章节正文
"I have no doubt of it. That is why I
ventured to put you on your guard."
"I am a thousand times obliged to you. Why,
the fellow told me he belonged to one of the
best families in New York."
"If he does, he doesn't do much credit to the family."
"Quite true! Why, he was praising everything English.
He evidently wanted to gain my confidence."
"May I ask where you met him?" asked Carl.
"On the train. He offered me a light. Before
I knew it, he was chatting familiarly with me.
But his game is spoiled. I will let him
know that I see through him and his designs."
"Then my object is accomplished," said Carl.
"Please excuse my want of ceremony." He
turned to leave, but Bedford called him back.
"If you are going to the falls, remain with me,"
he said. "We shall enjoy it better in company."
"With pleasure. Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford.
I am traveling on business and don't belong to one
of the first families."
"I see you will suit me," said the Englishman, smiling.
Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless.
"My lord," he said, "I lost sight of you. If you will
allow me I will join you.
"Sir!" said the Englishman, in a freezing
voice, "I have not the honor of knowing you."
Stuyvesant was overwhelmed.
"I--I hope I have not offended you, my lord," he said.
"Sir, I have learned your character from this young man."
This called the attention of Stuyvesant to Carl.
He flushed as he recognized him
"Mr. Stuyvesant," said Carl, "I must trouble
you to return the valise you took from my stateroom,
and the pocketbook which you borrowed.
My name is Carl Crawford, and my room is 71."
Stuyvesant turned away abruptly. He left the valise at the desk,
but Carl never recovered his money.
CHAPTER XXXV.
WHAT CARL LEARNED IN CHICAGO.
As Carl walked back from the falls he met
Mr. Atwood, who was surprised to find h*is
young acquaintance on such intimate terms
with Lord Bedford. He was about to pass
with a bow, when Carl, who was good-natured,
said: "Won't you join us, Mr. Atwood?
If Lord Bedford will permit, I should like
to introduce you."
"Glad to know any friend of yours, Mr. Crawford,"
said the Englishman, affably.
"I feel honored by the introduction," said Atwood,
bowing profoundly.
"I hope you are not a friend of Mr.--ah,
Mr. Stuyvesant," said the nobleman, "the person
I was talking with this morning. Mr.
Crawford tells me he is a--what do you call
it?--a confidence man."
"I have no acquaintance with him, my lord.
I saw him just now leaving the hotel."
"I am afraid he has gone away with my valise and money,"
said Carl.
"If you should be inconvenienced, Mr. Crawford,"
said the nobleman, "my purse is at your disposal."
"Thank you very much, Lord Bedford," said Carl,
gratefully. "I am glad to say I am still
fairly well provided with money."
"I was about to make you the same offer,
Mr. Crawford," said Atwood.
"Thank you! I appreciate your kindness,
even if I'm not obliged to avail myself of it."
Returning to the hotel, Lord Bedford
ordered a carriage, and invited Atwood and Carl
to accompany him on a drive. Mr. Atwood
was in an ecstasy, and anticipated with proud
satisfaction telling his family of his intimate
friend, Lord Bedford, of England. The peer,
though rather an ordinary-looking man,
seemed to him a model of aristocratic beauty.
It was a weakness on the part of Mr. Atwood,
but an amiable one, and is shared by many
who live under republican institutions.
After dinner Carl felt obliged to resume his
journey. He had found his visit to Niagara
very agreeable, but his was a business and not
a pleasure trip, and loyalty to his employer
required him to cut it short. Lord Bedford
shook his hand heartily at parting.
"I hope we shall meet again, Mr. Crawford,"
he said. "I expect, myself, to reach Chicago
on Saturday, and shall be glad to have you call
on me at the Palmer House."
"Thank you, my lord; I will certainly
inquire for you there."
"He is a very good fellow, even if he is a lord,"
thought Carl.
Our young hero was a thorough American, and was
disposed to think with Robert Burns, that
"The rank is but the guinea, stamp;
The man's the gold for a' that!"
No incident worth recording befell Carl on
his trip to Chicago. As a salesman he met
with excellent success, and surprised Mr.
Jennings by the size of his orders. He was led,
on reaching Chicago, to register at the Sherman
House, on Clark Street, one of the most
reliable among the many houses for travelers
offered by the great Western metropolis.
On the second day he made it a point to find
out the store of John French, hoping to acquire
the information desired by Miss Norris.
It was a store of good size, and apparently
well stocked. Feeling the need of new footgear,
Carl entered and asked to be shown some shoes.
He was waited upon by a young clerk named Gray,
with whom he struck up a pleasant acquaintance.
"Do you live in Chicago?" asked Gray? sociably.
"No; I am from New York State. I am here on business."
"Staying at a hotel?"
