``Yousay`we，’’’commentedtheeditor，slightlysmiling。``AreyouandProfessorHendersonbusinesspartners？’’
　　``Notexactly，’’answeredHarry，amused，``Itaketicketsandassisthimgenerally。’’
　　``Howdoyoulikethebusiness？’’
　　``Verywell；butIshouldlikeyourbusinessbetter。’’
　　``Whatmakesyouthinkso？’’
　　``I
　　havebeenreadingthe`LifeofBenjaminFranklin。’Hewasaprinter。’’
　　``That’strue；butI’msorrytosayFranklinsarescarceinourprintingoffices。Inevermetoneyet。’’
　　``I
　　shouldn’texpecttoturnoutaFranklin；butIthinkonecouldn’thelpbeingimprovedbyfollowingthebusiness。’’
　　``Whatdidyoudobefore；orwasthatyourfirstsituation？’’
　　``Iwaspeggerinashoeshop。’’
　　``Didn’tyoulikethat？’’
　　``Wellenough；butIdon’tthinkIshouldliketobeashoemakerallmylife。Itdoesn’tgiveanychancetolearn。’’
　　``Thenyoulikelearning？’’
　　``Yes。
　　`LiveandLearn’——thatismymotto。’’
　　``Itisaverygoodone。Doyouevermeantobeaprinter？’’
　　``IfI
　　getachance。’’
　　``YoumaycomeintomyofficeonthefirstofApril，ifyoulike。OneofmymenwillleavemebythefirstofMay。Ifyouareasmartboyandreallywishtolearnthebusiness，youcanbreakinsoastobeusefulinfourweeks。’’
　　``I
　　shouldlikethat，’’saidHarry；``but，’’headded，withhesitation，``Iampoor，andcouldnotaffordtoworkfornothingwhileIwaslearning。’’
　　``I’lltellyouwhatI’lldo，then，’’saidtheeditor``I’llgiveyouyourboardforthefirstmonth，onconditionthatyou’llworkforsixmonthsafterwardfortwodollarsaweekandboard。That’safairoffer。Iwouldn’tmakeitifIdidn’tfeelassuredthatyouweresmart，andwouldintimebevaluabletome。’’
　　Harrystoppedtoconsider。
　　``I’llcome，’’saidhe，atlength；``thatis，ifmyfatherdoesnotobject。’’
　　``Quiteright。Ishouldnotliketohaveyouactcontrarytohiswishes。Isuppose，forthepresent，youwillremainwithProfessorHenderson。’’
　　``Yes，sir。’’
　　``Verywell。Letmehearfromyouwhenyouhavecommunicatedwithyourfather。’’
　　``Yes，sir。’’
　　Harrylefttheofficeplungedinthought。Itcameuponhimwithsurprise，thathehadengagedhimselftolearnanewbusiness，andthattheonewhichhehadlongedtofolloweversincehehadbecomeacquaintedwithFranklin’slife。
　　Whenhereturnedtothehotelhetoldtheprofessorwhathehaddone。
　　``Iamgladyouarenotgoingatonce，’’saidhisemployer，``forIshouldbesorrytoloseyou。IgenerallygiveuptravelingfortheseasonaboutthefirstofApril，sothatIshallthenbereadytoreleaseyou。Icommendyourchoiceofatrade。Manyofourbesteditorshavebeenpracticalprintersintheiryouth。’’
　　``I
　　shouldliketobeaneditor，butIdon’tknowenough。’’
　　``Notatpresent，butyoucanqualifyyourselftobecomeone——thatis，ifyoudevoteyoursparetimetoreadingandstudying。’’
　　``I
　　meantodothat。’’
　　``Thenyouwillhaveafairchanceofbecomingwhatyoudesire。Toacertainextent，aboy，oryoungman，holdsthefutureinhisownhands。’’
　　Harrywrotetohisfatheratonceinregardtotheplanwhichhehadinview。
　　``Ifyoudesiretobeaprinter，Harry，Ishallnotobject，’’repliedhisfather。
　　``Idonotsupposeitwillevermakeyourich。Ifyoudeterminetowinsuccessyouprobablywill。IfyoushouldleaveyourpresentplacebeforethefirstofApril，weshallbeverygladtohaveyoucomehome，ifonlyforadayortwo。
　　Weallmissyouverymuch——yourmother，particularly。Tomdoesn’tsaymuchaboutit，butIknowhewillbeasgladtoseeyouastherestofus。’’
　　Harryreadthisletterwithgreatpleasure，partlybecauseitbroughthimpermissiontodoashedesired，andpartlybecauseitwasgratifyingtohimtofeelthathewasmissedathome。Chapter23CHAPTERXXIII。
　　THEYOUNGTREASURER。
　　Onthemorningafterreceivingtheletterfromhisfather，Harrycamedowntobreakfast，butlookedinvainfortheprofessor。Whenhehadnearlyfinishedeating，aboyemployedaboutthehotelcametohisside。
　　``Thatgentlemanyou’rewithissick。Hewantsyoutocometohisroomassoonasyouarethroughbreakfast。’’
　　Harrydidnotwaittofinish，butatoncewentuptohisemployer’sroom。
　　``Areyousick，sir？’’heinquired，anxiously。
　　Theprofessor’sfacewasflushed，andhewastossingaboutinbed。
　　``Yes，’’heanswered。``IamafraidIamthreatenedwithafever。’’
　　``I
　　hopenot，sir。’’
　　``Iamsubjecttofevers；butIhopedImightnothaveanotherforsometimetocome。’’
　　``WhatcanIdoforyou，sir？’’
　　``I
　　shouldliketohaveyougoforthedoctor。Inquireofthelandlordwhoisthebestinthevillage。’’
　　``I
　　willgoatonce。’’
　　OninquiryourherowasinformedthatDr。Parkerwasthemosttrustedphysicianintheneighborhood，andheproceededtohishouseatonce。Thedoctorwas，fortunately，stillathome，andansweredthesummonsimmediately。Hefeltthesickman’spulse，andaskedhimavarietyofquestions。
　　``DoyouthinkIshallbelongsick？’’
　　``Thatisuncertain。Isupposeyouwillbelikelytobedetainedhereafortnight，atleast。’’
