Part 10 (1/2)
He was wondering whether the man was really in his right mind.
”Isn't that a strange proposition to put to one you know so little about?” he asked.
”In most cases it might be,” was the quiet reply. ”But I have good reasons for what I am doing, and do not think that there will be any mistake. Are you willing to enter my employment for a month?”
”Now, that all depends. I need the money, G.o.d knows, but I must understand more about what is expected of me in connection with the care of the old man.”
”I can easily settle that. You are first of all to get a good place for him to live, and, if possible, secure some dependable person to be his companion who will take a special interest in his welfare. You are to keep a detailed account of all expenses, and send the bill to me at the end of the month. This address will find me,” and he drew forth a card and handed it to the young man.
There was nothing on the card to reveal to Jasper the ident.i.ty of the man who was taking such a remarkable interest in old David. It simply told that the stranger's name was Robert Westcote, of 22 Princess Street, Woldun.
”I think everything is satisfactory now,” and Jasper lifted his eyes to the stranger's face. ”I am not likely to ask any questions, and as to telling people who you are, there will be no trouble about that. In fact, I am not intimate enough with any one here to wish to tell, even if I desired to do so.”
”That is good,” Mr. Westcote replied. ”I could not have chosen a better person for my purpose.”
”When do you want me to begin my work?” Jasper asked,
”At once, that is, if you can see your way to do so. But first of all, I should like to visit this old man. I am somewhat curious about him now that he is under my protection. How far is he from here?”
”About five miles, I should judge, though I have never been there myself. He is at Mrs. Bean's, and she lives on a back road.”
”Very well, then, we shall go just as soon as the car is ready, and I should like for you to go with me.”
It took the chauffeur some time to find out what was the matter with the car, and when the damage was repaired, the three started down the road at a fast rate. This was something new to Jasper, and he leaned back in the comfortable seat and gave himself up to the enjoyment of the moment. He need not worry any more for the present about his living, as he had a cheque for one hundred and fifty dollars safely stowed away in his pocket. As to the mystery connected with it all, he did not feel inclined to bother his head. In fact, he was becoming greatly interested, and was now quite anxious to see what the final outcome would be, and why this stranger had taken such an unusual interest in an old pauper.
It did not take them long to reach Mrs. Bean's house, where they drew up before the gate. It was a small, humble abode, but everything about the place was scrupulously neat and clean. Flowers bloomed in front of the house, while several large trees stood a short distance away.
Under one of these they saw old David sitting in a rocking-chair with Betty by his side. She had been reading to him but had laid down her book to look at the car, which was an unusual thing in that settlement.
Seeing Jasper, she sprang quickly to her feet with a cry of delight, and hurried toward the road. Her face was aglow with excitement, and Mr. Westcote thought that he had never beheld a more perfect picture of radiant health and beauty.
”This is the young woman I was speaking to you about,” Jasper remarked, as he stepped from the car.
”I am delighted to meet you,” and Mr. Westcote held out his hand. ”I have heard about you, and have been quite anxious to see you. How are you making out with your new charge?”
”Great,” and a smile wreathed the girl's face. ”He is so happy here, and likes for me to read to him. But he is so funny at times, and interrupts me to ask questions.”
”What about?” Mr. Westcote enquired.
”Oh, about Break Neck Falls. He wants to know if I can hear the water speaking, and, of course, I always do,” she added with a slight laugh.
”He wanted me to go there this morning, but as mother and the boys are away I could not leave, so I am trying to satisfy him by reading.”
”Would your mother be willing to keep him for a time, do you think?”
Jasper asked, ”that is, if she were paid enough?”
”I'm afraid not,” and the girl's eyes roamed in a thoughtful manner toward where David was sitting. ”You see, our house is too small, and there is hardly room enough as it is. And besides, we are too far away from the Falls. Mr. David needs to be quite near so that he can visit the place whenever he takes the notion, which is quite often. That is the only thing which will make him happy.”
”Quite right,” Mr. Westcote a.s.sented. ”He should live as near as possible. But may we see your charge?” he asked.
”Certainly,” and Betty at once led the way across the field to the big shady tree.