dick the bank boy or, a missing fortune

DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune TheProjectGutenbergEBookofDicktheBankBoy,byFrankV.Webster ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwith almostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayor re-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincluded withthiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.org Title:DicktheBankBoy Or,AMissingFortune Author:FrankV.Webster ReleaseDate:August3,2006[EBook#18981] Language:English Charactersetencoding:ASCII ***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKDICKTHEBANKBOY *** ProducedbyMarilyndaFraser-Cunliffe,EmmyandtheOnline DistributedProofreadingTeamathttp://www.pgdp.net Page1 DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune DicktheBankBoy Or AMissingFortune BY FRANKV.WEBSTER AUTHOROF"ONLYAFARMBOY,""BOBTHECASTAWAY," "COMRADESOFTHESADDLE,""AIRSHIPANDY,"ETC. ILLUSTRATED NEWYORK CUPPLES&LEONCOMPANY PUBLISHERS BOOKSFORBOYS Page2 DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune ***** ByFRANKV.WEBSTER ***** 12mo.Cloth.Illustrated. ***** ONLYAFARMBOY TOM,THETELEPHONEBOY THEBOYFROMTHERANCH THEYOUNGTREASUREHUNTER BOB,THECASTAWAY THEYOUNGFIREMENOFLAKEVILLE THENEWSBOYPARTNERS THEBOYPILOTOFTHELAKES TWOBOYGOLDMINERS JACK,THERUNAWAY COMRADESOFTHESADDLE THEBOYSOFBELLWOODSCHOOL THEHIGHSCHOOLRIVALS AIRSHIPANDY BOBCHESTER'SGRIT BENHARDY'SFLYINGMACHINE DICK,THEBANKBOY DARRY,THELIFESAVER Copyright,1911,by CUPPLES&LEONCOMPANY Page3 DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune ***** DICK,THEBANKBOY [Illustration:TURNINGTODICKHECONTINUEDTOQUESTIONHIM. _DicktheBankBoy__Page137_] CONTENTS CHAPTERPAGE I.THEMEETINGONTHEROAD1 II.AMOTHERWORTHFIGHTINGFOR9 III.DICK'SFIRSTWAGES17 IV.INSEARCHOFAJOB24 V.MR.GRAYLOCKRECEIVESASURPRISE32 VI.BOUNDFORTHEOLDFISHINGHOLE40 VII.DICKMAKESAGALLANTRESCUE48 VIII.THECOMINGOFALETTER57 Page4 DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune IX.GREATNEWS66 X.THEMEETINGINTHEBANK74 XI.FRIENDLYADVISE83 XII.GATHERINGCLOUDS92 XIII.WANTEDINTHECASHIER'SOFFICE100 XIV.UNDERSUSPICION108 XV.MR.GRAYLOCKSEEMSDISAPPOINTED117 XVI.FORTUNE'SFAVORS125 XVII.THEINVESTIGATION133 XVIII.THERECEIVINGTELLERFREESHISMIND142 XIX.NOTFORSALE149 XX.AREDLETTERDAY157 XXI.GOODWORDSONEVERYSIDE165 XXII.AREMARKABLEBITOFINTELLIGENCE173 XXIII.NEARINGACLIMAX181 XXIV.MR.GRAYLOCKMEETSHISWATERLOO190 Page5 DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune XXV.CONCLUSION198 DICK,THEBANKBOY CHAPTERI THEMEETINGONTHEROAD "Getoutofmyway,DickMorrison!" Theboywhohadbeentrudgingalongthenarrowroadlookedupin surpriseathearinghimselfspokentososuddenly,thoughherecognized thedomineeringvoiceevenbeforecatchingsightofthespeaker. "Youalreadyhavehalfoftheroad,FerdGraylock;togiveyoumoreI'd havetobackdownintheditch,andIdon'tcaretodothat,"he replied,standingperfectlystillandwatchingwithsomeamusementthe zigzagmovementsoftheother,nowcloseuponhim. Ferdwasmountedonanewmotor-cycle,purchasedwithsavingsoutof his pocketmoney,andwithwhichmachinehehadbeenoflatescouringthe surroundingcountry. Evidentlythelittlemotorhadbrokendownwhilehewassomedistance Page6 DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune awayfromhome,necessitatingconsiderablewalkinguphillandhard pedallingonthelevels. Weary,andover-heatedbyhisexertions,hewasnaturallyinanugly temperatthetimehemetDickonthenarrowestplacealongtheentire road,whereaditchononesideandafenceontheother,leftonly enoughroomforasinglevehicleatatimetopass. Justthen,judgingfromhiserraticswingingfromsidetoside,Ferd neededthewholeroad,andseeingthis,theotherladstoodby,readyto guardhimselfifthecumbersomemachineheadedhisway. HissuspicionsastotheintentionsofFerdtorunhimdownseemedwell founded,for,pretendingtobeunabletocontroltheheavymachine,the ridercamelungingdirectlyatthestandingboy,whowouldhavebeen struckonlyforaquickleaptooneside,bymeansofwhichheavoideda collision. Butalas!theedgeoftheroadwascloserthanFerdhadcalculatedon whenmaliciouslyendeavoringtogivethepedestrianascare,andasa consequencethemotor-cycleplungeddownintotheditch. Ferdmanagedthroughaquickefforttoleapoffhisseatjustintimeto avoidbeingoverwhelmedinthedisaster. Hescrambledtohisfeetchokingwithbothdustandanger. Hisbeautifulmachinelaywithitsfrontburiedinthewaterofthe ditch,andthesightwassodisagreeablethatFerdseemedtolosewhat littlediscretionhegenerallyboasted. "There,seewhatyou'vedone,DickMorrison!"heexclaimed,iercely. Page7 DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune "Well,now,Ilikethat,"answeredtheother,hardlyknowingwhetherto laughorshowindignation;"youtrytorunmedown,andwhenIstepout ofthewaytoavoidanupsetyouaccusemeofhavinghadahandinthe mess.Whydidyoujumpoffwhenbyatwistofthehandlebarsyoucould havesavedthemachine?Supposeyoublameyourself,notme." "ButyousawthatIhadlostcontrol,andifyou'donlywantedyoucould havestoppeditsplunge;butyou'dratherseemegetintoapeckof trouble.Howd'yesupposeI'mevergoingtolugthatheavythingbackup totheroadnow?"demandedFerd,spitefully. "Oh!Idon'tmindgivingyouahandatthat.Ihatetoseesuchaine