MirgBciUTii'nrri JNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO i ill I II I [Mill |H ill MM I 3 1822 02257 7852 OF SANWEGQ/ / 7 v/fy-sz ' a ^ >\T THE ARREST OF FRED FREELAND. 3 1822 02257 7852 FEED FREELAND; OR, for gop anb (iris. BY WILLIS LOVEYOUTH. BOSTON: E. O. LIBBY AND COMPANY. NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER. 1859. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by ISAAC H. ANDERSON, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. ELECTBOTYPED AT THE BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY. PBIXTEU BT CEOEOE C. BA2TD fc AVEET. TO THE WIDE WORLD OF YOUNG HEARTS IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED BY THE AUTHOR. PREFACE. NOTWITHSTANDING the writer of this little book is well aware that it will hardly abide the test of criticism, yet he trusts it may be found to contain enough of interest and instruction to repay for a careful reading. The attention of young brothers and sisters is more particularly solicited, with the hope that this little "chain" may serve only to bind them more firmly and safely together in that sacred affection by which they should ever be united, and to direct their youthful thoughts to a wider sphere of sympathy and good feeling, extending ultimately to works of universal love and charity. 1* (5) 6 PREFACE. Should aught in the following pages tend to strengthen in the mind of wavering youth a desire to be kind, firm, and true; interest and beguile for an hour, however slightly, the parent surrounded by a multitude of cares, anxieties, and fears, or prove a momentary solace, even, to departing age, the writer would consider the reward sufficient for the little labor herein bestowed. ROXBURY, 1858. CONTENTS. CHAPTER PAGE I. ALMOST A FIGHT 9 II. THE STRANGER 18 III. THE FRIGHTENED GIRLS 24 IV. FRED'S SURPRISE 31 V. RETROSPECT 41 VI. FRED AND JENNY 52 VII. BILL BROVN 61 Vin. "MAD DOG." 65 IX. THE RESCUE 71 X. BILL BRO-WN'S PRESENTS 81 XI. THE ARREST 88 XII. THE EXAMINATION 98 XIII. A NEW DIFFICULTY 105 XIV. A SCENE AT HOME Ill XV. A STORM AT SEA 122 XVI. AN APPALLING SCENE. "MAN OVERBOARD!" 131 XVII. THE COLLISION 141 XVIII. ACCIDENT TO JENNY 150 ' (7) 8 CONTENTS. XIX. JOY. BRIEF HISTORY OP FOOLISH JOHN. . . 161 XX. VISIT TO FRED. BAD NEWS 170 XXI. FOOLISH JOHN'S ILLNESS 179 XXII. THE TWOFOLD RESTORATION 190 XXIII. COMMENCEMENT OF FRED'S TRIAL 198 XXIV. OPENING OF THE DEFENCE 212 XXV. ADDITIONAL WITNESSES EXPECTED 224 XXVI. THE VERDICT. . 231 XXVII. CONFESSION. THE HAPPY MEETING. . . . 244 XXVIII. THE SURPRISE PARTY. BILL BROWN'S NAB- KATIVE 253 XXIX. NEW LIGHT. PLANS DIVULGED 264 XXX. THE RIGHT FEELING. MAJOR KIMBALL'S ADVICE . 272 XXXI. CONCLUSION. . . 280 FRED FREELAND; OR, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. CHAPTER I. ALMOST A FIGHT. " THERE goes ' Fighting Bill ! ' " shouted Charles Hayward to his companions, one Saturday afternoon, as a dozen or more of the village boys were assembled on Rockmount Green. "Now let's give it to him now let's pay up old debts." " Yes, yes, that we will," responded some half score of young would-be belligerents. " Will you, though ? " cried the boy alluded to, whose name was William Brown, as he changed the direction of his steps and made his way at once towards the group of youngsters, who, with the evident intention 10 FRED FREELAND, OR of making an assault upon him, had suspended their game at bah 1 . " Yes, we'll just do that thing," replied Charles Hayward, who seemed to be the leader among his fellows on this occasion. " "We have been waiting some time for a chance like this, and, depend* upon it, we won't let it pass without improving it. If e are the stronger party this time, my boy ; so you may look out for a sound drubbing." Now, any prudent boy, under these circumstances, would have taken himself off as fast as his legs could carry him. Bill Brown, however, whose quarrelsome propensities had earned fqr him the veiy appropriate nickname of " Fighting Hill" was not in the least degree daunted by these threats ; so he walked straight up towards the hostile party with a courageous bearing worthy a better heart and a better cause. As he drew near the group of boys, one of them hastily left his companions and advanced towards him, exclaiming, as he did so, " Keep back, boys, keep back ! I'll meet Bill Brown alone." " No, no ! " they all shouted ; " he'll pound you half to death, Fred Frceland, in two minutes ! " Fred was about fourteen years of age, of a slender frame, light-brown hair, blue eyes, florid complexion, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 11 and bore a countenance that indicated firmness without combativeness ; whereas the boy he had advanced to meet was apparently a year his senior stout, dark, and brutal in appearance. It was evident, at a mere glance, that a struggle between the two boys could have been of a moment's duration only ; but Fred Freeland had not the slightest intention of matching himself at fisticuffs with Fighting Bill : he relied on a power far superior, in most cases, to physical force ; he trusted to a brotherly feeling to kind and gentle words. Before any of his comrade* could divine his motives, Fred extended the friendly hand, at the same time saying, with a troubled air, and in a hurried manner, " Bill, I want to befriend you ; but you know you are always knocking the boys about, and now that a crowd of them are together they are determined to pay you off. But for your own sake, for mine, and for the credit of the village, I hope you won't say any thing more to provoke a quarrel ; and I'll do all I can to stop this row where it is." Bill's better nature, judging from appearances, was about to prevail over his quarrelsome inclinations in this instance ; but the next moment, and before he could make any answer to his young friend's good advice, the whole crowd of boys came rushing down 12 FRED FREELAND, OR upon him pellmell. Some of the foremost of them were about to commence the attack, when Fred sprang into their midst, exclaiming, " Hold on, boys ! I've a word to say before any fighting is done." But the war spirit was up, and both parties were ready for the conflict. They seemed determined like many boys of a larger growth, and nations even to fight first, and give ear to reason and justice afterwards. . , " Stand out of the way, Fred, or you'll get hurt," cried Charles Hayward, aiming a blow at Bill Brown's face at the same instant. But Bill was prepared for the attack, and parried the blow with his left hand, at the same tune dealing back one with his right fist that would have sent his assailant headlong to the ground had not his arm been dexterously seized by Fred at the very moment the blow was given. Charles was, undoubtedly, thus saved from a disfigured countenance, for the force of the blow was such as to carry Fred forward, nearly clear of the ground, and bring him directly between the two combatants. " Charley Hayward," exclaimed Fred, imploringly, " won't you listen one moment to what I have to say ? " "I tell you to get out of the way, Fred, for Bill THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 13 Brown will have to take a flogging this time, or my name isn't Charley Hayward." " Bill Brown won't get a flogging this time, or my name isn't Fred Freeland." " I should like to know what this means, Fred. If you are going to take sides with such a fellow as that," said Charles, as he cast a threatening glance at Bill, " why, just say so at once, and then Ave shall know how to take you." " I shall do all I can to prevent a fight," said Fred, firmly ; " and I hope you'll all ' take ' me as a friend." "I'll tell you what it is, Fred," broke in Edward Flye,' " you're only getting yourself into hot water by taking up for Fighting Bill ; so you had better step oat of the way as soon as possible, for none of us would like to hurt you" " I know you would not," replied Fred ; " neither do I want you to hurt any one else -and I hope you won't." " O, yes ; that will do very well for you to say, Fred, who have never felt the weight of Bill Brown's fist; but if you had been hammered near about to a jelly by him some half-dozen times, as many of us have been, you would sing a different tune, I guess." Thus sputtered forth John Steele a thickset, curly- haired, brown-faced stump of a little fellow in whose 2 14 FRED FREELAND, OR name and nature there appeared to be a resemblance somewhat striking. He was what the boys called " a hard case." He was always ready for a brush, and consequently had a far greater practical knowledge of Fighting Bill's prowess than any one of the party. " No, John," replied Fred, " I have never felt the weight of Bill Brown's fist, nor that of any other boy ; and I am not afraid of it now, though I am going to tell you all just what I think of this foolish scrape. I think the whole fault is on our side ; for Bill was passing quietly along at some distance from u>, and there would have been no trouble if we had kept at our play and said nothing to him. Is it not so, boys ? " " "Well, Fred," snapped out Charles Hayward, " you have made quite a speech, and I don't know but it's a good one for those who are willing to be beat and banged about by Bill Brown. But, for my part, I don't relish such things ; and a number of us made up our minds some time ago to give Bill a flogging the first time we felt strong enough. So you may just as well stop your argument first as last, Fred, and stand aside, for we won't be ruled by your milk-and-water disposition this time, by two chalks." " Freeland," said Bill, who had thus far maintained a dogged silence, " I don't care much about bein' any thing else than what I always have been, 'Fightin' THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 15 Bill,' and these fellers wouldn't let me be any thing else if I should try ; and as you're only makin' 'em mad with you, and ain't doin' me no good, you'd best stop right where you be ; and if these fellers are mean enough to turn to all at once and lick me, why, I s'pose they can, that's all. They won't quite kill me, I guess ; and I'll lick the whole lot on 'em within an inch of their lives before a week, as I catch 'em alone." " Yes ; that's the way you've always done," replied Charles Hay ward, "and we now mean to see if we can't sicken you of it, my fine fellow. And if Fred, here, is too big a coward to lend a hand, I guess there's enough of us without him." A sudden flush of indignation passed over the fine features of Fred as he listened to this unjust slur from the lips of his companion ; but he restrained his temper, and said, calmly, though firmly, " Charley Hayward, I repeat what I said before, that you are altogether to blame in this matter ; and though I know nothing about fighting, yet I tell you now, once for all, if you flog Bill Brown to-day, you must flog me with him." As Fred ceased speaking he stepped quickly back, and placed himself close by the sjde of Bill. This was done with such an air of determination, but at the same time with so little appearance of threat or bravado, that 16 FRED FREELAND, OR the boys were all completely awed, and some moments elapsed before any one opened his lips. Presently, a fine-looking youth, who had taken no active part in the affray, stepped briskly out from the group, and said, in a pleasant tone of voice, " Fred is right, Fred is right in this matter. What ! a dozen or more of us pounce on one fellow because he has handled some of us pretty roughly at times ? Besides, as Fred has said, Bill was going along very peaceably when the scrape was commenced by our own party. I'll tell you what it is, boys, it will be better for the credit of us all to let the matter drop right where it is. "We shall all say by to-morrow that Fred was in the right: in fact, when was ever Fred Freeland wrong ? " With this high compliment to the character of our young hero, the last speaker, whose name was Roland Parks, jumped merrily to the other side of Fighting Bill, exclaiming, as he did so, with the greatest good nature, " Here are three Bill Browns now ; who'll be the fourth?" " I will," responded George Stickney, as he readily placed himself by the side of " Laughing Rol." This appellation had been given to young Parks on account of his merry disposition. THE CHAIN OF CIKCUMSTANCES. 17 " And I the fifth," said Charles Small, as he at once joined the Brown party. "And I'll be another " " And I," "And I," was repeated, in rapid succession, as one after another of the boys, with increasing good humor, joined the now popular side, until the only one left of the original assaulting party was little John Steele ; and, as he rather reluctantly followed his comrades, he sputtered out, " Well, it seems that I'm the last and I meant to be ; and though I can't do much alone, at present, yet, if ever I'm big enough, I'll flog Bill Brown one of these days, all on my own hook." At this belligerent speech of " Little Stubby,"* the nickname by which John was knoAvn among the boys, they all broke forth into a merry shout, in which even sulky Bill Brown himself could hardly refrain from joining. The kindness, good sense, and firmness manifested by Fred Freeland on this occasion had wrought a most wonderful change in the feelings of his companions, and they were about to renew their game at ball, in which, even, they had invited Bill Brown to participate, when they met with an interruption of a different character from that already related. 2* B 18 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER II. THE STRANGER. " BRAVO ! bravo, my lads ! You got out of that bad scrape with whole skins didn't expect it at first good generalship there strange, though, that boys think they must fight it's all imagination half the troubles of mankind are in the imagination." As this rather comical speech reached the ears of the boys, they became aware, for the first time, that there had been outside witnesses to the scene they had been enacting. The speaker, who neared them at a rapid pace, was a man evidently about eighty years of age. His hair was thoroughly whitened by time, and his face plainly showed some of the marks of fourscore years ; but still his form was perfectly erect, and his step as firm and elastic as that of a man of forty. He was evidently a stranger in the village. A travelling coat hung over one arm, and he carried a small valise in his hand. He was closely followed by some half-dozen citizens. As he came up to the boys, the eyes of THE CHAIN" OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 19 whom were all fixed upon him, he at once addressed himself to Fred by asking, "What's your name, my fine little fellow?" " Fred Freeland, sir," replied our young hero, a little abashed. " Is it Fred, or Frederic ? " inquired the stranger. "Nothing but Fred, sir." "Good!" ejaculated the old gentleman. "Like short names these long names are all imagination. ' Fred Freeland Freeland,' " he repeated. " Grand name, that shall always have a free land with boys like you growing up. I have seen and heard the whole affair," continued he, addressing himself to the villagers who had arrived upon the ground. " Have you, sir ? " inquired one of the men. " Well, what is the case ? " " The case is," said the old gentleman, " that nearly all these boys were at the point of pouncing upon this one they call Bill Brown don't know what for but Fred, here, ' conquered a peace ' without striking a blow. He's brave as a lion, gentle as a lamb, and firm as Gibraltar ; but wouldn't fight, nor let others do so. He's brave indeed that goes through this world without fighting own up, though an old soldier was in the war of 1812 'fought, bled, and' didn't die ' for my country.' This war business is all bad 20 FRED FREELAXD, OR never any real cause for it all imagination half the ills of mankind are in the imagination. Fred, I hope to see you ' away down east ' won't forget you got a little granddaughter make a nice little wife for somebody one of these days. Come to Portreef, Maine, and inquire for old Jotharu Kiniball, or Major, as they call me at home." "Thank you, sir," said Fred; "I should be very happy to visit you." " Now, boys," said the old gentleman, " try to forget all about this quarrel, and be good friends, and then I shall be happy to see you all ' down east ' not all at once, though Bill Brown among the rest. I guess you would enjoy yourselves, though they call us 'old folks' all imagination no such thing as growing old if we only live a righteous life. Why, I address love sonnets now to my wife Katy, just as I did sixty years ago, and she likes to read them, too, although she does say ' Poh ! ' I tell you this idea of growing old is all imagination." The boys were much amused at the eccentricities of their new acquaintance, while they admired him for his sociability and good nature ; and they assured him it would give them great pleasure to visit him at Portreef. ' Well, boys," said the major, " I can't remain here any longer wish I could got to take the cars at THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 21 five o'clock for New York on business four now three miles to walk to the depot." " You can ride, sir, in an omnibus," suggested Fred. "I seldom ride in an omnibus," replied the major. " I rode once ' Seats for twelve " took in sixteen carried a fat woman in my lap all the way paid two collectors and the driver was belated, after all never ride in an omnibus again this riding to save time is all imagination. Good by, boys shall return home in about a fortnight." Saying this, the old gentleman caught up his valise and started off at such speed as plainly indicated, in his case at least, that riding in an omnibus to save time was " all imagination." The sociability and comicality of Major Kimball had operated like a charm upon the boys, ajid every vestige of any thing like an unfriendly feeling was driven from their thoughts ; except, perhaps, a combination of slight grief and resentment in the mind of Bill Brown, and a half-way desire on the part of John Steele to flog Bill if ever he became " big enough." The boys did not renew their game after the old gentleman left them, but began soon to move off in different directions. Fred walked along by the side of Bill Brown, and was speedily engaged in earnest conversation with him. When they were about to 22 KKEL> FREELAXD, OR separate, Bill said, with more feeling than he ever before was known to manifest, " Fred, I never shall forget this kindness in you. It 'most makes me feel as though I should like to try to be a better boy ; but then I s'pose it ain't no use. The thing on't is, Fred, that every body but you and your little sister Jenny act jist as if they hated me. I s'pose it's all my own fault ; but somehow it seems as if every body was agin me." " O Bill ! " said Fred, with enthusiasm ; " only once make up your mind to be peaceable, and to do what's right, and nobody will treat you badly. You're not really wicked at heart, Bill I know you are not ; and you will not find it so hard, after all, to make the change. Come, be determined from this hour to make the trial in earnest, and I feel certain that you w6n't fail. Then only think how much happier your mother will be!" " I know " and Bill stood in deep thought for a moment. " But then the boys here all hate me so bad that they'd be sayin' things to make me mad, and I couldn't stand it, no how." " But you must let them see that you don't mean to hurt them, and then they won't quarrel with you." " I don't know about that, Fred. Wasn't I goin' along peaceably, jist now, when they begun on me?" THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 23 " True, Bill ; but that was in retaliation for the many blows you have given them before to-day. The fact is, it is only because they think you are bound to fight, every time you meet any of them, that makes all the trouble." " Mebbe so," replied Bill, somewhat thoughtfully. " Come, now," urged Fred, with a coaxing manner, "just make up your mind that you won't fight any boy for one week. There's nothing like making a good resolution, and sticking to it." " Well, Fred," said Bill, with much earnestness in his manner, " I'll try, for your sake, as well as my own. I'm your friend, Fred, come what will, arid I'll try to act so you won't be ashamed of me so there's my hand on't;" and he placed his rough palm in that of his gentle young friend. " I am right glad to hear you talk so," said Fred, as he gave his companion's hand a cordial grasp. " Only stick to this good resolution and you'll get along first rate take my word for it. Good by, Bill, till I see you again." " Good by," responded the other j and the two boys separated. 24 FEED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER III. THE FRIGHTENED GIRLS. WHEN Fighting Bill promised Fred Freeland that he would endeavor in future to be more peaceable, it was with an earnestness of intention that indicated genuine sincerity. Fred had a very correct idea of Bill's true character, and his assertion that he was not really bad at heart was not far from the truth. That he possessed a somewhat quarrelsome disposition cannot be denied ; and that he was cruel and relentless in proportion to the opposition he met with when engaged in a quarrel must also be admitted. These evil traits of character, however, were more the result of a neglected moral and religious education, of the unfavorable circumstances by which he had been surrounded from his infancy, and of the harsh and bitter spirit of retaliation with which he had been met by those with whom he came in contact, than of a heart naturally prone to evil in an unusually high degree. That such was the case is very evident from the fact that when he THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 25 did meet with gentle words and kind treatment, he was easily influenced to take a sensible and just view of the matter before him. The noble and friendly behavior of Fred, already related, had made a deeper impression on Bill's rough nature than any one circumstance of his life ; and he was revolving the subject seriously, on his way home, some two hours after having left his young friend, and was busily engaged in forming plans for carrying out his good resolves, when, upon turning into the narrow street that led to his mother's house, he saw four or five little girls advancing towards him.' The moment their eyes rested on Bill they suddenly stopped, and he distinctly heard one of them say to her companion?, " O dear ! there comes Fighting Bill let's run ! " Suiting the action to the word, they all but one turned and scampered away like so many frightened lambs. " Yes ; there it is agin ' Fightin' Bill ! ' " said the boy, bitterly, as he stood gazing after the retreating forms of the girls. " Now, what's the use of my tryin' to be any better, when I'm so bad that even them little gals are afraid of me? It's no use tryin'; every body is agin me; I shall never be nothin' but 'Fightin' Bill.' " His feelings were so wrought upon by the unlucky 3 2G FRED FREELAXD, OR words dropped from the lips of the little girl, and his attention was so taken up by watching the precipitate flight of her and her companions, that he did not notice that one of the party remained in the street, until she approached quite hear to him and said, in a pleasant voice, " How do you do, William ? " " Ah, Jenny Frceland, how do you do ? " said Bill, as he looked at her with some surprise. " Very well, I thank you," replied Jenny, smiling. " Was you with them other little gals, that run away so fast ? " " O William ! don't call us gals ; it don't sound well," said Jenny, laughing. " Well, girls, then, if that suits you any better." " Yes ; we were all together," said Jenny, in reply to Bill's last question. "What made 'em run so when they see me cornin'?" Jenny hesitated a moment, as she looked Bill full in the face, and then replied, " They said they were afraid of you, William." " But why didn't you run away with 'em, Jenny ? " " O, aunt Mary always tells me never to run in the street unless there is some real danger." "But the other gals girls I mean thought there tvas danger. Why wasn't you afraid of me too ? " THE CIIA1X OK CIRCUMSTANCES. 27 " William," said Jenny, approaching clo.-e to liis side, and speaking very solemnly, " Fred has often told me that our dear mother, who died when I was a baby, said to him just before she died that there was nothing in this world we should stand so much in fear of as our own bad thoughts. So, I'm never afraid only when I've had wicked thoughts ; and as I never had any about you, never wished nor did you any hurt, I wasn't afraid of you. The other girls were afraid because the boys say you are bad ; but Fred always told me to be kind to you, and then I would have nothing to fear." " And you never shall have nothin' to fear from me," said Bill, as his good resolution again became strong within him ; " and if ever I can do you a good turn in any way, my little girl, I'll be sure to be on hand. As for Fred, I never can pay him for all his kindness to me." " Thank you ; -I'll remember what you say ; and the h'rst time I see the girls again, I shall have a good laugh at them for being afraid of such a clever boy as you are." With a cheerful "good by" the pleasant little girl then tripped along towards her happy home ; whilst Bill, as he leisurely pursued his way in the direction of his mother's house, said to himself, 28 FRED FREELAND, OR "If there was more Fred and Jenny Freelands in the world, I guess there wouldn't be so many ' Fightin* Bills.' But what was it she said about bad thoughts ? Nothin' so much to be afraid of as 'our own bad thoughts!' Mebbe that's it, after all. I've always thought that every body was agin me, 'specially the boys here in the village, so, I've been agin every body ; but I guess them's what that little Jenny calls 'bad thoughts.' I wonder if there's any way I x can think good thoughts ! But I must see what mother thinks of the plan I've got in my head." Bill had reached and entered his mother's humble 4 dwelling ; but finding no one in the room, he dropped himself abstractedly into a chair, and rested his head upon the table ; where we will leave him, for a brief space of time, and accompany Jenny Freeland on her way home. As she turned round the corner into the main street, she unexpectedly encountered her father, who was there awaiting her. Mr. Freeland, being on his way home from business, had noticed Jenny, as she stood talking with. Bill, and was not a little curious to know how it happened that she came to be in such earnest conversation with that reputedly bad boy. ' AVhy, father ! " exclaimed Jenny, the moment she saw him. " How long have you been waiting here ? " THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCKS. 29 " Only a few moments," replied Mr. Freeland, as he took Jenny's hand and walked on towards his house ; " but long enough to see that my little daughter had company down the street." " O, yes," she laughingly answered ; " the company I left home with all ran away and left me the moment they saw Bill Brown, so I thought I had better make friends with him ; and to tell the truth, father, I don't believe that that boy is half so bad as most folks say he is, after all." Jenny now informed her father with regard to the fright of her companions, repeated the remark made by one of them concerning Fighting Bill, and also her own subsequent conversation with him. " Well, my dear child," said Mr. Freeland, as Jenny finished her simple statement of facts, "I do not see that you have conducted with any impropriety in this matter. Nay, I will go further: you have exhibited a kind and generous spirit towards that unfortunate boy, and a knowledge of the fact is most gratifying to me. True, I could scarcely wish to have you associate with persons of his character. However, when you do chance to meet him, if you always treat him as you have done in the present instance, your conduct will meet with my hearty approval." They walked along in silence. ' Perhaps Jenny's kind 3* 30 FRED FREELAND, OR words to the unfortunate boy brought to her father's mind circumstances of his own past life, wherein the kindly influence of a true and gentle friend turned him from a downward road, and assisted him to regain the fair level of respectability and usefulness. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 31 CHAPTER IV. FRED'S SURPRISE. A FETV minutes' walk brought Mr. Freeland and Jenny to their home, where they were met at the door by "Aunt Mary," Mr. Freeland's excellent sister and housekeeper, who was beginning to experience some anxiety at Jenny's unusual absence. They had been in the house only a few minutes when Fred came in. Jenny, as usual, ran to meet him ; but the moment she looked fully at him she cried out, "Why, Fred! what is the matter with you? Are you sick?" and instantly her arms were around his neck. The exclamation made by Jenny at once drew the attention of her father and aunt to Fred. They, too, were struck with his unusual paleness. But he replied at once to Jenny's inquiry by saying, " No, my dear little sis, I am not sick ; only a little tired that's all." 32 FKED FREELAND, OR " But what makes you look so pale, Fred ? " asked Jenny, anxiously. " I've been hard at play ; and quite probably the perspiration has taken the tan off," said he, laughing, as he ran across the room to take a peep into the looking glass. He was himself surprised, however, at his extreme paleness. The excitement of the afternoon had affected him more seriously than he was previously aware of. " Come now, Fred," persisted Jenny, " yon must tell us what the matter is. Don't you see that you are pale as a ghost ? " " Now, don't be troubled, little sis," said Fred, as he turned and kissed her with the greatest affection. " I tell you, truly, I am perfectly well. This paleness is caused only by " " Defending Bill Brown," interrupted Mr. Freeland, speaking for the first time. Had a mine exploded under Fred's feet he could not have started with greater surprise than he did at the utterance of these three words ; and the warm blood came rushing back to his pale cheeks with a velocity almost overwhelming. Not that he was alarmed at the disclosure; for he had intended to inform his father all about the matter that very evening. He was altogether too frank and good a boy to conceal circumstances of THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 33 so much importance from his parent ; but he could not conceive by what means any knowledge of the affair had so soon reached him. " How did you know, sir, any thing about our foolish scrape of this afternoon ? " inquired Fred of his father, as he crossed the room and looked him calmly and steadily in the face, as if to read whether his conduct was to be censured or approved. An instant, however, was sufficient to satisfy him ; for in the gaze that met his own he readily recognized the trtre affection of a kind and generous father. " My dear boy, you look much surprised," said Mr. Freeland, as he put his arm fondly round Fred and drew him closely to his side ; " but I will tell you how I heard about your ' foolish scrape,' as you term it. I rode from Boston, this evening, with Squire Hayward, and learned from him all the particulars just as he had heard them from that old gentleman who witnessed the row. " Squire Hayward was on his way to the city about four o'clock this afternoon, in his chaise, when he overtook Major Kimball, whom he knew years ago, and invited him to ride. He was much amused at the old gentleman's comical recital of the . scene on the Green, notwithstanding he became aware that his own son, Charles, had been the leader in the fray. He says c 34 FRED FREELAND, OR he shall reprimand Charles, sharply, for the part he took in the affair." " O, I hope he won't be too severe on Charley ! " said Fred, feelingly ; " for he generally means well, I think, though he is a little too fast sometimes." " Ah, Fred," said Mr. Freeland, as he gently pressed his noble boy to his heart, " how thankful I am that your conduct differed so widely from Charley's ! " " I hope I did nothing wrong, sir," was Fred's modest reply. " Come, now, Freddy dear," said Jenny, " won't you tell me all about the trouble this afternoon ? Was Bill Brown there ? " "Yes, he was there ; but surely my little sister can't want to hear any thing about a fight among a parcel of boys ! " " But I know you didn't fight, Fred ; so tell us what you did do," said Jenny, imploringly. " Why, ran away, to be sure," replied Fred, smiling. " One must either fight or run, you know, when there's a battle." " Never mind about coaxing Fred any more," said Mr. Freeland to Jenny, pleasantly. " I suppose he dislikes to relate any thing concerning himself; but perhaps he will not object to have me give the account of the affair as Squire Hayward received it from Major THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 35 Kimball. Come, Fred, what have you got to say to that ? " " 0, I suppose Jenny will not be satisfied till she hears all about it," answered he. " Neither shall I," said his aunt Mary. " By the way, aunt Mary," said Fred, " I shouldn't wonder if you knew something about Major Kimball, for he said he resides in Portreef, Maine ; and I think you have been in that town." " Indeed I have, Fred. I spent some weeks there a number of years ago, and I recollect perfectly well hearing much said in praise of Major Kimball. He was thought to be somewhat eccentric, but was highly esteemed for his unbounded benevolence and practical Christian virtues." " Yes," remarked Mr. Freeland ; " Squire Hay ward considers him a remarkable instance of peaceful and contented old age, overflowing with love and kindness for the whole human family. I should be pleased to make his acquaintance. But I see that Jenny is impatient to know what the trouble was among the boys, so I must gratify her." Mr. Freeland then related the circumstances just as he had heard them from Squire Hay ward ; and, upon concluding, he questioned Fred as to the correctness of the report. 36 FRED FRKELAND, OR " It is correct," replied Fred, " with the exception that Major Kimball has given me altogether too much credit ; for I'm afraid I shouldn't have succeeded so well in getting Bill off if it hadn't been for the good nature of Roland Parks." " I am much pleased with the part you took, my son," said Mr. Freeland. " But, Fred, what would you have done if the boys had persisted, after all, in carrying out their original designs with regard to Bill Brown ? " " Ah, father, that is a very hard question for me to answer. In fact, I don't think I had any plan in the matter. I was quite certain, though, that the boys wouldn't hurt me ; but, above all, I thought I was in the right ; and you have always taught me, sir, not to fear when I had the right on my side." " True, my son ; but you must always be certain that you are right before you take so bold a stand as you did to-day. However, as I have already said, I am well pleased with your conduct in this instance, and feel thankful that the matter terminated as it did. I hope the effect will prove to be beneficial to all concerned." Fred now acquainted his father with the conversation that took place between Bill and himself after they left the play ground. This he did without concealing his Till: CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 37 firm conviction that Bill would speedily reform. Mr. Freehiiid cautioned him against relying too much on Fighting Bill's promises knowing full well the many difliculties that obstruct the path to reformation, of whatever character. Still, he urged him to continue his kind treatment and good advice to the unfortunate boy. Mr. Freeland then related the particulars of Jenny's meeting with Bill. Fred complimented his little sister highly for her praiseworthy "behavior on the occasion, and added, encouragingly, that he should meet with no difficulty in keeping Bill to his promise, aided as he \vas by her efforts. Aunt Mary now informed, them that tea had been waiting some time; whereupon the family proceeded at once to their evening repast. In the mean time we will look after Bill Brown, whom we left in his mother's little room with his head resting on the pine table. From this position he was aroused by the entrance of his mother, who said, as she came into the room, 'William, what is the matter? I didn't know that you had got home." " Nothin'," he replied, as he started suddenly to his feet. " Yes ; something has happened to you, I am sure," 4 38 FRED FREELAND, OR she said, as she noticed the unusual seriousness of his countenance. " No ; nothin' much, mother. I only got into a muss with the boys, on the Green, and Fred Freeland took my part in sich a kind way as made me foolish enough to promise that I'd try to be better arter this." " Ah, Fred Freeland is a right good boy ! " said Mrs. Brown, feelingly. " I never hear any thing bad of him. This is not the first time he has befriended you, my son. I once accidentally overheard him and his little sister talking about you, and their generous and kind words brought the tears into my eyes. But I grieve, William, to hear you say it was ' foolish ' in you to promise him, for that sounds as if you felt sorry for making the promise. And, O, how I wish you might be a better boy ! " "Mother," said Bill, with a very serious tone, "I say I was foolish to promise him, 'cause I'm afraid I can't stick to it. I b'lieve I should broke it 'fore I got home, if it hadn't been for Jenny Freeland." Here Bill gave an account of the row on the Green, the hurried flight of the little girls, and his subsequent conversation with Jenny. When he had concluded, his mother exclaimed, fervently, " God bless both those dear, good children ! And you, my son will you not keep your word to Fred?" THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 39 "Yes, mother," replied Bill, firmly, "with your help, I will. But I don't b'lieve I can do it if I stay round here, where I shall see the boys every time I go out; 'cause they'd be sayin' things to make me mad, and I couldn't stand it. But I've got a plan in my head, mother, that I hope you won't say nothin' aginst. I told you last year, you know, that I wanted to go a-fishing this summer ; and now, as the sayin' is, I can, ' kill two birds with one stone : ' I can earn good wages, and while I'm gone old grudges will kind o' die out, and when I git back mebbe there won't be no more trouble. Now, mother, what do you think of it?" " O "William ! I can't consent to your going to sea. What should I do if you never came back ? Besides, how could you get a chance to go ? " " O, that's easy enough," said Bill, encouraged by his mother's last query. " There's Sam Jones, you know ; he was gone to the ' Banks ' all last summer, and got his ten dollars a month. lie says he can git me a chance, if he don't go agin himself. Only think on't, mother ! Ten dollars a month will make quite a little pile of money for us when I git back ! And then it won't cost you so much to live while I'm gone, for I don't earn enough here to pay my board. Besides, I don't b'lieve I can be a mite better if I stay round here, among all the village boys." 40 FRED FREELAXD, OR " Well, William," said his mother, after reflecting for a few moments, "as you seem to be bent on going, perhaps I ought not to object. It may be all for the best ; but it is hard to think of. However, you can see Sam Jones again, and hear what he has to say." Bill was delighted at having partially obtained his mother's consent. He went that very evening to see Sam Jones, who promised to write without delay to Captain Jenkins, at Hooksink, Maine, the man he sailed with the previous season, and, through him, secure a place ibr Bill, who was anxious to get away as soon as possible. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 41 CHAPTER V. RETROSPECT. THE incidents narrated in the preceding chapters occurred in Rockmount, one of'the numerous charming villages that cluster about and almost wholly encircle the capital of the "Old Bay State," like so many outposts set to guard every avenue leading to some important military camp. Portions of Rockmount, as its name would seem to indicate, are elevations commanding fine views not only of the city, but likewise of the harbor and bay in the distance thus rendering it one of the most desirable among the many delightful places of residence for which the vicinity of Boston is so justly celebrated. On one of the elevations of Rockmount stands the residence of Mr. James Freeland, within the walls of which the reader has been already introduced, and has formed, probably, some idea of its inmates. The house is of the cottage style of architecture, and is plain, neat, and convenient. Its site is at a short distance 4* 42 FRED FREELAXD, OR from the street, and is tastefully ornamented by shade trees and shrubbery. Mr. Freeland was not far from forty-five years of age, and a widower, at the tune our story commences. His wife had been dead about nine years ; but the recollection of her many virtues still remained fresh in his memory. His family consisted of Fred and Jenny, and their aunt Mary, who had served in the capacity of housekeeper to her brother from the tune of his wife's last sickne'ss. That we may the better understand the characters of Fred and Jenny Freeland, whose company, it is to be hoped, the young reader may find sufficiently agreeable to keep through the following pages, it will become necessary to raise the veil of the past for a brief space of tune, in order to throw some light upon the earlier life and character of Mr. Freeland, as well as to pay a passing tribute to the memory of his departed wife. In doing this, perhaps, we may be compelled to call up unpleasant associations, and to dwell upon events that we could wish forever buried in deep oblivion ; but as there are circumstances of an opposite character closely interwoven with these events, and overruling them for good, perhaps a few moments spent in this retrospection may prove neither irksome nor valueless. