Fame and Fortune Weekly, No. 801, February 4, 1921

"Look there; he's been choked."

"My goodness! so he was," said the merchant. "This is a very strange affair. But we'll be able to learn all about it as soon as he recovers his senses."

The brandy was poured little by little into Dick's mouth, and as it trickled down his throat it revived him and brought on a coughing spell which ended in his opening his eyes. As soon as he was somewhat recovered, Mr. Bacon said:

"Now tell us what happened to you, my boy. We found you in the closet with your wrists tied together. It was by the merest accident that we discovered you there. Your body fell against the door and made a noise. But for that we should not have known you were there, and you would have been locked up in the building until Monday morning."

Dick instinctively put his hand to his throat, for he felt the after effects of the impress of Bulger's fingers. With some difficulty at first, which wore off as he proceeded, Dick told his story.

He explained that the man who attacked him and put him out was one of the two rascals he encountered down in New Jersey, and whom his testimony had materially helped to fasten the crime of the burglary of Mr. Mason's house upon. The men, he said, had escaped from the Carlin jail within a day or two of being locked up, and it was now clear that they had not been recaptured, but had made their escape to New York. It seemed strange, he thought, that Bulger should have the nerve to enter the store in quest of him, as his few words had indicated he had. It showed what a vindictive and desperate scoundrel he was. Dick wound up by asking if he had stolen anything, for it seemed likely that he would not go away without helping himself to some of the valuable articles that were within his easy reach.

That caused the clerks to examine the showcases, and they reported that some of the small samples in the case nearest the closet were missing from their place. Dick got up and confirmed their statement, for he knew exactly what was in the showcase at the time he was attacked. An inventory of the loss showed that it was not very considerable – probably not over $100. Mr. Bacon went downstairs to notify the police department over the telephone about the affair, acquaint them with the amount of the loss, and the fact that the rascal who was implicated in the job had escaped, with his pal, from the Carlin jail a few days before, and furnish Bulger's name and description. Dick got his pay envelope, and by that time felt all right again. The store was then locked up by the porter and all hands separated for their homes. Bulger and Parker were caught that night at a low resort frequented by men of their stamp, and Mr. Bacon was notified by a policeman who called at the store on Monday morning.

Dick was sent up to headquarters to identify the men, which he had no trouble in doing. The Carlin authorities were notified of their arrest, and of the charge made against Bulger of assault and grand larceny, on which the New York authorities proposed to hold him until the grand jury returned an indictment against him. The Carlin authorities at once started extradition proceedings in order to get the two men back to stand trial for the robbery of Mr. Mason's house. In the end when the papers were served on the New York police department, the indictment against Bulger was pigeonholed for future use, and the men were delivered to representatives of the Carlin police. They were tried for the burglary almost immediately, and Dick appeared as a witness against them. They were convicted, Bulger, on account of his record, getting ten years, while Parker, as it was his first offence, was let off with five years. Dick was given a vacation of two weeks at the time, as he had received a pressing invitation to stay with the Mason family.

He would have got a week's vacation, anyway, as it was the month of August. The Masons treated him as an honored guest, and he spent most of his time in the company of Madge Mason, who was a very pretty and companionable girl.

As an evidence of his appreciation of Dick's services, Mr. Mason deeded to Mrs. Darling, in trust for Dick, a five-acre piece of ground, worth about $250, which had come to him some years before as part of a deal he made, and which he had no use for. Dick visited the place, which was fenced in and was rented as a pasture to a farmer whose property adjoined it. Mr. Mason told Dick that some day he might be able to sell it to a small farmer for twice its present value. At any rate, he could easily hold it as long as he chose, for the taxes on it were light, and it could be kept rented at a profit over all expenses.

The boy was delighted to come into possession of a piece of real estate. His ambition had always been to own property when he grew up. He thanked Mr. Mason for his gift, and took the deed home with him when he returned to New York. He handed it to his mother, as the property stood in her name, and was so recorded at Carlin, but the deed contained the trust clause which practically settled the ownership of the ground on her son. The trial of Jack Hurley came on about the time Dick got back to the city. The woman, who proved to be no relation of the thief, had been found and held in the House of Detention for Witnesses, as she agreed to appear against the man in consideration of the charge as a confederate being withdrawn. The result of the trial was that Hurley got three years up the river. After the conviction of the rascal, Mr. Bacon presented Dick with $100. With that sum he started a bank account in his own name.

