“The whole thing might prove worthless,” he said, “and then we would be laughed at by our neighbors.”
“I’d risk it,” said Jerry, but his father only shook his head again.
Nevertheless Mr. Upton appeared to be favorably impressed with the idea of Jerry’s going to New York to hunt up Alexander Slocum.
“It won’t do any harm,” he said to his wife. “I have money for the fare in the house, and it will give Jerry a chance to see a bit of the world.”
Mrs. Upton was doubtful, but when Jerry begged to go she finally consented. Long talks about the western land and Alexander Slocum followed, and the youth prevailed upon his folks to let him take the deeds and papers with him, promising that he would take the best of care of them.
“And while I’m in New York I’m going to look around for a situation, and earn a little money,” said Jerry. “Who knows but what I may strike even a better opening than that Mr. Parker has promised me at his shoe factory.”
“It’s not likely a lad off the farm can strike much,” smiled his mother, yet she was pleased at Jerry’s earnestness.
Three days later Jerry was off, valise in hand. He had bid good-bye to Harry and Blumpo, telling them he was going to New York on some private business for his father. His mother saw him to the train and kissed him affectionately.
“Take good care of yourself, Jerry,” she said. “And remember, New York is an entirely different place from Lakeview or Rockpoint, and you must have your eyes and ears open to avoid trouble.”
“I’ll take care of myself, don’t worry mother,” and two minutes later the train came along and he was off.