章节正文
You said your parents were quite well?"
"Yes, they're pretty smart."
"I am glad to hear it; I have the pleasantest recollections of
your excellent father. Let me see, didn't you call there with me
once, Mrs. Barnes?"
"Not that I remember."
"You must go with me the next time. I want you to know the
parents of our young friend. They are excellent people. Do you
go back this afternoon, Mr. Young?"
"Yes, I guess so. You don't know of any sitooation I could get
in a store round here, do you?"
"Not at present, but I have some influential friends to whom I
will mention your name. Suppose, now, I could obtain a situation
for you, how shall I direct the letter letting you know?"
"Just put on the letter 'Ephraim Young.' Everybody in Plainfield
knows me."
"So he lives in Plainfield," said Mr. Montgomery to himself.
"It's as well to know that." Then aloud: "I won't forget, Mr.
Young. What sort of business would you prefer?"
"Any kind that'll pay," said the gratified youth, firmly
convinced of his companion's ability to fulfill his promise.
"I've got tired of stayin' round home, and I'd like to try York a
little while. Folks say it's easy to make money here."
"You are right. If I were a business man, I would come to New
York at once. For a smart young man like you it offers a much
better opening than a country village."
"That's what I've told dad often," said the rustic, "but he's
afraid I wouldn't get nothing to do and he says it's dreadful
expensive livin' here."
"So it is expensive, but then you will be better paid than in the
country. However, here we are. You won't forget what I told
you?"
"No--I'll remember," said the young man.
The reappearance of Mr. Barnes and wife so soon excited some
surprise in the store, for it had got around, as such things
will, that he was an impostor, and it was supposed that he would
not venture to show his face there again. The appearance of his
rusticcompanionlikewise attracted attention. Certainly, Mr.
Montgomery (it makes little difference what we call him) did not
exhibit the slightest appearance of apprehension, but his manner
was quite cool and self-possessed. He made his way to that part
of the counter attended by the clerk with whom he had before
spoken. He observed with pleasure and relief that the man who
had questioned his identity with any of the ministers of Hayfield
Centre was no longer in the store. This would make the recovery
of the ring considerably easier.
"Well, sir," he said, addressing the clerk, "I suppose you did
not expect to see me again so soon?"
"No, sir."
"Nor did I expect to be able to return for the ring before
to-morrow, not supposing that I could bring witnesses to prove
that I was what I represented. But fortunately I met just now a
young friend, who can testify to my identity, as he has heard me
preach frequently in Plainfield, where he resides. Mr. Young,
will you be kind enough to tell this gentleman who I am?"
"Parson Barnes, of Hayfield Centre," said the youth, confidently.
"You have heard me preach, have you not, in Plainfield?"
"Yes," said the young man, fully believing that he was telling
the truth.
"And I have called on your parents?"
"Yes."
"I think," said the adventurer, "that will be sufficient to
convince you that I am what I appear."
It was hard to doubt, in the face of such evidence. Ephraim
Young was so unmistakably from the rural districts that it would
have been absurd to suspect him of being an artful city rogue.
Besides, Mr. Barnes himself was got up so naturally that all the
clerk's doubts vanished at once. He concluded that the customer
who had questioned his genuineness must be very much mistaken.
"I ought to apologize to you, sir," he said, "for doubting your
word. But in a city like this you know one has to be very
careful."
"Of course," said the adventurer, blandly, "I do not blame you in
the least. You only did your duty, though it might have cost me
some trouble and inconvenience."
"I am sorry, sir."
"No apologies, I beg. It has all turned out right, and your
mistake was a natural one. If you will kindly return me the
ring, I will defer selling it, I think, till another day."
The clerk brought the ring, which he handed back to Mr.
Montgomery. The latter received it with so much the more
satisfaction, as he had made up his mind at one time that it was
gone irrevocably, and put it away in his waistcoat pocket.