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 43 James Freelancl, when seventeen years of age, was placed by his father, at his own request, in one of the most extensive mercantile houses in Boston, where he remained between three and four years, and was looked upon by his employers and friends in general as a very promising young man. During the last year of his clerkship, however, he formed an acquaintance with several young men of dissipated habits, and before his friends had the slightest suspicion of any thing wrong, he was on the broad road to ruin. When the dangers by which James was surrounded became known to his father, he at once determined to remove him beyond their influence. Accordingly, he procured for him the situation of supercargo of a fine ship in foreign trade, the master and owners of which were the young man's particular friends, and who were willing to cast their influence in a direction to bring about his reformation. James himself was fully aware of the misery and degradation to which he was hastening, and felt equally anxious with his friends to be out of the reach of those temptations that had beguiled him on to the very verge of destruction. Hence he most willingly availed himself of the situation which his father had procured for him, and gave his friends good assurance that he would strive hard during his absence to retrieve what 44 FRED FREELAND, OR lie had lost of character and standing within the past twelvemonth. And when, after a short preparation, the young man went on board, and the ship's sails were unfurled for a far-distant port, it was with bright hopes for the future that his parents and friends bade him a long adieu. The ship reached her port of destination with safety, and the young supercargo gave entire satisfaction to his employers by the prompt and judicious manner in which he transacted all the business with which he had been intrusted. But, sad to relate, the demon Intemperance had clutched his victim too securely in his blighting embrace to be easily cast off. When, at length, the ship returned to Boston, and James Freeland reached his father's house, his friends could not but observe, with disappointment and grief, the marked inroads the wine cup had made upon his constitution during his absence. Still, they despaired not of saving him. All cast their kindly influences around him : a sister's warm devotion awakened in his breast all the kind and generous feelings of a brother's love ; a mother's tears bedewed his bloated cheek, and seemed to allay, in a measure, the consuming fire of intemperance raging madly in his blood ; and a father's prayers, ascending from the family altar, penetrated his inmost soul, and caused him again to resolve that he THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 45 would shake off the dread destroyer at once, and rise to his proper station, while he yet retained a hold upon respectable society through his former excellent character and the influence of kind and faithful friends. As he had given his employers perfect satisfaction in the situation of supercargo, he experienced no great difficulty in obtaining another berth of the same kind. And when he sailed on his second voyage, it was with a full determination, should his life be spared, to return an altered man for the better. But, alas ! the resolves of one who has become addicted to intemperance are difficult to be carried out, unless the victim has true and faithful friends ever at his side to shield him from the many temptations that beset his path, or his own soul respond to some divine influence that lights anew the flickering spark which yet struggles in the breast of the poor fallen mortal. In this instance, although James Freeland succeeded in disposing of the outward cargo in a manner quite satisfactory to himself and his employers, he fell far short of carrying out his good intentions with regard to himself; and the master of the ship, in preparing for the homeward voyage, found it necessary to assume many duties that properly belonged to the supercargo. Again the perils of the sea were passed through in safety, and the young man once more reached home; 46 FRED FREELAND, OR but, instead of any reformation having taken place, his intemperate habits had completely overpowered him. He had returned to his almost heart-broken .parents penniless, dejected, and with a half-ruined constitution ; with loss of friends, character, and all self-respect : he was a confirmed sot. Arguments, tears, and prayers were of no avail. Nothing seemed to rouse him from his degraded condition. His friends gave him up as lost, and a grief far deeper than that for the dead was fast bearing his broken-spirited parents towards their last resting-place. Unable longer to gain access to the intoxicating cup, an entire prostration of the system was the consequence, and the unfortunate young man became sick, weak, and helpless as a child. It was at this dark and gloomy hour that an angel of love and mercy, in the person of Anna Eustis, was seen hovering around the wretched invalid with words of encouragement falling from her spotless lips. An intimate and warm friendship had existed for years between her and James Freeland ; but whether the thought of a nearer and holier tie had been at any time cherished by either or both, was known only to themselves. From the earliest period of James's intemperance he had avoided Anna's society conscious, probably, that one so good and pure as she should not even breathe THE CHAIN OF CIHCOISTANCES. 47 an atmosphere contaminated by the presence of an inebriate ; but she continued to manifest the liveliest interest in every thing that related to his welfare ; and among all his friends there was no one, perhaps, who experienced a deeper grief at his fall. At this critical period, when he was so prostrated through sin and degradation that it seemed almost useless to make any further efforts in his behalf, this fair and faithful friend came to him with words of hope and promise, with deeds of love and kindness, and by the exercise of that sweet influence, akin to heavenly, which none but gentle, faithful, virtuous woman can wield over poor erring man, she induced him to make one more effort to save himself. She persuaded him, as soon as his strength would permit, to attend a temperance meeting, and sign the pledge. From that hour a fixed determination to be again A MAN took possession of his soul and he was never known to put the intoxicating cup to his lips after that day. When it became known that James Freeland was making another attempt at reformation, several of his old friends came forward and offered to assist him into business. He gratefully thanked them, with tears in his eyes, for their proffered kindness ; yet he firmly declined all their offers, urging as a reason that he had 48 FRED FREELAXD, OR forfeited all right to any such assistance by his late misconduct, and that he was determined to rely wholly on his own exertions in the attempt to regain, in a measure at least, a respectable position in society. He at once obtained a clerkship in a large mercantile house in Boston, and speedily won a high reputation for excellent business habits. At the end of one year he commenced business on a small scale for himself, which, gradually increasing, soon brought him a comfortable little income. Instead of longer avoiding the society of Anna Eustis, he sought it at every opportunity, and rumor predicted that a match would be the result. At first, her friends were somewhat averse to a renewal of the intimacy, and expressed to her their fears, not without reason, that he might again return to his bad habits. Her reply was, that time only could determine whether she should unite her fate with his for life ; but, at all events, she would not do so until he had undergone a probation of sufficient duration to satisfy all reasonable minds that his reformation was thorough, and beyond a doubt. After the lapse of some four or five years, during which time James Freeland fully reestablished his character for sobriety and worth, Anna Eustis gave, to him her hand and heart in marriage. He had previously purchased the pleasant estate in Rockmount, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 49 already visited toy the reader, whither they at once removed, fondly hoping there to spend many years of connubial happiness. Alas for human hopes ! Mrs. Freeland's health, which" had ever been rather delicate, began gradually to decline soon after the birth of Fred, during their second year's residence at Rockmount, and her friends were fearful that her mission on earth was about to terminate. But through prompt and judicious medical treatment, the kindest attentions of her devoted husband, and the blessing of God, her disease assumed a milder phase, and finally seemed to yield altogether, leaving her in a good state of health, apparently, for something like three years. On the fourth anniversary of Fred's birthday their family circle was enlarged by the presence of little Jenny. Soon, however, it was but too evident that Mrs. Freeland was a victim to that slow, sure, but insidious disease, consumption. Her kind and loving husband looked upon her now rapidly-declining health with feelings of the most acute agony. How could he endure the thought that he was so soon to lose his inestimable companion ; the mother of his two young children ; she who had been to him truly a " guardian angel " ! We will pass silently over the few months of patient Buffering endured by this most excellent Christian wife 5 D 50 FRED FKEELAND, OR and mother, and move cautiously and noiselessly into the still and solemn chamber where Mr. Freeland and his precious children have just assembled to catch the last utterance from the lips of that dear woman who has never been known to breathe other than words of love and kindness, charity and truth, hope and consolation, to all who have been blessed with the privilege of her society. "James," said she, in tones almost inaudible, as Mr. Freeland stood by her bed side with Jenny in his arms, then less than a year old, and with Fred by his side, "James, I feel that the moment is at hand when all earthly ties between us must be sundered. I am ready willing. We must bow to the will of God, nor think it hard. We shall meet in heaven, for He hath promised." For a moment or two she was silent, exhausted by the effort of speaking. Presently she continued, "I need not say to you, Guard well these precious little ones I know you will ; I trust them confidingly to you and our heavenly Father. Now," she feebly added, " place little Jenny beside me on my pillow. Freddy, dear, take mother's hand ; husband, the other. There," she faintly murmured, " I am happy ! " and, with a smile of surpassing sweetness o'erspreading her beautifully-tranquil features, she glided serenely away THE CHAIN OF C1UCUMSTANCES. 51 to her rich reward in the spirit world to mingle with myriads of angels in their rejoicings over the restoration of that erring mortal, whom, on earth, t-he had been the means of bringing back to usefulness, to duty, and to God. 52 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER VI. FRED AND JENNY. MR. FREELAND was accustomed to speak often and without restraint to his sister concerning the welfare of his children, that being a subject near and dear to his heart ; and she always listened to him on these occasions with the liveliest interest, for Fred and Jenny were equally as dear to her as if they had been her own offspring. Fred and Jenny having retired for the night, on an evening soon after the little fracas among the boys on Kockmount Green, Mr. Freeland, in conversation with his sister, alluded to that occurrence, and spoke more particularly of his children's conduct on that day than he had cared to do in their presence. " Ah, brother," said aunt Mary, " you have reason to be sincerely thankful that you are blessed with two such children." " True," replied he ; " and I trust I am thankful for so great a blessing. Still, an occasional fear comes THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 53 over me, on Fred's account, with respect to that one fault of which I have frequently spoken to you, and of the danger of which I have often admonished him." " I know to what you allude, brother ; but, really, I think you give yourself altogether too much anxiety on account of that slight foible of Fred's. It is nothing more than a childish curiosity in him, which a year or two more, with his fixed principles of right and duty, will wholly correct." " God grant that it may be so," said Mr. Freeland, earnestly; "but I have misgivings, at times, which I cannot easily overcome. I fear this fault will, sooner or later, lead him into difficulty." The young reader must not hastily conclude that we are about to claim perfection for our little hero merely because he has been introduced under such favorable circumstances : not at all ; but his faults were few, and such as would be, most probably, readily overlooked. In truth, he was a noble boy, and such a one as a father might well be proud of. He was the soul of truth and honor, and generous in the extreme. He was a great favorite with all his acquaintance, more especially among his village associates. Possessing no little influence over his companions, as the reader has already seen, he never exercised it excepting where occasion seemed to require it for their good. 5* 54 FRED FREELAXD, OR "When engaged in boyish amusements with his mates, Fred was all life and merriment, and ever ready to enlist in any innocent sport. He had, notwithstanding, a remarkably strong attachment for home, and would give whole afternoons and evenings to the employment of making and arranging playthings, and to getting up various little amusements, for his sister's diversion, in preference to seeking the rougher sort of sports with his school-boy companions. In fact, he almost idolized Jenny, and seemed never to tire in the performance of little kindnesses towards her ; while she, in return, was all love and devotion to him, and received all his attentions with unfeigned gratitude and delight. Thus was strengthened and made abiding between these two happy children that tie of holy affection so beautiful to behold in brother and sister, and which should be encouraged and cherished in every family as one of the surest safeguards to virtue and happiness. But Mr. Freeland has alluded to a certain fault in Fred's_ character, and probably the reader may feel some little interest in its disclosure. Now, we should greatly prefer to dwell upon the many merits of our young friend, if such a course would serve as well all the objects of our story; but, believing that it would not, we are compelled to " tell tales out of school," and enlighten the reader with regard to Fred's failing. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 55 The fault in question consisted of an over-curiosity ; or, perhaps, the word " meddlesomeness " would better convey the idea. He possessed an inordinate desire to scrutinize closely every thing that came under his eye. He would thoughtlessly take up any article that attracted his attention, without due regard to place or circumstances, for the purpose of a minute inspection ; and hence it became necessary to say to him, much too often, "Hands off!" This weakness in Fred's character was a source of much annoyance, regret, and grief to his father, who admonished him frequently and earnestly of the great impropriety, and even danger, of continuing the habit. Fred, being now fourteen years of age, began to realize the importance of a stricter watch over his own conduct in this particular. He had, in a measure, succeeded in overcoming the habit ; but it was of long standing, and difficult to conquer, and he still required a word of caution from his father, occasionally, to save him from some temptation that came in his way. Perhaps it was Fred's great excellence in most other respects that caused his father to attach so much weight to this one failing, for it was almost wholly overlooked by every body else ; and he had the credit of being, as indeed he was, one of the very best boys in the community. 56 FRED FREELAND, OR Jenny's character is not so easily understood ; and it would be as well, probably, to leave the reader to form his own estimate of her as the story progresses. There was nothing positively attractive in her personal appearance at first sight. Her skin was fair, and her features regular, but she was by no means beautiful : still, the moment she spoke, one could not but take an interest in her. Some and perhaps there were good reasons for it called her a strange child. Jenny was ten years old at the time of which we write, but so small and fragile that a stranger would have considered her to be no more than seven or eight ; yet, upon acquaintance, she would be likely to receive credit for more years than she had seen. She was almost uniformly gentle and affectionate. At times, however, she exhibited a disposition the very reverse of this ; and although these exhibitions were " few, and far between," yet they had been the cause of no slight sorrow to her friends particularly her father. If she had reason to believe, at any time, that her own rights and privileges, or those of any near friend, were wantonly infringed; if she felt confident that an injury had been inflicted intentionally upon her or any one of the family ; or if her veracity was questioned in any matter whereof she had stated nothing but the plain truth, her whole nature would seem to undergo THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 57 an instantaneous change, and she would become almost frantic with the wildest rage. But we have said these paroxysms of passion were of rare occurrence ; and, happily, they were becoming more and more so, which gave her friends good grounds to hope that she would ere long wholly outgrow them. No one except her father or brother had the slightest influence over her at such times ; but they seemed to possess a charmed word, which, when spoken in her ear, would at once restore her to reason, and cause sincere penitence. Her love for her father and brother knew no bounds. She would never consent to the former's going from home to remain over night unless she accompanied him. Indeed, we might almost be led to believe that the gentle and protecting power exercised by Jenny's mother over Mr. Freeland, both before and after her h marriage, was, at her death, transferred to the infant daughter at her side thus perpetuating that benign influence that had proved a complete shield of purity and love over a once-erring mortal. The true excellence of Jenny's little heart was in no one particular more beautifully illustrated than in her uniform kindness to an unfortunate youth, living near her father's, named John Fox. This boy had, in a great measure, lost his reason from an injury on the 58 FRED FREELAND, OB head. He was well known throughout Rockmount and its vicinity as "Foolish John" Jenny never lost an opportunity of doing this poor youth some little act of kindness ; consequently, through the slight glimmer of his remaining reason, he looked upon her as a superior being, and always expressed pleasure at seeing her, though he shunned society generally. The reader will learn more concerning Foolish John hereafter. It was prophesied by some individuals, and probably feared by many others, at the tune Mr. Freeland lost his most exemplary wife, that he would relapse into his former habit of intemperance. Such persons, however, were little aware of the firmness of the resolution he had formed ; could not fully appreciate the absolute reverence with which he cherished the memory of his departed wife ; and were ignorant of the extent of the influences, both natural and divine, that had penetrated even the inmost recesses of his being, and produced a reformation both thorough and enduring. Nine years have passed away since Mr. Freeland laid the companion of his bosom in the silent grave, and during all this period there has been not the slightest reason for a whisper to his discredit; but, on the contrary, we find him enjoying a high degree of confidence and respect among his fellow-citizens. He was repeatedly solicited to accept offices of emolument, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 59 honor, and trust ; but he invariably declined all such propositions, choosing rather to pursue his own private business, and enjoy the retirement and society of his own little family circle the vacuum in which was filled by dutiful resignation, sweet memory, and never- dying hope. One word here with regard to "Aunt Mary" the trusty, kind, and judicious manager of Mr. Freeland's household affairs. It is a trite remark that no one ever looks after the welfare of children with the same degree of interest as their mother ; but in this instance it would have been difficult for the closest observer to detect any want of attention, solicitude, or kindness. Fred and Jenny met with a serious misfortune when the best of mothers was taken from them; but they were, undoubtedly, saved many a consequent evil in having her place so well supplied by their thoughtful and affectionate aunt. Nor were this faithful woman's sympathy and good (l<-c(ls wholly restricted to her brother's family ; for many were the poor and uncared-for little boys and girls whom she rescued from idleness and ignorance, and, after washing and clothing them, conducted to the Sabbath school where she had long been an efficient teacher, and there commenced and continued a course of instruction well calculated to lead these otherwise 60 FRED FREELAND, OR neglected little ones to lives of usefulness and virtue an example that might, doubtless, be more frequently followed without detriment to the cause of Sabbath schools, and, with an infinite amount of good to poor and ignorant children, and consequently to society at large. THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 61 CHAPTER VII. BILL BROWN. HAVING given the reader cause to believe that we intend to follow up the acquaintance already made with Fred and Jenny Freeland, it is quite probable that we may see and hear something more of Bill Brown, as it will be recollected that he has pledged his word to be the faithful friend of this affectionate brother and sister. This being the case, so much of a description of his personal appearance and character as will lead to his recognition, should he again be met with, seems necessary in this place. Bill was a little more than fourteen years of age when first brought to the reader's notice. He was very stout and strong, with shoulders sufficiently broad for a well-developed man. Two or three ordinary boys of his own age were as nothing in his hands. He was the acknowledged bully of the village ; and hence his sobriquet of " Fighting Bill " an epithe^we shall no longer apply to him if he keeps his promise to Fred 6 62 FRED FREELAND, OR to "try" He had large, full, black eyes, and thick, bushy, dark hair. A sort of sullen, forbidding look usually marked his countenance ; but when his better nature was appealed to, and a smile relaxed his hard features, there was something rather agreeable than otherwise in their general expression ; and at such times he would have passed, with many persons, for a tolerably good-looking boy. Bill's character has been thus far spoken of chiefly with regard to his quarrelsomeness. This appears to be the only well-sustained charge brought against him ; yet he was frequently suspected of other misdemeanors. He might, very likely, swerve from the truth in some instances ; but he was much too fearless of consequences to be a confirmed liar. A petty theft was occasionally perpetrated in the village, and as Bill bore the reputation of a bad boy, he was silently accused, in the minds of many persons, of being the culprit ; but no evidence had ever come to light to sustain any such charge against him. He was by no means lazy. On the contrary, he seemed willing to work whenever there was employment to be obtained. His bad reputation, however, often stood in the way of his getting little jobs of work about the village; but when he did chance to earn any thing, he invariably carried it to his mother, who supported THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 63 herself and son chiefly by the laborious occupation of washing and ironing. Mrs. Brown was a quiet, industrious woman, and kept her little tenement, as well as herself and Bill, in a condition as neat and comfortable as her stinted means would admit of. She had lived in Rockmount something more than two years, and was considered a very worthy woman. Her husband was sick at the tune they moved into the place, and died shortly after a victim, it was believed, to intemperance. It is altogether probable that to the harsh and unreasonable treatment which Bill had received at the hands of a dissipated father may be attributed much, if not all, of that quarrelsome propensity which brought him so often into trouble with other boys; for, nine times in ten, whenever a boy receives injury from his superiors in strength, he will foolishly and wickedly seek revenge by administering abuse upon those weaker than himself. The bad reputation of her son was a source of much sorrow to Mrs. Brown, who felt for him all the anxiety of an affectionate mother. He was her only living ^ child, and many were the troubled days and sleepless nights she experienced on his account. Unfortunately, however, she could not exercise sufficient influence over him to control his turbulent temper, and induce him to restrain his evil propensities. 64 FUED FREELAND, OR Notwithstanding all his faults, Bill loved his mother, and had more than once promised her that he would endeavor to do better. But he seemed to take delight and pride in being considered a great fighter, and the consequence was, that his mother's entreaties and tears were forgotten the moment an opportunity offered for him to exhibit his brutality. Fred and Jenny Freeland, however, appear to have kindled up in Bill's bosom a hitherto dormant spark of humanity ; but whether it will continue to glow and expand until it enlivens and warms his whole nature into one generous sympathy with the good and the true around him, time alone will show. At all events, there is one thing greatly in his favor, and that is, he was never known to be guilty of that most despicable and soul-destroying sin of using abusive language to his mother! There is yet hope for him. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 65 CHAPTER VIII. "MAD DOG." ABOUT one week had passed after the occurrence of the " bloodless battle " among the boys on the Green, and every thing remained quiet in Rockmount, when, suddenly, towards the close of a fine afternoon, the residents on the street leading from the central part of the village in the direction of Mr. Freeland's, were startled by the cry of " Mad dog ! " The occupants of houses on either side of the street rapidly closed their doors, and timid pedestrians rushed hurriedly into the nearest places of safety, as the alarming sound reached their ears. Presently, a common-sized dog was seen speeding furiously up the street, snapping his jaws to the right and left as he ran, and with his mouth covered with foam. A number of men and boys were in swift pursuit, shouting loudly as they followed on, to give the alarm to any persons that might be in the street in advance of the dog. 6* E 66 FRED FREELAND, OR The rabid creature encountered two other dogs soon after the chase commenced, both of which he attacked, for a moment, and then continued on again up the long, straight street. His pursuers gained upon him while he was in contact with the other dogs, but did not get sufficiently near to despatch him. The race continued ; reinforcements arrived every moment, and the excitement increased proportionally. The dog is just entering upon a part of the street where there are no houses one side being lined by a close board fence, and a stone wall extending along the other something like a quarter of a mile. Near the centre of this space, on the side next the wall, are three little girls, going home from school, who are just now made aware, for the first time, of the impending danger. And look ! Is it so ? yes, too true ; one of them is our little friend Jenny Frceland. But all three have taken the alarm, and are scampering off, for dear life, up the street, evidently with the hope of reaching a house situated near the termination of the wall. As the imminent peril of these girls became known, the pursuit was continued with renewed energy; and some distance in advance of all others might have been noticed one man who was making superhuman exertions, almost, to come up with the fearful brute. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 67 A painful circumstance, though at the time considered fortunate, now seemed to favor him. A cow happened to be coming down the street at the moment, and the dog sprang furiously at her head, and set his teeth deep into her nose. The poor beast, in her agony, dashed wildly over the ground, bringing the dog back some little distance towards his pursuers, and inspiring them with the hope that the children might yet reach a place of safety. But, in a moment more, the cow shook the dog off, and away he again sped, like the wind, directly after Jenny and her companions. It was now noticed that the largest girl of the three was some rods in advance of the others, the smallest one next, and Jenny in the rear, whilst the dog was rapidly nearing her at every bound. The gentleman already alluded to was becoming more deeply excited, and, running at the top of his speed, he shouted, " Jenny ! Jenny ! throw down your carpet bag ! " All now saw that she was encumbered by her bag of school books, and consequently could not run so fast as her companions. The gentleman who called thus earnestly to Jenny was her father. The first alarm had been given just as he stepped out of the Rockmount and Boston coach ; and knowing it was the usual time for school to be out, he at once thought of his dear children, and joined 68 FEED FREELAXD, OR anxiously in the exciting chase; and his parental eye was not long in discovering his daughter's dangerous position. Jenny certainly understood her father's command to drop her bag of books, for, half turning as she ran, she waved one hand over her head as a token that she heard him ; but she still held fast the carpet bag, while she flew over the ground with increased speed, as if his voice had given her new life. All Jenny's efforts, however, seemed to be fruitless, for the rabid animal was within a few feet of her, and escape appeared next to impossible. Mr. Freeland groaned aloud in his agony of despair, as once more he shouted, "Jenny! in Heaven's name drop your books!" But at that critical moment the child convinced her father that she had not lost her presence of mind, and that the bag of books might yet be her salvation ; for, when the next spring of the dog would have brought him full upon her heels, quick as thought she whirled herself about, and met him as, with distended jaws and foaming lips, he leaped towards her directly in the mouth with one corner of the carpet bag. The terrible creature, in his blind fury, at once set his teeth completely through the bag, and fastened them firmly in a leather-covered book. Jenny waited not THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. G9 an instant, but was off again like a frightened fawn, leaving the dog to struggle with his mouthful of books. A shout of applause from the crowd greeted Jenny's courageous act, and there seemed to be good reason for hoping that her great presence of mind might yet preserve her from the threatened danger; for she was now only a few rods from the house, the dog's teeth were still fast in the bag of books, and his pursuers, led by Mr. Freeland, were close upon him. But, with a sudden effort, he extricated his poisonous fangs from their confinement, and started off again in hot pursuit of the child, as if nothing short of lacerating human lli-sh would appease his terrible madness. Still, there was hope. The foremost girl had reached and entered the gateway leading to the house, the next one was already at the entrance, and Jenny had only a step or two more to take, while the dog was yet some few rods distant. "Run, Jenny run for your -life!" again shouted Mr. Freeland. " A moment more, and you'll be safe ! " But danger was not yet at an end ; for Lizzy Hall, the. girl younger than Jenny, had run, in her alarm, straight past the small open gate, and was pushing at the large one, which, being closed, was too heavy to yield to her slight strength. Jenny had reached the open gate, and safety lay before her. But no; she 70 FRED FREELAXD, OB was of a nature far too kind and noble to allow of her leaving a companion younger than herself exposed to such fearful danger ! " Here ! Lizzy ! run back to this gate in a moment ! " cried Jenny. But Lizzy gave no heed to the word. Quick ns thought Jenny sprang forward, seized her companion by the arm, forcibly drew her back, and pushed her through the partially-open gate ; but, before she could follow, the larger girl, who had hold of the gate inside, in her fright and haste, slammed it to with all her strength leaving Jenny still on the outside ! She instantly saw her mistake, and endeavored to rectify it ; but the gate held so fast at the bottom that she was unable to reopen it. The dog was now fearfully near to Jenny ; and her father, still too far off to be of any assistance, with heart-rending anguish exclaimed, " Lost ! lost ! O my child ! " He was seized with a deathly faintness, and would have fallen to the ground, had he not been supported by those near at hand. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 71 CHAPTER IX. THE RESCUE. HARK ! A shout of encouragement strikes the ear from another quarter, and a stout boy, without hat or jacket, and with shirt sleeves rolled above his elbows, clears the board fence on the other side of the street at a single bound, nearly opposite to Jenny, and makes his way with almost incredible speed towards her. He has no weapon- in his hand, but he carries firmness and determination on his brow. " Fly, Jenny ! " he loudly cried, as he ran. " Fly, for dear life, up the street, and I'll head the dog off! " She heard the cry, and was off in a moment. All eyes were now turned towards the boy. Mr. Freeland, who had revived at the first sound of encouragement, held his breath during that moment of awful suspense, for the chances seemed about equal between the boy and the dog, as to which would first reach the fleeing child. The rabid animal was now within three or four feet 72 FltED FEEELAND, OR of Jenny, and all shuddered lest they might hear, the next instant, her cry of anguish as the dreaded brute should fasten his teeth in her flesh. But the boy, who had strained every nerve in his body to its utmost tension, at this moment made a nimble spring from the side of the street, and struck the dog with both feet square upon his shoulder, driving him with stunning force against the stone wall. Jenny, at the same instant, stumbled and fell; but the lad, quick as thought, caught her under the arms, and placed her in safety upon the square-topped wall; and then, before the dog had fairly recovered his feet, he seized him by the hind legs, swung him rapidly in a circle in the air, and brought his head down with such crushing force against a large stone as to deprive him almost instantly of life. As the pursuers reached the spot, one after another, their attention was directed first to the dog, as no one supposed that the single blow had killed him ; but as they looked upon the crushed head of the fearful brute, and saw the blood-bespattered hands and arms of Bill Brown, for it was he who had performed the daring deed, they were convinced that the work had been done faithfully, and with a will. Mr. Freeland's first act was, of course, to catch his daughter up in his arms, and press her to his heart. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 73 " 0, my dear, dear child ! have you escaped without injury ? " he asked, excitedly. " Yes, dear father, we are all safe," replied Jenny, as she imprinted on his cheek an affectionate kiss ; and the emphasis she placed upon the word all was good evidence that her heart was entirely free of any thing like selfishness, notwithstanding the excitement and danger she had just passed through. But words were not required in proof of this fact, after her truly noble conduct in rescuing her little companion, at the imminent peril of her own safety. " Ah, Jenny," said Mr. Freeland, " I stand reproved by your gentle words ; for in my great anxiety for your safety I did forget that others were exposed to like danger with yourself. Heaven be praised that all are safe ! " Bill Brown was at once surrounded by an excited group of men and boys, all anxious to ask questions of him, and to bestow -upon him commendations for his bravery and success. Mr. Freeland, as soon as he had satisfied himself of Jenny's safety, turned his attention to her preserver. Cordially grasping Bill's hand, he exclaimed, " My brave fellow, you have done a noble deed, and placed me under deep and lasting obligations to you. You have saved my dear -child from certain injury, and 7 74 FRED FREELAND, OR from a probable death the most horrible to think of, and the mo.st agonizing to realize. You shall have no cause to regret what you have done this day ; and I am much gratified that so many of our good people have witnessed your commendable act. If you but continue to do as well on all occasions, you will soon have the satisfaction of seeing yourself rapidly ri,-e in the estimation of all around you, while the approval of your own conscience will be a continual source of happiness to you. I have passed through too great excitement to allow of my saying more to you at the present time. Good evening, William, and may God bless you ! " " Good night, sir," said Bill, very respectfully. At this moment Fred arrived, with a number of his schoolfellows, and his father turned to him and said, " My son, some of the kind folks here will explain to you all that has happened. I must hasten home with Jenny, before your aunt -becomes alarmed at her absence." A number of the boys, as is apt to be the case on such occasions, commenced at the same moment to enlighten Fred with regard to the exciting scene that had just closed, so that he soon became acquainted with the main facts, although he might not have understood the details. