Coming of age -- Juvenile fiction; Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction
"Nothing much, except that Squire Carter is expecting to foreclose the
mortgage on father's farm next week."
"Is that so? We must not permit that."
"No; I have a thousand dollars in bank, and I shall ask Mr. Crawford
to-morrow if he will advance me two thousand on some lots I own in
Tacoma."
"That will not be necessary. I will myself advance the full amount, and
you can pay me whenever you sell your lots."
"That is very kind, Mr. Gale, and relieves me very much."
"Don't overestimate the kindness. I have more money than I know what to
do with."
"There are others in the same position who would not help me."
"I am your friend. That makes the difference. When you go to Arden I
will go, too. It will be pleasant for me to see the place where I passed
so enjoyable a summer and made so good a friend."
"I shall be delighted to have your company, Mr. Gale."
Two evenings later, as Andy was walking up Broadway toward his new home,
he saw a familiar figure in front of him--the figure of a boy about his
own age. Evidently the boy had been drinking, and could not walk
straight.
Once, as he turned half around, Andy, with a start, recognized John
Crandall, who had treated him so meanly at Mr. Flint's. He had no reason
to like him, but his compassion was aroused.
"John," said Andy, linking his arm in his, "how do you happen to be in
this condition?"
"Who are you?" hiccoughed John.
"I am Andy Grant. Don't you know me?"
"Yes, you used to be at Mr. Flint's. Where are you taking me?" he asked,
suspiciously.
"To my room. I will take care of you to-night. What are you doing now?"
"I was in a place on Wall Street, but I got bounced yesterday. I took
the money they paid me and got drunk."
"That was foolish. Where is your uncle?"
"He has gone to Chicago. I'm awful unlucky, Andy."
"If you will turn over a new leaf and stop drinking I'll see if I can't
get you another place."
"Will you?" asked John, hopefully. "Don't you hate me?"
"No."
"I should think you would. I got you out of Flint's."
"You did me a service without intending it."
"You're a good fellow," hiccoughed John. "I'm sorry I treated you so
mean."
"I'm not, since it led to my securing my present place. But we must turn
down here."
"Where do you live?"
"On Madison Avenue."
"Madison Avenue? You must be a swell."
Andy smiled.
"If you work hard you may become a swell, too."
When they entered the flat, John stared about him in amazement.
"How can you afford to live in such a fine place?" he said.
"Because a friend bears the greater part of the expense. Now, let me
help you undress. We have a spare room, and I will let you occupy it. In
the morning I will wake you up for breakfast."
John Crandall was soon fast asleep. A few minutes later Mr. Gale came
in.
"We have a visitor to-night," said Andy.
"A friend of yours?"
"He may become so, but thus far he has been anything but that."
Andy told the story of John's attempt to injure him.
"And yet you befriend him?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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