Driven from Home | Page 3

"Well, I have a fair education. I could be an entry clerk, or a salesman
in some store, or, if the worst came to the worst, I could work on a farm.
I believe farmers give boys who work for them their board and
clothes."
"I don't think the clothes would suit you."
"I am pretty well supplied with clothing."
Gilbert looked significantly at the gripsack.
"Do you carry it all in there?" he asked, doubtfully.
Carl laughed.
"Well, no," he answered. "I have a trunkful of clothes at home,
though."
"Why didn't you bring them with you?"
"I would if I were an elephant. Being only a boy, I would find it
burdensome carrying a trunk with me. The gripsack is all I can very
well manage."
"I tell you what," said Gilbert. "Come round to our house and stay
overnight. We live only a mile from here, you know. The folks will be

glad to see you, and while you are there I will go to your house, see the
governor, and arrange for an allowance for you that will make you
comparatively independent."
"Thank you, Gilbert; but I don't feel like asking favors from those who
have ill-treated me."
"Nor would I--of strangers; but Dr. Crawford is your father. It isn't
right that Peter, your stepbrother, should be supported in ease and
luxury, while you, the real son, should be subjected to privation and
want."
"I don't know but you are right," admitted Carl, slowly.
"Of course I am right. Now, will you make me your minister
plenipotentiary, armed with full powers?"
"Yes, I believe I will."
"That's right. That shows you are a boy of sense. Now, as you are
subject to my directions, just get on that bicycle and I will carry your
gripsack, and we will seek Vance Villa, as we call it when we want to
be high-toned, by the most direct route."
"No, no, Gilbert; I will carry my own gripsack. I won't burden you with
it," said Carl, rising from his recumbent position.
"Look here, Carl, how far have you walked with it this morning?"
"About twelve miles."
"Then, of course, you're tired, and require rest. Just jump on that
bicycle, and I'll take the gripsack. If you have carried it twelve miles, I
can surely carry it one."
"You are very kind, Gilbert."
"Why shouldn't I be?"

"But it is imposing up on your good nature."
But Gilbert had turned his head in a backward direction, and nodded in
a satisfied way as he saw a light, open buggy rapidly approaching.
"There's my sister in that carriage," he said. "She comes in good time. I
will put you and your gripsack in with her, and I'll take to my bicycle
again."
"Your sister may not like such an arrangement."
"Won't she though! She's very fond of beaux, and she will receive you
very graciously."
"You make me feel bashful, Gilbert."
"You won't be long. Julia will chat away to you as if she'd known you
for fifty years."
"I was very young fifty years ago," said Carl, smiling.
"Hi, there, Jule!" called Gilbert, waving his hand.
Julia Vance stopped the horse, and looked inquiringly and rather
admiringly at Carl, who was a boy of fine appearance.
"Let me introduce you to my friend and schoolmate, Carl Crawford."
Carl took off his hat politely.
"I am very glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Crawford," said Julia,
demurely; "I have often heard Gilbert speak of you."
"I hope he said nothing bad about me, Miss Vance."
"You may be sure he didn't. If he should now--I wouldn't believe him."
"You've made a favorable impression, Carl," said Gilbert, smiling.

"I am naturally prejudiced against boys--having such a brother," said
Julia; "but it is not fair to judge all boys by him."
"That is outrageous injustice!" said Gilbert; "but then, sisters seldom
appreciate their brothers."
"Some other fellows' sisters may," said Carl.
"They do, they do!"
"Did you ever see such a vain, conceited boy, Mr. Crawford?"
"Of course you know him better than I do."
"Come, Carl; it's too bad for you, too, to join against me. However, I
will forget and forgive. Jule, my friend, Carl, has accepted my
invitation to make us a visit."
"I am very glad, I am sure," said Julia, sincerely.
"And I want you to take him in, bag and baggage, and convey him to
our palace, while I speed thither on my wheel."
"To be sure I will, and with great pleasure."
"Can't you get out and assist him into the carriage, Jule?"
"Thank you," said Carl; "but though I am somewhat old and quite
infirm, I think I can get in without troubling your sister. Are you sure,
Miss Vance, you won't be incommoded by my gripsack?"
"Not