"I had intended to buy some silver spoons," he said, "but it will
be necessary to wait until I have disposed of the ring. However,
I may as well look at some, eh, Mrs. Barnes?"
"If you like," assented the lady.
So the pair examined some spoons, and fixed upon a dozen, which
they said they would return and buy on the next day, and then,
with a polite good-by, went out of the store, leaving behind, on
the whole, a favorable impression.
Ephraim Young accompanied them out, and walked along beside them
in the street. He, too, was in good spirits, for had not his
companion promised him five dollars for his services, which he
had faithfully rendered? Five dollars to the young man from the
rural districts was a very considerable sum of money--quite a
nugget, in fact--and he already enjoyed in advance the pleasure
which he anticipated of telling his friends at home how easily he
had earned such a sum in "York." He walked along beside the
adventurer, expecting that he would say something about paying
him, but no allusion was made by the adventurer to his promise.
Indeed, five dollars was considerably more than he had in his
possession. When they reached Amity street, for they were now
proceeding up Broadway, he sought to shake off the young man,
whose company he no longer desired.
"This is our way," he said. "I suppose you are going further. I
am very glad to have met you, Mr. Young. I hope you will give
our regards to your excellent parents;" and he held out his hand
in token of farewell.
"Ain't you goin' to pay me that money?" said Ephraim, bluntly,
becoming alarmed at the prospect of losing the nugget he had
counted on with so much confidence.
"Bless me, I came near forgetting it! I hope you will excuse
me," and to Ephraim's delight he drew out his pocketbook. But
the prospect of payment was not so bright as the young man
supposed.
"I don't think I have a five-dollar bill," said Mr. Montgomery,
after an examination of the pocketbook. "Mrs. Montgomery, do you
happen to have a five with you?"
"No, I haven't," said the lady, promptly. "I spent all my money
shopping this morning."
"That is unfortunate. Our young friend has rendered us such a
service I don't like to make him wait for his money."
Ephraim Young looked rather blank at this suggestion.
"Let me see, I have a hundred-dollar bill here," said Mr.
Montgomery. "I will go into the next store, and see if I can't
get it changed. Mr. Young, will you be kind enough to remain
with my wife?"
"Certain," said Ephraim, brightening up.
Mr. Montgomery went into a shop near by, but made no request to
have a hundred-dollar bill changed. He was rather afraid that
they might comply with his request, which would have subjected
him to some embarrassment. He merely inquired if he could use a
pen for a moment; request which was readily granted. In less
than five minutes he emerged into the street again. Ephraim
Young looked toward him eagerly.
"I am sorry to say, my young friend," he remarked, "that I was
unable to get my bill changed. I might get it changed at a bank,
but the banks are all closed at this hour."
The countryman looked disturbed.
"I am afraid," continued Mr. Montgomery, "I must wait and send
you the money in a letter from Hayfield Centre."
"I'd rather have it now," said Ephraim.
"I am sorry to disappoint you," said the adventurer smoothly;
"but after all you will only have a day or two to wait. To make
up to you for the delay I have decided to send you ten dollars
instead of five. Finding I could not change my bill, I wrote a
note for the amount, which I will hand you."
Ephraim received the paper, which the other handed him, and read
as follows:
NEW YORK, Sept 15, 18--.
Three days from date I promise to pay Mr. Ephraim Young ten
dollars.
JOTHAM BARNES, of Hayfield Centre.
"How will that do?" asked the adventurer. "By waiting three
days you double your money."
"You'll be sure to send it," said Ephraim, doubtfully.
"My young friend, I hope you do not doubt me," said the Rev. Mr.
Barnes, impressively.
"I guess it's all right," said Ephraim, "only I thought I might
like to spend the money in the city."
"Much better save it up," said the other. "By and by it may come
in useful."
