"He won't run away from me as long as I have charge of his property, youmay be sure of that. He'll be coming back and apologizing pretty soon."
"Suppose he doesn't?"
"Then it'll be his own fault."
"You may as well let him go back to school, mother. He'll be out of ourway, and we can enjoy ourselves."
"I am not going to gratify him so far. He has defied me and insulted me,and he must take the consequences," said Mrs. Kent, with a compressionof her thin lips.
On the whole, Jasper's prospects could not be said to be veryflattering.
CHAPTER XIV.
MEDIATION.
When Jasper left the house he bent his steps to the dwelling of a friendof his father, Otis Miller, a man of considerable property and goodposition. He found Mr. Miller at home.
"I am glad to see you, Jasper," said he, cordially.
"Thank you, sir."
"You have met with a great loss," said Mr. Miller, attributing Jasper'sserious expression to his father's death.
"Yes, sir; I am only just beginning to understand how much."
"A father's place cannot be supplied."
"No, sir; but this is not the extent of my trouble."
"Can I do anything to help you?"
"Yes, sir. I am very much in need of advice."
"I shall be glad to give you the best I can, Jasper. I was your father'sfriend, and I shall be glad to be yours also."
"Thank you, sir. My troubles are connected with my step-mother, whotreats me like an enemy."
"Can this be so?" asked Mr. Miller, in surprise.
"I will tell you all, and then ask your advice."
"Do so."
Jasper told the story briefly and without excitement. It was only in hisstep-mother's presence that he felt disturbed.
"I have met your step-mother, but I know very little of her," said Mr.Miller. "She never impressed me very favorably, but I never dreamed thatshe would act in such an unreasonable manner. Perhaps even now mattersare not as bad as you think. Sometimes people say things in anger whichthey repent of in their cooler moments."
"I don't think it is the case with Mrs. Kent."
"It is unfortunate, since she is your guardian."
"I wish you were my guardian, Mr. Miller."
"For your sake, Jasper, I wish I were. I don't think we should quarrel."
"I know we should not."
"You wish to know what to do?"
"Yes."
"You are quite sure you cannot stay at home?"
"I should be subject to constant persecution from Mrs. Kent."
"You think she would not allow you to go back to school?"
"She has refused to do so."
"There is one thing she cannot do, and that is, keep your portion of theestate from you when you become of age."
"No, I suppose not."
"You will then be rich."
"But the money won't do me any good now, will it?"
"In this way it will. Suppose I agree to pay your expenses atschool--that is to say, advancing the money, to be repaid when youobtain yours?"
"That would be very kind, Mr. Miller; but I shouldn't like to subjectyou to that risk."
"You mean that a minor's promise would be invalid? Well, Jasper, I havetoo much confidence in you to have any doubt of your integrity."
"Thank you, Mr. Miller; but suppose I should die before attaining mymajority?"
"Then I should probably lose the money."
"That is what I thought of. I should not like to have you run the risk."
"But I am willing to do so. However, it may be as well to ascertaindefinitely your step-mother's intentions first. I will call upon her inyour interest and find out."
"Thank you, sir. I should like to have you do so, as I don't want to acttoo hastily."
"I will go at once. Will you remain here till I return?"
"Yes, sir."
When Mrs. Kent was told that Mr. Miller had called to see her she wentdown to meet him, not surmising his errand.
"Mrs. Kent," said he, after the ordinary greetings were over, "I havecalled with reference to your relations to your late husband's son,Jasper."
"Did he ask you to come?" demanded Mrs. Kent, frowning.
"No; but he came to ask my advice as to what he ought to do. I am sorryto hear that you are unfriendly."
"He has treated me with intolerable insolence," said Mrs. Kent, hotly.
"That surprises me. It is wholly contrary to his reputation with thosewho have known him from his infancy," said Mr. Miller, quietly.
"Then you don't know him as he is."
"He tells me you have accorded your own son superior privileges."
"My son treats me with respect."
"Probably you treat him differently from Jasper."
"I have reasons to."
"You will admit that it is aggravating to see a stranger--an intruder, Imay say--preferred to him in his own home?"
"Who calls my son an intruder?" asked Mrs. Kent, hastily.
"Let us call him a stranger, then. Was Mr. Kent aware that you had ason?"
"I decline to answer your question," answered Mrs. Kent, with asperity.
"To pass on, then. Have you refused Jasper permission to return to theschool at which his father placed him?"
"I have."
"May I ask why?"
"I don't know that I am responsible to you."
"Mrs. Kent," said Mr. Miller, gravely, "I was the friend of your latehusband. I am the friend of his son, Jasper. As the friend of both, Iask you your reason."
"I will answer you, though I do not acknowledge your right to ask. Irefuse to let Jasper go back to school, because I wish to punish him forhis insolence and disobedience."
"It cannot be any satisfaction to you to have him at home, I shouldthink."
"It is not. I have no reason to like his society."
"Then it appears that you punish yourself in keeping him here."
"Yes."
