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Desk and Debit; or, The Catastrophes of a Clerk

by Oliver Optic · English · Gutenberg #24544 · 350,612 chars · public domain (US)

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Title: Desk and Debit; or, The Catastrophes of a Clerk

Author: Oliver Optic


        
Release date: February 8, 2008 [eBook #24544]
                Most recently updated: January 3, 2021

Language: English

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_THE UPWARD AND ONWARD SERIES._


DESK AND DEBIT;
OR,
THE CATASTROPHES OF A CLERK.



By

OLIVER OPTIC,

AUTHOR OF "YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD," "THE ARMY AND NAVY STORIES,"
"THE WOODVILLE STORIES," "THE BOAT-CLUB STORIES," "THE
STARRY FLAG SERIES," "THE LAKE-SHORE SERIES," ETC.


WITH FOURTEEN ILLUSTRATIONS.



BOSTON:
LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS.
NEW YORK:
LEE, SHEPARD AND DILLINGHAM.
1871.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871,
By WILLIAM T. ADAMS,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

ELECTROTYPED AT THE
BOSTON STEREOTYPE FOUNDRY,
10 Spring Lane.




TO THE MEMORY OF

MY GOOD-NATURED AND VERSATILE YOUNG FRIEND

_EDWIN A. FARWELL_,

WHO, SINCE THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN, HAS PASSED AWAY FROM
THE SCENES OF EARTH, LOVED AND RESPECTED
BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM,

THIS BOOK

IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.




THE UPWARD AND ONWARD SERIES.

1. _Field and Forest_; OR, THE FORTUNES OF A FARMER.

2. _Plane and Plank_; OR, THE MISHAPS OF A MECHANIC.

3. _Desk and Debit_; OR, THE CATASTROPHES OF A CLERK.


_IN PREPARATION_:

4. _Cringle and Cross-Tree_; OR, THE SEA SWASHES OF A SAILOR.

5. _Bivouac and Battle_; OR, THE STRUGGLES OF A SOLDIER.

6. _Sea and Shore_; OR, THE TRAMPS OF A TRAVELLER.




PREFACE.


"DESK AND DEBIT" is the third of "THE UPWARD AND ONWARD SERIES," in
which Phil Farringford appears as a clerk. The principal events of the
story are located in Chicago and on Lake Michigan--the latter, perhaps,
because the author finds it quite impossible to write a story without a
boat, which also involves the necessity of a broad sheet of water, or a
long river. In this, as in its predecessors, evil-minded characters are
introduced, to show the contrast between vice and virtue; but the hero,
in whom the sympathies of the reader are supposed to be centred, is
still faithful to his Christian duties, still reads his Bible, and
"prays without ceasing."

Young and old are injured only by the precept and example of those whom
they love, respect, or admire; and the writer has no fear that his
readers will love, respect, or admire Charles Whippleton or Ben
Waterford, or that they will fail to condemn their errors and their
vices. The author hopes and expects that his young friends, while they
follow Phil in his exciting experience in the counting-room, and in the
"Marian" on Lake Michigan, will love and respect his virtues as well as
his courage and resolution.

HARRISON SQUARE, BOSTON,

June 7, 1870.




CONTENTS.


                                                                 PAGE

CHAPTER I.
    IN WHICH PHIL HAS A TALK WITH HIS FATHER, AND REVIEWS
    HIS PAST HISTORY.                                              11

CHAPTER II.
    IN WHICH PHIL STARTS FOR CHICAGO, AND HEARS A FAMILIAR
    NAME.                                                          22

CHAPTER III.
    IN WHICH PHIL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF MRS. WHIPPLETON.       33

CHAPTER IV.
    IN WHICH PHIL IS CHIVALROUS, BUT HAS HIS EYES OPENED.          44

CHAPTER V.
    IN WHICH PHIL TAKES A ROOM AT MRS. WHIPPLETON'S
    BOARDING-HOUSE.                                                56

CHAPTER VI.
    IN WHICH PHIL IS ENGAGED AS ENTRY CLERK FOR COLLINGSBY
    AND WHIPPLETON.                                                67

CHAPTER VII.
    IN WHICH PHIL TAKES HIS PLACE AT THE DESK, AND IS ENGAGED
    FOR A YEAR.                                                    79

CHAPTER VIII.
    IN WHICH PHIL TAKES A SAIL ON THE LAKE WITH MR. WHIPPLETON.    90

CHAPTER IX.
    IN WHICH PHIL ATTEMPTS TO MAKE OUT A TRIAL BALANCE.           102

CHAPTER X.
    IN WHICH PHIL IS PERPLEXED ABOUT CERTAIN INVOICES.            113

CHAPTER XI.
    IN WHICH PHIL TAKES CHARGE OF MRS. WHIPPLETON'S EARTHLY
    TREASURE.                                                     124

CHAPTER XII.
    IN WHICH PHIL VISITS THE HOUSE OF MR. COLLINGSBY, AND SEES
    MISS MARIAN.                                                  135

CHAPTER XIII.
    IN WHICH PHIL LOOKS INTO THE OPERATIONS OF THE JUNIOR
    PARTNER.                                                      146

CHAPTER XIV.
    IN WHICH PHIL MEETS WITH A SERIOUS CATASTROPHE.               158

CHAPTER XV.
    IN WHICH PHIL GOES TO WORK IN THE COOK-ROOM OF THE MARIAN.    170

CHAPTER XVI.
    IN WHICH PHIL PROMISES NOT TO DESERT MISS COLLINGSBY.         182

CHAPTER XVII.
    IN WHICH PHIL PUTS A CHECK ON THE OPERATIONS OF MR. BEN
    WATERFORD.                                                    194

CHAPTER XVIII.
    IN WHICH PHIL PROTESTS WITH THE BOAT-HOOK, BUT IS PROTESTED.  205

CHAPTER XIX.
    IN WHICH PHIL PROFITS BY CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WEIGHS ANCHOR
    IN THE MARIAN.                                                218

CHAPTER XX.
    IN WHICH PHIL SAILS THE MARIAN ACROSS LAKE MICHIGAN.          229

CHAPTER XXI.
    IN WHICH PHIL ANSWERS SOME INQUIRIES ABOUT THE FAWN, AND
    OTHER MATTERS.                                                241

CHAPTER XXII.
    IN WHICH PHIL IS BEWILDERED, AND THE MARIAN SAILS FOR
    CHICAGO.                                                      252

CHAPTER XXIII.
    IN WHICH PHIL, IN THE MARIAN, GETS THE WEATHER-GAGE OF
    THE FLORINA.                                                  264

CHAPTER XXIV.
    IN WHICH PHIL GOES TO SLEEP, AND HIS SEVEREST CATASTROPHE
    COMES.                                                        275

CHAPTER XXV.
    IN WHICH PHIL SUFFERS MUCH PAIN, AND MARIAN IS VERY
    RESOLUTE.                                                     287

CHAPTER XXVI.
    IN WHICH PHIL FINDS THE TABLES TURNED, AND THE MARIAN RUNS
    INTO CHICAGO RIVER.                                           298

CHAPTER XXVII.
    IN WHICH PHIL VISITS MR. COLLINGSBY AGAIN, AND IS A HERO
     IN SPITE OF HIMSELF.                                         309

CHAPTER XXVIII.
    IN WHICH PHIL MORALIZES UPON WORLDLY WISDOM, AND BIDS
    FAREWELL TO DESK AND DEBIT.                                   321




DESK AND DEBIT;
OR,
THE CATASTROPHES OF A CLERK.




CHAPTER I.

IN WHICH PHIL HAS A TALK WITH HIS FATHER, AND REVIEWS HIS PAST HISTORY.


"I must go to Chicago, father," said I, one evening, after we had been
discussing our domestic relations with more than usual earnestness.

"Why go to Chicago, Philip? What put that idea into your head?" replied
my father, with a kind of deprecatory smile.

"I don't feel as though I could live any longer in this state of doubt
and uncertainty."

"Really, Philip, I don't think you need worry yourself to that extent."

"I can't help it. I want to know whether my mother is alive or dead.
She may have been in her grave for a year for aught we know."

"Not so bad as that, Philip. I am sure if anything had happened to her,
we should have heard of it," added my father, mildly; but I saw that he
had more feeling on the subject than he chose to manifest.

"It seems to me inhuman and unnatural to live in this way," I
persisted, perhaps a little more impatiently than I ought to have
spoken.

"It is all my fault, my son," said my father, meekly.

"I don't think so."

"Don't compel me to review the bitter experience of the past. You know
it all."

"I don't mean to blame you, father."

"Certainly it is not your mother's fault that an ocean rolls between
her and me."

"I am willing to allow that it is your fault, and mine too, in a sense
different from what you meant, that our family is still separated."

I perceived that my father was considerably affected by what I had
said; and as he relapsed into silence, apparently to give vent to the
emotions which disturbed him, I did not press the subject any further
at that moment. But I felt all that I had said, and I thought something
ought to be done. I was thoroughly in earnest, and I felt that it would
be my fault if our little family continued to be separated for a much
longer period.

I was nearly sixteen years old; and into that brief space had been
crowded a strange and varied experience. In order that my readers may
know precisely my relations to the rest of the world, and understand
why I was so deeply moved, I must briefly review the events of my life.
I was born in the city of St. Louis, though this was a fact which had
been patent to me only a couple of years. I had attained unto that
worldly wisdom which enabled me to know who my father was; but I was
less fortunate in regard to my mother, whom I could not remember that I
had ever seen, though it was a comfort for me to know that my baby eyes
had gazed into her loving face.

In the burning of the steamer Farringford, on the upper Missouri, in
which my father and mother and myself--then a child two years old--were
passengers, I had been committed to a raft formed of a state-room door,
and bolstered with pillows to keep me from rolling off. By an accident
this frail craft was carried away from the burning steamer, then
aground, and I was separated from my father, who, I grieve to say, was
intoxicated at the time, and unable to do all that he would have
accomplished in his sober senses. At this moment the steamer broke from
the shore, and was carried swiftly down the mighty river. Parents were
thus separated from the helpless child.

But it was not ordered that this little one should perish in the cold
waters of the great river in the night and the gloom. An old pioneer,
trapper, and hunter, Matt Rockwood, had picked me up, and for years had
nursed me and cared for me in his rude log cabin, loving me devotedly,
and watching over me with a woman's tenderness. For eleven years I
remained in the field and forest, hardened by the rude life of the
pioneer, working hard, and winning a large experience in dealing with
the elements around me. A well-educated and refined gentleman, driven
from the haunts of civilization by a fancied wrong, became our
neighbor, and was my instructor, so that I obtained more than a common
school education from him. By the seeming guidings of Providence, his
wife and daughter were sent to him in the wilderness, and remained
there through the season.

My foster-father was killed in an affray with the Indians. Boy as I
was, I went through a brief campaign with the savages, and my own rifle
had more than once brought down the treacherous foe. I had faced danger
and death, and I had rescued the daughter of my excellent friend and
instructor, Mr. Gracewood, from the Indians. Ella was then, and is now,
one of my best friends. In the autumn, leaving the farm and stock to
Kit Cruncher, an old hunter who had been our friend and neighbor for
years, I started for the realms of civilization with Mr. Gracewood and
his family, taking with me the articles found upon me by the old
pioneer when I was rescued from the river.

I had fifteen hundred dollars in cash, after I had paid my fare to St.
Louis--the worldly wealth of my deceased foster-father. On the way down
I was separated from my friends by an accident, and did not see them
again for several weeks. But I found a place in the city to learn the
carpenter's trade, in which I had already made considerable
proficiency. I received six dollars a week for my work when it was
found that I was both able and willing to do nearly as much as an
ordinary journeyman.

By a succession of rather singular incidents, I discovered that a
dissolute, drunken man about town was my father--which I regarded at
the time as the greatest mishap that could possibly befall me. But I
took him to my boarding-house, where good--I might even say
blessed--Mrs. Greenough took care of him, giving to his body the
nursing he needed, and to his spiritual wants the gospel of Jesus
Christ. What my poor father, who had become the moral and physical
wreck of what he had been before, could not do of his own strength, he
did with the grace and by the help of God--he abandoned his cups, and
became a sober, moral, and religious man. He attended every service at
the Methodist church, into whose fold Mrs. Greenough had led him, and
where, for two years, he had been a faithful, consistent, and useful
member.

He was employed as the agent of a very wealthy southern planter, who
had large possessions in St. Louis. He had the care of property worth
hundreds of thousands, and received and disbursed large sums in rents,
repairs, and building. He had a salary of twenty-four hundred dollars a
year, more than half of which he saved, for we continued to live at the
humble abode of Mrs. Greenough after the dawn of our prosperity. I had
saved nearly all my wages, and at the opening of my story I was worth,
in my own right, about two thousand dollars, with which, however, I did
not purpose to meddle.

Through all my mishaps I had reached the flood tide of prosperity.
There was only one thing in the wide world that disturbed me; and that,
at last, almost became a burden to me. I had a mother whom I had never
seen within my remembrance. She was a beautiful woman, as her miniature
in my possession fully testified, as well as those who had known her.
Mr. Collingsby, her father, had three children, of whom my mother was
the youngest. He was a wealthy man, and formerly a resident of St.
Louis, from which he had removed, partly on account of his business,
and partly it was said, to avoid the importunities of my father, who
made himself very disagreeable in his inebriation. He was largely
engaged in railroad and other business enterprises. My mother was
travelling in Europe, with her brother, and was not expected to return
for several years.

That which had become a burden to me was the desire to see my mother,
with the added longing to have our little family reunited. There was no
good reason why we should longer be separated. My father was a steady,
industrious, Christian man, who had repented in sackcloth and ashes the
errors of his lifetime. He had written to Mr. Collingsby several times,
but no notice had ever been taken of his appeals. In vain he assured
the father of his injured wife that he was an altered man; that he
drank no liquor or anything that could intoxicate; that he was a member
in good standing of the Methodist church, and that he was receiving a
handsome salary. Equally vain was the appeal for his son, whose
existence seemed to be doubted, and was practically denied.

My mother, being beyond the ocean, could not be a party to this cold
and inhuman silence, as it seemed to me. We were assured by those who
had seen my grandfather that he was aware of the facts that were known
to our friends in St. Louis. Mr. Lamar, whose acquaintance I had made
in the midst of my mishaps, had seen Mr. Collingsby, and told him the
whole story. The rich man laughed at it, and declared that it was a
trick; that, if he was a poor man, Farringford would not trouble him.
After this revelation my father refused to write again. He was sorely
grieved and troubled, but he still had a sense of self-respect which
would not permit him to grovel in the dust before any man.

I had worked at my trade two years in St. Louis, and considered myself
competent to do all ordinary work in that line. But I worked very hard,
for I was ambitious to do as much as a man. I was growing, and while I
increased in height, I lost flesh, and was lighter in weight than when
I had left the field and forest. My father thought I was working too
hard, and Mrs. Greenough seconded the argument with all the force of a
woman's influence. Still I think I should not have given up my trade
then if my employer had not changed his business, thus compelling me to
seek a new situation. I had been studying book-keeping for two years,
using all my evenings in this and other studies. I practised it with my
father, who was an accomplished accountant, until he declared that I
was competent to keep any set of books, either of a merchant or a
corporation.

Mr. Clinch, my late employer, closed up his affairs at the opening of a
new year. I could find nothing to do in the winter; but when I fretted
over my inactivity, my father told me to improve my handwriting, which,
as a carpenter, had been rather stiff. I took lessons of him, and as he
was a practical business man, I escaped the vicious habit of
flourishing in my writing. He insisted that I should write a plain,
simple, round hand, which I did. As my fingers became limber, I made
excellent progress, and I was really proud of my penmanship.

These comparatively idle days were full of thought, almost all of which
related to my mother. I had made up my mind that something ought to be
done to find her, and inform her of the altered circumstances of her
husband. I was sure, after reading so often the gentle expression of
her countenance in the picture I had, that she would make us glad as
soon as she was assured of the reformation of the wanderer. I meant to
do something now, even if I had to spend my two thousand dollars in
making a voyage to Europe to search for her. Her father refused to do
anything, and it was necessary for us to act in our own behalf. It was
not the rich man's money, as he averred, that we sought, but only the
calm bliss of domestic happiness, which I knew would come from our
reunited family.




CHAPTER II.

IN WHICH PHIL STARTS FOR CHICAGO, AND HEARS A FAMILIAR NAME.


My father was gloomy and sad, and I disliked to say anything more on
the painful topic; but I was so thoroughly in earnest that I could not
postpone some decided action. It seemed criminal to permit such a
matter to rest any longer, and I wondered how I had been able to keep
quiet two years with the consciousness that I had a mother whom I had
seen only with my baby eyes. Something seemed to reproach me for my
coldness and neglect, though in fact I had done all I could to solve
the difficulty. My grandfather appeared to be suspicious, and even
heartless; but I knew that my mother was not so.

Far away she was wandering in foreign lands, and though surrounded by
the gayest of friends, and surfeited in luxury, I could not help
thinking that now and then, in the still watches of the night; her
motherly heart recurred to the little one she had lost. What a joy it
would be to her to know that her son, her lost one, was still alive! If
in her maternal heart she had ever pictured that babe as becoming a
stalwart young man, I felt that I could already realize her hope. If
she had ever anticipated the time when her first-born, as his beard
began to grow, would lavish upon her all the tenderness which a mother
has a right to claim, I felt that I could amply reward her desire, and
realize her ambition.

My father was silent. I knew he was considering what more he could do
to gratify the longings of my soul. Perhaps he was weighing my
proposition to go to Chicago, and speak for myself and for him. I could
not say that my plan was the best, or that any good would come of it;
and I mentioned it because I could think of nothing else that looked
like decided action. I glanced at him, and he saw that I was desirous
of resuming the topic.

"Philip, it is my fault that I am separated from your mother, and your
words sound like so many reproaches to me," said he, with emotion. "But
I deserve it all, for though I feel that God has forgiven me, he will
not spare me from all the consequences of my folly and sin."

"Do not say that, father. Far be it from me to utter a reproach for
anything you have done," I replied, disturbed by his words and his
manner. "Let the past go--'let the dead bury their dead.'"

"But the dead will not bury their dead, Philip. Your mother left me
when she could no longer live with me. I do not blame her. It was my
fault alone."

"I only wish to let my mother know what has happened; that you are now
a good and true man. I am sure, if she knew this, she would hasten to
us without a single day's delay."

"Of course she is under the influence of her father and her brothers. I
do not even know where she is. If I did I would write to her. She will
return one of these days, and then I will try to see her."

"It may be years before she returns, father. They say it will be three
years at least."

"What can we do?"

"I will go to Chicago."

"What good can that possibly do? Will you force yourself into the
presence of your grandfather, and then tell him that you are the son of
his daughter? He would not believe you; he would kick you out of his
house."

"I shall not be rash or indiscreet."

"But what will you do? What can you do?" demanded my father, earnestly.

"I don't know; that will depend upon circumstances. In spite of my
mishaps, fortune has favored me in the long run," I replied; but I had
no plan whatever for my future action.

"You do not know your grandfather."

"I never even saw him."

"He is not a bad man, by any means; on the contrary, he is upright and
liberal. But he is eminently solid and practical. He is old-fashioned,
full of dignity and self-respect. He believes that the world and all
the affairs of mankind move in deep-worn ruts. He follows only
legitimate and recognized channels. He rejects anything that is strange
and out of the common course, and for that reason your story would find
no favor with him. I doubt whether he ever read a novel in his life. If
you should take all the public officers in St. Louis to Chicago with
you, and let them swear in court that you were the long-lost son of
Edward and Louise Farringford, he would not believe them. He may be
convinced, but not by anything you can say or do."

"Nevertheless, father, I wish to go to Chicago. I have seen but little
of the world, and I have heard a great deal about that city."

"I have no objection to your going to Chicago--not the least; but I
hope you will not flatter yourself that you can produce an impression
upon the mind of Mr. Collingsby, or his son Richard, who is as near
like his father as one pea is like another pea. I should even like to
have you travel for two or three months. It would do you good. You
might go east--to New York and Philadelphia."

"I don't care about going farther than Chicago."

"Go, by all means; but don't get into a quarrel with your grandfather."

"I'm not quarrelsome, father."

"But Mr. Collingsby would be if you went to him with your story, though
every word of it is true."

And so it was settled that I should go to Chicago. I intended at least
to find out who and what my grandfather was. I wanted to see him with
my own eyes, though he was evidently what is regarded as "a hard
customer." The fact that he was so afforded me a new sensation, and I
began to glow with an unwonted excitement. It was my mission to see and
convince Mr. Collingsby that I was his grandson, unless he should be
able to prove that I was not so; and one cannot reasonably be required
to prove a negative. It was a problem, a difficulty; and I felt, as I
had in the field and forest, a new life and vigor when there was a real
obstacle to be overcome.

My father was certainly very considerate towards me, and was willing to
trust me anywhere that I pleased to go. I had not many preparations to
make; a small valise held my wardrobe, and on Monday morning I crossed
the river and took the train for Chicago. A journey of two hundred and
eighty miles, accomplished in about twelve hours, was not a very great
event, even a dozen years ago; but somehow, I do not know why, I felt
as though I was setting out in a new career of existence. I expected to
return in a week, or in two weeks, at the most; yet, in spite of my
exertion to make myself believe that the trip was quite a commonplace
affair, it continued to thrust itself upon me as one of great
importance.

