CHAPTER XXII.
JOHN CRANDALL SEEKS TO INJURE ANDY
Though Simon Rich had succeeded in reinstating his nephew in the store in place of Andy, he was not altogether happy. John Crandall was naturally lazy and inefficient, and his temporary discharge did not seem to have improved him.
When sent out on errands he loitered, and had more than once put his uncle to considerable inconvenience. He obliged to admit to himself that Andy had been more satisfactory.
In the midst of this experience John preferred a request to have his salary raised a dollar a week.
"You know very well that I have no authority to raise your wages," said his uncle, sharply.
"Why not, Uncle Simon? You have taken me back on your own authority."
"And I begin to think that I have made a great mistake."
"Perhaps you'd like to have the country boy back again?"
"I am not sure but I would. He did not stay away so long on errands as you do."
"I wonder what he is doing?" said John, starting off on a new tack. "I don't suppose he can get a new place."
"If you see him, you might ask him to call," said Simon Rich.
"Why?" asked John, suspiciously.
"I may discharge you and take him back."
"In that case, I will tell Mr. Flint about pawning the watch."
Simon Rich looked at his nephew with anger, mingled with dismay. He began to see, now, that to a certain extent he had put himself in John's power.
"You treacherous young rascal, I have a great mind to wring your neck!" he said, wrathfully.
"Uncle Simon," observed John, significantly, "I guess you'd better not act hastily."
"What a fool I was to put myself in the power of that cub!" soliloquized the head salesman.
John saw the effect of his words and decided to follow them up.
"Don't you think you can raise my wages?" he asked.
"No, I don't. You will be lucky if you stay here till Mr. Flint comes back. After that, I can't protect you. He will probably be angry to see you back here. I shall have to tell him that I took you in temporarily. Now I will give you some advice. If you want to remain here permanently, turn over a new leaf, and work faithfully. In that case I can speak well of you, and Mr. Flint may be induced to retain you."
John began to think that this might be good advice, and for a day or two paid more attention to his duties.
"I wonder I don't see Andy somewhere," he said to himself.
"I am out a good deal, and I ought to meet him. He is probably hunting up positions."
It was not till Tuesday afternoon that he did see him. Andy had been sent to the St. Denis Hotel to meet a customer of the firm. As he came out he fell in with John.
John was the first to see him.
"Hello, Andy!" he exclaimed. "How are you getting along?"
"Pretty well, thank you."
"I suppose you haven't struck a job yet?"
"Oh, yes, I have."
"You have!" ejaculated John, in surprise. "What kind of a job?"
"I am in a large real estate office down town."
"Did they take you without a recommendation?"
"No."
"My uncle wouldn't give you one."
"I wouldn't ask him for one."
"Who did recommend you, then?"
"Mrs. Mason, of West Fifty-sixth Street."
"I know. She is one of our customers."
"Yes."
"Probably she hasn't heard of your being suspected of pawning a watch from our stock."
"You might tell her."
"Perhaps I shall," John said to himself. "What pay do you get?"
"Five dollars a week."
"I didn't think you would get a place."
Andy smiled.
"I presume Mr. Rich did not care to have me get another place."
"He thought you would have to go back to the country."
"I am better off than when I was in the jewelry store," said Andy. "How are you getting along?"
"Oh, first-class."
"I hope you will be able to keep the place."
"I didn't know but you might be wanting to come back."
"I wouldn't go back if I had the chance."
John was pleased to hear this. He was afraid that Mr. Flint might not be satisfied with his uncle's explanation, and that somehow the truth might come out.
"You must excuse me now," said Andy. "I ought to go back to the office at once."
John returned to the jeweler's full of excitement.
"Whom do you think I met just now, Uncle Simon?" he asked.
"Andy?"
"Yes."
"Did you speak with him?"
"Yes."
"I suppose he is hunting for a place."
"No; he has got one."
"Where is he working?"
"In a real estate office down town. He is getting five dollars a week."
"I didn't think he could get a place without a recommendation."
"He was recommended by one of our customers—Mrs. Mason."
