Sam Is Improved By Adversity
Mr. Archer's flight made a great commotion in Milltown. No one
entertained a suspicion of his integrity. He had been appropriating
the funds of the corporation to his own use, being treasurer as well
as superintendent. When exposure was inevitable he fled.
To Sam and his mother, it was a great blow, not only on account
of the disgrace, but also because it involved poverty and a narrow
style of living. To persons of their pretensions this was heavy to
bear. They were not altogether penniless. Mrs. Archer had
property of her own, to the amount of four thousand dollars, which
was unimpaired. But, even at a liberal rate of interest, this would
not support them. Sam remained in the house, dispirited and
resentful against the father who had brought this upon him, till he
got tired of confinement and walked out. He hoped to meet no one
whom he knew, but at the corner of the street he fell in with James
Watson.
"He is one of Ben Bradford's friends. He will rejoice at what has
happened," thought Sam. But James stopped him, and said in a
friendly tone: "Are you out for a walk, Sam? Let us walk together?"
"I didn't know as you'd care to walk with me."
"You don't think I rejoice over your misfortune?"
"I didn't know but you might. You are a friend of Ben Bradford."
"He will be very sorry. He won't think of any little difference there
has been between you."
"I don't believe that," said Sam, shaking his head.
"You will, as soon as you see him. You mustn't lose courage, Sam.
I know it's bad for you, but----"
"I don't know what's going to become of us," said Sam despondently.
"We shall be poor."
"That isn't the worst thing that can happen to you."
"Father has treated us very badly."
"He has done wrong; but he is your father. Remember, Sam, I am
your friend, and if I can do anything for you I will."
"Thank you, James," he said. "You are a good fellow--much better
than I thought. I supposed you would be glad I was down in the
world."
Same was to be still more surprised. The next day he received the
following letter from Ben Bradford:
"Dear Sam: I am very sorry to hear of your misfortune. Of course,
no one can blame you or your mother. I believe I was the last
acquaintance to see your father before he left Boston. I had
occasion to go on board the Cunard steamer which sailed on
Wednesday. On the dock I met your father, and had a little
conversation with him. He did not tell me that he was going to
Europe; but he was in a traveling-dress and, no doubt, he was.
"What has happened will, no doubt, make some difference in your
plans. If you wish to get a situation in Boston, I may be able to
help you to one. At the beginning of next month there will be an
opening for a boy in an establishment on Milk Street. The wages
will not exceed five dollars a week; but it would be difficult for a
beginner to do better. If you wish, I will try to get this place for
you. At any rate, I hope you will regard me as a friend who wishes
you well. The little quarrel there has been between us is not worth
remembering.
"Your sincere friend,
"Benjamin Bradford."
To say that Sam was surprised to receive this cordial letter from a
boy whom he had so persistently tried to injure will hardly express
his feelings. He was overwhelmed with astonishment, mingled with
shame.
"Ben is a great deal better than I am," he was forced to admit. "I
don't deserve such a kindness from him."
He showed Ben's letter to his mother.
"I think I had better ask Ben to get me the place. We must not be
too proud."
"We have no right to be proud now. We shall have scarcely enough
to support us in the humblest manner."
"My wages will help. I shall get five dollars a week. That will be
two hundred and sixty dollars a year."
Even Mrs. Archer was surprised at the change in Sam.
"Do you think you will be willing to work?"
"Of course I shall; that is, if I can work in Boston. I don't want to
stay here."
"Nor I," said Mrs. Archer.
"Suppose we both go to Boston, then."
"I am afraid our income won't be sufficient."
"For two or three years you can spend some of your principal,
mother. By that time I shall be getting higher wages, and it may
not be necessary."
"I didn't expect that you would take it so, Sam."
Ben received the following answer to his letter.
"Dear Ben: I thank you for your kind letter. I feel very much
ashamed of the way I have treated you in the past. I didn't know
what a good fellow you were. I am afraid I shouldn't have
behaved as well in your place. As to your offer, I accept it
thankfully. I shall be very glad to get the place you speak of.
Mother and I intend to move to Boston, as it is no longer
agreeable to stay here. Do you know of any boarding-house
where the prices are reasonable, for we cannot afford to pay
high rates? If you do, please find out on what terms we can be
accommodated, and let me know."
Ben was pleased.
"Sam has improved," he thought.
By the first of the month Sam and his mother were established in a
boarding-house on Warren Avenue and Sam had entered upon his
duties in Milk Street.