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1、【国外英文文学】Driven From HomeDRIVEN FROM HOMEORCARL CRAWFORDS EXPERIENCEBY HORATIO ALGER, JR.CHAPTER IDRIVEN FROM HOME.A boy of sixteen, with a small gripsack inhis hand, trudged along the country road. Hewas of good height for his age, strongly built,and had a frank, attractive face. He wasnaturally of
2、a cheerful temperament, but at presenthis face was grave, and not without a shadeof anxiety. This can hardly be a matter ofsurprise when we consider that he was thrownupon his own resources, and that his availablecapital consisted of thirty-seven cents inmoney, in addition to a good education anda r
3、ather unusual amount of physical strength.These last two items were certainly valuable,but they cannot always be exchanged for thenecessaries and comforts of life.For some time his steps had been lagging,and from time to time he had to wipe the moisturefrom his brow with a fine linen handkerchief,wh
4、ich latter seemed hardly compatiblewith his almost destitute condition.I hasten to introduce my hero, for such heis to be, as Carl Crawford, son of Dr. PaulCrawford, of Edgewood Center. Why he hadset out to conquer fortune single-handed willsoon appear.A few rods ahead Carls attention wasdrawn to a
5、wide-spreading oak tree, with a carpetof verdure under its sturdy boughs.I will rest here for a little while, he saidto himself, and suiting the action to the word,threw down his gripsack and flung himself onthe turf.This is refreshing, he murmured, as, lyingupon his back, he looked up through the l
6、eafyrifts to the sky above. I dont know whenI have ever been so tired. Its no joke walkinga dozen miles under a hot sun, with a heavygripsack in your hand. Its a good introductionto a life of labor, which I have reason tobelieve is before me. I wonder how I am comingout-at the big or the little end
7、of the horn?He paused, and his face grew grave, for heunderstood well that for him life had becomea serious matter. In his absorption he didnot observe the rapid approach of a boy some-what younger than himself, mounted on a bicycle.The boy stopped short in surprise, andleaped from his iron steed.Wh
8、y, Carl Crawford, is this you? Wherein the world are you going with that gripsack?Carl looked up quickly.Going to seek my fortune, he answered, soberly.Well, I hope youll find it. Dont chaff,though, but tell the honest truth.I have told you the truth, Gilbert.With a puzzled look, Gilbert, first lean
9、inghis bicycle against the tree, seated himself onthe ground by Carls side.Has your father lost his property? heasked, abruptly.No.Has he disinherited you?Not exactly.Have you left home for good?I have left home-I hope for good.Have you quarreled with the governor?I hardly know what to say to that.T
10、here is a difference between us.He doesnt seem like a Roman father-onewho rules his family with a rod of iron.No; he is quite the reverse. He hasntbackbone enough.So it seemed to me when I saw him at theexhibition of the academy. You ought to beable to get along with a father like that, Carl.So I co
11、uld but for one thing.What is that?I have a stepmother! said Carl, with asignificant glance at his companion.So have I, but she is the soul of kindness,and makes our home the dearest place in the world.Are there such stepmothers? I shouldnthave judged so from my own experience.I think I love her as
12、much as if she weremy own mother.You are lucky, said Carl, sighing.Tell me about yours.She was married to my father five yearsago. Up to the time of her marriage I thoughther amiable and sweet-tempered. But soonafter the wedding she threw off the mask, andmade it clear that she disliked me. One reas
13、onis that she has a son of her own aboutmy age, a mean, sneaking fellow, who is theapple of her eye. She has been jealous of me,and tried to supplant me in the affection ofmy father, wishing Peter to be the favored son.How has she succeeded?I dont think my father feels any love forPeter, but through
14、 my stepmothers influencehe generally fares better than I do.Why wasnt he sent to school with you?Because he is lazy and doesnt like study.Besides, his mother prefers to have him athome. During my absence she worked uponmy father, by telling all sorts of maliciousstories about me, till he became est