　　``I
　　wishIcouldgohome。’’
　　``Itwouldnotbesafeforyoutotravel，underpresentcircumstances。’’
　　``IfI
　　wereathomeIcouldbeundermywife’scare。’’
　　``Can’tshecomehere？’’
　　``Shehasthreeyoungchildren。Itwouldbedifficultforhertoleavethem。’’
　　``Whoistheboythatcalledatmyhouse？’’
　　``HarryWalton。Heismyassistant——takesmoneyatthedoorandhelpsmeinotherways。’’
　　``Ishetrustworthy？’’
　　``I
　　havealwaysfoundhimso。’’
　　``Whycan’theattenduponyou？’’
　　``I
　　meantoretainhimwithmethatis，ifhewillstay。Itwillbedullworkforaboyofhisage。’’
　　``Youcanobtainanurse，besides，ifneedful。’’
　　``Youhadbetterengageoneforme，asIcannotconfinehimhereallthetime。’’
　　``I
　　willdoso。Iknowofone，skillful，experienced，whoisjustnowatleisure。I
　　willsendherroundherethismorning。’’
　　``Whatishername？’’
　　``NotaveryromanticoneBetsyChase。’’
　　``I
　　supposethatdoesn’tpreventherbeingagoodnurse，’’saidtheprofessor，smiling。
　　``Notatall。’’
　　HereHarryenteredtheroom。
　　``Harry，’’saidtheprofessor，``thedoctortellsmeIamgoingtobesick。’’
　　``Iamverysorry，sir，’’saidourhero，withanairofconcern。
　　``I
　　shallprobablybedetainedhereatleastafort—night。Areyouwillingtoremainwithme？’’
　　``Certainly，sir。Ishouldnotthinkofleavingyou，sickandalone，ifyoudesiredmetostay。IhopeIcanmakemyselfusefultoyou。’’
　　``Youcan。Ishallneedyoutodoerrandsforme，andtositwithmeapartofthetime。’’
　　``Anursewillbeherethisafternoon，’’saidthedoctor。``Untilshecomesyouwillbeinattendancehere。’’
　　``Yes，sir。’’
　　``I
　　willdirectyouwhattodoandhowoftentoadministerthemedicines。Canyouremember？’’
　　``Yes，sir；Ishallnotforget。’’
　　AfterthedoctorwasgoneProfessorHendersonsaid：``AssoonasthenursecomesI
　　shallwantyoutorideovertothenexttown，Carmansville，andcountermandthenoticesforanexhibitionto—night。Ishallnotbeabletogiveentertainmentsforsometimetocome。Indeed，IamnotsurebutImustwaittillnextseason。’’
　　``HowshallIgoover？’’askedHarry。
　　``Youmaygetahorseandbuggyatthestableanddriveoverthere。Theroadisalittlewinding，butIthinkyouwon’tloseyourway。’’
　　``Oh，I’llfindit，’’saidHarry，confidently。
　　Itwasnottillthreeo’clockthatthenursemadeherappearance，anditwashalf—pastthreebeforeHarrystartedonhisway。
　　``Youneednothurryhome，’’saidtheprofessor。
　　``Infact，youhadbettertakesupperatthehotelinCarmansville。’’
　　Harrylefttheroom，andwassoononhiswaytoCarmansville。Oncehegotofftheroad，whichwasratheraperplexingone，buthesoonfounditagain。However，itwashalf—pastfivebeforehereachedthevillage，andnearlyanhourlaterbeforehehaddonetheerrandwhichbroughthimover。Finally，hecamebacktothetavern，and，beingbythistimehungry，wentinatoncetosupper。Hedidfulljusticetothemealwhichwassetbeforehim。Thedaywascold，andhiscoldridehadstimulatedhisappetite。
　　Whenhesatdowntothetablehewasalone；butaminuteafterwardasmall，dark—complexionedman，withheavyblackwhiskers，camein，andsatdownbesidehim。
　　``It’saprettycoldday，’’heremarked。
　　``Verycold，’’saidHarry。``IamdreadingmyridebacktoPentland。；’
　　``Doyouliveoverthere？’’
　　``No；I
　　amthereforashorttimeonly，’’Harryreplied。
　　``IamintheemployofProfessorHenderson，theventriloquist。’’
　　``ProfessorHenderson!Why，heisgoingtogiveanentertainmenthereto—night，isn’the？’’
　　``Hewas；butIhavecomeovertocountermandthenotice。’’
　　``Whatisthatfor？’’
　　``HeistakensickatPentland，andwon’tbeabletocome。’’
　　``Oh，that’sit。Well，I’msorry，forIshouldliketohavegonetohearhim。Soyouarehisassistant，areyou？’’
　　``I
　　takemoneyatthedoor，andhelphimwithhisapparatus。’’
　　``Haveyoubeenwithhimlong？’’
　　``Onlyafewweeks。’’
　　``Soyouarehistreasurer，areyou？’’askedthestranger，smiling。
　　``Ye—es，’’saidHarry，slowly，foritbroughttohismindthathehadonehundred—andfiftydollarsoftheprofessor’smoneyinhispocket，besidesthepocketbookcontaininghisown。Heintendedtohaveleftitwithhisemployer，butinthehurryofleavinghehadforgottentodoso。
　　``However，’’hesaid，reassuringhimself，``thereisnothingtobeafraidof。
　　Countrypeoplearenotrobbers。Burglarsstayinthecities。Ihavenothingtofear。’’
　　Herosefromthetable，followedbythestranger。
　　``Well，’’saidthelatter，``Imustbegoing。Howsoondoyoustart？’’
　　``Inafewminutes。’’
　　``Well，good—night。’’
　　``Good—night。’’
　　``Heseemsinclinedtobesocial，’’thoughtHarry，``butI
　　don’tfancyhimmuch。’’Chapter24CHAPTERXXIV。
　　``HELDUP。’’
　　Harrywassoononhiswayhome。Itwasalreadygettingdark，andhefeltalittleanxiouslestheshouldlosehisway。
