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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Cousin's Conspiracy, by Horatio Alger
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: A Cousin's Conspiracy
+       A Boy's Struggle for an Inheritance
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: August 16, 2008 [EBook #26630]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A COUSIN'S CONSPIRACY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Roger Frank and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+A COUSIN'S CONSPIRACY
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+[Illustration: "Saving the Indian boy from drowning." (Page 102)]
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+A COUSIN'S CONSPIRACY
+
+OR
+
+A BOY'S STRUGGLE FOR AN INHERITANCE
+
+BY
+HORATIO ALGER, Jr.
+
+Author of
+"Herbert Carter's Legacy," "Young Salesman,"
+"Paul the Peddler," "Phil the Fiddler"
+
+Made in U. S. A.
+
+M. A. DONOHUE & COMPANY
+CHICAGO :: NEW YORK
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+
+
+A COUSIN'S CONSPIRACY
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+IN A LONELY CABIN
+
+
+On the edge of a prairie, in western Iowa, thirty years ago, stood a
+cabin, covering quite a little ground, but only one story high. It was
+humble enough, but not more so than the early homes of some who have
+become great.
+
+The furniture was limited to articles of prime necessity. There was a
+stove, a table, three chairs, a row of shelves containing a few articles
+of crockery and tinware, and a bed in the far corner of the room, on which
+rested a man with ragged gray beard and hair, a face long and thin, and
+coal-black eyes.
+
+It was evident he was sick unto death. His parchment-colored skin was
+wrinkled; from time to time he coughed so violently as to rack his slight
+frame, and his hand, thin and wrinkled, as it rested on the quilt that
+covered him, shook as with palsy.
+
+It was hard to tell how old the man was. He looked over seventy, but there
+were indications that he had aged prematurely.
+
+There was one other person in the room whose appearance contrasted
+strongly with that of the old man--a boy of sixteen, with brown hair,
+ruddy cheeks, hazel eyes, an attractive yet firm and resolute face, and an
+appearance of manliness and self-reliance. He was well dressed, and would
+have passed muster upon the streets of a city.
+
+"How do you feel, Uncle Peter?" he asked as he stood by the bedside.
+
+"I shall never feel better, Ernest," said the old man in a hollow voice.
+
+"Don't say that, uncle," said Ernest in a tone of concern.
+
+There seemed little to connect him in his strong, attractive boyhood with
+the frail old man, but they had lived together for five years, and habit
+was powerful.
+
+"Yes, Ernest, I shall never rise from this bed."
+
+"Isn't there anything I can get for you, uncle?"
+
+"Is there--is there anything left in the bottle?" asked Peter wistfully.
+
+Ernest walked to the shelf that held the dishes, and took from a corner a
+large black bottle. It seemed light, and might be empty. He turned the
+contents into a glass, but there was only a tablespoonful of whisky.
+
+"It is almost all gone, Uncle Peter; will you have this much?"
+
+"Yes," answered the old man tremulously.
+
+Ernest lifted the invalid into a sitting posture, and put the glass to his
+mouth.
+
+He drained it, and gave a sigh of satisfaction.
+
+"It is good," he said briefly.
+
+"I wish there were more."
+
+"It goes to the right spot. It puts strength into me."
+
+"Shall I go to the village and buy more?"
+
+"I--I don't know----"
+
+"I can get back very soon."
+
+"Very well; go, like a good boy."
+
+"I shall have to trouble you for some money, Uncle Peter."
+
+"Go to the trunk. You will find some."
+
+There was a small hair trunk in another corner. Ernest knew that this was
+meant, and he lifted the lid.
+
+There was a small wooden box at the left-hand side. Opening this, Ernest
+saw three five-dollar gold pieces.
+
+"There are but three gold pieces, uncle," he announced, looking toward the
+bed.
+
+"Take one of them, Ernest."
+
+"I wonder if that is all the money he has left?" thought Ernest.
+
+He rose and went to the door.
+
+"I won't be gone long, uncle," he said. He followed a path which led from
+the door in an easterly direction to the village. It was over a mile away,
+and consisted of a few scattering houses, a blacksmith's shop and a
+store.
+
+It was to the store that Ernest bent his steps. It was a one-story
+structure, as were most of the buildings in the village. There was a sign
+over the door which read:
+
+                               JOE MARKS,
+                     Groceries and Family Supplies.
+
+Joe stood behind the counter; there were two other men in the store, one
+tall, gaunt, of the average Western type, with a broad-brimmed soft felt
+hat on his head and the costume of a hunter; he looked rough, but honest
+and reliable, that was more than could be said of the other. He may best
+be described as a tramp, a man who looked averse to labor of any kind, a
+man without a settled business or home, who cared less for food than
+drink, and whose mottled face indicated frequent potations of whisky.
+
+Ernest looked at this man as he entered. He didn't remember to have met
+him before, nor was there anything to attract him in his appearance.
+
+"How are you, Ernest?" said Joe Marks cordially. "How's Uncle Peter?"
+
+"He's pretty bad, Joe. He thinks he's going to die."
+
+"Not so bad as that, surely?"
+
+"Yes, I guess he's right. He's very weak."
+
+"Well, he's a good age. How old is he?"
+
+"I don't know. He never told me."
+
+"He's well on to seventy, I'm thinking. But what can I do for you?"
+
+"You may fill this bottle; Uncle Peter is weak, he thinks it will put new
+life in him."
+
+"So it will, Ernest; there's nothing like good whisky to make an old man
+strong, or a young man, for that matter."
+
+It is easy to see that Joe did not believe in total abstinence.
+
+"I don't drink myself!" said Ernest, replying to the last part of Joe's
+remark.
+
+"There's nothing like whisky," remarked the tramp in a hoarse voice.
+
+"You've drunk your share, I'm thinking," said Luke Robbins, the tall
+hunter.
+
+"Not yet," returned the tramp. "I haven't had my share yet. There's lots
+of people that has drunk more'n me."
+
+"Why haven't you drunk your share? You hadn't no objections, I reckon?"
+
+"I hadn't the money," said the tramp sadly. "I've never had much money. I
+ain't lucky."
+
+"If you had more money, you might not be living now. You'd have drunk
+yourself to death."
+
+"If I ever do commit suicide, that's the way I'd like to die," said the
+tramp.
+
+Joe filled the bottle from a keg behind the counter and handed it to
+Ernest. The aroma of the whisky was diffused about the store, and the
+tramp sniffed it eagerly. It stimulated his desire to indulge his craving
+for drink. As Ernest, with the bottle in his hand, prepared to leave, the
+tramp addressed him.
+
+"Say, young feller, ain't you goin' to shout?"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"Ain't you goin' to treat me and this gentleman?" indicating Luke
+Robbins.
+
+"No," answered Ernest shortly. "I don't buy it as drink, but as
+medicine."
+
+"I need medicine," urged the tramp, with a smile.
+
+"I don't," said the hunter. "Don't you bother about us, my boy. If we want
+whisky we can buy it ourselves."
+
+"I can't," whined the tramp. "If I had as much money as you"--for he had
+noticed that Ernest had changed a gold piece--"I'd be happy, but I'm out
+of luck."
+
+Ernest paid no attention to his words, but left the store and struck the
+path homeward.
+
+"What's that boy?" asked the tramp.
+
+"It's Ernest Ray."
+
+"Where'd he get that gold?"
+
+"He lives with his uncle, a mile from the village."
+
+"Is his uncle rich?"
+
+"Folks think so. They call him a miser."
+
+"Is he goin' to die?"
+
+"That's what the boy says."
+
+"And the boy'll get all his money?"
+
+"It's likely."
+
+"I'd like to be his guardian."
+
+Joe and Luke Robbins laughed.
+
+"You'd make a pretty guardian," said Luke.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+UNCLE PETER'S REVELATION
+
+
+Ernest went direct to his home, for he knew his uncle would be waiting for
+him.
+
+The old man's eyes were closed, but he opened them when Ernest entered.
+
+"Was I gone long?" asked the boy.
+
+"I don't know. I think I fell asleep."
+
+"Shall I give you some of the drink?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+He drank a small amount, and it seemed to brighten him up. "You look
+better, Uncle Peter. You may live some time."
+
+Peter shook his head.
+
+"No, boy," he replied; "my time has come to die. I know it. I would like
+to live for your sake. You will miss me when I am gone, Ernest?"
+
+"Yes, uncle, I shall miss you very much."
+
+The old man seemed gratified. Ernest was the only one he cared for in all
+the world.
+
+"I don't care so much about dying, but I am anxious for you. I wish I had
+money to leave you, Ernest, but I haven't much."
+
+"I am young and strong. I can get along."
+
+"I hope so. You will go away from here?"
+
+"Yes, uncle. I don't think I shall care to stay here after you are gone."
+
+"You will need money to take you away."
+
+"There is a little more in the trunk."
+
+"But only a little. It is not quite all I have. I have a hundred dollars
+in gold laid away for you."
+
+Ernest looked surprised.
+
+"I must tell you where it is while I still have life. Do you remember the
+oak tree on the little knoll half a mile away?"
+
+"Yes, I know it."
+
+"Dig under that tree five feet in a westerly direction. There is a wooden
+box about a foot below the surface. There's nothing to mark the spot, for
+it was buried a year since, and the grass has grown over it. After I am
+gone go there and get the money, but don't let anyone see you. It will be
+best to go at night. There are evil-disposed men who would rob you of it.
+I am sorry it is so little, Ernest."
+
+"But it seems to me a good deal."
+
+"To a boy it may seem so. Once I thought I might have a good deal more to
+leave you. Go to the trunk and search till you find a paper folded in an
+envelope with your name."
+
+Ernest went to the trunk. He found the envelope readily, and held it up.
+
+"Is that it, uncle?"
+
+"Yes. Put it in your pocket, and read it after I am gone. Then be guided
+by circumstances. It may amount to something hereafter."
+
+"Very well, uncle."
+
+"I have told you, Ernest, that I do not expect to live long. I have a
+feeling that twenty-four hours from now I shall be gone."
+
+"Oh, no, uncle, not so soon!" exclaimed Ernest in a shocked tone.
+
+"Yes, I think so. If you have any questions to ask me while I yet have
+life, ask, for it is your right."
+
+"Yes, Uncle Peter, I have long wished to know something about myself. Have
+I any relatives except you?"
+
+"I am not your relative," answered the old man slowly.
+
+"Are you not my uncle?" he asked.
+
+"No; there is no tie of blood between us."
+
+"Then how does it happen that we have lived together so many years?"
+
+"I was a servant in your father's family. When your father died the care
+of you devolved upon me."
+
+"Where was I born?"
+
+"In a large town in the western part of New York State. Your grandfather
+was a man of wealth, but your father incurred his displeasure by his
+marriage to a poor but highly educated and refined girl. A cousin of your
+father took advantage of this and succeeded in alienating father and son.
+The estate that should have descended to your father was left to the
+cousin."
+
+"Is he still living?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But my father died?"
+
+"Yes; he had a fever which quickly carried him off when you were five
+years of age."
+
+"Was he very poor?"
+
+"No; he inherited a few thousand dollars from an aunt, and upon this he
+lived prudently, carrying on a small business besides. Your mother died
+when you were three years old, your father two years later."
+
+"And then you took care of me?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And I have been a burden to you these many years!"
+
+"No! Don't give me too much credit. A sum of money was put into my hands
+to spend for you. We lived carefully, and it lasted. We have been here
+three years, and it has cost very little to live in that time. The hundred
+dollars of which I spoke to you are the last of your inheritance. You are
+not indebted to me for it. It is rightfully yours."
+
+"What is my uncle's name?"
+
+"Stephen Ray. He lives a few miles from Elmira on the Erie Road."
+
+"And is he quite rich?"
+
+"Yes; he is probably worth a quarter of a million dollars. It is money
+which should have gone to your father."
+
+"Then the wicked are sometimes prospered in this world?"
+
+"Yes, but this world is not all."
+
+"Has there been any communication with my cousin in all these years?"
+
+"Yes; two years ago I wrote to him."
+
+"What did you write?"
+
+"You must forgive me, Ernest, but I saw you growing up without education,
+and I felt that you should have advantages which I could not give you. I
+wrote to your cousin, asking if he would pay your expenses in a
+preparatory school and afterwards at college."
+
+"What did he reply?"
+
+"Go to the trunk. You will find his letter there. It is in the tray, and
+addressed to me."
+
+Ernest found it readily.
+
+"May I read it?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, I wish you to do so."
+
+It ran thus:
+
+  Peter Brant--Sir: I have received your letter making an appeal to me
+  in behalf of Ernest Ray, the son of my cousin. You wish me to educate
+  him. I must decline to do so. His father very much incensed my
+  revered uncle, and it is not right that any of his money should go to
+  him or his heirs. The son must reap the reward of the father's
+  disobedience. So far as I am personally concerned, I should not
+  object to doing something for the boy, but I am sure that my dead
+  uncle would not approve it. Besides, I have myself a son to whom I
+  propose to leave the estate intact.
+
+  It is my advice that you bring up the boy Ernest to some humble
+  employment, perhaps have him taught some trade by which he can earn
+  an honest living. It is not at all necessary that he should receive a
+  college education. You are living at the West. That is well. He is
+  favorably situated for a poor boy, and will have little difficulty in
+  earning a livelihood. I don't care to have him associate with my boy
+  Clarence. They are cousins, it is true, but their lots in life will
+  be very different.
+
+  I do not care to communicate with you again.
+
+                                                        Stephen Ray.
+
+Ernest read this letter with flushed cheeks.
+
+"I hate that man!" he said hotly, "even if he is a relative. Peter, I am
+sorry you ever applied to him in my behalf."
+
+"I would not, Ernest, if I had understood what manner of man he was."
+
+"I may meet him some time," said Ernest thoughtfully.
+
+"Would you claim relationship?"
+
+"Never!" declared Ernest emphatically. "It was he, you say, who prejudiced
+my grandfather against my poor father."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"In order to secure the estate himself?"
+
+"Undoubtedly that was his object."
+
+"Nothing could be meaner. I would rather live poor all my life than get
+property by such means."
+
+"If you have no more questions to ask, Ernest, I will try to sleep. I feel
+drowsy."
+
+"Do so, Uncle Peter."
+
+The old man closed his eyes, and soon all was silent. Ernest himself lay
+down on a small bed. When he awoke, hours afterward, he lit a candle and
+went to Peter's bedside.
+
+The old man lay still. With quick suspicion Ernest placed his hand on his
+cheek.
+
+It was stone cold.
+
+"He is dead!" cried Ernest, and a feeling of desolation came over him.
+
+"I am all alone now," he murmured.
+
+But he was not wholly alone. There was a face glued against the
+window-pane--a face that he did not see. It was the tramp he had met
+during the day at the village store.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+ROBBERY
+
+
+The tramp stood with his face glued to the pane, looking in at the boy. He
+could not quite understand what had taken place, but gathered that the old
+man was dead.
+
+"So much the better!" he said. "It will make my task easier."
+
+He had hoped to find both asleep, and decided to wait near the house till
+the boy went to bed. He had made many inquiries at the store of Joe Marks,
+and the answers led him to believe that old Peter had a large amount of
+money concealed in his cabin.
+
+Now Tom Burns was a penniless tramp, who had wandered from Chicago on a
+predatory trip, to take any property he could lay his hands on. The chance
+that presented itself here was tempting to a man of his character.
+
+Earlier in the evening he had reached the cabin, but thought it best to
+defer his work until later, for Ernest was awake and stirring about the
+room.
+
+The tramp withdrew from the cabin and lay down under a tree, where he was
+soon fast asleep. Curiously it was the very oak tree under which Peter's
+little hoard was concealed. This of course he did not know. Had he been
+aware that directly beneath him was a box containing a hundred dollars in
+gold he would have been electrified and full of joy.
+
+Tom Burns in his long and varied career had many times slept in the open
+air, and he had no difficulty in falling asleep now, and when he woke it
+was much later than he intended. However, without delay, he made his way
+to the cabin, and arrived just as Ernest discovered the death of the old
+man whom he had supposed to be his uncle.
+
+What time it was the tramp did not know, but as he stood with his face
+glued to the window-pane he heard a clock in the cabin striking the hour
+of three.
+
+"Three o'clock," he ejaculated. "Well, I did have a nap!"
+
+The boy was awake, and he thought it best to wait a while.
+
+"Why didn't I get here a little sooner?" he grumbled. "Then I could have
+ransacked the cabin without trouble. Probably the old man has been dead
+some time."
+
+He watched to see what Ernest would do.
+
+"He won't be such a fool as to sit up with the corpse," he muttered a
+little apprehensively. "That wouldn't do no good."
+
+Apparently Ernest was of this opinion, for after carefully covering up the
+inanimate body he lay down again on his own bed.
+
+He did not fall asleep immediately, for the thought that he was in the
+presence of death naturally affected his imagination. But gradually his
+eyes closed, and his full, regular breathing gave notice that he was
+asleep.
+
+He had left the candle burning on the table. By the light which it
+afforded the tramp could watch him, and at the end of twenty minutes he
+felt satisfied that he could safely enter.
+
+He lifted the window and passed into the room noiselessly. He had one eye
+fixed on the sleeping boy, who might suddenly awake. He had taken off his
+shoes and left them on the grass just under the window.
+
+When Tom Burns found himself in the room he made his way at once to the
+trunk, which his watchful eye had already discovered.
+
+"That's where the old man keeps his gold, likely," he muttered. "I hope it
+isn't locked."
+
+Usually the trunk would have been fastened, but the conversation which
+Ernest had with old Peter so engrossed his mind as to make him less
+careful than usual. Tom Burns therefore had no difficulty in lifting the
+lid.
+
+With eager fingers he explored the contents, and was not long in
+discovering the box which contained the two gold coins.
+
+The discovery pleased and yet disappointed him.
+
+"Only ten dollars!" he muttered. "There ought to have been a pile of these
+yellow boys. Perhaps there are more somewhere."
+
+Meanwhile he slipped the two coins into his vest pocket. It was not much,
+but it was more than he had had in his possession for months.
+
+He continued his search, but failed to discover any more money. He felt
+indignant. That a miser should have but a paltry ten dollars in his trunk
+was very discreditable.
+
+"He must have some more somewhere," Burns reflected.
+
+It occurred to him that there might be hoards hidden under the floor, or
+in the immediate neighborhood of the cabin. But it was night, and there
+would be no profit in pursuing the search now.
+
+"To-morrow," he reflected, "the boy will be off, making preparations for
+buryin' the old man, and then I can make another visit."
+
+He closed the lid of the trunk, and with a general glance to see if there
+was anything more worth taking he rose to his feet and prepared to leave
+the room.
+
+Just at this moment Ernest, who was probably dreaming of the old man,
+spoke in his sleep.
+
+"Uncle Peter," he murmured.
+
+The tramp stood still, apprehensive that Ernest would open his eyes and
+detect his presence. But the boy did not speak again.
+
+"I had better get," muttered Burns.
+
+He got out of the window quietly, but as the boy stirred again he hurried
+away without stopping to shut it.
+
+When, a little after seven o'clock, Ernest woke up, the sun was streaming
+in at the open window, and the cool air entered with it.
+
+"How came the window up?" thought Ernest, wondering. "I am sure I didn't
+leave it open last night."
+
+There was nothing else to indicate that the cabin had been entered. But
+the more Ernest thought it over the more convinced he was that there had
+been a visitor.
+
+What could have been his motive?
+
+With sudden suspicion he went to the trunk and opened it. It was evident
+that things had been disturbed. His eyes sought the box that contained the
+gold pieces. He opened it, and found that he had been robbed.
+
+"Who could have done it?" he asked himself.
+
+He could not think of anyone. He was acquainted with everyone in the
+village, and he knew none that would be capable of theft. He never thought
+of the ill-looking tramp he had met in Joe Marks's store.
+
+Ten dollars was a considerable loss to him, for he had estimated that it
+would defray the expenses of old Peter's interment. It was not so bad as
+it might have been, for the hundred dollars of which Peter had told him
+were still safe.
+
+"When I get that I must be careful," he said to himself.
+
+Though his rest had been disturbed, he felt ready to get up. There was
+work for him to do. He must arrange for the burial of the old man with
+whom he had lived so long, the only friend he felt he could claim.
+
+Ernest rose, and after dressing himself made a frugal breakfast. He looked
+sadly at Peter. Death was to him something new and strange, for he did not
+remember ever having seen a dead man before. He must get help, and with
+that object in view he went to the village, and sought the store of Joe
+Marks.
+
+"What brings you out so early, my lad?" asked Joe.
+
+"Matter enough, Joe. My uncle is dead."
+
+He still called him uncle, though he knew now that Peter was no kin to
+him.
+
+"Old Peter dead!" ejaculated Marks. "When did he die?"
+
+"Some time during the night. I wish you'd help me, for I don't know what
+to do."
+
+"So I will, boy. We'll stand by you, won't we, Luke?"
+
+This was said as Luke Robbins entered the store.
+
+"To be sure we will, Ernest. We all like you."
+
+"Oh, I forgot to say," continued Ernest, "the cabin was entered last night
+and some money taken."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+ALONE IN THE WORLD
+
+
+Joe Marks and Luke Robbins looked at each other in amazement.
+
+"Your cabin entered!" exclaimed Joe. "What do you say to that, Luke?"
+
+"I did not know there were any thieves round here," answered Luke. "What
+was taken?"
+
+"An old trunk was opened--I carelessly left it unlocked--and two
+five-dollar gold pieces were stolen out of it. At any rate, I couldn't
+find them this morning."
+
+"Two five-dollar gold pieces?" said Joe quickly. "Then I know who took
+them."
+
+"What do you mean, Joe?" said Luke. "Out with it!"
+
+"You know that tramp who was here yesterday, Luke?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"He came round an hour ago, and called for a glass of whisky. 'Where is
+your money?' I asked. 'I've got plenty,' he said. Then I called upon him
+to show it, and he pulled out a five-dollar gold piece. Of course I was
+surprised. 'Where did you get it?' I asked suspiciously. 'Yesterday you
+said you had no money.' 'I had that,' he answered, 'but I didn't want to
+spend it. You see it was a gift from my dyin' mother, and I wanted to keep
+it for her sake.' With that he rolled up his eyes and looked
+sanctimonious. Then I asked him how it happened that he was ready to spend
+it now."
+
+"What did he say?"
+
+"He said that he was so parched with thirst that he felt obliged to do
+it."
+
+"Did you take his money?"
+
+"No. I was short of change. You see I changed a gold piece for the boy
+yesterday. Besides, I wasn't sure the piece was good, seeing who offered
+it."
+
+"Then he didn't get his whisky?"
+
+"No. He went away disappointed. I don't doubt, Ernest, that the gold piece
+was one of yours. How did the fellow get in?"
+
+"Through the window. I found it open when I woke up."
+
+"You must have slept sound."
+
+"I did. I slept an hour later than I generally do."
+
+"Was anything else taken?"
+
+"Not that I could discover."
+
+"Do you mean to say that your uncle had but ten dollars?" asked Joe
+incredulously.
+
+"It was all he had in the trunk."
+
+"I always thought him a rich man."
+
+"He was not," said Ernest quietly.
+
+"Was that all the money he had? He had the reputation of being a miser,
+with hoards of gold hidden in or near the cabin."
+
+"I know of one sum of money he had concealed, but it was not a large
+amount."
+
+"I'm glad you won't be left penniless, lad; did he own the cabin?" said
+Luke.
+
+"Nobody owned it," said Joe Marks. "It was built years ago by a man who
+suddenly left it and went away, nobody knew where. It wasn't worth much,
+and no one ever took the trouble to claim it. When your uncle came here he
+found it empty and took possession of it, and there he has lived ever
+since. So you'll have some money, Ernest?"
+
+"Only a hundred dollars."
+
+"What will you do? What are your plans?"
+
+"I don't know. I haven't had time to think."
+
+"I might find a place for you in the store. We wouldn't like to have you
+go away."
+
+"Thank you, Joe. You are very kind. But there's no chance for me around
+here. I'll take the money and go somewhere. But first I must see Uncle
+Peter buried. Will you help me?"
+
+"To be sure we will. Was he your only relation?"
+
+"He was not my relation at all."
+
+"Why, you have always called him uncle."
+
+"I supposed him to be my uncle, but yesterday he told me that he was only
+a servant in my father's family, and that on my father's death he was
+placed in charge of me."
+
+"I reckon that's so. You didn't favor the old man at all. You look as if
+you came from better stock."
+
+"All the same I shall miss him," said Ernest sadly. "He was a good friend
+to me."
+
+"Did he tell you whether you had any kin?"
+
+"Yes; I have a cousin of my father's living in New York State. He is a
+rich man. He inherited the property that ought to have gone to my
+father."
+
+"How did that happen?"
+
+"He prejudiced my grandfather against my father, and so the estate was
+willed to him."
+
+"The mean scoundrel!" exclaimed Luke indignantly. "I'd like to have him in
+my hands for a few minutes; I'd give him a lesson."
+
+"I should pity him if ever you got hold of him, Luke," said Joe Marks.
+"But we must consider what we can do for the boy."
+
+"I wish we could get hold of that thief of a tramp!"
+
+"Probably we shall. He'll find his way back here sooner or later."
+
+But the burial of Peter Brant was the first consideration. No undertaker
+was called, for in that small settlement one would not have been
+supported. The ceremonies of death were few and simple. A wooden box was
+put together, and Peter was placed in it, dressed as he was at the time of
+his death. There was an itinerant minister who preached in the village
+once in four weeks, but he was away now, and so there could be no
+religious ceremony beyond reading a chapter from the New Testament. Joe
+Marks, who had received a decent education, officiated as reader. Then the
+interment took place. In the forenoon of the second day Peter's body was
+laid away, and Ernest was left practically alone in the world.
+
+Meanwhile some account must be given of Tom Burns, the tramp.
+
+When he found it impossible to obtain whisky with the gold he had stolen
+he felt very despondent. His craving became intolerable. He felt that he
+had been decidedly ill used. What was the use of money unless it could be
+converted into what his soul desired? But there was no way of changing the
+coin except at the store of Joe Marks. To ask any of the villagers would
+only have excited suspicion. Besides, the tramp felt sure that Ernest
+would soon discover that he had been robbed. He would naturally be
+suspected, especially as Joe Marks had knowledge of a gold piece being in
+his possession.
+
+There was a small settlement about five miles off called Daneboro. It was
+probably the nearest place where he could get a glass of whisky. He must
+walk there. It was not a pleasant prospect, for the tramp was lazy and not
+fond of walking. Still, it seemed to be a necessity, and when he left the
+store of Joe Marks he set out for Daneboro.
+
+Thirst was not the only trouble with Tom Burns. He had not eaten anything
+for about twenty-four hours, and his neglected stomach rebelled. He
+tightened a girdle about his waist and walked on. He had perhaps gone two
+miles when he came to a cabin. A woman stood in the doorway.
+
+"My good lady," said Tom, putting on a pitiful expression, "I am a very
+unfortunate man."
+
+"Are you?" said the woman, scanning him critically. "You look like a
+tramp."
+
+"I do, madam, yet I was once a thriving merchant."
+
+"You don't look like it."
+
+"I don't; I acknowledge it."
+
+"How did you lose your property, if you ever had any?"
+
+"By signin' notes for my brother. It swept off all my possessions."
+
+"Then I pity you. That's the way my man lost five hundred dollars, nearly
+all he had. What can I do for you?"
+
+"Madam, I am hungry--very hungry."
+
+"Set right down on the settee, and I'll give you what's left of our
+breakfast."
+
+Tom Burns obeyed with alacrity.
+
+A plate of cold bacon, a cold potato and some corn bread were placed
+before him, and he ate them voraciously. There had been times in his life
+when he would have turned up his nose at such fare, but not now.
+
+"My good lady," he said, "you have saved my life."
+
+"Well, you must 'a' been hungry," said the woman. "A man that'll eat cold
+vittles, especially cold potato, ain't shammin'."
+
+"I wish I had money to offer you----"
+
+"Oh, never mind that; you're welcome. Can I do anything more for you?"
+
+"I feel sick, and sometimes, though I am a temperance man, I take whisky
+for my health, if you had just a sup----"
+
+"Well, we haven't any, and if we had I wouldn't give you any."
+
+"You misjudge me, madam. You must not think I am a drinker."
+
+"It's no matter what I think. You can't get any whisky here."
+
+At Daneboro Tom fared better. He changed his gold piece, drank a pint of
+whisky, and the next day retraced his steps to old Peter's cabin. He felt
+satisfied that somewhere near the cabin there was treasure concealed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+BURNS RETURNS
+
+
+When Peter Brant was laid away under a tree not far from the cabin where
+he had ended his days Ernest felt that he was at liberty to begin the new
+life that lay before him. Despite the natural sadness which he felt at
+parting with his old friend, he looked forward not without pleasant
+anticipations to the future and what it might have in store for him.
+
+Oak Forks had few attractions for him. He had a literary taste, but could
+not get books. Peter Brant had about a dozen volumes, none of which he had
+read himself, but Ernest had read them over and over again. None of the
+neighbors owned any books. Occasionally a newspaper found its way into the
+settlement, and this, when it came into Ernest's hands, was read,
+advertisements and all.
+
+How, then, was his time passed? Partly in hunting, partly in fishing--for
+there was a small river two miles away--but one could not fish or hunt all
+the time. He had often felt a vague yearning to go to Chicago or New York,
+or anywhere where there would be a broader field and large opportunities,
+and he had broached the subject to Peter.
+
+"I can't afford to go, Ernest," the old man would reply. "I must live on
+the little I have, for I am too old to work."
+
+"But I am young. I can work," the boy would answer.
+
+"A boy like you couldn't earn much. Wait till I am dead, and then you can
+go where you like."
+
+This would always close the discussion, for Ernest did not like to
+consider such a possibility. Peter represented his world, for he had no
+one to cling to except the man whom he supposed to be his uncle.
+
+Now, however, the time had come when he could go forth and enter upon a
+career. Accordingly he declined Joe Marks' offer to take him into the
+store. He understood very well that it was only meant in kindness, and
+that he was not really needed.
+
+"You don't need me, Joe," he said. "You are very kind, but there must be
+real work for me somewhere."
+
+"Well, my lad, I won't stand in your way, but I've known you a long time,
+and I shall hate to lose sight of you."
+
+"I'll came back some day, Joe--that is if I am prosperous and can."
+
+"If you are not prosperous, if you fall sick and need a home and a friend,
+come back then. Don't forget your old friend Joe Marks."
+
+"I won't, Joe," said Ernest heartily.
+
+"You've got another friend here, Ernest," added Luke Robbins. "I'm a poor
+man, and my friendship isn't worth much, but you have it, all the same."
+
+Ernest grasped the hands of both. He felt that each was a friend worth
+having.
+
+"You may be sure that I won't forget either of you," he said.
+
+"When do you expect to go, Ernest, and where?" asked Joe Marks.
+
+"I shall get away to-morrow, I think, but where I shall go I can't tell
+yet."
+
+"Do you need any money?"
+
+"No; my uncle left me some."
+
+Ernest had not yet secured the gold, but he knew exactly where it was, and
+now that all his business was ended he felt that it was time to possess
+himself of it. Accordingly, he took a spade from the house, and bent his
+steps in the direction of the old oak tree.
