The Telegraph Boy

by Jr. Horatio Alger

  "I had already mentioned my nephew to him. I am surprised he saidnothing to me about engaging a boy."

  Frank said nothing, feeling no particular interest in the matter. As hewas only filling temporarily the position of errand boy, it made littledifference to him whether he was acceptable to Mr. Haynes or not.

  In the course of the day Mr. Hartley handed Frank a card, containing thestreet and number of his residence, with a pencilled invitation to callthat evening.

  Of course Frank did so.

  Seated alone with the merchant in his back parlor, the latter said, "Ihave invited you here because I could not speak with you freely at thestore. How do you like Mr. Haynes?"

  Frank was surprised at the abruptness of the question.

  "I don't like him," he answered, candidly.

  "Why not?"

  "There is no good reason that I know of," said Frank; "but I think hismanner is disagreeable."

  "Our instincts are often to be trusted," said the merchant,thoughtfully. "I confess that I myself don't like Haynes, nor do I feelimplicit confidence in him, though he has been eight years in theservice of our house. He is outwardly very circumspect, and apparentlyvery faithful, but there is something in his eye which I don't like."

  Frank had noticed this, but Mr. Hartley's remark called fresh attentionto its furtive, crafty expression.

  Frank's curiosity was aroused, naturally enough. He wondered what Mr.Haynes had to do with his mission. He did not have long to wait forinformation.

  "I will come to the point," said Mr. Hartley, after a pause. "I am animporting merchant, and deal, among other articles, in silks. During thelast year I have discovered that some one is systematically robbing me,and that parts of my stock have been spirited away. The loss I havesustained is already considerable, and unless the leakage is put a stopto, I may as well give up business. You can now guess why I have engagedyou. No one will suspect an errand boy of being a detective, while a manwould very probably excite distrust, and put the rogue on his guard."

  Frank listened attentively to his employer.

  "Do you suspect any one in particular, Mr. Hartley?" he asked.

  "It must be some one in my employ," he said. "The man who, more than anyother, has facilities for robbing me is the man of whom I have spoken toyou."

  "Mr. Haynes?"

  "Yes, Mr. Haynes. He holds an important position, and enjoys specialprivileges. On the other hand, so far as I can learn, he lives in asober, inexpensive way, quite within his salary, which is liberal. He isprominently connected with an up-town church, and it seems veryimprobable that he would be guilty of robbery, or breach of trust; yetthere have been such cases before. At any rate, I cannot wholly divestmyself of suspicion."

  "What do you wish me to do?" asked Frank.

  "To watch Mr. Haynes carefully, both in and out of the store, toascertain whether he has any unexplained expenses, or any questionablecompanions. I want to know how he spends his time out of the office. Itmay be that the result of my investigation will be to his credit. It maybe that he is all that he seems,--a reputable member of the church andof society, with nothing against him but an unpleasant manner. Shouldthis be the case, I shall be glad to correct my suspicions, and give himback my confidence. In that case, we must look elsewhere for the roguewho is robbing me."

  "Have you any particular instructions to give me?" asked Frank.

  "No, only to follow Haynes, and find out all you can about him. Usegreat care in doing it, not to arouse his or any one else's suspicion. Iwill find an opportunity for you to make your reports."

  "Very well, sir."

  * * * * *

  When Frank got home, he found a letter awaiting him from his countryhome. It was in answer to one which he had written to his uncle, DeaconPelatiah Kavanagh, in reference to a trunk which had belonged to hisfather.

  This is the letter:--

  MY DEAR NEPHEW,--I am glad to learn that you are making a living in the city. It is much better that you should earn your own living than to be a burden upon me, though of course I would not see you suffer. But a man's duty is to his own household, and my income from the farm is very small, and Hannah and I agreed that we had little to spare for others.

