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The Telegraph Boy, a novel by Horatio Alger |
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Chapter 24. An Open Enemy |
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_ CHAPTER XXIV. AN OPEN ENEMY Frank remained with Mr. Hartley till the guilty clerk left the establishment. This was at the special request of the merchant, who did not care to let Mr. Haynes suspect who had been instrumental in bringing his guilt to light. "I suppose you have no further use for me, now, Mr. Hartley?" said the telegraph boy. "Not at present, Frank," said his employer, kindly. "Then I will report for duty at the telegraph office." "Wait a moment. You have done me a great service." "I am glad of that sir," answered Frank, modestly. "You have shown uncommon shrewdness and intelligence." Frank looked gratified, and expressed his thanks for the compliment. "I want to make you a present, in addition to the wages which you receive from the office," said Mr. Hartley. "Thank you, sir." Mr. Hartley drew from his desk a five-twenty government bond, of one hundred dollars, and handed it to our hero. "Do you mean all this for me?" asked Frank, quite overwhelmed by the magnitude of the gift. "It is not more than you deserve. I might have given you the money value of the bond; but I give it to you in this shape, because I hope you will keep it as an investment. It will yield you six dollars interest annually in gold. I hope the time will come when you will have more interest in the same way." "I hope I shall, sir. I shall feel quite rich now." "You are richer in the qualities which have won you this acknowledgment. How do you like the telegraph service?" "Very well, sir, for the present. It is much better than being a newsboy." "Exactly; but there are positions you would prefer?" "Yes, sir; I would like to be in some mercantile business, where I might work my way up. In a few years I shall be too old for a telegraph boy, and then I shall be out of place." "I will relieve your fears on that score. In six months I shall make some changes in the list of employees. When that time comes I will find a place for you." "There is nothing I should like better, sir," said Frank, his face flushing with pleasure. "I am satisfied that you will make a useful and intelligent clerk. Until I want you, remain where you are. The discipline of your present office will do you no harm, but will help qualify you for usefulness and success in the mercantile career." "Thank you, sir. Now I have something to look forward to I shall work much more cheerfully." Frank went back to the office, and resumed his ordinary duties. One day he was riding down Broadway in a stage, when he became sensible that he had attracted the attention of a gentleman sitting opposite. This led him to scan the face of the man who was observing him. He at once recognized Mr. Haynes. The stage was not full, and the latter came over, and took a seat next to the telegraph boy. "Isn't your name Frank Kavanagh?" he asked, abruptly. "Yes, sir." "Were you not for a short time in the employ of Mr. Hartley?" "Yes," answered Frank, feeling embarrassed, for he knew that he was suspected. "I infer from your uniform that you have left Mr. Hartley." "Yes." "Why did you leave him?" asked Haynes, sharply. "Because he had no further occasion for my services. Why did _you_ leave him?" asked Frank, in turn. James Haynes colored, and looked angry. However, he answered the question. "I have other business views," he said, briefly. "So have I." The next question was also of an embarrassing character. "Were you a telegraph boy before you entered Mr. Hartley's employ?" "I was," answered Frank. "Were you detailed for duty there?" Our hero thought that he had answered questions enough by this time, and signified as much to his questioner. "If I had been," he said, "I shouldn't be permitted to inform a stranger." "I have particular reasons for asking the question," said Haynes. "Then you can ask Mr. Hartley, or the superintendent of my office. Good-morning, sir, I get out here." Frank pulled the strap, and got out. But he was not rid of his questioner. Haynes got out too, and walked beside our hero. "I believe," he said, sternly, "that you were sent for to act as a spy on me." "What makes you think so?" asked the telegraph boy, looking him in the eye. "There was a difficulty between Mr. Hartley and myself, occasioned by a base and groundless charge, concocted by some enemy. I believe that you had something to do with this." "I have brought no groundless charge against any one," said Frank. "Did you make any report to Mr. Hartley in regard to me?" "I must refer you to Mr. Hartley for information," said Frank. "I have an errand in here;" and he entered a store in the lower part of Broadway. "There is no doubt about it," thought Haynes. "That boy was a spy upon me. I have learned all I cared to. I owe you a debt of gratitude for this, Frank Kavanagh, and mean to pay the debt." When Frank came out he thought it possible that Haynes might be waiting for him; but the disgraced clerk was gone. "I suppose he would injure me if he had a chance," thought the telegraph boy. "I won't give him the chance if I can help it." _ |
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