``I’llgiveyouthreedollarsaweekandboard，’’saidMr。Leavitt，afteralittleconsideration——``thatis，ifIamsatisfiedwithyou。’’
``I’llcome，’’saidHarry，promptly。Herapidlycalculatedthattherewouldbeabouttwentyweeksforwhichhewouldreceivepaybeforethesixmonthsexpired。Thiswouldgivehimsixtydollars，ofwhichhethoughtheshouldbeabletosavefortytosendorcarrytohisfather。
``Howdidyouhappentocometome？’’askedMr。Leavitt，withsomecuriosity。
``I
heardatthepostofficethatyoursonwasgoingtothecitytowork，andI
thoughtIcouldgetinhere。’’
``Well，wewilltryyouatshoemaking。Robert，youcanteachhimwhatyouknowaboutpegging。’’
``Comehere，’’saidRobert。``Whatisyourname？’’
``HarryWalton。’’
``Howoldareyou？’’
``Fifteen。’’
``Didyoueverworkmuch？’’
``Yes，onafarm。’’
``Doyouthinkyou’lllikeshoemakingbetter？’’
``I
don’tknowyet，butIthinkIshall。Ilikealmostanythingbetterthanfarming。’’
``Robert，’’saidhisfather，``goinandtellmothertoputanextraseatatthetable。Shedoesn’tknowthatwe’vegotanewboarder。’’
Robertwentinandinformedhismotherofthenewboarder。Itmadenodifference，forthetablewasalwayswellsupplied。
``ThisisHarryWalton，mother，’’saidMr。Leavitt，``ournewapprentice。HewilltakeBob’splacewhenhegoes。’’
``Iamgladtoseeyou，’’saidMrs。Leavitt，hospitably。``Youmaysithere，nexttoRobert。’’
Accustomedtothepainfulfrugalityofthetableathome，heregardedthisasasplendiddinner，anddidfulljusticetoit。
IntheafternoonheresumedworkintheshopunderRobert’sguidance。Hewasinexcellentspirits。Hefeltthathewasveryfortunatetohavegainedaplacesosoon，anddeterminedtowritehomethatsameevening。Chapter11CHAPTERXI。
ANINVITATIONDECLINED。
ThesummerpassedquicklyandthetimearrivedforRobertLeavitttogotothecity。BythistimeHarrywaswellqualifiedtotakehisplace。Harryprovedtobequicker，ifanything，thanRobert，thoughthelatterhadbeenaccustomedtotheworkforseveralyears。
Mr。Leavittwaswellsatisfiedwithhisnewapprentice。
``Good—by，Harry，’’saidRobert，ashesawthecoachcominguptheroadtotakehimtotherailroadstation。
``Good—by，andgoodluck!’’saidHarry。
OnSaturdayevening，afterhehadreceivedhisweek’spay，LukeHarrison，whoworkedinashopnearby，methimatthepostoffice。
``Comealong，Harry，’’hesaid。``Letusplayagameofbilliards。’’
``Youmustexcuseme，’’saidHarry。
``Oh，comealong，’’saidLuke，takinghimbythearm；``it’sonlytwenty—fivecents。’’
``I
can’taffordit。’’
``What’stheuseofbeingstingy，Harry？Tryonegame。’’
``Youcangetsomebodyelsetoplaywithyou，Luke。’’
``Oh，hangit，ifyoucaresomuchforaquarter，I’llpayforthegamemyself。Onlycomeandplay。’’
Harryshookhishead。
``I
don’twanttoamusemyselfatyourexpense。’’
``Youareamiser，’’saidLuke，angrily。
``I
toldyouoncethatIhadanotheruseforthemoney。’’
Heknewhewasright，butitwasdisagreeabletobecalledamiser。HewastooproudtojustifyhimselftoLuke，whospentallhismoneyfoolishly，thoughearningconsiderablylargerwagesthanhe。
Thedayprevioushehadheard，forthefirsttime，thattherewasapubliclibraryinanotherpartofthetown，whichwasopenevenings。Thoughitwastwomilesdistant，andhehadbeenatworkallday，hedeterminedtowalkupthereandgetabook。Hefeltthathewasveryignorant，andthathisadvanceintheworlddependeduponhisimprovingallopportunitiesthatmightpresentthemselvesforextendinghislimitedknowledge。Thiswasevidentlyone。
AfterhisunsatisfactoryinterviewwithLuke，hesetoutfortheuppervillage，asitwascalled。Fortyminutes’walkbroughthimtothebuildinginwhichthelibrarywaskept。Anelderlymanhadchargeofit——aMr。Parmenter。
``CanI
takeoutabook？’’askedHarry。
``Doyouliveintown？’’
``Yes，sir。’’
``Whatisyourname？’’
``HarryWalton。’’
``I
don’trememberanyWaltonfamily。’’
``MyfatherlivesinGranton。IamworkingforMr。JamesLeavitt。’’
``I
havenodoubtthisisquitecorrect，butIshallhavetohaveMr。Leavitt’scertificatetothateffectbeforeIcanputyournamedown，andtrustyouwithbooks。’’
Soitseemedhistwo—milewalkwasfornothing。HemustretracehisstepsandcomeagainMondaynight。
HewasturningawaydisappointedwhenDr。Townley，ofthelowervillage，wholivednearMr。Leavitt，enteredthelibrary。
``Mywifewantsabookinexchangeforthis，Mr。Parmenter，’’hesaid。``Haveyougotanythingnewin？Ah，HarryWalton，howcameyouhere？Doyoutakebooksoutofthelibrary？’’
``ThatiswhatIcameupfor，butthelibrariansaysImustbringalinefromMr。
Leavitt，tellingwhoIam。’’
``IfDr。Townleyknowsyou，thatissufficient，’’saidthelibrarian。
``Heisallright，Mr。Parmenter。Heisayoungneighborofmine。’’
``Thatisenough。Hecanselectabook。’’
Harry，afteralittlereflection，selectedthefirstvolumeof``Rollin’sUniversalHistory。’’
``That’sagood，solidbook，Harry，’’saidthedoctor。``Mostofouryoungpeopleselectstories。’’
``I
likestoriesverymuch，’’saidHarry；``butIhaveonlyalittletimetoread，andImusttrytolearnsomething。’’
``Youareasensibleboy，’’saidthedoctor，emphatically。``Mostcareonlyforpresentenjoyment。’’
``I
havegotmyownwaytomake，’’saidHarry，``andIsupposethatiswhatinfluencesme。Myfathercannothelpme，andIwanttoriseintheworld。’’
``Youaregoingtherightwaytowork。Doyouintendtotakeoutbooksoftenfromthelibrary？’’
``Yes，sir。’’
``Itwillbealongwalkfromthelowervillage。’’
``I
wouldwalkfartherratherthandowithoutthebooks，’’
``Icansaveyouatanyratefromwalkingback。Mychaiseisoutside，and，ifyouwilljumpin，Iwillcarryyouhome。’’
``Thankyou，doctor。Ishallbeverygladtoride。’’
Ontheway，Dr。Townleysaid：``IhaveafewmiscellaneousbookswhichIwilllendtoyou，ifyouwillcomein。’’
Harrythankedhim，andnotlongafterwardavailedhimselfofthisconsiderateproposal。
OnceaweekregularlyHarrywrotehome。Heknewthathisletterswouldgivepleasuretothefamily，andheneverallowedanythingtointerferewithhisduty。
Hisfatherwrote：``Wearegettingonaboutasusual。Thecowdoestolerablywell，butisnotasgoodastheoneIlost。Ihavenotyetsucceededinlayingupanythingtowardpayingforher。’’
Harrywroteinreply：``Don’ttroubleyourself，father，aboutyourdebttoSquireGreen。IfIhavesteadywork，andkeepmyhealth，Ishallhaveenoughtopayitbythetimeitcomesdue。’’Chapter12CHAPTERXII。
THETAILOR’SCUSTOMER。
AttheendofsixweeksfromthedateofRobert’sdeparture，Harryhadbeenpaideighteendollars。Ofthissumhehadspentbutonedollar，andkeptthebalanceinhispocketbook。HedidnotcaretosendithomeuntilhohadenoughtomeetSquireGreen’sdemand，knowingthathisfatherwouldbeabletomeethisordinaryexpenses。
``Seehowthefellowdresses，’’saidLukeHarrisontotwoofhiscompanions。``Hisclothesareshabbyenough，andhehasn’tgotanovercoatatall。Hehoardshismoney，andistoostingytobuyone。’’
``You’drathergettrustedforyourclothesthandowithoutthem，’’saidFrankHeath，slyly。