Ephraim carefully folded up the note, and deposited it in an
immense wallet, the gift of his father. He would have preferred
the money which it represented: but three days would soon pass,
and the ten dollars would be forwarded to him. He took leave of
his new acquaintances, Mr. Montgomery shaking his hand with
affectionate warmth, and requesting him to give his best respects
to his parents. When Ephraim was out of sight he returned to his
wife, with a humoroustwinkle in his eye, and said:
"Wasn't that cleverly done, old lady?"
"Good enough!" remarked the lady. "Now you've got the ring back
again, what are you going to do with it?"
"That, my dear, is a subject which requires the maturest
consideration. I shall endeavor to convert it as soon as
possible into the largest possible sum in greenbacks. Otherwise
I am afraid our board bill, and the note I have just given to my
rural friend, will remain unpaid."
CHAPTER XXIV
MR. MONTGOMERY'S ARREST
Having shaken off his country acquaintance, of whom he had no
further need, Mr. Montgomery started to return to his lodgings.
On the whole, he was in good spirits, though he had not effected
the sale of the ring. But it was still in his possession, and it
had a tangible value.
"I am sorry you did not sell the ring," said Mrs. Montgomery.
"So am I," said her husband. "We may have to sell it in some
other city."
"We can't leave the city without money."
"That's true," returned her husband, rather taken aback by what
was undeniably true.
"We must sell the ring, or raise money on it, in New York."
"I don't know but you are right. The trouble is, there are not
many places where they will buy so expensive an article.
Besides, they will be apt to ask impertinent questions."
"You might go to a pawnbroker's."
"And get fleeced. If I got a quarter of the value from a
pawnbroker, I should be lucky."
"We must do something with it," said Mrs. Montgomery, decidedly.
"Right, my dear. We must get the sinews of war somewhere.
"Yes, they're pretty smart."
"I am glad to hear it; I have the pleasantest recollections of
your excellent father. Let me see, didn't you call there with me
once, Mrs. Barnes?"
"Not that I remember."
"You must go with me the next time. I want you to know the
parents of our young friend. They are excellent people. Do you
go back this afternoon, Mr. Young?"
"Yes, I guess so. You don't know of any sitooation I could get
in a store round here, do you?"
"Not at present, but I have some influential friends to whom I
will mention your name. Suppose, now, I could obtain a situation
for you, how shall I direct the letter letting you know?"
"Just put on the letter 'Ephraim Young.' Everybody in Plainfield
knows me."
"So he lives in Plainfield," said Mr. Montgomery to himself.
"It's as well to know that." Then aloud: "I won't forget, Mr.
Young. What sort of business would you prefer?"
"Any kind that'll pay," said the gratified youth, firmly
convinced of his companion's ability to fulfill his promise.
"I've got tired of stayin' round home, and I'd like to try York a
little while. Folks say it's easy to make money here."
"You are right. If I were a business man, I would come to New
York at once. For a smart young man like you it offers a much
better opening than a country village."
"That's what I've told dad often," said the rustic, "but he's
afraid I wouldn't get nothing to do and he says it's dreadful
expensive livin' here."
"So it is expensive, but then you will be better paid than in the
country. However, here we are. You won't forget what I told
you?"
"No--I'll remember," said the young man.
The reappearance of Mr. Barnes and wife so soon excited some
surprise in the store, for it had got around, as such things
will, that he was an impostor, and it was supposed that he would
not venture to show his face there again. The appearance of his
rusticcompanionlikewise attracted attention. Certainly, Mr.
Montgomery (it makes little difference what we call him) did not
exhibit the slightest appearance of apprehension, but his manner
was quite cool and self-possessed. He made his way to that part
of the counter attended by the clerk with whom he had before
spoken. He observed with pleasure and relief that the man who
had questioned his identity with any of the ministers of Hayfield
Centre was no longer in the store. This would make the recovery
of the ring considerably easier.
"Well, sir," he said, addressing the clerk, "I suppose you did
not expect to see me again so soon?"
"No, sir."
