Barry, it will be remembered, had not read the evening papers or he would not have been in ignorance of the rapid-fire course of events during his absence. Indeed, it must be confessed that the matter of the Cleverly bill, of itself, did not cut much figure in the affairs of the national Capitol. It was really only in its relation to other and greater issues, that[Pg 253] it had attracted the attention of the bright young men who supply the metropolitan2 newspapers with information concerning the latest moves on the national checker board.
After dinner Barry found a letter from home awaiting him. He went to his room so that he could read it in uninterrupted silence. It was a long, gossipy communication, and his mother had evidently been at great pains to give him all the news about the people of Cleverly. She was well and happy, and Hiram Blake was proving himself a most devoted3 brother. In fact, he had gone down into his own pocketbook on more than one occasion in order to supply her not only with the necessities but the comforts of life.
Mrs. Wynn dwelt with much satisfaction on the letters she had received from Barry. She said she had heard about him in many indirect ways. She alluded4 to the visit of the Cleverly delegation5 to Washington, and said that the men were all warmly enthusiastic about the young page boy.
[Pg 254]
Daniel Smithers had called upon her and assured her with the utmost sincerity6 that her son would eventually become the President of the United States. When she raised her eyebrows7, he had modified his prediction by saying that the boy would at least become Governor of his native state. Then, still seeing some signs of skepticism in her eyes, he had feebly expressed the hope that Barry would at least become the Mayor of Cleverly.
And so the letter went on in an impulsive8, good-natured way. It sounded like a chat by the fireside; it was all so familiar and so natural. Finally, the fond mother assured Barry that he was the biggest kind of a success, and that the few little faults, which had insisted upon popping out at inopportune moments, should be utilized9 by him as the means of arriving at perfection. Barry was sensible enough to realize that his mother was a partial judge, but all the same her letter gave him immense satisfaction. He felt a curious glow of contentment in his heart and he[Pg 255] thought, as he stood before the glass combing his hair, that he was a pretty good sort of a fellow after all.
At that moment, of all others, his glance happened to fall upon an evening newspaper that had been thrown across the bed. He began to read the headlines in a perfunctory sort of way. The Cleverly bill had been postponed10 and possibly beaten. He ceased combing his hair and sat down on the side of the bed like a person who had been suddenly stricken with some physical ailment11. Presently, he recovered his breath and read the article through. The statements they contained brought the hot blush of indignation to his cheeks. He felt in a vague sort of way that Joel Phipps must be at the bottom of all this trickery.
Mechanically he finished his toilet, thinking in a numbed12 way of the misfortune that had befallen Mr. Carlton. One thing he regretted, and that was the fact that he had not been there. He was not foolish enough to think[Pg 256] it would have made any difference, but he felt somehow or other that it might have softened13 the blow to his benefactor14.
He was preparing to go to the business school where he had made such progress in stenography15 and typewriting that he was almost ready to graduate. He was a tidy boy, and tonight, as on other occasions, he changed his suit so that he would make a good appearance before his fellow students. He reached for his coat, in the closet, and put it on. As he did so his attention was attracted by some crinkly substance in the inside pocket; it was bulky, too. He put his hand in and drew out the paper. The sight that met his eyes drew forth16 a groan17 of despair.
It was the missing bill—the Cleverly Naval Repair Station bill!
The whole miserable18 business came to him with a certainty and directness that left no room for doubt. He remembered receiving the bill from Mr. Carlton and he recalled, only too vividly19, the message of the Congressman20.[Pg 257] He was to return the bill to Joel Phipps on his way to luncheon21. And he had failed to do so. That was the great, big irritating fact that stuck out like a sore finger.
He thought of the consequences of his carelessness, and he actually moaned. To have failed in his duty would have been bad enough under any circumstances, but to involve the fortunes and the reputations of others was almost too dreadful to think about. He picked up the newspaper and read it through again. Every sentence was like a knife to the sensitive boy.
He remembered with a pang22 of remorse23 that Joel Phipps had been accused—at least by innuendo—of trickery. He had thought so himself. What an injustice24 to a man who was probably better in every way than himself! He looked on the very darkest side of the picture. Suppose, as seemed probable, that the people of Cleverly should lose the coveted25 Naval Station. They could charge their loss to an insignificant26 page boy. But that, bad[Pg 258] as it sounded, was only one phase of the case. The incident might be the means of ending the public career of John Carlton. The thought brought tears to his eyes.
The newspapers had hinted that the disappearance27 of the bill would prove to be the beginning of a bitter factional warfare28. He tried to dismiss the notion as absurd. And yet, greater events have proceeded from smaller causes. He remembered reading how a stupid cow, by kicking over an oil lamp in a stable, had caused the burning of the great city of Chicago.