　　Hehadgoneabouttwomiles，whenhecametoaplacewheretworoadsmet。Therewasnoguide—board，andhecouldnotrememberbywhichhehadcome。Luckily，ashethought，hedescriedamanalittleahead。Hestoppedthehorseandhailedhim。
　　``CanyoutellmewhichroadtotaketoPentland？’’heasked。
　　Themanaddressedturnedhishead，and，tohissurprise，ourhero，recognizedhistablecompanionattheinn。
　　``Oh，it’syou，myyoungfriend!’’hesaid。
　　``Yes，sir。CanyoutellmetherightroadtoPentland？Ihaveneverbeenthiswaybeforetoday，andIhaveforgottenhowIcame。’’
　　``I’mthinkingofgoingtoPentlandmyself，’’saidtheother。``Mysisterlivesthere。Ifyoudon’tmindgivingmealift，Iwilljumpinwithyou，andguideyou。’’
　　``Jumpin，sir，’’hesaid。``Thereisplentyofroom。’’
　　Thestrangerwasspeedilyseatedathisside。
　　``Taketheleft—handroad，’’hesaid。
　　Harryturnedtotheleft。
　　``It’sratherablindroad，’’observedthestranger。
　　``I
　　don’trememberthisroad，’’saidHarry，anxiously。``Areyousureweareright？’’
　　``Yes，yes，weareright。Don’ttroubleyourself。’’
　　``Theroaddidn’tseemsolonelywhenIcameoveritthisafternoon。’’
　　``Oh，that’stheeffectofsunshine。Nothingseemslonelyinthedaytime。Turndownthatlane。’’
　　``Whatfor？’’askedHarry，insurprise。``Thatcan’tbetheroadtoPentland。’’
　　``Nevermindthat。Turn，Itellyou。’’
　　Hiscompanionspokefiercely，andHarry’smindbegantoconceivealarmingsuspicionsastohischaracter。Buthewasbrave，andnoteasilydaunted。
　　``Thehorseandcarriagearemine，or，atleast，areundermydirection，’’hesaid，firmly，``andyouhavenocontroloverthem。Ishallnotturn。’’
　　``Won’tyou？’’retortedthestranger，withanoath，anddrewfromhispocketapistol。
　　``Won’tyou？’’
　　``I
　　willnot，’’saidHarry，pale，butdetermined。
　　``ThenIwillsaveyouthetrouble，’’andhiscompanionsnatchedthereinsfromhim，andturnedthehorsehimself。Resistancewas，ofcourse，useless，andourherowascompelledtosubmit。
　　``Produceyourpocketbook。’’
　　Harryhadtwopocketbooks。Theonecontainedhisownmoney——aboutfortydollarstheotherthemoneyofhisemployer。Thefirstwasinthesidepocketofhiscoat，thesecondinthepocketofhispants。Thelatter，aswasstatedintheprecedingchapter，containedonehundredandfiftydollars。Harryheartilyrepentednothavingleftitbehind，butitwastoolateforrepentance。Hecouldonlyhopethattherobberwouldbesatisfiedwithonepocketbook，andnotsuspecttheexistenceoftheother。Thereseemedbutlittlehopeofsavinghisownmoney。However，hedetrmined{sic}todoit，ifpossible。
　　``Hurryup，’’saidthestranger，impatiently。``Youneedn’tpretendyouhavenomoney。
　　Iknowbetterthanthat。Isawyoupaythelandlord。’’
　　``Thenhesawtheprofessor’spocketbook，’’thoughtHarry，uneasily。
　　``I
　　hopeyouwillleavemesomeofthemoney，’’saidHarry，producingthepocketbook。``ItisallIhave。’’
　　``Howmuchisthere？’’
　　``Aboutfortydollars。’’
　　``Humph!thatisn’tmuch。’’
　　``Can’tyouleavemefivedollars？’’
　　``No，I
　　can’t。Fortydollarsarelittleenoughtoservemyturn。’’
　　Sosaying，hecoollydepositedthepocketbookinthepocketofhispants。
　　``Willyouletmegonow，sir？’’
　　``I
　　havenotgotthroughmybusinessyet。That’saniceovercoatofyours。’’
　　``Iamasmallperson，’’proceededthemanwithblackwhiskers，``scarcelyanylargerthanyou。Ithinkit’llbeagoodfit。’’
　　``You’vegotanovercoatofyourown，sir，’’hesaid。``Youdon’tneedmine。’’
　　``Oh，I
　　wouldn’trobyouofyours，onanyaccount。Afairexchangeisnorobbery。Iamgoingtogivemineinexchangeforyours。’’
　　Thestranger’scoatwasroughandwellworn，and，atitsbest，hadbeeninferiortoHarry’scoat。
　　``I
　　shouldthinkyoumightbesatisfiedwiththepocketbook，’’hesaid。``Ihopeyouwillleavememycoat。’’
　　``Offwiththecoat，youngster!’’wasthesolereply。``Firstgetoutofthebuggy。
　　Wecanmaketheexchangebetteroutside。
　　Asoppositionwouldbeunavailing，Harryobeyed。Therobbertookfromhimthehandsomeovercoat，thepossessionofwhichhadaffordedhimsomuchsatisfaction，andhandedhimhisown``Fityouasifitwasmadeforyou，’’saidthestranger，withashortlaugh。``Yoursisatrifleslowforme，butIcanmakeitgo。No，don’tbeinsuchahurry。’’
　　HeseizedHarrybythearmashewasabouttojumpintothecarriage。
　　Heproducedaballofcordfromapocketofhisinsidecoat，andwithaknifeseveredaportion。
　　``Doyouknowwhatthisisfor？’’heasked，jeeringly。
　　``No。’’
　　``Say`No，sir。’It’smorerespectful。Well，I’llgratifyyourlaudablecuriosity。
　　It’stotieyourhandsandfeet。’’
　　``I
　　won’tsubmittoit，’’saidHarry，angrily。
　　``Won’tyou？’’askedtheother，coolly。``Thisisaveryprettypistol，isn’tit？I
　　hopeIshan’thavetouseit。’’
　　``Whatdoyouwanttotiemyhandsfor？’’askedHarry。
　　``Forobviousreasons，myyoungfriend。’’
　　``I
　　can’tdriveifmyhandsaretied。’’