``WhatifIdo，’’saidLukesharply，``aslongasIamgoingtopayforthem？’’
``Oh，nothing，’’saidFrank。
BythistimeHarryhadcomeup。
``Whereareyougoing，Walton？’’askedLuke。
``Leftyourovercoatathome，didn’tyou？’’
Harrycolored。
``Ididnotleaveitathome，forIhavenonetoleave。’’
Thetailor，Merrillbyname，hadashopoverthedrygoodsstore，andthitherHarrydirectedhissteps。Therewasoneotherpersonintheshop，ayoungfellowbutlittlelargerthanHarry，thoughtwoyearsolder，whowasonavisittoanauntintheneighborhood，butlivedinBoston。HisnamewasMauriceTudor。Hehadgoneintotheshoptoleaveacoattoberepaired。
``Howareyou，Walton？’’hesaid。
``Prettywell，thankyou。’’
``It’sprettycoldforOctober。’’
``Yes，unusuallyso。’’
``Mr。
Merrill，’’saidHarry，``Ishouldliketoinquirethepriceofanovercoat。’’
``ThisisthecheapestgoodsIhave，’’saidthetailor，pointingtosomecoarseclothnearby。``Icanmakeyouupacoatfromthatforeighteendollars。’’
``Eighteendollars!’’exclaimedHarry。``Isthatthecheapestyouhave？’’
``Theverycheapest。Imighttakeoffadollarforcash。I’vegotenoughofrunningupbills。There’sLukeHarrisonowesmeoverthirtydollars，andIdon’tbelievehemeanstopayitatall。’’
``IfI
buy，Ishallpaycash，’’saidHarry，quietly。
MauriceTudorwasasilentlistenertothisdialogue。HelingeredafterHarrywentout，andsaid：
``That’sagoodfellow。’’
``HarryWalton？’’repeatedthetailor。``Yes，he’sworthadozenlikeLukeHarrison。’’
``Heisratherpoor，Isuppose。’’
``Yes。
Theboyscallhimmean；butLeavitttellsmeheissavingupeverycenttosendtohisfather，whoisapoorfarmer。’’
``That’sagoodthinginhim。’’
``Yes，IwishIcouldaffordtogivehimanovercoat。Heneedsone，butIsupposeseventeendollarswillcomeratherhardonhimtopay。IfyoungWaltonwantstogetanovercoatoncredit，Ishan’tobject。Ijudgesomethingbylooks，andI
amsureheishonest。’’
``Well，good—night，Mr。Merrill。You’llhavemycoatdonesoon？’’
``Yes，Mr。Tudor。Itshallbereadyforyoutomorrow。’’
MauriceTudorleftthetailor’sshop，revolvinganewideawhichhadjustenteredhismind。Nowherememberedthathehadathishomeinthecityanexcellentovercoatwhichhehadwornthepreviouswinter，butwhichwasnowtoosmallforhim。AswellashecouldjudgebyobservingHarry’sfigure，itwouldbeanexcellentfitforhim。Whyshouldhenotgiveittohim？
Onhiswayhomeheovertookourhero，walkingslowly，plungedinthought。Infact，hewasstilloccupiedwiththeproblemoftheneededovercoat。
``Good—evening，Harry，’’saidyoungTudor。
``Good—evening，Mr。Tudor，’’answeredHarry；``areyougoingbacktothecitysoon？’’
``Inthecourseofaweekortwo。Mr。Leavitt’ssonisinastoreinBoston，ishenot？’’
``Yes。
Ihavetakenhisplaceintheshop。’’
``SoI
hear。Howdoyoulikeyournewbusiness？’’
``Verywell。IthinkIshouldlikebettertobeinaprintingoffice，butIamgladtogetachanceinashoeshop。’’
``IsawyouatMerrill’sthisevening。’’
``Yes；
Iwaspricinganovercoat。’’
``I
boughtthisoneinBostonjustbeforeIcameaway。Ihaveaverygoodoneleftfromlastwinter，butitistoosmallforme。Itisofnousetome。IfI
thoughtyouwouldacceptit，Iwouldofferittoyou。’’
Harry’sheartgaveajoyfulbound。Herewashisgreatneedsupplied，andwithoutexpense。
``Acceptit!’’herepeated。``IndeedIwill，andthankyouforyourgreatkindness。’’
``ThenIwillwritehomeatoncetohaveitsenttome。IalsohaveasuitwhichI
haveoutgrown；ifyouwouldn’tbetooproudtotakeit。’’
``Iamnotsofoolish，’’saidHarry。``Itwillbeagreatfavortome。’’
``I
thoughtyouwouldtakeitright，’’saidMaurice。``Iwillalsosendforthesuit。’’
Threedayslateralargebundle，wrappedinbrownpaper，wasbroughtbythevillageexpressmantoMr。Leavitt’sdoor。
``A
bundleforyou，Walton，’’saidtheexpressman，seeingHarryintheyard。
Harryranforwardandreceivedit。
``Whatistheretopay？’’heasked。
``Nothing，’’wastheanswer。``Itwasprepaidinthecity。’’
Harrytookituptohisroom，andopenediteagerly。Firstcamethepromisedovercoat。ItwasofveryhandsomeFrenchcloth，withavelvetcollar，andrichsilkfacings，farhigherincostthananyMr。Merrillwouldhavemadeforhim。
Woulditfit？Thatwasaquestionhetestedimmediatelybytryingiton。Itfittedasifithadbeenmadeforhim。Nextcame，notone，buttwocompletesuits。
AftersupperHarry，arrayedinhisbestsuit，andwearingtheovercoat，walkeddowntothecenterofthevillage。Chapter13CHAPTERXIII。
THENIGHTSCHOLARS。
ImmediatelyafterThanksgivingDay，thewinterschoolscommenced。ThatinthecenterdistrictwaskeptbyastudentofDartmouthCollege，whohadleaveofabsencefromthecollegeauthoritiesfortwelveweeks，inorderbyteachingtoearnsomethingtohelpdefrayhiscollegeexpenses。LeonardMorgan，nowajunior，wasatall，stronglymadeyoungmanoftwenty—two，whosestalwartframehadnotbeenreducedbyhisdiligentstudy。
Hehadscarcelycommencedhisschoolwhenahappyideastruckhim。Therewereseveralshoe—shopsinthevillage，eachemployingfromonetothreeboys，varyinginagefromfifteentonineteen。Whycouldhenotformaprivateclass，tomeetintheevenings，sayforanhourandahalfortwohours，tobeinstructedinadvancedarithmetic，or，ifdesired，inLatinandGreek。HebroachedtheideatoStephenBates，theprudentialcommitteeman。
``I
don’tknow，’’saidMr。Bates，``whatourboyswillthinkofit。I’vegotaboythatI’llsend，butwhetheryou’llgetenoughtomakeitpayIdon’tknow。’’
``I
supposeIcanhavetheschoolhouse，Mr。Bates？’’
``Yes，therewon’tbenoobjectiontothat。’’
``I’llbeginifIcangeteightnames，’’saidtheyoungman。
``Thenyou’dbetterdrawupanoticeandputitupinthestoreandthetavern，’’
suggestedthecommitteeman。
Inaccordancewiththisadvice，theyoungteacherpostedupinthetwoplacesthefollowingnotice：``EVENINGSCHOOL。
``I
proposetostartaneveningschoolforthosewhoareoccupiedduringtheday，andunabletoattendthedistrictschool。InstructionwillbegiveninsuchEnglishbranchesasmaybedesired，andalsoinLatinandGreek，ifanyaredesirousofpursuingaclassicalcourse。TheschoolwillcommencenextMondayeveningattheschoolhouse，beginningatseveno’clock。Terms：Seventycentsaweek，orfivedollarsforthetermoftenweeks。``LEONARDMORGAN。’’
AmongthosewhoreadthisnoticewithinterestwasHarryWalton。Hehadnotforgottenhismotto，``Liveandlearn，’’andhereseemedtobeagoodopportunityofputtingitintopractice。
``Areyougoingtojointheclass，Walton？’’askedFrankHeath。
``Yes，’’saidHarry，promptly。
``Where’llyougetthemoney？’’askedLukeHarrison，inajeeringtone。
``I
shan’thavetogofarforit。Idon’tknowenoughyet，andneverexpectto，’’
saidHarry。
``Doyoumeantogotoschoolwhenyou’reagray—headedoldveteran？’’askedFrank，jocosely。
``Imaynotgotoschoolthen，butIshan’tgiveuplearningthen，’’saidHarry，smiling。``Onecanlearnwithoutgoingtoschool。ButwhileI’myoung，ImeantogotoschoolasmuchasIcan。’’