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 75 "Come, Jenny," said Mr. Freeland, "let us hasten home. You had better ask Jane and Lizzy to walk along with us, and I will stop a moment and explain matters to their folks as we pass." " Yes, father, in a minute ; " and Jenny hastily ran to Bill Brown, saying, as she gently took one of his hands in both of her own, " Stoop down a moment, William ; / want to thank you now, and I don't wish any body to hear what I say." Now, Bill's mind had been in a state of complete bewilderment from the instant he laid the dog dead at his feet. The occurrences of the last few minutes had been of a character so unusual, had passed with such rapidity, and the result had placed him in a position differing so widely from any he ever before occupied, that he could scarcely realize it was not all a dream. However, Jenny's pleasant words at once aroused him from his dream-like state, and he recalled to mind his promise to her a week previous "If ever I can do you a good turn in any way, my little girl, I'll be sure to be on hand." How soon an occasion had offered for the " good turn " ! "With this thought uppermost, he stooped over Jenny as requested. She instantly gave him a hearty kiss on one cheek, and laughingly said, 76 FRED FREELAXD, OR " There I don't know how to thank you in any other way ; but that kiss means as much as all the good words in my dictionary, which the dog just now tried to swallow." Before Bill could recover from his surprise Jenny had joined the other girls, and, with her father, was on her way up the street. He looked earnestly after her a moment, and something like a tear stole down his cheek. Possibly, it was a drop of perspiration ; but those nearest him, among whom was Fred, decided that it was A TEAR. Ah, yes ; the cold, hardened, obdurate nature of that rough boy one so stubborn that all the harsh treatment of an entire community could not extort a complaint from, much less draw forth a tear had been warmed, softened, subdued, by the gentle influence imparted by that innocent child's lips. O, little girl reader, you can be an angel on earth if you will! Desirous of escaping the praises which were being bestowed upon him from all quarters, truly, a strange state of things with him, Bill requested Fred to go with him to a gentleman's house near by, where he had been at work piling up Avood, and where, most fortunately, he heard the alarm just in time to rescue Jenny from her perilous situation. As soon as Fred and Bill were by themselves, the Till: CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 77 former gave full scope to his heart-felt thanks for the courageous deed of his companion wlu'ch had resulted in his sister's safety. " O, don't name it," said Bill. "It's nothiii' to what you and Jenny have done for me. A week ago I was jist about as bad as a mad dog myself; and if I ain't quite so bad now, it's all owin' to you." " "We won't say any thing about what you have been, Bill, but what you are going to be in future," replied Fred. " If I ever be a better boy, I must thank you and Jenny for it; for you first told me how to begin to do right and I'm goin' to try to keep on." "That's the way to talk, Bill. You have made a first-rate beginning already ; and my father is not the man to forget what you have just now done. Only stick to your determination to do right, and he will befriend you. I think you had better give up your idea now about the fishing cruise that you have been thinking of, for I know father will assist you in getting some good place on shore, and that will be much better than to go to sea." " I know, Fred, you wouldn't want me to do nothin' but what's best; but I hope you won't say nothin' aginst my goin' a-fishin', 'cause I've made up my mind to go. I can't trust myself yet to stay here. Besides, Sam 7* 78 FRED FREELAND, OR Jones got a letter yesterday from his friend down to Hooksink, sayin' as how he had got a chance for me in the schooner Sea Gull, Captain Bruce, and that I must be there in a week. Now, mother's willin', at last, and I hope you'll think it's best for me to go, for I don't want to do any thing aginst your will." " Well, Billj I'll see you again ahout this after I talk with father. I know he will wish to do something for you." " You can tell him, Fred, how much I want to go, and then I guess he won't object. I'd ruther he'd be willin'." " "Well, I'll talk with father, and let you know what he says. But I think I must run home now, to see how Jenny feels after her fright. So good hy, Bill." " Good by, Fred. I've got a little more wood to pile, and then I'm goin' home myself." The conversation among the men and boys in the street was kept up some time after Fred and Bill left them, and high praise was bestowed on the latter for his bravery. But the noble conduct of Jenny towards her little companion seemed to fill the breasts of all present with the deepest admiration. Mingled with the throng were several of the boys whom the reader has met on a former occasion. " I say, Charley, did you see that little Jenny when THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 79 she saved Lizzy Hall from the dog ? " inquired Edward Fly*, "No," replied Charles Hay ward; "that took place just before I got here. Jenny Freeland is a smart little girl, I tell you, Ned." "Yes, that she is," responded the other; "but who, would have thought that she'd have kissed Bill Brown, as she did, right before all hands ? " 2 Just like her, exactly," answered Charles. " She is always doing or saying something that nobody else would think of; and yet she seldom seems to do any thing wrong." "Just so," rejoined Edward. " By the way, Ned," said Charles, with enthusiasm, " I think Bill did nobly in rescuing Jenny, and I am willing, for one, to cross out a good deal I had charged to his account." " Ditto," promptly responded Ned. " "What say you, Little Stubby?" " Why, you see," replied John, " I'm almost sorry I threatened to flog Bill when I get large enough ; but I don't think I can take it back yet. I guess he'll have to kill one more mad dog, and get a kiss on t'other cheek, before I'll let him off." " Ha, ha, ha ! " roared out Laughing Eol. " I say, Stubby, I reckon you'll be big 'enough to whip Bill 80 FRED FREELAND, OB Brown just about the time I'm made president of the United States." Upon this, the youngsters all joined in a hearty laugh, at John Steele's expense. He readily turned the joke, however, by saying, " Laugh away, boys ; but it isn't impossible that I may vote for Rol and flog Bill all on the same day ! " At this moment a man came and took away the dead dog in a wheelbarrow, which seemed to be the signal for a general dispersion of the crowd; and in a few minutes the street was wholly deserted, and the usual quiet of the neighborhood restored. TIIE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 81 CHAPTER X. BILL BROWN'S PRESENTS. DURING the week succeeding the incidents related in the last chapter, Mr. Freeland spoke to Fred several times with regard to Bill Brown and his future welfare. He also called to see Mrs. Brown with reference to the same subject. Finally, after the matter had been fully discussed, that gentleman came to the conclusion that it would be for the best to let Bill try his fortune on a fishing cruise. Nothing short of actual experience, he believed, would satisfy the boy's mind. He remarked to Mrs. Brown that one trial would probably be quite sufficient to convince her son that a life on shore has many advantages over that of a sailor. He gave her to understand that if Bill returned, satisfied to remain at home, he would endeavor to procure for him a place to learn some good mechanical business. The widow expressed her thanks to Mr. Freeland for the interest he was taking in her boy, and the matter of the fishing trip was considered as settled. F 82 FRED FREELAXD, OR " Fred, do you know how soon Bill Brown is to start for Hooksink ? " inquired Mr. Freeland, one morning, a day or two after his conversation with Mrs. Brown on the subject. " Yes, sir," replied Fred. " He told me last evening that he should go this afternoon. He said he should take a second-class car, to save expense." " I was not aware that he thought of going quite so soon," said Mr. Freeland. " If such is the case, there is a little matter I want you to attend to at once." " I'm all ready," said Fred, wondering what it could be that his father was about to engage his sendees in. Mr. Freeland brought forward his pocket book, and selected three five-dollar bank bills, which he handed to Fred, saying, " I wish you to take this money to Bill, as a present from me. Probably there are some things in the way of clothing, very necessary to his comfort on board the vessel, which he has not the means of obtaining. This will assist him. Tell him not to trouble himself about his mother during his absence, for I will see that she wants for nothing. Bid him good by for me, and say * that iny best wishes attend him." " O father ! " exclaimed Jenny, whose eyes and ears were ever open to all that was transpiring around her, " I am so glad you are going to send some money to THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 83 William Brown ! I have been trying all the week to think of something to give him before he goes away. And now, father, if you are willing, I will send him a little book I have, called The Reformed Boy" " I am not only perfectly willing you should give it to him," replied Mr. Freeland, " but I highly approve of your scheme, and hope he will derive much benefit from the book." Fred was soon on his way to Mrs. Brown's, having hurried off at once, with the intention of returning before it was tune for his father to leave home for the city. As he entered the little yard, he saw Bill's mother standing in the doorway. " Good morning, Mrs. Brown," said Fred, pleasantly. "Is William at home?" " Good morning, Fred," replied the poor woman, as she cordially grasped his hand. " Walk in, and take a chair. William has just gone out to the store, and will be back in a minute or two. O dear! my poor boy is going away to-day, Fred, and you can't think how badly I feel about it!" " Yes ; I suppose you will feel pretty lonesome," said Fred. " But -all his friends seem to think it is best for him to go, as he has set his mind so fully upon it ; and we must hope that every thing will come out right at last, Mrs. Brown." 84: FRED FREELAND, OR Further conversation was here interrupted by the entrance of Bill, who, the moment he saw his young friend, cried out, " Ah, Fred, how are you ? You've taken an early start this morning." " Yes," replied Fred ; " I had to come this way on some business for father, and Jenny took a notion to send you this book, Bill, which she wants you to keep to remember her by. She thought you might like it to read on board the vessel." " O, yes, I should," said Bill, very much pleased, as he received the present from Fred's hands. " I didn't need nothin' to make me remember her; but I thank her very much for the book, and shall take it with me. I can't read very well now, but I mean to be able to read better before long." " That's a good resolution, my son," said Mrs. Brown, "and I hope you will do as you say. I, also, thank Jenny very much for this excellent book." " And here," said Fred, as he took the money from his pocket and placed it in Bill's hand, " is a present from my father. He thought you might need some articles of clothing more than you could conveniently get, and that this amount would be of assistance to you in that respect." "Three five-dollar bills fifteen dollars and all THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 85 for me ! " exclaimed Bill, as he turned the money in his hand. " O Fred ! you're jokin' I know you be." " No, I am not," said Fred ; " the money is all for you. Father told me to bid you good by for him, as he could not make it convenient to see you again, and to say that you had his very best wishes." " 0, I thank him, Fred ! But all this money I can't keep it I hadn't ought to." " He don't want you to keep it," said Fred, in a joking manner. " He wants you to spend it for any thing you really need. My father don't do things hastily, Bill ; and, depend upon it, you will please him best by accepting this money, and making a good use of it." " Well, I have thought I should like a good thick coat for stormy weather," said Bill ; " but knowin' I couldn't afford it, I didn't say nothin' to mother about it. Now, Fred, as your father has been so gen'rous, I'll take five dollars of this money and buy me a coat, and then I shall have every thing I want. And here, mother," continued Bill, handing the remainder of the money towards her, "you take this other ten to help you along while I'm gone." " O, no, my son," replied Mrs. Brown ; " it is all yours keep it. I shall get along nicely if I only have my health." 8 86 FRED FREELAXD, OR " O, I forgot ! " said Fred, quickly. " Father you need not be uneasy about your mother while you are gone, Bill, as he will see that she don't want for any thing." " Your father is very good," replied Bill, feelingly ; " but you know I ought to do all I can. Now, mother," he continued, " you say this money is all mine. "Well, then, I s'pose I've a right to do what I'm a mind to with it ; so I'll jist give it to you. There, Fred, hain't I got the best of the arg'ment ? " Bill asked, appealing to his young friend. "I don't see but -that your mother will have to give in to you," said Fred, not a little gratified at Bill's sensible and dutiful conduct on the occasion. " "Well, I will take the money," said Mrs. Brown ; "but I hope, Fred, I shall have no occasion to use it, nor to call on your kind father for assistance, while William is gone." The money matter having been thus settled, Bill a.-ked Fred if he would accompany him to the city after dinner, as he wished to have his advice in the selection of a coat. A neighbor had offered to take his chest to the depot for liim, so he would have no trouble about that. Fred replied, that he could go just as well as not ; for his father wished him to be at his counting room THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 87 at four o'clock, and they would have time enough to purchase the coat before that hour. Fred reached home just as his father was leaving to go to his business, when he briefly informed him of the praiseworthy manner in which Bill accepted the presents. Mr. Freeland was much pleased with the good report, and remarked that he thought the boy would yet make a respectable man. Jenny was highly gratified to hear of the reception her book met with ; and she went to her school that morning happier than usual school and happiness ever being intimately associated in her thoughts. Even her narrow escape from the mad dog did not start in her mind a single objection to proceeding to school as usual the very next morning after that event. FRED FREELAXD, OR CHAPTER XI. THE ARREST. DIRECTLY after dinner, there being no school in the afternoon, as it was Saturday, Fred called for Bill Brown, according to agreement. He declined going into the house, as he did not wish to be a witness to the parting scene between Mrs. Brown and her son. Therefore he walked slowly along to the corner of the street, where he was soon joined by his companion, and the two immediately proceeded on their way towards Boston. Bill was somewhat down hearted at first, and they walked on a little distance in silence. " Mother feels very bad about my goin' away," said Bill, at length. " I hope she won't fret about me all the time I'm gone. Do you b'lieve she will, Fred?" " 0, no, I guess not, Bill. She'll miss you a great deal, of course ; but time soon slips away, and in a little while she'll begin to think how happy she shall be when you get home again." " I hope, so, Fred ; and I mean to try hard to behave THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 89 so well that she'll always be glad to have me come home." "That's right, Bill. Only stick to that resolution, and there will be many besides your mother glad to see you come home. But here is the coach, and we had better jump in," continued Fred, looking behind them. "I guess I can afford to give you a ride to Boston." "I'd jist as lives walk," replied Bill, "if we've got time enough ; without you'd ruther ride." "I think we had better ride," rejoined Fred, as he made a signal to the driver to stop; "that is, unless you have come to Major Kimball's conclusion that riding in an omnibus to save time is ' all imagination.' " Bill laughed, but made no further objection, and the two boys took their seats in the coach, which rattled on again towards the city. When the omnibus had reached the end of its route, Fred and Bill proceeded, without delay, to the large clothing establishment of Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co., near at hand, where, it was thought, a good bargain could be made, as they advertised "large sales and small profits." They soon entered the store, and Bill was not long in selecting, with Fred's advice, such a garment as he thought would answer his purpose very well, and for 8* 90 FRED FREELAN'D, OR which he was to pay four dollars and fifty cents thus leaving a half dollar to add to his small amount of cash for incidental expenses. The salesman put the coat in a wrapper, handed it to the purchaser, and received from him a five-dollar bill, with which he stepped to the desk, where Mr. Slash himself had charge of the cash business. Fred suggested to his companion the propriety of taking a bill of the coat, remarking that his father said such a course was always best, if for no other object than to assist in forming correct business habits. The two boys had followed the salesman a few steps towards the desk, when Bill suddenly recollected that his mother wished him to deliver a message, concerning some work, to a lady residing in the vicinity of the State House. Communicating this fact to Fred, he asked him to take the coat, and, when Mr. Slash had made out the bill and given him the change, meet him at the corner of School and "Washington Streets, as he was afraid he should not have time to do the errand if he waited any longer. Fred readily assented, and Bill started off upon the run. As Bill left the store, Fred presented himself at Mr. Slash's desk. Just at this moment a railroad expressman entered with a letter, and said, " Mr. Slash, please see if that is all right, and give THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 91 me a receipt. I'm in a great hurry. Will you attend to it at once?" Mr. Slash immediately opened the envelope, and took therefrom a handful of bank bills, saying to Fred, as he did so, " I'll attend to you in a moment." After hastily running his eye over the brief communication, he rapidly counted the~money, arid said, "All right two hundred and fifty dollars." Then, thrusting the bills back into the envelope, he carelessly left all lying on his desk, and proceeded to write the receipt. The expressman took his receipt and departed, and Mr. Slash at once turned his attention to making out the bill of the coat. As Fred stood waiting, his eye rested on the superscription of the envelope containing the money, as it lay on the desk, and its execution was so very beautiful that he could not refrain from a nearer examination. As the object of his curiosity was quite within his reach, he at once extended his hand, without thinking of the impropriety of such an act, and raised it upon its edge, for the purpose of obtaining a better view of the beautiful chirography. It was really a masterpiece of penmanship, and Fred was a great admirer of any thing above the common standard. In a moment, however, he was sensible that he had fallen into his old fault, and, coloring deeply, he instantly replaced the envelope thinking how much 92 FRED FREELAND, OR the knowledge of his thoughtless officiousness would have pained his father. Fortunately, Mr. Slash Avas so busily engaged with his pen that he did not notice the movement ; for this, Fred was truly thankful ; and having received the bill of the coat, with the change, he hastened up the street to meet his companion fully resolved that his curiosity should not again lead him into a similar impropriety. As Fred reached the place agreed upon, he saw Bill coming down School Street on the run. lie had made all possible haste, so that his young friend should not be kept waiting. " Have you been here long, Fred ? " inquired Bill, wiping the perspiration from his forehead. " No ; I have this moment come ; " and he placed the bundle, with the receipt and change, in the other's hand. "Can you go to the railroad with me, Fred?" " I think not, Bill ; for father said I must be at his store by four o'clock, or a little after ; and you see by the 'Old South' that it's almost four now." " So it is ; and I s'pose I'd best be gittin' along to the depot. I shall want to see if my chist is there all safe, git it checked, buy my ticket, and have every thing straight in good season. The cars start at five, you know. And as long as I must say 'good by' to THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 93 you, Fred," and lie grasped his companion's hand, " I s'pose I can jist as well say it here as any where else." "Yes, Bill, I suppose we must part ; but I hope it is only for a short time, and that when we meet again we shall both be able to say that we have tried to do our duty ; '' and Fred returned the warm and hearty pressure which the other was bestowing upon his hand. " I shall try to do mine, v said Bill ; " you can do yourn without tryin' there's the difference." " There's where you are mistaken, Bill. I find it pretty hard work, at times, to do what's right." Fred was thinking of the envelope he had just previously meddled with, after all the kindly admonitions from his father with respect to faults of that nature. " I only wish it was as easy for me as it is for you to do right," rejoined Bill. "But mebbe it won't be so hard one of these days. At any rate, Fred, I want you to tell mother to keep up good courage, for she shan't hear nothin' bad about me while I'm gone. And tell Jenny as how I shall read that book, and think of her kind words, very often. There, I ca'nt say what I want to, but I b'lieve I feel about right. So good by, Fred I'm off." ' Wait a moment," said his young friend, as he took a silver dollar from his pocket. " Here, Bill, I don't 94 FRED FREELAND, OR like the idea of your going in the second-class car. I know it can't be an easy way to travel. Besides, you may meet with disagreeable company there. The difference in the fare is less than a dollar. Take this, and go in a first-class car. Don't hesitate, now," lie continued, as Bill was about to make objection, " for it is my own spending money, and it will make me happy to have you take it. There, good by" and he forced the dollar into his hand. " Good by," repeated Bill, with some emotion. The " Old South " clock at this moment struck the hour of four, and the two lads walked away in different directions. The most direct course from School Street to Mr. Freeland's place of business lay through the narrow thoroughfare in the rear of the establishment of Cutt, Slash, & Co. Fred was hurrying through this street, on his way to his father's store, and had passed half the length of the large building referred to, when his attention was attracted to an envelope lying on the sidewalk. He stooped and picked it up. As he did so, his eye rested on a bank bill, a few feet distant, which, on examination, proved to be three dollars of the City Bank, Boston. He looked more particularly at the envelope, and what was his surprise to see that it was the same he had noticed not many minutes THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 95 earlier, on Mr. Slash's desk ! Fred considered it a somewhat singular circumstance, and was not long in milking up his mind to enter that gentleman's place at once, to inquire into the matter. At the moment, however, he felt a slight tap on his shoulder, and, turning quickly, saw a man standing by his side, who said, " What have you there, my lad ? " " I have just found a bank bill, and this envelope lying near it, here in the street," replied Fred. " Do you know of any one who has lost money, sir ? " " You found them, did you ? " " Yes, sir ; I just this moment picked them up on the sidewalk," answered Fred, not knowing what to make of the stranger's manner of addressing him. " Well, youngster, I guess I shall have to pick you up, till we find out something more about this matter." Saying which, the man took a firm grasp of our young hero's arm. "'Hands off!'" exclaimed Fred. At the moment, however, he caught sight of a "badge" on the man's breast, and the thought flashed upon. him that he was a police officer. An invisible shudder passed through his frame, and a sort of bewilderment seized upon his brain, as he stood regarding the officer in silence. But his tremor and confusion were so momentary as not 96 FRED FREELAXD, OR to be observed, for his own conscious innocence at once raised him above all fear. There were few persons in the street at the time, and no one as yet had noticed the arrest. "Please, sir, let go my arm," said Fred, "-and tell me what you want." " I don't know about letting go your arm," replied the officer. " Perhaps you might run if I did so. I'll take those f documents,' if you please." Saying which, he took the money and envelope from Fred's hand. " ' Run ' ? " repeated our young friend, indignantly. " WouM you insinuate that I have been guilty of any crime ? " " 0, no," answered the officer ; " I insinuate nothing. You look like an honest boy, and I hope you'll be able to explain matters to the satisfaction of all concerned ; but circumstances seem to be somewhat against you. I want you to go with me. Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co. have lost some money." As the officer pronounced the last sentence, he eyed Fred sharply in the face; but he could not detect the slightest change of countenance. " I am ready to go," said Fred, unhesitatingly. " I had made up my mind to do so at the very moment you first spoke to me. But, sir, won't you let go my arm? You may trust me." THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 97 " Yes, I think I may trust you," replied the officer ; and he at once liberated the imprisoned arm. There was that in the appearance of the lad which strongly favored the supposition of his innocence. On their way round to the front of the building Fred gave his name to the officer, and requested that- his father might be sent for without delay. As they entered the premises, one of the clerks was overheard to say to Mr. Slash, "That is the very boy." This clerk had fiery-red hair, and mustaches of the same color ; and Fred remembered that he had passed near him as he stood waiting at the desk for the bill of the coat. The officer requested Mr. Slash to send a messenger for Mr. Freeland. It was immediately done. Fred was conducted, in the mean time, to the back part of the store, and thoroughly searched ; but nothing was found to implicate him more deeply. The officer then suggested the propriety of waiting for the boy's father before any thing more was done. 9 98 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER XII. THE EXAMINATION. A FEW minutes only elapsed before Mr. Freeland entered the store of Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co. His countenance was marked with deep solicitude. Fred was the first to speak. "O father," said he, somewhat agitated, "how glad I am you have come ! I don't know what to make of this, nor of what I am accused ; but I am sure I can explain every thing so as to clear myself from the least suspicion." . Poor Fred ! how little was he aware of the strength of that unyielding chain of circumstances with which the last half hour had sufficed to encircle him ! " I have not the least doubt, my son," replied Mr. Freeland, " of your entire innocence of all intention to do wrong, whatever the nature of the charge preferred against you." Mr. Freeland then, inquired of Mr. Slash as to the nature of the accusation against Fred. That gentleman THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 99 at once informed him of the circumstance of the money having been brought in by the expressman, while Fred was at the desk. He stated, furthermore, that some one called his attention off at the moment Fred went out, and that, probably, five minutes passed before he recollected that he had not taken care of the money. Upon turning to his desk, the envelope and its contents were missing. Inquiry was immediately made of all the salesmen present ; but no light was thrown on the matter until Peter Gammon, who was up stairs at the time, came down, and stated that as he was going up, some ten minutes before, he saw the boy who was then standing at the desk take the envelope in his hand. He thought nothing of it at the moment, supposing it was merely a boyish curiosity that prompted the act. " Upon hearing this statement of Gammon's," Mr. Slash continued, "suspicion naturally rested on the lad; so I called the officer, and sent him in pursuit." Peter Gammon was the young man, already alluded to, who so promptly recognized Fred when the officer brought lu'm in. " Where did you arrest my son ? " Mr. Freeland inquired of -the officer. " In the street at the rear of this building," replied he, "with the envelope and a three-dollar bill in his hand." 100 FRED FREELAND, OR " Of what bank was the money which you have lost, Mr. Slash?" asked Mr. Freeland. " The bills were all of the City Bank, Boston," was the reply ; " mostly tens and twenties, with a few twos and threes." "I am sorry to hear that," said the officer, as he took the three-dollar bill of the above-named bank, together with the envelope, from his pocket. The lower right-hand comer of the bill was missing. It had been torn off in such a manner as to take the final letter of the president's name, and also the last figure of the date of the year leaving it " 185-." Mr. Slash, however, could not identify this particular bill, although he had noticed, when counting the money, that one of the bills was torn. Although Fred looked still more serious when this apparently strong evidence was brought against him, yet he showed no signs of fear; but his father 'turned deadly pale, for he was well aware that a weight of evidence was accumulating against his dear boy that could with great difficulty, if at all, be overcome. " My son," said Mr. Freeland, " can you throw any light upon this unhappy affair?" ' Xot much, sir, I fear," replied Fred, promptly.- " There is something about this wholly unaccountable to me. I will tell the truth, though, as far as I know ; THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 101 and you, my father, will believe my statement, if others do not." " I have never yet had reason to doubt you, my dear boy," rejoined Mr. Freeland, " and I trust I shall not in the present instance. Proceed immediately with your statement." Fred at once related, in his usual straightforward manner, every thing just as it had occurred, from Lis handling the envelope at Mr. Slash's desk, to his arrest by the officer, except that he purposely avoided any reference to Bill Brown, being fully determined not to implicate him in any manner in this bad business, as he knew he was ignorant of the whole affair. " I place the fullest confidence in every word you have spoken, my son," said Mr. Freeland, when Fred had finished ; " but I suppose we cannot reasonably expect others to credit your statement with the same readiness. Mr. Officer," he continued, " what is to be done ? " Before answering Mr. Freeland's question, the officer held a few minutes' conversation with Mr. Slash. In the mean time Fred managed to say to his father, unobserved by others, " How glad I am they don't say any thing about Bill Brown ! I have been afraid, all the time, they would try to bring him into the scrape. But it is 9* 102 FEED FREELAXD, OR now about time for the cars to start, and I hope he will get off without being troubled." " If you came here first, Fred, as I presume you did, with Bill Brown," inquired Mr. Freeland, " why is it that you have refrained from naming him ? Are you certain he knows nothing about this missing money?" " Yes, father, I am sure he does not," replied Fred. "Bill would not steal. Besides, he went out before the expressman brought the letter in, and that's the reason, I suppose, they don't say any thing about him here. I know Bill could not have taken the money : so, father, please don't name him ! " The officer at this moment approached Mr. Freeland, and informed him that the evidence appeared to be so strong against his son that it would be his duty to take him before the Police Court for examination. The court was then in session, he said, and he had no doubt, as the witnesses were all present, that the matter could be investigated at once ; and if so, even should the boy be held for trial before the Municipal Court, bonds might be procured for him without delay, and he would be at liberty to return home, without being detained over Sunday. Mr. Freeland thanked the officer for this information, and promptly acted upon the suggestion by proceeding immediately to the Court House. The examination THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 103 was entered into directly ; but, unfortunately for poor Fred, the evidence was so clear that the judge felt himself obligated to have the matter carried up to the higher court. There was nothing new elicited at the examination. The officer who made the arrest knew nothing about Bill Bi'own, as his name had not been mentioned in his hearing. Consequently, he had been allowed to proceed on his journey unmolested at which Fred silently rejoiced. Mr. Freeland, however, could not banish the idea that Bill knew something about the missing money, notwithstanding Fred was so sanguine that such could not be the case. His first thought had been, to inform the officer of his suspicions, and have Bill arrested and brought back. But, upon further consideration, he had doubts as to the propriety of such an act. No one but himself, as it then appeared, entertained any distrust of that boy ; and if, as Fred maintained, he had no knowledge of the matter, it would be the height of injustice to involve him in this difficulty, and thus break up, probably, those commendable plans of industry and reform which he had so recently adopted. Besides, he remembered Bill's agency in rescuing Jenny from the dog. There was still another view taken of this subject by Mr. Freeland. As Bill Brown's character had been 104 FRED FREELAKD, OB considered, hitherto, any thing but good, might not the mere fact of showing that Fred was in his company immediately before and, after the money was missed, operate to his disadvantage ? Upon the whole, Mr. Freeland decided to make no allusion to Bill without first asking legal advice ; and, consequently, his name was not mentioned during the examination. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 105 CHAPTER XIII. A NEW DIFFICULTY. AT the close of the examination, which occupied but thirty minutes, the judge fixed Fred's bonds at five hundred dollars, and Mr. Freeland at once offered security in that amount for his appearance before the Municipal Court. But here an unexpected difficulty arose ; for Fred resolutely objected to accept of liberty under bonds, preferring, decidedly, to go to jail. His father used all the arguments he could at the time command in the endeavor to convince him that such would be an unwise course, and one that he would himself regret when he came to know what hardships hd deprivations he would be subjected to. He also argued that the public would look upon the fact of his being sent to jail in the light of additional ignominy, and that he would be deprived of all the consolation which he would otherwise receive from the society of his friends. " Father," said Fred, " I have never intentionally 106 FRED FREELAXD, OR disobeyed your commands, nor will I now. If you insist upon my going home with you, I have nothing more to say; but I had much rather go to jail, and wait till my trial comes on, when I know I shall be proved innocent, than to go home and meet my friends while I am suspected of this crime." " But have you, my son," inquired Mr. Freeland, "considered that you may be compelled to remain in jail weeks, perhaps months, before your trial will take place ? " "Yes, sir, I have thought of that; but a month in jail, under these circumstances, will not be so hard for me to bear as a day at home. Besides, if I am at liberty, on bail, some may suspect that it is your intention to have me out of the way before the trial comes on ; but if I go to prison, there can be no such suspicion." " Have you thought of Jenny in this connection, my dear boy? What will be her feelings if I go home without you, and have to inform her that you are in jail?" "Yes, sir, I have thought of my dear little sister, and can never forgive myself for the unhappiness this bad affair will give her. But I think, father, you will have no difficulty in convincing her that it is best for m.e to remain in jail till my trial comes on more THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 107 especially when she comes to know that it is my own choice." "Perhaps not, my son, provided I could urge the matter conscientiously. But I fear you have a very vague idea of thp confinement and restrictions to which you will be subjected within prison walls ; and, should I give way to your present wish, you would, without doubt, "soon repent of your choice." "I feel that I justly deserve punishment, my dear father, for not obeying your frequent admonitions about meddling with things not my own. If I had not taken that envelope in my hand, probably no suspicion would have rested on me ; but now I must suffer the penalty. I will only say once more, father, that I should greatly prefer going to jail till this matter is cleared up. I would not object to going home but I believe it would kill me outright. I am now ready, dear father, to go wherever you say." Mr. Freeland, after a few moments' reflection, stated liis son's preference to the judge. His honor was a good deal surmised at so unusual a decision in a mere lad. He advised Mr. Freeland, however, to acquiesce iu the matter, remarking, that by Monday morning, probably, the boy would change his mind, and be ready enough to come out on bail. " Well, my son," said Mr. Freeland, turning to Fred, 108 FRED FREELAXD, OR at the close of his brief conversation with the judge, " if you remain of the same opinion still, I snail make no further objection, but will accompany you at once to Cambridge Street." " O, I thank you, father ! " exclayned Fred, in a low, earnest manner. "I am reader to go, and have no doubt it will be all for the be^t." Fred was now placed in charge of the proper officer, and, accompanied by his father, was soon on his way to prison. On reaching the Jail, the officer briefly informed the keeper of the peculiar facts in the case, and that kind-hearted gentleman at once assured Mr. Freeland that his son should be allowed every privilege not actually prohibited bj the prison rules. For this kind assurance the afflicted father returned his grateful acknowledgments, as it relieved his mind, in a great measure, of its over-burdened anxiety. However much he might regret the one failing that had contributed so largely to bring- his beloved boy into his present unfortunate position, Mr. Freeland was a parent of too much tenderness and \ffection to give one word or look of reproach to that stfe, who, he felt fully confident, was entirely innocent of any criminality in thought or deed. His greatest care was to relieve him, in a speedy and honorable manner, from this most serious difficulty, and to spare his very sensitive nature THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 109 every possible pang being perfectly satisfied that the workings of his quick conscience would be sufficient punishment for the indiscretion of which he had been guilty, and that this lesson from experience, rendered even as mild as practicable, would be ample security against a repetition of the fault. " My dear boy," said Mr. Freeland, as he took Fred by the hand, "I 'must leave you for the present; but keep up good spirits. I am confident you are innocent. I shall engage the best legal counsel in the city, and, without doubt, we shall be able to sift this matter to the bottom directly, and clear you from all suspicion." " You need not have any fears about my keeping up good spirits, father," replied Fred, confidently. " As long as you believe that I am innocent, and God knotPi that I am innocent, I shall not give up to despair. The only thing that can make me really miserable is the thought that the kindest father and dearest sister will be unhappy on my account. Promise me, dear father, that you will not give way to grief, and that you will do all you can to cheer up Jenny, and I shall be contented, if not happy, here." " Fred, my dear son, I see you are determined to meet this difficulty with manfulness. Your conduct inspires me with confidence. I promise all you ask. And now I must depart. God bless and protect you. 10 110 FRED FREELAND, OR I shall see you as often as the rules of the place will allow. Good by, my dear boy." " Good by," responded Fred, making an effort to be calm. " Give my love to the folks at home, and tell Jenny to come and see me the first opportunity." Mr. Freeland, as he stepped into the street, became aware that it was some two hours later than the usual time of his reaching home. He knew full well that Jenny would be in a state of alarm at the prolonged absence of both himself and Fred, and consequently made all haste in the direction of the Rockmount coach office. The feelings that agitated his bosom during his short ride home can be appreciated only by the parent similarly situated. