Early the following morning Mr. Rexford called upon his lawyer, Mr. Ham.
In due time the papers were made out and placed in the hands of Sheriff
Coombs, who promptly made his way to the factory with all his official
bearing and arrested Jacob Simmons on the charge of robbing and burning
John Rexford's store.
Mr. Farrington was prepared for this move, as Fred had informed him that
it would take place during the forenoon, and had also told him
everything he had done, and what he proposed doing.
He was especially glad to learn that the missing money had been
returned. His own theory was that some error had been made, but other
events had followed so fast one upon the other that he had recently made
little effort to solve the mystery.
That it should now be cleared up so satisfactorily, with all blame
removed from Fred, was gratifying to him in the extreme, for he was a
true and sincere friend of our young hero.
Mr. Simmons' surprise at seeing officer Coombs on such an errand can
hardly be imagined. Of course he had to give himself up and go with the
sheriff--a prisoner charged with a grave offense.
A hearing in his case was arranged for the following day to come before
Judge Plummer.
Mr. Simmons gave bonds for his appearance at the trial, and devoted the
rest of the day to preparing his defense with his lawyer. Wondering why
he had been arrested, and going over in his own mind every possible
cause that could lead to it, he thought of the statement which Tim and
Matthew had signed about the assault. He took his pocketbook from his
coat, and looked among his papers for it.
It was not there. He was alarmed to find it missing. He asked his wife
about it, but she knew nothing of it.
"I must have lost it somewhere," he admitted to himself with a shudder.
"Fool that I was for doing wrong. I believe it has led to my arrest, but
why I cannot understand."
When Matthew learned that Jacob Simmons had commenced work on the
flockers with Fred he was alarmed. He talked the matter over with Tim.
Both felt uneasy and unhappy, but they could see no way to help the
case, so left it to fate, which speedily did its work.
Revenge to Matthew was a sad failure--had almost ruined him. Every
effort he had made had recoiled upon him so unexpectedly and
persistently that now he was beset on all sides with danger of exposure
and punishment.
Fred--his rival--had stood up manfully under fire without flinching. He
had won at every point and was now fast regaining his old position.
"His friendship, too, with Nellie Dutton is re-established, and I can do
no more to prevent it," sighed Matthew regretfully. "I met her this
morning and she would not speak to me, but she entertained Fred all last
evening."
While thus meditating, the report that Jacob Simmons had been arrested
for burning Mr. Rexford's store reached Matthew. He hurried home and to
his room, and there threw himself upon his bed and wept bitterly.
Disappointment, disgrace, and humiliation all crowded upon him, and the
inevitable step that he must take stared him cruelly in the face.
His heart beat with bitter anguish as he thought of all this--of his
good home, of his father's pride in him and of his mother's love, of his
sister's tender affection--thought of all those near and dear to
him--and shuddered as he realized the disappointment and sorrow that was
to fall heavily upon them from his own wicked acts.
He buried his face in his pillow and sobbed till it seemed that his
heart would break.
"Oh, if I could only undo the past!" he cried. But he had gone too far.
His pride and haughty spirit were completely crushed, and when he
finally arose from his bed he was humbled indeed.
The following morning all Mapleton was excited by the report that
Matthew De Vere could not be found.
He had not been seen by any one since the previous afternoon. Just where
he was last seen was a mystery. One said he saw him coming from the pine
grove with Tim Short about dusk; others tried to convince themselves and
their friends that they had met him in this place or that, while a vague
report stated that he was last seen by the river bank passing hurriedly
from view in the darkness.
This was a sensational rumor. Was he drowned? Had he committed suicide?
If so, why? Every one discussed the case--speculated upon it. None
thought exactly alike, and each labored to persuade the other that his
theory was the correct one.
Matthew's parents and sister were heartbroken. They knew nothing of his
whereabouts, save that they believed he was safe, for they found a note
in his room saying simply that he was forced to leave town immediately;
that he could not then explain why, and that they would soon know all.
He begged them not to worry about him, and humbly asked their
forgiveness.
When Mr. Rexford heard that Matthew De Vere was missing, he immediately
had Tim Short arrested, charged with robbing and burning his store.
Sheriff Coombs served the papers upon Tim, who had not as yet learned
the news about Matthew.
When the sheriff spoke to him he was too badly frightened to reply.
"I shall have to take you with me," said the officer; "no way out of it
now. The law ain't tender hearted with fellers that rob and burn.
