a widow. Fortune smiles on a fellow sometimes. 109 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE Here, Jim, take Mr. Tone's horse and feed and water him. We will go to the house, Mr. Tone. I want you to meet the best woman in these parts. She's not lookin' for company, but you can get along for one meal on what we have all the time. "Maria, here's Mr. Tone, our new teacher. I told you Mr. Benson would send us a man teacher, so I kept holdin' off ; for you know, ( Maria, when my head's set, it's set." "Yes, that's true, Jim, but I have known you to loosen it up a little sometimes." "Not very often, Maria, not very often. Pos- sibly a leetle sometimes." Dinner over and the contract signed, Walter Tone took early leave of his new acquaintances, and reached home by the middle of the afternoon. His father met him with a question: "Walter, have you engaged a school?" "Yes, sir, in the McFadden district; contract signed, and all." "I am almost sorry, Walter, for you were scarcely out of sight when our old teacher came and tendered her resignation, to accept a position in the city schools at higher wages than we can 110 THE DISTRICT SCHOOL afford to pay. Mother and I thought how nice it would be to have you at home this fall and winter, and in our own home school." "Yes, sir, to be at home would be delightful, but do you think it wise for one to teach in his own district ? Beside, father, you are the director, and if you were to employ me I am sure old Mother Gossip would never cease talking. At any rate, I cannot honorably break my contract now. A teacher's contract ought to be just as sacred as any other. "But, father," the young man went on, "you have trusted my judgment in many things and at many times. Will you trust me again, and let me name you a teacher ?" "I will. Who is it?" "Miss Dolly Wheatly of Panther. And, sir, if you will fill out a contract and duplicate while I change my saddle for a team and buggy, I will have her sign them, and will return the duplicate to you before night." Before the sun went down Miss Dolly Wheatly . had signed a contract to teach in the Tone district and to board with the director. The Tone dis- 111 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE trict paid the highest wages in that township. She taught one of the best schools ever taught there. Her life in the Tone home was a pleasant one, and its. large library was of great assistance to her in her work. She taught her scholars the rule of three Writing and reading and history too. She took the little ones up on her knee, For a kindly heart in her breast had she, And the wants of the smallest child she knew. "Learn while you're young," she often said, "There's much to enjoy down here below Life for the living and rest for the dead," Said the sweet little school marm, long ago. There may be only a few elements in the make- up of a country school, but from these few elements splendid results have come. There is first of all the teacher a man or woman in fine physical con- dition, for invalids and deformed persons have no business in the schoolroom as teachers; an active, well trained mind, for the uneducated should never be granted certificates; a tender, loving Christian heart, for only those who know the Christ should instruct in a Christian land, and America is a Christian land. Secondly, there are pupils with minds and hearts, and up to the eighth grade these minds 112 THE DISTRICT SCHOOL must be trained, after that they must be led. Women are the best trainers for children ; men are the best leaders for adults. These young minds must be led to think, the hearts to feel. The think- ing mind coming in contact with a mind capable of thinking sets it to work: self -activity is begot- ten ; growth necessarily follows. A warm, loving heart coming in contact with a heart capable of lov- ing begets activity, and heart-growth follows. This is not new not a word of it; neither is the Bible new, but its truths and principles are eternal. The above is merely cause and effect. These simple truths have been stated over and over again and again, and yet there are thousands of teachers who are still cramming the minds of the children with disconnected and illogical truths and irrelevant data, stultifying the minds beyond re- covery. Allow me to copy without quotation marks a few general rules that will always make the ener- getic teacher a success. SEVEN RULES. I A teacher One who knows truth. II A learner One who is to know truth. 