SUCCESS COMES STRANGELY.
On his return to Chicago, Bert went back to Mrs. Shelby's
boarding-house, and was cordially received. His board bill was but six
dollars a week, and he took care not to spend any money unnecessarily
for outside expenses.
About the middle of the week he received a letter from Uncle Jacob, to
whom he had telegraphed his movements.
This is an extract therefrom:
"You will be surprised to learn that your father is sick at
Lakeville, under your mother's care. I don't think his trouble is
physical so much as mental. If, by your help, his reputation is
vindicated, and he is relieved from suspicion, I am sure he will
soon be himself again.
"There is some risk, no doubt, in the step he has taken. He might
be denounced and arrested, if information were given to the
authorities. But a long time has elapsed since the charge was made,
and no one in Lakeville was cognizant of the circumstances except
Albert Marlowe, and, though he may learn that the city boarder at
your house is your father, I cannot believe he would be so base as
to give a hint to the authorities. If he should, the letter of
Ralph Harding's which you forwarded will throw suspicion upon him.
I am anxious, however, to have you find the man himself, as his
oral testimony will avail more than any letters. You may assure
him, if found, that he will be liberally dealt with, if he helps
clear your father.
"I don't know how you may be situated as to money, and I therefore
send you an order for fifty dollars. Present it to Clement Green,
of No. 13-1/2 La Salle Street, and he will cash it. He is not a
banker, but an insurance agent, with whom I am well acquainted. I
am glad to hear that you have left the stage, as it will permit you
to devote your entire time to hunting up Ralph Harding."
On account of the income from his dramatic engagement, Bert had spent
but little of his uncle's money for the last three weeks. However, he
thought it best to cash the order at once, as he might have unforeseen
expenses. He accordingly made his way to the office on La Salle Street
to which he had been directed, and presented his order to Mr. Green in
person.
"How is my old friend Mr. Marlowe?" asked that gentleman, courteously.
"He was very well when I left New York," answered Bert.
"I knew him in California. In fact, we both worked together in the same
mine. Try to persuade him to come out to Chicago. I should be delighted
to entertain him. Are you a relative of his?"
"Yes, sir; he is my great uncle."
"Shall you stay long in Chicago?"
"I am not sure. It will depend on my business."
"You are young to be intrusted with a business matter."
"Yes, sir; but there was no one else to undertake it."
"How will you have the money?"
"In tens and fives."
"Very well. Let me advise you to divide your money and not carry it all
in your pocket-book. You know, of course, that in a city like this there
are pickpockets and designing persons who would be glad to rob you."
"Thank you for the suggestion. I will follow your advice." Bert borrowed
an envelope, and put all his money, except about ten dollars in small
bills, in the inside pocket of his vest. This was wise, for he had fifty
dollars besides the sum which he had just been paid. It proved to be a
prudent precaution.
Outside the office a young man of rather flashy appearance had noticed
Bert, and, following him in on some pretext that would avert suspicion,
had seen that Mr. Green was paying him money. He went out quickly, and
waited till Bert emerged into the street. He then quickened his steps,
and overtook him.
"Good-morning, young man," he said.
"Good-morning," returned Bert, eyeing the stranger with some curiosity.
"You must excuse the liberty I have taken in addressing you, but if you
will favor me with a few minutes' conversation, I think I can make it
worth your while."
"Very well. I am ready to hear what you have to say."
"By the way, are you staying at a hotel?"
"No; I am boarding on Monroe Street."
"Is it a good boarding-house?"
"Excellent."
"I am looking for one, and if you will allow me, I will walk round with
you, and see what it is like."
Bert knew that Mrs. Shelby had a room which she was anxious to let, and
he readily agreed to introduce the stranger.
"I am staying at a hotel just now," explained his companion, "but I
prefer a boarding-house as more home-like. Are you a stranger in the
city?"
"Yes, sir."
"Where from?"
"From New York."
"I am from San Francisco. I have only been here a week."
They conversed upon indifferent topics till they reached Mrs. Shelby's.
"I will go up and take a look at your room first, if you don't mind.
That will give me an idea of the accommodations."
"Very well, sir."
Bert led the way to his own room, and both entered.
"Very neat, on my word!" said the stranger. "Now I will allude to the
little matter of business--and then you can introduce me to your
landlady."
"Just as you please, sir."
"It is briefly this: Do you see this watch?"
He took out a showy gold watch, and held it up before Bert.
"I find myself unexpectedly short of funds, owing to the failure of a
remittance to come to hand, and I am going to offer you this watch at a
bargain. You have none, I see."
"No, and I have no money to spare to buy one."
"Wait till I offer you an inducement. This watch cost me a hundred
dollars. I have had it only six months. I offer it to you for
twenty-five."
"I presume that is a good offer; but I have no money of my own that I
can use for the purpose of buying a watch."
"My young friend, it will pay you to borrow, for you can double your
money on the watch. Any one will give you fifty for it."
"Then why do you offer it to me for twenty-five?" asked Bert shrewdly.
"Because I can't wait to hunt up a customer."
"I cannot buy it."
"Then I will make you another offer. Lend me ten dollars on it, and I
will redeem it in three days, and give you five dollars for the
accommodation."
Bert hesitated. It seemed an easy way of earning five dollars.
"If I don't redeem it, you have the watch itself for security for a
ridiculously small sum. Of course I shan't give you the chance, if I can
help it. I expect funds from San Francisco to-morrow."
"I think I shall have to decline," Bert said, after a pause; "but your
offer seems a good one, and I have no doubt you will easily get
accommodated elsewhere."
Bert was not prepared for the next movement.
The stranger rose from his seat, drew a sponge from his pocket, and
quickly applied it to Bert's nostrils. He felt his head swimming and
consciousness departing.
"Aha," thought the stranger. "My prudent young friend will advance money
this time without security."
He hastily thrust his hand into Bert's pocket, drew out his pocket-book,
and, without stopping to open it or examine its contents, sprang to the
door, with the intention of making his escape.
But another boarder chanced to be passing through the entry at the
moment. A quick glance revealed to him Bert unconscious on a chair, and
the pocket-book in the hand of the man who was leaving the room. He took
in the situation at once.
"Give me that pocket-book," he said sternly. The other looked undecided.
"Give it to me, or I will hold you and summon help. If you surrender it,
I will let you go scot free."
The thief muttered an execration, but did not dare to refuse.
The boarder entered the room and set himself to reviving Bert.
"Where am I?" asked Bert, languidly.
"You are all right now," was the reply.
Bert looked up in the face of his visitor, and started in great
excitement.
"Tell me, quick," he said, "are you not Ralph Harding?"
"Yes," answered the other in great surprise. "Who are you that
recognizes me?"