"Nor did I expect to be able to return for the ring before
to-morrow, not supposing that I could bring witnesses to prove
that I was what I represented. But fortunately I met just now a
young friend, who can testify to my identity, as he has heard me
preach frequently in Plainfield, where he resides. Mr. Young,
will you be kind enough to tell this gentleman who I am?"
"Parson Barnes, of Hayfield Centre," said the youth, confidently.
"You have heard me preach, have you not, in Plainfield?"
"Yes," said the young man, fully believing that he was telling
the truth.
"And I have called on your parents?"
"Yes."
"I think," said the adventurer, "that will be sufficient to
convince you that I am what I appear."
It was hard to doubt, in the face of such evidence. Ephraim
Young was so unmistakably from the rural districts that it would
have been absurd to suspect him of being an artful city rogue.
Besides, Mr. Barnes himself was got up so naturally that all the
clerk's doubts vanished at once. He concluded that the customer
who had questioned his genuineness must be very much mistaken.
"I ought to apologize to you, sir," he said, "for doubting your
word. But in a city like this you know one has to be very
careful."
"Of course," said the adventurer, blandly, "I do not blame you in
the least. You only did your duty, though it might have cost me
some trouble and inconvenience."
"I am sorry, sir."
"No apologies, I beg. It has all turned out right, and your
mistake was a natural one. If you will kindly return me the
ring, I will defer selling it, I think, till another day."
The clerk brought the ring, which he handed back to Mr.
Montgomery. The latter received it with so much the more
satisfaction, as he had made up his mind at one time that it was
gone irrevocably, and put it away in his waistcoat pocket.
"I had intended to buy some silver spoons," he said, "but it will
be necessary to wait until I have disposed of the ring. However,
I may as well look at some, eh, Mrs. Barnes?"
"If you like," assented the lady.
So the pair examined some spoons, and fixed upon a dozen, which
they said they would return and buy on the next day, and then,
with a polite good-by, went out of the store, leaving behind, on
the whole, a favorable impression.
Ephraim Young accompanied them out, and walked along beside them
in the street. He, too, was in good spirits, for had not his
companion promised him five dollars for his services, which he
had faithfully rendered? Five dollars to the young man from the
rural districts was a very considerable sum of money--quite a
nugget, in fact--and he already enjoyed in advance the pleasure
which he anticipated of telling his friends at home how easily he
had earned such a sum in "York." He walked along beside the
adventurer, expecting that he would say something about paying
him, but no allusion was made by the adventurer to his promise.
Indeed, five dollars was considerably more than he had in his
possession. When they reached Amity street, for they were now
proceeding up Broadway, he sought to shake off the young man,
whose company he no longer desired.
"This is our way," he said. "I suppose you are going further. I
am very glad to have met you, Mr. Young. I hope you will give
our regards to your excellent parents;" and he held out his hand
in token of farewell.
"Ain't you goin' to pay me that money?" said Ephraim, bluntly,
becoming alarmed at the prospect of losing the nugget he had
counted on with so much confidence.
"Bless me, I came near forgetting it! I hope you will excuse
me," and to Ephraim's delight he drew out his pocketbook. But
the prospect of payment was not so bright as the young man
supposed.
"I don't think I have a five-dollar bill," said Mr. Montgomery,
after an examination of the pocketbook. "Mrs. Montgomery, do you
happen to have a five with you?"
"No, I haven't," said the lady, promptly. "I spent all my money
shopping this morning."
"That is unfortunate. Our young friend has rendered us such a
service I don't like to make him wait for his money."
Ephraim Young looked rather blank at this suggestion.
"Let me see, I have a hundred-dollar bill here," said Mr.
Montgomery. "I will go into the next store, and see if I can't
get it changed. Mr. Young, will you be kind enough to remain
with my wife?"
"Certain," said Ephraim, brightening up.
