The Telegraph Boy

  "Do you prefer doughnuts to anything else?" asked Frank, with a smile.

  "I hear they're cheap,--only a cent apiece," answered Jonathan, "and Icalc'late five or six will be enough to fill me up."

  "You needn't mind the expense, cousin; I shall pay for your dinner."

  Jonathan's heavy face lighted up with satisfaction.

  "I don't care if you do," he said. "I hear you've got a lot of moneynow, Frank."

  "I shall have enough, to make me comfortable, and start me in business."

  "I wish I had as much money as you," said Jonathan, longingly.

  "You are all right. Some time you will have more than I."

  "I don't know about that. Dad keeps me awful close."

  "You have all you want, don't you?"

  "I've got some money in the bank," said Jonathan, "but I'd like to putin more. I never thought you'd have more money than I."

  "You used to tell me I ought to go to the poor-house," said Frank,smiling.

  "That's because you was livin' on dad, you know," explained Jonathan."It wasn't fair to me, because he wouldn't have so much to leave me."

  In the country Frank had not found much satisfaction in the company ofhis cousin, who inherited the combined meanness of both parents, andappeared to grudge poor Frank every mouthful he ate; but in the sunshineof his present prosperity he was disposed to forgive and forget.

  Frank led the way to a restaurant not far away, where he allowed hiscousin to order an ample dinner, which he did without scruple, since hewas not to pay for it.

  "It costs a sight to live in the city," he said, as he looked over thebill of fare.

  "It costs something in the country, too, Jonathan."

  "I wish you'd come and board with dad. He'd take you for five dollars aweek, and it will cost you more in New York."

  "Yes, it will cost me more here."

  "Then you'll come, won't you? You'll be company for me."

  Frank doubted whether Jonathan would be much company for him.

  "You didn't use to think so, Jonathan."

  "You couldn't pay your board then."

  "Now that I can I prefer to remain in the city. I mean to go to school,and get a good education."

  "How much do you have to pay for board here?"

  "I can't tell what I shall have to pay. At present I am staying withfriends, and pay nothing."

  "Do you think they'd take me for a week the same way?" asked Jonathan,eagerly. "I'd like to stay a week first-rate if it didn't cost nothing."

  "I shouldn't like to ask them; but some time I will invite you to comeand pay me a visit of a week; it shall not cost you anything."

  "You're a real good feller, Frank," said Jonathan, highly pleased by theinvitation. "I'll come any time you send for me. It's pretty highpayin' on the railroad, but I guess I can come."

  Frank understood the hint, but did not feel called upon to pay hiscousin's railway fare in addition to his week's board.

  "What do you think of that?" asked Jonathan, presently, displaying ahuge ring on one of his red fingers.

  "Is that something you have bought in the city?" asked Frank.

  "Yes," answered his cousin, complacently. "I got it at a bargain."

  "Did you buy it in a jewelry store?"

  "No; I'll tell you how it was. I was goin' along the street, when I sawa well-dressed feller, who looked kinder anxious. He come up to me, andhe said, 'Do you know any one who wants to buy a splendid gold ringcheap?' Then he told me he needed some money right off to buy vittlesfor his family, bein' out of work for a month. He said the ring cost himfifteen dollars, and he'd sell it for three. I wasn't goin' to pay nosuch price, and I finally beat him down to a dollar," said Jonathan,chuckling. "I guess that's doing pretty well for one day. He said anyjeweller would pay me six or seven dollars for it."

  "Then why didn't he sell it to a jeweller him self, instead of giving itto you for a dollar?"

  "I never thought of that," said Jonathan, looking puzzled.

  "I am afraid it is not so good a bargain as you supposed," said Frank.

  Great drops of perspiration came out on Jonathan's brow.

  "You don't think it's brass, do you?" he gasped.

  "Here is a jewelry store. We can go in and inquire."

  They entered the store, and Frank, calling attention to the ring,inquired its probable value.

  "It might be worth about three cents," said the jeweller, laughing. "Ihope you didn't give much more for it."

  "I gave a dollar," said Jonathan, in a voice which betrayed hisanguish.

  "Of whom did you buy it?"

