CAST UPON THE BREAKERS

CHAPTER I.


A FAITHLESS GUARDIAN.


"Well, good by, Rodney! I leave school tomorrow. I am going to learn a
trade."

"I am sorry to part with you, David. Couldn't you stay another term?"

"No: my uncle says I must be earning my living, and I have a chance to
learn the carpenter's trade."

"Where are you going?"

"To Duffield, some twenty miles away. I wish I were in your shoes. You
have no money cares, and can go on quietly and complete your education."

"I don't know how I am situated, David. I only know that my guardian
pays my expenses at this boarding school."

"Yes, you are a star boarder, and have the nicest room in the
institution. I am only a poor day scholar. Still I feel thankful that I
have been allowed to remain as long as I have. Who is your guardian?"

"A Mr. Benjamin Fielding, of New York."

"Is he a business man?"

"I believe so."

"Do you know how much you will inherit when you come of age?" asked
David, after a short pause.

"I haven't an idea."

"It seems to me your guardian ought to have told you."

"I scarcely know my guardian. Five years ago I spent a week at his home.
I don't remember much about it except that he lives in a handsome house,
and has plenty of servants. Since then, as you know, I have passed most
of my time here, except that in the summer I was allowed to board at the
Catskills or any country place I might select."

"Yes, and I remember one year you took me with you and paid all my
expenses. I shall never forget your kindness, and how much I enjoyed
that summer."