Alger Horatio Jr.
Wait and Hope: or, A Plucky Boy's Luck
Chapter XIX
The Prize for Scholarship
The annual examination of the grammar schools in Milltown came about the middle of June, just before summer vacation. It the First Ward School two prizes had been offered by the principal to the scholars who stood highest on the rank-lists.
Speculation was rife as to the probable result; but the choice was finally narrowed down to two boys.
One of these was Ben Bradford, now sixteen years of age. The other was Samuel Archer, son of the superintendent of the Milton Mills. There is an old saying, "Like father, like son." Mr. Archer was purse-proud and consequential, and felt that he was entitled to deference on the score of his wealth and prominence.
"Sam," said he, two days before the examination, "what are your chances of obtaining the prize?"
"I think I ought to have it, father," answered Sam.
"That is, you think you will be entitled to it?"
"Yes sir."
"Then you will get it, as a matter of course."
"I don't know that."
"Don't you think the prize will be adjudged fairly?"
"The principal thinks a great deal of Ben Bradford."
"Is he your chief competitor?"
"He is the only boy I am afraid of."
"Who is he?"
"He is a poor boy – used to work in the mills."
"He is the nephew of the Widow Bradford?"
"Yes; he lives in a small house about the size of a bandbox. I expect they are as poor as poverty. Ben wears coarse clothes. I don't believe he has a new suit a year."
"And you have too many. I believe your bill for clothes exceeds mine."
"Oh, father, you want your son to dress well. People know you are a rich man and they expect it."
"Humph! it may be carried too far," said Mr. Archer, who had just paid a large tailor's bill for Sam.
"And you say the principal favors him?"
"Yes, everybody can see it."
"It is rather strange he should favor a penniless boy," said Mr. Archer, himself a worshiper of wealth. "The man don't know on which side his bread is buttered."
"So I think. He ought to consider that you are a man of consequence here."
"I rather think I have some influence in Milltown," said Mr. Archer, with vulgar complacency; "I fancy I could oust Mr. Taylor from his position if I caught him indulging in favoritism. But you may be mistaken, Sam."
Mr. Archer looked thoughtful.
Finally he said: "I think it will be well to pay some attention to Mr.
Taylor. It may turn the scale. When you go to school to-morrow
I will send by you an invitation to Mr. Taylor to dine with us.
We'll give him a good dinner and get him good-natured."
So when Sam went to school in the morning he bore a note from his father, containing a dinner invitation.
"Say to your father that I will accept his invitation with pleasure," said the principal.
It was the first time he had received such a mark of attention from Mr. Archer, and, being a shrewd man, he understood at once what it signified.
"He's coming, father," announced Sam, on his return home.
"Did he seem gratified by the invitation?"
"I couldn't tell exactly. He said he would accept with pleasure."
"No doubt, he feels the attention," said Mr. Archer pompously. "He knows I am a man of prominence and influence, and the invitation will give him social status."
Mr. Archer would have been offended if he had been told that the principal was more highly respected in town than himself, in spite of his wealth and fine house.
When the principal sat down to Mr. Archer's dinner table, he partook of a dinner richer and more varied than his modest salary enabled him to indulge in at home. Nevertheless, he had more than once been as well entertained by others, and rather annoyed Mr. Archer by not appearing to appreciate the superiority of the dinner.
"Confound the man! He takes it as coolly as if he were accustomed to dine as sumptuously every day," thought Archer.
"I hope you are enjoying dinner, Mr. Taylor," he said.
"Very much, thank you."
"I rather plume myself on my cook. I venture to say that I pay five dollars a month more than any other person in Milltown. But I must have a good dinner. I am very particular on that score."
"Have you a good cook, Mr. Taylor?" asked Mrs. Archer condescendingly.
"Why, the fact is, that we keep but one servant."
"I suppose your salary will not permit you to keep more than one servant."
"You are right, madam."
"Really, Mr. Taylor, I think your salary ought to be increased," said Mr. Archer graciously. "The laborer is worthy of his hire, eh? I must see if I can't induce the town to vote you an increased compensation."
"Thank you," said the principal quietly. "A larger salary would, of course, be acceptable, but I doubt whether the town will feel like voting it."
"Rest easy," said Mr. Archer pompously. "I think I can bring it about."
"Oh, by the by," continued the rich man, "Samuel tells me that you have offered two scholarship prizes."
"Yes, sir – to the two scholars who pass the best examination."
"How does my boy stand in the matter?"
"He is one of the most prominent competitors."
"I am very glad to hear it – very glad. Sam, you must do your best to-morrow. It would gratify me very much if you should succeed. I am ambitious for my son, Mr. Taylor, and I don't mind admitting it."
"Your ambition is a very natural one," said the principal. "Sam's scholarship is excellent and his record is very satisfactory."