I had taken a few short trips with my father on holidays by railroad,
so that a train of cars was not quite a new thing to me. However, I was
no traveller then, and being of an inquiring mind, I was disposed to
examine minutely everything I saw, and to understand the use of every
new object. I bought my ticket, and stepping back, I amused myself in
watching the ticket-seller, anxious to solve the mystery of a stamping
machine he continually used. Before I had solved the problem to my
satisfaction, I heard the bell ring.

"All aboard for Chicago and way stations!" shouted the conductor.

That meant me, and I hastened to obey the summons, but rather vexed
that I had not penetrated the working of the stamping machine. I was
rather late, and I found the car I entered quite full; indeed, there
was only a single vacant seat, and that was by the side of an old woman
whose company did not appear to be particularly desirable. However, I
had made up my mind that it is not best to be too particular in this
world, and I walked up the aisle with the intention of taking the seat.
I found it was already appropriated to the old lady's numerous bundles.

"Is this seat taken, madam?" I ventured to ask.

"Well, yes; don't you see it's taken?" said she, rather sourly.

"I don't see any other vacant seat in the car," I added.

"I can't move all them things," snapped the matron.

"I will place them in the rack above your head," I suggested.

"I've fixed 'em all once, and I don't want to move 'em agin. You are a
young feller, and you can find a seat in some other car," added the old
lady, very decidedly.

Some of the passengers laughed at the answers of the old lady. I did
not care to get up a quarrel with her, and I decided to stand up, in
deference to the old lady's bundles, until the train stopped at the
first station, when I could safely look for a seat in some other car.
After this exhibition of rudeness, I did not think my seat at her side
would be comfortable; I was afraid her bristles would annoy me, and it
was more comfortable to stand. The train moved off; but it had gone
only a very short distance before the conductor appeared, followed by a
very dignified-looking gentleman, for whom he was evidently seeking a
seat; and this assured me that the cars were all full forward.

"Here is just one seat," said the gentlemanly conductor, as he stopped
beside the vacant place, and began to pick up the old lady's bundles.

"Don't you tech them things," interposed their legal owner.

"This gentleman wants a seat," added the polite official.

"He can find one somewhere else. I don't want my bundles tipped round,
as though they didn't cost nothing."

"But we must have the seat, madam," insisted the conductor. "I believe
you pay for only one seat."

"Sakes alive! Can't a body have a place to put her things?"

"I will put them in the rack for you."

"I don't want them put in the rack."

"Well, madam, you can put them where you please, but this gentleman
must have the seat."

"I don't think much of them gentlemen that want to go a pestering a
poor lone woman like me. You let them things alone, sir!" snapped the
old lady.

"I will wait a reasonable time for you to dispose of them; but if you
don't take care of them, I shall put them in the baggage-car."

"I should like to see you do it! Hain't you got nothin' better to do
than tormenting an unprotected woman?"

Finding that he had a hard subject to deal with, the gentlemanly
conductor packed up the bundles, and tossed them into the rack,
heedless of the protest of the indignant owner. I confess that I rather
enjoyed the discomfiture of the old lady, who had compelled me to stand
for the accommodation of her bundles. She was unreasonable, and utterly
selfish, and I thought she deserved the defeat to which she was
compelled to submit.

"Here is a seat for you, Mr. Collingsby," continued the conductor, with
a great deal of deference in his tone and manner.

Mr. Collingsby! I straightway forgot all about the old lady in the
interest awakened by this name. The snaps, snarls, and growls with
which the woman saluted her new seat-mate were lost upon me, whether
they were or not upon the unfortunate subject of them. The name was not
a very common one, and I jumped to the conclusion that the dignified
gentleman was my uncle.

"Thank you," replied the traveller, rather coldly, after the hard
battle the official had fought for his sake.

"There will be plenty of seats when we reach the next station," added
the conductor, as he passed me.

For my own part, I was glad I had no seat, for I could now choose my
own position to study the features of Mr. Collingsby.




CHAPTER III.

IN WHICH PHIL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF MRS. WHIPPLETON.


Mr. Collingsby, though not more than forty-two or three years old, was
quite stout; indeed, I should say that he was already qualified by his
proportions to be an alderman. I was disposed to regard him with great
respect, as he was my uncle--at least I had made up my mind that he
was. I certainly had no objection to acknowledging such a relation. He
corresponded with the description given by my father.

[Illustration: A MAN WITH CAPITAL TAKES WHATEVER SEAT IN THE CAR HE
FANCIES. Page 38.]

The dignified gentleman took up a fair half of the seat which was to be
divided between him and the old lady, and the latter wriggled, and
twisted, and squirmed for some time before she had adjusted her frame
and her dress to her own satisfaction. Mr. Collingsby took no notice
whatever of her, as it was evidently beneath his dignity to do so, or
even to be annoyed by her uneasy motions. Opening the newspaper he
carried in his hand, he began to read the leader, totally oblivious of
her presence. I rather liked his way of treating a disagreeable
subject; and just then, if I had been permitted to vote, I would
cheerfully have cast my ballot in his favor for an alderman of Chicago
or St. Louis.

The more I studied the face of my presumed uncle, the better I liked
him, though perhaps I was biassed by the relationship. He looked like a
very substantial man, though I should have regarded it as dangerous to
perpetrate a joke upon him. On the whole, therefore, I was entirely
satisfied to have him turn out to be the brother of my mother. In about
an hour the train stopped; and by this time I was ready to sit down.
But only one gentleman left the car in which I was riding; and he sat
directly opposite the dignified gentleman. I started for the vacant
seat; but, before I could secure it, Mr. Collingsby sprang quite
nimbly, for a person of his weight, into the place. Doubtless the
rudeness of the old lady had annoyed him, for he made haste to beat a
retreat.

However, I had the alternative of taking the seat just vacated, or
standing up still longer. I chose the former; and before the old lady
could transfer her bundles from the rack to the chair, I dropped into
it. I made myself as comfortable as possible, though my porcupine
companion hitched violently towards the middle of the seat, so as to
make sure that she had her full share of the space. She cast a savage
glance at me, as though she thought I had invaded her privileges; but I
endeavored to follow the example of my predecessor in the seat, and be
too dignified to be annoyed.

"Goodness knows! I am glad that hog has gone!" ejaculated the old lady,
with no little venom in her tones, and loud enough to have been heard
by Mr. Collingsby, if his dignity had not closed his ears to such an
unfeminine expression.

I did not deem it prudent to take any notice of her; and, across the
aisle, I read the headings in large type in Mr. Collingsby's newspaper,
for I had none of my own to help me in preserving my dignity, or rather
in cultivating it.

"Some folks don't know much," added the old lady, spitefully.

I was perfectly willing to grant the truth of this proposition, even
without knowing whether it was intended to apply to Mr. Collingsby or
to me; though I was compelled to believe it was all in the family, and
made no difference. It was undeniable that "some folks didn't know
much;" but I was forced to deduce the corollary that the old lady was
one of the unfortunates included in the proposition.

"I say, some folks don't know much," repeated the old lady, forcibly.
"That Mr. Collingsby needn't put on airs, and pretend he don't know me.
I know'd him the moment that conductor-man spoke his name. He ain't no
better'n I am. My son's his pardner in business."

I couldn't help looking at her then. Her lips wore pursed up, and she
was the very impersonation of offended dignity. Her remark rather
startled me, and if it was true, I wished to make her acquaintance.

"Perhaps he didn't recognize you," I ventured to suggest.

"Perhaps he didn't; but none are so blind as them that won't see. Yes,
that man is my son's pardner in business; and my son is every bit and
grain as good as he is, though I say it, who ought not to say it. My
name's Whippleton, and my son's name is Charles Whippleton. I s'pose
you've heard of the firm of Collingsby and Whippleton--hain't you?"

"I never did," I replied.

Mr. Collingsby read his newspaper, and did not appear to hear a word
that was said; but I fancied his dignity was subjected to a severe
trial.

"Where have you been all your life, if you never heard of Collingsby
and Whippleton, the biggest lumber firm in Chicago?" added the old
lady.

"I never was in Chicago," I replied.

"O, you never was! Well, it's a sight to see! You hain't seen much of
the world if you never was in Chicago. Well, you are like a chicken
that ain't hatched; all your troubles are to come. There's a great many
mean folks in the world; you'll find that out soon enough. For my part,
if there's anything in this world that I hate, it's mean folks,"
continued Mrs. Whippleton, glancing maliciously across the aisle at Mr.
Collingsby. "That man's meaner'n gravel-stone chowder."

The old lady dropped her voice a little, as though she meant to be
confidential on this point. I was rather sorry to have the character of
my presumed uncle damaged in this manner, but I was not sufficiently
acquainted with him to attempt a defence.

"It was meaner'n dirt for him to set down side of me, and not even say
how d'ye do! I hate mean folks. I ain't mean myself. There ain't a mean
bone in my body--no, there ain't, if I do say it, that oughtn't to say
it."

"Probably the gentleman did not recognize you," I suggested again.

"He didn't want to re-cog-nize me," she persisted, throwing a bitter
emphasis on the middle of the word. "He didn't even look at me."

I wanted to ask her some questions about the Collingsby family; but I
did not like to do so while one of its members was so near me, for I
fancied that, deeply as he was absorbed in the newspaper, he heard
every word that was said by the garrulous old lady, who appeared to
have been talking more for his benefit than mine in some of her
remarks. But the appearance of the conductor at the forward end of the
car, taking up the tickets, changed the current of her thoughts, and
she commenced a violent demonstration upon her bag, her pocket, and her
bundles, in search of her ticket.

Most of the passengers produced their tickets, conscious, perhaps, how
nervous it makes the "gentlemanly conductor" when compelled to wait for
excited men or women to search through all their pockets, and all their
portable effects, for the evidence that they had paid their fare. I
noticed that Mr. Collingsby continued to gaze unmoved at the columns of
his newspaper, and when the conductor reached him, he slowly drew off
his kid glove, and deliberately took from his pocket-book the ticket,
which his dignity did not permit him to have ready before.

"Tickets, if you please," said the conductor, as he politely bowed to
Mr. Collingsby, and turned to the less important people in the car.

I gave up mine, and received a check; but Mrs. Whippleton was still
ransacking her bags and parcels.

"As I live and breathe, I've lost my ticket, or else somebody's stole
it!" exclaimed the old lady, glancing again towards Mr. Collingsby, who
must have been, in her estimation, the root of all evil and all
mischief.

"Did you buy one?" asked the conductor.

"Sartin I did," protested Mrs. Whippleton; "and it took nigh on to
every cent of money I had. I hain't got enough left to buy my dinner."

"Look round and find it," added the official.

"Look round! I've looked into everything I have. You hustled all my
things over, and I reckon it's your fault, more'n 'tis mine."

"Look again, and I will come back," added the conductor, as he passed
on his way.

"You hain't seen nothin' of my ticket--have you?" said Mrs. Whippleton,
as she commenced another onslaught upon her pockets and bundles.

"I have not."

But I did the best I could to assist her in the search. I got out of my
seat, and looked upon the floor in the vicinity. Neither of us was
successful in finding the lost pasteboard, for which the handsome sum
of twelve dollars had been expended. I really pitied the old lady, for
she did not appear to be in good circumstances herself, judging by the
quality of her clothing and her baggage. What seemed to make it worse
to me was the fact that she had spent all her money.

"I don't see what's become on't!" said she, in despair.

"Are you sure you bought one?" I asked, rather for the want of anything
else to say than because this was the most pertinent question.

"Why, do you think I'd lie about it?"

"Certainly not," I protested, alarmed at this violent deduction from my
remark.

"If I didn't buy a ticket, where's my money gone to?"

"You may have lost it before you got into the car."

"No, I didn't. I had it, I know, after I sot down here. You don't think
I'd try to cheat--do you?"

"Why, no! I didn't think of such a thing."

"Well, madam, have you found your ticket?" asked the conductor,
returning from the rear of the car.

"Hain't seen hide nor hair on't."

"Just get out of the seat and shake yourself. If you had a ticket at
all, it is here somewhere," added the gentlemanly official.

"Do you think I didn't have no ticket?" demanded Mrs. Whippleton,
pursing up her lips to express her wounded feelings.

"I don't know; jump up, and we will see."

I left my seat, and with a labored effort the old lady followed my
example. The conductor searched on the floor, and in the chair,
overhauled the bundles, and turned up the back of the seat, but with no
better success than had attended our previous efforts.

"Sartin 'tain't there," said the old lady, as she worked herself into
her seat again.

"No, it is not. Are you sure you had a ticket?"

"Do you think I'd lie about it?"

"Perhaps you lost it before you got into the car."

"No, I didn't. I had it while I sot here. I reckon you lost it when you
stirred up my things. If you hadn't teched 'em, it would have been all
right."

"Well, madam, I want your ticket or your fare."

"But I hain't got no ticket."

"Then give me twelve dollars."

"Twelve dollars!" ejaculated the old lady. "Do you think I'm made of
money?"

"I don't know that I care what you are made of, if you pay your fare."

"But I've spent all my money. I hain't got twelve dollars. Besides, I
don't want to pay twice."

"If you find your ticket, I will give you back your money."

"I tell you I hain't got twelve dollars. You can't hatch wooden eggs."

"Then you must leave the car, madam."

"Leave the car! And not go back to Chicago?"

"I must have your ticket or your fare before we stop next time," said
the conductor, passing on.




CHAPTER IV.

IN WHICH PHIL IS CHIVALROUS, BUT HAS HIS EYES OPENED.


I thought that the conductor was rather hard on the old lady, though I
was willing to allow that his duty admitted of no compromise.

"Did you ever hear the like on't?" exclaimed the old lady. "Put me out
of the car! He's a mean man, and I hate mean folks wus'n pizen."

"I suppose he has his duty to perform," I mildly suggested.

"'Tain't his duty to put a lone and onprotected woman out of the car;
and he wouldn't do it if my son Charles was here."

I concluded that if her son Charles were there, he would pay her fare,
like a dutiful son as he was. Presently the whistle on the locomotive
sounded, and we heard the scraping of the brakes, as the train prepared
to stop. The conductor promptly appeared, and again demanded her fare
or a ticket. The old lady seemed to be greatly troubled, and I expected
to have the whole seat to myself from this station.

"Suthin must be done!" said the old lady.

"That's so; give me your ticket or the twelve dollars," replied the
official.

"I can't do one nor t'other. I hain't got the money, and my ticket's
gone."

"Very well, madam. Then you must leave the train."

"But I don't know a soul here. Won't you trust me till we get to
Chicago?"

"I don't know you, and we do not give credit for fares."

"Mr. Collingsby, over there, knows me. My son's his pardner in
business."

"Very well, madam; if that is the case, there will be no trouble about
it," added the polite official, as he turned to the dignified
gentleman, and stated the case.

Mr. Collingsby glanced at the old lady, and shook his head, with a
deprecatory smile.

"I have not the pleasure of the lady's acquaintance," said he, after a
hasty glance at her face, as he turned his attention to his newspaper
again.

"She says her son is your partner in business," suggested the
conductor.

"That may be; but I don't know the lady. I am not aware that I ever saw
her," answered the head of the firm, without raising his eyes from his
paper.

"What is your name, madam?" demanded the conductor.

"Don't he know my name? Don't he know the name of his own pardner?"

"I asked your name, madam."

"My name's Whippleton--Mrs. Whippleton; and my son's his pardner."

"She says her name is Whippleton, and that her son is your partner,"
said the conductor, again appealing to the dignified head of the firm.

"I don't dispute it, sir," replied Mr. Collingsby, coldly. "My
partner's name is Whippleton, but I don't know that lady. As I said, I
am not aware that I ever saw her before."

"Shall I trust her for her fare?"

"Do as you please. As I don't know her, I cannot vouch for her,"
replied Mr. Collingsby, in a tone which implied that, if the conductor
knew what he was about, he would not disturb him any further on the
disagreeable subject.

"Mr. Collingsby does not know you, madam."

"That's what I call mean!" ejaculated Mrs. Whippleton, bitterly. "I
don't believe he'd know his own father if the old man didn't wear a
fashionable hat."

"He doesn't dispute what you say; but he doesn't know you. I must have
your fare, madam."

"I keep telling you, I hain't got no money."

"Then you must get out here."

"You don't mean so!"

"Yes, I do. Shall I help you out with your baggage?"

"But I'll pay you when I get to Chicago."

"That won't do. In a word, madam, I don't believe you lost your
ticket."

"Goodness! Do you think I'd lie about it?"

"I'm sorry to say I do think so. If I mistake not, you have tried this
game on before."

"What imperance!"

"Come, madam, be in a hurry!" persisted the conductor, reaching forward
and taking the old lady's largest bundle from the rack.

"I should like to speak to you a moment, Mr. Conductor," I interposed,
unable any longer to contain my indignation.

"What do you want?"

I rose, and requested him to go with me to the rear of the car.

"Speak quick, young man. Do you know this woman?" demanded the bustling
official.

"No; but I will be responsible for her fare," I replied, with as much
dignity as Mr. Collingsby could have assumed. "If she don't pay you
when we get to Chicago, I will."

"Will you, indeed! That is very kind of you; but we don't do business
in that way," laughed the conductor, with a glance which indicated how
much he pitied my greenness. "She has money enough, and she didn't buy
any ticket. It is only a trick to get rid of paying her fare."

"I will be responsible for the fare."

"Pay it now, then," added the conductor, shrugging his shoulders.

I do not know what it was that prompted me to this chivalrous action in
favor of a very disagreeable old lady; but I felt like a Christian who
was fighting the battle of his enemy. I took out my porte-monnaie, and
from the fifty-three dollars I had left of the sum I had taken to pay
my expenses, I gave the conductor twelve. He handed me a check for the
old lady, jumped out, and started the train. He treated me as though he
thought I was a fool; and I was myself inclined to believe he was more
than half right.

Several passengers had left the car at this station, and when I
returned to my seat, I found that Mr. Collingsby had changed his place
for one where he had a whole chair to himself, at some distance from
the old lady. I had no doubt he was glad to escape from the vicinity of
the troublesome passenger; but he still read his newspaper, as though
nothing had for a moment ruffled the current of his thoughts.

"I knew he wouldn't dare to put me out of the car!" said Mrs.
Whippleton, as I resumed my seat at her side. "Don't talk to me! He
didn't dare to perpetuate such an outrage."

"We are all right now," I replied.

"Yes, we are. Put me out! I should like to seen him done it! I should!
I reckon my son Charles would have taught him what it was to perpetuate
such an outrage on his mother. As for that Mr. Collingsby, he's a mean
man! Only to think that he didn't know me!"

"Have you ever met him?"

"Have I? Yes, I have. I have been in the counting-room when he was
there, and he looked right at me! And now he don't know me! No matter;
that conductor didn't dare to put me out of the car! He would have lost
his place if he had."

I handed her the check which the gentlemanly official had given me.

"What's that?"

"Your check."

"He's gettin' very perlite. How came he to give you this?"

"Because I paid your fare," I replied, in a low tone; for I did not
care to expose my innocence to the people around me.

"You did?"

"Yes; he would certainly have put you out of the car if I had not."

"I don't believe a word on't."

"I do, Mrs. Whippleton. He says you have done the same thing before."

"He's a fearful liar. I'll tell my son Charles all about it, and, if he
has any influence, that man shall smart for it."

"I don't think the conductor is to blame. He only did his duty."

"Then you think I'm to blame," said she, putting on her dignity.

"If you lost your ticket--"

"Do you think I didn't lose it?" she interposed, quick to catch even an
implied imputation.

"Of course I think you did lose it. But the conductor cannot pass every
one who says he has lost his ticket."

"Well, I don't care. It was a mean trick, and I'll tell Charles all
about it."

"I wouldn't say anything to him about it. It will only worry him; and
the conductor isn't to blame."

"Do you think it is right to put a lone woman out of the car because
she lost her ticket?"

"The conductor didn't know you."

"Yes, he did know me. I rid over this road only a week ago, when I went
down to St. Louis to see my nephew."

It was useless to argue the point with her. Perhaps, if she had made no
fuss when she got into the car, the conductor might have entertained a
different opinion of her. I wanted to obtain some information of her in
regard to the Collingsby family; and I am willing to offer this as the
reason for my chivalrous conduct.

"You know Mr. Collingsby, if he does not know you," I said, in order to
introduce the subject.

"He's my son's pardner in business."

"Are you personally acquainted with him?"

"Well, I can't say I am much acquainted with him. His folks and ourn
don't visit much, for, you see, the Collingsbys are rich and smart."

"He has a brother, I have heard."

"Yes; his brother Joseph is in Europe, with his wife and his sister."

"His sister?" I queried, deeply interested in this branch of the topic.

"Her name's Louise. She merried a good-for-nothin' feller in St. Louis,
and left him; so she's a grass widder now."

"Did you ever see her?"

"I never did; but law sake, I've hearn my son Charles tell all about
'em. He knows 'em, root and branch; and they are all on 'em jest about
as proud as Lucifer, and as consayted as a pullet over her fust egg.
They're rich, and that's all that can be said on 'em. My son Charles
does all the business of the firm, and if it wan't for him they'd all
gone to ruin long ago."