+
+He went alone, for he thought it best not to take anyone into his
+confidence.
+
+Arrived at the tree, Ernest measured off five feet in the direction
+mentioned by Peter and began to dig. It did not take him long to reach the
+box, for it was only a foot beneath the surface of the ground.
+
+It proved to be a cigar box, for Peter was fond of smoking, though he
+usually smoked a pipe. Ernest lifted the lid, and saw a small roll
+inclosed in brown wrapping paper, which on being removed revealed twenty
+five-dollar gold pieces. He regarded them with satisfaction, for they
+afforded him the means of leaving Oak Forks and going into the great world
+which he had such a curiosity to enter.
+
+Hidden behind a tree only a few feet away was Tom Burns, the tramp and
+vagabond.
+
+He had come from Daneboro, and was prowling round the neighborhood
+searching for old Peter's hidden treasure. He had deliberated as to
+whether the cabin or the fields was the more likely place to have been
+selected. He had nothing in particular to guide him. He did not, however,
+venture to approach the house just yet, as it would probably be occupied
+by Ernest.
+
+"I wish I knowed where the old man hid his boodle," muttered Tom. "I can't
+dig all over."
+
+In fact, digging was not in Tom's line. It was too much like work, and if
+there was anything to which Tom was bitterly opposed it was work of any
+kind.
+
+"The boy must know. Likely the old man told him," he finally concluded.
+"I'll watch the boy."
+
+He therefore lost no time in prowling around the cabin, with the especial
+object of watching Ernest's movements. He was especially favored, as he
+thought, when from a distance he saw Ernest leaving the cabin with the
+spade in his hand.
+
+The tramp's heart was filled with joy.
+
+"He is going to dig for the treasure," he said. "I'll keep him in sight."
+
+Tom Burns had no difficulty in doing this, for Ernest bent his steps in
+his direction.
+
+"I hope he won't discover me," thought Burns; "at any rate not till I find
+out where he's going to dig."
+
+All things seemed to favor the tramp. Ernest stopped when he came to the
+oak tree, and it was evident that this was the spot of which he was in
+search.
+
+"Why, that's where I was lyin' the other night!" thought Burns. "If I had
+only knowed! Why, the gold was right under me all the time."
+
+He watched with eagerness while Ernest was digging. He no longer doubted
+that this was the place where the gold was hidden. Ernest could have no
+other object in digging in this place.
+
+"I wonder how much there is," thought Burns. "There ought to be as much as
+a thousand dollars. Perhaps there's two or three. But even if there is
+only a thousand it will set me on my feet. I'll soon get out of this
+neighborhood. I'll go to Chicago or New York, and I'll live in clover.
+I'll make up for lost time."
+
+When Ernest found the roll of coins, and taking them out put them in his
+pocket, he was not disappointed, for he knew what to expect, but Tom Burns
+was in dismay.
+
+"Only a hundred dollars!" he thought. "What's a hundred dollars? The old
+man ought to be ashamed of himself!"
+
+However, one thing was certain. A hundred dollars was better than nothing.
+It would take him to Chicago and enable him to live in comfort for a
+while. Besides, he might multiply it many times at the gaming table, for
+Tom Burns had been a gambler in his day. He certainly did not propose to
+disdain the sum which fortune had placed in his way because it was so
+small.
+
+Ernest put the gold pieces in his pocket and turned to go back to the
+cabin, when a voice reached him.
+
+"Look here, boy, I'll trouble you to hand over that money!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+A FRIEND IN NEED
+
+
+Ernest turned and regarded the tramp in amazement.
+
+"What do you mean?" he demanded.
+
+"I want that money you just dug up," replied Tom Burns boldly.
+
+Instantly Ernest comprehended his danger. He was a stout boy, but the
+tramp was a large man, weighing probably fifty pounds more than himself.
+The boy felt that in strength he was no match for the thief who confronted
+him.
+
+Yet he could not bear the thought of allowing himself to be robbed. Left
+penniless, how could he carry out the plans which he had in view? He tried
+to gain time.
+
+"Do you want to rob me?" he asked.
+
+"I have just as much right to that money as you," said the tramp.
+
+"How do you make that out?"
+
+"The man who put it there owed me money."
+
+"Do you think I am a fool, to believe that ridiculous story?"
+
+"You'd better be careful how you talk!" said Burns, menacingly.
+
+"Then all I can say is that you have told a falsehood. You are the man, I
+suppose, who entered our cabin at night and stole money out of a trunk."
+
+"I don't know anything about your trunk!" said Burns. "But I have no time
+to talk; I want that money!"
+
+Ernest looked about him, hoping to see some one to whom he could appeal
+for help, but no one appeared in sight. Next he looked at the tramp, to
+note if he were armed. To his relief, Burns did not appear to have any
+weapon with him.
+
+"I won't give up the money to a thief!" he said boldly.
+
+As he spoke he turned and ran as fast as he was able.
+
+Winged with fear of losing his gold, Ernest flew rather than ran, not
+heeding the direction he was taking. The tramp accepted the challenge and
+put forth his utmost speed in the hope of overtaking him.
+
+"You'll pay for this, boy!" he growled.
+
+But Ernest did not mean to be caught. Being a fast runner for a boy of his
+size, he bade fair to outdistance his pursuer. But directly in his path
+was an excavation of considerable size and depth. Ernest paused on the
+brink to consider whether to descend the sloping sides or to go round it.
+The delay was fatal. The tramp saw his advantage, and pushing forward
+seized him by the collar.
+
+"I've caught you!" he cried triumphantly. "Now give me the money!"
+
+There was a brief struggle, but a boy, even a strong boy, was no match for
+a man taller and heavier than himself. The gold pieces were snatched from
+him, and the tramp, releasing his hold, was about to make off in triumph
+when he found himself seized in turn.
+
+"Why, you contemptible thief!" exclaimed Luke Robbins--for it was he whose
+opportune coming had saved Ernest from being plundered. "Are you trying to
+rob the boy?"
+
+He seized the tramp by the collar, forced him to give up the gold he had
+just snatched from Ernest and flung him on his back.
+
+The tramp's surprise deepened to dismay when, looking up, he saw the
+stalwart hunter with stern face looking down upon him.
+
+"It was my money," he whined.
+
+"Your money, you owdacious liar! Don't tell me that or I'll treat you
+worse!"
+
+"But it was. I had hidden it under a tree. I came along just as the boy
+dug it up. I told him to give it to me, for it was mine, but he wouldn't,
+and then I chased him."
+
+"What's the truth of the matter, Ernest?" asked Luke.
+
+"It was money that Peter Brant had hidden away. He told me on his
+death-bed where to look for it."
+
+"I thought it was Peter's."
+
+"I had just dug it up and put it in my pocket when this man came along. He
+ordered me to give it to him."
+
+"Did he say he hid it there?"
+
+"No. He said that Peter owed him money, and he wanted it."
+
+"You appear to be a very ingenious liar," remarked Luke, turning to the
+tramp. "Which of these stories do you want me to believe?"
+
+"I hid it there!" said the tramp doggedly.
+
+"Then why did you tell the boy that Peter owed you money?"
+
+"Because I didn't think he would believe that I hid it."
+
+"You are right there. He don't believe it, nor do I. One thing more--were
+you the man that broke into his cabin and stole two gold pieces from his
+trunk?"
+
+"No. I don't know anything about it."
+
+"Of course you would deny it. All the same I have no doubt that you were
+the man."
+
+"If I had done it he would have seen me."
+
+"That won't go down. He was asleep. Ernest, what shall I do with this
+fellow? Shall I shoot him?" and Luke Robbins pulled out a revolver, which
+he handled in a significant way.
+
+"Don't shoot! Spare my life, Mr. Robbins!" cried the tramp in great
+alarm.
+
+"Humph! I don't see the good. Your life is of no value to the world."
+
+"Let him go, Luke," said Ernest, "but tell him to clear out of this
+neighborhood."
+
+"It is treating him too well. Still, I will do as you say. Hark, you
+fellow, what is your name?"
+
+"Tom Burns."
+
+"You are a disgrace to the name of Burns. If I spare your life will you
+leave this neighborhood and never come back?"
+
+"Yes--yes!" answered the tramp earnestly.
+
+"You'd better keep that promise. If I ever catch sight of you again I'll
+shoot without asking you any questions! Now get!"
+
+Tom Burns got up and started away with celerity. He thought it wise to put
+as great a distance as possible between himself and the tall and stalwart
+hunter.
+
+"I'll scare him a little," said Luke.
+
+He fired after the fugitive, taking care not to hit him, however. Tom
+Burns heard the bullet whistling by his head, and with a cry of terror
+increased his speed till he reached a place where he felt secure.
+
+"That is a terrible man!" he panted. "He'd as soon take my life as not. I
+won't get in his way again if I can help it."
+
+"Well, Ernest, where do you want to go? What are your plans?"
+
+"I don't know," answered Ernest gravely. "I am not sure that I have any
+plans. I feel upset completely."
+
+"Sit down here and I'll talk to you."
+
+The two sat down together.
+
+"Now, how much money have you got?"
+
+"A hundred dollars."
+
+"It isn't much. Is that all that your uncle left?"
+
+"I think so. He said nothing about having more."
+
+"It isn't much to begin the world with. I wish for your sake, boy, that I
+had some to give you, but I never knew how to get together money."
+
+"I guess it will do, Luke. I have health and strength. I think I can make
+my way."
+
+"But you have no trade."
+
+"Have you?"
+
+"No, Ernest. You've got me there. I am only a hunter, but I don't make
+much of a living. I don't recommend you to follow in my steps."
+
+"One thing is certain, Luke. I must get away from here. There is nothing I
+can do in Oak Forks."
+
+"Where do you want to go, lad?"
+
+"I don't know. I might go eastward to Chicago or New York, or I might go
+West to California. Have you ever been to either place, Luke?"
+
+"No, lad, but if I had my choice I'd go westward. I've heard fine stories
+of California. I think I should like to see that land."
+
+"Why don't you go?"
+
+"Stop a minute! Let me think!"
+
+The hunter assumed a thoughtful look. He remained silent for five minutes.
+Then he said, as if to himself: "Why not?"
+
+Ernest still kept silence, but his eyes were fixed upon the face of the
+hunter.
+
+Finally Luke looked up.
+
+"How do you want to go, lad?" he asked. "Do you want to go over the
+railroad, or are you in for a tramp over the mountains and plains?"
+
+"That depends on whether I am to go alone or not. If I go alone I shall
+prefer to go by rail."
+
+"Are you in for a long tramp with me?" asked Luke, his face glowing with
+new-born enthusiasm.
+
+"I will go anywhere with you, Luke."
+
+"Then it is agreed. We will start to-morrow."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+ON THE ROAD
+
+
+Nothing could have pleased Ernest better than to travel with Luke Robbins.
+He felt that he should be safe with the sturdy hunter, who was strong,
+resolute and reliable.
+
+True he was not a man who had succeeded as man reckons success. He had
+lived comfortably, but it had never occurred to him to lay up money, nor
+indeed had he had any opportunity to do so. He mentioned this as an
+objection to the trip which he had himself proposed.
+
+"My lad," he said, "I am afraid I can't go with you after all."
+
+"Why not, Luke?"
+
+"Because you're rich compared with me."
+
+"I have but a hundred dollars."
+
+"And I--well, lad, I'm ashamed to say so, but I have only fifteen."
+
+"We'll share and share alike, Luke."
+
+"No, lad. Luke Robbins is too proud to live upon a boy. I reckon I'd
+better stay at home."
+
+"But I want you to go and take care of me, Luke. How can I travel alone?"
+
+Luke brightened up.
+
+"That puts a different face on it, Ernest. If you think you need me, I'll
+go."
+
+"I do need you."
+
+"Then go I will, but one thing is understood: I won't take any of your
+money."
+
+"There won't be any trouble on that score."
+
+So the two prepared for their trip. Ernest, with Luke's help, purchased an
+outfit, and on the morning of the third day the two started out together,
+neither having a very definite idea where they were going except that
+their course was westward.
+
+Luke knew very little of the States and Territories that lay between Oak
+Forks and the Pacific Coast. Ernest, whose education was decidedly
+superior to his companion's, was able to give him some information. So
+they plodded on, enjoying the unconventional life and the scenery on the
+way.
+
+They were in no hurry. They stopped to hunt and fish, and when the weather
+was unfavorable they stayed at some wayside cabin. When the nights were
+fine they camped out under the open canopy of heaven.
+
+Part of their way led through woods and over prairies, but here and there
+they came to a village. There was little occasion to spend money, but they
+were compelled to use some.
+
+One day, some weeks from the time when they started, Luke turned to Ernest
+with a sober face.
+
+"Ernest," he said, "I think you'll have to leave me at the next
+poorhouse."
+
+"Why, Luke?"
+
+"Because my money is nearly all gone. I started with fifteen dollars. Now
+I have but one."
+
+"But I have plenty left."
+
+"That doesn't help me."
+
+"I want to share it with you, Luke."
+
+"Don't you remember what I said when we set out, lad?"
+
+"What was it?"
+
+"That I would not touch a dollar of your money."
+
+"Then do you mean to leave me alone, Luke?" pleaded Ernest reproachfully.
+
+"You are a boy and I am a man. I'm forty years old, Ernest. Is it right
+that I should live on a boy less than half my age?"
+
+Ernest looked at him in perplexity.
+
+"Is there no way of getting more money?" he asked.
+
+"If we were in California now and at the mines, I might make shift to fill
+my purse; but there are no mines hereabouts."
+
+"Let us keep on and something may turn up."
+
+When this conversation took place they were approaching Emmonsville, a
+thriving town in Nebraska. As they walked through the principal street, it
+was clear that something had happened which had created general
+excitement. Groups of people were talking earnestly, and their faces wore
+a perturbed and anxious look.
+
+"What's the matter?" asked Luke, addressing a well-to-do appearing man.
+
+"Haven't you heard of the bank robbery over at Lee's Falls?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Two men fully armed rode up to the door, and, dismounting, entered the
+bank. One stepped up to the window of the paying teller, and covering him
+with his revolver, demanded five thousand dollars. At the same time the
+other stood in the doorway, also with a loaded revolver."
+
+"Why didn't the teller shoot him down?" asked Luke.
+
+"My friend, bank officers are not provided with loaded revolvers when on
+duty. Besides, the ruffian had the drop on him."
+
+"Well?" asked Luke.
+
+"What could the teller do? Life is more than money, and he had no
+alternative. The fellow got the money."
+
+"Did he get away with it?"
+
+"Yes; they both mounted their horses and rode off, no one daring to
+interfere. Each held his revolver in readiness to shoot the first man that
+barred his way."
+
+"Where did you say this happened?"
+
+"At Lee's Falls."
+
+"Is it near at hand?"
+
+"It is fifteen miles away."
+
+"But why should that robbery create excitement here?"
+
+"Because we have a bank here, and we are expecting a visit from the same
+parties."
+
+"Who are they?"
+
+"They are supposed to be the Fox brothers, two of the most notorious
+criminals in the West. Numberless stories are told of their bold
+robberies, both from individuals and from banks."
+
+"How long have these fellows been preying upon the community?"
+
+"We have heard of them hereabouts for three years. It is said they came
+from Missouri."
+
+"Is there no one brave enough or bold enough to interfere with them?"
+
+"More than one has tried it, but no one has succeeded. Twice they were
+captured, but in each case they broke jail before it was time for the
+trial."
+
+"It seems to me you haven't many men of spirit in Nebraska."
+
+"Perhaps you think you would be a match for them," said the citizen in a
+sarcastic tone.
+
+Luke Robbins smiled, and handled his revolver in a significant way.
+
+"If you think you can kill or capture them, stranger, there's a chance to
+make a good sum of money."
+
+"How is that?"
+
+"A thousand dollars is offered for either of them, dead or alive."
+
+"A thousand dollars!" repeated Luke, his face glowing with excitement. "Is
+that straight?"
+
+"It will be paid cheerfully. You can bet on that."
+
+"Who offers it?"
+
+"The governor of the State."
+
+Luke Robbins became thoughtful and remained silent.
+
+"Did you hear that, lad?" he asked, when he and Ernest were alone.
+
+"Yes, Luke."
+
+"A thousand dollars would do us a great deal of good."
+
+"That is true, Luke, but it would be as much as your life is worth to hunt
+the rascals."
+
+"Don't try to make a coward of me, Ernest."
+
+"I couldn't do that, Luke. I only want you to be prudent."
+
+"Listen, lad. I want that thousand dollars and I'm going to make a try for
+it. Come along with me."
+
+"Where are you going?"
+
+"To the bank. I'm going to have a talk with the officers and then I'll
+decide what to do."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+LUKE JOINS THE FRIENDS
+
+
+At the Emmonsville bank they were on their guard. The expectation of a
+visit from the Fox brothers caused anxiety and apprehension. The evil
+reputation of these men and their desperate character made them
+formidable.
+
+When Luke Robbins entered the place he was regarded with suspicion. His
+hunting costume was not unlike that of a bandit. But the fact that he had
+a young companion tended to disarm suspicion. No one could suspect Ernest
+of complicity with outlaws, and the Fox brothers had never been known to
+carry a boy with them.
+
+Luke was unused to banks. So far as he knew he had never entered one
+before. He looked around him in uncertainty, and finally approached the
+window of the receiving teller.
+
+"Are you the boss of this institution?" he asked.
+
+The teller smiled.
+
+"No," he said. "Perhaps you want to see the president?"
+
+"I guess he's the man."
+
+"If you will give me a hint of the nature of your business I will speak to
+him."
+
+"I hear you're expectin' a visit from the Fox brothers."
+
+"Have you anything to do with them?" asked the teller with some
+suspicion.
+
+"I want to have something to do with them," returned Luke.
+
+"I don't understand you."
+
+"Then I'll tell you what I mean. I hear there's a big reward out for their
+capture."
+
+"A thousand dollars."
+
+"I want that thousand dollars, and I want it bad."
+
+"I shall be very glad if you become entitled to it. Anyone who will rid
+the State of either of these notorious outlaws will richly deserve it."
+
+"That's the business I came about. Now can I see the president, if that's
+what you call him?"
+
+"Wait a minute and I will find out."
+
+The teller went to an inner room and returned with a stout, gray-headed
+man of about fifty.
+
+He looked curiously at Luke through the window. Then, as if reassured, he
+smiled.
+
+"I understand you want to see me," he said.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"About the Fox brothers?"
+
+"You're right there, squire."
+
+"Go to the last door and I will admit you."
+
+Luke Robbins did as directed, and soon found himself in the office of the
+president of the bank.
+
+"You are anxious to secure the reward offered for the capture of these
+outlaws, I believe."
+
+"That's straight."
+
+"Why do you come to me, then?"
+
+"Because a man told me you expected a visit from them."
+
+"That is not quite exact. I don't expect a visit, but I am afraid they may
+take it into their heads to call here."
+
+"Suppose they do."
+
+A shade of anxiety appeared upon the face of the president.
+
+"We should try to foil their plans," he answered.
+
+"Wouldn't you like to have me on hand when they come?"
+
+The president looked over Luke Robbins carefully. He was impressed by his
+bold, resolute air and muscular figure. Evidently he would be a dangerous
+man to meet.
+
+"You are a strong, resolute fellow, I judge," he said thoughtfully.
+
+"Try me and see."
+
+"You would not be afraid to meet these villains single-handed?"
+
+"I never saw the man yet I was afraid to meet."
+
+"So far, so good, but it is not so much strength that is needed as
+quickness. A weak man is more than a match for a strong one if he gets the
+drop on him."
+
+"That's so, but I reckon it'll take a right smart man to get the drop on
+me."
+
+"What have you to propose? I suppose you have formed some plan."
+
+"I would like to stay round the bank and be on the watch for these
+fellows."
+
+"Remain here and I will consult with the cashier."
+
+Five minutes later the president rejoined his visitor.
+
+"I have no objection to securing your services," he said, "if it can be
+done without exciting suspicion. In your present dress your mission would
+at once be guessed, and the outlaws would be on their guard. Have you any
+objection to changing your appearance?"
+
+"Not a particle. All I want is to get a lick at them outlaws."
+
+"Then I think we shall have to make you a little less formidable. Have you
+any objections to becoming a Quaker?"
+
+Luke Robbins laughed.
+
+"What, one of those broad-brimmed fellows?" he said.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will I look the part?"
+
+"Dress will accomplish a good deal. I will tell you what put the idea into
+my head. We used to employ as janitor an old Quaker--a good, honest,
+reliable man. He was about your build. A year since he died, but we have
+hanging up in my office the suit he was accustomed to wear. Put it on, and
+it will make a complete change in your appearance. Your face will hardly
+correspond to your dress, but those who see the garb won't look any
+further."
+
+"That's all right, boss. I don't care how you dress me up, but what will I
+do?"
+
+"I think it will be well for you to keep near the bank, watching carefully
+all who approach. You never saw the Fox brothers, I presume?"
+
+"I never had that pleasure."
+
+"Most people don't regard it as a pleasure. I will give you some
+description of them which may help you to identify them. One is a tall
+man, very nearly as tall as yourself; the other is at least three inches
+shorter. Both have dark hair which they wear long. They have a swaggering
+walk and look their real characters."
+
+"I don't think it'll be hard to spot them. They generally ride on
+horseback, don't they?"
+
+"Generally, but not always. They rode into Lee's Falls and up to the bank
+entrance on horseback. Perhaps for that reason they may appear in
+different guise here."
+
+"You haven't any pictures of them, have you?"
+
+The president laughed.
+
+"No one was ever bold enough to invite them into a photographer's to have
+their pictures taken," he said.
+
+"I see. Well, I think I shall know them."
+
+"Perhaps not. They often adopt disguises."
+
+"They won't come as Quakers?"
+
+"That is hardly likely. I can give you one help. However they may be
+dressed their eyes will betray them. They have flashing black ones, and
+sharp, aquiline noses."
+
+"I'll know them," said Luke confidently.
+
+"I observe that you have a boy with you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is he your son?"
+
+"No; I wish he were. I'd be proud to have such a son as that."
+
+"Perhaps we can use him. The bank messenger--a young man--is sick, and he
+can take his place temporarily."
+
+"Is there any pay for such work?"
+
+"Yes, but it is small. We will give him ten dollars a week. Of course he
+must be honest and trustworthy."
+
+"I'll stake my life on that boy, boss," said Luke warmly.
+
+"His appearance is in his favor. Will you call him?"
+
+Ernest was waiting in the doorway. He was anxious to learn the result of
+Luke's interview with the president of the bank.
+
+"The boss wants to see you," announced Luke.
+
+"All right. What luck are you meeting with, Luke?"
+
+"Good. I've hired out to the bank as a Quaker detective."
+
+Ernest stared at his companion in astonishment. He thought it was a joke.
+
+When he came into the presence of the president the latter said: "I
+understand from your friend here that you would like employment?"
+
+"I should," answered Ernest promptly.
+
+"The post of bank messenger is temporarily vacant. Would you like it?"
+
+"Yes, sir, if you think I can fill it."
+
+"You are rather young for the place, but I think you will fill it
+satisfactorily. We will instruct you in the duties."
+
+"Very well, sir; I accept it with thanks."
+
+"Of course it is necessary that you should be honest and reliable. But
+upon those points I have no doubts. Your face speaks for you."
+
+"Thank you, sir. When do you wish me to begin my duties?"
+
+"To-morrow. I suppose you are not provided with a boarding place. You can
+get settled to-day and report at the bank to-morrow morning at nine."
+
+"Wait here a minute, Ernest," said Luke. "I will join you at once."
+
+When Luke emerged from the president's room he was attired in the Quaker
+costume of his predecessor. Ernest stared at him for a moment, then burst
+into a loud laugh.
+
+"Why does thee laugh?" asked Luke mildly.
+
+This sent Ernest into a second convulsion.
+
+"Do I look like a man of peace?" asked Luke.
+
+"Yes; will you live up to the character?"
+
+"Until I see the Fox brothers."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+AN ARMED ESCORT
+
+
+Luke Robbins entered at once upon his duties as janitor of the Emmonsville
+bank.
+
+He was provided with a broom, and in the morning swept the bank. Sometimes
+he washed the windows; at other times he sat on a bench in the rear of the
+bank, ready for any call upon his services.
+
+Several days passed, and though Luke kept a sharp lookout for the Fox
+brothers he did not catch a glimpse of anyone who resembled them.
+
+Then one morning Luke went to the bank as usual and put on his Quaker
+garb.
+
+About eleven o'clock an elderly man appeared, and presented a check for
+five hundred dollars. The money was paid him, and then he lingered a
+moment, ill at ease.
+
+"I don't like to have so much money about me," he said in a tone that
+betrayed anxiety.
+
+"No doubt you will find plenty who would be willing to relieve you of it,"
+rejoined the paying teller, with a smile.
+
+"That's what I am afraid of. They do say that the Fox brothers have been
+seen not far away."
+
+"Is it absolutely necessary that you should have the money in your
+possession? You could leave it in the bank, or most of it."
+
+"I shall want to use some of it to-morrow, and I live ten miles away--in
+Claremont."
+
+"How are you going back?"
+
+"I have a buggy outside."
+
+"The road to Claremont is rather lonely, I believe."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Why don't you get some one to go with you?"
+
+"I don't know anyone I could get."
+
+"I can find you a companion, but he would want to be paid."
+
+"I'll pay him if he'll see me through all right."
+
+"I have the very man for you. Here, Luke!"
+
+Luke Robbins heard the call and approached.
+
+The farmer looked at him doubtfully.
+
+"A Quaker?" he said in a disappointed tone.
+
+"He is no more a Quaker than you are. He is a detective, and very anxious
+to meet either of the Fox brothers."
+
+The farmer brightened up.
+
+"He's the man I'm after, then."
+
+A bargain was struck between Luke and Ezekiel Mason whereby the farmer
+promised to pay him five dollars to accompany him home and remain
+overnight at the farmhouse until he had disposed of the money in the way
+he intended.
+
+Luke was glad to accept the proposal. It promised variety and possibly
+adventure. The farmer climbed into the buggy and the Quaker detective,
+following, took a seat by his side.
+
+After they had driven some time they reached a part of the road where for
+a clear mile in advance there was not a house or building of any kind to
+be seen.
+
+"This is the place I was most afraid of," said the farmer.
+
+"Yes, it seems to be lonely. I wish one of the Fox brothers would happen
+along."
+
+"Why?" asked the farmer in a tone of alarm.
+
+"Because I'd like to tackle him."
+
+"Why are you so anxious to tackle him? I cannot understand."
+
+"Then I'll tell you, my honest friend. There is a reward of a thousand
+dollars offered for the capture of one of these famous outlaws, dead or
+alive."
+
+Ezekiel Mason shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I'd rather earn the money some other way!" he said.
+
+"You are only a peaceful farmer, while I am a fighting Quaker," responded
+Luke.
+
+As he spoke he looked up the road, and his glance fell upon a short,
+compactly built man in a gray suit, who was walking toward them. He seemed
+a quiet, commonplace person, but there was something about him that
+attracted Luke's attention.
+
+"Do you know that man?" he asked abruptly.
+
+"No," answered Mason after a rapid glance.
+
+"Are the Fox brothers tall men?" asked Luke.
+
+"One only."
+
+"The other?"
+
+"Is about the size of the man who is approaching."
+
+Luke did not reply, but examined still more critically the advancing
+pedestrian.
+
+"If this should be one of the Foxes----" he began.
+
+"Do you think it is?" asked the farmer in a terrified tone.
+
+"I can't tell. If it proves to be, do exactly as I tell you."
+
+"Yes," replied the farmer, now thoroughly alarmed.
+
+By this time the newcomer was but twenty feet distant. Though his
+appearance and dress were commonplace, his eyes, as they could see, were
+dark and glittering.
+
+He made a halt.
+
+"Friends," he said, "can you oblige me with the time?"
+
+The farmer was about to produce his big old-fashioned silver watch when
+Luke nudged him sharply.
+
+"Leave him to me," he whispered in a tone audible only to the farmer.
+
+"Thee has asked the wrong party," he said. "We don't carry watches."
+
+The pedestrian regarded him with contempt. Whoever he might be he looked
+upon a Quaker as a mild, inoffensive person, hardly deserving the name of
+man.
+
+"I didn't speak to you," he said scornfully.
+
+The pedestrian's next move was a bold one.
+
+"I am tired," he said. "Give me a ride."
+
+"Will thee excuse us?" said the Quaker meekly.
+
+"Oh, shut up!" cried the assumed pedestrian. "Quakers should be seen and
+not heard."
+
+Then to the farmer: "I am tired. Let me into your carriage."
+
+"There is no room," said the farmer nervously.
+
+"Then tell the Quaker to get out and I will take his place."
+
+Ezekiel Mason was by no means a brave man and he did not know what to say
+to this impudent proposal.
+
+He looked appealingly at Luke.
+
+"I will accommodate the gentleman," said the latter meekly. With the words
+he rose from his seat and jumped to the ground.
+
+"Shall I assist thee?" he asked the stranger in a mild voice.
+
+"No; I am quite capable of getting into the carriage without help."
+
+The stranger did not immediately get into the buggy.
+
+"I don't care to ride, after all," he said coolly. "Just hand me your
+money, you old clodhopper."
+
+The worst had come. The new arrival was evidently one of the Fox brothers,
+after all.
+
+"Indeed I have no money," said the terrified farmer.
+
+This was true, for he had put the wallet containing the five hundred
+dollars into the hands of Luke.
+
+"You lie! You have just come from the Emmonsville bank, where you drew a
+large amount."
+
+At this proof of knowledge on the part of the outlaw the farmer was almost
+paralyzed. It appeared to him that the robber must be supernaturally
+gifted.
+
+"I haven't got it now," he said.
+
+"You lie!" cried the outlaw sternly. "Come down here and give up the money
+or I'll shoot you."
+
+"You can search me," said Mason desperately.
+
+"Come down then."
+
+"Thee is very unkind," observed Luke.
+
+"Shut up. It is none of your business."
+
+"Thee had better come down and let the man search thee," said Luke to the
+farmer.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+FOX ASTONISHED
+
+
+Ezekiel Mason had been waiting for a hint from Luke, in whom he recognized
+a master spirit. His only hope was in his companion.
+
+"Art thee Mr. Fox?" asked Luke in a tone of mild inquiry.
+
+"I'll let you know who I am," was the swaggering reply.
+
+Though he was but one man opposed to two he had no fears. The farmer was
+evidently cowed and terrified, while the Quaker seemed, though large, to
+be peaceable and harmless.
+
+But in his judgment of Luke the outlaw was very much at fault. When
+threatening the farmer he had covered him with his revolver, but as he was
+preparing to leave the buggy he carelessly lowered it. Luke, who was
+aching to attack him, noticed this.
+
+While Fox, for it was one of the notorious brothers, was standing in
+careless security, the Quaker sprang upon him like a panther upon his
+prey. He knocked the revolver from his hand, with one powerful blow felled
+him to the ground, and placed his foot upon his prostrate form.
+
+Never, perhaps, in a career crowded with exciting adventures had the
+outlaw been so thoroughly surprised.
+
+"What the mischief does this mean?" he ejaculated, struggling to rise.
+
+"It means that thee has mistaken thy man," answered Luke coolly.
+
+"Let me go or I'll kill you!" shrieked the outlaw fiercely.
