Chapter XIII: Tom's First Wages

AT the close of Dick's first week with Miss Pringle, he had won a high place in her opinion; but not so with Annie or her father, who were duly informed by Mother Crampton of the cowardly part he had acted towards Tom.

Mr. Newton ventured to tell Miss Pringle she had done wrong when she engaged Dick, which made her extremely angry, and very insolent to her lodger, so sure was she that she had found a treasure.

Dick had to gain an end, and was resolved to get possession of the money he had seen counted almost every night since he came to live with Miss Pringle; but his chance of appropriating it seemed very remote, for the spinster kept her door so carefully locked. He heard her enlarge on her poverty, and knew her words were false; and he began to class her with himself, and to think he had a right to deceive her, as she in her turn was deceiving others; so he stole her fruit and sweets, and managed to thieve them so cleverly that she was not aware of the fact. If he exceeded his usual number of drops, he put more flour into the bottles, and gave short measure to the children who came to the shop to spend their halfpennies; and he never carried apples out without taking several of the best, nor sold peaches without adding something to the price his mistress asked.

It was on the first Sunday afternoon which Tom spent in Mr. Jones' service that he met Dick; but before we describe the interview, we must tell how Tom prospered.

His holiday was a happy one, and he entered on his new situation with a light and glad heart. Mr. Jones received him kindly, and so did his wife. He passed his days thus:—He rose before five o'clock, and so soon as he was dressed, he groomed and harnessed the old horse Tippler; then he accompanied his master to the garden and helped him to cut fresh vegetables and gather fruit. By half-past six they were back again, in order to be ready to drive the machines down to the sea. Later on, Tom returned to the shop, which he cleaned out, or carried the vegetables round.

In the evening, he took the children on the sands. Willy, the eldest, was five, and he and Tom soon became fast friends. He was carrying him when he met Dick; his master and mistress were sitting on a rock with the baby a little distance off. Tom did not see his former friend approaching, but when he heard the voice he knew so well, he turned abruptly away.

Dick was not to be shaken off easily. "Don't turn away, Tom, like that," he whined; "think how many years we've been friends."

"But we ain't friends now, and some day I mean to tell Miss Pringle the whole truth."

Dick would have liked to have knocked Tom down, but such behaviour would, he knew, damage his cause, so he only whimpered, "Don't be hard on me; I'm sure you've nothing to complain of; and getting a something every week, and I nothing; why I really did you a good turn."

"But you didn't mean to. If Mother Crampton hadn't helped me, I might have gone my own way to the bad."

"Well, anyhow, you've tumbled on your legs, Tom, so do be friends. You'll come and see me sometimes, and I'll try to run in and look at you. I'm very lonely, and we used to be so fond of one another."

"Master allows no visitors, and I know Miss Pringle doesn't; and I'm very busy from morning till night; there's plenty for me to do," replied Tom; "we shall meet out sometimes."

"You're a lucky fellow to fall in with such nice people," replied Dick, "and yet, on the whole, Miss Pringle doesn't behave badly to me. I went to church with her this morning. I suppose she's not a rich woman, Tom?"

"No, she can't be, or she wouldn't be always saying she was poor; but she does a fair business, and, I'm sure, allows nothing to be wasted. I suppose her profits ain't large."

"Tom!" called his master at this moment. "We're moving."

The lad responded to the call with a hasty "good-bye," to his former companion.

"I hate him," snarled Dick, walking slowly away in the opposite direction.

That evening, Tom went to see Mother Crampton, who was unwell. He heard from her about Mr. Newton's blindness, and determined to try and help Annie, with his master's permission, to find the shells she needed for her boxes. They spoke of Dick, and the old lady warned him against keeping up any acquaintance with his former companion.

"I never mean to again," said Tom, with great self-assurance. "I'm not to be caught so easily as I used to be."

"Don't be too positive," answered the dame; and then she added so many kind and loving words about God being the only refuge from temptation, and the need of getting daily strength for daily need, by prayer, that Tom's self-assurance vanished, and he told her about killing grandmother's cat, and that he intended to buy a new kitten for her, which was to have a red collar.

"But you must tell your grandmother why you give her the present."

"That's just what I expected you would say; but it will be hard work."

"Not so hard as losing a cat. I'm indeed grieved for your poor grandmother; lone people can't help loving dumb creatures very much."

"But I did not mean to kill Tabby."

"Perhaps not; but you meant to do something to pay off old scores according to your own confession. What else have you done wrong in, Tom?"

