 CHAPTER XX. BEFORE THE PARTY. You'll be able to attend Ida Grayson's party after all, Dick," said Fosdick on Tuesday evening. Yes, said Dick. I was afraid that I should be wanted to grace the fashionable circles at Blackwells Island. But as my particular friend, Mickey McGuire, has kindly offered to go in my place, I shall be able to keep my other engagement. Mickey's a bad fellow. I'm afraid he is, said Dick. But he's never had a fair chance. His father was a drunkard, and he used to beat him and his mother till Mickey ran away from home and set up for himself. He's never had any good example, said him. You speak kindly of Mickey, considering he has always been your enemy. I haven't any ill will against Mickey," said Dick generously. If I ever can do him a good turn, I will. I've been luckier than he and most of my old companions. I'm going to do all I can to help them along. There's good in them if you can only bring it out. Dick spoke earnestly, in a very different tone from his usual one. He had a certain philosophy of his own, and had always taken the world easily, however it treated him. But he had a warm and sympathizing heart for the sufferings of others. And he felt that he was in a position to befriend his old associates, and encouraged them to hire aims and a better mode of life. You're a good fellow, Dick, said Fosdick. It isn't everybody that is so charitable to the faults of others. I know one, said Dick, smiling. You mean me, but I'm afraid you are mistaken. I can't say I feel very well-disposed towards Mickey McGuire. Maybe Mickey will reform and turn out well after all. It would be a wonderful change. Haven't both of us changed wonderfully in the last eighteen months? You were always a good fellow, even when you were ragged Dick. You say that because you are my friend, Fosdick. I say it because it's true, Dick. You were always ready to take the side of the weak against the strong, and share your money with those who were out of luck. I had a hard time till I fell in with you. Thank you, said Dick. If I ever want a first-rate recommendation, I'll come to you. What a lot of friends I've got. Mr. Gilbert offered to get me another place if I'd only resigned my situation at Rockwell and Cooper's. He's a very disinterested friend, said Fosdick, laughing. Do you think of accepting his offer? I'm afraid I might not be suited with the place he'd get me, said Dick. He thinks I'm best suited to adorn the office of a boot-black. Maybe he'd appoint me his private boot-black. But I'm afraid I shouldn't be able to retire on a fortune till I was two or three hundred, if I accepted the situation. What shall we wear to the party, Dick? We've got good suits of clothes. We can carry them to a tailor's and have them pressed. And they will look well enough. I saw a splendid necktie today at a store on Broadway. I'm going to buy it. You have a weakness for neckties, Dick. You see, Fosdick, if you have a striking necktie, people will look at it, and they won't criticize your face. There may be something in that, Dick. I feel a little nervous, though. It is the first fashionable party I ever attended. Well, said Dick, I haven't attended many. When I was a boot-black, I found it interfered with my business. And so I always declined all the fashionable invitations I got. You'd have made a sensation, said Fosdick. If you had appeared in the costume, you then wore. That's what I was afraid of. I don't want to make a sensation. I'm too modest. In fact, both the boys, though they were flattered by Ida's invitation, look forward rather nervously to the evening of the party. For the first time they were to meet and mingle on terms of equality with a large number of young people who had been brought up very differently from themselves. Dick could not help remembering how short a time had elapsed. Since, with his little wooden box strapped to his back, he used to call out, black your boots in the city park. Perhaps some of his old customers might be present. Still, he knew that he had improved greatly and that his appearance had changed for the better. It was hardly likely that anyone seeing him in Mr. Grayson's drawing room would identify him as the ragged Dick of other days. Then there was another ground for confidence. Ida liked him, and he had a sincere liking for the little girl for whom he had a feeling such as a brother has for a cherished younger sister. So Dick dressed himself for the party, feeling that he should get through it somehow. I need not say, of course, that his boots, shown with a luster not to be surpassed even by the professional expert of the Fifth Avenue Hotel. It was very evident that Dick had not forgotten the business by which he once gained his