　　``Correct，myson。Idon’tintendyoutodrivetonight。Givemeyourhands。’’
　　Harryconsideredwhetheritwouldbeadvisabletoresist。Thestrangerwasnotmuchlargerthanhimself。Hewasaman，however，andnaturallystronger。Besides，hehadapistol。Hedecidedthatitwasnecessarytosubmit。
　　``Now，’’
　　saidthestranger，settinghimupagainstthestonewall，whichborderedthelane，``Iwillbidyougood—night。Imighttakeyourhorse，but，onthewhole，Idon’twantit。Iwillfastenittothistree，whereitwillbeallreadyforyouinthemorning。That’sconsiderateinme。Good—night。Ihopeyouarecomfortable。’’
　　Hedisappearedinthedarkness，andHarrywasleftalone。Chapter25CHAPTERXXV。
　　THEGOODSAMARITAN。
　　Harry’sreflections，ashelayontheground，werenotthemostcheerful。Hewassittinginaconstrainedposture，hishandsandfeetbeingtied，and，moreover，thecoldairchilledhim。Thecoldwasnotintense，butashewasunabletomovehislimbshe，ofcourse，feltitthemore。
　　Thehorseevidentlybegantofeelimpatient，forheturnedroundandlookedatourhero，asmuchastosay，``Whyarewestoppinghere？Whydon’tyoukeepon？’’
　　``I
　　wishsomebodywouldcomethisway，’’thoughtHarry，andhelookedupanddownthelaneaswellashecould，butcouldseenoone。
　　Thehorsewhinniedagain，andagainlookedinquiringlyathisyoungdriver，butthelatterwasnotmasterofthesituation，andwasobligedtodisregardthemuteappeal。
　　``I
　　wondertherobberdidn’tcarryoffthehorse，’’thoughtHarry。``Isupposehehadhisreasons。Itisn’tlikelyheleftitoutofregardforme。’’
　　Twohourspassed，andHarrystillfoundhimselfaprisoner。Nopersonhadpassed，norhadheheardanysoundashelaythere，excepttheoccasionalwhinnyofthehorse，whichwastiedaswellashimself，anddidnotappeartoenjoyhisconfinementanybetter。
　　ItwasatthismomentthatHarry’sheartleapedwithsuddenhope，asheheardinthedistancethesoundofawhistle。Itmightbeaboy，oritmightbeaman；but，ashelistenedintently，heperceivedthatitwascomingnearer。
　　``I
　　hopeIcanmakehimhear，’’thoughtHarry，earnestly。
　　Itwasaboyofabouthisownage，whowasadvancingalongtheroadfromwhichhehadturnedintothelane。Theboywasnotalone，asitappeared，foralargedogranbeforehim。Thedogfirstnoticedthehorseandbuggy，andnextourhero，lyingontheground，and，concludingthatsomethingwaswrong，begantobarkviolently，circlinguncomfortablynearHarry，againstwhomheseemedtocherishhostiledesigns。
　　``What’sthematter，C鎠ar？’’shoutedhisyoungmaster。
　　Therewasanothervolleyofbarks，whichseemedlikedtobefollowedbyanattack。
　　Justatthismoment，however，luckilyforourhero，thedog’smastercameup。
　　``Why，C鎠ar，’’hecalled，``whatisthematterwithyou？’
　　``Pleasetakeyourdogaway；’’saidHarry。``Iamafraidhewillbiteme。’’
　　``Whoareyou？’’inquiredtheboy，insurprise。
　　``Comeanduntiethesecords，andIwilltellyou。’’
　　``What!
　　areyoutied？’’
　　``Yes，handandfoot。’’
　　``Whodidit？’’askedtheboy，inincreasingsurprise。
　　``I
　　don’tknowhisname，butherobbedmeofmypocketbookbeforedoingit。’’
　　``What，arobberaroundhere!’’exclaimedtheboy，incredulous。
　　``Yes；
　　ImethimfirstoverinCarmansville。Thankyou；nowmyfeet，ifyouplease。Itseemsgoodtobefreeagain’’；andHarryswunghisarms，andjumpedupanddowntobringbackthesenseofwarmthtohischilledlimbs。
　　``Howmuchmoneydidhetakefromyou？’’
　　``Fortydollars。’’
　　``That’sagooddeal，’’saidthecountryboy。``Wasityours？’’
　　``Yes。’’
　　``I
　　neverhadsomuchmoneyinmylife。’’
　　``Ithastakenmealmostsixmonthstoearnit。ButIhadmoremoneywithme，onlyhedidn’tknowit。’’
　　``Howmuch？’’
　　``A
　　hundredandfiftydollars。’’
　　``Wasityours？’’askedtheboy，surprised。
　　``No；
　　itbelongedtomyemployer。’’
　　``Whoishe？’’
　　``ProfessorHenderson，theventriloquist。’’
　　``Whereishestopping？’’
　　``OveratPentland。Heissickatthehotelthere。’’
　　``It’sluckyforyouIwasoutto—night。Iain’toftenoutsolate，butIwenttoseeafriendofmine，andstayedlaterthanImeantto。Comehomewithme。Thefolkswilltakeyouin，andthehorsecanbeputupinthebarn。’’
　　``I
　　supposetheywillfeelanxiousaboutmeoveratPentland。Theywon’tknowwhathasbecomeofme。’’
　　``Youcanstartearlyinthemorning——asearlyasyoulike。’’
　　``Perhapsitwillbebetter，’’saidHarry，afterapause。``Itwon’ttroubleyourfamilytoomuch，willit？’’
　　``Notabit，’’answeredtheboy，heartily。``Verylikelytheywon’tknowtillmorning，’’headded，laughing。``Theygotobedearly，andItoldthemtheyneedn’twaitupforme。’’
　　``Iamverymuchobligedtoyou，’’saidHarry。``Iwillacceptyourkindinvitation。
　　AsI’vegotahorse，wemayaswellride。I’lluntiehim，andyoujumpintothebuggy。’’
　　``Allright，’’saidtheboy，wellpleased。
　　``Youmaydrive，foryouknowthewaybetterthanI。’’
　　``Wheredidthishorsecomefrom？’’
