"ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL!"
IT was a moment of considerable suspense to the boys when Mr. Snodgrass,
bustling forward, looked down at the injured man. Jem with clinched
teeth glared up at him, but said nothing, waiting for the other to
speak.
"I'm sorry to see you hurt in this way, Jem," said the magnate. "Just as
soon as I received your letter I went to the city, and had a little
heart-to-heart talk with Messrs. Bolten and Hall, my former partners in
that real-estate deal of some years ago. I threatened them with
immediate prosecution if they did not own up to deceiving both of us;
and Jem, here they are ready to eat humble pie, and make good that
property they defrauded you out of some years ago. Fool that I was never
to have suspected the truth; but thank Heaven, it isn't too late yet.
We'll soon fix this thing; and after they've made good, Jem Shock, I'm
going to offer you my check for fifty thousand dollars for that land of
yours; because it's doubled in value since you let it pass from your
hands."
Rufus fairly beamed with happiness.
"What did I tell you, Jem Shock?" he burst out with. "I knew my father
wouldn't stand for a crooked real estate deal. He's proud of the record
he's made, and lots of people think he's the only honest land speculator
there is. And now perhaps you will shake hands with him, Jem; yes, and
with me, too. The Snodgrasses aren't so _very_ bad a tribe, once you get
to know them."
Jem had some difficulty in grasping the wonderful change that had come
about in his financial condition, when later on the two real estate men
admitted that they had played a sharp trick upon him, for which they
were genuinely sorry--Lil Artha winked several times very hard when he
heard them say this, and thought of "alligator's tears."
Jem even offered his hand to the man he had for years been condemning as
an unworthy friend, and a treacherous dealer in land.
Conrad was the happiest little fellow imaginable. He would run from his
father to Elmer and pat their hands; then back again to kiss his mother,
and possibly shake hands with Lil Artha, Alec and Rufus.
"It's all happened because of the scouts coming up here to camp," he
said in the midst of his great joy. "Oh! what don't we owe to you,
Elmer?"
"He fixed my broken leg as fine as any army surgeon could have done, for
one thing," admitted Jem Shock, now looking as though a great load had
been taken off his shoulders; "and for that alone I could always
remember the boy. Yes, it's been a great day for all of us. I'm glad now
that tree caught me, and all the time I lie around waiting for the bone
to knit, I'll be saying that I got just what I deserved for thinking
evil of any man."
"None of that, Jem," said Mr. Snodgrass, with more or less asperity.
"You were justified in holding hard feelings toward me, and thinking me
a scoundrel. For once in my life I allowed a pair of precious knaves to
dupe me, and never suspected how matters stood until I had your letter.
But I forced them to make restitution. I stood ready to land them both
behind the bars if they refused."
Messrs. Bolten and Hall had departed before this was said, pleading an
important engagement, and promising to do anything else Mr. Snodgrass
demanded, so long as he kept his word not to make the affair public, as
it would ruin their legitimate business to have it known that they had
been concerned in one big shady deal. Doubtless their ears must have
burned as they retraced their way in the direction of the car that had
brought them from the distant station; but then, since all was now well,
even Jem Shock could forgive them.
While Mr. Snodgrass spent two days in camp with the boys, he had plenty
of chances of hearing Conrad play, for the boy kept his promise to come
over with his wonderful Stradivarius violin, and charm them with his
magical music. The gentleman agreed with Elmer that the child was very
precocious, and had the "touch" that had made his grandfather
illustrious.
"It would be a great crime," he said, "if such wonderful genius failed
to find expression. If his father was unable to send him to the right
master I'd certainly insist on it myself. And between us, boys, I'm
determined on forcing Jem Shock to allow me to advance all the funds
needed to put Conrad where he belongs. It's the only way I can make up
in part for my unconscious share in his troubles."
