Part 1 (1/2)

Cast Upon the Breakers.

by Horatio Alger.

CHAPTER I.

A FAITHLESS GUARDIAN.

”Well, good by, Rodney! I leave school tomorrow. I am going to learn a trade.”

”I am sorry to part with you, David. Couldn't you stay another term?”

”No: my uncle says I must be earning my living, and I have a chance to learn the carpenter's trade.”

”Where are you going?”

”To Duffield, some twenty miles away. I wish I were in your shoes. You have no money cares, and can go on quietly and complete your education.”

”I don't know how I am situated, David. I only know that my guardian pays my expenses at this boarding school.”

”Yes, you are a star boarder, and have the nicest room in the inst.i.tution. I am only a poor day scholar. Still I feel thankful that I have been allowed to remain as long as I have. Who is your guardian?”

”A Mr. Benjamin Fielding, of New York.”

”Is he a business man?”

”I believe so.”

”Do you know how much you will inherit when you come of age?” asked David, after a short pause.

”I haven't an idea.”

”It seems to me your guardian ought to have told you.”

”I scarcely know my guardian. Five years ago I spent a week at his home.

I don't remember much about it except that he lives in a handsome house, and has plenty of servants. Since then, as you know, I have pa.s.sed most of my time here, except that in the summer I was allowed to board at the Catskills or any country place I might select.”

”Yes, and I remember one year you took me with you and paid all my expenses. I shall never forget your kindness, and how much I enjoyed that summer.”

Rodney Ropes smiled, and his smile made his usually grave face look very attractive.

”My dear David,” he said, ”it was all selfishness on my part. I knew I should enjoy myself much better with a companion.”

”You may call that selfishness, Rodney, but it is a kind of selfishness that makes me your devoted friend. How long do you think you shall remain at school?”

”I don't know. My guardian has never told me his plans for me. I wish he would.”

”I shall miss you, Rodney, but we will correspond, won't we?”