"I see. Well, that is lucky for him."
Simon Rich spoke indifferently. He was rather glad that Andy had found a place, as Mr. Flint would be less likely to find fault with his dismissal.
Not so John. He had never forgiven Andy for superseding him, and he felt aggrieved that he had so soon found employment. Thinking it over, there came to him a mean suggestion. He might be able to get Andy discharged from his present place.
As his uncle seemed indifferent, and might not approve of his contemplated action, he decided to say nothing about it.
That evening, after supper, he made his way up to West Fifty-sixth
Street, and sought out the residence of Mrs. Mason.
He rang the bell.
"Can I see Mrs. Mason?" he asked.
"What name shall I mention?"
"Say it is a boy from Mr. Flint's."
Mrs. Mason received the message in some surprise. What could a boy from
Flint's have to say to her?
However, she entered the parlor, where John Crandall was waiting to see her.
"You are from Mr. Flint's?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am."
"What business can you have with me? I have bought no jewelry lately."
"I know it, Mrs. Mason. It isn't about jewelry I wish to speak."
"What, then?"
"I met, to-day, a boy who was lately employed by our firm—Andrew
Grant."
"Well?"
"He said you had recommended him to a real estate firm down town."
"I did so."
"Perhaps you didn't know that he had been discharged from our place for dishonesty."
"I begin to understand," thought Mrs. Mason, and she sat down and examined John curiously.
"Did he steal anything?"
"Yes, ma'am," answered John, glibly. "He took a watch—a gold watch out of the case and pawned it."
"That was bad. And you have come up to tell me of it? You are very considerate. Did Mr. Rich send you, or do you come of your own accord?"
"I came of my own accord. I thought you were deceived in the boy."
"What do you think I ought to do?"
"I thought you would take back the recommendation and get the boy discharged."
"Can you wait here half an hour while I consider what is best to be done?"
"Oh, yes, ma'am." ("I guess I've put a spoke in his wheel," thought
John.)
In about half an hour the door opened, and to John's amazement Andy walked in.
"You here!" he gasped.
"Yes; I hear you have been warning Mrs. Mason against me."
"I thought she ought to know that you were sent away from our store in disgrace."
"I have something to say to you," said Andy, quietly. "I have been to the pawnbroker's, and got a description of the boy who pawned the watch!"
John turned pale.
"I see you understand," Andy went on, "who did it. So do I, and so does
Mrs. Mason. You won't make anything by your attempt to injure me.
Good-evening!"
John Crandall left the house without a word. He began to be alarmed.
"Suppose Andy tells Flint," he soliloquized. "No matter; he can't prove it."
But he felt uneasy, nevertheless. He did not say anything to his uncle about his visit.
CHAPTER XXIII.
MR. FLINT'S RETURN
Mr. Crawford was something more than an ordinary real estate dealer. He was thorough and painstaking in whatever he undertook.
In his private office he had a library of volumes relating to architecture, practical building, real estate, law, etc. This Andy discovered, and he asked his employer if he might borrow books therefrom.
Mr. Crawford seemed pleased, but he asked:
"Do you think you will feel any interest in such dry volumes?"
"I shall not read for interest, but for improvement," answered Andy. "If
I am to follow up this business I want to find out all I can about it."
"You are an unusually sensible boy," said Mr. Crawford. "I am sure you will succeed."
"I mean to, if it is possible."
From this time John Crawford felt an added interest in Andy, and took pains to push him forward, and gave him practical information about real estate.
"How do you like Andy, John?" asked Mrs. Mason, not long afterward.
"He is a treasure. He does credit to your recommendation."
"I am very much pleased to hear you say so. I consider him a remarkable boy. Roy gets much higher marks at school since Andy began to help him in his lessons."
One day Andy was sent up to the Grand Central Depot on an errand. He arrived just as a train came in from the West. What was his surprise to see Mr. Flint getting out of a parlor car.
"Mr. Flint!" he cried, joyfully.
"Andy!" exclaimed the jeweler. "It seems pleasant to see a home face. But how do you happen to be up here at this time? Did Mr. Rich send you?"