Later on this same thing was arranged, and Conrad, it is needless to
say, is at present studying hard under the best violin teacher in New
York. Those who watch his career are loud in their praise, and say that
when his time comes to appear in public, all such stars as Elman,
Kreisler and Maud Powell will have to take a "back seat."
Of course since George had not been present when all these wonderful
events came about, the others were forced to give him every possible
opportunity to learn the exciting details. He asked a thousand
questions, and heard the whole story told over and over again, from the
time the expedition left camp up to the unexpected meeting between Jem
and Mr. Snodgrass, and the humbling of the pair of precious real estate
sharks.
Indeed, it usually did take several tellings to convince so skeptical a
fellow as Doubting George, especially when there was something quite out
of the common going on.
The balance of the scouts' stay in camp up at Raccoon Bluff was filled
with all sorts of good times. Lil Artha went fishing over at the twin
lakes, and came back with as heavy a load of fish as he could stagger
under. He announced that never before in all his varied experience had
he known such gallant fighters as those bronzed-backed warriors of
Mirror Lake. His arms fairly ached from reeling them in; and he would
never forget what a glorious morning he had had there. Of course this
caused Elmer also to long to wet a line; and as Alec expressed a desire
to see how the thing was done over in America--he had actually caught a
big salmon once upon a time in a Scotch loch--he insisted on going
along.
This was only a part of the glorious times they enjoyed. Rufus even got
busy again with his surveyor's outfit, and did a little more work, just
to "keep his hand in," he said; but as Alec had other things on the
programme that he fancied much better than "running a line," or
"slashing" through a thicket with an ax and bush hook, he absolutely
balked on giving up much more time to that sort of thing.
They took pictures, and Elmer made sure to get one of the tree that in
falling had arched the streamlet in such a remarkable way. Elmer also
tried a few night exposures, catching some of the prowling 'coons in the
act of stealing bait from a trap set so that when the trigger was sprung
there would be a flashlight exposure, and the startled little animal
would really take its own picture, being "caught in the act."
Besides they paid many visits to Jem's cabin, always carrying over heaps
of good things to eat, despite the protests of Conrad's mother. Elmer
explained that greedy George had deceived Rufus, who provided the
provender for the week's campaign; and that consequently they had
brought enough along to last a whole month; which they hated to "tote"
back again, and so wished her to accept a few trifles, because Jem would
not be able to be moved for some weeks, and hence no supplies could be
laid in.
Conrad, of course, always played for them, and even George, whose ear
for music was not of the best, for he rather preferred ragtime to
"classical stuff," admitted that the little fellow did wield a magical
bow, and could fairly make that "fiddle talk" when he got down to
serious business.
They saw no more ferocious wildcats, though for several nights after the
storm, Rufus complained that he was kept awake by some sort of plaintive
mewing, though he was unable to exactly locate the sounds. Elmer feared
that this might be caused by a kitten left behind by the cat Lil Artha
had been compelled to slay in order to save Alec from rough clawing. He
even hunted around during the daytime, hoping to find the small beast,
but was unable to do so. Finally, the mewing was heard no more; from
which they concluded that the kitten had either succumbed to hunger, or
else, being fairly able to provide for itself, had departed for other
fields.
The 'coons, however, afforded the campers no end of amusement by their
curious antics. George gave it as his opinion that whoever named that
particular section of country Raccoon Bluff knew his business, for never
had he seen one half so many of the "bushy-tails" as during their stay
there.
They proved to be great pests in the bargain, stealing whatever cooked
food was left over; and becoming so tame, that it was a common
occurrence to have several prowling around at any time of the day; while
at night one of the campers found it necessary to rush out of the tent
several times during the period of darkness in order to "shoo" the
impudent rascals away.
Mr. Snodgrass had enjoyed himself heartily during the parts of two days
he stayed with the boys. He expressed deep regret that pressing demands
of business caused him to start back to town, Rufus seeing him safely
to the nearest station, some six miles distant, as the crow flies.