At this point in his reflections a new and alarming question presented itself to his mind. Now that he had found the missing bill, what should he do with it? The thought made his heart beat violently. To confess that he was responsible for all the trouble seemed too humiliating to contemplate29. The story had become public property. He would be drawn30 into the limelight. What would Mr. Carlton think? What would he say? How would the[Pg 259] announcement of the truth be received by his opponents? They would gloat over it beyond a doubt. Already he could see the jeering31 face of Joel Phipps.
Suddenly an idea flashed in his mind—an idea so unexpected and yet so plausible32 that it made him throw himself on the bed. It was simple, and yet, at first, it was awful. It entered his mind in the shape of a question. Why should he say anything about finding the bill? Why not destroy it, or if not that, why not slip it back with the other bills without the knowledge of Joel Phipps or the members of the Committee. It would require a little ingenuity33, but it could be accomplished34.
He lay there on his back on the bed gazing at the ceiling, and revolving35 the question in his mind. There hardly seemed to be any room for debate. He had just about convinced himself that he should remain silent concerning his discovery when a clear, small voice cried out:
"Would it be square? Would it be [Pg 260]honest? Could you look yourself in the face afterward36?"
He roused himself and sat up straight in bed. He looked about him. No one was in the room. The voice that he heard was evidently the voice of his inner consciousness.
Immediately another voice, lower and more persuasive37, attracted his attention. It was argumentative. What good would it do anyone, said this voice, to humiliate38 yourself? The harm has been done. It cannot be repaired. You only injure yourself without benefiting Mr. Carlton. Just forget that you found the bill and that will be the end of the whole, ugly business.
"But could you ever forget it?" warned the small, clear voice. "Wouldn't the remembrance of it hang over you like a heavy cloud? Beside that, wouldn't you put yourself in the position of deliberately39 deceiving the best friend you ever had?"
Barry jumped from the bed with a physical determination which meant that he had arrived[Pg 261] at his decision. In his excitement and eagerness, he spoke40 aloud:
"I'll go to Mr. Carlton and tell him the whole story."
It had been a hard battle. It showed in his face. But the small, clear voice of conscience had won a decisive victory over the low, persuasive one of temptation. Barry was surprised at the great relief he experienced the moment he arrived at his decision. He still felt very sorry, of course, at his sin of omission41, and he was wondering how he should phrase his confession42. But outside of these details, his mind was no longer troubled. He had a feeling of mental tranquillity43 that it would be difficult to put into words.
It was hardly nine o'clock, but he resolved to find Mr. Carlton if he had to tramp the entire city of Washington to do so. He hastily finished his dressing44 and left the house. Mrs. Johnson was standing45 at the door. She noticed that his face was pale and his manner determined46.
[Pg 262]
"Is there anything I can do for you, Barry?" she asked.
"No, Mrs. Johnson," he replied, lightly.
But down in his heart of hearts there was an unutterable desire to throw himself upon her bosom47 and tell her his troubles. How he longed at that moment for five minutes with his mother. But it was decreed that he should bear his burden alone.
He went first to John Carlton's hotel, where he was told that the Congressman had gone out an hour before, leaving word that he would not return until late that night. Barry proceeded on his way to the office building of the members of the House of Representatives. He noticed a light in Mr. Carlton's room. He was shaking now with a nervousness that he could not understand. But his purpose to make a clean breast of the mystery was unaltered and unalterable.
He paused for a moment and then knocked on the door. There was no response. The boy,[Pg 263] waiting there like a culprit, began to hope that after all his friend might not be in his office. But he screwed up his courage to the sticking point and knocked again. A familiar voice called out:
"Come in."
The page boy opened the door and walked in the room. Mr. Carlton merely raised his eyes and said pleasantly:
"Hello, Barry; how are you?"
The boy was silent. The Congressman was so absorbed in his work that he did not notice the long pause in the conversation. When he looked up the second time he was startled at the sight that met his gaze. Barry's face was the color of chalk. He appeared to have shrivelled so much that his clothes hung from his body.
"Are you ill?" asked the statesman, with real concern in his voice.
"No," said Barry, huskily; "I've found the bill!"
"Well," laughing and surprised in the same[Pg 264] breath, "I'm glad to hear that, but you needn't be so solemn about it."
The boy was tongue-tied. He stood on one foot and then on the other.
"Where was it found?" finally asked the Congressman.
"Where it was not lost," blurted48 out Barry. "I found it in my coat pocket!"
Carlton's face clouded.
"You come here to tell me this?" he said, sternly.