machinelyinginthemudlikeamiredcow,"declaredDick,cheerfully. Ferdlookedathimdubiously,asthoughhisspiriturgedhimtodecline thegenerousofferofassistancemadebyonehechosetoregardashis enemy;buttheroadwaslonely,noonemightcomealongforsometimeto helphim,andthemotor-cyclewastooheavyforhimtodragoutofthe holeunassisted. Soheswallowedhispride,andgrudginglyallowedDicktotakeholdon onesidewhilehedraggedattheother,andinthisfashionthemachine wasspeedilyplacedoncemoreondryland. Ofcourseitwasprettywellsoiled,anddidnotlookverymuchlikethe spick-and-spannewwheelthatafewdaysbackhadbeentheenvyof every boyinRiverview. Dick,whocouldnotbeartoseeanythingabused,immediatelysnatched up Page8 DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune ahandfulofgrassfromthesideoftheroadunderthefence,and commencedtowipetheworstofthemuckaway. "Nevermindbotheringyourselfaboutthat;IguessIcanattendtoit whenIgethome.Itwouldn'thavehappenedanywayifIhadn'tmetyouon theroad,"saidFerd,withareturnofhisbitterness. Dicklookedathimqueerly,andthenthrewdowntheroughwiperhehad beenusing. "Iguessyou'reright.AndasIdidn'tdoanythingtotroubleyouit looksasifyoujustwantedtoknockmeintotheditch.It'sacaseof thebiterbitten,Ferd.Whenyouseemehelpingyoupullyourold machineoutoftheditchagainyou'llknowit." Filledwithindignationheturnedandwalkedrapidlyaway,leavingthe otherlookingafterhim,stillangryandyetperhapssomewhatashamedin thebargain. Thiswasnottheirsttimethesetwoladsfoundthemselvesfacingone anotherwithireintheireyes. Inschooltheyseemedtobeconstantlyrangedonoppositesides,and therivalryhadextendedintomanyofthenaturalpastimesindulgedin bygrowingboys,frombaseballinthesummertofootballintheautumn andskatingandhockeyinthewinter. Therivalryseemedunequalfromonepointofview,sinceFerdwasthe onlysonofArchibaldGraylock,proprietorofthebigdepartmentstore inthetown,andknownasawealthyman;whileDicklivedinanhumble cottagewithhismother,awidow,andtheircircumstanceshadbeen growingmoreandmorestraightenedduringthelastyear,sothatour Page9 DicktheBankBoyor,AMissingFortune herowasseriouslycontemplatinggivingupallhopeofattendingschool againinthefall,andseekingaposition. Dick'sfatherhadbeenacarpenterknownforhismanygoodqualities;he hadbyfrugalityandprudencesavedasumwhichhadbeeninvestedashe thoughtjudiciously,andwouldserveasameansofsupporttohislittle familyincaseanythinghappenedtohim. Seriouslyinjuredinanaccidenthehadlingeredfornearlyayearand thenbeentaken,leavingthemotherandsontofacetheworld.For severalyearsthingswentalongsmoothly,forMrs.Morrisonwasan excellenthousekeeper,andcouldmakeadollargoagreatwayswithout appearingtobeniggardly;butunexpectedmisfortuneovertookthem,and thecompanyinwhichmostofthecarpenter'ssavingshadbeeninvested struckareef,sothatnotonlydidthelittleincomeceasefromthis sourcebuttherewasdangerthattheprincipalmightalsobelost. ThiswastheseriousconditionofaffairsinDick'shomeatthetimehe methisbitterrivalontheroad;hehadbeenburiedinthought,trying toseewhathisdutymightbe,andashecontinuedonafterleavingFerd heendeavoredtoforgettheunpleasantincident,andresumehis planning. ChancesforworkwerenotveryabundantinandaroundRiverview. Dickknewlittleaboutfarming,andbesides,eventhoughheshould secureajobinthatlinehewasawarethatmostfarmersinsistedupon theirhelpbeingonthegroundallthetime,astheyhadtogetoutlong beforedaylighttofeedthestock,andsincehecouldnotleavehis motheralonehehadtopassanysuchopportunityby. TherewasthebankofwhichMr.Gibbswaspresident;hehadalways Page10 [...]... "Well, now, it might go, and I've half a mind to try it Can you give me a hand, Dick, or are you in a hurry?" he asked [Illustration: "CAN YOU GIVE ME A HAND, DICK, OR ARE YOU IN A HURRY?" HE ASKED _Dick the Bank Boy_ _Page 19_] Page 21 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune "No hurry at all, sir, and only too glad to help you if I can," and in a jiffy he had hurried to the fence, selected the stoutest rail in... they expected that the proceeds from this patch would provide many a good meal, should the weather smile upon their united efforts Being naturally a boy who looked upon the bright side of things, as a healthy lad might be expected to do, Dick had proved a blessing to his mother times without number He laughed and chatted as they sat at the table, and for the time being Page 15 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune. .. sight, and was back again at the side of the man who was in trouble They irst of all shifted the cargo as much as possible, so as to throw the greater part of the weight on the left side of the wagon, thus relieving the strain on the broken wheel Fortunately the miller had plenty of rope along under his seat, and after they had united their strength to raise that end of the wagon by means of other rails, the one that had been selected as a drag was... has got some of his grit and go in his make-up there ain't no fear but he'll get there." It illed Dick with a sense of deepest satisfaction to realize that he was actually earning real money; and again and again he