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. Ill CHAPTER XIV. A SCENE AT HOME. " ! WHAT has kept you so late ? and where is Fred ? " Jenny, hurriedly asked, as she met her father at the gate, wher,e she had been anxiously watching for him during a whole hour. "Something unexpectedly detained me, my daughter; and Fred is obliged to remain in the city over night," replied Mr. Freeland, with an assumed calmness. Jenny, however, possessed much penetration, which, in connection with her unbounded love for her brother, led her directly to the conclusion that some misfortune had suddenly overtaken him. With increasing anxiety she said, " Father, do tell me what has happened to Fred ! " They had entered the house; and aunt Mary, taking the alarm from Jenny's words, with the deepest interest asked, " Brother, what has happened to pain you ? Where is Fred?" 112 FRED FREELAXD, OR "Yes, father, where is Fred? and why didn't he come home with you ? " questioned Jenny, in a state of great nervous excitement, and with tears flowing freely down her cheeks. " Be calm, my dear child," replied Mr. Freeland, " and I will tell you all. Fred is safe and well ; but uncontrollable circumstances made it necessary that he should remain in Boston until Monday morning." Jenny partially succeeded in subduing her excited feelings, and seated herself beside her father to listen to his narration of Fred's misfortune. As he proceeded with the sad tale, he was often interrupted by Jenny's exclamations of sorrow and outbreaks of grief; but still she maintained a far greater degree of composure than her father had anticipated, until he came to the closing scene, where the ponderous prison door had separated him and Fred. Jenny could then no. longer control her temper. Love and grief for Fred suddenly gave place to indignation and resentment towards those who had, unjustly, as she believed, accused him of theft, and caused him to be shut up in a felon's cell. It was with feelings of intense sorrow that the father and aunt now marked the change coming over that usually gentle child before them. Her conduct had been so uniformly mild and amiable for a considerable length of tune, that they had gladly brought themselves THE CHAIN .OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 113 to believe they should never be compelled to witness another of those sudden reverses in her nature to which allusion has been made in a preceding chapter. It was but too evident, however, that such a change was now in progress. . Her tears had suddenly ceased to flow ; her face, now of the deepest crimson, seemed to expand to unnatural dimensions ; her eyes shot forth glances of fearless resolves and defiant wrath ; while her whole being was wrought up to such a pitch of excitement and fury as rendered her almost fearful to behold. " What ! my brother in jail ? Fred shut up in a prison ? " Jenny almost screamed, as her father ceased speaking. " Why did you let them do it ? O, how I wish I were a man ! I would tear the building down about their heads, and bring my brother home!" and the violent child paced up and down the room like one distracted. "Jenny, don't talk so, my dear daughter," said her father, imploringly, as he took her by the hand, and endeavored to lead her to a seat. " Such is the law, which, you know, must be obeyed otherwise there would be no safety in the land." " Law ! " exclaimed Jenny, as she wrested her hand from that of her father, and sprang to the other side of the room. " It's a bad law ; and bad men made it : good men wouldn't make a law to shut my dear 10* H 114 FRED FREELAXD, OR innocent brother up in prison ! Did he not tell them that he didn't take the money?" " Yes, certainly, he did," replied Mr. Freeland ; " but circumstances were against him, and they could not let him off on his mere denial. In law, every thing has to be proved ; and we must trust in God that Fred will be proved innocent of this grave charge brought against him." "What! wouldn't they believe him? Not believe Fred, who would sooner die than tell a falsehood ! O, what cruel creatures ! And so they took him and shut him up in prison, just as if he had been guilty ! But are you going to let him stay in that awful place over night, father ? I won't, at any rate ; " and, rushing from the room, she seized her school hat and shawl, and hastily ran out of the house. Aunt Mary pursued her to the door, followed by Mr. Freeland, and called out, " Jenny ! do come back into the house ! You will kill your father by such conduct." " I'll have my brother out of prison ! " she cried, as she walked rapidly towards the street. " O, my dear child, you know not what you say or do ! " exclaimed Mr. Freeland, as he hastened after her down the walk. Talcing her by the arm, at the gate, he said, gently, but solemnly, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 115 "Jenny, the spirit of your DEAR MOTHER is grieving over your turbulent temper" These words produced an instantaneous change upon the child. Her countenance at once resumed its usual mild expression, her eyes filled to overflowing, and, with loud sobs, she threw herself into her father's arms, exclaiming, " Father, forgive me ! Heavenly Father, forgive a sinful child ! " Mr. Freeland bore his little daughter, subdued and penitent, in his arms to the house ; where, after a few moments of silent grief, she said to him, with perfect calmness, "My dear father, I will now hear all you have to say." "I do not think it is advisable to say more on the theme this evening, my child," replied Mr. Freeland. " But I shall have occasion to speak to you often on the subject, for I reckon much upon your assistance in this unhappy matter." " I will try to be of some assistance, father. I can at least go often to see Fred, if he has to stay long in prison, and help to cheer him up." " Yes, Jenny, that you can," said aunt Mary, much relieved by the more reasonable view the child was beginning to take of the matter ; " and your sisterly 116 FRED FREELAND, OR affection and kind attention will do much to keep up poor Fred's spirits." Most children, at quite an early age, are delighted at the idea of assisting older persons. If parents in general would exercise more forethought and patience, and encourage such early efforts, they would bestow and receive lasting benefit. Many a child has his or her early ambition to do good cramped for years, or perhaps wholly crushed, by a thoughtless or impatient parent saying, when the prattling voice and tiny hand offer sympathy and assistance, " You can't help me you are not big enough." Mr. Freeland, however, had always given his children to understand that they could be of some service, no matter what the circumstances of the case might be. And was he not right? Cannot children do much even where great difficulties are to be met ? Will not good example, sound advice, and judicious encouragement influence them not merely to do, but to do well ? Can they not, at least, sympathize with their parents when in trouble and affliction ? and is not this, even, of much importance ? for will not all parents who have hearts meet any and all of life's trials with more fortitude, if aware that their children take an interest in their affairs, and sympathize with them in the innocence of their young and truthful natures ? Mr. Freeland had now touched the right chord in THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 117 Jenny's breast. He had intimated that he expected her assistance, and that she could do much towards extricating her dear brother from his truly unfortunate situation. All the generous impulses of her affectionate nature, and all the energies of her young and ardent spirit, were at once fully enlisted in his cause. And when she bade her father and aunt good night, and retired to rest, it was with feelings of deep repentance for the outbreak of passion of which she had been guilty, and with a firm determination to do all in her power for her imprisoned brother. The following Monday morning found Jenny ready at an early hour to accompany her father to Boston. Her idea of Fred's place of confinement was based upon the most horrifying description of prisons and dungeons of which she had ever heard or read; but when they entered the Jail, and were met by the very gentlemanly and sociable keeper; when she saw the order and neatness of every thing appertaining to the premises ; and more especially when she found herself locked in the arms of her dear brother, felt his warm, affectionate kiss upon her cheek, heard from his own lips how kindly he had been treated, and that he had suffered no inconvenience other than that of separation from his friends, when Jenny realized all this, her worst fears Avere at once dispelled, and half of the 118 FRED FREELAXD, OR anticipated horrors of Fred's situation vanished from her mind. Fred was much gratified at this early visit from his little sister, and endeavored to impress her with the belief that his innocence would speedily be established, when he should meet her again at their happy home. He charged her to keep up good spirits, and to hope for the best ; and not, by appearing unhappy, give their father additional trouble and anxiety. Jenny readily promised this, and cheerfully told Fred she expected to see him at home very soon ; but, until that tune, she should visit him as often as practicable. At the close of the interview Mr. Freeland saw his daughter safely seated in a Rockmount coach, and then hastened to obtain counsel for Fred. Notwithstanding he had the fullest confidence in the innocence of- his son, yet he saw that the circumstances of the case were such as to require the best of legal talent. He called at once on Mr. Irwin, a lawyer of eminence, with whom he was intimately acquainted, stated the case to him, and engaged his services. He spoke of his suspicions with regard to Bill Brown, and also of Fred's objections to having any thing done that might implicate Bill. Mr. Irwin took a moment to consider, and then proposed to see Fred without delay hoping he might be induced to consent to have Bill sent for XHE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 119 immediately, the probability being that the vessel had not at that time sailed. The two gentlemen, accordingly, proceeded forthwith to the Jail, where Mr. Irwin had a long conversation with Fred. But, with all his arguments, he could not obtain the prisoner's consent to have Bill Brown sent for. He could not, possibly, know any thing about the money, Fred insisted, and to bring him back would only get him into difficulty, without throwing the least light on the matter. He finally consented to have his trial put off till the vessel should return from her cruise, early in the autumn, probably, when Bill could be summoned as a witness. Mr. Irwin believed that Bill's testimony would be important so far as showing where Fred was in the interim between leaving Mr. Slash's premises and his arrest, if no farther ; and as the only plea he could make in the present state of the case would be his client's previous irreproachable character, he decided that the safest course would be in the postponement of tlie trial until the return of the vessel. The lawyer next endeavored to persuade Fred to come out on bail, instead of remaining in jail three or four months ; but he continued firm in his previous decision, saying he would never consent to have his liberty while this suspicion rested upon his character. 120 FRED FREELAXD, OK Mr. Irwin left with feelings of disappointment at the ill success of his arguments, but with entire confidence in the youthful prisoner's innocence, and with a high degree oT admiration for his nice sense of honor, and for the generosity and nobleness of his character. When it became generally known in Rockmount that Fred Freeland had been arrested and committed to jail to await his trial on a charge of theft, surprise and excitement were great, especially among the boys ; and there was not an individual in the whole village but believed him innocent of the crime ; but many, beside? Mr. Freeland, had suspicions of Bill Brown. At the expiration of some eight or ten days from the time of Fred's arrest, his case was called up before the Municipal Court, when Mr. Irwin appeared and asked for a postponement, on account of the absence of an important witness. The request was granted. Days, weeks, and months passed by, and still no light had been thrown upon the affair of the money lost by Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co. Fred Freeland's courage had not nagged in the least degree during all this long confinement ; but his situation was altogether a different thing from that of prisoners generally ; for the fact that his imprisonment was voluntary had been taken into account by the officers of the Jail, and his THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 121 kind father had seen him supplied with eveiy possible comfort under the circumstances. In addition to this, Jenny had been constant in her visits, and unremitting in her affectionate attentions to him, and was widely known and admired for her sisterly devotion to his cause. Both Mr. Freeland and his lawyer had been diligent in their exertions to obtain some clew to the missing money, but without success ; and their only hope was, that Bill Brown's return might clear up the mysterious affair. Mr. Freeland had written to the owner of the Sea Gull, at Hooksink, requesting to be informed the moment the vessel arrived, when he would take such steps as were necessary to secure Bill as a witness. The time was drawing near when the arrival of the Sea Gull might be expected. 11 122 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER XV. A STORM AT SEA. OUR story opened in the early part of the month of June. Summer, brief and beautiful, had passed rapidly away, and, as September drew towards a .Jjlose, one of the most terrific south-east storms that ever dashed upon the Atlantic shores raged for many hours all along the coast from Cape Hatteras to the eastern extremity of Nova Scotia. In the dark hours of the night, during the height of this gale, a small vessel, westward bound, was driving along the dangerous coast, many leagues east of Cape Elizabeth, almost wholly at the mercy of the wind and waves. It was truly a fearful storm for any vessel to encounter, and in this instance the danger was greatly increased through the ciyppled condition of the little craft, as well as by the fact that her crew were totally ignorant of their latitude, on account of the thick fog which had prevailed for several day's. There were ten persons on board this little vessel, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 123 though three only were on deck at this time the captain, at the helm, a young man at the bows, who. had probably seen some twenty summers, and a lad of fourteen, stationed midships, so that he could render assistance either forward or aft, as emergencies might arise. This vessel was the " Sea Gull," Captain Bruce, and the lad above alluded to was none other than our old acquaintance, Bill Brown. He had conducted himself admirably during the summer, and was quite a favorite with all hands ; and under the immediate tuition of Jack Sanderson, the young man already mentioned as one of the three persons on deck, and who was "every inch a sailor," he had made rapid progress in his new profession. In fact, Jack had more than once remarked that if he could take Bill with him for six months on board a larger vessel, he would make of him "as good a sailor as ever trod a deck." The Sea Gull had been on the Grand Bank all through the summer fishing for cod ; but, about the middle of September, Captain Bruce decided to run up into the Bay of Fundy, where, it was reported, mackerel were then very abundant a circumstance somewhat unusual of late years, though formerly it was more frequented by that beautiful fish than any other place known to fishermen. The Sea Gull had been 124 FRED FREELAXD, OR fitted out both for cod and mackerel fishing. Finding the latter fish very plentiful in the bay, Captain Bruce and his crew anticipated a speedy return home, with their vessel deeply laden. In fact, the captain was so sanguine of success, that he sent intelligence to his owner, by a fisherman bound to Hooksink, that they should probably reach home iu the course of a few days. The wind, however, changed suddenly to the east, a thick fog surrounded them continually, the sea became very rough, and fish scarce. The Sea Gull was of that class of vessels termed fore-arid-afters, and carried only three sails mainsail, foresail, and jib. At the time the wind changed to the east, the vessel was " laying to " under her mainsail the usual situation when fishing for mackerel. The wind sprang up very suddenly, and, by some oversight or mismanagement, the main boom was broken short off, near the middle. As they could not fish, after this accident, even had the weather been suitable, it was decided to make sail and run for Hooksink. Accordingly, at eleven o'clock in the morning, they reduced the size of the mainsail by taking a double reef in it, hooked a tackle to it, transformed it into what is called a lugsail, and hoisted it to the breeze, together with the foresail and jib. They set their course for Hooksink, as well as they THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 125 could judge in the fog, and continued to run during the remainder of that day, and well into the succeeding night, at which time the wind hauled to the south-east, accompanied with heavy rain, and increased in violence until it reached the frightful gale already alluded to. Captain Bruce, fearful of the near proximity of land, gave orders about midnight to haul doAvn the lugsail, take in the jib, and " heave to " under a double-reefed foresail. This was done ; but the moment the vessel "came to," the fore-peak halyards parted aloft thus rendering the sail wholly useless for the time being. The gale continued to rage with unabated fury, and nought remained to be done but to secure the disabled foresail, and make sail again -under the lugsail and jib the latter being the only perfect sail remaining. Captain Bruce was a young man, scarcely more than twenty-one, and but little acquainted with that part of the coast ; but he had an old pilot with him, a Captain Pope, a man near sixty years of age, whose experience in those waters had been very extensive, and who was believed to be the best pilot any where along shore. After the accident to the foresail, he set the course anew, confidently assuring Captain Bruce that it would carry them far clear of all land until daylight. It was some two hours after this last-named accident that we have called the reader's attention to the Sea 11* 126 FUED FRKELAXD, Oil Gull, in her crippled condition, as she was swiftly overriding the mountainous waves that seemed every moment about to ingulf her in their vastness. Carrying no canvas but her jib, and a lug^ail hastily constructed out of the disabled mainsail, yet the little vessel was driving on her course with a free wind, at an almost incredible speed. As we have seen, the only occupants of the deck were Captain Bruce, Jack Sanderson, and Bill Brown whose watch it now was. The other seven were below, and the most of them asleep, all having the fullest confidence in the Avatch on deck. Captain Bruce was an excellent sailor, and possessed of sound judgment for a man of his years. He was careful and humane, and .felt the full responsibility of the critical situation in which he was placed. He had great confidence in the knowledge and judgment of his pilot, on most occasions ; but in this instance he -had some misgivings, and could not feel satisfied as to the safety of the course they were running. Finally, his dissatisfaction overcoming his respect for the opinion of the old pilot, he concluded to consult Jack Sanderson, in whose judgment, young as he was, he placed much reliance. " Bill," called out Captain Bruce, through an almost deafening blast of wind and rain that swept across the deck at the instant, ' run forward, and send Jack to THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 127 me a moment ; and mind that you keep a bright look out the while." " Ay, ay, sir," replied Bill, as he sprang forward and delivered the order. Jack gave Bill a word of caution about keeping a sharp look out, and then bounded over the slippery deck to the side of Captain Bruce. " Jack, what do you think of the course we are now running?" asked the captain. "I think it is swift, and likely to be short," replied Jack, in a manner that at once conveyed, his meaning to the other. " Then you think the old pilot is out of his reckoning, do you, Jack?" "Ay, that I do. I was never so much surprised in my life as when I heard that old sea dog give you the course. A lee shore is much nearer than he has any idea of, and we shall be in with the land long before daylight if we continue this course. In fact, I've been expecting for the last hour that the old Sea Gull would run her bill against some of the ugly rocks that must now be close aboard, and scatter her own bones, as well as ours, along the shore." " And why didn't you state your fears to me before, Jack, if you believed our situation so dangerous ? " "I hope I know my place as a sailor too well," 128 FRED FREELAXD, OR replied Jack, with a sudden jerk at bis trousers, " to offer an opinion unasked; but when consulted, I'm in duty bound to speak my mind." " "Well, Jack, I wish I had consulted you before ; but what would you recommend now?" "Why, sir, if 'I were skipper of this little craft, I'd just let her come up two points nearer the wind. She will lay up to that course handsomely, I think, and make good headway at that." " That's my view of the case, exactly, Jack. And . now you had better run forward again, and see if your more experienced eye or ear can detect any danger ahead." The change in the course of the Sea Gull was made but none too soon ; for Jack had barely reached his former position at the bow, trimmed down the jib a little, to meet the two points' variation, and given one searching look into the gloomy darkness, when he cried out, at the top of his voice, " Breakers aftead ! " " Breakers ahead ! " repeated Bill, at his old station, midships. " Breakers ahead ! Att hands on deck ! " shouted Captain Bruce, as he took up the fearful cry ; and at the same time he gave three knocks with the heel of his heavy fishing boot directly over the sleepers in the THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 129 cabin below. In a moment all hands were mustering for the deck. In the mean time the captain called out to Jack, " Where away are the breakers ? " "Almost dead ahead; a little under the lee bow. Keep her steady, as she is, captain." " Steady it is," responded Captain Bruce. " What's to be done, Jack ? Every thing depends on you. You can best see the, lay of the land ; and as you are always cool and self-possessed, I shall be governed wholly by your advice." " There is but one chance for us," replied Jack, who, that he might come within speaking distance of the captain, had exchanged places with Bill, " there is but one chance for us, and that is, you must keep a steady helm, and give her a good full; for the shore is bold, and she will go by if you are only steady." " Steady it is," responded the captain, who at once became convinced that their only safety was in the course recommended by Jack. In fact, the vessel was so crippled in her sails that it would have been sheer madness to attempt any thing else. " Bill, you must take full charge of that jib," said Jack, having run forward an instant to take a hasty glance at the ugly-looking rocks almost over the bows ; "and you must mind your eye, boy, and 'ease off' or i 130 FRED FREELAND, OB ' trim down ' like an ' old salt,' or we shall land a little too much in a hurry. Do you hear ? " "Ay, ay, sir," answered Bill, with a calmness that gave the other new courage. " Never fear me. I'll handle this ere jib as easy as a lady does her fan." " Good ! give me you yet, Bill," said Jack, 'as he sprang aft to attend to some duty there. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 131 CHAPTER XVI. AN APPALLING SCENE. " MAN OVERBOARD!" I ALL hands had reached the deck. There were good and noble sailors among the crew of the Sea Gull ; but the fact of their having been roused from sound sleep, and brought suddenly under such great and impending danger, rendered them all completely helpless. Not one of the number just called from below lifted his hand to assist in the management of the vessel; and it would have been far better if they had remained in their berths. The vessel had now approached most fearfully near the rocks, and it was nowise remarkable that those who had been called so hastily on deck were appalled at the scene before them believing, as they did, that the schooner was driving directly on shore. The gale had reached its utmost height, and the Sea Gull was ploughing her way along, almost with the swiftness of a bird, through the very froth and foam caused by the terrific surges of the tumultuous ocean upon the bold 132 FRED FREELAND, OR and ragged rocks ; far to windward, sea after sea rose up, like mountain heights, and came rolling and rushing furiously on in rapid succession, as if each one would overwhelm or swallow up its predecessor, and, thus combined, lift the little frail bark heavenward, only to dash her to shivers upon those immovable rocks which have withstood Old Atlantic's constant assaults for ages untold ; whilst nearly over their heads hung the high dark bluff, as if frowning upon and threatening feeble, short-sighted man for his temerity in approaching thus near, during this awfully-sublime convulsion of Nature, the far-outstretched and everlasting breastwork thrown up by the all-wise Creator as an impregnable barrier to the ceaseless encroachments of the vast and ever-rolling ocean. " Captain Bruce ! " exclaimed the old pilot as soon as he reached the deck, and saw the rocks looming up over the bows, " are you going to run the vessel upon the breakers ? Why don't you tack ship ? " " Yes, yes, ' tack ship ! ' " screamed nearly every one of the crew, simultaneously. " Steady, captain, as you are ! " shouted Jack, loud above the fierce whistle of the raging storm and the tumult of voices. " Steady it is ! " responded Captain Bruce. Then, turning to the pilot, he said, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 133 " We can't tack you forget that we have no sail in working order, except the jib." " O, true I forgot about that. Well, wear ship, then." " Yes, yes ; ' wear ship,' Captain Bruce," repeated the bewildered crew. " Give her a little more full ; there steady ! " again shouted Jack Sanderson. " Steady 1 it is ! " replied the captain, in a firm- voice. Addressing the pilot, he said, " You can see at a glance that there is not room to tack, even if our sails were in working order, much less to wear" " True, true," hurriedly replied the old man. " Well, anchor, then ! " "Yes, that's it ' anchor,' ' anchor !'" chimed in the half-distracted crew. This proposkion was the most preposterous of all, and Jack Sanderson manifested a little impatience as he turned to the old pilot and said, " An attempt to anchor here would send us all to 'Davy Jones's locker' in the twinkling of a handspike. Captain Bruce," continued Jack, addressing the skipper, "keep a steady helm, and give her a good full, and I know she will go by." " Steady it is ! " responded the captain, as he gave 12 134 FRED FREELAND, OR the vessel the benefit of a favorable gust of wind that struck her sails at the moment, and caused her to dash through the foaming sea with increased velocity. Jack then sprang forward to take one more hasty look ahead, and was at once satisfied that the critical moment had arrived which was to decide their fate. The vessel had been driving along for something like one third of a mile in the boiling foam caused by the breaking of the sea upon the perpendicular rocks, while the wind, all the time, was forcing her broadside on. Nothing but the back sea, probably, which has great power when a heavy swell is heaving on to a bold shore, had thus far saved the Sea Gull from being dashed to pieces on the threatening breakers. They were now within the vessel's length of what appeared to be a headland, and if this were passed, all would be safe. Jack's quick eye told him if the wind held precisely as it then was for one minute more, the bluff would be passed with safety. He had started to run aft with the joyful news, when he hear^ Captain Bruce, in loud tones, order the crew to keep off. Unable to comprehend their true situation, they thought that the captain was recklessly steering the vessel directly upon the breakers, and were at the point of seizing the helm themselves, which would have been certain destruction to all, when Jack Sanderson, with a handspike, circling THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 135 around his head, rushed like a thunderbolt into their midst, exclaiming, " Back every soul of you ! The first man that puts a finger on that helm will fall dead at my feet! Captain Bruce," he continued, turning towards him, "keep her steady, in Heaven's name, for one instant more, and all danger will be over ! " " Steady it is ! " once more repeated the captain. The men shrank^ hurriedly away before the young sailor's threatening attitude, the captain stood firm and unmoved at the helm, and the little craft, under his steady hand, dashed swiftly past the high, perpendicular rock but so thrillingly near that one might readily have jumped from the vessel's rail upon it, had its surface presented any foothold. Another moment, the dark bluff was left astern, and ahead of them all was apparently open sea. At this instant, the stupefied crew at the after part of the vessel were brought to their senses by a loud " Hurrah ! " from Bill Brown, who was the first to realize their escape from the great peril to which they had been exposed. Nearly at the same moment, springing some four or five feet from the deck, Jack Sanderson lustily cried out, " There ! I told you she'd go by ! Three cheers for the old Sea Gull ! " Now that the immediate danger was past, the crew 136 FEED FREELAND, OR of the little vessel, having had a few moments in which to recall their scattered senses, were reasonable beings again, and ready to perform their respective duties. But the Sea Gull was not yet out of danger. The probability was, that land would be discovered again very soon ; consequently, a sharp look out was kept with more than one pair of eyes. Not many minutes elapsed before the cry of " Land, ho ! " reached the ears of Captain Bruce, who was now greatly assisted at the helm by the old pilot, whose good seamanship and sound judgment were completely restored. The atmosphere was considerably less dense after having passed the bluff, so that the land was discovered this time at sufficient distance to allow them to " wear " which movement was accomplished without delay. It must be borne in mind that they could not " tack," after the usual method, for want of sails; and much more space is required to "wear," and consequently a vc-sel loses ground by the latter operation, which renders it a difficult matter to work to windward when 'obliged to resort to it. A few minutes' sail brought them again within sight of the bluff which they had. so narrowly escaped; but the wind would not admit of their passing it. Hence orders were the second time given to " wear ship." THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 137 As the vessel fell off before the wind, a massive sea rolled up with crushing violence against her stern, partially broke over the after deck, and struck the boat, at the davits, with such force as to part the tackles and lashings as if they had been burnt threads, and swept it far away in the raging foam like a feather before the blast. The loss of the boat was a serious matter; but the sailors were thankful that no further I damage was done by the sea that broke over them. A greater misfortune, however, was soon to follow. Bill Brown still remained at his post forward, where he had displayed a manly faithfulness to his duty that won for him the admiration of all on board. As the vessel now wore round, the jib sheet caught in a broken part of the rail at the bow. Bill sprang forward to relieve it ; but the rope had become so fixed in the shattered wood that he could not clear it. Quick as thought the daring boy jumped upon the rail, seized the sheet with both hands, and jerked away with all his strength. At this moment Jack Sanderson noticed Bill's perilous situation, and sprang to his assistance, calling to him to jump upon the deck. But alas ! he was too late! A violent gust of wind struck the jib, and wrenched the sheet from its confinement; and, as the sail flew out before the wild blast, the venturesome boy was thrown many feet from the vessel into the 12* 138 FRED FREELAND, OR rough, dark sea ! He was heard to exclaim, as he went overboard, ".My poor 'mother !" and all further sounds were drowned .by the whistling of the fierce gale through the rigging, and the dashing of the mad waves against the bows of the Sea Gull. Immediately the startling cry of " Man overboard ! " sounded through the vessel ; but, sad to say, very little could be done by those on board towards rescuing poor Bill, if the schooner had been in a condition, even, to " heave to," the hazard would have been extremely great ; nay, certain destruction must have resulted from such an attempt, considering the severity of the storm, and the proximity of the breakers. Captain Bruce, with a true sailor's heart, appealed to his crew to know whether they would make the attempt; but all, even including Jack Sanderson, were obliged to admit that it wonld be sheer madness to run such a risk. Hence nought remained but to leave the poor boy to his fate. It was with sorrowful hearts that these hardy and honest fishermen after throwing over every thing at hand that would float sailed away from the piuce of this sad disaster ; and Jack Sanderson, in particular, could nowise feel reconciled to the matter. In fact, his shipmates were obliged at the outset to lay hands on him to prevent him from jumping over after Bill. Directly after this last sad accident, the wind veered THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 139 to the east, and abated much in violence, thus allowing the Sea Gull to haul her course so far off shore as to relieve her crew from any further fears of coming in contact with land. Daybreak soon greeted their eyes, the wind lulled to a moderate breeze, and great would have been the rejoicing on board the little vessel but for the deep regret at the fate of the daring boy who had been swept overboard while in the performance of his arduous duty. After some hours spent by the crew of the Sea Gull in making repairs, they shaped their course anew, under a very light breeze, for Hooksink. . And were thus to be lost all those kindly efforts of Fred and Jenny Freeland to improve a youth naturally susceptible of good, but whose heart had become cold and hardened through ill treatment and bad example ? No, not lost ; the good work had already accomplished much. Bill had found it to be as Fred confidently assured him would be the case quite an easy and a happy matter to make friends rather than enemies, and to perform his duty to himself and those around him. He had also weighed Avell the words repeated to him by Jenny, that there " is nothing in this world we should stand so much in fear of as our own bad tltoiiyltts !" The book, too, which the same thoughtful little girl presented to him on his leaving home, had imparted to his mind many wholesome lessons. The 140 FRED FREELAXD, OR consequence of all this was, that the Bill Brown lost overboard from the Sea Gull, during the storm at sea, was a totally different character, in many respects, from the Bill Brown as first encountered by the reader on Rockmount Green. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 141 CHAPTER XVII. THE COLLISION. OUR story takes us back to Boston. It was near the close of the second day after the storm, of which mention has just been made, that one of the eastern steamers left her dock at the foot of Fort Hill, on her regular trip for the State of Maine, with about one hundred passengers on board. The evening was fair, the water smooth, and every thing indicated a pleasant passage. When some few miles down the harbor, one of the English steamships was seen, at a short distance, coming in under fine headway. All were interested to obtain an unobstructed vieW of the noble-looking ship as she came ploughing her way along through the gently-swelling waters ; consequently, the. upper deck of the eastward-bound steamer was lined with eager spectators. No one thought of danger, as sufficient daylight remained to render objects distinctly visible at a considerable distance. Nearer and nearer the two vessels approached each 142 FRED FKEELAXD, OR other, until the officers of the outward-bound steamer suddenly became fearful of a collision. The captain instantly hailed, in a loud voice, " Put your helm hard to port or you will run us down!" and at the .-aim: time he made the corresponding change in the course of his own vessel. From some unaccountable misapprehension in the case, however, the warning was not heeded in season, and on dashed the massive black ship as if conscious of her vast advantage in size and strength over the j comparatively fragile steamer almost directly under her bows. So rapid was the approach of the two vessels, and so wholly inapprehensive of any danger had the passengers remained up to the time of hearing the captain's warning voice, that there was barely one moment of awful consternation before the bows of the gigantic steamship struck the smaller steamer on the larboard side, just abaft the wheel, cutting her hull nearly half way in two, and making a fearful breach that admitted the water with a rushing sound like that of a cataract. Great were the alarm, confusion, and dismay. The two vessels separated in a very few moments after the collision, and only some eight or ten persons succeeded in getting on board the English steamer, by clinging about the bows. After backing to a short distance, the THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 143 steamship dropped- anchor, and her officers, crew, and passengers made all haste to launch their boats and send them to the rescue. Three other steamers were in the immediate vicinity of the accident, and also a large ship, commanded by Captain Hoxie, which had just arrived from Calcutta all of which at once came to anchor, and those on board prepared to assist in taking off the unfortunate passengers. There were two or three small fishing boats, likewise, which were Chastened towards the spot of the disaster. In the mean time the scene on board the ill-fated steamer was one of the most awful and heart-rending character ; for almost simultaneously with the crash of the collision came the report that they were sinking ; and immediately the still more -appalling cry was raised that the steamer was on fire. Alas ! both of the alarms proved to be but too true. The bows of the steamship had cut directly into a small room on the deck, used as an express office, and upset a stove containing fire, thus causing an immediate conflagration. The fire spread with great rapidity, as every thing was dry and combustible, and in a few minutes the greater part of the after portion of the steamer was one sheet of flame. Men, women, and children were running wildly to and fro, looking after friends, and crying for aid. The captain and crew made manful 144 FRED FREELAND, OR exertions to restore order and effect the safety of the passengers. All, with the exception of a small number who had leaped overboard, were hurried to the forward deck, which, as yet, afforded a place of safety. The boats five in number were speedily launched ; but the first two were upset, by the thoughtless haste of some of the passengers, when nearly ready to leave the side of the steamer. The remaining three boats were more fortunate. After receiving as many women and children into them as safety would allow, they put off for the nearest vessel. Boat- had begun to arrive from various quarters at the moment of the capsizing of the steamer's boats, and their crews soon succeeded in rescuing all those who had been thus precipitated into the water, and also such as had leaped overboard almost at the first alarm. There were yet some twenty-five or thirty human beings on the burning wreck, who were all crowded into a small space on the forward part of the deck, where they were nearly surrounded, and momentarily threatened, by the devouring element. Among this group were a number of women and children, and it became necessary to lift them over the railing into the water, that they might be rescued by the boats, as the steamer could now be approached only directly under the bow. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 145 Fortunately there yet remained on board the doomed vessel two or three resolute and self-sacrificing men, who were determined not to leave until the safety of every woman and child had been effected. By the encouraging words and manful deeds of these noble characters, true to the last, the deck was being fast cleared of its remaining occupants. Eight or ten individuals still lingered; but the flames were rapidly encroaching upon their scanty foothold, and would, most probably, in a moment more sweep over the spot they then occupied. "Jump, every one of you, jump, for your lives!" shouted a gentleman who had 'been one of the most conspicuous in aiding the women and children. The warning was timely ; for, the next moment, a cloud of suffocating smoke and flame was driven so furiously towards them as to cause nearly all to leap overboard, without an instant's delay, and they were at once taken into the boats. The gentleman above alluded to, however, still remained on the deck. One hand rested on the rail, as if he were prepared for a leap overboard, while the other held securely the hand of a little girl, apparently about eight years of age. This gentleman and his little daughter were our good Rockmount friend?, Mr. Freeland and Jenny. A letter had been received lluvt morning from the owner of the 13 J. 146 FRED FREELAND, OR Sea Gull, at Hooksink, informing Mr. Freeland that the arrival of that vessel was looked for daily. This information was based on the intelligence forwarded by Captain Bruce just previous to the storm no later news having been received from the vessel. It was in consequence of this letter that Mr. Freeland and Jenny had embarked in the ill-fated steamer, with the expectation of meeting Bill Brown at Hooksink. "Jenny," said Mr. Freeland, as he glanced hastily around the burning structure, as if to satisfy himself that all others had left it, " Jenny, I believe we are the last, and we must not lose a moment, for the flames are close upon us. O, my child, how I wish you had gone in one of the steamer's boats, as you might have done ! But does your courage still hold out ? " " Yes, father ; I know that God will protect us, for poor Fred's sake. I'm not a bit afraid to do whatever you say; but I couldn't have gone in the boat and left you here ! " " Come, then, quick ! " cried her father, as Jenny seemed to hesitate, with her eyes directed to the other side of the deck. " Help ! O, help ! " screamed a young woman, in the direction of Jenny's gaze, as she vainly struggled to free herself from the weight of a heavy cask that had rolled against her. She had fled away unobserved, in THE CII-UX OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 147 her fright, a moment before, when Mr. Frceland gave the alai-m that caused the other passengers to throw themselves overboard. " O father ! " exclaimed Jenny, who was the first to discover that the woman could not escape; "just see that lady fast behind the cask ! Can't you help her ? I'll hold on here by the railing till you come back." " I must try to rescue her ; but look well to your own safety, my dear child, and jump into the water if the flames come nearer. I'll be back in a moment." Saying this, Mr. Freeland leaped through the heat and smoke to the assistance of the young woman, rescued her from her perilous situation, and dropped her over that side of the steamer into the water just in time to save her from the flames. She was safely taken into one of the boats. Mr. Freeland instantly turned his attention back to Jenny, and was thankful to see that she still occupied a safe place, although she had been obliged to retreat to the extreme bow. With a word of encouragement he sprang towards her ; but the fire now burst furiously through the deck, directly between him and his child, and so very near to his face that its bright-red glare for a moment completely blinded his sight, while its force, combined with the fierce heat, caused him to stagger backward and almost fall. 148 FKED FREELAXD, OR The men in the nearest boats called loudly to Jenny to throw herself into the water. Still the affectionate child stood firm, being determined to see if her father could escape. Mr. Freeland saw at a glance that it was then impossible for him to approach his daughter, and that her safety wholly depended upon her own exertions. Hence he instantly called out to her, " Jenny, are you still safe ? " " Yes, father ; but don't you try to come to me. I'll jump over here, and you do the same on that side." "Do so, then, without a moment's delay, my dear child ; and may God protect you ! " Instantly she was seen upon the railing, steadying her slight form by the stock of the anchor, and as she stood there with the flames almost wholly encircling her, yet harming her not, the witnesses to the thrilling scene were well-nigh led to believe that she possessed a charmed life. Once more she called, "Father! I am all roady. Can you get off safely from that side ? " " Yes. Now jump, in Heaven's name, or you are lost ! " " Father ! father ! " screamed Jenny. " This way ! Quick ! quick ! Don't you see the fire is much worse on the other side of the vessel than on this?" Mr. Freeland glanced behind him, and, true enough, THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 149 the fire had extended wholly to the bow on that side, thus cutting off all hope of escape in that direction. He stood near the pilot house ; and he thought he could discover that the flames formed an eddy at the moment round about it. Taking advantage of the circumstance, he dashed safely through the opening thus partially made ; and, almost at the same instant that father and child leaped unharmed from the railing, the devouring element swept rapidly over the places their feet had just pressed thus licking up, in its relentless fury, the last portion of the upper works of that recently-beautiful structure. 