+
+"If you try to get up I'll put a bullet through your head," replied Luke,
+pointing at him with his own revolver.
+
+In his excitement he had dropped his Quaker speech, and this the outlaw
+noted.
+
+"Are you a Quaker?" he asked abruptly.
+
+"No more than you are," answered Luke. "Farmer, bring out the rope."
+
+Ezekiel Mason from the bottom of the buggy produced a long and stout piece
+of clothes-line.
+
+"What do you mean to do?" inquired the outlaw uneasily.
+
+"You will see soon enough. No, don't try to get up, as you value your
+life. Now tie him, Mason, while I keep him covered with the revolver."
+
+"We've had enough of this," said the outlaw sullenly. "Let me go and I'll
+do you no harm."
+
+"I don't mean that you shall, my honest friend."
+
+"But if you persist in this outrage I swear that you will be a dead man
+within thirty days."
+
+"Be careful how you talk or you may be a dead man within thirty minutes,"
+answered Luke.
+
+While the outlaw was covered by Luke's revolver Farmer Mason, though his
+tremulous hands showed that he was nervous, managed to tie him securely.
+Fox began to understand the sort of man with whom he was dealing and
+remained silent, but his brain was busy trying to devise some method of
+escape.
+
+At length the dangerous prisoner was securely tied.
+
+"What shall we do with him?" asked Ezekiel.
+
+"Where's the nearest prison?"
+
+"At Crampton."
+
+"How far away?"
+
+"Twelve miles."
+
+"In what direction?"
+
+"It is four miles beyond Claremont," answered the farmer.
+
+"Where you live?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then we will go there first."
+
+"But how shall we carry--this gentleman?" asked the farmer, who could not
+get over a feeling of deference for the celebrated outlaw.
+
+"We'll put him into the back part of the buggy."
+
+By the united efforts of both the outlaw, like a trussed fowl, was
+deposited bodily in the rear of the carriage, where he lay in a most
+uncomfortable position, jolted and shaken whenever the road was rough or
+uneven.
+
+"You'll repent this outrage," he said fiercely.
+
+"Doesn't thee like it?" asked Luke, relapsing into his Quaker dialect.
+
+"Curse you and your Quaker lingo!" retorted Fox, his black eyes sparkling
+vindictively.
+
+"It wouldn't do thee any harm to turn Quaker thyself," suggested Luke.
+
+"I'll be bruised to death before the ride is over," growled the outlaw.
+
+"There is one way of saving you the discomfort of the ride."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I might shoot you through the head. As the reward is the same whether I
+deliver you alive or dead I have a great mind to do it."
+
+The outlaw was made still more uncomfortable by these words. He had wholly
+misunderstood Luke at first, and the revelation of his real character had
+impressed him not only with respect but fear. He did not know of what this
+pseudo Quaker might be capable. He longed in some way to get out of his
+power. Force was impracticable, and he resolved to resort to finesse.
+
+"Look here, my friend," he began.
+
+"So you regard me as a friend? Thank you, Brother Fox; I won't forget
+it."
+
+"Oh, bother your nonsense! I suppose you are after the thousand dollars
+offered for my apprehension."
+
+"You have guessed right the first time. I am not a rich man, and I don't
+mind telling you that a thousand dollars will be particularly acceptable
+just about now."
+
+"So I suppose. You don't feel particularly unfriendly to me?"
+
+"Oh, no. I might under different circumstances come to love you like a
+brother."
+
+"Or join my band?"
+
+"Well, no; I draw the line there. As a Quaker I could not consistently
+join a band of robbers."
+
+"Who are you?" asked Fox abruptly. "You weren't raised around here."
+
+"No."
+
+"Where, then?"
+
+"I came from Iowa."
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"My friend, I haven't any visiting cards with me. You can think of me as
+the Quaker detective."
+
+"Then I will come to business. You want a thousand dollars?"
+
+"You are correct there."
+
+"Then I will show you a way to get it."
+
+"I know one way already."
+
+"You mean by delivering me up?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That would not suit me. Let me go and I will give you a thousand
+dollars."
+
+"Have you got it with you?"
+
+"No, but I can arrange to give it to you within a week. You see," added
+the outlaw dryly, "I have been prosperous in my business and can spare
+that sum in return for giving me my liberty."
+
+"I am afraid, friend Fox, that my chance of securing the money in that way
+would be slender."
+
+"I am a man of my word. What I promise, I will do."
+
+"If you have so much money, why did you want to take the five hundred
+dollars of my friend here?"
+
+"It was all in the way of business. Well, what do you say?"
+
+"That I won't trust you. If I should take your thousand dollars for
+releasing you I should be as bad as you are."
+
+"Very well; drive on then," said the outlaw sullenly.
+
+In less than an hour Ezekiel Mason's home was reached. When they drove
+into the yard it made quite a sensation. Mrs. Mason and the hired man
+stood with mouths agape.
+
+"Who have you got there, Ezekiel?" asked his wife.
+
+"One of the Fox brothers!" answered the farmer in an important tone. "Me
+and my friend here took him."
+
+Luke smiled and so did the prisoner, uncomfortable though he was.
+
+"It would have taken a dozen like that fool to have captured me," he said
+in a low voice, but only Luke heard him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+UNDER WATCH AND WARD
+
+
+THE farmhouse was built after the model of many similar houses in New
+England. It was of two stories, with the front door in the center and a
+room on each side. Over the two stories was an unfurnished attic.
+
+"Have you a secure place to keep our friend here?" asked Luke.
+
+The farmer paused before he answered.
+
+"I might put him in the attic," he said.
+
+But here his wife interfered.
+
+"I couldn't sleep if he were in the house," she said.
+
+"Why not?" asked Luke. "You see he is securely bound and will be as
+helpless as a child. Will you show me the attic?"
+
+"Follow me," said the farmer.
+
+They went up two flights of stairs and found themselves in a long room,
+the whole width of the house. Through the center rose the chimney. The
+sloping roof was not plastered. The only furniture consisted of a cot
+bedstead and a chair.
+
+"Is the attic occupied by any of the family?" asked Luke.
+
+"Not generally. When I hire an extra hand at harvest time he sleeps
+there."
+
+"But at present there is no one occupying it?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I suggest that the bed will prove a good resting place for our
+friend below. I have no doubt he has often found himself in lodgings less
+comfortable."
+
+"But," said Mrs. Mason nervously, "if he should get free during the night
+he might murder us all in our beds."
+
+"There is little chance of that. When your husband bound him he did a good
+job. I wouldn't undertake to get free myself if I were bound as
+securely."
+
+"That's so!" said the farmer, pleased with the compliment. "He can't get
+away nohow."
+
+Over in the corner there were a couple of horse blankets which seemed to
+offer a comfortable resting-place. Luke Robbins eyed them thoughtfully.
+
+"I have an idea," he said. "Let the outlaw lie there and one of us can
+occupy the bed. Then he won't be able to try any of his tricks."
+
+"I would rather not sleep there," observed the farmer nervously. "I
+couldn't sleep in the same room with one of the Fox brothers."
+
+"Then if you couldn't sleep there you are just the man we want. You will
+always be on the watch and can frustrate any attempt to escape."
+
+"No, no," said Ezekiel Mason hurriedly. "Kate could not close her eyes if
+she thought I were alone with John Fox."
+
+"No," answered Mrs. Mason with a shudder, "I won't let Ezekiel sleep in
+the same room with that bold, bad man."
+
+"I wouldn't be afraid myself," said the farmer, trying to keep up his
+reputation for courage, "but I don't want my wife to be anxious."
+
+Luke Robbins smiled, for he understood very well the timidity of his host.
+"Then," he said, "as I have no wife to be anxious about me, perhaps I had
+better sleep here."
+
+"Yes, that will be much better," rejoined the relieved farmer. "You are a
+brave man. Mr. Fox won't get the better of you."
+
+"Not if I can help it," said Luke. "Will that suit you, Mrs. Mason?"
+
+"Why don't you take him on to the jail at once?" asked the woman. "I shall
+feel worried if he spends the night in this house."
+
+"I hear that he has escaped from jail no less than three times. If he
+should do so to-night he would at once come here and perhaps bring some of
+his band with him. He knows there is a good sum of money in the house."
+
+"I shall be glad when it is paid out," said the farmer's wife.
+
+"Don't worry, Mrs. Mason. I have promised your husband that no harm should
+come to him, and that the money should be secure and I will keep my
+word."
+
+"So you did," said Ezekiel, brightening up, "and I will pay you what I
+agreed if you keep your promise."
+
+"Friend Mason," responded Luke, "I am playing for higher stakes than five
+dollars. All depends on my keeping this outlaw secure. I mean to do it."
+
+Having settled matters they went downstairs again, where they found their
+prisoner waiting impatiently for their reappearance.
+
+"Well," he said, "have you decided to let me go?"
+
+"I am sorry to disappoint you, my friend," answered Luke, "but I don't see
+my way clear to do so."
+
+"I promised you a thousand dollars if you would release me."
+
+"Yes, but I haven't any confidence in that promise."
+
+"You need not fear. In three days I would bring or send the money to you
+here."
+
+"Couldn't you oblige me with a check on the bank where you keep your
+money?" asked Luke smiling.
+
+"I keep my money in several banks," returned the outlaw.
+
+"Where, for instance?"
+
+"I had some in the bank at Lee's Falls, but I drew it out the other day."
+
+"So I heard. Have you any money in the Emmonsville bank?"
+
+"Yes, but I am not quite ready to take it yet. I can give you an order on
+the bank if that will suit."
+
+"Thank you; I doubt if the order would be honored."
+
+"All this talk amounts to nothing," said Fox impatiently. "I tell you that
+if you release me I will bring or send you the money."
+
+"And how soon would you want it back again?"
+
+"Whenever I saw my way clear to taking it," said the outlaw boldly.
+
+"I like that talk. It looks square. I'll think over your offer, friend
+Fox, and let you know in the morning what I decide to do."
+
+The outlaw frowned. He evidently did not like the prospect of remaining in
+captivity overnight.
+
+"What are you going to do with me to-night?" he asked.
+
+"We have a comfortable place provided," answered Luke. "Mr. Mason, if you
+will give your assistance, we will show our guest where we propose to put
+him."
+
+"Unbind me and I will save you the trouble."
+
+"No doubt; but there are some objections to that."
+
+The outlaw was lifted from the wagon and carried upstairs to the attic.
+His ankles as well as his wrists were securely tied, so that he was unable
+to walk.
+
+"Friend Fox," said Luke politely, "there is a bed and there is a
+shakedown," pointing to the blankets on the floor. "You can take your
+choice. I hope you will like your hotel."
+
+"I shall like it better if it provides refreshments," replied Fox. "I am
+famished."
+
+"I am sure Mrs. Mason will furnish you with a meal. I will speak to her."
+
+The outlaw seated himself on the bed and the cord about his wrists was
+loosened so that he might be able to eat. This might have been regarded as
+dangerous, as affording him an opportunity to escape, but for two reasons.
+In a chair opposite sat Luke Robbins with a revolver in his hand, watching
+his prisoner sharply.
+
+"If you make any attempt to escape," he said quietly, "I shall shoot. Now
+you understand and will be guided accordingly."
+
+In spite of his unpleasant situation the outlaw could not help admiring
+the coolness and resolution of his guard.
+
+"You would make a capital accession to my band," he remarked.
+
+"If that is meant for a compliment," said Luke dryly, "I thank you."
+
+"You had better think it over. Join my band and I will make it worth your
+while."
+
+He fixed his eyes earnestly upon his captor to see whether he had made any
+impression upon him.
+
+"When I start on any road," he said, "I like to know where it is coming
+out."
+
+"Well, this road will lead to wealth."
+
+"I don't read it that way."
+
+"How then?"
+
+"It will more likely lead to a violent death--or the gallows."
+
+"I have been on that path for ten years and I am alive and----"
+
+"A prisoner."
+
+"Yes, at present; but I can tell you this, my Quaker friend, that the tree
+has not yet grown that will furnish a gallows for John Fox."
+
+"Perhaps so, but I don't feel sure of it."
+
+The outlaw's predicament did not appear to interfere with his appetite.
+When he had completed his meal Luke called the farmer and requested him to
+tie his wrists again.
+
+"You can do it better than I," he said. "Besides, I shall need to stand
+guard."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+JOHN FOX FINDS A KNIFE
+
+
+The outlaw was left for several hours alone in the attic of the farmer's
+house. He felt far from comfortable, and he experienced great
+mortification at the thought that he had been captured by a Quaker.
+
+"I shall never hold up my head again--that is," he added after a pause,
+"unless I circumvent him and get away."
+
+Fox dragged himself to the window and looked out.
+
+"If only my brother knew where I was," he reflected, "he would soon turn
+the tables on those clodhoppers."
+
+But, as he knew, his brother was twenty miles away on a different
+expedition.
+
+John Fox was a man of expedients. In his long career as an outlaw he had
+more than once been "in a hole," but he had never failed by some means to
+extricate himself.
+
+It was not for some time that he bethought himself of a knife that he had
+in his pocket. If he could get it out he would be able to cut the ropes
+that bound him and escape, if he were not interfered with.
+
+He looked out of the window again and saw Luke Robbins and the farmer
+walking up the road.
+
+"They think I am safe," soliloquized Fox, "but perhaps they may find
+themselves mistaken."
+
+He reflected with satisfaction that there was no one in the house but Mrs.
+Mason and himself. Yet as matters stood he was helpless even against her.
+
+As it was uncertain how long his two jailers would be absent, it behooved
+him to escape as soon as possible. There was a difficulty in the way, as
+his hands were securely tied together at the wrist, and he could not
+thrust them into his pocket and obtain the knife. But possibly by rolling
+over he might manage to make it slip out. It seemed the only possible way
+to accomplish his object, so he at once set to work. Rolling over and
+over, he at length found himself in such a position that the knife--a
+large jackknife--slipped from the gaping mouth of the pocket.
+
+"Ha, that is the first step toward success!" he cried triumphantly.
+
+Next he must pick up the knife and open it. This was easier than the first
+step. His hands were tied at the wrist, but his fingers were free. It
+seemed a simple thing to open the knife, but it took him some time. At
+last, however, he succeeded.
+
+"That is the second step toward liberty," he said in a jubilant tone.
+
+The next thing was to cut the cord that bound his wrists. That was
+difficult. In fact it took him longer than both the first steps together.
+It chanced that the knife had not been sharpened for a long time. Then the
+cord was stout and thick, and even had his hands been free it would have
+taken him some time to cut it.
+
+"If they should come back it would be maddening," he reflected, and as the
+thought came to him he looked out of the window. But nowhere were the two
+men visible.
+
+"They are fools! They don't know me!" said the outlaw.
+
+He resumed his efforts to cut the cord. After twenty minutes the last
+strand parted, and with a feeling of relief John Fox stretched out his
+hands, free once more.
+
+His feet were tied, but with his hands at liberty there was little
+difficulty in cutting the rope that tied them.
+
+In less than five minutes the outlaw rose to his feet a free man.
+
+He smiled--a smile of exultation and triumph.
+
+"My Quaker friend will be surprised to find me gone. He will understand
+John Fox a little better. He will have to wait a little longer for his
+thousand dollars."
+
+John Fox was himself again, but for the first time in ten years, except
+when he was the temporary tenant of a jail, he was unarmed.
+
+"What has that fellow done with my revolver?" he asked himself. "If it is
+anywhere in the house I won't go off without it."
+
+Half an hour earlier he would have been content with his liberty. Now he
+wanted his revolver, and his thoughts recurred to the money which the
+farmer had drawn that morning from the bank. It was five hundred dollars,
+as Luke had rather incautiously let out.
+
+John Fox was not without hopes of securing both. The coast was clear, and
+only Mrs. Mason was left in the house. He might terrify her, and so secure
+what he had set his heart upon. But there was no time to be lost, as Luke
+and the farmer might return any minute.
+
+The outlaw went downstairs, stepping as lightly as he could.
+
+On the lower floor Mrs. Mason was in the kitchen preparing the evening
+meal. She had at first been reluctant to remain alone in the house with
+the outlaw, but Luke had reassured her by the statement that he was
+securely bound and could not get away.
+
+She turned from the stove at the sound of a foot-fall. There was the
+notorious outlaw standing in the doorway with an ironical smile upon his
+face.
+
+The terrified woman sank back into a chair and regarded John Fox with a
+scared look.
+
+"You here!" she exclaimed.
+
+"Yes, Mrs. Mason, it is I."
+
+"How did you get free? My husband told me that you were bound."
+
+"So I was, and I will do your husband the justice to say that he
+understands his business. I had trouble to break loose."
+
+"However could you have done it?" asked the amazed woman.
+
+"I won't go into details, for there isn't time. Now listen to me and obey
+my commands. Your Quaker friend took my revolver away. I want you to get
+it and give it to me."
+
+"Indeed I can't do it, sir, for I don't know where it is." Mrs. Mason's
+tone was a terrified one.
+
+"That won't do," said John Fox sternly. "It is somewhere in the house.
+Look for it."
+
+"Indeed, sir, you are mistaken. I am sure that Mr.--the Quaker gentleman
+has taken it with him."
+
+"I don't believe anything of the kind. He had no doubt a revolver of his
+own, and would not care to carry two."
+
+"You may be right, sir, but I don't know where it is."
+
+"Is there any revolver in the house?" he demanded impatiently. "I should
+prefer my own, but I will take any."
+
+"I will look, sir, if you wish me to."
+
+"Wait a minute. There is something else I must have. Where is that five
+hundred dollars your husband drew from the bank?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"Tell the truth, or it will be the worse for you!"
+
+"I am ready to tell the truth, but I don't know."
+
+"Where does your husband usually keep any money he may have in the
+house?"
+
+"In the desk in the next room."
+
+"Probably he has put the money there. Is the desk locked?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you the key?"
+
+"Here it is, sir," and Mrs. Mason meekly passed him a small-sized key.
+
+"Good! I see you are growing sensible. Now come with me."
+
+Together they entered the room and Mrs. Mason pointed to the desk.
+
+It was an ordinary upright desk. John Fox opened it with the key. The desk
+opened, the outlaw began at once to search eagerly for the money.
+
+There was a multiplicity of small drawers, which he opened eagerly, but he
+found no cash except four silver half dollars and some smaller silver.
+
+"It isn't here!" he said in a tone of sullen disappointment, turning a
+baffled look upon the farmer's wife.
+
+"No, sir, I didn't think it was there."
+
+"Where do you think it is? Do you think your husband has it with him?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Where then can it be? Surely you must have some suspicion. Don't dare to
+trifle with me."
+
+"Indeed I wouldn't, sir. I think the Quaker gentleman has it."
+
+"Curse him!" exclaimed the outlaw angrily. "Have you any other money in
+the house?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I have a great mind to kill you!" said Fox, with a look of ferocity.
+
+The terrified woman uttered a scream of dismay that excited the fierce
+outlaw still more. He sprang toward her and seized her by the throat.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+JUST IN TIME
+
+
+John Fox had been so occupied with his terrified victim that he quite
+forgot the possibility of his two captors returning.
+
+It so happened that both were approaching the house when they heard Mrs.
+Mason's cry of terror.
+
+"What's that?" exclaimed the farmer in alarm.
+
+"I believe that scoundrel has got loose," answered Luke.
+
+He quickened his pace and entered the house just in time to become a
+witness of the outlaw's brutality.
+
+It was no time to hesitate or parley. He sprang upon the robber, dashed
+him to the ground and put his foot upon his breast.
+
+"What deviltry are you up to, you wretch?" he demanded. Then turning to
+Mrs. Mason he asked, "Why did he attack you?"
+
+"He wanted my husband's money--and a revolver," answered the trembling
+woman.
+
+"I have a great mind to give him the contents of the revolver!" said Luke
+sternly.
+
+John Fox was not a coward, but as he looked up at the stern face of the
+Quaker detective he quailed, almost for the first time in his life. He
+tried to rise, but the heavy foot of Luke Robbins was on his breast.
+
+"Let me up!" he growled.
+
+"You don't deserve to get up! You shall lie there forever for your
+cowardice in attacking a woman!"
+
+"I would rather it had been you!" said John Fox bitterly.
+
+"You are safe in attacking a woman," said the detective in scornful
+sarcasm.
+
+The outlaw was stung by his assailant's scorn.
+
+"I have attacked many better men than you," he replied, "and some have not
+lived to tell the tale!"
+
+"So you own up to being a murderer? I am ready to believe you. I have a
+great mind to shoot you where you lie!" and Luke pointed his revolver at
+the prostrate outlaw.
+
+"That would be the act of a coward," said John Fox, hastily, his cheek
+turning pale.
+
+"Not exactly that, for I have mastered you in a fair fight, but there is
+one thing that holds back my hand. Do you know what it is?"
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I should cheat the gallows of its due. Here, farmer!"
+
+Ezekiel Mason, pale and trembling, was standing on the threshold.
+
+"What is it?" he asked.
+
+"Go and get another rope."
+
+The farmer left the house, and going to an outhouse returned with a stout
+clothes-line.
+
+"Tie him again while I hold him," was Luke's command. "Tie him as securely
+as before--more so, if possible. How did you get loose?"
+
+"Find out for yourself!" said the outlaw sullenly.
+
+"I mean to, and I don't intend that you shall escape a second time."
+
+Meanwhile John Fox was execrating his folly in not escaping when he had
+the chance. If he had not waited for the revolver and money he might by
+this time have been out of danger.
+
+Yet he was not without hope. He still had the knife in his pocket. It was
+ready for use and he meant to use it.
+
+No doubt he would be taken back to the attic. If Luke Robbins should be
+his companion, all the better. After cutting his bonds the knife might end
+the life of the man who had inflicted such humiliation upon him.
+
+He did not speak, but his eyes betrayed him. There was such a revengeful
+gleam in them that Luke read their meaning without trouble.
+
+"If I am ever at the mercy of that ruffian," he thought, "I wouldn't give
+much for my chance of keeping a whole skin."
+
+When the outlaw lay securely bound Luke summoned the farmer.
+
+"Watch him for five minutes, Mr. Mason," he said. "I am going to the attic
+to learn if I can how he got loose."
+
+Ezekiel Mason looked uncomfortable, but did not object. He was half afraid
+of John Fox even in his helpless condition.
+
+"Have you a revolver?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then take it out, and if he makes an effort to escape shoot him without a
+moment's hesitation."
+
+It gratified the outlaw to see how much afraid of him the farmer was, even
+in his helpless condition. But he could not flatter himself that he had
+inspired any terror in Luke Robbins. Against his will he was compelled to
+pay tribute to the resolute courage of the Quaker detective. As he met the
+gaze of the farmer he smiled to himself sardonically.
+
+"You've got the advantage of me," he said. "I am bound and helpless, while
+you are free and are armed. Still you are afraid of me."
+
+"Why should I be?" asked Mason, but his tone was not firm.
+
+"Yes, why should you be? I'll tell you. If ever I have you where I am now
+I'll give you fifteen minutes to say your prayers."
+
+"Oh, what a terrible man!" said Mrs. Mason with a shudder. "You wouldn't
+kill him?"
+
+"Yes, I would. But there is one way of escape."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"Loose these bonds and let me go before your Quaker friend comes down and
+your life will be safe, and your wife's."
+
+Ezekiel Mason shook his head feebly.
+
+"I don't dare to do it," he said.
+
+"Do as you please, but the time will come when you will be sorry that you
+refused. What are you afraid of? You are armed, while I have no weapon."
+
+"I am afraid of Luke."
+
+"You needn't be. He would find fault with you, but that would be all."
+
+Ezekiel Mason was weak, but not weak enough to yield to the persuasions of
+his prisoner. Besides, he knew that Luke would come down from the attic
+directly.
+
+In fact, he was already close at hand. He brought in his hand the cut
+fragments of the cord with which the outlaw had originally been bound.
+
+"This tells the story," he said, holding up the rope so that the farmer
+and his wife could see it. "This rope has been cut. The man has a knife."
+
+John Fox darted a malignant look at him, but said nothing.
+
+"You are smart, John Fox," Luke went on, "smarter than I thought. Where is
+your knife?"
+
+John Fox did not reply.
+
+Luke Robbins knelt down and thrust his hand unceremoniously into the
+outlaw's pocket.
+
+He drew out the knife which had done him so much service.
+
+"This will be safer with me than with you," he said.
+
+"Would you rob me?" demanded the outlaw.
+
+"Yes, of anything it is not proper for you to have."
+
+To John Fox the disappointment was bitter. He was, if anything, more
+securely tied than before, and it would be quite impossible to loosen the
+rope or free himself without the help of the knife. His hope of getting
+loose during the night and killing Luke was at an end.
+
+"Did he say anything while I was upstairs?" asked Luke.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What was it?"
+
+"He wanted me to set him free."
+
+"Did he offer you money?"
+
+"No, but he threatened that he would some time take my life."
+
+"He is a terrible man!" said Mrs. Mason, shuddering. "I shall not feel
+safe to-night with him in the house."
+
+"I don't propose to let him stay in the house all night."
+
+The prisoner, the farmer and his wife looked at Luke inquiringly.
+
+"I think, farmer," said Luke, "you'd better harness up and we will take
+our friend to the jail in Crampton."
+
+"What, to-night?"
+
+"Yes; the sooner he is safely disposed of the better; at any rate we will
+have shifted the responsibility to the authorities."
+
+"Yes, it will be better," said Mrs. Mason in a tone of relief.
+
+The buggy was made ready, and the outlaw was packed in the back part of
+it. Toward nightfall the warden of the prison at Crampton was startled by
+the arrival of the farmer and Luke bringing with them the notorious outlaw
+whose name was in every mouth. He hardly knew whether to be sorry or glad,
+for no prison yet had been secure enough to hold him.
+
+"I will leave my name," said Luke, "and I shall hereafter claim the reward
+for his capture."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+ERNEST HAS AN ADVENTURE
+
+
+Luke Robbins remained at the farmhouse till the middle of the next day. At
+that hour the sum of money which Mason had withdrawn from the bank was
+transferred to the party for whom it was intended, and Luke's mission was
+at an end.
+
+He received from the farmer the stipulated five dollars, and started on
+his return to Emmonsville, Ezekiel Mason driving him the greater part of
+the way.
+
+Luke arrived at the bank half-an-hour before it closed and reported his
+success, including the capture of John Fox. He was congratulated on his
+success, but noticed that the officers of the bank looked grave.
+
+"Is anything the matter?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," answered the cashier. "At one o'clock yesterday we sent your young
+friend Ernest with a thousand dollars in United States bonds to the bank
+at Lee's Falls, and we have received no tidings from him."
+
+"What do you fear?" asked Luke hurriedly.
+
+"We fear that he may have been captured by some of the Fox gang, and be in
+confinement, or else----"
+
+"What?"
+
+"Killed or wounded," added the cashier.
+
+"He could not have met John Fox, for I held him in custody."
+
+"There was the other brother, James, who was at large."
+
+"James is the tall brother?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then," said Luke, "I shall have to hunt him, too. Will you grant me leave
+of absence?"
+
+"Gladly. We want to recover the bonds, but we care still more for the
+safety of the boy."
+
+Indeed Ernest had become popular with the bank officials as well as with
+the residents of Emmonsville. The cashier spoke truly when he said that he
+cared more for the boy's safety than for the recovery of the bonds.
+
+"Can you tell me anything that will help me in my expedition?" asked Luke.
+"Have you any idea where the Fox gang would be likely to carry Ernest?"
+
+"It is generally supposed that the band have a secret rendezvous somewhere
+within a dozen miles, but no one has been able to discover where it is."
+
+"And you think that Ernest would be carried there?"
+
+"Yes, they would hardly bring themselves to kill a young boy. He would be
+easily overpowered by a grown man, so that there would be no excuse for
+murderous violence."
+
+"How did the boy go?"
+
+"He walked."
+
+"But it was a long distance."
+
+"Yes, about ten miles. We at first thought of providing him with a
+saddle-horse, but there was one objection."
+
+"What was that?"
+
+"He would have been more likely to be suspected of being out on some
+mission."
+
+Leaving Luke Robbins to start on his search for Ernest, we will go back to
+the time when the boy messenger left the bank on the day previous.
+
+The United States bonds were inclosed in an envelope and carried in an
+inner pocket, which had been expressly made by an Emmonsville tailor on
+his first connecting himself with the bank. The pocket was unusually deep,
+so as to accommodate a long parcel.
+
+This was the most important commission on which Ernest had been employed,
+and he was pleased with the confidence reposed in him. He did not dread
+the long walk, for he was a strong and active boy. Besides, he was
+authorized to accept a ride if one should be offered him.
+
+He would arrive at Lee's Falls after the bank was closed, but he was
+instructed to call at the residence of the cashier and leave the bonds.
+
+Ernest had walked three miles when he met with an adventure.
+
+On the borders of a small pond he caught sight of a small Indian boy
+playing. He was probably not more than three years of age. A stick he was
+playing with fell into the pond, and the little fellow reached over to
+recover it. In doing so he lost his balance and fell into the water; there
+was a scream and a splash, and Ernest no sooner saw the accident than he
+ran up, threw off his coat and vest, lest he should wet the bonds, and
+plunged into the pond.
+
+The young bank messenger was an expert swimmer, and in an instant had
+seized the child and placed him out of danger. The little Indian boy clung
+to him instinctively, feeling safe with his young protector.
+
+"Where do you live, little boy?" asked Ernest.
+
+"Out yonder," answered the child.
+
+Ernest had not been quite sure whether he would be able to understand or
+speak English, but having been brought up among white people he was as
+familiar with English as most white boys of his age.
+
+Ernest looked in the direction pointed out by the boy. At the distance of
+a hundred rods he saw a rude log-house. Smoke was curling from a chimney.
+Outside sat an Indian about forty years of age smoking a pipe.
+
+He seemed busily thinking, having the grave face characteristic of the
+average Indian. He did not immediately notice the approach of his little
+son. But when they were near the Indian boy uttered a cry, pronouncing
+some Indian word which possibly meant "father."
+
+Then the red man looked up, and his grave face changed as he recognized
+his boy in the company of a young white stranger.
+
+He rose hastily from his seat and advanced to meet the two who were
+approaching.
+
+"What has happened?" he asked in clear and distinct English.
+
+"Your little boy fell into the water," explained Ernest.
+
+"And you saved him?"
+
+"Yes," answered Ernest modestly. "I saw him fall and jumped in after
+him."
+
+"Was the water deep?"
+
+"About so deep," said Ernest, placing his hand about five feet from the
+ground.
+
+"Then he would have been drowned if you had not been near?"
+
+"Yes, if he could not swim."
+
+"He is too young to swim. But you are wet," added the Indian, noticing for
+the first time the condition of Ernest's clothes.
+
+"Yes, a little."
+
+"Come in," said the Indian abruptly.
+
+He led the way into the log-cabin.
+
+There was a stove in the center of the room, and the air was so heated as
+to be uncomfortable. As he led the child in a stout Indian woman came
+forward with a cry and took him in her arms. Her husband rapidly explained
+what had happened. She instantly stripped the clothes from the child and
+put on a dry change.
+
+"Now," said the Indian, turning to Ernest, "take off your wet clothes."