  There is an old trunk, belonging to your deceased father, in the attic. It contains some old clothes, which may be made over for you, and so save you expense. I would use them myself, and allow you for them, but your father was a much smaller man than I, and his clothes would not fit me. I will send the trunk by express to the address which you gave me. Of course I shall expect you to pay the express, as I have no interest in it, or its contents.

  Your cousin Jonathan has left school, and is working on the farm. I feel _so_ glad that he has no extravagant tastes, but inherits the careful and economical habits of his mother and myself. I am sure he will never waste or squander the little property which I hope to leave him.

  "I don't believe he will," thought Frank, "for he is about as mean ashis mother, and that is saying a good deal."

  Your aunt and I hope that you will steer clear of the temptations of the city. Do not seek after vain amusements, but live a sober life, never spending a cent unnecessarily, and you will in time become a prosperous man. I would invite you to come and stop with us over Sunday, but for the railroad fare, which is high. It will be better to save your money, and put off the visit till you can afford it.

  Your uncle, PELATIAH KAVANAGH.

  Reading this letter, it would hardly be supposed that the writer ownedten thousand dollars in stocks, bonds, and mortgages, over and above anexcellent farm. Such, however, was the worldly position of the man whosent Frank to the city in quest of a living, because he could not affordto provide for him. With some men prudence is a virtue; with DeaconPelatiah Kavanagh it was carried so far as to be a positive defect.

  CHAPTER XXI.

  FRANK'S FIRST DISCOVERY.

  So far as Frank could observe, Mr. Haynes was an active, energeticsalesman. He appeared to understand his duties thoroughly, and to goabout them in a straightforward manner. So far as his personal habitswere concerned, they seemed irreproachable. He was neatly but plainlydressed, wore no jewelry, and carried a plain silver watch, which, whennew, probably did not cost over twenty dollars.

  Frank had no difficulty in ascertaining where he lived. It was in abrick house, on Waverley place, very unpretentious and certainly notfashionable. In order to find out how much he paid for hisaccommodations Frank visited the house on pretence of being in search ofboard.

  "We have a hall bed-room on the third floor, at five dollars a week,including board," said the landlady. "How would that suit you?"

  "I may have a friend board with me," said Frank. "In that case we shouldneed a large room. Have you any vacant?"

  "There is the front room on the third floor. We would let it to twogentlemen at eleven dollars for the two."

  "Isn't the back room cheaper?" inquired our hero.

  "Yes; but it is occupied by a business gentleman."

  "Can you tell me his name? I may be acquainted with him."

  "His name is Haynes."

  "How much does he pay?"

  "He pays eight dollars a week, and has the room alone."

  "I suppose his room is not likely to become vacant soon?"

  "Oh, dear, no. He has been with us for several years. We should be sorryto lose him. Last Christmas he gave my daughter a present of a nicesilk-dress pattern."

  Frank was struck by this information.

  "I don't believe he paid anything for the silk," thought he. "I wish Icould find out."

  He had learned all he cared for, and left, saying he might call again.

  "His expenses seem very moderate for a man in his position," thoughtFrank. "I wonder if he makes any investments."

  Fortune favored our hero in the prosecution of his inquiry. KeepingHaynes in s
ight, as was his custom, he observed that the latter, inpulling out a handkerchief from the breast-pocket of his coat, hadbrought with it a letter also. Frank, quickly and unobserved, picked itup, and when he was alone looked at the address. It was directed toJames Haynes, at his residence in Waverley place. On the envelope wasthe printed address of a real-estate broker in Brooklyn.

  Frank knew that there was at that time considerable speculation inBrooklyn real estate, and he examined the letter. It ran thus:--

  We have found a corner lot, with several lots adjoining, near Prospect Park, which may be obtained for five thousand dollars, half cash. We have no hesitation in recommending the purchase, being convinced, from the tendencies of the market, that the buyer will double his money in a comparatively short time. If you are engaged at other times, come over on Sunday afternoon, and we will show you the property. The house you purchased of us last year is worth fully a thousand dollars more than the price you gave.

  "I wonder how much he gave," said Frank to himself.