13* 150 FRED FREELAXD, OR CHAPTER XVIII. ACCIDENT TO JENXY. MR. FREELAND struck the -water at several yards' distance from Jenny; but he was an expert swimmer, and a few bold strokes brought him within reach of her before any of the boats had approached sufficiently near to render assistance. He was about to seize her by one hand, which she had extended towards him, when a portion of the upper works of the steamer, crumbling away before the fierce heat, came tumbling over the side directly about their heads, and his arm was struck above the elbow by one of the fragments and rendered wholly useless for the time, though he fortunately received no other injury. His eye had not for a single instant been withdrawn from Jenny, who, notwithstanding the fiery ruins lay thickly around her, had almost miraculously escaped uninjured. At this moment a little fishing boat, containing two men, shot up close to Mr. Freeland, when he exclaimed, " Never mind me save my child ! " THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 151 " Yes, yes," replied one of the men ; " we will save you both." Perceiving that Mr. Freeland could use but one arm, the man in the after part of the boat caught hold of his coat collar, and commenced pulling him on board, while the one nearer the bow turned his attention to Jenny, whose clothing still buoyed her up. As he reached towards her, the boat careened till its gunwale was near the water's edge; and his knee at the moment coming in contact with the little anchor, as it rested with one fluke upon the gunwale, it was precipitated over the side just as he was about to seize the child's floating dress. The sudden splash of the anchor caused the man to fail in his intention ; and before he could recover himself for a second effort, Jenny threw up both hands wildly above her head, with the exclamation, "O, my dear brother Fred!" The next instant the waters had closed over the head of that sweet child whose latest thought was for that unfortunate brother who was dearer to her than life itself. Great excitement now prevailed. It was evident that the anchor, in its descent, had hooked into ?orae part of Jenny's clothing and dragged her helplessly to the bottom. The line usually attached to the anchor had been previously removed for the purpose of lashing 152 FRED FREELAND, OR together some trunks saved from the steamer, otherwise the child might have been drawn up to the surface Avithout difficulty. Mr. Freeland was almost distracted when he realized the hopelessness of the case, and was only prevented from diving after Jenny, crippled as he Avas in one arm, by the main strength of the men in the boat. " O Heaven ! " he exclaimed, in the fulness of his anguish; '"will no one make the attempt to save my dear child?" "Yes; /will," replied a noble young tar in Captain Hoxie's boat ; and, divesting himself of a portion of his clothing, he plunged head foremost into the water. A few moment's elapsed, and the generous sailor rose to the surface; but, alas! he was alone. To the many questions that were hurriedly put to him, as he was taken into the boat, he replied, "We are on the edge of the channel. I think no man can Teach bottom; but I'll try again." The noble fellow plunged resolutely in the second time, and was immediately followed by two men from another boat, As they rose to the surface, however, one after another, they were all compelled to repeat the same sad words none of them could dive to the bottom. Mr. Freeland groaned aloud at these disheartening THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 153 announcements, and exclamations of deep sorrow and sympathy were uttered by those around him. As he bowed his head between his knees in utter despair, a silent and oppressive gloom such as ever weighs upon the mind in cases where every thing has been done, without avail, to rescue a fellow-being from an untimely death pervaded that entire assemblage of sympathizing friends. This almost deathlike stillness contrasted strangely with the wild tumult and confusion that had reigned on and about the steamer but a L-hort time previous. They were suddenly aroused, however, from this momentary state of despondency by a loud shout of encouragement in the direction of the British steamship. " What means that noise ? " inquired Mr. Frccland, springing energetically to his feet. " Hark ! there it is again ! " The sounds were now much more distinct ; and the flt-i -dying hope in Mr. Frecland's breast was revived as he heard the cry, passed from boat to boat, " Here comes ' Foolish John ! ' Make way make way for ' Foolish John ! ' " All eyes were turned in the same direction ; and the bright light from the burning steamer disclosed very clearly a little boat, containing but a single oarsman, approaching the spot with wonderful rapidity. Indeed, 154 FKliD FREELAND, OR the two oars were plied with an exquisite skill and herculean strength that astonished all beholders. As the solitary boatman drew nearer the place of the sad disaster, the boats already present were moved rapidly to the right and left, making for him a clear passage, through which his little skiff darted almo.-t with the swiftness of a bird. Making his way directly alongside the boat which contained Mr. Freeland, he suddenly drew in his oars, sprang to his feet, and leaped with the quickness of a deer to that gentleman's side ; while his boat shot swiftly off to a considerable distance, where it was secured and brought back by some of the company. "The Boston pilot on board the big steamship told me, as I was coming past, that a little girl, named Jenny Freeland, was drowning ; and I thought at once that it must be my Jenny but I'll save her," said Foolish John, as he threw off his hat and coat. " Ah, John," said Mr. Freeland, mournfully, " I fear you are too late to save Jenny's life ; but it will be a sad consolation if you can recover her body." " Where did she sink ? " hurriedly asked the young man. "Just ahead of this boat, I should think," replied Mr. Freeland. Without another word Foolish John sprang to the THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 155 bows, leaped high into the air, and plunged headlong into the water. So sudden had been his appearance and disappearance, that many of the sailors were half inclined to look upon him as some superhuman being who had either made his descent from the heavens, or come up from the depths of the ocean ; but whether for weal or woe, they were as yet unable to determine. But the pilots from the different steamers, as well as the harbor boatmen, all knew Foolish John well ; and, consequently, the information was speedily circulated throughout the fleet of boats, that he was the most expert swimmer and diver in the state. A few moments elapsed, when Foolish John emerged half his length out of water, and struck out for one of the boats. But he x had not recovered the little girl. To the numerous questions addressed to him he briefly replied, " I found her give me a knife ! " As he quickly pulled himself into the bows of the boat, some one handed him a jackknife. He instantly opened it, and, without waiting a moment, plunged in again as before. Mr. Freeland, who had watched all the movements of John with breathless anxiety, now shook his head mournfully, groaned aloud, and exclaimed, " Too late ! too late ! O, my poor lost child ! " 156 FRED FREELAXD, OR " Do not despair, my dear sir," said Captain Hoxic, who commanded his ship's boat in person. " I have often known people to be resuscitated after remaining under water a longer time than has been the case, as yet, with your daughter. I feel confident that ' Foolish John,' as they call him, will be successful this time, for he wanted the knife, evidently, to cut her clothing free from the anchor, which keeps her down." " Heaven grant that your opinion prove correct," replied Mr. Freeland, doubtingly. " My boys," said Captain Hoxie to his sailors, " be all ready to pick them up the moment they come to the surface, and then pull, my hearties, to the steamship, where we shall find a surgeon. Come, Mr. Freeland," continued the captain, " step right aboard here, for I think my gig is the swiftest boat in the fleet." Mr. Freeland at once complied with the request ; but scarcely was the change effected when a cry of joy reached him from some one near by. Turning at once, he beheld Foolish John, with Jenny drawn across his shoulders, making directly for his own boat, from which he was then only a few feet distant. On reaching his skiff, he gently lifted his lifeless burden into it, and the next moment pulled himself in over the bows. He spread out his sea coat, and placed the child upon it in such a position that the water could THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 157 flow readily from her mouth ; and then, seizing his oars, he caused his boat to shoot off like an arrow in the direction of the British steamer. All this was the work of a moment. So sudden and rapid had been John's movements, that every person was taken by surprise. Captain Hoxie was the first to regain his self-possession. '' Man your oars, boys, and give chase ! " exclaimed the captain, as he seized the tiller. " This John seems to be no fool, after all ; still we had better overhaul him as soon as possible." The two sailors seized their oars, and, in a moment,, the light gig was off in rapid pursuit, w r hile the other boats followed at some distance astern. " Where are you going, John?" Mr. Freeland called, as the two boats glided swiftly through the water. "I thought I would take her to the big steamship," he replied ; " because they've got a doctor aboard." "Very well, John," rejoined Mr. Freeland; "but it would have been better, perhaps, if you had put her into this boat, for hot one moment should be lost." " I thought I could get there first," responded John ; "but when you overhaul me I'll change her into your boat;" and he bent to his oars with increased energy. Captain Hoxie quickly discovered that (lie distance between Foolish John's boat and his own was slightly 14 158 FRED FREELAND, OR increasing, notwithstanding his boat was manned by his two best oarsmen, who had won many a little friendly race in this same gig, matched against boats of its own class. He urged his men to greater exertion. - " Pull hearty, my boys ! " he cried. " I would not deprive that good fellow of any of the laurels he has so nobly won, but a few moments gained in placing the child under medical treatment may be of great importance. Pull, boys, and with a will ! " They did pull, and bravely, too, and their gallant little boat sped through the still water like a dolphin. Foolish John, however, was an extraordinary oarsman, and possessed great physical strength; and, foolish as he was, he realized sufficiently the importance of the case to cause him to put forth all his powers ; and his little skiff seemed fairly to leap over the water as he bent his ashen oars to their utmost tension. The space between the two boats visibly increased. The whole distance to be accomplished, from the starting point, was not more than twenty-five rods ; yet, when Foolish John reached the side of the steamship, the ten yards' lead which he took at the outset had widened into forty. The moment his boat touched the side of the ship, John caught up the still lifeless body of Jenny under his left arm, seized his painter in the same hand, and THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 159 with the aid of the other made his way up the steps at the ship's side with all haste. Leaping upon the deck, which was full of people, he hurriedly asked, " Which way ? where's the doctor ? Quick ! quick ! " " Here," said Dr. Seymour, surgeon of the steamer, as he relieved John of his precious burden. At this moment Mr. Freeland reached the deck, when Jenny was borne at once to a room where every preparation had been made for her resuscitation, as the pilot had easily succeeded in imparting to Dr. Seymour his own confidence in Foolish John's speedy success in the recovery of the child, and as the numerous boats plying continually between the scene of the accident and the steamship had formed a line for the rapid transmission of intelligence over that short distance. With the exception of Mr. Freeland, and one or two female assistants, none were allowed to enter the room ; for the surgeon was well aware of the danger of having too much aid in such a case. While the passengers on the deck of the steamship were awaiting, with much anxiety, the result of the efforts to resuscitate Jenny, they could not but give a few moments' attention to the truly grand and imposing spectacle of the burning vessel. The light combustible stuff which, earlier in the evening, had given such force and brilliancy to the flames, was all consumed ; but 160 FEED FREELAXD, OE the more substantial parts of the hull, and the large body of coal for use during the passage, together with the machinery, now one mass of red-hot iron, shone forth upon the water in one incessant, terrible, awe-inspiring glare, impressing dne with the idea of an immense furnace in full blast for the accomplishment of some stupendous work conceived by the ingenuity of man. 'As all eyes were riveted to the spot, a large fiery fissure opened near the centre, the machinery reeled, tottled, and fell, and the whole burning fabric, giving a lurch to one side, was gradually submerged, casting a large column of dark, dense steam high into the air, and causing the water round about to heave and boil like some vast caldron ; while protracted, hissing sounds were sent forth upon the light evening breeze as the glowing coals and heated iron came in contact with the water resembling, as one might imagine, the noises of a myriad of serpents suddenly disturbed in their dark retreat. Thus was consumed before the wasting element that highly-useful and ingenious structure which, one hour before, ranked high among the noble specimens of the handiwork of man. THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 161 CHAPTER XIX. JOY. BRIEF HISTORY OF FOOLISH JOHN. AFTER having resigned Jenny into the hands of Dr. Seymour, Foolish John commenced a rapid walk back and forth past the door of the room into -which she had been taken, wholly regardless of the attention he was attracting from the large company present. Dry clothing was offered him, a kindness shown to every one whose situation rendered such a change desirable, but he declined the favor, simply remarking that salt water never hurt him. A large number of the passengers from the ill-fated steamer had been transferred to the English steamship, and several of them had witnessed Jenny's womanly conduct during the trying scene. Some few others were knowing to the unfortunate affair in which her brother wag involved, and were aware that she had been unremitting in her kind attentions to him during his imprisonment. Consequently, as these facts became generally known throughout the company, it 'was no 14* K 162 FRED FREELAND, OR ordinary interest that was manifested for the little girl's fate, and no slight sympathy for the father that had touched every heart. When, after the lapse of a few minutes, some one ventured to inquire of the surgeon with regard to the success at resuscitation, and was informed that no signs of life had been discovered, a murmur of deep sorrow passed through the crowd. As Foolish John heard the expressions, " Poor child ! " She's gone ! " " She's dead ! " he suddenly halted in his rapid pace, and said, apparently to himself, " No, no ; she isn't dead ! " and immediately renewed his hurried walk. A few minutes passed, when the same inquiry was the second time made, and the same sad answer was returned; and again John stopped short in his course, repeating, with much earnestness, " No, no ; she is not dead!" The kind surgeon and his assistants still continued their efforts, though working almost without hope, and applied all the means within their knowledge to the inanimate form before them. Presently there seemed to be some excitement in the room ; the door was soon opened from the inside ; joyous smiles met the anxious faces without, and the soul-thrilling words were uttered, " She lives ! she li ves ! " And the next moment were heard the deep, impressive tones of Mr. Freeland's THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 163 voice, "God be praised for his great mercifulness to me, a poor feeble mortal!" As soon as Foolish John realized that Jenny's breath had been restored, his countenance all at once seemed to glow with perfect happiness. Stopping suddenly in his walk, he rubbed his hand with great rapidity back and forth over his forehead, exclaiming, " There I knew she wasn't dead ! " " Why were you so certain all the time, John, that the little girl was not dead ? " inquired Captain Hoxie. " O," replied John, as his half- vacant look gave place to a transient gleam of intelligence, " O, the soul never dies ; and Jenny Freeland is all soul ! " Every eye was turned, with astonishment, to Foolish John as he uttered these words ; but the flash of reason had disappeared, and nought remained save the usual blank that marked his countenance a painful contrast with his appearance a moment before. Jenny soon became conscious of her situation, and learned from her father who it was that had rescued her from a watery grave. She at once expressed a wish to see John, and Mr. Freeland proceeded to the deck in search of him. He ascertained upon inquiry, however, that the moment the good-hearted fellow was satisfied as to the certainty of Jenny's resuscitation, he had taken to his boat, and was then at a considerable 164 FRED FREELAXD, OR distance on his way up the harbor. The little patient was much disappointed when she heard that John had left the ship ; but she consoled herself with the promise of seeing and thanking him on the morrow. Dr. Seymour gave it as his opinion that it would not be prudent to remove Jenny that night, although she continued to recover quite rapidly, and her father, consequently, at once decided to remain on board till the next morning. "Mr. Freeland," said Captain Hoxie, as he was thinking of taking his departure for his own ship, "I am happy to know that your little daughter is past all danger. Judging by present appearances, she will be quite well in the morning." "I trust so," replied Mr. Freeland ; " and I am under lasting obligations to you, sir, for your great exertions and kindness this evening." " Don't say a word about that," rejoined the captain. " The fact is, all our exertions would have amounted to nought, so far as your daughter's rescue from drowning is concerned, had it not been for Foolish John. We who boast more wisdom may well take pattern after his truly noble conduct. His intellect, I think, is not destroyed, but merely obscured ; and I should not be surprised to hear, at no far-distant day, that some fortunate circumstance had cleared away all the mist THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 165 from his brain, and left his reason free. It would be gratifying to me to know something of his history." " And so would it be to me," added Dr. Seymour. " There is something in his appearance that interested me from the first moment I saw him. I think Captain Hoxie's remark on his intellect is correct." " Gentlemen," said Mr. Freeland, ." I will ascertain if my daughter requires, any thing at my hands, and if she does not, I will then briefly give you the desired information concerning this youth in whom you take so much interest." Having learned from Jenny that she was every way comfortable, and felt inclined to sleep, Mr. Freeland left her under the kind care of two lady passengers, and returned to fulfil his promise to the group he had quitted a moment before. " The name of the unfortunate young man who has this evening placed me under an ever-abiding debt of gratitude to him," commenced Mr. Freeland, " is John Fox ; but for three or four years past he has been known altogether by the appellation of ' Foolish John.' He is an only child. His mother lives in Rockmount, not more than a quarter of a mile from my house. She is respected by all who know her as an industrious, worthy woman. Her husbafid whose fate is still shrouded in mystery was a well-known fisherman in 166 FRED FREELAXD, OR Boston Bay, where be pursued his business for many years in a little smack of bis own, and very frequently assisted by no one but John, who was a remarkably smart, intelligent lad up to the age of thirteen, at which time an accident befell him though its nature still remains unexplained that left his fine intellect in the shattered condition which we now see. " John was an exceedingly" bright scholar, and in several branches of education was far in advance of boys a year or two older than himself, notwithstanding he had accompanied his father in his boat through all the summer seasons from the time he was nine years old. His parents looked upon him with much pride; and well they might, for he bade fair to become one of our sound, practical, self-taught, useful men of whom we cannot have too many. "It is now something more than four years since Mr. Fox and John left home, early one morning, and proceeded down the harbor in their little smack to the fishing ground. From that day to this there has been nothing but conjecture with regard to the accident that befell them. The suppositions are, however, as a terrific thunder tempest occurred on the evening of that day, that the boat was struck and sunk by lightning, or run down by some vessel, without the knowledge of those on board, in the darkness and THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 167 fury of the storm, and that Mr. Fox met with his death either by lightning or drowning. " No intelligence of the boat or of Mr. Fox has ever been received ; but John was discovered on the beach of one of the islands on the morning after the tempest, in an insensible state, by some fishermen who had taken shelter there from the gale. Mr. Fox always carried two life preservers in his boat, and one of these was found upon, John. This had prevented him from sinking, while the tide and wind drifted him to the shore. He showed signs of life very soon after being discovered, and was made as comfortable as possible by the fishermen while they were conveying him home. The only marks of injury upon him were some slight bruises about the body, and a severe contusion on the head. " In a week's time John had apparently recovered from all bodily injury; but he could never give the least account of the accident that happened to them on that dreadful night. His reason was one complete, confused wreck ; his intellect was a blank ; and poor Mrs. Fox, in addition to the sudden and mysterious death of her husband, had also to mourn over the loss of her darling boy's reason. She bore up under this double affliction, however, with the fortitude of a true Christian, and was most thankful to discover, shortly, 168 FRED FREELAND, OR that her son was not only capable of taking care of himself, .but likewise of doing much for her. " Previous to that accident John was so small and slender for his years, that his friends felt some alarm on account of his physical developments ; but directly after that painful event his growth became remarkably rapid, as if the same causes which had been heretofore producing, perhaps, a premature development of the intellect, then began to operate with equal power "upon his physical system. And now, at little more than seventeen years of age, we see him standing nearly six feet in height, proportionally stout, and possessing muscular strength surpassed only by few men in the community. " As soon as John was able to work, after the loss of his father, he furnished with fishing gear the little boat which he occupied this evening, and commenced the business of supplying the Rockmount market with iiesh fish. He was on his way home from the fishing ground this evening when he so providentially made his appearance among us, and so nobly rescued my dear child from death. Heaven bless him!" When Mr. Freeland had concluded his brief history of Foolish John, it was noticed that Captain Hoxie looked very pale. Some one instantly inquired if he felt ill. He replied that a sudden faint feeling had THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 169 passed over him, but that he should be well again in a few moments. As the company were about dispersing for the night, Captain Iloxie, with true sailor generosity, privately placed two gold eagles in Mr. Freeland's hands for the benefit of Foolish John, remarking that he should interest himself still further in his behalf. 15 170 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER XX. A VISIT TO FRED. BAD NEWS. AT an early hour on the following morning the English steamship ran up to her dock, at East Boston, and Mr. Freeland and Jenny immediately crossed over the ferry to the city proper, procured a carriage, and proceeded to the Jail, as the affectionate child insisted that she felt very well, and that she must see her brother before he heard from any other source of the accident of the previous evening. Fred was deeply engaged with his own thoughts as to the probable result of the mission of his father and sister to Hooksink, ^where he doubted not they had arrived that morning, when he was greatly surprised to see them approaching him. " Father ! Jenny ! what does this mean ? " cried Fred, looking anxiously from one to the other. " I supposed you were at Hooksink ! " "And we expected to be there," replied his father, "but an unfortunate circumstance prevented." THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 171 "What was it?" asked Fred, excitedly, as he noticed that Jenny appeared unusually pale. "O, don't be alarmed, dear brother," said Jenny. "It is all for the best, I dare say; and we shall be in season if we take the cars to-morrow morning." " But what has happened, father ? Do tell me quickly!" urged Fred. Mr. Freeland at once proceeded to give an account of the terrible scenes through which they had passed. Fred listened with silent and intense interest to the recital ; but when his father came to speak with more particular reference to Jenny, the overwrought feelings of the poor boy gave way to a paroxysm of grief; and, with a flood of tears, pressing her closely to his heart, he exclaimed, " O, my dear, kind sister ! And you have suffered all this on account of that one thoughtless act of mine, which has brought nothing but misery into the family where all was happiness before ! " " Don't talk so, dear brother," replied Jenny, very affectionately. " I haven't suffered much ; and I would suffer it Over again to-day, and every day, if it would only get you out of this prison, and bring you home again, and make you happy." " Come, Jenny," interposed her father, " we must not prolong this visit, for you require rest and quiet.' I 172 FRED FREELAXD, OR will come to see Fred again in the course of the day, when I have decided what to do next. Perhaps it will answer all purposes if I write for Bill Brown to hasten home without delay whenever the vessel arrives at Hooksink." "I think that would do just as well as for you to go, father," said Fred ; " for I am sure Bill would come the moment he should know what we wanted of him." " O, I am afraid he wouldn't get the letter," said Jenny, earnestly. "I shall be able to go in the cars to-morrow morning, I know. If your arm gets well enough, father, we can start in the first train." Jenny's earnestness to make certain of Bill Brown's testimony in Fred's behalf, undoubtedly, caused her to conceal whatever ill effects she might then experience from the accident of the previous evening ; but it was somewhat surprising, as Dr. Seymour had remarked before they left the steamship, that she was able so soon not only to be about, but to prepare to enter again with ardor into the cause of her brother. " "We will decide about this matter during the early part of the day," said Mr. Freeland, "and then, Fred, I will see you again. As soon as I have placed Jenny under the care of your aunt Mary, I will see what is best to be done. Good by, my dear boy." " Good by," responded Fred. " Ask aunt Mary, for THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 173 me, to take good care of little sis, after her accident of last night." " O, never fear for me," replied Jenny, cheerfully. " I shall be perfectly well just as quick as I get home. Keep up good courage, Fred, and all will come out right yet. Good by." " Good by," repeated Fred ; " and may our heavenly Father bless you, my sweet sister, for your words of affection and encouragement. I shall never lose my courage so long as you set me such good examples." Fred was alone again in his prison ; but his thoughts wer$ with his dear little sister in her peril by fire and water the previous evening. As he pictured her, in imagination, lying at the bottom of the harbor, kept hopelessly down by the weight of the boat's anchor, he exclaimed, "O, if she had been drowned, how could I have borne up under such a loss ! How could I have lived without the warm affection of that most precious sister ! And poor Foolish John how I long to see him and to tell him how very much I thank him for his noble conduct! 0, how thankful I am that my dear father and sister are preserved ! " As soon as Jenny was allowed to leave the sofa, on which aunt Mary had insisted she should lie to rest, the moment she was informed of what had happened, 15* 174 FRED FREELAND, OR early in the forenoon, she asked permission of her father to walk down to Mrs. Fox's and inquire after John. Mr. Freeland replied that it was his intention to call there himself directly after dinner ; but Jenny promised to walk slowly, and said she should feel all the better to go out a little while; and her father, at length, gave his somewhat reluctant consent. During Jenny's absence, Mr. Freeland took up the morning paper and read to his sister a correct account of the burning of the steamer, and of his daughter's narrow escape from drowning. Having completed the reading of this article, his eye rested on a paragraph directly below, which at once absorbed all his attention. His sister was startled by the sudden exclamation from him, "Poor Bill Brown!" " What is it, brother ? " asked aunt Mary, in much alarm. After a moment's hesitation Mr. Freeland read as follows : " Lost overboard, from the fishing schooner Sea Gull, during the severe gale of Wednesday night last, a lad belonging to Rockmount, named William Brown. It was at the very height of the storm, and the vessel had suffered much in spars and rigging, with breakers close aboard, so that nothing could be done to rescue THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 175 the unfortunate boy from a watery grave. They had previously lost their boat. The vessel barely escaped being wrecked, and arrived the next night at Hooksink, where she belongs." As Mr. Freeland finished reading this sad piece of intelligence, and before any remark could be made upon it, Jenny hurriedly entered the room, and said, in an excited manner, " father, I bring bad news ! John Fox is very sick. Dr. Smith has been to see him, and says he has a high fever, and is dangerously ill. I suppose it is all on account of his getting so wet and cold last night in saving me. O dear ! how sorry I am for him and his mother ! " " Misery, misery," groaned out Mr. Freeland. " How true it is, that misfortunes seldom come singly ! " " "Why, father, has any thing else happened ? " Jenny inquired. "Yes, my dear child; here is the saddest kind of news concerning poor Bill Brown ; " and Mr. Freeland again read the paragraph in the paper. Jenny's countenance at once betrayed deep grief, and her eyes filled with tears ; but she made no outcry ; she uttered no lament ; she spoke no word of sorrow. On the contrary, seating herself by the table, with her hands resting upon it, she silently bowed her head, 176 FRED FREELAND, OR and remained perfectly motionless for a short space of time. Who shall say that that young and gentle being, in those brief moments of silent -supplication, did not ask and receive such guidance and support as no earthly power can bestow? " O, my dear boy Fred ! " exclaimed Mr. Freeland, after a brief silence. " God only knows what his fate will now be ! My only hope for him has perished with poor Bill Brown ! " " 0, how unfortunate ! 0, how sad ! " was all that aunt Mary could utter. Again there was silence. Mr. Freeland rested his forehead upon the table, covered his face with his hands, and groaned aloud. Presently, Jenny's little arm encircled his neck, and gently she raised his head from the table. He looked up. Her eyes were brim full of tears, but her countenance was lighted up by a smile of blessed hope. "Father dear father," said she, tenderly kissing his forehead, " do not be discouraged. Only think how we escaped last evening! God will not forsake us now. No, no ; he is too good to allow our dear Fred to be punished for a crime he never committed. I know he will be cleared at his trial. If poor Bill Brown is gone, I am sure there will be some other way to prove Fred's innocence. And then, father, THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 177 only think of poor Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Fox, and John ! Should we not try to comfort them?" " Heaven -bless you, my dear child, for your words of hope and confidence ! " exclaimed Mr. Freeland, as he pressed his little daughter affectionately to his heart. " Your faith in God teaches me my duty, and inspires me anew to persevere to the end. I will see that all is done that human efforts can accomplish for poor Fred, and leave the rest to a kind Providence. And I thank you, my dear daughter, for reminding me that we must not forget, in our own trouble, to render such aid and consolation as lie in our power to those who are more deeply afflicted than ourselves. All three of the persons you name are entitled to our commiseration, sympathy, and assistance. "\Ye will not forget them." " No, that we will not," said aunt Mary, who was one of the kindest and best of nurses. " I have just been thinking, brother, if you and Jenny can manage to get along without me, that I will go to Mrs. Fox's this afternoon, and remain with her as long as my services are required. Poor woman! I fear she will be sorely tried." " 0, yes ; go, by all means," replied Mr. Freeland. " Your experience and kindness may do much to lessen the sufferings of poor John. And I wish you to see that no expense is spared to make him as comfortable L 178 FRED FREELAND, OR as the nature of his disease will permit. Noble fellow ! " and he drew Jenny tenderly to his side. "Yes; and I will run back and forth among them, and do what little I can," said Jenny. "And you can do much, my dear child, to comfort them all," replied her father, affectionately. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 179 CHAPTER XXI. FOOLISH JOHN'S ILLNESS. DIRECTLY after dinner Mr. Freeland accompanied aunt Mary and Jenny to Mrs. Fox's humble abode, where they found John under a high state of fever, and suffering great pain. The poor widow expressed herself as being truly grateful for this kind visit; and when informed that it was aunt Mary's intention to remain with her, she could not restrain her tears of thankfulness. After Mr. Freeland had spoken in the highest terms of John's noble conduct on the previous evening, and expressed to Mrs. Fox deep regret at his sickness, he placed in her hand the money from Captain Hoxie, and assured her that nothing should be left undone that would in any degree alleviate her son's sufferings. The poor woman was much affected by this unexpected assistance, and requested Mr. Freeland to tender her heartfelt acknowledgments to the stranger captain for his great kindness. She also thanked the gentleman 180 FRED FREELAND, OR present, over and over again, for his sympathy and proffered aid. Mr. Freeland and Jenny left Mrs. Fox's to visit the still more solemn house of mourning that of Mrs. Brown. They found the afflicted woman giving vent to a flood of tears over her son's chest* of clothes, which a teamster had just brought from Boston. She had received a letter that morning, from Captain Bruce, communicating to her the painful intelligence of Bill's melancholy fate, and commending, in high terms, his conduct during the whole time he had been on board the vessel. The letter contained the full amount of his wages for the entire trip, with the addition of twenty-five dollars which had been generously made up by the crew, at the suggestion of Jack Sanderson. Bill had made Jack his confidant, not only with regard to his mother's condition in life, but also . relative to his own previous career, and his indebtedness to Fred and Jenny Freeland for his attempt at reformation. Mr. Freeland and Jenny extended to the bereavefl Mrs. Brown all the consolation which their kind and sympathetic natures could suggest. It was not without effect. Presently she became much more reconciled, and proceeded to open the chest. The first article she took up was the little book that Bill had received from Jenny on the day he left home for Hooksink. As she THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 181 opened it, her eyes rested on what had been a blank leaf, but now written over in pencil marks. She ran her eye quickly over the page, and then, with a tearful smile, handed the book to Jenny, who easily read the following lines, though written in a hand far from elegant, with some bad orthography the latter of which we have taken the liberty to correct; " AT SEA, September 1, iSo-. " A gift from J. F., of Rockmount ; the little girl who first told me that my worst enemy was my own wicked thouylds. If any tiling happens to me, so that I never reach home, and this book should be saved, I want my dear mother to give it back to my little friend, that she may know how much I have thought of it and her, and that I hope 1 have been a better boy for the great kindness of herself and brother, and for what I have read in this book. "W. B." Mr. Freeland, who had looked over his daughter's shoulder, also read the lines; and, as he did so, his countenance assumed a happier expression, for he was thereby fully convinced that the boy who wrote tho^e brief, simple, touching words could never have been guilty of taking the money as he had heretofore suspected which had cast suspicion on Fred, and caused his long confinement in jail ; and the father now began to hope, with his little daughter, that light 16 1S2 FRED FEEELAND, OK would yet be shed from some other quarter upon that painful and mysterious affair. " These few lines," said Mr. Freeland, taking the book in his hand, and turning to Mrs. Brown, " will afford y"ou more consolation in your affliction than any earthly thing beside, for they clearly show that your son had adhered to the good resolutions with which he left home, and that a reformation had commenced in his heart far more important in death than in life." " You speak truly, my friend," replied Mrs. Brown. " I already feel their solacing influence. Jenny must take the book, however, agreeably to my poor boy's request. The words I shall never forget. I trust I shall be humbly resigned to the will of God, though the bereavement is very great." As Mr. Freeland had promised to see Fred again during the day, and as the sad news concerning Bill Brown had settled the question negatively with regard to the journey to Hooksink, he left Jenny giving Mrs. Brown some of the particulars of the incidents of the evening before, and hastened to Boston to inform his son of the present unhappy state of affairs, and to consult Mr. Irwin with respect to the future. Fred was pained to hear of Foolish John's sickness, but was well pleased with the arrangements his father find aunt had made for la's comfort. He was deeply THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 183 . moved at the news of Bill Brown's sad fate; but he did not think it affected his own case in the slightest degree, for he had continued firm in the belief that Bill could not possibly have had the least knowledge of the missing money. He was in favor of having his trial take place as soon as practicable, being stilU confident that liis innocence would then be established. And he was alarmed, evidently, for Jenny, on account of the continued state of anxiety and excitement under which she had so long labored. Mr. Freeland held a consultation with his lawyer, when it was agreed upon that the trial should take place at the ensuing term of the court. Indeed, there was no plausible reason for further postponement, nor any thing to be gained by such a course. Mr. Irwin ascertained that the case would be called up, probably, at the expiration of about ten days ; and both he and Mr. Freeland determined to make the most strenuous exertions, during the intervening time, to obtain some clew to the real rogue in this money affair being well aware that roguery had been practised in the matter by some one. But to return to poor Foolish John. Day after day passed without bringing any relief to his suffering.