+
+Though Ernest knew that it was wise to do so, he felt bashful about
+removing them in presence of the woman. But his Indian host brought from a
+nail on which they hung a pair of buckskin breeches of his own and offered
+them to Ernest for temporary use.
+
+Ernest no longer hesitated, but made the substitution.
+
+As the Indian was four or five inches taller than himself, the legs
+covered his feet. He laughed as he saw how they looked, and the Indian's
+serious face relaxed a little from the same cause.
+
+"Now I will dry your clothes," he said.
+
+He took a chair and, hanging the wet garments over the back, placed it
+very near the stove. Ernest hardly liked to lose so much time, but he knew
+that it would not be safe to wear the trousers in their soaked condition.
+
+"You speak English very well," he said, turning to the Indian.
+
+"Yes; I have spent much time with white people," was the answer.
+
+"Do you support yourself by hunting?" went on Ernest.
+
+"Yes, I am a hunter, but I go with rich white people from the cities and
+with Englishmen who want a guide."
+
+"And do they pay you well?" asked Ernest, not quite sure whether he was
+not showing too much curiosity.
+
+"Yes, they pay me well. I have some money in the bank."
+
+Then Ernest remembered having seen the Indian one day at the bank. He was
+told at the time that his name was John Castro, and that he had several
+hundred dollars on deposit.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+JOHN CASTRO
+
+
+While Ernest's clothes were drying the Indian woman was bustling about the
+stove. The boy did not suspect her object till she placed on the table a
+plate of Indian cakes hot from the oven and he was invited to partake.
+
+It was the first time he had ever been a guest in an Indian family, and he
+hesitated, but saw that his refusal to partake might hurt the feelings of
+his new friends. He seated himself at the table, and found the cakes
+really very good.
+
+When his clothes were dry he rose to go.
+
+"Won't you stay all night?" asked Castro.
+
+"Thank you. I cannot spare the time. I must push on."
+
+"Where are you going?" asked the Indian.
+
+"To Lee's Falls."
+
+"I will go with you a short distance."
+
+So they set out together.
+
+At length John Castro stopped.
+
+"That is your way," he said. "I wish you a pleasant journey. I will not
+forget what you have done for my little son. If ever you are in trouble
+send for John Castro."
+
+"I thank you."
+
+The Indian shook hands with him gravely and turned back toward his cabin.
+
+All this had taken time. Ernest had no watch with him, but he estimated
+that the adventure had cost him two hours. However, he had saved a boy's
+life.
+
+Again he had made a friend. The friend was an Indian, but Ernest was wise
+enough to consider that no friend, however humble, is to be despised.
+
+It was clear that he would reach his destination late, and he began to
+wish that some carriage would overtake him in which he might ask for a
+ride.
+
+But he walked two miles farther without encountering any team. At last,
+however, he heard the rumble of wheels, and turning round to see whether
+there was room in the vehicle, he saw that it was a buggy driven by a
+tall, thin man with dark hair, swarthy face and a long, aquiline nose.
+
+The driver eyed Ernest sharply and brought the buggy to a standstill.
+
+"Where are you going, boy?" he asked.
+
+"To Lee's Falls."
+
+"Where have you come from?"
+
+"From Emmonsville."
+
+"It is a long walk."
+
+"Yes. Do you think you could give me a lift?"
+
+"Perhaps so. Jump in."
+
+Ernest lost no time in availing himself of the invitation.
+
+"Where were you going in Lee's Falls?" he asked.
+
+Ernest felt that it would be imprudent to mention that his destination was
+the bank, so he answered guardedly, "I am going to see the town. I may
+stop overnight."
+
+"At the hotel?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"It is not much of a place to see," said the driver, watching his
+companion curiously.
+
+"It is larger than Emmonsville, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes. How long have you been in Emmonsville?"
+
+"Not long."
+
+"Where do you live there?"
+
+"At Mrs. Larkins'."
+
+"Do you go to school?"
+
+"No."
+
+Meanwhile the horse was traveling very slowly, and it seemed to Ernest
+that he would go over the road quite as fast if he had continued to walk.
+He began to think it was his turn to ask questions.
+
+"Are you going all the way to Lee's Falls?" he asked.
+
+"I may go nearly there."
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for giving me a lift. I was quite tired."
+
+The driver smiled.
+
+"Perhaps I have an object," he said.
+
+Ernest looked an inquiry.
+
+"The pleasure of your company," explained his companion with a smile.
+
+"Thank you," answered Ernest.
+
+"Now I come to look at you, I think I have seen you before," continued the
+driver.
+
+"Where?"
+
+"In Emmonsville--at the bank."
+
+Ernest became alarmed. There was a significance in his companion's tone
+which excited his alarm. But he did not dare show his feelings. He
+remained outwardly calm, though inwardly disturbed.
+
+"Very probably," he said; "I have been there."
+
+His companion laughed. He was playing with the boy as a cat plays with a
+captive mouse. Ernest began to consider whether he could not think of some
+pretext for getting out of the buggy.
+
+Suddenly the buggy stopped.
+
+"I will get out here," said Ernest quickly.
+
+"Not quite yet. I have not got through questioning you."
+
+"I am in a hurry," said Ernest.
+
+"You must wait till your hurry is over. Now tell me truly, are you not
+bound for the Lee's Falls bank?"
+
+Ernest was startled.
+
+"You see, I know more about you than you suppose. You are the bank
+messenger."
+
+It seemed useless to deny it. The question now was, was his secret packet
+in danger?
+
+"I have sometimes acted as bank messenger," he said warily.
+
+"And you are acting in that capacity now. What are you taking to the Lee's
+Falls bank?"
+
+Ernest turned pale. His worst fears were confirmed.
+
+"Why do you ask?" he said.
+
+"Because I want to know."
+
+"What business can it be of yours?" demanded Ernest boldly.
+
+"Don't be impudent, boy! Hand me the package of money."
+
+"I have no package of money."
+
+"Then you have bonds."
+
+Ernest remained silent.
+
+"I see that I have hit it. Now hand over the bonds, if you value your
+life."
+
+He spoke sternly and looked so fierce that the boy messenger became more
+and more alarmed. He saw that he must give up the package, but determined
+to hold out in his resistance as long as possible.
+
+"The package is not mine, and I have no right to surrender it," he said.
+
+"I'll take the responsibility, boy. You can't be blamed, for you can't
+help yourself."
+
+As he spoke he passed his hand over Ernest's vest, which he saw projected
+more than was usual, and discovered the hiding place of the important
+package.
+
+Instantly he had torn open the vest and drawn out the envelope.
+
+"I thought I should find it," he said in a tone of triumph.
+
+Ernest felt very much dejected. It was a mortification to lose the first
+large sum with which he had been intrusted.
+
+"Will you tell me who you are?" he asked abruptly.
+
+"First let me know who you think I am."
+
+As the driver spoke he eyed Ernest sharply.
+
+"Is your name Fox?" asked the young messenger.
+
+His companion laughed.
+
+"I know Mr. Fox," he answered.
+
+"You are either Fox or a member of his band."
+
+"You seem to be a sharp boy; I won't tell you whether you are right or
+not."
+
+"I suppose I may go now?"
+
+"Where do you want to go?"
+
+Ernest hesitated. This was a question which he could not at once answer.
+To go on to Lee's Falls without the packet would do little good. Yet the
+bank officers there ought to know that the bonds intended for them had
+been stolen.
+
+"I will go to Lee's Falls," he said.
+
+"Not at present; I have other views for you." As he spoke the robber
+turned his horse to the right. Wholly ignorant as to where he was to be
+carried, Ernest sank back in his seat and resigned himself as well as he
+could to the situation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+IN THE OUTLAW'S HOME
+
+
+Where he was to be carried or what was to be his fate, Ernest could not
+conjecture, nor did he speculate much. It was enough for him to know that
+he was in the power of one of the notorious outlaws.
+
+There was considerable difference between his appearance and that of the
+man at his side. He was silent and depressed, while James Fox, for it was
+he, seemed in excellent spirits. He turned to the boy with the remark:
+"You don't say much."
+
+"No, for it would be no good."
+
+"Brace up, boy! There is no occasion to look as if you were going to a
+funeral."
+
+"Give me back the bonds and I will look lively enough."
+
+"Come now, don't be foolish. These bonds don't belong to you."
+
+"They were given into my care."
+
+"Very well! You took as good care of them as you could."
+
+"I shall be held responsible for them."
+
+"No, you won't. I shall send your employers a letter letting them know
+that you did the best you could to keep them out of my hands. But perhaps
+they never heard of me," and he laughed.
+
+"If your name is Fox they have heard of you."
+
+"There is no need to beat about the bush. My name is Fox--James Fox."
+
+"What made you take up such a business, Mr. Fox?" asked Ernest gravely.
+
+"Well, I like that! You, a kid, undertake to lecture me."
+
+"You were once a kid yourself."
+
+The outlaw's face grew grave suddenly and his tone became thoughtful.
+
+"Yes, I was a kid once. At sixteen--is that your age?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, at sixteen I was as innocent as you. I had a good mother then. If
+she had lived perhaps I would have turned out different. Why, it seems a
+great joke, doesn't it. I attended Sunday-school till I was fifteen. Are
+you afraid that you will come to harm?"
+
+Ernest looked intently in the brigand's face.
+
+"No," he said, after a pause. "I think you won't do me any more harm. But
+you can do me a great favor."
+
+"What is that--return you the bonds?"
+
+"I would ask that if I thought you would do it, but I don't expect it. I
+should like to have you release me and let me go home."
+
+"I can't do that, for I want you to visit me. You may not think it, but I
+always liked young people. It will be quite a pleasure to me to have you
+for a visitor."
+
+"Thank you, but I am afraid that I shall become an unwilling guest."
+
+"Besides, it will be a pleasure to my little boy to meet you. He does not
+often meet other boys."
+
+"Have you a son?" asked Ernest in surprise.
+
+The outlaw's face softened.
+
+"Yes," he answered. "He is a sweet little boy, as I can say even if he is
+my son. His name is Frank. Would you like to see his picture?"
+
+"Yes," answered Ernest, with interest.
+
+James Fox drew from an inner pocket a small card photograph of a young boy
+with a very winning face. Ernest was attracted, for unlike many boys of
+his age he liked younger children. He looked at the picture long and
+earnestly.
+
+"It is a sweet face," he said at last.
+
+"Isn't it?" asked the proud father.
+
+"Is his mother living?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Was there no difficulty in getting it taken?"
+
+"I suppose you mean on account of my profession. Well, there might be
+around here, but this was taken in Minneapolis--about a year ago. It was
+one of the few visits that Frank has made with me."
+
+"Are you going to bring him up to your business?"
+
+"Take care, boy!" said the outlaw, frowning. "Don't be impertinent."
+
+"I don't mean to be. Do you think the question an improper one?"
+
+"Well, perhaps I have no right to think so. Somehow the business, though
+it seems all right to me, I couldn't think of for my boy. No, I shall soon
+place him at school, where no one will know that he is related to the
+celebrated outlaw. I want him brought up to lead an honest life."
+
+"I am glad you do. I respect you for that."
+
+"My lad, you seem to be one of the right sort. As you will see my son I
+want you to promise me that you won't say a word about the business I am
+engaged in."
+
+"I will make that promise. Then the boy doesn't know?"
+
+"No, he has no suspicion. He is too young to think much about that.
+Perhaps if he had associated with other boys much he would have found
+out."
+
+While this conversation was going on they had entered a wood, and the road
+became wilder and rougher. Indeed, it was hardly a road, but rather a
+lane, narrow and grass-grown.
+
+Ernest began to wonder in what sort of a home his companion lived. His
+evident affection for his son gave Ernest a different feeling toward him.
+It was plain that he had a softer side to his nature, bandit though he
+was.
+
+Ernest had never read the story of Jekyll and Hyde, but he felt
+instinctively that the man beside him had a double nature. On the road he
+was an outlaw, with corresponding traits, a rough and unscrupulous man,
+but at home and in the presence of his son, as Ernest judged, he was a
+warm-hearted and affectionate father.
+
+In truth, the young bank messenger looked forward with interest to a
+meeting with the boy who was so dear to the heart of a man whom the world
+generally supposed to be a stranger to the softer emotions.
+
+At length they reached a rocky hillside. Here the outlaw pulled up his
+horse and jumped from the buggy. Ernest looked at him in a questioning
+way.
+
+"You can get out," he said. "We have arrived."
+
+Ernest alighted and looked about him. He naturally expected to see a
+dwelling of some kind, but there was none in sight. If it was at a
+distance, why should they not have driven to it?
+
+James Fox looked at him with a smile, enjoying his perplexity.
+
+From his pocket he drew a large silk handkerchief.
+
+"Come here, my boy," he said.
+
+Ernest did not quite understand what he proposed to do, but he felt better
+acquainted with the outlaw now, and he knew that there was no cause for
+apprehension. He accordingly approached without question.
+
+James Fox bandaged his eyes so that he could see nothing. Then he took him
+by the hand and led him forward.
+
+Ernest could not tell what was being done, but he found himself walking on
+a rocky path, hand in hand with his guide. How far he walked he could not
+tell. It might have been two hundred feet. Then his guide stopped, and of
+course he stopped too.
+
+Next the handkerchief was removed and he found himself in what seemed a
+rocky cavern. At any rate it was a large room of irregular shape, but the
+stone floor had been made smooth and was covered by a soft carpet. It was
+furnished like a sitting-room in a private house. There were comfortable
+chairs, including a rocking-chair and a capacious armchair. On one side of
+the room was an inviting-looking couch.
+
+Of course there would have been perfect darkness but for artificial light.
+On a table was a large student's lamp and in a niche in the wall was
+another. Besides this there was a lantern hanging from the roof of the
+chamber, but this was not lighted.
+
+Ernest looked about him with curiosity and surprise. It was something new
+to him and recalled a story he had once read in which a cave dwelling was
+described.
+
+"Well, what do you think of it?" asked the outlaw, smiling.
+
+"It is wonderful," said Ernest.
+
+"You did not know where I was bringing you?"
+
+"No. It is a cave, is it not?"
+
+"Well, it looks like it."
+
+"There are other rooms, are there not?"
+
+"Yes, but this is my private apartment; my parlor, you may call it. This
+is my sleeping room."
+
+He drew aside the hangings on the farther side and revealed an inner
+chamber of less size.
+
+On a bed Ernest's attention was drawn to the figure of a sleeping
+boy--evidently the original of the picture which the outlaw had shown
+him.
+
+"That is your son?" asked Ernest.
+
+"Yes, that is Frank."
+
+The outlaw's stern countenance softened as he regarded the sleeping boy.
+
+Suddenly the boy stirred; he opened his eyes and when he recognized his
+father a glad smile lighted up his innocent face.
+
+"Papa!" he said, and James Fox bent over and kissed him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+FRANK
+
+
+After kissing his father the young boy looked inquisitively at Ernest.
+
+"Who is that boy, papa?" he asked.
+
+"I have brought him here to stay with you. Shall you like to have his
+company?"
+
+"Yes, papa. You know it is very lonely while you are away. What is his
+name?"
+
+The outlaw looked at Ernest significantly. He took the hint and answered:
+"My name is Ernest Ray."
+
+"How old are you, Ernest?" went on the boy.
+
+"Sixteen."
+
+"I am only ten."
+
+"Are you going to get up, Frank?" asked his father.
+
+"Yes," answered the young boy briskly. "I got sleepy because I was alone.
+Where did papa find you, Ernest?"
+
+"Oh, I met him outside and he took me to ride."
+
+James Fox looked approval of this answer.
+
+"I am glad you came with him."
+
+By this time Frank had slid from the bed and put his hand in Ernest's.
+
+"Come here," he said, "and I will show you my books."
+
+Led by his small companion Ernest went up to a bookcase which he had not
+before observed in the main room. About thirty books stood on the
+shelves.
+
+"Where did you get your books?" he asked.
+
+"Papa bought them for me in Minneapolis. Were you ever in Minneapolis?"
+
+"No."
+
+"It is a nice place. Sometimes I think I would like to live there instead
+of here."
+
+"You are not getting tired of home, are you, Frank?" asked his father half
+reproachfully.
+
+"No, papa, but it is lonely here sometimes. Am I to live here always?"
+
+"No, Frank. Some time I will send you to school. But you won't see me
+every day then."
+
+"Then I don't want to go."
+
+The outlaw stooped over and kissed the boy.
+
+"Now, Frank, I have something to do, so you may amuse yourself with
+Ernest."
+
+"Can you play dominoes?" asked Frank.
+
+"Yes; have you a set?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+The boy opened a drawer in a bureau and drew out a box of dominoes. He
+poured them out on the table and they began to play the ordinary game.
+When they tired of that Ernest taught him a new one.
+
+After they grew tired of playing Ernest read aloud to the boy from one of
+his favorite books.
+
+They were sitting together in the armchair when James Fox, who had left
+the room, returned. He smiled approvingly at the picture. He was pleased
+to think that he had found a companion whom his boy liked.
+
+"What have you been doing, Frank?" he asked.
+
+"He has been reading to me, papa. He reads nicely and I liked it very
+much."
+
+"I am sorry to interrupt you, but are not you young people hungry?"
+
+"I think I could eat something," answered Ernest.
+
+"Frank, you may bring him into the dining-room."
+
+The drapery was lifted and they passed into a room as large as the one
+they were in. On a table in the center a substantial meal, consisting
+principally of roast beef, was set forth. An old colored woman hovered
+near, evidently the cook.
+
+"Juba," said the outlaw, "this is a new boarder. His name is Ernest."
+
+"Glad to see you, Massa Ernest," rejoined the old woman, nodding her
+turban. "Sit down here next to Massa Frank."
+
+It seemed very strange to Ernest to reflect that he was the guest of one
+of the famous outlaws of whom he had heard so much. He was half inclined
+to doubt whether it was real. If he had been alone he would have pinched
+himself to see whether he was awake or dreaming. Here he was in the bowels
+of the earth on intimate terms with an outlaw and his family. How long was
+he to stay in the cavern? That was a question impossible to answer.
+Meanwhile he was hungry and the dinner was well cooked.
+
+"Where is Uncle John, papa?" asked Frank suddenly.
+
+Ernest remembered that one of the Fox brothers was named John, and he
+awaited the answer with interest.
+
+James Fox seemed busily thinking and Frank had to repeat the question.
+
+"Your Uncle John?" repeated the outlaw. "He went away on business."
+
+"What kind of business, papa?"
+
+It was a natural question, but it startled James Fox. He saw that as his
+son became older it might not be easy to evade embarrassing questions.
+
+"You seem curious, Frank," he answered after a pause. "You wouldn't
+understand if I were to tell you."
+
+"Will you teach me your business some day, papa?"
+
+It was on the tip of the outlaw's tongue to say, "Heaven forbid!" but he
+only answered: "Wait till you are older, Frank. Then we will talk about
+it."
+
+At length they rose from the table.
+
+They went back to the main room and Ernest read a little more to the young
+boy. But Frank's eyes grew heavy and he finally dropped off to sleep.
+
+"Shall I lay him on the bed, Mr. Fox?" asked Ernest.
+
+"No, I will do so."
+
+He took the boy tenderly in his arms.
+
+"If I had known he would fall asleep I would have undressed him," he
+said.
+
+After placing the boy on the bed he resumed his seat in the armchair and
+began to smoke. Finally he looked over at Ernest.
+
+"Do you like my little boy?" he asked abruptly.
+
+"He is a dear little fellow," answered Ernest.
+
+"So he is," said the father in a soft voice. "You have no prejudice
+against him because he is my son?"
+
+"No," answered Ernest. "Whatever you are he is not responsible."
+
+"True, but all might not take that view of it. I don't know why I should
+speak so confidentially to you, lad, but if I ever regret my line of life
+it is when I look at him. I wouldn't like to have his future marred by his
+association with me. I wouldn't like people to turn from him because he
+was an outlaw's son."
+
+"I hope you will forgive my boldness," said Ernest, "but don't you think
+you will ever change your mode of life?"
+
+"It is too late; I am too well known. Yet who knows?" he said after a
+pause.
+
+At nine o'clock Juba entered the room.
+
+"Has John returned?" asked the outlaw.
+
+"No, massa."
+
+A shade of anxiety overspread the outlaw's face.
+
+"He should have been here before this," he said. Then looking at Ernest he
+said: "I am going out a while. Lie down on the bed with Frank and if he
+wakes up undress him."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+An hour later Frank and Ernest were sleeping peacefully side by side.
+
+When Ernest awoke the next morning Frank was still asleep on the bed
+beside him. In the large room adjoining, James Fox lay on the lounge. He
+had given up his bed to Ernest. He had not himself undressed, but had
+thrown himself on the couch in his ordinary clothes.
+
+Breakfast was ready by the time they were, and the three sat down
+together.
+
+"Where is Uncle John, papa?" asked Frank.
+
+"He has not returned, Frank," said James Fox, soberly.
+
+"What made him stay away all night?"
+
+"Probably it was business," answered the outlaw, but Ernest noticed that
+he looked disturbed.
+
+In truth he had been out till two o'clock seeking for his brother, who he
+feared had got into trouble. We know that he was in the prison at
+Crampton, whither he had been conveyed by Luke Robbins and Ezekiel Mason.
+Of course it was in the mind of James Fox that his brother might have been
+arrested, since this was a risk which he daily incurred.
+
+Just as breakfast was over there was a new arrival. It was a tall,
+stalwart fellow whom James Fox addressed as Hugh.
+
+"Do you bring any news, Hugh?" asked the outlaw eagerly.
+
+"Yes," answered Hugh Humphries.
+
+"Is it about John?"
+
+Hugh glanced significantly at the two boys. Ernest he saw for the first
+time.
+
+James Fox understood and followed Hugh out of the room.
+
+"Well," he said inquiringly when they were out of hearing.
+
+"Mr. John is in trouble," answered Hugh briefly.
+
+"Go on," said James Fox. "Do you know where he is?"
+
+"In Crampton jail."
+
+"Go on. Give me the particulars."
+
+"He was carried there by two persons."
+
+"Who were they?"
+
+"One I think was a farmer who lives in Claremont. The other seemed to be a
+Quaker."
+
+"I don't remember any Quaker in this neighborhood. He must be a stranger
+hereabouts."
+
+"I think I have seen him before."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"At the Emmonsville bank. I was passing there one day in disguise and,
+chancing to look in, I saw this man sitting on a bench near the paying
+teller's desk."
+
+"Ah!" said James Fox, thoughtfully. "He may be a detective."
+
+"That is what I thought."
+
+"That is bad news, but the jail at Crampton is not very strong. I have
+been confined there myself and made my escape. However, John will need
+assistance from the outside."
+
+"I see you have a new boy," said Hugh curiously. "When did you pick him
+up?"
+
+"Yesterday, a few miles from here. He is a bank messenger."
+
+"From what bank?"
+
+"The Emmonsville bank."
+
+"Then he may know something of this Quaker detective?"
+
+"Well suggested. I will question him."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+FOX'S BAND
+
+
+When James Fox returned to the apartment where the boys were still seated
+at the table he said: "Ernest, I should like to speak to you a minute."
+
+Ernest followed him out of the room.
+
+"Is there any person connected with the bank at Emmonsville who wears the
+dress of a Quaker?" began the outlaw.
+
+Ernest hesitated a moment.
+
+"Speak out, boy!" said Fox. "I must and will know."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Is he a detective?"
+
+"He may act as such."
+
+"Is he under pay at the bank?"
+
+"I think he is."
+
+"Do you know where he is now?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Was he at the bank when you left it yesterday afternoon?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Do you know where he was?"
+
+"I saw him ride away with a farmer."
+
+James Fox and Hugh exchanged glances. Their suspicions were confirmed.
+
+"Is he in any trouble?" asked Ernest, becoming a questioner in his turn.
+
+"No. For aught I know he may be at the bank."
+
+Ernest looked relieved and for two reasons. He was glad that Luke was not
+in trouble. Then he knew that when his disappearance was discovered Luke
+would leave no stone unturned to rescue him. It was a comfort to think
+that he had a powerful friend outside.
+
+"That will do," said the outlaw. "You may return to Frank."
+
+"How long are you going to keep me here?" asked Ernest anxiously.
+
+"Are you tired of remaining with us?"
+
+There was something in the outlaw's tone that savored of kindness. Ernest
+felt that in some way he had ingratiated himself with him.
+
+"I would like my freedom. I am not used to confinement," he said.
+
+"Very natural. I cannot let you go just yet, but I will not allow you to
+be harmed. Listen! I shall be away all day probably. Do what you can to
+amuse Frank."
+
+"I will. I should be very lonely without him."
+
+"That is a good boy, Hugh," said James Fox, as Ernest left them. "I should
+like to keep him with us."
+
+"Why don't you then?"
+
+"I am afraid he would be unhappy."
+
+"I never knew you to take such a liking to a boy before."
+
+"I never have. Indeed I have seldom met any. All my dealings have been
+with men. But, Hugh, we must lose no time. We must try to rescue John. It
+is no more than he would do for me if our cases were reversed."
+
+"Very well, captain. I am ready to follow wherever you lead."
+
+"I know that, Hugh. You have always been faithful to my brother and
+myself."
+
+"I always will be, captain," said Hugh, with a look of loyal devotion.
+
+"I know it. I am sure that we have no better friend than Hugh Humphries."
+
+"You only do me justice, captain. Will you forgive me if I say
+something?"
+
+"Say what you please, Hugh."
+
+"What you have said of me is just, but I don't think you can say it of all
+in the band."
+
+"Is there anyone whom you suspect?"
+
+"I don't take much stock in Peter Longman."
+
+"I am afraid you are suspicious, Hugh."
+
+"Not without cause. I have noticed some things about him that I don't
+like. I think he is quite capable of turning against you."
+
+"I have never remarked anything of the sort, but I know you would not
+speak without cause. Tell me what you want me to do."
+
+"Only to be on your guard. Don't trust Peter as you trust me."
+
+"I never have. And now have you any suggestions to make?"
+
+"You might visit this farmer who helped the Quaker arrest your brother."
+
+"It may be a good plan. Who is the farmer?"
+
+"His name is Ezekiel Mason."
+
+"I know where he lives. He is the last man I should suppose would be
+capable of such mischief."
+
+"He could have done nothing without the Quaker's help."
+
+"Very well, we will take the farm on the way. Still I don't know that we
+shall learn anything beyond what we already know."
+
+Before leaving the cave they disguised themselves as farm workmen. In this
+dress they approached the farmhouse, but there was something that diverted
+them from their original purpose and led them to keep their distance.
+
+Sitting on the portico was a tall man dressed as a Quaker.
+
+"That's the man!" said Hugh quickly. "That's the man who drove up to the
+jail last evening with your brother."
+
+James Fox looked at him closely.
+
+"It is best to let sleeping dogs lie," he said. "We will push on to the
+jail."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+LIVING WITH THIEVES
+
+
+Meanwhile Ernest was left in the cave with Frank. He had been brought in
+blindfolded and was therefore ignorant as to the entrance or exit. He
+thought he might, without arousing the boy's suspicion, seek information
+from him on these points.
+
+"Are there many rooms here, Frank?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, a good many," answered the boy.
+
+"Have you been in many?"
+
+"I have been around with papa."
+
+"I should like to go around," said Ernest. "Suppose we take a little
+walk."
+
+The boy was quite ready to accept any suggestion from Ernest. So he took
+his hand and they went from the main room farther into the cavern.
+
+Ernest found that only the portion near the entrance had been furnished.
+Beyond there was a large amount of empty space. Here and there a small
+light revealed trunks and boxes arranged without regard to regularity.
+These, Ernest conjectured, contained stolen articles which had accumulated
+during the years in which the dreaded outlaws had been a power and a
+menace in the neighborhood.
+
+It occurred to him that he would like to open some of these boxes, but the
+companionship of the boy prevented.
+
+He ventured to ask, however: "What is in those boxes, Frank?"
+
+"I don't know. Something of papa's and Uncle John's."
+
+As they kept on they reached parts of the cavern which were quite empty.
+The Fox brothers were in the position of householders who occupied a house
+too large for their needs.
+
+By and by the lamps ceased and the portion farther on looked dark and
+gloomy.
+
+"I am afraid to go any farther, Ernest."
+
+"Why, Frank? What are you afraid of?"
+
+"There may be wild animals there."
+
+"But how could they live there?"
+
+"I don't know, but papa told me there were some."
+
+Ernest understood why the boy had been told this. It was to prevent his
+going too far. But it made Ernest all the more eager to continue his
+explorations.
+
+"Even if there were any wild animals I would protect you, Frank."
+
+"But we may not find our way back. It is so dark," said the child with a
+shudder.
+
+"I won't go farther. But, see, it seems to be lighter."
+
+At a point fifty feet farther on, through a rift in the roof, a gleam of
+light entered the cavern.
+
+Ernest was anxious to trace this, for, as he judged, it came from some
+outlet, through which he might possibly obtain deliverance.
+
+"Stay where you are," he said. "I will just go forward and see what I
+can."
+
+"Don't stay long," entreated Frank nervously.
+
+"No, I won't."
+
+Ernest was just as well pleased to go forward alone, for if there were
+really, as he supposed, an outlet, it was as well that Frank should not
+have his attention drawn to it, lest he should speak of it to his father
+and so reveal the fact of their explorations. This might excite the
+suspicion of James Fox and put a stop to their further walks.
+
+Continuing on alone, Ernest then saw, perhaps fifteen feet above him, an
+opening some three feet in diameter, through which he could obtain a
+glimpse of the clear sky above.
+
+It made his heart beat with exultation and longing. There was freedom if
+he could only manage somehow to lift himself up to the outlet and make his
+way through it.
+
+"What is it, Ernest?" asked Frank.
+
+"Oh, it is nothing," answered Ernest with studied indifference. "It isn't
+anything you would care to see."
+
+The little boy accepted this assurance, for he did not feel the interest
+that excited Ernest.
+
+"Let us go back," he said, as he resumed his clasp of Ernest's hand.
+
+"Yes, we will go back. Have you ever been as far as this before?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then we had better not say anything about it. Your papa might not like
+it."
+
+"All right, Ernest. Will you read to me when you go back?"
+
+"Yes, Frank."
+
+Ernest was glad to comply with the little boy's request, as he thought he
+might in this way put the thoughts of their exploration out of his mind.
+
+They were fortunate enough to get back without exciting the attention of
+Juba, who was busy in the kitchen.
+
+Her work, however, was soon over and she brought her sewing into the room
+where the two boys were seated.
+
+"Well, Massa Frank, what am you doing?"
+
+"Ernest is reading to me. Why don't you ever read to me, Juba?"
+
+"O lor', chile, you know I can't read."
+
+"But why can't you read? You're old enough."
+
+"Yes, honey, I'm old enough, but I never had no chance to learn."
+
+"Why didn't you?" persisted Frank. "Didn't you go to school when you was
+little?"
+
+"No, chile, never went to school. They didn't have no schools where I was
+raised."
+
+"Where was that?"
+
+"In ole Virginny."
+
+"Were you a slave, Juba?" asked Ernest.
+
+"Yes, massa, I was a slave."
+
+"And how did you get here?"
+
+"It was all along of the war. Ole massa he went to the war and got killed.
+Then young massa went, and he got killed, too. Then one day there came an
+officer--one of Abe Linkum's officers--and he told us we were free and
+might go where we pleased."
