Helping Himself; Or, Grant Thornton's Ambition, Jr. Horatio Alger [most important books to read txt] 📗
- Author: Jr. Horatio Alger
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“I am afraid, Mr. Reynolds, I already receive more than I earn.”
“That may be, but I am only anticipating a little. How much do I pay you now?”
“Six dollars a week, sir.”
“I will allow you four dollars more, but this additional sum I will keep in my own hands, and credit you with. It is time you were saving something for future use. Will this be satisfactory to you?”
“You are very kind, Mr. Reynolds,” said Grant. “I don't know how to thank you.”
“Then I will tell you—be faithful in your duties in the office and continue your kindness to Herbert.”
“Gladly, sir.”
Grant decided not to write to his mother about his increase in salary. He preferred to wait till his savings amounted to a considerable sum, and then surprise her by the announcement of his good fortune. In six months, he estimated, he would have more than a hundred dollars, and this to the country minister's son seemed a large sum. At any rate, when he was twenty-one he might hope to be the possessor of a thousand dollars. This opened to Grant a brilliant prospect. It was probably all his father was worth, including all his possessions.
“In spite of my uncle's opposition,” thought Grant, “I think I acted wisely in preferring business to college. Now I shall be able to make the family more comfortable.”
When Willis Ford called at the office the next morning Grant was gone to the post office. As he returned he met Ford coming out with a check in his hand.
“So it's you, is it?” sneered Ford, stopping short.
“Yes, Mr. Ford.”
“I suppose you are exulting over your victory?”
“You are mistaken,” said Grant. “It was not my wish that anything unpleasant should happen.”
“I suppose not,” said Ford, in an unpleasant tone.
“For some reason you have shown a dislike to me from the first,” Grant proceeded. “I don't know why. I have always treated you with respect and tried to do my duty faithfully.”
“You are a little angel, to be sure.”
“Have you any objection to telling me why you dislike me?” he asked.
“Yes, I'll tell you. It is because I see how you are trying to worm yourself into the confidence of Mr. Reynolds. You have plotted against me, and now, thanks to you, I have lost my place.”
“I don't consider myself the cause of that, Mr. Ford.”
“I do. But you needn't exult too much. I generally pay my debts, and I shan't forget what I owe you. I will be even with you some day.”
So saying, he walked off, and Grant returned to his work.
“I can't understand why Mr. Ford should hate me so,” he thought.
CHAPTER XXIV — STARTLING NEWS
Willis Ford's feelings were far from enviable when he took leave of the office in which he had long enjoyed an excellent position. He was conscious, though scarcely willing to admit it, that his misfortunes had been brought upon him by his own unwise, not to say criminal, course. None the less, however, was he angry with those whom he had connected with the disaster that had come upon him. He had always disliked Grant Thornton. Now he hated him, and thirsted for an opportunity to do him mischief. Next he felt embittered against Mr. Reynolds, who had discharged him, though it is hardly possible to see how the broker could have done otherwise. This dislike was increased within a few days, and for this reason.
Ford addressed a letter to Mr. Reynolds, requesting a certificate of good character, which would enable him to procure a new situation.
To this request the broker answered substantially as follows:
“I shall be glad to hear that you have changed your course, and have decided to lead an honest lift; but, for the same reason that I am not willing to retain you in my employment, I am unwilling to recommend you without reserve to another business man. If you are willing to refer him to me, on condition that I tell the truth, I will cheerfully testify that you have discharged your office duties to my satisfaction.”
“The old fool!” muttered Ford, angrily crushing the letter in his hand. “What use would such a recommendation be to me? Not content with discharging me, he wants to keep me out of employment.”
In truth, Willis Ford hardly knew where to turn. He had saved no money, and was earning nothing. In his dilemma he turned to his stepmother.
One forenoon, after he knew the broker and Grant would be out of the way, he rang the bell, and inquired for the housekeeper.
Mrs. Estabrook was agitated when she saw her step-son. She did not like to believe that he had robbed her, but it was hard to believe otherwise.
“Oh, Willis!” she said almost bursting into tears, “how could you take my small savings? I would not have believed you capable of it!”
“You don't mean to say, mother,” returned Willis, with well-dissembled and reproachful sorrow, “that you believe this monstrous slander?”
“I don't want to believe it, Willis, heaven knows. But were not the bonds found in your room?”
“I admit it,” said Ford; “but how did they get there?”
“Did you not put them there?”
“Certainly not, mother. I thought you knew me better than that.”
“But who, then—” began his step-mother, looking bewildered.
“Who should it be but that boy?”
“Grant Thornton?”
“Yes.”
“Have you any proof of this?” asked the housekeeper, eagerly.
“I will tell you what I have found out. I learn that a boy called, on the day in question, at my room and asked to see me. Being told that I was out, he asked leave to go up and wait for me. As the servant had no suspicion, he was allowed to go up. I don't know how long he stayed; but no doubt he had the bonds with him and concealed them where they were found.”
“Did you ask for a description of the boy? Was it like Grant?” asked the housekeeper, quickly.
“Unfortunately, the girl did not take particular notice of him. I have no doubt that it was either Grant or the telegraph boy, who seems to have
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