"You'll be wealthy some day, Dick," said his eldest sister, Gertie.

"How?" he asked.

"Why, you have $100 and a piece of property estimated to be worth $250, and which is likely to increase in value as you grow older."

"Suppose it's worth $500 when I get to be twenty-one, that won't make me wealthy, even with the $100 and the interest on top of it."

"No, but it'll start you on the road to wealth."

"Maybe it will, and maybe it won't," laughed Dick. "You may become wealthy long before I get within hailing distance of big money."

"Nonsense! I haven't got a cent."

"I know. You girls never have a cent left out of your princely wages, for you spend it all on glad rags in the hope of capturing a husband who will consider it an honor to pay all your bills, furnish you with a fine house, an auto to ride about in, and other et ceteras too numerous to mention."

"Aren't you the horrid boy to say such a thing!"

"Isn't it the truth?"

"Indeed, it isn't. I never expect to get married."

"You don't? Oh, come now, don't get off such whoppers or the bogie man will get you when you aren't looking."

"One must have a beau first, and you know I haven't acquired such a luxury yet."

"What's the matter with the gent in the tall dicer and lavender kids who calls on you regularly every week, and takes you out to the theater and entertainments? Mr. Clarence Peck. He's clerk in a broker's office, with prospects of advancement, and expectations from two maiden aunts."

His sister blushed vividly, and looked a bit confused.

"Mr. Peck is merely a friend," she said.

"Well, he thinks a lot of you."

"How do you know?" said his sister, with another blush.

"He didn't tell me so, I admit, but actions speak louder even than his lavender kids."

"I wish you wouldn't make fun of his gloves. I think they are the proper thing for him to wear."

Dick chuckled.

"He seems to be rather bashful, though. If I visited a girl as long as he has been coming here to see you, I would propose and have it over with."

"Don't be too sure that you would. Mr. Peck is not bashful; he is only a little diffident. He is very clever, but I sometimes fear that he lets his light shine under a bushel."

"What has a bushel got to do with him? It takes two pecks to make one, and he's only one Peck."

"Aren't you smart! I think we'd better change the subject."

"Sure I'm smart. I've proved that by helping to catch three crooks and send them to State prison. I think it's about time I shook these knickerbockers and got into trousers. I'm getting tired of being taken for a twelve-year-old kid."

"Why, the idea! You look real cute in knee pants. Mr. Peck says – "

"Cut out what Mr. Half Bushel says. I'm the party to be pleased. I've got a girl now, so it's time – "

"A girl!" exclaimed his sister, evidently astonished.

"Why not? Got any objection?" asked Dick aggressively.

"When did this happen? Who is she?"

"She's an heiress. You don't suppose I would consider any girl who hadn't prospects, do you?" grinned Dick.

"Tell me her name," asked his sister, with an air of inquisitive interest.

"Sorry, but I couldn't think of giving away such a valuable secret."

"Oh, I know – I know!" cried his sister, clapping her hands. "If you aren't the sly rogue! It's Madge Mason, the girl you've been talking so much about since you got home from your visit to her parents' home."

"Well, keep it dark, sis," said Dick, with a flush.

"Oh, I couldn't think of it. I must tell Nell and May and mother."

"You tell them and I'll get square with you. The next time Mr. Peck calls I'll tell him how much you're stuck on him, and then maybe he'll get up spunk enough to propose to you."

"You wouldn't dare, Richard Darling!" cried his sister, with a burning face.

"I wouldn't? Well, say, you don't know me! It's up to you. Keep mum about Miss Mason and I'll be good; otherwise – you know what'll happen."

Then Dick walked out of the room, satisfied that his sister would be as mute as a mop stick.

