"Then what possible chance had he to escape?"
"He might have been rescued by a passing vessel."
"Look here, Mr. Howard," said Fox indignantly, "you don't mean what yousay. You evidently mean to keep that money from the lawful claimants. Iam not much surprised. I expected it. But I can tell you here and nowthat John Fox isn't a man to be cheated and imposed upon. I mean to havemy rights."
"Are you aware, Mr. Fox, that your language is offensive andinsulting?"
"I don't care. I came here for justice. That money ought not to be inyour hands, who are no kith nor kin to Harry Vane. It ought to go to me,and I mean to sue you for it."
"Mr. Fox, I propose to obey the law, but it appears to me that you aretaking it for granted that Harry Vane is dead without sufficientproof."
"What more proof do you want than this paragraph? The fact is, you don'twant to believe it."
"No!" answered Mr. Howard in a tone of emotion, "I don't want to believethat poor Harry is dead."
"Nor I," said John Fox. "If the boy hadn't been foolish and left myhappy home, he'd have been alive to-day. But we can't alter facts. He'sdead, and all our grief won't bring him back."
Benjamin Howard looked at the man curiously. "His grief doesn't seem tobe very profound," he thought. "I will test him."
"Even if I were convinced that poor Harry was dead," he said, "I shouldnot deliver up the money till you had established a legal claim to it."
"So you mean to put all possible obstacles in my way," said John Fox,provoked. "I thought so. But, Mr. Howard, let me tell you that you can'trob the orphan."
"Meaning yourself?"
"No, I mean the dead boy--that is the orphan's estate--without settlingwith _me._ I am a man of influence, I'd have you know, and I'll put thematter in the hands of the lawyer right off."
"It might be well, first, to listen to what I have to say."
"Aha! he's scared!" thought John Fox.
"I'm ready to hear what you've got to say," he answered, "but it won'tinfluence me a particle."
"I think it will. Harry Vane is alive!"
"What!" ejaculated John Fox, his face expressing his dismay. "It's alie. I don't believe it."
"Georgie," said Mr. Howard to his little son, who just then entered theroom, "go to my desk and bring me Harry Vane's letter."
This was done at once, John Fox meanwhile sitting in painful suspense.
"This letter," said Mr. Howard, taking it in his hand, "was posted, asyou see, at Melbourne, Australia. Harry was shipwrecked on an island,from which he finally escaped, and was carried to Melbourne. He writesme that he has gone to the mines, and is hoping to find some goldthere."
"Is this true?" asked Fox in a hollow voice.
"I will read you the letter, and show you the signature."
"I think it's a forgery."
"No chance of that. I know Harry Vane's handwriting well. But you don'tlook well, Mr. Fox. I thought you would be pleased to hear that Harryhad escaped from the perils of shipwreck and is alive."
John Fox did not reply, but after examining the letter he rose with arueful countenance, and departed unceremoniously, a badly disappointedman.
"It'll cost me three dollars to get back," he groaned, "and I shall haveto stop at a hotel, for there is no train till to-morrow. 'Most tendollars gone altogether--just thrown away! I'm a very unlucky man."
The news he carried home brought grief to Mrs. Fox and Joel. Only Sallyseemed glad that Harry was still living. For so expressing herself shewas severely rebuked by her mother.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
HOME AGAIN.
It was a bright, beautiful morning when our three friends landed in NewYork. Their voyage had been a favorable one, and they had made somepleasant acquaintances, but they were overjoyed to tread once more thefamiliar streets and see the familiar sights of the Americanmetropolis.
They registered at a quiet hotel on the European system, intending toremain in the city a few days. They sought out a prominent broker andasked his advice about the investment of their money. He received themin a friendly manner, and gave them the best advice in his power. Eachreserved three hundred dollars for present use.
It was a novelty to all of them to be free from anxiety on the score ofmoney, and it may well be believed that all enjoyed the feeling.
