TOP HORATIO "I LIBRARY 1 UNIVERSITY OP J VCAUFORNIA/ HORATIO ALGER'S SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OB, GILBERT GREYSOFS FORTUNES. BY HORATIO ALGER, JE., AUTHOR OF "BAGBD DICK," "TATTERED TOM," "LUCK AND "BRAVB AND BOLD" SERIES. THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO., PHILADELPHIA, CHICAGO, TORONTO. FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS. RAGGED DICK SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 6 vols. 12mo. Cloth. RAGGED DICK. ROUGH AND READY. FAME AND FORTUNE. BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY. MARK THE MATCH BOY. RUFUS AND ROSE. TATTERED TOM SERIES. Cloth. FIRST SERIES. TATTERED TOM. PAUL THE PEDDLER. TATTERED TOM SERIES. 4 vols. JULIUS. THE YOUNG OUTLAW. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12ma .PHIL THE FIDDLER. SLOW AND SURE. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES. SAM'S CHANCE. THE TELEGRAPH BOY. CAMPAIGN SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. FRANK'S CAMPAIGN. CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE. PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE. LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. Cloth. FIRST SERIES. LUCK AND PLUCK. SINK OR SWIM. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. STRONG AND STEADY. STRIVE AND SUCCEED. LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES. TRY AND TRUST. RISEN FROM THE RANKS. BOUND TO RISE. HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY. BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES. Cloth. BRAVE AND BOLD. JACK'S WARD. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12no. SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF. WAIT AND HOPE. PACIFIC SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. THE YOUNG ADVENTURER. THE YOUNG EXPLORERS. BEN'S NUGGET. THE YOUNG MINER. ATLANTIC SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. THE YOUNG CIRCUS RIDER. HECTOR'S INHERITANCE. Do AND DARE. HELPING HIMSELF. WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. BOB BURTON. LUKE WALTON. THE STORE BOY. STRUGGLING UPWARD. NEW WORLD SERIES. By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth. DIGGING FOR GOLD. FACING THE WORLD. IN A NEW WORLD, Other Volumes in Preparation. COPYRIGHT BY A. K. LOSING, 1876. PZ-7 TO JOSEPH T. PRESTON, OF NEW YORK, WHO HONORABLY REPRESENTS THE "ART PRESERVATIVE OP ALL ARTS," WITHOUT WHOSE AID AUTHORS WOULD WRITE TO LITTLE PURPOSE, i0 Volume is gtbitaiefc WITH FRIENDLY REGARD. 240 PREFACE. "SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF" records the ex- periences of a boy who, in the course of a preparation for college, suddenly finds him- self reduced to poverty. He is obliged to leave his books, and give up his cherished plans. How cheerfully Gilbert Greyson ac- cepted the situation, and settled down to reg- ular work, what obstacles he encountered and overcame, and what degree of success he met with in the end, the reader of this story will learn. Though it must be admitted that Gilbert was more fortunate than the majority of boys in his position, it is claimed that he displayed qualities which may wisely be im- itated by all boys who are called upon to VI PREFACE. shift for themselves. In the last three years many thousand American boys have been compelled, like Gilbert, to give up their cherished hopes, and exchange school-life for narrow means and hard work. Nothing is more uncertain than riches; and such cases are liable to occur at all times. I shall be glad if the story of Gilbert Greyson and his fortunes gives heart or hope to any of my young readers who are similarly placed. The loss of wealth often develops a manly self-reliance, and in such cases it may prove a blessing in disguise. NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 1876. SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; om, GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES, CHAPTER L TWO SCHOOL-FELLOWS. DR. BURTON'S boarding-school was in a ferment of hope and expectation. To-morrow was the end of the term, and vacation, so dear to the heart of every school-boy, was close at hand. The school was not a large one. There were twenty-four boarding pupils, and an equal number of day-scholars from the village of Westville, in which the school had been established twenty years before. It was favorably situated, being only forty miles from New York. Half the boarding-scholars were from the city, and half from more distant places. 10 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OB, Generally two or three pupils were sent to college each year, and, as the principal was a thorough scholar, maintained a creditable, often a high rank. The school-session was over, and the boys separated into little knots. The day-scholars mostly went home ; carrying their books under their arms. Among the little knots we must direct particular attention to two boys, one a boarding-scholar, the other a day-scholar. The first was Gilbert Greyson, a handsome, spirited boy of sixteen; the other, John Munford, of about the same age, and much more plainly dressed. John was the son of a carpenter, of limited means, and had already begun to learn his father's business. But the father was sensible of the advantages of education, and had permitted his son to spend six months of each year at school, on condition that he would work the balance of the time. This arrangement seemed fair to John, and he took care, whether he studied or worked, to do both in earnest. "How do you feel about vacation, John?" asked Gilbert GILBERT QRBYSON'S FORTUNES. 11 " I was in no hurry to have it oome, Gilbert It in likely to be a very long vacation to me." "How so?" "I have got through my school-life." "What! Are you not coming back next term? 1 ' asked Gilbert, with evident disappointment, for John was his most intimate friend. "Neither next term, nor any other term, Gilbert I am sorry to say." " Have you finished your education, then ? " " So fer as school goes." "I am sorry for that. I shall miss you more than any one else." " We shall still meet, I hope. I shall be at work ; but there will be times in the evening when we can see each other." "No doubt; but that won't be like sitting at the same desk, and studying together. You had bettei let me ask your father to send you one more year. John shook his head. "No, Gilbert, it ought not to be. My father is poor you know, and it has been a sacrifice to him 12 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; 0*, to spare me half the year thus far. Now I must go to work in earnest, and perfect myself in my trade, that I may relieve him of all expense on my account." " I suppose you are right, John ; but I shall misf you none the less. Somehow I never could be reconciled to your becoming a carpenter. You are not cut out for it." " Don't you think I will make a good one ? " asked John, smiling. " I am sure you will ; but that isn't the question. Do you think you are better fitted for that than for anything else?" "No, I don't." " Do you prefer that trade to any other business? " "No; but I can't choose for myself. I should rather be a teacher, or a lawyer ; but there is small chance for either. For either I should be obliged to study years, and I can't afford to do that. A car- penter I am to be, and I will try to make a good one. Now, your case is different. You are going to school next year, I suppose?" GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 18 "Yes, I suppose so. That is as my guardian determines, and no letter has been received from him yet. I believe Dr. Burton is expecting one to-day or to-morrow. " "You won't spend the summer here, I suppose, Gilbert?" 11 1 am hoping to make a little tour, as I did last year." " You went to the White Mountains then." " Yes, and had a jolly good time." " Where will you go this year ? " " I want to go to Niagara, stopping on the way at Saratoga. I have estimated that I can do it for a hundred dollars, the same that my last summer's trip cost me." "It must be splendid to travel," said John, enthu- siastically. " I mean to see something of the world some day, though I suspect that I shall be a pretty old boy before I am able to. I have no guardian to send me money. I must earn my money before I spend it." " I never earned a dollar in my life," said Gilbert 14 BBIFTING FOR HIMSELF / OR, "I wonder haw it would seem if I had to support myself, and make my own way in the world." " It would seem hard at first. It comes natural to me ; but then I have been differently brought up from you." " I rather envy yim, John," said Gilbert, thought fully. " You are BO much more self-reliant, so much better able to take care of yourself." " It's the difference in the training, Gilbert. I've no doubt it's in you; but circumstances have never brought it out You expect to go to Yale College a year hence, don't you?" " I expect to ; at least that has been Dr. Burton's plan ; but my guardian has never expressed his opinion. He has simply given his consent to my pursuing the course preparatory to entrance. I presume I shall go, however." "What sort of a man is your guardian?" "I have never seen much of him. He lives in the city, you know; but he never seemed to care to have me in his home much. He is a merchant, and appears to be wealthy. At any rate, he lives in a GILBERT GRPVBOlf'S FORTUNES. 15 fine house up-town, and keeps up a good ityle of living.'' " Who appointed him your guardian ? " " I don't know. I suppose my father." " Is your father living ? " "I don't know." " Don't know ! " exclaimed John, opening his eyes. "It seems strange to you; but I cannot give any explanation. My guardian tells me I shall know some time; meanwhile I am to ask no questions. 7 ' " Did that satisfy you ? " "No; but when I pressed my question I was silenced. I was told that I must be satisfied with being so well provided for, without trying to pene- trate into matters that did not concern me." " I should think it did concern you." " So I do think ; but there is no use in thinlring about it. It would only perplex me to no purpose." " I can't put myself in your place at all. To me it seems so natural to have a father and mother, and lister. How lonely you must feel ! " "I have never been used to them. And that 16 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OH, makes a difference. Sometimes, to be sure, I begin to think over the matter and wish that I had ties like other boys; but it doesn't last long. But here we are at your home." " Come in a minute, Gilbert." "I don't know if I ought. I shall be late to supper, and the doctor wouldn't like that." " Take supper with us." " Yes, take supper with us," echoed John's mother, a pleasant, motherly-looking woman, who heard her ion's words of invitation as he opened the door. Gilbert hesitated. The little table spread for tea looked so much more comfortable and home-like than the long table at the doctor's, that he was strongly tempted. "We may not have as nice a supper as the doctor," continued Mrs. Munford, "but you may not mind that for once." "You give the doctor's table too much credit," said Gilbert, smiling. " He doesn't mean to pamper any of us, or make us gluttons. I would a great deal rather take supper here." GILBERT ORE T SON'S FORTUNES. 17 "Then stay, Gilbert." " I will," said Gilbert, in a tone of quick decision. " If the doctor scolds, why let him." " He won't feel anxious about your not being back, will he?" asked Mrs. Munford. "No; he knows I can take pretty good care of myself. Besides, it will be a saving to him, all the more because I haye a very good appetite." All laughed, for Dr. Burton, though on the whole a very worthy man, had the reputation of being what New Englanders call close. It was thought that he was more economical than he needed to be. At any rate he had made his school profitable, and was assessed for a very considerable sum in the list of village property-holders. "How do you do, Mary?" said Gilbert, offering his nand to a girl of ten, John's sister, who just then entered the room. " Pretty well," said Mary, shyly. " Don't blush so, Mary," said John, teasing her as brothers are apt to do. " I wasn't blushing," said Mary, indignantly. 18 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; O* f " Just because Gilbert spoke to you." " Tou are too bad, John," said his mother. " How soon will supper be ready, mother? " asked John. "In half an hour. Why; are you yery im- patient?" " No ; but I thought there might be time for Gil- bert and me to have a catch in the yard." " I'll tell you of a better way of filling up your time." "What is that?" " I am almost out of wood. Can't you saw me up a little?" " I am afraid it will be dull to Gilbert to look on," said John. "I don't propose to look on. Tou shall saw, and I will split" " I don't like to set a visitor to work," said Mrs. Munford. "I didn't expect you to work for your supper." " I shall enjoy it all the more. Gome along, John. GILBERT GREYsoir's FORTUNES. 19 You'll see what execution I will make with jour wood-pile." As the two boys passed out into the woodshed, Mrs. Munford said, " I like Gilbert Though he is rich, he doesn't put on any airs, but makes himself at home even among such plain people as we are" 8HIFTLNG FOR HIMSELF ; OJI, CHAPTER DL THB GUARDIAN'S LETTER. WHEN supper was over, the boys took a walk, bringing round by the large square house occupied by Dr. Burton for his boarding-school. They had got within a few rods when John observed one of the younger boys running towards them. " There's little Evans," he said. " He looks as if he had a message for you, Gilbert" " From the doctor, I suppose. I'm in for a scold- ing, probably." By this time Evans had reached them. "You're wanted, Greyson," he said. "Why Weren't you home to supper? " "Is the doctor mad?" "I don't know. He seems anxious to see you." "All right. Then I'll go in. I must bid you GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 21 good-night, John. Business before pleasure, yon know, or rather business after pleasure." " I hope the business won't be serious." " I hope not. Good-night." "Good-night, Gilbert." There was a small room about twelve feet square) which was known as Dr. Burton's study. There waa a desk beside the window, and book-shelves occupying the sides of the room. Hither it was that refractory or disobedient pupils were summoned, to receive admonition from the principal. In his early experi- ence as teacher he had employed a sterner sort of discipline, but later he had substituted words for blows very wisely, as I think. Gilbert went at once to the doctor's study. Dr. Burton was a tall, spare man, with strongly marked features, and on the whole rather a stern face, He looked toward the door as Gilbert opened it " Good-evening, sir," said Gilbert 11 You were absent from supper without notice or permission, Greyson," the doctor began, "Yes, sir." 22 SHIFTING rox HIMSELF; o*, "Where were you?" "I walked home with John Munford, and invited to take supper there." " I should have had no objection, if you had asked me. John Munford is one of my most reliable pupils, both in study and deportment" Gilbert was pleased at this commendation of his friend. "I hope you will excuse me for absence without permission," he said, apologizing with a good grace. "You are excused, Greyson." Supposing that the interview waa over, Gilbert bowed, and was about to leave the room, but was stopped by the doctor. " Stay," he said; "I have something more to say to you." "What else have I done?" thought Gilbert, in surprise. " Sit down," said the teacher. Gilbert seated himself. " How long have you been here, Greyson? " " Six years, sir." GILBERT GJUtYSOir'8 FORTUNES. 28 " In a year more yon would be ready for college," Baid the doctor, musing. "Whydoes he say 'would'? Why not 'will'?" thought Greyson. " Am I to go to college ? " asked Gilbert. "I thought it probable; but I have just learned that your guardian has other views for you." "Have you a letter from my guardian?" asked Gilbert, eagerly. "Yes; it only reached me this afternoon. Would you like to read it? " " Very much, sir." "Here it is," said Dr. Burton, opening his desk, and drawing therefrom a letter enclosed in a buff envelope. Gilbert quickly reached out for it. This was the material portion of the letter, which Gilbert read with hurried interest : " Circumstances will not permit my ward remain- ing with you another year. I may say plainly that, should he do so, I should be compelled to defray the 24 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OX, expense out of my own pocket, and consideration for my own family will not justify me in doing that. I have never, as you know, promised positively that he should go to college. It was barely possible that funds would be forthcoming which would admit of such a course ; but it is now quite certain that there is no chance of it . " He has already, as I should judge from your letters, considerably more than an average education, more, indeed, than I had when I began my career, and he ought to be satisfied with that. He has led an easy life hitherto. Now it is time that he did something for himself Upon receipt of this letter, will you, as soon as may be, send him to me in New York? I will then confer with him as to his future plans." This letter was signed Richard Briggs. Gilbert read it with a mixture of feelings. He was making an unpleasant discovery. Though he knew little about his own affairs, he had always cherished the idea that he had considerable property, OILESRT OBXYSOir'8 POXTUNES. 