  The letter was signed "Henderson & Co., No. -- Fulton street."

  Our hero was elated by the discovery he had made, and he sought aninterview with Mr. Hartley.

  "Have you discovered anything?" asked the merchant, noticing the eagerlook of his young detective.

  Without attaching especial importance to the fact, Frank answered, "Ihave found out that Mr. Haynes owns a house in Brooklyn."

  "Indeed!" said Hartley, quickly. "But," he continued more slowly, "hemight buy one with the money saved from his salary."

  "He is also thinking of buying some lots near Prospect Park."

  "How did you learn this?" asked the merchant, surprised.

  "I would rather not tell you," said Frank, who was not quite surewhether Mr. Hartley would sanction his examination of a private letter."You may be sure that it is true."

  "Very well; I will rest contented with that assurance. I will leave youto work in your own way. Your information is important, for it seems toshow that Mr. Haynes has made investments beyond his ability, if he weredependent upon his savings alone."

  "That is what I thought," said Frank. "I must try to find out where hegets this extra money."

  "If you do that, and prove my suspicions correct, I will make you ahandsome present, besides paying the company regular rates for yourservices."

  "Thank you, sir. I will try to earn your gifts."

  CHAPTER XXII.

  FOLLOWING UP A CLUE.

  This is not a detective story, and I shall not, therefore, detail thesteps by which our young hero succeeded in tracing out the agency ofHaynes in defrauding the firm by which he was employed. It required notone week, but three, to follow out his clues, and qualify himself tomake a clear and intelligible report to Mr. Hartley. He had expresslyrequested the merchant not to require any partial report, as it mightinterfere with his working unobserved. Towards the end of the third weekhe asked an interview with Mr. Hartley.

  "Well, Frank," said the merchant, familiarly, "who is the rogue?"

  "Mr. Haynes," answered our hero.

  "You speak confidently," said his employer; "but surmise will not do. Iwant proof, or I cannot act."

  "I will tell you what I have discovered," said Frank; "and I leave youto judge for yourself."

  "Have you a customer in Hartford named Davis?" he asked.

  "Yes; and a very good customer. He is frequent in his orders, and makesprompt payments. I wish I had more like him."

  "If you had more like him you would soon be bankrupt," said Frank,quietly.

  "What do you mean?" asked Mr. Hartley, in genuine surprise. "How can acustomer who buys largely, and pays promptly, be undesirable?"

  "Did you know that Mr. Davis is a brother-in-law of Mr. Haynes?"

  "No; but even if he is I have to thank Mr. Haynes for securing me soexcellent a customer."

  Hartley spoke confidently, evidently believing that Frank was on thewrong tack.

  "I have noticed," said Frank, "that when goods are packed to go to Mr.Davis, Mr. Haynes personally superintends the packing, and employs oneparticular man to pack."

  "What then?"

  "I think he has something to conceal."

  "I don't understand what he can have to conceal. If Davis is hisbrother-in-law, it is natural that he should feel a special interest infilling his orders."

  "I shouldn't wonder if Mr. Haynes were a partner as well as abrother-in-law of Mr. Davis."

  Mr. Hartley looked surprised.

  "That may be true; though I don't know why you should conjecture it.Admitting that you are right, I don't know that I have any right toobject. I should like it better, however, if I were frankly told by Mr.Haynes of this circumstance."

  "I will tell you what I think I have discovered," continued Frank. "Thecases that are shipped to Mr. Davis not only contain the goods he hasordered, but valuable silks that he has not ordered, and does notpropose to pay for."

  "I see, I see," exclaimed Mr. Hartley, a light dawning upon him for thefirst time. "I was stupid not to comprehend your meaning earlier. Whatwarrant have you for suspecting this?"

  "First, your steady losses of goods; next, the ease with which Mr.Haynes, in his position of trust, could carry out this plan. Why shouldhe superintend the packing of Mr. Davis's goods, alone of all yourcustomers?"