"Then you have not heard—" began Andy.
"Heard what?"
"That I have been discharged from your store."
"When did this happen?" asked the jeweler, abruptly.
"About two weeks ago."
"Rich never wrote me about it. Who is in your place?"
"John Crandall."
"His nephew? The boy I discharged?"
"Yes, sir."
Mr. Flint's face assumed a stern look.
"This will have to be explained," he said. "What was the pretext for discharging you?"
"Dishonesty. He charged me with stealing a gold watch and pawning it."
"Ridiculous!"
"Then you don't believe me guilty?"
"Certainly not."
"Thank you, Mr. Flint."
"Tell me the circumstances."
"Please excuse me now, Mr. Flint. I am in a real estate office, and am on an errand. If you like, I will call at your house and explain. In the meantime I will let Mr. Rich give you his version."
"Call this evening, Andy."
"It will have to be between seven and half-past seven, as I have a pupil in the evening."
"Come to supper at my house, as soon after six as possible."
"Very well, sir."
Mr. Flint had telegraphed to Simon Rich of his coming, but through some mistake the telegram did not reach him, so that he was quite taken by surprise when his employer entered the store.
"I had no idea you were anywhere near New York, Mr. Flint," he said.
"Didn't you get my telegram from Buffalo, Mr. Rich?"
"No, sir. I hope you are well."
Just then John Crandall came in from an errand.
"You here!" said the jeweler. "Where is Andy Grant?"
"I was obliged to discharge him," replied Rich, nervously.
"Why?"
"Very much to my surprise I discovered that he had stolen a gold watch from the case."
"What evidence had you of it?"
"I found the pawn ticket in his pocket. He pawned it on Third Avenue."
"This surprises me very much," said the jeweler, quietly. "Andrew did not strike me as a dishonest boy."
"I was amazed, sir. I could hardly believe my eyes."
"What led you to search for the ticket?"
"I knew that the watch must have been taken either by him or John, who came into the shop occasionally. I accordingly searched both."
"And you found the ticket in Andrew's pocket?"
"Yes, sir."
"What did he say? Did he admit the theft?"
"No; he brazened it out, but of course the evidence was overwhelming."
"So you discharged him?"
"Yes; I did not dare to have him remain."
"And you engaged your nephew in his place?"
"Yes, sir. John happened to be here, and knew something of the duties, so I engaged him temporarily, subject, of course, to your approval."
"Where is Andrew now? Have you seen him since?"
"John saw him one day. Where was it, John?"
"On Broadway, near the St. Denis Hotel. He said he had a place."
"Where?"
"In a real estate office."
"I suppose you gave him no recommendation, Mr. Rich?"
"No, sir; I couldn't do it conscientiously. Of course, now that you have returned, if you are dissatisfied with John's being here, we can advertise for another boy."
"I will take a day to consider it. I shall only stay here half an hour and then go up to the house."
When Mr. Flint left the store, Simon Rich said:
"The old man took Andy's discharge more quietly than I anticipated."
"Do you think he will let me stay, Uncle Simon?"
"I can't tell yet. One thing I must tell you—you won't stay long unless you turn over a new leaf and attend to your duties."
"I'll do that, never fear! What I am afraid of is, that Andy will come around and tell a lot of lies."
"I don't think it will work. You see, the pawn ticket was found in his pocket. He can't get over that very well."
John knew more than his uncle of the nature of Andy's defense, and he could not help feeling apprehensive.
Soon after six o'clock Andy made his appearance at Mr. Flint's house, where he was cordially received.
"I have heard the story of Mr. Rich, Andy," he said. "Now let me have your defense."
"I can give it very briefly. The watch was pawned by John Crandall. Of course it was given him by Mr. Rich."
"How did you find that out?"
"I went around to the pawnbroker's, and obtained a description of the boy who pawned the watch. It tallied exactly with John's appearance. That was not all. I met, the same day, a boy named Jimmy Callahan. He saw John coming out of the pawnbroker's the day before the charge was made against me."