"Thank you, Mr. Taylor. Your assurance is deeply gratifying to
Mrs. Archer and myself. It will be the happiest day of our lives if
Sam succeeds in the approaching competition."
"He has a very fair chance of success, sir."
"I think I've fixed things," said Mr. Archer complacently, after the principal had taken his leave. "The prize is as good as yours, Sam."
Chapter XX
Before the Battle
Ben's term at school had already extended to eight months. Our hero was thorough in whatever he did, and, having an excellent natural capacity, easily took high rank as a scholar.
"Do you expect to win the prize, Ben?" asked his friend, James
Watson.
"I hope to win it," said Ben.
"So does Sam Archer."
"I suppose it lies between us two, unless you step in and carry it off," added Ben, smiling, for he knew that James, who was low in rank, was not at all sensitive on the subject.
"Make yourself easy, Ben; I won't interfere with you. You are my friend, you know, and for your sake I will answer a few questions wrong."
"You always were considerate, James. You have relieved my mind of a load of anxiety."
"Don't mention it, Ben. I shan't feel the sacrifice."
"You are a good fellow, at any rate, James, and that is more than I can say for Sam Archer."
"He thinks an awful lot of himself."
"He can't forget that his father is superintendent of the mill."
"By the way, Ben, what are you intending to do in vacation."
"I shall try to get employment in the mill again. I have been idle nearly a year now."
"Your aunt has been getting along very well."
"Yes; thanks to the seven dollars a week received for Emma's board. But I don't like to feel that she is supporting the family. I think it is high time for me to be at work."
"Ben, I've been thinking of something."
"Out with it, James."
"Sam Archer will be very much disappointed if you take the prize over him."
"He doesn't love me overmuch now."
"I am afraid he will prejudice his father against you, so as to induce him to refuse you employment in the mill."
"Do you think he would be as mean as that?"
"Do I think so? I know it. Sam Archer is mean enough for anything."
"He has just as good a chance as I have."
"He told one of the boys you were Mr. Taylor's pet. He will say the prize was give to you on account of favoritism."
"Will anybody believe it?"
"No one except Sam's special friends. I think Mr. Taylor does like you. That reminds me, where do you think Mr. Taylor is to-night?"
"I don't know, I am sure."
"He is dining at Mr. Archer's."
"That's something new, isn't it?"
"Mr. Archer is trying to curry favor with the principal for Sam."
"Then he doesn't know him very well. Mr. Taylor will decide justly, at any rate."
"Do you want very much to go back to the mill, Ben?"
"Yes."
"Then the best thing you can do is to let Sam beat you. That will make him good-natured and you will probably get a place."
"I shan't resign the prize. I shall do my best to obtain it. If that loses me employment in the mill, I will go in search of employment elsewhere."
"I like your pluck, Ben."
"I am willing to wait and I expect to win in the end."
"Well, good luck to you, Ben. My supper is ready, and I must go home."
The more Ben thought it over, the more he felt that James was probably correct in his prediction as to the effect of his success.
"I am determined to beat Sam," he said to himself. The next morning he entered the schoolroom cool and confident, while Sam, though rather nervous, seemed almost equally confident.
"Mr. Taylor won't go back on me," he reflected, "after dining at our house; especially after father has promised to get him a higher salary."
The examination lasted all the session. It was partly oral and partly written.
"Boys," said the principal, "I shall devote the evening to the examination of your papers. To-morrow morning my decision will be made known."
"I wish it were over," thought Sam. "I think he'll give me the prize, but I should like to be sure of it."
Chapter XXI
Ben Wins at School
Every boy was in his seat the next morning at the opening of school. Though the choice lay between two only, there was a general interest felt in the result of the competition. Ben was the favorite, though Sam had a few followers – generally sycophantic boys who had a respect for wealth, or had favors to ask of him.
"Boys," said the principal, "I sat up till twelve o'clock last evening, examining your papers. I have not only ascertained who are entitled to the two prizes, but I have made a list of the ten highest scholars, with their percentages. I am glad to say that many of you have done well, and I regret that I have not more prizes to bestow. I will now announce the names of the prize boys."
"First prize – Benjamin Bradford."
"Second prize – Sam Archer."
The boys applauded noisily.
"Bradford's percentage," continued the principal, "is ninety-nine and eight-tenths; Archer's, ninety-seven and nine-tenths. Both are very high and I heartily congratulate both young gentlemen upon their brilliant success. Bradford, you may come up to the desk."
Mr. Taylor placed in his hands a neat edition of Longfellow's poems.
"Thank you, sir," said Ben.
The boys again applauded.
"Archer, you may come up," said the principal.
Sam rose slowly, and with a discontented look shuffled up to the desk. An edition of Tennyson's poems was handed to him. He received them without a word of thanks and hurried back to his seat.
There was no applause in his case.