The second morning, as they were walking down Broadway, their eyes fellupon a familiar figure. Directly in front of them they beheld a slenderyoung man, dressed in the extreme of fashion, swinging a light cane. Ashe walked along it was easy to see that he was on the most comfortableand agreeable terms with himself, and firmly persuaded that he was anobject of general admiration.
"Montgomery Clinton!" exclaimed Harry and Jack simultaneously.
"You don't mean to say you know that critter!" said Obed, eying Mr.Clinton with evident curiosity.
"Yes, he was one of the _Nantucket_ passengers, and shipwrecked withus," said Harry. "He did not remain in Australia, but took a returnvessel at once."
"That was lucky. A critter like that wouldn't be of much account at themines."
"Stop! I am going to speak to him."
Harry quickened his step, and touched Mr. Clinton on the shoulder.
Clinton turned languidly, but when he saw who it was his face expressedundisguised pleasure.
"Mr. Vane!" he exclaimed. "I'm awfully glad to see you, don't youknow?"
"You haven't forgotten my friend Jack, I hope," said Harry, indicatingthe young sailor.
"I am glad to see him, too," said Mr. Clinton, with modified pleasure,offering two fingers for Jack to shake, for he had not forgotten thatJack had been a sailor.
"When did you come from Australia?" asked Clinton.
"We only arrived day before yesterday."
"And what luck did you have at the mines?"
"We struck it rich. We are all capitalists, Jack and all."
"You don't say so! I wish I had gone with you, really now."
"I don't think you'd have liked it, Mr. Clinton. We had a hard time. Wehad to wade through mud and mire, and sleep on the ground, and twice wewere captured by bushrangers. They wanted Jack and myself to join theband."
"You don't say so--really?"
"They might have made you a bushranger, Mr. Clinton, if they had caughtyou."
"I never would consent, never!" said Mr. Clinton, with emphasis.
Jack smiled at the idea of the elegant Mr. Clinton being transformedinto an outlaw and bushranger.
"I am awfully glad I did not go with you," he said, shuddering.
"Let me make you acquainted with my friend, Mr. Obed Stackpole, Mr.Clinton," said Harry. "He was with us in all our trials and dangers."
Montgomery Clinton surveyed Obed with evident curiosity. The long gauntfigure of the Yankee was clad in a loose rough suit which was too largefor him, and Clinton shuddered at the barbarous way in which he wasattired.
"Glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Stickpole," he said politely.
"_Stack_pole, if it's all the same to you, friend Clinton," correctedObed. "Glad to see any friend of Harry's and Jack's. You look as if youhad just come out of a bandbox."
"Ob, thank you," said the gratified dude. "You're awfully kind. Myfriends think I have a little taste in dress."
"My friends never paid me that compliment," said Obed. "Say, how do youlike my fit out?"
"I--I don't think they have very good tailors in Australia," saidClinton hesitatingly.
"Have you as many pairs of trousers as ever, Mr. Clinton?" asked Harry.
"I have only nineteen, Mr. Vane, but I shall order some more soon."
"Nineteen pairs of breeches!" ejaculated Obed in amazement. "What in thename of Jehoshaphat do you want of so many?"
"Well, I don't want to have people get used to seeing me in the sametrousers, don't you know, so every day I wear a different pair."
"It must cost a mint of money to buy so many clothes."
"Oh, I have accounts with four or five tailors.
They're willing to wait,don't you know. They appreciate a gentleman's custom."
"How long do they wait?" asked Harry.
"I'm owing some two years. There's lots of fellows make them wait aslong."
"That aint my way," said Obed. "I pay cash. Don't they make a fuss?"
"Oh, they send in their bills, but I don't take any notice of them,"said Clinton languidly.
"Then, young man," said Obed, "let me advise you to pay your bills, andget back your self-respect. I'd go six months with only a single pair ofbreeches, sooner than cheat a tailor out of a new pair."