"I stole a peach from Miss Pringle, and a good many apples, and let Dick in two nights. I do so wish I'd never done any of these wicked things; for now I know better, I seem to have tied knots in all directions, and I can't tell whenever they'll be untied. If I hadn't them to weigh me down, how thankful I should be."

"It's not too late to mend. You may untie the most difficult knots if you will, by casting all your care on God, and asking that His Spirit may teach you: tell grandmother the whole truth when you give her a new pet, and wait for an opportunity of helping Miss Pringle, and then say boldly to her why you wish to render her some service."

"Even tell her about Dick Potter."

"Yes, even that when the right time comes."

Tom thought for a few moments ere he answered. "I really will conquer myself in the way you've advised, Mother Crampton. I'll go on praying."

"Then in the end, you will conquer, so I'm not afraid. But I should be very sad if I felt you were going to try and reform yourself in your own strength."

"Thank you for all you've said," remarked Tom, when they had talked in the same strain for another half hour. "You look tired, so I'll be off. I shall run up to the Castle and then home."

Tom found two friends on the castle-hill—Mr. Newton and his daughter. As they were sitting on one of the wooden benches, he ventured to approach them.

"Here is Tom Gillies," said Annie to her father.

"Ask him to come and tell me how he is getting on."

Tom took the seat next to Mr. Newton, and related the history of himself in his bluff, honest way; he also ventured to ask in conclusion, "May I do anything for you, sir? I ain't got much time to spare; but while the mornings are so light, I can be up first thing—three o'clock isn't too soon for me."

Mr. Newton was touched. "I thank you, Tom," he answered. "If my daughter goes to pick up shells, you will be very useful; but I think I must ask your master to grant you a half-holiday."

"I'm sure he will!" exclaimed the boy. "I shall be proud to help Miss Annie. I'll work off hours for master, to make up."

"You're a kind-hearted lad," said Mr. Newton, adding, with a deep sigh, "I am quite blind now, and that makes me so helpless about the shells. It's hard work, but there is a good God over us all: He will care for me and my child."

Annie's eyes filled. "Don't think of me, father," she said, with an effort to be cheerful; "remember I am very clever, and Mother Crampton manages to sell the boxes as quickly as I fill them."

"Bless you, my little daughter," said her father, tenderly. "Tom," he added, earnestly, "serve God while you are young, and while you have life and health. If I had not found rest in believing, I do not know how I should have endured my affliction. Now, Annie, let us be moving."

Tom accompanied his friends down the castle-hill, and then went directly home.

The days passed smoothly along, until the end of the first month, when Mr. Jones paid Tom his wages. The boy felt very rich—twelve shillings seemed an inexhaustable mine of wealth. He had laid it out many times before he actually spent it. First, he agreed to give two shillings for a kitten which had one of the finest tails ever seen, and two shillings for a new red collar for Pussy. Then he had to purchase presents for Sally and his younger brothers and sisters.

"I wish I could manage to get a holiday from Saturday until Sunday night, or Monday morning first thing," thought Tom. "I'd sooner pay a shilling to get back, if Harry or Will ain't coming over. It's a deal of money, but I want to settle up with grandmother, besides the kitten and collar will be waiting. I'll ask master if I may go, and tell him I shan't want a holiday in six months' time, if I may have one on Saturday."

On Wednesday morning Tom preferred his request, as he and Mr. Jones drove to the market garden. He had carried his wages over to Mother Crampton on the previous evening, and asked her to keep his money until he knew whether he could be spared on Saturday.

"Please, sir, I'm going to ask you a great favour. May I go home on Saturday until Sunday night or Monday morning?"

"What! Home-sick, Tom?"

"No, master—not exactly."

"Then I suppose you want to take your first earnings to your mother? But no, it can't be that either, when Mrs. Gillies is so often over here. Well, what is it?"

"It's a great secret, sir, between me and Mother Crampton; but I'll tell you if you promise to keep it."

"Yes, I will promise."

"I've seen a beautiful cat that I've said I'll buy for grandmother, and I've ordered a red collar, and I want to take it to her."

"Right, boy. You're good to remember the aged. Yes, you may go."

Tom thought for the first moment that he would not undeceive his master; then he felt that if he left Mr. Jones in ignorance of the truth, he would be more troubled than if he told him everything—why he bought the kitten, and why he wished to see his grandmother. His anxiety to untie old knots and to tie no new ones made him stammer out, "I don't deserve to be praised, sir, for I wronged grandmother; only I didn't mean to do what I did."