This was the last day of school, and the session lasted but an hour and a half. At half-past ten the boys poured out of the schoolhouse with noisy demonstrations of joy.
"I congratulate you, old fellow," said James Watson to Ben. "You've done splendidly."
"Thank you, James."
"So do I, and I," exclaimed one and another.
Ben received all these congratulations modestly.
"Go and congratulate Sam, boys," he said.
"A good scholar, but a mean boy," said James. "However, here goes."
"I congratulate you on your prize, Sam," he said offering his hand.
Sam did not appear to see the hand.
"A second prize isn't worth having," he said discontentedly. "Of course it was all I had a chance for. Bradford is the teacher's favorite."
"Do you mean to say Ben don't deserve the first prize?"
"He was sure to get it, anyhow."
"That's mean in you to speak so, Sam."
"It's what I think, at any rate."
"Well, Sam," said his father, as he entered his presence, "how is it?"
"Just as I expected, father. Old Taylor gave the first prize to his favorite, Ben Bradford."
"After all the attention I have paid that man, it is positively outrageous to defraud you of your rights."
"You won't have his salary increased now, will you, father?"
"I'll do what I can to have the man discharged."
"There's a favor I want to ask of you, father."
"What is it, my son?"
"I hear that Ben Bradford is going to seek employment in the mill, now that school is over; I hope you'll refuse to take him on."
"I will. His prize will cost him dear."
"Would you have given him employment if I had beaten him for the prize?"
"Yes; business has revived, and we have decided to take on some extra hands, giving preference to those who have formerly been in our employ."
"Then I will be revenged, at any rate," said Sam.
Chapter XXII
Sam's Revenge
Now that vacation had fairly commenced, Ben thought he had better make application for employment at the mills. It was generally understood that business had improved and that new hands were to be taken on.
On the morning succeeding the award of prizes, Ben presented himself at the office of the superintendent.
After awhile the great man arrived. He nodded patronizingly to the applicants for employment. He saw Ben in the number and his small soul was rejoiced, for he meant to humiliate him.
He summoned one and another to a conference, engaging such as were old hands.
Ben began to look hopeful. He, too, had experience.
At last Mr. Archer beckoned to him to approach.
"What do you wish?" he demanded.
"I should like employment at the mills," said Ben.
"Have you been in my employ before?"
"Yes, sir."
Mr. Archer opened a thick folio volume which lay upon the desk, and appeared to be looking for something, which he found at last.
"I can't employ you," he said coldly.
"Why not, sir?"
"Because your record is not good."
Ben's eyes flashed with proper indignation.
"I don't understand, sir," he said, in a dignified tone.
"It strikes me that my language is plain."
"What complaints were made of me? I should like to know in what respect I failed to do my duty."
"Probably you know as well as I can tell you," said the superintendent. "At any rate, I have no time to waste in examining into the matter. I prefer to take a boy who has nothing against him. Next."
Ben left the office, smarting not so much at the failure to obtain employment, as at the unfounded charges trumped up against him.
Just outside the office he met Sam Archer.
"Good morning, Bradford," said Sam, eyeing our hero curiously.
"Are you going to work in the mill?"
"No," said Ben shortly.
"Perhaps old Taylor will give you employment."
"No doubt he would if he had occasion to employ any one. Mr.
Taylor is a gentleman."
"Do you mean to say father isn't a gentleman?"
"You can draw your own conclusions."
Ben was not quite an angel, though he was a manly boy, and he felt pugnacious.
"I've a great mind to knock you down," said Sam.
"You may have the mind, but you haven't got the strength to do it," said Ben.
"I won't dirty my hands with touching you."
"That's prudent, at any rate," retorted Ben.
"You'd better go home and read your prize."
"That's good advice, though it comes from a bad source," returned Ben. "It isn't needed, however, for I have been reading it. I can quote two lines —
"'Be not like dumb, driven cattle,
Be like heroes in the strife.'"
"What do you mean by that?"
"I mean that you will find it hard to drive me."
"Perhaps so, but I've done one thing," boasted Sam.
"What's that?"
"I told father not to take you if you applied; and that's why you are going away with a flea in your ear."
"I am not surprised to hear this," he answered. "Indeed, I am very glad to hear it."
"You are glad to hear it?" repeated Sam, puzzled.
"Yes."
"I don't understand why you should be."
"I suppose not. I am glad you know just why I was refused."
"Well, I hope you are satisfied."
"I am entirely so."
"I wonder what the fellow means," thought Sam.
Chapter XXIII
The Decoy Letter
Sam knew that Ben was anxious to obtain a situation. It occurred to him that it would be a splendid joke to write to Ben, in the name of some Boston firm, offering him a situation. Ben would go up to the city, of course, only to find that he had been "sold."