WhenMondayeveningarrivedtenpupilspresentedthemselves，ofwhomsixwereboys，oryoungmen，andfourweregirls。LeonardMorganfeltencouraged。Aclassoften，thoughpayingbutfivedollarseach，wouldgivehimfiftydollars，which，addedtothepayhereceivedforhisservicesduringtheday，wouldbequiteanacceptableadditiontohisscantymeans。
``Iamgladtoseesomany，’’hesaid。``Ithinkoureveningclasswillbeasuccess。
Iwillgoamongyou，takeyournames，andascertainwhatstudiesyouwishtopursue。’’
WhenhecametoHarryheasked，``Whatdoyouproposetostudy？’’
``I
shouldliketotakeupalgebraandLatin，ifyouarewilling，’’answeredourhero。
``Haveyoustudiedeitheratall？’’inquiredtheyoungteacher。
``No，sir；Ihavenothadanopportunity。’’
``Howfarhaveyoubeeninarithmetic？’’
``Throughthesquareandcuberoot。’’
``Doyouthinkyouunderstandthose？’’
``I
believeso。IfyouwillgivemeanexampleIwilltry。’’
``Ifyouhavebeensofar，youwillhavenodifficultywithalgebra。AstoLatin，oneofthegirlswishestotakeupthat，andIwillputyouintheclasswithher。Haveyouanybook？’’
``No，sir。WherecanIgetone？’’
``I
willsendforoneforyou，andalsoanalgebra。’’
``Thankyou。’’
A
littlelater，LeonardMorgancameroundtothedeskatwhichHarrywassitting。
``I
broughtaLatingrammarwithme，’’hesaid，``thinkingitprobablesomeonemightliketobeginthatlanguage。Youcanuseituntilyourscomes。’’
``Thankyou，’’saidHarry；andheeagerlytookthebook，andaskedtohavealessonset，whichwasdone。
``Icangetmorethanthat，’’hesaid。
``Howmuchmore？’’
``Twiceasmuch。’’
``Ifthatisthecase，Iwillletyoubeinaclassbyyourself。’’
``Thankyou，’’saidHarry。``Ishouldlikecompany；butIwanttogetonfast。’’
Stilllaterherecitedthedoublelesson，andsocorrectlythattheteacher’sattentionwasdrawntohim。
``That’sasmartboy，’’hesaidtohimself。``Imeantotakepainswithhim。
Whatapityhecan’tgotocollege!’’Chapter14CHAPTERXIV。
LOST，ORSTOLEN。
Harrylearnedrapidly。AttheendoffourweekshehadcompletedtheLatingrammar，orthatpartofitwhichhisteacherthoughtnecessaryforabeginnertobefamiliarwith，andcommencedtranslatingtheeasysentencesin``Andrew’sLatinReader。’’Hedidn’tconfinehisstudyingtothetwohoursthathepassedinschool，butdevotedhisspareminutesduringthedaytopreparinghimselfforrecitation。
``Youaregettingonfamously，Harry，’’saidhisteacher。``Ineverhadascholarwhoadvancedsorapidlybefore。’’
Harrybrightenedup。
``ItisbecauseIlikeit，’’hesaid。
Theyoungmansmiled。
``I
shouldliketobeaneditor，’’saidHarry；``butIdon’tseemuchprospectofit。’’
``Whynot？’’
``Aneditormustknowagooddeal。’’
``Therearesomewhodon’t，’’saidLeonardMorgan，withasmile。``However，youwouldliketodocredittotheprofession，anditiscertainlyinthesemoderndaysaveryimportantprofession。Thereisnothingtopreventyourbecominganeditorsomeday，ifyoustronglydesireit。Thesooneryoubegintoprepareyourselfforitthebetter。’’
``HowcanIpreparemyself？’’
``Tobeginwith，bydoingyourbesttoacquireagoodeducation；notonlybystudyinglessons，butbyreadingasextensivelyasyouareable。Aneditorshouldbeamanoflargeinformation。Haveyoueverpracticedwritingcompositions？’’
``A
little；notmuch。’’
``Ifyougettimetowriteanything，andwillsubmitittome，IwillpointoutsuchfaultsasImaynotice。’’
``SupposeItakemymotto。’’
``Whatisthat？’’
``
`Liveandlearn。’’’
``Doso，byallmeans。Thatisasubjectuponwhichyoumaybefairlysaidtohavesomeideasofyourown。’’
InduetimeHarrypresentedacompositiononthissubject。Idonotproposetoplaceitonrecordhere。Hesentacopyhome，andreceivedinreplyaletterfromhisfather，expressingsurpriseandgratificationattheexcellenceofhisessay。
Butwhileintentuponcultivatinghismind，Harryhadnotlostsightofthegreatobjectwhichhadsenthimfromhometoseekemploymentamongstrangers。HehadundertakentomeetthenotewhichhisfatherhadgivenSquireGreeninpaymentforthecow，andhefeltconfidentthathecoulddoit，ifhishealthandbusinesscontinuedgood。BythefirstofDecemberhehadsavedupthirty—threedollarstowardthisobject。BythemiddleofJanuarythenotewouldcomedue。
Sohehadeveryreasontobelievethathecouldcarryouthisscheme。
HewaswaiteduponbyLukeHarrisononthefirstdayofDecember，andaskedtojoininagrandsleighingexcursiontoatowntenmilesdistant。
``It’snousetalking，Luke；Ican’tgo。’’
Thisconversationtookplaceastheywerewalkinghomefromthestoreintheevening。Harrypulledouthishandkerchiefsuddenlyfromhispocket，andwithitcamehispocketbook，containingallhissavings。Hedidn’thearitfall；butLukedid，andthelater，moreover，suspectedwhatitwas。HedidnotcallHarry’sattentiontoit，but，fallingback，said：``I’vegottogobacktothestore。Iforgotsomething。Good—night。’’
``Good—night!’’saidHarry，unsuspiciously。
Lukestoopedswiftlywhileourhero’sbackwasturned，andpickedupthepocketbook。Heslippeditintohisownpocket，and，insteadofgoingbacktothestore，wenttohisownroom，lockedthedoor，andtheneagerlypulledoutthepocketbookandcountedthecontents。
``Thirty—threedollars!’’hesaidtohimself，inexultation。``Whatamiserthatfellowis!Itserveshimrighttolosehismoney。’’Chapter15CHAPTERXV。
ANUNWELCOMEVISITOR。
``WhatIfindismine，’’hesaidtohimself。``Ofcourseitis。HarryWaltondeservestolosehismoney。’’
Howshouldhedisposeofit？
IthasalreadybeensaidthatLukewasfondofnewclothes。Hewantedtore—establishhiscreditwithMerrill，forhewasinwantofanewcoat，andknewthatitwouldbeuselesstoorderoneunlesshehadsomemoneytopayonaccount。HedecidedtouseapartofHarrys’moneyforthispurpose。Hethereforeputthepocketbookintohistrunk，andcarefullylockedit。Thenhewenttobed。
Meanwhile，HarryreachedMr。Leavitt’s，unconsciousoftheseriousmisfortunewhichhadbefallenhim，andatteno’clocktookhislampandwentuptobed。
Whilehewasundressinghefeltinhispocketforhismoney，intendingtolockitupinhistrunkasusual。Hisdismaymaybeconceivedwhenhecouldnotfindit。
PoorHarrysankintoachairwiththatsuddensinkingoftheheartwhichunlooked—formisfortunebrings，andtriedtothinkwherehecouldhaveleftthepocketbook，orhowhecouldhavelostit。Hedidnotgenerallycarryitroundwithhim，butthateveninghefoundhimselfunderthenecessityofbuyinganecktieatthestore，andsohadtakenitfromhistrunk。Couldhehaveleftitonthecounter？No；hedistinctlyrememberedreplacingitinhispocket。Whatcouldhavebecomeofit？Hefelttheneedofconsultingwithsomebody，andwithhislampinhishandwentdownstairsagain。
``Areyousick，Harry？’’askedMrs。Leavitt。
``You’relookingdreadfullypale。’’
``I’velostmypocketbook，’’saidHarry。``Thatis，Ican’tfindit。’’
``Howmuchwasthereinit？’’askedhisemployer。
``Thirty—threedollars，’’answeredHarry。``ItwasallthemoneyIhad。’’
``Whew!