"I never wear breeches," drawled Clinton, with a shudder. "I don't knowwhat they are. Mr. Vane, those trousers you have on are very unbecoming.Let me introduce you to my tailor. He'll fit you out in fashionablestyle."
"Thank you. I believe I do need a new pair."
"Will he fit me, too?" asked Obed.
"He don't make--breeches!" said Clinton disdainfully.
"A good hit, by Jehoshaphat!" exclaimed Obed, slapping Clinton on theback with such emphasis that he was nearly upset.
"Don't hit quite so hard," said the dude ruefully. "You nearly upset me,don't you know?"
"I know it now. The fact is, friend Clinton, you ought to be shut up ina glass case, and put on exhibition in a dime museum."
"How awfully horrid!" protested Clinton.
"You're more fit for ornament than use."
"You're awfully sarcastic, Mr. Stackpole, don't you know?" said Clinton,edging off cautiously. "I must bid you good-morning, Mr. Vane, as I haveto buy a new neck tie. I will go to the tailor's any day."
"What was such a critter made for, anyway?" queried Obed, when Clintonwas out of hearing. "He looks for all the world like a tailor's dummy."
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE BOYS SECURE POSITIONS.
Before leaving New York, Harry Vane decided to call upon the nephew towhom Mr. Woolson of Melbourne had given him a letter of introduction.Upon inquiry, he found that John Woolson & Co. (the style of the firm)were large importers in the lower part of the city.
Accompanied by Jack, he called one morning. Mr. John Woolson, acourteous gentleman, about forty years of age, received him withpoliteness, which changed to cordiality when he had read his uncle'sletter.
"My uncle writes here that you two young gentlemen recently rendered himan important service."
"We were fortunate enough to save him from being robbed," said Harrymodestly.
"And maltreated, also, I presume," said the nephew. "When did you arrivein New York?"
"Last Thursday, sir."
"Did you leave my uncle well?"
"He looked in excellent health."
"How long do you remain in the city? What are your plans?"
"We think of leaving to-morrow. We wish to see friends from whom we havelong been parted."
"My uncle wishes me to offer you a position in my establishment, Mr.Vane. If that will meet your views, I shall be happy to receive you."
"I should like nothing better, sir," replied Harry, his eyes sparkling.
"Will fifteen dollars a week satisfy you to begin with?"
"But, sir, I can't hope to earn as much as that."
"Well perhaps not, just at first," said the merchant, smiling; "but ifyour looks don't belie you, it will not be long before your serviceswill be worth that sum. At any rate I am ready to pay it."
"Thank you, sir," said Harry gratefully. "When would you wish me tocommence?"
"When you please. You had better take a vacation of a month to visityour friends. Then come to the city, and enter my employment."
Harry renewed his thanks, and Mr. Woolson turned to Jack.
"Yon have been trained as a sailor, I believe," he said.
"Yes, sir."
"Do you wish to follow the sea?"
"Yes, sir," answered Jack promptly. "I love the sea."
"Then I will find you a good position on one of my ships, commend youspecially to the captain as a young friend of mine, and promote you asfast as your progress in seamanship will warrant my doing so."
Now it was Jack's turn to look jubilant, for nothing could have suitedhim better.
"You too will want a vacation. Take as long as you like, and then cometo me. By the way, I don't know how you are situated as regards money.If either of you desires an advance, I shall be glad to accommodateyou."
"We met with good luck at the mines," said Harry, "and are both wellsupplied with money. We thank you, however, for your kind offer."
The boys left the office in high spirits.
"I don't see but our prospects are bright, Jack," said Harry.
"I didn't think so when we were on the island," said Jack, "or when wewere captives among the bushrangers."
"No; we have certainly seen some hard times. Let us hope that we havehad our share, and may look forward now to happier days."
Now that their future was arranged, the boys were in a hurry to leavethe city and visit their friends. Obed sympathized with them.
"Boys," said he, "I'm gettin' kinder homesick. There's an old man and agirl I want to see, and tell 'em of my good luck."