pictured the Page 23 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune look of happiness that he knew would lash over the face of his mother when he told her of his success; of course the job was only a temporary one, but then it certainly seemed like the harbinger of other good... would be to place that irst dollar and a quarter in the hand of the waiting little woman in the cottage by the river bank for it was one of the miller's peculiarities to do a cash business, and pay any one working for him each day after the hour for stopping arrived It was a tiresome walk back to town and then out home, but Dick strode along with a light heart, and having changed his mind about his homecoming stopped in town to buy something in the way of groceries... some of his optimism to those with whom he came in contact Page 33 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune And so the little woman, when she retired, felt that the spirit of his father had indeed descended to the son, and that she need not have any fear with regard to Dick making his way in the world As he had promised himself, Dick applied to Mr Graylock in the morning for a position The big store was not very busy at that time, most of their trade coming... follow his advice, mother." "Yes, I am sure you do And your father was a peaceable man; yet I can remember once or twice when he took off his coat and thrashed a bully until he howled for mercy In fact, to tell the truth, that was the way I irst made his acquaintance as a boy, for he came to my assistance when a big ruf ian of an overgrown coward had stopped me on the road and declared he was going to kiss me... really done his part toward the support of the Morrison family, and that he was in a fair road toward illing that place at the head made vacant by the death of his father CHAPTER IV IN SEARCH OF A JOB The job with the miller lasted just ive days Then Toby, having declared himself ready to take up his duties, Mr Cartwright was compelled to let Dick go, for he really had no need of his help, since things were running in their natural channel, all the. .. Cartwright had taken considerable interest in all she had heard about Dick from her husband, and being a woman of discernment she Page 25 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune knew that a boy who was so fond of his mother as he seemed to be could not go very far wrong in life She came out to shake hands with him, and she carried a package too that she gave into his charge "It's a new kind of cake I've been trying lately My sister away out in... Perhaps I did hit him a little harder than I should, but I was stirred up, and meant to teach him to leave me alone after that I Page 16 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune guess I did it all right," and Dick, boy- like, smiled grimly as, in imagination he could see the deplorable condition of his antagonist when Ferd humbly admitted that he had had enough "But you see it happened that his father met him on the road while his face was all covered with blood . yes,he_knew_thismustbe the case, forhismotherhadlookedseriousforsomelittletime,andheheard that the richmanwasseenleavingtheirhumblecottageoneafternoon whilehewasaway. Sohefeltundecidedastowhatheshouldattempt,andall the wayhome heponderedover the situation,determinedtodosomethingtochase away the lookofconcernwhicheverynowandthenhesawgatheringonhis Page11 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune mother'sgentleface,whenshedidnotdreamthathewasobservingher. "Shedoesn'twantmetoknowhowhardthingsaregrowing,"hemused. "Shethinksofmeall the time,andis the dearestlittlemotherin the world.I'dgiveupanythingforher,andI'mgoingtoind a position somewhere,somehow.That'ssettled.There'sgottobemoremoney coming inthrough the doorof the Morrisons,andit'suptoRichardtoset the streaminmotion." Hisresolutionwasallverywell,butitwasnotsoeasytodecidewhere thisfountaincouldbetappedthatwastopouritstinygoldenstream intotheiralmostemptyreservoir. Againandagainheshookhisheadresolutelyashetrudgedalong,and the expressiononhisfacewasthatofonewhohasmadeuphismindand willnotallowhimselftobeturnedasidebyanyobstacle;itwas the lookof a _winner_,andwhenhismatessaw Dick Morrisonsethisteeth inthatdeterminedwaytheyknewhewasboundtoleadhissideto victory,nomatterwhat the opposition. Dick presentlydrewnear the littlecottageinwhichheandhismother hadlivedeversincehecouldremember,andwhich,withitslower garden,wasaspretty a spotasonecouldindalong the riverroadjust outside the town. Thinkingonlyofshowing a cheeryfaceto the onewhohadeverbeenhis bestfriendandcounselloronearthhetriedtoforgethisworries,and startingtowhistlemerrilyopened the gateandpassedup the walk. Page12 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune CHAPTERII A MOTHERWORTHFIGHTINGFOR Perhapshad Dick beenlessnoisyashecameup the walkhemighthave caughthismotherintears;forhefeltsurehedetected the signsof recentweepinguponherthinfaceasheenteredandthrew the packagehe wascarryingon