Mr. Montgomery went into a shop near by, but made no request to
have a hundred-dollar bill changed. He was rather afraid that
they might comply with his request, which would have subjected
him to some embarrassment. He merely inquired if he could use a
pen for a moment; request which was readily granted. In less
than five minutes he emerged into the street again. Ephraim
Young looked toward him eagerly.
"I am sorry to say, my young friend," he remarked, "that I was
unable to get my bill changed. I might get it changed at a bank,
but the banks are all closed at this hour."
The countryman looked disturbed.
"I am afraid," continued Mr. Montgomery, "I must wait and send
you the money in a letter from Hayfield Centre."
"I'd rather have it now," said Ephraim.
"I am sorry to disappoint you," said the adventurer smoothly;
"but after all you will only have a day or two to wait. To make
up to you for the delay I have decided to send you ten dollars
instead of five. Finding I could not change my bill, I wrote a
note for the amount, which I will hand you."
Ephraim received the paper, which the other handed him, and read
as follows:
NEW YORK, Sept 15, 18--.
Three days from date I promise to pay Mr. Ephraim Young ten
dollars.
JOTHAM BARNES, of Hayfield Centre.
"How will that do?" asked the adventurer. "By waiting three
days you double your money."
"You'll be sure to send it," said Ephraim, doubtfully.
"My young friend, I hope you do not doubt me," said the Rev. Mr.
Barnes, impressively.
"I guess it's all right," said Ephraim, "only I thought I might
like to spend the money in the city."
"Much better save it up," said the other. "By and by it may come
in useful."
Ephraim carefully folded up the note, and deposited it in an
immense wallet, the gift of his father. He would have preferred
the money which it represented: but three days would soon pass,
and the ten dollars would be forwarded to him. He took leave of
his new acquaintances, Mr. Montgomery shaking his hand with
affectionate warmth, and requesting him to give his best respects
to his parents. When Ephraim was out of sight he returned to his
wife, with a humoroustwinkle in his eye, and said:
"Wasn't that cleverly done, old lady?"
"Good enough!" remarked the lady. "Now you've got the ring back
again, what are you going to do with it?"
"That, my dear, is a subject which requires the maturest
consideration. I shall endeavor to convert it as soon as
possible into the largest possible sum in greenbacks. Otherwise
I am afraid our board bill, and the note I have just given to my
rural friend, will remain unpaid."
CHAPTER XXIV
MR. MONTGOMERY'S ARREST
Having shaken off his country acquaintance, of whom he had no
further need, Mr. Montgomery started to return to his lodgings.
On the whole, he was in good spirits, though he had not effected
the sale of the ring. But it was still in his possession, and it
had a tangible value.
"I am sorry you did not sell the ring," said Mrs. Montgomery.
"So am I," said her husband. "We may have to sell it in some
other city."
"We can't leave the city without money."
"That's true," returned her husband, rather taken aback by what
was undeniably true.
"We must sell the ring, or raise money on it, in New York."
"I don't know but you are right. The trouble is, there are not
many places where they will buy so expensive an article.
Besides, they will be apt to ask impertinent questions."
"You might go to a pawnbroker's."
"And get fleeced. If I got a quarter of the value from a
pawnbroker, I should be lucky."
"We must do something with it," said Mrs. Montgomery, decidedly.
"Right, my dear. We must get the sinews of war somewhere.
