An Old Acquaintance

Front matter

(Juliitrit'niii . AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. BY FEANK FOSTEE, AUTHOR OP " NUMBEB ONE; OB, THE WAY OF THE WORLD," "A VOLUME OF POEMS," " THE RISE AND PROGEESS OF AUSTRALIA, TASMANIA, AND NEW ZEALAND," "FIVE DBAMAS," "A JOURNEY OF LIFE," ETC, ETC. LONDON : PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR, BY WARREN HALL & CO., Caxton Steam Peinting Woeks, Camden Road, N.W. 1866. AUTHOR'S

ADVERTISEMENT.

. An old Author — one who ever employed his pen more with a view to the puhbc weal than to private gain — has, during a long literary journey, encountered obstacles which, if recorded, as they hereafter may he, would appear more like fiction than fact. But by indomitable perseverance, under trials of no ordinary kind, these difficulties have been surmounted. Truth has at length proved — as truth in the end ever will prove — triumphant. Plain or independent speaking on the way of the world, that was found distasteful to some persons, has now strengthened the writer's bebef that — whether in social, commercial, pohtical, or religious life — Englishmen, as a body, prefer candour to dissimula tion. Finally, "Frank Foster" deems it his duty to acknow ledge, with gratitude, the kind encouragement he has received from a small number of immediate friends, and a much larger number of strangers, among whom may be found eminent men of almost every rank and profession.

Preface

. People may read the preface to a bulky pro duction and go no farther. Others, who have tbeir patience tried at tbe beginning, may find that tbe most convenient way of reaching the end of a story is by turning to the last page at an early period. Although these persons can hardly be numbered among a writer's best friends, it may sometimes happen that a writer has nobody but himself to blame in the affair. And as a long preface can neither add to the merit of a good work nor im part value to a bad one, tbe author of the present unpretending volume — tbe twentieth from tbe same pen — will now, as heretofore, leave tbe reader to form his own opinion relative to the matter placed before him by FRANK FOSTER. 21, EOCHESTEB EOAD, N.W., July, 1866. Note. — Many of the incidents in this book are founded on fact, though clothed by fancy. CONTENTS.

Introduction

. " HONESTY THE BEST POLICY." u They go to school togethee. Diamond and Ruby Smith are schoolfellows. Tbe name of Smith is by no means an un common one. Aud the bearers of tbe title seem sensibly alive to this fact. Smiths of tbe present day appear anxious to veil tbeir family distinction, by placing something rare or attractive in tbe foreground of tbeir titular inheritance. In lieu of a solitary, insignificant, or doubtful initial, a fine-sounding christian name, in full, is sure to precede tbe surname of every modern Smith. Apart from the jewelled titles conferred on them by tbeir godfathers and godmothers, Diamond and Ruby happen to be namesakes — that's all. Beyond the name of Smith, neither can claim tbe least relationship with the other. Yet, in tbeir schoolboy-days, and during tbe early stages of manhood, they are bound together by brotherly or more than brotherly attachment.

Tbe serious incident that gives birth to this friendly union, and tbe noble action by which it is cemented, may be related in a few words : — Homer Hall is a good school. David Drill is a capital schoolmaster. The discipline of tbe esta blishment is at once insured by clear and well arranged plans laid down by the principal, by tbe rigid observance of those plans on tbe part of the several masters, and by the severe penalties in curred by any disobedient pupil. Discipline, however, is not tbe only noteworthy feature to be found at Homer Hall. David Drill is a strict disciplinarian. But he is something more. He is a keen-sighted tutor, who will not allow tbe good qualities of tractable and well-conducted pupils to be contaminated by the bad habits of a few unruly or reprobate associates. Expulsion of a trans gressor from Homer Hall is the usual penalty of glaring or repeated misconduct.