the table. "I'mgladyoufoundMrs.Oliverathome,"saidMrs.Morrison,"andshe had the workready.Icanstartonitto-night,andperhapsinish the wholethingthisweek,"andsheopened the package,andexamined the goodsthathadbeenin the wrapper. "You'reworkingtoohardasitis,mother,"said Dick, puttinganarm aroundherandlookingupintoherface,"andI'vedeterminedthatthis sortofthingjustcan'tgoonanylonger." "Whatdoyoumean,myson?"sheasked."YouknowthatsinceIam a good needle-womanand the timesaresohardwithusjustatpresent,Iam fortunatetobeabletogetworkfromseveralof the ladiesaround Riverview.Perhapsitwillnothavetobeforlong, Dick, dear." "Iknowitwon'tifIhaveanysayin the matter.You'resittingup everynightsewinglongafterI'vegonetobed.Why,onenight,you rememberIwokeupanditwasaftertwelve,yetyouwerestillsewing. Youaregettingthinandcareworn,mother.DoyouthinkIdon'tnotice it?AnddoyouimagineIcanstanditrightalong?Therehasgottobe a change,that'sall.I'vemademymindup." Page13 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune Shelookedintohisresoluteface,andseeing the lovethatshoneinhis eyesfeltthatafterallherburdenscouldnotbesohardwhenHeaven hadgivenhersuch a stalwartsontobe the staffofheroldage. "Andwhathaveyoudecided, Dick? Willyougetafterthatcompanyand forcethemtobeginpayingdividendsagain?Ithinkthatwouldbe a blessingtomorewidowsthanone;butI'mafraiditwouldprove a task beyondyourstrength,dear,"shesaid,pattinghimon the headashe stoodbesideher,almostthreeinchestallerthanhismother. "No,Idon'tthinkIcouldmanagethat,butthereisonethingIcanand willdoandthatistoind a job,sothatIcanbebringingin somethingeveryweektohelpout.Thenyouneedn'tsitupatnightas youdo.Pleasedon'tsayanythingagainstit,mother.I'vemadeupmy mindtoit. The vacationhasbegun,andunlessthingstake a turnfor the better,schooland Dick Morrisonhavepartedcompanyforgood.I'm onlysorryIdon'tseemtohaveinheritedanyoffather'sgeniusfor tools,orIcouldget a positionasanassistanttoMr.Plane, the carpenter.ButI'vebeenconsidering the situation,andI'mgoingto indsomewaytobringin a fewdollarseachweek,evenifIhavetoset outtobe a isherman." Shesmiledwithpride,andinthatmoment the fondmotherdidnotenvy the wifeof the richdepartmentstorekeeperwhorodeaboutinher carriageanddelightedtoletotherpeoplerealizejusthowsmalland meantheyappearedinhersight. "Well,itisnicetohearyousayallthat,Richard,forittellsme thatyourheartistrue,andthatnomatterwhatbefallsIcandependon my boy& apos;slove.Butthere'snousecrossing a riverbeforewecometoit. Ishalloffernooppositiontoyoudoinganyhonestworkthatcomesyour wayduringvacation;andiftimeshavenotimprovedwhenschoolopens Page14 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune again,IsupposeImustendure the thoughtofyourcontinuingon.You havealwaysbeen a luckyisherman,andwhatyoubringhomehasbeen so sweetandpalatablethatitseemstomeyoucouldeasilyindpurchasers forallyoucouldcatch,"shesaid,leavinghim,tobegintolookafter the supperthatwascookingon the stove. "OnlyifeverythingelsefailscanItrythat,"heexplained."Yousee onecan'tdependon the ishtodotheirpartof the contract.Somedays theyrefusetobiteatall,andthenotherdaysarestormy.ButI'vegot severalideasthatI'mboundtotryout,andI'mgoingtostart to-morrow." Thatwasallhesaid,for Dick neverlikedtoboastinadvanceofwhat heexpectedtoaccomplish,havinglearnedfromsadexperiencethatvery often a snagisapttosink the craftfreightedwithhopes,andwhen leastexpected. Hebusiedhimselfsetting the table,whilehismotherlighted the lamp andpreparedtoservetheirfrugalmeal. Itwas a timeofyearwhenverylittlecameinfrom the smallgarden thatlaybackof the house,andwhichtheytookcareofincommon, Dick doingall the hardworkandhismothersomeof the weeding;lateron theyexpectedthat the proceedsfromthispatchwouldprovidemany a goodmeal,should the weathersmileupontheirunitedefforts. Beingnaturally a boy wholookedupon the brightsideofthings,as a healthyladmightbeexpectedtodo, Dick hadproved a blessingtohis mothertimeswithoutnumber. Helaughedandchattedastheysatat the table,andfor the timebeing Page15 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune the poorlittlewomanreallyforgotthattherewassuch a thingas anxietyinthisworld. Even the littleencounterwithFerdwasrelatedwithmoreorlesshumor; andyetwhileMrs.Morrisonfoundherselfcompelledtosmileat Dick& apos;s quaintdescriptionof the wayinwhichFerdover-leapedhimself,at the sametime a shadeofworrycreptoverherface. "Oh!Ihopehewillnottellhisfatheraboutitandtrytolay the blameonyourshoulders,"shesaid,sighing. "Butwhyshouldhe,mother?Ihadnothingtodowithit,andnevereven touchedhisoldmotor-cycleuntilIofferedtohelphimgetitoutof the ditch?NowyounevertoldmethatMr.Graylockcamearoundto complainaboutmethatothertime,butIguesseditall the same.Itwas justlikehimtothreatenthathewoulddosomethingawfulifIeverput a handonhisprecioussonagain.Poorlittlefellow,he'sonlythree inchestallerthanme.YouknowItoldyouallaboutthattroubleat the time,mother?"heexpostulated,indignantly. "Yes,yes,soyoudid,myson,andItoldMr.Graylockthatyoucould nothavebeentoblame. Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune The ProjectGutenbergEBookof Dick the Bank Boy, byFrankV.Webster ThiseBookisfor the useofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwith almostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayor re-useitunder the termsof the ProjectGutenbergLicenseincluded withthiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.org Title: Dick the Bank Boy  Or, A Missing Fortune Author:FrankV.Webster ReleaseDate:August3,2006[EBook#18981] Language:English Charactersetencoding:ASCII ***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOK DICK THE BANK BOY *** ProducedbyMarilyndaFraser-Cunliffe,Emmyand the Online DistributedProofreadingTeamathttp://www.pgdp.net Page1 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune  Dick the Bank Boy Or  A Missing Fortune BY FRANKV.WEBSTER AUTHOROF"ONLY A FARM BOY, ""BOB THE CASTAWAY," "COMRADESOF THE SADDLE,""AIRSHIPANDY,"ETC. ILLUSTRATED NEWYORK CUPPLES&LEONCOMPANY PUBLISHERS BOOKSFORBOYS Page2 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune ***** ByFRANKV.WEBSTER ***** 12mo.Cloth.Illustrated. ***** ONLY A FARM BOY TOM, THE TELEPHONE BOY  THE BOY FROM THE RANCH  THE YOUNGTREASUREHUNTER BOB, THE CASTAWAY  THE YOUNGFIREMENOFLAKEVILLE  THE NEWSBOYPARTNERS  THE BOY PILOTOF THE LAKES TWO BOY GOLDMINERS JACK, THE RUNAWAY COMRADESOF THE SADDLE  THE BOYSOFBELLWOODSCHOOL  THE HIGHSCHOOLRIVALS AIRSHIPANDY BOBCHESTER'SGRIT BENHARDY'SFLYINGMACHINE  DICK, THE BANK BOY DARRY, THE LIFESAVER Copyright,1911,by CUPPLES&LEONCOMPANY Page3 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune ***** DICK, THE BANK BOY [Illustration:TURNINGTO DICK HECONTINUEDTOQUESTIONHIM.  _Dick the Bank Boy_ _Page137_] CONTENTS CHAPTERPAGE I. THE MEETINGON THE ROAD1 II. A MOTHERWORTHFIGHTINGFOR9 III. DICK& apos;SFIRSTWAGES17 IV.INSEARCHOF A JOB24 V.MR.GRAYLOCKRECEIVES A SURPRISE32 VI.BOUNDFOR THE OLDFISHINGHOLE40 VII. DICK MAKES A GALLANTRESCUE48 VIII. THE COMINGOF A LETTER57 Page4 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune IX.GREATNEWS66 X. THE MEETINGIN THE BANK 74 XI.FRIENDLYADVISE83 XII.GATHERINGCLOUDS92 XIII.WANTEDIN THE CASHIER'SOFFICE100 XIV.UNDERSUSPICION108 XV.MR.GRAYLOCKSEEMSDISAPPOINTED117 XVI. FORTUNE& apos;SFAVORS125 XVII. THE INVESTIGATION133 XVIII. THE RECEIVINGTELLERFREESHISMIND142 XIX.NOTFORSALE149 XX. A REDLETTERDAY157 XXI.GOODWORDSONEVERYSIDE165 XXII. A REMARKABLEBITOFINTELLIGENCE173 XXIII.NEARING A CLIMAX181 XXIV.MR.GRAYLOCKMEETSHISWATERLOO190 Page5 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune XXV.CONCLUSION198 DICK, THE BANK BOY CHAPTERI THE MEETINGON THE ROAD "Getoutofmyway, Dick Morrison!" The boy whohadbeentrudgingalong the narrowroadlookedupin surpriseathearinghimselfspokentososuddenly,thoughherecognized the domineeringvoiceevenbeforecatchingsightof the speaker. "Youalreadyhavehalfof the road,FerdGraylock;togiveyoumoreI'd havetobackdownin the ditch,andIdon'tcaretodothat,"he replied,standingperfectlystillandwatchingwithsomeamusement the zigzagmovementsof the other,nowcloseuponhim. Ferdwasmountedon a newmotor-cycle,purchasedwithsavingsoutof his pocketmoney,andwithwhichmachinehehadbeenoflatescouring the surroundingcountry. Evidently the littlemotorhadbrokendownwhilehewassomedistance Page6 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune awayfromhome,necessitatingconsiderablewalkinguphillandhard pedallingon the levels. Weary,andover-heatedbyhisexertions,hewasnaturallyinanugly temperat the timehemet Dick on the narrowestplacealong the entire road,where a ditchononesideand a fenceon the other,leftonly enoughroomfor a singlevehicleat a timetopass. Justthen,judgingfromhiserraticswingingfromsidetoside,Ferd needed the wholeroad,andseeingthis, the otherladstoodby,readyto guardhimselfif the cumbersomemachineheadedhisway. Hissuspicionsasto the intentionsofFerdtorunhimdownseemedwell founded,for,pretendingtobeunabletocontrol the heavymachine, the ridercamelungingdirectlyat the standing boy, whowouldhavebeen struckonlyfor a quickleaptooneside,bymeansofwhichheavoided a collision. Butalas! the edgeof the roadwascloserthanFerdhadcalculatedon whenmaliciouslyendeavoringtogive the pedestrian a scare,andas a consequence the motor-cycleplungeddowninto the ditch. Ferdmanagedthrough a quickefforttoleapoffhisseatjustintimeto avoidbeingoverwhelmedin the disaster. Hescrambledtohisfeetchokingwithbothdustandanger. Hisbeautifulmachinelaywithitsfrontburiedin the waterof the ditch,and the sightwassodisagreeablethatFerdseemedtolosewhat littlediscretionhegenerallyboasted. "There,seewhatyou'vedone, Dick Morrison!"heexclaimed,iercely. Page7 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune "Well,now,Ilikethat,"answered the other,hardlyknowingwhetherto laughorshowindignation;"youtrytorunmedown,andwhenIstepout of the waytoavoidanupsetyouaccusemeofhavinghad a handin the mess.Whydidyoujumpoffwhenby a twistof the handlebarsyoucould havesaved the machine?Supposeyoublameyourself,notme." "ButyousawthatIhadlostcontrol,andifyou'donlywantedyoucould