25 and that his path in life would be smoothed as only money can smooth it He was not especially fond of money, nor did he ever presume on its supposed pos- session, but it was certainly comfortable to think that he was not poor. Now it appeared that he had been all his life under a mistake. He was not a favored child of fortune after all, but a poor boy, as poor, very likely, as his friend John Munford, from whom he had just parted. No wonder he looked with some bewilderment in the doctor's face when he had completed reading the letter. The doctor, though a stern man, felt for the boy's disappointment He, too, had been under the impres- sion that Gilbert was at least comfortably provided for. " Well, Greyson," he said, " I suppose this letter surprises you." " Yes, sir, it does," answered Gilbert, slowly. " I always supposed that I had money to depend upon." " I don't like to reflect upon your guardian, but it seems to me he ought to have apprised you before- hand of what you had to expect" 26 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJI, "I wish he had." "Do you feel very much disappointed?" asked the doctor, eying his pupil with interest " Considerably, sir. It is hard to fancy myself a poor boy, with my own way to make in the world." "It might have been worse. You have, as your guardian suggests, more than an average education." " Thanks to you, sir." "And to your own application," added the doctor, gratified by this tribute. " I am glad you think so, sir. I hope it will help me 4 ^ life." " Undoubtedly it will. Besides, you will have the influence of your guardian to assist you. He will probably procure you a good place in some counting- room." "I wish he had told me something about myself ; where the money came from which had paid my bills hitherto." Gilbert looked inquiringly at the doctor, as if to ask whether he could throw any light upon these points. But he was destined to be disappointed, for GILBERT Q REASON'S FORTUNES. 27 the doctor said, " He has not seen fit to take me into his confidence. I know no more than you do on this subject Perhaps, in your approaching interview with him, he may give you information on the subject" "I will ask him, at all events," said Gilbert "When do you think it best that I should leave, Dr. Burton?" "He wishes you to be sent ' as soon as may be,' " said the doctor, consulting the letter. "I should think you had better go to-morrow, or the next day." ^ "I will go to-morrow," said Gilbert, promptly. " Can you get ready so soon? " " I will pack to-night, sir." " That shall be as you wish. If you would prefer to wait till another day, you can of course do so." "Thank you, sir; but I want to see my guardian as soon as possible. Will you permit me, as the cars start early to-morrow, to go to-night, and bid good- by to JohnMunford?" Under ordinary circumstances Dr. Burton would have declined this application, but he felt that it was 28 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, only natural, and he gave the required permission without hesitation. John Munford was astonished when, on opening the front door, he saw the school-fellow from whom he had so recently parted. "What's the matter, Gilbert?" he asked; "has anything happened ? " "Yes," answered Gilbert "Get your hat and take a walk with me. I'll tell you on the way." GILBERT GRSJSON'8 FORTUNMS. CHAPTER HL RICHARD BRIGGS. GILBERT told his story briefly. " So you Bee," he said in conclusion, " my position is like yours, after all. I am thrown upon my own exertions, and must face the world, without the help of money." "I'm truly sorry," laid John, in a tone of sym- pathy. " Thank you, John ; I knew you would be ; but do you know, I am not sure whether I am so very sorry myself." "But it must be hard for you to give up the hope of wealth." " I needn't give up the hope," said Gilbert, " only if the hope is to be realized I shall have to make it for myself. As far as that goes I am no worse off 80 BHLFTINO FOR HIMSELF} OR, than you ; but there IB one advantage you have over me." "You are a better scholar than I am." "I don't mean that. You have a father and mother and sister to encourage you, while I have no one." "You have a friend, Gilbert; but he can't help you much." "I know that, old fellow. You have been my most intimate friend for the last three years, and I hope and believe that our friendship is going to last. But I can't help feeling alone in the world." "Why don't you ask your guardian about your fether?" "I mean to; but I don't believe he will tell me." " Have you any idea what views he has for you? " "Not the slightest I suppose he will provide me with a place somewhere." " Then you are entirely in the dark as to your prospects?" " Entirely 0," GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 81 " I wish you would write to me, Gilbert, after you *re settled. I shall want to know all about it." " I will certainly write. In feet, you will be my only correspondent. You must write me about yourself, too." " There won't be much to write. My life will be uneventful. But you may like to hear news of the Tillage and the school, that is, after vacation is >ver. I'll write all that I think will interest you." "Thank you. You may be sure I shall want to aear. And now, John, I must bid you good-night, and good-by, for I am to start early in the morning, and have not yet packed my trunk." "Good-night, then. Take care of yourself, Gil- bert." * : The same to you, John." So the two boys parted, but they saw each other once more. As Gilbert was about to get into the cars, John came up hurriedly and gave him a farewell shake of the hand. "He's a capital fellow," thought Gilbert "I 82 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJl, hope he'll have good luck, and that we shall meet again soon." An hour and a half brought our hero to the city. He stepped upon the platform, and getting upon a horse-car rode down-town to his guardian's office. He had a check for his trunk, but did not claim it at once, not feeling certain what would be his destination. In a busy street, not five minutes' walk from Wall Street, was the office of Richard Briggs. Gilbert had no trouble in finding it, for he had been there before. Now, however, he had a new feeling as he entered the handsomely fitted-up room. He was no longer the wealthy ward, but as it appeared the humble dependent of the rich merchant whom he was to meet The change was not an agreeable one, but he had made up his mind that he must face whatever was disagreeable in his position in a manly way. "Is Mr. Briggs in?" he inquired, of a clerk who was writing at a desk. " Yes ; but I don't know if he will see you." " He ient for me." GILBERT GREY SON'S FORTUNES. 33 11 Oh, did he ? Well, he's in there." The clerk pointed to an inner room, partitioned off from the main office. Gilbert approached it, and as the door was par- tially open entered, and, removing his hat, said, " Good-morning, Mr. Briggs." Mr. Briggs was a short man, inclined to be cor- pulent, with marked features. He turned as he heard Gilbert's salutation. " So you received my letter," he said. " Dr. Burton did." " Yes, I wrote to him. It's all the same." " I thought I had better come up at once, sir." " You did right." "I was rather surprised at what your letter con- tained. Dr. Burton let me read it." "You fancied yourself rich?" said the merchant, coldly. " Yes, sir ; I had always been led to suppose so." " I never told you so." " You did not tell me I was poor, and would have to make my own way." 34 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, " You complain of that, do you ? " demanded Mr. Briggs, frowning. " I wish I had known it before." " It wasn't necessary to tell you. As to that, my judgment is of course superior to yours. You un- derstand, do you, that you must now go to work? " " I am ready, sir." " Have you improved your time while at school ? " " Dr. Burton could tell you better than I as to that." " He would be more reliable, of course. Still you must have some idea. Give me your own impres- sions. If you misrepresent, I shall find you out." " I shall not misrepresent, sir." " Of course not," said Mr. Briggs, ironically. " I suppose you were a model scholar." " No; I was not; but I think I did pretty well." "What do you know?" 11 1 can tell you how far I have been in my studies. I have been so far in Latin and Greek that in another year perhaps less I should be pre- pared for Yale College." 35 " You won't go there. You can't expect me to pay your expenses." "I don't," said Gilbert, promptly. "I was onlj trying to give you an idea of what I knew." " Very well. Are you good in arithmetic? " " Yes, sir." " How far have you been ? " " Through the book." " That is well. How do you write ? " " Shall I give you a specimen of my writing, sir? " "Yes. Here is a pen. Write anything you like. You may copy the first three lines of this newspaper article." Gilbert did so. " That will do very well You don't write rapidly enough, but you will in time. I shall get you place as soon as possible. Where is your trunk ? ' "At the depot" " You can have it sent to my house. You will stay there till I can get you a boarding-place or make some other arrangement for you. Do yon know where I lire?" 36 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OH, "Yes, air." " Give your check to an expressman, and tell him to bring it round. Stay, here is my son. I will put you in his charge." A boy, about Gilbert's age, had just entered the office. He was the counterpart of 'his father, and no one could be likely to mistake the relationship. He glanced at Gilbert, but did not speak. "Randolph, this is Gilbert Greyson," said his fether. "Good-morning," said Randolph, curtly. "Father, I want five dollars." "What for? It seems to me you are always wanting money." " Everybody needs money," said the son, pertly. " I want to go to a matinee this afternoon." " I want you to go with Gilbert; he is going to itop with us a short time." "He's old enough to take care of himself," said Randolph, unpleasantly. " I can get along by myself," said Gilbert, quickly. " I don't want to trouble your son." GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 87 There was no great self-denial in this. It did not seem to our hero that he should particularly enjoy Randolph's companionship. " At any rate you can go with him to the office of Adams' Express. He wants to send for his trunk." " Will you give me the five dollars, then?" " Here it is. Don't come again for a week." "All right. Come along, whatever your This last polite invitation was addressed to oar hero, who answered, shortly, "My name is Gilbert Greyson." "Well, come along. I'm in a hurry." When they had reached the street, Randolph's curiosity led him to say, "I thought you were at school." " So I was ; but your father sent for xne." " He's your guardian, isn't he ? " " So I thought ; but he tells me I have no money, and must work for my living." "Oh, indeed!" said Randolph, superciliously. " That's quite a different matter." 88 SHIFTING won HIMSELF; o*, Gilbert didn't like his tone, bat did not want to quarrel without cause. They walked on without further conversation. Presently Randolph said, "There's the express office. Now you can look after yourselfc" He darted off, and Gilbert entered the office, not orry to be rid of his uncongenial companion. GILBERT GREY SON'S FORTUNES. 89 CHAPTER IV. GILBERT MAKES A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. HAVING arranged about his trunk, Gilbert took one of the University-Place cars at the Astor House, and rode up- town. Mrs. Briggs might not know of his coming, and the trunk might be refused. The house was a four-story brown-stone front, with English basement, differing in no wise from the thou- sands of fashionable mansions to be seen in the upper part of the city. Gilbert rang the bell. "Is Mrs. Briggs at home?" he inquired of the servant, who answered the bell. "I don't know, sir. I'll see. Will you send your name?" Gilbert drew out a neat visiting-card bearing his name. The servant took it, and carried it to her mistress. 40 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; ou, "Take a seat in the parlor, sir," she said, on her return. " Mrs. Briggs will be down directly. 7 ' The large parlor was showily furnished, in the regulation style. There was a chilly splendor about it that carried with it no idea of comfort or home feeling. Gilbert's attention was drawn to a family portrait near the front windows. There were three figures, Mr. Briggs, Randolph, and a lady, who was probably Mrs. Briggs. She had a high fore- head, a thin face, cold blue eyes, and pinched lips. Gilbert privately decided that he should not like the original of that portrait. While he was examining it Mrs. Briggs entered. " Mr. Greyson ? " she asked, in a chilly way. "Yes, madam." " I believe I have not met you before. You are Mr. Briggs' ward or protege*? " "Yes, madam." "I thought you were at a boarding-school some- where in the country." " So I have been, madam ; but the term is at an end, and Mr. Briggs sent for me to come to the city." GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 41 " Indeed ! Have you seen Mr. Brigga this morning?" " Yes, madam. It is by his direction that ] Aave ordered my trunk brought here." The lady arched her eyebrows slightly. " Then you propose to favor us with a visit," she Mid. There was a slight emphasis on the word favor, which Gilbert felt to be a sneer. "I am at Mr. Briggs' disposal," he answered. " He ordered me to come here first. I hope I may not give you any trouble." " Oh, no ; you will excuse my remaining with you I have an engagement I will tell the servants to receive your trunk, and put it in your room. Our lunch will be ready at one o'clock." "Tfhank you," said Gilbert, hastily; "I think I shall not be here at lunch. I want to go about the city." It was eleven o'clock; and he was sure he could not kill the time in that frigid parlor for two hours. 42 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF: OJB, "Very well," said Mrs. Briggs; "then we shall see you at dinner. Our dinner-hour is six." " Thank you, madam." " If you come earlier, you can ask to be shown to your room." Gilbert thanked her again. " Now I must leave you. Good-morning." Mrs. Briggs sailed out of the room, and Gilbert, following her, let himself out into the street. " So that's what they call a city mansion," he said to himself. " I'd ten times rather be in my room at Dr. Burton's. I felt as if I was in danger of stifling in that showy parlor. I hope I am not going to live there." Gilbert had nowhere to go; but the city was a novelty, and he wandered about the streets, looking about him with the keen interest of a country visitor. A short walk brought him to the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He had heard of it often, but never seen the interior. Attracted by curiosity he went in. He took a seat near the door, and idly watched the people who were continually going out and coming GILBERT GRBYSON'S FORTUNES. 48 in. Among the latter he soon, saw a familiar face. Randolph Briggs lounged in, swinging a light cane. " Hallo ! " he said, noticing Gilbert, " you here ! " " So it seems," said Gilbert. " You aint going to stop here, are you ? " " For the present, I am staying at your house." " Oh, yes, I forgot. Been up there? " "Yes." " Did you see mother? " " For a few minutes." " Didn't she invite you to lunch? " "Yes; but I thought I should like to look round the city a little." " What do you expect to do? " "I suppose I must get a place. As I have no property, I must do something to earn my living." "You don't expect to stay at our house, do you?" "I don't expect anything. I feel bound to be guided by your father." " You see it would be awkward to have an office- boy at our table, meeting our friends." 44 SHIFTING FOX HIMSELF; OJI, " I suppose BO," said Gilbert, his lip curling. " It wouldn't be proper." " I suppose you know best" " Probably father will find you some cheap board- ing-house. That will be better for you, you know." "It's a pity you were not my guardian," said Gilbert. "Why?" " Because you seem to understand so well what is best for me." Randolph looked puzzled. Was this penniless boy chaffing him, or was he in earnest? Randolph's vanity led him to think the latter. "Yes, of course I do. I've lived in the city all my life. I ought .to know what's what Do you play billiards?" "No; I never learned." "There's a billiard-room below. I thought we might have a game." " I never played a game in my life." " Then there would be no fun for me. I guess Til go in and get a drink. Are yon thirsty ? " GILBERT QREYSON'S FORTUNES. 