The first money I earn shall go to Mr. Rexford, in payment for his loss by my hands. He shall lose nothing if I live long enough to earn the money due him. I wish you would protect Tim Short so far as possible. I alone am responsible for his connection with the robbery.
In writing to me, if I may so far expect your forgiveness, please address me in care of Cousin Henry and he will forward to me. I will write to you as soon as I get located, and tell you all my plans.
After writing at some length upon family matters, Matthew closed his letter by again appealing to his parents and sister for forgiveness, and by assuring them of his love.
Fred returned the letter to Mr. De Vere, feeling deeply touched and profoundly sorry for Matthew.
"Tell him," said he, "that he has my forgiveness in full, and that I wish him prosperity in his new life."
"Thank you, Fred, for your generosity. He is my boy still, and is dear to me, though he has done wrong. But," he continued, with moist eyes, "he is lost to me now—lost so far as all my plans for his future went; and now, Fred, I want you to take his place. I had designed to put him into the bank next year, and to give him a thorough training; but as he has gone and cannot return, I want you to take the position."
"I thank you sincerely for this offer, Mr. De Vere. I should certainly like such a position, but the fear that you offer it to me as a recompense causes me to hesitate about accepting it."
"Do not hesitate on that ground, my boy. I have heard from Dr. Dutton, one of our directors, from Mr. Rexford and others, that you are in all respects better qualified for the position than any other young man in town. The salary for the first year will be five hundred. After that you will be advanced. Will you accept?"
"Yes, I will accept, with many, many thanks," replied Fred gratefully.
He immediately returned to the factory and told Mr. Farrington of his good fortune. The latter congratulated him, "and yet," said he, "I am rather sorry, for I had designed to take you up to this department and teach you the entire business; however, I will gladly let you go, believing as I do that your new position is an exceptionally fine one for a boy of your age."