David Drill would rather incur tbe displeasure of tbe parents of half-a-dozen incorrigible boys, than suffer tbe fair prospect of one promising youth to be blighted by the rude blasts of vicious companions. During school hours Diamond and Ruby are near neighbours. Sitting by side each other, they pursue tbeir studies on one of tbe narrow, penknife-backed, and ink-spotted desks that extend from end to end of Homer Hall. Tbe divisional compartments in this unpolished stand of learning, which tbe masters intend for tbe reception of books, or food for the mind, are not unfrequently made use of by the pupils as biding places of a few dainty things of another kind. Above, below, or by side some mental treasure, a thumping home-made cake, or a lump of plum-pudding, will now and then furnish ample evidence that tbe mother or sisters of little Tom, Dick, or Harry, know, to a nicety, tbe prevailing taste — even at school — of tbeir absent pet.

At these dissolving or perishable studies there is not in Homer Hall a better hand than Diamond Smith. Unfortunately for himself and others, he is at this time good for little else. Ruby, on tbe contrary, if quick over dainties for tbe body, is also quick in mastering treasures for tbe mind. He often gives bis neighbour a lift in both depart ments. Sometimes be assists bim on subjects in which he is singularly deficient ; at other times he assists bim with home-made subjects, a supply of which is tbe only lesson needed by the recipient. Alas for Diamond's ingratitude ! Although clever at almost anything but learning, bis want of ability — or rather bis want of application, for he has no lack of ability — for his studies is a subject that fails to concern bis schoolfellows, although it often tries tbe patience of the tutors.

Ruby, who is very partial to bis merry and ligbt-beaded com panion, has proved bis partiality for bis associate by innumerable acts of kindness. But Diamond is now about to pay bis young friend — or, more correctly speaking, be is about to pay himself — for past and present favours by an act at once so base and cowardly that the very remembrance of it raises a boil on tbe conscience of tbe culprit that sticks to bim for the rest of bis life. Most of the scholars at Homer Hall go borne for a week or ten days at Easter. Of that fortu nate number, at tbe time now referred to, Diamond Smith happens to be one. Of tbe less favoured few, whose friends reside at a long distance from tbe school, Ruby Smith happens to be one. Ruby on this occasion makes an unfortunate discovery. He finds that living objects are not the only things absent from tbe Hall.

There is something, that has taken leave without permission of its owner. Poor Ruby's only unbroken coin, in the shape of half-a-crown, disappears from bis desk tbe very morning on which bis schoolfellows take their departure for home. But Ruby never suspects Diamond, bis absent friend and sworn companion, of being the thief. Did be imagine such a thing, tbe revelation of tbe theft — even in a dream — would prevent him from communicating tbe event to tbe principal. He values tbe friendship of bis namesake at a much higher figure than two shil lings and sixpence ; and — judging the reciprocated esteem of his friend by bis own standard — be does not for a moment suppose that bis companion would sell himself for so small a sum. But Ruby's half-crown is not tbe only coin that has suddenly disappeared from tbe desks of Homer Hall; and, on bearing of this last mystery, David Drill resolves, if possible, to solve it, by laying a trap for tbe thief.

Without making known his intention to tbe unfortunate pupil who has lost his last silver coin, the prudent proprietor of Homer Hall summons to bis presence little Tom Tester, who occupies, in school, the next place but one to that of Ruby Smith, and tbe very next seat to that of tbe absent Diamond. When this pupil is made familiar with object of tbe present summons, and when the master reveals bis intention of placing a marked half-crown in tbe little fellow's desk, David Drill closes tbe interview, by telling the young gentle man to keep the affair as a cabinet minister is supposed to keep some subject under consideration a profound secret. Tom keeps tbe governor's design as close as a miser's purse. But his desk is more easy of access. Herein lies tbe silver key by aid of which the owner hopes to discover an (at present) unknown offender.

Easter holidays over, all good scholars, and a few bad ones, return to school and to their studies. On tbe third day after their return the first step towards a solution of juvenile delinquency is taken. A mysterious little hand has already entered Tom Tester's desk and departed with tbe Easter offering that bad been deposited as a secret and silent detector of dishonesty. Tbe marked half-crown is gone. Tom Tester communicates tbe fact to the master. The master takes immediate action thereon. Though tbe money has disappeared from its late biding place, not a moment is lost in seeking its present one. The curtain is now raised, and business at once commenced on the most exciting, though not exactly tbe most classical, scene that bad yet been enacted at Homer Hall. That scene presents what may be truly termed — A SEARCHING EXAMINATION.