113 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE III A language Which must be common to both. IV Truth Which must be comprehensible. V Learner's mind awake To get the con- cept. VI Learner Must think the truth in his own mind. VII Learner Must rethink reproduce the truth. "Truth, like sunshine, unites light rays and heat rays ; the former appeal to the mind, the lat- ter to the heart. The former illuminate, the latter vitalize." Walter Tone was deeply in earnest ; he intended to succeed. At the institute he had filled his note- book with things done and said rather than with the outlines placed upon the blackboard. He was not content when he had signed his con- tract with Mr. McFadden. He obtained from his host the history of the school for several years past. They visited the schoolhouse together, and he suggested changes and improvements. He exam- ined the record closely. In his sensible conversa- tion with the director he gained that gentleman's esteem. -. 114 THE DISTRICT SCHOOL When McFadden was giving him the history and personnel of the district, he said : "Now there is Uncle Maynard and Aunt Lenore Jordan. They are just the nicest poeple in the whole neighborhood. Everybody 'likes them, and they never speak evil of any one. She is a fine cook, the best " "What's that you're sayin', Jim?" Mrs. Mc- Fadden interrupted. "I was just remarkin' to the schoolmaster here, that Aunt Lenore Jordan was the best cook in the neighborhood with one exception, and that's you, of course, Maria. "As I was a-sayin', Mr. Tone, if anybody gits sick or ailin' Uncle Maynard and Aunt Lenore are the fust ones there. Fur common diseases, she's as good as a doctor any day." Walter called upon this worthy couple forth- with and before he left the house he had secured the promise of board there and the best upstairs bedroom, stove and all. There is an Uncle Maynard and Aunt Lenore in every community. It is with them you should try to secure board if you intend to teach a coun- 115 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE try school. Uncle Maynard will help you through the deep snows; Aunt Lenore will cook you the daintiest of dishes. They will never inquire where you are going or where you have been. They are polite people, and attend strictly to their own busi- ness. In thus visiting his director and in securing this boarding place Walter Tone was beginning work by "The Common Sense Method." Walter now had his certificate, his contract, his boarding place, the past records of the school. He began to systematize so far as he could do so. He gathered from various sources certain principles and noted them down ; from these we copy : M'FADDEN DISTRICT MY FIRST SCHOOL,. Pickcd-up Thoughts Which are Good for the Teacher. 1. Cheerfulness in the presence of children is an irresistible force for good. 2. Genuine goodness is an irresistible force anywhere in the universe. 3. Children are the best readers of character in the world. 116 THE DISTRICT SCHOOL, 4. Child-life is buoyant and hopeful, and the trainer of child life must be the same. 5. Human life can never thrive except by self- activity; hence the leader himself must be active. 6. All questions arising in a school community tending to mar the peace of the community must be settled by the strictest adherence to honor and common sense. The above was Mr. Tone's equipment before he entered that little country school house at the cross- roads. There were other details. He had deter- mined upon a regular programme ; he was at the schoolhouse on time; he played ball and other games with the children; he prepared his lessons with much care every day ; he loved his pupils and his work. Why should I go into the details of this school ? It was a success from the start ; it could be nothing less. He believed in his pupils, they believed in him. He led them to see their own powers and showed them how they might develop these powers. He created within them an unquenchable desire to know and to be. Who can do more ? 117 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE Mr. Tone did what many others have done: taught a few terms, saved his money, and attended the State Normal School. When his funds were exhausted he taught again, and then once more pursued his college studies. It is a grand life this toiling upward with laudable ambition and noble purpose. 118 CHAPTER XIII. "IF I WERE A FAIRY.' 1 Annie Hall with her loving, sensitive nature, waited impatiently for an answer to her letter ; she counted the days it took to travel from Iowa to Boston and multiplied them by two, but even twice two times the number of days brought no answer. Weeks followed days, and months followed weeks, and still there was no letter from Walter. One day she said to her mother : "Do you ever hear from any of your friends in Iowa." "]STo, Annie, dear. I have never written to any one there. I never loved Iowa, and had it not been for my love for your father and for you I could not have endured to stay there as long as I did. When I left, I determined so far as possible to put that sorrowful dream out of my life." "But, mamma, we had loving friends there, and they would like to know how nicely we are fixed here. May I write to Susie Hocket?" "No, dear, I would rather that you did not, 119 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE write to any one there. I desire that so far as possible we forget all about Iowa, for my life there was full of