Brave Tom; Or, The Battle That Won

ble to attend the performance; but it may be said he was favored with a little "circus" of his own, in which he played the part of star performer. But all's well that ends well, and

as no jealousy of his good fortune, for there was none more deserving, and, it ma

A remarkable train of circumstances in due course involved the lads in a series of incidents which had an imp

pupils at that crude institution of learning. They grew to be strong, sturdy youths, as fond of athletic sports as they were of s

d mother passed away. Thus he was left an orphan, without brother or sister. The blow was a crushing one, and for weeks he wished to die and jo

n the case of Tom Gordon. His former strength and spirits gradually came back to him. There were moments and hours when he was weighed down by his great loss; but it was gradu

, they had been able to leave the youth hardly anything at all when they died. The humble home, with all its belongings, was sold for less

fer actual want. More than one home was offered him, not only until he could find so

uld decide what to do. He knew he was welcome there, and could stay as long as he wished, though

in the daily life of Tom Gordon that led to

an they seemed. Although a farmer in a small way, he committed the sad error of engaging in stock speculations, more with a view of diverting his mind from his gnawing grief than with the hope of bettering his fortune. It is hardly necessary to relate what followed. He was successful for a time, and improved his financial

ful truth broke upon him; "and I am too old to b

forms of his wife and little Maggie, that had died long before. Jim was dazed by the unexpected blow. It became the privilege of Tom Gordon t

e orphans, with no near relatives, and with only their own hands

They had received plenty of counsel, and much of it was excellent. The teacher, the minister, and numerous good neighbors had been as kind as

ught to strike out for themselves, and Briggsville was

imless way, discussing numerous sch

's go to

in his mind from the first, as it was with Jim, who was on the point of uttering it, but wa

best thing to do," remarked Jim,

ll of dangers of all kinds, but there are chances for every one t

e have in mind, they would advise us

t to New York, but I don't feel

ook me there once when I was a wee you

e Union. He, too, had been in the large and handsome town, but for some reason, which he could not explai

e remarked quizzically; "New York is the

New York to seek our fo

stick t

nds toward each other and clasped them

pulous care. They had good serviceable clothing, with something extra in the way of change. The executors of Mr. Travers had completed their duty and made their rep

e to take possession on the first of the following month, and a hint had been given the boys

arked Jim; "I suppose we can sta

have made up our minds to go?" was the pertinent question of

turn up their noses at us, and make themselves at home. I can't bear," he added, his voice slightly trembling, "to see t

. Tomorrow we'll bid our friends good-by

t to slip off without saying anything t

promised Sam Harper to

and you won't forg

the handsome Tom blushed at this refere

eir home in the great metropolis. Bridget, the old servant, warned them once or twice that i

threshold, and looks far out over the limitless fields which spread before his view? The air "lets finer sunlight through," and the skies are more golden than they can ever be again. It is the

go around among their friends to bid them good-by, that it took longer than they had counted on. They separated;

nts of his playmate were sensible people, who, finding the caller had made up his mind to go, did not attempt

I did to Jimmy Travers, when he stopped here a while ago, be honest, truthful, obliging always, and your reward is certain. You will meet with disappointments and all

imagine that half the merchants in New York will be waiting at the ferry fo

d at the picture, a

t the thought of two boys like Tom and Jim going into su

but hundreds have done the same bef

ot some

in Briggsville, and is true everywhere. I hold the doctrine, that to the boy who is strong, rugg

words, and felt a strengthening of the

pretty Nellie

h merchant, able to live in his fine house a

et that far," replied the lad with a blush; "b

k so much about them as about doing your duty. Be content to begin at the bottom of the ladder. It is

te palm of Nellie a little warmer squeeze than he had ever dared to do before, and looked meaningly in her eyes. But she was

able, while walking homewa

uppose I don't. She always was a proud girl, and likely enough will turn up her n

g over their grand scheme of seeking their fortune, and even after they

a time, as there was no call for haste. Neither held a thought of making their stay permanent. They strolled down Chestnut Street, looking at the

cordingly, when the afternoon was well along, they boarded the train and sped away to the northward. Everything thus far, even if interesting,