"Do you think, Mrs. Kent, that you have any right to deprive him of theopportunity to obtain an education?"
"He can attend school in this village," said Mrs. Kent.
"You know as well as I that there is neither a classical nor a highschool here. He would be compelled to give up the course of study uponwhich he has commenced."
"That is his own fault," returned Mrs. Kent, doggedly.
"This, then, is your unalterable determination?"
"For the present, yes. If Jasper repents his ill-conduct, and makes uphis mind to yield me that implicit obedience which is my due, I mayhereafter consent to return him to school. But he must turn over a newleaf."
"Madam," said Mr. Miller, disgusted at the woman's manner, "do youconsider that you are carrying out his father's wishes in reference tohis son?"
"That is a question for me to decide," said Mrs. Kent, coldly. "I haveundertaken the responsibility, and I have no fears about carrying outhis wishes. I must trust my own judgment, not that of others."
"Madam," said Mr. Miller, after a pause, "there is one other questionwhich I should like to put to you."
"Very well, sir."
"This guardianship imposed upon you is a certain amount of care. Are youwilling to relinquish it to another?"
"To you, perhaps?" suggested Mrs. Kent, with a sneer.
"I should be willing to undertake it for Jasper's sake."
"I have no doubt you would, and I presume Jasper would be very glad tohave you do so."
"I think he would, though he didn't authorize me to speak to you aboutit," said Mr. Miller.
"Then, sir, I refuse in the most emphatic terms. I shall not relinquishthe power which his father's will gives me over him. He shall yet repenthis insolence."
"I regret your animosity, Mrs. Kent," said Mr. Miller, with dignity,rising as he spoke. "I was inclined to think that Jasper had exaggeratedhis account of the difficulties. I see now that he was correct. I haveonly, in wishing you good-morning, to predict that
you will yet regretthe manner in which you have treated your step-son."
"I will take my chance of that," said Mrs. Kent. "You may report toJasper that my only terms are unconditional submission."
"I will do so, madam; but you know, as well as I, what his answer willbe. His nature is too manly to submit to tyranny, even from hisstep-mother."
"You are not over-polite, sir," said Mrs. Kent, angrily.
"I am truthful, madam," was the grave reply.
CHAPTER XV.
GOOD-BYE.
"Without exception, Jasper," said Mr. Miller, on his return, "I consideryour step-mother the most disagreeble woman I ever met."
Jasper could not help smiling at the look of disgust upon the featuresof his father's friend.
"Then, sir, I infer that you did not succeed in your mission," he said.
"Succeed? No. She will offer no terms except unconditional submission onyour part."
"That I won't agree to." said Jasper, promptly.
"I don't blame you--not a particle," said Mr. Miller.
"So much is settled, then," said Jasper. "Now the question comesup--what am I to do?"
"How old are you?"
"Nearly sixteen."
"Then five years must elapse before you come into possession of yourproperty?"
"Yes, sir."
"And for that length of time you are to be under the guardianship ofMrs. Kent?"
"Yes, sir."
"It is unfortunate," said the old gentleman, shrugging his shoulders. "Itook the liberty to suggest to your step-mother that if the cares of aguardian should prove burdensome to her I would assume them."
"What did she say?"
"She replied in a sarcastic manner, and avowed her determination toremain your guardian."
"What would you advise me to do, then, Mr. Miller?"
"Before answering, Jasper, I will tell you a secret."
Jasper looked curious.
"Your father left in my hands a paper to be opened two years after hisdeath. It undoubtedly relates to you."
"What do you think it is?"
"It may relate to the guardianship, but that is only conjecture."
"Does my step-mother know of this?"
"Neither she nor anyone else, save you and myself."
"It will do us no good at present?"
"No; but it influences my advice. Go to school for the next two years. Iwill advance the money to pay your bills. If at the end of that time thepaper is what I hope it is, you will then be able to pay me, and for thebalance of your minority I can become your guardian."
"I wish you might, Mr. Miller; but I don't think, under thecircumstances, I want to go back to school."
"What do you wish to do, Jasper?"
"I am young, and I would like to see something of the world. I wouldlike to imagine myself a poor boy, as I really am just now, and see if Icannot make my own way."
"I hardly know what to say to that, Jasper. I am afraid you do notappreciate the difficulties in your way."
"To battle against them will make me strong."
"Suppose you get in a tight place?"
"Then I will write to you for help."
"That's better. On this condition I will make no further opposition toyour wishes. But have you any money?"
"Ten dollars."
"Rather a small sum to begin the world with."
"Yes, sir. If you are willing to lend me fifty more I think I can getalong till I can earn some."
"Willingly. Where do you propose to go?"
"To the West. My father has a cousin, a lady, married, and living in asmall town on the banks of the Mississippi. I have never been to theWest. I should like to go out there and see if I can't find someemployment in that neighborhood."
"I suppose I must not object, but your plan appears to me ratherquixotic."
"You might not have thought so at my age, Mr. Miller."