Of course, it would not do for Sam to write the letter himself, since his writing was well known to Ben. Again, the letter must be posted in Boston. However, where there is a will there is a way. Sam was acquainted with a boy who lived in Boston – Frank Ferguson – and to him he wrote, enclosing the draft of a letter, which he requested Frank to copy and mail to Ben. "It is only a practical joke," Sam explained in his letter, "in return for one Ben has played on me." But for this explanation, Frank who was an honorable boy, would not have lent himself to this scheme. As it was, it struck him only as a piece of fun, and he followed Sam's instructions.
A few days later, Ben, in going to the post-office, received a letter directed to himself. It read thus:
"BENJAMIN BRADFORD: We are in want of a boy in our store. You can have the place if you wish. It will be necessary for you to report for duty next Monday.
"Yours, in haste,"JONES & PORTER"
Ben had heard of Jones & Porter. They were well-known booksellers and publishers. A position with them was certainly desirable.
"But how could they have heard of me," thought Ben.
He was not vain enough to suppose that his name was well known in Boston, yet here was an important firm that had offered him employment. Again, the manner in which the letter ended struck him as rather singular. It didn't occur to Ben to doubt its genuineness.
As he was walking back, he met James Watson.
"What's the news, Ben?" asked James.
"I am offered a place in Boston," answered Ben.
"You don't say so! What sort of place is it?"
"It is a place in a bookstore. There is the letter."
James read it.
"How did they happen to write to you."
"I don't know, I am sure."
"Can't you think of any way in which they could have heard of you?"
"There is only one way I can think of. There was a gentleman in
Charleston who was quite kind to me when I was there last year.
He promised to be of service to me if I ever needed it. He may have mentioned my name to Jones & Porter.
"Very likely," said James. "You are in luck."
"I wish I knew what wages they are willing to pay," said Ben. "If it's only five dollars a week, it won't more than pay my board, and I don't like to call upon Aunt Jane to pay for my clothes."
"You will take the place, won't you, at any rate?"
"Oh, yes. Perhaps I can get a chance to earn something by extra work, and so pay for my clothes."
"Well, I wish you good luck, Ben. If you hear of a place for me, let me know."
"I will, James. I should like your company."
Ben went home and showed the letter to his aunt.
"You see, aunt, I am provided for," said Ben.
Old Mrs. Perkins was present and hazarded a cheerful observation.
"I wouldn't trust a boy of mine in the city, Mrs. Bradford," she said; "it's the ruination of 'em most always. Like or not, Ben will get dissipated, and take to drinkin', and have the delirious triangles."
Mrs. Bradford was easily alarmed.
"Do you think you'd better go, Ben?" she asked doubtfully. "You're so young."
"I can't afford to wait till I'm an old man, Aunt Jane," he said; "and I don't mean to have the 'delirous triangles,' if I can help it. You wouldn't keep me at home till I'm eighty, like Mrs. Perkins – "
"I'm only sixty-two," exclaimed the old lady indignantly. "What do you mean by calling me eighty?"
"I didn't know you were sensitive about your age."
"I ain't," snarled the old lady; "I own up to sixty-two, but you needn't call me twenty years older."
Mrs. Perkins was really seventy-two and looked her age; but she fondly hoped to deceive the public.
"Do you really think you had better go to Boston, Ben?" said his aunt, after the departure of the visitor.
"Yes, Aunt Jane. There's no chance for me in Milltown, as you know very well. Mr. Archer's prejudiced against me, and won't take me into the mill."
"I shall miss you very much, Ben."
"I'll write you once every week."
"How much will you get?"
"I don't know. If it's too little, I will live as closely as I can. I shall be learning the business, you know, and, of course, I shall get my salary raised when I deserve it."
Ben had a strong, positive nature, and he convinced his aunt that he ought to accept the offer of Jones & Porter. Mrs. Bradford set about putting his clothes in order.
Sam Archer awaited with interest the result of his joke. Seeing Ben the next day, he stopped him.
"Where are you bound, Ben?" he asked.
"I am going to buy some underclothes," he said.
"Have you got a place?"
"Yes, I expect so."
Sam wanted to laugh, but concealed his emotions.
"Where is it?" he asked.
"It isn't in you father's mill," retorted Ben.
"No, I suppose not. Is it in town?"
"It is in Boston!" said Ben, in a tone of satisfaction.
Sam laughed involuntarily.
"What are you laughing at?" inquired Ben angrily.
"Excuse me," said Sam. "I was thinking how green you would be at first in a city place. I will call and see you when I go to the city."
"I don't like to be impolite; but as you prevented my getting a place here, I don't look upon you as a friend, and I only care to receive calls from my friends."
"How proud we are just because we have got a place in Boston!" said Sam mockingly, and he laughed again.
"I thought he would be disappointed to hear of my success," thought
Ben. "He is rather a queer boy."
"Isn't it jolly?" said Sam to himself. "Won't he be mad when he finds it all a sell?"