that’sagooddealofmoneytolose。Ishouldn’twanttolosesomuchmyself。
Whendidyouhaveitlast？’’
Harrytoldhisstory，Mr。Leavittlisteningattentively。
``Youaresureyoudidn’tleaveitatthestore，onthecounter？Ileftmywalletthereonenight。’’
``IamcertainIputitinmypocket。’’
``Andyoucamerighthome？’’
``Yes。’’
``Alone？’’
``No；
LukeHarrisoncamewithme。’’
``Whatwashetalkingabout？’’
``Hewantedmetojoininasleighingpartyofyoungfolks。’’
``Whatdidyousay？’’
``I
saidIcouldn’taffordit。Thenhechargedmewithbeingamiser，asheoftendoes。HeleftmeatDeaconBrewster’s。Hesaidhemustgobacktothestorethathehadforgottensomething。’’
``There’ssomethingqueeraboutthis，’’saidMr。Leavitt，shrewdly。``Doyouwantmyadvice？’’
``Yes；
Iwishyouwouldadviseme，forIdon’tknowwhattodo。’’
``Thengotothestoreatonce。Ask，butwithoutattractinganyattention，ifLukecamebackthereafterleavingyou。IfyoufindthatLuke’sexcusewasfalse，andthathedidnotgoback，goatoncetohisboardingplace，andaskhimwhetherhesawyoudropthepocketbook。Youmighthavedroppedit，andhepickeditup。Thatwillgivehimachancetorestoreit。’’
``Supposehesaysno？’’
``Thenwemustwatchwhetherheseemsflushofmoneyforthenextfewdays。Buttherewillbetimeforthatto—morrow。’’
ThisseemedtoHarrygoodadvice。Heputonhishatandcoat，andretracedhisstepstothestore，carefullylookingalongtheroadtoseeifhecoulddescryanythingofthelostpocketbook。
``I
thoughtyouwenthome，Harry，’’saidFrankHeath。
``YouseeIamhereagain，’’saidourhero，evadingareply。``Isitlate？’’
FrankHeathtookouthiswatch，forwhichhehadrecentlytraded，andannouncedthatitwasteno’clock。
``Timetoshutupshop，’’saidMr。Meade，thestorekeeper。``Youboyswillhavetoadjourntilltomorrow。’’
``Where’sLukeHarrison？’’askedFrankHeath。
``Didn’thegooutwithyou？’’
``Yes；
butheleftmesometimeago。Hecamebackhere，didn’the？’’
``No；
hehasn’tbeenheresince。’’
``Hespokeofcoming，’’saidHarry。``Hewantedmetojointhatsleighingparty。’’
``Areyougoingto？’’
``I
can’taffordit，Frank。’’
``I
supposeIoughtnottospendthemoney，’’saidFrankHeath；``butI’malwaysinforagoodtime。IguessI’llhavetogo。’’
``Good—night，boys，’’saidthestorekeeper，significantly。
Theytookthehintandwentout。Theirwaylayindifferentdirections，andtheypartedcompany。
LukeHarrisonboardedwithaMr。Glenham，acarpenter，anditwasathisdoorthatHarryknocked。
``IsLukeHarrisonathome？’’heinquiredofMrs。Glenham，whoopenedthedoor。
``Athomeandabed，Ireckon，’’shereplied，lookingsurprisedathislatecall。
``I
wouldliketoseehim，’’saidHarry。
``Can’tyouwaittillto—morrowmorning？Iwasjustgoingtolockupforthenight。’’
``I
knowit’slate，Mrs。Glenham，butitisaboutamatterofimportancethatI
wishtoseeLuke。Iwon’tstaybutaminute。’’
``Well，Isupposeyoucangoup。Hisroomisattheheadofthestairs。’’
Harrywentupstairsandknocked。Ordinarily，Lukewouldhavebeenasleep，forgenerallyhesanktosleepfiveminutesafterhisheadtouchedthepillow；butto—nighttheexcitementofhisdishonestintentionkepthimawake，andhestarteduneasilywhenheheardtheknockatthedoor。
``Who’sthere？’’hecalledoutfromhisbed。
``It’sI——HarryWalton。’’
``I’minbed，’’heanswered。
``I
wanttoseeyouaminute，onamatterifimportance，’’saidHarry。
``Cometo—morrowmorning。’’
``I
mustseeyounow。’’
``Oh，well，comein，ifyoumust，’’saidLuke，gettingoutofbedreluctantly，andadmittinghisunwelcomevisitor。Chapter16CHAPTERXVI。
ADENIAL。
``Youseemtobeinanawfulhurrytoseeme，’’saidLuke，grumbling。``Iwasjustgettingtosleep。’’
``I’velostmypocketbook，’’saidHarry。``Haveyouseenit？’’
``Doyoumeantochargemewithtakingit？’’demandedLuke。
``I
haven’tsaidanythingofthesort，’’saidHarry；``butyouwerewithme，andI
thoughtyoumighthaveseenitdropoutofmypocket。’’
``OfcourseIhaven’tseenit。Wasthatallyouwokemeupabout？’’
``Isthatall？Youtalkasifitwasalittlethinglosingthirty—threedollars。’’
``Thirty—threedollars!’’repeatedLuke，pretendingtobesurprised。
``You’dbetterlookintheroad，oryoumighthaveleftitinthestore。’’
``No，I
didn’t。Iboughtsomethingthere，butIrememberdistinctlyputtingbackmypocketbookbeforeIwentout。’’
``Well，’’saidLuke，yawning，``IwishIcouldhelpyou；butIcan’t。
Good—night。’’
``Whatsuccess，Harry？’’inquiredMr。Leavitt，whohaddeferredgoingtobedinordertohearhisreport。
``Noneatall，’’answeredHarry，andrelatedhisinterviewwithLuke。
``Isthereanythingbywhichyoucanidentifyanyofthebills？’’
``Yes，’’answeredHarry，withsuddenrecollection，``I
droppedapenfulofinkononeofthebills——atwo—dollarnote——justinthecenter。Ihadbeenwritingaletter，andthebilllayonthetablenearby。’’
``Good!’’saidMr。Leavitt。``Now，supposingLukehastakenthismoney，howishelikelytospendit？’’
``Atthetailor’s，mostlikely。Heisalwaystalkingaboutnewclothes；butlatelyhehasn’thadanybecauseMerrillshutdownonhimonaccountofanunpaidbill。’’
``ThenyouhadbetterseeMerrillprivately，andaskhimtotakeparticularnoticeofanybillsthatLukepayshim。’’
``IfLukeisinnocent，Ishallfeelashamedofhavingsuspectedhim。’’
``Innocencemustoftenbesuspected，orguiltwouldneverbedetected。Itistheonlywaytogetonthetrackofthemissingbills。’’
Harrysawthatthiswasreasonable，anddecidedtocallonMerrillthenextday。Inafewwordshecommunicatedhisloss，andthefactthattheonlypersonwithhimatthetimewasLukeHarrison。
``I
haven’tmuchopinionofLuke。Heowesmeaconsiderablebill。’’
``HeprefersyourclothestoHayden’s，andifhehasthemoney，hewillprobablycomehereandspendsomeofit。’’
``Supposehedoes，whatdoyouwantmetodo？’’
``Toexaminethebillshepaysyou，andifyoufindaninkspotinthecenterofone，letmeknow。’’
``I
understand。IthinkIcanmanageit。’’
``Mymoneywasmostlyinonesandtwos。’’
``Thatmayhelpyoualittle。Iwillbearitinmind。’’
TwodayslaterLukeHarrisonmetHarry。
``Haveyoufoundyourmoney，Walton？’’heasked。
``No，andIamafraidInevershall，’’saidourhero，shakinghishead。
``Whatdoyouthinkhasbecomeofit？’’
``That’sjustwhatIwouldliketofindout，’’saidHarry。``IsupposethatI
musthavebeenverycareless。’’
``Ofcourseyouwere。Ineverloseanymoney。Areyougoingtodoanythingaboutit？’’
``WhatcanIdoaboutit？’’
``He’sgivenitup，’’saidLuketohimself。``IthinkIcanventuretousesomeofitnow。I’llgoroundtoMerrill’sthisevening，andseewhathe’sgotinthewayofpants。’’
AccordinglyhestrolledintoMerrill’sthatevening``Gotanynewclothsin，Merrill？’’askedLuke。
``You’reowingmeabill。’’
``Howmuchisit？’’
``Someoverthirtydollars。’’
``I
can’tpayitall，butI’lltellyouwhatI’lldo。I’llpayyoufifteendollarsonaccount，andyoucanmakemeanewpairofpants。Willthatanswer？’’
``Allright。Ofcourse，I’dratheryou’dpaythewholebill。StillIwanttobeaccommodating。’’
``Letmelookatyourcloths。’’
Thetailordisplayedavarietyofcloths，oneofwhichsuitedLuke’sfancy。
``I
likethat，’’hesaid。``Makemeapairoffofthat。’’
Lukegavedirections，andthentookarollofbillsfromhispocket。
