Now or Never; Or, The Adventures of Bobby Bright: A Story for Young Folks

han they had ever been before. She was in the power of her creditor, who might turn her out of the little black house, sell

fare upon which they lived, not the danger even of being turned out of doors, that distressed Bobby; it was that a wretch like Mr. Hardhand could insult and trample upon his mother. He h

g; he could sleep in a barn; he could wear coarse and even ragged clothes; but he could not s

lady, to whom he had rendered the service, had declared very few men would have undertaken. There was something in him, something that would come out, if he only put his best foot forward. It was a tower of streng

ng within him was not vanity. It was something more substantial. He was not thinking of becoming a great man, a great general, a great ruler, or a great statesman; not even of making a great fortune. Self was not the idol and the end of his calculation

ders." What Bobby intended to do the reader shall know in due time. It is enough now that he meant to do something. The difficulty with a great many people is, that they never resolve to do somethin

have nothing to do with it. He did not believe corn would gro

tly say that, if he had waited for "something to turn up," he would have become a vagabond, a

here it was to be done, it was no use to stand thinking about it, like the pendulum of the "old clock w

uneasy. When he reached the great gate that led up to the house, he stopped for an instant, and thrust his hands down very deep into his trousers pockets. I cannot tell what the trousers pockets had to do with what h

or ne

ultimate success of his mission at Squire Lee's, and that when he struck his b

ack door-Bobby's idea of etiquette would not have answered fo

l had some doubts as to the practicability of his mission; but they were not permitted to disturb

so glad you have come!"

he young lady desired to see him. He stammered out a r

e, and get some books the expressman was to

, I shall be very glad

that made the little ma

bby; but I will give y

ny thing," said

pa says that a great many men would not have dared to do what you

ffice, I suppose," said Bobby,

o get them that I can't wait t

not be g

t run, Bobby;

. But, Miss Annie, is

the wood lot; but he will be

I want to see him about something

ll, B

Bobby hastened to the villa

y to herself, as she watched his receding form. "In my opinion, something has h

eve her impatience to behold the coveted books, or he was in a hurry to see

placed the books in her hand; "I would not have asked you to go i

e; but his quick breathing indicated that his words or his wa

for you in the sittin

he room, and took the cha

hand, and bestowing a benignant smile upon him-a smile which cheered his heart mo

ve

you are a brav

, sir, about something

modesty induced him

l, what can

you will think I am very bol

ow, or you would not have done what you

ir," answered Bobby, b

u didn't;

think me presuming, or impude

pudent. Speak out, Bobby; any thing under the heav

am going to le

River

oston, where I mean to do

good lad. What d

should go into t

uch amused by the matter-of-fa

ast spring, selling books. He told me that some days he made th

, though, only a few

lied Bobby, confidently, for that something wi

energy and perseverance, and

at once, I want to borrow sixty dollars of you;" and Bobby b

rs!" exclaim

mpudent," replied our hero,

his money to go into business w

oing to apply to Mr

is the gentleman whos

We owe him but sixty dollars now, and he has threatene

old h

on and disgust of the honest, kind-hearted man. The courageous boy detailed more cle

oney;" and the squire took it fr

eaven bless you! I sha

it, Bobby. Pay it w

ve you my

and told him, that, as he was a minor

obby. "Let me give it to you, at least, so that w

have your

s big talk, got the writing materials, and the li

come and see me every time you come home

t pleasure;" and with a light