"Yes, at the Sherman. If you are at leisure
this evening I shall be glad to have you call
on me. I am a stranger here, and likely to
find the time hang heavy on my hands."
"I shall be free at six o'clock."
"Then come to supper with me."
"Thank you, I shall be glad to do so,"
answered Gray, with alacrity. Living as he did
at a cheap boarding house, the prospect of a
supper at a first-class hotel was very attractive.
He was a pleasant-faced young man of
twenty, who had drifted to Chicago from his
country home in Indiana, and found it hard
to make both ends meet on a salary of nine
dollars a week. His habits were good, his manner
was attractive and won him popularity
with customer's, and with patience he was
likely to succeed in the end.
"I wish I could live like this every day,"
he said, as he rose from a luxurious supper.
"At present my finances won't allow me to board
at the Sherman."
"Nor would mine," said Carl; "but I am allowed
to spend money more freely when I am traveling."
"Are you acquainted in New York?" asked Gray.
"I have little or no acquaintance in the city,"
answered Carl.
"I should be glad to get a position there."
"Are you not satisfied with your present place?"
"I am afraid I shall not long keep it."
"Why not? Do you think you are in any
danger of being discharged?"
"It is not that. I am afraid Mr. French will
be obliged to give up business."
"Why?" asked Carl, with keen interest.
"I have reason to think he is embarrassed.
I know that he has a good many bills out,
some of which have been running a long time.
If any pressure is brought to bear upon him,
he may have to suspend."
Carl felt that he was obtaining important information.
If Mr. French were in such a condition Miss Norris
would be pretty sure to lose her money if she advanced it.
"To what do you attribute Mr. French's embarrassment?" he asked.
"He lives expensively in a handsome house near Lincoln Park,
and draws heavily upon the business for his living expenses.
I think that explains it. I only wonder that he has been able
to hold out so long."
"Perhaps if he were assisted he would be able to keep
his head above water."
"He would need a good deal of assistance.
You see that my place isn't very secure, and
I shall soon need to be looking up another."
"I don't think I shall need to inquire any farther,"
thought Carl. "It seems to me Miss Norris had
better keep her money."
Before he retired he indited the following
letter to his Albany employer:
Miss Rachel Norris.
"Dear Madam:--I have attended to your
commission, and have to report that Mr.
French appears to be involved in business
embarrassments, and in great danger to bankruptcy.
The loan he asks of you would no doubt
be of service, but probably would not
long delay the crash. If you wish to assist
him, it would be better to allow him to fail,
and then advance him the money to put him
on his feet. I am told that his troubles come
from living beyond his means.
"Yours respectfully,
"Carl Crawford."
By return mail Carl received the following note:
"My Dear Young Friend:--Your report
confirms the confidence I reposed in you.
It is just the information I desired.
I shall take your advice and refuse the loan.
What other action I may take hereafter I cannot tell.
When you return, should you stop in Albany,
please call on me. If unable to do this, write
me from Milford.
Your friend,
"Rachel Norris."
ventured to put you on your guard."
"I am a thousand times obliged to you. Why,
the fellow told me he belonged to one of the
best families in New York."
"If he does, he doesn't do much credit to the family."
"Quite true! Why, he was praising everything English.
He evidently wanted to gain my confidence."
"May I ask where you met him?" asked Carl.
"On the train. He offered me a light. Before
I knew it, he was chatting familiarly with me.
But his game is spoiled. I will let him
know that I see through him and his designs."
"Then my object is accomplished," said Carl.
"Please excuse my want of ceremony." He
turned to leave, but Bedford called him back.
"If you are going to the falls, remain with me,"
he said. "We shall enjoy it better in company."
"With pleasure. Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford.
I am traveling on business and don't belong to one
of the first families."
"I see you will suit me," said the Englishman, smiling.
Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless.
"My lord," he said, "I lost sight of you. If you will
allow me I will join you.
"Sir!" said the Englishman, in a freezing
voice, "I have not the honor of knowing you."
Stuyvesant was overwhelmed.
"I--I hope I have not offended you, my lord," he said.
"Sir, I have learned your character from this young man."
This called the attention of Stuyvesant to Carl.
He flushed as he recognized him
"Mr. Stuyvesant," said Carl, "I must trouble
you to return the valise you took from my stateroom,
and the pocketbook which you borrowed.
My name is Carl Crawford, and my room is 71."
Stuyvesant turned away abruptly. He left the valise at the desk,
but Carl never recovered his money.
CHAPTER XXXV.
WHAT CARL LEARNED IN CHICAGO.
As Carl walked back from the falls he met
Mr. Atwood, who was surprised to find h*is
young acquaintance on such intimate terms
with Lord Bedford. He was about to pass
with a bow, when Carl, who was good-natured,
said: "Won't you join us, Mr. Atwood?
If Lord Bedford will permit, I should like
to introduce you."