"But this Mr. Collingsby has a father?"

"Yes; and he's jest like all the rest on 'em. They are all proud and
consayted, and they come naterally enough by it, for the old man thinks
the ground ain't good enough for him to tread on."

"But he is not in business now?"

"Ain't he, though? Yes, he is. He's the sleepin' pardner of the house
of Collingsby and Whippleton. He put some money into it; but my son
Charles finds all the brains."

Of course I could not help having a very high estimate of her son
Charles; but I was not quite prepared to believe that my grandfather
and my uncles were so deficient in everything but pride as she
represented. Mrs. Whippleton continued to enlighten me in regard to the
character and antecedents of the Collingsbys until the train stopped
for dinner. I got out, and took a lunch, after the old lady had refused
my invitation to do so. Reflecting that she had no money, I carried her
a cup of tea and some sandwiches, which she did not refuse. The tea was
hot and strong, and in refined and elegant phrase, she informed me that
it "went to the right spot." I returned the cup and saucer as the bell
rang, and resumed my place at her side.

"You are a real nice young man, and I'm only sorry I didn't take you
into the seat with me when you fust got in," said she, apparently
overcome by my chivalrous devotion to her comfort.

"Thank you, madam," I replied. "I remembered that you said you had not
money enough even to buy a dinner, and I always like to do as I'd be
done by."

"But I ain't so poor as you think for. I will pay you for my fare and
for my tea," she continued; and, to my astonishment, she took from the
folds of her dress a roll of bills, which had been carefully pinned in.

"I thought you had no money!" I exclaimed, amazed at the sight I saw.

"I didn't want to rob you. I hate mean folks, and I ain't afeered on
'em," she added, as she handed me the twelve dollars I had paid on her
account.

"But you may find your ticket," I suggested.

"I don't expect to find it," she replied, with abundant resignation.

"If you do, I will get the money for it."

"I shall not find it. To tell the truth, I didn't have no ticket," she
answered, in a low tone, and with a vile chuckling, which indicated
that she was not to blame, even if her clever trick had failed.

I took the twelve dollars, and considered myself the luckiest person in
the world. I did not blame Mr. Collingsby for not recognizing her, even
if he did know her, and I begrudged the quarter I had expended upon her
in tea and sandwiches.




CHAPTER V.

IN WHICH PHIL TAKES A ROOM AT MRS. WHIPPLETON'S BOARDING-HOUSE.


It was quite a shock to me to find that one whom I had supposed to be
honest was guilty of a deliberate attempt to defraud the railroad
company out of the sum of twelve dollars; who had resorted to gross
lies and mean deception to carry her point. Upon my honor and
conscience, I would rather have lost the twelve dollars I had advanced
than had the old woman turn out to be a swindler. She might be fussy,
she might be disagreeable, she might be a dozen things that are
uncomfortable and unpleasant, if she had only _meant_ to be true and
honest, and I could have respected her.

I was amazed; first, that she could be guilty of such a vile trick; and
second, that she had had the hardihood to acknowledge it, even to a boy
like me. My respect for the knowledge and penetration of the gentlemanly
conductor rose about ten degrees, and I was tempted to say to myself
that I would never again interfere in behalf of another "lone woman,"
especially if she was the mother of one as smart as her son Charles.

"You needn't tell that nasty conductor what I say," said Mrs.
Whippleton, as if conscious that she had been imprudent in revealing so
much to me.

"I don't think he needs to be told. It appears now that he understood
the case perfectly," I replied, disgusted with my seat-mate. "He said
you did not have any ticket, and that it was all a trick to evade
paying your fare."

"He didn't know that. He may say just the same thing six times, and be
mistaken five on 'em."

"Didn't you intend to pay your fare?"

"Perhaps I should, if they hadn't pussicuted me so in the beginning."

"But you didn't buy a ticket."

"No, I didn't. You are a green boy. What difference does it make to
this railroad company whether I paid my fare or not? They've got money
enough."

"But they wouldn't make much if people didn't pay."

"It don't make no difference if one don't pay now and then. You hain't
seen much of the world yet, my boy. When you have lived to be as old as
I am, you'll know more."

"I hope I shall not live so long as to be proud of being dishonest," I
replied, with considerable spirit.

"Dishonest? What do you mean by that? Do you pretend to say I'm
dishonest?"

"Well, madam, we needn't quarrel about words; but, if I had tried to
cheat the railroad company out of twelve dollars, or twelve cents, I
should call it being dishonest."

"You are a silly boy."

"I hope I always shall be silly, then. I should think God had forsaken
me, if I could deliberately try to wrong any one."

"You haven't seen the world. I have worked hard in my time. It took me
a good while to earn twelve dollars; and when I see a chance to save
twelve dollars, I generally always does so."

"You don't steal twelve dollars--do you--when you get a chance?"

"Steal! I hope not. I never did such a thing in my life. No, I'm an
honest woman; everybody that knows me will say that. If that nasty
conductor had used me well, I should have paid my fare; but it won't
make no difference to the company whether I did or not. Why shouldn't
Mr. Collingsby pay his fare as well as me?"

"He did; I saw him give up his ticket."

"You are a green boy. His ticket! It was a free pass. His father is a
great railroad man, and the whole family ride for nothing whenever they
please. It is just as right that I should go free as he; and I can tell
you, if I can get over the road for nothing, it is my duty to do so--a
duty I owe to myself and to my son Charles. You must live and learn,
young man; and when you can go over the road for nothing, don't waste
twelve dollars."

I did not like the old lady's philosophy, though I have since learned
that there are a great many people in the world who think it is no sin
to cheat a railroad corporation out of a few dollars, more or less. I
once heard a man, who pretended to be a gentleman, boasting that he
evaded paying his fare in the train because the conductor did not call
for it. I hold him to be a swindler, just as much as though he had been
called upon for his ticket. When he got into the car, he virtually
bargained with the railroad company to convey him a certain distance
for a certain price. No matter if the conductor did not formally demand
payment; it was his duty to pay, and he was just as much a swindler and
a thief, as though he had stolen or cheated some individual out of the
money.

I feel better now, after venting my righteous indignation on this
subject. I have a good deal more respect for the thief who steals your
money, or the gentlemanly swindler who plunders you of it by the polite
tricks of his art, than for these pretentious knaves who lie without
uttering a word, and steal without lifting a finger.

Mrs. Whippleton continued, for an hour, to assure me that I was
extraordinarily green, imparting a lesson on worldly wisdom, which, I
am happy to say, at the age of twenty-eight, has been utterly wasted
upon me.

"You haven't seen much of the world, and you don't know what's what
yet; but I like you, young man. You have behaved very well to a lone
woman, and you shan't lose nothing by it," she continued.

"I am entirely satisfied," I replied.

"I didn't mean you should lose anything by me. I might have cheated you
out of twelve dollars just as easy as nothing."

I was certainly very much obliged to her for her kind consideration in
this respect; and I was forced to acknowledge the truth of her
proposition. Though I despised her, I could not help seeing that she
had been just towards me.

"I am very much obliged to you for not doing it," I replied.

"No; I never cheat nobody; and I hate mean folks. It would have been
mean in me to let you lose twelve dollars after what you did for me. If
it hadn't been for you I should have been put out of the car."

"But you had money to pay your fare."

"I wouldn't pay that nasty conductor after I had told him I had no
money. One has to be persistent."

"I think you have been consistent all the way through."

"Thank'ee. After what you did, and the tea you fetched, I felt an
interest in you; and it ain't many folks I do feel an interest in."

Of course not! Not many people would have done anything for her to
induce her to feel an interest in them.

"I reckon you don't belong in Chicago," she continued.

"I do not. I never was there."

"Well, it's a wicked place."

Any place must be wicked from her stand-point.

"I suppose it is no worse than any city of its size."

"I don't know's it is. I suppose you have friends there."

"No."

"Well, where you goin' to stop, then?"

"I don't know yet. I shall go to some hotel, I suppose."

"Hotels are awful dear."

"I think I can stand it for a week or so at a cheap hotel. I don't mean
to go to the Tremont House."

"Don't waste your money in that way, you silly boy. It will cost you a
dollar and a half a day to live at any hotel."

"What shall I do?" I asked, willing to profit by the old lady's
knowledge, while I abhorred her principles.

"I keep boarders myself; and I only charge 'em four dollars a week. I
don't take none for a week or two; but I'll take you, after what's
happened, at the same price. You can save six or seven dollars in this
way."

"I thank you, Mrs. Whippleton. I'm very much obliged to you, and will
go to your house."

I was really relieved by this friendly offer, for I did not like to go
to a hotel among total strangers. Whatever Mrs. Whippleton was morally
could not affect me as a boarder for a brief period, while the saving
of expense was a great item to me. When the train arrived at Chicago,
the old lady gathered up her bundles, with my assistance, and we walked
to her house, which was at a considerable distance from the station.
The dwelling was a large, plain house. I found that it was furnished in
a very cheap style. The landlady called a servant girl, who conducted
me to a small room over the entry, in which there was a narrow bed. It
did not compare favorably with my quarters at Mrs. Greenough's, but I
thought I could stand it for a week. When I went down stairs, I was
invited to tea with the old lady. I came to the conclusion that the
boarders in the house paid full price for all they had, for the butter
was very strong, and the dishes were not particularly clean.

Before we had finished our supper, Mr. Charles Whippleton was
announced. He came into the room where the old lady was sipping her
tea, and after casting a sharp look at me, he threw himself into a
large rocking-chair, which was evidently kept for the especial use of
his mother. He was well dressed, and after I had heard so much about
the man, I scrutinized his features quite closely. I was not favorably
impressed, for there was an expression of sharpness and cunning in his
face which did not suit me. Mrs. Whippleton did not take the trouble to
introduce me.

"Got home, mother?" said he, without wasting any of his breath in
affectionate terms.

"I have, thank fortin; but I didn't expect to get home."

"Why, what's the matter now?" demanded the dutiful son, whose question
implied that something was always the matter.

Mrs. Whippleton informed him what was the matter now, including a
detailed account of her grievances. To my surprise, the affectionate
son informed her that she was an old fool, glancing at me, as though,
after a day's experience with his maternal parent, I ought to be able
to confirm his rash statement in the fullest manner.

I prudently held my peace.

"I may be an old fool, but I know when I am insulted."

"I would rather given fifty dollars than had you appeal to Mr.
Collingsby."

"He's a mean man."

"Perhaps he is; but I must keep on the right side of him."

"You can keep on the right side of him, Charles; but don't ask me to do
so, for I hate mean folks. If I should meet that man in the street
to-night, I wouldn't speak to him."

"He wouldn't cry if you didn't," sneered Mr. Charles.

"I don't know as I should ever have got home, if this young man had not
took care on me."

Mr. Whippleton glanced at me again, as though he thought I was as big a
fool as his maternal parent.

"Well, let all that go," continued the dutiful son. "Did you see Rufus
in St. Louis?"

"I did see him; and only to think on't, after I had taken all that
trouble and spent all that money, he wouldn't come," replied the old
lady, indignantly.

"I hope you are satisfied now," added Mr. Charles, with much disgust.

"Well, I had my visit, any how."

"What's the reason Rufus won't come?"

"His folks don't want him to leave home. They say he isn't very
well--just as though I couldn't take care on him!"

"Very well; you've kept me out of a clerk for three weeks for his sake,
and that is all it amounts to."

Mr. Charles departed in disgust; and Mrs. Whippleton explained that she
had been to St. Louis to induce her nephew's son, a young man of
eighteen, to take the place of entry clerk in the counting-room of the
firm. That was just such a place as I wanted; and, while the garrulous
landlady was detailing the particulars, I considered whether I should
apply for it.




CHAPTER VI.

IN WHICH PHIL IS ENGAGED AS ENTRY CLERK FOR COLLINGSBY AND WHIPPLETON.


I intended to be a clerk, but I had not thought of such a thing as
applying for a situation in Chicago. I did not like the idea of being
separated from my father; but, when I learned that there was a vacancy
in the counting-room of Messrs. Collingsby and Whippleton, I was
tempted to obtain it if I could. I did not expect or desire to make a
violent assault upon my grandfather, but to reach him by easy and
gradual approaches. A situation in the house of which he was the silent
partner I thought would help me amazingly. It seemed to me that I could
not plan anything better to accomplish my purpose.

I could get acquainted with my uncle and my grandfather. I hoped that I
might even be able to do something to win their regard and favor.
Certainly the first step towards such a result was to place myself in a
position where I could see them occasionally. I did not like the looks
of Mr. Whippleton, and I was afraid he had imbibed the worldly wisdom
of his mother. But this feeling was not to weigh against the immense
advantages I might derive from meeting the Collingsbys. The more I
thought of the matter, the more I was inclined to apply for the place.
I believed that I was fully competent to keep a set of books by double
entry, and certainly I was fit for an entry clerk.

"What kind of a place is it that you wished your nephew to fill, Mrs.
Whippleton?" I asked, after Mr. Charles had gone.

"Well, I don't know much about it, but Charles called it an entry
clerk. I suppose he has to do his work out in the entry because the
counting-room isn't big enough, or because he ain't smart enough to
come into the presence of such mighty men as that Mr. Collingsby."

"How much do they pay him?"

"I don't know exactly; but not more'n four or five dollars a week--just
enough for him to starve on. You see, I heard that my nephew's son
wanted a place, and couldn't get one in St. Louis. I thought, this
would be a good chance for him. I wanted to make 'em a visit, for they
owed me some money I lent 'em. I told Charles he must take Rufus, and I
put him off till I was able to go to St. Louis. The spring business was
comin' on, and he couldn't wait; so I hurried off. I got the money my
nephew owed me; but they wouldn't let the boy come to Chicago, though I
told 'em I went down purpose arter him. Charles fretted a good deal
because I made him wait; but Charles minds his mother, if he is sassy
sometimes. He knows I've got some money that I can't take with me when
I leave this world for a better one."

I thought it was rather impudent for her to talk about a better world,
when she was doing all she could to make this a mean one; and I doubted
whether, unless she mended her ways, the other would be a better one to
her.

"I have two merried daughters that need what little I've got more than
Charles does; and he owes me now for what I let him have to set up in
business. He owes all he has in this world to me," continued the old
lady, complacently.

"He wants an entry clerk immediately?" I suggested.

"Yes; Charles has had to do all the work himself, for, you see, he
keeps the books of the firm. Well, he does all the business, for that
matter. He's all there is of the firm, except the money the Collingsbys
put in. Howsomever, I suppose it's just as well that Rufus didn't come,
for ef he had, I should had to board him for three dollars a week; and
he's a growin' boy, and eats more'n a man."

"Do you think I could get this place?"

"You! My stars! I don't know!" exclaimed the old lady. "Can you write?"

"Yes."

"Good at figgers?"

"Pretty good, I think."

"They want somebody that's smart. Charles was afraid Rufus wouldn't do,
but I desisted on having on him; and Charles knows I'm smart enough to
make a will now if I take a notion."

"I didn't think of looking for a place in Chicago," I added; "but this
looks like a good chance."

"Why didn't you say so before Charles went off? If you want the place,
you shall have it. I say so, and I know what I'm saying; and Charles
has been afraid all along that I might make a will."

"I should like to go on trial; but I don't know that I can stay in
Chicago a great while."

"They want somebody right off, and somebody that's smart."

"I think I could suit them. I can keep books; and besides, I have
worked at carpentering for two years, and I know something about
lumber. Where is your son now? Is he in the house?"

"Sakes, no!" exclaimed the old lady, beginning to be excited. "He don't
board here; 'tain't smart enough for him; but I'll go with you and see
him."

"Thank you, Mrs. Whippleton."

"I'm pretty tired; but I'm allus willin' to do what I can for a
feller-cretur. I went clear down to St. Louis to help my nephew's son;
and I'll do as much for you as I would for him."

"I won't trouble you to go with me. If you will tell me where he is, I
will go alone."

"That won't do. I must lay down the law to Charles; and if he dares to
do any different from what I tell him, he won't touch any more of my
money--that's all."

I did not exactly like the idea of having Mr. Charles placed under
compulsion to take me, whether he liked me or not; and I decided, if he
objected to the arrangement, to take myself out of his way. We walked
to the residence of Mr. Charles, which was a genteel house in a good
section of the city. He had a parlor and bed-room, and seemed to live
in good style. Before she said anything about me, Mrs. Whippleton took
her son into the entry, where, I suppose, she "laid down the law" to
him."

"My mother says you want a place as entry clerk," said Mr. Charles,
when they returned to the parlor, where I was seated.

"Yes, sir," I replied, with becoming deference.

"When can you go to work?"

"At once, sir."

"To-morrow morning?"

[Illustration: THE EXAMINATION IN BOOK-KEEPING. Page 73.]

"Yes, sir."

He then questioned me in regard to my knowledge of book-keeping and
arithmetic, and wanted to know if I understood board measure, and could
read lumber marks. I told him I had been a carpenter, and knew all
about lumber. I could keep a set of books by double entry, and thought
I was competent to perform all sorts of mercantile calculations. But he
was too shrewd and suspicious to take me on my own recommendation. He
gave me a sheet of paper, pen, and ink, and told me to write my name.

"Farringford!" exclaimed he, as he read what I wrote.

"Yes, sir; that is my name."

"Do you belong to the Farringfords of St. Louis?"

"Yes; but I was brought up on the upper Missouri."

"Well, your name is nothing in your favor; however, that isn't your
fault," he added, magnanimously; but fortunately he said no more on
that subject. "Now, what is the interest on two thousand dollars for
six months at eight per cent?"

"Eighty dollars," I replied, as soon as he had the question out of his
mouth, for my father had practised me thoroughly in all the short
methods of computing interest.

He gave me half a dozen other problems; but, as he selected only those
which he could solve in his own mind, I was very prompt in my replies.
He then wrote out an example in averaging accounts, and as it was not a
difficult one, and involved only round numbers, I did it very readily.

"But the most important thing with us," added Mr. Whippleton, "is
simple addition. I don't like to wait half an hour for a clerk to run
up a column of figures."

He then wrote about twenty sums of money, each having five or six
figures, and told me to add them. My father had always assured me that
simple addition tried the young accountant more than anything else, and
he had insisted that I should practise it until I could run up a column
as rapidly as my eye could take in the figures. I had used this
exercise for months, until I flattered myself I could give the sum of a
column as quick as any practised book-keeper. At the same time, he had
taught me his own method, that of taking two figures at once, and
adding their sum to the result already obtained. It was just as easy
for one quick at figures to add thirteen, sixteen, eighteen, or
nineteen, as it was to add three, six, eight, or nine. Thus, if the
figures in the column were 6, 5, 4, 7, 9, 3, 8, 2, 9, 1, my father
added them in couples, for it required no effort of the mind to add six
and five, four and seven, nine and three, eight and two, or nine and
one; and the mental process was eleven, twenty-two, thirty-four,
forty-four, fifty-four.

I had practised this system until I could carry it along as rapidly as
I could by adding a single figure at a time. Mr. Whippleton made his
figures in duplicate when he wrote them, and added one himself to prove
that I was right or wrong. Before he was half done, I had my result.

"You are wrong," said he, decidedly, when he had finished. "I would
rather have you use twice as much time, and have the result right, than
do it quick, and have it wrong. Accuracy first, and speed next."

That was just what my father had always told me, and I was rather
mortified at the failure. I went over the columns again, with the same
result.

"I get it so again, sir," I replied, when I had added the columns in an
opposite direction from that taken the first time.

Mr. Whippleton added his figures a second time; but there was still two
hundred dollars' difference in the two amounts.

"You add mine and I will add yours," said he, as we exchanged papers.

This time I made his figures come out right; but I was also astonished
to find that he too made mine come out correctly.

"I see it, sir," I added. "In the fourth item the five on your paper is
a three on mine, and we are both right."

"Exactly so! You'll do, young man, though I should like to see you make
out a bill. We sell Tobey Tinkum forty-two thousand Michigan pine
boards, clear, at thirty dollars;" and he proceeded to give me several
items, which I could not have written down if I had not been a
carpenter, for the technical terms would have bothered and defeated me.

When my late employer, Mr. Clinch, found that I had some knowledge of
arithmetic and accounts, he used to set me at work on his bills, to see
if they were cast up correctly. This experience had prepared me for
precisely the ordeal I was at present undergoing. I wrote the bill as
handsomely as I could, though without straining over it, and figured up
the prices, extending them and adding them. The examiner seemed to be
very much pleased, and wanted to know where I had learned so much about
the lumber business. I explained, and told him I had used about all my
evenings for two years in studying.

"You'll do," said he. "Now, what wages do you expect?"

"I don't know; what do you pay?"

"Well, we pay three or four dollars a week. As you are pretty good at
figures, we will give you four."

"I made more than that at my trade. I can't afford to work for four
dollars a week, sir. It would only pay my board."

"What do you ask?"

"I will work eight weeks, say, at six dollars a week."

Mr. Whippleton objected; but I was firm. He evidently thought I was
just the person he wanted, and he finally consented to my terms, but
insisted upon making the time a year. I told him I could not agree for
a longer time than I had named without consulting my father. He yielded
this point also, and I promised to be at the counting-room of
Collingsby and Whippleton the next morning.

I walked home with Mrs. Whippleton, who again assured me that she was
always willing to do what she could for a "feller-cretur."