- obtain [əb´tein]
v.获得；买到；得到承认 (初中英语单词) - ability [ə´biliti] n.(办事)能力；才干 (初中英语单词)
- opening [´əupəniŋ] n.开放；开端 a.开始的 (初中英语单词)
- expensive [ik´spensiv] a.费钱的，昂贵的 (初中英语单词)
- supposed [sə´pəuzd] a.想象的；假定的 (初中英语单词)
- venture [´ventʃə] n.投机 v.冒险；敢于 (初中英语单词)
- companion [kəm´pæniən] n.同伴；同事；伴侣 (初中英语单词)
- likewise [´laikwaiz] ad.同样地；也，又 (初中英语单词)
- relief [ri´li:f] n.救济；援救；减轻 (初中英语单词)
- preach [pri:tʃ] v.宣扬；鼓吹 n.训诫 (初中英语单词)
- absurd [əb´sə:d] a.荒谬的，可笑的 (初中英语单词)
- suspect [´sʌspekt, sə´spekt] v.怀疑；觉得 n.嫌疑犯 (初中英语单词)
- polite [pə´lait] a.有礼貌的；温和的 (初中英语单词)
- favorable [´feivərəbəl] a.赞成的；顺利的 (初中英语单词)
- considerable [kən´sidərəbəl] a.重要的；值得重视 (初中英语单词)
- prospect [´prɔspekt, prəs´pekt] n.景色；境界 v.勘察 (初中英语单词)
- payment [´peimənt] n.支付；报酬；报偿 (初中英语单词)
- examination [ig,zæmi´neiʃən] n.检查；考试；检验 (初中英语单词)
- promptly [´prɔmptli] ad.敏捷地；即时地 (初中英语单词)
- unfortunate [ʌn´fɔ:tʃunit] a.不幸的，运气差的 (初中英语单词)
- readily [´redili] ad.乐意地；容易地 (初中英语单词)
- disappoint [,disə´pɔint] vt.使失望；使....落空 (初中英语单词)
- amount [ə´maunt] n.总数；数量 v.合计 (初中英语单词)
- waiting [´weitiŋ] n.等候；伺候 (初中英语单词)
- warmth [wɔ:mθ] n.温暖；热情；激动 (初中英语单词)
- twinkle [´twiŋkl] vi.&n.闪烁；眨眼 (初中英语单词)
- convert [kən´və:t, ´kɔnvə:t] v.转变 n.改变信仰者 (初中英语单词)
- shaken [´ʃeikən] shake的过去分词 (初中英语单词)
- acquaintance [ə´kweintəns] n.相识；熟人，相识的人 (初中英语单词)
- influential [,influ´enʃəl] a.有力的，有影响的 (高中英语单词)
- rustic [´rʌstik] a.田野的；质朴的 (高中英语单词)
- apprehension [,æpri´henʃən] n.理解；忧虑；逮捕 (高中英语单词)
- counter [´kauntə] n.计算者；柜台；计算机 (高中英语单词)
- considerably [kən´sidərəbli] ad.显著地；十分 (高中英语单词)
- fortunately [´fɔ:tʃənətli] ad.幸运地 (高中英语单词)
- testify [´testifai] v.证明；证实；表明 (高中英语单词)
- faithfully [´feiθfəli] ad.忠实地；诚恳地 (高中英语单词)
- broadway [´brɔ:dwei] n.&a.百老汇大街(的) (高中英语单词)
- countryman [´kʌntrimən] n.同胞(乡)，乡下人 (高中英语单词)
- decided [di´saidid] a.明显的；决定的 (高中英语单词)
- finding [´faindiŋ] n.发现物；判断；结果 (高中英语单词)
- adventurer [əd´ventʃərə] n.冒险者 (英语四级单词)
- allusion [ə´lu:ʒən] n.暗指；提及；引喻 (英语四级单词)
- comply [kəm´plai] vi.照做 (英语四级单词)
- embarrassment [im´bærəsmənt] n.窘迫；困惑；为难 (英语四级单词)
- wallet [´wɑ:lit] n.(放钞票等的)皮夹子 (英语四级单词)
- humorous [´hju:mərəs] a.富于幽默的，诙谐的 (英语四级单词)
- identity [ai´dentiti] n.身份；同一性；一致 (英语六级单词)
- waistcoat [´weskət, ´weiskəut] n.背心，马甲 (英语六级单词)
- pocketbook [´pɔkitbuk] n.袖珍本；皮夹子；财力 (英语六级单词)
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章节正文
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