"Your father and----"
"Suke Stanwood. Suke has been waitin' for me five years, and there aintno need of waitin' any longer. If all goes well she'll be Mrs. ObedStackpole within a month."
"She may not be able to get her wedding things so soon, Obed."
"She don't need any wedding things. Any dress'll do to be married in."
"You will send us some cards and cake, I hope, Obed."
"Better'n that: I'll send you an invite to the weddin'."
"Then it'll have to come soon, Obed. I shall be gone to the city, andJack to sea within a month."
"Then we'll hurry it up. It'll give me a good excuse. But there's onething I'm going to do before I get married."
"What is that?"
"Pay off the mortgage on dad's farm. It's only a thousand dollars, butdad couldn't lift it if he lived to a hundred."
"And what are you going to do, Obed?"
"There's a farm alongside I can buy for twenty-five hundred dollars,with a comfortable house thrown in. I can buy it, and have more thanenough money left to furnish the house and stock the farm."
"I wish you happiness, Obed; but don't you think you'll ever pine to beback in Australia?"
"I may hanker after a sight of Fletcher and his two cronies, Colson andRopes," returned Obed with dry humor, "but we can't have everything inthis world, and I'll try to rub along with the blessings I have."
Let me add here that Obed carried out his programme. He paid themortgage, bought the farm, and in less than three weeks he was a marriedman. Harry and Jack were at the wedding, and received great attentionfrom all Obed's friends. To the inhabitants of the little village itseemed wonderful that boys so young should have traveled so far, andpassed through such varied experiences.
"I expect an invite to each of your weddings, boys," said Obed, as theywere on the point of leaving him. "One good turn deserves another."
"You will have to exercise a little patience, Obed," said Harry,smiling.
"Don't wait as long as I did," said Obed. "I got to be a cranky oldbachelor before I hitched horses."
"Mrs. Stackpole will soon cure you of that," said Harry, with a smile.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
CONCLUSION.
When Harry had completed his business in New York, he took the train atonce to his native village. His arrival made quite a sensation. Not onlyMr. Howard, his father's friend, received him with joy, but there weremany other friends besides who rejoiced in his good fortune.
"You have been very fortunate, Harry," said Mr. Howard. "You tell methat you have about five thousand dollars?"
"Yes, sir, and it makes me feel rich."
"Besides the two thousand dollars I have in charge for you."
"Two thousand dollars!" ejaculated Harry in amazement. "You mean threehundred, Mr. Howard."
"No, I mean what I say," r
eplied his friend, with a smile.
"But I don't understand----"
"Don't you remember the fifty shares of mining stock you placed in myhands?"
"Yes, they were given me by my father. I thought them worthless."
"A month ago I learned the contrary. I took the liberty, withoutconsulting you, as you were absent, to sell them. They realizedseventeen hundred dollars net, thus carrying up the amount in my handsto two thousand dollars."
"Is it possible that I am worth seven thousand dollars? It seemswonderful!"
"But the best of it is that it is true. Then was there not a sum ofmoney which you received for saving a railroad train?"
"Yes, I have used part of it, but one hundred and fifty dollars remain.It is in the hands of a Mr. Conway, president of the road."
"Then it appears to me, Harry, taken in connection with your offer ofemployment in New York, you are in a very enviable position. How old areyou?"
"I shall soon be seventeen."
"Then you are beginning the world young. Continue to deserve goodfortune, and you are likely to prosper."
Before returning to New York Harry felt inclined to visit his would-beguardian, John Fox, whose treatment of him has been recorded at lengthin "Facing the World."
He took the train, as before, to Bolton, and thence went by stage toColebrook. He walked to the Fox mansion, and going up to the front doorknocked.
The door was opened by Mrs. Fox herself. She did not immediatelyrecognize Harry in his handsome suit, with a gold chain crossing hisvest, attached, it may be added, to a handsome gold watch, which he hadbought in New York.