-. His fever ran high, and was pronounced by Dr. Smith to be of the most dangerous type. During the first 184 FKED FREELAND, OR two days, although his distress was great, he submitted with much calmness. On the third day, however, he became a complete maniac ; and his loud, incessant ravings were most distressing to the ears and hearts of his friends. From this period he required constant watching, and -a great part of the time physical force, to keep him in bed. Either his mother or aunt Mary remained by his bedside continually ; and the neighbors were all exceedingly kind, and rendered every possible assistance. Jenny was there some time during each day, ever anxious to perform any little act of kindness that her own gentle nature, or the experience of friends of maturer years, might suggest. She divided all her leisure hours between Fred in his prison, Mrs. Brown in her solitary house of mourning, and Foolish John on his bed of sickness and suffering. Mr. Freeland called regularly twice a day to see John, and remained up to a late hour each evening. Besides the attention he bestowed upon the patient, his generous sympathy and sound counsel did much to strengthen and support the poor widow in her hour of trouble and anxiety. During the first day or two of his illness John made no objection to the medicine prescribed by Dr. Smith ; but after that time he positively refused to swallow a particle of any thing he ordered. He insisted, in his THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 185 wild ravings, that the doctor had been engaged for the last four years in the extensive manufacture of a " Grand Panacea " with which he pretended to cure all diseases. " He makes it," said John, " by filling my head with clam shells, and thrusting me into a red-hot furnace until the shells are burnt to a crisp; then he pulls me from the fire by the heels, and takes a large iron pestle, using my head for a mortar, and pounds the burnt shells to a fine powder, which he scoops out of my ears with a long-handled ladle." He contended, with much earnestness, that Dr. Smith procured all his medicine in this manner, and he was determined to take none of it. Thenceforward no medicine entered his lips. Early in the evening of the fifth day of his sickness, John became so wild and unmanageable that his mother and her kind female assistant could do nothing with him. Hence they found it necessary to call in two men, whose constant presence was required to keep the poor fellow in his bed. Dr. Smith had been there late in the afternoon, and expressed his opinion that the crisis was near at hand ; that a few hours would decide between life and death. He had confidentially informed aunt Mary, however, that there was, in his opinion, no ground for hope. Mr. Freeland and Jenny made their usual evening 16* 186 FRED FREELAXD, OR call, immediately after tea, and were extremely sorry to find John's condition so much worse. For the space of three or four hours the poor sufferer continued to talk and rave in a loud and incoherent manner. He then gradually became calm, but kept up a constant, though almost inaudible, muttering. It wanted a few minutes only of eleven o'clock, and his friends were flattering themselves that his ravings were at an end, and that he was about to subside into a quiet sleep, when, springing upright in bed, and throwing his arms wildly around, he shouted, ' ; Ship, a-hoy ! Put your helm hard up, or you'll run us down ! " The two men who were watching by John's bedside instantly seized him, and had as much as they could do to prevent him from leaping out upon the floor. He struggled violently to free himself from the grasp of the men, and, in the most excited manner, shouted again, " See ! see ! they don't hear they are coming right on to us! O! what shall we do?" John's momentary strength was exhausted, and he allowed himself to be placed upon his pillow. His eye.-, however, turned rapidly back and forth in his head, while his countenance expressed sensations of the utmost fear and horror. THE CHAIN OJ? CIRCUMSTANCES. 187 " O, my poor suffering boy ! " exclaimed Mrs. Fox, as she shut out her son's agonized countenance from, her vision by burying her face in her hands. ""This is very strange," said Mr. Freeland, who, with Jenny, had remained later than usual, on account of the patient's critical condition. "I think it gives a clew, however, to the character of the accident that befell him and his father four years ago. They were, undoubtedly, run down by some vessel; and he now imagines himself to be in the same situation again." " One moment more," cried John, as he sprang up the second time in bed, " and we shall be carried to the bottom ! Hail them again, father, and perhaps they will hear. No ; she is close upon us ! There ! she strikes us! we are lost!" and instantly he fell back, apparently lifeless, upon his pillow. " O, my poor, dear boy is gone ! " sobbed Mrs. Fox, as she bent with streaming eyes over his motionless form. A few moments of painful silence ensued, when Mr. Freeland quietly led the sorrowing mother to a chair. Then, returning to the bedside, he placed his hand beneath the clothing upon the breast of John, and remained a minute or two without uttering a word or moving a finger. At the expiration of that time, he turned towards Mrs. Fox, with a gleam of hope on 188 FRED FREELAXD, OR his countenance, and said, in a tone that sent a thrill of joy to her heart, " Be comforted, dear madam : your son still lives ! " " O, Heaven be praised ! " exclaimed the poor widow. "But are you sure, Mr. Freeland? Can I dare I hope?" " Yes, I am certain," he replied. " His heart faintly beats. And now, as I bend over him, I can feel his breath upon my face." Mrs. Fox again approached the bed, and satisfied herself of the joyful truth. In a low, earnest tone she uttered, " Yes ; my son lives ! O heavenly Father ! I thank thee for this happiness ! " "You must endeavor to be calm, madam," urged Mr. Freeland. " It is absolutely necessary that the utmost quiet be now maintained throughout the house. John's fever has evidently left him; and, if he is not disturbed from this natural sleep he has fallen into, I think the doctor will pronounce him out of danger at his next visit. There will be no necessity for your two kind neighbors to remain any longer ; and as you are much fatigued and excited, Mrs. Fox, if you will retire to your own chamber, and take Jenny with you, I will watch, in company with my sister, until morning. If necessity for it should occur, we can call you at any THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 189 moment ; but, without doubt, your son will sleep quietly till morning." Mrs. Fox, at first, made some objections to leaving Irer son's room, but was finally induced to retire with Jenny for the night. Laboring under too great anxiety and excitement to obtain much sleep, she was benefited, notwithstanding, by quiet and rest. 190 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER XXII. THE TWOFOLD RESTORATION. MANY times during the night did Mrs. Fox listen, carefully, for any sounds from John's room ; but every thing was as still and quiet in that" quarter as if all three of its inmates, instead of one, had been enjoying a refreshing sleep. At the earliest dawn, the anxious mother proceeded to her son's apartment to inquire what change, if any, had taken place in him during the latter part of the night. She was informed by the trusty and kind watchers that he had slept perfectly easy during the whole time, and that no change was perceptible except in his breathing, which had become much stronger and freer. This, they had good reason to believe, was a most favorable symptom. With noiseless step Mrs. Fox moved round to the side of the bed to which John's face was turned, and stood gazing, with tears of happy thankfulness in her eyes, on his calm, but extremely pale, countenance. Presently he gave a feeble moan, slightly moved his THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 191 limbs in bed, and suddenly opened his eyes. As he did so, he" looked his mother full in the face, partially extended his hand towards her, and the next instant, in a, low, feeble voice, but with a tone and manner that sent unspeakable joy to the poor woman's heart, pronounced the single word, " Mother ! " With a cry almost wild with gladness, Mrs. Fox buried her face on the bosom of her restored son ay, doubly restored; for she hailed the utterance of that single word as a certain harbinger of the return of his reason, perfect as it was prior to the accident which had befallen him years before. Although John had always continued to treat his mother with attention and kindness, yet, ever after his father's loss and the shock to his own reason, he had addressed her by no other title than "Old woman"' a familiar appellation which her husband had been in the habit of bestowing upon her. This very strange whim in Foolish John had been a constant source of silent grief to the poor woman ; and often had she said to herself, " O, if he would only call me ' Mother ' once more ! " He had now spoken the long-wished-for word, ami the mother's heart throbbed with exceeding joy. Mr. Freeland stepped forward, raised Mrs. Fox from her stooping posture, and, with his usual thoughtfulness, whispered in her ear, 192 FRED FREELAND, OK " Remember, dear madam, that you must be calm. I rejoice with you in the prospect of your son's twofold restoration. But he is extremely weak, and you should be more cautious." " True, true," she replied. " I thank you, my kind friend. I will certainly endeavor to be more prudent in future." In feeble accents, with his eyes wandering about the room, John exerted himself again to say, " Mother, what does all this mean ? Where have I been? What ails me?" " My dear son, you must be perfectly quiet now," replied Mrs. Fox. " You must not try to talk ; you have been very sick. In the course of a few days, I trust, you will be much stronger ; then I will tell you every thing. But till then, you will keep quiet won't you ? " "Yes, yes, I will," said John. "Just turn me a little." His mother and Mr. Freeland changed his position, as requested, and he manifested his thankfulness by a smile, but said nothing. At an early hour Dr. Smith called, and was much astonished to hear that his patient was not only alive, but evidently in a fair way for recovery. And when Mrs. Fox communicated to him her hopes of the full THE CIIAIX OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 193 restoration of John's intellect, informing him on what evidence she grounded her hope, his gratification was almost equal to her own. He informed her that he had read well-authenticated accounts of cases very similar, and luid indulged a slight hope all along that such might be the result in the present instance, if John lived through the fever ; but that he had intimated nothing of the kind, lest he might excite hopes never to be realized. " Then you do really think, Dr. Smith, there is a prospect that my dear boy may be himself again ? " said Mrs. Fox. "I certainly do, judging from what you have told me," replied the doctor. "The contusion he received" on his head so long ago, undoubtedly, produced a slight congestion, or obstruction, near the brain, which has continued to press upon it ever since. This, doubtless, has caused his partial derangement. Most probably it was at the time this obstruction was being removed, that John fancied I was making use of his head for a mortar. Poor fellow ! he must have suffered much at that timo." Dr. Smith forthwith made a prolonged and minute examination into all the symptoms of his patient, and, when he had concluded it, informed Mrs. Fox, with a smile of satisfaction on his countenance, that she had 17 M 194 FRED FREELAXD, OR every thing to hope for, both with regard to his mental and physical recovery; that all he needed was q and good nursing ; and as aunt Mary had already signified her intention of remaining a few days longer, between her and his mother he could not fail to receive the very best attention. John steadily improved, both in body and mind, from day to day, and was soon able to give a clear and graphic account of that accident which had remained wrapped in mystery for more than four years. It was in substance, briefly, as follows : Mr. Fox and his son were returning from the fishing ground, in the early part of the evening, when they encountered that appalling thunder tempest to which allusion has already been made. The wind swept down the harbor in terrible gusts, and the rain fell .in torrents. The darkness and gloom of a hundred nights seemed compressed into that one hour. They could not see the length of their boat, except by the occasional lightning, which partially revealed to them the objects round about partially, for its vividness was EO great as to cause the human eye instantly to close with a painful sensation. They had narrowly escaped being run down twice, first by a schooner, and then by a brig, but for some time had not seen any vessel, and >vere congratulating themselves that THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 195 were out of danger in this respect, when, by a flash of lightning, they discovered a large ship driving at great speed directly towards them, and but a few rods distant. The fisherman and his son hailed with all their might, and made every possible exertion to get out of the way. They were not heard, however, and the darkness of the night prevented them from being seen. The next instant the bows of the ship struck and crushed their frail boat as if it had been an egg shell, and bore it at once under water. John had no recollection of any thing after being carried under the bottom of the ship. It was then, without doubt, that he received upon his head the severe blow that rendered him senseless at the time, and deranged his intellect for years. His father, more unfortunate still, in all probability was instantly killed ; and having been thrown into a little different current of wind from that which carried the son to land, he drifted directly out to sea. John was not a little affected while giving the above information with regard to his father's fate, for to him the catastrophe seemed to be of comparatively recent date. Although his recollection was perfect so far as regarded every thing that had transpired within his knowledge up to that period, yet all that had occurred subsequently even the recent disaster to the steamer, 196 FRED FREELAXD, OR and the prominent part taken by himself in res Jenny Freeland from drowning was more, to mind, like a dream than a reality. He could partially realize that time had elapsed, and that certain events, in which he had been an actor, had transpired. Nothing \vas clear, however ; a kind of cloudy mist hung about the last four years that rendered all occurrences within that time unpleasant and bewildering for him to dwell upon. But he was gratified when any allusion was made to his still earlier life, and became happy and cheerful when the conversation turned back to that period. Mrs. Fox was happy beyond description, and seemed imbued with the life and energy of renewed youth, as from day to day she looked upon her son, and saw the bloom of health gathering on his cheek, and had hourly evidence of the sound and clear condition of his intellect An old hope began to revive within her, that she should yet live to see her dear son occupying some useful and honorable position in society. "When John was stricken clown with the fever from which we have seen him fast recovering, his mother, as was natural, considered it in the light of a deep and overwhelming affliction ; but as he rose from his bed of sickness, wholly free from that painful oppression which had so long^ dimmed the sparkling gem of reason, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 197 she was led to acknowledge her shortsightedness and little faith. Nor did she forget or neglect to render up praise and thanks to the Dispenser of all good for this striking, proof of his love and mercy towards the widow in her hour of deep affliction and sorrow; but each night and morning, in the privacy of her little chamber, she offered up a prayer of acknowledgment replete with earnest, truthful, heartfelt sincerity. 17* 198 FUED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER XXIII. COMMENCEMENT OF FRED'S TRIAL. THE day finally arrived when the guilt or innocence of Fred Freeland was to be established; that is, so far as human testimony and a court of law could establish the one or the other. The youthful prisoner had continued firm in the belief that he would be honorably acquitted at his approaching trial ; yet he was well aware that strong circumstantial evidence stood in array against him, and knew not how it ^vas to be met. Consequently he could not but feel, at times, that the result was involved in uncertainty. With this view of the case before him, he had urged his father and Jenny, at their latest interview, not to give way to grief and despair, even should he be convicted of the crime. Said Fred, "Though the jury may pronounce me guilty, God and my own conscience will know that I am wholly innocent." "And I shall ever believe in your innocence, my THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 199 dear boy," said Mr. Frceland, " let the result be what it may." " And all the courts and juries in the world," said Jenny, as she threw herself, weeping, into the arms of Fred, " can't make me believe you guilty, nor prevent my loving you just as I have always done." The court room was nearly filled by spectators of respectability some time before the appointed hour, having been attracted thither by the announcement of the trial in the papers of the day before each paper having made some interesting comments on the case. Among this assemblage were many of Fred's personal friends from Rockmount, including quite a number of his playmates and schoolfellows, not one of whom but believed him entirely innocent of the crime of which he stood accused. They were all anxious to see him after his long imprisonment, and to show, by their presence, the deep interest and sympathy they felt for him in his misfortune. He had many new friends, too, in that room friends who had never seen him, and knew not of him until their sympathies were enlisted in his behalf through the knowledge of his little sister's kindness and devotion to him during his self-imposed imprisonment. The judge and jury were promptly in their seats, and the counsel both for the prosecution and defence 200 FRED FREELA.XD, OR were prepared to proceed with the trial. Near to Mr. Irwin were seated Mr. Freeland, aunt Mary, and Jenny the latter attracting much attention on account of her widely-known affection for her brother, and more especially as her recent almost miraculous escape from drowning was still fresh in the minds of many. Presently the prisoner was brought forward, and placed at the bar, when all eyes were simultaneously directed towards him, and all hearts at once beat in sympathy with his; for there was that in his frank, honest countenance and manly bearing which instantly prepossessed every one in his favor. To those who had known him at home, he looked somewhat pale, and a shade of thoughtfulness and anxiety marked his fine countenance. He was in the enjoyment of perfect health, however, and nothing like fear or despondency could be seen about him; while his whole appearance was relieved from every thing like undue boldness by a certain degree of retiring modesty, such as will ever be noticed in connection with good breeding and a cultivated mind. Many trials of a similar character might and do take place without being known, scarcely, beyond the walls of the Court House. But the high standing of Mr. Freeland among Boston merchants, the remarkable decision of Fred in choosing to remain in jail, and, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 201 perhaps more than all, the constant and loving visits of Jenny to her unfortunate brother throughout the entire period of his imprisonment, had given to the matter an importance and interest that would not have been attached to it under other circumstances. It is seldom that a prisoner is brought to trial with so full a tide of public opinion setting in his favor as in the case of our young hero. Still, there were the stern facts; there the chain of circumstances that encircled and shackled him ; and the jury must decide according to the law and the testimony. The trial was opened on the part of the government by Francis Maplewood, Esq., who had been appointed to conduct the cases of the present term, as the very efficient district attorney was at the time engaged in the higher court. Mr. Maplewood was a lawyer of some considerable repute. He managed a case with a good deal of tact and ability, though many thought, at times, that he was unnecessarily severe with the prisoners. In his opening remarks, in the present instance, he briefly alluded to the main fact, as set forth in the indictment, charging the prisoner with the larceny of two hundred and fifty dollars in bank bills from the premises of Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co. He then proceeded to say that the government had few witnesses to bring forward, but that their testimony, 202 FRED FREELAXD, OR he was sorry to believe, would be of such a nature as to fix the guilt beyond a doubt upon the prisoner. He presumed the ground of defence would be, mainly, the prisoner's former excellent character. This he had no wish to disprove, nor should he attempt it. He believed that the boy's life, up to the time of the theft, had been wholly unspotted, and was willing the defence should make that fact available in all legitimate ways. But he felt it to be his duty to say, that that was a matter for the consideration of the court in pronouncing sentence, rather than for that of the jury in making up their verdict. If the fact of the larceny be proved against the prisoner, the jury must convict, even if he were shown to have been perfection itself before the commission of the crime. The remarks of Mr. Maplewood were considered quite fair by the large majority of persons who heard them. Jenny was an exception. To her mind, it was utterly incomprehensible how any one could appear to believe in the guilt of her dear beloved brother, of whoe innocence she felt as confident as of her own existence. Her father found it necessary to whisper a word of caution in her ear more than once during the brief space of time that the assistant district attorney occupied the attention of the court ; for she would half rise from her seat, and fix on the speaker a look of THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 203 determined antagonism, as if preparing to hurl back every word like an accusation against Fred's truth and honesty, and to commence a plea herself for him at once. Mr. Irwin, as we shall hereafter see, also took exceptions to some portion of Mr. Maplewood's remarks. The first witness placed upon the stand was Joseph Lenox, the expressman, who testified to the deli-very of the money to Mr. Slash, and produced his receipt for the same, bearing date June 18. Mr. Irwin declined questioning this witness, it being a standing rule with him never to occupy the time of the court with unimportant cross-questions. The next witness called was a salesman at Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co.'s, who testified to the sale of the coat, and to leaving the prisoner at the desk to settle with Mr. Slash. Mr. Irwin also declined putting any questions to this witness. Mr. Slash was next sworn. His testimony was to the effect that the prisoner came to his desk to settle for the coat, that he waited there while the business was transacted with the expressman, that the money was left lying upon the desk within reach of the boy, that it was missed directly after he left the store, and that the officer, after the arrest, had shown him the 204 FKED FREELAXD, OR envelope which the money came in, and a three-dollar bill of the Boston City Bank, both of which had been found on the prisoner when arrested. The envelope and bill were here shown to witness. He identified the former at once, by its beautifully- written Superscription ; the latter he could not swear to : he was only positive that the parcel contained two three-dollar bills of the City Bank. He was confident this was the identical bill shown to him by the officer immediately after the arrest ; and he had an impression that one bill in the package was torn, but he was not certain with rega'rd to it. Fred's counsel cross-questioned Mr. Slash closely with respect to the fact of all the money being of the City Bank, and also as to the denomination of the bills. On these points, however, he was positive and immovable, and nothing was elicited in favor of the prisoner. After some minutes thus spent, Mr. Irwin relinquished this witness by saying, " Will you be so good, Mr. Slash, as to inform the court and jury what time it was when the prisoner left your store ? " " It wanted ten minutes of four o'clock," replied the witness. " I am positive, because I had occasion to look at my watch directly after handing the boy his change and the bill of the coat." THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 205 " Thank you ; that will do," said Mr. Irvvin. Peter Gammon was then placed under oath. This was the young man, with red hair and mustaches, who had given the information that first caused Mr. Slash to suspect Fred. Eeference has been made to his hair solely as a mark of recognition. He swore positively to having seen the prisoner take up the envelope from Mr. Slash's desk. He witnessed the act as he was passing up the stairs near the boy, but did not suspect him, at the time, of any dishonest intentions. The witness was passed over to the - defence for cross-examination. Thus far the evidence only went to .show what Fred himself had admitted from the commencement. Mr. Irwin, on the contrary, had thus far admitted nothing. By obliging the government to prove every thing, step by step, as the trial progressed, he hoped to seize upon something with which to oppose the weight of circumstantial evidence which threatened to crush his youthful client. But nothing favorable to the defence had as yet transpired. Young Gammon was now subjected to a searching cross-examination ; but he maintained a good degree of self-possession, and his statements were straightforward, and without contradiction. Mr. Irwin was at the point of saying that he had no more questions to put to this witness, when Jenny earnestly whispered in his car, 18 .206 FRED FREELAXD, OK "Mr. Irwin, you know Fred says that as soon as he took the envelope in his hand he knew he was doing wrong, and instantly put it down again. Now, if that young man saw him take it up, must he not have seen him put it down too ? " "Thank you thank you for the hint, my dear," whispered Mr. Irwin, with a smile of encouragement on his countenance. Then turning to the witness, he fixed his penetrating eye sternly upon his face, and said, "Mr. Gammon, I have one more question to ask, and I wish you to bear in mind, in answering it, that you are under oath ; that you are to tell the whole truth ; and that if you withhold any portion of it, you perjure yourself as much in the eye of God as if you were to utter a known falsehood. Now, sir," continued Mr. Irwin, and he -threw into his manner and his language all that earnestness and solemnity which he knew so well how and when to assume, " now, sir, you have stated, on oath, that you saw the prisoner take up the envelope from Mr. Slash's desk; and I ask you, remember, on your oath, did you not also see him instantly lay it down again ? " The witness quailed under the steadfast gaze of the lawyer, changed color, trembled from head to foot, and falteringly said, THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 207 " Yes ; I did see him lay it down, but probably " "We want no probabilities here," said Mr. Irwin, sharply, interrupting the witness. " We deal only with certainties. Did you see him take the envelope in his hand the second time ? " No, sir." " Very well, Mr. Gammon. I have done with you for the present." The witness took his seat, evidently glad to escape further questioning. Mr. Irwin turned at once to the bench, and said, " May it please the court, here is a point to which I wish at this moment to call the attention of the jury. The prisoner has admitted, from the moment of his arrest, that he took the envelope in his hand, but that he instantly replaced it upon the desk. An important government witness now positively testifies that he saw precisely what the prisoner himself affirms. I trust the jury will not for a single moment lose sight of this vital fact." This turn in the evidence had a visible effect upon the court, the jury, and the spectators. Mr. Irwin was well aware of its important bearing, and intended to make good use of it in his final argument. There was, however, yet another witness for the prosecution to be examined, whose evidence, probably, would reveal the 208 FRED FREELAND, OK ugliest-looking feature of the whole affair; and unless some unlooked-for light should be thrown upon this truly dark spot in the case, the learned counsel could hardly dare hope for the acquittal of the prisoner. The next and last government witness placed upon the stand was Mr. Jones, the officer who had arrested Fred. He testified to the tune and place of arrest, and identified the envelope and bill (which were here shown to him) as the same found upon the prisoner at the tune he had been taken into custody. This testimony bore hard upon poor Fred, and his counsel scarcely knew how to meet it. The prosecuting attorney, in passing this witness over to Mr. Irwin, for him to cross-question, stated that the evidence on the part of the government was all given in, and that here the prosecution would rest the case. " Mr. Jones," said Fred's lawyer, " will you inform the court and jury as to the precise time of arresting the prisoner?" " It was just eight minutes past four o'clock," replied the officer. " I am positive, because I looked at my watch at the moment, it being my custom to note the time particularly when I arrest a person." " What length of time, in your judgment, Mr. Jones, would it require to walk from the junction of School THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 209 and Washington Streets to. the place where you made the arrest ? " asked Mr. Irwin. "About five or six minutes, I should say, sir," was the answer. "Do you know, Mr. Jones, where the store of the prisoner's father is situated ? " " I do." " Well, sir, if you wished to go from the corner of School and Washington Streets to that gentleman's place of business, would you pass through the street at the rear of Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co.'s ? " " I certainly should," replied the witness, without any hesitation, " if I wanted to take the most direct course." " Will you be so kind, Mr. Jones, as to inform the court how the prisoner appeared at the time you made the arrest?" said Mr. Irwin. "He seemed to be very much astonished," replied the officer, readily; "but I must say that he showed no signs of guilt." Jenny here turned to her father, and whispered in his ear, "I think that man's evidence won't do Fred a bit of hurt, if it is given on the other side. He seems to speak just as he feels." " I think so too," replied Mr. Freeland. 18* N 210 FRED FREELAND, OR Mr. Irwin seemed to be debating for a moment or two in his own mind whether he should put any more questions to Mr. Jones. A thought suddenly struck him, and he framed a question which he knew full well the prosecuting attorney would object to. His object was to gain an opportunity to say a word to the jury with regard to this witness's testimony before their attention was otherwise diverted. Accordingly he asked, " What was your impression, Mr. Jones, at the time you arrested the prisoner, with respect to his guilt or innocence ? " " May it please the court," said Mr. Maplewood, suddenly rising from his seat, " it appears to me that the learned counsel for the defence is asking questions that have little or no bearing on the case. It is to be hoped there will be no more trifling in this respect." " May it please your honor," replied Mr. Irwin, with his usual good nature and dignity, " the learned counsel of the other side may yet discover that these questions to which he takes exception do have a bearing upon the case. But I am perfectly satisfied to have Mr. Jones's testimony, as it now stands, go to the jury. I only ask them to forget nothing he has said. As the prosecution objects to the last question put to the witness, the defence Las not the least inclination to THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 211 urge it. Hence the court is relieved from the necessity of deciding as to its admissibility." Mr. Maplewood inquired if the defence wanted any thing more of the witness on the stand ; and receiving a negative answer, he stated that the evidence for the government had closed. 212 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER XXIV. OPENING OF THE DEFENCE. MR. IRWIN, in opening for the defence, made a few pertinent remarks. He had unbounded confidence, he said, in the entire innocence of his youthful client, and believed that the jury, after hearing and weighing all the testimony, would arrive at the same conclusion. He would admit that the evidence, which was all circumstantial, had, on its face, an apparent bearing against the prisoner ; but when that evidence came to be thoroughly analyzed, it would lose the greater part of its force. He alluded, feelingly, to the loss of Bill Brown, whose testimony, he felt confident, would have been of the utmost importance to his client. He spoke in terms of high praise of Fred's noble generosity in submitting to an imprisonment of more than three months, rather than interrupt Bill's favorite project of a fishing cruise, and thus have thwarted, probably, the good influences at work in that boy's breast. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 213 "The defence proposes to show," said Mr. Irwin, "by the recorded testimony of the government's own witnesses, that the assertions of the prisoner relative to the whole matter must be true. He has admitted, from the commencement, that he took up the envelope from the desk for the purpose of examining the beauty of its superscription ; but that, the impropriety of the act occurring to his mind, he instantly replaced it. Mr. Slash at once identifies the envelope, here upon the stand, by the beauty of the superscription; and Mr. Gammon testifies that he saw the prisoner lay the envelope down the next instant after taking it in his hand. " My client affirms that he went, without a moment's delay, from the store of Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co. to the corner of School and Washington Streets, where he remained in conversation with the Brown boy till the ' Old South ' clock struck four, when he started for his father's place of business, agreeably to previous instructions. Mr. Slash informs us that it wanted ten minutes of four when the prisoner left their store : this would have given him the requisite time to go to the junction of School and Washington Streets and hold the brief conversation which he says took place before four o'clock. Mr. Jones testifies that it was precisely eight minutes after four when he made the 214 FRED FREELAND, OB arrest. The prisoner says he had been standing in the street a minute or two, after finding the envelope, before the officer spoke to him : this would leave him five or six minutes which Mr. Jones thinks is the fair average length of time to walk from the ' Old South' to that place after the clock struck four; and it was the most direct course to his father's store. "It is true," Mr. Irwin continued, "the defence has no witnesses to prove that the prisoner found the bill and envelope in the street ; but it is wholly incredible that, if guilty of the crime, he would have been met with in the immediate neighborhood of the larceny, twenty minutes after committing it, with the fullest evidence against himself in his open hand, and still show no signs of guilt when arrested! The defence feels confident of making it appear clearly to the jury that the rogue, whoever he may be, purposely dropped one of the bills and the envelope as a trap, and that it was the misfortune of the prisoner as it might have been that of any other perfectly honest person in this room' to fall into it. " These points, may it please your honor, merely alluded to at this time, will be urged more fully upon the minds of the jury at the closing of the defence. I have a word to say here in reply to a most strange position assumed by the prosecuting attorney in his THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 215 opening remarks, and then we shall be prepared to call the witnesses for the defence. "My learned brother admits that the character of the prisoner, up to June last, is of a high order, but tells the jury they must not take this fact into account! What ! character not to be considered ! The honest and unspotted life of an individual not to serve him in the hour of darkness and adversity ! Is the counsel for the prosecution sincere when he puts forth such an assertion as this to an enlightened jury ? What ! is character to go for nought ? Let me tell the learned gentleman, if he does not already know the fact, that in every situation in life an individual's character will be taken into account. And, gentlemen of the jury, notwithstanding the prosecuting attorney's instructions to you on this point, I am confident you will as you have an undoubted right to do give due consideration to the prisoner's character. Instead of adopting the principle laid down by my learned friend, that juries should not take character into account, I would wish to see inscribed directly before their eyes, in letters of gold on the walls of this house, Character is every thing. " The defence will now be able to show," said Mr. Irwin, in conclusion, "by evidence above all question, that the youthful prisoner's life, up to the time of the 216 FRED FREELAXD, OB unhappy affair in which be is at present involved, has been without a blemish; and the jury, it is candidly believed, will coine to the conclusion that it would be next to impossible for a boy with such an excellent character to commit the crime of which he here stands accused." At the conclusion of Mr. Irwin's opening remarks, a number of witnesses, of the highest respectability, were called for the defence. They were principally residents of Rockmount, who had known Fred from his infancy, and his character was shown to be of a very h'gli standard. The pastor of the society where Mr. Freeland and his family attended divine service, the superintendent and teachers of the Sabbath School, the principal and assistants of the Grammar School, and some of Fred's most intimate schoolmates, all bore ready evidence to his uprightness of character in every respect. At this stage of the trial, Roland Parks entered the court room, and whispered a word in the ear of an officer, who at once communicated with Mr. Irwin. Roland had been present during the earlier part of the proceedings, but left directly after the testimony of Peter Gammon was given in, and had just now returned with a young man, whose evidence, he had reason to believe, would be of some service to Fred. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 217 Mr. Irwin spoke to the clerk, when Roland was called, and placed under oath. " Where do you reside, my lad ? " asked Mr. Irwin. " In Rockmount, sir," replied Roland. " Do you know the prisoner at the bar ? " inquired the lawyer. " Yes, sir, I know him well," answered young Parks. "I have been to school with him, and played out of school with him, for the last six years." " What is his character among his schoolmates ? " Mr. Irwin asked. "It is every thing that is good, and nothing that is bad," said Roland, earnestly. "Many a time I have wished that I were like him. He is the very soul of truth and honesty." This handsome compliment to Fred's uprightness of character was met with smiles of approbation by his numerous friends, and earned for Roland himself many a word of praise. " Were you in court this morning, Roland, when Mr. Gammon was on the stand ? " inquired Fred's counsel. / " I was," replied the lad. " Did you ever see that young gentleman before this morning?" " Yes, sir ; once before." " Please state when and where." 