The Cash Boy Read online

  CHAPTER XXI

  JOHN WADE'S DISAPPOINTMENT

  Mr. Wharton sat at dinner with his nephew and the housekeeper. Hehad been at home for some time, and of course on his arrival had beengreeted with the news of our hero's perfidy. But, to the indignation ofMrs. Bradley and John, he was obstinately incredulous.

  "There is some mistake, I am sure," he said. "Such a boy as Frank isincapable of stealing. You may be mistaken after all, John. Why did younot let him stay till I got back? I should like to have examined himmyself."

  "I was so angry with him for repaying your kindness in such a way that Iinstantly ordered him out of the house."

  "I blame you, John, for your haste," said his uncle. "It was not just tothe boy."

  "I acted for the best, sir," he forced himself to say in a subdued tone.

  "Young people are apt to be impetuous, and I excuse you; but you shouldhave waited for my return. I will call at Gilbert & Mack's, and inquireof Frank himself what explanation he has to give."

  "Of course, sir, you will do what you think proper," said his nephew.

  This ended the conversation, and Mr. Wharton, according to his declaredintention, went to Gilbert & Mack's. He returned disappointed with theinformation that our hero was no longer in the store.

  I now return to Mr. Wharton at dinner.

  "Here is a letter for you, sir," said the housekeeper. "It was broughtby the postman this afternoon."

  Mr. Wharton adjusted his spectacles and read as follows:

  "No.-- Wall Street.

  "Dear Sir: Will you have the kindness to call at my office to-morrowmorning at eleven o'clock, if it suits your convenience? I have animportant communication to make to you, which will, I think be of anagreeable character. Should the time named not suit you, will you havethe kindness to name your own time?

  "Yours respectfully,

  "MORRIS HALL."

  "Read that, John," said his uncle, passing him the letter.

  "Morris Hall is a lawyer, I believe, sir," said John.

  "Have you any idea of the nature of the communication he desires tomake?"

  "No idea at all."

  "If it would relieve you, sir, I will go in your place," said John,whose curiosity was aroused.

  "Thank you, John, but this is evidently a personal matter. I shall godown there to-morrow at the appointed time."

  John was far from suspecting that the communication related to Frank,though he had heard the day previous from Nathan Graves of the boy'sescape. He had been very much annoyed, and had given his agent a severescolding, with imperative orders to recapture the boy, if possible.

  It was not without a feeling of curiosity that Mr. Wharton entered thelaw office of Mr. Hall. He announced himself and was cordially welcomed.

  "You have a communication to make to me," said Mr. Wharton.

  "I have."

  "Tell me all without delay."

  "I will, sir. This is the communication I desire to make."

  The story of John Wade's treachery was told, and the means by whichhe had imposed upon his uncle, but the lawyer carefully abstained fromidentifying the lost grandson with Frank Fowler.

  When the story was concluded, Mr. Wharton said:

  "Where is my grandson--my poor George's boy? Find him for me, and nameyour own reward."

  "I will show him to you at once, sir. Frank!"

  At the word, Frank, who was in an inner office, entered. Mr. Whartonstarted in amazement.

  "Frank!" he exclaimed. "My dear boy, is it you who are my grandson?"

  "Grandfather!"

  Mr. Wharton held out his arms, and our hero, already attached to him forhis kindness, was folded in close embrace.

  "Then you believe I am your grandson?" said Frank.

  "I believe it without further proof."

  "Still, Mr. Wharton," said the lawyer, "I want to submit my whole proof.Mrs. Parker!"

  Mrs. Parker entered and detailed her part in the plot, which forfourteen years had separated Frank from his family.

  "Enough!" said Mr. Wharton. "I am convinced--I did not believe mynephew capable of such baseness. Mrs. Parker, you shall not regret yourconfession. I will give you a pension which will relieve you from allfear of want. Call next week on Mr. Hall, and you shall learn whatprovision I have made for you. You, Frank, will return with me."

  "What will Mr. John say?" asked Frank.

  "He shall no longer sleep under my roof," said Mr. Wharton, sternly.

  Frank was taken to a tailor and fitted out with a handsome new suit,ready-made for immediate use, while three more were ordered.

  When Mr. Wharton reached home, he entered the library and rang the bell.

  To the servant who answered he said:

  "Is Mr. John at home?"

  "Yes, sir; he came in ten minutes ago."

  "Tell him I wish to see him at once in the library. Summon thehousekeeper, also."

  Surprised at the summons, John Wade answered it directly. He and Mrs.Bradley met at the door and entered together. Their surprise and dismaymay be conjectured when they saw our hero seated beside Mr. Wharton,dressed like a young gentleman.

  "John Wade," said his uncle, sternly, "the boy whom you malign, the boyyou have so deeply wronged, has found a permanent home in this house."

  "What, sir! you take him back?"