  "Of a man in the street."

  "Served you right, then. You should have gone to a regular jewelrystore."

  "The man said it cost him fifteen dollars," said Jonathan, sadly.

  "I dare say. He was a professional swindler, no doubt."

  "I'd like to give him a lickin'," said Jonathan, wrathfully, as theyleft the store.

  "What would you do if you was me?" he asked of his cousin.

  "Throw it away."

  "I wouldn't do that. Maybe I can sell it up in the country," he said,his face brightening up.

  "For how much?"

  "For what I gave."

  "But that would be swindling."

  "No, it wouldn't. I have a right to ask as much as I gave. It's realhandsome if it is brass."

  "I don't think that would be quite honest, Jonathan."

  "You wouldn't have me lose the dollar, would you? That would be smart."

  "I would rather be honest than be smart."

  Jonathan dropped the subject, but eventually he sold the ring at homefor a dollar and a quarter.

  CHAPTER XXIX.

  CONCLUSION.

  After he had accompanied his cousin to the depot, where he took the carsfor home, Frank met Victor Dupont, on Madison avenue.

  "Where's your uniform?" he asked.

  "I have taken it off."

  "Aint you a telegraph boy any longer?"

  "No, I have left the office."

  "They turned you off, I suppose," said Victor, with a sneer.

  "They would like to have had me stay longer," said Frank, with a smile.

  Victor shrugged his shoulders incredulously.

  "Are you going back to your old business of selling papers?" he asked.

  "I think not."

  "What are you going to do for a living?"

  "I am much obliged to you for your interest in my affairs, Victor; Idon't mean to go to work at all at present,--I am going to school."

  "How are you going to pay your expenses, then?" asked Victor, insurprise.

  "I have had some money left me."

  "Is that so? How much?"

  "Some thousands of dollars,--enough to support me while I am getting aneducation."

  "Who left it to you?"

  "My father left it, but I have only just received it."

  "You are awfully lucky," said Victor, evidently annoyed. "Are you goingto live with the Vivians?"

  "I don't know."

  "I shouldn't think you would. It would be imposing upon them."

  "Thank you for your kind advice. Won't you take me to board at yourhouse?"

  "We don't take boarders," said Victor, haughtily.

  It so happened that Frank entered himself as a scholar at the schoolwhere Victor was a student, and was put in the same class. Frank atonce took a higher place, and in time graduated with the highest honors,while Victor came out nearly at the foot.

  Frank did remain with the Vivians; they would not hear of his leavingthem, nor would they permit him to pay any board.

  "You are a companion for Fred," said Mrs. Vivian, "and you exert a goodinfluence over him. Having your company, he does not wish to seeksociety outside. You must let me look upon you as one of my boys, andaccept a home with us."

  Against this, Frank could urge no objection. He was offered a home farmore attractive than a boarding-house, which his presence made moresocial and attract
ive. Having no board to provide for, the income of hislittle property was abundant to supply his other wants, and, when heleft school, it was unimpaired.

  It was a serious question with our hero whether he would continue hisstudies through a collegiate course. He finally decided in the negative,and accepted a good position in the mercantile establishment of Mr.Hartley. Here he displayed such intelligence and aptitude for businessthat he rose rapidly, and in time acquired an interest in the firm, andwill in time obtain a junior partnership. It must not be supposed thatall this came without hard work. It had always been Frank's custom todischarge to the utmost of his ability the duties of any position inwhich he was placed. To this special trait of our hero, most of hissuccess was owing.

  Our hero had the satisfaction of giving a place to his companion in thetelegraph office, Tom Brady, who was in time able to earn such a salaryas raised his mother and sister above want. Frank did not forget his oldstreet comrade, Dick Rafferty, but gave him a position as porter, Dick'seducation not being sufficient to qualify him for a clerkship. He evensought out old Mills, the blind man, to whom he had small reason to feelgrateful; but found that the old man had suddenly died, leaving behindhim, to the surprise of every one who knew him, several hundred dollarsin gold and silver, which were claimed by a sister of the deceased, towhom they were most acceptable.

