Cast Upon the Breakers

"Well, good by, Rodney! I leave school tomorrow. I am going to learn a trade." "I am sorry to part with you, David. Couldn't you stay another term?" "No: my uncle says I must be earning my living, and I have a chance to learn the carpenter's trade." "Where are you going?" "To Duffield, some twenty miles away. I wish I were in your shoes. You have no money cares, and can go on quietly and complete your education." "I don't know how I am situated, David. I only know that my guardian pays my expenses at this boarding school." "Yes, you are a star boarder, and have the nicest room in the institution. I am only a poor day scholar. Still I feel thankful that I have been allowed to remain as long as I have. Who is your guardian?" "A Mr. Benjamin Fielding, of New York." "Is he a business man?" "I believe so." "Do you know how much you will inherit when you come of age?" asked David, after a short pause. "I haven't an idea." "It seems to me your guardian ought to have told you." "I scarcely know my guardian. Five years ago I spent a week at his home. I don't remember much about it except that he lives in a handsome house, and has plenty of servants. Since then, as you know, I have passed most of my time here, except that in the summer I was allowed to board at the Catskills or any country place I might select."