Page 219 - In A New World

In New York he met Jack, and inquired how he had fared.

"I found my step-father dying," answered Jack. "In fact he drank himself to
death after wasting all mother's property. But I have bought her a small

house, and insured her an income sufficient to keep her comfortable. The
last will require some of my principal, but I shall be earning good wages,
and can make it up when I return home."

"When do you sail, Jack?"

"Next week, on one of Mr. Woolson's ships. I am to go to China."

"I hope you'll steer clear of the island we were wrecked on, Jack."

"I never want to see it again, Harry; still it brought us luck."

"I shall be sorry to part with you, Jack. I wish you could be content to stay

in New York."

"No, Harry, I can't give up the sea yet. It is my great ambition to command
a ship myself some time."

"I think you will accomplish it, Jack, for you stand well with the owners."

Five years have passed. Harry and Jack are each twenty-one. Harry
occupies a confidential position with the firm, and is likely to be a partner
before he is much older. Jack is first mate, and will be a captain before he is

twenty-five. His mother is living, and happy in his success, and enjoying
the comfortable home he has provided for her.

Harry obtained a position for Joel in the city, but he proved unsatisfactory
to his employer and was soon discharged. Another situation he held as brief

a time. At last he was obliged to go home and assist his father, who treats
him almost as penuriously as he would have done Harry. Joel is dissatisfied

and unhappy, and his mother thinks he was born to bad luck, but those who
know Joel think his want of success springs from a different source. Harry