CHAPTER VII.

IN WHICH PHIL TAKES HIS PLACE AT THE DESK, AND IS ENGAGED FOR A YEAR.


When I reached the house of Mrs. Whippleton, I took my writing
materials from my bag, and wrote a long letter to my father, detailing
the incidents of my journey, and explaining the motives which had
induced me to take the situation in the counting-room of Collingsby and
Whippleton. I was satisfied that he would not object, though he might
not fully approve the course I had taken. I was up very early the next
morning, and made a hurried survey of the city before breakfast. I
walked from Washington Street, where my boarding-house was located,
through Halstead Street, to the north branch of the Chicago River,
where I found the lumber-yard of the firm. I read the sign and examined
the locality with interest.

I ate my breakfast at half past six; and though the beefsteak was very
tough, and the butter very strong, I sustained my reputation as a good
eater. I had lived too long in the wilderness, where we did not often
have any butter, to be thrown off my balance by the accident of a
rancid article, and I had certainly eaten buffalo meat that was as much
tougher than any beef as sole leather is tougher than brown paper.
Strong butter and tough beef are not good, I allow; but they are by no
means the sum total of human misery. I had a clean conscience, and I
ate a hearty breakfast.

I had been told to be at the counting-room at half past seven; but I
was on hand at seven. I saw several salesmen and laborers in the
lumberyard, but there was no one in the counting-room. I seated myself,
and picked up the morning paper. I did not find any paragraph
announcing my arrival at the great city of the west; and I suppose it
was of no great consequence. However, I found enough to interest me,
till I was disturbed by the entrance of a young man about my own age.

"Good morning, sir," said he, briskly, as he glanced curiously at me.
"What can I do for you?"

"Nothing," I replied.

"Didn't know but you had an order."

"No, I have no order."

He looked at me as though he thought I ought to tell him what I wanted.

"Can I sell you any lumber to-day?" he continued.

"I don't think you can. I'm waiting to see Mr. Whippleton," I answered,
in order to save him the trouble of any unnecessary questioning.

"If you are in a hurry you had better not wait, for he hardly ever gets
here till eight o'clock," said the young man, as he went to the desk
and opened an account book.

"I'm in no hurry. I'm going to work here."

"Is that so?"

"That's so."

"Who engaged you?"

"Mr. Whippleton--last evening."

"What are you going to do?"

"I am engaged as entry clerk."

"Good! I'm glad to hear it. I'm yours truly. Who are you?"

"I'm yours truly," I replied, laughing.

"You're a brick! My name is Land Limpedon. What's yours?"

"Philip Farringford."

"Capital! Philip Farringford, I'm deuced glad to see you if you are to
be the entry clerk. I've had to do some of that work, and I don't like
it. I don't think writing is my forte. I suppose you can write."

"I can make my mark."

"That's about all I can do. You have come at just the right time. We
are driven with business. By the way, you needn't wait for Mr.
Whippleton. I'll set you at work. I've just sold a bill, and want it
entered. Take your pen, old boy, and show us whether you can spatter
the ink or not. By the way, are you a hard brick or a soft brick?"

"I think you will find me a hard brick," I replied, at a venture, for I
had no idea of the technical significance of the terms he used.

"Capital! That's a Chicago brick. Did you come from the country?"

"I came from St. Louis."

"Capital, still! You don't smell of mullein and cornstalks. Here's a
good pen. Just enter these items, and give me a bill of them," he
rattled on, taking a memorandum book from his side pocket. "A Chicago
brick! That's the brick for me."

I took the pen, and stood at the desk.

"I can break you in before Whippleton gets here. Now, charge, F. P.
Moleuschott--got that down?"

"Yes."

"Capital! The point of your pen is greasy. But I'll bet a quarter you
didn't spell the man's name right," he added, looking at the page of
the sales book where I had entered it. "'Pon my word you did, though!
These Dutchmen's names bothered me so that I used to get almost choked
to death before I could speak one of them."

I had always been a diligent student of the literature of the
sign-boards, and I was tolerably familiar even with German proper
names. It is a good plan for a young man who is going into business to
read the signs in the streets as he passes along.

Mr. Land Limpedon rattled off a long bill of small items, and jumbled
in the technical terms of the trade, with the evident intention of
bothering me; but I was posted, and did not have to ask him to repeat a
single item. I entered the charge, and made out the bill.

"Capital!" exclaimed the young salesman, as he glanced at the bill. "I
couldn't have done it any better myself."

I was willing to believe him as I glanced at the page of the sales book
where he had made entries, and saw what a villanous hand he wrote, and
what blots and blunders he had inflicted upon the innocent white paper.
However, he was good-natured, and did not pretend to be a book-keeper;
so I was willing to forgive him.

"What time does Mr. Collingsby come to the counting-room?" I asked, as
he was looking over the bill.

"The young man comes about nine or ten; but he don't stay here much of
the time. Some days the old gentleman looks in about eleven, and some
days he don't," replied Land, as he left the office.

I was at the desk, and had made my first debit. The situation was
novel, but it was pleasing. It was DESK AND DEBIT, for which I had
been seeking for weeks.

The counting-room was divided into two apartments. In the first, which
occupied the front of the building, were the desk, the safe, the books,
and the papers. All the general business of the firm was transacted
here; and my position was behind the desk in this room. Separated from
it by a partition composed mostly of ground glass windows was the other
apartment, whose interior I had not yet seen. As Mr. Whippleton was the
bookkeeper, and had the general charge of the finances of the firm, I
concluded that the interior room was appropriated to the use of the
dignified senior partner and his father, the special partner, when the
latter chose to honor the establishment with his presence.

While I was taking a deliberate survey of the premises where I was to
pass at least several weeks, two salesmen, with their memoranda in
their hands, bustled into the counting-room, each attended by a
customer, to whom he had sold a bill of lumber. They had been informed
by Land of the debut of the new entry clerk, and they read off their
sales to me, which I entered upon the book, giving them bills for the
purchasers. One of them paid his bill, and I was looking for the cash
book when Mr. Whippleton made his appearance.

"So you are really at work, Philip," said he, as he glanced at the
sales book.

"Yes, sir; I have made a beginning. I was looking for the cash book,
sir."

"I keep the cash book myself," added he, in a manner which indicated
that I was not to meddle with it.

But I found enough to do in making bills and charges. It was early in
the spring, and there was a great deal of building in the city.
Business was very driving, and I had all I could do. It was the same
thing over and over again all day long; but I enjoyed my occupation in
spite of its monotony.

About nine o'clock Mr. Richard Collingsby entered the counting-room. He
passed my desk, glanced at me, and entered the sacred precincts of his
sanctorum. Mr. Whippleton immediately made him a visit, and doubtless
informed his senior that he had engaged an entry clerk. I did not see
the dignified partner again till he left the counting-room at two
o'clock. He did not even glance at me this time, and probably had no
suspicion that he had ever seen me before. I was too insignificant a
mortal to engage his attention even for a single instant. Yet he was my
own uncle, though I might be in the same office with him for years
without his knowing the fact.

At twelve o'clock I went to dinner. As I passed through the yard, I saw
lying on the bank of the river a beautiful sail-boat, which attracted
my attention. It was about thirty feet long, and had quite a large
cabin in the forward part. I had hardly ever seen a sail-boat, and I
was much interested in her.

"Whose is this?" I asked, as Land Limpedon joined me on his way to
dinner.

"Mr. Whippleton's; he's a regular water bird, and in the summer he
spends all his spare time in that boat."

"Does he sail on this river?" I asked, glancing at the muddy lagoon.

"No; he takes her out on the lake, and goes off for a fortnight in her,
when he can spare the time."

I had had some experience with boats on the upper Missouri, and had
some taste for them, though I had never even been in a sail-boat. I
hoped Mr. Whippleton would take it into his head to invite me some time
to sail with him. I went to dinner with the image of the boat's sharp
bow and graceful lines lingering in my mind. The beef was no tougher at
noon than it was in the morning, and I think Mrs. Whippleton was
convinced that I was not a profitable boarder at four dollars a week.

But I do not intend to weary my reader by giving the monotonous details
of my daily experience at the desk. I discharged my duties faithfully,
and to the entire satisfaction of Mr. Whippleton. On the second day, I
saw Mr. Collingsby, senior. Like his dignified son, he took no notice
of me. Possibly he asked my name in the private office; but I never
knew whether it gave them any uneasiness or not, though I am very
confident neither of them suspected that I was the son of Louise
Collingsby. The name was not so uncommon as to indicate that I belonged
to the hated Farringfords of St. Louis.

Whatever may have been said in the private office, nothing came to me
from either of the men in whom I was so deeply interested; and it often
occurred to me, as the weeks passed by, that I was doing nothing to
accomplish my great mission in Chicago. My father answered my letter,
and advised me, if I had a good place, to keep it. I wrote to him every
week, and received a letter from him as often.

The eight weeks for which I had been engaged passed off, and I hinted
to the junior partner that my time was out.

"Very well; you can go on just as you have," said he.

"I don't care about going on any farther at six dollars a week," I
replied.

"What do you want?"

"Eight, sir."

"I will speak to Mr. Collingsby."

He did speak to him, and my salary was advanced to eight dollars a week
for a year. I was satisfied I was earning that amount, and Mr.
Whippleton intimated that he should require me to do more of the
general book-keeping.




CHAPTER VIII.

IN WHICH PHIL TAKES A SAIL ON THE LAKE WITH MR. WHIPPLETON.


"Phil, do you know anything about a boat?" asked Mr. Whippleton, one
Saturday afternoon, at the close of the month of May.

I was standing on the bank of the river, looking at his boat, which had
been thoroughly repaired, painted, and rigged, and lay off the
lumber-yard. She was a beautiful craft, and after we had shut up the
counting-room, I paused to look at her.

"I don't know anything about a sail-boat," I replied; "but I used to
handle a row-boat on the upper Missouri."

"You are used to boats, then?"

"Yes, to row-boats."

"If you are not in a hurry, you may go down the river with me; and I
intend to take a little turn out in the lake," he continued, as he
hauled the sail-boat up to the shore.

"Thank you, sir; I should like to go very much," I replied.

[Illustration: THE SAILING EXCURSION. Page 90.]

The craft was called the Florina, though why she had what seemed to me
such an odd name, I did not know at that time. I afterwards ascertained
that he was engaged to a young lady who bore that interesting name,
though, for reasons which will appear in the sequel, he never married
her. I was delighted with the boat when I went on board of her, and
glanced into her comfortable cabin, which was furnished like a parlor.
He had evidently spent a good deal of money upon her, and I soon found
that Miss Florina was an occasional guest on board.

She was sloop-rigged, and carried a large jib and mainsail. Everything
about her was fitted up in good style; indeed, the carpenters, riggers,
and painters had been at work upon her for a month. I was rather sorry,
as I looked at her, that I was not a rich man, able to own just such a
craft, for I could conceive of nothing more pleasant than coasting up
and down the lake, exploring the rivers, bays, and islands. I thought I
could live six months in the year on board of the Florina very
comfortably. But, then, I was not a rich man; and I had a great work
before me, with no time to waste in mere amusements.

"Now take off those stops, Phil."

"Stops?"

"Those canvas straps with which the mainsail is tied up," he explained.

I concluded that the mainsail was the big sail nearest to me, and I
untied the "stops," making a note of the name for future use.

"That's it; now stand by the jib halyards," added Mr. Whippleton.

"I'll stand by 'em till doomsday, if you will only tell me what they
are."

"I call things by their names in order that you may learn them,"
laughed the junior partner, as he went forward and cast off the ropes
indicated, which were fastened to a couple of cleats on the mast. "One
is the throat, and the other is the peak-halyard."

We hoisted the sail, and I observed the use of the halyards, and how to
manage and make them fast. I was confident that I should not have to be
shown a second time how to do anything. Fortunately there are so few
ropes on an ordinary sloop that my weak head could carry the names and
uses of all without confusion. There was not much wind up there in the
lagoon, or the river, as it is more politely called; but what there was
came from the westward, and the skipper said it was fair to take us
down to the lake.

"Cast off the painter," continued Mr. Whippleton.

"Who?"

"The painter."

"He's not here; and if he was, I shouldn't like to cast him off here,
where the water is so dirty; I would rather wait till we come to a
cleaner place," I replied.

"That rope by which the boat is fastened to the wharf is called a
painter," added the skipper.

"O, is it?" I replied, unfastening the rope at the shore end, and
pulling it on board.

"That's it. You will be as salt as a boiled lobster one of these days,
Phil."

I thanked him for the compliment, as I supposed it to be, though I had
not the least idea what a lobster was. The skipper took the helm, and
the boat began to move.

"Haul in that sheet, Phil," said he, quietly.

I rushed for the cabin, where I had seen two beds very neatly made up
in the berths.

"Where are you going?"

"After the sheet. There's some on the beds in the cabin."

"The rope fastened to the boom," he continued, laughing at my blunder,
and handing me the end of the line upon which I was to haul.

I pulled in, and the effect was to bring the boom over the deck.
Putting the helm hard down, he brought the Florina up into the wind, so
as to clear a lumber schooner which lay just below. I wish to say that
I describe the movements of the boat from the knowledge I have since
obtained, for I am an "old salt" now. I watched the operations of the
skipper with keen attention, for I was taking my first lesson in
handling a boat, and I was deeply interested. Skilfully he navigated
the crowded river, and I hauled in and let out the sheet twenty times
before we reached the broad lake. The drawbridges were whisked open in
the twinkling of an eye, and in about half an hour we passed out of the
river.

I saw why Mr. Whippleton was anxious to have an assistant in the
Florina with him, for I found it was no joke to haul the sheet, and my
hands, grown tender in my clerkly occupation, exhibited two or three
blisters when we reached the mouth of the river. It was a nice thing
for a gentleman like him to sit at the helm, and handle the tiller; but
I fancied he did not enjoy hoisting the mainsail, and hauling the
sheet, alone.

"There, Phil, the worst of it is over now," said Mr. Whippleton, as he
headed the boat down the lake. "We are out of the river, and we have
plenty of sea room here. You may clear away the jib."

I had already learned what the jib was, and I went out on the bowsprit,
as I had seen the men do on other vessels. I loosed the sail, and
hoisted it. The jib-sheets led aft to the standing-room; and, as soon
as I had made fast the halyard, the skipper luffed up and fastened down
the jib. The boat heeled over, and began to cut through the water at a
very exciting rate. It was a very pleasing and delightful sensation to
me, and from that moment I became a sailor in my aspirations. I had
never seen the salt water, and had a very indefinite idea of the
expanse of ocean.

"How do you like it, Phil?" asked Mr. Whippleton.

"Very much, sir."

"I'm glad you do, for I want some one to sail with me. This boat is
rather large to be handled comfortably by one man, and two make it a
pleasant thing for both of them. Sit down here, and make yourself
happy," he added, pointing to the cushioned seat at his side.

I accepted his polite invitation, and thought he was very considerate
to me, his humble clerk. He then explained my duty in tacking or coming
about, which was to let go the jib-sheet on the lee side, when the sail
shook, and haul in on the weather side. To illustrate the point, he
made a tack and ran in towards the shore. I readily understood the
whole matter, and by this time I felt that I could sail the Florina
myself.

"Phil, you break in as a book-keeper a great deal better than I
expected you would," said Mr. Whippleton, when he had tacked again, and
was standing along the shore with the wind on the beam.

"I have taken an interest in the subject, and studied it very
attentively. My father, who served his time at the desk, gave me a
great deal of instruction."

"Who is your father?"

"He was formerly a merchant, but now he is the agent of a wealthy
real-estate owner."

"He instructed you very well. Has Mr. Collingsby said anything to you
lately about your duties?"

"No, sir; he has hardly spoken to me since I have been in the
counting-room; never, except to ask me a question," I replied.

"He does not say much to any one; but he is well pleased with your
work, and spoke of the neat appearance of your books to-day."

"I am certainly very much obliged to him," I added, delighted with this
testimony; for I felt that it was the first point I had gained towards
the discharge of my great mission.

"He says you write very handsomely and very plainly; that your footings
and extensions are uniformly correct."

"I try to have everything right and neat," I answered, delighted beyond
measure at this kind opinion of me.

"I took occasion, while the subject was warm, to mention a matter of
which I have been thinking lately," continued Mr. Whippleton. "I have a
great deal of out-door business to do, and the entire charge of the
books is too much for me. We are going to have another entry clerk, and
you will hereafter be the assistant book-keeper."

I was very much obliged to him for this new mark of confidence. He
explained that he did not intend to give me the entire charge of the
books yet, but that I should do the posting and keep the cash book; or
rather, that I should assist him in doing these things. He wished me to
look into the system of book-keeping the firm had adopted, and prepare
myself to keep the books in the course of a year. I promised to be
diligent and attentive, but I assured him that I already understood the
method.

"Between us both, when we have another entry clerk, we shall have a
little more time for sailing," he added. "If we can get away at three
or four in the afternoon, we shall have some jolly cruises, for we can
make an easy thing of it in the boat as well as at the desk."

"How far can you go in this boat?" I asked, as I glanced at the broad
expanse of waters to the north and east of us.

"How far? As far as you please. A thousand miles. You can go to the
head of Lake Superior, or through Lake Huron to the foot of Lake Erie."

"Not in this boat."

"Why not?"

"Because she isn't large enough."

"Yes, she is. Her cabin is large enough for two to sleep in; and there
is a cook-stove forward, where you can get up as good a dinner as they
have at the Tremont House."

"But there are violent storms on the lakes, I have read."

"So there are; but the Florina will stand almost anything in the shape
of a blow. All you have to do is to reef, and let her go it. But you
can always tell when it is going to be bad weather, and you can make a
harbor. With a boat of this size you can run into any creek or river,
anchor, and eat and sleep till it is fair weather again. I always keep
within a few miles of the shore, on a long cruise. If I can get away
for two or three weeks this summer, I intend to make a voyage up to the
strait, and down on the other side of the lake."

"I should like to go with you first rate."

"My friend Waterford, who has made his fortune by speculating in lands,
keeps a boat just like the Florina; and last summer he went to Detroit
and back in her."

The picture he drew of life on the lake pleased me exceedingly, and I
could not but sigh when I thought that such amusements were only for
rich men. A poor boy, like me, had no right to think of them. Mr.
Whippleton had come about, and at dark we were at the mouth of Chicago
River again. I took in the jib, and he moored the boat near the lake.
When we had put everything in order, he invited me to sail with him the
next day.

"To-morrow will be Sunday," I suggested.

"What of it? The Florina sails just as well on Sunday as on any other
day."

"I would rather not sail on Sunday. I want to go to church and to
Sunday school."

"I didn't think that of you," replied the skipper, contemptuously. "I
always sail Sundays, and I expect to race with Waterford to-morrow."

"I hope you will excuse me, sir; I would rather not go."

I saw that he was disgusted with me, but I could not yield this point.
I went home, feeling that I had offended my employer, who evidently
wished me to assist him in handling the boat.




CHAPTER IX.

IN WHICH PHIL ATTEMPTS TO MAKE OUT A TRIAL BALANCE.


I went to church and to Sunday school as usual the next day; and I knew
that I felt better than I should have done on board of the Florina. The
next day, however, when I met Mr. Whippleton in the counting-room, he
seemed to have laid up no grudge against me: on the contrary, I thought
he was rather more pleasant and considerate than usual; but perhaps his
conduct was only in contrast with what I had expected.

On Thursday morning, Bob Murray, the new entry clerk, appeared, and I
spent the forenoon in initiating him into the mysteries of his duty. In
the afternoon I commenced posting, for Mr. Whippleton had been so busy
with his boat, and with his other out-door occupations, that the books
were somewhat behindhand. While I was thus engaged, I obeyed the
instructions of the junior partner, and examined carefully into the
system by which the accounts were kept. I began early in the morning
and worked till late at night, until I had posted everything down to
the Saturday of the preceding week. Then I had no difficulty in keeping
the work up.

Mr. Whippleton was away now a large portion of the time. I knew that he
was engaged to some extent in real estate speculations, and he hinted
to me that these operations occupied a considerable portion of his
time. He had simply directed me to post the books, but having mastered
the system, I was disposed to show him that I was competent to keep the
books alone. I footed up the columns of the invoice and sales books,
and I intended to surprise him, at the end of the month, by showing him
a trial balance and a statement of results. I thought I could do this,
and it would be a feather in my cap if I succeeded. It would not only
be good practice for me, but it would show the exact condition of the
business.

While I was at work on the invoice book, I found what appeared to me to
be an error. The invoices, or bills of lumber purchased by the firm,
were all carefully filed away. On referring to the original document, I
found it footed up five instead of fifteen thousand dollars. I turned
to the cash book, and found that fifteen thousand dollars had been paid
on account of this transaction, and I concluded that there must be
another bill. I could find no other. The purchase had been made while I
was in the office, and I remembered the bill.

I decided to examine all the invoices from the first day of the year,
and compare them with the entries in the book, which had been
transferred to the ledger. I discovered four other entries for which
there were no invoices at all. In other words, there was merchandise to
the amount of about thirty-five thousand dollars of which I could
obtain no knowledge whatever. However, I went on with my trial balance,
and the result, when I had completed it, was startling to me. My
statement showed that the firm had lost over ten thousand dollars in
five months, taking the stock on hand at cost and considering all debts
good.