toil and sorrow. All the long years I lived on the edge of the bleak prairie my heart longed for my old home here, and only my love for your father kept me there." Annie said no more, but she wondered why her mother could not understand that she loved her childhood home just as the mother loved hers. She still said to herself: "Honor bright. Some day Walter will come to Boston." Paul Hurst was a member of her class in the high school. Paul's father was wealthy, and was known as a western Cattle King. Paul and Annie became warm friends. She liked him for two rea- sons: he was bright and handsome, and he had spent several summers with his father in the Great West on the cattle ranches. She always loved to hear him tell about the West. He had had some thrilling adventures with the cowboys, and he de- lighted her with his experiences. He became a hero to her and sometimes she felt she almost Joved him. 120 "IF I WERE A FAIRY" Paul's visits to Annie became more and more frequent, and her uncle, aunt and mother always received him most cordially. She felt there was danger of their friendship growing into something more serious, and she did not wish to love him, because of his wealth and her poverty. Paul was studying law, and nine months in the year was in the city. It was exceedingly pleasant to receive him in her home, and yet she could see plainly enough that he was bcoming more and more attached to her. But he had never mentioned love to her, and why should she treat him other than in the most friendly way? Sometimes she almost wished he would give her a chance to ex- plain why his visits should be less frequent, and yet she feared her heart would fail her if put to the test. From the start Paul Hurst had admired Annie, though at first his attentions were a mere school- room accident. He came from his beautiful coun- try home near Boston to attend the high school, and the acquaintance was formed. He found Annie's society most congenial and before long realized that there was more than ordinary friend- liness in his feeling for her: 121 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE One evening, before his departure for the West, he lingered with Annie longer than usual. She walked down to the gate with him to say good-bye for the summer. "Oh, Paul," she said, " I envy you your trip to the West. I would give the world if I could go too. I love the West oh, so dearly ! It is home to me. Some day I mean to see the place where I was born, and walk along the banks of the river that flowed beside the dear old home, where father lived and died. I shall gallop again over the fer- tile plains and gather the wild flowers as I did when a child. Paul, you must come to see me as soon as you return, and tell me all about your trip over those beautiful prairies. I long for a glimpse of them, and until I can see them, even to hear about them is glorious!" "I wish it were possible for you to go, Annie. What rides we should enjoy ! I, too, love the free- dom and good cheer of the Great West. There is an elixir in the air that puts new life in the veins, and gray matter in the brain." He kissed her hand. "Good-bye, Annie," he said, "the three months will seem long to me." 122 IF I WERE A FAIRY "Good-bye, Paul, and remember I am to have some genuine stories when you return." "I never saw her look so beautiful," Paul Hurst said to himself as he walked away. "She looked like a queen when she was talking of the West. How sad it is that she is too poor to visit her old home ! I felt like saying, 'I'll just wait a few days and take you as a bride,' and why not ? She is beautiful, cultured and what a musical voice she has; she sings light a nightingale! When I return, if I love her as well as I do to-night she shall go with me next year if she wants to rich or poor." Annie returned to the steps and sat down. She looked long at the moon. "Oh, if I were a fairy," she said in her heart, "I would take a seat on your rim and travel with you over Iowa. I should drop tears of joy on that sacred soil ; and I should know, too, why" my let- ter was never answered, and why 'Honor bright' has lost its meaning." This innate love of home is exhuberant when led by a wide-awake imagination. The love of 123 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE home has kept from the pitfalls of vice and sin many a boy and girl. "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home." 124 CHAPTER XIV. THE CAMPAIGN. Content thyself to be obscurely good. When vice prevails, and impious men bear sway, The post of honor is a private station. Walter Tone was at home for his last spring vacation before his graduation in June. During his visit he was called upon by the chairman of the County Central Committee of the political party with which he had always affiliated. This gentleman the Honorable James Day informed him that he seemed to be the choice of his party ; that they desired him to run for the office of the County Superintendent