The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1901-06-13
FRoM
PooRA0ysE @M1 mp PALAlIcE
s.
BY MHRY j. HOLMES
BY NARY ]. HOLMES
CHAPTER Y.

,he husv world around him with that
sooinc of utter loneliness which one so
orton feels in great city where all is
now and strange to him. Scarcely four
weeks had passed since the notes of
,olIing bell had fallen sadly upon his ear,
anil he had looked into grave where
,bcv laid his mother to her last dream
lass rest. 4 prevailing fever had effect
oI what the fancied ailments of years
had failed to do, and Billy Bender was
nav an orphan and alone in the wide
world He knew that he had his own
fortunc to make, and after settling his
mothers affairs and finding there was
uothing left for him, he had come to the
rity, 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. ]. Sclden & Co." The name sound
cd familiar an something whispered to
him to enter lie did so, and meeting in
the doorway II 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 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 l have neither
money nor home," was Billy's prompt an
swer.
"Will you give me your namew asked
George
Billy complied, and when he spoke of
his native town George repeated it after
him, saying: Il 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
Seden seemed so familiar. He had heard
Jenny speak Of Ida, and felt certain that
r. j. Selden was her father. sS
For moment George regarded him In
tently, and then said: 1--WE seldom EN-
plOy strangers without recommends
ton; 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 distance, but was
told by one Of the clerks that he was
just graduated at Yale, and was now q
junior partner in his uncle's establish
ment e-fs
I'VE all like him very much," said the
clerk "he is so pleasant and kind, though
little proud, guess"
This was all that Billy knew of him un-
til he had been in 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 Glanced to pass by, looked over his
shoulder, eXclaiming, "Why, Bender, car
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 a toll
erably good library, to which you can a
any time have access. Suppose you come
round to my uncle's tonight. Nevea
mind about thanking me-" he added. a,
ne saw Billy about to speak;-'I hate, t.
De thanked, so tonight, at eight O'Clock
shall expect YOU"
Accordingly, that evening Billy startet
Tor Mr.. Selden's. George, who wished Y
save him from any embarrassment, an
Swered his ring himself, and Immediately
conducted him to his room, where for al
hOur or so they discussed their favoritt
books and authors. At last, George, as
tonshed at Billy's general knowledge o.
men and things, exclaimed, why, Ben
uer' do believe you are almost as goot
scholar as l, who have been through
college. Pray, how does it happenY
IN few words Billy explained that ht
mad been in the habit of working sum
hers and going to school at Wilbrahan
winters; and then, as it was nearly ten
ne hastily gathered up the books which
neorse had kindly loaned him and tool
MS leave. AS he was descending tn,
broad stairway he met young girl fash
iohaoly dressed, who stared at him II
some surprise. In the upper hall she en-
eountered George, and asked him who tn
stranger was.
-, ms name is Bender and he came from
Onicopee,' answered George.
.s Bender from Chicopeew repeated Ida
,Mhy | wonder if it isn't the Billy Ben
uer about whom Jenny Lincoln has gon'
almost mad" a.
\, 'hlnk not" returned her cousin, 10
SirS' Lincoln would hardly suffer he
aa"ghter to mention a poor boys name
"uGa less to go mad about him.
NJ nIt' answered Ida. ''he worked q
n..; ,; Llncoln's farm when Jenny was
,"u 'ule girl; and now that she Is older sh
pl IslAS OF him nearly all the time, an
OSe says 1t would not surprise her e sh
'"ouiu ..I. some day run of with him."
n iosslbly it is the same" returne'
;o'se' Anyway, he is very fine look
an s' ana tne fellow, too. besides besn
u" excellent scholar"
o,a DE next day, when Billy chanced to b
nil george approached him, and afte
hns hoo,s some casual remarks about "A
M TUSs ne had borrowed. ETC., he said
ON. n'u you ever see Jenny Lincoln in Chie
n, Uh, yes," answered Billy, briGkttnin
wns w. 'or Jenny had alwsys been, and 81
great favorite with him: 's0t
'eS 1 know Jenny voa ~~31 svAr1ro