15、ranged fromme, and little by little Peter has usurped myplace as the favorite.Why didnt you deny the stories? asked Gilbert.I did, but no credit was given to mydenials. My stepmother was continually poisoningmy fathers mind against me.Did you give her cause? Did you behavedisrespectfully to her?No,
16、answered Carl, warmly. I wasprepared to give her a warm welcome, and treather as a friend, but my advances were so coldlyreceived that my heart was chilled.Poor Carl! How long has this been so?From the beginning-ever since Mrs. Crawfordcame into the house.What are your relations with your step-broth
17、er-whats his name?Peter Cook. I despise the boy, for he ismean, and tyrannical where he dares to be.I dont think it would be safe for him tobully you, Carl.He tried it, and got a good thrashing. Youcan imagine what followed. He ran, cryingto his mother, and his version of the story wasbelieved. I wa
18、s confined to my room for aweek, and forced to live on bread and water.I shouldnt think your father was a manto inflict such a punishment.It wasnt he-it was my stepmother. Sheinsisted upon it, and he yielded. I heard afterwardsfrom one of the servants that he wantedme released at the end of twenty-f
19、our hours,but she would not consent.How long ago was this?It happened when I was twelve.Was it ever repeated?Yes, a month later; but the punishmentlasted only for two days.And you submitted to it?I had to, but as soon as I was released Igave Peter such a flogging, with the promiseto repeat it, if I
20、was ever punished in thatmanner again, that the boy himself was panic-stricken, and objected to my being imprisoned again.He must be a charming fellow!You would think so if you should see him.He has small, insignificant features, a turn-up nose, and an ugly scowl that appears wheneverhe is out of hu
21、mor.And yet your father likes him?I dont think he does, though Peter, by hismothers orders, pays all sorts of small attentions-bringing him his slippers, running onerrands, and so on, not because he likes it, butbecause he wants to supplant me, as he hassucceeded in doing.You have finally broken awa
22、y, then?Yes; I couldnt stand it any longer. Homehad become intolerable.Pardon the question, but hasnt your fathergot considerable property?I have every reason to think so.Wont your leaving home give your step-mother and Peter the inside track, and lead,perhaps, to your disinheritance?I suppose so, a
23、nswered Carl, wearily; butno matter what happens, I cant bear to stayat home any longer.Youre badly fixed-thats a fact! saidGilbert, in a tone of sympathy. What areyour plans?I dont know. I havent had time to think.CHAPTER II.A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.Gilbert wrinkled up his forehead and setabout trying
24、 to form some plans for Carl.It will be hard for you to support yourself,he said, after a pause; that is, without help.There is no one to help me. I expect no help.I thought your father might be induced togive you an allowance, so that with what youcan earn, you may get along comfortably.I think fat
25、her would be willing to do this,but my stepmother would prevent him.Then she has a great deal of influence over him?Yes, she can twist him round her little finger.I cant understand it.You see, father is an invalid, and is verynervous. If he were in perfect health he wouldhave more force of character
26、 and firmness. Heis under the impression that he has heart disease,and it makes him timid and vacillating.Still he ought to do something for you.I suppose he ought. Still, Gilbert, I thinkI can earn my living.What can you do?Well, I have a fair education. I could bean entry clerk, or a salesman in s
27、ome store,or, if the worst came to the worst, I could workon a farm. I believe farmers give boys whowork for them their board and clothes.I dont think the clothes would suit you.I am pretty well supplied with clothing.Gilbert looked significantly at the gripsack.Do you carry it all in there? he aske
28、d, doubtfully.Carl laughed.Well, no, he answered. I have a trunkfulof clothes at home, though.Why didnt you bring them with you?I would if I were an elephant. Being onlya boy, I would find it burdensome carrying atrunk with me. The gripsack is all I can verywell manage.I tell you what, said Gilbert.
