The Cash Boy | Page 9

I have nothing else to give
you. The furniture will pay the debt I owe Deacon Pinkerton. There
ought to be something over, but I think he will take all. I wish I had
more to leave you, dear Frank, but the God of the Fatherless will watch
over you-- to Him I commit you and Grace. Your affectionate mother,
RUTH FOWLER.''
Frank, following the instructions of the letter, found the gold pieces and
put them carefully into his pocketbook. He did not mention the letter to
Grace at present, for he knew not but Deacon Pinkerton might lay claim
to the money to satisfy his debt if he knew it.
``I am ready, Frank,'' said Grace, entering the room. ``Shall we go?''
``Yes, Grace. There is no use in stopping here any longer.''
As he spoke he heard the outer door open, and a minute later Deacon
Pinkerton entered the room.
None of the deacon's pompousness was abated as he entered the house
and the room.
``Will you take a seat?'' said our hero, with the air of master of the
house.
``I intended to,'' said the deacon, not acknowledging his claim. ``So
your poor mother is gone?''
``Yes, sir,'' said Frank, briefly.
``We must all die,'' said the deacon, feeling that it was incumbent on
him to say something religious. ``Ahem! your mother died poor? She
left no property?''
``It was not her fault.''

``Of course not. Did she mention that I had advanced her money on the
furniture?''
``My mother told me all about it, sir.''
``Ahem! You are in a sad condition. But you will be taken care of. You
ought to be thankful that there is a home provided for those who have
no means.''
``What home do you refer to, Deacon Pinkerton?'' asked Frank, looking
steadily in the face of his visitor.
``I mean the poorhouse, which the town generously provides for those
who cannot support themselves.''
This was the first intimation Grace had received of the possibility that
they would be sent to such a home, and it frightened her.
``Oh, Frank!'' she exclaimed, ``must we go to the poorhouse?''
``No, Grace; don't be frightened,'' said Frank, soothingly. ``We will not
go.''
``Frank Fowler,'' said the deacon, sternly, ``cease to mislead your
sister.''
``I am not misleading her, sir.''
``Did you not tell her that she would not be obliged to go to the
poorhouse?''
``Yes, sir.''
``Then what do you mean by resisting my authority?''
``You have no authority over us. We are not paupers,'' and Frank lifted
his head proudly, and looked steadily in the face of the deacon.
``You are paupers, whether you admit it or not.''

``We are not,'' said the boy, indignantly.
``Where is your money? Where is your property?''
``Here, sir,'' said our hero, holding out his hands.
``I have two strong hands, and they will help me make a living for my
sister and myself.''
``May I ask whether you expect to live here and use my furniture?''
``I do not intend to, sir. I shall ask no favors of you, neither for Grace
nor myself. I am going to leave the house. I only came back to get a
few clothes. Mr. Pomeroy has invited Grace and me to stay at his house
for a few days. I haven't decided what I shall do afterward.''
``You will have to go to the poorhouse, then. I have no objection to
your making this visit first. It will be a saving to the town.''
``Then, sir, we will bid you good-day. Grace, let us go.''

CHAPTER V
A LITTLE MISUNDERSTANDING
``Have you carried Frank Fowler to the poorhouse?'' asked Tom
Pinkerton, eagerly, on his father's return.
``No, said the deacon, ``he is going to make a visit at Mr. Pomeroy's
first.''
``I shouldn't think you would have let him make a visit,'' said Tom,
discontentedly. ``I should think you would have taken him to the
poorhouse right off.''
``I feel it my duty to save the town unnecessary expense,'' said Deacon
Pinkerton.

So Tom was compelled to rest satisfied with his father's assurance that
the removal was only deferred.
Meanwhile Frank and Grace received a cordial welcome at the house of
Mr. Pomeroy. Sam and Frank were intimate friends, and our hero had
been in the habit of calling frequently, and it seemed homelike.
``I wish you could stay with us all the time, Frank --you and Grace,''
said Sam one evening.
``We should all like it,'' said Mr. Pomeroy, ``but we cannot always have
what we want. If I had it in my power to offer Frank any employment
which it would be worth his while to follow, it might do. But he has got
his way to make in the world. Have you formed any plans yet,