45 "No, thank you." " I'm going to the theatre afterwards a mating. I've only got one ticket, but you can buy one at the door." "Thank you; I would rather walk about the streets this afternoon." Randolph lounged into the bar-room, ordered his drink, then lounged out again. He nodded carelessly to Gilbert as he went out " See you by and by," he said. Gilbert bowed. " It doesn't strike me I shall like that boy," he said to himself. "I wonder if his father knows about his drinking." Gilbert amused himself for a little while longer watching those who entered and departed from the great hotel. Then he went out into the street, and proceeded down Broadway. He made slow progress, for there was much to interest a stranger like him- self in the busy life of the street. At length it- occurred to him that he would go to Central Park, of which he had heard a great deal. By this time 46 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJT, he had strayed to Sixth Avenue and Fourteenth Street At the same time with Gilbert a young girl of thirteen entered the car, and, as chance would have it, she and our hero were seated side by side. Presently the conductor made his rounds. First he presented his hand for the young girl's fare. She felt in her pocket, but apparently in vain. Her face flushed, and she looked very much embarrassed. " I think I forgot to bring my money," she mur- mured. " I will get out" " By no means,' 7 said Gilbert, promptly. "Permit me to pay your fare. For two," he said, handing a ten-cent stamp to the conductor. " You are very kind," said the young girl, looking relieved. " I live in Forty-eighth Street, and should not have liked to walk so far. I am sure I can't tell how I happened to forget my money ; I am ever so much obliged to you." "Oh, don't mention it" said Gilbert, privately GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 47 thinking his new acquaintance one of the prettiest girls he had ever met. " Will you give me your name and residence," she asked, " that I may send you the money ? " " With pleasure, on condition that you won't think of repaying such a trifle," said Gilbert. He drew out a card, added his guardian's residence, and passed it to his companion. " At any rate," said the young girl, " you must call, and let mamma thank you for your politeness to me. This is mine." She handed Gilbert a petite card, with the name of "LAURA VIVIAN, " No. West 48th Street** "Thank you," said Gilbert. "I will call with pleasure, but not to receive thanks." After this the two young people continued to con- verse with a freedom upon which they would not have ventured if older and more conventional ; and Gilbert was really sorry when his fair companion arrived at her street and got out M SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OA, CHAPTER V. AT THE DINNEK-TABLK AT five o'clock Gilbert started from the park, where he had sauntered about for several hours, and reached the house of Mr. Briggs half an hour or more before dinner. " Your room is ready," said the servant, who had received her instructions. " Shall I show you the way up?" " If you please. Has my trunk come? " " Yes, sir." " The dinner-hour is six, I believe." " Yes, sir. The bell will ring at that time." Gilbert understood that he was expected to remain in his room till dinner-time. That, however, would have been his choice. He followed the servant to a small hall-bedroom on the third floor, where he found his trunk awaiting GILBERT QREYSON'S FORTUNES. 49 him. He opened it, and, taking out his comb and brush, and a clean collar, made his dinner toilet. A new life had opened before him, and he could not help wondering what it would be like. In the midst of his meditations came the sound of the bell, and he went downstairs. Mr. Briggs was already present " Well," said he, stiffly, " so you found your way here?" "Yes, sir." " Did you see Mrs. Briggs? " " Yes, sir." " And how have you spent the day ? " " I spent the afternoon at Central Park. 7 ' " Was Randolph with you ? " " No, sir. It wasn't necessary ; I found my way without any trouble." Here Mrs. Briggs entered. She nodded slightly to Gilbert, and said, in a chilly way: " Take that seat, Mr. Greyson." 4 50 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OX, Gilbert seated himself, and Randolph, who entered directly afterwards, sat down opposite. " You were not with Gilbert to-day, Randolph," aid his father. " No, sir." "Where were you?" " At the theatre." " Humph ! you go to the theatre too much." "How can you say so, Mr. Briggs?" said the mother, who, though her heart was cold to all beside, fairly idolized her son, and as a consequence foolishly indulged him. " This is the second time he has been this week." " The boy is young, and needs recreation." " It seems to me it is all recreation with him, and no work. When I was a boy, I was lucky if I could go to a place of amusement once in three months." " You hadn't got a rich father," said Randolph. " I am not made of money," muttered Mr. Briggs, " though you seem to think I am." "Really, Mr. Briggs," said his wife, "it is ridic- ulous to expect Randolph to spend as little as you did GILBERT GRSYSON'S FORTUNES. 51 when you were a boy. The circumstances are quite different" Mr. Briggs frowned, but did not answer. " What did you do with yourself? " asked Ran- dolph, turning to Gilbert "I went to Central Park. It is a beautiful place." "I never go there," said Randolph. "You meet only low persons there." " I saw many driving about in handsome carriages. Are they low ? " " Of course not. I meant only low persons walk there." " Randolph is right," said his mother. " Still I think I shall go again," said Gilbert " Oh, it's different with you. You are a poor boy, lint you?" said Randolph, bluntly. Gilbert colored a little. " I only know what your father has told me," said he. " Have you got any property of Gilbert's, father? '* asked Randolph. 52 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OR, " This is not the time to ask such questions," said his father, looking annoyed. " Why not? There is no company no one but ourselves." " Ahem ! " said Mr. Briggs, clearing his throat : " there was a very small property, but it has all been spent on Gilbert's education." "Who left him the property?" asked Randolph, persistently. Gilbert was interested in the answer to this ques- tion, and he looked with eager inquiry at his guar- dian, hoping that he would reveal what he had so long desired to know. " You are very curious," said Mr. Briggs, displeased. " There's no reason why you shouldn't tell me; is there, father?" " No," answered his father, slowly. " The money was left him by his father, who was an old school- mate of mine. He died in the West Indies, and sent me the money in trust for his son, to provide for him as long as it lasted. It was exhausted nearly a year linoe, but I kept Gilbert at school till now at my own GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 53 expense. Now the time has come when he most shift for himself." " Rather hard on you, Gilbert," said Randolph. " I am willing to look out for myself," said Gil- bert, quietly. " My father did all he could for me. I have a good education, thanks partly to you, Mr. Briggs, and I ought to be able to make my way." " Oh, you are welcome," said Mr. Briggs, rather uncomfortably. " You have done more than could have been ex- pected, Mr. Briggs," said his wife. " Why did yon not take the boy from school months ago ? " " I wanted him to have a fair education." " It seems to me he was already sufficiently edu- cated for his sphere in life," said the lady. " I don't believe in educating persons beyond their station." There was something in the lady's remarks which grated harshly upon the ear of our young hero* What right had Mrs. Briggs to assume that his sta- tion was inferior to hers ? The dislike which he had already begun to entertain for her was increased. He found it impossible to like any of the family, but he 54 SHIFTING FOX HIMSELF; OJI, had insight enough to see that in cold selfishneaa Mrs. Briggs exceeded her husband and son. ."It seems to me," said Mr. Briggs, in answer to his wife's last remark, " that a good education is a good thing for any one to possess, be he rich or poor." " You wouldn't advise a boy that was going to be a mechanic to study Latin or Greek, would you ? " " If he liked it" " Then I can't agree with you," retorted the lady, sharply; "I consider it simply time and money thrown away." "Have you studied Latin and Greek, Gilbert?" asked Randolph. "Yes." " Have you gone far in them? " " In a year I should have been ready to enter Yale College." " And after all I suppose you will be a mechanic." " Why should I be ? " demanded Gilbert. " You have no money." " I suppose there are other kinds of business I can learn." GILBERT GREYSON'S FOMTUNSS. 55 " Perhaps so." Apparently tiring of the subject, Randolph turned to his mother. " Has any invitation come for me ? " he asked. " Invitation to what ? " "I hear that Laura Vivian is going to give a party. I didn't know but she might invite me." " The Vivians do not visit us. I should be glad to become acquainted. They move in the very first so- ciety. Do you know Laura ? " "I knew her at dancing-school. I used to dance with her sometimes. She was a great favorite. All the boys wanted her for a partner." "It is hardly likely she will invite you. I wish she would." "What is the name of the young lady?" asked " So the chief clerk told me." " It is clear, then, that it escaped his mind in th hurry of an unexpected departure. Probably he will set the matter right in his first letter. Wait a minute, though. His wife and son probably accom- panied him to the steamer to see him off." " I suppose so." " Very likely he spoke to them about it I advise you to call on them and inquire." Gilbert looked reluctant " It may be as you say," said he ; " but I don't like to speak to Mrs. Briggs on the subject She dislikes me, and so I think does Randolph, though not so much as his mother." " So you have told me ; still I advise you to call, the sooner the better, in my opinion." " Suppose I get no satisfaction ? " " In that case you will know what to look forward to. If you are thrown upon your own resources, you can ky your plans accordingly." 41 1 should like to know the worst, at any rate, 5 ' saH Gilbert, thoughtfully. QILBBMT OBST SON'S FORTUNES. 249 11 Then tile mj adrioe, and call this evening on Mrs. Briggs." " I will," said Gilbert; " but I would rather haye a tooth out' 7 250 SHIFTING fOM OIMSMLW; OJI, CHAPTER XXVD1 AN UNSATISFACTORY CALL. MR. INGALLS was right in his conjecture. On board the steamer Mr. Briggs had thought of his young ward, and was rather annoyed that he had not left directions at the office that he should be paid his regular weekly stipend. " There is one thing which I hare forgotten," he said to his wife. " What is it? " she inquired. " Gilbert has been in the habit of coming to me every week for his board. I ought to have left direc tions at the office with Seymour to pay him in my He forgot that Mrs. Briggs was not aware of this arrangement She was not slow in expressing her dissatisfaction. GILBERT GREY SON'S FORTUNES. 251 " Ton don't mean to lay that that boy lives on you ! " she exclaimed. " I pay his board, if that is what yon mean by living on me." " That is what it amounts to. Why permit this T " " Snrely, yon don't expect that Gilbert will pay all his expenses ont of five dollars a week," said her husband. " Why can't he get along as well as other boys? " " Other boys have no friends able to help them. Gilbert's father was my friend, and I mean to stand by him." " How much do you allow him for board? " " Six dollars a week." " Can't he get boarded cheaper? " "It seems to me that six dollars is very cheap. You remember that I spent a hundred dollars a week for you and Randolph and myself at Saratoga one season. That is about thirty-three dollars apiece." " There is no resemblance in the two cases," said Mrs. Briggs, coldly. "Gilbert Greyson is only a working-boy." 252 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OB, " And I am a working-man." "Don't talk foolishly, Mr. Briggs," said his wife, sharply. " I have not much time to talk foolishly or other- wise. Will you attend to this matter of Gilbert'f board?" "I will attend to it," said Mrs. Briggs. " Then there will be no need of my writing to the office." " No, there will be no occasion to trouble yourself further in the matter." On this assurance Mr. Briggs dismissed Gilbert from his mind, and shortly afterwards bade good-by to his wife and son. " I sometimes think your father is actually soft," said Mrs. Briggs to Randolph, on the way over the ferry. " What claim has that Greyson boy upon him, that he should squander six dollars a week upon him? And that isn't all, I presume. I have no doubt the boy manages to coax extra money out of him almost every week." GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 258 "He won't get it oat of you, mother/' said Ran- dolph. "I should say not," said Mrs. Briggs, yery em- phatically. " I should feel that I was robbing you. If your father impoverishes himself by such ill-timed liberality, you will be the sufferer." " I didn't think of that," said Randolph, soberly. "I don't, of course, wish to be mean or parsi- monious," continued Mrs. Briggs, " but I hold that a man's first duty is to his own family." " Of course it is," said Randolph, who felt confi- dent of it now that he saw the bearing upon his own interests. " Will you give Gilbert the six dollars a week?" he inquired. "Not unless he asks for it," said Mrs. Briggs. "If he doesn't need it there will be no occasion to offer it." "If he don't ask for it, will you give it to me? J asked Randolph. "You have an allowance of five dollars a week now. It seems to me that ought to be sufficient" 254 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OR " I can't save anything from it If you give me the six dollars beside, Til put some in the saving! bank." " I will wait and see whether the boy calls for it" "I hope he won't." "He probably will. He'll take all he can get That is his nature." Mrs. Briggs quite misread Gilbert, as my readers will probably judge ; but she was too prejudiced to judge him fairly. Randolph was not as mean as his mother. He had a little of his father's nature, though he was more like his mother. The thought that it would impair his future inheritance did not much affect him 3 but the prospect of having his allowance so largely increased took away all consideration for Gilbert. He cared yery little whether our hero was able to pay his board or not, if only the money might be paid to him. He was very selfish certainly ; but he loved money for what it would buy, and not for its own sake, as waa the case with his mother. Of course he hoped that Gilbert would not present himself at the house, or GILBERT GRBYSON'S FORTUNES. 255 make inquiry for the money; bat in this he wan destined to be disappointed. Sitting at the window on the evening Gilbert had resolved to call, he saw, not without disappointment, our hero mount the steps and ring the bell. " He's come, mother," said he, in a tone of regret. "Who has come?" " Gilbert Greyson. I suppose he has come for his fix dollars." "I suppose he has," said Mrs. Briggs, with a curl of the lip. "I knew he wouldn't keep away long. Now, Randolph, one thing I ask, don't say a word about the matter. I want to make him introduce the subject himself. I don't wish to spare him any em- barrassment" "All right, mother." Directly the door opened, and Gilbert entered. "Good-evening, Mrs. Briggs," he said, approaching and taking the lady's hand. She just touched his hand coldly, and withdrew hers. "Good-evening," she said, briefly. 256 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF} OJZ, a Good-evening, Randolph," said Gilbert, taming to the younger member of the party. " Good-evening," said Randolph, leas frigidly. "Have you got a place yet?" "Not yet. My employer has not returned from Washington." " Probably it will make very little difference to you how long he stays," said Mrs. Briggs, disagreeably. " I hope it will make considerable," returned Gil- bert. " I was surprised to hear that Mr. Briggs had gone to Europe." "He went very suddenly," said Randolph. "It has put off my birthday party." "I should like to have seen him before he went,'' said Gilbert. " He had no time to notify all his acquaintances that he was going," said Mrs. Briggs. " How long will he be gone ? " "It is quite uncertain," said the lady, shortly. u It will depend on his business, of course." "I wish this visit were well over," thought Gilbert, GILBERT G SET SON'S FOETU1TES. 257 but he felt that he most introduce the matter which led to his call. 11 Did Mr. Brigga leave any message for me ? " he inquired. "Any message for you?" repeated Mrs. Briggs, arching her eyebrows. "Why should you expect that he would leave any message for you?" "Perhaps you are not aware," said Gilbert, uncom- fortably, "that Mr. Briggs, while I am at work on small wages, has been in the habit of paying my board." "Indeed ! " said Mrs. Briggs, in apparent surprise. "Why should he do that?" " Out of friendship for my fether, he told me," said Gilbert "I should hardly have supposed that you would request such a thing of one not related to you." " I didn't request it," said Gilbert, coloring. "Mr. Briggs was kind enough to offer to do it. I accepted, on condition that I might hereafter repay him what money he should advance." 