livelihood. When Dick had arranged his necktie to suit him, which I am bound to confess took at least a quarter of an hour, had carefully brushed his hair and dusted his clothes, he certainly looked remarkably well. Dick was not vain, but he was anxious to appear to advantage on his first appearance in society. It need not be added that Fosdick also was neatly dressed, but he was smaller and more delicate looking than Dick, and not likely to attract so much attention. As the boys were descending the stairs, they met Miss Payton. Really, Mr. Hunter, said that young lady. You look quite dazzling this evening. How many hearts do you expect to break this evening? I'm not in that line of business, said Dick. I leave that all to you. You're too bad, really, Mr. Hunter, said Miss Payton, highly pleased, nevertheless. I never think of such a thing. I suppose I must believe you, said Dick. But why is it that Mr. Clifton has looked so sad lately? Mr. Clifton would not think of poor me, said Miss Payton. If you only knew what he said about you the other day, do tell me. I couldn't. If you will, I'll give you. Thank you, interrupted Dick Grayley. But I never accept kisses from ladies over six years old. How can you say so, Mr. Hunter? I'm sorry to disappoint you, Miss Payton, but I really couldn't. As if I ever thought of such a thing, said Miss Payton in affected horror, I appeal to my friend Fozdick. Did I say so, Mr. Fozdick? Fozdick smiled. You mustn't appeal to me, Miss Payton. You and Mr. Hunter are so brilliant that I don't pretend to understand you. Then you won't tell me what Mr. Clifton said. It is too bad. I shan't sleep tonight for thinking of it. Suppose you ask Mr. Clifton. I don't know, but I will. Miss Payton went into the parlor, her heart fluttering with the thought that she had made a conquest of the gentleman referred to. As Mr. Clifton was a clerk on a small salary, continually in debt, and with no expectations, he could not be considered a very brilliant match. But Miss Payton was not very particular, and she would have readily changed her name to Clifton if the chance should present itself. As we may not have occasion to refer to her again, it may be as well to state that Mr. Clifton's Bacuni-area affairs came to a crisis some months afterwards. He had always been in the habit of laughing at Miss Payton, but in his straight he recollected that she was mistress of a few thousand dollars over which she had absolute control. Under these circumstances he decided to sacrifice himself. He accordingly offered his heart in hand and was promptly accepted. Miss Payton informed him that he was the object of her heart's tenderest affection, her first and only love. Mr. Clifton expressed no doubt of this, though he was aware that Miss Payton had been laying her snares for a husband for nearly ten years. The marriage took place at the boarding house, Dick and Fosdick being among the invited guests. Mr. Clifton, with his wife's money, bought a partnership in a retail store on 8th Avenue, where it is to be hoped he is doing a good business. Anyone desirous of calling upon him at his place of business is referred to the New York City Directory for his number. Whether Mr. or Mrs. Clifton live happily I cannot pretend to say, not being included in the list of their friends, but I am informed by my friend Dick, who calls occasionally, that Mrs. Clifton is as fascinating now as before her marriage, and very naturally scorns the whole sisterhood of old maids, having narrowly escaped becoming one herself. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Barry Eads. Fame and Fortune, or the Progress of Richard Hunter, by Horatio Alger. CHAPTER XXI. Ida Grayson's Party. When Dick and his friend reached Mr. Grayson's house, two carriages stood before the door, from each of which descended young guests, who, like themselves, had been invited to the party. One of these brought two young girls of twelve, the other two boys of twelve and fourteen, and their sister of ten. Entering with this party, the two boys felt less embarrassed than if they had been alone. The door was opened by a servant who said, young lady's dressing room, second floor, left hand room, young gentleman's dressing room opposite. Between directions, the boys went upstairs and entered a spacious chamber, where they deposited their outer garments, and had an opportunity to arrange their hair and brush their clothes. "'Is your sister here this evening?' asked one of the boys, addressing Dick. "'No,' said Dick soberly. She couldn't come. "'I'm sorry for that. She promised to dance with me the first lancers. "'Wouldn't I do as well?' asked Dick. "'I don't think you would,' said the other laughing. "'But I'll