The head salesman kept what he called a "lumber book." The first entry
in it was the amount of stock on hand at the beginning of the year. To
this was added all lumber bought, and from it all sales were deducted,
so that the book showed the amount of lumber of each kind on hand. This
he did so as to be able at all times to report what new stock was
needed, and then Mr. Whippleton ordered it. As there was not a great
variety of merchandise, the keeping of this book did not demand much
labor, each salesman being required to deduct his sales from the gross
amounts.

None of the invoices which were missing had been entered in this book.
It appeared, therefore, that the firm had thirty thousand dollars worth
of stock on hand more than was exhibited by the lumber book. I did not
understand it, and I came to the conclusion that I did not know half so
much about book-keeping as I had flattered myself I did. Still my
accounts all "proved," and though I worked over this problem every
evening till midnight, I could not arrive at any different result.

I was amazed, and even vexed. I did not like to say anything to Mr.
Whippleton, because I wished to surprise him with my knowledge of
accounts on the first of the month. It would astonish him to learn that
the firm had lost over ten thousand dollars in five months, several of
them the best in the year for business. I came to the conclusion that
my laudable design would be a failure, or only prove that I was a vain
and conceited boy, who knew but little of the science of accounts. I
did not suspect that anything was wrong, except in my own calculations.
Probably Mr. Whippleton knew all about the matter, and in due time
would set it right, showing that the concern had made twenty or thirty
thousand dollars in five months, instead of losing ten thousand.

"Is Mr. Whippleton in?" asked a gentleman, one day, while I was
harassing my brain over the knotty problem.

"No, sir," I replied. "He went out at ten o'clock, and I have not seen
him since."

"Sorry; I wanted to see him."

I soon found that this gentleman was the agent of the Michigan Pine
Company, in whose invoice the discrepancy of ten thousand dollars
appeared. Without indicating my purpose, I made such inquiries of him
as enabled him to give the information I wanted. I was satisfied that
the invoice on file was correct, and that no lumber had been purchased
for which the firm had not received a bill.

Of course this discovery only added to my perplexity, and I worked half
a day over the head salesman's lumber book; but I finished the
investigation no wiser than I had begun it. On the cash book it
appeared that the amount of the actual bill had been paid at one time,
and the ten thousand dollars at another. I give the amount in round
numbers, though it varied somewhat from these figures. I worried myself
over the matter till I was afraid it would make me sick, and then I
gave it up in despair. The first day of the month came, and when I
added the month's business to my trial balance, I found another amount
of five thousand dollars unexplained by any invoice. The balance
against the firm remained about the same. Mortified at my defeat, I
decided to show my statement to Mr. Whippleton, for I was deeply
interested to know where "the figures lied."

"What's that?" demanded the junior partner, as I laid my balance sheet
and statement before him.

"I have made out a trial balance and statement, sir," I replied.

"Who told you to do that?" he asked, with a glance at the sanctum of
Mr. Collingsby.

"No one, sir."

"What do you mean by wasting your time in that way?"

"You told me to look into the system of keeping the books, and I
thought I could not do it any better than by getting out a trial
balance for the last six months."

"We don't take a trial balance but once a year."

"I only did it for practice, so that I might understand it better when
I had to do the real thing."

"I don't care about your overhauling the books to that extent without
my knowledge," added Mr. Whippleton, looking very much displeased.

I began to think I had sailed my last sail in the Florina; but as I had
kept the books up square, I did not feel that I had done anything to
incur his displeasure.

[Illustration: THE TRIAL BALANCE. Page 108.]

"I only did it for practice, sir," I repeated, in excuse for my wicked
conduct.

"Did Mr. Collingsby tell you to do that?"

"No, sir; he never said a word to me about it."

"Have you shown it to him?"

"No sir; of course not. There is something wrong about it. You
understand these things so well that I suppose you can tell me at a
glance just what the matter is."

"Perhaps I can," he added, glancing at my sheets. "What's the matter
with it?"

"I make it out that the concern has lost about ten thousand dollars in
the last six months' business. Of course that can't be so."

"Certainly not; and that shows the folly of boys like you meddling with
what you don't understand," said he, sourly, and in a more crabbed tone
than he had ever before used to me.

I had expected to be commended for the zeal I had shown in my efforts
to master the details of the business, instead of which I found myself
sharply reproved. I had made a failure of my purpose to get out a
correct trial balance, and this was sufficiently mortifying without the
reproach the junior partner cast upon me. I hung my head with shame
while he glanced over the trial balance, which, according to my
father's system, included the balance sheet. I supposed his practised
eye would promptly detect my error.

"What's the matter with it?" said he, petulantly.

"There is something about the invoices that I don't understand; but I
suppose it must be because I am so thick-headed," I replied, with
becoming humility.

"With the invoices?" added he, with a kind of gasp which attracted my
attention.

I glanced at him, and I observed that his face was deadly pale. His lip
quivered, and he appeared to be very much agitated. I was astonished at
this exhibition on his part, and while I was considering whether he was
angry with me or not, he walked away and drank a glass of ice water at
the table. I had seen him turn very pale when he was angry, and I was
afraid I had mortally offended him by my innocent zeal.

"What's the matter with the invoices, Phil?" he asked, returning to the
desk with a sickly smile upon his pallid face.

"I don't know that anything is the matter with them, sir. I suppose I
have made a blunder," I replied, stammering with confusion, for the
situation was entirely new to me. "The May invoice of the Michigan Pine
Company foots up on the book about fifteen thousand dollars, but the
bill on file shows only five."

"You have made a silly blunder, Phil," laughed he; but still his lip
quivered.

"I supposed I had, sir; and I only wanted to know where my mistake
was."

"There is only one little trouble with you, Phil. You think you know a
great deal more than you do know."

"I suppose you are right, sir. I thought I knew how to make out a trial
balance and balance sheet; but I find I don't, though I have done it a
dozen times under my father's direction."

"These make-believe accounts are not like real ones," added Mr.
Whippleton, sagely.

"I see they are not."

"I suppose you read a check mark, or something of that kind, for a one,
in the invoice book."

"I should suppose so myself, sir, if the cash book and check book did
not both show that the fifteen thousand dollars was paid to the
Michigan Pine Company."

"Is that so?" said he, startled again. "I must have left those invoices
at my room. I had them there one evening."

"Perhaps you have some others there," I suggested quietly, in my
ignorance; "for the invoice book shows about forty thousand dollars'
worth of lumber for which there are no bills."

"They must be at my room; I will bring them down," he added, turning
away from me.

"They were not entered in the lumber book either," I added; "so, I
suppose, if I add forty thousand dollars to the stock item it will come
out right."

Mr. Whippleton had dropped into a chair, and looked paler than ever.




CHAPTER X.

IN WHICH PHIL IS PERPLEXED ABOUT CERTAIN INVOICES.


"What's the matter, sir? Are you sick?" I asked, startled by the deadly
pallor on the cheeks and lips of the junior partner.

"I don't feel very well, but I shall be better in a moment," he
replied, faintly.

"What shall I do for you?"

"Nothing, Phil; I feel better now. I'm subject to these ill turns in
the summer. I shall be all right in a few minutes. I'll bring down
those invoices to-morrow. I bought my boat last year, hoping to cure
myself of them by using exercise in the fresh air."

I waited a few minutes, and he recovered in a great measure from the
sudden attack; but he was still pale, and appeared to be very nervous.

"The doctor told me if I attended to business so closely, I should
break down altogether," he continued, rising from his chair.

"Well sir, I hope you will take a vacation, then," I answered, full of
sympathy.

"I can't do it; that's the trouble. I hoped I should be able to take my
trip round the lake this summer, but I don't see how I can do it. I
have to do all the buying for the concern, and attend to all the
finances. Mr. Collingsby, you know, really does nothing. The whole
establishment rests on my shoulders, and I find I am yielding under the
heavy load."

"I hope I shall soon be able to do more to help you," I replied.

It had occurred to me that the concern had been running itself for
several weeks, for Mr. Whippleton had not been in the office half the
time. I supposed, therefore, from what he said, that he was buying
lumber, or attending to the finances of the establishment, in his
absence, for he appeared to have injured his health very seriously.
From "the speech of people," and from an occasional remark he dropped
himself, I had learned that he was engaged in land speculations, but I
was not willing to believe that these could add very much to his work.

"You have done very well, Phil," said he, kindly. "You have been
faithful, and you have kept your books remarkably well; but taking a
trial balance isn't your forte yet."

"I know I'm stupid, sir."

"Far from it, Phil. I never knew a young man of your age who had so
deep an insight into the science of accounts as you have; but you can't
do everything at once."

"Thank you, sir; you are very kind. Perhaps the taking of trial
balances is not my forte; but it seems to me that those invoices, when
you bring them, will make it all right. Forty thousand dollars added to
the stock will leave a balance of thirty thousand in favor of the
concern."

"Very likely you are right, after all, Phil. Indeed, I think you must
be. You are always correct about everything."

"O, no, sir; I don't pretend to be always correct, but I try to be so,"
I replied, blushing at the compliments showered upon me.

"But, Phil, you should not attempt to do what you don't understand."

"I thought I was perfectly competent to make out a trial balance, sir."

"Undoubtedly you are. It isn't that," he interposed, with a pleasant
smile. "There are certain details of the business which you don't
understand, and you can't make out a correct trial balance without
including those details."

"I supposed I understood all about the business, and perhaps it would
have come out all right if I had only had those invoices."

"I don't know how that might have been. But suppose Mr. Collingsby had
seen your statement, that the firm had lost ten thousand dollars in six
months."

"I did not intend to show it to him."

"Still he might have seen it. You might have left it on the desk, and a
single glance at it would have alarmed him, when, you can see for
yourself, the business is paying a large profit."

"I made the statement only for you, and I showed it to you in order to
have my blunder pointed out."

"You did perfectly right, Phil, but an accident might have happened,"
said he, walking to the desk where my sheets were still lying.

He picked them up, tore them into a great many pieces, and threw them
into the waste basket.

"At the end of the year we will make out a trial balance together," he
added.

I did not like to see the result of so much hard labor destroyed;
especially as, by Mr. Whippleton's own showing, the figures would be
correct when he produced the missing invoices. But I had my rough
draft, which I had carefully copied, in the desk, and I intended to
carry this home, in order to ascertain at some future time whether my
figures were correct or not. When I obtained the invoices I could tell
whether I had made a failure or not in the act of taking a trial
balance. I was not satisfied that I was so utterly stupid as my
employer made me out to be.

"Those bills ought to have been entered on the lumber book," said I,
when the junior partner had disposed of my papers.

"That's of no consequence at all. The lumber book is a humbug," he
replied; "I don't believe in it; indeed, I had even forgotten that
there was any such book. The firm don't recognize it, and I think it is
liable to lead us all into blunders and errors, as it has you."

He went to the other side of the desk, where the objectionable volume
lay, turned over its leaves, and glanced at its pages. He was still
very nervous, for the effects of his sudden attack of illness appeared
not to have left him.

"No reliance whatever can be placed on this book, and I am disposed to
destroy it."

"I thought it was a very good thing. Faxon uses it a great deal, and
says he can tell what stock he has on hand, when a customer comes,
without going out of the counting-room."

"It is not reliable. The only way to know what stock we have is by
looking it over."

Very likely he would have destroyed it if Mr. Collingsby had not called
him into the private counting-room at this moment. He evidently had a
hearty grudge against the book, which I thought was entirely
groundless.

"Mr. Whippleton don't think much of your lumber book," said I, when the
head salesman came in a moment later.

"Why, what's the matter with it?" asked the man.

"He says it is not reliable."

"I think it is; and since I adopted it, two or three other concerns
have kept one like it, after asking me about it. What's the reason it
isn't reliable?"

"You may neglect to enter invoices or sales."

"Your ledger wouldn't be good for anything if you neglected to carry
all your items to its pages."

I was about to specify more particularly that the firm had about forty
thousand dollars' worth of stock on hand more than appeared in the
lumber book, when Mr. Whippleton returned. He evidently understood what
I was doing, and told me to make up the bank account.

"You needn't say anything to Faxon about his book. Let him keep it, if
he wishes to do so," said he.

"I did say something to him."

"You did? What did you say?"

"I only told him you didn't think his book was reliable."

"That's no more than the truth, but you need not mention the matter
again. It will only make unpleasant feeling. Smooth it over if he says
anything more about it, and let the matter drop."

I was rather puzzled, but I went on with the bank account.

"And by the way, Phil, you needn't say anything to Mr. Collingsby about
those invoices," he added, a little while after.

"I shall not be likely to do so. He hardly ever speaks to me, and I
never do to him, unless it is to answer a question."

"He's very fussy and particular. It was careless in me to leave those
papers at home, but it is all right now. This is a fine day, Phil, and
we will take a sail about four o'clock if you like."

I did like; I always liked to take a sail. I had been with him a dozen
times already, and had been promoted to the position of able seaman on
board, for I had taken the helm, and actually worked the boat alone for
hours at a time. I had been out with the junior partner in some pretty
heavy blows, and enjoyed them too. In fact, I considered myself as
competent to handle the Florina as I was to make out a trial balance. I
looked into the theory of sailing a boat, and understanding the
principles, I found the practice easy.

After the business of the day was done, we embarked, and sailed with a
stiff breeze to the head of the lake. Mr. Whippleton was more than
usually kind and considerate, but he appeared to be thoughtful and
troubled. He gave me the helm, and went into the cabin as soon as we
were out of the river. He sat at the table, with a pencil and paper,
and seemed to be absorbed in some difficult calculation.

At dark we were off Indiana City. I reported to Mr. Whippleton, and he
came on deck. He told me to come about, and I did so without any
assistance from him. He talked a little about the business of the firm,
but soon relapsed into silence. His manner was somewhat strange, but I
attributed it to his ill health. We had an abundant supply of
provisions on board, such as crackers, sardines, lambs' tongues; and we
usually took our supper on board, as we did not return to the city till
nine or ten. Sometimes we cooked ham and eggs, beefsteak, or a mutton
chop, and made coffee. I was cook and steward generally, but this time
my employer brought up some eatables, and we took our supper in the
standing-room. I noticed that he had no appetite, and I was really
afraid that he would be seriously ill.

The next day I carried home all the papers relating to my trial
balance, and locked them up in my valise. Mr. Whippleton staid in the
counting-room all day for the next week, but nothing more was said of
my unfortunate attempt to prove my zeal. He did not, however, bring the
missing invoices, and I ventured to mention the matter again. He had
forgotten all about them, but would attend to it the next day.

Another week elapsed before he produced them. I looked them over, and
they appeared to be correct. They were in the ordinary forms, with the
printed headings of the establishments at which the lumber had been
purchased. As soon as he gave them to me I took up the lumber book.

"You needn't enter them on that book, Phil," said the junior partner;
"I don't believe in that book, and I won't have anything to do with it.
File them away, and don't say anything about them to any one."

Of course I obeyed my orders, but I confess that I began to think
something was wrong. The Whippleton idea of honesty was not very high.
The cash amounts of these invoices had been paid, and I supposed the
lumber had been received in the yard. But Mr. Whippleton was a partner
in the concern, and he could not mean to cheat himself. My curiosity
was excited, but as a clerk I had no right to meddle with what did not
concern me.

When I went to bed that night I could not sleep, for my mind would
dwell upon the mysterious invoices. I heard the clock on a church
strike twelve, and still I was awake. A few minutes later I heard a
knock at my door. Mrs. Whippleton had been sick for a week, and I found
that the summons came from her nurse. The landlady was worse, and she
wanted to see me at once. I hastily dressed myself, and went to her.

"Phil, I know you are honest; everybody says so. I want to see you,"
said she, as I entered.

I could not imagine what my honesty had to do with the matter, but I
waited for an explanation.




CHAPTER XI.

IN WHICH PHIL TAKES CHARGE OF MRS. WHIPPLETON'S EARTHLY TREASURE.


I had not seen Mrs. Whippleton for a week, during which time she had
been confined to her room, and I was surprised at the change which had
taken place in her during that time. She appeared to have lost one half
of her flesh, and her face was very thin and pale.

"I didn't like to call you up at this time of night, Philip, but I
wanted to see you very bad," said she, in feeble tones. "I'm a very
sick woman."

"I hope you will get better," I answered.

"I hope so too, but there's no knowin'."

"I didn't know you were very sick."

"Perhaps I hain't been till to-day. The doctor looked kind o' anxious
to-night when he came; and I've been a good deal worried."

"You must be calm, Mrs. Whippleton."

"I try to be, but I can't; and I don't think anybody could in my
situation. I don't know but I'm goin' to die."

"Let us hope not. But I trust you are prepared to die," I added, with
due solemnity; for I confess that the dreadful thing about her case was
the idea of being hurried into eternity with only the worldly wisdom
she had preached to me to sustain her in the trying ordeal.

"No, I'm not prepared to die. I've got thirty thousand dollars--"

"I wouldn't trouble myself about money, Mrs. Whippleton," I interposed.

"That's what I wanted to see you for," said she, looking at me with
apparent astonishment.

"Do not think of business while you are sick, Mrs. Whippleton."

"But I must think of it. I have felt so bad today, that I didn't know
as I should get well."

"So much the more need, then, of thinking of other things than money."

"I suppose you think I'm a very great sinner," she added.

"We are all sinners, Mrs. Whippleton; and we are all great sinners."

"Well, I ain't any worse'n the rest on 'em. But I don't want to talk
about them things now. I've got somethin' else on my mind. I've got
thirty thousand dollars--"

"But I would not think of that now."

"I must think on't. It worries me. I know you are an honest young man,
Philip; and I can't say that I know of another one in the whole world."

"That's a harsh judgment; but if I am honest, it is because I believe
in God and try to do his will."

"I suppose you are right, Philip. I wish I was better than I am; but as
I ain't, 'tain't no use to cry about it. I didn't send for you to
preach to me, though I hain't no kind o' doubt I need it as bad as any
on 'em. Ever since I fust see you in the steam car I believed you was
honest, and meant to do just about what's right. Set up a little closer
to me, for I don't want to tell the world what I'm goin' to say to you.
I believe I can trust you, Philip."

"I always try to do what is right, and I have no doubt I succeed better
than those that don't try at all," I replied, finding that it was
useless to attempt to talk to her of anything except money and
business; though I hoped, when these important topics were disposed of,
that she would be reasonable on matters of more consequence.

Certainly her appearance was very much altered, and she spoke of dying.
Young as I was, I had already been in the presence of death, and I
thought that matters of the soul's concern ought to be attended to
before anything else.

"You knew that my son Charles has been here to-night?" continued Mrs.
Whippleton.

"No, I have not seen him."

"He was; and he has been here every night for a week, pestering me
almost to death, when I'm sick. He's fretting what little life there is
left to me out of my body."

"Why, what's the matter with him?"

"He wants money--all I've got in the world, if I'll give it to him. He
says he shall be ruined if he can't get it."

"Indeed!"

"I don't know nothin' about it, but he says something's wrong in the
firm. He wants forty thousand dollars, and must have it, or be ruined
and disgraced. Don't you tell a soul what I'm saying to you, Philip."

A flood of light was suddenly cast in upon my perplexed understanding.
Forty thousand dollars! That was about the amount of the mysterious
invoices. After this revelation I had no difficulty in believing that
Mr. Whippleton had been using the money of the firm in his private land
speculations. The invoices were fictitious, and this explanation showed
me why the junior partner did not wish me to mention them to any one. I
even thought I comprehended the nature of Mr. Whippleton's sudden
illness when I showed him my trial balance. Now he was trying to get
the money from his mother to make good his accounts with the firm.

I was grieved and amazed at the revelation thus forced upon me. I
understood the old lady's principles, or rather her want of principles,
and granting that she had given him her code of worldly wisdom, as she
had to me, it was not strange that he should turn out to be a thief and
a swindler. However hard and disgusting it may seem, there was
something like poetic justice in his coming to her upon her sick bed,
perhaps her dying bed, to demand the means of repairing his frauds. I
pitied my landlady in her deep distress, but surely worldly wisdom
could produce no different result.

[Illustration: PHIL RECEIVES THE OLD LADY'S TREASURE. Page 129.]

"See here, Philip," she continued, raising her head with difficulty
from the pillow, and taking from beneath it a great leather
pocket-book, distended by its contents. "There's seven thousand
dollars, besides notes and bonds for twenty-three thousand more, in
it."

"Why do you keep so much money in the house, Mrs. Whippleton? It isn't
safe."

"I know that; I had it in the bank till Charles began to pester me, and
then I drew it all out the very day I was taken sick."

"But it was safe in the bank."

"No, 'twan't. I was afraid Charles would forge a check and draw it."

"He wouldn't do such a thing as that."

"I hope he wouldn't, but I was afraid he would. This pocket-book was in
that bureau drawer till Charles came to-night. He went there and tried
to get it. I don't know but he would have got it if my nuss hadn't come
in. He said he was coming again to-morrow morning, and would have the
money; so I got up, and put the pocket-book under my pillow."

"Certainly he wouldn't take it away from you," I added, shocked at the
old lady's story.

"I don't know's he would, but I was afraid on't."

"But you haven't forty thousand dollars here."