``Here’sfifteendollars，’’hesaid。``Justcreditmewiththatonthebill。’’
Merrillproceededtocountthemoney，whichconsistedofonesandtwos，andinstantlycametotheconclusionthatitwasfromHarry’smissingpocketbook，particularlyashecameupontheidenticalnotewiththeblotinthecenter。
``Whenwillyouhavethepantsdone？’’
``Youmaycallroundintwoorthreedays。’’
``Justmake’eminstyle，Merrill，andI’llsendallmyfriendshere。’’
``Myyoungfriend，’’soliloquizedthetailor，watchinghisexit，``youhavewalkedintomytrapneatly。Coleman’’——turningtoayoungmanpresentatthetime——
``didyouseeLukeHarrisonpaymethismoney？’’
``Yes；
tobesure。’’
``Doyouseethisblotononeofthebillsatwo？’’
``I
don’tseewhatthereisstrangeaboutthat。Anybodymightgetinkonabill，mightn’the？’’
``Ofcourse。’’
``Thebill’sjustasgood，isn’tit？’’
``Ofcourseitis。’’
Colemanwaspuzzled。Hecouldnotunderstandwhyheshouldhavebeencalledupontonoticesuchatrifle；butthetailorhadhisreasons，thoughhedidnotchoosetodivulgethemjustatpresent。Chapter17CHAPTERXVII。
INTHETAILOR’SPOWER。
``Isthatthebillyouspokeof，Walton？’’askedthetailor，onHarry’snextvisittotheshop。
``Yes，’’saidHarry，eagerly。``Wheredidyougetit？’’
``Youcanguess。’’
``FromLukeHarrison？’’
``Yes；
hepaidme，lastevening，fifteendollarsonaccountofhisbill。Thisnotewasamongthosehepaidme。’’
``Itismine。Icansweartoit。’’
``Therestofthemoneywasyours，nodoubt。Itisinonesandtwos。Lukehasbeencaughtinatrap。’’
``WhatshallIdo，Mr。Merrill？’’
``Themoneyisyours，andIwillrestoreittoyouafterseeingLuke。Iwillsendforhimtobehereatseveno’clockthisevening。’’
``Supposehedeniesgivingyouthebill？’’
``Iampreparedforthat。’’
AsLukewasatworkinhisshopthatday，thetailor’sboycameinwithanote。
``Thisisforyou，Luke，’’hesaid。
Lukeopenedit，andreadasfollows：
``Willyoucallatmyshopatseventhisevening，aboutthepantsyouordered？HENRY
MERRILL。’’
``TellyourfatherI’llcome，’’saidLuke。
``I
suppose，’’hethought，``Merrillwantstoconsultmeaboutsomething。Ihopehe’llhurrythemup。’’
Atseveno’clockheenteredthetailor’sshoponcemore。
``Well，Merrill，whatdoyouwanttoseemeabout？’’heasked。
``Luke，’’saidMr。Merrill，lookinghimsteadilyintheeye，``wheredidyougetthatmoneyyoupaidmeonaccount？’’
``WheredidIgetthemoney？’’repeatedLuke，flushing。``FromthemanIworkfor，tobesure。’’
``Willyousweartothat？’’
``Can’tyoutakemyword？’’
``ImayaswelltellyouthatHarryWaltonrecognizesoneofthebillsaspartofthemoneyhelosttheotherevening。’’
``Hedoes，doeshe？’’saidLuke，boldly。``That’sallnonsense。Billsalllookalike。’’
``Thisonehasadropofinkjustinthecenter。Herememberedhavingdroppedablotuponitoneeveningwhenhewaswritingaletter。’’
``DoyoumeantosayIstole’em？’’demandedLuke，angry，butalsosecretlyfrightened。
``Itlookslikeit，unlessyoucanexplainhowyoucamebytheblottedbill。’’
``I
don’tbelieveIpaidyouthebill。Verylikelyitwassomeoneelse。’’
``I
thoughtyouwouldsaythat，soIcalledColeman’sattentiontoitassoonasyouweregone。However，ifyouremployeradmitspayingyouthebills，ofcourseyouareallright。’’
Lukerememberedverywellhewaspaidinfives，andthatsuchanappealwoulddohimnogood。
``DoesWaltonknowthis？’’heasked，sinkingintoachair，andwipingtheperspirationfromhisbrow。
``Yes；
hesuspectedyou，andaskedmetolookoutforablottedtwo。’’
``I’dliketochokehim!’’saidLuke，fiercely。``Themiserlyscoundrel!’’
``Itseemstomethatheisquitejustifiedintryingtorecoverhismoney。Whathaveyoudonewiththerestofit？’’
``Tellmewhatwillbedonetome，’’saidLuke，sullenly。``Ionlypickeditupwhenhedroppeditintheroad。’’
``Whydidn’tyoutellhimyoufoundit？’’
``I
meanttogiveittohimafterawhile。Ionlywantedtokeepitlongenoughtofrightenhim。’’
``Thatwasdangerous，particularlyasyouusedit。’’
``I
meantogivehimbackothermoney。Iwashardup，andsoIuseditforashorttime。’’
``I
don’tthinkthatexcusewillavailyouinacourtofjustice。’’
``Courtofjustice!’’repeatedLuke，turningpale。
``Hewon’thavemetakenup，willhe？’’
``Hewillunlessyouarrangetorestoreallthemoney。’’
``I’vepaidyoupartofit。’’
``ThatIshallhandovertohim。Haveyoutherest？’’
``I’vespentafewdollars。I’vegoteightdollarsleft。’’
``Youhadbettergiveittome。’’
Reluctantly，Lukedrewouthispocketbook，andpassedovertheeightdollarstoMr。Merrill。
``Sofar，sogood，’’saidthetailor。``Nowwhenwillyoupaytherest？’’
``Inafewweeks，’’saidLuke。
``Thatwon’tdo。Howmuchdoyouearnaweek？’’
``Fifteendollars。’’
``Howmuchdoyoupayforboard？’’
``Fourdollars。’’
``Thenyouwillbeabletopayelevendollarsattheendofthisweek。’’
``I
can’tgetalongwithoutmoney，’’saidLuke，doggedly。
``Youwillhavetotillyoupaybackthemoney，unlessyoupreferappearingbeforeacourtofjustice。Ibelieveyouowemeoverthirtydollars。Whenareyougoingtopayit？’’
Therewasasignificanceinhistone，whicharrestedLuke’sattention。
``I’llpayyouassoonasIcan，’’hesaid。``Ihaven’tgotanymoneynow。’’
``Youarefullyabletopayforyourclothespromptly，andIadviseyoutodoit。’’
``I’llpayyouassoonasIcan。’’
``Ifyouneglecttodoit，ImayaswelltellyouthatIshallletitbeknownthatyoustoleWalton’spocketbook。Thewholestorywouldbetold，andpeoplemightthinkastheypleased。Butitismuchbetterforyoutoavoidallthisbypayingyourbills。’’
LukeHarrisonleftthetailor’sshopinaveryunhappyanddisgustedframeofmind。
Theprospectofpayinghisdebtsundercompulsionwasfarfromagreeable，andhecursedhisfollyinsosoonmakinguseofHarryWalton’smoney。
``IfI
hadonlyhadthesensetowaittillitblewover，’’hesaidtohimself，``I
shouldhaveescapedallthis。Ididn’tthinkMerrillwouldactsomean。’’
Thatwashiswayoflookingatit。
``NowI’minforpayinghisinfernalbillbesides，’’hecontinued。``It’stoobad。’’
JustthenhecameuponFrankHeath，whohailedhim。
``Luke，Iwasjustlookingforyou。Comeandplayagameofbilliards。’’
``Ifyou’llpromisenottobeatme。Ihaven’tgotacentofmoney。’’
``Youhaven’t？Whathaveyoudonewiththosebillsyouhadthisafternoon？’’
``I’vepaid’emovertoMerrill，’’saidLuke，hesitating。``Hewasinadeucedstewabouthisbill。’’
``Don’tyouowehimanymore？Haveyoupaidallup？’’
``Notquite。’’
``Whenareyournewpantsgoingtobeready——thoseyoutoldmeabout？’’
``I
don’tknow，’’saidLuke，withapangofdisappointment。
``Merrill’smakingthem，isn’the？’’
``Heagreedto；butnowhesayshewon’t，tillIhavepaidthewholebill。’’
``Seemstomeyourcreditain’tverygood，Luke。’’
``It’sgoodenough，buthe’shardupformoney。Iguesshe’sgoingtofail。Ifyou’lllendmeacoupleofdollars，I’llgoaroundandhaveagame。’’
FrankHeathlaughed。
``You’llhavetogotosomeoneelse，Luke，’’hesaid。``Perhapsyou’regoingtofail，too。’’
Lukepassedadisagreeableevening，feelingthathewasavictimofillluck。Itdidnotoccurtohimthattheillluckwasofhisownbringingon。Chapter18CHAPTERXVIII。
THECOMINGOFTHEMAGICIAN。