And here he stopped and looked so uncomfortable, that Mr. Jones said, by way of encouragement—

"I should like to hear your story, Tom, if you can trust me. I've had troubles and temptations in my time, so perhaps I can help you."

Mr. Jones was as simple and true in his religions beliefs as in his dealings with men. He tried to be a Christian at all times; therefore he was in a position to be a wise and efficient help to Tom at this stage of his life's history. So the lad spoke openly to his master about the past, nor did he conceal the struggle he had with himself before he resolved to confess his wrong-doing to grandmother when he gave her the kitten.

"You'd but half do your work if you left your grandmother in ignorance of the reason why you gave her a new cat. You shall have a holiday, and I'll lend you that nice covered basket of mine to carry pussy in. I say, go on and prosper. You shall leave on Saturday afternoon and return on Monday; and if your brother's boat isn't coming, why, I'll go shares in hiring one to bring you back."

"Oh, thank you—thank you, sir. Now I am indeed happy. If only grandmother isn't very angry and will forgive me, I shall be the jolliest fellow living."

"You must bear the old lady's anger, my boy; remember you deserve it. You took her child when you killed her Tabby, and it's to be expected that she'll feel indignant when she learns the truth. However, there's one cure—that is in prayer. Pray without ceasing that all may be well, and that her heart may be softened toward you."

Tom was busy that week making his purchases. A third of this month's wages were consumed by grandmother's present. The Bible he bought for himself cost one shilling and sixpence; a yard of ribbon for Sally, and the promised copy of "Come to Jesus," took another shilling and penny; two shillings he reserved for his mother, who undertook to wash and mend ins clothes at the rate of sixpence a week; ten pennies were devoted to five boxes of toys for his younger brothers and sisters; and the balance that remained, he handed back to Mother Crampton.

Tom saw his brother Will on Friday, who said he would be in Dixtown on the morrow, and expected to leave the pier at four o'clock in the afternoon for Norton Island, and that he was obliged to come in again on Monday at six o'clock; so Tom's difficulties in this respect were removed, and, in fact, all seemed to prosper for his proposed excursion.

Mrs. Gillies crossed with her sons on Saturday. The basket and parcel Tom carried gave rise to many questions, and he had to acknowledge that he had been laying out some of his month's wages in presents.

"I hope you've not been spending your money foolishly," said his mother.

"No, not foolishly," answered Tom. "I wanted to buy these things; and from this time I mean to save."

Mrs. Gillies did not reprove Tom further. She had received a good character of him from Mr. Jones; and as he handed her two shillings, she merely added a few general remarks on the duty of being economical.

Tom, as may be supposed, had a hearty welcome at home. His young brothers and sisters crowded round him, and were so delighted with their presents that he felt quite a hero among them. Of course, they wanted to know what the basket contained; and when Tom showed the kitten, the young ones clapped their hands with delight. Pussy seemed in no wise frightened at so many eyes peeping into her basket; she shook herself, and stepped from it quite quietly, to lap some milk out of a saucer.

"Is it to stay here, Tom?" questioned one of his little sisters.

"No; it's for grandmother," he answered.

"Shall I go with you when you take it to her?" asked Sally.

"I'd rather go alone," he replied.

Directly after tea Tom started off, basket in hand. It was nearly seven o'clock when he reached grandmother's cottage; and as September was far advanced, the evenings were beginning to draw in. Still there was light enough to see pussy, and Tom thought it was better to get over his interview at once rather than wait until the following day.

He tapped softly at the door. Grandmother opened it, and started back.

"You, Tom!" she said. "Ay, I remember they told me you were coming. I'm glad to hear a better account of you. Step in."

Grandmother had only once before spoken as civilly to Tom, and he felt very thankful that she was so inclined to be pleasant. He had carried out his master's and Mother Crampton's advice, and there seemed an answer to his prayers at first starting.

"I'm getting on nicely," he answered, sitting on a wooden stool close to grandmother, and clearing his throat, which felt very husky. "And, you know, I have wages now; so I've spent part of my first month's money in buying you a present."

"Bought me a present! It's something quite new for me to have one; they're rare things, Tom." And again granny spoke kindly.

The boy opened his basket, and, lifting the kitten out, placed her gently in the old woman's lap. Pussy, as if she knew what would please her new mistress best, curled herself round, and lay still, purring and moving her tail gently up and down.