"That is pretty conclusive. Can you explain how the ticket was put in your pocket?"
"No, sir; that puzzles me."
"It could easily be done, no doubt. Now, do you want to return to my employ?"
"No, sir, I think not. I am in a real estate office, and I think there is more chance for me to rise."
"How did you obtain the position?"
"Through Mrs. Mason, of West Fifty-sixth Street. She has been a very good friend to me. The gentleman who employs me is her brother."
"I shall be sorry to lose you, Andy, but I wish you to consult your own interest. As to John Crandall, I shall discharge him at once. I will not permit him to profit by the conspiracy against you. Can you stay this evening?"
"No, sir. I am helping Mrs. Mason's son, Roy, in his Latin lessons. For this I am paid five dollars per week."
"You seem to be very well provided for, I must say."
"Yes, sir, I have been fortunate."
The next day Mr. Flint notified Simon Rich that he was acquainted with the manner in which evidence had been procured against Andy. Then he turned to the nephew.
"The watch was pawned by you, John," he said, "under the direction of your uncle."
"No, sir," said John. "If Andy Grant has told you this he has told a lie."
"The matter is easily settled. Come around with me to the pawnbroker's."
John stammered and finally confessed.
"Of course I cannot retain your services after this. You, Mr. Rich, may remain till the end of the month. I shall then feel obliged to make a change."
Never were two conspirators more quickly punished. Simon Rich repented bitterly yielding to the temptation to injure Andy. His malice had recoiled upon himself.
CHAPTER XXIV.
ANDY MAKES AN INVESTMENT
Andy wrote to his friend, Walter Gale, who, it will be remembered, was watching in Pennsylvania by the bedside of his uncle, giving him an account of his change of business. He received the following reply:
"I felt indignant when I read your news of the conspiracy of Simon Rich, but was pleased that it led to your advantage. I am inclined to think that you will find your new business a better one than the jewelry trade. The latter, if you went in for yourself, would call for a large capital. In the real estate business capital is not so much needed as good judgment and a large lot of acquaintances. I am not personally acquainted with Mr. Crawford, but know him by reputation as an energetic and honorable business man. If you do not find your income adequate, all you have to do is to apply to me. I will send you fifty dollars or more at any time.
"Now, as to the prospects of my return, they are remote. My uncle seems cheered by my presence, and his health has improved. He cannot live more than a year or two at the best, but when I came here it seemed to be only a matter of months. I shall remain while I can do him good.
"When Mr. Flint returns he will do you justice. You can afford to wait, as your income is larger than before. You suggest that I need not continue to pay your board. This, however, I intend to do, and will advise you to lay aside some money every week, and deposit in a savings bank. The habit of saving is excellent, and cannot be formed too early."
"I am lucky to have such a friend," reflected Andy, as he finished reading this letter. "I will try to make myself worthy of such good fortune."
At the end of six months Andy had acquired a large practical acquaintance with the real estate business. He displayed a degree of judgment which surprised Mr. Crawford.
"You seem more like a young man than a boy," he said. "I am not at all sure but I could leave my business in your hands if I wished to be absent."
This compliment pleased Andy. He had also been raised to seven dollars a week, and this he regarded as a practical compliment.
One evening on his return from West Fifty-sixth Street he strayed into the Fifth Avenue Hotel, where he sat down to rest in the reading room.
Two men were sitting near him whose conversation he could not help hearing.
"I own a considerable plot in Tacoma," said one. "I bought it two years since, when I was on my way back from California. I should like to sell the plot if I could get a purchaser."
"If the Northern Pacific Railroad is ever completed, the land will be valuable," replied the other.
"True; but will it ever be completed? That date will be very remote, I fancy."
"I don't think so. I would buy the land myself if I had the money, but just at present I have none to spare. How much did you invest?"
"A thousand dollars."
"You might sell, perhaps, through a real estate agent?"
"The real estate agents here know very little of Western property. I should not know to whom to apply."
Andy thought he saw a chance to procure business for his firm.
"Gentlemen," he said, "will you excuse my saying that I am in a real estate office, and think you can make some satisfactory arrangement with us?"