"There's the bonds, which will sell for all they cost me, and more too,
besides the interest on 'em; and it would all come to over thirty
thousand. Charles offers to give me a mortgage on his lands worth three
times the amount, and pay me ten per cent. interest besides."

"Why don't you do it, then?"

"I don't believe in his lands. Because folks say he's got bit in his
lands, and can't sell for what he gin for 'em, though he says they will
fetch three times what they cost him. If they'd fetch what he gin for
'em he'd sell 'em. I almost know he's got bit on 'em. But he can't have
my money; he owes me ten thousand dollars now. I've worked hard for
what little I've got, and I ain't a goin' to have it fooled away in no
land speculation."

It seemed to me that the old lady understood her son's case perfectly;
and my own observation fully confirmed her statement. The junior
partner was certainly in a tight place.

"My two married daughters, that need the money more'n Charles does,
would never get a cent of my property if I should let him have it. I
ain't a goin' to do it, not if I should die afore mornin'."

"I don't think you are in any immediate danger, Mrs. Whippleton," I
replied; and I did not believe that one who could talk as fast as she
did was in any present peril.

"But Charles will pester the life out of me to get this money and these
papers. I'm afraid he's been doin' something that's wrong."

"What do you wish me to do for you?"

"I'll tell you, Philip. I know you're honest, and I will trust you just
as far as any human bein' can be trusted," she continued; but she
paused again, and I concluded that she was not quite satisfied to trust
even me.

"You believe I can trust you--don't you?" she added, taking the
valuable package from under the bed-clothes.

"You must be your own judge, Mrs. Whippleton."

"I know I can!" she exclaimed, suddenly. "You would not rob a poor
woman who is on her dying bed."

"I certainly would not."

"At any rate, I know Charles would rob me of every dollar I have in the
world, and think he was smart to do it; but I don't believe you would,"
said she, extending the package towards me.

"What do you wish me to do with it?" I replied, taking her
treasure--her only treasure, it seemed to me, either in earth or in
heaven.

It was only the treasure where thieves break through and steal; and the
thief was at hand--one whom she had trained up in the ways of worldly
wisdom.

"I don't know; only put it where Charles can't get it; that's all."

"But I have no safe place for it."

"You can put it somewhere. I feel better now it is out of my hands,"
she added, with a deep sigh.

"Really, Mrs. Whippleton, I can't take charge of this. I am afraid it
would make me as miserable as it has you."

"You must take it, Philip. You are the only honest man I know of. Keep
it safe, and when I'm gone,--if I'm goin' this time,--don't give it to
anybody but my administrator."

"I don't like to take it, Mrs. Whippleton."

"That's the very reason why I want you to take it. If you was more
willing, I shouldn't be so anxious to give it to you. I know you'll be
careful of it."

"I will tell you what I will do with it, if you are willing. I want to
go to St. Louis to see my father. If Mr. Whippleton will let me off
to-morrow, for a few days, I will go then. I will seal up the package,
and my father will keep it in his safe."

"Is your father honest?"

"He is."

"He must be if he is your father. Do as you think best. If he can put
the money out at interest for me, I should like it all the better."

"Very well. I will give you my receipt for this package, and that will
at least be evidence that I took it, and at your request."

I put the treasure in my pocket, and then led the conversation into
another channel. I tried to awaken in her mind an interest in that
other treasure, where thieves do not break through nor steal; but she
was tired, and said she wanted to rest. She had talked so much that she
was all worn out. She was a sad spectacle to me, and though she had
gathered together a considerable fortune, it seemed to me that her life
was a failure; she had not realized the true success.

I went to my room, opened the package, and made out a list of all the
valuable papers which it contained. I wrote a receipt for them and for
the money, and then, with the treasure under my pillow, I went to
sleep. The next morning I called upon the old lady, and gave her the
receipt. The nurse thought she was better, and said she had slept very
well after I left her. Mrs. Whippleton told me she was willing to pay
my expenses to St. Louis, and I might take the money for the purpose
from the package.




CHAPTER XII.

IN WHICH PHIL VISITS THE HOUSE OF MR. COLLINGSBY, AND SEES MISS MARIAN.


I went to the counting-room at an early hour. My first care was to tie
up the valuable package, which I had brought with me, in thick paper,
and to seal it very carefully. I wrote my own name upon it, and then
placed it in one of the drawers of the safe, the key of which was kept
in the desk. I hoped to obtain permission, when Mr. Whippleton came to
the counting-room, to visit St. Louis, especially as business was not
as driving as usual. I did all my routine work, and the junior partner
had not arrived. I was not anxious to see him for any other purpose
than to obtain leave of absence. Indeed, the idea of meeting him was
very embarrassing. After what his mother had said, I was satisfied that
Mr. Whippleton had been using the funds of the firm in his own private
speculations. It was evident that he had appropriated no less a sum
than forty thousand dollars, which was represented by the fictitious
invoices. I did not believe that he intended to purloin the money, but
would replace it when his land speculations yielded their returns. Mr.
Collingsby never examined the books thoroughly, and was not likely to
discover the fraud. I knew all about it, and it suddenly flashed upon
my mind that it would be wrong for me to be a party to a concealment.

I was not employed by Mr. Whippleton alone, but by the firm. My
obligations were to both the partners; and though Mr. Collingsby never
took any notice of me, my duty to him was just as urgent as to the
junior. The thought startled me. My soul revolted at the idea of any
treachery to Mr. Whippleton, who had always been very kind to me. But
on the other hand, my moral sense revolted at the thought of concealing
his fraud. I was troubled by the situation.

Mrs. Whippleton did not believe that her son's enterprise in real
estate was a success. In her own words, he "had been bitten." It seemed
to me that, in the end, there must be a fearful explosion. As I had the
whole charge of the books now, I did not see how I could avoid any
complicity with the fraud. In fact, I had already discovered it. I felt
that I had a duty to perform, and that, if I exposed the junior
partner, he, and not I, would be guilty of his fall. Was it meanness,
ingratitude, or treachery in me to put Mr. Collingsby on his guard? If
I could save Mr. Whippleton, I wished to do so. It was plain that he
had come to a realizing sense of his danger, and was persecuting his
mother to obtain the means of making good his deficit. But all the old
lady's money would not cover the deficiency, and it was also
impossible for him to obtain it. He had falsified the books, and he
could not undo that.

If I continued to cover up Mr. Whippleton's error, I became a party to
it. He was a bad man, and I could not fail to see my duty. I must
inform Mr. Collingsby of what I had discovered. But though my duty was
clear, my inclination rebelled. The junior partner had been kind and
considerate; the senior, lofty and distant. It seemed almost like
betraying my friend. While I was still considering the matter, Mr.
Whippleton came in. I had not reached any conclusion, except that I
would not be a party to the fraud by concealing it.

"Phil, do you know where Mr. Collingsby lives?" said the junior
partner, while I was still in this state of doubt and uncertainty.

"I do, sir."

"I wish you would go up and show him this list of lumber," continued
Mr. Whippleton, who seemed to be very much excited, and was very pale.
"Tell him I can buy the lot at a very low figure if I can pay cash at
one o'clock to-day."

"I wish you would send Robert," I replied, alluding to the new entry
clerk. "I want to speak to you about the books."

"Never mind the books," he answered. "I want you to go, for you can
tell him all about the cash of the concern. I heard just now that he
was not very well, and probably would not be here to-day."

By this time I had made up my mind what to do, and the conclusion
seemed to afford me the means of escaping both horns of the dilemma
into which I was plunged. I glanced at the memoranda which Mr.
Whippleton handed to me, and I saw that about twenty-five thousand
dollars would be required to make the purchase he contemplated. Our
cash balance in the bank was about six thousand, and Mr. Collingsby was
expected to furnish the rest. I did not care to go to the senior
partner upon such an errand, for I was afraid that the transaction the
junior meditated might include another fictitious invoice.

"Well, will you go?" demanded Mr. Whippleton, while I was looking at
the list.

"I would rather not, sir," I replied.

"What!"

"I have come to the conclusion that I should resign my place here," I
replied, finding that nothing but plain speech would answer my purpose.

"Resign!" exclaimed he.

He was paler than ever, and my words evidently startled him.

"What do you mean by that? Are you not satisfied with your salary? If
you are not, I will give you ten dollars a week, or twelve, or more, if
you desire."

"My salary is quite satisfactory."

"And you are engaged for a year."

"I know I am, but I hope you will let me off."

"No; I will not. This is a shabby trick, after I have taken the trouble
to break you in, and you know our books perfectly."

"I'm afraid I know them too well," I replied.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked; but he dropped into a chair,
apparently faint, as he had been on the preceding occasion.

"I believe in being fair and square, Mr. Whippleton. There is something
wrong about the books."

"Nonsense, Phil. That is only because there are some things about the
business which you don't understand."

"I want to go to St. Louis this afternoon to see my father."

"Very well; you can go. You can be absent a week, if you wish. Haven't
I used you well, Phil?"

"You have, sir,--very well, indeed; and I am grateful to you for all
your kindness."

"Then why should you leave? If you wish to see your father, go to St.
Louis for a week or two. Your salary shall be paid just the same as
though you were here."

"Thank you, sir; you are very kind, and you always are."

"Then why do you want to leave me?"

"It is because you have always used me well that I wish to go. I am
afraid my trial balance was more correct than I supposed at the time."

"What do you mean, Phil?" demanded he, springing to his feet with
sudden energy.

"Whether right or wrong, sir, I believe that you have taken about forty
thousand dollars out of the concern without the knowledge or consent of
your partner."

"Why, Phil!"

He dropped into his chair again, and I was satisfied that I had hit the
nail on the head. He gasped and trembled, but, fortunately for him, we
were alone in the counting-room.

"I have spoken just what I think, sir; but I hope I am mistaken."

"You are mistaken, Phil; most tremendously mistaken. I like you, Phil;
if I did not, I should kick you out of the counting-room without
another word. But I believe you mean to be honest, and that you have
made an honest blunder, though it is a very stupid one."

"Certainly the lumber included in those invoices you brought down from
your rooms was never entered in the lumber book."

"Confound the lumber book! Never mention the thing again to me! I have
told you that no reliance whatever can be placed upon it. I can
convince you of your mistake in one hour."

"I shall be very glad to be convinced."

"But we haven't the hour now to look up the matter. I will explain it
all to you this afternoon, and then, if you are not satisfied, I will
let you go, and pay you a year's salary, besides."

"I only want to know what became of the lumber billed to the firm in
those invoices," I answered, not at all satisfied with his proposition.

"I will show you this afternoon. Now, go up to Mr. Collingsby's and do
my errand. The firm may lose a good bargain, if I miss this trade."

I concluded to go to the senior partner's. I inquired particularly in
regard to the lumber Mr. Whippleton purposed to buy, but all the junior
said assured me that he was preparing for another movement. I took the
list, and a memorandum of the cash balance in the bank, and left the
office. Somehow, in spite of myself, I felt guilty. Even my resolve to
leave the service of the firm did not satisfy me. It would only leave
the senior partner to be swindled still more. I hastened to the house
of Mr. Collingsby, which I had never entered. I rang the bell, and was
admitted to the entry, where I was required to wait till the senior
partner could be informed of my desire to see him.

"It's a magnificent day to sail," said a gentleman in the parlor, near
the door of which I stood.

I recognized the voice of Mr. Waterford, the owner of the yacht which
was the twin sister of the Florina. He was generally called, by those
who knew him, Ben Waterford. He was reputed to have made a fortune in
real estate speculations, and was a young man of fine personal
appearance. I had often seen him when out sailing with Mr. Whippleton.
My own impression was not very favorable; for I regarded him as not
only rather fast, but as lacking in moral principle. As he spoke he
walked towards the door, and I saw that he was with a young lady of
seventeen or eighteen, a very beautiful and a very elegant girl in
style and manner.

"I should be delighted to go," said she; "but you give me very short
notice. You wish to leave in an hour."

"Of course we will wait till you are ready, Miss Collingsby."

It was the daughter of Mr. Richard Collingsby, and I had heard that her
name was Marian. Land Limpedon had rehearsed her charms to me, and with
no little disgust had added that Ben Waterford was "waiting upon her."
It seemed to me quite proper, therefore, that he should take her out to
sail.

"I will endeavor to be ready in an hour," she added. "But who is going
with you?"

"My sister and one or two others. We shall have a nice time. The lake
is still, and it is a splendid day. We shall have a good dinner, and I
know that you will enjoy it; only bring plenty of thick clothing, for
it may be chilly before we return."

"I always carry plenty of clothing when I go upon the water. But you
don't tell me who is going, Mr. Waterford."

"My sister and--"

"I never saw your sister. Is there any one I know?" asked Miss
Collingsby.

"I have invited four, and they all said they would go if they could. It
is short notice, but you see, Miss Collingsby, I never like to take out
any ladies without being sure of the weather."

"You are very wise and prudent, Mr. Waterford," laughed the beautiful
young lady; "I shall be there, for one."

"Thank you; then we shall be sure to have a pleasant time," added the
skipper.

"But I shall not go unless some of the rest of the party appear. I will
not go alone."

"Mr. Whippleton will be in the Florina, near us. We shall sail in
company, and he will have a party in his boat."

The young lady very properly repeated her stipulation that others
should join the party, and when the terms were duly arranged, Mr.
Waterford left the house. Miss Marian glanced at me, and that was all.
Probably she did not think I was worth noticing; but she changed her
mind before night, for it so happened that I was one of the party in
Mr. Waterford's yacht that day.

The servant showed me up stairs, where I found Mr. Collingsby
comfortably sick in his arm-chair.




CHAPTER XIII.

IN WHICH PHIL LOOKS INTO THE OPERATIONS OF THE JUNIOR PARTNER.


As I went up the stairs, I did not see how Mr. Whippleton was to sail a
party in his yacht on the lake, and still explain to me the difficulty
about the books of the firm. But then, what had been so mysterious in
the ways of the junior partner was now becoming more tangible. In
solving the problem of the invoices, all the rest of the trouble seemed
to be unravelled. Mr. Ben Waterford intimated that Mr. Whippleton was
to sail his boat with a party on the lake within an hour or two.
Perhaps he intended to complete his great purchase before that time.

I did not believe that he expected anything of the kind, however. I
found myself very suspicious of Mr. Charles Whippleton. He had
plundered the firm of a large sum of money, and it looked now as though
he intended to enlarge his operations in this direction, rather than
make good the deficit. I found it impossible to escape the
responsibility of my position, and it pressed heavily upon me.

[Illustration: THE INTERVIEW WITH MR. COLLINGSBY. Page 147.]

"Well, young man," said Mr. Collingsby, as I entered the chamber, where
he was seated.

"Mr. Whippleton sent me to see you in regard to a transaction he wishes
to complete this forenoon," I replied, producing my papers.

"Why didn't he come himself?"

I could not help thinking there was a great deal of force in this
question, and it strengthened some vague resolves in my mind.

"I don't know, sir. He told me to show you this list of lumber, with
prices," I continued, explaining more fully the errand upon which I had
been sent.

"He should have come himself," added the senior partner, with a frown.
"What is the balance in the bank?"

"About six thousand dollars," I replied, handing him the memorandum I
had made.

"It ought to be thirty, if not fifty thousand. Don't you make any
collections now?"

"Yes, sir; about the same as usual."

"There is something very strange in the business. I am asked to furnish
twenty thousand dollars outside of the capital I have already invested
in the firm. Tell Mr. Whippleton to come and see me immediately."

"I will, sir;" and I turned to go.

"Stop a minute, young man. What's your name?" interposed the senior.

"Philip, sir."

"Do you keep the books now, Mr. Philips?"

My dignified uncle did not even know my name, and had made a mistake
which I did not think it necessary to correct, since he took so little
interest in the matter.

"I do most of the work now, sir, on them," I replied.

"Have you any list of debts due the concern?"

"No, sir: there is none at the counting-room."

"It seems to me that proper attention is not given to the matter of
credits and collections. We should have a much larger balance in the
bank."

"Shall I tell Mr. Whippleton you wish to see him?" I replied, edging
towards the door.

"Can you answer my question, Mr. Philips?" demanded the senior,
sternly.

"I cannot, sir; Mr. Whippleton has charge of the finances. When credits
have been given, they have been on time notes, which are paid as they
mature," I answered.

"We had thirty thousand surplus capital on the first of January."

"Mr. Whippleton has laid in a large stock of lumber."

"And now wishes to increase it, after the best business of the year is
over. I don't understand it."

"Nor I, sir."

"You don't?"

"No, sir; and since you have spoken to me about the matter, I wish to
add that I think something is wrong."

"What do you mean, Mr. Philips?"

"I suppose I ought not to meddle with what does not concern me."

"Does not concern you! Are you not employed by the firm?"

"Yes, sir; but what the members of the firm do with their capital does
not concern me."

"You said you thought something was wrong, Mr. Philips. What do you
mean by that?"

"I made out a trial balance for the business of the last six months.
Mr. Whippleton destroyed it."

I felt that I was doing my duty, and as briefly as I could, I told the
whole story about the invoices. I saw that the senior partner was
startled. And he understood where his balance was.

"Why didn't you speak to me of this before, Mr. Philips?"

"I have always talked with Mr. Whippleton about the books and the
business. I did not feel at liberty to speak to you about it."

"You ought to have done so."

"Perhaps I ought, sir; but it was a very delicate matter, and Mr.
Whippleton says now that it is all right. Perhaps it is, sir; I don't
know. I only say I don't understand it."

"Neither do I. Something shall be done at once. Where are those
invoices which you think are fictitious ones?"

"On file, sir."

"Send them to me at once. Stop. I will go to the counting-room myself,"
he continued, beginning to be excited, as he rose from his easy-chair.

"They have never been entered in the lumber book, sir."

"What's the lumber book?"

I explained what it was.

"Send Mr. Faxon to me. Send the invoices by him," continued the senior.
"Perhaps I can look into the matter better here than at the
counting-room."

I wondered that he even knew who Mr. Faxon was. A man who had so little
knowledge of his own business as Mr. Collingsby almost deserved to be
cheated out of his property.

"What shall I say to Mr. Whippleton, sir?" I asked.

"Tell him we will not increase our stock at any rate," he replied,
decidedly. "Do you think Mr. Whippleton has been using the firm's money
for his own purposes, Mr. Philips?"

"That is not for me to say, sir. Mr. Whippleton has always been very
kind to me, and I dislike to say anything about this business."

"But, Mr. Philips, you are employed by the firm, of which I am the
senior member. I furnished nearly all the capital--that is, my father
and I together."

"I know it, sir; and I felt it to be my duty to speak, or I should not
have done so. Of course I have drawn a catastrophe upon myself by what
I have done."

"What's that?"

"Mr. Whippleton will hate me, and discharge me at once. I wished to
resign this morning, but he would not allow me to do so."

"I'm glad he did not. If I find you have been mistaken, I shall say
nothing about the matter to him. Mr. Faxon and the invoices will soon
answer me one way or the other. I asked you if you thought Mr.
Whippleton had been using the firm's money for his own purposes. You
did not answer me."

"I think he has, sir. He is engaged in a large land speculation with
Mr. Waterford."

"Waterford!" exclaimed the dignified senior. "He is no better than a
swindler."

"Indeed!" I exclaimed, recalling the fact that I had just seen the
subject of this harsh epithet making an appointment with the beautiful
daughter of Mr. Collingsby.

"Perhaps I know him better than others; but no matter about him."

"He is a very wealthy young man," I suggested.

"No; he made a good thing of one or two speculations, and may possibly
have twenty or thirty thousand dollars, if he hasn't sunk it in some of
his mad schemes. I was foolish enough to indorse one of his notes
without security. He is an unprincipled man; and if Whippleton has been
operating with him, I am not surprised that he is in trouble. Now go,
Mr. Philips, and send Mr. Faxon, with the invoices."

I bowed myself out, and hastened back to the counting-room, where I
found Mr. Whippleton waiting my return with feverish impatience.

"What have you been about, Phil?" he demanded.

"Talking with Mr. Collingsby. He declines to have the stock increased,
and don't approve your proposition."

"He is an idiot!" exclaimed the junior, with a savage oath. "What were
you talking about all this time, Phil?"

"I answered the questions he put to me, and stated your proposition
fully."

Mr. Faxon came in opportunely at this moment to save me from a more
searching examination, and took his place at the desk. The junior
partner was evidently vexed and disconcerted. He looked at his watch,
and walked back and forth very nervously. In a few moments he went out.
I took the mysterious invoices from the file, enclosed them in an
envelope, and delivered Mr. Collingsby's message to the head salesman.
It was very evident that an explosion could not be long deferred. Mr.
Faxon would be able to inform the senior partner that the lumber
mentioned in the fictitious invoices had never been received in the
yard. The Michigan Pine Company had an agency in the city, and it would
be a very easy matter to verify the principal bill, if it were a
genuine one.

Mr. Whippleton soon returned. He looked more cheerful and satisfied
than when he went out; but as he came near me, I smelt his breath, and
found that his new inspiration was whiskey. He immediately sent me to
settle with a building firm who had made large purchases, though he
usually attended to this portion of the business himself. I was absent
about an hour. When I returned, the junior partner was not in the
counting-room.

"Where is Mr. Whippleton?" I asked.

"He went out about five minutes ago," replied the entry clerk.

"Did he say where he was going?"