At ten a.m. the numerous pupils, under tbe superintendence of tbeir tutors, are busily engaged on tbeir respective studies. David Drill, tbe head of tbe establishment, enters tbe school-room in bis usual calm and dignified manner. Tbe junior masters and little Tom Tester are tbe only addi tional persons who are acquainted with tbe sudden surprise that is about to be sounded. Ascending tbe steps in front of his elevated desk, tbe prin cipal, like some anxious general reviewing bis troops on tbe eve of battle, surveys for a few moments each long and steady line of students below bim. In bis right band be holds bis baton or copper-coloured ruler, ready to produce the in tended signal of "Attention, Boys!" That signal is now given. A loud double-knock on tbe side of a hollow desk has tbe instantaneous effect of turning tbe beads and eyes of all present from matter before them to tbe master above them.

"What's up?" Although this question is made audible by one voice only out of tbe hundred uplifted little heads at Homer Hall, it is a faithful reflex of tbe inquiring, though silent, spirit of all. All are evidently anxious to know " what's up," because a double-knock by the principal is tbe usual signal that precedes some welcome announcement, sucb as a half-holiday, &c. But three days only having elapsed since tbe close of a week's vacation, tbe assembled pupils do not at present look for an additional "spin" of this kind, unless England has given birth to a Prince of Royal blood, or some other subject of public rejoicing has suddenly come to light. When, however, in tbe first line of David Drill's stereotyped address the word pain takes tbe place of pleasure, tbe boys know there is something " up " that has no connection with a holiday.

Instead of opening bis speech with — " It affords me much pleasure, &c," the principal begins bis address as follows : — " It is with the greatest pain, my young friends, that I am now about to address you." A pause in tbe speech is here occasioned by a buzz arising from one-half tbe scholars, in whis pering tones, putting to the other half such queries as — "Whatever's tbe matter?" "What can it be?" " Is somebody dead in the house ?" David Drill proceeds with bis address. "The communication I bave to make is not only of a painful character in itself, but will, I am sure, cause considerable pain to many, if not to tbe majority now present." General curiosity at once resolves itself into general anxiety. Many of the scholars — especially those attached to some sick and distant relative — bave gloomy fears awakened by tbe thought that there might be " bad news from home."

"I am about to subject you to a very trying examination." " Is that all ? " whisper some of the boys to others, while those who have been alarmed by tbe former announcement, are greatly relieved by tbe present one. "Yes," continued tbe principal; "but the subject on which you are to be examined this morning is one with which I hope to find no more than one of my pupils identified." General curiosity is again aroused by an evident desire on tbe part of tbe scholars not only to be made acquainted with the mysterious subject alluded to, but also to obtain some idea of the fortunate one of their number whom tbe principal expects to come out of a trying ordeal with "flying colours." "I regret to say," continued David Drill, " that during tbe last six months, certain small sums of money bave disappeared from tbe school room in a most mysterious manner."

The spell is broken. The serious subject that for a short time insured the breathless attention of the pupils has — to the surprise of all, and to the relief of many, resolved itself into a petty cash account, and a death-like silence no longer pre vails. " Somebody took a shilling out of my desk last half," said one of the scholars. "The same day that I lost my silver pencil case," said another. " It's no joke," added a third. A double-knock on tbe master's desk from tbe end of a solid ruler, followed by the cry of "Atten tion, Boys ! " restores partial order. ■21 AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE. " Come then," continued David Drill, " tell me, my young friends, whether, since your return to school, on Monday last, there has been anything taken from your desks? or whether there is any missing money, beyond that with which I am myself familiar ?