havestoppeditsplunge;butyou'dratherseemegetinto a peckof trouble.Howd'yesupposeI'mevergoingtolugthatheavythingbackup to the roadnow?"demandedFerd,spitefully. "Oh!Idon'tmindgivingyou a handatthat.Ihatetoseesuch a ine machinelyingin the mudlike a miredcow,"declared Dick, cheerfully. Ferdlookedathimdubiously,asthoughhisspiriturgedhimtodecline the generousofferofassistancemadebyonehechosetoregardashis enemy;but the roadwaslonely,noonemightcomealongforsometimeto helphim,and the motor-cyclewastooheavyforhimtodragoutof the holeunassisted. Soheswallowedhispride,andgrudginglyallowed Dick totakeholdon onesidewhilehedraggedat the other,andinthisfashion the machine wasspeedilyplacedoncemoreondryland. Ofcourseitwasprettywellsoiled,anddidnotlookverymuchlike the spick-and-spannewwheelthat a fewdaysbackhadbeen the envyof every boy inRiverview. Dick, whocouldnotbeartoseeanythingabused,immediatelysnatched up Page8 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune a handfulofgrassfrom the sideof the roadunder the fence,and commencedtowipe the worstof the muckaway. "Nevermindbotheringyourselfaboutthat;IguessIcanattendtoit whenIgethome.Itwouldn'thavehappenedanywayifIhadn'tmetyouon the road,"saidFerd,with a returnofhisbitterness. Dick lookedathimqueerly,andthenthrewdown the roughwiperhehad beenusing. "Iguessyou'reright.AndasIdidn'tdoanythingtotroubleyouit looksasifyoujustwantedtoknockmeinto the ditch.It's a caseof the biterbitten,Ferd.Whenyouseemehelpingyoupullyourold machineoutof the ditchagainyou'llknowit." Filledwithindignationheturnedandwalkedrapidlyaway,leaving the otherlookingafterhim,stillangryandyetperhapssomewhatashamedin the bargain. Thiswasnot the irsttimethesetwoladsfoundthemselvesfacingone anotherwithireintheireyes. Inschooltheyseemedtobeconstantlyrangedonoppositesides,and the rivalryhadextendedintomanyof the naturalpastimesindulgedin bygrowingboys,frombaseballin the summertofootballin the autumn andskatingandhockeyin the winter. The rivalryseemedunequalfromonepointofview,sinceFerdwas the onlysonofArchibaldGraylock,proprietorof the bigdepartmentstore in the town,andknownas a wealthyman;while Dick livedinanhumble cottagewithhismother, a widow,andtheircircumstanceshadbeen growingmoreandmorestraightenedduring the lastyear,sothatour Page9 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune herowasseriouslycontemplatinggivingupallhopeofattendingschool againin the fall,andseeking a position. Dick& apos;sfatherhadbeen a carpenterknownforhismanygoodqualities;he hadbyfrugalityandprudencesaved a sumwhichhadbeeninvestedashe thoughtjudiciously,andwouldserveas a meansofsupporttohislittle familyincaseanythinghappenedtohim. Seriouslyinjuredinanaccidenthehadlingeredfornearly a yearand thenbeentaken,leaving the motherandsontoface the world.For severalyearsthingswentalongsmoothly,forMrs.Morrisonwasan excellenthousekeeper,andcouldmake a dollargo a greatwayswithout appearingtobeniggardly;butunexpectedmisfortuneovertookthem,and the companyinwhichmostof the carpenter'ssavingshadbeeninvested struck a reef,sothatnotonlydid the littleincomeceasefromthis sourcebuttherewasdangerthat the principalmightalsobelost. Thiswas the seriousconditionofaffairsin Dick& apos;shomeat the timehe methisbitterrivalon the road;hehadbeenburiedinthought,trying toseewhathisdutymightbe,andashecontinuedonafterleavingFerd heendeavoredtoforget the unpleasantincident,andresumehis planning. ChancesforworkwerenotveryabundantinandaroundRiverview. Dick knewlittleaboutfarming,andbesides,eventhoughheshould secure a jobinthatlinehewasawarethatmostfarmersinsistedupon theirhelpbeingon the groundall the time,astheyhadtogetoutlong beforedaylighttofeed the stock,andsincehecouldnotleavehis motheralonehehadtopassanysuchopportunityby. Therewas the bank ofwhichMr.Gibbswaspresident;hehadalways Page10 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune yearnedtodosomethingalongthatline;buthavingnoexperiencehehad neverdaredapplyfor a positionthere,thoughenvyingCharlesDoty,who ranmessagesandmadehimselfgenerallyusefulin the bank, "learning the ropes,sothatintimehecouldstepintoMr.Gibbs'shoes,"ashe usedoftentosaywithpride. For a ladwithbusinessambitionsthereremainedonly the twogrocery stores,and the grandemporiumconductedbyMr.Graylock,aninstitution hechosetocall a departmentstore,andwhichcoveredquite a large spaceofground. Strangetosay Dick hadjustbeenmakinguphismindtocallonthis latterenterprisingmerchantandsolicitanopening,at the timehemet the hopefulsonon the road,andhadanotherdisagreeableexperience withFerd;indeed,itseemedasthoughtheycouldnevercometogether withoutsometroublearising,though Dick hadresolvedtimeandagain thathewouldnotbe the irsttopick a quarrel. NowherelectedthatitwasalmostuselessapproachingMr.Graylock, forhefeltsurethat the gentlemanmusthaveheardabout the timewhen heandFerdengagedin a roughandtumbleighton the baseballield, after the otherhaddeliberatelystruckhim,andcalledhim a coward becausehewassoslowtotakeoffhiscoatandengagein a combatthat provedtoberathergoryforFerd. Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune The ProjectGutenbergEBookof Dick the Bank Boy, byFrankV.Webster ThiseBookisfor the useofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwith almostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayor re-useitunder the termsof the ProjectGutenbergLicenseincluded withthiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.org Title: Dick the Bank Boy  Or, A Missing Fortune Author:FrankV.Webster ReleaseDate:August3,2006[EBook#18981] Language:English Charactersetencoding:ASCII ***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOK DICK THE BANK BOY *** ProducedbyMarilyndaFraser-Cunliffe,Emmyand the Online DistributedProofreadingTeamathttp://www.pgdp.net Page1 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune  Dick the Bank Boy Or  A Missing Fortune BY FRANKV.WEBSTER AUTHOROF"ONLY A FARM BOY, ""BOB THE CASTAWAY," "COMRADESOF THE SADDLE,""AIRSHIPANDY,"ETC. ILLUSTRATED NEWYORK CUPPLES&LEONCOMPANY PUBLISHERS BOOKSFORBOYS Page2 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune ***** ByFRANKV.WEBSTER ***** 12mo.Cloth.Illustrated. ***** ONLY A FARM BOY TOM, THE TELEPHONE BOY  THE BOY FROM THE RANCH  THE YOUNGTREASUREHUNTER BOB, THE CASTAWAY  THE YOUNGFIREMENOFLAKEVILLE  THE NEWSBOYPARTNERS  THE BOY PILOTOF THE LAKES TWO BOY GOLDMINERS JACK, THE RUNAWAY COMRADESOF THE SADDLE  THE BOYSOFBELLWOODSCHOOL  THE HIGHSCHOOLRIVALS AIRSHIPANDY BOBCHESTER'SGRIT BENHARDY'SFLYINGMACHINE  DICK, THE BANK BOY DARRY, THE LIFESAVER Copyright,1911,by CUPPLES&LEONCOMPANY Page3 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune ***** DICK, THE BANK BOY [Illustration:TURNINGTO DICK HECONTINUEDTOQUESTIONHIM.  _Dick the Bank Boy_ _Page137_] CONTENTS CHAPTERPAGE I. THE MEETINGON THE ROAD1 II. A MOTHERWORTHFIGHTINGFOR9 III. DICK& apos;SFIRSTWAGES17 IV.INSEARCHOF A JOB24 V.MR.GRAYLOCKRECEIVES A SURPRISE32 VI.BOUNDFOR THE OLDFISHINGHOLE40 VII. DICK MAKES A GALLANTRESCUE48 VIII. THE COMINGOF A LETTER57 Page4 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune IX.GREATNEWS66 X. THE MEETINGIN THE BANK 74 XI.FRIENDLYADVISE83 XII.GATHERINGCLOUDS92 XIII.WANTEDIN THE CASHIER'SOFFICE100 XIV.UNDERSUSPICION108 XV.MR.GRAYLOCKSEEMSDISAPPOINTED117 XVI. FORTUNE& apos;SFAVORS125 XVII. THE INVESTIGATION133 XVIII. THE RECEIVINGTELLERFREESHISMIND142 XIX.NOTFORSALE149 XX. A REDLETTERDAY157 XXI.GOODWORDSONEVERYSIDE165 XXII. A REMARKABLEBITOFINTELLIGENCE173 XXIII.NEARING A CLIMAX181 XXIV.MR.GRAYLOCKMEETSHISWATERLOO190 Page5 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune XXV.CONCLUSION198 DICK, THE BANK BOY CHAPTERI THE MEETINGON THE ROAD "Getoutofmyway, Dick Morrison!" The boy whohadbeentrudgingalong the narrowroadlookedupin surpriseathearinghimselfspokentososuddenly,thoughherecognized the domineeringvoiceevenbeforecatchingsightof the speaker. "Youalreadyhavehalfof the road,FerdGraylock;togiveyoumoreI'd havetobackdownin the ditch,andIdon'tcaretodothat,"he replied,standingperfectlystillandwatchingwithsomeamusement the zigzagmovementsof the other,nowcloseuponhim. Ferdwasmountedon a newmotor-cycle,purchasedwithsavingsoutof his pocketmoney,andwithwhichmachinehehadbeenoflatescouring the surroundingcountry. Evidently the littlemotorhadbrokendownwhilehewassomedistance Page6 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune awayfromhome,necessitatingconsiderablewalkinguphillandhard pedallingon the levels. Weary,andover-heatedbyhisexertions,hewasnaturallyinanugly temperat the timehemet Dick on the narrowestplacealong the entire road,where a ditchononesideand a fenceon the other,leftonly enoughroomfor a singlevehicleat a timetopass. Justthen,judgingfromhiserraticswingingfromsidetoside,Ferd needed the wholeroad,andseeingthis, the otherladstoodby,readyto guardhimselfif the cumbersomemachineheadedhisway. Hissuspicionsasto the intentionsofFerdtorunhimdownseemedwell founded,for,pretendingtobeunabletocontrol the heavymachine, the ridercamelungingdirectlyat the standing boy, whowouldhavebeen struckonlyfor a quickleaptooneside,bymeansofwhichheavoided a collision. Butalas! the edgeof the roadwascloserthanFerdhadcalculatedon whenmaliciouslyendeavoringtogive the pedestrian a scare,andas a consequence the motor-cycleplungeddowninto the ditch. Ferdmanagedthrough a quickefforttoleapoffhisseatjustintimeto avoidbeingoverwhelmedin the disaster. Hescrambledtohisfeetchokingwithbothdustandanger. Hisbeautifulmachinelaywithitsfrontburiedin the waterof the ditch,and the sightwassodisagreeablethatFerdseemedtolosewhat littlediscretionhegenerallyboasted. "There,seewhatyou'vedone, Dick Morrison!"heexclaimed,iercely. Page7 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune "Well,now,Ilikethat,"answered the other,hardlyknowingwhetherto laughorshowindignation;"youtrytorunmedown,andwhenIstepout of the waytoavoidanupsetyouaccusemeofhavinghad a handin the mess.Whydidyoujumpoffwhenby a twistof the handlebarsyoucould havesaved the machine?Supposeyoublameyourself,notme." "ButyousawthatIhadlostcontrol,andifyou'donlywantedyoucould