Chapter XIII. The Spider and the Fly

The Cash Boy

by Horatio Alger

"Uncle," said John Wade, "you spoke of inviting Frank Fowler to
occupy a room in the house. Why don't you do it? It would be more
convenient to you and a very good chance for him."

"I should like it," said Mr. Wharton, "but Mrs. Bradley did not
seem to regard it favorably when I suggested it."

"Oh, Mrs. Bradley is unused to boys, and she is afraid he would
give her trouble. I'll undertake to bring her around."

"I wish you would, John. I don't think Frank would give any
trouble, and it would enliven the house to have a boy here. Besides,
he reminds me of George, as I told you the other day."

"I agree with you, uncle," he said. "He does remind me a little
of George."

"Well, Mrs. Bradley, what do you think I have done?" asked John,
entering the housekeeper's room directly after his interview with his
uncle.

"I don't know, Mr. John," she answered.

"I have asked him to give that boy a room in the house."

"Are you carried away with him as well as your uncle?"

"Not quite. The fact is, I have a motive in what I am doing.
I'll tell you."

He bent over and whispered in her ear.

"I never should have thought of that."

"You see, our purpose is to convince my uncle that he is
unworthy of his favor. At present that would be rather difficult,
but once get him into the house and we shall have no trouble."

"I understand."

In due time John Wade announced to his uncle that the
housekeeper had withdrawn her objections to his plan.

"Then I'll tell him to-night," said Mr. Wharton, brightening
up.

Shortly after Frank entered the library that evening Mr. Wharton
made the proposal.

"You are very kind, Mr. Wharton," he said. "I never thought of
such a thing."

"Then it is settled that you are to come. You can choose your
own time for coming."

"I will come to-morrow, sir."

"Very well," said Mr. Wharton, with satisfaction.

The next day, by special favor, Frank got off from the store two
hours earlier than usual. He bought at a Sixth Avenue basement
store, a small, second hand trunk for two dollars. He packed his
scanty wardrobe into the trunk, which, small as it was he was unable
to fill, and had it carried to Mr. Wharton's house.

He asked to see Mrs. Bradley, and she came to the door.

"I am glad to see you," she said graciously. "You may leave
your trunk in the hall and I will have it carried up by the
servants."

"Thank you," said Frank, and he followed the housekeeper up the
handsome staircase.

"This is to be your room," said the housekeeper, opening the
door of a small chamber on the third floor.

"It looks very nice and comfortable," said Frank, looking about
him with satisfaction.

She left the room, and five minutes later our hero's modest
trunk was brought up and deposited in the room.

That evening Frank read to Mr. Wharton as usual.

When nine o'clock came he said:

"You need not read aloud any more, but if you see any books in
my library which you would like to read to yourself you may do so.
In fact, Frank, you must consider yourself one of the family, and act
as freely as if you were at home."

"How kind you are to me, Mr. Wharton," said Frank.

The next morning after Frank had left the house for his daily
task, John Wade entered the housekeeper's room.

"The boy is out of the way now, Mrs. Bradley," he said. "You
had better see if you have a key that will unlock his trunk."

The two conspirators went upstairs, and together entered Frank's
room.

Mrs. Bradley brought out a large bunch of keys, and successively
tried them, but one after another failed to open it.

"That's awkward," said John Wade. "I have a few keys in my
pocket. One may possibly answer."

The housekeeper kneeled down, and made a trial of John Wade's
keys. The last one was successful. The cover was lifted, and the
contents were disclosed. However, neither John nor Mrs. Bradley
seemed particularly interested in the articles for after turning them
over they locked the trunk once more.

"So far so good," said John Wade. "We have found the means of
opening the trunk when we please."

"When do you expect to carry out your plan, Mr. John?"

"Two weeks from this time my uncle is obliged to go to
Washington for a few days on business. While he is gone we will
spring the trap, and when he comes back he will find the boy gone in
disgrace. We'll make short work of him."