CHAPTER VIII. – Dick Has His Fortune Told

We will pass over two years, during which Dick ceased to be an office boy and became one of the most gentlemanly clerks in Mr. Bacon's store. His knickerbockers disappeared the day after the conversation he had with his sister, as detailed in the previous chapter, and he made his appearance at the store in a new suit of clothes, which so changed him that the boss and clerks hardly recognized him at first. The change developed a new line of witticism on the part of his young friends, but Dick took the bull by the horns in so energetic a way that the funny lads shut up in short order.

Dick now felt that he was a real man, except in years, and during the ensuing two years he deported himself along that line, and was made a clerk before the merchant had expected to raise him to that dignity; but the fact was when the knickerbockers went to the scrap heap Mr. Bacon decided that he looked too old to continue as his office boy, hence his promotion. During these two years Dick visited the Masons several times – spending the Christmas holidays with them twice, the Easter week-end once, and two weeks in each summer.

Thanksgiving was now approaching and he had received an invitation to come down and spend the interval between Wednesday afternoon till Monday morning, and Mr. Bacon very graciously gave him permission to do so. Dick was very glad to visit the Masons, not alone because he always received a royal welcome from the family as a whole, but because Madge Mason was now "sweet sixteen," and growing more charming every day. The fact that Madge was heiress to all her parents' worldly goods had really no bearing on his feelings toward the pretty miss. Of course it was nice to think that her future was provided for, but Dick liked her for herself alone, just as she entertained the same feelings toward him. Their friendship was firmly established, and both were never so happy as when together. Perhaps the fact that they were together so seldom, and then only for a short time, enhanced the feeling each felt toward the other. Presumedly the girl's father and mother noticed the growing interest that existed between their daughter and the young New York clerk. Certainly they put no obstacles in the young people's way, which may be taken as evidence that they approved of it. Madge's aunt had a clearer insight into the matter than any one else, because the girl made a confidante of her. The Mason automobile was at the railroad station in Carlin waiting for Dick, who had written that he would come by express which left Jersey City at five-thirty. In the auto, besides the gardener, who acted as chauffeur, sat Miss Madge, in a warm gown trimmed with fur, while her pretty head was adorned with a bewitching fur cap, tilted on one side. The train came in on time and Dick jumped off with other passengers, carrying a small suit-case in his hand. Madge saw him at once and waved her handkerchief at him. Dick saw the signal, recognized the girl, and lost no time in reaching the automobile.

"This is quite an honor, Miss Madge," said Dick, raising his derby and stepping in beside his charmer.

"Really, do you think so?" replied Madge, as the gardener started off.

"I certainly do. I never dreamed I should have so charming a companion on my ride to the house," he replied gallantly.

"Dear me, you say that awfully nice," returned the girl blushingly. "How are your mother and sisters?"

Dick assured her that they were quite well, and then asked after Mr. and Mrs. Mason and Miss Woods, the aunt.

"They're very well, indeed," said Madge.

"And how is Cleopatra?" asked Dick, who felt that so important a member of the family as Madge's pet cat must not be overlooked lest he incur the young lady's displeasure.

"Oh, Cleo is all right. She is really getting cuter every day."

"Can she stand on her head yet?" chuckled Dick.

"Of course not," said Madge. "Who ever heard of cats standing on their heads?"

Dick laughed and the conversation changed to another subject, during which they were whirled over the three miles of road and landed at the front door of the country house where Mr. Mason was on hand to welcome Dick. Next morning after breakfast Dick took a stroll over to his property, more for the exercise of walking than anything else, for he had viewed his five-acre plot often enough to know its layout by heart; besides, the month of November was a poor time to look at country land, which was wearing a wintry aspect. A lot of young trees had started growing over a part of his land, and at the edge of this section he was surprised to see a small wooden hut and round it two good-sized tents. It looked as if a family of squatters had camped upon his property. He saw a couple of small children playing around the door of the hut, and from its stovepipe smoke was floating upward.

"I like their nerve taking possession of my place," he thought, as he leaned over the fence and looked.

