Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Benton County, Or.) 1900-1909, 1901-06-18
CHAPTER x.


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
tolling bell had fallen sadly upon his ear,
and he had looked into grave where
they laid his mother to her last dream
less rest. A prevailing fever had effect
ed 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.
''It was foolish in me to attempt it,
thought he, as he stopped in front of a
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 a I'LL, elegant looking young
man, he asked for Mr.. Selden.
NY uACIcY EtluIuSu Lie S6ullcludHy
who was none other than George More
land, ''has not yet come down, but per-
haps can answer your purpose just as
well. Do you wish to purchase goods 2"
Billy, thinking that everyone must
know his poverty, tfancied there was
something satirical in the question, but
he was mistaken; the manner was nat
ural to the speaker, who, as Billy made
oslya 4. hot
would you like, sir?"
Something to do; for l have neither
money nor home," was Billy's prompt an
swer.
"WiA you give me your name?" asked
George.
Billy complied, and when he spoke of
his native town George repeated it after
him, saying: 81 have some acquaintances
who spend the summer in Chicopee; but
you probably have never known them"
Immediately Billy thought of the Lin
colnss 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.
Fora moment George regarded him in
tently,g and then said: eve seldom en-
ploy strangers without a reeommenda-
ton; still, 1 do not believe you need any.
NV uncle is wanting a young man. but
the work NAV hardly suit Won" he added.
naming the duties he wonld he exnectad
to perform, which certainly were rather
mental. Still. as the wages were liberal.
Billy for want of a better. accepted the
situation, and was Immediately introduc.
ed to his business For some time he
only saw George at distance, but was
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
I'VE all like him very much," said the
clerk, she is so pleasant and kind, though
q little proud ! guess"
This was all that Billy knew of him un
til Id had been lin. Mr.. Selden's employ
ment nearly three weeks; then, as he was
one day poring over volume of Horace
which he had brought with him, George
who sehaaced to pass by. looked over hi.
shohFder. exclaiming, "Why. Bender. car
you read~Iatin? Really. this ia a nov
eIty. Are you fond of books p,
eyes, very" said Billy, "though 1 have
but a few of nv own"
Fortunately, then. can accommodate,
vou.n returned George. "for have a fol
erabIy good library. to which you can a
any time have access. Suppose you com,
round to my uncle's tonight. NeYel
mind about thanking me-" he added, al
he saw Billy about to speak; Il hate t
be thanked, SO tonight, at eight o'clock
l shall expect you"
Accordingly, that evening Billy started
for Mr.. Selden's. George, who wished t.
save him from any embarrassment, an
swered his ring himself, and immediatel,
conducted him to his room, where for al
hour or so they discussed their favorit
books and authors. At last, George, as
tonished at Billy's general knowledge o
men and things, exclaimed, why, Ben
der, L do believe you are almost as goo
scholar as l, who have been through
college. Pray, how does it happen?"
Ina few words Billy explained that b
had been in the habit of working sum
mers and going to school at Wilbrahan
winters; and then, as 1t was nearly ter
ne hastlly gathered up the books whic
George mad kindly loaned him and too
ms leave: AS ne was descending tn
broad stairway ne met young girl fash
lonaply dressed VINO stared at him
some surprise. In the upper nan she en-
countereo GEORGE ana asked MIN who tn
stranger was.