tell you what. You shall dance with my sister. "'I will with pleasure,' said Dick, if you'll introduce me.' "'Why, I thought you knew her,' said the other in surprise. "'Perhaps I did,' said Dick. "'But I exchanged myself off for another boy just before I came. And that makes a difference, you know. I shouldn't have known you if you hadn't spoken to me.' "'Do you know me now?' asked the other boy, beginning to understand that he had made a mistake. "'You live on twenty-first street, don't you?' "'Yes,' was the unexpected reply. For Dick had by a curious chance guessed right. "'Yes,' was the unexpected reply. "'For Dick had by a curious chance guessed right. You're Henry Cameron, after all.' "'No,' said Dick. "'My name is Richard Hunter. And mine is Theodore Seldon, but I suppose you knew that, as you knew where I live. "'If you're ready, we'll go downstairs.' "'Come, Fosdick,' said Dick. "'We're going to have the lancers first,' said Theodore. "'I had told my sister so. Have you a partner engaged?' "'No.' "'Then I'll introduce you to my sister. Come along.' "'I may explain here that Dick and Fosdick also had several times danced the lancers in the parlor at the boarding house in the evening, so that they felt reasonably confident of getting through respectively. Still, his new friend's proposal made Dick feel a little nervous. He was not bashful with boys, but he had very little acquaintance with girls or young ladies, and expected to feel ill at ease with them. Still, he could not think of a good reason for excusing himself from the promised introduction, and, after going up to Ida in company with his new friend and congratulating her on her birthday, he would not have known how to act if Theodore had not set him an example. He walked across the room to where one of the young ladies who had entered at the time he did was seated. "'Alice,' said Theodore, this is my friend Mr. Hunter, who would like to dance with you in the first lancers. Dick bowed, and Alice, producing a card, said, "'I shall be most happy. Will Mr. Hunter write his name on my card?' Dick did so, and was thankful that he could now write a handsome hand. "'Now,' said Theodore unceremoniously, "'I'll leave you two to amuse each other, while I go off in search of a partner.' "'I'm in for it,' thought Dick, seating himself on the sofa beside Alice. "'I wish I knew what to say.' "'Do you like the lancers?' inquired the young lady. "'Yes, I like it,' said Dick. "'But I haven't danced it much. I'm afraid I shall make some mistakes. "'I've no doubt we shall get along well,' said Alice. "'Where did you learn?' "'I learned at home,' said Dick. "'I thought I had not met you at Doddsworth. I attended dancing school their last winter.' "'No,' said Dick. "'I never took lessons.' "'Don't you like Ida Grayson?' "'Inquired Alice?' "'Yes, I like her very much,' said Dick sincerely. "'She's a sweet girl. She's a very intimate friend of mine. "'Who is that boy that came into the room with you?' "'His name is Henry Fosdick. "'He's going to dance with Ida. Come, let us hurry and get in the same set.' Dick offered his arm, and as the sets were already being formed, led his partner to the upper end of the room, where they were just in time to get into the same set with Ida. Theodore, with a girl about his own age, had already taken his position opposite Dick. Fosdick and Ida were the first couple, and opposite them Isaac and Isabella Selden, cousins of Theodore and Alice. They had scarcely taken their places when the music struck up. Dick felt a little flustered, but determined to do his best. Being very quick in learning figures, and naturally gracefully in his movements, he got through very creditably and without a mistake. "'I thought you expected to make mistakes,' said Alice Selden, as Dick led her back to her seat. "'I think you dance very well.' "'It was because I had such a good partner,' said Dick. "'Thank you for the compliment,' said Alice, courtesy profoundly. "'Seems to me you're very polite, Alice,' said Theodore, coming up. "'Mr. Hunter was paying me a compliment,' said Alice. "'I wish you'd tell me how,' said Theodore to Dick. "'I wish he would,' interrupted Alice. "'All your compliments are of the wrong kind.' "'It isn't expected that brothers should compliment their sisters,' said Theodore.' Mrs. Grayson came into the room during the dancing, and was pleased to see that Dick and Henry Fosdick, instead of sitting awkwardly in the corner, were taking their part in the evening's amusement. Dick made an engagement with Alice for another dance later in the evening, but danced the second with Ida Grayson, with whom, by this time, he felt very well acquainted. "'I didn't know you knew Alice Selden,' said