A young woman with a bright-colored shawl over her head and shoulders came out of the hut with a tin pail in her hand and went in the direction of a spring. Then Dick noticed a covered wagon of the prairie schooner kind, and beside it another rude, oblong building. He wondered that Mr. Mason hadn't told him about these free tenants, who had apparently taken root there for the winter at least. Curious to find out something about them, he got over the fence and walked toward the camp. A rough-looking man came out of one of the tents, with a pipe in his mouth, and looked at him. Dick walked up to him and asked him what he and the rest of the bunch were doing there.

"We are gypsies," replied the man, who was dark skinned and sported a black mustache. "We are camping here till next spring."

"Got permission to stay from the owner?" asked Dick.

A peculiar smile flickered about the man's mouth.

"We never ask permission. Why should we? The earth was made for all. We are only occupying a small part of it for the time being when the land is of no use to anybody."

"Then you have settled here as a sort of winter quarters. During the rest of the year you travel about the country, eh?"

The man nodded.

"We travel from place to place, staying as long as we choose. You do not look like a country boy. You have come here from some town or city."

"That's right. I belong in New York. It happens, however, that I own this piece of property."

"You do?" said the man, with an accent on the "you," looking Dick over curiously.

"Yes."

"You object to our being here, perhaps?" said the gypsy, with a frown.

"On, no, as long as you intend to start off in the spring."

"What is your name?"

"Richard Darling. What's yours?"

"Hugh Blacklock."

"You're the boss of this outfit, I suppose?"

The gypsy shook his head.

"Miriam is the head of our branch. There are seven of us, besides the children."

"Miriam!" said Dick. "That's a woman's name."

The man nodded.

"What's her other name?"

"That is the name she goes by. Perhaps you would like to see her? If you cross her palm with a piece of silver she will tell your fortune."

"I suppose that's the way you live – by telling fortunes?"

"That and selling fancywork. Come, I will introduce you to Miriam."

As Dick was curious to see the woman who was at the head of this small tribe of gypsies, he followed his conductor, and was taken into the hut. Miriam proved to be a woman of middle age, whose features were not unpleasant. She had raven black hair streaming down her back, and an eye as dark as a sloe. Her attire was shabby, with the exception of a bright-colored shawl worn carelessly across her shoulders. The man spoke to her in a strange tongue, and she regarded Dick with some attention.

"You are a brave-looking boy," she said. "Shall I tell your fortune? Come, cross my hand with silver, and I will see what the future holds in store for you."

Dick wasn't particularly curious about his future, and he rather doubted the ability of the woman to foretell anything of importance. However, he concluded to help the tribe along to the extent of a silver quarter, so he pulled the coin out and placed it in her hand.

"Your left hand," she said.

Dick presented it. She pored over the lines and mounds, which palmistry teaches mean so much, for a minute or more before speaking again.

"You were born of parents in moderate circumstances, and you are the youngest of four children," she said.

"That's hitting the mark pretty close," he thought. "I wonder how she can get that out of my hand?"

"One of your parents is dead," she continued, "and it seems to be your father."

"Another good guess," thought Dick.

"You had to go to work young, about your fourteenth year."

"That's right," admitted the boy. "Maybe you can tell me what business I am engaged in?"

"It is something genteel – a clerk in a store or office. You have been in danger twice within the last three years from evil-disposed persons. You are fated to make many friends, some of whom will help you forward in life, but your success will make enemies – you have already made three, two of whom have had something to do with the peril in which you have been placed. Since then life has run smoother with you, but beware, there is trouble hanging over you now."

"Trouble!" exclaimed Dick. "I see none ahead."

"Trouble comes when we are not looking for it."

"Well, give me a pointer on it. You ought to be able to tip me off how to get out of it."

"Beware of a tall, dark man and a short, light woman."

"That's rather indefinite."

"There is a connection between them and your business."

"My business, eh? This is getting interesting."

The woman frowned and changed the subject.

"You have a sweetheart and you are closer to her now than usual. She is the bright star of your life – whom you will marry. Three children will bless your marriage, and you will pass a large part of your life in the country."

"If you see all that in my hand, it is quite clear that the trouble you say is hanging over me now will not lay me out."