+
+"Weren't you glad to be free?" asked Ernest.
+
+"No, honey, we didn't know where to go nor what to do. We'd allus had some
+one to look after us, but now there wasn't anybody."
+
+"Were you married, Juba?"
+
+"Yes, but I don't know whether my ole man is livin' or not. He was sold
+down in Georgie to a cousin of ole massa."
+
+"Then he may be living yet?"
+
+"Yes, honey."
+
+"How old are you, Juba?" asked Frank.
+
+"I don't know, chile. I's powerful old. S'pecs I's a hundred."
+
+Ernest smiled.
+
+"No, Juba," he said, "you are not nearly a hundred. You may be sixty."
+
+"Juba, did you ever hear about Uncle Tom?"
+
+"Yes, chile, I knew Uncle Tom," was the unexpected reply. "He was raised
+on Mr. Jackson's place next to ours."
+
+Ernest asked some question about this Uncle Tom, but learned, as he
+expected, that it was quite a different person from the negro immortalized
+by Mrs. Stowe.
+
+In looking over Frank's books Ernest found an old copy of "Uncle Tom's
+Cabin," and taking it down he read some portions, particularly those
+relating to Topsy. Both Frank and Juba were very much entertained.
+
+"Did you know Topsy, Juba?" asked Frank.
+
+"No, chile, never knowed Topsy. She must have been a no-account young
+nigga. If she'd lived on our plantation she'd have got flogged for her
+impudence."
+
+"How did you come here, Juba?" asked Frank.
+
+"One of them officers took me to Chicago. I lived out with a lady, but
+when she died, I went to a 'telligence office and there I met your papa.
+He brought me out here. I didn't at first like livin' down under the
+ground, but I don't mind it now. Massa Fox treats me well, and I ain't no
+wish to change."
+
+This was the substance of what Juba had to communicate. The rest of the
+day passed quietly. At nightfall James Fox came home, looking very sober.
+But he came alone.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+ERNEST EXPLORES THE CAVE
+
+
+James Fox had very little to say during the evening. He was evidently
+preoccupied and anxious and paid scant attention to the boys.
+
+Frank knew so little of his father's business or occupation that he could
+conceive of no cause for worriment. When his advances met with little
+response he asked: "Have you got a headache, papa?"
+
+"No--yes, child. My head troubles me some. Be as quiet as you can."
+
+"Will it disturb you if I play checkers with Ernest, papa?"
+
+"No, I should like to have you amuse yourself," answered the outlaw.
+
+He directed the boys to go to bed early. They slept together and he threw
+himself on the lounge without taking off his clothes.
+
+Ernest slept well. When he woke up at eight o'clock he saw that Frank was
+still sleeping, but his host was already up.
+
+Juba came into the room.
+
+"Get up, children," she said. "Breakfast is ready."
+
+"Where is papa?" asked Frank.
+
+"He took breakfast an hour ago, honey."
+
+"What made him get up so early?"
+
+"'Portant business called him away."
+
+"Where's Uncle John?"
+
+"He hasn't been home."
+
+"Has he got 'portant business too?"
+
+"'Specs he has, honey."
+
+"It doesn't seem nice to take breakfast without papa," said the little
+boy.
+
+"You may consider me your papa, Frank," observed Ernest.
+
+"But you're not big enough to be a papa."
+
+When breakfast was over there was the long day before them to be filled up
+in some way.
+
+"Don't you ever wish to go out of the cave, Frank?" asked Ernest.
+
+"Where?" asked the little boy.
+
+"Into the bright sunshine, out on the green grass and under the trees."
+
+"Yes, I think I should like it," answered Frank thoughtfully. "But papa
+does not want me to go. I don't know why. Do many little boys live in
+caves like me?"
+
+"No, I don't think so."
+
+"Can they walk about in the sunshine and play?"
+
+"I always did."
+
+"Do you like it better than living here?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then what made you come here?"
+
+This was an embarrassing question and Ernest felt that he must answer
+carefully.
+
+"Your papa wanted me to make you a visit," he replied after a pause.
+
+"And I am glad you came. It isn't so lonely for me. Before I had only
+Juba."
+
+"Wouldn't she play with you?" asked Ernest with a smile.
+
+"Juba is too old to play. I hope you will stay with me a good while."
+
+Ernest could not echo this wish, so he answered evasively:
+
+"I can't tell yet how long I shall stay. But the time will come when you
+will leave the cave and live like other little boys in a house."
+
+"Did papa tell you that?"
+
+"He told me that he should send you to school before long."
+
+"What is a school like?" asked the little boy anxiously.
+
+"There will be a good many boys, some older, some younger than yourself.
+You will study lessons together and play together."
+
+"I think that will be nice."
+
+"Yes, I am sure you will enjoy it."
+
+"Did you ever go to school?"
+
+"Oh, yes; I went to school for some years."
+
+"Perhaps you will go to school with me?"
+
+"I can't tell," answered Ernest vaguely. "Perhaps Juba will go to school
+with you."
+
+Frank laughed.
+
+"She would look funny going to school," he said.
+
+"What's dat you sayin' 'bout Juba, Massa Ernest?" asked the old woman.
+
+"I told Frank you might go to school with him."
+
+"Maybe I'd go and take care of him, honey."
+
+"But you wouldn't want to study?"
+
+"I wouldn't study nohow. I's a poor, ignorant nigger."
+
+"Don't you think you could learn to read?"
+
+"No, I couldn't. It takes white folks to read."
+
+"No; Juba, when I went to school there was a colored boy in my class, and
+he was one of the smartest scholars we had."
+
+"And was he a nigger?" asked Juba.
+
+"We didn't call him that, but he was a colored boy. If he could learn to
+read I am sure you could."
+
+"It's no use, chile. I'm too old now."
+
+Much as he liked Frank, it was irksome to Ernest to remain all day in the
+cave.
+
+They got through the forenoon somehow, taking dinner at twelve o'clock.
+
+About two o'clock Frank complained of being sleepy.
+
+"You won't mind if I go to sleep for an hour, Ernest?" he said.
+
+"Oh, no," answered Ernest. "I can read."
+
+Since his exploration of the day before Ernest had been longing to visit
+once more the same portion of the cave. But he wanted to go alone. He had
+a hope that through the aperture in the roof he might effect his escape.
+It would not do to have Frank with him, as this would interfere with his
+plan. Now the longed-for opportunity was almost at hand.
+
+He took a volume from the bookshelf and sitting down beside the bed began
+to read. But his mind was not on the book, though at another time he would
+have enjoyed it. He watched Frank and in less than fifteen minutes saw
+that he was fast asleep.
+
+Then he left the room, Juba being occupied in the kitchen. He secured his
+hat, as he would need it in case he effected his escape.
+
+As he passed through that apartment in the cave where there were trunks
+and boxes it occurred to him to open one of them. He was rather surprised
+that it should be unlocked.
+
+It was filled with a miscellaneous assortment of articles, but on top to
+his surprise and joy he recognized the envelope containing the bonds that
+had been taken from him.
+
+If he left the cave he would want these, and therefore he had no
+hesitation in taking them. He put them in the inside pocket of his vest
+and kept on his way.
+
+In a short time he reached the spot lighted by the aperture in the roof.
+
+The opening was large enough for him to get through, but the difficulty
+was that it was fifteen feet above the floor of the cave. Ernest was
+something of a gymnast, but it was out of his power to reach the opening
+through which he could obtain deliverance.
+
+He looked about to see if there were any articles he could pile upon one
+another to attain the aperture. But the cave was quite empty of articles
+of any description, nor could he find any that he could move in the
+portions which he had already traversed.
+
+It was aggravating to be so near freedom and yet unable to obtain it. Just
+above him, he could see the blue sky and the cheerful sunshine, while he
+was a prisoner in a dark cavern.
+
+Was there no way of reaching the opening? he asked himself.
+
+If he had to give up hope he would feel obliged to return the envelope to
+the box from which he had taken it. Were its loss discovered he would of
+course be searched and kept in stricter seclusion than before.
+
+In the room used by the outlaw as a sitting-room he might be able to find
+what he needed. But he could not remove anything without being detected,
+and should he return there he would possibly find Frank awake, which would
+spoil all.
+
+It looked as if he would have to give up the chance that had come to him.
+In thoughtful mood he walked slowly back. All at once an idea struck him.
+In the room where the trunks and boxes were stored he had seen a long
+rope. Could he do anything with it?
+
+Looking up at the aperture he noticed a jagged projection on one side.
+
+"If I could attach the rope to that," he reflected, "I could draw myself
+up hand over hand till I reached the top, and then it would go hard if I
+didn't get out."
+
+With new hope in his heart he retraced his steps rapidly till he reached
+the storeroom.
+
+He knew just where to look for the rope. He examined it carefully and
+found it very stout and strong.
+
+He took it back with him. Then making a loop at one end he stood under the
+opening and threw it up as he would a lasso. He had to try a dozen times
+before he contrived to circle the projection with the loop.
+
+Then pulling it taut he began to climb hand over hand as he had many a
+time done in sport. Now his deliverance depended upon it.
+
+Slowly, foot by foot, he approached the opening, not knowing whether if he
+reached it he would be able to draw himself through the hole.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+OUT OF THE FRYING-PAN
+
+
+Arrived at the opening, Ernest found that there was a trap-door, which
+through carelessness had been left open. It was, however, a serious
+problem to draw himself up so as to profit by what he had already done.
+
+Twice he failed and nearly lost his grip on the rope. Then he caught hold
+of the projection from which the rope depended, and by a supreme effort he
+succeeded, helping himself by means of the trap-door in emerging from his
+subterranean prison.
+
+Stretching himself he took a deep breath and realized joyfully not only
+that he was free, but that he had recovered the valuable bonds of which he
+had been placed in charge.
+
+He began to look around him and tried to conjecture in what direction he
+must go to reach Lee's Falls. He was quite at a loss, as he had been
+carried into the cave blindfolded. But help seemed to be at hand. He saw
+at a little distance, rapidly approaching him, a man of middle height whom
+he concluded to be a resident of some place in the vicinity.
+
+"Can you tell me in what direction I must go to reach Lee's Falls?" he
+asked.
+
+The stranger paused and examined him.
+
+"So you want to go to Lee's Falls?" he said.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Where do you come from?"
+
+"From Emmonsville."
+
+"Direct?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I saw you just now coming out of some opening in the earth."
+
+This alarmed Ernest. He felt that he might be called upon to explain where
+he had been.
+
+"Who is this man?" he asked himself. "Is he one who is likely to be in the
+confidence of the outlaws? If so I have only got out of one scrape to fall
+into another."
+
+He studied the face of the man with whom he was speaking and to his dismay
+noted a resemblance to James Fox. He began to suspect that this was his
+brother.
+
+Whether it was or not Ernest deemed it politic to say as little as
+possible of his experiences and of what he knew about the cave and its
+occupants.
+
+"Yes," he answered quietly; "there seems to be a cave underneath. I found
+the trap-door open and went down, but I regretted it, for I found it
+difficult to get out again."
+
+His new acquaintance eyed him scrutinizingly, as if to see whether he knew
+more than he was willing to reveal.
+
+"So there is a cave underneath?" he said.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you any idea what it is used for?"
+
+"I don't think it is used at all. The room below seems empty."
+
+The man regarded him fixedly.
+
+"When did you leave Emmonsville?" he asked abruptly.
+
+"Yesterday," answered Ernest in some confusion.
+
+"How does it happen that you have got no farther on your way to Lee's
+Falls?"
+
+"I stopped at the cabin of an Indian," answered Ernest, making the only
+explanation he could think of.
+
+The man smiled.
+
+"Young man," he said, "didn't you pass last night in this cave?"
+
+Ernest saw that there was no further chance for subterfuge.
+
+"Yes," he answered.
+
+"I thought so."
+
+"You were captured?" the other went on.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you any suspicion by whom this cave is occupied?"
+
+"I presume by the Fox brothers."
+
+"Correct. I am one of them."
+
+"I began to think so."
+
+"How were you able to escape?"
+
+"I was left with the little boy. He fell asleep and then I began to
+explore."
+
+"Where is my brother?"
+
+"He went out quite early, I presume in search of you."
+
+"Exactly. I suppose my brother heard that I was in trouble?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"By the way, the Quaker detective through whom I got into difficulty you
+doubtless know?"
+
+"I do."
+
+"I was put into jail at Crampton, but I managed to effect my escape. Are
+you connected in any way with the Emmonsville bank?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"As bank messenger."
+
+"Did my brother take anything from you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Money?"
+
+"No, bonds."
+
+"You are a sensible boy. You answer my questions freely. You are a smart
+boy, too. It isn't every lad of your age who would have managed to effect
+an escape from the cave. Do you remember the entrance?"
+
+"No; I was carried into it blindfolded."
+
+"I thought my brother would be prudent. So you couldn't find it again."
+
+"No, I don't think so."
+
+"Still I cannot run any risk. You will have to come with me."
+
+"Where do you want to carry me?" asked Ernest, much disturbed.
+
+"I will carry you back to the cave."
+
+"Let me go free. I will promise not to reveal anything that I have
+discovered."
+
+"I am sorry, boy, but you were made prisoner by my brother, and I owe it
+to him to prevent your escape."
+
+It was intolerable to Ernest to think of having his captivity renewed. He
+determined that he would at least make an effort for freedom.
+
+Accordingly he did not hesitate, but started to run, hoping that in this
+way he might save himself. He had always the reputation among his boy
+companions as a sprinter, and resolved to see whether this was a lost
+art.
+
+"So that's your game, is it?" exclaimed the outlaw. "It will go hard with
+me if I don't catch you. Stop, or it will be the worse for you!"
+
+But Ernest had no intention of giving up so soon. He only exerted himself
+the more.
+
+The contest was not so unequal as might have been supposed. Ernest was
+tall for his age, and the outlaw was rather below the average height. So
+there was in reality only about an inch difference in their height.
+
+On the other hand, John Fox had, as might be supposed, more strength and
+endurance. He was not over weight and therefore not scant of breath.
+Ernest got the start and this was an advantage. One ran about as fast as
+the other, so it settled down into a contest of endurance.
+
+The outlaw, however, was irritated at the unexpected difficulty of his
+undertaking. He had thought that Ernest would surrender.
+
+"I wish I had my revolver," he muttered.
+
+Had the outlaw been aware that Ernest had in his possession the packet of
+bonds which had impelled his brother to make him a captive his zeal would
+have been increased. He knew, of course, that the bonds would be taken
+from him and he could conceive of no chance of the boy's recovering them.
+
+They flew over the ground, maintaining the same relative distance. But
+there was an unexpected contingency that worked to the disadvantage of
+Ernest.
+
+Directly in his path was a projecting root which in his haste escaped his
+notice. He tripped over it, and as a natural consequence he measured his
+length on the ground.
+
+The outlaw's face lighted up with exultation. Now the issue was no longer
+doubtful.
+
+Before Ernest could recover himself and rise to his feet John Fox was upon
+him.
+
+He flung himself on the prostrate boy and clutched him in a firm grasp.
+
+"Now I have you," he said. "You were a fool to run. You might have known
+that you could not escape."
+
+"I came near it, though," gasped Ernest, quite out of breath. "Let me
+up."
+
+"Will you promise to go with me without giving me any more trouble?"
+
+"I will make no promises," said Ernest.
+
+"Then it will be the worse for you," said the outlaw vindictively.
+
+What he proposed to do must remain unknown, for as he spoke a hand was
+thrust into his neckcloth and he was jerked violently to his feet.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+CASTRO TO THE RESCUE
+
+
+Bewildered and angry, John Fox looked to see who was his assailant. He
+found himself confronted by a tall, muscular Indian, whom Ernest also
+recognized as the man whose child he had saved from a watery grave.
+
+"What do you mean by this outrage?" demanded the outlaw angrily.
+
+"Why are you hurting him?" said the Indian, pointing to Ernest.
+
+"Because I choose to."
+
+"Me stop you," said the Indian calmly.
+
+"I have a great mind to shoot you."
+
+This was an empty threat, for his weapon had been taken by the Quaker
+detective.
+
+The only answer made by the Indian was to produce a revolver, which he
+pointed at the breast of the outlaw.
+
+"Two play at that game," he answered.
+
+John Fox shrank back, for it takes a man of nerve to face a revolver. He
+began to remonstrate.
+
+"What interest have you in that boy?" he asked.
+
+"He save my little boy from drowning," answered the Indian. "Will you go
+or shall me shoot?"
+
+There was but one answer to make to this question. John Fox turned about
+and walked quietly away without a word.
+
+Ernest grasped the Indian's hand gratefully.
+
+"I can't thank you enough," he said. "You have perhaps saved my life."
+
+"You save my little boy."
+
+"Do you know that man?"
+
+"No."
+
+"It was John Fox, one of the Fox brothers, the famous outlaws."
+
+"Humph! I have heard of him. How did he catch you?"
+
+Ernest told the story. He also told of the commission he had from the
+Emmonsville bank.
+
+"I am going to ask you a favor," he asked.
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"I want you to go with me to the bank at Lee's Falls. I have a package of
+bonds to carry there and I don't think it safe to go alone. I will see
+that you are paid for your time and trouble."
+
+"I will go."
+
+Under the guidance of his Indian friend Ernest reached Lee's Falls. The
+bank was closed, but the cashier was still in the bank building, having
+been detained after hours. Seeing him through the window, Ernest knocked
+and obtained admission.
+
+"The bank is closed, young man," said the bank officer.
+
+"I know it, but I have a package of bonds from the bank in Emmonsville. I
+hope you will take them from me, for I don't want the responsibility of
+them any longer."
+
+"Oh, you are the young messenger. We had advice that you would be here
+yesterday."
+
+"So I should have been, but for my capture by one of the Fox brothers."
+
+"And how did you escape?" asked the wondering cashier.
+
+"Please take the bonds and I will tell you. I spent two nights in the
+outlaws' cave. This afternoon I managed to get away."
+
+"But were not the bonds taken from you?"
+
+"Yes, but I recovered them."
+
+Ernest, without waiting for further questions, told the story as briefly
+as possible.
+
+"So, after all," he concluded, "I should have been taken again but for my
+friend here," laying his hand upon the Indian's shoulder. "I told him you
+would pay him for his trouble in accompanying me."
+
+"So I will," said the cashier, and he took a five-dollar bill and tendered
+it to the Indian.
+
+The latter objected to taking it, alleging that Ernest had saved his boy's
+life, but the cashier overruled his objections and he accepted it.
+
+They were going out of the bank when the familiar figure of Luke Robbins
+came up the street. His face was clouded by an expression of anxiety and
+he seemed troubled. He had searched everywhere for Ernest, and thus far
+had failed to find him.
+
+When he saw the boy emerging from the bank his face changed at once.
+
+"So you are safe, Ernest? I thought I had lost you," he exclaimed. "Did
+you see anything of the outlaws?"
+
+"I should say that I did. I was captured by James Fox and confined two
+nights in the underground haunts of the robbers. When I escaped this
+afternoon I fell into the clutches of the other brother."
+
+"What! John Fox?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"This cannot be, Ernest. I lodged him myself in Crampton jail."
+
+"All I can tell you is that he is at liberty now. He must have escaped."
+
+"Then I am afraid I shan't receive the reward offered for his capture."
+
+"You ought to get it. You delivered him over to the authorities. If they
+could not keep him that was their own lookout."
+
+"You ought to be right, lad. I hope you are. Who is this man?"
+
+"My Indian friend, who proved to be a friend in need. It was he who saved
+me from John Fox."
+
+"I am proud to know you," said Luke, grasping the hand of the red warrior.
+"If you have helped Ernest you are my friend."
+
+"He save my little boy; I will always be his friend."
+
+"You have saved my boy, my Indian friend, and you will always be my
+friend," returned Luke.
+
+"Well, Luke, what shall we do? I have done my errand and delivered the
+bonds."
+
+"We will go back. I have found you and have no more to do here."
+
+"Shall we walk?"
+
+"No, it is too far. There is a stable a little way from here; I will hire
+a conveyance and our Indian friend will perhaps be willing to drive us
+over."
+
+The Indian expressed his willingness, and the three were soon on their way
+through the woods. They met with no adventure, nor did they fear any, for
+it would have required a brave man to attack two such stalwart men as the
+Indian and the Quaker detective.
+
+Leaving them for the present, we will go back to the cave from which
+Ernest had made so unceremonious a departure.
+
+Frank slept for two hours, but at length opened his eyes, expecting to see
+Ernest sitting at his bedside.
+
+He looked in vain. There was no one in the room. This did not surprise him
+much, however. He thought Ernest might have gone into the next apartment.
+
+"Ernest!" he cried, but his call received no response.
+
+The little boy got out of bed and looked about, but his search was vain.
+
+So he went into the kitchen, where he found Juba engaged in some domestic
+work.
+
+"Juba," he said, "where is Ernest?"
+
+"I don't know, chile. Isn't he in the big room?"
+
+"No, Juba. I went to sleep and when I woke up he was gone."
+
+"You look round and maybe you find him."
+
+But Frank was doomed to disappointment. He sat down ready to cry. He felt
+very lonely. He had not realized how much he enjoyed Ernest's company.
+
+"I don't know where he can have gone, Juba. Do you think he's gone and
+left me?"
+
+"I can't tell, chile. Wait till your papa comes home. He will find him."
+
+Frank had to wait an hour and a half before his father's return. All this
+time he was buoyed up by the hope that Ernest would come back. He was
+continually watching the portal to see if the runaway would not come.
+
+James Fox entered the room with grave face and heavy step. He had not
+heard of his brother's escape and thought him still an inmate of Crampton
+jail.
+
+He looked about for his young captive.
+
+"Where is Ernest, Frank?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know, papa. I miss him ever so much," said the little boy
+tearfully.
+
+"But he must be somewhere about. When did you miss him?"
+
+"He went away when I was asleep."
+
+The outlaw's suspicions were aroused.
+
+"I will look for him," he said.
+
+But Ernest was in none of the rooms.
+
+"Did you walk with him into the interior of the cave, Frank?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, papa."
+
+"Ha, that explains it. Go with me and tell me just where you went."
+
+The little boy led the way through the vacant apartments till he reached
+the one through which the light came from above.
+
+The rope was still hanging from the projection, and this explained
+Ernest's escape.
+
+"He must have got out this way," said the outlaw.
+
+"Won't he come back, papa?" said Frank.
+
+"Yes," said his father resolutely. "I will bring him back."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+GIVEN IN TRUST
+
+
+"Well, lad, have you had enough of Emmonsville?"
+
+The speaker was Luke Robbins and the time was two days after the series of
+exciting incidents recorded in the last few chapters.
+
+"Why do you ask, Luke?" replied Ernest. "Are you tired of it?"
+
+"Yes, lad, I want to move on."
+
+"But what about the reward you are entitled to for the capture of John
+Fox?"
+
+"The cashier thinks I will only receive a part of it, as Fox has
+escaped."
+
+"That is unlucky. You will have to wait until the matter is decided, won't
+you?"
+
+"No. He has offered me an advance of a hundred dollars, and is authorized
+to collect whatever prize money may be awarded to me. You have some money
+left?"
+
+"Yes, about seventy-five dollars."
+
+"Then we both have enough to start on. I propose to go to California by
+train, getting there as soon as possible. When we reach there we will see
+what we can do to increase our pile."
+
+"I like that plan. When shall we go?"
+
+"We will start on Monday."
+
+Before they departed there was some sensational news. Peter Longman, one
+of the Fox band, taking offense at some slight put upon him by James Fox,
+went to the authorities and revealed the existence and location of the
+cave, with other information of a like nature. The result was that a
+strong force was sent to surprise and capture the notorious outlaws.
+
+The visit was made at night and under guidance of Peter himself. Wholly
+unsuspicious of treachery, the outlaws were captured in their beds and the
+valuable articles in the storeroom were confiscated.
+
+James Fox was reclining on the sofa when the officers entered.
+
+"Is your name Fox?" asked the leader of the invading party.
+
+"Yes," answered the outlaw proudly.
+
+"Then you are my prisoner."
+
+"Who has betrayed me?" demanded Fox quickly.
+
+There was no answer, but just behind the invading party the outlaw caught
+sight of Peter Longman, apparently trying to screen himself from
+observation.
+
+"I need not ask," he said. "There is the treacherous hound. He shall not
+live to profit by his baseness."
+
+Before anyone could interfere James Fox leveled his revolver at Longman,
+and a sharp scream showed that his aim was true. His treacherous follower
+fell to the ground, mortally wounded.
+
+James Fox looked at him disdainfully, then threw the revolver upon the
+floor of the cave and held out his hands. "Now bind me if you will," he
+said; "I am your captive."
+
+Little Frank was a terrified witness of this scene.
+
+"What are they doing to you, papa?" he asked. "They are bad men."
+
+In spite of his fortitude the outlaw showed traces of emotion. "That is my
+little son," he said to the lieutenant commanding.
+
+"He shall be taken care of. Do not be anxious about him."
+
+"There is an old colored woman here--Juba," went on the outlaw. "The boy
+is used to her. If possible let them be together."
+
+Under a strong guard the famous robbers were carried to jail, and the cave
+which had been for years their meeting place was dismantled and was never
+again used for a criminal resort.
+
+When Ernest read the story his feelings were mixed. He rejoiced that the
+outlaws were taken, but he felt a sympathy for little Frank, and
+understood what a shock it must be to the father and son to be separated.
+
+He learned where Frank was and called upon him. He had been taken to his
+own home by the leader of the raiding force.
+
+When he entered the room where Frank sat disconsolately at the window the
+little fellow uttered a cry of joy.
+
+"Is it you, Ernest?" he said, running forward. "I thought I should never
+see you again."
+
+Ernest stooped over and kissed him.
+
+"You see I am here," he said.
+
+"What made you go away? Why didn't you tell me you were going?"
+
+"I will tell you some time, Frank."
+
+"Why did those bad men take papa away?"
+
+"I do not think you would understand. Where is Juba?"
+
+"She is in the kitchen. I will call her."
+
+Juba came in and seemed pleased to see Ernest.
+
+"I have got a letter for you, honey," she said, fumbling in her pocket.
+
+She brought out a yellow envelope. It was directed to Ernest.
+
+The contents ran thus:
+
+  Now that misfortune has come upon me my chief thought is for my boy.
+  Whatever befalls me I want him cared for. You are scarcely more than
+  a stranger to me, but when you were in the cave you seemed to love
+  Frank. Poor boy, he will stand in need of some friend who loves him.
+  So far as you can, will you be his friend and guardian? He has some
+  property--a few thousand dollars--which you will hold in trust for
+  him. It is not stolen property. It was left him by his mother.
+
+  Call upon Mr. Samuel Hardy, a lawyer in Lee's Falls, and he will make
+  over to you the custody of the money, and look upon you as the
+  authorized guardian of Frank. You know my wish that he should be sent
+  to a good school and properly educated. Will you carry out my wishes
+  in that respect? I do not wish to tie you down, but wherever you may
+  go keep up an active interest in my boy, and from time to time write
+  to him.
+
+  I do not know what my fate may be. I am not a coward, and shall not
+  complain or beg for mercy. When you speak of me to Frank in after
+  years, always paint me at my best, and let him understand that at
+  least I loved him.
+
+                                                          James Fox.
+
+  P.S.--Should Frank die before maturity I desire that his property
+  should go to you.
+
+Ernest read the foregoing with mingled feelings. He knew that the writer
+was an outlaw, deeply stained with crime; but this letter showed him at
+his best. Paternal love softened the harsh outlines of his character, and
+spoke of a nature that might have made him a blessing instead of a curse
+to his kind.
+
+Ernest lost no time in communicating with Mr. Hardy.
+
+The lawyer read the letter in some surprise.
+
+"Mr. Fox seems to have appointed a young guardian for his son," he
+remarked.
+
+"Yes, sir; but he appeared to have no choice."
+
+"I am ready to assist you, however."
+
+"I will depend upon you, then, for I shall start for California as soon as
+possible. Can you recommend a satisfactory boarding school?"
+
+"I have a son at school in Lincoln. The school is under the charge of a
+clergyman, who is an efficient teacher."
+
+"Can you arrange to enter Frank at his school?"
+
+"I will do so, if you authorize me."
+
+"I don't think we can do any better. Were you aware that Mr. Fox was the
+notorious outlaw?" asked Ernest, after a pause.
+
+"I did not know, but latterly I have suspected it. You may be surprised
+that under the circumstances I should have consented to serve him. But I
+felt that I might be of assistance to the boy, and that my refusal would
+occasion him embarrassment. Your letter is satisfactory, as showing that
+the fortune of your ward is not made up of ill-gotten gains. Were it
+otherwise, he would hardly be allowed to keep it. Does Frank know his
+father's character and reputation?"
+
+"I don't think so."
+
+"It had best be kept from him. I will see that it does not become known at
+school. It would wound the boy to be twitted with it by his schoolmates."
+
+Thanks to Mr. Hardy, Ernest found that the new charge imposed upon him
+would not materially interfere with his plans. A week later than he had
+originally intended he and Luke Robbins left Emmonsville.
+
+As they rushed rapidly over the prairies, Luke Robbins turned to his young
+companion and said: "Our journey thus far has been adventurous. I wonder
+what lies before us."
+
+"We won't trouble ourselves on that score, Luke. I feel hopeful."
+
+"So do I, and yet we have less than two hundred dollars between us."
+
+"That's true."
+
+"Still, I have captured an outlaw, and you at the age of sixteen are the
+guardian of an outlaw's son."
+
+"I don't think we shall meet with anything stranger than that."
+
+Two days later, in a newspaper bought at an important station, there was
+an article that deeply interested both travelers. It related to the Fox
+brothers, recounting their daring attempt to escape from the jail where
+they were confined. John Fox got away, but James was shot dead by one of
+the prison guards.
+
+So Frank was an orphan, and Ernest now felt that his responsibility was
+increased.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+STEPHEN RAY AND HIS SON
+
+
+Leaving Ernest and Luke Robbins on their way to California, our attention
+is called to other characters who must play a part in the drama of the boy
+from Oak Forks.
+
+A few miles from Elmira, upon an eminence from which there was a fine view
+of the surrounding country, stood the handsome country mansion of Stephen
+Ray, already referred to as the cousin of Ernest's father. It passed into
+his possession by inheritance from poor Ernest's grandfather, the will
+under which the bequest was made cutting off his son for no worse a crime
+than marrying a girl thoroughly respectable, but of humble birth.
+
+Stephen Ray, since he came into possession of his uncle's estate, had
+improved it considerably. He had torn down the old stable and built an
+imposing new one. The plain carriage which had satisfied his uncle had
+been succeeded by an elegant coach, and the slow horse by a pair of
+spirited steeds.
+
+Mr. Ray had become pompous, and by his manner made it clear that he
+considered himself a man of great consequence. He was a local magistrate,
+and had for years endeavored to obtain a nomination for Congress.
+
+Had he been of popular manners, he would probably have succeeded, but he
+was not a favorite among the poorer classes, and their vote must be
+considered.
+
+There is an old saying, "Like father, like son," and Clarence, now turned
+sixteen, the only child of the country magnate, was like his father in all
+objectionable qualities. He was quite as much impressed with ideas of his
+own consequence.