of Public Schools. Mr. Day stated that Mr. Benson had now held the office for three consecutive terms by election, and one year by appointment. Walter had been born and reared in the county ; his father was one of the earliest settlrs ; he himself had been a suc- cessful teacher, and was about to graduate from the State Normal School; the Tone family 125 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE had always been true to the party, and had aided in every campaign with time and money. Such a candidate would add great strength to the ticket, and go a long way toward bringing about victory to the party. All this Mr. Day set forth. Walter, his father and Uncle Josiah sat silent while the chairman was talking. During the con- versation Uncle Josiah had looked first at Mr. Day and then at Walter. In his excitement he would put his hands on his knees and lean for- ward and then, sticking his thumbs into the arm- holes of his waistcoat, lean back in the atti- tude of a judge. It had been the ambition of his life to hold office, but if the great honor was not to be his own, he would rather see it thrust upon Walter than any one else. "T t keer there, Boys! T t keer! Tell him you'll do it, Walter! Un-che. Un-che. Whoop! Bang! Hurrah for Walter Tone! Don't be afraid ; you can win ! We routed him, we scouted him Nor lost a single man." "If I were as enthusiastic as my uncle," Wal- ter said, "you would not have to wait very long 126 THE CAMPAIGN for an answer, Mr. Day. I had not thought of this matter before, and must ask for a little time to consider it. I am most grateful to you ana to my friends, but it would not be wise, I think, to trust entirely to their judgment." "What you say is true enough, but do not ask too much time. There are others who desire the position and have been awaiting your visit home at this time in order to have a personal answer." "May I ask who some of the others are that seek the office ?" "One is Professor Smith, but he wants the superintendency at Purdy, and as I stand in with the Board of Education in that city, the present incumbent can easily be let out there and Profes- sor Smith elected. All that matter may safely be left with me. I know all the wires to be pulled. Miss Jennie Snow would like the office, but of course will not be a candidate if you are. That family has fattened at the public crib long enough, anyway; she cannot get the nomination even though you do not accept. I had hoped, Mr. Tone, to take back with me a definite and favorable an- swer. I consider this a fine opening for a young 127 man of your parts. These great opportunities come to us and we seize them or reject them, and the destiny of a life is determined." Uncle Josiah was too much excited to sit still. He walked back and forth across the room, with his hands in his pockets and out of his pockets, behind him, in front of him. "T t keer there, boys !" he cried. "Tell him you'll take it ! Do or die ! Sink or swim ! Charge, Chester, charge!" "You are right, Uncle Josiah," said Mr. Day. "With Walter Tone at the helm, victory is ours !" "T t keer there boys ! Whoop ! Bang ! 'We met the enemy and he is ours !' ' "What do you think of the proposition, father ?" Walter asked. "I think you are well prepared to fill the office," the father answered, "but would it not be wise to take some time to consider it ? The city superin- tendent at Purdy as well as Professor Smith are your warm personal friends, and Miss Snow is well and favorably known in this county. I would not have my son do an injustice to any one." "Well, gentlemen," Mr. Day put in, "when a 128 THE CAMPAIGN man enters politics he must enter to win, and can- not stop to consider the wishes of all his friends. He must use his friends in all honorable ways to help him out and if they will not assist him he must push them aside and leave the track open for the race. The News, as you know, will be issued to-morrow and I had hoped to have your announce- ment in that issue. I feel it is dangerous to de- lay, but of course you must do what you think is best. I have done my duty, and that is all I can do. Your friends are ready to stand by you, and we believe we can elect you. Now it is for you to say what you will do." "I am not indifferent, Mr. Day. The matter has been put before me so suddenly that I am not pre- pared to give an answer. Of course I must decide, but I wish the decision to be a wise one. To de- cide now seems a leap in the dark. Can you not give me a little time ?" "Take all the time you desire, Mr. Tone, but, remember, while you are taking time the other fellow will be 'sawing wood.' As Shakespeare said, To be or not to be.' Isn't that right, Uncle Josiah?" 