havestoppeditsplunge;butyou'dratherseemegetinto a peckof trouble.Howd'yesupposeI'mevergoingtolugthatheavythingbackup to the roadnow?"demandedFerd,spitefully. "Oh!Idon'tmindgivingyou a handatthat.Ihatetoseesuch a ine machinelyingin the mudlike a miredcow,"declared Dick, cheerfully. Ferdlookedathimdubiously,asthoughhisspiriturgedhimtodecline the generousofferofassistancemadebyonehechosetoregardashis enemy;but the roadwaslonely,noonemightcomealongforsometimeto helphim,and the motor-cyclewastooheavyforhimtodragoutof the holeunassisted. Soheswallowedhispride,andgrudginglyallowed Dick totakeholdon onesidewhilehedraggedat the other,andinthisfashion the machine wasspeedilyplacedoncemoreondryland. Ofcourseitwasprettywellsoiled,anddidnotlookverymuchlike the spick-and-spannewwheelthat a fewdaysbackhadbeen the envyof every boy inRiverview. Dick, whocouldnotbeartoseeanythingabused,immediatelysnatched up Page8 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune a handfulofgrassfrom the sideof the roadunder the fence,and commencedtowipe the worstof the muckaway. "Nevermindbotheringyourselfaboutthat;IguessIcanattendtoit whenIgethome.Itwouldn'thavehappenedanywayifIhadn'tmetyouon the road,"saidFerd,with a returnofhisbitterness. Dick lookedathimqueerly,andthenthrewdown the roughwiperhehad beenusing. "Iguessyou'reright.AndasIdidn'tdoanythingtotroubleyouit looksasifyoujustwantedtoknockmeinto the ditch.It's a caseof the biterbitten,Ferd.Whenyouseemehelpingyoupullyourold machineoutof the ditchagainyou'llknowit." Filledwithindignationheturnedandwalkedrapidlyaway,leaving the otherlookingafterhim,stillangryandyetperhapssomewhatashamedin the bargain. Thiswasnot the irsttimethesetwoladsfoundthemselvesfacingone anotherwithireintheireyes. Inschooltheyseemedtobeconstantlyrangedonoppositesides,and the rivalryhadextendedintomanyof the naturalpastimesindulgedin bygrowingboys,frombaseballin the summertofootballin the autumn andskatingandhockeyin the winter. The rivalryseemedunequalfromonepointofview,sinceFerdwas the onlysonofArchibaldGraylock,proprietorof the bigdepartmentstore in the town,andknownas a wealthyman;while Dick livedinanhumble cottagewithhismother, a widow,andtheircircumstanceshadbeen growingmoreandmorestraightenedduring the lastyear,sothatour Page9 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune herowasseriouslycontemplatinggivingupallhopeofattendingschool againin the fall,andseeking a position. Dick& apos;sfatherhadbeen a carpenterknownforhismanygoodqualities;he hadbyfrugalityandprudencesaved a sumwhichhadbeeninvestedashe thoughtjudiciously,andwouldserveas a meansofsupporttohislittle familyincaseanythinghappenedtohim. Seriouslyinjuredinanaccidenthehadlingeredfornearly a yearand thenbeentaken,leaving the motherandsontoface the world.For severalyearsthingswentalongsmoothly,forMrs.Morrisonwasan excellenthousekeeper,andcouldmake a dollargo a greatwayswithout appearingtobeniggardly;butunexpectedmisfortuneovertookthem,and the companyinwhichmostof the carpenter'ssavingshadbeeninvested struck a reef,sothatnotonlydid the littleincomeceasefromthis sourcebuttherewasdangerthat the principalmightalsobelost. Thiswas the seriousconditionofaffairsin Dick& apos;shomeat the timehe methisbitterrivalon the road;hehadbeenburiedinthought,trying toseewhathisdutymightbe,andashecontinuedonafterleavingFerd heendeavoredtoforget the unpleasantincident,andresumehis planning. ChancesforworkwerenotveryabundantinandaroundRiverview. Dick knewlittleaboutfarming,andbesides,eventhoughheshould secure a jobinthatlinehewasawarethatmostfarmersinsistedupon theirhelpbeingon the groundall the time,astheyhadtogetoutlong beforedaylighttofeed the stock,andsincehecouldnotleavehis motheralonehehadtopassanysuchopportunityby. Therewas the bank ofwhichMr.Gibbswaspresident;hehadalways Page10 Dick the Bank Boy or, A Missing Fortune yearnedtodosomethingalongthatline;buthavingnoexperiencehehad neverdaredapplyfor a positionthere,thoughenvyingCharlesDoty,who ranmessagesandmadehimselfgenerallyusefulin the bank, "learning the ropes,sothatintimehecouldstepintoMr.Gibbs'shoes,"ashe usedoftentosaywithpride. For a ladwithbusinessambitionsthereremainedonly the twogrocery stores,and the grandemporiumconductedbyMr.Graylock,aninstitution hechosetocall a departmentstore,andwhichcoveredquite a large spaceofground. Strangetosay Dick hadjustbeenmakinguphismindtocallonthis latterenterprisingmerchantandsolicitanopening,at the timehemet the hopefulsonon the road,andhadanotherdisagreeableexperience withFerd;indeed,itseemedasthoughtheycouldnevercometogether withoutsometroublearising,though Dick hadresolvedtimeandagain thathewouldnotbe the irsttopick a quarrel. NowherelectedthatitwasalmostuselessapproachingMr.Graylock, forhefeltsurethat the gentlemanmusthaveheardabout the timewhen heandFerdengagedin a roughandtumbleighton the baseballield, after the otherhaddeliberatelystruckhim,andcalledhim a coward becausehewassoslowtotakeoffhiscoatandengagein a combatthat provedtoberathergoryforFerd