+
+It was about three o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. Ray sat on the piazza,
+the day being unusually warm, reading a newspaper. In the street near by,
+his son Clarence was moving swiftly on a new velocipede which his father
+had just purchased for him.
+
+"Out of the way, there!" he called out, as a shabbily dressed stranger
+with a weary step plodded along the pathway.
+
+Whether because he was hard of hearing or because his mind was
+preoccupied, the stranger did not heed the warning, and Clarence, who
+might easily have avoided the collision, ran into him recklessly. Had the
+wheel been moving at a greater rate of speed, he might have been seriously
+hurt. As it was, he was nearly thrown down.
+
+But he rallied, and seizing the offending rider with no gentle grasp,
+dragged him from the wheel, and shook him vigorously.
+
+"Let me alone, you tramp!" exclaimed Clarence furiously.
+
+But the stranger did not release his hold.
+
+"Not till you apologize for running into me," he answered sternly.
+
+"Apologize to a man like you!" ejaculated Clarence, struggling furiously
+for his freedom.
+
+"Will you apologize?"
+
+"There is no need of an apology. You got in my way."
+
+"You have no business on the sidewalk with your wheel. It is meant for
+foot passengers."
+
+"Do you know who I am?" demanded Clarence haughtily.
+
+"No, I don't, nor do I care."
+
+"I am Clarence Ray, son of Squire Stephen Ray. He is a magistrate, and he
+can send you to jail."
+
+These words of Clarence had the effect he desired. The stranger released
+him, and eyed him with close scrutiny.
+
+"So you are the son of Stephen Ray?" he said.
+
+"Yes. What have you to say now?"
+
+"That you had no right to run into me, whoever your father may be."
+
+"I shall report your insolence to my father. I shall charge you with
+violently assaulting me."
+
+"I might have known you were Stephen Ray's son," said the stranger
+thoughtfully.
+
+"Do you know my father?" asked Clarence.
+
+"I am on my way to call upon him."
+
+"I don't think it will do any good. He never gives money to tramps."
+
+"I have a great mind to give you another shaking up," said the man, and in
+some fear Clarence edged away from him.
+
+It was evident that this shabby-looking stranger had not a proper respect
+for those who were in a higher station.
+
+"I will tell him not to give you anything," continued Clarence.
+
+"Like father, like son," said the stranger thoughtfully, apparently not
+disturbed by the boy's threats.
+
+Evidently he was no common tramp, or he would have been more respectful to
+the son of the man from whom he was probably about to ask a favor.
+
+"You just wait till you see my father. He'll give you a lecture that you
+won't soon forget."
+
+"You'd better get on your wheel, boy, and go right along," said the
+stranger calmly.
+
+"Do you know where my father lives?"
+
+"Yes, at yonder fine house. I see him sitting out on the piazza. Shall we
+go along together?"
+
+"No, I don't keep such company as you."
+
+"And yet some day you may be as poor and friendless as myself."
+
+"That isn't very likely. My father is a very rich man."
+
+"I knew him when he was poor."
+
+More and more puzzled by the independent manner of this shabby stranger,
+Clarence made a spurt, and soon found himself in the grounds of his
+father's house.
+
+"With whom were you talking, Clarence?" asked Stephen Ray as his son
+joined him on the piazza.
+
+"One of the most impudent tramps I ever came across," answered Clarence.
+"He made an attack upon me, and pulled me from my bicycle."
+
+Stephen Ray's cheek flamed with anger. An insult to his son was an insult
+to him.
+
+"Why did he do this? How dared he?"
+
+"Because I happened to touch him as I passed," answered Clarence.
+
+"He actually pulled you from your bicycle?" asked Stephen Ray, almost
+incredulous.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I should like to meet him. I should feel justified in ordering his
+arrest."
+
+"You will have a chance to meet him. He told me he was going to call upon
+you--there he is now, entering the gate."
+
+Stephen was glad to hear it. He wanted to empty the vails of his wrath on
+the audacious offender.
+
+He was accustomed to seeing men of the stamp of this stranger quail before
+him and show nervous alarm at his rebukes. He had no doubt that his
+majestic wrath would overwhelm the shabby outcast who had audaciously
+assaulted his son and heir.
+
+He rose to his feet, and stood the personification of haughty displeasure,
+as the poor man who dared his anger walked composedly up the path. He now
+stood by the piazza steps.
+
+"It is well you have come here," began the squire in a dignified tone. "My
+son tells me that you have committed an unprovoked outrage upon him in
+dragging him from his wheel. I can only conclude that you are under the
+influence of liquor."
+
+Stephen Ray waited curiously to hear what the man would say. He was
+prepared for humble apologies.
+
+"I am no more drunk than yourself, if that is what you mean, Stephen
+Ray."
+
+Squire Ray was outraged and scandalized.
+
+"You must be drunk or you would not dare to talk in this way. Who
+authorized you to address me in this familiar way?"
+
+"You are only a man, I believe, Stephen Ray. I have addressed you as
+respectfully as you have spoken to me."
+
+"Respect--to you?" repeated Mr. Ray disdainfully. "Has the time come when
+we must be respectful to tramps?"
+
+"A poor tramp is quite as deserving of respect as a rich rascal."
+
+"What do you mean by that?" demanded the squire suspiciously.
+
+"It was a general remark."
+
+"It is well that it was. But it has no application in the present
+instance. If you are poor I will give you a quarter, but only on condition
+that you apologize to my son."
+
+The stranger laughed.
+
+"Why should I apologize to your son?" he asked.
+
+"You pulled him off his wheel. Do you deny it?"
+
+"No, I do not. Do you know what he did?"
+
+"He brushed against you with his wheel, he tells me, accidentally."
+
+"So that is his version of it? He deliberately ran into me."
+
+"I gave you warning. I said 'Out of the way, there!'" interrupted
+Clarence.
+
+"Yes, but you had no right on the sidewalk."
+
+"It seems to me, sir, that you are remarkably independent for a man of
+your rank. Even if it had been as you say, you had no right to assault my
+son. I might have you arrested on your own confession, but I will forbear
+doing so on condition that you leave town at once."
+
+"I have a little business with you first."
+
+"If you expect alms, you have come to the wrong man."
+
+"I know very well that you are not charitable. I used to be acquainted
+with you."
+
+"Who are you?"
+
+"My name is Benjamin Bolton."
+
+Stephen Ray looked startled.
+
+"Benjamin Bolton!" he repeated, half incredulous. "I can't believe it."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+A STARTLING DISCLOSURE
+
+
+"Look at me closely, Stephen Ray," said the strange visitor. "I think you
+will see some traces of the Bolton you used to know."
+
+Stephen Ray did examine his visitor closely. Against his will he was
+obliged to acknowledge the resemblance of the man before him to one who in
+past times had had an intimate acquaintance with his affairs.
+
+"You may be Benjamin Bolton," he said after a pause, "but if so, you have
+fallen off greatly in your appearance. When I first knew you, you were
+well dressed and----"
+
+"Respectable, I suppose you mean to say?"
+
+"Well, respectable, if you will have it so. Now you look more like a tramp
+than a lawyer."
+
+"True as gospel, every word of it. But it isn't too late to mend. That's
+an old proverb and a true one. It is quite in the line of possibility that
+I should get back to the position from which I fell."
+
+"Perhaps so, but I'm not very sanguine of it."
+
+"With your help nothing is impossible."
+
+"You must not count upon that," said Stephen Ray stiffly. "It is a good
+while since we parted company. I don't myself care to renew the
+acquaintance."
+
+"But I do," rejoined Bolton with emphasis.
+
+"I have very little time at my disposal," said Ray, pulling out an elegant
+gold watch and consulting it.
+
+"I think it may be well for you to spare me a little time," went on Bolton
+quietly.
+
+There was something in his tone that sounded like a threat, and Stephen
+Ray could not wholly conceal his uneasiness.
+
+"Well," he said, "I will give you ten minutes. Get through your business,
+whatever it is, as soon as possible."
+
+"Hadn't you better send your son away?" suggested Bolton significantly.
+
+"Why should I?"
+
+But on second thoughts Mr. Ray concluded to act on the hint, and turning
+to Clarence he said: "Clarence, you might take another spin on your
+wheel."
+
+This did not suit Clarence at all. His curiosity had been excited by his
+father's change of front toward the objectionable stranger, and he counted
+on finding out the reason for it.
+
+"Why can't I stay?" he grumbled.
+
+"This man and I have a little private business together."
+
+He spoke firmly, and Clarence knew by his tone that further remonstrance
+would be unavailing, so with a dissatisfied look he left the room.
+
+"Now, sir," said Stephen Ray sharply, when his son had taken his
+departure. "I gave you ten minutes. You will need to be expeditious."
+
+"It will take more than ten minutes--what I have to say," returned Bolton
+coolly. "I am rather tired of standing, so you will excuse me if I sit
+down."
+
+As he spoke he dropped into a comfortable chair three feet from his host.
+
+"Confound his impudence!" thought Ray, much annoyed.
+
+"I think we had better go indoors," he said.
+
+He did not care to be seen in an apparently friendly conversation with a
+man like Bolton.
+
+"I think myself it may be better."
+
+He followed Ray into a room which the latter used as a library and office,
+and took care to select a comfortable seat.
+
+"Really, Stephen Ray," he remarked, glancing around him at the well-filled
+bookcases, the handsome pictures, and the luxurious furniture, "you are
+very nicely fixed here."
+
+"I suppose you didn't come to tell me that," responded Stephen Ray with a
+sneer.
+
+"Well, not altogether, but it is as well to refer to it. I have known you
+a good many years. I remember when you first came here to visit your uncle
+in the character of a poor relation. I don't believe you had a hundred
+dollars to your name."
+
+Such references grated upon the purse-proud aristocrat, who tried to
+persuade himself that he had always been as prosperous as at present.
+
+"There is no occasion for your reminiscences," he said stiffly.
+
+"No, I suppose you don't care to think of those days now. Your cousin,
+Dudley, a fine young man, was a year or two older. Who would have thought
+that the time would come when you--the poor cousin--would be reigning in
+his place?"
+
+"If that is all you have to say, our interview may as well close."
+
+"It isn't all I have to say. I must indulge in a few more reminiscences,
+though you dislike them. A few years passed. Dudley married against his
+father's wishes; that is, his father did not approve of his selection, and
+he fell out of favor. As he lost favor you gained it."
+
+"That is true enough, but it is an old story."
+
+"Does it seem just that an own son should be disinherited and a
+stranger----"
+
+"A near relative," corrected Stephen Ray.
+
+"Well, a near relative, but less near than an only son. Does it seem right
+that Dudley should have been disinherited and you put in his place?"
+
+"Certainly. My cousin disobeyed his father."
+
+"So he was left in poverty."
+
+"I don't see how that concerns you, Benjamin Bolton. My uncle had the
+right to dispose of his property as he pleased."
+
+"Probably Dudley Ray is living in poverty now."
+
+"You are mistaken. He is dead."
+
+"Indeed! Poor fellow! He was a generous and high-minded man."
+
+"Whatever he may have been, he offended his father, and suffered the
+consequences."
+
+"Too true!"
+
+"But I fail to understand why you should have come to discuss this matter
+with me."
+
+"When did Dudley die?"
+
+"I can't be sure as to the year. I think it was about a year after his
+father's death."
+
+"I presume that his father's injustice helped to hasten his end."
+
+"I won't permit any reflections upon my dear uncle and benefactor. He did
+what he liked with his own. He felt that the estate would be better in my
+hands than in Dudley's."
+
+"Admitting for a moment that this was so, did your heart prompt you to
+bestow a part of the estate on your unfortunate cousin?"
+
+"No; for I am sure my uncle would have disapproved of such action on my
+part."
+
+"Do you know if he suffered much from poverty?"
+
+"No; I did not concern myself with that, nor need you."
+
+"I would like to comment on one of your statements. You say that your
+uncle had a right to dispose of his estate as he pleased."
+
+"Do you dispute it?"
+
+"No; I agree with you. Stephen Ray, was his estate disposed of according
+to his wishes?"
+
+Mr. Ray started, and his face became flushed.
+
+"What do you mean?" he asked.
+
+"I mean that he bequeathed the estate to his son, and you took possession
+of it."
+
+Bolton spoke slowly, and eyed Stephen Ray keenly.
+
+"Are you mad?" gasped Stephen. "How could I do that? His will, devising
+the estate to me, was duly probated, and I entered upon my inheritance by
+due process of law."
+
+"I know such a will was probated."
+
+"Then what have you to say?" demanded Stephen Ray defiantly. "Do you mean
+to deny that the will was genuine?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Because if you do, you can go to the probate office, and submit the will
+to any judge of my uncle's handwriting."
+
+"There will be no occasion. I admit that the will was written by him."
+
+"What do you mean, then?" asked Stephen Ray, showing relief.
+
+"I mean this--that it was not his last will and testament."
+
+"Where is a later one? Produce it if you can?" said Stephen Ray
+triumphantly.
+
+"You say this fearlessly because you found a later will--and destroyed
+it."
+
+"It is a vile slander!"
+
+"No; I will swear that such a will was made."
+
+"If it was destroyed, he destroyed it himself."
+
+"No, he did not. I am willing to swear that when he died that will was in
+existence."
+
+"I don't think your swearing will do much good," sneered Stephen Ray.
+
+"Perhaps so, but one thing has not occurred to you."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"A duplicate of the last will was placed in my hands. That will exists
+to-day!"
+
+Stephen Ray started violently.
+
+"I don't believe it," he said.
+
+"Seeing is believing."
+
+"Then bring it here, and let me see it. However, there is one material
+circumstance that would make it of no value."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"My cousin Dudley is dead, and so is his son Ernest. There would be no one
+to profit by the production of the alleged will."
+
+Bolton was quite taken aback by this statement, as Stephen Ray perceived,
+and he plumed himself on the success of his falsehood.
+
+"When did the boy die?" asked Bolton.
+
+"About five years ago."
+
+"And where?"
+
+"At Savannah," answered Ray glibly.
+
+"What should have taken him down there?"
+
+"I am not positive, but I believe after his father's death a Southern
+gentleman became interested in him and took him to Georgia, where the poor
+boy died."
+
+Bolton looked keenly at the face of his companion, and detected an
+expression of triumph about the eyes which led him to doubt the truth of
+his story. But he decided not to intimate his disbelief.
+
+"That was sad," he said.
+
+"Yes, and as you will see, even had your story about the will been true,
+it would have made no difference in the disposal of the property."
+
+"Still the revelation of your complicity in the suppression of the last
+will would injure your reputation, Mr. Ray."
+
+"I can stand it," answered Ray with assumed indifference. "You see, my
+dear fellow, you have brought your wares to the wrong market. Of course
+you are disappointed."
+
+"Yes, especially as I am dead broke."
+
+"No doubt."
+
+"And it prompts me to take my chances with the will in spite of the death
+of the rightful heirs."
+
+"What do you propose to do?"
+
+"Lay the matter before a shrewd lawyer of my acquaintance."
+
+Stephen Ray looked uneasy. The lawyer might suggest doubts as to the truth
+of his story concerning Ernest's decease.
+
+"That would be very foolish," he said.
+
+"Would it? Then perhaps you can suggest a better course."
+
+"You are a man of education and have been a lawyer yourself. Get a place
+in the office of some attorney and earn an honest living."
+
+"You see how I am dressed. Who would employ me in this garb?"
+
+"There is something in what you say. I feel for you, Bolton. Changed as
+you are, you were once a friend. I certainly haven't any reason to feel
+friendly to you, especially as you came here with the intention of
+extorting money from me. But I can make allowance for you in your
+unfortunate plight, and am willing to do something for you. Bring me the
+document you say you possess, and I will give you fifty--no, a hundred
+dollars."
+
+Bolton eyed his prosperous companion with a cunning smile.
+
+"No, Stephen Ray, I prefer to keep the will," he replied, "though I can do
+nothing with it. Give me the money unconditionally, and if I get on my
+feet you will have nothing to fear from me."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+BOUGHT OFF
+
+
+Bolton's reply did not quite suit Mr. Ray, but he felt that if he said too
+much about the will it would give it an exaggerated importance in the eyes
+of the man before him. So he answered carelessly: "I will give you the
+hundred dollars, but I wish it understood that it is all I can give you at
+any time. Don't apply to me again, for it will be of no use."
+
+"I understand," said Bolton non-committally.
+
+"Shall I give you a check?"
+
+"I could do better with the money. My name is not known now at any bank."
+
+"Well, I think I can accommodate you. I believe I have that sum in my
+desk."
+
+He opened a drawer in his secretary, and produced a hundred dollars in
+crisp new bills. They had been taken from the bank the day before for a
+different purpose.
+
+Bolton took them joyfully. It was long since he had so much money in his
+possession. He had been his own worst enemy. Once a prosperous lawyer he
+had succumbed to the love of drink and gradually lost his clients and his
+position. But he had decided to turn over a new leaf, and he saw in this
+money the chance to reinstate himself, and in time recover his lost
+position.
+
+"Thank you," he said, but while there was relief there was no gratitude in
+his tone.
+
+"And now," said Stephen Ray, "I must ask you to leave me. I have important
+business to attend to. You will excuse me if I suggest it would be better
+to go away--to a distance--and try to build yourself up somewhat where you
+are not known."
+
+"I might go to Savannah."
+
+"Yes, to Savannah, if you think it will be to your advantage," said Ray
+with equanimity.
+
+The other noticed his manner, and he said to himself: "He is willing to
+have me visit Savannah. It is clear that Ernest did not die there."
+
+Benjamin Bolton left the house in a pleasant frame of mind. It was not the
+sum which he had received that exhilarated him. He looked upon it only as
+the first installment. It was clear that Stephen Ray feared him, for he
+was not an open-handed man, and would not have parted with his money
+unnecessarily.
+
+Bolton had not arranged his campaign, but he was determined to raise
+himself in the world by playing on the fears of the man he had just
+visited.
+
+"I wonder," he said to himself, "whether Dudley Ray's son is dead. If so
+the document is of no value, and though I should prefer to have it, I
+won't insist. He was a strong and healthy boy, and he may still be
+living."
+
+This was a point not easy to ascertain.
+
+He went to a restaurant and obtained a substantial meal, of which he stood
+very much in need. Then he went out for a stroll. He did not propose to
+leave the place yet.
+
+As he was walking along he met Clarence Ray again, but not now on his
+wheel. The boy recognized him.
+
+"Are you going to stay in town?" asked Clarence curiously.
+
+"Not long."
+
+"Did you get through your business with pa?"
+
+"Yes, for the present. I suppose you know that you have a cousin about
+your own age. I used to know him and his father."
+
+"Did you? His father is dead."
+
+"So I have understood. Do you happen to know where the son is?"
+
+"Somewhere out West, I think."
+
+Bolton pricked up his ears. So it seemed that Stephen Ray had deceived
+him.
+
+"I would give five dollars to know where he is," he said slowly.
+
+"Have you got five dollars?" Clarence asked doubtfully.
+
+By way of answer Bolton took a roll of bills from his pocket. They were
+those which Stephen Ray had given him.
+
+"Do you mean it?" asked Clarence in a more respectful tone.
+
+"Yes, I mean it."
+
+"Why didn't you ask pa?"
+
+"He never liked the boy nor his father, and I don't think he would tell
+me."
+
+"That is true. He didn't like either of them."
+
+"I suppose you couldn't find out for me?"
+
+"I don't know but I could," answered Clarence brusquely.
+
+He had a special use for five dollars, and it struck him that he might
+just as well earn the money offered by the stranger.
+
+"If you could I would cheerfully pay you the five dollars. You see I used
+to know Ernest Ray and his father, and I would be pleased to meet them
+again."
+
+"Just so," said Clarence complacently. "How long are you going to remain
+in town?"
+
+"I did think of going to Elmira to-night, but I think on the whole I will
+stay at the hotel here till to-morrow morning."
+
+"That will give me time to find out," said Clarence.
+
+"All right! You had better not ask your father, for I don't think he would
+tell you."
+
+"That's so. He will be going out this evening, and then I will search in
+his desk. I saw a letter there once in which the boy's name was mentioned.
+But I say, if you've got money why don't you buy some new clothes?"
+
+"Your suggestion is a good one," said Bolton, smiling. "Come to look at
+myself I do appear shabby. But then I'm no dude. I dare say when you rode
+into me this morning you took me for a tramp."
+
+"Well, you did look like one."
+
+"That's so. I can't blame you."
+
+"Shall I find you at the hotel this evening?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I'll see what I can do."
+
+About seven o'clock Squire Ray went out to attend to a business meeting,
+and Clarence was left in possession of the study. He locked the door, and
+began to ransack his father's desk. At length he succeeded in his quest.
+
+Benjamin Bolton was sitting in the public-room of the hotel an hour later,
+smoking a cigar, and from time to time looking toward the door. Presently
+Clarence entered.
+
+"Have you got it?" asked Bolton eagerly.
+
+"Yes," nodded Clarence.
+
+He took a piece of paper from his vest pocket and handed it to Bolton.
+
+It read thus: "Ernest Ray, Oak Forks, Iowa."
+
+"How did you get it?" asked Bolton.
+
+"I found a letter in pa's desk from an old man named Peter Brant, asking
+pa for some money for the boy, who was living with him."
+
+"When was that letter written?"
+
+"About two years ago."
+
+"Thank you. This gives me a clue. Come out of doors and I will give you
+what I promised. It isn't best that anyone should think we had dealings
+together."
+
+Five minutes later Clarence started for home, happy in the possession of a
+five-dollar bill.
+
+"I never paid any money more cheerfully in my life," mused Bolton. "Now I
+must find the boy!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+OREVILLE
+
+
+When Ernest and Luke Robbins started for California, they had no very
+definite plans as to the future. But they found among their fellow
+passengers a man who was just returning from the East, where he had been
+to visit his family. He was a practical and successful miner, and was by
+no means reluctant to speak of his success.
+
+"When I landed in 'Frisco," he said, "two years ago, I had just forty
+dollars left after paying the expenses of my trip. I couldn't find
+anything to do in the city, so I set out for the mines."
+
+"Where did you go?" asked Luke, becoming interested.
+
+"To Oreville. At least, that's what they call it now. Then it didn't have
+a name."
+
+"I hope you prospered," said Ernest.
+
+"Well, not just at first, but luck came after a while. When I reached the
+mines I was dead broke, and went to work for somebody else. After a while
+I staked out a claim for myself. Well, I won't go into particulars, but
+I've got six thousand dollars salted down with a trust company in 'Frisco,
+and I've got a few hundred dollars about my clothes besides."
+
+"That's the place for us, Ernest," said Luke.
+
+"So I think," answered Ernest.
+
+"Do you want to go to the mines?" asked the miner.
+
+"Yes; we have our fortunes to make, and are willing to work."
+
+"Then go out to Oreville with me. Have you got any money?"
+
+"We have enough to get there, and perhaps a little over."
+
+"That will do. I'll set you to work on one of my claims. We will share and
+share alike. How will that suit you?"
+
+"It seems fair. Do you think we can make enough to live upon?"
+
+"That depends partly on yourselves and partly upon luck."
+
+"At any rate, we are willing to work," said Ernest.
+
+"Then I'm your friend, and will help you," said the miner heartily. "Tom
+Ashton never goes back on his friends."
+
+This was very encouraging. Luke and Ernest were not dead broke, but were
+near it. They had less than forty dollars between them, and they had
+already found out that living was high in California. They remained but a
+day in San Francisco, and then started for Oreville with Mr. Ashton.
+
+The two friends knew nothing of mining, but as practiced in those days it
+took very little time to learn. They found that their new friend was a man
+of consideration at Oreville. He owned several claims, and had no
+difficulty in finding them employment. They set to work at once, for they
+were almost penniless.
+
+It may easily be supposed that the miners were not fastidious about
+living. The cabins or huts which they occupied were primitive to the last
+degree. Generally they did their own cooking, such as it was. Three of
+these cabins Tom Ashton owned, and one was assigned to the use of Ernest
+and his friend.
+
+For years Ernest, with his old friend and supposed uncle, Peter Brant, had
+lived in a cabin at Oak Forks, but it was superior to their new residence.
+Yet his former experience enabled him the better to accommodate himself to
+the way of living at Oreville.
+
+For a month the two friends worked steadily at their claim, which Ashton
+had finally given them. They made little. In fact, it was with difficulty
+that they made expenses.
+
+"It will be a long time before we make our pile, Ernest," said Luke one
+evening, as he sat in front of his cabin smoking.
+
+"Yes, Luke, things don't look very promising," replied Ernest gravely.
+
+"If it weren't for my pipe I should feel blue."
+
+"That is where you have the advantage of me, Luke."
+
+"You have the same chance that I have. I have an extra pipe. Won't you
+take a smoke?"
+
+Ernest shook his head.
+
+"I think I'm better off without it."
+
+"Perhaps you're right, lad. I remember my poor father warned me against
+smoking. The question is, how long we'd better keep at it."
+
+"Is there anything else, Luke?"
+
+"Well, no; not here."
+
+"And we haven't money enough to get away."
+
+Just then a tall man with reddish hair strode across the field to their
+cabin.
+
+"Good-evening, neighbors," he said. "How are you making out?"
+
+"Not over well," answered Luke.
+
+"There's a difference in claims. You've got a poor one."
+
+"Probably you are right."
+
+"There's been considerable gold-dust gathered in Oreville within six
+months. I have been one of the lucky ones."
+
+"Indeed! I am glad of it."
+
+"Yes; I found a nugget two months since that I sold for two thousand
+dollars. I have made five thousand within a year."
+
+"You've been in luck. I wish the boy and I could be as successful."
+
+"The claim is not good enough to support two. Why not let the boy find
+something else?"
+
+"You wouldn't have me freeze him out?" said Luke in a tone of
+displeasure.
+
+"No, but suppose I find something for him to do? What then?"
+
+"That's a different matter. Have you an extra claim?"
+
+"Yes; but that isn't what I offer him. I have a plan in which he can help
+me."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"All our supplies come from Sacramento. What we need is a retail store in
+Oreville--a general store for the sale of almost everything that miners
+need."
+
+"It would be a good plan to open one," said Luke approvingly.
+
+"Now, you must know that I am an old storekeeper. I had for years a store
+about twenty miles from Boston. I succeeded fairly with it, but my health
+gave out. The doctor told me I must not be so confined--that I needed
+out-of-door exercise. So I came out here and got it. Well, the advice
+proved good. I am strong and robust, and I feel enterprising. Now, what I
+propose is this: 'I will open a store, and put the boy in charge under
+me.'"
+
+"I should like it," said Ernest eagerly.
+
+"You know what we pay for supplies. There's at least a hundred per cent.
+made, and no one objects to the prices. Why shouldn't we make it as well
+as the Sacramento storekeepers?"
+
+"True!" said Luke.
+
+"I don't ask you to work for me, my friend, for I don't think it would
+suit you."
+
+"It wouldn't. At home--that's in Oak Forks, Iowa--I was a hunter. I was
+always in the open air. The sort of life we live here suits me, though I
+haven't made much money as yet."
+
+"The boy, I think, would do. He looks like a hustler. I need only look at
+his face to know that he'd be honest and faithful. What is your name,
+boy?"
+
+"Ernest Ray."
+
+"That's a good name. You'll only have to live up to it--to the first part
+of it, I mean. Then you accept my offer?"
+
+"You haven't made any," said Ernest, smiling.
+
+"Oh, you mean about wages. Well, I don't offer any stated wages. I will
+give you one-third profits, and then your pay will depend on your success.
+The fact is, you are to keep the store."
+
+Ernest looked an inquiry.
+
+"One person can attend to it by day. I will come in the evening, and take
+a general look after things. Just at first I'll stay with you till you've
+got the hang of things. But during the day I shall be looking after my
+claims. Do you know how to keep books?"
+
+"I understand single-entry bookkeeping."
+
+"That will be all you will require."
+
+"How soon shall you start?" asked Ernest, who began to feel very much
+interested.
+
+"I will go to Sacramento to-morrow, now that we have come to terms. You
+know that frame building near Ashton's cabin?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I don't know what it was originally used for, but it is empty and I can
+secure it for our store. It isn't large, but it will hold all we need."
+
+"Yes, that will do."
+
+"You haven't said how you like my offer."
+
+"Of one-third profits? I like it better than if you paid me wages. I will
+make it amount to a good deal."
+
+"That will suit me. I don't care how much you make out of it, for I shall
+make twice as much."
+
+"How did you happen to think of me?"
+
+"I've watched you ever since you came. I can judge of anyone, man or boy,
+if I have time enough to take stock of him. I saw that you were just the
+man for me."
+
+"Boy," suggested Ernest, smiling.
+
+"Oh, well, I'll make a man of you. By the way, an idea has just occurred
+to me. You'd better go to Sacramento with me to-morrow."
+
+"I should like to do it," said Ernest.
+
+"Then you can notice where I buy my supplies. You may need to go alone
+sometimes."
+
+"At what time will we start?"
+
+"The stage leaves at seven o'clock."
+
+"I will be ready."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+STOREKEEPING
+
+
+The journey to Sacramento was made, the goods selected, and in less than a
+week the new store was stocked. In the arrangement of goods Ernest took a
+zealous part. He had never served in a store, yet it seemed to come
+natural to him, and he felt more interest in it than in the work of
+mining.
+
+After the store was in full working order, Horace Ames left Ernest as sole
+manager, coming in only in the evening to look at the books, for Ernest as
+far as possible kept a record of every sale.
+
+Storekeeping in those days and in that country was unusually profitable.
+Ernest made a little comparison between the cost of goods and the selling
+price, and arrived at the conclusion that the average profits were a
+hundred per cent. And still the miners were able to buy goods cheaper than
+when they sent to Sacramento for them.
+
+At the end of the first week Ernest figured up the sales and found they
+aggregated two hundred dollars. His share of the profit amounted to a
+little over thirty dollars.
+
+This was encouraging, being three times as much as he had ever realized in
+the same length of time from mining. There was one embarrassment. There
+was no bank in the place where money could be deposited, and of course the
+chance of loss by robbery was much increased. However, his partner
+purchased a small safe, and this afforded some security.
+
+One day a man entered the store and purchased a pipe and tobacco. He was a
+stranger to Ernest, but there was something familiar in his look, yet he
+could not place him.
+
+The newcomer looked about with considerable curiosity.
+
+"You have quite a snug store here," he remarked.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Does it belong to you?"
+
+"I have an interest in it, but it belongs to Mr. Ames."
+
+"Is he here much?"
+
+"He usually comes in evenings, but he is interested in mining."
+
+"You seem to have a good trade."
+
+"What makes you think so?"
+
+"You have a good stock. You would not keep so many goods unless you had a
+call for them."
+
+"Have I ever seen you before?" asked Ernest abruptly, for the idea grew
+upon him that he and his new customer had met somewhere under peculiar
+circumstances.
+
+"I don't know. I don't remember you," answered the customer, shrugging his
+shoulders. "I haven't been in California long. I suppose you were born
+here."
+
+"No; very few of those now living in California were born here. I once
+lived in Iowa. Were you ever there?"
+
+"Never," answered the customer. "I've been in Missouri, but never in
+Iowa."
+
+"I have never been in that State. Are you going to stay here?"
+
+"I don't know. It depends on whether I can make any money. I suppose you
+don't want to hire a clerk?"
+
+"No."
+
+Ernest said to himself that this man with his shifty looks and suspicious
+appearance would be about the last man he would think of engaging.