  "I do. There is no more fitting place for him than the house of hisgrandfather."

  "His grandfather!" exclaimed his nephew and the housekeeper, in chorus.

  "I have abundant proof of the relationship. This morning I have listenedto the story of your treachery. I have seen the woman whose son,represented to me as my grandson, lies in Greenwood Cemetery. I havelearned your wicked plans to defraud him of his inheritance, and I tellyou that you have failed."

  "I shall make my will to-morrow, bequeathing all my property to mygrandson, excepting only an annual income of two thousand dollars toyourself. And now I must trouble you to find a boarding place. Afterwhat has passed I do not desire to have you in the family."

  "I do not believe he is your grandson," said John Wade, too angry toheed prudential considerations.

  "Your opinion is of little consequence."

  "Then, sir, I have only to wish you good-morning. I will send for mytrunks during the day."

  "Good-morning," said Mr. Wharton, gravely, and John Wade left the room,baffled and humiliated.

  "I hope, sir," said the housekeeper, alarmed for her position; "I hopeyou don't think I knew Mr. Frank was your grandson. I never was soastonished and flustrated in my life. I hope you won't discharge me,sir--me that have served you so faithfully for many years."

  "You shall remain on probation. But if Frank ever has any fault to findwith you, you must go."

  "I hope you will forgive me, Mr. Frank."

  "I forgive you freely," said our hero, who was at a generousdisposition.

  CHAPTER XXII

  CONCLUSION

  Meanwhile poor Grace had fared badly at the poorhouse in Crawford. Itwas a sad contrast to the gentle and kindly circle at Mr. Pomeroy's.What made it worse for Grace was, that she could hear nothing of Frank.She feared he was sick, or had met with some great misfortune, whichprevented his writing.

  One day a handsome carriage drove up to the door. From it descended ourhero, elegantly attired. He knocked at the door.

  Mrs. Chase, who was impressed by wealth, came to the door in a flutterof respect, induced by the handsome carriage.

  "What do you wish, sir?" she asked, not recognizing Frank.

  "Miss Grace Fowler!" repeated Mrs. Chase, almost paralyzed at Gracebeing called for by such stylish acquaintances.

  "Yes, my sister Grace."

  "What! are you Frank Fowler?"

  "Yes. I have come to take Grace away."

  "I don't know as I have the right to let her go," said Mrs. Chase,cautiously, regretting that Grace was likely to escape her clutches.

  "Here is an order from Deacon Pinkerton, chairman of the overseers ofthe
poor."

  "That is sufficient. She can go. You look as if you had prospered in thecity," she added, with curiosity.

  "Yes. I have found my grandfather, who is very wealthy."

  "You don't say!" ejaculated Mrs. Chase. "I'll tell Grace at once."

  Grace at work in the kitchen had not heard of the arrival. What was hersurprise when Mrs. Chase, entering the room, said, graciously:

  "Go up at once, Grace, and change your clothes. Your brother has comefor you. He is going to take you away."

  Grace almost gasped for breath.

  "Is it true?"

  "It is indeed. Your brother looks remarkably well. He is rich. He hasfound a rich grandfather, and has come for you in a carriage."

  In amazed bewilderment Grace went upstairs and put on her best dress,poor enough in comparison with her brother's clothes, and was soon happyin his embrace.

  "I am glad to see you, my dear child," said Mr. Wharton, who hadaccompanied Frank. "Will you come to the city and live with me and yourbrother?"

  "Oh, sir, I shall be glad to be wherever Frank is."

  "Good-bye, my dear child," sand Mrs. Chase, whose feelings were verymuch changed, now that Grace was a rich young lady. "Come and see mesome time."

  "Thank you, Mrs. Chase. Good-bye!"

  The carriage rolled on.

  * * * * *

  A few words only remain. Our hero was placed at a classical school,and in due time entered college, where he acquitted himself withdistinction. He is now making a tour of Europe. Grace was also placed atan excellent school, and has developed into a handsome and accomplishedyoung lady. It is thought she will marry Sam Pomeroy, who obtained aplace in a counting-room through Mr. Wharton's influence, and is nowhead clerk, with a prospect of partnership. His father received a giftof five thousand dollars from Mr. Wharton as an acknowledgment of hiskindness to Frank. Tom Pinkerton holds a subordinate clerkship in thesame house, and is obliged to look up to Sam as his superior. It chafeshis pride, but his father has become a poor man, and Tom is too prudentto run the risk of losing his situation. John Wade draws his incomeregularly, but he is never seen at his uncle's house.

  Mr. Wharton is very happy in his grandson, and made happier by theintelligence just received from Europe of Frank's engagement to abrilliant young New York lady whom he met in his travels. He bids fair,though advanced in age, to live some years yet, to witness the happinessof his dear grandson, once a humble cash-boy.