Harrywasnotalittlerejoicedattherecoveryofsolargeaportionofhislostmoney，andtheprospectofgettingbacktherest。Heforesawthattherewouldbesomeembarrassmentinmeetinghim，butheresolved，notbylookorword，tosuggestwhathadhappened。Accordinglywhen，thedayafterward，hemetLukeonthebridge，hesaid，pleasantly，``Good—morning，Luke。’’
``Good—morning，’’saidLukestiffly。
``He’llgetoveritwhenhefindsIdon’tspeakofit，’’thoughtHarry。
OnSaturdayevening，accordingtohisarrangement，Lukewastohavepaidthesurplusofhiswages，aftermeetinghisboardbill，toMr。Merrill，forHarry。
Buthedidnotgonearhim。OnMondaythetailor，meetinghim，inquiredwhyhehadnotkepthisagreement。
``Ihadmywageslooseinmypocket，andmanagedtolosethemsomehow。I’velookedeverywhere，andcan’tfindthemoney。’’
``Thatisverysingular，’’saidthetailor，suspiciously。
``Whyisitsingular？’’askedLuke。``Didn’tHarryWaltonlosehismoney？’’
``Wheredoyouthinkyoulostthemoney？’’askedMerrill。
``I’msureIdon’tknow，’’saidLuke。
``Well，’’saidMerrill，dryly，``IhopeyouwilltakebettercareofyourwagesnextSaturdayevening。’’
``I
don’tbelieveawordofwhathesaysaboutlosinghismoney，’’saidthetailor，privately，toHarry。``Ithinkit’sonlyatricktogetridofpayingyou。’’
``Don’tyouthinkhe’llpayme？’’askedHarry，anxiously。
``Hewon’tifhecanhelpit，’’wastheanswer。
``He’saslipperycustomer。Ibelievehismoneyisinhispocketatthismoment。’’
Heintendedtorunaway，leavingallhiscreditorsinthelurch。Thiswasthe``newwaytopayolddebts，’’whichoccurredtoLukeasmuchtheeasiest。
Besides，hewouldhavethesatisfactionofleavingthetailorandHarry，bothofwhomhehated，towhistlefortheirmoney。
ThenextSaturdayevening，Mr。Merrillwaitedinvainforacallfromhisdebtor。
OnMondaymorninghelearnedthatLukehadlefttownwithoutacquaintinganyonewithhisdestination。Ittranspired，also，thathewasowingathisboardinghousefortwoweeks’board。Hewasthusenabledtodepartwithnearlythirtydollars，forpartsunknown。
``Hehasevidentlybeensavingupmoneytohelphimoutoftown。Probablyhehasgonetosomeotherplacewherethereareshoeshops；butIamafraidthatwon’tgiveusaverydefiniteclew。Sometimewemaygetuponhistrack，andcompelhimtopayup。’’
``Thatwon’tdomemuchgood，’’saidHarry，despondently。Andthenhetoldthetailorwhyhewantedthemoney。
``You’llhavemostofitready，won’tyou？’’
``I
thinkIwill。’’
``Nodoubtthismanthatsoldyourfatherthecowwillwaitforthebalance。’’
``Idon’tknowaboutthat，’’saidHarry，doubtfully。
``I
wouldlendyouthemoneymyself，’’saidthetailor，``butI’vegotaheavypaymenttomeet，andsomeofmycustomersareslowpay，thoughIhavenotmanyasbadasLukeHarrison。’’
``Thankyou，Mr。Merrill，’’saidHarry。``Iamasmuchobligedtoyouasifyoucouldlendmethemoney。’’
TheverynextdayMr。Leavittreceivedamessagefromthewholesaledealertowhomhesoldhisshoesthatthemarketwasgluttedandsalesslow。
``I
shallnotwantanymoregoodsforamonthortwo，’’theletterconcluded。``I
willletyouknowwhenIneedmore。’’
Mr。
Leavittreadthisletteraloudintheshop。
``Soitseemswearetohaveavacation，’’hesaid。
ThiswasacatastropheforwhichHarrywasnotprepared。Twenty—threedollarswereallthathehadsavedfromthemoneylost。
``DoyouthinkIcangetintoanyothershopintown？’’heinquiredanxiouslyofMr。
Leavitt。
``Youcantry，Harry；butIguessyou’llfindothersnobetteroffthanI。’’
Hedevotedthenextdaytogoingroundamongtheshops；buteverywherehemetwithunfavorableanswers。
``Itseemsasifallmymoneymustgo，’’thoughtHarry。``FirstthetendollarsLukeHarrisonstole。Thenworkstopped。Idon’tknowbutitwouldbebetterformetogohome。’’
``I
won’tgiveupyet，’’saidHarry，pluckily。``Imustexpecttomeetwithsomebadluck。Isupposeeverybodydoes，firstorlast。Something’llturnupforme，ifItrytomakeit。’’
Duringhisfirstidleday，Harry’sattentionwasdrawntoahandbillwhichhadbeenpostedupinthestore，thepostthetavern，andotherpublicplacesinthevillage。Itwastothiseffect：PROFESSORHENDERSON，THECELEBRATEDMAGICIAN，WillexhibithiswonderfulfeatsofMagicandSleight—of—HandintheTownHallthisevening，commencingateighto’clock。InthecourseoftheentertainmenthewillamusetheaudiencebyhiswonderfulexhibitionofVentriloquism，inwhichheisunsurpassed。
Tickets25Cents。Childrenundertwelve，15cents。
SuchwasthenoticewhichattractedHarry’sattention。
``Areyougoingtotheexhibition，Walton？’’askedFrankHeath。
``I
don’tknow，’’saidHarry。
``Bettercome。It’llbeworthseeing。Theprofessor’sstoppingatthetavern。
Comeoverandwemayseehim，’’saidFrank。
Harryfeltsomecuriositytoseethemagician，andaccompaniedhiscompanionthither。Chapter19CHAPTERXIX。
THEVENTRILOQUIST。
Theboyswentintothepublicroomofthetavern。
``Themagicianisn’there，’’saidHarry。
``Hush，heishere!’’saidFrank，inalowvoice，asthedooropened，andatall，portlymanenteredtheroom。
ProfessorHenderson——foritwashewalkeduptothebar。Thenheglancedleisurelyroundtheapartment。FinallyhiseyesrestedonHarryandhiscompanion。Apparentlyhisattentionwasfixedbyourhero，forhewalkeduptohim，andsaid：
``Youngman，Iwouldliketospeaktoyou。’’
``Allright，sir，’’saidHarry，insurprise。
``Ifyouarenototherwiseoccupied，willyouaccompanymetomyroom？’’
``Certainly，sir，’’returnedHarry，infreshwonder，which，itisneedlesstosay，wassharedbyFrankHeath。
``Sitdown，’’saidthemagician；andheseatedhimselfinachair，wavingHarrytoanother。
``I’lltellyouatoncewhatIwantofyou。Ifyouarenotoccupied，Iwantyoutotaketicketsatthedoorofthehalltonight。Canyoudoit？’’
``Yes，sir，’’saidHarry，promptly。
``Itseemseasyenough，’’saidtheprofessor；``butnoteveryonecandoitrapidlywithoutmakingmistakes。Areyouquickatfigures？’’
``Iamusuallyconsideredso，’’saidourhero。``Ialwayslikedarithmetic。’’
``I
won’taskyouwhetheryouarehonest，foryouwouldsayso，ofcourse。Ijudgefromyourface，whichisanhonestone。Ihavetraveledagooddeal，andIamagoodjudgeoffaces，Iflattermyself。’’
``Youshallnotbedisappointed，sir。’’
``I
knowthat，inadvance。Now，tellmeifyouareatwork，ordoyouattendschool？’’
``I
havebeenatworkinashoeshopinthisvillage，sir。’’
``I’lltakeyouinmyemployifyouhavenoobjectiontotravel。’’
Objectiontotravel。Whoeverheardofaboyoffifteenwhohadanobjectiontotravel？
``Butwillyourparentsconsent？Thatisthenextquestion。’’
``Myfatherconsentedtohavemeleavehome，astherewasnothingtodothere，andhewillhavenoobjectiontomyearningmylivinginanyhonestway。’’
``Well，myyoungfriend，Icanassureyouthatmywayisanhonestone，thoughI
franklyconfessIdomybesttodeceivethepeoplewhocometomyentertainments。’’
``Whatisityouwantmetodo，sir？’’
``Partlywhatyouaregoingtodoto—night——taketicketsatthedoor；butthatisnotall。Ihavetocarryaboutconsiderableapparatus，andIneedhelpaboutarrangingit。Sometimes，also，Ineedhelpinmyexperiments。’’
``DoyouthinkIamoldenough，sir？’’askedHarry。
``Howoldareyou？’’
``Fifteen。’’
Harry’sfifteenthbirthdayhadrecentlypassed。
``I
havenodoubtyouwillanswermypurpose。Thereisnothingveryhardtodo。’’