Besides, that De Vere boy has run away."
Tim staggered and fell to the ground. He had fainted dead away. When he
regained consciousness his first words were:
"And now Matthew De Vere has run away and left me when he was the cause
of it all." Great tears rolled down his cheeks and he sobbed bitterly.
Even the sheriff's heart was touched, and his official bearing relaxed
as the boy's mother, almost prostrate with grief, implored him to let
Tim go.
"Your son practically acknowledges his guilt," said the sheriff. "In any
case, I should be compelled as an officer to arrest him, since the
papers were placed in my hands. Still I think if he were to turn State's
evidence--that is, to tell of his own free will all the facts connected
with the affair--the court would probably deal more leniently with him."
Tim brightened up considerably at this remark, which seemed to hold out
a means of escape.
"I will tell the court all I know--everything from first to last," said
he as he marched off with the sheriff.
The case excited so much interest that the court room was filled to
overflowing. Among those present was Matthew's father, who wished to
know the facts about his son's connection with the robbery. Dr. Dutton,
Mr. Farrington, and Fred Worthington were also present. Yes, another was
there--little Carl, pale and thin from his sickness, but alive with
interest in what he expected to be Fred's great triumph.
When the court was ready for the trial, Mr. Ham, on the part of the
prosecution, called Tim Short as the first witness, much to the surprise
of Jacob Simmons and his lawyer.
"Do you know anything about John Rexford's store being robbed and
burned?" asked Mr. Ham of Tim.
"I do," said the latter.
"Tell us all you know about it."
Tim hesitated a moment, hardly knowing how to commence the confession of
such a serious crime.
"Did you have any direct connection with it?" asked attorney Ham, by way
of assisting the boy.
"Yes, sir," answered Tim.
"What did you do?"
"I helped rob the store, and then we set fire to it."
"Who was with you?"
"Matthew De Vere was with me."
"Who else?"
"No one."
"Did Jacob Simmons have anything to do with the robbery?"
"No, not exactly."
"What do you mean by 'not exactly'?"
"I mean he wasn't there and didn't do it, but if it hadn't been for him
we shouldn't have thought of robbing Mr. Rexford's store or had any
trouble."
"Then he planned the robbery for you?"
"No."
"What was his connection with it, then?"
"He threatened to have us arrested if we didn't pay him three hundred
dollars."
Tim here explained why Simmons demanded the money--told how Matthew came
to the saloon for him, how they lay in wait for Fred, and the mistake
they made in supposing Jacob Simmons to be the latter.
"And he demanded this three hundred dollars as a reward for secrecy?"
asked the judge.
"Yes, sir," replied Tim.
Jacob Simmons' face was scarlet. Every one looked at him contemptuously,
while he had to endure the cutting glances without a shield.
Right here Mr. Ham read the paper that Nellie Dutton had found, as
evidence to substantiate Tim's statement.
"Why did Matthew De Vere wish to waylay Fred Worthington?" asked Judge
Plummer thoughtfully, as if to get at the bottom of the facts.
"He said he wanted to get square with him."
"Is that all?"
"That and to teach him not to interfere with him."
"How had Fred interfered with him?"
"I don't know that, but I am sure Matthew did everything he could to
injure him."
"Did he do more than attempt to waylay him?"
"Yes, he played friendship with Fred and got the bartender to drug him,
and that was what made him drunk that time when everybody talked about
him."
Now every one looked at Fred, but these were congratulatory glances,
with a bit of hero worship about them.
Mr. Farrington and Dr. Dutton, who sat near Fred, leaned over and
congratulated him with a warm grasp of the hand.
Every cloud that had hovered over our young friend was now swept
away--every mystery was at last explained, and he stood triumphant over
all opponents, the hero of the village--much stronger and far more
popular than if he had never been _under fire_. He was tried and not
found wanting in the qualities that go to make a strong man with a noble
character.
In answer to further questions of the judge, Tim stated that they knew
of no legitimate way to raise the money, as Matthew did not dare speak
to his father about it; that they were forced to do something, believing
Jacob Simmons would have them arrested if they failed to produce the
amount demanded.
He further stated that Matthew and he were driven almost crazy by these
repeated demands from Simmons, and committed the robbery without
realizing what they were doing.
