Part 18 (1/2)
”It is a strange story,” he said. ”Do you not feel a strong desire to learn your true parentage?”
”Yes, sir. I don't know, but I feel as if I should some day meet the man who gave me into Mrs. Fowler's charge.”
”You have met him, but it is lucky you don't suspect it,” thought John Wade.
”I am glad you told me this story,” said he, aloud.
”It is quite romantic. I may be able to help you in your search. But let me advise you to tell no one else at present. No doubt there are parties interested in keeping the secret of your birth from you. You must move cautiously, and your chance of solving the mystery will be improved.”
”Thank you, sir. I will follow your advice.”
”I was mistaken in him,” thought Frank. ”I disliked him at first, but he seems inclined to be my friend.”
When Frank reached his lodging he found Jasper waiting up for him. He looked thoughtful, so much so that Frank noticed it.
”You look as if you had something on your mind,” Jasper.
”You have guessed right. I have read that letter.”
He drew from his pocket a letter, which Frank took from his hands.
”It is from an uncle of mine in Ohio, who is proprietor of a weekly newspaper. He is getting old, and finds the work too much for him. He offers me a thousand dollars a year if I will come out and relieve him.”
”That's a good offer, Jasper. I suppose you will accept it?”
”It is for my interest to do so. Probably my uncle will, after a while, surrender the whole establishment to me.”
”I shall be sorry to part with you, Jasper. It will seem very lonely, but I think you ought to go. It is a good chance, and if you refuse it you may not get such another.”
”My uncle wants me to come on at once. I think I will start Monday.”
Jasper saw no reason to change his determination, and on Monday morning he started on his journey to Ohio.
Thus, at a critical moment in his fortunes, when two persons were planning to injure him, he lost the presence and help of a valued friend.
CHAPTER XIII
THE SPIDER AND THE FLY
”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.”