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Jed, The Poorhouse Boy

Creator: Horatio Alger (author)
Date: 1899
Publisher: The John Winston Company. Philadelphia
Source: Available at selected libraries
Figures From This Artifact: Figure 2

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739  

Jed told the story. The incident of Fogson's assault on the sleeping actor and his defeat amused the doctor not a little.

740  

"He may be of service to you," he said. "At any rate, an actor sees a good deal of the world, and he may be able to give you some advice. Now put on your clothes and see what a transformation they will make."

741  

Mrs. Redmond took Jed up to a small chamber belonging to her absent son, and laid the clothing on the bed, advising Jed to go into the bathroom close by and take a good bath.

742  

When, half an hour or more later, he descended to the floor below. Dr. Redmond started in surprise. In place of the poorhouse drudge there stood before him a good-looking boy, attired in a brown suit, with clean linen and his hair neatly brushed. Dr. and Mrs. Redmond exchanged glances.

743  

"I wouldn't believe clothes made such a difference," exclaimed the doctor.

744  

"Nor I" chimed in his wife. The same idea came into the mind of each. Jed's personal appearance would do credit to any family, however exclusive. Yet he had been brought up in the Scranton poorhouse, and associated with paupers all his life.

745  

"I mustn't forget to give you your money," said the doctor, and he put a roll of bills into Jed's hand.

746  

"But here is five dollars!" said Jed. "It was only two you had of mine."

747  

"Take the five. You will need it. It is small enough capital for a boy to go forth into the world with to seek his fortune. Now how are you going to Duncan?"

748  

"I am going to walk."

749  

"I am afraid you will get very tired," said Mrs. Redmond in a tone of sympathy.

750  

"No, ma'am, it is only five miles."

751  

"And five miles is a trifle to a strong boy like Jed."

752  

"Won't you wait till after supper?" asked Mrs. Redmond.

753  

"No, thank you. It would get me there too late."

754  

"Then I will make up some sandwiches for you. Your walk will make you hungry."

755  

Jed started with a small valise in which were packed some extra underclothing, and he carried in his hand a substantial lunch wrapped in paper.

756  

It was far better than the supper which he missed at the poorhouse.

757  

He was rather afraid of meeting some one whom he knew, particularly Percy Dixon who he was sure would be delighted to thwart his plan by reporting him; but fortunately he escaped observation. He passed two men whom he knew very well, but in his new dress they did not know him.

758  

Jed had walked about half way when a man in a top buggy overtook him, and, stopping his horse, called out, ''Is this the road to Duncan?"

759  

"Yes, sir."

760  

"Is it a straight road all the way?"

761  

"Not quite, sir. There are one or two turns."

762  

"I am sorry to hear it. I am not acquainted hereabouts, and I shouldn't like to lose my way. Are you going to Duncan?"

763  

"Yes, sir."

764  

"Then jump in, unless you prefer walking. With a good guide I shall be all right."

765  

"I would rather ride, and I will accept your invitation with pleasure."

766  

"Then we are both suited."

767  

Jed's new acquaintance was a stout man of middle age, with a prompt, alert manner, and looked like a business man. He had a quick, impulsive way with him.

768  

"Are you travelling?" he asked, noticing Jed's valise.

769  

"Yes, sir."

770  

"Going to see the world, eh?"

771  

"I'm going in search of a living, sir," answered Jed.

772  

"Got parents?"

773  

"No, sir. I'm alone in the world"

774  

"Well, you've got a tough job before you."

775  

"Yes, sir, I don't doubt it; but I am young and healthy, and I think I ought to be able to earn my living. Are you a business man?"

776  

"No, not exactly. Why do you ask?'

777  

"I thought you might have a place for me if you were."

778  

"I am not in the right sort of business for you, my lad. I am the manager of the Gold King Dramatic Company."

779  

"Then you are acquainted with Harry Bertram?" said Jed eagerly.

780  

"Yes, he is one of my actors. What do you know of Harry Bertram?"

781  

"He slept in the same room with me last night. He told me to come to Duncan, and he would see what he could do for me."

782  

"Ha, indeed! Well, Harry is a good fellow and a good friend. He has one fault. He is a little too convivial."

783  

"Yes, sir; I thought so. Is he a good actor?"

784  

"Excellent in his line. He gets a very good salary, but I am afraid he doesn't save very much of it. Are you going to see the play this evening?"

785  

"Yes; Mr. Bertram thought he could get me in."

786  

"You won't need to ask him for a pass. Here is one;" and the manager scribbled on a leaf from his note-book

787  

Admit Bearer.
MORDAUNT.

788  

"Thank you, sir," said Jed, as he pocketed the pass. "I suppose you are Mr. Mordaunt?"

789  

"John Mordaunt, manager of the Gold King Company. In my humbler days I was known to my friends as Jack Mordaunt."

790  

By this time they had reached Duncan, and drove at once to the hotel.

791  

CHAPTER XL
Jed's First Appearance on the Stage.

792  

SEVERAL gentlemen were sitting on the piazza in front of the hotel. Among them was Jed's acquaintance of the night before, Harry Bertram.

793  

When he saw Mr. Mordaunt in the buggy he advanced to greet him.

794  

"I am glad to see you, Mr. Mordaunt," he said. "I wanted to consult you.''

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