17 258 SHIFTING WOX HIMSELF; OR, "It is not very likely the money will ever be repaid," said Mrs. Briggs, coldly. " It will be repaid if I live," said Gilbert, warmly. "I have heard such promisee before," said the lady, contemptuously . " They are generally made to be broken." " Not in my case," laid Gilbert, flushing. " I will not discuss the matter," said Mrs. Briggs, coldly. "May I ask why you have introduced this subject?" " Mr. Briggs gave me no notice that he intended to withdraw his assistance, and I accordingly went to the office yesterday, only to learn that he had gone to Europe, and left no message there. I thought he might possibly have spoken to you on the subject, and therefore I called. My board-bill, amounting to six dollars, is due to-night, and unfortunately I have no funds to meet it" "It must be rather humiliating for you to accept charity," said Mrs. Briggs. " I don't think my son would be willing to do it" " I should say not," said Randolph. GILBERT QRXYSON J 8 FORTUNES. 259 "Say nothing more, Mrs. Briggs," said Gilbert, rising. "If you regard it in that light, I wish no assistance." "I don't wish you to suffer," continued Mrs. Briggs, coldly. "I will give you money for your board-bill, if you will tell me how much it amounts to." "Thank you, I won't trouble you," said Gilbert v I shall get along somehow. Good-evening." " You are impetuous. You will bear in mind that I have not refused you the money." " I will bear it in mind. Good-evening, madam." " You did it well, mother," said Randolph, admir- ingly, as our hero left the house. " Will you give me the six dollars, now he has refused it? " " I will give it to you this week, Randolph ; but mind, I make no promises for the future." "I guess it's all right," thought Randolph, pocket- ing the bills complacently. " I'll take care she keepi it up." 160 SLITTING POM HIMSELF; QJI, CHAPTER GILBERT'S PLANS. GILBERT left the house of Mrs. Briggs, not cast down, but with a full understanding of his situation. Until now he had had his guardian's assistance, and, with the income from his position as office-boy, had felt no anxiety. Now, both had failed him, for the time at least, and he must shift for himself. Disaster develops the manhood in a boy as well as a man. So Gilbert did not indulge in any gloomy anticipations of starvation or pauperism. He never for a moment regretted his refusal to take money from Mrs. Briggs, offered as it had been in such a manner as to insult his self-respect. "I'd rather live on one meal a day," he said to himself stoutly, "than humble myself to that woman." GILBERT GRETSON'S FORTUNES. 261 When he re-entered his room he found his room- mate reading. "Well, Gilbert," he said, "did you have a pleasant call?" "So pleasant that I shall not call again m a hurry," answered Gilbert. " Then Mrs. Briggs won't give you any assistance? " " Yes ; but I have rejected it" Mr. Ingalls looked surprised. " Did you not act unwisely ? " he asked. " Let me tell you just what passed between us, and you shall judge." The young man listened attentively. When Gil- bert had finished his story, he said, emphatically, " Tou did just right I should have done the same thing in your circumstances." " I am glad you approve of my action. I couldn't stoop to take money offered as charity." " Then you have got to strike out for yourself, it seems?" "Yes, and I must settle to-night what I shall de." " Have you made up your mind to anything ? " 262 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJI, "I was thinking about that aa I walked home. To begin with, I will borrow money of you to pay Mrs. White, if you are still willing to lend it" " I will lend it to you with pleasure," "I think I had better leave this house, obtain a cheaper room, and board at a restaurant." " I don't think you can tare much that way. Mrs. White is very reasonable in her charges." " I know that, but the probability is that I can't pay her. I must be strictly economical. I am not sure but the best thing I can do is to go to the News- boys' Lodge." Mr. Ingalls shook his head. " It would never do," he said. " It would not suit a boy brought up as you have been." " I don't suppose it would; but I don't expect to suit myself. That is not the question with me. I must do as I can." " Then stay here. If you can't pay your whole board at the week's end I will make up the balance. I should have to pay more, at any rate, if I occupied the room alone." GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 263 Gilbert reflected a moment " You are very kind, Mr. Ingalls," he said, and I will accept your offer, on one condition." "What is that?" " That you lend me the money, and I will repay it as soon as I am able." " I agree to that" "Then I will stay, for a week or two at least Now 1 want to ask your advice. I must find some- thing to do at once." " I wish there was a vacancy in our establishment." "I only want temporary employment. I expect Mr. Sands will take me back on his return." "I didn't think of that Have you thought of anything ? " " I am going to try my luck as a newsboy." "As a newsboy! What will your friends, the Vivians, say?" " I don'tknow, and I can't afford to care. I must get a living somehow for the next few days, and I would rather sell papers than black boots. In the afternoon I shall try to get a little baggage-smashing to do." 264 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OS, "I admire your pluck, Gilbert," said his room- mate. " Not many boys, brought up aa you have been, would be willing to sell papers in the streets." "I don't pretend to like it," said Gilbert; u but I would rather do it than sponge on others, or take money flung at me as alms. If you object to rooming with a common newsboy," he added, smiling, " I sup- pose I must look for another boarding-place." " Wait till I give you notice to quit," said Ingalls. " In the mean time I will do all I can to encourage you. I will buy a morning paper of you to-morrow morning. Where shall you stand ?" " Near the ' Times' building, I think. Don't for- get your promise now. If I have one customer engaged I shall sleep more soundly." " You can rely upon me. Have you got money enough to start yourself in business ? If not, com- mand my purse." " I will borrow fifty cents, to make sure that I have enough. Now, as I must be up betimes and take an early breakfast, I think I will turn in." GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 265 "Good-night, then. I will stay up and read awhile longer." "He's a plucky boy," thought the young man "He deserves to guooeed, and I believe he will " 266 LIFTING FOB HIMSELF; out, CHAPTER XXX. QILBEKT BECOMBS A NBW8BOY. AT an early hour the next morning Gilbert took his stand near the office of the daily " Times." He attracted immediate attention from the members of the new profession in which he had enrolled himself with- out permission. " What are you doin' here ? " asked Jim Noonan > a tall newsboy, with red hair and freckled face. " I am selling papers," answered Gilbert, quietly. "What business have you here anyhow? That's my place." " I shall not interfere with you." " You'd better not," said Jim, pugnaciously, under the impression that Gilbert was apologizing. " Just you leave here ! " Gilbert eyed him quietly. " I shall not interfere with you," he repeated; "nor GILBERT QMETSOjfS FORTUNES. 267 will I allow you to interfere with me/' he added, firmly. Jim looked at him attentively, and his opinion of him was somewhat altered. " What does a boy with good clothes want selling papers ? " he asked. "He wants to make a living," said Gilbert. "Paper, sir?" The man addressed purchased a four-cent paper. Gilbert made change in a business-like manner, and directly afterwards sold another, while Jim Noonan looked on enviously. " I've a good mind to bust your head," he said, angrily. " Better go to work and look for customers," sug- gested Gilbert, coolly. Jim eyed him with angry discontent. He would like to have pitched into him, but Gilbert was com- pactly made, and, though smaller than his fellow- newsboy, looked difficult to handle. Jim had hoped to frighten him ; but his success was not encouraging. Gilbert, on the whole, succeeded beyond his antici- 268 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OX, pations. Probably his appearance was in his favor, and attracted customers. But this was not all. He was quick and alert in manner, and kept a good look- out for trade. " How many papers have you sold ? " asked Jim, after a while. " Fifty," answered Gilbert. "Fifty!" ejaculated Jim; "why, I aint sold but twenty." " You haven't attended to business as closely as I haye." " Ef it hadn't been for you I'd hare sold a good many more." " That isn't the reason. You would have sold aa many as I if you had tried as hard." "It's mean, a boy like you comin' down, and takin' away a poor boy's business." " I shan't sell papers any longer than I haye to. I hope next week to go into something else." Just then a gentleman inquired for a paper which Gilbert was out of. GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 269 "I think he's got it," said Gilbert, pointing to Jim, thereby obtaining a customer for the latter. "We may as well help each other," said Gilbert "There's no use in quarrelling." " Do you mean that? " asked Jim, doubtfully. "Yes, I do." " Tou aint as mean as I thought you was," said Jim, his dislike beginning to evaporate. " I hope you'll stick to that opinion," said Gilbert, good-humoredly. "When I go out of this business I'll recommend my friends to patronize you." Thus far Gilbert had seen no one whom he knew. That trial was yet to come. I call it a trial, because Gilbert was quite aware that in becoming a newsboy he had made a descent in the social scale. He had taken the step as a matter of necessity, and not be- cause he liked it. He knew very well how it would be regarded by his acquaintances, and he rather dreaded the expressions of surprise which it would elicit. The first acquaintance to greet him waa Alphonoo Jones. 270 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OB, 11 Good gracious, Greyson ! " he exclaimed, " what are you doing here?" "Selling papers," answered Gilbert, flushing a little. " I thought you was in a broker's office." " So I was, and hope to be again; but just now I'm out of a place, so I've gone into business on my own account" " But, good gracious, how can you sell papers? " " It's the only thing that offered, and I must earn my living." "Suppose the Count Ernest de Montmorency should see you, what would he say?" " I hope he would buy a paper of me," returned Gilbert, smiling. " And your friends, the Vivians, they would be awfully shocked." "I can't help it I must earn a living. Won't you have a paper, Mr. Jones? Fve got all the morn- ing papers < Times,' < Tribune,' ' Herald,' ' Sun.' " "I'm afraid I haven't got any change," said Al- phonso, whose large expenditure for clothing com- GILBERT QREYSON'S FORTUNES. 271 polled him to economize on minor matters. "But, really, now, you aint going to keep the thing up, are you?" " Till I get something better," said Gilbert, firmly. " I hope that will be soon. I don't like it myself." " It's so so ungentlemanly a business." "I don't agree with you, Mr. Jones; I think it perfectly respectable." "Oh, yes, of course; but it is not high-toned, you'll admit that" "Perhaps not," said Gilbert, with a smile. "I don't pretend to be a judge of what is high-toned. I hope you won't cut my acquaintance, Mr. Jones, because I am a newsboy." "Oh, no, of course not; but I am afraid your friends, the Vivians, will." " I hope not," said Gilbert. Alphonso Jones departed, and next in order came John, Gilbert's successor at the broker's. " Oh, my eye ! " he exclaimed, in genuine aston- ishment; "you don't mean to say you've turned newsboy?" 272 SHUTTING WOK HIMSELF; OR, "Yes, I ham Will you bny a paper? " "Haven't got a cent How's business?" asked John, with a grin. " Pretty good." " Hope you've got a permanent situation." " I think not I don't expect to sell papers more than a week." " What are you going to do then? " " Going back into the office." "What office?" "Mr. Sands' office." " Do you think he'd take back a " "Stop there!" said Gilbert, sternly. "You know very well the charge against me is false. For tunately I am in a position to prove it" " You are ? " asked John, in alarm. "Yes." " How can you prove it ? " " I will let you know when the time comes." John was not disposed to continue the conversation. He walked back to the office, and told Simon Moore that Gilbert was selling papers in the square. GILBERT QMXYSON'S FORTUNES. 273 " I am glad his pride is brought low," said Moore, with satisfaction. "But it isn't," said John. "He is as proud as ever. He says hfr is coming back here." "Let him talk," said the book-keeper, contemptu- ously. " That is all it will amount to." But John did not feel quite certain of thig. 274 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF ,' OR, CHAPTER XYYT GILBERT'S SECOND DAY. " How much did you make in your new business. Gilbert?" inquired his room-mate, Ingalls, with in- terest, at the close of his first day's experience. " Seventy-five cents," answered Gilbert " That is quite fair." " I suppose it is all I could reasonably expect, but it won't pay my expenses. At that rate my weekly income will be but four dollars and a half, while, as you know, my board amounts to six dollars." " I will pay the extra dollar and a half." " You are a true friend, Mr. Ingalls," said Gilbert, gratefully, " but that doesn't dispose of all my diffi- culties. I shall have no money for washing, or to purchase clothing." "But you expect to get your place back in a week." GILBERT GRETSON'S FORTUNES. 275 " Even if I do, my income will be only five dollars. I never supposed it was so difficult to make a living before." "Wait and hope, Gilbert," said his room-mate, cheerfully. " That is what I had to do when I first came to the city. It was weeks before I got anything to do at all. I got almost discouraged. Finally, through the influence of a friend, I got a foothold, and have been able to live comfortably ever since." " I won't get discouraged just yet, at any rate," said Gilbert " I will wait and see how things come out If I am forced to remain in the paper business, I must find some way of increasing my income. I might combine a little baggage-smashing with it" "That's one thing I like about you, Gilbert," said the young man. " You have no false shame, but undertake whatever work you find to do." "I am not wholly without pride, Mr. Ingalls; but I can't afford to indulge it I shall get out of thii street business as soon as I can." " You are justified in that, certainly. It showi t proper ambition/- 276 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJ8, The next day Gilbert sought his chosen place, and again proceeded to sell his stock of daily papers, with about the same measure of success. Ait about half-past ten he caught sight of a familiar face. His own face blushed uncomfortably, for Ran- dolph Briggs was about the last person he wished to see, under the circumstances. Randolph, who was rather near-sighted, did not recognize him till he was close upon him. Gilbert had a momentary impulse to desert his post, and thus escape the notice of his unwelcome acquaintance ; but this impulse was succeeded by the more manly resolve to stand his ground. " I have nothing to be ashamed of," he said to him- self. "It is Randolph, or rather his mother, who should be ashamed." He was in the act of selling a " Herald w when Randolph came up. "Gilbert Greyson ! " exclaimed Randolph, in amazement. u <3wd-morning, Randolph, " said Oilbert, quietly. " What are you doing ? " GILBERT GRXYSON'8 FORTUNES. 