　　``FromthestableinPentland。’’
　　``Perhapstheywillthinkyouhaverunawaywithit。’’
　　``I
　　hopenot。’’
　　``Whatisyourname？’’
　　``HarryWalton。Whatisyours？’’
　　``JeffersonSelden。TheboysusuallycallmeJeff。’’
　　``Isthatyourdog？’’
　　``Yea。
　　He’safinefellow。’’
　　``I
　　didn’tthinksowhenhewasthreateningtobiteme，’’saidHarry，laughing。
　　``I
　　usedtobeafraidofdogs，’’saidJeff；``butIgotcuredofitafterawhile。
　　WhenIgooutatnight，IgenerallytakeC鎠arwithme。Ifyouhadhadhim，youwouldhavebeenamatchfortherobber。’’
　　``Hehadapistol。’’
　　``C鎠arwouldhavehadhimdownbeforehecoulduseit。’’
　　``I
　　wishhehadbeenwithme，then。’’
　　Theyhad，bythistimecomeinsightofJeff’shouse。Itwasasquarefarmhouse，withabarnintherear。
　　``We’llgorightouttothebarn，’’saidJeff，``andputupthehorse。Thenwe’llcomebacktothehouseandgotobed。’’
　　Heenteredbythebacksheddoor，andHarryfollowedhim。Theywentintothebroad，lowkitchen，withitsamplefireplace，inwhichafewemberswereglowing。BytheseJefflightedacandle，andaskedHarryifhewouldhaveanythingtoeat。
　　``No，thankyou，’’saidHarry。``IateaheartysupperatCarmansville。’’
　　``Thenwe’llgoupstairstobed。Isleepinasmallroomovertheshed。Youwon’tmindsleepingwithme？’’
　　``Ishouldlikeyourcompany，’’saidHarry，whowasattractedtohisgood—naturedcompanion。
　　``Thencomeup。Iguesswe’llfindthebedwideenough。’’
　　Heledthewayupanarrowstaircase，intoaroomlowstudded，andveryplainly，butcomfortably，furnished。
　　``Thefolkswillbesurprisedtoseeyouhereinthemorning，’’saidJeff。
　　``Imaybegonebeforetheyareup。’’
　　``I
　　guessnot。Father’llbeupbyfiveo’clock，andIthinkthat’llbeasearlyasyou’llwanttobestirring。’’Chapter26CHAPTERXXVI。
　　THEREWARDOFFIDELITY。
　　``WhereamI？’’askedHarry，thenextmorning，ashesatupinbed，andstaredaroundhim。
　　``Don’tyouremember？’’askedJeff，smiling。
　　``Yes；
　　Iremembernow，’’saidHarry，slowly。``Whattimeisit？’’
　　``Seveno’clock。’’
　　``Seveno’clock!Imeanttobedressedatsix。’’
　　``ThatisthetimeIgotup，’’saidJeff。``YoulookedsocomfortablethatIthoughtitwasapitytowakeyou。Youmusthavefelttired。’’
　　``I
　　thinkitwasthecoldthatmademesleepy。IgotchilledthroughwhenIlayonthegroundthere，tiedhandandfoot。ButImustgetupinahurry。’’
　　``Now，’’saidJeff，``comedownintothekitchen，andmother’llgiveyousomebreakfast。I’vebeenupanhour，andfeelashungryasawolf。Socomedown，andwe’llseewho’lleatthemost。’’
　　``Icandomypart，’’saidHarry。``I’vegotagoodappetite，thoughI’vebeenupagooddeallessthananhour。’’
　　``Takeyourovercoatalong，’’saidJeff；``orwillyoucomeupandgetitafterbreakfast？’’
　　``I’lltakeitdownwithme。Itisn’tmycoat，youknow。Minewasamuchbetterone。’’
　　Jeffmeanwhilehadtakenupthecoat。
　　``There’ssomethinginthepocket，’’hesaid。``Whatisit？’’
　　Harrythrusthishandintothesidepocketforthefirsttime，anddrewoutashabbyleatherwallet。
　　Hehastilyopenedit，andhiseyesopenedwidewithastonishmentashedrewoutathickrollofbills。
　　``Byhokey!’’saidJeff，``you’reinluck。Therobbertookyourpocketbook，andlefthisown。’’
　　``Three——eight——eleven——thirteen——eighteen——twenty，’’Harrycountedaloud。Hecontinuedhiscount，whichresultedinshowingthatthewalletcontainedninety—sevendollars。
　　``Ninety—sevendollars!’’exclaimedJeff。``Howmuchdidyoulose？’’
　　``Fortydollars。’’
　　``Thenyou’vemadejustfifty—sevendollars。Bullyforyou!’’
　　``ButI’veexchangedagoodovercoatforapoorone。’’
　　``Therecan’tbemorethanseventeendollarsdifference。’’
　　``Notsomuch。’’
　　``Thenyou’refortydollarsbetteroff，atanyrate。’’
　　``ButI
　　don’tknowasIcanclaimthismoney，’’saidHarry，doubtfully。``Itisn’tmine。IwillaskProfessorHendersonaboutthat。Atanyrate，I’vegotmymoneyback，that’sonegoodthing。’’
　　ThistimelydiscoverymadeHarrydecidedlycheerful，and，ifanything，sharpenedhisappetiteforbreakfast。
　　``I
　　shalltakecarehowIcarrymuchmoneyaboutwithme，afterthis，’’saidHarry。
　　``Thatwaswhatgotmeintoascrapeyesterday。’’
　　``Hewouldn’tmakeoutmuchifhetriedtorobme，’’saidJeff。``Ihaven’tgotenoughmoneyaboutmetopaytheboardofafull—grownflyfortwenty—fourhours。’’
　　``Youdon’tlookasifyourpovertytroubledyoumuch，’’saidhismother。
　　``I
　　don’thaveanyboardbillstopay，’’saidJeff，``soIcangetalong。’’
　　``I
　　shouldthinkyouwouldfeelnervousaboutridingtoPentlandalone，’’saidMrs。
　　Selden，``forfearofmeetingthemanwhorobbedyouyesterday。’’
　　``Idodreaditalittle，’’saidHarry，``havingsomuchmoneyaboutme。Besidesthisninety—sevendollars，I’vegotahundredandfiftydollarsbelongingtomyemployer。’’
　　``SupposeIgowithyoutoprotectyou，’’saidJeff。
　　``I
　　wishyouwould。’’