Ida. "'Where did you meet her?' Her brother Theodore introduced me this evening. I did not know her before.' "'You haven't been here lately, Dick,' said Ida, familiarly. "'No,' said he. "'It's because I've been very busy.' "'You don't work in the evening, do you?' "'I study in the evening.' "'What do you study, Dick?' "'French, for one thing.' "'Can you speak French?' "'A little, not much.' "'I'm going to try you.' "'Comment vous, portez-vous, monsieur?' "'Très bien, mademoiselle.' "'Et vous?' "'That's right,' said Ida gravely. "'I can't talk much yet myself.' "'Who teaches you?' "'I have a private teacher.' "'So have I. She comes twice a week. "'When I don't know my lesson, she boxes my ears.' "'Is your teacher cross?' "'No,' said Dick, laughing. "'He doesn't box my ears.' "'That's because you are so large. "'I wish I could have you for my teacher. "'Ida asked Papa if you could only speak it like a native.' "'So I can,' said Dick. "'You can, really?' "'Yes, like a native of New York.' Ida laughed and was afraid that wouldn't do. When the dance was over and Dick was leading Ida to her seat, a surprise awaited him. A boy came forward hastily and said in a tone blending amazement with gratification. "'Is it possible that this is Dick Hunter?' "'Frank Whitney,' exclaimed Dick, clasping his hand cordially. "'How came you here?' "'Just the question I was going to ask you, Dick. "'But I'll answer first. "'I am spending a few days with some cousins in 37th Street. "'They are friends of the Grayson's "'and were invited here this evening and I with them. "'I little dreamed of meeting you here. "'I must say, Dick, you seem quite at home.' "'Mr. Grayson's been a kind friend of mine,' said Dick, "'and I've met Ida quite often. "'But I felt a little nervous about coming to this party. "'I was afraid I'd be like a cat in a strange garret. "'You're a wonderful boy, Dick. "'You look as if you had been used to such scenes all your life. "'I can hardly believe you're the same boy I met "'in front of the Aster House a little more than a year ago. "'If I'm changed, it's because of what you said to me then, "'you and your father. "'But for those words, I might still have been ragged Dick. "'I'm glad to hear you say that, Dick. "'But for all that, a great deal of credit is due to yourself.' "'I've worked hard,' said Dick, "'because I felt that I had something to work for. "'When are you going to enter college?' "'I expect to apply for admission in about two months. "'At Columbia College?' "'Yes. "'I'm glad of that. "'I shall hope to see you sometimes.' "'You will see me often, Dick.' "'Here the music struck up and the boys parted. "'It is unnecessary to speak farther "'of the events of the evening.' "'Dick made several other acquaintances "'and felt much more at ease than he had anticipated. "'He returned home, feeling that his first party "'had been a very agreeable one "'and that he had, on the whole, appeared to advantage.'" End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Of Fame and Fortune This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Barry Eads Fame and Fortune Or the Progress of Richard Hunter by Horatio Alger Chapter 22 Mickey McGuire Returns from the Island For three months, Mickey McGuire was not seen in his accustomed haunts. During his involuntary residence at the island, he often brooded over the treachery of Gilbert, to whom his present misfortune was due. He felt that he had been selfishly left to his fate by his equally guilty confederate. It had certainly been a losing speculation for poor Mickey. He had received but a paltry dollar for his services and in return he was deprived of his liberty for three months. The disgrace of being sent to the island, Mickey did not feel as dick would have done. He had been there too many times to care for that, but he did not like the restraints of the place and he did like the free and independent life of the streets from which for a time he was debarred. The result of Mickey's brooding was a strong thirst for vengeance upon the author of his misfortunes. He could do nothing at present, but only bide his time. Meanwhile, things went on pretty much as usual at the establishment in Pearl Street. Gilbert liked Dick no better than he had done. In fact, he disliked him more, but seeing the friendly relations between Dick and his employer found it prudent to treat him well whenever Mr. Rockwell was by. At other times he indulged in sneers and fault-finding, which Dick turned off good-humoredly or returned some droll answer which blunted the edge of the sarcasm and made the bookkeeper chaff with the feeling that he was no match for the boy he hated. Dick, by faithful attention to his duties and a ready comprehension