" Tbe boys turn to tbeir respective quarters in an instant. The lids of a hundred desks fly open, as if by the fingers of a magician. Never before did so many little storerooms undergo so searching an examination in so short a period. This busy movement on tbe part of the scholars enables one of the number to make a secret move, unseen and unfelt by any but tbe companion who sits next to bim. It is now that Diamond Smith attracts tbe attention of bis neighbour Ruby, by a gentle touch of the elbow, followed by a look that means "silence" on tbe subject that is to follow. That subject is nothing less than half-a-crown which "big Smith," as be is commonly called, quietly conveys into tbe band of bis namesake on tbe left. Ruby readily accepts, and quickly pockets, what be supposes to be his own half-crown.

In doing so, he concludes tb_it bis money bad not been stolen after all, but merely taken by bis companion by way of a " lark." "Well, my young friends," said David Drill, after bis pupils bad searched tbeir desks without making unpleasant discoveries, "to enable you still further to vindicate your honour, and in order that Homer Hall may be purged of a stain that some secret band has cast on its previously un spotted character, it is my painful duty to tell you that one of my pupils — tempted by an evil spirit, has listened to tbe seducer, and stolen something of mine." " Ob ! " Is an exclamation that proceeds from about one half tbe assembled scholars, while tbe other half, with one exception, seem equally surprised at tbe announcement that provoked it. " Your surprise is quite natural," added tbe master; "and as you bave readily turned out your desks, to satisfy yourselves you are not partners with me in a loss caused by dishonesty, you will, I am sure, as readily turn out your pockets to prove you bave bad no band in un profitable gain ?

" Tbe readiness of tbe pupils' response to this appeal would bave been remarkable, but for tbe simple fact that tbe innocent bave nothing to fear. " You are welcome to search me!" "And me!" "And me!" These and similar sounds issue from a score of willing volunteers for "secret service." A still larger number come forth for immediate action ; others follow ; and while a few bold in tbeir bands tbe contents of tbeir pockets, which they bave already turned inside out, a big boy, with voice in keeping with bis size, shouts aloud to bis com panions in tbe rear — " Come on ! We are all ready to be searched." " Steady, boys ! " said the principal. Keep your tongues still, your money in your pockets, and fall into line. I will then pass before you in regular order." Tbe command is at once and in every way obeyed, except so far as concerns tbe action of tbe tongue.

This, during tbe present novel scene, cannot be brought entirely under subjection, even by so strict a disciplinarian as David Drill. Tbe boys cannot help talking, laughing, or joking, inasmuch as perfect quietude is prevented by the amusement or excitement occasioned by what is going on. Ten minutes after the first step has been taken in this movement, David Drill beholds bis pupils standing from end to end of Homer Hall, like so many lines of brave little soldiers ready for inspection by their commanding officer. But the duty now to be performed is a disagreeable one. So says David Drill. "Not so," say tbe scholars; for never did a hundred youthful forms submit themselves with better grace or with a more cheerful aspect to a "searching exami nation." All bave readily come forward to repu diate or disown anything or anybody reflecting on tbeir honour or their honesty.

No. There is one absentee. Ruby Smith is still seated. He has not yet evinced any sign of moving from tbe desk at which be pursues bis studies. Ignorant of any other half-crown in the investigation, except tbe one he has just put into bis pocket, which be supposes to be his own, Ruby considers that his presence among his comrades will not be required ; and he is not disposed to volunteer what is not wanted, especially as be had previously been told by the principal that tbe loss AS OLD ACQUAINTANCE. 25 of bis money might some day turn out to be rather a serious matter for one or more of his schoolfellows. Ruby is soon enlightened both on tbe subject of bis absence and other important matters. "Now, Master Smith," said David Drill, "we bave room here for one." That one is supplied by Ruby leaving bis desk and taking bis stand at the bottom of the last row.

After telling bis pupils be should trust to tbeir own honour, by allowing each to show tbe contents of bis pockets, tbe principal begins bis walk of inspection. This is continued without giving rise to anything worthy of note, beyond an occasional smile provoked by some strange article now and then brought under the inspector's notice. But David Drill declines either to touch or inspect anything that bears no resemblance to what be is in search of. Whenever be comes to balf-a-crown, that coin is subject to a critical examination before being returned to tbe hands of its owner. Tbe inspection is drawing to a close. Tbe inspector seems puzzled at tbe present fruitless result. If Homer Hall contains any particular scholar on whom suspicion rests, that scholar has now been passed. c At length tbe last boy in tbe last line is reached.

