Cast Upon the Breakers by Jr. Horatio Alger (i love reading books TXT) 📕
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- Author: Jr. Horatio Alger
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“You didn’t use to talk to me like that.”
“Well, I do now. You didn’t use to try to get money out of me.”
“Look here, Jasper! I am poor, but I don’t want you to talk to me as you are doing.”
“Indeed!” sneered Jasper.
“And I won’t have it,” said Carton firmly. “Listen to me, and I will propose a plan that will help us both.”
“What is it?”
“You can easily secrete articles, if you are cautious, without attracting notice, and I will dispose of them and share the money with you.”
Jasper shook his head.
“I wouldn’t dare to do it,” he said. “Somebody might spy on me.”
“Not if you are careful.”
“If it were found out I would be bounced like Ropes.”
“What is he doing? Have you seen him lately?”
“He is getting on finely. He is earning fifteen dollars a week.”
“You don’t mean it?”
“Yes I do.”
“What firm is he working for?”
“For none at all. He is tutor to a young kid.”
“I didn’t know he was scholar enough.”
“Oh yes, he knows Greek and Latin and a lot of other stuff.”
“Who is the boy?”
“I don’t feel at liberty to tell. I don’t think he would care to have you know.”
“I’ll tell you what you can do. Borrow five dollars of him for me.”
“I don’t know about that. If I were to borrow it would be for myself.”
“You can do as you please. If you don’t do something for me I will write to Mr. Goodnow that you are the thief who stole the cloaks and dress patterns.”
“You wouldn’t do that?” exclaimed Jasper in consternation.
“Wouldn’t I? I am desperate enough to do anything.”
After a little further conference Jasper agreed to do what was asked of him. He did not dare to refuse.
CHAPTER XIX.
JASPER’S REVENGE
Rodney was considerably surprised one evening to receive a call from Jasper in his room. He was alone, as Mike had been detailed about a week ago for night duty. The room looked more attractive than formerly. Rodney had bought a writing desk, which stood in the corner, and had put up three pictures, which, though cheap, were attractive.
“Good evening, Jasper,” he said. “It is quite friendly of you to call.”
“I hadn’t anything else on hand this evening, and thought I would come round see how you were getting along.”
“Take a seat and make yourself at home.”
“Do you object to cigarettes?” asked Jasper, producing one from a case in his pocket.
“I object to smoking them myself, but I don’t want to dictate to my friends.”
“You look quite comfortable here,” continued Jasper in a patronizing tone.
“We try to be comfortable, though our room is not luxurious.”
“Who do you mean by ‘we’? Have you a room mate?”
“Yes. Mike Flynn rooms with me.”
“Who is he—a newsboy?”
“No. He is a telegraph boy.”
“You don’t seem to very particular,” said Jasper, shrugging his shoulders.
“I am very particular.”
“Yet you room with an Irish telegraph boy.”
“He is a nice boy of good habit, and a devoted friend. What could I want more?”
“Oh, well, you have a right to consult your own taste.”
“You have a nice home, no doubt.”
“I live with my uncle. Yes, he has a good house, but I am not so independent as if I had a room outide.”
“How are things going on at the store?”
“About the same as usual. Why don’t you come in some day?”
“For two reasons; I am occupied during the day, and I don’t want to go where I am considered a thief.”
“I wish I was getting your income. It is hard to get along on seven dollars a week.”
“Still you have a nice home, and I suppose you have most of your salary to yourself.”
“Yes, but there isn’t much margin in seven dollars. My uncle expects me to buy my own clothes. You were lucky to get out of the store. Old Goodnow ought to give me ten dollars.”
“Don’t let him hear you speak of him as OLD Goodnow, Jasper.”
“Oh, I’m smart enough for that. I mean to keep on the right side of the old chap. What sort of a man are you working for?”
“Mr. Sargent is a fine man.”
“He isn’t mean certainly. I should like to be in your shoes.”
“If I hear of any similar position shall I mention your name?” asked Rodney, smiling.
“No; I could not take care of a kid. I hate them.”
“Still Arthur is a nice boy.”
“You are welcome to him. What do you have to teach?”
“He is studying Latin and French, besides English branches.”
“I know about as much of Latin and French as a cow. I couldn’t be a teacher. I say, Rodney,” and Jasper cleared his throat, “I want you to do me a favor.”
“What is it?”
“I want you to lend me ten dollars.”
Rodney was not mean, but he knew very well that a loan to Jasper would be a permanent one. Had Jasper been his friend even this consideration would
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