"No; we look upon such things differently as we grow older. When do youwant to start?"
"To-morrow."
"Stay at my house till then."
"Thank you, sir. I will go home this afternoon and get my carpet-bag anda few underclothes, and then I shall be ready to start to-morrowmorning."
Jasper did as proposed. He would gladly have dispensed with this call atthe house which had once been a home to him, but was so no longer; butit was necessary to make it.
He caught sight of Tom Forbes near the house.
"Tom," he called out, "do you know if Mrs. Kent is at home?"
"No, Master Jasper, she went out riding, and her cub went with her."
"I am afraid you're not respectful, Tom," said Jasper, laughing.
"He don't deserve respect. He puts on as many airs as a prince. Iwarrant he was poor enough before his mother took him home. What do youthink he said to me?"
"What was it?"
"'Look here, Tom, you harness the horse right up, do you hear? Don'tstand dawdling there, for I and mother are going out to ride.'"
"That sounds like Nicholas."
"You may be sure he ain't used to prosperity, or he wouldn't put on somany airs!"
"Well, Tom, I'm glad Mrs. Kent is out. I don't want to meet her, norNicholas, either."
"You'll see 'em at supper, won't you?"
"No; I shall not be here to supper."
"When are you coming back?"
"Not at all."
"You don't mean that, Master Jasper?"
"Yes, I do."
"Are you going to school?"
"No; I'm going out West."
"Out West?" exclaimed Tom Forbes, stopping work in surprise.
"Yes, Tom, I'm going out there to seek my fortune."
"But there ain't any need of that, Master Jasper. Didn't your fatherleave you a fortune?"
"I'm not to have it till I'm twenty-one, and till then my step-mother ismy guardian. Now, I put it to you, Tom, can I stay at home to be treatedas you saw me treated this morning?"
"No, you can't, that's a fact. Master Jasper, I wish you'd take me withyou as your servant."
"As to that, Tom, I am in no position to have a servant; I've got towork for my own living."
"And she here living on the fat of the land!" exclaimed Tom,indignantly. "It's an outrageous shame!"
"Strong language, Tom," said Jasper, smiling. "Mind my amiablestep-mother doesn't hear you."
"I don't care if she does."
"Thank you for your offer, Tom, but I must go alone. Perhaps I shallprosper out there. I hope so, at any rate."
"Have you got any money, Master Jasper? I've got a few dollars laid by.If they'll do you any good you're welcome to take 'em. I shan't need'em."
"Thank you, Tom," said Jasper, cordially grasping his toil-embrownedhand, "but I am well provided for. Mr. Miller, my father's friend, ismine, too. He has lent me some money, and will lend me more if I needit."
"I'm glad of that. You'll always find friends."
Half an hour later, as Jasper was going up the street, with hiscarpet-bag in one hand, he saw the open carriage approaching in whichMrs. Kent and Nicholas were seated. He would liked to have escapedobservation, but there was no chance.
"Why, there's Jasper!" said Nicholas, "and he's got a carpet-bag in hishand."
"Stop the carriage!" said Mrs. Kent, peremptorily.
Nicholas, who was driving, obeyed.
"Have you been to the house?" asked the step-mother.
"Yes," said Jasper.
"What does that carpet-bag mean?"
"It means that I am going away."
"Where? As your guardian, I demand to know!"
"As my guardian, will you provide for my expenses?"
"No."
"Then I don't feel called upon to tell you."
"You will repent this insubordination," said Mrs. Kent, angrily. "Youwill yet return home in rags."
"Never!" answered Jasper, with emphasis. "Good-afternoon, Mrs. Kent."
"Drive on, Nicholas!" said Mrs. Kent, angrily. "How I hate th
at boy!"she ejaculated.
"It strikes me, mother, you've got the best of it," said Nicholas."You've got his property, and as to his company, we can do withoutthat."
CHAPTER XVI.
AN UNPLEASANT ADVENTURE.
A week later Jasper was one of the passengers on a train bound for St.Louis, and already within sixty miles of that flourishing city. He hadstopped over at Niagara and Cincinnati--a day or so at each place. Hegratified his desire to see the great cataract, and felt repaid fordoing so, though the two stops trenched formidably upon his smallcapital. Indeed, at the moment when he is introduced anew to thereader's notice he had but ten dollars remaining of the sum with whichhe started. He was, however, provided, besides, with a through ticket toSt. Louis.
He had been sitting alone, when a stranger entering the car seatedhimself in the vacant seat.
Looking up, Jasper noticed that he was a tall man, shabbily dressed,with thin, sallow face and a swelling in the left cheek, probablyproduced by a quid of tobacco.
"Good-mornin', colonel," said the stranger, sociably.
"Good-morning, sir," said Jasper, smiling. "I haven't the honor of beinga colonel."
"Haven't you, cap'n? Well, that ain't of no account. It'll come in time.Where are you travelling?"
"To St. Louis."
"Ever been there afore?"
"No; this will be my first visit."