of what was required of him, steadily advanced in the good opinion of everyone except Gilbert. Keep on as you have begun, Richard, said Mr. Murdock to him, and you'll be a member of the firm some time. Do you really think so, Mr. Murdock? Asked Dick with a flush of gratification. I really do. You have excellent abilities. Mr. Rockwell likes you, and you have only to continue steady and faithful, and you'll be sure to rise. You know what I was, Mr. Murdock. You are none the worse for that, Richard. It is a great credit to a boy to earn his own living when circumstances force it upon him. If his employment is an honest one, it is an honorable one. By such remarks as these, Dick was encouraged, and he felt that Mr. Murdock was a true friend to him. Meanwhile, a way was opening for his advancement. One day, Mickey Maguire appeared in his old haunts. The second day, he met Gilbert in the street, but the bookkeeper took not the slightest notice of him. That touched Mickey's pride and confirmed him in his resolution. He decided to make known to Mr. Rockwell Gilbert's share in the little plot, thinking that this would probably be the best method of injuring him. He ascertained by means of a directory with some difficulty, for Mickey's education was rather slight. The residents of Mr. Rockwell, and about eight o'clock in the evening, ascended the steps and rang the bell. He might have gone to his place of business, but Gilbert would be there, and he preferred to see Mr. Rockwell at home. The servants stared at the odd and not particularly prepossessing figure before her. Is Mr. Rockwell at home, asked Mickey? Yes. I want to see him. Did he tell you to call? It's on particular business, said Mickey. Stop here, and I'll tell him, said the girl. There's a boy at the door wants to see you, Mr. Rockwell, said the girl. Did you ask him in? No, sir. He looks like a suspicious character. Said Bridget, laying the stress on the second syllable. Mr. Rockwell rose and went to the door. What is your business? He asked. It's about Dick, ragged Dick, we used to call him, said Mickey. You mean Richard Hunter? Yes, said Mickey. He was took up for stealing a gentleman's pocketbook three months ago. But he was proved innocent, said Mr. Rockwell. So if you have anything to say against him, your time is thrown away. I know he was innocent, said Mickey. Another boy took it. Who was he? I did it. Then you did a wicked thing in stealing the money, and a mean thing in trying to get an innocent boy into trouble. I wouldn't have done it, said Mickey, if I hadn't been paid for it. Paid for stealing? Said Mr. Rockwell, astonished. Paid for trying to get Dick into trouble. That does not seem to be a very likely story, said Mr. Rockwell. Who would pay you money for doing such a thing? Mr. Gilbert, my bookkeeper? Yes, said Mickey vindictively. I can hardly believe this, said Mr. Rockwell. He paid me only a dollar for what I did, said Mickey, in an injured tone. He ought to have given me five dollars. He's a regular mean feller. And is this why you betray him now? No, said Mickey. It isn't the money, though it's mean to expect a feller to run the risk of being nabbed for a dollar. But when the cop got hold of me, I met him. And he said I was young scamp, and he didn't know anything about me. Is this true? asked Mr. Rockwell, looking keenly at Mickey. Mickey confirmed his statement by an oath. I don't want to hear you swear. I shall not believe you the sooner for that. Can you explain why Mr. Gilbert should engage in such a base conspiracy? He told me that he hated Dick, said Mickey. Do you like him? No, I don't, said Mickey honestly. But I hate Mr. Gilbert worse. Why do you hate Richard? Because he puts on heirs. I suppose, said Mr. Rockwell smiling, that means that he wears good clothes and keeps his face and hands clean. He wasn't nothing but a boot black, said Mickey in an injured tone. What are you? I'm a boot black too, but I don't put on heirs. Do you mean to be a boot black all your life? I don't know, said Mickey. There ain't anything else to do. Tell me truly, wouldn't you rather wear good clothes than poor ones and keep yourself clean and neat? Yes, I should, said Mickey after a slight hesitation. Then why do you blame Dick for preferring to do the same? He licked me once, said Mickey rather reluctantly, shifting his ground. What for? I fired a stone at him. You can't blame him much for that, can you? No, said Mickey slowly. I don't know as I can. For my own part, I have a very good opinion of Richard, said Mr. Rockwell. He wants to raise himself in the world and I am glad to help him. If that is putting on heirs, I should be glad to see you doing the same. There ain't no chance for