PREFACE.
"Desk and Debit" is the third of "The Upward and Onward Series," in which Phil Farringford appears as a clerk. The principal events of the story are located in Chicago and on Lake Michigan—the latter, perhaps, because the author finds it quite impossible to write a story without a boat, which also involves the necessity of a broad sheet of water, or a long river. In this, as in its predecessors, evil-minded characters are introduced, to show the contrast between vice and virtue; but the hero, in whom the sympathies of the reader are supposed to be centred, is still faithful to his Christian duties, still reads his Bible, and "prays without ceasing."
Young and old are injured only by the precept and example of those whom they love, respect, or admire; and the writer has no fear that his readers will love, respect, or admire Charles Whippleton or Ben Waterford, or that they will fail to condemn their errors and their vices. The author hopes and expects that his young friends, while they follow Phil in his exciting experience in the counting-room, and in the "Marian" on Lake Michigan, will love and respect his virtues as well as his courage and resolution.
Harrison Square, Boston,
June 7, 1870.
CONTENTS.
| PAGE | ||
| CHAPTER I. | ||
| In which Phil has a Talk with his Father, and reviews his past History. | [11] | |
| CHAPTER II. | ||
| In which Phil starts for Chicago, and hears a familiar Name. | [22] | |
| CHAPTER III. | ||
| In which Phil makes the Acquaintance of Mrs. Whippleton. | [33] | |
| CHAPTER IV. | ||
| In which Phil is chivalrous, but has his Eyes opened. | [44] | |
| CHAPTER V. | ||
| In which Phil takes a Room at Mrs. Whippleton's Boarding-house. | [56] | |
| CHAPTER VI. | ||
| In which Phil is engaged as Entry Clerk for Collingsby and Whippleton. | [67] | |
| CHAPTER VII. | ||
| In which Phil takes his Place at the Desk, and is engaged for a Year. | [79] | |
| CHAPTER VIII. | ||
| In Which Phil Takes a Sail on the Lake With Mr. Whippleton. | [90] | |
| CHAPTER IX. | ||
| In Which Phil Attempts To Make Out a Trial Balance. | [102] | |
| CHAPTER X. | ||
| In which Phil is perplexed about certain Invoices. | [113] | |
| CHAPTER XI. | ||
| In which Phil takes Charge of Mrs. Whippleton's earthly Treasure. | [124] | |
| CHAPTER XII. | ||
| In which Phil visits the House of Mr. Collingsby, and sees Miss Marian. | [135] | |
| CHAPTER XIII. | ||
| In which Phil looks into the Operations of the Junior Partner. | [146] | |
| CHAPTER XIV. | ||
| In which Phil meets with a serious Catastrophe. | [158] | |
| CHAPTER XV. | ||
| In which Phil goes to work in the Cook-room Of the Marian. | [170] | |
| CHAPTER XVI. | ||
| In which Phil promises not to desert Miss Collingsby. | [182] | |
| CHAPTER XVII. | ||
| In which Phil puts a Check on the Operations Of Mr. Ben Waterford. | [194] | |
| CHAPTER XVIII. | ||
| In which Phil protests with the Boat-hook, but is protested. | [205] | |
| CHAPTER XIX. | ||
| In which Phil profits by Circumstances, and weighs Anchor in the Marian. | [218] | |
| CHAPTER XX. | ||
| In which Phil sails the Marian across Lake Michigan. | [229] | |
| CHAPTER XXI. | ||
| In which Phil answers some Inquiries about the Fawn, and other Matters. | [241] | |
| CHAPTER XXII. | ||
| In which Phil is bewildered, and the Marian sails for Chicago. | [252] | |
| CHAPTER XXIII. | ||
| In which Phil, in the Marian, gets the Weather-gage of the Florina. | [264] | |
| CHAPTER XXIV. | ||
| in which Phil goes to Sleep, and his severest Catastrophe comes. | [275] | |
| CHAPTER XXV. | ||
| In which Phil suffers much Pain, and Marian is very resolute. | [287] | |
| CHAPTER XXVI. | ||
| In which Phil finds the Tables turned, and the Marian runs into Chicago River. | [298] | |
| CHAPTER XXVII. | ||
| In which Phil visits Mr. Collingsby again, and is a Hero in Spite of himself. | [309] | |
| CHAPTER XXVIII. | ||
| In which Phil moralizes upon worldly Wisdom, and bids Farewell to Desk and Debit. | [321] | |