"Glad to know any friend of yours, Mr. Crawford,"
said the Englishman, affably.
"I feel honored by the introduction," said Atwood,
bowing profoundly.
"I hope you are not a friend of Mr.--ah,
Mr. Stuyvesant," said the nobleman, "the person
I was talking with this morning. Mr.
Crawford tells me he is a--what do you call
it?--a confidence man."
"I have no acquaintance with him, my lord.
I saw him just now leaving the hotel."
"I am afraid he has gone away with my valise and money,"
said Carl.
"If you should be inconvenienced, Mr. Crawford,"
said the nobleman, "my purse is at your disposal."
"Thank you very much, Lord Bedford," said Carl,
gratefully. "I am glad to say I am still
fairly well provided with money."
"I was about to make you the same offer,
Mr. Crawford," said Atwood.
"Thank you! I appreciate your kindness,
even if I'm not obliged to avail myself of it."
Returning to the hotel, Lord Bedford
ordered a carriage, and invited Atwood and Carl
to accompany him on a drive. Mr. Atwood
was in an ecstasy, and anticipated with proud
satisfaction telling his family of his intimate
friend, Lord Bedford, of England. The peer,
though rather an ordinary-looking man,
seemed to him a model of aristocratic beauty.
It was a weakness on the part of Mr. Atwood,
but an amiable one, and is shared by many
who live under republican institutions.
After dinner Carl felt obliged to resume his
journey. He had found his visit to Niagara
very agreeable, but his was a business and not
a pleasure trip, and loyalty to his employer
required him to cut it short. Lord Bedford
shook his hand heartily at parting.
"I hope we shall meet again, Mr. Crawford,"
he said. "I expect, myself, to reach Chicago
on Saturday, and shall be glad to have you call
on me at the Palmer House."
"Thank you, my lord; I will certainly
inquire for you there."
"He is a very good fellow, even if he is a lord,"
thought Carl.
Our young hero was a thorough American, and was
disposed to think with Robert Burns, that
"The rank is but the guinea, stamp;
The man's the gold for a' that!"
No incident worth recording befell Carl on
his trip to Chicago. As a salesman he met
with excellent success, and surprised Mr.
Jennings by the size of his orders. He was led,
on reaching Chicago, to register at the Sherman
House, on Clark Street, one of the most
reliable among the many houses for travelers
offered by the great Western metropolis.
On the second day he made it a point to find
out the store of John French, hoping to acquire
the information desired by Miss Norris.
It was a store of good size, and apparently
well stocked. Feeling the need of new footgear,
Carl entered and asked to be shown some shoes.
He was waited upon by a young clerk named Gray,
with whom he struck up a pleasant acquaintance.
"Do you live in Chicago?" asked Gray? sociably.
"No; I am from New York State. I am here on business."
"Staying at a hotel?"
"Yes, at the Sherman. If you are at leisure
this evening I shall be glad to have you call
on me. I am a stranger here, and likely to
find the time hang heavy on my hands."
"I shall be free at six o'clock."
"Then come to supper with me."
"Thank you, I shall be glad to do so,"
answered Gray, with alacrity. Living as he did
at a cheap boarding house, the prospect of a
supper at a first-class hotel was very attractive.
He was a pleasant-faced young man of
twenty, who had drifted to Chicago from his
country home in Indiana, and found it hard
to make both ends meet on a salary of nine
dollars a week. His habits were good, his manner
was attractive and won him popularity
with customer's, and with patience he was
likely to succeed in the end.
"I wish I could live like this every day,"
he said, as he rose from a luxurious supper.
"At present my finances won't allow me to board
at the Sherman."
"Nor would mine," said Carl; "but I am allowed
to spend money more freely when I am traveling."
"Are you acquainted in New York?" asked Gray.
"I have little or no acquaintance in the city,"
answered Carl.
"I should be glad to get a position there."
"Are you not satisfied with your present place?"
"I am afraid I shall not long keep it."
"Why not? Do you think you are in any
danger of being discharged?"
"It is not that. I am afraid Mr. French will
be obliged to give up business."
"Why?" asked Carl, with keen interest.
"I have reason to think he is embarrassed.
I know that he has a good many bills out,
some of which have been running a long time.
If any pressure is brought to bear upon him,
he may have to suspend."
Carl felt that he was obtaining important information.
If Mr. French were in such a condition Miss Norris
would be pretty sure to lose her money if she advanced it.
"To what do you attribute Mr. French's embarrassment?" he asked.
"He lives expensively in a handsome house near Lincoln Park,
and draws heavily upon the business for his living expenses.
I think that explains it. I only wonder that he has been able
to hold out so long."
"Perhaps if he were assisted he would be able to keep
his head above water."
"He would need a good deal of assistance.
You see that my place isn't very secure, and
I shall soon need to be looking up another."