me, said Mickey. Why not? I ain't lucky as Dick is. Dick may have been lucky, said Mr. Rockwell, but I generally find that luck comes oftenest to those who deserve it. If you will try to raise yourself, I will help you. Will you? asked Mickey in surprise. The fact was, he had been an Ishmaelite from his earliest years and while he had been surrounded by fellows like Limpy Jim, who were ready to encourage and abet him in schemes of mischief, he had never had any friends who deserved the name. That a gentleman like Mr. Rockwell should voluntarily offer to a system was indeed surprising. How old are you? asked Mr. Rockwell. Seventeen, said Mickey. How long have you blacked boots? Ever since I was eight or nine. I think it is time for you to do something else. What will I do? We must think of that. I must also think of the information you have given me in regard to Mr. Gilbert. You are certain you are telling the truth. Yes, said Mickey. It's the truth. Mickey did not swear this time and Mr. Rockwell believed him. Let me see, he said, reflecting. Can you be at my store tomorrow morning at ten o'clock? I can, said Mickey promptly. What is your name? Mickey McGuire. Good night, Michael. Good night, sir, said Mickey respectfully. He walked away with a crowd of new thoughts and new aspirations kindling in his breast. A gentleman had actually offered to help him on in the world. Nobody had ever taken any interest in him before. Life to him had been a struggle and a conflict, with very little hope of better things. He had supposed he should leave off blackening boots some time, but no prospect seemed open before him. Why shouldn't I get up in the world, he thought, with new ambition? He half confessed to himself that he had led a bad life, and vague thoughts of amendment came to him. Somebody was going to take an interest in him. That was the secret of his better thoughts and purposes. On the whole I begin to think there is hope for Mickey. Mr. Gilbert chanced to be looking out of the window of Mr. Rockwell's counting room, when he was unpleasantly surprised by the sudden apparition of Mickey McGuire. He was destined to be still more unpleasantly surprised. Mickey walked up to the main entrance and entered with an assured air. Gilbert hastened to meet him and prevent his entrance. Clear out of here, you young rascal, he said in a tone of authority. You're not wanted here. I've come on business, said Mickey, with a scowl of dislike showing no intention of retreating. I have no business with you, said Gilbert. Perhaps you haven't, said Mickey, but Mr. Rockwell has. Mr. Rockwell will have nothing to say to a vagabond like you. He told me to come, said Mickey resolutely, and I shan't go till I've seen him. Gilbert did not believe this, but suspected that Mickey intended to betray him. And to this, of course, he had a decided objection. Go out, he said empirically, or I'll make you. I won't, then, said Mickey defiantly. We'll see about that. Gilbert seized him by the shoulders, but Mickey was accustomed to fighting and made a vigorous resistance. In the midst of the fracas, Mr. Rockwell came up. What does this mean, he demanded in a quiet but authoritative tone? This young rascal has attempted to force his way in, said the bookkeeper, dissisting and with a flushed face. I asked to see you, said Mickey, and he said I shouldn't. I told him to come, said Mr. Rockwell. You may come into the counting room, Michael. Mr. Gilbert, I should like your presence also. In surprise, not unmingled with foreboding, Mr. Gilbert followed his employer and Mickey McGuire into the counting room. Mr. Gilbert, commenced Mr. Rockwell, are you acquainted with this boy? He blacked my boots on one occasion, said the bookkeeper. I know no more of him except that he is a young vagabond and a thief. Who hired me to steal, retorted Mickey. I don't think you would need any hiring. Mickey was about to retort in no choice terms, but Mr. Rockwell signed to him to be silent. This boy has made a charge against you, Mr. Gilbert. He said, which you ought to be made aware of. He is capable of any falsehood, said the bookkeeper, but he began to be nervous. I thought your acquaintance with him was very slight. So it is, but it is easy to judge from his looks what he is. That is not always a safe guide, but to the charge. He asserts that you hired him to fix the charge of theft upon Richard, on account of your dislike to him. So he did, and all he gave me was a dollar, said Mickey, agreed. That was mean. Do you believe this story? asked Gilbert, turning to Mr. Rockwell. I know that you dislike Richard, Mr. Gilbert. So I do. He's artful and bad, but you'll find him out someday. I don't think you do him justice. Artful