"Yes," nodded Barry, his eyes on the floor. "It's been an awful struggle, but I had to tell you."
John Carlton was silent for a long, long while. His eyes were never removed from the boy's face for a moment. His own jaws49 were set in an ugly fashion. But presently it dawned upon him that Barry was very worn and haggard. At once he relented. He spoke mildly:
His eyes were never removed from the boy's face for a moment
His eyes were never removed from the boy's face for a moment.
See page 264
"You know all the trouble you have caused?"
"Only too well," exclaimed the boy. "It[Pg 265] was utter carelessness on my part. I would not have had it happen for the world! I—"
"You never returned the bill," interrupted Carlton.
"No; I forgot it. I changed my coat. The bill was in the inside pocket. I found it there tonight. I'm ready to pay the penalty. I'll resign my position if—"
"Barry—" began the Congressman.
"Yes, sir; yes, sir," cried the young page in his agitation50, breaking into the other's remarks.
"Barry," resumed Carlton, in a voice that was singularly gentle, "you've already paid the penalty."
"Already paid it?"
"Yes—you've suffered, and you've done the manly51 thing by coming right to me and telling the truth."
Barry looked at him with gratitude52 beaming from his eyes.
"You think so?"
"I know it. We all have to pay for our[Pg 266] sins of omission and our sins of commission. You've done the only thing that mortal can do. You're sorry; you've confessed—and, I'm sure it will be the lesson of a lifetime."
"I'm positive of that," was the fervent53 response.
"Well," said Carlton, rising and putting his arm about the boy's shoulder, "you can go home now and go to sleep with a good conscience."
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1
naval
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| adj.海军的，军舰的，船的 | |
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metropolitan
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| adj.大城市的，大都会的 | |
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devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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alluded
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| 提及，暗指( allude的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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delegation
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| n.代表团；派遣 | |
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sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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7
eyebrows
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| 眉毛( eyebrow的名词复数 ) | |
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8
impulsive
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| adj.冲动的，刺激的；有推动力的 | |
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9
utilized
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| v.利用，使用( utilize的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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10
postponed
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| vt.& vi.延期，缓办，（使）延迟vt.把…放在次要地位；[语]把…放在后面（或句尾）vi.（疟疾等）延缓发作（或复发） | |
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11
ailment
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| n.疾病，小病 | |
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numbed
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| v.使麻木，使麻痹( numb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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13
softened
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| （使）变软( soften的过去式和过去分词 )； 缓解打击； 缓和； 安慰 | |
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14
benefactor
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| n. 恩人，行善的人，捐助人 | |
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stenography
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| n.速记，速记法 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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groan
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| vi./n.呻吟，抱怨；(发出)呻吟般的声音 | |
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miserable
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| adj.悲惨的，痛苦的；可怜的，糟糕的 | |
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vividly
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| adv.清楚地，鲜明地，生动地 | |
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Congressman
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| n.（美）国会议员 | |
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luncheon
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| n.午宴，午餐，便宴 | |
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pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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remorse
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| n.痛恨，悔恨，自责 | |
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injustice
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| n.非正义，不公正，不公平，侵犯（别人的）权利 | |
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25
coveted
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| adj.令人垂涎的；垂涎的，梦寐以求的v.贪求，觊觎(covet的过去分词)；垂涎；贪图 | |
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26
insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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disappearance
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| n.消失，消散，失踪 | |
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28
warfare
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| n.战争(状态)；斗争；冲突 | |
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contemplate
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| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
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30
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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31
jeering
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| adj.嘲弄的，揶揄的v.嘲笑( jeer的现在分词 ) | |
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32
plausible
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| adj.似真实的，似乎有理的，似乎可信的 | |
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33
ingenuity
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| n.别出心裁；善于发明创造 | |
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34
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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35
revolving
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| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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36
afterward
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| adv.后来；以后 | |
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persuasive
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| adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的 | |
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38
humiliate
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| v.使羞辱，使丢脸[同]disgrace | |
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deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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40
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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41
omission
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| n.省略，删节；遗漏或省略的事物，冗长 | |
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42
confession
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| n.自白，供认，承认 | |
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43
tranquillity
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| n. 平静, 安静 | |
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44
dressing
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| n.(食物)调料；包扎伤口的用品，敷料 | |
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45
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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46
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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47
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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48
blurted
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| v.突然说出，脱口而出( blurt的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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49
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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50
agitation
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| n.搅动；搅拌；鼓动，煽动 | |
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51
manly
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| adj.有男子气概的；adv.男子般地，果断地 | |
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52
gratitude
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| adj.感激，感谢 | |
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53
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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