Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1901-06-13
FROM
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8 BY MARY J HOLMES 3
BY MARY j. HOLMES
CHAPTER y.

w
coming day. Il young man looked out upon
the busy world around him with that
feeling of utter loneliness which one so
often feels in a great city where all is
new and strange to him. Scarcely four
weeks had passed since the notes of a
toling bell had fallen sadly upon his ear.
they laid his mother to her last dream
less rest. A prevailing fever had effect
cd what the fancied ailments Of years
had failed to do, and Billy Bender was
now an orphan and alone in the wide
world. He knew that he had his own
fortune to make. and after settling his
mothers affairs and finding there was
nothing left for him, he had come to the
city, and on this morning went forth
alone to look for employment. with no
other recommendation than the frank,
honest expression of his handsome face.
1T was foolish in me to attempt it,
thought he. as he stopped in front Of Al
large wholesale establishment His eye
caught the sign on which was lettered
"R. J. Selden \ Co.." The name sound
ed familiar. and something whispered to
him to enter He did so, and meeting in
the doorway tall. elegant looking young
ulHI lit uSkVu lUT .lIs NSCIuCh.
"Aly uncle" returned the gentleman,
who was none other than George More
land. has not vet come down, but per-
haps l can answer your purpose just as
we'll. DO you wish to purchase gOods!'
Billy. thinking that everyone must
know his poverty, fancied there was
something satirical in the question. but
he was mistaken; the manner was nat
ural to the speaker, who, as Billy made
no direct reply, again asked: What
would you like, sir?"
Something to do; for have neither
money nor hone," was Billy's prompt an
swer.
Twill you give me your name:" asked
George
Billy complied. and when he spoke of
his native town George repeated it after
him, saying: II have some acquaintances
who spend the summer in Chicopee; but
you probably have never known Them"
Immediately Billy thought of the Lin
coins. and now knew why the name OF
Selden seemed so familiar. He had heard
Jenny speak of Ida, and felt certain that
r. J. Selden was her father.
For Il moment George regarded him in
tently, and then said: 1--WE seldom EN-
ploy strangers without a recommended
ton: still. l do not believe you need any.
My uncle is wanting young man, but
the work may hardly suit you," he added,
naming the duties he would be expected
to perform. which certainly were rather
mental, Still, as the wages were liberal.
Billy for want Of better. accepted the
situation, and was Immediately introduce
ed to his business. For some time he
4
told by one of the clerks that he was
just graduated at Yale. and was now a
Junior partner in his uncle's establish
ment
1--WE all like him very much," said the
clerk, 'he is so pleasant and kind. though
little proud, I guess"
This was all that Billy knew of him I'M
til he had been in Mr.. Selden's employ
ment nearly three weeks; then. as he was
one day porting over volume of Horace
which he had brought with him. George,
who CHANGED to pass by, looked over his
shoulder. exclaiming. "Why. Bender. can
you read Latin? Really, this is nov
city Are you fond of boOks!"
Yes. very" said Billy. Though have
but few of my own"
''Fortunately, then, can accommodate
you." returned George, "for have toll
crably good library, to which you can at
any time have access. Suppose you come
round to my uncle's tonight. Never
mind about thanking me-" he added. as
he saw Billy about to speak; II hate to
be thanked, so tonight. at eight o'clock,
! shall expect you"
Accordingly. that evening Billy started
for Mr.. Selden's. George, who wished TO
I, al,
severed his ring himself. and Immediately
conducted him to his room, where for an
hour or so they discussed their favorite
books and authors. At last, George. as
tonished at Billy's general knowledge Of
men and things, exclaimed, why, Ben
der. do believe you are almost as good
scholar as l, who have been through
college. Pray. how does 1t happen?"
In few words Billy explained that he
had been in the habit OF working sum-
mers and going to school at Wilbraham
winters: and then. as it was nearly ten.
he hastily gathered up the books which
George had kindly loaned him and took
his leave. AS he was descending the
broad stairway he met IL young girl fash
ionably dressed. who stared at him in
some surprise. In the upper hall she en-
stranger was.
Ills name is Bender and he came from
Chi opee," answered George.
BENDER from Chicopee." repeated Ida.
"Why. wonder il it isn't the Billy Ben
der about whom Jenny Lincoln has gone
almost mad"
II think not" returned her cousin. ''for
Mrs. Lincoln would hardly suffer her
daughter to mention poor boys name,
much less to go mad about him.
'Hut." answered Ida. ''he worked on
Mr.. l.incoln's farm when Jenny was Il
little girl; and now that she is older she
talks of him nearly all the time, AMI
Rose says it would not surprise her il she
should some day run off with him.
POSSIBLY it is the same" returned
George. Anyway he is very fine look
ing. and a fine fellow too, besides being
an excellent scholar"
The next day. when Billy CHANGED to be
alone, George approached him, and after
making some casual remarks about the
books he had borrowed. etc. he said.
Did you ever see Jenny Lincoln in Chic
opcc?'
"Oh. yes" answered Billy. Frightening
mp. for Jenny had always been. and still
WAS. a great favorite with him; "Oh.
II al