is the very last word I should apply to him. You may be deceived. If I am, I shall never put confidence in any boy again, but you haven't answered the charge, Mr. Gilbert. It isn't worth answering, said the bookkeeper scornfully. Still, I would be glad to have you give an answer one way or the other, persisted Mr. Rockwell. Then it's a lie, of course. It's true, said Mickey. I hope you consider my word as of more value than this vagabonds, said Gilbert contemptuously. Why were you so anxious to prevent his entering, Mr. Gilbert? I didn't see what business he could possibly have here. Michael, will you give an account of all that has taken place between Mr. Gilbert and yourself? I do not yet feel satisfied. Mr. Rockwell, said Gilbert in a passion. I do not choose to submit to the insulting investigation you propose. My month is out next Thursday. I beg leave to resign my situation. Your resignation is accepted, said Mr. Rockwell quietly. If it is convenient to you, I should like to leave at once, said the bookkeeper, livid with passion. As you please, said his employer, your salary shall be paid up to the end of the month. To this, Gilbert offered no opposition. The balance of his salary was paid him, and he left the warehouse in a very unpleasant frame of mind, much to the gratification of Mickey McGuire, who felt that his vengeance was complete. Now, Michael, said Mr. Rockwell, I must see what I can do for you. Do you wish to give up your present business? Yes, said Mickey. I don't like it. I can give you a situation as errand boy in my own employ, said Mr. Rockwell. My head clerk will explain your duties. What wages will I get? asked Mickey anxiously. For the present, you shall have a dollar a day or six dollars a week. I will besides give you a new suit of clothes. Will that suit you? Yes, said Mickey, feeling as if he had unexpectedly become heir to a fortune. When will I begin? Tomorrow, if you like. Come here this afternoon at three, and I will send Richard with you to a clothing house. Just then Dick, who had been to the post office, entered, and Mr. Rockwell in a few words informed him of the changes that had taken place. I believe you and Michael haven't been very good friends, he added, but I trust you will get over that. Dick promptly offered his hand to his old enemy. I am glad you are coming here, Mickey, he said. I'll do all I can to help you on, and if we are not good friends, it won't be my fault. Do you mean that, Dick? said Mickey, almost incredulous. Yes, I do. I've acted mean by you more than once. If you have, it's all over now, said Dick. There's no use remembering it. You're a good fellow, Dick, said Mickey, and I ought to have known it before. Dick was gratified by this testimony from one who for years had been his active opponent, and he determined to help Mickey to turn over the new leaf, which was to bear a very different record from the old one. When Mickey had gone out, Mr. Rockwell said, Well, Richard, I have lost my bookkeeper. Yes, sir, said Dick, and I can't say I am sorry. I will do Mr. Gilbert the justice to say that he understood his business, but he was personally disagreeable, and I never liked him. Now I suppose I must look out for a successor. Yes, sir, I suppose so. I know a very competent bookkeeper, who is intending to go into business for himself at the expiration of six months. Until that time, I can secure his services. Now I have a plan in view, which I think you will approve. You shall at once commence the study of bookkeeping in a commercial school in the evening, and during the day, I will direct Mr. Haley to employ you as his assistant. I think in that way, you will be able to succeed him at the end of his term. Dick was completely taken by surprise. The thought that he saw recently plying in the trade of a boot black in the public streets could rise in six months to the responsible post of a bookkeeper in a large wholesale house seemed almost incredible. I should like nothing better, he said, his eyes sparkling with delight. If you really think I could discharge the duty satisfactorily, I think you could. I believe you have the ability, and of your fidelity, I feel assured. Thank you, sir. You are very kind to me, said Dick gratefully. I have reason to be, said Mr. Rockwell, taking his hand. Under God it is to your courage that I owe the life of my dear boy. I shall never forget it. One thing more. I intend Michael to undertake most of your present duties, such as going to the post office, etc. Do you think he will answer? I think so, said Dick. He has been a rough customer, but then he has never had a chance. I believe in giving everybody a chance. So do I, said Mr. Rockwell. Michael shall have his