"You will always triumph over your enemies, but they will do you much harm. Fortune will soon smile on you. You are about to come into possession of riches."

"Where am I going to get it? I have no such expectation."

"Good luck, like trouble, often comes upon us unaware. At this moment you are close to a fortune in money."

"The dickens I am! I'm afraid you're making a mistake there."

"It is so written in your hand and will come to pass."

She dropped Dick's hand and the seance was over.

"Your hand is, on the whole, a lucky one," she said. "The fates smiled on you at your birth. Favorable planets were in happy aspect. Saturn alone casts its malignant influence across your life's path, but will not prevail."

With a sweep of her arm toward the door, Dick understood that he was dismissed, and he walked back to the house somewhat impressed by what he had learned.

CHAPTER IX. – In the Mirror

When Dick reached the house, he found Madge waiting for him.

"Where have you been?" she asked.

"I walked down the road as far as my property. Did you know there were gypsies camped on it?"

"Why, no; are there?"

"Yes. They have two tents, a hut, a wagon, and a sort of rough barn for their horses."

"They have no right to camp there. They are trespassing."

"Oh, well, they won't harm the property, and they'll go away in the spring."

"How do you know? Were you speaking to them?"

"I talked with one of the men, and with the woman who heads the tribe. Her name is Miriam, and she told my fortune."

"Really?" cried the girl, with a smile. "What did she tell you?"

"Many things that I know to be true, and some things that I hope will turn out true."

"Then your fortune was a good one?"

"On the whole, it was. You'd better call on her and have your fortune told."

"Perhaps I will, if aunty will go with me. Come, now, tell me what she told you."

Dick repeated as near as he could remember all that the gypsy woman had read in his hand, with the exception of that part referring to his sweetheart.

"I suppose she said you'd marry the girl of your choice and live happily ever afterward," laughed Madge slyly.

"Sure; they always put that in to make you feel good."

"So she said you were going to come into a fortune soon? Isn't that nice?"

"It's too nice to be true."

"It might happen."

"I haven't a rich relative in the world whose death would put me on Easy street."

"Then you'll get the money some other way."

"I don't know of any other way unless I robbed a bank, and I'm not likely to do that."

"You might find a pocketbook full of money."

"If I did I'd return it to the owner if I could locate him."

"Well, let us hope you will get the money somehow. Most people wouldn't worry how money came to them as long as they got it."

Dick agreed with her, and then they began talking about other things. On Monday morning eleven o'clock a small, stylishly dressed lady, of a blonde complexion, came into the store and asked for Mr. Bacon. She was shown into his office, where she introduced herself as Mrs. Patterson. She said she had been recommended to Mr. Bacon's store by the Rev. John Dobbs, pastor of a certain church. The church in question was the one that the merchant was connected with, and the pastor was a warm friend of his. She said that the Rev. Dobbs had given her a note to hand to Mr. Bacon, but she had lost or mislaid it, for it was not in her bag. The merchant asked her what he could do for her, and she said she had called to look at his stock of silver cups and a few other articles in the silver line. Mr. Bacon said he would be very glad to give her every opportunity to make a selection from among his latest samples, and he assigned Dick to wait on her, as the boy was very successful in dealing with the lady customers of the house.

So Dick took her up to the sample room and let her see what was on exhibition in the lines she wanted. The boy had engaging ways that always took with the ladies, so he never had any difficulty in handling them to their own satisfaction and that of his employer. Mr. Bacon had given him a quiet tip that Mrs. Patterson was a special customer who had been recommended to him, so Dick laid himself out to please her. He appeared to have no trouble in doing so, for in a short time she made quite a number of purchases of the finest and most expensive articles, and giving her address to Dick said that she wanted the ware delivered C. O. D. at her residence that afternoon at six o'clock. Her husband would be home at that hour and would pay the bill in cash. She then left the store, after picking out an expensive diamond pin to be sent with the other goods. Dick turned the order and the directions in to his boss, who O. K.'d it and handed it over to his manager, through whom it proceeded to the packer, who got the articles from Dick, and the ring from the diamond salesman. About closing time Mr. Bacon called Dick into his office.