American library books Β» Fiction Β» Try and Trust; Or, Abner Holden's Bound Boy by Jr. Horatio Alger (best e books to read .TXT) πŸ“•

Read book online Β«Try and Trust; Or, Abner Holden's Bound Boy by Jr. Horatio Alger (best e books to read .TXT) πŸ“•Β».   Author   -   Jr. Horatio Alger



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felt that he must have something to eat. Besides, he remembered one thing which fortunately Mr. Holden did not know, that in addition to the five dollars which Dr. Kent had given him he had the ten dollars sent him by his uncle, and not only that, but a little loose change which he had earned.

β€œWell, are you going to get out?” asked Abner Holden. β€œIt's nothing to me whether you take dinner or not.”

β€œYes, I guess I will.”

β€œVery well,” said Holden, who had a reason for being pleased with his decision.

Both went into the tavern. There were two or three loungers on a settle, who gazed at them curiously. One of them at once appeared to recognize Abner Holden.

β€œHow dy do, Holden?” he said. β€œWho've you got with you?”

β€œA boy I've taken,” said Holden, shortly.

β€œA pretty smart-looking boy. Where'd you pick him up?”

β€œOver in Waverley. He's got some pretty high notions, but I guess I'll take 'em out of him in time.”

β€œYes,” chuckled the other; β€œI warrant you will.”

While this conversation was going on Herbert had entered the tavern, but he could not avoid hearing what was said, including Mr. Holden's reply. He was not frightened, but inwardly determined that he would do his duty, and then if Mr. Holden saw fit to impose upon him, he would make what resistance he was able.

β€œI wonder what high notions he means,” thought our hero. β€œIf he expects to make a slave of me, he will be mistaken, that's all.”

β€œSit down there, and I'll go and order dinner,” said Mr. Holden, entering.

Just then, however, the landlord came in and greeted Abner Holden, whom he appeared to know.

β€œI want dinner for two, Mr. Robinson,” he said.

β€œFor two! You haven't brought your wife along with you, Holden?” he said, jocosely.

β€œNo, I haven't come across any such lady yet. I've got a boy here who is bound to me. And hark you, landlord,” he added, in a lower voice, that Herbert might not hear, β€œhe will pay you for his dinner out of a five-dollar bill which he has with him. YOU NEEDN'T GIVE BACK THE CHANGE TO HIM, BUT TO ME.”

β€œYes, I understand,” said the landlord, winking.

β€œI prefer to keep the money for him. He has refused to give it up and this will give me a chance to get hold of it without any fuss.”

β€œAll right.”

β€œIf he kept it himself he'd spend it in some improper way.”

β€œJust so. I'll attend to it.”

Now our hero was gifted with pretty sharp ears, and he caught enough of this conversation to understand Mr. Holden's plot, which he straightway determined should not succeed.

β€œYou shan't take me in this time, Mr. Holden,” he thought.

He opened his pocketbook to see if he had enough small change to pay for his dinner without intrenching upon his bill. There proved to be a quarter and two half-dimes, amounting, of course, to thirty-five cents. This would not be quite sufficient.

β€œI must change the bill somewhere,” he said to himself.

Looking out of the tavern window, he saw the village store nearly opposite. He took his cap and ran over. There was a clerk leaning with his elbows upon the counter, appearing unoccupied.

It occurred to Herbert that he might want some paper and envelopes. He inquired the price.

β€œWe sell the paper at a penny a sheet, and the envelopes will cost you eight cents a package.”

β€œThen you may give me twelve sheets of paper and a package of envelopes,” said Herbert.

The package was done up for him and in payment he tendered the bill.

The clerk gave him back four dollars and eighty cents in change. He put the money in his pocketbook, and the paper and envelopes in his jacket-pocket, and returned to the tavern well pleased with his success. Mr. Holden was in the barroom, taking a glass of β€œbitters,” and had not noticed the absence of our hero.

Dinner was soon ready.

There was some beefsteak and coffee and a whole apple pie. Herbert surveyed the viands with satisfaction, having a decidedly good appetite. He soon found, however, that hungry as he was, he stood a poor chance with Abner Holden; that gentleman, being a very rapid eater, managed to appropriate two-thirds of the beefsteak and three-quarters of the pie. However, the supply being abundant, Herbert succeeded in making a satisfactory repast, and did not grudge the amount which he knew he should have to pay for it before leaving.

β€œNow,” said Abner Holden, his eyes twinkling at the thought of our hero's coming discomfiture, β€œwe'll go and settle our bill.”

β€œVery well,” said Herbert, quietly.

They entered the public room and advanced to the bar.

β€œThis boy wants to pay for his dinner, Mr. Robinson,” said Abner, significantly.

β€œHow much will it be?” asked Herbert.

β€œThirty-seven cents.”

Herbert took out of his vest pocket a quarter, a dime and two cents, and handed them over.

To say that Abner Holden looked amazed is not sufficient. He looked disgusted and wronged, and glared at Herbert as if to inquire how he could have the face to outrage his feelings in that way.

β€œHo! ho!” laughed the landlord, who, having no interest in the matter, was amused at the course affairs had taken.

Herbert suppressed his desire to laugh, and looked as if he had no knowledge of Mr. Holden's plans.

β€œWhere did you get that money?” growled Abner, with a scowl.

β€œOut of my vest pocket,” said Herbert, innocently.

β€œI know that, of course, but I thought you had only a bill.”

β€œOh, I got that changed at the store.”

β€œHow dared you go over there without my permission?” roared Abner.

β€œI didn't think it necessary to ask your permission to go across the street.”

β€œWell, you know it now. Don't you go there again without my knowledge.”

β€œVery well, sir.”

β€œDid you buy anything at the store?” continued Mr. Holden.

β€œYes, sir.”

β€œWhat was it?”

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