That boy is Ruby Smith. In a handful of miscellaneous articles that Ruby withdraws from his pockets David Drill espies a solitary half-crown. He takes tbe coin from the band of bis pupil into his own hand ; he inspects it, and discovers bis private mark. To say that he is astonished beyond measure at tbe discovery is merely to throw a faint shadow on an appalling fact, for Ruby is not only tbe last boy examined, but one of tbe last in tbe school whom the master would have suspected of a dishonest act. But here tbe principal has positive evidence on which to found an opposite opinion. Yet tbe judge himself — with proof in hand — seems inclined to question bis own judgment, rather than to doubt the boy's honesty. The lips of tbe master move, but bis tongue hesitates to announce tbe penalty that duty is about to enforce.

Tbe scholars already perceive, from the master's manner and delay, that there is something " up " with the last boy under examination. All eyes now turn in this direction. Here stands the supposed culprit, speechless and motionless. On tbe opposite side of tbe room stands the real criminal, at present unnoticed, if not unsuspected. It is a critical moment both for tbe innocent and tbe guilty. One word will clear tbe one and seal the fate of the other. To save himself, Ruby Smith must impeach his namesake. Will he do it? David Drill at length begins to interrogate bis unfortunate pupil. "Master Smith," be says, "are you aware that this piece of money is my property ? " Ruby shakes his head. "When, and in what way, did it come into your possession ? " Ruby makes no reply. " I repeat the question — how did you become possessed of it ?

" After a pause, Ruby said — " I had half-a-crown the other day." "I know he had," said a young sympathizer. " And you lost it," continued tbe principal. "In what way did you become possessed of this?" Ruby is again silent. "Master Smith," said David Drill, who for a moment seemed to hesitate as to the proper course to pursue. Ruby is an especial favourite with bis schoolfellows, some of whom appear sorely grieved at the present painful position of tbeir companion. "Once more, and for the last time," said tbe master, " I repeat the question — when, and in what way, did this piece of money come into your possession? " " I didn't steal it," is tbe reply. " I can hardly bring my mind to believe that you did steal it," said the principal. " I'm sure be didn't," said one of tbe scholars. " So am I," said another, who appeared ready to confirm tbe declaration with tears.

" But somebody stole his," added a third. " Silence ! " said the master to Ruby's sup porters. " But this stolen coin having been found in your possession, you must tell me how it came there. The character of Homer Hall is involved in the question. If you cannot or will not clear yourself on the subject by word of mouth, you will leave me but one alternative with your person." After a long pause David Drill clearly saw he should not succeed in moving the tongue of bis pupil, whatever be might do with bis entire body. In a solemn tone be conveys bis last command, by saying — " Master Smith,— follow me ! " Tbe principal hereupon leaves tbe schoolroom, followed by bis unfortunate pupil, Ruby Smith. Whether a noble-minded and generous-hearted schoolboy was or was not justified in thus impli cating himself, in order to screen a guilty com panion, is a point that may be settled by the reader of tbe present and succeeding chapters.

Silence, however, was not a leading feature, nor even a minor one, in Homer Hall, after David Drill and the supposed culprit left the schoolroom. Between this time and tbe dinner-hour, confu sion, excitement, controversy, recrimination and counter-recrimination alternately prevailed. Some boys were — falsely or otherwise — accused by other boys of having bad a band in tbe serious business that bad just been enacted. Passive or retiring spirits were bullied by noisy or enthusiastic ones, for not having taken tbe part of one whom they believed to be innocent. And thus, without in termission, the row continued for nearly an hour. Every attempt on the part of the junior masters to subdue or even to lessen tbe uproar proved abortive. Their orders, for once, were totally dis regarded. Instead of telling tbe excited scholars to fall in to tbeir studies, they might just as well have commanded the waves of the Atlantic to cease rolling.

