The Genial Idiot: His Views and Reviews by John Kendrick Bangs (little red riding hood ebook .TXT) 📕

“That's lucky,” said Abner Holden, dryly. “It's well that people shouldn't expect what they are not likely to get.”

Here a sense of the ludicrous came over Herbert as he thought of being Mr. Holden's pet, and he laughed heartily. Not understanding the reason of his sudden mirth, that gentleman demanded, in a tone of irritation, “What are you making a fool of yourself about?”

“What am I laughing at?” said Herbert, not liking the form of the question.

“Yes,” snarled Abner.

“The idea of being your pet,” explained Herbert, frankly.

Mr. Holden did not appreciate the joke, and said roughly, “You better shut up, if you know what's best for yourself.”

They rode along in silence for a few minutes. Then Abner Holden, thinking suddenly of the envelope which Dr. Kent had placed in Herbert's hand at parting, and feeling curious as to its contents, asked:

“What did the doctor give you just as you were starting?”

“It was an envelope.”

“I know that; but what was there in it?”

“I haven't looked,” said our hero.

He felt a little satisfaction in snubbing Mr. Holden, whom he saw he would never like.

“Why don't you open it?”

“I didn't think of it before.”

“I suppose there is some present inside.”

Herbert decided to open the envelope, out of respect for Dr. Kent. On opening it, he drew out a five-dollar bill, and a few penciled words, which were as follows:

“DEAR HERBERT: I would gladly give you more if I had the means. I hope you will use the inclosed money in any way that may be most serviceable to you. You must write to me often. Be a good boy, as you always have been; let your aims be noble; try to do right at all hazards, and may God bless your efforts, and make you a good and true man. Such is the prayer of your affectionate friend, GEORGE KENT.”

Herbert read these lines with emotion, and inwardly resolved that he would try to carry out the recommendations laid down. His thoughts were broken in upon by Mr. Holden, whose sharp eyes detected the bank-note.

“There's money in the letter, isn't there?”

“Yes.”

“How much?”

“Five dollars.”

“Five dollars, hey?” he said. “You'd better give it to me to keep for you.”

“Thank you, Mr. Holden; I can take care of it, myself.”

“It isn't a good plan for boys to have so large a sum of money in their possession,” said Abner Holden, who was anxious to secure it himself.

“Why not?” asked Herbert.

“Because they are likely to spend it improperly.”

“Dr. Kent didn't seem to think I was likely to do that.”

“No; he trusted you too much.”

“I hope it won't prove so.”

“You'd better keep out of the way of temptation. You might lose it, besides.”

“I don't often lose things.”

“Come, boy,” said Mr. Holden, getting impatient; “Dr. Kent, no doubt, intended that I should take care of the money for you. You'd better give it up without further trouble.”

“Why didn't he give it to you, then?” demanded Herbert.

“He supposed you would give it to me.”

Mr. Holden's motive for getting the money into his own hands was twofold. First, he knew that without money Herbert would be more helpless and more in his power. Secondly, as he had agreed to supply Herbert with clothing, he thought he might appropriate the money towards this purpose, and it would be so much of a saving to his own pocket. Perhaps Herbert suspected some such design. At any rate, he had no intention of gratifying Mr. Holden by giving up the money.

“Well, are you going to give me the money?” blustered Abner Holden, taking out his pocketbook, ready to receive it.

“No,” said Herbert.

“You'll repent this conduct, young man,” said Holden, scowling.

“I don't think I shall,” said our hero. “I don't understand why you are so anxious to get hold of the money.”

“It is for your good,” said Abner.

“I'd rather keep it,” said Herbert.

Abner Holden hardly knew what to do. The money was by this time safely stowed away in Herbert's pocket, where he could not very well get at it. However, he had a plan for getting it which he resolved to put into practice when they stopped for dinner.