"I don't think I shall need to inquire any farther,"
thought Carl. "It seems to me Miss Norris had
better keep her money."
Before he retired he indited the following
letter to his Albany employer:
Miss Rachel Norris.
"Dear Madam:--I have attended to your
commission, and have to report that Mr.
French appears to be involved in business
embarrassments, and in great danger to bankruptcy.
The loan he asks of you would no doubt
be of service, but probably would not
long delay the crash. If you wish to assist
him, it would be better to allow him to fail,
and then advance him the money to put him
on his feet. I am told that his troubles come
from living beyond his means.
"Yours respectfully,
"Carl Crawford."
By return mail Carl received the following note:
"My Dear Young Friend:--Your report
confirms the confidence I reposed in you.
It is just the information I desired.
I shall take your advice and refuse the loan.
What other action I may take hereafter I cannot tell.
When you return, should you stop in Albany,
please call on me. If unable to do this, write
me from Milford.
Your friend,
"Rachel Norris."
- evidently [´evidəntli]
ad.明显地 (初中英语单词) - knowing [´nəuiŋ] a.会意的，心照不宣的 (初中英语单词)
- character [´kæriktə] n.特性；性质；人物；字 (初中英语单词)
- abruptly [ə´brʌptli] ad.突然地；粗鲁地 (初中英语单词)
- acquaintance [ə´kweintəns] n.相识；熟人，相识的人 (初中英语单词)
- intimate [´intimit] a.亲密的 n.知己 (初中英语单词)
- appreciate [ə´pri:ʃieit] v.评价；珍惜；感激 (初中英语单词)
- carriage [´kæridʒ] n.马车；客车；货运 (初中英语单词)
- weakness [´wi:knis] n.虚弱；弱点，缺点 (初中英语单词)
- agreeable [ə´gri:əbəl] a.适合的；符合的 (初中英语单词)
- incident [´insidənt] n.小事件；事变 (初中英语单词)
- register [´redʒistə] n.&v.登记簿 (初中英语单词)
- western [´westən] a.西的；西方的 (初中英语单词)
- prospect [´prɔspekt, prəs´pekt] n.景色；境界 v.勘察 (初中英语单词)
- attractive [ə´træktiv] a.有吸引力；诱人的 (初中英语单词)
- patience [´peiʃəns] n.忍耐(力)；耐心；坚韧 (初中英语单词)
- freely [´fri:li] ad.自由地；慷慨地 (初中英语单词)
- running [´rʌniŋ] a.奔跑的；流动的 (初中英语单词)
- pressure [´preʃə] n.压榨 vt.对...施压力 (初中英语单词)
- advanced [əd´vɑ:nst] a.先进的；高级的 (初中英语单词)
- attribute [ə´tribju:t] n.象征 vt.归因于 (初中英语单词)
- unable [ʌn´eibəl] a.不能的；无能为力的 (初中英语单词)
- learned [´lə:nid] a.有学问的，博学的 (高中英语单词)
- ecstasy [´ekstəsi] n.狂喜；出神，入迷 (高中英语单词)
- loyalty [´lɔiəlti] n.忠诚；忠心；忠实 (高中英语单词)
- heartily [´hɑ:tili] ad.衷心地；亲切地 (高中英语单词)
- thorough [´θʌrə] a.彻底的；详尽的 (高中英语单词)
- salesman [´seilzmən] n.店员；推销员 (高中英语单词)
- indiana [,indi´ænə] n.印第安纳(州) (高中英语单词)
- albany [´ɔ:lbəni] n.奥尔巴尼 (高中英语单词)
- hereafter [hiər´ɑ:ftə] ad.&n.将来；来世 (高中英语单词)
- nobleman [´nəublmən] n.贵族 (英语四级单词)
- aristocratic [,æristə´krætik] a.贵族政治的；贵族的 (英语四级单词)
- amiable [´eimiəbəl] a.亲切的，温和的 (英语四级单词)
- republican [ri´pʌblikən] a.共和国的 n.共和论者 (英语四级单词)
- befell [bi´fel] befall的过去式 (英语四级单词)
- chicago [ʃi´kɑ:gəu] n.芝加哥 (英语四级单词)
- luxurious [lʌg´zjuəriəs] a.奢侈的；豪华的 (英语四级单词)
- lincoln [´liŋkən] n.林肯 (英语四级单词)
- pocketbook [´pɔkitbuk] n.袖珍本；皮夹子；财力 (英语六级单词)
- palmer [´pɑ:mə] n.朝圣者；变戏法的人 (英语六级单词)
- guinea [´gini] n.几尼(英国旧金币) (英语六级单词)
- first-class [´fə:st-´klɑ:s] a.头等的 ad.乘头等车 (英语六级单词)
- retired [ri´taiəd] a.退休的；通职的 (英语六级单词)
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章节正文
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