"No; he drew a check, and left with that and a lot of other papers in
his hand."

I took the check book from the safe, and found that he had drawn the
entire balance, save a few dollars. I was alarmed. The crisis seemed to
come sooner than I expected.

"What papers did he take?" I asked.

"I don't know what they were. He took a file from the safe, and looked
it over for some time."

"Which file?"

"I don't know."

I went to the safe, and found that the notes receivable had been
considerably deranged, for I had put them away with the nicest care. I
satisfied myself that quite a number of them had been taken from the
file. Mr. Whippleton was evidently raising a large sum of money. I
placed the note book upon the table, and told the entry clerk to check
off the notes as I read them. When we had finished this comparison,
those not checked were the notes the junior had taken. They represented
about thirty-two thousand dollars. At this moment he was, doubtless,
raising the money on these notes.

What should I do? Mr. Whippleton was a villain! I concluded that he
found it impossible to conceal his frauds much longer, and he was
getting together all the money he could, in order to flee to some safer
locality. He had persecuted his mother with a pertinacity which
indicated a resolute purpose to do something. Now he had taken notes
and cash to the amount of thirty-eight thousand dollars. I was no
longer troubled with any scruples about exposing him, and I felt that I
was hunting a villain.

I hastened with all speed to the house of Mr. Collingsby, and without
waiting for the slow formalities of the ceremonious servant, I rushed
up stairs to the chamber of the senior partner. I knocked, but I did
not wait for a summons before I entered.

"I am glad you have come, Mr. Philips," said Mr. Collingsby. "You are
entirely right. These invoices are fictitious. Mr. Faxon has been to
the office of the Michigan Pine Company, and no such goods have been
sold to our firm."

"I was pretty well satisfied on that point, sir; but the matter is
worse than that. Mr. Whippleton has just checked out the entire balance
in the bank, and taken away notes to the amount of thirty-two thousand
dollars," I replied.

"The villain!" ejaculated Mr. Collingsby.




CHAPTER XIV.

IN WHICH PHIL MEETS WITH A SERIOUS CATASTROPHE.


"You have done wrong, Mr. Philips!" said the senior partner, with
energy.

"I did the best I could, sir."

"No, you didn't. You ought to have spoken to me the moment you found
anything wrong about the books."

"I was not sure that anything was wrong, sir. Mr. Whippleton said they
were all right. When I found the invoices were missing, I spoke to him
about them, and in about two weeks he brought them from his rooms."

"But you knew that the lumber of these invoices was not entered on the
lumber book."

"Mr. Whippleton said he did not recognize the lumber book, and told me
not to say anything to Mr. Faxon about them," I pleaded. "He was my
employer, and I had to do what he ordered me to do."

"I'm your employer as much as he," protested the senior.

"That's very true, sir; but I never talked with you about the books or
the business. You hardly ever spoke to me, sir."

"What has that to do with it, Mr. Philips?" demanded he, sternly.

"I did not feel at liberty to speak to you about your partner. Besides,
sir, I hoped it would all come out right."

"You had no business to hope anything at all about it."

"I have done the best I knew how, sir. As you seem to be dissatisfied
with me, I don't wish to have anything more to do with the matter. I
told Mr. Whippleton I wanted to leave this morning. I am ready to go
now."

"Go! Do you want to leave me now, when everything is in confusion?"

"Yes, sir; I want to leave if you are not satisfied."

"I'm not satisfied; but if you leave, I shall believe that you are a
party to the villany that has been carried on in the counting-room. I
thought you were on very intimate terms with Mr. Whippleton, your
employer, sailing with him, and spending your Sundays on the lake with
him."

"I never was in a boat with him on Sunday in my life, sir," I
protested, vehemently.

"Well, he was out in his boat every Sunday, and I supposed, as you went
with him at other times, you did on Sundays."

"No, sir; I did not. He was very kind to me, and I was grateful to him
for it."

"You seem to be," sneered the dignified senior.

"He treated me with a kindness and consideration which I never received
from his partner; and I shall always thankfully remember that, whatever
else in him I may desire to forget," I replied, smartly, for I was cut
to the soul by the cold and harsh words and manner of Mr. Collingsby,
after I had exposed the rascality of his partner.

"No impudence, young man."

"I should like to leave at once, sir."

"You can't leave."

"I think I can, sir."

"If you do, I will send an officer after you. In my opinion, you and
Whippleton have been altering the books to suit your own purposes."

"It looks so, after I have called your attention to these
invoices--don't it, sir?" I replied, with becoming indignation.

"Why didn't you speak of them before, then?"

"Because I was not sure that anything was wrong till last night."

"Pray what did you discover last night?" asked the senior, with a
palpable sneer.

"I discovered that Mr. Whippleton was very anxious to raise a large sum
of money. This morning I told him squarely what I thought he had been
doing, but he promised to convince me that it was all right this
afternoon. But in spite of all he said, I told you about the invoices
this forenoon."

"You didn't speak soon enough."

"While you are reproaching me, Mr. Whippleton is raising money on the
notes of the firm."

"And you want to desert me!"

"I do, when I am accused of being concerned in his frauds."

"Perhaps I was hasty," added Mr. Collingsby, biting his lip. "I did not
mean to say that you profited by his fraud."

"I think he has exposed the whole thing," said Mr. Faxon.

"We will consider this matter at another time. What's to be done?"

"Go to the banks, the bankers, and the brokers, and find Mr.
Whippleton," I replied.

"Will you assist, Mr. Philips?"

"I will; but I should like to go to St. Louis to-night."

"We will see about that. Call a carriage for me, Mr. Faxon. Now, stop
him, if you can. Have him arrested! The villain has swindled me out of
seventy or eighty thousand dollars," continued Mr. Collingsby, bustling
about the room, and apparently forgetting that he was a sick man.

Sore as I felt about the reproaches which had been so unjustly heaped
upon me, I was interested for the welfare of the firm. I ran all the
way to the two banks where we did our business. I was too late. At the
two Mr. Whippleton had discounted about twelve thousand dollars' worth
of the paper. I heard of him at several banks and offices, and as the
notes of Collingsby and Whippleton were as good as gold in the market,
he had no difficulty in negotiating them. Though I could not follow him
everywhere that he had been, I was satisfied that he had turned the
notes into cash. I could not find him, and I went to the counting-room
for instructions, for I expected to find the senior partner there.

"Have you seen Mr. Whippleton, Robert?" I asked, when I found that the
entry clerk was alone in the counting-room.

"He was here half an hour ago."

"Where is he now?"

"I don't know; he didn't say anything, but he had his overcoat on his
arm."

"Has Mr. Faxon been in?"

"No; only Mr. Whippleton. What's the matter, Phil? Everybody seems to
be in a stew to-day."

"There's an awful row brewing. What did Mr. Whippleton do?"

"He went to the safe, and looked over the pages of one of the books.
What's the matter?"

"He has been using the money of the firm for his own speculations, and
in my opinion he means to run away with all the cash he can put his
hands on."

"Whew!" whistled the entry clerk.

"Didn't he hint where he was going?"

"No; he didn't hint that he was going anywhere; but I thought, from his
having his overcoat, that he was going out in his boat."

It occurred to me that he would be more likely to leave the city in the
Florina than by any other conveyance. He could sail in her when he
pleased, and cover up his tracks very effectually. I promptly decided
to visit the mouth of the river, where he kept his boat, and see if she
was there. In the excitement of the morning, I had almost forgotten the
treasure which Mrs. Whippleton had committed to my charge. I had put it
into a drawer in the safe which was not in use. I had locked the
drawer, and put the key with the others. I had sealed up the package,
and written my own name upon it, so that I had no fear it would be
taken by the junior partner. But he had exhibited a new phase of
character on this eventful day, and I trembled as I unlocked the
drawer. My fears were realized. The package was gone. Mr. Whippleton
had taken it.

This was a serious catastrophe.

I felt like sinking through the floor when I realized the loss. If it
had been my own I should have felt better. It was a sacred trust
confided to me, and I reproached myself for putting it into the safe.
Under ordinary circumstances, however, it would have been secure there.
The treasure had been given to me in order to keep it from him into
whose possession it had now fallen.

"What's the matter, Phil?" asked Robert, when he saw my grief and
chagrin.

"I have lost a valuable package," I replied.

"Was it done up in white paper?"

"Yes."

"Mr. Whippleton took it from one of the drawers, and put it in his
pocket."

"Did he open it?" I asked.

"No; not here."

I thought it was very strange that he should take a package, marked
"private," with my name upon it. But nothing that he did could now be
regarded as strange.

"When did he take it?" I inquired.

"Early this morning; as soon as you had gone to Mr. Collingsby's."

"The first time?"

"Yes; before nine o'clock."

It looked to me then just as though the villain knew the contents of
the package.

"If Mr. Whippleton comes in again, Robert, don't lose sight of him for
an instant. Follow him wherever he goes, if it is to the other side of
the continent."

"Why--"

"Do as I tell you. I suppose Mr. Collingsby has the officers on his
track by this time."

"You don't mean so!"

"Certainly I do; he has swindled the firm out of seventy or eighty
thousand dollars; fifty, at least, after taking out his capital and
profits. If Mr. Collingsby or Mr. Faxon comes in, tell him I have gone
over to see where the boat is."

I rushed out of the counting-room almost frantic with excitement, for I
confess that the loss of the package which had been specially committed
to my care affected me much more deeply than the deficit of the junior
partner. I hurried to the mouth of the river, and arrived there out of
breath. The Florina was not at her moorings, and as I looked out upon
the lake, I discovered her, at least three miles distant, running
towards the Michigan shore. I had no doubt that the valuable package,
and from thirty-five to forty thousand dollars of the firm's money,
were in that light craft, which was flying so swiftly over the waves.

At the moorings lay Ben Waterford's boat; but her sails were loosed,
and she seemed to be otherwise prepared for a cruise. As the current
swung her round, I saw the name "Marian," in beautiful new gilt
letters, upon her stern. It had been changed, doubtless, to suit the
altered circumstances of her owner; but I sincerely hoped that Miss
Marian would never become the wife of so reckless and unprincipled a
man as I believed Ben Waterford to be.

"Here is your father's clerk. He will go with us," said a voice behind
me.

I turned and saw Waterford attending Miss Collingsby. I had been
tempted to take the Marian without leave or license, and give chase to
the Florina; but I was too prudent to do so. The party of which I had
heard Ben speak in the morning had not started at the time specified,
and I judged, from the remark he made, that Miss Marian was carrying
out her resolution not to go with him unless there was a party. I hoped
they would not go, for I wanted to borrow the boat, and I applauded the
young lady's firmness both for her own and my sake.

"Where is your sister?" asked Miss Collingsby.

"I don't know. She promised to be here an hour ago," replied Mr.
Waterford. "Probably some friend has arrived, or something else has
occurred to prevent her keeping her engagement. But here is Phil, your
father's clerk. Won't you go if I take him?"

"I don't like to be the only lady," said she, looking upon the ground.

"We shall join Mr. Whippleton in a little while. He has two ladies on
board with him--the Misses Lord."

"Florina?"

"Yes."

"Very well; if you can overtake Mr. Whippleton, and get Julia Lord to
go with us, I shall be satisfied."

"Certainly; Julia will be very glad to sail with you."

"But the clerk must go."

That meant me; and as they intended to overtake Mr. Whippleton as soon
as possible; the arrangement suited me. The junior partner of our firm
was my "objective" just now, and I did not intend to lose sight of him
until he had disgorged his ill-gotten gains.

"Will you go with us, Phil?" asked Ben Waterford, pleasantly.

"I shall be very happy to do so, if you will put me in the way of
seeing Mr. Whippleton. I have very important business with him," I
replied.

"We shall join him at once," added he, as he hauled the Marian up to
the shore.

While he assisted Miss Collingsby to her seat, I hoisted the mainsail,
and in a few moments we were standing out of the river.




CHAPTER XV.

IN WHICH PHIL GOES TO WORK IN THE COOK-ROOM OF THE MARIAN.


"All right, Phil; hoist the jib," said Mr. Waterford, as soon as we
were out of the river.

I cleared away the jib and hoisted it, the skipper hauling aft the
sheet, and trimming the sail. The wind was from the westward, rather
light for one who was fond of a smashing time on the water, and it was
one of the most perfect of summer days. The Marian was headed in the
direction of her rival, which appeared to be working towards the
south-east corner of the lake. My impression was, that Mr. Whippleton
intended to land at this point, and take a train to the east. I was
prepared to follow the instruction which I had given the entry clerk,
and pursue the fugitive to the other side of the continent.

[Illustration: THE SAIL ON THE LAKE. Page 171.]

This boating excursion had been planned by Waterford and our junior
partner, but of course it was not possible that the former knew the
purposes of the latter; at least, such was my view of the matter at
first, though I afterwards had occasion to change my mind. I was
satisfied now, if I had not been before, that Mr. Whippleton meant to
leave Chicago forever. He had done all the mischief in his power there,
and to remain any longer would result in a mortifying exposure. Like
other smart rogues, he had gathered together all he could, and was
going to some distant locality to enjoy it.

Miss Collingsby had seated herself in the stern sheets of the boat, and
was watching the waters that rippled under the counter. I thought she
was not very well satisfied with herself for what she had done, and
rather wished herself on shore again. If she knew her prudent and
dignified father's opinion of Mr. Waterford, it would not have been
strange that she was dissatisfied with herself.

"This is a magnificent day for a sail," said Mr. Waterford, gayly, as
he glanced at his fair companion.

"Elegant," replied she, but in a tone which indicated that she was not
in the full enjoyment of the sail or the day.

"Would you like to take the helm and steer, Miss Collingsby?"

"No, I thank you; not now."

"You enjoyed it so much when we sailed last time, that I thought you
were cut out for a sailor."

"Half the pleasure of sailing is the company you have with you," added
Marian.

"And you think you are losing one half of the pleasure of the present
occasion?" said Mr. Waterford.

"I did not say that, but I did expect a lively party, as you told me
you had invited half a dozen ladies and gentlemen."

"I did; and they all promised to come if it was possible," pleaded the
skipper. "I am very sorry they did not, and that you are so much
dissatisfied with your present company."

"Why, no, Mr. Waterford; I did not say that, and did not mean it,"
interposed Marian. "I only say that half the fun on the water is having
a good lively party. You know what a nice time we had singing and
chatting the last time we went."

"We had a pleasant time. I thought, from what you said, that you
considered your present company rather disagreeable, and the excursion
a failure."

"You know I did not mean any such thing as that, Mr. Waterford," said
Marian, reproachfully. "You are very kind to invite me at all, and it
is very ungrateful for me to say anything; but I do like a lively
party."

"I am afraid it is only a selfish thing on my part," added the skipper,
as he bestowed upon his beautiful companion a look of admiration,
beneath which she blushed even as she gazed into the clear waters of
the lake. "Phil," called he, turning to me.

"Here," I replied, springing up from my reclining posture on the
forward deck.

"I wish you would hoist the new burgee. We ought to wear our gayest
colors to-day."

"Where is it?"

"In the cabin after locker, starboard side. Run it up, if you please."

I went into the cabin, and found the flag. It was a gay affair, in
bright colors, with the new name of the yacht inscribed upon it. I
attached it to the halyards, and ran it up to the mast-head. Miss
Collingsby took no notice of it, but continued to gaze into the water.

"What do you think of my new burgee, Miss Collingsby?" asked the
skipper.

"It is very pretty indeed," she replied, with more indifference than it
seemed quite polite to display. "It is as gay as the rest of the boat.
You are fond of bright colors, Mr. Waterford."

"In a boat, I am. Do you see the name which is upon it?"

"Marian!" exclaimed she, after spelling out the name upon the flag.
"What does that mean?"

"It is the name of the boat."

"Why, the last time I sailed in her, she was called the Michigan."

"That is very true, but she is called the Marian now," replied Mr.
Waterford, trying to look very amiable and modest.

"That's my name."

"Certainly; and that's the reason why I gave it to my boat."

"Indeed, you do me a very great honor, and I am grateful to you for
it."

"No; the honor is done to me, if you don't object to the name."

"Of course I cannot object to my own name."

"You may object to having it upon my boat."

"It is a very beautiful boat, and I am sorry you did not give it a
better name."

"There is no better or prettier name in the whole world."

"I don't think so."

"I do," answered Mr. Waterford, with emphasis. "I was sick of the old
name--the Michigan."

"Probably you will soon be sick of the new one--the Marian," added Miss
Collingsby, still gazing into the water.

"Never!" protested the gallant skipper.

"I am afraid you will, as you were of the old one."

"Never, Miss Collingsby! Of course the name itself is but a word, but
the association will cause me to cherish it forever."

"How very fine you talk, Mr. Waterford!"

"But I say just what I mean, and utter only what is nearest to my
heart."

"It is a pity you were not a lawyer, for you always make out a very
good case."

"I am afraid I should only succeed as a lawyer when I was interested in
my client, as in the present instance."

"How long will it be before we overtake Mr. Whippleton?" asked Miss
Collingsby, as though she deemed it prudent to change the conversation,
which I thought was becoming just a little silly, as such talk always
is to all but those who are immediately interested.

"That will depend upon which boat sails the fastest."

"You always said the Michigan--"

"No, the Marian," interposed the skipper. "Please to call the boat by
her right name."

"Well, the Marian; you always said she was the fastest boat on the
lake."

"I think so, though she has never had a fair trial with the Florina."

"I wish you would hurry her up, for I really wish to see Julia Lord,
and have her in the boat with me. I suppose that neither Mr. Whippleton
nor Florina will object to the transfer."

"Perhaps not. If any one has the right to object, I am the person,"
replied the skipper, in a low tone, though I heard what he said.

"You promised to provide me with company, or I should not have come,"
pouted Miss Collingsby, blushing.

"I hoped you would deem me sufficient company."

"Why, what impudence! I want the company of young ladies."

"But you don't object to my company--do you?"

"Certainly not, in your proper place, at the helm of the yacht."

Though I was not skilled at all in woman's ways, I thought the fair
girl was struggling between two fires. She rather liked Mr. Waterford,
on the one hand, and was very unwilling to commit herself by accepting
any of his delicate attentions, or by appearing to be pleased by his
compliments. In a word, I thought she liked him, but was afraid of him.
He was, as I have before intimated, a very good-looking fellow, elegant
and agreeable in his manners and speech. If he had been half as good as
he looked, he would have been worthy the beautiful girl at his side. It
was not very difficult for me to believe, after what I had heard her
father say, that she had been warned against him, and that duty and
inclination were struggling against each other in her mind.

"It is half past eleven, Phil," said Mr. Waterford, consulting his
watch. "Shall we have any dinner to-day?"

"Certainly, if you desire it," I replied, presenting myself before the
skipper in the standing-room.

"Whippleton says you are a cook, Phil. Is that so?"

"I can cook," I replied, modestly.

"Can you get up a dinner fit for a lady?" laughed Mr. Waterford.

"I can roast, bake, boil, broil, and fry. If the lady will be suited
with any of these, I will do the best I can to please her."

"I thought you were my father's clerk," added Miss Collingsby.

"I am."

"How do you happen to know how to cook, then?"

"I was brought up on the upper Missouri, where we had to do our own
cooking."

"Yes, Phil is a regular Indian fighter," laughed the skipper.

"What, this young man?"

"Yes, he has shot a thousand Indians in his day, and scalped them?"

"Phil?"

"Call it two or three," I added. "And we never were in the habit of
scalping them."

"Don't spoil a good story, Phil."

"We used to speak the truth in the woods, even when we were joking."

"Well, don't be too severe on us. We only speak the truth here when we
are addressing ladies."

"Just reverse the proposition, and it would be more correct," said
Marian.

"What shall we have for dinner?" I asked.

"Miss Collingsby must settle that point," answered the skipper.

"Give us a _fricandeau de veau_, and _beignets de pomme_."

"_Nous n'avons pas des pommes_," I replied.

"Is it possible! Do you speak French?" exclaimed Miss Collingsby.

"_Un peu_."

"Of course I did not mean what I said," laughed the gay young lady. "I
will have just what you happen to have. I did not think any one would
understand what I said."

"I certainly did not," added Mr. Waterford. "I know no language but
English, and only a little of that."

"I think I can make a _fricandeau_," I continued, "if I have the
material."

"We have beef, ham, mutton, pork, potatoes, bread, cake, and crackers
on board."

"Let us have a plain beefsteak, then," said the lady.

"_Avec pommes de terre, frits?_" I asked.

"_Oui, Monsieur Cuisinier_. What a prodigy you must be, Mr. Phil! You
can keep books, cook, and talk French."

"And sail a boat as well as the best of them," added Mr. Waterford. "By
the way, Phil, have you any of those things on board that you
mentioned?"

"What things?"

"I don't know."

"_Pommes de terre_," suggested Miss Collingsby.

"You said we had. I haven't looked over the stores."

"I said so? Not if I was awake."

"You stupid!" laughed the lady. "They are potatoes."

"O, are they? Then we have plenty of them. They say that a rose by any
other name smells as sweet; and I suppose a potato in any other
language tastes the same. Very well. Get up a good dinner, Phil; one
fit for a queen--for a queen is to eat it."

"How silly!" said Miss Collingsby, as I went below.

"Better and fairer than any queen."