　　``Ifyouwouldliketorideoverwithyourfriend，youmaydoso，’’saidhismother。
　　``Buthowwillyougetback？’’
　　``MajorPinkhamwillbeuptherethisafternoon。Icanwait，andridehomewithhim。’’
　　``Verywell；Ihavenoobjection。’’
　　Thetwoboysrodeofftogether。Harrywasgladtohaveacompanionwhoknewtheroadwell，forhedidnotcaretobelostagaintillhehaddeliveredupthemoneywhichhehadincharge。TherewasnoopportunitytotestJeff’scourage，forthehighwaymandidnotmakehisappearance。
　　WhenHarryarrivedatPentland，hefoundthatnolittleanxietyhadbeenfeltabouthim。
　　``HasHarrycomeyet？’’askedthesickman，atteno’clocktheeveningprevious。
　　``No，hehasn’t，’’answeredthenurse。
　　``It’sstrangewhatkeepshim。’’
　　``Didhehaveanymoneyofyourswithhim？’’
　　``Yes，Ibelieve：hehad。’’
　　``Howmuchdidhehave？’’
　　``I
　　can’tsayexactly。Overahundreddollars，Ibelieve。’’
　　``Thenhewon’tcomeback，’’saidMrs。Chase，decidedly。
　　Heretheconferenceclosed，asitwasnecessaryforMr。Hendersontotakemedicine。
　　``Hastheboyreturned？’’askedtheprofessor，thenextmorning。
　　``Youdon’texpecthim，doyou？’’
　　``CertainlyIexpecthim。’’
　　``Well，heain’tcome，andIguesshewon’tcome。’’
　　``Iamsurethatboyishonest，’’saidProfessorHendersontohimself。``Ifheisn’t，I’llnevertrustaboyagain。’’
　　Mrs。
　　Chasewasgoingdownstairswithherpatient’sbreakfastdishes，whenshewasnearlyrunintobyourhero，whohadjustreturned，andwaseagertoreporttohisemployer。
　　Mrs。
　　Chasewassocuriousthatshereturned，withthedishes，tohearHarry’sstatement。
　　``Good—morning，’’saidHarry，enteringthechamber。``I’msorrytohavebeensolongaway，butIcouldn’thelpit。Ihopeyouhaven’tworriedmuchaboutmyabsence。’’
　　``I
　　knewyouwouldcomeback，butMrs。Chasehadherdoubts，’’saidProfessorHenderson，pleasantly。``Nowtellmewhatwasitthatdetainedyou？’’
　　``A
　　highwayman，’’saidHarry。
　　``A
　　highwayman!’’exclaimedboth，inconcert。
　　``Yes。
　　I’lltellyouallaboutit。But，first，I’llsaythatheonlystolemymoney，anddidn’tsuspectthatIhadahundredandfiftydollarsofyourswithme。That’sallsafe。Hereitis。Ithinkyouhadbettertakecareofthatyourself，sir，hereafter。’’
　　TheprofessorglancedsignificantlyatMrs。Chase，asmuchastosay，``Youseehowunjustyoursuspicionswere。Iamright，afterall。’’
　　``Tellusallaboutit，Harry。’’
　　Ourheroobeyedinstructions；butitisnotnecessarytorepeatafamiliartale。
　　``Massysakes!’’ejaculatedBetsyChase。``Whoeverheeredthelike？’’
　　``I
　　congratulateyou，Harry，oncomingofwithsuchflyingcolors。Iwill，atmyownexpense，provideyouwithanewovercoat，asarewardforbringinghomemymoneysafe。Youshallnotloseanythingbyyourfidelity。’’Chapter27CHAPTERXXVII。
　　INDIFFICULTY。
　　WemustnowtransferthescenetotheWaltonhomestead。
　　Itlookedverymuchthesameasonthedaywhenthereaderwasfirstintroducedtoit。Povertyreignswithundisputedsway。Mr。Waltonisreadingaborrowednewspaperbythelightofacandleforitisevening——whileMrs。Waltonisengagedinhernever—endingtaskofmendingoldclothes。
　　``Itseemsstrangewedon’thearfromHarry，’’saidMrs。Walton，lookingupfromherwork。
　　``Whenwasthelastletterreceived？’’askedMr。Walton，layingdownthepaper。
　　``Overaweekago。Hewrotethattheprofessorwassick，andhewasstoppingatthehoteltotakecareofhim。’’
　　``Perhapshisemployerisrecovered，andheisgoingaboutwithhim。’’
　　``Perhapsso；butIshouldthinkhewouldwrite。
　　Iamafraidheissickhimself。Hemayhavecaughtthesamefever。’’
　　``Itispossible；butIthinkHarrywouldletusknowinsomeway。Atanyrate，itisn’tbesttoworryourselvesaboutuncertainties。’’
　　``I
　　wonderifHarry’sgrown？’’saidTom。
　　``Ofcoursehe’sgrown，’’saidMary。
　　``I
　　wonderifhe’sgrownasmuchasIhave？’’saidTom，complacently。
　　``I
　　don’tbelieveyou’vegrownabit。’’
　　``Yes，Ihave；ifyoudon’tbelieveit，seehowshortmypantsare。’’
　　``Yououghttohavesomenewpants，’’saidhismother，sighing；``butIdon’tseewherethemoneyistocomefrom。’’
　　``NorI，’’saidMr。Walton，soberly。``SomehowIdon’tseemtogetaheadatall。
　　To—morrowmynoteforthecowcomesdue；andIhaven’tbuttwodollarstomeetit。’’
　　``Howlargeisthenote？’’
　　``Withsixmonths’interest，itamountstoforty—onedollarsandtwentycents。’’
　　``Yousayyouwon’tbeabletomeetthepayment。Whatwillbetheconsequence？’’
　　``I
　　supposeSquireGreenwilltakebackthecow。’’
　　``Perhapsyoucangetanothersomewhereelse，onbetterterms。’’
　　``I’mafraidmycreditwon’tbeverygood。IagreedtoforfeittendollarstoSquireGreenifIcouldn’tpayattheendofsixmonths。’’
　　``Willheinsistonthatcondition？’’
　　``Iamafraidhewill。Heisahardman。’’
　　``Then，’’saidMrs。Walton，indignantly，``hedeservetoprosper。’’