277 " Selling papers, as you see." " You don't mean to say you have become a com- mon newsboy? " a I don't know whether I am a common or uncom- mon newsboy, but a newsboy I certainly am, just at present." " What induced you to take up such a business ? " " The necessity of making a living." "Why didn't you take the money my mother offered you ? " " Because she offered it as charity. I don't accept charity." " It seems to me you are poor and proud." " I certainly am poor, and my pride I hope if a proper one." " I should be too proud to sell papers in the streets," said Randolph, emphatically. " Perhaps you wouldn't in my case.' ' " I never expect to be in your case." " I hope you won't." " You know, of course, yon will have to give up your fashionable acquaints: 278 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJT, "Does that mean you and jour mother?" in- quired Gilbert, smiling. "Yes partly," answered Randolph, seriously. "Then, there are the Vivians. You wouldn't pre- sume to call upon them now?" "Why not?" " Do you suppose they admit newsboys in the lift of their visitors ? " " I don't know ; but I shall soon find out" "How?" " I mean to call there very soon." " I wouldn't You wouldn't be welcome." " How do you know that? " "It stands to reason," argued Randolph. "Thwy stand very high in the social scale, and a newsboy is very low." " I don't think the Vivians and you quite agree in tome matters. If I find I am not welcome, you nay be sure I won't repeat the call." " You will see I am right." " I suppose, from what you say, that I shall not be welcome at your house?" said Gilbert, rather amused. GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 279 " Why, you might call when no one is there. Of course, we couldn't introduce you to our friends." "I think the safest way will be not to call at all." "That's so," said Randolph, and he walked on. "I suppose that is the way of the world," thought Gilbert "Well, I expected it, and so far as Ran- i dolph and his mother are concerned I shall not have much to regret." At half-past twelve he stood with his last paper in his hand. They had gone off more slowly than the day before, and he doubted whether he could dispose of the last one. "Good-morning, Gilbert," said a cordial voice. "Are you reading the paper?" "No, Mr. Vivian," answered our hero; "I am trying to sell it." " What ! Have you turned newsboy ? " "Yes, sir. I could think of nothing else to do, and I must do something." "Was this necessary?" asked the merchant, in a lone of sympathy. 280 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, "Yes, air ; I have nothing to depend upon, except what I make in this way." " You can't make a living, can you ? " " I am afraid not by this alone," said Gilbert "Have you had lunch?" "No, sir." "Then come with me to the Aator House res- taurant. There we will talk over your affairs, and perhaps I can suggest something that will be more to your advantage than your present employment." "Thank you, sir; I shall feel very grateful for your advice." They went to the Aster House, which was very near, and seated themselves at a table. Mr. Vivian ordered a substantial lunch, considerably better than Gilbert could have afforded on his own account In fact, he had decided to content himself with an apple, and make that do till the six-o'clock dinner at hii boarding-house. QOMERT GRXYSON'B FORTUNES. 281 CHAPTER XXXH A NOVEL PEOP08ITION. A LIBERAL lunch was ordered, and placed before them. "My time is limited," said Mr. Vivian, "and we will economize it by discussing lunch and your affairs at the same time. How much do you pay for board ? " " Six dollars a week," answered Gilbert " That is very little," said the merchant " I room with another person, and thus secure more iavorable terms." " Are your meals satisfactory ? " " The food is plain, but good. I have nothing to complain of. I should like nothing better than to feel sure that I could continue to pay my expenses at this rate." "That is we!," said Mr. Vivian, approvingly. " I like your spirit. You are not disposed to find un- 282 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OB, necessary fault. Then you cannot make six dollars a week by selling papers? " "No, sir; at least, I have not done so thus far. Yesterday I made seventy cents, and to-day alwut the same sum." "That will never do. It leaves yon nothing for washing or clothes." "No, sir. However, I am pretty well provided with clothes. I don't expect to require anything in that line for six months." "Probably you couldn't pnt off washing for go long," suggested Mr. Vivian, with a smile. " Hardly," answered Gilbert. " Before you came to the city," said Mr. Vivian, apparently changing the subject, "you were studying for college, were you not?" "Yes, sir." " How far had you proceeded ? " " By next summer I could easily have been ready to enter Yale College ; if necessary, earlier." " Then you must be a good classical scholar already." GILBERT GRRYSON'S FORTUNES. 288 "A fair one/' said Gilbert, modestly. u Did you ever thiftk of teaching ? '* Gilbert looked surprised. " I don't know who would employ a boy like me," he said. " You would be competent to instruct a beginner in Latin and the common English studies, I suppose ? " " I ought to be, sir." " Then I will tell you an idea I have had in mind for a week or more. My boy Fred is attending a classical school, but his progress is not satisfactory to me. I don't think him lacking in capacity, but he does not apply himself as he ought It has occurred to me that assistance in the evening would materially aid him, and promote his standing in school. Ex- cept in Latin I could myself assist him, but after the business and perplexities of the day I am in no mood to turn teacher. Now, you are competent, and Fred has taken a fancy to you. Are you willing to give him five evenings a week ? " " Nothing would suit me better, sir," said Gilbert, 284 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; 0*, quickly. " I like Fred, and would do my best to b of service to him." Mr. Vivian looked pleased. " Then," he said, " I see no reason why we should not try the experiment The only thing remaining to be discussed is the compensation." " I leave that to you, sir." " I may take advantage of your confidence," laid the merchant. " I don't feel alarmed," said Gilbert, smiling. " Suppose, then, we gay ten dollars a week for fire evenings." " Ten dollars ! " exclaimed Gilbert, in amazement " If that is not adequate " "Why, xMr. Vivian, my services would never be worth ten dollars a week. Remember, sir, I am only a boy, and inexperienced as a teacher." "I believe you will do Fred more good than an older and more experienced teacher. He takes to you, and will work cheerfully with you, while I don't think he would with the other." GILBERT GRXYSON'B FORTUSTBB. 285 *' But ten dollars a week is a large sum for you to pay, Mr. Vivian." " I believe in paying a good price, and requiring good, faithful work, such as I think you will render." " I will try to render it, at any rate, sir." " Then it is a bargain, is it? " " Yes, sir, if you say so. I need not say that it will be a very great help to me." "I know that, Gilbert; and I am glad to be able to serve you, at the same time that I serve myself. When I was a boy I was in limited circumstances. The memory of my own past makes me considerate of others. Now, when will you begin?" " This evening, if you like." "I should Ike it. We will expect you then. Here is a week's pay in advance." Mr. Vivian took from his pocket-book a ten-dollar bill and placed it in Gilbert's hands. "Under the circumstances," he said, " you may aa well give up selling papers." ^ I shall be very glad to give it ap, sir, and now I shall feel able to do so." 286 SHIFTING FOX HIMSELF; OJt, "I appreciate and respect your motives in doing what you could find to do, but now you are a teacher, a classical professor, and must do nothing in- compatible with the dignity of your learned pro- fession." " I will try to remember it, sir." "I must leave you now. Let as see you thii eYcning." " I will be sure to come, sir." When Gilbert left the hotel, he felt elated at hia unexpected good fortune. " I believe the tide has turned," he said to himself. " I little dreamed that my Latin would prove such a friend in need. I can't expect to earn the liberal sum Mr. Vivian has agreed to pay me, but I will do my duty as faithfully and well as I can." Just after dinner that evening Alphonso Jonea trolled into Gilbert's room. " How is the newspaper business ? " he inquired. " Pretty feir," answered Gilbert " I think we ought to patronise Mr. Greyion, eh, Mr. Ingalls?" GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 287 Thank you, Mr. Jones, but I have retired from the business." " You don't say ! Why, you told me it was fidr." " I shall retire nevertheless." " Have you found another place ? " " I have obtained another position." " You have ! What is it ? " " Professor of the Classics and English Literature." "You're joking," remarked Alphonso, rather be- wildered. " No, I am not. I have been engaged to teach five evenings in the week." " I didn't know you were such a scholar," said Mr. Jones, surprised. " Do they pay you much ? " " Two dollars an evening." " Good gracious ! That is splendid pay." " Yes, it is very good pay." " Where are you to teach ? " " Mr. Vivian's son." "He don't know that you have been a newsboy, does he?" 288 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, " Yes, he does ; he saw me selling papers in the street to-day." "Well, Greyson, all I can say is, you are the luckiest boy I ever knew. I wish I could earn two dollars an evening. " "Til try to get you a chance," said Gilbert, demurely. " What can you teach ? " "Well, I aint yery fresh in my studies," said Alphonso. " I guess it wouldn't be of any use. Aint you going to work in the daytime ? " "I shall get back into the broker's office if I can." " Then you will have quite an income for a boy, Gilbert," said Mr. Ingalls. " Don't you think you could take me up and in- troduce me to the Vivians tome evening ? " insinuated Alphonso. " I don't think I could, Mr. Jones." " Oh ! it's of no consequence," said Alphonso, with apparent indifference. " I have any quantity of high- toned friends who move in the first circles. Some of GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 289 them know the Vivians, and that's why I wanted to be introduced. " " I wonder if that fellow expects to be believed," laid Mr. Ingalli, after Alphonso had retired. 290 SHITTING FOR HIMSELF; OJI, CHAPTER THE NEW PROFESSOR. FRED VIVIAN had not been informed of the plan which his father had in view for him. Mr. Vivian, however, felt confident that it would be agreeable to his son, and did not wish to speak of it until he had ascertained Gilbert's willingness. At dinner, after the interview described in the last chapter, Mr. Vivian for the first time mentioned the matter. "What lessons have you to-night, Fred?" he asked. " I have my Latin, and some hard sums in Reduc- tion." " How are you getting on in Latin ? " " I wish you would let me give it up, father," said Fred, earnestly. " I believe it was only got up to trouble school-boys." GILBERT QREYSON'S FORTUNES. 291 "I suppose," said his father, smiling, "you think Caesar, Virgil, and Cicero only wrote with the same purpose." "Confound them! Why couldn't they write in English ? " said Fred, petulantly. All at the table laughed, and finally Fred himself joined in. " I suspect the Roman boys would have found as much trouble with English as you find with Latin," said Mr. Vivian. "As a fact, there was no such language in existence then as our modern English tongue." " I wish Latin were as easy as English," said Fred. "No doubt it is. Foreigners find our language very difficult." "Difficult! I don't see what there is difficult about it." " Because it is your native language. Roman boys would have been equally surprised at any one finding Latin difficult" 292 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, " I wish I was a Roman boy, then. Laura, will you help me about my sums ? " " I have got my own lessons to prepare, Fred." " Will you help me, father ? " "I like to have my evenings to myself, Fred. However, don't look disappointed. You shall have help." " Who will help me ? Laura says she can't." "I have engaged a professor to come here every evening, and assist you about your lessons." " A professor ! " exclaimed Fred, uneasily. " That will be as bad as being at an evening school. I would rather get along by myself." " Just now you wanted help," said his father. "I don't want a professor. He will make me work too hard." " I think you will like him," said Mr. Vivian. " When is he coming? " " This evening. He will be here about eight o'clock." " Isn't this a new plan? " asked Mrs. Vivian. GILBERT GREYBOK'8 FORTUNES. 293 "Don't yon approve of it, my dear?" asked her husband. " I thought his presence might be a restraint upon us, unless, indeed, Fred goes upstairs with him." "No, let me stay here," urged Fred. "I don't want to go off with that old man." " How do you know he is an old man ? " inquired his father, smiling. "I suppose he is." " He can't be considered so. In fact, he is rather young." " It's all the same," said Fred, discontentedly. " I suppose he is as stiff as a poker." " He did not impress me so. With his help yon will get through your lessons quickly ; and then you can have the rest of the evening to yourself." " What is his name ? " asked Laura. " I will see if I can find his card," said Mr. Vivian, pretending to search his pockets in vain. "Never mind, I will ask him when he comes." " You did not tell me you thought of making thii arrangement for Fred," said Mrs. Vivian S94 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OS, "I see," said her husband, smiling, "that you an a little in doubt aa to its expediency. If at the end of a week it appears unsatisfactory I will dismiss the professor." Fred was relieved by this promise. He had already formed in his own mind an image of the expected teacher, a tall, thin man, in a rusty-black suit, wearing a pair of iron-bowed spectacles. He had seen the tutor of a schoolmate of his who answered this description, and hastily adopted the conclusion that most visiting tutors were like him. At ten minutes of eight Gilbert Greyson was announced. "0 Gilbert, I'm so glad to see you," said Fred; "though I'm afraid I can't be with you much this evening.' "Why not?" asked Gilbert. " Father has engaged a professor to assist me in my studies ; when you came hi I thought at first it was he." Gilbert read the joke in Mr. Vivian's smiling face, and determined to keep it up. GILBERT QREYSON'8 FORTUNES. 295 " What sort of a teacher is he?" he asked. "I don't know. I suppose he's an old fogy in spectacles." " Don't you think you shall like him ? " " Father says if I don't he'll send him off at the end of the week." Again Gilbert smiled, and Mr. Vivian laughed outright "I don't see what you two are laughing about," said Fred. "It's a good joke, Gilbert, isn't it?" said the merchant. "Yes, sir." " I don't see any joke," said Fred. " Nor I," said Laura. " Perhaps the professor may be willing to help you, if you require it, Laura," suggested her father. "If he is such a man as Fred expects," said Laura, "I would rather get along by myself." "It is hardly fair to take a prejudice against a person before YOU see him, Laura." "I won't" 296 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; 0.B, " For my own part, I was favorably impressed by what I saw of him." " What does he look like? IB he tall? f 'No." "Is he old?" " No ; quite yoang." "Has he whiskers?" " I didn't see any." "Is he good-looking?" " That is rather a delicate question, eh, Gilbert ?" " Yes, sir. I will answer it for you. He is not." " What- do you know him, Gilbert? " asked Fred. "He ougl.t to," said Mr. Vivian. "He has seen him in his looking-glass every morning for sixteen years. There, the secret is out Fred, let me formally introduce you to Professor Gilbert, the teacher I have engaged for you." "Are you really to be my teacher, Gilbert?" asked Fred, delighted. "If you conclude to keep me," said our hero "You may decide to Bend me adrift at the end of the week." GILBERT IN A NEW ROLE. 297 U I said that when I thought it was somebody else," said Fred. " Do you think you can show me how to do sums in Reduction? " " I think I can," said Gilbert, smiling. " I will get you to help me in Interest, Gilbert," said Laura. "I thought you didn't want any help from your brother's teacher," said Mr. Vivian. " I didn't know who it was to be then, papa. I'm glad you have engaged Gilbert." "There is one more objection to you, Gilbert," aid Mr. Vivian, seriously; "my wife thinks your presence may be a restraint upon us. She thinks you had better retire with Fred to some other part of the house." " You have got the joke upon me too," said Mrs. Vivian. " I, too, was quite in the dark as to whom you had engaged. We don't look upon Gilbert in the light of a stranger, but rather as one of the fomily." " Thank you, Mrs. Vivian," said our hero, grate- fully. 