FRANK RECEIVES A LETTER FROM MR. PERCIVAL
While Frank was waiting for an answer to a letter to Mr. Percival he
devoted part of his time to the business which was supposed to be his
only reason for remaining in Jackson.
I am bound to say that as regards this business his trip might be
pronounced a failure. There was little ready money in Jackson. Many of
the people were tenants of Mr. Percival, and found it difficult to pay
the excessive rents demanded by his agent. Of course, they had no money
to spare for extras. Even if they had been better off, there was little
demand for stationery in the village. The people were chiefly farmers,
and did not indulge in much correspondence.
When Frank returned to his boarding place on the afternoon of the first
day, Mr. Hamlin asked him, not without solicitude, with what luck he had
met.
"I have sold twenty-five cents' worth of note paper," answered Frank,
with a smile.
Mr. Hamlin looked troubled.
"How many places did you call at?" he inquired.
"About a dozen."
"I am afraid you will get discouraged."
"If you don't do better, you won't begin to pay expenses."
"That is true."
"But perhaps you may do better to-morrow."
"I hope so."
"I wish you could find something in Jackson that would induce you to
remain here permanently, and make your home with us. I would charge you
only the bare cost of board."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Hamlin. I should enjoy being with you, but I
don't believe I shall find any opening here. Besides, I like a more
stirring life."
"No doubt--no doubt! Boys like a lively place. Well, I am glad you feel
independent of your business."
"For a little time. I am afraid it wouldn't do for me to earn so little
for any length of time."
Frank enjoyed the society of Dick Hamlin. Together they went fishing and
hunting, and a mutual liking sprang up between them.
"I wish you were going to stay longer, Frank," said Dick. "I shall feel
very lonely when you are gone."
"We may meet again under different circumstances," said Frank. "While I
am here, we will enjoy ourselves as well as we can."
So the days passed, and at length a letter came from Mr. Percival. I
append the most important passages:
"Your report is clear, and I have perfect confidence in your statement.
Mr. Fairfield has abused my confidence and oppressed my tenants, and I
shall dismiss him. I am glad you have found in Jackson a man who is
capable of succeeding him. Solely upon your recommendation, I shall
appoint Mr. Hamlin my resident agent and representative for the term of
six months. Should he acquit himself to my satisfaction, he will be
continued in the position. I am prepared to offer him one hundred
dollars a month, if that will content him.
"Upon receipt of this letter, and the accompanying legal authority, you
may call upon Mr. Fairfield and require him to transfer his office, and
the papers and accounts connected with it, to Mr. Hamlin. I inclose a
check for three hundred dollars, payable to your order, which you may
make payable to him, in lieu of three months' notice, provided he
immediately surrenders his office. Should he not, I shall dismiss him
summarily, and proceed against him for the moneys he has misappropriated
to his own use, and you may so inform him."
With this letter was a letter to Mr. Fairfield, of the same purport, and
a paper appointing Mr. Hamlin agent.
When this letter was received, Frank was overjoyed, knowing how much
pleasure he was about to give his new friends.
With this appointment and salary, Mr. Hamlin would consider himself a
rich man, and Dick's hope for a liberal education might be realized.
The letter came just before supper, and, at the close of the evening
meal, Frank determined to inform his friends of their good fortune.
"Mr. Hamlin," said he, "I have some good news for you."
"Indeed!" said the farmer, surprised.
"Your rent will not be increased."
"But how do you know this! Has Mr. Fairfield told you so?"
"No," answered Frank. "I have a question to ask. Would you be willing to
take Mr. Fairfield's place at a hundred dollars a month?"
"Willing? I should be delighted to do so. But why do you say this?"
"Because," answered Frank, quietly, "I am authorized to offer it to you
at that salary."
The whole family looked at Frank in bewildered surprise. It occurred to
them that he might have become crazy.
"You!" exclaimed the farmer. "What can you have to do with the agency?"
Frank explained to a very happy family group and then he and Mr. Hamlin
set out for the house of the agent.