And from what they all saw of Mr. Snodgrass during his stay, the others
were inclined to believe Rufus knew what he was talking about when he so
boldly told Jem Shock that his father was as "honest as the day was
long," and "the best man that ever lived." Elmer concluded that any
father who had so lived that his boy believes this of him has a right to
be proud, and feel that "example is much better than precept." Too many
fathers, Elmer realized, act upon the theory that a boy can maintain his
respect for his parent who advises him to "do as I say, not as I do."
When finally the time came for breaking camp, the two tenderfeet felt
sure they had made giant strides along the road that led to their
goal--the distinction of becoming a first-class scout. They had learned
innumerable things since leaving home; indeed, life looked altogether
different nowadays, because they saw ten interesting things where before
there had appeared but one. And the thirst for knowledge had gripped
them so that never again would either Rufus or Alec be content to plod
along as before, "seeing things as through a glass darkly," and not more
than half comprehending what wonders surround boys of today on every
side, if only they have the vision to notice and comprehend.
There is really no need for us to accompany Elmer, George, Lil Artha
and the tenderfoot squad home again. But the story of their achievements
while up there in camp at Raccoon Bluff will always make a bright page
in the annals of the Hickory Ridge Boy Scouts. Of course we expect to
meet these good friends again at no far distant day, in the pages of
another volume, wherein may be detailed further of their interesting and
often thrilling adventures. Until that time comes we must lower the
curtain, and write the last words,
THE END
THE EDWARD S. ELLIS SERIES
STORIES OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN; MYSTERY, ROMANCE AND ADVENTURE
Every red blooded American Boy and Girl will be greatly pleased with
these books. They are written by the master writer of such books, EDWARD
S. ELLIS. There is mystery, charm and excitement in each volume. All the
following titles can be procured at the same place this book was
procured, or they will be sent postpaid for 25c per copy or 5 for $1.00.
Astray in the Forest
River and Forest
Lost in the Rockies
Bear Cavern
The Lost River
Boy Hunters in Kentucky
The Daughter of the Chieftain
Captured by the Indians
Princess of the Woods
Wolf Ear: The Indian
_Read every one of the above Titles You will enjoy them_
M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
_Manufacturers and Publishers Since 1861_
701-733 SOUTH DEARBORN STREET CHICAGO
FURRY FOLK STORIES
By JANE FIELDING
A series of life tales of our four-footed friends, as
related by the animals. These stories are entertaining
and pleasing to the young and old alike. Bound in
cloth and illustrated. Colored wrapper.
_Price each 50 cents postpaid_
1. Bear Brownie _The Life of a Bear_
2. Jackie Hightree _Adventures of a Squirrel_
3. Kitty Purrpuss _The Memoir of a Cat_
4. Master Reynard _The History of a Fox_
5. Scamp _A Dog's Own Story_
6. Wee Willie Mousie _Life from his own Viewpoint_
THE JINGLE BOOK
By CAROLYN WELLS
_Price each 60 cents postpaid_
A popular book of Jingles by this well-known writer. A
comic illustration on every page. Bound in cloth and
beautifully stamped in colors. Each is book wrapped in
a jacket printed in colors.
LET'S MAKE BELIEVE STORIES
By LILIAN T. GARIS
Delightful and fascinating stories; printed from
large, clear type on a superior quality of paper,
Frontispiece and jacket printed in full colors. Bound
in cloth and stamped from appropriate dies.
_Price each 50 cents postpaid_
1. Let's Make Believe We're Keeping House
2. Lets Play Circus
3. Let's Make Believe We're Soldiers
M . A . DONOHUE . & . COMPANY
711 . SOUTH . DEARBORN . STREET . . CHICAGO
UNCLE WIGGILY SERIES
By HOWARD R. GARIS
Four titles of these famous books, fifty-two stories in each. Printed
from large, clear type on a superior quality of paper. Numerous
illustrations and jacket printed in full colors. Bound in cloth.