19 218 FKED FREELAND, OR " On the evening before the last 4th of July I saw Mr. Gammon in the Gift Enterprise store, on Street, in this city." " Be good enough to state if you saw him make any purchases there." " May it please the court," said Mr. Maplewood, as he sprang hastily to his feet, " the learned counsel for the defence is certainly pursuing a most remarkable and unprecedented course in this case. One would be led to believe that Peter Gammon was on trial here instead of the prisoner at the bar. I solemnly protest against such treatment of a government witness." " May it please your honor," said Mr. Irwin, rising from his seat without the slightest visible excitement of manner, " I hope my learned brother will allow this trial to proceed without these uncalled-for interruptions. He complains that the course the defence is pursuing is an unprecedented one ; but I think the court will sustain this course, even were it without precedent, which is not the case, if it be made to appear that the ends of strict justice will be better served by such proceedings. How stands the matter ? A witness for the prosecution testifies that he saw the prisoner take the envelope containing the money in his hand ; but when this witness is closely pressed, he acknowledges that he saw the same replaced upon the desk the next THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. . 219 instant. Hence the defence takes the ground that the money remained on Mr. Slash's desk when rfie prisoner left the store. But, says the government, one of the bills, or one of the same bank, was found upon the prisoner when he was arrested. This point has been met already ; and the defence here proposes to account for the missing money by circumstances as strong, to say the least, as any that have been brought against the prisoner, and on other grounds than those set up by the prosecution." The judge ruled that there was nothing objectionable in the course being pursued by the prisoner's counsel. Mr. Irwin repeated the question to Roland, " I?id you see Mr. Gammon make any purchases in the Gift Enterprise store?" " I did," was the prompt reply. " He bought about fifteen dollars' worth of books, and received a number cf trifling prizes on the same, while I remained in the room." Roland underwent a searching cross-examination by the prosecuting counsel, but his testimony was not in the slightest degree shaken by it. His ready answers to the lawyer's questions showed quick wit and sound judgment. " How do you know that Mr. Gammon is the same person you saw purchasing the books?" inquired Mr. 220 % FRED FREELAXD, OR Maplewood, after several questions had been answered by the witness. " Because I noticed him particularly at that tune, on account of his spending so much money foolishly, as I thought," replied Roland. "And when I saw him this morning, on the witness stand, I knew him again at once ; and after hearing his testimony, I thought it was no more than fair to state what I had seen, and to look up another witness who, most likely, can tell you more about Mr. Gammon than I have done." Notwithstanding Roland's language and manner were perfectly respectful, yet it was evident to all that he thought his interrogator had already heard ni<5re than enough concerning the personage in question. This, probably, was the case, as Mr. Maplewood declined further examination of the witness. David Hartwell, the young man who had entered the court room with Roland, was next sworn. He stated that he had known Peter Gammon for more than a year. He was not intimately acquainted with him. Did not know that he kept with Cutt, Slash, & Co. During the month of July last he had seen Gammon often at the Gift Enterprise store, on Street, and had waited upon him in person having been employed in the establishment at that tune as a clerk. He was positive that Gammon bought upwards THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 221 of one hundred and fifty dollars' worth of books in the course of three or four weeks. He had no recollection, however, about the bills that were offered in payment. He remembered that the young man in question had always exhibited much excitement with regard to the prizes, of which he had received a few trifling ones. Witness believed that these Gift Enterprises furnished many youths with the initiatory steps to higher grades of lottery schemes and gambling transactions. Mr. Maplewood, in the cross-examination, did his best, but with poor success, to counteract the tendency of this testimony. Hence he soon informed the witness that he -had got through with him. Mr. Slash was then recalled at the request of Mr. Irwin, who said, "Will you be so kind, sir, as to state what length of time Peter Gammon has been in the employ of your firm ? " "About eighteen months," he replied. "What salary have you paid him?" inquired Mr. Irwin. " The first six months we paid him four dollars per week," said Mr. Slash ; " and since that time we have given him five." " Do you know of his having any other income ? " asked the lawyer. 19* 222 FRED FREELAXD, OR " He has none, to my knowledge," was the reply of the tailor. " Thank you, sir ; that will do," said Mr. Irwin. The clerk, by request of the defence, then recalled Peter Gammon. " We are sorry to trouble you again, young man," said Mr. Irwin ; " but you shall not be detained long. Will you be good enough to state how much you pay for board?" " I pay three dollars and fifty cents a week," replied Gammon. " You mean, I suppose," said Mr. Irwin, " that you agree to do it ; for it is intimated that you do not pay your board." The witness, being already somewhat confused, did not see the aim of the shrewd lawyer, but supposed that this insinuation about his board would operate to his disadvantage. He promptly replied, therefore, "I have always paid my board, regularly, and can show receipts." " I am glad to hear it," responded Mr. Irwin, with a slight smile. "Well, Mr. Gammon, I suppose you clothe yourself, pay your washerwoman's bill, &c., out of the remaining dollar and a half of your salary do you not?" " Yes, sir," was the reply of the witness. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 223 "That will do, Mr. Gammon." Mr. Irwin then turned to the court, and said, "May it please your honor, .here has been smart financiering, which I trust the jury will note. On a salary of jive dollars per week, it appears, this Peter Gammon has managed to pay three and a half for board, to clothe himself, and to meet all his incidental expenses including "one hundred and fifty dollars, or more, for books in a Gift Enterprise!" As Mr. Irwin quietly took his seat, a smile was observable on the countenances of all the spectators ; while the nervous Mr. Maplewood was compelled to bite his lip through sheer vexation. 224 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER XXV. ADDITIONAL WITNESSES EXPECTED. THE prosecuting attorney had inquired if the defence wished to put in any more evidence, and Mr. Irwin was about to give a negative answer, when an officer placed in the last-named gentleman's hand a telegraphic message which had just been delivered to him at the door. Breaking the seal, and running his eye over the brief communication, Mr. Irwin immediately rose from his seat, with the open message hi his hand, and said, "May it please the court, it was my intention to have rested the defence on the evidence already given in ; but I have here the gratifying information that two important witnesses for the prisoner are now on their way to this city, in the cars, and will reach here at two o'clock this afternoon. Therefore, believing it to be my duty to secure to my client the benefit of such additional testimony, I most respectfully request a postponement of the case until three o'clock." THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 225 The effect of this information was to create a new interest in the minds of Fred's numerous friends, and a low murmur of suppressed gratification buzzed about the room. In an instant, however, Mr. JVIaplewood came upon his feet with one of his quick, peculiar, spasmodic jerks, the suddenness of which, to those not acquainted with his manner and movements, had the appearance of endangering every joint in his body. With some excitement he began, "May it please your honor, I seriously object to any such postponement as is asked for by the other side. This case, as the court is well aware, has been put off for some three months to allow the defence an opportunity to bring forward evidence which, it was urged, could not be made available at an earlier day ; and now, at the eleventh hour, when there were good reasons for supposing that the evidence had all been given to the jury, my learned brother very coolly asks for a further postponement of the case, to await the arrival of more witnesses ! I repeat, your honor, that the government seriously objects to any postponement whatever." The moment the counsel for the prosecution ceased speaking, and before Mr. Irwin could gain his feet to make a reply, Jenny Freeland sprang from her seat beside aunt Mary, her father having been called out o 226 FRED FREELAND, OR of court a few minutes before, by one of his clerks, on important business, and confronted the astonished Mr. Maplewood with such fierceness and hostility in her manner as to cause him fairly to recoil from her presence. Aunt Mary attempted to seize Jenny's arm ; but she eluded her grasp, and pressed still nearer to the fidgety lawyer. She looked the very picture of Fury herself, and there seemed almost to be danger that her slight, delicate frame might undergo dissolution from the effect of the vehement passion which had so suddenly usurped the place of cool reason. Violently stamping her tiny foot upon the floor, and raising her hand until her tremulous finger pointed directly at Mr. Maplewood's breast, she broke forth in such tones of utter defiance and withering indignation as held in silent amazement, for a few moments, the judge, jury, and every individual in the court room. " Cruel man ! " she cried. " Do you think you can change the will of God by trying so hard to make it out that my dear brother is a thief? God will not let any one so good as my kind brother Fred be punished for a crime he never committed ! He steal ! He would sooner die ! Shame on you, Mr. Lawyer, for working so hard to make him out guilty! I tell you the trial shall wait for the two witnesses, and they will prove Fred innocent, whatever you may say!" THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 227 The excited child paused not that she had no more to say, but for the reason that her strength was nearly exhausted from the effects of her tumultuous emotions and rapid speech. Aunt Mary made another attempt to draw Jenny to a seat, and Mr. Irwin whispered a kind word in her ear; but all to no purpose. She had become fully impressed with the idea that Mr. Maplewood was unjustly endeavoring to bring about Fred's conviction, and hence her whole nature, usually so gentle and loving, had undergone a change, as if by electric agency, that was both wonderful and fearful to behold wonderful, because it was so instantaneous, and fearful, because of its intensity. This sudden and violent passion in one so young, and usually so sweet tempered, seemed to be almost proof positive that a demon had gained possession of her soul, with full control over every impulse of her being, and was fast hurrying her forward to perdition. Jenny had taken breath, and was about to continue her harangue, when an officer made his way towards her with the evident intention of removing her from the court room. Fred manifested far greater anxiety during his sister's wild paroxysm of passion than he had betrayed at any of the proceedings that related to himself alone ; and at this juncture, addressing the judge in a low tone, he said, 228 FRED FREELAND, OR " If your honor will permit me to speak to my sister, I think I can quiet her at once." " Do so," replied the judge. " Jenny ! " said Fred, in a low, impressive tone, as he extended his hand towards her. "Fred!" and with a half-joyous, half-wild look she sprang forward and seized his outstretched hand in both of her own. He drew her gently to his side, and whispered in her ear, " O sister ! the spirit of our DEAR MOTHER is deeply grieved at this wicked passion of her little daughter ! " At the sound of that hallowed word, "mother" the whole demeanor of the deeply-excited child instantly underwent a change. A flood of tears gave relief to her over-heated brain, and her features resumed their wonted expression of gentleness and love. Looking up to the judge, she exclaimed, in a voice of deep contrition, " 0, sir, I ask ten thousand pardons ! I am a very wicked child ; but I hope that nothing I have said or done will hurt my dear brother." " Your brother will have a fair and impartial trial," said the judge, kindly. Then, in a somewhat sterner tone, he added, " But you must not again interrupt the proceedings of the court." THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 229 Jenny quietly took her seat, and concealed her face upon the shoulder of her kind aunt. Order having been thus restored, Mr. Irwin rose and said, "May it please your honor, I deem it unnecessary, after the scene we have just now witnessed, to make any reply to the opposite counsel's remarks. / think he has been answered. For his satisfaction, however, and that of the honorable court, I will say, that the communication I hold in my hand is of this morning's date, and that it bears the signature of the Hon. Asa Maplewood my learned brother's eminent and much- esteemed father. To me this is a sufficient guarantee of the genuineness and importance of the document, as, doubtless, it "will be to your honor and the prosecuting attorney." Mr. Maplewood expressed himself perfectly satisfied with the explanation, and withdrew his objection. At this moment Mr. Freeland returned, barely in seasoa to hear the court adjourned till three o'clock, P. M., to learn from Mr. Irwin the purport of the telegraphic message, and to receive from Jenny a free and full confession of her fault, with a solemn promise that she would never again allow such wicked feelings to gain possession of her heart. She was severely punished for her offence through the fear she experienced lest her conduct might have tended, in some way, to injure 20 230 FRED FREELAXD, OR the cause of that beloved brother in whose behalf she was ready to sacrifice almost life itself, child as she was, to rescue his name from reproach, or suspicion even, and to restore him once more to freedom and happiness. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES.. 231 CHAPTER XXVI. THE VERDICT. UPON the reopening of the court, at three o'clock, Mr. Irwin stated that he was fully prepared to proceed with the trial, and that, on the part of the defence, it should now occupy a brief space of time only. There seemed to be a growing interest in the case, as the court room was filled to its utmost capacity. Directly the clerk called "Jotham Kimball" whereupon our young hero's old friend of Rockmount Green memory, sprightly as ever, took the stand, and, bowing politely to the bench, the bar, and the jury, awaited the will of the court. The smart, intelligent look of the old gentleman, together with his remarkable activity, at once attracted general attention. After the oath had been administered to the venerable witness, Mr. Irwin said, " Major Kimball, will you please to state where you reside ? " "At Portreef, Maine," replied the major. 232 FRED FREELAND, OR " Do you know the prisoner here on trial ? " inquired the counsel. " Certainly I do," responded the witness ; " and I know him to be a little hero too. If any one says aught to his disadvantage, it's all imagination." " Be good enough, Major Kimball, to state when and where you ever saw the prisoner before the present time." " I saw him one day in the first week of last June," said the old gentleman, "out to Rockmount never shall forget it, even should I live to be an old man saw him fight a great battle without striking a single blow his only weapons were firtnness and kindness. He came off with flying colors then, just as he will do now. If any body has a different idea, why, it's all imagination." " Did you return directly home from Rockmount last June, Major Kimball?" "No, sir. I left on that same day for New York, where I remained about a fortnight." " If you please, sir," said Mr. Irwin, " you may now be seated for a few moments, while another witness is examined, and then we shall be obliged to trouble you again." " No trouble at all," replied the major, " for I have voluntarily come all the way from Portreef to give my THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 233 testimony in this case ; and if any body thinks I am going to leave without telling ' the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,' it's all imagination ; " and the worthy old gentleman took his seat amid the approbatory smiles of the crowd. Mr. Irwin whispered for a moment in the ear of Mr, Freeland, and then nodded to the clerk, who at once called, . " William Brown" At the sound of this name the prisoner started as if he had received an electric shock, although to other ears it carried no surprise, as there might be many William Browns in the world. But, a moment after, when a stout, sea-burnt boy in sailor's dress rose from his seat and made his way to the witness stand, no little excitement was manifested throughout the court room ; for one after another of the Rockmount people quickly recognized the well-known form and features of Bill Brown. As soon as Bill had taken the oath, and the first astonishment created by his unexpected appearance had somewhat subsided, unexpected even to Fred, who had merely been informed by his father of the arrival of Major Kimball and a " friend," Mr. Irwin made no delay in bringing the trial towards a speedy close. Addressing the witness, he asked, 20* 234 FRED FREELAXD, OK " Where do you live, young man ? " "At Rockmount, sir." " Where have you been for the last three months and more ? " " On board the schooner Sea Gull, fishing on the Grand Bank and in the Bay of Fundy." " When did you leave home ? " " On the 18th of last June." " Well, young man, as there has been a report, supposed to be well authenticated, that you were lost overboard, and drowned, about a fortnight since, will you please to inform the court in what manner your life was preserved? Otherwise, as we wish you to testify to some facts in this case, the learned counsel for the government having already intimated that the defence has pursued an unprecedented co'urse in this trial may object to your testimony as coming not from flesh and blood." There was a slight degree of sarcasm in the lawyer's manner, and a smile overspread the crowd of faces throughout the room ; but his opponent did not care to notice the quiet thrust. " Yes, sir, I will," said the witness, in reply to Mr. Irwin's question. " I was lucky enough to fall in with the schooner's boat, which was carried away from the davits jist before I fell overboard, and I drifted to the THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 235 nearest land in it. From there I made out to git to Major Kimball's, and he very kindly brought me to Boston." " Believing, your honor," said Mr. Irwin, " that there can be no doubt now as to the identity of this person, I wish to call the attention of the jury to whatever facts may be elicited from his testimony and that of the witness who will immediately succeed him." Then turning to Bill, he added, " Do you know the prisoner at the bar?" \ "Yes, sir." " When did you see him last, previous to the present time?" " On the 18th of June the day I left home to go a-fishing." " "Where did you finally part with him on that day ? and at what hour?" " We parted at the corner of School and Washington Streets, at jist four o'clock." " Are you positive as to the exact time of day ? " "Yes, sir; for the 'Old South' clock struck four jist as we shook hands and parted. Fred was goin' to his father's store; and I went to the cars." Mr. Irwin informed the prosecuting attorney that he could now question the witness if he chose to do so. Accordingly, Bill was subjected to a most searching 236 FRED FREELAXD, OR cross-examination ; but every question was met with a degree of candor and promptness that strengthened, rather than weakened, his direct testimony. In fact, his evidence so fully corroborated the prisoner's own statement of the facts, except with regard to the envelope and money, of which, as the reader is aware, he knew nothing, that Mr. Maplewood was quite willing to allow him to retire from the stand. Major Kimball having been recalled, the court was informed by Mr. Irwin that .the testimony for the defence would close with this witness. Then, turning to the old gentleman, he said, " Will you be kind enough, sir, to state to the court where you were on the 18th of June last?" " Certainly I will," replied the major, bowing. " I arrived in Boston, from New York, by the Fall River route, early on the morning of that day, and stopped at the United States Hotel." " Are you quite positive as to the date ? " "To be sure I am. I left New York on the 17th to suppose that an old soldier could possibly forget where he was on the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill would be all imagination." " How long did you remain in Boston at that time, Major Kimball?" " I left for home the same afternoon, at five o'clock." THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 237 " Do you know the locality, sir, of Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co.'s establishment, in this city?" "I do." " Did you pass it on the afternoon of the day in question ? " " I did." " Very well, sir. You may now, if you please, state to the court and jury, without waiting to be questioned, whether any circumstance at that time, and in that vicinity, attracted your attention." " Thank you for the liberty," said the old gentleman. " This idea which lawyers seem to have, that they must question a witness all the time he is testifying, is all imagination. It is much better to let every man tell his own story in his own way. "Well, I left the United States Hotel, on the 18th of last June, at about half past three o'clock, P. M. I wanted to make a few trifling purchases while on my way to the cars, which were to leave at five. I went into a store directly opposite to that of Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co., where I bought an article that amounted to two dollars. I gave a five-dollar bill, and received a three back. The bill given me in the store had one corner torn nearly off. I had it in my hand when I came out. " Crossing over into the street in the -rear of Cutt, Slash, & Co.'s, I noticed a curtain, at an open window 238 FKED FUEELAXD, OR in the second story of their building, move slightly aside, and caught a glimpse of a young man, who had very red hair and mustaches, as he threw a buff-colored envelope into the street. As it reached the sidewalk, I stooped and picked it up ; and at the same time, as I then thought, put the three-dollar bill which I had till then held in my fingers into my vest pocket. The envelope was addressed to -Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co. It was open, and contained nothing. As I stood there, admiring the beautiful handwriting which the superscription exhibited, a church clock struck the hour of four. I then threw the envelope down, and proceeded to the depot. " When about to buy my ticket, I felt in my vest pocket for the bill. The corner of it was there, but nothing more. The bill itself must have dropped in the street when I attempted to put it into my pocket. I readily consoled myself with the hope that some one would find it, and make good use of it, who needed it more than I did. " I thought no more of these little circumstances until I saw a notice of this case in yesterday's paper, wherein some of the grounds were given on which the indictment is based, when I made preparation at once to leave in the first train for the scene of action. I had reason to believe that my evidence would serve THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 239 the cause of justice. If any body thinks it will not, it's all imagination." During the brief space of time occupied by the old gentleman in giving this testimony, in his own peculiar style, not a sound was heard in that large assemblage save the voice of the witness himself; but, as he ceased to speak, a low buzz, from hundreds of lips, passed through the room, and a general confidence in the youthful prisoner's speedy acquittal might have been read on the crowd of happy faces around. But there was within those wffels one countenance on which were pictured shame, confusion, and remorse. "Major Kimball," said Mr. Invin, who considered the evidence as hardly yet complete, " if you will now have the goodness to answer one or two more questions, we will then trouble you no further." " I am at your service, sir," replied the major, with one of his polite bows. "Do you recollect what bank the bill was of that you lost?" " Perfectly well, sir. The City Bank, Boston." "And do you remember, sir, which corner of the bill was torn ? " "I do. It was the lower, right-hand corner." Upon this, the lawyer for the prosecution was heard to say, by those seated near him, " I give up the case. 24:0 FRED FREELAN'D, OR The boy is innocent and I am glad of it." Mr. Maplewood had a heart and a conscience, and they spoke the feelings of the man in this instance his profession has been heard heretofore. If, however, as counsel for the government, he has appeared to think only of a rigid duty thereto, and of his own reputation as a lawyer in gaining the case, leaving it wholly with the prisoner's counsel to see that a noble-hearted and innocent boy is not made to suffer unjustly, the rules of the bar, the law of the land, and the perfect acquiescence of the whole Christi world uphold him in this position, notwithstanding its justness might be questioned by the inexperienced Jenny Freeland, and, perhaps, by some of our young readers. The three-dollar bill that had been used as evidence against Fred in the early part of the trial was now reproduced, and the witness positively asserted that it was the identical bill lost by him in the manner before described. The envelope was also readily identified by him. " You did not, I suppose, Major Kimball, preserve the corner of the bill you found remaining in your pocket at that tune ? " said Mr. Irwin, inquiringly. " I have been waiting to see if you would come to that," said the old gentleman, with a smile, as he drew forth his pocket book, opened it, and took from one of THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 241 its compartments a small piece of paper, which, with the bill, he at once passed to Mr. Irwin. " Ah ! what is this ? " said the lawyer, as a smile of gratification played upon his countenance. " I did not know the importance of that little scrap of paper when I preserved it," said the major; "but I have always made it a rule never to destroy any thing that could just as well be saved. If any body thinks differently, it's all imagination." The counsel on b^i sides scrutinized the bill, now made whole by the corner piece furnished by Major Kimball, and then passed it to the judge, and from him to the jury. All examined it, all were convinced it was made perfect in every letter, figure, and dot ; there could be no mistake. This bill, then, found upon Fred, \yhen arrested, was the identical one lost by the old gentleman ; but the somewhat singular coincidence of its answering to the description of some of those lost by Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co., together with other circumstances \n the case, had fastened the crime upon our little hero with an appearance of guilt amounting almost to certainty. Innocence, however, seemed now about to triumph. Mr. Irwin informed the court that he had agreed with the opposite counsel to let the case go to the jury without argument. All parties appeared to be 21 p 242 FRED FREELAND, OR satisfied with this arrangement, as, assuredly, there was no necessity for pleading. The judge addressed a few words to the jury, to the effect that the evidence was clear and ample, and that he saw no reason why they could not render a verdict at once. The jury consulted together only a moment, without leaving their seats, when the foreman rose and informed the court that their verdict was made up. And to the question, " Is the prisoner guilty, or not guilty ? " the answer was given, full and clear, "Not guilty!" It was with some difficulty thi^he joyful spectators could restrain their feelings of approbation when the verdict was announced. The strict and well-known rules of the court room, however, were regarded, and in a moment or two perfect silence was restored. The judge then addressed a few appropriate and kind words to Fred, congratulating him upon the reestablishment, beyond even the shadow of a doubt, of his previously unblemished character, and forthwith gave him his formal discharge. As Fred stepped forth, free and happy, Jenny was the first to meet him. With a slight exclamation of joy she sprang forward into his arms. Dropping her head upon his breast, with her gentle and loving face upturned towards his, she murmured, " Brother dear brother ! " whilst a profuse shower of tears gave relief THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 243 to her long pent-up fears and anxieties. There was scarcely a dry eye in that assemblage of interested spectators as they witnessed the true and holy bond of affection existing between that youthful brother and sister an affection that had never been marred by an unkind thought, word, or deed. Thoughtless boy reader ! consider well ere you allow a single harsh word or look to go forth towards your little sister, lest you wound a heart as true, faithful, and loving as that of Jenny Freeland. 244 FEED FBEELAND, OB CHAPTER XXVII. CONFESSION. THE HAPPY "MEETING. IMMEDIATELY upon the adjournment of the court, at the close of the trial, and before any of the parties had left the Court House, Peter ^mrnon approached Mr. Slash and made a full confession of the crime of which Fred Freeland had just been acquitted. His idea, he said, in throwing the envelope into the street, had been to give color to the supposition that the thief had dropped it on his way from the store. In stating, at the time the money was missed, that he saw Fred take up the envelope at the desk, it had been by no means his intention to fasten suspicion permanently upon that innocent boy. His purpose was, merely, to divert the attention of Mr. Slash from too close a search within the building, and thus gain time to secrete the money. He had not at that time, he said, the slightest idea that any evidence would be found of sufficient weight to cause Fred's committal ; but when he was brought back by the officer into the THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 245 store, with such strong evidence of guilt found upon him, he saw no way to clear him without criminating himself. Hence he had allowed the law to take its course. His conscience, he said, had given him much trouble at times, and he had more than once almost made up his mind to disclose the whole matter ; but his moral courage was hardly equal to such an undertaking. He was certain he secured all the money before throwing the envelope into the street, and consequently he had been unable to account for the three-dollar bill found in Fred's possession. He had tried hard, with partial success, to quiet his conscience with regard to the gross injustice he was doing that boy by endeavoring to make himself believe that he had stolen the bill at the time he took up the envelope from Mr. Slash's desk, and that hence he was not causing an innocent boy to suffer; but Major Kimball's testimony had not left for him even that fallacy. He solemnly averred that this was his first, and it should be his last, dishonest act ; that he had been led to perpetrate the crime through the allurements held out by the numerous Gift Enterprises of the day ; that he deeply regretted the wrong he had done to society and his employers, to Fred and his friends. With tears of repentance in his eyes he entreated Mr. Slash 21* 246 FRED FREELAXD, OR not to give him over to the law. He promised, in all sincerity, to make remuneration for every mill of the money taken, and to be governed, thenceforth, by strict conscientious faithfulness and honesty, if only allowed the opportunity to carry out his resolves. "It may be urged, with truth," said the penitent young man, in conclusion, " that I deserve punishment to the extent of the law for this criminal deed, the enormity of which is greatly increased by the fact of my allowing the suspicion to rest upon a noble and innocent boy, and even by assisting in the attempt to convict him of the crime committed by myself. .But, O, I have already suffered the most excruciating of all punishments that of a guilty conscience! and I feel that it has fulfilled a salutary work. I know it is a late day to make the confession, but I humbly beg an opportunity to prove its sincerity." Fred's generous nature was touched by the urgent and sincere appeal made to Mr. Slash by the young man, and he at once warmly interceded in his behalf, seconded by Mr. Freeland and Jenny. Fred possessed that truly magnanimous nature which is ever ready to forgive an injury, of whatever extent, if satisfactory evidence be given that the perpetrator of it is sincere in his professions of repentance ; and Jenny, in this instance, partook of her brother's spirit, and seemed THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 247 willing to overlook the great wrong inflicted upon him by Peter Gammon. Mr. Slash, after holding a brief consultation with his partners, kindly consented to allow Peter to retain his situation, and thus afforded him an opportunity to retrieve his character from a stain that might otherwise have rested upon it for a lifetime, or, perhaps, have formed a nucleus for crimes of a darker dye. The moment Fred was outside the Court House, he found himself clasped in Bill Brown's arms with as much cordiality as if they had been long-separated brothers, while a crowd of his young schoolfellows huddled around him with hearty congratulations and rejoicings at his restoration to liberty and friends. " Why didn't you telegraph to me to come back, Fred, when they first 'rested you ? " asked Bill. " I'd have come, if I'd walked every inch of the way from Hooksink ? " " I don't doubt it, Bill, in the least," replied Fred ; " but I was certain you knew nothing about the money, arid I was afraid it might make trouble for you if you came back ; so I persuaded father off the notion of sending after you." " The same gen'rous Fred still ! " exclaimed Bill, as a tear glistened in his eye. "Always wantin' to do good to others, without ever thinkin' of yourself." 248 FEED FREELAND, OK Mr. Freeland, who had been speaking apart to Major Kimball, at this moment stepped in among the boys, and informed Fred that the old gentleman had accepted an invitation to accompany them home and spend the night, and that they were all ready to proceed to the coach. In the space of a few minutes Mr. Freeland and his family, together with the major and Bill, were seated in one of the Rockmount coaches. Another coach was completely filled by Fred's young friends who had attended the trial, and who were now kept in a state of continual merriment by the frolicsome and happy humor of "Laughing Rol." Our old friend, Major Kimball, had lost none of his antipathy to omnibuses ; but he was too much of the gentleman, and possessed too kind a heart, to mar the enjoyment of that happy company by making objection to the mode of conveyance. He was very agreeable and social. Had he been Fred's grandfather he could not have been happier in the result of the trial. Bill Brown, during the long ride in the cars that morning, had given the major a detailed account of Fred and Jenny's kindness to him before he went on his fishing cruise. Consequently, the old gentleman's interest in Mr. Freeland's family, as well as in Bill himself, had increased not a little after leaving home ; and now, as THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 249 the coach rattled along towards Rockmount, he made many inquiries of Mr. Freeland and aunt Mary with regard to Mrs. Brown's circumstances and character, and her capabilities as a housekeeper. Having been satisfactorily answered, the major remarked that he had something in contemplation, which, if carried out, he thought might operate to the advantage of both mother and son. Fred, Jenny, and Bill were in earnest conversation as to the best plan of acquainting Mrs. Brown who was as yet totally ignorant of her son's preservation with the happiness that awaited her. Roland Parks and Charles Hayward, with one or two more of the boys in the other coach, were busily engaged in planning a little aifair which they intended to carry into execution that very evening. Mr. Freeland and his sister, with Major Kimball, rode directly home ; but Fred, Jenny, and Bill left the coach at the Rockmount Post Office, and walked up the street towards Mrs. Brown's. Before reaching the house, Bill dropped a little in the rear, to allow his two young friends opportunity to carry into effect the plan they had decided upon. Presently, Jenny gave a slight tap upon the door. It was opened at once by Mrs. Brown, wtio said, with a smile, " I knew it was your gentle knock, Jenny ; I always 250 FRED FREELAND, OR know it from any other it has a sound of friendship in it. And here is Fred ! " she cried, cordially taking his hand. " Proved innocent, of course. I know it must be so. 0, how happy I am to see you ! " " Yes," said Jenny ; " every thing is cleared up, and Fred is free and happy again." " 0, how thankful I am ! " exclaimed Mrs. Brown. " I was certain of your innocence, Fred, and felt fully confident that one who had been so kind and generous to my poor lost boy would not suffer long under a false accusation;" and the poor widow sobbed aloud at the recollection of her recent bereavement " Do you not think it possible, Mrs. Brown," said Fred, " that William may have been rescued by some means, and that you will yet hear from him?" " Such a thought has at times forced itself upon my mind," replied the weeping woman ; " but so many days have now passed by, that I dare not hope any longer." " I think there is still very good reason to hope," rejoined Fred, " for Major Kimball you have heard us speak of him before has just come from Portreef, and he says that a boy, answering to the description of William, was picked up alive and well in an open boat yesterday morning in Casco Bay." " ! is it so ? may I still hope ? " exclaimed Mrs. Brown, as her countenance lighted up through copious THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 251 tears. " But no it cannot be ; and I shall only be doomed to sad disappointment if I indulge such hope ; " and she looked despondingly again. "I advise you, Mrs. Brown," said Fred, "to keep up good spirits, for I feel quite certain that William is alive and well don't you, Jenny ? " " O, yes, I feel sure of it," she cheerfully replied. Then, turning to the weeping woman, in the same happy and confident tone she continued, "And noAv, Mrs. Brown, you must just wipe away all these tears, for I almost know you will see William again alive and well before long." " My dear young friends," said the poor woman, as she made an effort to appear calm, " you have ever been as comforting angels to me in my troubles, and I think you would not at this time knowingly raie false hopes in my bosom. I pray Heaven you may not be mistaken with regard to this information ! " " And they ain't mistaken, my dear mother," cried Bill, as he bounded into the room and caught the happily-surprised woman in his arms with an embrace much more affectionate than gentle. "Yes, mother," continued Bill, " I'm alive and well, as Jenn} r says ; and what's more, I hope I've got rid of some of them 'wicked thoughts' she told me about once." " God be praised ! " was all the mother could utter, 252 FRED FREELAND, OR v as she pressed that son, whom she had mourned as dead, again and again to her bosom, now throbbing with exceeding joy. Fred whispered a word in Jenny's ear, and the two young messengers of hope and happiness glided with noiseless steps out of the room, leaving the mother and son to the quiet enjoyment of a deeper, truer, holier interchange of thought and affection than ever before had thrilled their hearts. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 253 CHAPTER XXVIII. THE SURPRISE PARTY. BILL BROWN'S NARRATIVE. DIRECTLY after tea, Fred and Jenny forgetting not in their own happiness that there were others to whose hearts, by true neighborly kindness, they might carry the grateful blessing of sociality obtained leave to walk down to Mrs. Fox's to inquire after John's health. Fred had heard, of course, from day to day, all about the young man's sickness and recovery, as well as of his restoration to sound reason, and he was anxious to witness for himself the almost miraculous change that a few days' had wrought in his intellect, and also to tender him his heartfelt thanks for his noble conduct in rescuing Jenny from an untimely death. They found John in good spirits, and with health so far restored that he contemplated going out in the course of a few days. He was much gratified to see his two young friends, and congratulated Fred on his honorable acquittal at his trial in a manner that left 22 254 FRED FREELAND, OB no reason to doubt the perfectly clear and sound state of his mind. To all the thanks expressed by Fred with regard to the successful exertions made in Jenny's behalf on the evening of the destruction of the steamer, John replied that he had only performed his duty; and added, referring to his restored intellect, " Have I not been well repaid?" Mrs. Fox and John were very happy to hear that Bill Brown had 'reached home safe and well. They had more questions to ask in relation to the matter than Fred and Jenny could well answer at that time, as they had promised their father to return home within an hour. Accordingly, after a cordial " Good night," and a promise to " call again soon," our happy young friends retraced their steps homeward. As they drew near to the house, Jenny suddenly exclaimed, " Why, Fred, just see all those folks at our door ! What can it mean?" " I don't know, I'm sure," said Fred ; " but it seems that we've got lots of company." Upon entering the house, they heard many merry voices in the parlor. As they passed through the dining room, in the direction of the sounds, they were met by Roland Parks, his countenance glowing with mirthfulness, who politely insisted on introducing them THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 255 to his company. Ushering them into the parlor, where some twenty or more of their friends were assembled, he jocosely introduced them as " the right honorable Master Fred and Miss Jenny Freeland." The brother and sister were not a little surprised at this unexpected gathering of their friends ; and this surprise was in no degree lessened by the harmless officiousness of Laughing Rol. They were too well bred, however, to show any signs of embarrassment, and consequently met and returned the salutations of their friends as they would have done on any other occasion readily, pleasantly, and politely. Very soon the door bell jingled away at a furious rate, and Roland started to answer the summons ; but Jenny was too quick for him, and had the door open before he could get out of the room. "Walk in," said Jenny, cheerfully, as she ran her eye over the crowd . of persons at the door, among whom were Mrs. Brown and Bill. A few minutes later, having conducted the newly-arrived company into the parlor, she said, " Father, I really believe this is a ' surprise party,' and I guess that Roland Parks knows more about it than any body else." "It is an agreeable surprise, at all events," replied Mr. Freeland, as, to one after another, he extended 256 FRED FREELAXD, OE the friendly hand, and cordially welcomed them to his now happy home. "It is a surprise party, and in honor of our dear Fred," said aunt Mary to herself. Her eye sparkled with happiness, and she seemingly grew ten years younger at the thought. The company had swelled in number to upwards of fifty, the majority being youths of either sex. It ia seldom that any occasion brings together so happy a group. Major Kitnball was as full of life as any one of the party. He chatted freely and pleasantly with all, both old and young, and entered into the spirit of the various little harmless amusements of the latter with as much sprightliness and merriment as Laughing Eol himself. The party embraced all the boys first introduced to the reader on Rockmount Green, not even excepting " Little Stubby " Steele. After the juvenile portion of the company had for an hour or more amused themselves in various ways, while the topic of conversation among their elders had naturally turned upon the somewhat remarkable chain of circumstances that had fallen under the notice of nearly all present during the last four months, Major Kimball proposed that Bill Brown should relate to the company the full particulars of his providential escape from drowning. Bill was somewhat reluctant THE CIIAIX OF ' CIRCUMSTANCES. 257 about commencing, but, on being urged by nearly all present, he finally consented. We will allow him to tell his own story, but shall not vary orthography to conform to his false pronunciation. " As soon as I knew what I was about," commenced Bill, " when I found myself overboard, I began to think of the chances for my life, which I reckoned rather slim. I knew they couldn't do any thing on board the vessel to save me, because the breakers were so near; and, in fact, the Sea Gull was out of sight in a very few moments. I am a pretty good swimmer; and thinking they would throw some light articles overboard, I struck out, as well as I could in the heavy sea, to look for something to keep me from sinking. Presently I saw something close by me that looked in the dark like the schooner's boat 1 which it proved to be ; and in a minute more I had the great happiness of catching fast hold of her bow. She was right side up, though quarter part full of water. I had hard work to get on board, but at last made out to do so. After resting a few minutes, I pulled off one of my boots, and began to bale the water out of the boat with it. I soon found that the boat didn't leak, but that the water had been taken in when the sea carried her away from the davits, just before I was lost over. 22* Q 258 FRED FREELAND, OB "I hadn't been in the boat long before I saw that day was breaking ; and as it got to be a little lighter, I could see land, off to leeward, when the boat was on the top of the waves. It had stopped raining, and the sea didn't run near so high ; but there was still a strong breeze blowing directly towards a low, smooth shore, while some distance to windward I could see the high bluff where the Sea Gull had come so near being wrecked an account of which I suppose you have all seen in the newspapers. " I found I was drifting towards the land quite fast, and this kept my spirits up, though I was very cold. After being in the boat about four hours, as near as I could tell, I had the very great joy of stepping on shore once more. And wasn't I thankful to get on dry land again ! I was so numb and stiff, however, that I could hardly stand on my feet ; but I began to move round as well as I could, and, as the glorious sun now came out bright, I soon grew warm, and could walk as well as ever. " After finding a good safe place for my boat, and thanking God for my safety, I began to look about to see if I could find any human being, for I didn't know any thing of where I was. As I got up on to the higher land, I came to a field of corn and potatoes. I thought, of course, that I should soon see a house ; THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 259 but I was much disappointed, for I found that I was on a small island, of about ten or twelve acres, with no house on it the owner living on a larger island, probably, which was four or five miles off, where I could see buildings. I felt very gloomy at first, and almost gave way to despair; but when I looked upon the inviting corn and potatoes, for by this time I was very hungry, I thought how thankful I ought to be that it was not a barren island. My only trouble now was, how I should get a fire to cook some of the vegetables by. " I ate some of the raw corn of which I found plenty of scattering ears still green to satisfy my hunger for the moment, and then continued my walk to the southern end of the island, where I came to a little hut, which I suppose is used by the farmers to live in when they are on the island at work. It was made mostly of bushes. In one corner there was a heap of clean straw, and some old quilts, which had been used for a bed. In another corner, covered up with some straw, I found a small iron kettle, two iron spoons, two knives and forks, two tin cups, and a little box of salt ; and, what was a greater prize still, in my situation, I found also a tin box full of matches. A few steps from the cabin there was a rough stone fireplace. I had cpme across a good spring of water 2 GO FRED FREELAXD, OB close by, and, as there was plenty of wood at hand, I got some of the potatoes and corn cooked about the quickest. I had nothing but a little salt to eat with my vegetables, but still it was the best dinner I ever had in my life. " I lived on the island day after day, sleeping very comfortably in the hut every night, and hoping that the next day would bring off some of the folks to see to their crops. But still nobody came ; and as I heard no voice but my own, I got almost discouraged. "I should have made an attempt to cross over to the other island, but my boat had neither rudder nor oar. I had the good luck, however, as I was going along the shore one morning, to find a long strip of thick board. By working hard all that day with my jackknife, I made a rough sort of an oar, with which I thought I could steer the boat very well. " Early the next morning, after having been on the island more than a week, I laid in a supply of boiled corn and potatoes, filled a two-quart jug, which I had found in the hut, with water for my voyage, and then launched my boat. The wind was fair, and I started with every prospect of making a safe voyage. u I had got nearly half way over to the large island, when the wind, all of a sudden, came directly ahead, and I soon saw that I should not be able to land, but THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 261 must drift out to sea, as I could not even reach the small island again. I saw a number of vessels during the day, as I drifted broad off, but they were not near enough to notice me. Towards night the wind changed to the east,, and I felt new courage again, thinking I should be able to land somewhere by next morning. There was quite a fresh breeze all night. I made out, however, Avith my rough oar, to keep the boat before the wind, so that I went along without much trouble. "At daybreak I found that the water was much smoother, and, as it got to be lighter, I could see land all round. In a few minutes I saw an open boat, about a quarter of a mile off, with four men in it, rowing out past me. I hailed them, and they at once rowed up to me. As soon as I told them what had happened, they kindly took me into their boat, and, with mine in tow, started for home, although they had come out for a day's fishing. They said we were in Casco Bay, and that they lived at Portreef, about five miles distant. " In one hour and a half we landed at Portreef, and one of the men very kindly took me home with him to breakfast. I then recollected that Major Kimball lived in Portreef, and I told the man I would like to go to his house. He at once hired a horse and wagon 262 FRED FREELAXD, OR and took me there. The folks were all very kind, and Major Kimball gave me money to pay my fare home. That was yesterday ; and I was to start alone for home this morning. But when Major Kimball received his Boston paper last evening, we were both very much surprised to see a statement in it that our friend Fred here was to be tried to-day on a charge of stealing money last June from Cutt, Slash, & Co.'s store which was the first time that either of us had ever heard any thing about it. Major Kimball said at once that he should come with me to Boston. So we took the early morning train, and he got a friend at the first telegraph station to send a message on to Boston, and have the trial stopped till we arrived. I never felt so uneasy in my life as I did while we were coming up in the cars. I was so much afraid that they wouldn't put the trial off till we arrived, that it seemed to me as if we just crept along. But that we did get to Boston in season, and that Major Kimball's evidence proved that Fred was wholly innocent, you already know. " There is one thing I forgot to say in the right place, so I'll just name it here. When I was going to take leave of the hut on the island, I felt as if it was my duty to give some account of myself, so that the owner of the place in case I shouldn't reach his THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 263 house would know that it was necessity that made me make so free with his property, and also that my friends here at home might know that I had reached land once, even if I should get drowned in my second attempt. The best I could do was to take a small piece of smooth board, that I found on the beach, and write a few words on it as well as I could with a coal from the fireplace. I then wrote my name and Rockmount underneath. "Ladies and gentlemen," said Bill, making quite a polite bow, " this is the whole of my story ; and I guess I'm not, much of a 'Robinson Crusoe' after all." 264 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER XXIX. NEW LIGHT. PLANS DIVULGED. BILL BROWN'S simple narrative, which had been listened to with a good deal of interest, added not a little to the evening's entertainment. It was past nine o'clock when he concluded, and the friends were about to partake of refreshments, which had been furnished most bountifully by the "managers," Roland Parks and Charles Hay ward, when Mr. Freeland was informed that a gentleman wished to speak with him at the door. On stepping out, he was much gratified to meet Captain Hoxie, the sea captain who had rendered efficient aid on the occasion of the burning of the steamer in Boston Harbor, and who, at that time, seemed to take such interest in Foolish John. He had seen Mr. Freeland a number of times after their first meeting, and from him learned many of the particulars of John's illness and recovery, as well as the remarkable fact of his restoration to reason ; but his business had made so strong a demand on his time, that the present hour THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 265 was the first he had been able to avail himself of to make arrangements with Mr. Freeland for carrying out a plan he had conceived at the first moment of hearing that John's intellect was restored. Immediately after Captain Hoxie's introduction to the company, he turned to Mr. Freeland and said, " I am aware, sir, of the happy termination of your son's trial, and congratulate both you and him upon the satisfactory result ; but I should not have intruded thus on you and your family at such an hour, had it not been that I expect to sail to-morrow morning on a long voyage, and felt that I must see you with regard to John Fox before I left. I knew nothing, of course, of this assembly of your friends, and I beg you will excuse my apparent breach of politeness. If, however, you can appoint an early hour to-morrow morning for a meeting, I will then make known to you my plans concerning the young man, and arrange the matter with you, even should I be compelled to defer my hour of sailing." " I beg of you, Captain Hoxie," said Mr. Freeland, in reply, " to make no apology for this visit. The nobleness of its purpose would render it acceptable at any time. I can assure you, sir, that you are far from being an intruder. As to this little friendly gathering, it was as unexpected as it is gratifying to me ; and as 23 266 FRED FREELAXD, OR I am fully persuaded that every individual present is a true friend to the young man whose welfare you have so much at heart, I think I shall express the views of the entire company when I say that no more gratifying entertainment could be afforded them this evening than to listen to a statement of your intentions towards him." Mr. Freeland's suggestion met with a very favorable response from all present; and Major Kimball stated to the company, as an inducement for Captain Iloxie to commence, that he also had a plan to accomplish, which might interest some present, and that he would, if agreeable, after the captain had gratified their wishes, make known his own intentions. Thus urged, Captain Hoxie made but little objection ; and, after all had partaken of the generous collation, he communicated to the social group the reason of his deep interest in John Fox, and his present purpose with respect to him, as follows: " Mr. Freeland undoubtedly recollects that at the close of his short biographical sketch of Foolish John, given to the company on board the English steamship recently, my sudden illness attracted general remark, and that I then attributed it to a fit of faintness." "O, yes," replied Mr. Freeland, "I remember the circumstance perfectly well." THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 267 "I must now admit, sir," continued Captain Hoxie, " that it was your narration of facts that thus affected me. When you came to speak of the terrific thunder tempest that had occurred on the evening of Mr. Fox's disappearance, and of the probability that his boat had been run down by some vessel, drowning him, and inflicting serious injury upon his son, it brought to my recollection a circumstance which I had scarcely given a thought to one hour after its occurrence, and solemnly impressed my mind, for the first time, with the full and overwhelming force of all its unhappy consequences. " I was bound to sea, from Boston, rather more than four years since, and on the very evening which you described. I commanded the same ship then, as now ; and we encountered the tempest of which you made mention. It was a fearful hour ; but, as the wind was nearly fair, I thought it safest to get to sea, if possible having been under sail before the tempest came on. I never witnessed a more violent thunder storm ; and when it was at its greatest height, and at a time when all our exertions were required for the safety of the ship, an old sailor suddenly cried out, at the moment of a flash of lightning, that he saw a fishing boat with two persons in it directly Under the ship's bow, and insisted that he heard an awful scream at the same 268 FRED FREELAXD, OR instant. As there were five or six of his shipmates near him at the time, however, none of whom either saw or heard any thing of the kind, and as the old sailor was notorious for his superstition, he was only laughed at for his assertion. We were soon out to sea, and the circumstance was forgotten. "As I listened to your statement concerning the fisherman and his son, Mr. Freeland, conviction forced itself upon my mind that it was my ship which had run their boat down; and John's own account of the accident, since the recovery of his reason, would seem to confirm that opinion. "I felt a deep interest in John from the moment he so nobly rescued our little Jenny here ; and after having heard his history, I was convinced that the hand of Providence had thus guided me to him, that I might in some measure make reparation for that sad accident, the responsibility of which I could not but feel resting upon me, notwithstanding I had no positive knowledge of it at the time, nor no control over the circumstances which caused it. " It was my intention, in the first place, to see what could be done, through medical treatment, for John's intellect. But, thank Heaven, that necessity no longer exists. And now, Mr. Freeland, what I want to bring about is this : I wish you to become our young friend's THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 269 guardian, and my agent. I will then place at your disposal funds sufficient to enable him to go through college, and to maintain his mother comfortably during the period. I am, as you are perhaps already aware, a bachelor. I have no near relatives, and there is no one dependent upon me for support. Although my fortune is far from being large, still I can do this without the slightest inconvenience, and it will be a source of much gratification to me to expend a portion of my income in this manner. And, sir, if you will take charge of this business for me, I shall rest fully satisfied that it will be attended to with promptness and faithfulness." " Most cheerfully do I accept this trust, Captain Hoxie," replied Mr. Freeland, without any hesitation. " And I shall endeavor so to manage the business that your praiseworthy object may in no wise suffer through any negligence of mine." " Thank you, sir," said the captain. " If agreeable, I will be at your counting room to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock, to make all final arrangements." " I shall be wholly at your service at that hour, my friend," was Mr. Freeland's reply. "A most noble and generous offer, and promptly responded to," said Major Kimball, as he grasped a hand of each of the two gentlemen. " Who dares say 23* 270 FKED FREELAXD, OR there is no good in this fair world of ours ? If any one has such an idea, it's all imagination." " True, true," responded Squire Hay ward, who, with his family, helped make up the social gathering; "there is a large sphere for doing good upon this earth, and no lack of opportunity, if we would but realize the one and embrace the other. I trust we may all profit by the example set us this evening." " Now, Major Kimball, we are prepared to listen to the promised statement of your project," said Captain Hoxie, anxious to divert attention from himself. " O, yes," chimed in several voices at once ; " we are all curious to hear what it is." , " Very well," responded the major. " I will not keep the company waiting ; and as all the parties interested are present, perhaps the business can be settled at once, and on the spot. It has been my intention, for some time past, to engage a smart housekeeper for my own house, as my good wife begins to need a little help. I am satisfied, from inquiry, that Mrs. Brown, here, is just the person that she wants. And as for myself, I have made up my mind to have Bill to assist me about my little farm and garden. He shall have a good opportunity to attend school for a year or two, and then, if he feels inclined, he can learn a trade. What think you, friends, of the proposition?" THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 271 "A most excellent opportunity," said one. "Just the best thing they can do," added another. "It will be the making of Bill," joined in a third. "And what says Mrs. Brown herself?" inquired Mr. Freeland, with an approving smile. "I shall be most happy to accept the offer," she replied, " if the gentleman himself and other friends present think I can fill the situation satisfactorily." "And I shall be glad enough," said Bill, without waiting to be questioned, " to see mother have a good comfortable home, and be able myself to earn an honest living." "Very well," said Major Kimball. "Then we will consider the matter as all settled. You can inform me by letter, Mrs. Brown, when you are prepared to start, and I will then see that you have the best mode of conveyance." 272 FRED FBEELAND, OR CHAPTER XXX. THE EIGHT FEELIXG. MAJOE KIMBALI/S ADVICE. THE company seemed to be highly gratified at the unexpected provision in prospect for the two widows and their sons, and the " surprise party," as Jenny had named it in the earlier part of the evening, had proved an occasion for developing one of the first and greatest duties of humanity " Help one another" "Truly, this is a social gathering of no ordinary interest," remarked Mr. Freeland, as he observed the pleasurable satisfaction that glowed upon each and every countenance in the room. " It is indeed," said Squire Hay ward ; " and I trust its happy influence upon the many will be as lasting as its more immediate benefit must be grateful to the few." " Halloo, there, you little lump of good nature ! I say, Roland ! Laughing Rol ! come up here, and give an account of yourself! Is it true that we are indebted to you for bringing together this happy company?" THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 273 Thus called Major Kimball to that frolicsome youth, who, leaving a group of youngsters that he was making merry at the other end of the parlor, with sham gravity marched leisurely up to the major, as if in expectation of a sharp reprimand, and said, " I cannot deny, sir, that I assisted in getting up this 'demonstration;' but please forgive us. "We thought that our friend Fred, here, might be glad to see his old schoolfellows, after so long a separation, and that we would carry out the principle of ' the more the merrier ' by coming in a crowd. Besides, sir, we understood that you were spending the evening here; and as you surprised us Eockmount boys on a former occasion, and gave us some good advice, we thought it might be gratifying to you to have an opportunity of judging how far we have profited by your counsel." "And I am gratified, you little rogue," replied the major. " I feel much obliged to you for this evening's enjoyment never spent a happier hour if any body says I did, why, it's all imagination." "I am right glad you have been pleased," rejoined Roland. " Have you had any occasion for a fight, boys, since we met before?" inquired Major Kimball. " No, sir," promptly replied Charles Hayward ; and I am sorry to have to acknowledge that I was the K 274 FKED FREELAXD, OB leader in that disgraceful affair which you witnessed. But the noble conduct of Fred, the good nature of Laughing Rol, the wholesome advice of yourself, sir, and the change in Bill, for the better, directly after, not only made me thoroughly ashamed of the part I took on that occasion, but have, I trust, made an impression on my mind that I shall not soon forget. And I now frankly ask Bill's pardon for the way I treated him at that tune." " 0, no, Charley do not ask my pardon," said Bill. "I ought to ask yours, and all the rest of the boys', for things I done a great many times afore that I thought you was all agin me then ; but, thanks to Fred and Jenny, I don't think so now. It was the kindness of Fred that day on the Green that first made me think I could be somethin' besides ' Fightin' Bill ; ' and it was Jenny that first told me that my worst enemy was my own wicked thoughts. I know we could git along now, boys, without fightin' ; but as I'm goin' away agin right off, I can't prove to you what I say; and that's the only thing that makes me feel sorry about goin'." "Never mind, Bill," said Fred, soothingly. "I am certain that all are friendly to you now, and that they believe what you say is it not so, boys?" "Yes yes," answered a dozen voices at once. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 275 " Come, < Little Stubby,' " said Roland Parks, as he seized John Steele by the arm, and led him up to Bill Brown, " I believe you have a standing threat against Bill. Now, I want to hear what you have got to say about it." " Well," replied John, as he was thus brought face to face with his inveterate foe, " what I have got to say is this : I threatened, three or four months ago, to flog Bill as soon as I got to be big enough. But I guess I'm not quite able to do that yet. I think, though, I'm big enough to be your friend, Bill and here's my hand, to seal the bargain." "And a better friend I wouldn't ask for than I'm sure to find in you, ^Johnny," responded Bill, as he cordially grasped the hand proffered for the first time in friendship. " Hurrah ! " shouted Roland, in a suppressed tone. " Bill, you are out of danger now, for ' Little Stubby ' isn't going to flog you! Hurrah!" "My little fellow," said Major Kimball, stepping forward, and taking John Steele by the hand, "the words you have just spoken do you much credit heart is in the right place will be much happier now than when you felt like 'flogging Bill this idea of enmity between boys is all imagination." "I believe I do feel happier at this moment than 276 FRED FREELAXD, OR I ever did before," said John. "I am glad to be on good terms with Bill, for I always rather liked him, although we did quarrel pretty often, because he is so brave." At this moment Jenny approached Bill Brown, and placed in his hand the same little book which she had given him on a former occasion, simply remarking, as she did so, "Here, "William, this is your property. I suppose you will take charge of it now, if you are going to live with Major Kimball." " O, yes ; and I thank you, Jenny, for keepin' it so safe. It's worth its weight in gold to me ; " and Bill opened the book at its beginning. The blank leaf on which he had written at sea had been neatly removed ; and the telltale smile on Jenny's face, as she turned and walked away, indicated plainly enough the little fingers that had been engaged in the work. However, judging by the happy expression of Bill's countenance, the book was no less valuable to him on account of the absence of that leaf. Perhaps she had taken it as a keepsake. The evening was far advanced, and there seemed to be a general movement as if for departure. The noble-hearted sailor, Captain Hoxie, had been highly pleased with the frank, sound, and generous Major THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 277 Kimball ; and as he took the worthy old gentleman affectionately by the hand, to bid him good night, he said, "My venerable friend, I am about to sail on a long voyage; and as I may never have the pleasure of meeting you again, I trust you will excuse a sailor's bluntness in me, if I ask by what means you have retained so perfect a state of health, and such quietude of mind, till your advanced age. It is no idle curiosity, my dear sir, that prompts me to ask this information, but a sincere wish to profit by your judgment and experience." "O, there is no great secret about it," replied the major, without the slightest hesitation. "In the first place, we must be temperate in all things : without this, there can be no perfect state of health. Next, if we expect happiness, we .must endeavor to do our whole duty, relying upon the unchangeable justness of God for results. We should look for good in every thing, though there may be apparently much evil. We must be thankful for the many blessings we receive, and share them ungrudgingly with our less fortunate fellow-creatures. We should strive to be content, and cheerfulness will follow. There is, to my mind, a most excellent sermon contained in the following lines by Thomas Hood: 24 278 FRED FREELAXD, OR 'I like my friends, my children, wife , The home they make so blessed a spot; I like my fortune calling life In every thing I like my lot; And feeling thus, my heart's imbued With never-ceasing gratitude.' In a word, we must never say, never think, 'I have accomplished enough for one lifetime, and now I will prepare for death,' but continue to perform acts of duty and usefulness as if we expected to exist here forever, and at the same time live as if we knew we were to die to-morrow." "Wholesome counsel, truly," said Captain Hoxie. " I feel exceedingly grateful for it, and shall strive to profit thereby." " Now, boys," said the major, as he turned to the younger portion of the company, " I wish to say a few words to you before we separate. In a few years you will fill the places now occupied by your fathers ; and some of you, not unlikely, may be called upon to assist in the administration of the affairs of your state or the nation. But, wherever your lots may be cast, I hope you will never lose sight of the noble example set by Fred Freeland, that kindness is the true means for conquering an enemy, nor forget the good results traceable to his conduct on Rockmount Green. THE CHAIN OF CIRCJJMSTANCES. ' 279 " Adhere strictly to the truth ; be kind, firm, and just, and you will overcome all obstacles. As you wish for a contented and happy life, be more willing to give than to receive. Keep a clear conscience. Swerve not in your known path of duty, but as apparent evils rise up before you, with threatening aspect, meet them unflinchingly, while you peer through and beyond them for the positive good that is sure to follow for a wise and beneficent Providence overrules all." 280 FRED FREELAND, OR CHAPTER XXXI. CONCLUSION. A FEW additional words seem necessary before the characters, incidents, and sentiments of this little book are left to the judgment of the reader. The provision made for the education of John Fox, and the support of his mother, by Captain Hoxie, was sufficiently ample to do much credit to that gentleman's generosity; and his praiseworthy designs were carried out in a most faithful and judicious manner by Mr. Freeland, who was happy in having this opportunity to benefit one, whom, under Heaven, he felt indebted to for his daughter's life. Words could scarcely portray the mingled surprise and happiness of both John and his mother when the intelligence of their good fortune was communicated to them by Mr. Freeland. The early, but long-since abandoned, hopes of mother and son were about to be realized, and a deep sense of gratitude filled their hearts. THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 281 "With John's returning health and reason came again all his early school-boy acquirements, and with as much clearness and freshness as though the repose of a single night only had intervened. The school committee, in connection with the principal of the Rockmount High School, at the request of Mr. Freeland, made a private examination into John's qualifications, at which he was pronounced to be well prepared to enter an academy. Accordingly, at the expiration of ten days from the time of his first going out, after having recovered from his late illness, he made application and was admitted to one of the most noted institutions of the kind in New England. He remained at this academy for the space of one year, and then entered college. About the time that John Fox left his native village for the academy, Mrs. Brown removed to Portreef, and assumed the duties of her new situation. Her son had preceded her some ten days, in company with Major Kimball, who returned home on the day immediately following that of Fred Freeland's trial. On their way, the major and Bill stopped at Hooksink, as the latter wished very much to see his old shipmates of the Sea Gull, not only on account of friendship, but for the purpose of returning the twenty-five dollars that had been so generously presented by them to his mother. Bill thought it would not be right to retain the money, 24* 282 FRED FREELAXD, OB as it had been given under the full belief that he was drowned. He also desired to inform Captain Bruce. of the safety of his boat, and ascertain in what manner he should forward it to him. The honest fishermen were truly rejoiced to meet their young shipmate again. They were almost as much astonished as if one had risen from the grave, for the very slight hope entertained by them at the time of the accident had wholly died away, and they had not the slightest idea that Bill was living. When he came to speak of returning the money, they all, to a man, positively declined its acceptance. He was richly entitled to it, they said, for his manly conduct on the night he was lost overboard. So Bill continued on his journey more fully impressed than ever with the truth, that one has only to turn his attention to himself, conquer his own wicked thoughts, and strive to perform his duty, in order to find himself surrounded by warm friends, and to be capable of appreciating the numerous blessings scattered throughout life's domain by the all-bountiful Creator. Major Kimball was very much gratified at hearing Bill express his honorable views concerning the money, and consequently looked upon him with growing favor, saying to himself more than once, as the cars sped on towards Portreef, " If any body thinks that Bill Brown THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 283 won't make a decidedly smart and honest man, it's all imagination." As days, weeks, and months passed rapidly away, our good Rockmount friends, whom we have seen of late taking no little interest in the welfare of Bill Brown and John Fox, often spoke of these absentees in words of sincere friendship ; but the consideration that the arrangements had been made with a view to the individual benefit of the absent parties themselves, counterbalanced the loss of their society, and prevented any feeling of dissatisfaction or regret. It is to be hoped that none of our readers, more especially among the younger portion of them, have entertained the idea that this imperfect little "chain" is to be completed by linking together in the. bonds of matrimony, after the fashion of novel writers, some of the characters with whom they have been made acquainted. If any such event has been anticipated, disappointment must inevitably follow; for our chief characters being scarcely more than children, and the seasons having made but a few revolutions since the principal incidents of the story transpired, it would be " hurrying up matters " a little too much, we think, to require such a disposal to be made, at present, of any of our young friends. But there is no saying what 284 FRED FREELAND, OR changes time may bring about; for Major Kimball, smart and cheerful as ever, still continues to assert that his granddaughter will "make a nice little wife for somebody one of these days ; " and Fred Freeland, who has recently returned from a short visit to his friends at Portreef, is playfully accused by Jenny of having in his possession a daguerreotype likeness of a very pretty little girl. Fred, however, laughs and blushes, while he insists that "it's all imagination." "VYe would just intimate to our friend Fred, in this connection, that, if he has the remotest idea of " setting up a claim" to the original, he must keep a bright lookout; for Bill Brown who has improved vastly in goodness of heart, education, and personal appearance is deservedly much of a favorite with the worthy old major and his family, not excepting the "nice little wife for somebody" herself. But the friendship of the two boys, we have not the slightest doubt, is too sincere to admit of ever being disturbed by any foolish strife between them for the honor of being considered the " somebody " humorously referred to by Major KimbalL We must not neglect to say, in this place, that Mrs. Brown proves to be an excellent housekeeper, and that the arrangement has been one of mutual satisfaction. Indeed, so indispensable do her services and those of THE CHAIN OP CIRCUMSTANCES. 285 Bill now appear to be to the major and his wife, that it has become a wonderment with them how they ever managed to get along without them. Fred Freeland left the Rockmount High School at the expiration of one year from the time of his trial, having become a thorough scholar in the principal branches of education there taught; and being left perfectly free to choose between a professional and a mercantile life, he showed his preference for the latter by going. into his father's counting room, where, with his natural tact for business, and his strict ideas of honor and integrity, he will undoubtedly strive on and upward until he reaches a high position among Boston's honored merchants. Jenny remains at school, and is at the head of her class. She continues to be a great favorite with both teacher and scholars. At home there is no diminution in the interchange of that sincere and pure affection between herself and brother which characterized them at an earlier date that mutual charm of preservation from the many temptations which beset the paths of those youth, of either sex, who thoughtlessly sever this guardian bond, and ever seek after companions and amusements away from home. Fred, as may readily be supposed, is completely cured of that meddlesome propensity which at one time caused much anxiety to 286 FEED FREELAXD, OR his father, as well as trouble to himself; and Jenny has not been known to indulge in 'one of her paroxysms of passion since the day of Fred's trial. Hence the residence of the Freelands well deserves to be styled a happy home. The remainder of our young Rockmount friends, one and all, seem to have well remembered the example furnished them by Fred; for nought but good feeling and pleasant words now pervade their gatherings, and such a thing as a quarrel between any of them is considered next to impossible. Even "Little Stubby" could now scarcely be made to fight unless, indeed, it were in defence of the character of Bill Brown, his former greatest enemy. Captain Hoxie is yet absent in foreign parts; but he keeps up a correspondence with Mr. Freeland, and expresses much gratification at the favorable report he receives from that gentleman of the rapid proficiency that John Fox is making in his studies. One other character claims a moment's attention. Peter Gammon continues in the employ of Messrs. Cutt, Slash, & Co., and is considered by them one of the most trustworthy and competent salesmen in their establishment. He has more than once expressed his deep sense of gratitude to Fred Freeland for his truly generous intercession in his behalf at the close of the THE CHAIN OF CIRCUMSTANCES. 287 trial. To the forgiving spirit of that kind-hearted boy he has ever attributed the willingness of the firm to retain him in his situation after the confession of his dishonest act an act that had threatened, at one time, to blast the bright and spotless reputation of Fred, who, notwithstanding, took advantage of an immediate opportunity to fulfil that priceless precept of the New Testament Return good for evil. If the reader who happens to be familiar with Boston and its suburbs should recognize neither the name nor locality of " Rockmount," he will do well to bear in mind that the names of places, like all else terrestrial, are subject to change ; or, if the conception suit him better, that in this great and growing country of ours whole villages and cities spring into existence almost in a single day especially on paper. If any thing further be desirable on this point, we beg leave to refer the inquirer to our respected old friend Major Kimball, who will undoubtedly settle the question, in his usual summary manner, by asserting that "it's all imagination." In taking leave of our young readers we think we can do no better than to repeat a few words from the advice of the above-named old gentleman to the boys 288 FRED FHEELAND. assembled at Mr. Freeland's on the occasion of the surprise party : " Adhere strictly to the truth ; be kind, Jirm, and just, and you will overcome all obstacles." Yes ; and you will thus establish for ypurselves a reputation ; not merely a superficial garb, that may be laid on and off to suit occasions, but a pure, sound, abiding character, such as will sustain you at all times, and under all circumstances whether in the noonday gaze of your fellow-beings, or in silent communion with your own thoughts and with your God. 25887 : S item issubiec.,0 recall. Date Due