  "There is weight in what you say, Frank. You are certainly anextraordinary boy. You have shown so much shrewdness that I now ask youradvice. What steps shall I take to ascertain whether Mr. Haynes isreally guilty of what we suspect him?"

  "There is an order now being filled for Mr. Davis," answered Frank."When the order is filled, can't you open the case, and find out whetherthe contents correspond exactly to the bill?"

  "The very thing. To facilitate matters I will send Mr. Haynes toBrooklyn on a confidential errand. Fortunately there is a matter thatwill give me a good excuse for doing so. Go back to your post, and whenMr. Haynes appears to be at liberty send him to me."

  Half an hour later Mr. Haynes entered the counting room of hisemployer.

  "You sent for me, sir?" he said, a little uneasily; for, when conscienceaccuses, the mind is always apprehensive.

  "Yes, Mr. Haynes," said the merchant, in his usual tone. "Have you anyobjection to go to Brooklyn for me, on a confidential errand?"

  "None in the world, sir," said Haynes, relieved. "I shall be glad totake the trip this fine morning. It is almost too pleasant to remainin-doors."

  "Thank you; I will give you your instructions, and shall be glad to haveyou go at once."

  It is not necessary to our story that we should know the nature of theerrand on which Haynes was sent. It served the purpose of getting himout of the way.

  When the suspected clerk was fairly on his way Mr. Hartley went to thepacking-room, and looked about him till he discovered the case addressedto

  H. L. DAVIS & CO., HARTFORD, CONN.

  "Open this case," said he to one of the workmen. "There was a mistakerecently in sending some goods to Davis, and I wish to compare thesewith the bill."

  "I think they are all right, sir," said the man addressed. "Mr. Haynessaw them packed."

  "Mr. Haynes will not be responsible for any mistake," said Mr. Hartley."I would rather see for myself."

  The case was opened, and the merchant discovered about two hundreddollars' worth of silk, which was not included in the bill.

  "Go and call Mr. Hunting," said Mr. Hartley, quietly.

  Mr. Hunting filled one of the most important positions in theestablishment. To him his employer explained the nature of hisdiscovery.

  "Mr. Hunting," he said, "I wish you to see and attest the fraud that hasbeen attempted upon me. This case was packed under the special charge ofMr. Haynes."

  "Is it possible that Mr. Haynes knew of this?" exclaimed hisfellow-clerk.

  "Davis is his brother-in-law," said Mr. Hartley, significantly.

  "Has this been going on long, do you think, sir?"
r />   "For several years, I suspect. Mr. Haynes has, no doubt, found it veryprofitable."

  "Shall I close up the case again, sir?" asked the workman.

  "Yes, but it is not to go. You may await my further orders."

  The silk was taken out, and replaced in the silk department.

  "So much has been saved, at least," said the merchant.

  "When Mr. Haynes comes back," he said to the usher, "send him to me."

  CHAPTER XXIII.

  BROUGHT TO BAY.

  Mr. Haynes had a private reason for accepting readily the commission tovisit Brooklyn. It occurred to him at once that it would give him anexcellent chance to call on his real-estate agent, and confer with himupon future investments. For James Haynes had the comfortableconsciousness that he was a prosperous man. Month by month, and year byyear, he was adding largely to his gains, and while he was still a youngman he would be rich, _if all went well_.

  Of course this meant if his peculations remained undiscovered. Whyshould they not be? He plumed himself on the skill with which he managedto rob his employer. He was no vulgar bungler to break into the store,or enter into an alliance with burglars. Not he! The property he tookwas carried off openly before Mr. Hartley's very eyes, and he knewnothing of it. He did not even suspect that he was being robbed. This iswhat Mr. Haynes thought; but, as we know, he was mistaken. Even now hewas in a net; but did not know it.

  After attending to Mr. Hartley's commission Haynes went to see hisbroker. The conversation he had with the broker was of a veryencouraging character. He was congratulated upon his investments, andassured that they would pay him handsomely.