Tbe dinner-hour has at length arrived. The scholars assemble at tbe repast. There is one seat vacant. A very unusual thing now attracts the attention of the superintendent or chief carver, namely — a want of appetite on tbe part of a few of tbe seatholders. Diamond Smith bad never before been found deficient on this important subject. He always went up for two " helps " — tbe school limit — and often helped bis right or left-hand neighbour, in disposing of any surplus found on either side. But Diamond is now not only dull, but evidently inactive. As he has only disposed of a small portion of bis first " help " when tbe benediction is pronounced, it can no longer be said that " he was never known to leave the dinner-table with any of his dinner thereon." During the afternoon a report runs through Homer Hall that Ruby Smith is expelled tbe school, and that tbe principal, who has hurried away with bim to bis friends, — who reside at a distance — will not return till the following morning.

The absence of David Drill at the time for evening prayers is a confirmation of the truth of tbe rumour. " Diamond Smith is fretting. His grief is caused by tbe loss of bis companion." So say some of tbe scholars. Others, who are less generous in their surmises, incline to the opinion that the uneasiness of their schoolfellow arises from a complicity in the crime for which bis namesake has been expelled. But although boys, like doctors, may sometimes differ, each and all in tbe present case agree that Diamond is downcast and wretched — let tbe cause of his com plaint be what it may. It is now bedtime. Tbe boys, in pairs, turn in to their respective quarters. In addition to bis usual bedfellow, Diamond is accompanied by a spirit be cannot easily get to sleep. Se has a guilty conscience. But if a severe or bitter pang on tbe mind of a criminal be a sign of reformation, several good signs disturb the short and troubled slumbers of Diamond Smith on this eventful night.

Yet these spasmodic fits happen to be anything but signs of future comfort to one in close prox imity to a culprit under the proces s of purgation. John Freebody, the bedfellow of Diamond Smith, is not only prevented for some time from going to sleep, through tbe restlessness and half-stifled moans of his companion, but when be has fallen into a sound slumber he is suddenly startled by tbe cry of — " Save me, Ruby ! — save me ! " But the last and final alarm, which takes place about 5, a.m., is of a far more serious character than tbe first. Diamond, from sheer exhaustion, lies in a dreamy state of unconsciousness. In an instant — as if suddenly fired by tbe spirit of tbe evil one — he raises himself in bed, grasps bis sleeping partner by tbe throat, and accompanies the grasp with the fearful declaration — " If you split on me, I'll murder you !"

Thus roused by the thought of having his neck enclosed in something like the claws of a tiger, John, with a natural desire for self-preservation, deals bis assailant a smack in tbe face, that not only causes tbe dreamer to release bis bold, but brings him at once to a conscious, though painful sense of bis real position. "I was only dreaming, John," said Diamond, with a heavy sigh. "But /wasn't," replied John; "or, if I was, you gave me to understand it was quite time to be awake." John Freebody takes care not to subject himself to another assault, by going to sleep again, although there is little cause for fear on the subject, inasmuch as bis assailant has past through bis final dream in Homer Hall. It is now within an hour of the time at which a monster school-bell will summon tbe scholars to their morning duties.

Hitherto, Diamond Smith had always been one of the last boys, if not the last boy, to leave bis bed and bedroom. This morning be happens to be tbe first — first not only out of bed, but out of the house. Diamond is gone. A slip of paper, in which half-a-crown is enclosed, conveys to the senior tutor the sad or glad tidings of bis pupil's flight. This little paper-parcel is found on the desk of the mathematical master. It contains — in addition to tbe silver coin — the following rather startling announcement : — "Homee Hall, "Friday, half-past 5, A.m. " Sie, " This half-crown belongs to Ruby Smith. Please send it to him, and tell Mr. Drill it wasn't Ruby, but Diamond, that took the marked money. But you'll see me no more in Homer Hall. "Please send home my boxes by the carrier, and oblige "Your late pupil, "DIAMOND SMITH.