298 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, "Then it appears, Gilbert, that you will be allowed to practise your vocation here. I would suggest that a pair of spectacles would make your appearance more impressive and dignified." " I like you best as you are, Gilbert," said Fred, putting his arm around the neck of his new tutor. " And I too," said Laura. " Then I won't go to the expense of spectacles," said Gilbert. "Shall we begin now, Fred?" Fred brought his arithmetic and slate, and Gilbert explained the sums in a familiar manner, making Fred do them himself. " I understand them first-rate now," said Fred, in a tone of satisfaction. "You're a bully teacher, Gilbert" "Now, shall we take the Latin?" asked Gilbert. " I'll try to be a bully teacher in that also." By nine o'clock Fred's task was completed, and Gilbert transferred his attention to Laura. Fifteen minutes were all she required. The evening work being over, Gilbert played at games with his two pupils till ten, then rose to go. GILBERT QREYSOir'S FORTUNES. 299 "Fin so glad you're my teacher," said Fred. 14 Be sure to come to-morrow night" "I am afraid you will get tired of me after a while, and want to discharge me," said Gilbert, smiling. "Will you promise to stay with us till you an discharged?" "Yes, Fred." " Then it's all right," said Fred, in a tone of satis- faction. Mr. Vivian found that he had done a very popular thing in engaging Gilbert, and was, in consequence, pleased himself. "Well, Gilbert," said his room-mate, on his return, " how did your first lesson come off? " "With flattering success. I never earned money more pleasantly in my life. My old teacher would stare if he should learn that I had set myself up as a classical professor." "Your fortune has changed wonderfully. From newsboy to professor is rather a startling trans- formation." 300 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, " My career as a newsboy is ended. I abandon the field to my competitors, and devote myself to the dissemination of learning." " Alphonso Jones thinks you are a very remarkable young man. He told me so to-night." "I can return the compliment," said Gilbert, laughing. " If you can change a ten-dollar bill, Mr. Ingalls, I will pay you the six dollars advanced for my board." "You needn't be in a hurry, Gilbert" "I don't like to be in debt. I can sleep better when I have paid up the loan." " I shall be glad to lend you again if you need it." "Thank you, Mr. Ingalls; but I hope I shan't need it." Early the next morning Mr. Sands reached New York, having come through by night from Washington. GILBERT GSBYSOtf'S FOSTUNBS. 801 CHAPTER XXXIV. THE BROKER'S RETURN. ABOUT ten o'clock, on the morning of his arrival, Mr. Sands entered his office. He had kept the run of the business through letters from Mr. Moore, the book-keeper; but the latter had omitted to mention Gilbert's dismissal, and the reinstatement of John as his successor. Mr. Sands was therefore surprised to see John in the office, with his hat off. " Where is Gilbert? " he asked, abruptly. John looked confused. " He'll tell you," he said, pointing to his cousin. "Have you dismissed Gilbert, Mr. Moore?" demanded Mr. Sands, abruptly. Moore, in spite of his bravado, was a little nervous. He was apprehensive that he would not be able to convince Mr. Sands of Gilbert's guilt. 802 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF ; OM, "I was obliged to discharge him, I am sorry tt say," he answered. "Why did you discharge him, may I inquire?" persisted the broker. Simon Moore, himself of a haughty disposition, flushed at the imperative tone which his employer used. It chafed him especially to be so addressed in the presence of his young cousin. " I don't suppose you wish to hare a thief in your employ," he answered, hastily. " Do you charge Gilbert Greyson with being a thief?" "I do, sir." " Let me know the particulars." Simon Moore rehearsed the story, already femiliar to the reader, of the ten-dollar bill found in the pocket of Gilbert's overcoat " Did he admit his guilt? " asked the broker. "Oh, no, he brazened it out; but the proofs overwhelming." " Who found the bill in Gilbert's pocket ? " " John." GILBERT QREYSON'S FORTUNES. 808 " Oh ! " ejaculated the broker, significantly. Simon Moore's face flushed again. " Let me explain," he said. " By all means ; that is what I want." " Only John, who had come in to make a call on me, and Gilbert had been here. One or the other must have been the thief. I therefore asked Gilbert to search John, and John to search Gilbert. It seemed to me fair. The result showed who was the thief." " Upon this, you discharged Gilbert, and engaged John." "Yes, sir. I needed a boy, and did not dare to employ Gilbert lest there should be further and more serious losses. John being present, and understand- ing the duties, I engaged him." "John is your cousin, is he not, Mr. Moore?" asked Mr. Sands, quietly. "Yes, sir," said the book-keeper, looking slightly embarrassed. " It was very fortunate for him that he happened to be at the office on that particular morning." 304 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, Here John thought it time to introduce himself into the conversation. " That's what Cousin Simon told me," he said. r lf John had not been here, I should have been obliged to advertise for a boy," said the book-keeper, recovering his confidence. "Have you seen Gilbert since?" inquired Mr. Sands. 11 1 have," said John, grinning. "Where did you see him? Do you know if he has another situation?" "Oh, yes," said John, chuckling; "he's let up on his own account." "What do you mean?" "T'other morning I saw him Belling papers near the City Hall Park." "Humph!" Mr. Sands said no more, but set about examining the books. Presently he put on his hat and went out. "What do you think he's going to do, Cousin Simon?" asked John, anxiously. " I guess the storm's blown over." GILBERT QREYSON'S FORTUNES. 305 " He didn't seem to like it that I was here." " He don't have a very high opinion of you ; and I don't blame him," said the book-keeper, unable to restrain his sarcasm, although John was his cousin. "Seems to me you're pretty hard on me," said John, aggrieved. "Do you think he'll let me stay?" " I think he will, if you do your duty." " Oh, I'll do that fast enough," said John, looking relieved. " I advise you not to let Mr. Sands see you with a cigarette in your mouth." "Who told you I smoked cigarettes ? It's a " " You'd better not finish the sentence. I saw you last evening on the street with one in your mouth." "I guess I'll have to be more careful," said John to himself. " Who'd have thought he'd find out ? " " I was just trying it to see how it seemed," he explained. "Well, you know now, and you'd better give them up," said Simon Moore. "Now, go to the post- office for the mail." 20 306 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF ; OJZ, On his way home, in the afternoon, Mr. Sands was looking about for a seat in the crowded car, when a boy addressed him. " Take my seat, Mr. Sands." " Gilbert ! " exclaimed the broker, cordially, ex- tending his hand. "I have been hoping to meet you." " When did you get home from Washington, sir?" " This morning early. I was surprised not to find you in your accustomed place in my office." "I suppose Mr. Moore explained my absence?" said Gilbert. " Yes ; but I should prefer to hear your explana- tion. I should have more faith in its truth." " Thank you, sir," said Gilbert, gratefully. "It is hardly a matter to talk about in public. Have you any engagement this afternoon?" ' No, sir." " Then come around to my house, and take dinner." "What will Mr. Moore say?" asked Gilbert smiling. " We will gee to-morrow. Will you come T " GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 307 "With great pleasure, Mr. Sands." Mr. Sands lived in a pleasant house up-town. He had a wife but no children. His wife greeted Gilbert pleasantly. "I have heard my husband speak of you," she said. Before dinner Gilbert got a chance to explain matters to Mr. Sands. " I believe you," said the broker, emphatically. " Don't rely too much upon my word, sir," said Gilbert. "I want you to be thoroughly convinced of my innocence." "lam." "Still, sir, I should like to bring a street boy a boot-black to confirm my story. He saw John put the bill into my overcoat pocket, when I was out on an errand." " That is important testimony. I trust your word implicitly ; but it may be as well to bring him round to the office, in order to confound those who have got up this wicked plot against you." 508 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJJ, "He is only a boot-black," said Gilbert; u bnt I think he is trustworthy." " I have reasons with which you are not acquainted for believing him and you," said the broker. Gilbert looked curious, and Mr. Sands explained. "I was present in an oyster-saloon, one evening before I started for Washington, and overheard Mr. Moore and John expressing their intentions to get you into trouble during my absence. This was the reason why I warned you against the book-keeper." "I remember it, sir; but I did not know your reasons." " Now, tell me how you have got along, being sud- denly deprived of your income. John told me he saw you selling papers near City Hall Park one day." "It is true, sir. I could make something that way, and so I tried it." "I respect you the more for it. Have you kept up this employment till now?" "No, sir. Mr. Vivian has engaged me at tutor for his son, at a salary of te.n dollars per week." "Is it possible? That is remarkable, considering your youth." "It was to help me, sir, I have no doubt" " You must be a good scholar." "Not necessarily; Fred is only just beginning Latin, and it does not require much learning to teach him." " If your time is so profitably occupied, I suppose I can't induce you to come back into my office." " I should be very glad to do so, sir. I only give my evenings to Fred Vivian." " Then you may come back to-morrow, at a salary of seven dollars a week." "You are very kind, sir. I fear I shall not earn so much." "That is my lookout Come to-morrow, at quar- ter-past nine. If I am not there, say nothing to Mr. Moore about resuming your situation." " All right, sir." After dinner Gilbert went to Mr. Vivian'i, to meet his pupil 810 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OM CHAPTER XXXV. GILBERT'S TRIUMPH. SHORTLY after the office opened on the following day, Simon Moore and John were disagreeably sur- prised by the entrance of Gilbert. He had found his witness, Tom, the boot-black, and requested him to remain outside, within call. "What do you want here?" demanded the book- keeper, frowning. " Has Mr. Sands returned ? " asked our hero. "No, he hasn't," replied Moore, with unblushing falsehood. "I think you must be mistaken," said Gilbert, composedly; "for I saw him getting on a street-car " Then if you knew he waa at home, why did you ask me?" GILBERT QREYSON'S FORTUNES. 311 Gilbert did not think it necessary to answer this question. " I will stop and speak to him," he said. "No, you won't," said Simon Moore, roughly. " I know what you want. You want to make him believe you are innocent." "You are right, Mr. Moore. I do wish to con- vince him of my innocence." " I guess you've got cheek," put in John. "Didn't I find the money that was lost, in your overcoat pocket?" "Yes." "That's enough, I should say," said the book- keeper, dexterously availing himself of this admis- sion. "You are a witness, John, that he has con- fessed the theft" " If you twist what I say in that way," said Gil- bert, indignantly, "there is no use in my saying anything." " That is true enough. There is no use in your saying anything. Now, I've got something more to 312 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJI, eay. You've no business in this office; and the sooner you clear out the better." "Yes, the sooner you clear out the better," chimed in John. " You've come here to get away my place ; but you'd better give up trying. Mr. Sands is not such a fool as to believe you." "Are you going?" demanded the book-keeper, menacingly. " John, put him out." John advanced cautiously towards our hero, who smiled unterrified. " Come, go out ! do you hear ? " he said. " I won't put you to the trouble of putting me out," said Gilbert, good-naturedly. " I'll step out for the present." " And go away from here, do you hear? Don't you hang around the office." Gilbert, however, did not see fit to obey this last order. He waited in the neighborhood for Mr. Sanda to arrive. "He means to make trouble, Cousin Simon," said John, uneasily. " He would like to, no doubt," responded the book- GILBERT QREYSON'B FORTUNES. 318 keeper ; " but it would be Yery itrange if Mr. Sands believed him against us." "Well, I hope it'll all turn out right," said John; "but he's got a lot of cheek that boy has. I wish you'd had him locked up." " It might have been the best plan ; but I think we can carry things through. Don't you put in your oar, or you may spoil the whole thing. Leave it to me." "All right, Cousin Simon." At the corner of Wall and New Streets Gilbert met Mr. Sands, who had come down-town, in a Broadway stage. " I see you are on hand," said the broker. " Hare you been to the office ? " " Yes, sir." " What sort of a reception did you get from Mr. Moore?" "He ordered me out." The broker smiled. " Perhaps it may be my turn to order out," he said. " Come back with me." 514 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJt, "Thank you, air." Simon Moore was not over-pleased when he saw Gilbert entering the office with his employer, but he said nothing. He waited to see how the land lay. "Mr. Moore," said the broker, "I met Gilbert outside, and have brought him in to talk over the charge which you bring against him." "He has been here already," said Moore, coldly, 11 and I ordered him out." "It appears to me that this is rather summary treatment." "I think I have treated him very indulgently. I might have had him arrested for theft, but I didn't want to be too hard upon him." "You seem to take it for granted that he is guilty." "He must be. He will himself admit that the missing bill was found in his overcoat pocket; ask him, if you like, sir." Mr. Sands turned to Gilbert "Itistrue," he said. GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 815 "That is all that need be said," aaid the book- keeper, shrugging his shoulders. " It does not necessarily follow that he put the bill in himself," remarked Mr. Sands. "Who else could have done it? " demanded Moore, triumphantly. " I will answer that question," said Gilbert "John put the money in my pocket, in order to get me into a scrape." "Do you hear that, Cousin Simon?" exclaimed John, with virtuous indignation. "I didn't think Gilbert could be so wicked as to say such things." " I expected it," said Moore, regarding Gilbert maliciously. "A boy that will steal will lie also. Of course he only gays it to screen himself." Gilbert listened to this outbreak very composedly. He knew that his employer was on his side, and did not think it necessary to contradict it. "Have you any proof of your statement, Gil- bert?" asked Mr. Sands. " Of course he hasn't," said Moore, contemptu- ously. " It rests upon his word ; and that is worth 516 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJl, nothing. Ask him if he saw John pat the money in his pocket." " No, I did not," answered Gilbert, without wait- ing for Mr. Sands to put the question. ( 1 1 thought not," said Moore, triumphantly. " You only suspected it." " Somebody saw it done," said Gilbert. " Shall I call him?" The question was addressed to Mr. Sands, who nodded his head. Gilbert went to the door, and called Tom. Tom, the boot-black, shuffled in, with his box trapped to his back. "Tom," said Gilbert, "did you, one day, see John that boy there putting a bill in my coat- pocket?" "Yes," answered Tom, " shure I did; but I thought it was his own, and it was no harm, till you told me how you'd lost your place." Mr. Sands put two or three questions, which Tom answered in a straightforward manner. Then ha turned to the book-keeper. GILBERT GXEYSON'S FORTUNES. 