At the same time he handed the owner of the Tacoma property a card of the firm.
"Crawford!" repeated his friend. "Yes, that is a reputable firm. You cannot do better than adopt the young man's suggestion."
Andy Grant had written his name on the card.
"You are rather young for a real estate agent, Mr. Grant," remarked the lot owner.
Andy smiled.
"I am only a subordinate," he said.
"Has your principal ever dealt in Western property?" asked Mr. Bristol.
"Not to any extent, but I have heard him speak favorably of it."
"I will call at your office to-morrow forenoon, then."
Andy apprised Mr. Crawford of the appointment made.
"I shall be glad to see your acquaintance, Andy," said Mr. Crawford. "I have advices from a friend of mine in Washington that the railroad is sure to be completed within a short time. This land will be worth buying. Have you any money?"
"I have a hundred dollars in a savings bank," answered Andy.
"Then I will give you a quarter interest in the purchase, and you can give me a note for the balance which at present you are unable to pay. I am sure we shall make a good deal of money within a short time, and I want you to reap some advantage, as it will have come to me through you."
"Thank you, sir. I shall be very glad to have a share in the investment."
About eleven o'clock, James Bristol, who proved to be a resident of Newark, New Jersey, presented himself at the office and was introduced by Andy to Mr. Crawford.
"Andy has told me of your business," said the real estate agent. "You have some property in Tacoma."
"Yes; I was persuaded to invest in some two years since. Now I need the money. Do you think you can find me a customer?"
"What do you ask for it?"
"A thousand dollars—the same price I paid."
"Is it eligibly situated?"
"If the town ever amounts to anything, it will be in the business part."
"How many lots will it divide into?"
"Twenty-five of the usual city dimensions."
"Then I think I will take it off your hands. Part I will reserve for myself, and a part I will allot to a friend."
"Can you pay me cash?"
"Yes. I will make out a check at once."
Mr. Bristol breathed a sigh of satisfaction.
"I don't mind telling you," he said, "that I am very glad to realize on the investment. I have to meet a note for five hundred dollars in three days, and I was at a loss to know how to raise the money."
"Then the transaction will be mutually satisfactory," rejoined Mr.
Crawford.
"Well, Andy," said his employer, when his customer left the office, "we are now Western land owners. I will draw up a note, which I will get you to sign, for a hundred and fifty dollars, and you can assign to me the money in the savings bank. I shall expect interest at the rate of six per cent."
"I shall be very glad to pay it, sir."
It was a satisfaction to Andy to think that he had made an investment which was likely ere many years to make him golden returns. He began to read with interest the accounts of the growth and development of the West, and decided to be unusually economical in the future, so as to be able to pay up the note due to Mr. Crawford, that he might feel that he owned his Western property without incumbrance.
While Andy, as a rule, dressed neatly, there was one respect in which he did not win the approval of his neighbor, Sam Perkins.
"I should think a boy with your income would be more particular about his neckties," said Sam.
"What's the matter with my neckties, Sam? Are they not neat?"
"Yes; but they are plain, such as a Quaker might wear. Why don't you get a showy tie, like mine?"
Andy smiled as he noticed the gorgeous tie which his friend wore.
"I don't like to be showy," he said.
"You'll never attract the attention of the girls with such a plain tie as you wear. Now, when I walked on Fifth Avenue last Sunday afternoon, as many as twenty girls looked admiringly at my tie."
"That would make me feel bashful, Sam."
"Let me bring you one from the store like mine. You shall have it at the wholesale price."
"No; I think not. It wouldn't be as becoming to me as to you. I don't want to be considered a dude."
"I don't mind it. Next week I'm going to buy a pair of patent leathers. They will be really economical, as I shall not have to spend money on shines."
One Saturday afternoon, when Andy was walking through one of the quiet streets west of Bleecker, his attention was drawn to a small boy, apparently about eleven years old, who was quietly crying as he walked along the sidewalk. He had never seen the boy before that he could remember, yet his face wore a familiar expression.