Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1901-05-09
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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 a great city where all is
Aew and strange to him. Scarcely four
weeks had passed since the notes of
4olling bell had fallen sadly upon his ear,
and he had looked into a grave where
ahey laid his mother to her last dream
less rest. A prevailing fever had effect
ed what the fancied ailments of years
Rad 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.
st was foolish in me to attempt it, ;"
thought he, as he stopped in front of a
barge 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
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-
Aaps | 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
ne was mistaken; the manner was nat
aral to the speaker, who, as Billy made
no direct reply, again asked: what
would you like, sir?"
Something to do; for l have neither
MGleyNnor home,' was Billy's prompt an
sWer.
will you give me your name?" asked
George.
Billy complied, and when he spoke of
his native town George repeated it after
MIN, saying: 81 have some acquaintance
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 a moment George regarded him in
4ently, and then said: 1--WE seldom en-
Dloy strangers without a recommends
Gion still, l 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
so perform, which certainly were rather
menial. Still, as the wages were liberal,
Billy for want of a better, accepted the
situation, and was Immediately introduce
ed to his business. For some time he
only saw George at a distance, but was
hold by one of the clerks that he was
Just graduated at Yale, and was now a
Junior partner in his uncle's establish
42ent.
I'VE all like him very much," said the
clerk, ''he is so pleasant and kind, though
little proud, L guess"
This was all that Billy knew of him I'M
til he had been in Mr.. Selden's employ
nent 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 a nov
city. Are you fond of books?"
Eyes, very" said Billy, though have
but a few of my own"
Fortunately, then, can accommodate
y0u," returned George, "for l have a toll
erably 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
&c saw Billy about to speak; Il hate to
De thanked, so tonight, at eight O'clock
I shall expect YOU
Accordingly, that evening Billy started
for Mr.. Selden's. George, who wished to
save him from any embarrassment, an
swered 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
sonlshoa at Dihy's general knowledge of
men and things, exclaimed, ''Why, Ben
aer, l do believe you are almost rs good
n scholar as /, who have been through
college. Pray, how does it happen?"
In few words Billy explained that he
Mad 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
bread stairway he met a young girl fash
fonably dressed, who stared at him in
some surprise. In the upper hall she en-
eouutered George, and asked him who the
stranger was.
His name is Bender and he came from
Chicopee," answered George.
Bender from Chicopee." repeated Ida
why. wonder if it isn't the Billy Ben
der about whom Jenny Lincoln has gone
almost mad"
81 think not" returned her cousin, "for
BIrs. Lincoln would hardly suffer her
slaughter to mention poor boys name,
much less to so mad about him."
But" answered Ida, "he worked on
Mr.. Lincoln's farm when Jenny was
1ttle girl; and now that she is older she
eaIks of him nearly all the time and
Rose says it would not surprise her if she
should some day run off with him.
Possibly it is the same" returned
George. Anyway, he is very fine look