　　``Wordly{sic}prosperitydoesn’talwaysgobymerit。Plentyofmeanmenprosper。’’
　　BeforeMrs。Waltonhadtimetoreply，aknockwasheardatthedoor。
　　``Gotothedoor，Tom，’’saidhisfather。
　　Tomobeyed，andshortlyreappeared，followedbyasmallmanwithathinfigureandwrinkledface，thosedeep—set，craweyespeeredabouthimcuriouslyasheenteredtheroom。
　　``Good—evening，SquireGreen，’’saidMr。Walton，politely，guessinghiserrand。
　　``Good—evenin’，Mrs。Walton。Theair’skinderfrosty。Iain’tsoyoungasIwasonce，anditchillsmyblood。’’
　　Theoldmansatdownandspreadhishandsbeforethefire。
　　``Iwaslookin’overmypapersto—night，neighbor，andIcomeacrossthatnoteyougiveforthecow。Fortydollarswithinterest，whichmakesthewholecometoforty—onedollarsandtwentycents。To—morrow’sthedayforpayin’。Isupposeyou’llbeready？’’andtheoldmanpeeredatHiramWaltonwithhislittlekeeneyes。
　　``Nowforit，’’thoughtHiram。’I’msorrytosay，SquireGreen，’’heanswered，``thatIcan’tpaythenote。Timeshavebeenhard，andmyfamilyexpenseshavetakenallIcouldearn。’’
　　Thesquirewasnotmuchdisappointed，fornowhewasentitledtoexacttheforfeitoftendollars。
　　``Thecontrackprovidesthatifyoucan’tmeetthenoteyoushallpaytendollars，’’hesaid。
　　``Is’poseyoucandothat。’’
　　``SquireGreen，Ihaven’tgotbuttwodollarslaidby。’’
　　``Twodollars!’’repeatedthesquire，frowning。
　　``Thatain’thonest。Youknewthenotewascomin’due，andyou’doughterhaveprovidedtendollars，atleast。’’
　　``I’vedoneasmuchasIcould。I’vewantedtomeetthenote，butIcouldn’tmakemoney，andIearnedallIcould。’’
　　``Youain’tbeenequinomical，’’saidthesquire，testily。
　　``I
　　shouldliketohaveyoutellushowwecaneconomizeanymorethanwehave，’’
　　saidMrs。Walton，withspirit。``Justlookaroundyou，andseeifyouthinkwehavebeenextravagantinbuyingclothes。IamsureIhavetodarnandmendtillIamactuallyashamed。’’
　　``
　　’Tain’tnoneofmybusiness，aslongasyoupaymewhatyouoweme，’’saidthesquire。``AllIwantismymoney，andI’dorterhaveit。’’
　　``Itdoesn’tseemrightthatmyhusbandshouldforfeittendollarsandlosethecow。’’
　　``Thatwasthecontrack，Mrs。Walton。Yourhusbandagreedtoit，and————’’
　　``Thatdoesn’tmakeitjust。’’
　　``
　　’Tain’tnomore’nafairpricefortheuseofthecowforsixmonths。Efyou’llpaythetendollarsto—morrow，I’llletyouhavethecowsixmonthslongeronthesamecontrack。’’
　　``I
　　don’tseeanypossibilityofmypayingyouthemoney，SquireGreen。Ihaven’tgotit。’’
　　``Whydon’tyouborrersomewhere？’’
　　``I
　　mightaswelloweyouasanotherman。Besides，Idon’tknowanybodythatwouldlendmethemoney。’’
　　``Well，I’llcomeroundto—morrownight，andIhopeyou’llbeready。Good—night。’’
　　Noverycordialgood—nightfollowedSquireGreenashehobbledoutofthecottage。Hewasamean，miserly，graspingman，whohadnoregardforthefeelingsorcomfortofanyoneelse；whosemasterpassionwasaselfishloveofaccumulatingmoney。Hismoneydidhimlittlegood，however，forhewasasmeanwithhimselfaswithothers，andgrudgedhimselfeventhenecessariesoflife，because，ifpurchased，itmustbeattheexpenseofhishoards。Thetimemustcomewhenheandhismoneymustpart，buthedidnotthinkofthat。Chapter28CHAPTERXXVIII。
　　SETTLED。
　　TherewasageneralsilenceafterSquireGreen’sdeparture。HiramWaltonlookedgloomy，andtherestofthefamily，also。
　　``Whatanawfulmeanmanthesquireis!’’Tombrokeout，indignantly。
　　``You’reright，foronce，’’saidMary。
　　Ingeneral，suchremarkswererebukedbythefatherormother；butthetruthofTom’sobservationwassoclear，thatforoncehewasnotreproved。
　　``SquireGreen’smoneydoeshimverylittlegood，’’saidHiramWalton。``Richasheis，andpoorasI
　　am，Iwouldratherstandinmyshoesthanhis。’’
　　``I
　　shouldthinkso，’’saidhiswife。``Moneyisn’teverything。’’
　　``No；
　　butitisagooddeal。Ihavesufferedtoomuchfromthewantofittodespiseit。’’
　　``Well，Hiram，’’saidMrs。Walton，``youknowthatthesongsays，`There’sagoodtimecoming。’’’
　　``I’vewaitedforitalongtime，wife，’’saidthefarmer，soberly。
　　``Waitalittlelonger，’’saidMrs。Walton，quotingtherefrainofthesong。
　　Hesmiledfaintly。
　　``Children，it’stimetogotobed，’’saidMrs。Walton。
　　``Mayn’tIsitupalittlelonger？’’pleadedMary。
　　``
　　`Waitalittlelonger，’mother，’’saidTomlaughing，ashequotedhismother’swordsagainsther。
　　``Tenminutesonly，then。’’
　　Beforetenminuteswereover，therewasgreatandunexpectedjoyinthelittlehouse。
　　Suddenlytheouterdooropened，and，withouttheslightestwarningtoanyone，Harrywalkedin。
　　``Wheredidyoucomefrom，Harry？’’askedMary。
　　``Droppeddownfromthesky，’’saidHarry，laughing。
　　``Hastheprofessorbeengivingexhibitionsupthere？’’askedTom。
　　``I’vedischargedtheprofessor，’’saidHarry，gayly。
　　``I’mmyownmannow。’’