They burned the store, he said, to cover their theft. All the money
found he claimed was given to Mr. Simmons, together with some articles
that would not excite suspicion. Among the latter was the knife Fred
discovered in Jacob's possession, and which led to the detection of the
guilty parties.
"Did you give Jacob Simmons all the goods you took from the store?"
asked the judge.
"No, sir. We were afraid he would suspect us, so we gave him only a few
things besides the money," answered Tim. "We hid the other things in the
pine grove."
"Are they there yet?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then you didn't make up the full three hundred dollars for Jacob
Simmons?"
"No; but Matthew promised to pay him the balance, so he agreed to do
nothing further."
It could not be shown that Jacob Simmons had directly incited the boys
to commit the robbery, though he was unquestionably the cause of it.
Neither could it be proved that he had knowingly received stolen goods.
The narrative of the legal proceedings would be entirely out of the
design of this story. I will therefore state merely the final results.
In view of the fact that Tim Short confessed his guilt, and that he was
the tool of Matthew De Vere, he was saved from going to prison, and was
sent instead to serve three years in the State reform school, where he
was compelled to learn a trade, and to conform to a rigid disciplinary
system.
Jacob Simmons was found guilty of blackmail, and was sentenced to one
year at hard labor in the State prison, in addition to a fine of three
hundred dollars.
But where was Matthew De Vere all this time?
Among those who congratulated Fred, none did so with more sincerity than
did Nellie Dutton, and the flattering remarks made about him by the
entire village were very gratifying to her.
As she and Fred talked over the trying events of the preceding months,
she remarked that she had learned to esteem him more highly than ever.
"To hear you say that, Nellie," said he gratefully, "more than repays me
for all I have suffered from Matthew De Vere's malice."
"I am glad, then, that we are such good friends," said Nellie
thoughtfully.
"Yes, even better than in the old days, are we not?" said Fred, almost
affectionately.
"We know each other better, I think," answered Nellie. Then she went to
the piano, and, playing her own accompaniment, she sang with unusual
effect one of Fred's favorite songs.
A few days after the trial Fred received a note from Mr. De Vere, asking
him to come to the bank. Obtaining permission to leave the mill Fred
started off. He found the bank president looking worn and anxious. Mr.
De Vere greeted him kindly, and said:
"Fred, I have sent for you to offer you a position. Would you like to
become a banker?"
Fred was thoroughly surprised at such a proposition. "I can hardly
realize that such an opportunity is before me," he said. "I thank you
sincerely, Mr. De Vere, but I can't understand why you should offer it
to me when there are so many others better fitted for it."
"There are two reasons, my boy. First, I owe you some recompense for all
the injury and injustice Matthew has done you. I cannot believe he
foresaw all that would follow his first petty revenge, but was forced
on, step by step, by a wicked man. But the injury to you was the same,
and my wife and daughter join me in feeling that we owe you this
reparation."
"Do not think of such a thing, Mr. De Vere. You are not responsible, and
I would not think of accepting a position on that account."
Mr. De Vere handed Fred a letter.
"Read this," he said.
The letter was from Matthew, headed "Chicago." It contained a full
confession of his crime, and gave all the circumstances that led up to
it. He begged his parents and sister to forgive him. Upon this point he
said:
Oh, if you only knew what I have suffered, and am still
suffering, on account of my foolish and wicked acts, I think
you would have charity for me.
How I would like to see you all--my dear home, and my own
pretty room. If only I could fall on my knees before you and
mother, and with true penitent tears wipe out the past, how
gladly I would do so. But this, I realize, is forbidden me. I
have forfeited my home, my parents, my reputation, my native
State even, and all to gratify a petty grudge. I wish you
would see Fred Worthington and tell him how I have wronged
him, and ask him if he can forgive me. He has won the contest
while I am ruined--ruined so far as my old life goes--but
now, my dear father and mother, I have commenced a new
career.
I have told Cousin Henry everything about the past and he has
helped me plan for the future. He has furnished me some money
and I shall start tomorrow for one of the Territories, where
I shall commence life for myself.
I shall work and be a man in all that is honorable and right.
I feel ten years older than I did a few months ago. I have
taken some books with me to study.
The first money I earn shall go to Mr. Rexford, in payment
for his loss by my hands. He shall lose nothing if I live
long enough to earn the money due him. I wish you would
protect Tim Short so far as possible. I alone am responsible
for his connection with the robbery.