``Howmuchpaydoyougive，sir？’’
``A
practicalquestion，’’saidtheprofessor，smiling。``Tobeginwith，ofcourseI
paytravelingexpenses，andIcanofferyoufivedollarsaweekbesides。Willthatbesatisfactory？’’
``Yes，sir，’’saidHarry，hisheartgivingagreatthrobofexultation。
``Canyougetreadytostartwithmeto—morrowmorning？’’
``Yes，sir。’’
``Thenitissettled。Behereatteno’clock。Butitistimeyouwereatthehall。I
willgiveyouasupplyofsmallbillsandchange，asyoumayhavetochangesomebills。’’
``Thiswalletcontainstwentydollars，’’hesaid。
``Ofcourseyouwillbringmebackthatamount，inadditiontowhatyoutakeatthedoorthisevening。’’
``Verywell，sir。’’
WhenFrankHeathandhiscompanionwentovertotheTownHalltheyfoundHarrybusilyengagedinmakingchange。
``Hello，Walton!’’saidFrank。``Areyoutreasurerofthisconcern？’’
``Itseemsso，’’saidHarry。
``You’llletinyourfriendsfornothing，won’tyou？’’
``Notmuch，’’saidHarry。``Ichargethemdoubleprice。’’
``Well，here’syourmoney。’’
Harrywaskeptbusytilltenminutesaftereight。Bythattimeaboutallwhointendedtobepresentwereinthehall，andthemagicianwasgratifiedbyseeingthatitwascrowded。
``Ladiesandgentlemen，’’hebegan，``letmethankyoubeforeIcommenceforyourlargeattendancethisevening。Iassureyou，apartfromitseffectuponmypurse，Iamtrulygratifiedtofindmyeffortstoamuseyousokindlywelcomed。
Withoutfurtherpreface，Iwillproceedtothebusinessoftheevening。’’Chapter20CHAPTERXX。
HARRY’SLETTER。
DuringHarry’sabsence，thelittlehouseholdatGrantonhadgotalongaboutasusual。Theylived，asitwere，fromhandtomouth，neverhavingadollartospare。
Therewasoneneighborwhowatchedtheirprogresssharply，andthiswasSquireGreen。
ItwillberememberedthathehadboundMr。Waltontoforfeittendollars，if，attheendofsixmonths，hewasnotpreparedtopaythefortydollarsandinterestwhichhehadagreedtopayforthecow。Asabonusofthreedollarshadalreadybeenpaid，thiswouldgivehimthirteendollarsfortheuseofthecowforsixmonths，which，consideringthevalueoftheanimal，wasexorbitant。
OnemorningSquireGreenaccostedMr。Waltonashewaspassinghishouse，thesquirebeingatworkinhisownfrontyard。
``Howisthatcowa—doin’？’’
``Prettywell。’’
``She’sagoodcow。’’
``NotsogoodastheoneIlost。’’
``You’rejokin’，now，neighbor。Itwasmybestcow。Iwouldn’thavesoldherexcepttoobleege。Le’mesee，howlongisitsinceIsoldhertoye？’’
Thoughthesquireapparentlyaskedforinformation，heknewthetime，toaday，andwasnotverylikelytoforgetwhenitexpired。
``It’sbetweenfourandfivemonths，Ibelieve。’’
``You’dbetterbea—savin’upforit。’’
``Thereisn’tmuchchanceofmysaving。It’sallIcandotomakebothendsmeet。’’
``Butyouworkout，don’tyou？’’
``WhenIgetachance。Youdon’twantanyhelp，doyou，squire？Imightworkoffpartofthedebtthatway。’’
``No，I
don’twantnothin’donenow。MebbenextspringI’dlikesomehelp。Whatdoyouhearfromthatboyofyours？Ishedoin’well？’’
``He’satworkinashoeshop。’’
``He’dbetterhavegonetoworkforme，’’hesaid。
``No，I
thinkhewilldobetterawayfromhome。Hewillgetagoodtradethathecanfallbackuponhereafter，evenifhefollowssomeotherbusiness。’’
``Wal，Ineverlearnednotrade，butI’vegotalongmiddlin’well，’’saidthesquire，inacomplacenttone。``Farmin’sgoodenoughforme。’’
``Well，Imustbegoingontothestore。Good—morning。’’
``Good—mornin’。’’
``Heevidentlyintendstokeepmetomyagreement，andwillexactthetendollarsincaseIcan’tpayforthecowattheappointedtime。IhopeHarrywillsucceedbetterinlifethanIhave。I’mnotwithoutthingstobethankfulfor；butit’shardtobesopinchedformoney。’’
``ThiswasnotthedayforaletterfromHarry，butitoccurredtoMr。Waltontocallatthepostoffice。Contrarytohisanticipations，aletterwashandedhim。
``I
won’topenittillIgethome，’’hesaidtohimself。
``I’vegotaletterfromHarry，’’hesaid，asheenteredthehouse。``Ihaven’topenedtheletteryet。Here，Tom，openandreaditaloud。’’
Tomopenedtheletterandreadasfollows：
``DearFather：——Imusttellyou，tobeginwith，thatIhavebeencompelledtostopworkintheshoeshop。Themarketisoverstocked，andsothetradehasbecomeverydull。’’
``Ofcourse，IfeltquitebadwhenMr。Leavitttoldmethis，forIfeareditwouldpreventmyhelpingyoupayforthecow，asIwantsomuchtodo。Iwentroundtoseveralothershops，hopingtogetinelsewhere；butIfounditimpossible。
Still，Ihavesucceededingettingsomethingtodothatwillpaymebetterthanworkintheshop。Youwillbesurprisedwhenyoufindoutwhatitis。So，torelieveyoursuspense，IwilltellyouthatIhaveengagedasassistanttoProfessorHenderson，thefamousmagicianandventriloquist，andamtostartto—morrowmorningonatravelingtourwithhim。’’
``Assistanttoamagician!’’exclaimedMrs。Walton。``Well，ofallthings!Whatdoestheboyknowaboutmagic？’’
Tomproceeded：``Iamtotakemoneyatthedoorinthedifferentplaceswheretheprofessorgiveshisentertainments。Besides，Iamtohelphimarrangehisapparatus，andsoon。YouknowI’veneverbeenroundany，andIshallliketravelingandseeingnewplaces。ProfessorHendersonisverykind，andIthinkIshalllikehim。Hepaysmytravelingexpensesandfivedollarsaweek，whichisnearlytwiceasmuchmoneyasIgotfromMr。Leavitt。Ihope，yet，tobeabletopayforthecowwhenthemoneycomesdue。Lovetoallathome。HARRY。
``P。S。
——YoumaydirectyournextlettertomeatConcord，asweshallbethereinafewdays。IwillwriteasoftenasIgetachance，andletyouknowhowIamgettingalong。’’
``Heisfortunatetofindemploymentatonce，’’saidhisfather；``though，ofcourse，somethingwhichhecanfollowsteadilyisbetter。Butthepayisgood，andIamgladhehasgotit。’’
``HowlongitseemssinceHarrywasathome，’’saidhismother。``IwishIcouldseehim。’’
TomreportedtohisboycompanionsthatHarrywastravelingwithamagician，andsoexcitedtheirenvyandadmiration。Chapter21CHAPTERXXI。
ASTRANGECOMPANION。
Atteno’clockthenextdayHarrypresentedhimselfatthehotel。HecarriedinhishandacarpetbaglenthimbyMr。Leavitt，whichcontainedhissmallstockofunder—clothing。HisoutsidesuitsheleftatMr。Leavitt’s。
``Iseeyouareontime，’’saidtheprofessor。
``Yes，sir；Ialwaysmeantobe。’’
``That’swell；nowifyou’lljumpintomybuggywithme，wewillrideroundtotheTownHall，andtakeinmyapparatus。Ihavetokeepacarriage，’’saidthemagician，astheyrodealong。``Asageneralthing，theplacesatwhichIgiveentertainmentsareneartogether，andmyhorseanswersmypurpose。’’
TheydrewupinfrontoftheTownHall，andinashorttimetheapparatuswastransferredtoatrunkinthebackpartofthebuggy，andsecurelylocked。
``Wouldyouliketodrive？’’
``Yes，sir，’’answeredHarry，withalacrity。
``IamgoingtogiveanentertainmentinHolstonthisevening，’’saidhisnewemployer。``Wereyoueverthere？’’
``No，sir。’’
``Itisasmartlittleplace，and，althoughthepopulationisnotlarge，Ialwaysdrawafullhouse。’’
Hiscompanionleanedbackathisease，andtalkedsociallyonvarioussubjects。Hepausedamoment，andHarrywasstartledbyhearingastifledchild’svoicejustbehindhim：``Oh，letmeout!Don’tkeepmelockeduphere!’’