chance. Let us hope he will improve it. There are many boys and men too, who, like Mickey McGuire, have never had a fair chance in life. Let us remember that when we judge them, and not be too hasty to condemn. Let us consider also, whether it is not in our power to give someone the chance that may redeem him. That afternoon, Mickey McGuire was provided with a new suit of clothes, of which he felt very proud. The next morning on his way to the post office, he fell in with his old confederate, who regarded him with a glance of the most bewildering surprise. It ain't you, Mickey, is it? He asked cautiously, surveying his old comrade's neat appearance. When did you come back from the island? Shut up about the island, Jim, said Mickey. Do I look as if I had been there? You look knobby, said Jim. Where's your brush? I've give up the blackened business, said Mickey. You have? What are you going to do, sell papers? No, said Mickey consequentially. I'm in business on Pearl Street. Why? said Limpy Jim, surprised. That's where that upstart ragged dick works. He ain't an upstart, and he ain't ragged, said Mickey. He's a friend of mine, and if you insult him, I'll lame you. Oh, my eyes, ejaculated Jim, opening the organs of vision to a very wide extent. That's the biggest joke I ever heard of. You'll hear a bigger one pretty quick, said Mickey, rolling up his sleeves and squaring off scientifically. Limpy Jim, who had a respect for Mickey's prowess, incontinently fled, surveying Mickey from a safe distance with a look in which surprise seemed to mingle with incredulity. It may seem strange, but from that time forth, Dick had no firmer friend than Mickey McGuire, who, I am glad to say, though occasionally wayward, improved vastly and became a useful employee of the establishment which he had entered. Of course, both in ability and education, though in the last he gained considerably, he was quite inferior to Dick, but he was advanced as he grew older to the position of Porter, where his strength stood him in good stead. His pay increased also, and through Dick's influence, he was saved from vicious habits and converted from a vagabond to a useful member of society. And now, almost with regret, I find myself closing up the record of Dick's checkered career. The past with its trials is over, the future expands before him a bright vista of merited success, but it remains for me to justify the title of my story and show how Dick acquired fame and fortune. I can only hint briefly at the steps that led to them. In six months at the age of seventeen, Dick succeeded to Mr. Gilbert's place with a salary to commence with of $1,000. To this an annual increase was made, making his income at $21, $1,400. Just about that time, he had an opportunity to sell his uptown lots to a gentleman who had taken a great fancy to them for five times the amount he paid, or $5,000. His savings from his salary amounted to about $2,000 more. Meanwhile, Mr. Rockwell's partner, Mr. Cooper, from ill health felt obliged to withdraw from business, and Richard, to his unbounded astonishment and gratification, was admitted to the post of junior partner, embarking the capital he had already accumulated and receiving a corresponding share of the profits. These were so large that Richard was able to increase his interest yearly by investing his additional savings, and three years later he felt justified in offering his hand to Ida Grayson, whose partiality to Dick had never wavered. He was no longer ragged Dick now, but Mr. Richard Hunter, junior partner in the large firm of Rockwell & Hunter. Mr. Grayson felt that even in a worldly way Dick was a good match for his daughter. But he knew and valued still more his good heart and conscientious fidelity to duty and excellent principles and cheerfully gave his consent. Last week I read Dick's marriage in the papers and rejoiced in his new hopes of happiness. So Dick has achieved fame and fortune, the fame of an honorable and enterprising man of business, and a fortune which promises to be very large. But I am glad to say that Dick has not been spoiled by prosperity. He never forgets his humble beginnings and tries to show his sense of God's goodness by extending a helping hand to the poor and needy boys whose trials and privations he understands well from his own past experience. I propose in my next story to give an account of one of these boys and shall take the opportunity to give further information in regard to some of the characters introduced in this volume. This story, the third in the ragged Dick's juries, will be entitled by Mark the Match Boy or Richard Hunter's Ward. End of Chapter 23 End of Fame and Fortune or the Progress of Richard Hunter by Horatio Alger