Part 1 (1/2)
In A New World
by Horatio Alger
CHAPTER I
OLD FRIENDS IN MELBOURNE
A stout gentle in the public rooentleman was known to the public as Professor Heraascar,” though he freely confessed to his confidential friends that he had never seen the island of that name
The two boys were Harry Vane and Jack Pendleton, American boys of sixteen One had come to Australia as assistant to the professor, and had been accustoical entertainenerally useful Jack Pendleton was a young sailor, who had resolved to try his fortune in the new country, either at thefair co his profession
Harry and the professor had been passengers on board Jack's shi+p, and the two boys had struck up an enduring friendshi+p The shi+p had been wrecked, and they had spent soether on an uninhabited island, fro story, ”Facing the World” It had been the professor's intention to give a series of performances in Melbourne and other parts of Australia, but the unexpected delay had led hie his plans, and he now proposed to return to A no near family ties, for he was an orphan, felt inclined to stay with Jack, and try his luck for a tiination and youthful love of adventure The day had arrived for the professor's departure, and he and the two boys aiting for the lighter to take hiht miles distant
”Harry,” said the professor kindly, ”I don't like to leave you here You are only sixteen, and I feel that it is a great undertaking for you to atte so many thousand miles from your native land I shall feel anxious about you”
”I don't feel anxious about myself, professor,” said Harry, with the confidence natural to youth ”I a, and I mean to succeed”
”But suppose you fall sick?”
”Then Jack will look out forsailor, with a glance of affection at Harry
”You ht both fall sick”
”Is it best to borrow trouble?” said Harry, sht But I am sorry you won't stay with us, professor”
Professor Hee, Harry,” he said, ”and auine as you Besides, I have a wife and children at ho silence; I did indeed mean to make a professional tour of Australia, but the shi+pwreck, and those lonely weeks on the island changed my plans Henceforth I shall restrict myself to America I have a coe as my expenses Why should I incur any risks?”
”I don't know but you are right, professor, but Jack and I are not so fortunate Neither of us has a competence, and our prospects are probably better here than at holad to continue your engagement and will even increase your salary”
Jack Pendleton fixed his eyes anxiously on Harry's face He feared that he would yield to the professor's persuasion, and leave him, but his anxiety was soon removed
”Thank you, professor,” said Harry, ”but I don't want to leave Jack If I return in bad luck, I ood”
”Do so You will always find a friend in me But that reminds me, Harry, of an important consideration If you are to remain here, you ant some money”
”I have sixty dollars which I have saved up in your service”
”And howsailor colored, and looked a little uneasy
”I have only ten dollars,” he answered
”That is, we have seventy dollars between us, Jack,” said Harry pro his head ”You must let me be your banker”