Thereinsnearlyfellfromhishands。Heturned，andheardthevoiceapparentlyproceedingfromthetrunk。
ThetruthflasheduponHarry。Hiscompanionwasexertingsomeofhispowersasaventriloquist。
``Oh，itisyou，sir，’’hesaid，smiling。
Hiscompanionsmiled。
``Youareright，’’hesaid。
``I
don’tseehowyoucandoit，’’saidHarry，inadmiration。``Itwasperfectlynatural。’’
``Practice，myboy。’’
Aweeklater，HarryreachedabriskmanufacturingplacewhichIwillcallCentreville。
Incompanywithhisemployerhedroveoverfromaneighboringtown，and，accordingtocustom，putupatthevillagehotel。Heassistedtheprofessorduringtheafternoontogetreadythehallforhiseveningperformance，and，athalf—pastfive，tookhisseatatthesuppertable。
JustasHarrybegantoeatheliftedhiseyesandstartedinsurpriseasherecognized，inhisoppositeneighbor，LukeHarrison。Preciselyatthesamemoment，Lukealsolookedup，andtherecognitionwasmutual。LukewasdisagreeablystartledatHarry’ssuddenappearance。NotknowinghisconnectionwithProfessorHenderson，hefanciedthatourherowasinquestofhim，andnotbeingskilledinthelaw，feltalittleapprehensionastowhatcoursehemighttake。
``Howareyou，Walton？’’hesaid。
``Iamwell，’’saidHarry，coldly。
``Howdoyouhappentobeinthisneighborhood？’’
``Onbusiness，’’saidHarry，briefly。
Lukejumpedtotheconclusionthatthebusinessrelatedtohim，and，consciousofwrong—doing，feltdisturbed。
``Youleftusrathersuddenly，’’saidHarry。``Nooneknewwhereyouhadgone。’’
``Why，yes，’’saidLuke，hesitating。``Ihadreasons。I’lltellyouaboutitaftersupper。’’
AsHarryrosefromthetableLukerose，also，andjoinedhim。
``Comeupstairstomyroom，Walton，’’hesaid，``andhaveacigar。’’
``I’llgoupstairswithyou，butIdon’tsmoke。’’
Heledthewayintoasmallapartmentonthetopfloor。
``Thisismyden，’’hesaid。``Thereisn’tbutonechair；butI’llsitonthebed。
Whendidyoureachtown？’’
``Aboutnoon。’’
``Areyougoingtostoplong？’’
``I
shallstayheretillIgetthroughwithmyerrand，’’answeredHarry，shrewdly；
forhesawwhatLukethought。
Lukelookedalittleuneasy。
``Bytheway，Walton，’’hesaid，``IbelieveIoweyoualittlemoney。’’
``Yes；
Ibelieveso。’’
``Herearefivedollars，’’hesaid；``I’llpayyoutherestassoonasIcan——inaweekortwo。’’
Harrytookthebanknotewithsecretself—congratulation，forhehadgivenupthedebtasbad。
``Iamgladtogetit，’’hesaid。``Ihaveauseforallmymoney。Areyouworkinginthistown？’’
``Yes。
Theshoebusinessiscarriedonhereconsiderably。AreyoustillworkingforMr。Leavitt？’’
``No；I
havelefthim。’’
``Whatareyoudoing？’’
``I’mtravelingwithProfessorHenderson。’’
``What，themagician？’’
``Yes。’’
``AndisthatwhatbroughtyoutoCentreville？’’askedLuke，quickly。
``Yes。’’
``I
thought，’’answeredLuke，evasively，``thatyoumightbelookingforworkinsomeoftheshoeshopshere。’’
``Isthereanychance，doyouthink？’’
``No，I
don’tthinkthereis，’’saidLuke，hastily。
``ThenIshallprobablystaywiththeprofessorforthepresent。’’
``Whatdoyoudo？’’
``Taketicketsatthedoorandhelphimbefore—handwithhisapparatus。’’
``You’llletmeinfree，to—night，won’tyou？’’
``Thatisn’tformetodecide。Itisn’tmyentertainment。’’
``WhatafoolIwastopayhimthatfivedollars!’’thoughtLuke，regretfully。``IfI
hadn’tbeensuchasimpleton，Ishouldhavefoundoutwhatbroughthimhere，beforethrowingawaynearlyallIhad。’’
ThiswastheviewLuketookofpayinghisdebts。Heregardeditasmoneythrownaway。Apparently，agoodmanyyoungmenareofasimilaropinion。Thiswasnot，however，accordingtoHarry’scode，andwasneverlikelytobe。Hebelievedinhonestyandintegrity。Ifhehadn’tIshouldfeelfarlessconfidenceinhisultimatesuccess。
``I
thinkImustleaveyou，’’saidHarry，rising。
``Theprofessormayneedme。’’
``DoesitpayasmuchasLeavittdid？’’
``Rathermore。’’
``I
wouldn’tmindtryingitmyself。Doyouhandleallthemoney？’’
``I
takethemoneyatthedoor。’’
``I
supposeyoumightkeepbackadollarorsoeverynight，andhe’dneverknowthedifference。’’
``I
don’tknow。Ineverthoughtaboutthat，’’saidHarry，dryly。
``Oh，I
remember，you’reoneofthepiousboys，’’sneeredLuke。
``I’mtoopioustotakemoneythatdoesn’tbelongtome，ifthat’swhatyoumean，’’
saidHarry。
``Doyoumeanthatforme？’’Lukedemanded，angrily。
``Meanwhatforyou？’’
``Thataboutkeepingotherpeople’smoney，’’blusteredLuke。
``I
wasn’ttalkingaboutyouatall。Iwastalkingaboutmyself。’’
``I
don’tbelieveinpeoplethatsetthemselvesuptobesomuchbetterthananybodyelse。’’
``Doyoumeanthatforme？’’askedHarry，smiling。
``Yes，Ido。Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit？’’
``Nothing，’’saidHarry，quietly，``excepttodenythatImakeanysuchclaims。Shallyoucomearoundtothehallto—night？’’
``Perhapsso。’’
``ThenIshallseeyou。Imustbegoingnow。’’
Hewentout，leavingLukevainlydeploringthelossofthefivedollarswhichhehadsofoolishlysquanderedinpayinghisdebt。Chapter22CHAPTERXXII。
INTHEPRINTINGOFFICE。
``Harry，’’saidtheprofessorafterbreakfastthenextmorning，``Ifindwemustgetsomemorebillsprinted。
YoumaygoaroundtotheofficeoftheCentrevilleGazetteandaskthemhowsoontheycanprintmeahundredlargebillsandathousandsmallones。’’
``Allright，sir。Supposetheycan’thavethemdonebythetimewearereadytostart？’’
``Theycansendthemtomebyexpresstothenextplace。’’
``Verywell，sir。’’
Harrywasrathergladtodothiserrand。Hehadneverbeenintoaprintingoffice；
buthehadagreatcuriositytodosoeversincehehadreadthe``LifeofBenjaminFranklin。’’IftherewasanyoneinwhosestepshethoughtheshouldliketofollowitwasFranklin，andFranklinwasaprinter。
Hehadnodifficultyinfindingtheoffice。Itwasinthesecondstoryofabuildingjustatthejunctionoftworoadsnearthecenterofthetown。Heascendedastaircaseandsawonthedoor，attheheadofthestairs：
``CENTREVILLEGAZETTE。’’
Heopenedthedoorandentered。Hesawalargeroom，containingapressatoneend，whiletwoyoungmen，withpapercapsontheirheads，werestandingintheirshirtsleevesatuprightcases，settingtype。Ononesidetherewasaverysmallofficepartitionedoff。Within，amanwasseenseatedatadesk，withapileofexchangepapersonthefloor，writingbusily。ThiswasMr。
JothamAnderson，publisherandeditoroftheGazette，andforemanoftheprintingoffice。
``I
wanttogetsomeprintingdone，’’saidHarry。
``Foryourself？’’
``No；
forProfessorHenderson。’’
``I’vedonejobsforhimbefore。Whatdoeshewant？’’
Ourheroexplained。
``Verywell；wewilldoit。’’
``Canyouhaveitdonebeforetwoo’clock？’’
``Impossible。Iamjustbringingoutmypaper。Itispublishedto—morrow。’’
``Whencanyouhavethejobfinished？’’
``To—morrownoon。’’
``I
supposethatwilldo。Weperformto—morrowatBerlin，andtheycanbesentovertothehotelthere。’’