Struggling Upward, or Luke Larkin's Luck, Jr. Horatio Alger [spiritual books to read txt] 📗
- Author: Jr. Horatio Alger
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"Why were you not at school to-day?" he asked, abruptly.
Luke smiled.
"I didn't think you would miss me, Randolph."
"I didn't, but wondered at your absence."
"I was detained by business. I expect to have the pleasure of seeing you there to-morrow."
"Humph! You seem to have invested in a new suit."
"Yes; my old suit was getting decidedly shabby, as you kindly remarked at Florence Grant's party."
"Where did you get them?"
"In New York."
"In New York!" repeated Randolph, in surprise. "When did you go there?"
"This morning. It was that which detained me from school."
"I see you've got a new watch-chain, too."
Randolph emphasized the word "chain" satirically, being under the impression that no watch was attached.
"Yes; you may like to see my new watch." And Luke, with pardonable triumph, produced his new watch, which was a stem-winder, whereas Randolph's was only a key-winder.
Randolph condescended to take the watch in his hands and examine it.
"Where was this bought?" he asked.
"At Benedict's."
"You seem to have plenty of money," he said, with unpleasant significance.
"I should like more."
"Only you are rather imprudent in making such extensive purchases so soon after your trial."
"What do you mean?" demanded Luke quickly.
"What should I mean? It is evident that you robbed the bank, after all. I shall tell my father, and you may find your trouble is not over."
"Look here, Randolph Duncan!" said Luke sternly, "I look upon that as an insult, and I don't mean to be insulted. I am no more a thief than you are, and that you know."
"Do you mean to charge me with being a thief?" fumed Randolph.
"No; I only say you are as much a thief as I am. If you repeat your insult, I shall be obliged to knock you down."
"You impudent loafer!" screamed Randolph. "You'll be sorry for this. I'll have you arrested over again."
"I have no doubt you would if you had the power. I sha'n't lie awake nights thinking of it. If you have nothing more to say I will leave you."
Randolph did not reply, probably because he was at a loss what to say, but went home angry and mystified. Where could Luke have got his watch and new suit? He asked himself this many times, but no possible explanation suggested itself.
Scarcely had Luke parted with Randolph when he met his friend Linton, who surveyed Luke's improved appearance with pleasure and surprise.
"I say, Luke, are you setting up for a dude?"
"I thought a little of it," answered Luke, with a smile—and then he explained the cause of his good fortune. "I have only one regret," he added, "Randolph seems to be grieved over it. He liked me better in my old suit. Besides, I have a new watch, and it turns out to be better than his."
Here he displayed his new silver watch. Linton felt a generous pleasure in Luke's luck, and it may truly be said rejoiced more at it than he would at any piece of good fortune to himself.
"By the way, Luke," he said, "I am going to give a party next Thursday evening, and I give you the very first invitation. It is my birthday, you know."
"I accept with pleasure, sir. I look upon you as my warmest friend, and as long as I retain your friendship I shall not care for Randolph's malice."
CHAPTER XVIII — MR. DUNCAN'S SECRET
About two weeks later, Prince Duncan sat at his desk with a troubled look. Open before him were letters. One was post-marked London, and ran as follows:
"MY DEAR SIR: I have decided to shorten my visit, and shall leave Liverpool next Saturday en route for New York. You will see, therefore, that I shall arrive nearly as soon as the letter I am now writing. I have decided to withdraw the box of securities I deposited in your bank, and shall place it in a safe-deposit vault in New York. You may expect to see me shortly.
"Yours in haste,
"JOHN ARMSTRONG."Drops of perspiration gathered on the brow of Prince Duncan as he read this letter. What would Mr. Armstrong say when he learned that the box had mysteriously disappeared? That he would be thoroughly indignant, and make it very unpleasant for the president of Groveton Bank, was certain. He would ask, among other things, why Mr. Duncan had not informed him of the loss by cable, and no satisfactory explanation could be given. He would ask, furthermore, why detectives had not been employed to ferret out the mystery, and here again no satisfactory explanation could be given. Prince Duncan knew very well that he had a reason, but it was not one that could be disclosed.
He next read the second letter, and his trouble was not diminished. It was from a Wall Street broker, informing him that the Erie shares bought for him on a margin had gone down two points, and it would be necessary for him to
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