　　``Andyou’vecomehometostay，Ihope，’’saidhismother。
　　``Notlong，mother，’’saidHarry。``Icanonlystayafewdays。’’
　　``Whatabullyovercoatyou’vegoton!’’saidTom。
　　``Theprofessorgaveittome。’’
　　``Hasn’thegotoneforme，too？’’
　　Harrytookoffhisovercoat，andTomwasstruckwithfreshadmirationashesurveyedhisbrother’sinsidesuit。
　　``I
　　guessyouspentallyourmoneyonclothes，’’hesaid。
　　``I
　　hopenot，’’saidMrs。Walton，whomexperiencehadmadeprudent。
　　``Notquiteall，’’saidHarry，cheerfully。``HowmuchmoneydoyouthinkIhavebroughthome？’’
　　``Tendollars，’’saidTom。
　　``Twenty，’’saidMary。
　　``Whatdoyousaytofiftydollars？’’
　　``Oh，whatalotofmoney!’’saidMary。
　　``Youhavedonewell，myson，’’saidMr。Walton。
　　``Youmusthavebeenveryeconomical。’’
　　``I
　　triedtobe，father。ButIdidn’tsayfiftydollarswasallIhad。’’
　　``Youhaven’tgotmore？’’saidhismother，incredulously。
　　``I’vegotahundreddollars，mother，’’saidHarry。
　　``Herearefiftydollarsforyou，father。It’llpayyournotetoSquireGreen，andalittleover。Herearethirtydollars，mother，ofwhichyoumustusetenforyourself，tenforMary，andtenforTom。Iwantyoualltohavesomenewclothes，toremembermeby。’’
　　``But，Harry，youwillhavenothingleftforyourself。’’
　　``Yes，Ishall。Ihavekepttwentydollars，whichwillbeenoughtillIcanearnsomemore。’’
　　``I
　　don’tseehowyoucouldsavesomuchmoney，Harry，’’saidhisfather。
　　``Itwaspartlyluck，father，andpartlyhardwork。I’lltellyouallaboutit。’’
　　Hesatdownbeforethefire，andtheylistenedtohisnarrative。
　　ThecloudthatSquireGreenhadbroughtwithhimhadvanished，andallwassunshineandhappiness。
　　ItwasagreedthatnohintshouldbegiventoSquireGreenthathisnotewastobepaid。HedidnotevenhearofHarry’sarrival，andwasquiteunconsciousofanychangeinthecircumstancesofthefamily，whenheenteredthecottagethenextevening。
　　``Well，neighbor，’’hesaid，``I’vebroughtalongthat’erenote。Ihopeyou’veraisedthemoneytopayit。’’
　　``WheredoyouthinkIcouldraisemoney，squire？’’askedHiramWalton。
　　``I
　　thoughtmebbesomeoftheneighborswouldlendittoyou。’’
　　``Moneyisn’tveryplentywithanyofthem，squire，exceptwithyou。’’
　　``I
　　calc’latebetterthanthey。Hevyougotthetendollarsthatyouagreedtopayefyoucouldn’tmeetthenote？’’
　　``Don’tyouthink，squire，it’sratherhardonapoorman，tomakehimforfeittendollarsbecausehecan’tmeethisnote？’’
　　``A
　　contrack’sacontrack，’’saidthesquire。``It’stheonlywaytodobusiness。’’
　　``I
　　thinkyouaretakingadvantageofme，squire。’’
　　``No，I
　　ain’t。Youneedn’thevcometomeefyoudidn’twantto。Ididn’taskyoutobuythecow。I’lltroubleyouforthattendollars，neighbor，asI’minahurry。’’
　　``Onthewhole，squire，IthinkI’llsettleupthenote。That’llbecheaperthanpayingtheforfeit。’’
　　``What!
　　payforty—onedollarsandtwentycents!’’ejaculatedthesquire，incredulously。
　　``Yes；
　　it’smorethanthecow’sworth，butasIagreedtopayit，IsupposeImust。’’
　　``I
　　thoughtyoudidn’thevthemoney，’’saidthesquire，hislowerjawfalling；forhewouldhavepreferredthetendollarsforfeitandarenewaloftheusuriouscontract。
　　``I
　　didn’thaveitwhenyouwereinlastnight；butI’veraiseditsince。’’
　　``Yousaidyoucouldn’tborrowit。’’
　　``I
　　didn’tborrowit。’’
　　``Thenwherediditcomefrom？’’
　　``MysonHarryhasgothome，squire。Hehassuppliedmewiththemoney。’’
　　``Youdon’tsay!Whereishe？Beena—doin’well，hashe？’’
　　Harryenteredtheroomandnoddedrathercoldlytothesquire，whowasdisposedtopatronizehim，nowthathewaswelldressed，andappearedtobedoingwell。
　　``I’mgladtoseeye，Harry。Soyou’vemademoney，hevye？’’
　　``A
　　little。’’
　　``Hevyoucomehometostay？’’
　　``No，sir；Ishallonlystayafewdays。’’
　　``Whathevyebeendoin’？’’
　　``Iamgoingtobeaprinter。’’
　　``Youdon’tsay!Isitagoodbusiness？’’
　　``I
　　thinkitwillbe，’’saidHarry。``Icantellbetterbyandby。’’
　　``Well，I’mgladyou’redoin’sowell。NeighborWalton，whenyouwantanothercowI’lldoaswellbyyouasanybody。I’llgiveyoucreditforanotheronthesameterms。’’
　　``IfI
　　concludetobuyany，squire，Imaycomeround。’’
　　``Well，good—night，all。Harry，youmustcomeroundandseemebeforeyougoback。’’
　　Harrythankedhim，butdidnotproposetoaccepttheinvitation。Itwasnotinhisnaturetobehypocritical，andheexpressednopleasureatthesquire’saffabilityandpoliteness。
　　ThushasbeendetailedafewofHarry’searlyexperiences。Hehasneitherlivedlongnorlearnedmuchasyet，norhasherisenveryhighintheworld。Infact，heisstillatthebottomoftheladder。
　　Weleavehimwiththehopethathemaycontinueinthepathheseemstohavechosen，foritleadstoSuccess，whilewewouldimpressonthereaderthatthoughtheoppositecoursemayappearforatimetobefruitful，itwillultimatelyleadtofailure。