  Here end the experiences of the Telegraph Boy. He has been favored abovemost of his class; but the qualities which helped him achieve successare within the reach of all. Among the busy little messengers who flitabout the city, in all directions, there are some, no doubt, who will inyears to come command a success and prosperity as great as our hero hasattained. In a republic like our own, the boy who begins at the bottomof the ladder may in time reach the highest round.

  THE END.

  HORATIO ALGER, JR.

  The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, Jr., show thegreatness of his popularity among the boys, and prove that he is one oftheir most favored writers. I am told that more than half a millioncopies altogether have been sold, and that all the large circulatinglibraries in the country have several complete sets, of which only twoor three volumes are ever on the shelves at one time. If this is true,what thousands and thousands of boys have read and are reading Mr.Alger's books! His peculiar style of stories, often imitated but neverequaled, have taken a hold upon the young people, and, despite theirsimilarity, are eagerly read as soon as they appear.

  Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that undying book,"Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York." It was his first book foryoung people, and its success was so great that he immediately devotedhimself to that kind of writing. It was a new and fertile field for awriter then, and Mr. Alger's treatment of it at once caught the fancy ofthe boys. "Ragged Dick" first appeared in 1868, and ever since then ithas been selling steadily, until now it is estimated that about 200,000copies of the series have been sold.--"Pleasant Hours for Boys andGirls."

  * * * * *

  A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy with them. He shouldbe able to enter into their plans, hopes, and aspirations. He shouldlearn to look upon life as they do. Boys object to be written down to. Aboy's heart opens to the man or writer who understands him.--From"Writing Stories for Boys," by Horatio Alger, Jr.

  FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS.

  RAGGED DICK SERIES.

  RAGGED DICK. FAME AND FORTUNE. MARK THE MATCH BOY. ROUGH AND READY. BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY. RUFUS AND ROSE.

  TATTERED TOM SERIES.

  TATTERED TOM. PAUL THE PEDDLER. PHIL THE FIDDLER. SLOW AND SURE.

  TATTERED TOM SERIES. SECOND SERIES.

  JULIUS. THE YOUNG OUTLAW. SAM'S CHANCE. THE TELEGRAPH BOY.

  CAMPAIGN SERIES.

  FRANK'S CAMPAIGN. PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE. CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE.

  LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. FIRST SERIES.

  LUCK AND PLUCK. SINK OR SWIM. STRONG AND STEADY. STRIVE AND SUCCEED.

  LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. SECOND SERIES.

  TRY AND TRUST. BOUND TO RISE. RISEN FROM THE RANKS. HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY.

  BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.

  BRAVE AND BOLD. JACK'S WARD. SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF. WAIT AND HOPE.

  PACIFIC SERIES.

  THE YOUNG ADVENTURER. THE YOUNG MINER. THE YOUNG EXPLORERS. BEN'S NUGGET.

  ATLANTIC SERIES.

  THE YOUNG CIRCUS RIDER. DO AND DARE. HECTOR'S INHERITANCE. HELPING HIMSELF.

  WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES.

  BOB BURTON. THE STORE BOY. LUKE WALTON. STRUGGLING UPWARD.

  NEW WORLD SERIES.

  DIGGING FOR GOLD. FACING THE WORLD. IN A NEW WORLD.

  VICTORY SERIES.

  ONLY AN IRISH BOY. ADRIFT IN THE CITY. VICTOR VANE, OR THE YOUNG SECRETARY.

  FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES.

  FRANK HUNTER'S PERIL. FRANK AND FEARLESS. THE YOUNG SALESMAN.

  GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY.

  WALTER SHERWOOD'S PROBATION. A BOY'S FORTUNE. THE YOUNG BANK MESSENGER.

  HOW TO RISE LIBRARY.

  JED, THE POORHOUSE BOY. RUPERT'S AMBITION. LESTER'S LUCK.

  THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES: HARRY CASTLEMON BOOKS

  HOW I CAME TO WRITE MY FIRST BOOK.

