The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1901-06-14
BY MARY j. HOLMES
CHAPTER X.

city OF Boston, and as the gray east
gradually frightened and grew red In the
coming day, young man looked out upon
the busy world around him with that
feeling OF utter loneliness which one so
often feels in great city where all Is
new and strange to him. Scarcely iour
weeks had passed since the notes OF
tolling bell had fallen sadly upon his ear,
and he had looked into a grave where
they laid his mother to her last dream
less rest. A prevailing fever had elect
ed what the faneied ailments OF years
had failed to do and Billy Bender was
now an orphan and alone IN the VIDE
wOrlds 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.
at was foolish in me to attempt II"
thought he. as he stopped in front OF a
large wholesale establishment. His eye
caught the sign on which was lettered
"R. j. Selden q Co." The name sound
ed familiar, and something whispered to
him to enter. He did so, and meeting In
the doorway a tall, elegant looking young
man, he asked for Mr.. Selden.
"My uncle" returned the gentleman,
who was none other than George More
land, "has not yet come down, but per
haps l can answer your purpose just as
well. Do you wish to purchase gOodsT'
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 home," was Billy's prompt an
swer.
"Will you give me your name2" 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
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 moment George regarded him in
tently, and then said: 1--WE seldom EN-
ploy strangers without a recommends
tion; still, | do not believe you need any.
My uncle Is wanting a young man, but
the work may hardly suit you," he added,
naming the duties he would be expected
to perform, which certainly were rather
menial Still, as the wages were liberal,
Billy for want of better, accepted the
situation, and was Immediately intrOduc
ed to his business. For some time he
only saw George at a 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.
1--WE all like him very much" said the
clerk, che is so pleasant and kind, though
a little proud, ] 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 poring over a volume of Horace
which he had brought with him, George
who chanced to pass by, looked over his
shoulder, exclaiming, "Why, Bender, car
YOU read Latin? Really, this is a 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 tol
90 tah vott oan n
any time have access. Suppose you CONF
round to my uncle's tonight. Neve
mind about thanking me-" he added, al
he saw Billy about to speak; Il hate t,
be thanked so tonight, at eight o'clock
| 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
tonshed at Billys general knowledge o
men and things, exclaimed, why, Ben
der, do believe you are almost as goo,
a scholar as |, who have been througl
college. Pray, how does it happen"
In few words Billy explained that h
had been in the habit of working sum
mers and going to school at Wilbrahan
winters; and then, as it was nearly ten
he hastily gathered up the books whic
George had kindly loaned him and too
his leave. AS he was descending tn
broad stairway he met young girl fash
ionably dressed, who stared at him |
Tn tho hoH chA
countered George, and asked him who tn
stranger was.
"His name is Bender and he came fror
Chicopee," answered George.
Bender from Chicopeep' repeated Ids
"Why, | wonder If it isn't the Billy Ber
der about whom Jenny Lincoln has gon
almost mad"
"I think not" returned her cousin, "fo
Mrs. Lincoln would hardly suffer he
daughter to mention a poor boys name
much less to go mad about him."
But" answered Ida, "he worked o
Mr.. Lincoln's farm when Jenny was
little girl; and now that she is older sh
talks of him nearly all the time, an
Rose says it would not surprise her if sh
should some day run off with him."
Possibly it is the same," returne
George. Anyway, he is very fine lool
ing, and a fine fellow, too, besides bein
an excellent scholar"
The next day, when Billy chanced to b
alone, George approached him, and afte
making some casual remarks about th
books he had borrowed, etc, he SAT-
did you ever see Jenny Lincoln in Chi,
opee?"
"Oh, yes" answered Billy, brightenin
up for Jenny had always been, and sti
was, a great favorite with him; "Ol
yes, know Jenny very well. worke
for her father some years ago, and b,
came greatly interested in her" g
"Indeed? Then you must know Hel
ry Lincoln?"
Eyes, | know him." said Billy; viii
George continued:
And think but little Of him, {
courseT'
On this subject Billy was non-commi
tai. He had no cause for liking Henr
hut would not say so to q comparatiN