The Tin Box, and What it Contained

"I dare say it's more than I could earn in a year," he said.

"I dare say you are right, my friend," said the young man.

"Very well. Count out the money, and the bond is yours."

The exchange was made, and both parties seemed well satisfied.

Chase deposited the bond in an inside pocket and then, saying, carelessly, "I'll go into the smoking car for a few minutes," rose fromhis seat.

But in the meantime Harry had returned to his own seat, and whispered afew words in the ear of the detective.

The latter sharply scrutinized the young man who called himself Chase, and said, in a low voice:

"I know him now. He's an old offender. I thought there was somethingfamiliar in his appearance. I'll look after you, my fine fellow."

He waited till the exchange had been effected, and the young man was onthe point of leaving the car.

Then he rose, and, hurrying forward, placed his hand on the young man'sshoulder.

"A word with you, sir," he said.

"Really, sir, I don't remember you."

"Perhaps not. I remember you. Do me the favor to return that bond to theman from whom you obtained it."

"It is mine. I have paid for it."

"With counterfeit money."

"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded Chase; but there was a suddenpallor on his face and a tremor in his voice.

"That will do, Jimmy Neal. I told you I knew you. That is an old trickof yours."

"Who are you?" asked the detected swindler, in a faltering voice.

"Pry, the detective."

"Will you let me go if I restore this bond?"

"No; there is another case I must inquire into – that of a farmer fromwhom you bought some coupons a day or two since, paying him in the sameworthless rags. Sit down here," pointing to a vacant seat. "You mayconsider yourself under arrest."

Great was the consternation of the mechanic when he learned how nearlyhe had been swindled, and profuse were his thanks to Harry and theofficer.

"Be more prudent the next time," said the latter, "and don't sell bondsto a stranger in the cars again."

We may as well add that the traveling broker was duly tried, andsentenced to a term in State's prison, and that enough good money wasfound on him to repay the farmer for the coupons he had imprudentlyparted with.

Greatly to his satisfaction, Harry was intrusted with the office ofacquainting Simon Jones with the pleasant fact that his money would berestored to him.

CHAPTER XXIX

HARRY BECOMES A "BONDHOLDER."

When Harry entered the office of Mr. Wheeler, the lawyer was engagedwith a client. He nodded pleasantly to our hero, and said:

"I shall be at leisure very soon. You will find the morning paper onthat table."

When his interview with the client was over, he beckoned to Harry toapproach.

"Well," he said, "thanks to your good management, we have triumphantlysucceeded. The stolen property is recovered, and the thieves are incustody."

"It was not so much good management as good luck," said Harry.

"Partly both; but, however that may be, the owner of the propertyauthorizes me to make a substantial acknowledgment for the service youhave rendered him. Let me see – the reward offered was two hundred andfifty dollars."

"That's too much, sir."

"The gentleman who gives it does not think so. Indeed, he authorizes meto somewhat exceed it. In this envelope" – here the lawyer produced alarge-size package – "you will find two one-hundred-dollar governmentbonds and one fifty. The value of the three, at present prices, isnearer three hundred dollars than two hundred and fifty. I need notcaution you to take good care of them."

"Are they for me?" asked Harry, his cheeks flushing with pleasure.

"Yes; they are six per cent. bonds, and will bring you fifteen dollars ayear in interest – not quite enough to live upon," the lawyer added, witha smile, "but something to add to your income."

"I can hardly realize that I am worth so much money," said Harry, as hetook the package and put it into his inside coat pocket.

"Have you a watch?" asked Mr. Wheeler.

"No, sir," replied Harry, in surprise.

"I thought not; and I, therefore, ask you to accept one as a gift, notfrom my client, but from me."

He produced a handsome silver watch, manufactured at Waltham, with asilver chain attached.

Now, Harry had long wanted a watch, but the prospect of obtaining onebefore he was of age had seemed very remote. At the moment, I think, thepresent of the watch gratified him as much as that of the bonds, thoughthe latter were ten times as valuable.

"It is beautiful," he said; "but, Mr. Wheeler, why should you give me apresent? The bonds were not yours."

"That is true, but they were under my charge, and I should have beenseriously troubled had they not been recovered. Take the watch, my boy, and I hope it will please you as much to receive it as it does me togive it."

"Thank you, sir," said Harry, warmly. "It seems to me there is no end tomy good fortune."

"Continue to deserve it, my boy, and I think it will continue. I mustbid you good-morning now, as I have another appointment."

"Good-morning, sir, and thank you."

"By the way," the lawyer added, "I shall bear you in mind, and, should Ihave any work which I think you can do, I will send for you."

"I shall be glad to serve you in any way, sir."