In writing to me, if I may so far expect your forgiveness,
please address me in care of Cousin Henry and he will forward
to me. I will write to you as soon as I get located, and tell
you all my plans.
After writing at some length upon family matters, Matthew closed his
letter by again appealing to his parents and sister for forgiveness, and
by assuring them of his love.
Fred returned the letter to Mr. De Vere, feeling deeply touched and
profoundly sorry for Matthew.
"Tell him," said he, "that he has my forgiveness in full, and that I
wish him prosperity in his new life."
"Thank you, Fred, for your generosity. He is my boy still, and is dear
to me, though he has done wrong. But," he continued, with moist eyes,
"he is lost to me now--lost so far as all my plans for his future went;
and now, Fred, I want you to take his place. I had designed to put him
into the bank next year, and to give him a thorough training; but as he
has gone and cannot return, I want you to take the position."
"I thank you sincerely for this offer, Mr. De Vere. I should certainly
like such a position, but the fear that you offer it to me as a
recompense causes me to hesitate about accepting it."
"Do not hesitate on that ground, my boy. I have heard from Dr. Dutton,
one of our directors, from Mr. Rexford and others, that you are in all
respects better qualified for the position than any other young man in
town. The salary for the first year will be five hundred. After that you
will be advanced. Will you accept?"
"Yes, I will accept, with many, many thanks," replied Fred gratefully.
He immediately returned to the factory and told Mr. Farrington of his
good fortune. The latter congratulated him, "and yet," said he, "I am
rather sorry, for I had designed to take you up to this department and
teach you the entire business; however, I will gladly let you go,
believing as I do that your new position is an exceptionally fine one
for a boy of your age."
"I thank you a thousand times, Mr. Farrington, for your willingness to
let me off and for all your kindness to me. Now I know the value of a
good friend. If it had not been for your kindness and assistance, when
none spoke well of me, I might not have established my innocence. As it
is, through your help I have gained everything."
On leaving Mr. Farrington, Fred went to Mr. Rexford and told him he
should be obliged to give up the idea of taking his old position as
clerk, and after explaining why, told him he wanted him to do him a
favor by giving little Carl a position in his store at a fair salary,
and to arrange his duties so that he would have only light work to do.
The merchant agreed to do this. In fact, he would have done almost
anything for Fred, for he felt under many obligations to him.
Fred was very happy over the bright prospects for his little crippled
friend, as it had been his own privilege to help him.
Fred's promotion to the bank created a sensation in the village, and he
was looked upon as the luckiest person in town. It is safe to believe
that Nellie Dutton rejoiced in Fred's good fortune far more than she was
willing for any one to suspect. As time rolled on they were often seen
together, and seemed like brother and sister.
That they were happy in each other's society there could be no doubt.
Her influence upon him refined his manners and elevated his tastes,
while associating with him was quite as beneficial to her in gaining
broader ideas and contracting the habit of thinking and reasoning after
the fashion of men.
The last time I saw them was on a beautiful evening in June. Dave
Farrington and I were returning home from a trouting expedition. We were
upon an elevated plain, where we could survey the surrounding country.
Nature seemed at her best, and this was one of her choicest scenes. The
rich green stretching everywhere before the eye was only broken by the
white and pink blossoms of fruit trees and shrubbery. The sun was
sinking behind a distant mountain which threw its shadow upon the
landscape about us, and rich, golden hues spread out over the entire
western horizon.
"A charming scene," remarked Dave, with true admiration.
"It is indeed," said I; "but here is beauty far more attractive."
Dave turned, and beholding Fred and Nellie close upon us, replied:
"You are right. I never saw her look so pretty."
They were taking an evening drive with a handsome bay horse and high
carriage. The top was tipped back, and they appeared to be enjoying the
scene that had engrossed our own attention.
Nellie was clad in a light summer dress, with a pale blue sash which
matched the trimming of her jaunty hat. Never until then had I realized
that she was so handsome. With fair complexion and glowing cheeks, she
presented a picture for an old master, as she talked and laughed
merrily.
We raised our hats as they passed by, and soon they were beyond our
view.
"Dave," said I, "there is a glimpse of what life should be. It is a
sweet picture. Why, I wonder, do boys go to destruction by visiting
iniquitous dens, by keeping low and vulgar company, by drinking,
smoking, and gambling, when they might follow Fred's example, and be as
refined, respected, and supremely happy as he now seems to be?"