817 "What do you say to this, Mr. Moore?" he asked. "I say that it is all a lie," returned the hook- keeper, angrily. "How much are you paid for lying ?" he demanded, sharply, of the hoot-black. "Not a cent," said Tom, indignantly; "and it isn't a lie either, you spalpeen ! You knew all about it, too. I saw you lookin' at him when he did it." "I'd like to thraah you, within an inch of your life, you impudent young blackguard ! " said Simon Moore, furiously. " You'd better not thry it," said Tom, boldly. "I hope, Mr. Sands," said Moore, turning to the broker, " that you are not going to believe this young ragamuffin against me. It is a pretty state of things, if my word is to be disputed by such as he." " Mr. Moore," said the broker, gravely, " I regret to say that, in this instance, I am forced to believe him rather than you. Wait a moment, ' ' seeing that Moore was going to interrupt him, " it is only fair that I should give you my reason. Possibly you will 318 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJt, remember one evening when, at an oyster-saloon, you and John concerted this very plot against Gilbert. I was in the next stall, and overheard all you both said. I was not, therefore, surprised to learn, upon my return, under what circumstances Gilbert had been discharged." Simon Moore and John looked at each other in silent dismay. Both remembered well the conver- sation alluded to. " If I am the object of such suspicion," blustered Moore, at length, " I don't think I had better remain in your employ." "I approve your decision," said the broker, gravely. " I will leave at once, if you say so." Just then a young man entered the office. "You are at liberty to do so," said Mr. Sands. "I have already engaged this gentleman as your successor." " I guess I'll go, too," said John. "You may. Gilbert, you will resume your aid place." It would be difficult to paint the anger and mor- GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 819 tification upon the faces of the two cousins as the/ left the office. " This comes from trying .to help you, you young loafer," said Moore, savagely, turning upon John. " But for you I should haye kept my place." "I'm sure I aint to blame," said John, whining. "You are wholly to bkme. I shall thrash you some day." John thought this rather hard, since the plot was of his cousin's contriving. I may remark here that months passed brfore Simon Moore obtained another situation. 820 SHITTING FOR HIMSELF ; CHAPTER XXXVL MR. BRIGG8 RETURNS FROM EUROPE. So Gilbert was reinstated in his old position, at an advanced salary. His income was now seventeen dollars a week, an amount which enabled him to live very comfortably, and even to lay aside a few dollars every week. Of coarse, this required the exercise of economy ; but Gilbert felt it to be his duty to be prudent, and prepare for a time when his income might be less. He found the new book-keeper a very different man from Mr. Moore. He was quite as efficient, and far more agreeable. From the first he regarded Gilbert with friendly interest, and treated him as a friend. For some time Gilbert had seen nothing of Ran dolph Briggs. The latter occasionally condescended to wonder how that beggar Greyson was getting along, but did not feel any very deep anxiety on GILBERT QXBYSON'S FORTUNES. 321 his account. One day, however, Randolph ventured down-town, and had the curiosity to enter Mr. Sands' office. The book-keeper chanced to be out, and Gilbert was in charge. Randolph stared in astonishment at our hero. "How do you happen to be here?" he asked, abruptly. "Why shouldn't I be here?" returned Gilbert, pleasantly. "This is my place of business." " But, I say, I thought you were sent off" " So I was." "How did you get back?" "Mr. Sands took me back, and discharged the book-keeper." "Whew ! " exclaimed Randolph. " He must think a good deal of you." "He believed the charge to be false, and that it was a conspiracy against me." Randolph did not know what to think. He had predicted that Gilbert would never get back ; and it is not pleasant to be mistaken in one's predictions. 21 822 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; Ol?, "Do you board at the same place?" he asked, after a while. "Yes." " Don't you find it hard to pay your board? " Gilbert smiled. The question was an impertinent one ; but he felt amused rather than offended. " I have paid regularly so far," he said. " How did you do when you were out of a place ? w u I lived on my salary as teacher." Randolph opened wide his eyes in astonishment " What do you mean ? " he asked, " I teach in the evening," explained our hero. " You don't say so ! Why, you are only a boy f " " But I know enough to teach a younger boy." " Who are you teaching?" "Fred Vivian." " What, Laura's brother ? " 11 The same." " He don't come to your room, does he ? " " No, I go there five evenings in the week." " Do you get much pay ? " GILBERT GRBYSON'S FORTUNES. 828 " I don't think you can expect me to answer that question, Randolph." " Why, aint you willing to tell? " "I'll tell you so much, that Mr. Vivian payi me more than Mr. Sands." Randolph was silent for a moment. This news was worse than the other. He had an admiration for Laura, and it was very disagreeable to think that while he was not on visiting terms at her house, this boy, so much his social inferior, should be freely ad- mitted to Laura's presence. Perhaps, however, he only saw Fred. " Does Laura come into the room when you teach her brother? " he asked. " Certainly. In fact, I help her a little too." " It's the strangest thing I ever heard of," muttered Randolph. "What is?" " That Mr. Vivian should take a poor office-boy to teach his children." "It is strange, but true," assented Gilbert, smil- ing. 824 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; Oft, " I didn't think you were so artful" "What do you mean?" "If you hadn't been artful, you wouldn't have got BO thick with the Vivians." " I don't want to get angry with you, Randolph, but I don't like that remark. Suppose we change the lubject. What do you hear from your father ? " " He was in Manchester when we last heard from him." " When do you expect him home? " "In a month or six weeks." ;c You must be glad to have him return." " Oh, I don't know," said Randolph. " I'm hat- ing a pretty good time." " He don't seem to have overmuch affection for his father," thought Gilbert. And Gilbert was right Randolph was very selfish ; and his chief regard was for himself. Even his mother, who idolized him, received but a scant return. One reason why Ran- dolph would be sorry to have his father return was, that he was now receiving, from his mother, the six dollars a week which properly should have gone for GILBERT GRBYSON'S FORTUNES. Gilbert's board ; and of this he would doubtlessly be deprived when Mr. Briggs came back. " Well, I guess I can't stay any longer," said Ran- dolph, looking at his watch. "You haven't been up to the house lately." " No; my evenings are engaged, you know/' 1 " You'd better come up and dine soon." Gilbert was rather surprised at this invitation; but Randolph's motive was soon apparent. " If you will, I will go round to the Vivians after- wards with you." "Perhaps," suggested Gilbert, "when I want to be away for an evening, you will go in my place." "No, I guess not. I don't think I should like to teach. I'd rather go with you." " I will think of it. At any rate, I thank you for the invitation." Randolph went home at once. He wanted to tell his mother the news. It may well be believed that she was not pleased. She would have been glad to hear that he had been compelled to leave the city. 826 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, "It seems," said she, sharply, 'that Mr. Brigga is not the only fool in the city." "I wonder what father would say to hear that," chuckled Randolph. "You know what I mean. He was perfectly in- fatuated with that Greyson boy ; and now it appears that Mr. Vivian is just as much of a dupe." "He's very artful," suggested Randolph. " That is the very word to use," said Mrs. Briggs, energetically. "It does credit to your insight into character." "I always thought he was artful," said Randolph, much flattered. "He never deceived me," said his mother, em- phatically. "I felt instinctively that he was a boy to be shunned. I dare say he would like to ingra- tiate himself with your father so far as to induce him to adopt him, and put him on an equality with you." " By gracious, I hope not," exclaimed Randolph, alarmed. " He shall never do it with my consent," said Mn, GILBERT QRBYSON'S FORTUNES. 327 Briggg, energetically. " Fortunately you hare a mother, who is devoted to you, my son." " Of course you are, mother. You won't let firther pay Gilbert's board, after he gets back will you?" " Not if I can help it." "And you'll persuade him to give the extra amount to me?" " I will do my best; but your father is sometimes very obstinate." "It takes you to manage him, mother. Just let him know what you think of Gilbert." "He knows that very well already; but I will do my best for you, Randolph." Six weeks later Mr. Briggs arrived in New York. Gilbert saw his name in a list of the passengers by the last Cunard steamer, but decided not to call upon him immediately. "He would think I was applying to have mj board paid again," he said to himself; "and that is no longer necessary." 828 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OB, CHAPTER XXXVH. AN IMPORTANT REVELATION. GILBERT did not lose sight of the little flower-girl whom he had befriended. Even when his fortunes were at the lowest, he never failed to buy a bouquet of her daily. More than this he did not feel able to do then. But as soon as he obtained the position of Fred's teacher, he again visited Mr. Talbot in his poor lodgings, and gave him more substantial assist- ance. The sick man improved steadily in health and spirits. It did him great good to feel that he had a friend, though that friend was only a boy, dependent on his earnings for support. On the day after he had heard of Mr. Briggs' re- turn from Europe, Gilbert made a hurried call during his dinner-hour. " How are you to day, Mr. Talbot ? " he asked. GILBERT GXEYSON'B FORTUNES. 829 " I am better," said the sick man. " I hope I shall soon be well enough to go to work again." "I think you will," said Gilbert, cheerfully. "I must try to see what I can find for you to do, among my business friends." " Thank you ; do you know many business men? " "No," answered Gilbert. "I wonder," he said, half to himself, "whether my guardian couldn't give you work." " Your guardian ! " repeated Mr. Talbot, in sur- prise. "Yes," said Gilbert, smiling; "but you mustn't think because I have a guardian that I have any property." " Who is your guardian ? " "Mr. Richard Briggs, a New York merchant. He only got home from Europe yesterday." "Richard Briggs!" exclaimed the sick, man in evident excitement. " Yes ; do you know anything of him ? " " His name is very familiar to me. Tell me, are 880 BHnrriNO FOR HIMSELF; as, you the eon of James Greyson, formerly a merchant in the West Indies ? " (&&} $ It was Gilbert's turn to be excited. "My father died in the West Indies," he answered ; ' but I know very little of him. Did you know him, Mr. Talbot?" " I ought to know him. I was his book-keeper up to the time of his death." " Is it possible ? " ejaculated Gilbert. " How glad I am to meet you ! I know nothing of my father except what Mr. Briggs has told me." " One thing I do not understand," continued the sick man. " You say you have no property ; but this cannot be. Your father left seventy-five thousand dollars." " Seventy-five thousand dollars ! Are you sure, Mr. Talbot?" "No one can be surer. I knew all about your father's business and the extent of his property." " Was this money entrusted to my guardian ? " isked Gilbert, quickly. "It was. Your father and Richard Briggs were GILBERT GRMTSOX'S FORTUNES. 881 schoolmates, so I have heard him say ; and he felt sufficient confidence in him to confide you to his care." It is not a pleasant moment when for the first time we are led to suspect those in whom we have confided ; and important and welcome as the intelligence other- wise was, Gilbert felt sober at the treachery of Mr Briggs. The latter, as we have seen, had been kinder to him than his wife or son, and Gilbert had felt grateful. Even now he could not rid himself of a certain feeling of kindness to his guardian, false as he had been to his trust. " I am sorry to hear this," he said, gravely. " Sorry to hear that your father left you a for- tune?" " I don't mean that. I am sorry that my guardian has been wicked enough to attempt to cheat me ou- of it." "What sort of a man is Mr. Briggs?* " At first I was not prepossessed in his favor ; but he improved on acquaintance. When his wife and son poke against me, he always took my part When SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OR I was charged with dishonesty, he refused to believe it' " I think it quite possible that he is a naturally kind-hearted man," said the sick man; "but human nature is sometimes inconsistent. I think it may have been in a moment of embarrassment that he ap- propriated your fortune. If he has since prospered, it may be possible for you to recover it." " Are you sure it was as much as seventy-five thou- sand dollars, Mr. Talbot?" asked Gilbert, dazzled as he well might be by the magnitude of the sum. " I am sure of it." " Can you prove it, so that Mr. Briggs will be com- pelled to give it up to me ?" " Fortunately I can. I have in my trunk a docu- ment, in your father's own handwriting, giving a schedule of his property, in which he expressly says, that he makes it over in trust to Richard Briggs, for your use. Indeed, it must now amount to more than seventy-five thousand dollars; for only a small part of the income has been expended for you. Prob- GILBERT GREY8ON*8 FORTUNES. 833 ably a few hundreds of dollars a year are all that haye been spent for you." " I don't see how Mr. Briggs could make such false representations," said Gilbert, thoughtfully. " ' Money is the root of all evil,' my young friend. It is an old proverb, and unfortunately a true one." " I have noticed one thing," continued our hero. " When I thanked Mr. Briggs for paying my board, as I supposed, out of his own pocket, he always seemed uncomfortable and embarrassed." " That shows he is not wholly without shame." 1 It is about time for me to be going back to the office, Mr. Talbot; but before I go I want to ask your advice on one point How soon shall I speak to Mr. Briggs on this subject ? " " Whenever you have an opportunity." " Of course, I must refer to you as my informant." " By all means," said the sick man, promptly. " It will be a great satisfaction to me if, through my means, you succeed in obtaining your rights." For the rest of the day and through the evening Gilbert's mind was occupied with the important in- 834 SHIFTING FOX HIMSELF; OJJ, telligence he had learned. He did not make a oon fidant of any one, feeling that it was not yet time. Mr. Ingalls, his room-mate, saw that he was think- ing busily about something, but did not make anj inquiries. He knew that Gilbert would let him know when he got ready. Alphonso Jones was not so for- bearing. " By Jove ! Greyson, I believe you are in love," h said, abruptly. " What makes you think so, Mr. Jones ? " " You've been sitting with your eyes fixed on the carpet for five minutes without speaking a word." " Your opinion about love is worth something, Mr. Jones," said Gilbert, smiling. "You know how it is yourself. Didn't I see you walking with a fail widow last evening?" " Who do you mean? " asked Alphonso, smiling. "Mrs. Kinney, of course." * 4 1 only aappened to meet her going to a concert with Mr. Pond," exclaimed Alphonso. " He waa called away a moment, and left her in my care." "He was very imprudent," said Mr. Ingalls. GILBERT QREYSON'S FORTUNES. ^335 " You know, Jones, you're a regular lady-killer. 1 really hope you won't try any of your fascinations on the widow." Mr. Jones simpered, and was evidently pleased. It was his private opinion that he was unusually fascinating, and this public acknowledgment of it was gratifying. " You will have your joke, Mr. Ingalls," he said. " I have a high respect for Mrs. Kinney ; but, really, there is nothing in it, I do assure you." ' Time will show," said Mr. Ingalls, nodding his head in an oracular way. " But don't be precipi- tate, Mr. Jones. Remember the Countess de Mont- morency, who may yet be your bride." " I have no hopes in that quarter," said Alphonso, who had ascertained that the count had been reduced by family misfortunes to accept a position in a bar- ber's shop. "Good-evening, gents." When Alphonso had retired, Gilbert said, "I have something on my mind, Mr. Ingalls, though not what Mr. Jones supposed. I hope soon to let you know what it is." 336 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, "Whenever you are ready, Gilbert. I am not curious; but shall be interested in anything that concerns you. It isn't anything unpleasant, I hope.'* " It may be greatly to my advantage." " If that is the case, I can wait cheerfully. 1 ' GILBERT G*RY80N*B WOBTUNXS. 