  When I was sixteen years old I belonged to a composition class. It wasour custom to go on the recitation seat every day with clean slates, andwe were allowed ten minutes to write seventy words on any subject theteacher thought suited to our capacity. One day he gave out "What a ManWould See if He Went to Greenland." My heart was in the matter, andbefore the ten minutes were up I had one side of my slate filled. Theteacher listened to the reading of our compositions, and when they wereall over he simply said: "Some of you will make your living by writingone of these days." That gave me something to ponder upon. I did not sayso out loud, but I knew that my composition was as good as the best ofthem. By the way, there was another thing that came in my way just then.I was reading at that time one of Mayne Reid's works which I had drawnfrom the library, and I pondered upon it as much as I did upon what theteacher said to me. In introducing Swartboy to his readers he made useof this expression: "No visible change was observable in Swartboy'scountenance." Now, it occurred to me that if a man of his educationcould make such a blunder as that and still write a book, I ought to beable to do it, too. I went home that very day and began a story, "TheOld Guide's Narrative," which was sent to the _New York Weekly_, andcame back, respectfully declined. It was written on both sides of thesheets but I didn't know that this was against the rules. Nothingabashed, I began another, and receiving some instruction, from a friendof mine who was a clerk in a book store, I wrote it on only one side ofthe paper. But mind you, he didn't know what I was doing. Nobody knewit; but one day, after a hard Saturday's work--the other boys had beenout skating on the brick-pond--I shyly broached the subject to mymother. I felt the need of some sympathy. She listened in amazement, andthen said: "Why, do you think you could write a book like that?" Thatsettled the matter, and from that day no one knew what I was up to untilI sent the first four volumes of Gunboat Series to my father. Was itwork? Well, yes; it was hard work, but each week I had the satisfactionof seeing the manuscript grow until the "Young Naturalist" was allcomplete.--_Harry Castlemon in the Writer._

  GUNBOAT SERIES.

  Frank the Young Naturalist. Frank on a Gunboat. Frank in the Woods. Frank before Vicksburg. Frank on the Lower Mississippi. Frank on the Prairie.

  ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES.

  Frank Among the Rancheros. Frank in the Mountains. Frank at Don Carlos' Rancho.

  SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES.

  The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle. The Sportsman's Club Among the Trappers. The Sportsman's Club Afloat.

  FRANK NELSON SERIES.

  Snowed up. Frank in the Forecastle. T
he Boy Traders.

  ROUGHING IT SERIES.

  George in Camp. George at the Fort. George at the Wheel.

  ROD AND GUN SERIES.

  Don Gordon's Shooting Box. The Young Wild Fowlers. Rod and Gun Club.

  GO-AHEAD SERIES.

  Tom Newcombe. Go-Ahead. No Moss.

  WAR SERIES.

  True to His Colors. Rodney the Partisan. Rodney the Overseer. Marcy the Blockade-Runner. Marcy the Refugee. Sailor Jack the Trader.

  HOUSEBOAT SERIES.

  The Houseboat Boys. The Mystery of Lost River Canon. The Young Game Warden.

  AFLOAT AND ASHORE SERIES.

  Rebellion in Dixie. A Sailor in Spite of Himself. The Ten-Ton Cutter.

  THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.'S POPULAR JUVENILES: J. T. TROWBRIDGE.

  Neither as a writer does he stand apart from the great currents of lifeand select some exceptional phase or odd combination of circumstances.He stands on the common level and appeals to the universal heart, andall that he suggests or achieves is on the plane and in the line ofmarch of the great body of humanity.

  The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late _Our YoungFolks_, and continued in the first volume of _St. Nicholas_, under thetitle of "Fast Friends," is no doubt destined to hold a high place inthis class of literature. The delight of the boys in them (and of theirseniors, too) is well founded. They go to the right spot every time.Trowbridge knows the heart of a boy like a book, and the heart of a man,too, and he has laid them both open in these books in a most successfulmanner. Apart from the qualities that render the series so attractive toall young readers, they have great value on account of theirportraitures of American country life and character. The drawing iswonderfully accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable,Sellick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will wefind anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pipkin, Esq. Thepicture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, and where else in fictionis there a better nick-name than that the boys gave to poor littleStephen Treadwell, "Step Hen," as he himself pronounced his name in anunfortunate moment when he saw it in print for the first time in hislesson in school.