29、 Comeround to our house and stay overnight. Welive only a mile from here, you know. Thefolks will be glad to see you, and while youare there I will go to your house, see thegovernor, and arrange for an allowance for youthat will make you comparatively independent.Thank you, Gilbert; but I dont feel
30、likeasking favors from those who have ill-treated me.Nor would I-of strangers; but Dr. Crawfordis your father. It isnt right that Peter,your stepbrother, should be supported in easeand luxury, while you, the real son, shouldbe subjected to privation and want.I dont know but you are right, admittedCa
31、rl, slowly.Of course I am right. Now, will you makeme your minister plenipotentiary, armed withfull powers?Yes, I believe I will.Thats right. That shows you are a boyof sense. Now, as you are subject to mydirections, just get on that bicycle and I willcarry your gripsack, and we will seek VanceVilla
32、, as we call it when we want to be high-toned, by the most direct route.No, no, Gilbert; I will carry my owngripsack. I wont burden you with it, said Carl,rising from his recumbent position.Look here, Carl, how far have you walkedwith it this morning?About twelve miles.Then, of course, youre tired,
33、and requirerest. Just jump on that bicycle, and Ill takethe gripsack. If you have carried it twelvemiles, I can surely carry it one.You are very kind, Gilbert.Why shouldnt I be?But it is imposing up on your good nature.But Gilbert had turned his head in a backwarddirection, and nodded in a satisfied
34、 wayas he saw a light, open buggy rapidly approaching.Theres my sister in that carriage, he said.She comes in good time. I will put you andyour gripsack in with her, and Ill take to mybicycle again.Your sister may not like such an arrangement.Wont she though! Shes very fond ofbeaux, and she will rec
35、eive you very graciously.You make me feel bashful, Gilbert.You wont be long. Julia will chat awayto you as if shed known you for fifty years.I was very young fifty years ago, saidCarl, smiling.Hi, there, Jule! called Gilbert, waving his hand.Julia Vance stopped the horse, and lookedinquiringly and r
36、ather admiringly at Carl,who was a boy of fine appearance.Let me introduce you to my friend andschoolmate, Carl Crawford.Carl took off his hat politely.I am very glad to make your acquaintance,Mr. Crawford, said Julia, demurely; I haveoften heard Gilbert speak of you.I hope he said nothing bad about
37、 me, Miss Vance.You may be sure he didnt. If he should now-I wouldnt believe him.Youve made a favorable impression, Carl,said Gilbert, smiling.I am naturally prejudiced against boys-having such a brother, said Julia; but it isnot fair to judge all boys by him.That is outrageous injustice! said Gilbe
38、rt;but then, sisters seldom appreciate their brothers.Some other fellows sisters may, said Carl.They do, they do!Did you ever see such a vain, conceited boy,Mr. Crawford?Of course you know him better than I do.Come, Carl; its too bad for you, too, tojoin against me. However, I will forget andforgive
39、. Jule, my friend, Carl, has acceptedmy invitation to make us a visit.I am very glad, I am sure, said Julia,sincerely.And I want you to take him in, bag andbaggage, and convey him to our palace, whileI speed thither on my wheel.To be sure I will, and with great pleasure.Cant you get out and assist h
40、im into thecarriage, Jule?Thank you, said Carl; but though I amsomewhat old and quite infirm, I think I canget in without troubling your sister. Are yousure, Miss Vance, you wont be incommodedby my gripsack?Not at all.Then I will accept your kind offer.In a trice Carl was seated next to Julia, withh
41、is valise at his feet.Wont you drive, Mr. Crawford? said theyoung lady.Dont let me take the reins from you.I dont think it looks well for a lady todrive when a gentleman is sitting beside her.Carl was glad to take the reins, for he liked driving.Now for a race! said Gilbert, who wasmounted on his bi
42、cycle.All right! replied Carl. Look out for us!They started, and the two kept neck andneck till they entered the driveway leadingup to a handsome country mansion.Carl followed them into the house, and wascordially received by Mr. and Mrs. Vance,who were very kind and hospitable, and werefavorably impressed by the gentlemanly