"What a beauty!" exclaimed grandmother. "Is this for me, Tom? It's handsomer than Tabby, I declare. Oh, how happy you've made me! And I don't deserve it, for I've been so unkind to you."

"Don't say that, grandmother; it's I who have been unkind to you. But I didn't mean it; I really didn't mean to kill your old Tabby."

"Then you killed her after all?"

"Yes, grandmother; but this is how it was. You must listen while I tell you everything."

And Tom gave a full description of how it all happened, that he was very angry when his grandmother declared she would tell tales of him and get him punished, and that seeing Tabby suggested the wicked thought, that if he were thrashed, he would be thrashed for something.

"And yet I hardly know what I wanted, grandmother," he added, "for I'm sure I didn't want Tabby to go mad or be killed, but I think I hoped something would come about that would pain you, because you were so cross with me. I've been so miserable ever since. Oh, do say you forgive me; please do."

"Forgive you, Tom! Yes, that I will; but I need your forgiveness as much as you need mine. It was cruel of you to treat Tabby as you did, but I'd no business to be so hard upon you. I know I'm a cross-grained old woman, but I'll try and turn over a new leaf. To think of your spending your money on a new cat, and buying such a smart collar too. I'm so pleased; and, what's more, I hope I've learnt a lesson from you that will do me good as long as I live."

Tom did not leave his grandmother until after eight. He told her many things connected with his new life, and a great deal about Mr. Newton and his daughter. When they parted, she kissed him, and said, "Never let us speak of the past again, and let no one know who killed Tabby. Tell your father that we mean to be good friends for the future.

"Come and see me to-morrow, and hear how my new Tabby—for she shall have the same name as my old pet—likes her quarters."

"I'll come," answered Tom. "I'm going to the service in the afternoon, for, notice was given to the children at school this morning that a friend of Mr. Pender's would preach. Will you come too, grandmother?"

"I've never been yet."

"The more reason you should begin. Mr. Jones is very particular how I spend my Sunday, and Mother Crampton says we ought to keep God's day holy. I like going to church twice now; I've only missed one evening since I've been at my new situation; and that was when Mother Crampton was ill."

"I tell you what I'll do. If you come and fetch me, I'll go with you to the schoolroom to-morrow. I must lock Tabby in, as she's strange here," said granny.

"I'll come in good time for the service," answered Tom, as he left the cottage.

Sunday morning rose without a cloud. Tom was up early, and bathed. Afterwards he took the little ones for a walk, and read to them out of his new Bible. Dinner was at twelve, and at half-past two the bell began to ring for the afternoon service.

Most of the cottagers went to the schoolroom, for Mr. Pender told his men he hoped they would all attend. So some went out of curiosity, others to please their master, and a few because they loved to hear about their Saviour.

"Tom, I shan't forget what I've heard in a hurry," said grandmother, as they walked home after the service. "It's an easy text to remember—'Turn ye, turn ye, why will ye die?' And he looks close on death himself. What a deal I've got to learn, according to him. I'm wrong altogether."

"The gentleman said in grander words just what Mother Crampton told me," answered Tom, "that every one who won't come to Christ will die in their sins. Oh, grandmother, I've been trying so hard to believe and learn of Jesus in the last few weeks."

"And I'll try too, Tom. You must know there was a time in my life when my heart was softer, but it's grown hard with years and living alone; and for a long time I've given up praying to God to make it soft again; but now I'll begin to pray."

Tom accompanied his grandmother home, to see how pussy had conducted herself ill their absence, and she asked him to stay tea.

"I'd like to," he replied, "only Sally will be disappointed if I don't go home."

"Let her come here; I shall like to have her."

Tom went to fetch his sister. Sally was greatly surprised when he gave his invitation, but very glad to accept it.

After a cosy tea drinking, grandmother asked Tom to read her a chapter from the Bible. He complied with her request, and, later on, read to her from "Come to Jesus;" first about tying and untying knots, and then the words addressed to the aged. When he ended, granny was weeping.

"It means me," she sobbed. "I've not heeded the warnings God has given me. I've got white hair and wrinkled features, and I've not a moment to lose, for I'm an old woman; but, Tom, I'll come to Jesus at once, for He alone can save."

"I've untied a big knot since yesterday," thought Tom, ere he fell into a sound sleep and dreamed sweet dreams.

But no sleep and no bright dreams came to Miss Pringle on that Sunday night, nor to Mr. Newton nor his daughter Annie. The reason why we must reserve for another chapter.