Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-11-03
SCOpNlCsn. 1896. eY the AUTHOR.

thing will co him good and may bring
him to his Senses
So MIR. Howe suppressed his paternal
yearning, and Alec's fate was decided.
He would never eat his own words, nor
would he come back begging and cring-
ing. lie would make his living or die
struggling. Physically he was slight
and thin and pale, but he had a mighty
determination and vein Of buoyapt
hope that usually carried him through
difficulties.
Once in his own room he began to re-
feet On his position. Without money,
TIE law must evidently be given up. He
had something less than $40 in his
pocket. From that he must make his
fortune. But how? Where? His deter
mination had been taken suddenly, and
he had no plans.
The following week he was to have
taken his summer vacation among the
New Hampshire hills. He loved them
perhaps better than any other place he
knew, and had gone to one or another
part of them for four successive sum-
mers At first he thought that his vaca-
thought, Why not go and work in the
bayfield, for the summer and take time
20 think matters over? He remembered
what fun it had been to follow TIE hay
cart around, now aud then pitching on
forkful of hay, or dragging the big
rake for the scatterings to help on the
men little. OF course till now it had
always been in fun, but why rot do it
for money, getting delightful summer
in the country ard earning something
besides?
There arose doubts about the summer
being SO delightful under such laboriOus
conditions, but the more he thought of
it the more the idea fascinated him, and
he Immediately set to work to collect
tramping outfit. A rough, strong suit of
clothes was selected, one which he had
formerly bought in the country, and he
found an old felt hat that had come
from the country too. He had KNAPP
Eack, which he had used for tramping
in times past, and this he filled with
such necessaries as he had heard that
genuine tramps carried. such as tin
dipper, q tin plate, a fork, big peck
always carried. q teaspoon. some pepper
and salt and few other things. With
the little money no had ho would pur-
chase ticket to the Rushes, and then
he would have little over Sc left to
provide for living necessities till he
could find work, which he thought
would not be a difficult matter, as it
was Just about time fer hayinS to begin,
and he knew that extra hands were al
ways i'll demand fog haying.
1t was Saturday night when all these
things happened, and Sunday was spent
quietly in making preparations. He
came to his meals either before or after
his father and mother ate theirs, and SO
they did not see him once all day. They
did not believe he would go on Mop
day, as he had said he would. and hour
~ looked to see his penitent face. They
knew he was logged in his determira-
ton, but this was SO extraordinary a
proceeding that they could not believe
it. Mrs. Howe feared that ne would
change his mind, and, as was his habit,
Mr.. Howe put the matter out Of his
thoughts TO await developments. But
|
Of Saturday evening.
Monday morning Alec breakfasted
with his parents. and when the meal
was finished babe them cheerful good
by, saying that as be intended to take
his vacation in New Hampshire he had
decided to try his fortune in those parts
first. He was filed with excitement and
strange, feyerish expectation. His
manner was somewhat mysterious, and
not III the least confidential Mrs. Howe
treated him with great GOODNESS, and
his father remained neutral. Alec shook
hands with each Of his parents and
hastily took his leave. There was nc
such word as Write to Us, IF you
get ont Of money, send to me-" or IL
hope yen won't regret this STEP" ST.
lence, only silence! Perhaps it was be.
cause Alec was known to be quite able
to take care Of himself Certainly nei.
ther Mr.. nor Mrs. Howe had any feal
that he would come to starvation,
though perhaps they might bave had
had either known how very small a
sum Of money the lad was starting on,
On. But Alec thought to himself that
he was glad he had no more, for now
he must work his way or starve. since
he would have no money to come back
on. lie was burning the bridges behind
him, ard was happy in the thought. 1,
added pionGncy to the adventure, and
his courage and determination laughed
at the danger.
CHAPTER II.