129 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE "T t keer there, boys ! I say let it be." "At what time to-morrow, Mr. Day, does The News go to press ?" "At two o'clock, I believe." "You shall have an answer from me before that time." "All right Mr. Tone ; that is satisfactory." "Is that a livery team Mr. Day ?" "Never mind Mr. Tone Oh, thank you ! Well, good-night gentlemen." "Good-night." Mr. Day could not tell Walter that he was the third man to pay him two dollars for the same team that day. Neither did he mention the fact that Professor Smith had offered him twenty dol- lars to switch Tone off the track. The Hon. James Day had very grave doubts about Mr. Tone making the race, and so informed Mr. Smith on his return to town. After he had gone Uncle Josiah turned once more to Walter. "T t keer there, boys 1" he cried. "He quoted Shakespeare. Here is one more for your benefit, Walter: 130 THE CAMPAIGN "Macbeth. 'If we should fail?' "Lady Macbeth. 'We fail? But screw up your courage to the sticking-place, and we'll not fail.'" The whole matter was carefully considered that night by the Tones, and on the following morning, as Mr. Tone and his son Walter drove out the gate, Uncle Josiah called after them : "T t keer there, boys! Keep your own se- crets, Walter ; no fellow can ever win and let the other man know all he knows. 'Kiss but never tell.' " An hour later the two gentlemen called on the Hon. Mr. Day in his office in the county seat, and informed that gentleman that Walter would enter the race and that his part of the canvas was to be conducted in the most honorable way. "Oh, certainly, certainly," said Mr. Cay. "Not the least thing dishonorable must be done or said. Mr. Smith was in early this morning and I told him I thought it would be best for him to leave the field to you and to take the city superinten- dency at Purdy. I know he prefers that position, and he is well qualified to fill it. "It is- a great field you are entering, Mr. Tone," he went on, " a responsible position, an honorable 131 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE position you seek and as chairman of the com- mittee, I shall be glad to aid you in every way .pos- sible. There will be a little expense connected with the canvas, as you know, but that can be eas- ily arranged. Have you called at The News office?" "A T o, I have not." "Then let us go at once. I shall have the edi- tor comment upon your fitness for the position." "What will be the expense ?" "Just a trifle of two dollars, and you should send the same announcement to The Clipper, The Chief, The Herald and The Times. This is a county of cities and towns, you know. Each paper has its friends and readers. The cost of two dollars each is nothing considering the outcome." On the way to The News office Mr. Day asked : "Shall we stop here at the drug store and get a cigar ? The editor is quite a smoker. Hello, Mr. Squim, glad to see you. Allow me to introduce Pro- fesor Walter Tone, our candidate for superintend- ent. Have a cigar with Mr. Tone. Neighbor Dixon, shake hands with Professor Tone. Have a cigar, Dixon." 132 THE CAMPAIGN "Thank you, Professor. It is not often I smoke a ten-center. I noticed Colonel Day puts one in his mouth and two in his pocket." "That is all right, Mr. Dixon ! Mr. Tone will take good care of his friends. He is just now fill- ing his pocket for the editor. That is a good cigar, Mr. Tone. The Principe is an old Spanish brand, but there is none better like Drummond's Natu- ral Leaf, always new, always, in demand." The Conference with the editor of The News concluded, Mr. Tone sought and found the city superintendent, Professor Harley, who tendered Mr. Tone his most cordial support. He made every effort to see Mr. Smith, but learned afterward that Mr. Day had sent that gen- tleman to Purdy as soon as he learned that Mr. Tone would be a candidate. Day was not ready to have Smith and Tone meet. Walter Tone and his father called again on Colonel Day before going home. "You mentioned some additional expenses," said Walter. "May I inquire what they are likely to be ?" "You know it is a great honor to be elected to 133 THE HIDDEN FORTUNE this office. After you are once elected the office is yours at a good fat salary for four, possibly six, years. It takes money to conduct a successful cam- paign and while others give liberally for the love of the cause and the party, it is customary to assess the candidates. The assessment is very low in this county, because our party has such a large majority. Your assessment for the county will be fifty dollars, and the state will possibly assess you an additional twenty-five dollars. This is very light indeed, Mr. Tone, a mere song. Some men give more than that simply for the love of the party. "Your personal canvas expenses will be just what you make them. You should see practically every voter in the county, and most of the boys enjoy a good cigar as well as a warm handshake. The so-called bosses will occasionally want a fiver, and the heelers and henchmen must have a little pocket change. Many men would give double the amount simply for the honor. You are seeking not only a remunerative office, but a position of great trust and responsibility."