_Price each $1.00 Postpaid_
_Uncle Wiggily and Alice in Wonderland_
_Uncle Wiggily and Mother Goose_
_Uncle Wiggily Longears_
_Uncle Wiggily's Arabian Nights_
THOSE SMITH BOYS
By HOWARD R. GARIS
New and complete editions printed from new plates on a superior quality
paper. Each book is wrapped in a special jacket printed in colors.
Appropriately stamped and handsomely bound in cloth.
_Price each 60c Postpaid_
_Those Smith Boys_
_Those Smith Boys on the Diamond_
THE DADDY SERIES
By HOWARD R. GARIS
Mr. Garis has won the hearts of little folks with his stories. Each is
founded on animal lore and is told in simple language. Large, clear
text. Special jacket printed in colors. Bound in clothene.
_Price each 35c Postpaid_
_Daddy Takes Us Camping_
_Daddy Takes Us Fishing_
_Daddy Takes Us to the Circus_
_Daddy Takes Us Skating_
_Daddy Takes Us Coasting_
_Daddy Takes Us Hunting Flowers_
_Daddy Takes Us Hunting Birds_
_Daddy Takes Us to the Woods_
_Daddy Takes Us to the Farm_
_Daddy Takes Us to the Garden_
M . A . DONOHUE . & . COMPANY
711 . SOUTH . DEARBORN . STREET . . CHICAGO
Boy Inventors' Series
The author knows these subjects from a practical standpoint. Each book
is printed from new plates on a good quality of paper and bound in
cloth. Each book wrapped in a jacket printed in colors.
_Price 60c each_
1. Boy Inventors' Wireless Triumph
2. Boy Inventors' and the Vanishing Sun
3. Boy Inventors' Diving Torpedo Set
4. Boy Inventors' Flying Ship
5. Boy Inventors' Electric Ship
6. Boy Inventors' Radio Telephone
The "How-to-do-it" Books
These books teach the use of tools; how to sharpen them; to design and
layout work. Printed from new plates and bound in cloth. Profusely
illustrated. Each book is wrapped in a printed jacket.
_Price $1.00 each_
1. Carpentry for Boys
2. Electricity for Boys
3. Practical Mechanics for Boys
_For Sale by all Book-sellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of
the above price._
M . A . DONOHUE . & . COMPANY
711 . SOUTH . DEARBORN . STREET . . CHICAGO
The Aeroplane Series
By JOHN LUTHER LANGWORTHY
1. The Aeroplane Boys; or, The Young Pilots First Air Voyage
2. The Aeroplane Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics
3. The Aeroplane Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a Wreck
4. The Aeroplane Boys' Flights; or, A Hydroplane Round-up
5. The Aeroplane Boys on a Cattle Ranch
The Girl Aviator Series
By MARGARET BURNHAM
Just the type of books that delight and fascinate the
wide awake Girls of the present day who are between
the ages of eight and fourteen years. The great author
of these books regards them as the best products of
her pen. Printed from large clear type on a superior
quality of paper; attractive multi-color jacket
wrapper around each book. Bound in cloth.
1. The Girl Aviators and the Phantom Airship
2. The Girl Aviators on Golden Wings
3. The Girl Aviators' Sky Cruise
4. The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly.
_For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c._
M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
701-733 S. DEARBORN STREET CHICAGO
* * * * *
Transcriber's Notes:
Obvious punctuation errors repaired.
Page 49, "for" changed to "from" (from the entire party)
Page 56, "import" changed to "impart" (promised to impart)
Page 99, "walk" changed to "talk" (the talk was of)
Page 113, "virtuosa" changed to "virtuoso" (the old virtuoso)
Page 132, "wind-brake" changed to "wind-break" (sort of wind-break)
Page 186, "excitment" changed to "excitement" (charm and excitement)
End of Project Gutenberg's Boy Scouts: Tenderfoot Squad, by Alan Douglas