"I declare, Mr. Waterford, you are becoming insufferable. I shall have
to go down there and help Phil get dinner. Besides, I want to talk
French with him. And I want to see the kitchen."

I passed through the cabin into the little cook-room, in the
forecastle, where I lighted the fire.




CHAPTER XVI.

IN WHICH PHIL PROMISES NOT TO DESERT MISS COLLINGSBY.


If I had not been so anxious to overtake Mr. Whippleton, I should have
enjoyed my occupation in the cook-room of the Marian much better. Being
in a boat at all was a very pleasant thing to me; a place in the
cook-room was still better; while a seat in the standing-room, with one
hand on the tiller, in charge of the craft, was the most delightful
recreation which the earth had yet presented me. The kitchen of the
Marian was substantially the same as that of the Florina, where I had
cooked a great many suppers. I knew where to find everything without
being told, and I was at home at once.

In looking over the stores, I found what seemed to me to be a month's
supply. I knew that Mr. Waterford had expected a party of half a dozen;
but the provision lockers contained enough to dine a hundred. There was
a great quantity of substantials, such as pork, ham, potatoes, and
beef. I thought he had been very lavish for a party for a single day.
The bin for charcoal, which was the fuel used in the stove, was filled
full.

I selected a nice slice of beefsteak, and proceeded to cut up the
potatoes I was to fry. I was soon very busy, and wholly absorbed in my
occupation. I enjoyed it, and though it may not be the highest ambition
to be a cook, it is a very useful employment. There is an art about
cooking; and as I fried the potatoes, I thought it required just as
much science as it did to keep a set of books. If I had had Mrs.
Whippleton's treasure safe in my possession, I should have been
superlatively happy. I cooked all the potatoes I thought would be
required for dinner, even giving Miss Collingsby credit for an
unfashionably good appetite. The tea-kettle was boiling, and I was just
going to fill up the coffee-pot, when a shrill scream startled me, and
dissolved the spell which the delights of my occupation had woven
around me.

It was the voice of a lady, and of course it could be no other than
that of our beautiful passenger. At first it occurred to me that the
boom had swung over, and hit her upon the head; but the boat was still
heeled over to the leeward, as she had been for the last hour; and I
knew that the boom could not go over unless the boat came up to an even
keel. Then it flashed upon me that either the skipper or his fair
companion had fallen overboard. But I did not wait to discuss
probabilities or possibilities; I hastened on deck, passing through the
fore scuttle, which I had opened to give me air and light.

When I reached the deck, I was satisfied that the boom had not been the
author of the mischief, and that neither of the parties had fallen
overboard. The Marian still held her course towards the south-east, and
the skipper and the lady were both in the standing-room, though not in
the same position that I left them half an hour before. Mr. Waterford
was at the helm, of course; but Miss Collingsby was seated as far from
him as the limits of the seats would permit. I went aft, and saw that
the fair young lady was very red in the face, and apparently very
angry. I was puzzled at the situation, and quite unable to explain it.

"Is dinner ready, Phil?" asked Mr. Waterford.

"Not yet."

"Well, hurry it up. We are growing hungry," added the skipper; but I
saw that his desire to get rid of me was greater than his appetite.

"I heard a scream here," I replied, determined not to be put out of the
way, if my presence or my assistance was needed.

"No, you didn't. That was nothing. Miss Collingsby was singing on the
high notes."

I glanced at her. She did not look cheerful enough to sing, but angry
enough to touch the high notes, though not the melodious ones.

"I will go down and see you cook, Phil," said she, with a struggle to
appear composed, though it was not a success.

I descended to the cabin, and turned to assist her down the steps.

"Stop a few moments, Miss Collingsby, if you please," interposed Mr.
Waterford. "I wish to speak to you."

"I will come up again," she replied, leaping lightly upon the cabin
floor.

"I am afraid you will find the cook-room rather hot for you," I added,
as I led the way forward.

I opened the door into the kitchen, and gave her a seat within the
cabin, where she could observe all that was done. I fancied, however,
that she did not care much just then how beefsteak and sliced potatoes
were cooked on board of a yacht, and that she only desired to escape
from the presence of the gallant skipper.

I put the beefsteak upon the stove. I had set the table after preparing
the potatoes, and I had nothing to do but watch the meat.

"That is a real nice little place, Phil," said Miss Collingsby; and her
tones indicated that she had not yet recovered her self-possession.

"It is rather small, though it is as roomy as any yacht of this size
can have."

"I think it is quite cool, with that scuttle open."

"I don't mind the heat; but I am used to it."

"Do you think we shall overtake Mr. Whippleton, Phil?" asked she, after
a pause, during which I turned the steak.

"I don't think we have gained on her any yet," I replied.

"I don't believe he means to catch her," added my fair companion, with
a very anxious expression.

"We are certainly following the Florina, though we are at least three
miles from her. I don't think we shall overhaul her till she comes
about, or makes a harbor."

There was another pause: and when I saw how anxious Miss Collingsby
was, I could not help feeling a strong sympathy with her. The scream
had not yet been explained to me; but I concluded that the gallant
skipper had alarmed her by being too demonstrative in his attentions.

"Do you know where we are going?" she inquired.

"I do not; only that we are to join Mr. Whippleton."

"I wish I was on shore again," said she, with a sigh.

"Why?" I asked, in the simplicity of my heart; for I thought, if she
was fond of sailing, that she ought to enjoy the trip, for certainly
nothing could be pleasanter.

"I have been very imprudent. I ought not to have come," she replied, in
a low tone.

"Did you scream?" I ventured to inquire, in a whisper.

"I did."

"What was the matter?"

"I have been very imprudent," she repeated, her face glowing with
confusion.

"I hope he didn't harm you."

"O, no! He didn't mean to harm me; but he was impudent and insulting. I
will never speak to him again, as long as I live!"

"Of course your father knew you were coming with Mr. Waterford."

"No; he did not; but my mother did. My father is very stern, and very
particular, I suppose you know. He hates Mr. Waterford, while my mother
thinks he is a very fine man. But my mother told me not to come with
him unless there were other ladies in the party."

"He seems to have a very high regard for you," said I. "He has named
his boat after you."

"But I have been very imprudent, Phil. I am afraid of Mr. Waterford."

"You need not be afraid of him. I will see that no harm comes to you,
and that you return home safely."

"You are my father's clerk--are you not?"

"I am."

"I saw you at the house this morning; and I have heard that you were a
very good young man. You will not let him harm me."

"Certainly not."

She was really terrified, though I could not see any good reason for
her fears.

"You must be very watchful, too," she added.

"Why, what do you fear?"

"He means to get rid of you," she answered, her face crimson with
blushes.

"To get rid of me!" I exclaimed.

"He said so to me. You will not expose my weakness, if I tell you all,
Philip?" said she, the tears starting in her beautiful eyes; and really
I felt like crying myself.

"Not a word, nor a hint," I protested.

"Mr. Waterford has been very attentive to me for a year; and I confess
that I liked him. But my father said he was an unprincipled man."

"Your father was right."

"I fear he was. Mr. Waterford asked me, several weeks ago, to run away
with him, and be married in some town on the other side of the lake. I
was weak enough to listen to him, but not to accept his proposition. He
repeated it to-day, and with some familiarity which frightened me, and
made me scream. I never was so alarmed before in my life."

"What did he do?"

"He put his arm around me, and attempted to kiss me," said she,
desperately. "Now you know the worst."

I did not think it was so bad as it might be, after she had encouraged
him by listening to his proposals.

"He is a bad man. I begin to be of my father's opinion in regard to
him."

"Mr. Whippleton is another bad man," I added.

"Mr. Whippleton! What, my father's partner?"

At the risk of letting the beef be burned, I told her briefly the
history of the man, and that he was even then running from the officer,
while I was in pursuit of him.

"Dear me! What will become of me!" she exclaimed.

"Don't be afraid of anything. I will protect you."

"But you don't know the worst!"

"Do you?"

"I think I do. He has decoyed me into this boat, and he means to get
rid of you. He told me so. Then he will take me to some town on the
lake, if he can persuade me to accept his proposal. Don't leave me,
Phil! Don't let him get rid of you!"

"I will not."

"I think I understand him perfectly, now; and I feel very miserable to
think I disregarded the instructions of my mother. He will persecute me
till I consent to his proposal," continued the poor girl, wiping away
her tears. "I shall depend upon you for my safety, Philip."

"I will not fail you, Miss Collingsby. I do not mean to lose sight of
Mr. Whippleton, and I have no idea of being thrust out of the way," I
replied, as I dished up the beefsteak, and put the plate on the table.

"Dinner is ready," I shouted, when I had placed the potatoes and coffee
on the table.

My mission below for the present was accomplished, and I went on deck
by the fore scuttle. I looked for the Florina as soon as I went up, and
found that she had hauled her wind, and was standing towards the
Illinois shore of the lake. The Marian had followed her example. I saw
the former enter a creek soon after, where she disappeared from our
view. I knew the locality very well, for I had been up the creek in the
Florina with Mr. Whippleton. The mouth of it was a broad lagoon, which
extends into a series of swamps.

"Take the helm, Phil," said Mr. Waterford, as I walked aft to the
standing-room. "Is dinner on the table?"

"Yes, all ready."

"Head her into the creek, Phil, and we will land there," added he, as
he went below, leaving me in charge of the yacht.

I could not help thinking that Miss Collingsby was more frightened than
hurt. She was certainly a beautiful girl, and was sure to have a
princely dowry when she was married. I could not blame Mr. Waterford
for wanting her, and I was confident Mr. Collingsby would never consent
to such a match. Without appearing to be suspicious, I intended to
watch the skipper closely, and if he attempted to get rid of me, he
would find it would take two to make that bargain.

Before the interesting couple in the cabin had finished their dinner, I
ran the Marian into the creek. When the skipper came on deck, he
immediately anchored the yacht, near the south bank of the lagoon.
After I had eaten my dinner, he took the small boat, and wished me to
go on shore with him, as Miss Collingsby declined to land.




CHAPTER XVII.

IN WHICH PHIL PUTS A CHECK ON THE OPERATIONS OF MR. BEN WATERFORD.


Mr. Waterford had anchored the Marian within a couple of rods of the
shore, where there was a bank convenient for landing. He had simply
lowered the jib, leaving the mainsail set, but with the boom hauled
down to the traveller, to keep it from swaying. Miss Collingsby did not
come on deck when she had finished her dinner, but sat in the cabin,
apparently reading a book she had found there; but I think her mind was
not interested in the contents of the volume.

"Come, Phil; will you go on shore with me?" repeated Mr. Waterford,
after he had hauled the little tender alongside the yacht.

"I haven't cleared away the dishes yet," I replied.

"Never mind them now; there will be time enough for that when we
return."

"But everything in the kitchen is just as I left it," I added.

"We shall not be absent more than ten or fifteen minutes."

"Can't you go alone?"

"No, but you can," he replied, with a winning smile, which was
doubtless intended to lure me into the trap he had set for me. "There
are some beautiful swamp flowers a short distance from the shore, and I
wish to get a bouquet for Miss Collingsby."

"Can't one carry the bouquet alone?" I asked.

"You are a stout fellow; possibly you could," laughed he. "If you will
go, I will tell you where to find the flowers."

"If you know, it would be better for you to go, and I will clear away
the dinner things while you are gone."

"We must pull the tender out of the water when we land, and I don't
think I can do it alone. I want to turn it over, and get the dirty
water out of it, for it really is not fit for a lady to get into. Miss
Collingsby says she is not afraid to stay alone for a few moments."

"Very well; if you will stay on board and put away the dishes, I will
go on shore alone," I replied, moved to give this answer by a whispered
suggestion from Miss Marian.

"All right; but can you turn the boat over alone?"

"Certainly I can; that boat don't weigh more than seventy-five pounds."

Miss Collingsby immediately came on deck, and went to the side where
the tender was lying.

"I think I will go with you, Mr. Phil," said she. "I should like to see
where the flowers grow."

"But that boat is not fit for a lady to get into in its present
condition," interposed Mr. Waterford, annoyed by this new phase of our
lady passenger's will.

"It will answer very well for me," she replied.

"Indeed, I cannot permit you to get into that boat; but if you wish to
land, we will take it ashore first, and empty out the dirty water."

"O, no! I won't give you all that trouble," added she, retreating to
the cabin again.

"I will go down and put out my fire, and then I shall be ready," I
continued, following her below.

"Don't leave me, Phil," said Marian, earnestly, but in a low tone.

"If you will trust the matter to me, I will manage it right," I
replied. "But I wish to let him have his own way for the present."

"But you see now that he wants to leave you on shore."

"I have no doubt of that; still I wish to go on shore with him. You may
be assured that no accident shall happen to you," I answered, as I
rattled the stove to convince the skipper that I was busy at the work I
had come below to do.

"I am terribly alarmed. All Mr. Waterford's looks and, actions convince
me that he means mischief."

"I know he does; he has fully satisfied me on that point. But will you
leave the whole matter to me?"

"Yes; but do be very cautious."

"I shall go on shore with him."

"Then he may leave you there."

"No; he cannot do that. I will watch him; and I can swim off to the
boat before he can hoist the jib and get under way. Trust me, Miss
Collingsby."

"I do trust you; but he may deceive you."

"He will if he can. I cannot afford to be left here, for I have
business with Mr. Whippleton for your father's sake, as well as my
own."

"You seem to understand yourself very well; but Mr. Waterford is very
sharp."

"Perhaps I am; at any rate, he will not leave me on shore."

"Are you ready, Phil?" shouted the skipper, at the companion-way; and I
began to think he was a little suspicious of my movements.

"All ready," I replied, and hastened on deck.

I pulled off my coat, and left it in the yacht, so that, in case I had
to swim, I should be the less encumbered.

"Throw a bucket into the boat, so that you can wash out the tender,"
said the skipper.

"I don't know that I can haul the boat up that bank alone, after all,"
I added, looking at the shore.

"I don't think you can; my plan is the most sensible one. We will both
go."

He jumped into the boat, and I followed him. Taking one of the oars, he
paddled the tender to the shore, and we landed. Mr. Waterford was
evidently a thorough strategist, for he went through all the forms of
doing what he had proposed. We hauled the boat out of the water,
removed everything movable, and then turned her over.

"Now, Phil, those swamp flowers grow about ten rods from here, on the
bank of a little brook. Follow that path, and you will come to the
place," said he, pointing into the swamp. "While you are getting them,
I will wash out the boat. But don't be gone long, for I can't put the
boat into the water without your help."

I thought he could put it into the water without my help, and that he
would do it as soon as I was out of sight. I went into a clump of
bushes near the spot where he stood, intending to watch his movements,
for I wished to be entirely satisfied that he meditated treachery. I
wished to be able to justify myself for any step I might be compelled
to take.

I did not think Mr. Ben Waterford would have undertaken his present
desperate scheme if he had not received some encouragement from Miss
Collingsby. She confessed to me that she had listened to him once
before, when he suggested an elopement; but she was now, as she began
to reap the fruits of complaisance, convinced of her own imprudence. It
was necessary for the bold schemer to get rid of me; and he was
prepared to part company with me in the most summary manner. If he
could do so, it was possible that he might win or drive his fair
passenger into compliance with his proposition. She would be rich at
some time in the future; but more than this, she was beautiful and
accomplished. Her father would not consent to her union with such a
character as Waterford. He could only win her by such a bold movement
as that upon which he had already entered.

I had not been in the bushes three minutes before Mr. Ben Waterford
suddenly changed his tactics. The boat seemed to be no longer unfit for
the reception of a lady, and he shoved it down the bank into the water,
as though he had suddenly been endowed with a new strength. Of course I
expected him to do this; and before he could pick up the oars, I
stepped out of my covert, and was prepared to leap into the boat with
him; for, though the day was warm and pleasant, I had no fancy for
swimming off to the Marian.

"Where are the flowers?" demanded he, with some wrath, which he could
not wholly conceal, and apparently taken all aback by my sudden
reappearance.

"I didn't find them," I replied, with a good-natured smile, for I was
not a little pleased at the checkmate I had put upon my fellow-voyager.

"Did you look?"

"Not much."

"Why didn't you? We don't want to stay here all day," said he, unable
to hide his chagrin.

"I am ready to go when you are."

"Why didn't you get the flowers?" growled he.

"To tell the whole truth, I was afraid you would forget that I was on
shore, and go on board without me," I answered, laughing.

"You blockhead! What do you mean by that?"

"I'm compelled to believe you have a bad memory; and I fear you forgot
to invite the rest of the ladies included in your programme. You might
forget me, in the same manner, and this wouldn't be a good place to
stay."

"You are growing impudent, Phil."

"No; only prudent."

"Come with me, you lunkhead, and I will show you where the flowers
are," said he, rushing towards the path, as though he meant to obtain
the flowers or die in the attempt.

"If you know where they are, you can get them alone," I added.

"I do know where they are. You seem to think I am playing a trick upon
you; and I want to show you that I am not."

"I don't think you will be able to show me that if I go; so I may as
well stay here."

"Come along!"

"I don't think you washed the boat out very nicely. You didn't have
time to do it, and you didn't give me three minutes to find and pick
the beautiful flowers."

"What is the matter with you, Phil? You seem to have changed your face
all of a sudden. What ails you?"

"Nothing at all; never was in better health in my life, thank you."

"Why didn't you get the flowers, then, as you said you would?"

"I didn't say so; you said it. I should have got them, if I hadn't been
afraid you would forget I was on shore, and go on board without me."

"What put that into your silly head?"

"You did."

"No, I didn't."

"I don't like to contradict a gentleman; but I had not gone three rods
before you shoved the boat into the water, without troubling yourself
to wash it out."

"What were you watching me for?" demanded he.

"Because I was afraid you would forget me, as I said."

"What do you mean? What makes you so suspicious?"

"Your conduct; nothing else."

"What have I done?"

"You tried to get rid of me, and intended to leave me here in this
inhospitable swamp, away from any human habitation, and with nothing in
sight but the railroad and the lake."

"What put such a notion as that into your head, Phil?"

"I have come to the conclusion that you think there is one too many for
the present cruise in the Marian. I should not have come, if you had
not been so kind as to invite me; and now I don't intend to be left in
this swamp."

"Nobody thought of leaving you in the swamp."

"Then you are nobody--which it is not polite to say."

"Come, Phil, we have been good friends, and we won't quarrel now."

"I won't, if I can help it."

"Let us walk up to the place where the flowers grow," said he, leading
the way.

I followed him; but I deemed it advisable to keep at a respectful
distance from him. His only purpose was to get rid of me, and I did not
believe that he would be very scrupulous about the means of doing so. I
did not think he would attempt to murder me, or anything of that sort;
but Miss Collingsby, and Miss Collingsby's expectations, were the prize
for which he was playing. I followed him about twenty rods from the
boat, but without seeing anything which looked like flowers. Indeed, I
had landed here before; and I should as soon have thought of looking
for flowers in the Desert of Sahara as in this region.

Mr. Ben Waterford seated himself on a little hummock, and looked as
though he had something more to say. He did not seem to be in any
hurry, though Miss Collingsby was alone on board of the yacht; and, as
the Florina was also in the lagoon, I could afford to wait as long as
he could; so I seated myself on another hummock near him.




CHAPTER XVIII.

IN WHICH PHIL PROTESTS WITH THE BOAT-HOOK, BUT IS PROTESTED.


"Phil, you are aware, I suppose, that I am engaged to Miss Collingsby,"
Mr. Ben Waterford began.

"I must acknowledge my own ignorance. I was not aware of it," I
replied.

"It is so."

"Was that what made her scream while I was getting dinner?"

"Scream! She didn't scream!"

"I'm not deaf."

"She only uttered an exclamation."

"You said she was singing; but I always suppose something is the matter
when ladies utter exclamations in just that way."

"You are saucy and impudent."

"Very likely it is impudent for me to see and hear what I ought not to
see and hear."

"But haven't you any gumption?"

"Just now you accused me of having too much gumption. Somehow I don't
think this is half so pleasant a party on the lake as you represented
that it would be."

"Will you hear me?"

"Certainly I will; go on."

"I told you I was engaged to Miss Collingsby. One does not like to talk
about these things, I know--but--"

"Then the less said the better," I interposed, laughing.

"You said you would hear me."

"I will; go on."

"I want you to understand, in the first place, that I am engaged to
Miss Collingsby," he continued, with a pause, to note the effect upon
me.

"You have said that three times; but I don't believe I shall be able to
understand it if you say it three times more."

"Do you doubt my word?"

"I only say that my understanding is defective on that point."

"I think I ought to know."

"So ought Miss Collingsby; but she don't. I'm afraid she is as stupid
as I am."

"Do you mean to say that she has denied it?"

"Not exactly. I don't know that I ever had anything to do with parties
that were engaged; but I don't believe the lady screams, or utters
exclamations, if you please, and then rushes into the cabin to get out
of the way of the gentleman to whom she is engaged. As I said, I don't
understand these things; but I don't believe that's the way they are
done."

"You are a blockhead, Phil."

"I know it. My head is so hard you can't get any of that sort of
nonsense into it."

"I see that you are disposed to quarrel with me."

"Not at all, Mr. Waterford," I protested. "If you consider this cruise
a failure, I am willing to go on board of the yacht and return to
Chicago."

"Do you know who owns that yacht?" said he, sternly.

"Of course I do. I wish _I_

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