+
+"Perhaps Mr. Ames would give you a chance to work some of his claims," he
+suggested.
+
+"I will look about me a little before I apply to him," replied the
+customer.
+
+"Did you come here alone?" he asked after a pause.
+
+"No. A friend came with me--Luke Robbins."
+
+The stranger started a little when Ernest pronounced this name, so that
+young Ray was led to inquire, "Do you know Luke?"
+
+"How should I know him? Is he a young man?"
+
+"No; he is probably about your age."
+
+"I suppose he came with you from Nebraska?"
+
+"Iowa."
+
+"Oh, yes, Iowa. He isn't in the store, is he?"
+
+"He is working for Mr. Ashton on one of his claims."
+
+At this point a new customer came in and the visitor, after a brief delay,
+left the store.
+
+When Ernest had waited upon the new customer he looked for the first
+visitor, but missed him.
+
+"I wonder who he was," he reflected, puzzled. "I am sure that I have seen
+him before."
+
+But think as he might he could not trace him.
+
+Yet with this man he had had a very exciting experience in Oak Forks, for
+it was no other than Tom Burns, the tramp who had entered his cabin during
+the night and robbed him, and later had attacked him when digging for
+Peter's hidden treasure. It had been only a few months since they had met,
+but Tom Burns, during that time, had grown a thick beard, which had helped
+to disguise him.
+
+It is hardly necessary to explain how Burns had found his way out to
+Oreville. It was his business to tramp about the country, and it had
+struck him that in the land of gold he would have a chance to line his
+pockets with treasure which did not belong to him. So fortune had directed
+his steps to Oreville.
+
+When he entered the store in which Ernest was employed, he immediately,
+and in some surprise, recognized the boy of Oak Forks. He was glad to find
+that Ernest did not recognize him, and he immediately began to consider in
+what way he could turn the circumstance to his own advantage.
+
+"I wonder if the boy sleeps there," he said to himself. "If so, I will
+make him a visit to-night. Probably the money he has taken during the day
+will be in some drawer where I can get hold of it."
+
+As he was leaving the store in the stealthy way habitual to him, he met a
+man walking toward the place with a long and careless stride.
+
+He started nervously, for this man was one whom he dreaded, and had reason
+to fear.
+
+It was Luke Robbins, who, tired with working the claim, was going to the
+store to replenish his stock of tobacco.
+
+Tom Burns pulled his soft hat down over his eyes and pushed swiftly on.
+
+Luke Robbins halted a moment and looked at him. As in Ernest's case, he
+seemed to see something familiar in the appearance of the tramp. He
+realized, at all events, that he was a stranger in Oreville, for he knew
+everyone in the mining settlement.
+
+"Who are you, stranger? Have I seen you before?" asked Luke, hailing him.
+
+Tom Burns did not dare to reply, for he feared that Luke might prove to
+have a better memory than Ernest. So he was passing on without a response,
+when Luke, who considered his conduct suspicious, demanded, in a
+peremptory tone, "Who are you? Do you live here?"
+
+Tom Burns shrugged his shoulders, and said, disguising his voice, "Me no
+understand English, boss."
+
+"What countryman are you?" asked Luke suspiciously.
+
+"Italian," answered Tom.
+
+"Humph! you are the first Italian I have seen in Oreville."
+
+"Si, signor," answered Tom, and this comprised all the Italian he knew.
+
+"Well, I don't think you will find any inducement to stay."
+
+"Si, signor," replied Burns meekly.
+
+Without another word Luke entered the store.
+
+"Ernest," he said, "I am out of tobacco, and must have a smoke. Give me
+half a pound."
+
+"All right, Luke."
+
+"I ran across an Italian just outside. He seemed to be leaving the
+store."
+
+"An Italian?" queried Ernest, his tone betraying surprise.
+
+"Yes. Wasn't he in here?"
+
+"There was a man in here--a stranger, but I don't think he was an
+Italian."
+
+"This man answered me in some Italian gibberish. He said he couldn't
+understand English."
+
+"What was his appearance?"
+
+Luke described him.
+
+"It's the same man that was in here just now, but he could speak English
+as well as you or I."
+
+"Did you have some conversation with him?"
+
+"Yes. He looked familiar to me, and I asked him who he was. He said he had
+come from Missouri. He was in search of work."
+
+"You say he understood and spoke English?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I wonder what could be his game."
+
+"Don't he look familiar to you?"
+
+"Yes; there was something familiar about his appearance, but I couldn't
+place him."
+
+"He asked me if I couldn't employ him in the store. I told him Mr. Ames
+might give him a chance at mining."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"He said he would look round a little before deciding."
+
+"Did he buy anything?"
+
+"Yes, tobacco."
+
+"Did you mention my name?"
+
+"Yes, and he looked uneasy."
+
+"Ernest," said Luke Robbins, with a sudden inspiration, "I know the man."
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"Don't you recall any man at Oak Forks with whom you had trouble?"
+
+"Tom Burns?"
+
+"Yes. That's the man."
+
+"Why didn't we recognize him then?"
+
+"Because he has grown a full beard."
+
+"That's so, Luke. I understand now why he looked so familiar. I am sorry
+to see him here."
+
+"He'd better not undertake any of his rascalities or he will find himself
+in hot water."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+TOM BURNS MAKES A CALL
+
+
+When Burns left the store he walked to the outskirts of the mining
+settlement, not wishing to attract attention. He wished especially to
+avoid encountering Luke Robbins, with the strength of whose arm he was
+disagreeably familiar.
+
+He proposed to keep out of sight until night, and then make a visit to the
+store. It would go hard with him if he did not make a raise there, either
+in the shape of money or articles of value.
+
+He came to a cabin standing by itself, at a considerable distance from the
+homes of the other miners. Sitting in front of it was a man with grizzled
+beard whose appearance indicated advanced age. There were lines upon his
+face that betrayed ill health.
+
+"I wonder if anything can be got out of him," thought Tom Burns. "I'll
+see."
+
+"Good-day, sir," he said, affably.
+
+The old man looked up.
+
+"Good-day," he replied. "Who may you be?"
+
+"I'm an unfortunate man, in search of employment."
+
+"When people are unfortunate there is generally a reason for it. Are you
+intemperate?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Burns, as if horror-stricken. "I hate the taste of
+liquor."
+
+"I am glad to hear it."
+
+"I belong to three temperance societies," continued Tom, by way of
+deepening the favorable impression he thought he had made.
+
+"And still you are poor?"
+
+"Yes," answered Burns. "Once I was prosperous, but I was ruined by signing
+notes for an unprincipled man who took advantage of my friendship. Do you
+think I can find work here?"
+
+"I don't know. Probably you can get a chance to work on one of Mr. Ames's
+claims."
+
+"Is it Mr. Ames who owns the store?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I called there to buy some tobacco. Is the boy there his son?"
+
+"No; he is a recent arrival in Oreville. He is a very smart boy."
+
+"Is he? Mr. Ames trusts him, I suppose?"
+
+"Yes. Why shouldn't he?"
+
+"I--I would rather not answer that question."
+
+"Have you ever met the boy before?"
+
+"Yes; I met him in the East," answered Burns.
+
+"Since you have said so much you must say more. I am a cousin of Mr. Ames,
+and if you know anything unfavorable of the boy, it is your duty to tell
+me."
+
+"I have nothing against the boy, and would prefer not to speak."
+
+"I insist upon your doing it."
+
+"It is only this. When I knew him he was employed in a store. He was
+trusted as he appears to be here. One night the store was robbed--that is,
+some money disappeared, and the boy claimed that it was broken into by
+thieves, who took the money, whereas he took it himself."
+
+"That seems bad. Was it proved that he took the money?"
+
+"Yes. That's why he was compelled to leave the place."
+
+"Did you come here to expose him?"
+
+"No; I didn't know he was here. I was very much taken by surprise when I
+saw him in the store."
+
+"This is important, if true. Mr. Ames ought to be informed."
+
+"Don't tell him while I am here. The boy is very revengeful, and he might
+try to do me an injury."
+
+"Are you afraid of a boy?"
+
+"I am a man of peace. I don't want to get into any difficulty."
+
+"I suppose you wonder that I am sitting here while others are at work."
+
+"Well, it did cross my mind."
+
+"My spine is affected. I look well, but I cannot walk. I hope to be better
+after a while, but at present I am comparatively helpless."
+
+"Can't I help you?"
+
+"You may go into the cabin, and bring me a bottle of medicine which you
+will find in the cupboard."
+
+Burns entered the cabin gladly. It occurred to him that he might find
+something worth taking.
+
+On the wall, hanging from a nail, was a gold watch. It was too good a
+chance to be lost. It might or it might not be valuable, but at any rate
+it was worth something.
+
+So, while securing the bottle, Burns slyly possessed himself of the watch,
+which he slipped into his inside breast pocket.
+
+"Here is the bottle, sir," he said, meekly.
+
+"Thank you. Now bring a spoon which you will find on the table."
+
+Burns did so.
+
+"Now pour out a teaspoonful, which I will take."
+
+"I am glad to be of service to you. Don't you want an attendant while you
+are sick?"
+
+"There would not be enough for you to do. I have a son at work in the
+mines who is here morning and night, and he gives me all the care I
+require."
+
+"I am sorry to hear that," thought Burns. "The son may be dangerous."
+
+"Then, sir, I will bid you good-by. I will pray for your recovery."
+
+"Thank you. The prayers of the righteous avail much. Are you righteous?"
+
+"It isn't for me to say, sir. I don't want to boast."
+
+"That is creditable to you. By the way, are you hungry?"
+
+"I haven't broken my fast since morning."
+
+"You will find some cold meat and a loaf of bread in the cupboard. It is
+plain, but if you are hungry you will enjoy it."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I will accept your kind invitation."
+
+Tom Burns was really hungry, and he did justice to the food offered him.
+
+When his lunch was over he came outside.
+
+"Thank you," he said, "for your kindness."
+
+"Out here we are always glad to give a meal of victuals to a stranger who
+needs it. Are you going to stay long in Oreville?"
+
+"If I can get anything to do I may. You see I am a poor man, and stand in
+pressing need of employment."
+
+"Keep up your courage! Something will turn up for you. I will ask my son
+if he cannot find something for you to do."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I will bid you good-by, with thanks for your kindness."
+
+"If you are not pressed for time, I will send you on an errand."
+
+"All right, sir. I shall be glad to be of service to you."
+
+"Here is a Mexican dollar. You may go to the store and bring me a dozen
+eggs. If there is any change you may keep it."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"A dollar in!" thought Burns, as he turned away from the cabin. "I think I
+can turn it to a better use than spending it in eggs. That was a
+profitable call. I made a gold watch and a dollar by it. The old man can't
+pursue me, thanks to his spinal complaint."
+
+"That is a very clever fellow," reflected the old man, when Burns had
+started on his errand. "A bit too religious to suit my taste. Still he
+seemed grateful for the little I did for him. If he had a little more push
+and get up and get about him he would succeed better. Why, he isn't more
+than forty and he confesses himself a failure. Why, at forty I considered
+myself a young man, and was full of dash and enterprise. Now I am sixty
+and tied to my seat by this spinal trouble. However, I've got something
+laid by, and, old as I am, I feel independent as far as money goes."
+
+Half an hour--an hour--passed, and still the old man found himself alone.
+His messenger had not come back.
+
+But there came up the path a tall, muscular figure, who greeted the old
+man in a bluff, off-hand way.
+
+"How are you, Luke?" said the old man. "I was feeling lonely. I am glad to
+see you."
+
+"Have you been alone since morning?"
+
+"Not quite all the time. I had quite a long call from a stranger."
+
+"A stranger!" repeated Luke suspiciously. "What was his appearance?"
+
+The old man described Burns, and Luke knew him at once.
+
+"What did he say to you?"
+
+"That reminds me--he said he knew the boy whom Horace has put in the
+store--young Ray."
+
+"Did he?"
+
+"Yes, and he doesn't speak well of him."
+
+"What does he say about him?"
+
+"I don't like to tell you, Luke, for I believe he is a protege of yours."
+
+"Don't mind that. If there is anything to be said unfavorable of Ernest I
+ought to know it."
+
+"He says the boy robbed a store in which he was employed, and then
+pretended it was entered by thieves. It was on that account, he says, that
+the boy was compelled to leave the town where he lived and come to
+California."
+
+"Really, that is very interesting. To my own personal knowledge the boy
+was never before employed in a store, and he came out to California with
+me."
+
+"Then what could the man mean?"
+
+"I can't say. I can only tell you that he is a professional thief."
+
+"Look quick, Luke, and see if my gold watch is hanging on a nail near the
+cupboard."
+
+"No, it is not there."
+
+"Then the rascal must have stolen it. I gave him a Mexican dollar to buy
+some eggs at the store."
+
+"I don't think you will ever see it again, unless I catch the thief, as I
+may to-night."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+A BURGLAR'S FAILURE
+
+
+If Tom Burns had been more prudent, he would have made good his escape
+with the money and gold watch he had already secured. But he was too
+greedy for gain.
+
+He pictured to himself the store with its goodly stock of money taken in
+during the day, and he felt an irresistible craving for it. There might be
+one or two hundred dollars, and no one in charge but a boy whom he could
+easily overpower.
+
+Apart from the pecuniary gain he felt that he should enjoy getting the
+best of Ernest, who had already foiled him at Oak Forks.
+
+"This time he will come out second best," chuckled Burns to himself.
+
+Then he laughed when he remembered how his appearance had puzzled Ernest.
+
+"It was a good idea growin' a beard," he said to himself. "Seems to have
+disguised me pretty well. The boy thought he had seen me before, but he
+couldn't make out where. The next time he'll know me, I reckon.
+
+"I must keep out of the way till night," he said to himself. "It won't do
+for me to be seen prowlin' round the settlement."
+
+He retired a mile or two among the hills, and waited impatiently for night
+to come.
+
+"It is lucky that the old man gave me a meal," he reflected, "otherwise I
+should be about starved. I wonder if that watch is worth much."
+
+He examined the watch, and decided that its value was probably not far
+from a hundred dollars. In fact, the old man had bought it in St. Louis,
+and had selected a high-priced article.
+
+It did occur to Burns that perhaps he had better remain satisfied with
+what he had got, for the watch would probably bring him fifty dollars at a
+sacrifice sale; but the temptation to stay was too strong.
+
+"It would be a sin to give up such a fine chance," he reflected. "There's
+next to no risk, and I may get two hundred dollars."
+
+Then he began to consider what he would do in that case. He decided that
+he would go to San Francisco, and see what pickings he could find there.
+
+He had already found out that mining men and others in the far West were
+more careless about their money than those in the East, probably because
+money came easier.
+
+"I did well when I came out here," he said to himself in a tone of
+congratulation. "I'll make hay while the sun shines."
+
+Meanwhile, though he did not know it, his visit was expected, and
+preparations were being made to receive him.
+
+After supper Luke Robbins came to the store and held a conference with
+Ernest.
+
+"I am going to pass the night with you, lad," he said.
+
+"I wish you would, Luke."
+
+"I want to help you do the honors to my old friend Burns."
+
+"Perhaps he won't call."
+
+"If he knows what's best for him he won't, but he will be like the foolish
+moth, and won't be contented till he has singed his wings. I will look
+about me and see where to bestow myself for the night."
+
+Ernest occupied a bed in the rear of the store, just behind one of the
+counters. It was near a window in the rear of the building.
+
+"I'll take that bed, Ernest, and you can find another place."
+
+"Shall I fasten the window?"
+
+"No. I am going to make it easy for my friend, Burns, to get in. Whether
+he will find it as easy to get out will be another matter."
+
+Nothing was said to the miners about the presence of a thief in the
+settlement. At that time there was no toleration for thieves. The
+punishment visited upon them was short, sharp and decisive. The judge most
+in favor was Judge Lynch, and woe be to the offender who ventured to
+interfere with the rights of property.
+
+Had Luke breathed a word about Burns, half a dozen miners would have
+volunteered to stand guard, and would thus have interfered with Tom
+Burns's visit.
+
+"I want to keep all the fun to myself, Ernest," said Luke. "We'll give him
+a lesson he won't soon forget. If I told the boys they'd hang him up in
+short order. I don't want to take the fellow's life, but I'll give him a
+first-class scare."
+
+It was about ten minutes of twelve when Tom Burns, leaving his place of
+concealment, walked with eager steps toward the mining settlement. The one
+street was not illuminated, for Oreville had not got along as far as that.
+The moon gave an indistinct light, relieving the night of a part of its
+gloom.
+
+Burns looked from one cabin to another with a wistful glance.
+
+"I suppose some of these miners have got a lot of gold-dust hidden away in
+their shanties," he said to himself. "I wish I knew where I could light on
+some of their treasure."
+
+But then it occurred to him that every miner was probably armed, and would
+make it dangerous to any intruder.
+
+So Tom Burns kept on his way. He was troubled by no conscientious
+scruples. He had got beyond that long ago. Sometimes it did occur to him
+to wonder how it would seem to settle down as a man of respectability and
+influence, taking a prominent part in the affairs of town and church.
+
+"It might have been," he muttered. "My father was a man of that sort. Why
+not I? If I hadn't gone wrong in my early days, if I had not been tempted
+by the devil to rob the storekeeper for whom I worked, and so made myself
+an outcast and a pariah, who knows but I might have been at this moment
+Thomas Burns, Esq., of some municipality, instead of Tom Burns, the tramp?
+However, it is foolish to speculate about this. I am what I am, and there
+is little chance of my being anything else."
+
+So he dismissed the past, and recalled the work he had set for himself.
+
+Everything was still. In the mining village probably there was not a
+person awake. It was like a dead town. Everything seemed favorable to his
+designs.
+
+There was the store. He could see it already. And now there was nothing to
+do but to get in and take the money, which he had no doubt was waiting
+ready to his hand.
+
+Perhaps he might be fortunate enough to secure it without waking the boy.
+He hoped so, at any rate, for he was not a desperate or cruel man. He did
+not wish to injure Ernest unless it should be absolutely necessary.
+
+Arriving at his destination, he paused to reconsider.
+
+He did not expect to enter by the front door. He did not as yet know
+whether there was any other. But at any rate there must be a window
+somewhere, and he preferred to get in that way.
+
+He walked around to the rear of the store, and there he discovered the
+window. He had been afraid it might be blockaded with shelves, that would
+make entrance difficult, but fortunately this did not appear to be the
+case. He stood at the window and looked in.
+
+The faint moonlight did not enable him to penetrate the interior very far,
+but he could make out something. There were goods of various kinds
+scattered about, and he could just see a recumbent figure on a bed near
+the counter.
+
+"That's the boy," he said to himself. "I wonder if he is asleep."
+
+There seemed to be no doubt on this point.
+
+But for the indistinct light Tom Burns might have thought the outstretched
+figure rather large for a boy. But he only glanced at it furtively.
+
+The next thing to consider was whether the window was fastened. In that
+case he would have some difficulty, though for this he was prepared,
+having an instrument by which he could cut a pane of glass, and, thrusting
+in his hand, unfasten the catch.
+
+But through some strange inadvertence, apparently, the window was not
+fastened, and much to his relief he had no difficulty in lifting it.
+
+He was as careful as possible, fearing lest he might stumble over some
+article, and by the noise betray his presence.
+
+What if there was a dog inside? This thought brought alarm to the burglar.
+In that case his visit would probably be a failure. He remembered,
+however, with a feeling of relief, that he had seen no dog about during
+his visit to the store during the day.
+
+Now that he had passed through the window, and was fairly in the store, he
+looked round for the money drawer. He had not seen the safe, or probably
+he might not have entered the store at all, for he was not expert in
+breaking open safes, and at any rate it would be a matter of time and
+difficulty. So he was looking about when, as he passed by the bed, he felt
+himself seized by the leg. Evidently the sleeper had awakened and
+discovered his presence.
+
+Burns got down on his knees and grasped the recumbent figure by the
+throat.
+
+"Lie still, or I'll choke you!" he said fiercely.
+
+But as he spoke he felt the rough beard of a man, and with dismay he
+realized that he had tackled a more formidable foe than the boy for whom
+he was prepared.
+
+He felt himself seized with an iron grasp.
+
+"I've got you, you rascally burglar!" were the words he heard, and gave
+himself up for lost.
+
+"Who are you?" he asked faintly.
+
+"I am Luke Robbins, and I know you of old. You are Tom Burns!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+THE ADVERTISEMENT
+
+
+If there was anyone of whom Tom Burns stood in fear it was Luke Robbins.
+When he found himself in the grasp of his dreaded enemy, he grew weak with
+terror.
+
+It was no longer a question of successful robbery. It was a matter of
+personal safety.
+
+"Well, what have you to say for yourself?" demanded Luke, tightening his
+grasp.
+
+"Have mercy on me, Mr. Robbins! Don't kill me!" ejaculated Burns, half
+choked.
+
+"What did you come here for?"
+
+"I--I had no money, and----"
+
+"You thought you could get some here?"
+
+"Ye-es," faltered Burns.
+
+"You thought you would be more than a match for the boy. Well, you have no
+boy to deal with."
+
+"I know that very well," confessed Burns.
+
+"How long have you been in Oreville?"
+
+"I only came this morning."
+
+"You have improved your time," said Luke dryly. "You have stolen a gold
+watch, besides making this attempt at robbery."
+
+Tom Burns could not deny it, though he was surprised at Luke's knowledge.
+
+"Hand over that watch!" said Luke in a tone of authority.
+
+"Will you let me go if I do?"
+
+"I will make no conditions with you. Hand over the watch!"
+
+Burns drew it from his inside pocket and handed it over.
+
+"Humph! So far so good. Now how about that dollar you took to buy eggs?"
+
+"It is the only money I have, except a few pennies. Please let me keep
+it."
+
+"If I tell what you have done to the miners you won't need any more
+money," said Luke grimly.
+
+"Why not?" asked Burns, trembling.
+
+"Why not?" repeated Luke. "Because they will hang you to the nearest tree.
+You won't need to trouble about money matters after that."
+
+"You won't give me up, Mr. Robbins," pleaded Burns, in an agony of terror.
+"I--I am not fit to die. Besides, I am a young man. I am not yet forty. I
+will turn over a new leaf."
+
+"It's high time you did. It is a long time since you earned an honest
+living."
+
+"I know it, Mr. Robbins. I have been a bad man, but it is not too late to
+reform. If you'll let me go I will leave Oreville to-night, and I will
+never trouble you again."
+
+"It isn't me you have troubled. It is the boy. You robbed him, or tried to
+do it, at Oak Forks, and now you have turned up here."
+
+"I didn't know he was here."
+
+"You didn't know I was here, or I think you would have given the place a
+wide berth."
+
+"I am very sorry for what I did, and if you'll only spare my life, I'll
+promise to reform."
+
+"I haven't much faith in your promises, but I'll leave it to the boy.
+Ernest, what shall I do with this man?"
+
+Ernest had come forward, and was standing but a few feet from Luke and his
+captive.
+
+"If he promises to reform," said Ernest, "you'd better give him another
+chance, Luke."
+
+"I am not sure that I ought to, but it is you to whom he has done the most
+harm. If you give him over to the miners we shall never be troubled by him
+again."
+
+Tom Burns turned pale, for he knew that life and death were in the
+balance, and that those two--Luke and the boy--were to decide his fate.
+
+Ernest could not help pitying the trembling wretch. He was naturally
+kind-hearted, and at that moment he felt that he could forgive Burns all
+that he had done.
+
+"Since you have left it to me, Luke," he said, "let him go."
+
+"It shall be as you say, Ernest."
+
+As he spoke he released his hold, and Tom Burns stood erect. He breathed a
+deep sigh of relief.
+
+"May I go?" he asked submissively.
+
+"Yes."
+
+Before leaving he turned to Ernest.
+
+"You are a good-hearted boy," he said, "and I shall not forget that you
+have saved my life. If I am ever able to do anything for you, I will do
+it. You will find that Tom Burns, bad as he has been, knows how to be
+grateful."
+
+"I think you mean what you say," returned Ernest. "I hope you will keep
+your promise and will turn over a new leaf. Is it true that you are
+penniless?"
+
+"Not quite. This is all I have."
+
+Burns drew from his pocket a handful of small change--less than a dollar
+in all--and held it out for inspection.
+
+"Then I will help you along."
+
+Ernest took from his pocket a five-dollar gold piece, and offered it to
+the tramp.
+
+"That is more than I would do for him," said Luke.
+
+"It is more than I deserve," replied Burns, "but you won't be sorry for
+your kindness. If ever you see me again, I shall be a different man."
+
+He passed out of the window, and they saw him no more.
+
+Luke and Ernest said very little of their night's adventure, but the gold
+watch and the Mexican dollar were returned to the man from whom they had
+been taken.
+
+Six months passed. Oreville had doubled its population, the mines had
+yielded a large sum in gold-dust, and the store presided over by Ernest
+was considerably enlarged.
+
+His services had been so satisfactory that Horace Ames, whose time was
+taken up elsewhere, had raised his share of the profits to one-half.
+
+At the end of six months, besides defraying his expenses, Ernest found
+himself possessed of a thousand dollars.
+
+"Luke, I feel rich," said he, when his faithful friend came round for a
+chat.
+
+"You've done better than I have," rejoined Luke. "The most I have been
+able to scrape together is four hundred dollars."
+
+"I will give you a part of my money, so that we may be even."
+
+"No, you won't, Ernest. What do you take me for?"
+
+"Mr. Ames has been very liberal, and that is why I have got so much. I
+don't feel that I ought to have so much more than you."
+
+"Don't bother about me, lad; I feel rich with four hundred dollars. I
+never was worth so much before, though I'm almost three times your age.
+And I wouldn't have that but for you."
+
+"How do you make that out, Luke?"
+
+"Because I never had any ambition till I met you. I never thought of
+saving money; as long as I got enough to eat I cared for nothing else. I
+should have died without enough to bury me if you had not set me the
+example of putting something by for a rainy day."
+
+"I am glad if I have done you any good, Luke, for you have been a kind
+friend to me."
+
+A week later Luke came into the store, holding a letter in his hand.
+
+"Here is a letter for you, Ernest," he said. "I was passing the
+post-office just now when I was hailed by the postmaster, who asked me if
+I would take the letter to you. I didn't know that you had any
+correspondents."
+
+"Nor I, Luke. I think it is the first letter I ever received. Whom can it
+be from?"
+
+"From some one who knows you are here. It is post-marked St. Louis."
+
+"Well, I can easily discover who wrote it," said Ernest, as he cut open
+the envelope with his penknife.
+
+He turned at once to the signature, and exclaimed, in great surprise,
+"Why, it's from Tom Burns."
+
+"The man who tried to rob the store?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"He has probably written to ask you for some money."
+
+"No, Luke, you are mistaken. I will read it to you."
+
+The letter started thus:
+
+  Ernest Ray: You will probably be surprised to hear from me. Let me
+  begin by saying that I have kept the promise I made to you and Mr.
+  Robbins when you let me off six months ago. I have turned over a new
+  leaf, and have been strictly honest ever since, as I promised you I
+  would be.
+
+  I won't trouble you with an account of my struggles to get along. I
+  will only say that I am employed at present as a waiter at the
+  Planters' Hotel, and though I can't save up much money, I am able to
+  live comfortably. But you will wonder why I am writing to you. It is
+  because I have seen your name mentioned in an advertisement in one of
+  the St. Louis daily papers. I inclose the advertisement, and hope it
+  is something to your advantage. I have taken the liberty to write to
+  Mr. Bolton, telling him where you were six months since, and I now
+  write to you so that you may communicate with him also. Yours
+  respectfully,
+
+                                                          Tom Burns.
+
+The advertisement appended ran thus:
+
+  INFORMATION WANTED.--Should this meet the eye of Ernest Ray, some
+  time residing at Oak Forks, Iowa, he is requested to communicate with
+  Benjamin Bolton, Attorney at Law, 182 Nassau Street, New York City.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+MR. BOLTON AS A HUSTLER
+
+
+When Benjamin Bolton left the house of Stephen Ray with a hundred dollars
+in his pocket, it was his clearly defined purpose to find the boy who had
+been so grossly wronged, and force the present holder of the Ray estate to
+make restitution.
+
+Only a few hours previous he had been nearly penniless. Even now, though
+he was provided with a sum of money that made him feel comparatively rich,
+he knew it would not last long.
+
+He provided himself with a respectable suit of clothing, and took the next
+train for New York. He had been in the metropolis two or three times in
+the course of his life, but knew no one there.
+
+While other paths might be open to him, for he was a man of education and
+worldly experience, he felt that he should like to get back into his own
+profession. He flattered himself that if properly started he could make
+himself valuable to an established attorney in the way of hunting up
+cases, and taking part in any legal work that might be intrusted to him.
+
+But how could he, an unknown man, recommend himself to any lawyer whose
+standing and business would make a connection with him desirable? Perhaps
+in any other business there would be less difficulty in making a start.
+
+But Mr. Bolton was resolute and determined, and fortune favored him.
+
+Within thirty miles of the city a stout gentleman of perhaps fifty entered
+the car and sat beside him. He looked like a well-to-do business man, free
+from care, but for the anxious expression on his face. He appeared like a
+man in trouble who stood in need of advice.
+
+The train had gone several miles before he decided to confide in the quiet
+man who sat beside him. He had already taken stock of Bolton in furtive
+glances.
+
+"There is something on his mind," thought Bolton. "He looks as if he
+wished to speak to some one."
+
+He addressed a casual remark to his companion, who instantly responded.
+
+"I don't like to trouble you," he said, "but I am somewhat perplexed."
+
+"My dear sir, if in any way I can help you I shall be glad to do so,"
+answered Bolton. "I am a lawyer----"
+
+"Are you?" said the other eagerly. "I want to meet a good, honest and
+smart lawyer, who will undertake a case for me."
+
+Bolton pricked up his ears. This seemed to be a providential opportunity,
+of which he resolved to avail himself.
+
+"I should not like to praise myself," he said modestly, "but I think you
+will find me faithful to your interests."
+
+"No doubt of it, sir. Are you a New York lawyer?"
+
+"I am about to connect myself with a law firm in the city," answered
+Bolton, hoping that this statement might prove accurate.
+
+"Then you will be able to help me."
+
+"State your case, if you don't mind."
+
+Bolton took out a small memorandum-book, and, pencil in hand, sat ready to
+take down the important points.
+
+"Twenty years ago my father died, leaving an estate of fifty thousand
+dollars. It was divided equally between my sister Martha and myself. I
+married, and Martha for the last twenty years has been a member of my
+family. Being a spinster, with only herself to provide for, her property
+has doubled, while I, having several children, have barely held my own. Of
+course I expected that my children and myself would inherit Martha's money
+when she died."
+
+"Very natural, sir, and very just."
+
+"Well, Martha died last August. Imagine my dismay when her will was opened
+and proved to bequeath her entire estate to various charities in which she
+never took any particular interest when living."
+
+"Do you suspect anyone of influencing her to this disposition of her
+property?"
+
+"Yes, she had various conversations with a collector for these societies,
+who resided in the town during the summer, who sought an introduction when
+he learned that she was a lady of independent fortune. He called
+frequently, and flattered my sister, who had lately shown signs of mental
+weakness."
+
+"Did she cut off your family entirely in her will?"
