CHAPTER XXXV.
THE RETURN OF AN OLD FRIEND.
One afternoon Andy was busy writing in the office when he heard himselfcalled by name, and, looking up, saw Walter Gale, who had just entered.
"Mr. Gale!" he exclaimed, joyfully, rising and grasping the hands of hisfriend.
"So you know me? Upon my word, you have grown so that I find itdifficult to recognize you."
"Yes, I believe I have grown taller."
"And more manly. I need not ask if you are well. Your appearance answersthat question."
"I was never better."
"And you enjoy your work?"
"Immensely. But when did you reach the city?"
"This morning. As you see, I have lost no time in looking you up."
"Shall you stay here now?"
"Yes," answered Gale, gravely; "my poor uncle is dead. His sickness wasa painful one, and he is better off."
"I am glad you are to be in the city. I hope to see you often."
"You will, if I can have my way. I have hired a handsome and roomy flaton Madison Avenue, and I expect you to come and live with me."
"I shall be delighted to do so if you will let me pay my share of theexpenses."
"You will pay me with your company. I will receive no other pay. Myuncle has left me all his property--at least a hundred thousanddollars--and I was rich before."
"I will certainly accept your offer, since I am sure you will like tohave me."
"You were teaching a boy, I believe?"
"Yes; but he is so well advanced now that he does not need myassistance. I am free to accept your kind offer."
"Call upon me this evening, and arrange to move to-morrow. I am verylonely, and want young and cheerful company."
When Andy called upon his friend in the evening he found him sumptuouslylodged. The next evening he moved in.
"What news from Arden, Andy?" asked Mr. Gale.
"Nothing much, except that Squire Carter is expecting to foreclose themortgage on father's farm next week."
"Is that so? We must not permit that."
"No; I have a thousand dollars in bank, and I shall ask Mr. Crawfordto-morrow if he will advance me two thousand on some lots I own inTacoma."
"That will not be necessary. I will myself advance the full amount, andyou can pay me whenever you sell your lots."
"That is very kind, Mr. Gale, and relieves me very much."
"Don't overestimate the kindness. I have more money than I know what todo with."
"There are others in the same position who would not help me."
"I am your friend. That makes the difference. When you go to Arden Iwill go, too. It will be pleasant for me to see the place where I passedso enjoyable a summer and made so good a friend."
"I shall be delighted to have your company, Mr. Gale."
Two evenings later, as Andy was walking up Broadway toward his new home,he saw a familiar figure in front of him--the figure of a boy about hisown age. Evidently the boy had been drinking, and could not walkstraight.
Once, as he turned half around, Andy, with a start, recognized JohnCrandall, who had treated him so meanly at Mr. Flint's. He had no reasonto like him, but his compassion was aroused.
"John," said Andy, linking his arm in his, "how do you happen to be inthis condition?"
"Who are you?" hiccoughed John.
"I am Andy Grant. Don't you know me?"
"Yes, you used to be at Mr. Flint's. Where are you taking me?" he asked,suspiciously.
"To my room. I will take care of you to-night. What are you doing now?"
"I was in a place on Wall Street, but I got bounced yesterday. I tookthe money they paid me and got drunk."
"That was foolish. Where is your uncle?"
"He has gone to Chicago. I'm awful unlucky, Andy."
"If you will turn over a new leaf and stop drinking I'll see if I can'tget you another place."
"Will you?" asked John, hopefully. "Don't you hate me?"
"No."
"I should think you would. I got you out of Flint's."
"You did me a service without intending it."
"You're a good fellow," hiccoughed John. "I'm sorry I treated you somean."
"I'm not, since it led to my securing my present place. But we must turndown here."
"Where do you live?"
"On Madison Avenue."
"Madison Avenue? You must be a swell."
Andy smiled.
"If you work hard you may become a swell, too."
When they entered the flat, John stared about him in amazement.
"How can you afford to live in such a fine place?" he said.
"Because a friend bears the greater part of the expense. Now, let mehelp you undress. We have a spare room, and I will let you occupy it. Inthe morning I will wake you up for breakfast."
John Crandall was soon fast asleep. A few minutes later Mr. Gale camein.
"We have a visitor to-night," said Andy.
"A friend of yours?"
"He may become so, but thus far he has been anything but that."
Andy told the story of John's attempt to injure him.
"And yet you befriend him?"
"Yes. Wouldn't you?"
Walter Gale smiled.
"Tell me your reasons," he said.
"I have no grudge against him. Besides, if we only benefit those whomwe like, there isn't much credit in that."
"Exactly. There isn't much credit in my doing you favors."
"Don't think I am ungrateful, Mr. Gale; I appreciate all you have donefor me."
"I understand you, Andy, and I like you better for what you have done.What further plans have you?"
"I should like to get John a place, and give him a chance to redeemhimself. He needs a friend badly."
"He shall have one. We will both help him."
When John Crandall awoke the next morning he was himself again. Theeffects of his intoxication had passed off, and he seemed ashamed of thepredicament in which Andy had found him.
"Have you any home, John?" asked Andy.
"No; that is, I have a room, but I spent all the money that was comingto me, and they won't let me stay. I don't know what I shall do," hesaid, despondently.
"If Mr. Gale and I will find you a new place, will you try to keep it?"
"Yes, I will."
"Then we will stand by you. You can stay here till I come from theoffice this afternoon, and I will find you a boarding place."
"You are a good fellow, Andy. You are my very best friend."
"I will try to be."
"And I will try to deserve your kindness."
Before the week was out John had a new place on Pearl Street, and was aninmate of the boarding house in Clinton Place, where Andy stayed when hefirst came to the city.
He really turned over a new leaf, and became a favorite and trustedemployee in the Pearl Street store. Andy had saved him.