387 CHAPTER XXXVUL GILBERT'S SHIP COMBS IN. IT may well be supposed that Gilbert wished, as soon as possible, to question his guardian on a sub- ject having such an important bearing upon his future career. It occurred to him that it might be well to consult a lawyer first ; but he finally decided not to do so. Personally Mr. Briggs had treated him kindly, and he did not wish, unless it should prove absolutely necessary, to assume a position antagonistic to him. Gilbert reached his guardian's house about eight o'clock in the evening. He had received a note from Fred Vivian, stating that he was going to the theatre, and would not require a lesson that evening. This gave him baundant time for the interview. Mrs. Briggs and Randolph had gone to make a call, and Gilbert found Mr. Briggs alone. In dress- 838 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJB, ing-gown and slippers he was conning the evening paper when Gilbert was announced. " Good-evening, Gilbert," said Mr. Briggs, cor- dially. "I am glad to see you." " Thank you, sir," said Gilbert, gravely. "I was feeling a little lonely. Mrs. Briggs and Randolph have gone out to make a call. How have you got on since I went away ? " "I am doing well now, sir; but at one time my prospects looked dark." " How is that ? " asked Mr. Briggs, surprised. " I thought I left you well provided for." It was Gilbert's turn to look surprised. " Didn't Randolph tell you about my losing my lituation ? " he asked. " Not a word. How came you to lose it? " Gilbert told the story, already familiar to the reader. He also told about his regaining it. "That must have been disagreeable; and, of course, you felt the loss of income. But your board was at least provided for. You received money for that from my office?" GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 889 "No, air;" not a cent " Why not ? I left directions to that effect" Gilbert',5 cheek flushed. >( I called on Mrs. Briggs, to inquire about it/' he said, reluctantly- "but she chose to treat me as t beggar, and I declined to receive anything." Mr. Briggs looked annoyed. "I am afraid," he said, desirous of excusing his wife, "that you are too sensitive, Gilbert. Mrs. Briggs is a little unfortunate in her manner, and gave you a wrong impression. However, you shall not suffer for it. Come round to the office to-mor- row, and I will give you a sum equal to what you would have had if I had been at home." " Thank you, sir," said Gilbert; but still he looked grave. f "Does not that satisfy you?" asked Mr. Briggs, a little annoyed. Gilbert felt that the time had come for his question. " I came here to-night, Mr. Briggs," he com- menced, "to ask you a question." 540 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF} OM, "Ask it, of course," said the merchant, quite unprepared for what was coming. Gilbert fixed his clear, penetrating eyes on his guardian's face. " My father left you some money in trust for me ; did he not, sir?" " Certainly. I told you so." "I know it, sir. Will you tell me what it amounted to?" "Really," said Mr. Briggs, uncomfortably, "I can't tell without looking over my papers. What makes you ask?" " Did it not amount to seventy-five thousand dol- lars?" demanded Gilbert, quietly. Richard Briggs nearly started from his seat in surprise and dismay. That was the amount, as he well knew; but how on earth could the boy have found out? He saw that his ward had obtained some dangerously accurate information somewhere; and that he was thoroughly in earnest in his inquiry. "Who could have put such a thought into your bead? " he asked, slowly and hesitatingly. GILBERT GREY SON* 3 FORTUNES. 841 "I won't make a secret of it," said Gilbert. "I hare made the acquaintance of a man who knew my father. He tells me he was his book-keeper up to the time of his death. He claims to know all about mj father's affairs, and the amount of property he left." " There is some great mistake," muttered the merchant " I don't think there can be. Mr- Talbot has, in his possession, and has showed to me, an autograph- letter of my father, in which he gives full details on this subject." "Where is this Talbot?" asked Mr. Briggs, abruptly. " He is liying in this city." "Where?" "You must excuse me, Mr. Briggi. At present I do not wish to tell you." " He may be an impostor." " I have thought of that ; but such an imposition could not be carried out. I think he tells the truth." " Suppose I believe the contrary, what, then ? " "You hare reason to know whether what he says 342 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; O*, is correct or not, Mr. Briggs," said Gilbert, reso- lutely. " If you deny it, and assert that he is an impostor, I will consult a lawyer, and have him cross-examine him on the subject, and give me his opinion." "You have not spoken to a lawyer yet?" said Mr. Briggs, uneasily. "No, sir." "Lawyers are fond of instituting lawsuits. Prob- ably one would report favorably." "I should want to know his grounds. And I would not consent to a suit, unless he convinced me there was good ground for it." "Gilbert," said the merchant, "I feel friendly to you, and I want you to succeed. Say no more about this affair, and to-morrow I will make over to you bank-shares amounting to ten thousand dollars. That will give you a good start in life." "I only want what is my own," said Gilbert, sturdily. " I want what my father left me." Mr. Briggs rose, and paced the room in silence Hii good and bad angel were contending for the GILBERT QREYSON'S FORTUKSS. 343 supremacy. The conflict came to anend, and his bet- ter nature triumphed. He resumed his seat, looking no longer perplexed or troubled, but as one who had thrown off a burden. "Gilbert," he said, "it is all true. I have tried to be a villain; but I won't be one any longer. Your father left you a fortune, and it shall be re- stored to you." Gilbert rose, and grasped Mr. Briggs' hand cor- dially. Boy as he was, he comprehended the struggle through which his guardian had passed. " Thank you, sir," he said. "I shall forget all that has passed; and I ask you to remain my guardian, and take care of my property for me." Man of the world as he was, Mr. Briggs was touched by this proof of generous confidence. "I don't deserve this, Gilbert; but I will do as you ask. I will, however, see a lawyer, and make such arrangements that whatever may happen to me you will be safe." At that moment the bell rang. "1 think Mrs. Briggs and Randolph have re- 344 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJZ, turned," said the merchant "One word, Gilbert of what has passed between us, let it only be known that you have received a large legacy, and that I am your guardian in reality as well as in name." " All right, air. Perhaps I had better go. Mn. Briggs don't like me." Her husband laughed. " She will change when she knows you are rich," he said. " Don't be surprised. It is the way of the world." He had scarcely finished when Mrs. Briggs en- tered, followed by Randolph. She remarked Gil- bert's presence with displeasure. " You here?" she said. "Yes, my dear," said Mr. Briggs, pleasantly. " Gilbert has been keeping me company." "He came on business, I suppose," sneered the lady. " You are right, my dear. What made you guesa his errand?" "I supposed he wanted help," said Mrs. Briggs. u He wants his pension restored, of course." GII.BSRT OR JUTS ON' 9 FORTUNES, 845 "Is that what you came for, Gilbert?" aaked Randolph, uncomfortably. Gilbert rather enjoyed the misapprehension of his two enemies, but he left Mr. Briggs to answer. " Really, my dear, yon are hardly polite to my young ward." " Your ward ! Don't be ridiculous, Mr. Briggs. You know he hasn't got a cent, and has to live on charity." "You are quite mistaken, my dear. Gilbert has just come into a property of over eighty thousand dollars. And he has asked me to take charge of it for him." Mrs. Briggs sank into a chair in utter stupe- faction, while Randolph opened his eyes in astonish- ment. "You are jesting!" Mrs. Briggs managed to utter. " Not at all Is what I say correct, Gilbert? " "I believe it is, sir." It is singular how Gilbert was transformed all at in the eyes of the worldly woman, and her son. 346 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OS, Circumstances were changed, and they must change with them. It was awkward, but it must be done. "I congraulate you, Gilbert," she said, trying to smile. " You are certainly very fortunate." " I should say he was ! " exclaimed Randolph. "I say, Gilbert, come and live with us, won't you?" " I should really be glad to have my husband's ward in my family," said Mrs. Briggs, as graciously as possible. " Thank you," said Gilbert ; " but this has come upon me so suddenly, that I don't know what arrange- ments I shall make." " Who left you this fortune ? " asked Mrs. Briggs, curiously. '" We are not at liberty to go into particulars," said Mr. Briggs ; "but there is no doubt about it." " If you will excuse me, Mr. Briggs, I will leave you now. I should like to tell my friends of my good fortune." "Certainly. Come to my counting-room in the Horning at ten. Some arrangements will need to be MKfc" GILBERT GREYSON*8 FORTUNES. 847 " I will be on hand, sir." "Dine with us to-morrow, Gilbert," said Mm Briggs, graciously. " Randolph will be so glad of your company. " " Thank you." Gilbert thought it due to his guardian to accept. He was wise enough to take the world as he found it, and return courtesy with courtesy. "What has happened, Gilbert?" exclaimed his room-mate, when, half an hour later, Gilbert broke into the room, his face full of excitement " I am rich, Mr. Ingalls. I have become heir to eighty thousand dollars." " Good gracious ! " exclaimed Alphonso Jones, who was present. "I suppose you will go to lire on Fifth Avenue among the swells." " Not at present, Mr. Jones." " I am rery glad of your good luck, Gilbert," said his room-mate, warmly. "You must tell me all about it by and by." " I wish I had eighty thousand dollars," said Al- phonso. " Wouldn't I be high-toned ? " 848 SHIFTING FOR fiLMSELF ; OJl, " Can't one be high-toned without being rich, Mr. Jones?" asked Gilbert. Mr. Jones thought not; but he made one mental reservation. He privately thought himself high- toned, though he certainly wag not rich. QMXYSON'S WQMTUMMM. 849 CHAPTER YTTTIT CONCLUSION. NOWBERE did Gilbert receive heartier congraula- tions on the change in his fortunes than from Mr. Vivian and his family. Fred only was disturbed. " I suppose you won't be willing to teach me any more, now you are rich, Gilbert," he said. " I don't think it will make any difference, Fred," said Gilbert ; " but I must consult your father about my plans." " What are your own views and wishes, Gilbert ? " asked the merchant "I want to get a better education," said Gilbert. " I should like to carry out my orignal plan, and go to college. After I graduate I may devote myself to business; but a good education won't interfere with that' 1 860 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; 0, "I approye your plan," said Mr. Vivian. "Of course you will resign your place at the broker's." " Yes, sir." " Then I shall submit a plan for your future. We all like you, and you can be of use to Fred. Come and live with us. You can complete your preparation for college at some first-class school in the city, and enter next summer, if you like." " I hope you will come, Gilbert," said Laura. It might have been her voice which decided Gilbert to accept. At any rate, he did accept gratefully; and in less than a week he was installed at Mr. Vivian's as a member of the family. Mr. Sands was sorry to lose his services, but acknowledged that it was better for him to give up his place. The day after his retirement he was sitting in Madison Park, when John, who had once caused him to lose his place, espied him. John had not yet succeeded in securing a place, nor had Mr. Moore, the book-keeper. " What brings you hre at thia time in the day?" naked John, in surprise. GILBERT GREYSON'S FORTUNES. 351 " I am a gentleman of leisure," answered Gilbert. "Have you left Mr. Sands?" asked John, eagerly. "Yes." " Been bounced, eh? " asked John, radiantly. Gilbert smiled. He understood John's feelings. ' No," he answered. " I left of my own accord." " You haven't got another place ? " "No." "Then it's too thin, your leaving of your own accord." "It does look so, I admit," said Gilbert, good- humoredly. " But it is true, nevertheless." "Why did you leave, then? You haven't had a fortune left you?" "You've hit it, John. I no longer need m/ pay. I have become rich, and shall go on preparing for college." "Is that really so?" "It is quite true." " Some folks are lucky," said John, enviously. " I aint one of that kind. I wish I could get your old place." 852 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; O*, u I am afraid Mr. Sands wouldn't take you back. I wish he would, and that you would do so well that he would keep you." " That will do to say; but you wouldn't help me back." " Yes, I would, and will. I will go down to the office now, and ask Mr. Sands to take you back." "You will, after the mean way I have treated you?" exclaimed John, in surprise. "I don't bear any malice, John," said Gilbert "Here, take my hand, and look upon me as a friend. If I can't get you back into my old place, I'll try elsewhere. Come, let us take the cars down-town, and I'll see what I can do for you." "What a good fellow you are, Gilbert!" said John, much moved. "I am ashamed of trying to injure you." "You didn't know me, then. But, John, will you try to give satisfaction, if you are taken back?" "Yes, I will," said John, earnestly. Half an hour later they entered the broker's office. No boy had been engaged as yet Mr. Sands did not GILBERT GRETSON S FORTUNES. 353 at first regard John's application with favor ; though, as he understood the duties of the place, he could, if he pleased, do better than a new boy. Finally, the broker agreed to take him on trial. " Remember, John," he said, " you owe your place to Gilbert's intercession. But for that I wouldn't take you back." " I know it, sir. I hope you won't be sorry." Here it may be said that John turned over a new leaf, and succeeded in this last trial in giving satis- faction. His cousin, Simon Moore, called him mean- spirited for going back ; but John felt that he must look out for his own interests now, and did not regard his objection. In his prosperity Gilbert did not forget Mr. Talbot and his little daughter. While he continued sick our hero allowed him a weekly sum sufficient to support father and daughter comfortably; and on his recovery he found him employment, and a more comfortable lodging. Little Emma was no longer obliged to go into the streets to sell bouquets, but was put at a good day-school From time to tim 354 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF , OR, Gilbert called upon them, and was rejoiced to see the improved looks and happier faces of Emma and her father. In the first chapter of this story the reader will recall John Munford, a school-friend of Gilbert, the son of a carpenter, who, on account of his father's poverty, was obliged to leave school, and go to work. Gilbert, in becoming rich, did not forget his early friend. One day John received a letter from Gilbert, in which, after speaking of his change of fortune, he wrote: " Now, John, I have a large income, much more than I can use, and I want to do what good I can with it. I know you want to keep at school, but cannot, on account of your father's circumstances. I have a proposal to make to you. Give up work, and go back to Dr. Burton's school. I will allow you three hundred dollars a year till you are ready to go to college. Then you shall come to Yale, and room with me. I will provide for you in college. After you graduate, your education will command a position that will make you independent. Let me know at QILMRRT QREYSON'S FORTUNES. 855 once if you accept, or rather write me that you do accept" What could John do, but to accept this generous offer with deep gratitude to his old school-fellow? Need it be said that Gilbert fulfilled his promise to the letter. Last year the two friends graduated, both taking high rank ; and John is now principal of a High School in a Massachusetts town. Gilbert hag decided to lead a business life, and has entered Mr. Vivian's establishment. He will be junior part- ner at the end of three years. He may form another partnership with a member of Mr. Vivian's family. I cannot say positively, but I think it quite probable. Mr. Briggs is no longer Gilbert's guardian. Our hero is of age, and has assumed the charge of his own property. He is always sure of a cordial wel- come from Mrs. Briggs now, and Randolph cultivates his intimacy ; but Gilbert does not find him congenial. He is inclined to be dissipated, and, I am afraid, will not turn out well. But his mother upholds him on all occasions; and her ill-judged indulgence is partly the cause of her ton's lack of promise. ^56 SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF; OJl, Gilbert sometimes visits the old boarding-house. Mr. Ingalls is prospering. Alphonso Jones now boasts of his intimacy with Gilbert. It is rumored that he has offered himself to Mrs. Kinney, a young widow, already mentioned, and been rejected. His heart is not broken, however ; and he is now a suitor for the hand of Miss Brintnall, the strong-minded school-teacher. She is " high-toned " in one sense. it least, as he will probably find after marriage. Th next volume of this series will be WORK AND HOPE; OR, BRADFORD'S Mono. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED CHfcCT This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. .- ' ) * o, / (= BECeVPf) N OCT 1 7 J984 If If % R 1Q7K 4 9 CIRCULATIOM r>Bo> SEC. Gift. Jilo f5 7 jjaj^cjS JMI FEB141983 l^j'Ji MC,CIR. JAfj22 "83 "T? T9W O a^ NOV 1 7 1QR4 s^ AflMDISf Illl 22 t 1 nuiy vlu\i JUL *- t " u LD21-35m-8,'72 (Q4189810)476 A-32 General Library University of California Berkeley