+
+"Yes, she didn't leave even a dollar to any one of my children, though one
+of my daughters was named for her."
+
+"Was the collector entitled to a commission on sums secured for the
+societies which he represented?"
+
+"Yes, that is the cause of his zeal. He would make a very handsome
+percentage on an estate as large as my sister's."
+
+"But for him would she have been likely to cut off her relatives?"
+
+"No. We should probably have received every dollar."
+
+"Do you think the collector cherished any matrimonial designs with
+reference to your sister?"
+
+"I did think so at one time, but Martha's condition as an invalid led her
+to discourage his attentions, though she was evidently flattered by
+them."
+
+"Of course you wish to break the will?"
+
+"Yes. Do you think it can be done?"
+
+"Upon the basis of what you have told me I should think the chances were
+greatly in your favor."
+
+His companion brightened up very perceptibly at this assurance.
+
+"Have you ever been employed in any similar cases?" he asked.
+
+"My dear sir, I have a very important case of the kind on my hands at this
+moment. The amount involved is quarter of a million dollars."
+
+Mr. Bolton rose greatly in the estimation of his new client after this
+statement.
+
+"Is the case at all similar?"
+
+"Hardly. It is the case of a will concealed, or rather suppressed, and
+acting upon a will previously made. I cannot go into details, as I wish to
+keep our enemy in the dark."
+
+"I understand. Have you your card with you, so that I can call at your
+office?"
+
+This was a puzzling question for Bolton, but he was equal to the
+occasion.
+
+"Tell me what hotel you propose to stop at, and I will call upon you at
+eleven o'clock to-morrow morning."
+
+"I don't know much about the New York hotels."
+
+"Then let me recommend a house," naming a comfortable but not expensive
+hostelry on upper Broadway.
+
+"I will go there."
+
+"I think you have not yet mentioned your name."
+
+"My name is Ephraim Paulding."
+
+Bolton noted it down in his memorandum-book, and soon after the train ran
+into the station at Forty-second Street.
+
+There was no time to lose. Bolton made inquiries and obtained the name of
+a successful lawyer, with an office at 182 Nassau Street. He did not wait
+till the next day, but made a call that same evening at his house on
+Lexington Avenue.
+
+Mr. Norcross, the lawyer, entered the parlor with Bolton's card in his
+hand, and a puzzled expression on his face.
+
+"Have I ever met you before, Mr. Bolton?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Please state your business."
+
+"I should like to enter your office. I am a lawyer with fifteen years'
+experience."
+
+"I should hardly think so, considering the strange proposal you are
+making."
+
+"I am quite aware that it seems so, but I can make it worth your while."
+
+"How?"
+
+"By bringing you business. I can put in your hands now a will case
+involving an estate of fifty thousand dollars, and further on probably a
+much more important case."
+
+"You seem to be a hustler."
+
+"I am."
+
+"Where has your professional life been spent?" asked Norcross.
+
+"At Elmira. Now I wish to remove to this city. It will give me a larger
+and more profitable field."
+
+"Give me some idea of the case you say you can put in my hands."
+
+Bolton did so. His terse and crisp statement--for he was a man of
+ability--interested the lawyer, and disposed him favorably toward the
+matter.
+
+The result of the interview was that he engaged Bolton at a small salary
+and a commission on business brought to the office for a period of three
+months.
+
+"Thank you," said Bolton as he rose to go. "You will not regret this
+step."
+
+The next morning Bolton brought his railroad acquaintance to the office,
+and Mr. Norcross formally undertook his case.
+
+"I think we shall win," he said. "It is an aggravated case of undue
+influence. Mr. Bolton will from time to time communicate to you the steps
+we have taken."
+
+It is unnecessary to go into details. It is enough to say that the will
+was broken, and a goodly sum found its way to the coffers of Lawyer
+Norcross.
+
+By this time Benjamin Bolton had established himself in the favor of his
+employer, who at the end of three months made a new and much more
+advantageous arrangement. Bolton had not yet taken any steps in Ernest's
+case, but he now felt that the time had come to do so. He wrote to the
+postmaster at Oak Forks, inquiring if he knew a boy named Ernest Ray, but
+learned in reply that Ernest had left the place some months before, and
+had not since been heard from.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+ANSWERING THE ADVERTISEMENT
+
+
+The advertisement for Ernest in a St. Louis daily paper came about in this
+way.
+
+Bolton was in the habit of inquiring from time to time of Western clients
+if they were acquainted with any persons bearing the name Ray. One
+gentleman, who frequently visited St. Louis, answered, "Yes, I know a boy
+named Ray."
+
+"Tell me all you know about him," said Bolton eagerly.
+
+"I was staying at the Southern Hotel last winter," answered Mr. Windham,
+"when my attention was called to a bright-looking newsboy who sold the
+evening papers outside. I was so attracted by him that I inquired his
+name. He said it was Ray, and that he was alone in the world."
+
+"What was his first name?"
+
+"I can't recall. I am not sure that I heard it."
+
+"Was it Ernest?"
+
+"I cannot speak with any certainty."
+
+"How old did the boy appear to be?"
+
+"About sixteen."
+
+"That would have been the age of Dudley Ray's son," said Bolton to
+himself.
+
+"I suppose you didn't learn where the boy lived?"
+
+"No."
+
+This was all the information Mr. Windham was able to impart, but Bolton
+felt that it was possibly of importance. It was the first clue he had been
+able to obtain.
+
+That Dudley Ray's son should be forced by dire necessity to sell
+newspapers was not improbable. Bolton therefore inserted the advertisement
+already mentioned.
+
+A few days later he received two letters post-marked St. Louis.
+
+He opened them with a thrill of excitement. He felt that he was on the
+verge of making an important discovery.
+
+One letter was addressed in a schoolboy hand, and ran thus:
+
+  Dear Sir: I saw your advertisement in one of the morning papers. I
+  hope it means me. My name is not Ernest, but it may have been changed
+  by some people with whom I lived in Nebraska. I am sixteen years old,
+  and I am obliged to earn my living selling papers. My father died
+  when I was a baby, and my mother three years later. I am alone in the
+  world, and am having a hard time. I suppose you wouldn't advertise
+  for me unless you had some good news for me. You may send your answer
+  to this letter to the Southern Hotel. The clerk is a friend of mine,
+  and he says he will save it for me.
+
+                                             Yours respectfully,
+                                                         Arthur Ray.
+
+"That isn't the boy," said Bolton, laying down the letter in
+disappointment. "The name is different, and, besides, the writer says that
+his father died when he was a baby. Of course that settles the question.
+He is a different boy."
+
+He opened the second letter, hoping that it might be more satisfactory.
+
+It was the letter of Tom Burns, setting forth his meeting Ernest at Oak
+Forks, and afterward at Oreville in California.
+
+"Eureka!" exclaimed Bolton, his face beaming with exultation. "This is the
+boy and no mistake. I will at once answer this letter, and also write to
+Ernest Ray in California."
+
+This was the letter received by Burns:
+
+  Dear Sir: I am very much indebted to you for the information
+  contained in your letter of two days since. I have reason to think
+  that the boy you mention is the one of whom I am in search. If it
+  proves to be so, I am free to tell you that he will be much benefited
+  by your communication. There is a considerable estate, now wrongfully
+  held by another, to which he is entitled. Should things turn out as I
+  hope, I will see that you lose nothing by the service you have
+  rendered him and myself. I will write to him by this mail. Should you
+  change your address, please notify me.
+
+                                                    Yours truly,
+                                                    BENJAMIN BOLTON.
+
+  182 Nassau Street, New York.
+
+The letter written to Ernest ran thus:
+
+  Ernest Ray, Oreville, California:
+
+  I have for some time been seeking to find you. In response to an
+  advertisement inserted in a St. Louis daily paper, I learn that you
+  are at present living in Oreville, California. This information was
+  given me by one Thomas Burns, who is employed at the Planters' Hotel.
+  The name is, I hope, familiar to you. It is very desirable that I
+  should have an interview with you. If you are the son of Dudley Ray,
+  formerly residing at or near Elmira, what I have to say will be
+  greatly to your advantage.
+
+  Will you write me at once, letting me know whether this be the case?
+  Also state your present circumstances, and whether you need pecuniary
+  help. It is unfortunate that we are so far apart. I am connected with
+  a New York legal firm, and cannot very well go to California; but I
+  might assist you to come to New York, if as I suppose, your means are
+  limited. Will you write to me at once whether this is the case? I
+  shall anxiously await your reply.
+
+                                                Benjamin Bolton,
+                                                    Attorney at Law.
+
+  182 Nassau Street, New York City.
+
+Ernest read this letter with eager interest, and showed it to Luke
+Robbins.
+
+"What do you think of it, Luke?" he asked.
+
+"What do I think of it? It looks very much as if you were entitled to some
+money."
+
+"What shall I do?"
+
+"Write this Mr. Bolton that you will go at once to New York, and call upon
+him."
+
+"But how about the store? I should not like to leave Mr. Ames in the
+lurch."
+
+"I will take your place here, and to qualify myself for it I will come in
+to-morrow, and begin to serve an apprenticeship."
+
+Ernest wrote to Bolton that he would start for New York in a week. He
+added that he had the money necessary for the journey. He said also that
+he was the son of Dudley Ray, and that he remembered visiting Elmira with
+his father.
+
+When Bolton received this letter, he exclaimed triumphantly: "Now, Stephen
+Ray, I have you on the hip. You looked down upon me when I called upon
+you. In your pride, and your unjust possession of wealth, you thought me
+beneath your notice. Unless I am mistaken, I shall be the instrument under
+Providence of taking from you your ill-gotten gains, and carrying out the
+wishes expressed in the last will of your deceased uncle."
+
+Ernest left Oreville with four hundred dollars in his pocket. The balance
+of his money he left, in the hands of his friend Horace Ames, upon whom he
+was authorized to draw if he should have need.
+
+"I don't intend to carry all my money with me," he said to Luke Robbins.
+"I might lose it all."
+
+"Even if you did, Ernest, you could draw on me. If you need it, do so
+without any hesitation."
+
+"You are a good friend, Luke," said Ernest warmly. "What should I do
+without you?"
+
+"I am beginning to wonder what I should do without you, Ernest. Suppose,
+now, this lawyer puts a fortune in your hands?"
+
+"If he does, Luke, I am sure to need your help in some way."
+
+"Thank you, Ernest. I know you mean what you say. You may find a better
+friend, but you won't find one that is more ready to serve you than Luke
+Robbins."
+
+"I am sure of that, Luke," said Ernest with a bright smile as he pressed
+the rough hand of his faithful friend.
+
+Ernest did not loiter on his way, though he was tempted to stop in
+Chicago, but he reflected that he would have plenty of chances to visit
+that bustling city after his business had been attended to.
+
+As he approached Buffalo on the train his attention was attracted to two
+persons sitting a little distance in front of him. They were a father and
+son, as he gathered from the conversation.
+
+The son was about his own age and size apparently, but rather more slender
+in figure. He had a peevish expression, and Ernest doubted whether he
+would like him.
+
+"Father," Ernest heard him say, "won't you give me a little money? I am
+dead broke."
+
+"I gave you five dollars when we set out on this journey," he said.
+
+"Well, five dollars won't last forever," was the pert rejoinder.
+
+"It ought to last more than four days, Clarence."
+
+Ernest started. He knew that his cousin's name was Clarence. Could this be
+Stephen Ray and his son?
+
+Even if it were so, he felt that it would not be advisable to make himself
+known. This business which was carrying him to New York might bring him
+into conflict with Stephen Ray. If so, he would not care to let his
+presence be known.
+
+On arriving at Buffalo Ernest left the train. He had never visited
+Niagara, and being now so near he felt that he could not forego the
+opportunity.
+
+He registered at the Tefft House, and decided to remain for a day. This
+would give him time to see the Falls.
+
+Ernest had a room assigned to him, and went up to it at once to have the
+luxury of a good wash.
+
+Five minutes afterward Stephen Ray and his son Clarence entered the
+hotel.
+
+Mr. Ray, in a pompous manner, went up to the desk and said to the clerk:
+"Can you give me a good room?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I want a front room if you have it."
+
+"I can't give you a front room, but I can give you a good side room."
+
+Stephen Ray grumbled a little, but finally decided to take the room
+offered him. He saw that his haughty manner did not impress the clerk, who
+was accustomed to men of his class.
+
+Clarence looked over his father's shoulder as he registered.
+
+"Why, pa," he exclaimed in surprise, "there's another guest of our name."
+
+"Where?" asked his father.
+
+"There, three names above your signature."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+A STRANGE MEETING
+
+
+Stephen Ray looked at the register, and started violently as he read the
+entry:
+
+"Ernest Ray, Oreville, California."
+
+"What's the matter, pa?" asked Clarence, noticing his father's agitation.
+
+"Oh, nothing, nothing," answered his father with an effort.
+
+"Haven't we a cousin named Ernest Ray?"
+
+"We had, but he is dead."
+
+"It is strange that there should be another person of the name."
+
+"Not at all. The world is large, and there are a good many persons of one
+name."
+
+"This one is from California."
+
+"So I see. By the way," here Mr. Ray addressed the clerk, "did you observe
+the person who registered under the name of Ray?"
+
+"Yes. It is a boy about the size of this young gentleman."
+
+"It is strange," said Clarence. "It may be our cousin."
+
+"Didn't I tell you that the person you refer to is dead?" said his father
+testily.
+
+"I don't believe it," thought Clarence, but he did not express his
+unbelief. He determined, however, to have an interview with the boy, and
+find out all about him.
+
+He saw Ernest at the table soon after, and so did Stephen Ray. The latter
+noted with alarm the resemblance of the boy to his cousin Dudley Ray,
+whose estate he had usurped.
+
+"I hope Bolton won't get hold of him," he said to himself. "It would be
+dangerous to me."
+
+After supper Mr. Ray went out, leaving Clarence to himself.
+
+He improved the opportunity. Seeing Ernest sitting alone, he went up to
+him.
+
+"Is your name Ray?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, Ernest Ray."
+
+"My name is Clarence Ray."
+
+"So I thought. We are cousins."
+
+"That's what I told pa, but he said it was not so--that Ernest Ray was
+dead."
+
+"Your father's name is Stephen Ray?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I have known of him and you since I was old enough to remember
+anything."
+
+"Then you are really my Cousin Ernest?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I wonder why pa said you were dead. I will tell pa he is mistaken."
+
+"No, Clarence, I would rather you wouldn't. There are reasons why it is
+better not to say anything about it."
+
+"All right. Are you well off?"
+
+Ernest smiled.
+
+"I am not rich," he said, "but I am comfortably fixed."
+
+"Do you live in California?"
+
+"I have lived there for the last few months."
+
+"Why did you come East?"
+
+"On a little business."
+
+"I am glad you are well off. I think pa was afraid you were a poor
+relation."
+
+"Your father is rich?"
+
+"Yes, ever so rich. We've got a fine place near Elmira. If pa wasn't so
+cranky I would invite you there to visit me."
+
+"Thank you all the same," said Ernest, smiling.
+
+Later in the evening, when Stephen Ray came in, Ernest noticed that he
+looked at him critically. He, too, examined the man who, he had reason to
+believe, was enjoying the estates that should be his, and was not
+attracted toward him.
+
+"What will he say," thought Ernest, "when I make a formal demand for the
+property?"
+
+"What in the name of all that's unlucky can have brought that boy here at
+this time?" Stephen Ray was saying to himself.
+
+He never for an instant doubted Ernest's identity--in fact, he could not
+well have done so, for he bore a strong resemblance to Dudley Ray.
+
+Stephen Ray's curiosity was excited. Ernest did not appear like the
+average poor relation. He was quite as well dressed as Clarence. Besides,
+he had registered at a high-priced hotel, which showed that he was not
+cramped for means.
+
+This gave him satisfaction, as it made it less likely that he would appeal
+to him for assistance.
+
+Stephen Ray was rather surprised that Clarence made no further reference
+to Ernest. Had he known that the two had had a conversation he would have
+been seriously disturbed. He hoped that Bolton would not get hold of the
+boy.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+MR. BOLTON AND HIS CLIENT
+
+
+Benjamin Bolton sat at his desk in the law office of Albert Norcross, on
+Nassau Street. He was well, even handsomely dressed, and looked very
+unlike the shabby tramp who had called months before at the house of
+Stephen Ray.
+
+He was really a man of ability which his employer had found out. He had
+raised Bolton's salary to a liberal figure, and felt that in securing his
+services he had made a real acquisition.
+
+Bolton was absorbed in preparation for a case which had been assigned to
+him, when a boy came to his desk with a card.
+
+Bolton no sooner read the name, "Ernest Ray," than he became eager and
+excited.
+
+"Tell him to come in," he said.
+
+Ernest, quiet and self-possessed, entered the office and approached the
+lawyer's desk.
+
+"Are you Mr. Bolton?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, and you----"
+
+"I am Ernest Ray."
+
+Benjamin Bolton looked keenly at the boy, admiring his handsome face and
+manly bearing.
+
+"I see your father's looks in you," he said.
+
+"Then you knew my father?" said Ernest.
+
+"Yes. We were young men together."
+
+"I am glad to meet you, then."
+
+"You come from California?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I judge from your appearance that you have not suffered from poverty."
+
+"I have been fortunate at Oreville. At Oak Forks I lived very humbly with
+Peter Brant, an old servant of my father."
+
+"Yes, I remember Peter. Is he alive still?"
+
+"No, he died a little less than a year since. Till his death I thought him
+my uncle and knew no other relatives. Before he died he told me who I
+was."
+
+"How did he live?"
+
+"On a small sum left by my father. When he died it was all exhausted
+except a hundred dollars. I took that and went to California with a man
+named Luke Robbins, who has proved my faithful friend."
+
+"What were you doing in California? Were you working at the mines?"
+
+"No. I was keeping a store where I sold miners' supplies."
+
+"Did it pay you well?"
+
+"I was very well paid for a boy. When I left Oreville I was worth a
+thousand dollars."
+
+"That is well, but it is only a drop in the bucket compared with the
+fortune you are entitled to."
+
+"Now held by Mr. Stephen Ray?"
+
+"Yes; he will be surprised to see you in the East."
+
+"He has seen me," said Ernest quickly.
+
+"What!" exclaimed the lawyer. "You have not called upon him?"
+
+"No. I met him on the train and afterwards at a Buffalo hotel. My Cousin
+Clarence was with him."
+
+"Did you have any conference with them?"
+
+"I talked with Clarence, not with his father."
+
+"Did you think the father knew you?"
+
+"Yes, but he did not speak to me."
+
+"He told me when I called upon him some time ago that you were dead--that
+you died in Georgia."
+
+"What could have been his object?"
+
+"He did not wish me to find you, for I had the proof that the estate was
+rightfully yours."
+
+"What led you to think I was alive?"
+
+"I cross-examined Clarence, who did not know his father's desire to keep
+us apart."
+
+"Is the estate a large one?"
+
+"Quarter of a million, at least."
+
+Ernest's eyes opened wide with amazement.
+
+"But I will introduce you to Mr. Norcross, my principal, and we will talk
+over our plan of operations. You must assert your rights, and demand that
+your grandfather's will be carried out. Are you content to place yourself
+in our hands?"
+
+"Entirely so. But I am sorry for Cousin Stephen. It will be a great blow
+for him."
+
+"Don't waste any pity upon him. He defrauded your father, and meant to
+defraud you."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI
+
+STEPHEN RAY ALARMED
+
+
+"A gentleman to see you, sir."
+
+This was the message brought to Stephen Ray by the servant one morning.
+
+"Did he give his name?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Very well; bring him up."
+
+Mr. Ray was sitting at the desk in his library. He was looking over some
+plans for the improvement of his handsome residence.
+
+He proposed to enlarge a lower room by a bay window and to carry the
+piazza round on each side. It would cost something, but his income was
+ample--at least four times his expenditure.
+
+He looked up as a handsomely dressed gentleman entered the room.
+
+"What is your business, sir?" asked Stephen Ray formally.
+
+The visitor smiled.
+
+"You don't recognize me, Stephen Ray?" he said.
+
+"Benjamin Bolton!" exclaimed the other, his countenance changing.
+
+"The same."
+
+"I judge from your appearance that your circumstances have improved," said
+Mr. Ray coldly.
+
+"Fortunately, yes."
+
+"I congratulate you."
+
+"Thank you. The money you kindly loaned me when I was last here did me a
+great deal of good."
+
+"I presume you have come to repay it," said Ray, with a sneer.
+
+"You are right," and Bolton drew from his pocket two fifty-dollar bills,
+which he tendered to his host.
+
+Stephen Ray was fond of money, and he received the notes with
+satisfaction.
+
+"You have acted honorably," he said more graciously. "Are you located in
+the neighborhood?"
+
+"No, in New York City. I am in a law office there."
+
+"I am pleased with your success. I would ask you to remain, but I am quite
+busy this morning."
+
+"Excuse me, Mr. Ray, but the repayment of the loan was not my only errand.
+I am here on more important business."
+
+Stephen Ray's countenance changed. He began to fear that Bolton had found
+Ernest.
+
+"When I was here last year you told me that Dudley Ray's son, Ernest, was
+dead."
+
+"Yes, he died in Alabama."
+
+"When I was here before you told me he died in Georgia."
+
+"I believe it was Georgia," said Stephen Ray, disconcerted.
+
+"You will be glad to hear that it is a mistake--about the death, I mean.
+He is as much alive as you are."
+
+"Mr. Bolton," said Ray angrily, "you are trying to impose upon me. The boy
+is dead, I tell you."
+
+"And I tell you he is not dead. I saw him only yesterday."
+
+"You may have seen some one who pretended to be Ernest Ray."
+
+"I should not be easily deceived. He is the image of his father."
+
+"I don't believe the boy is alive."
+
+"Shall I bring him here?"
+
+"You need not trouble yourself. I can have nothing to say to him, whether
+he is really Ernest Ray, or an impostor."
+
+"I beg your pardon. If he is Ernest Ray, under the will which I have in my
+possession, he is the owner of this property."
+
+Bolton spoke firmly, and looked Ray resolutely in the eye.
+
+Stephen Ray flushed and paled. There was a great fear in his heart, but he
+resolved to brave it out.
+
+"This is a base conspiracy. Your share in it ought to land you in State's
+prison."
+
+"I am willing to take my chance of it," said the lawyer. "Didn't you
+recognize the boy when you saw him?"
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"You saw him in the hotel at Buffalo. He recognized you, and had a
+conversation with your son."
+
+"Had a conversation with Clarence? That is a lie. Clarence never spoke to
+me about it."
+
+"You had better question him. But there is no need of sparring. I tell you
+confidently that Ernest Ray is alive, and demands the estate under his
+grandfather's will, which you hold."
+
+"This is ridiculous. There is but one answer to such a proposal."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I refuse absolutely to make any concession to an impostor."
+
+"That is your final answer?"
+
+"It is."
+
+"Then I give you notice that the boy will at once bring suit for the
+restoration of the estate and the vindication of his rights."
+
+"I suppose you are his lawyer?" sneered Ray.
+
+"The firm with which I am connected has undertaken the case."
+
+"What is the firm?" asked Stephen Ray with an anxiety which he could not
+conceal.
+
+"Norcross & Co.," answered Bolton.
+
+Great drops of perspiration appeared on the brows of Stephen Ray. He knew
+well the high reputation and uniform success of the firm in question.
+
+He did not immediately answer, but began to pace the room in agitation.
+Finally he spoke.
+
+"This has come upon me as a surprise. I thought the boy dead. I may be
+willing to make some arrangement. Bring him here next week--say
+Tuesday--and we will talk the matter over."
+
+"You must do more than talk the matter over, Stephen Ray. A great
+injustice has been done, the wrong must be righted."
+
+"Come here next Tuesday," was the only answer.
+
+The lawyer bowed and withdrew.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII
+
+ERNEST COMES INTO HIS OWN
+
+
+On Tuesday Bolton returned with Ernest. Two hours were spent in conference
+with Stephen Ray. The latter fought hard, but yielded at last. He
+understood the strength of his opponent's case.
+
+Ernest consented to receive the estate as it was bequeathed to his father,
+without any demand for back revenues. Whatever Stephen Ray had accumulated
+besides, he was allowed to retain.
+
+As this amounted to a hundred thousand dollars, Ray felt that it might
+have been worse. Had he not been dissuaded by Bolton, Ernest would have
+consented to share the estate with the usurper, but the lawyer represented
+that this would be condoning the wrong done to his father.
+
+In a month the whole matter was settled, and Stephen Ray removed to
+Chicago, where he had business interests.
+
+"But what shall I do with this large house?" asked Ernest. "I don't want
+to live here."
+
+"I know a gentleman who would like to hire it for a term of years,"
+responded Bolton. "He will pay a rental of five thousand dollars a year.
+The bonds which you inherit will yield an income equally large."
+
+"So that my income will be ten thousand dollars a year?" said Ernest,
+dazzled.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What shall I do with it all?"
+
+Bolton smiled.
+
+"You are but seventeen," he said. "A few years hence you will probably
+marry. Then you can occupy the house yourself. Meanwhile----"
+
+"I will go back to California. Luke will expect me. While I am away I
+appoint you my man of business. I wish you to have charge of my property
+at a proper commission."
+
+"I will undertake the charge with pleasure."
+
+Bolton knew how much this would increase his importance in the eyes of the
+firm by which he was employed. Ernest could not have made a better choice.
+Bolton was no longer intemperate. He was shrewd and keen, and loyal to his
+young employer.
+
+Ernest returned to California, but he had lost his old zest for business,
+now that his fortune was secure. He soon came East again, and entered upon
+a plan of study, ending with a college course. He brought with him Frank
+Fox, the son of the dead outlaw, who regarded him with devoted affection.
+They lived together, and he placed Frank at a well-known school, justly
+noted for the success of its pupils.
+
+Of the many boys with whom Frank associated not one suspected that the
+attractive lad, who was a favorite with all, was a son of the desperado
+whose deeds were a matter of common knowledge in the West. Ernest had
+cautioned the boy to say as little as possible of his past history.
+
+Years have gone, what Bolton predicted has come to pass. Ernest is a
+college graduate, and will soon marry a young lady of high position in the
+city of New York. He will go abroad for a year, and on his return will
+make his home on his ancestral estate.
+
+Last week he received a letter from a patient in a New York City hospital.
+It was signed John Franklin, a name with which he was not familiar.
+
+In some wonder he answered the call, and was led to a bed on which lay a
+gaunt, spectral man, evidently in the last stage of existence.
+
+"Is this John Franklin?" asked Ernest doubtfully.
+
+"That is the name I go by now," answered the dying man.
+
+"Do I know you? Have I ever met you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I don't remember you."
+
+"If I tell you my real name, will you keep it secret?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I am John Fox. You will not betray me?"
+
+"No; certainly not. Can I do anything for you?"
+
+"Yes; you are the guardian of my brother's child."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is he alive? Is he well?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you bring him here before I die?"
+
+"I will. I cannot refuse the request of a dying man." Ernest brought Frank
+to the bedside of his dying uncle. It was a sad interview. Frank was
+moved, but John Fox, seeing him strong, handsome, robust, felt comforted.
+
+"He at least has profited by the fate that overtook his father and myself.
+I shall die content, for I leave him in good hands. Don't let him think
+too hardly of us!"
+
+"I will not. So far as I can compass it, his future life shall be happy."
+
+The dying outlaw reached out his hand and pressed Ernest's gratefully. A
+day later he was dead.
+
+THE END
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Transcriber's Note: Bound with the preceeding book is an excerpt from
+"Lincoln's Stories and Speeches," specifically from the chapter
+"Early Life." As originally published, that material is included here.
+
+
+
+
+                     How Lincoln Became a Captain.
+
+
+In the threatening aspect of affairs at the time of the Black Hawk War,
+Governor Reynolds issued a call for volunteers, and among the companies
+that immediately responded was one from Menard County, Illinois. Many of
+the volunteers were from New Salem and Clarey's Grove, and Lincoln, being
+out of business, was first to enlist. The company being full, they held a
+meeting at Richland for the election of officers. Lincoln had won many
+hearts and they told him that he must be their captain. It was an office
+that he did not aspire to, and one for which he felt that he had no
+special fitness; but he consented to be a candidate. There was but one
+other candidate for the office (a Mr. Kirkpatrick), and he was one of the
+most influential men in the county. Previously, Kirkpatrick had been an
+employer of Lincoln, and was so overbearing in his treatment of the young
+man that the latter left him.
+
+The simple mode of electing their captain, adopted by the company, was by
+placing the candidates apart, and telling the men to go and stand with the
+one they preferred. Lincoln and his competitor took their positions, and
+then the word was given. At least three out of every four went to Lincoln
+at once. When it was seen by those who had ranged themselves with the
+other candidate that Lincoln was the choice of the majority of the
+company, they left their places, one by one, and came over to the
+successful side, until Lincoln's opponent in the friendly strife was left
+standing almost alone.
+
+"I felt badly to see him cut so," says a witness of the scene.
+
+Here was an opportunity for revenge. The humble laborer was his employer's
+captain, but the opportunity was never improved. Mr. Lincoln frequently
+confessed that no subsequent success of his life had given him half the
+satisfaction that this election did. He had achieved public recognition;
+and to one so humbly bred, the distinction was inexpressibly delightful.
+
+
+
+
+           A Humorous Speech--Lincoln in the Black Hawk War.
+
+
+The friends of General Cass, when that gentleman was a candidate for the
+Presidency, endeavored to endow him with a military reputation. Mr.
+Lincoln, at that time a representative in Congress, delivered a speech
+before the House, which in its allusions to Mr. Cass, was exquisitely
+sarcastic and irresistibly humorous:
+
+"By the way, Mr. Speaker," said Mr. Lincoln, "do you know I am a military
+hero? Yes, sir, in the days of the Black Hawk War, I fought, bled and came
+away. Speaking of General Cass' career reminds me of my own. I was not at
+Stillman's Defeat, but I was about as near it as Cass to Hull's surrender;
+and like him I saw the place very soon afterward. It is quite certain I
+did not break my sword, for I had none to break, but I bent my musket
+pretty badly on one occasion. * * * If General Cass went in advance of me
+in picking whortleberries, I guess I surpassed him in charges upon the
+wild onion. If he saw any live, fighting Indians, it is more than I did,
+but I had a good many bloody struggles with the mosquitoes, and although I
+never fainted from loss of blood, I can truly say I was often very
+hungry."
+
+Mr. Lincoln concluded by saying that if he ever turned Democrat and should
+run for the Presidency, he hoped they would not make fun of him by
+attempting to make him a military hero!
+
+
+
+
+                      Elected to the Legislature.
+
+
+In 1834, Lincoln was a candidate for the legislature, and was elected by
+the highest vote cast for any candidate. Major John T. Stuart, an officer
+in the Black Hawk War, and whose acquaintance Lincoln made at Beardstown,
+was also elected. Major Stuart had already conceived the highest opinion
+of the young man, and seeing much of him during the canvass for the
+election, privately advised him to study law. Stuart was himself engaged
+in a large and lucrative practice at Springfield.
+
+Lincoln said he was poor--that he had no money to buy books, or to live
+where books might be borrowed or used. Major Stuart offered to lend him
+all he needed, and he decided to take the kind lawyer's advice, and accept
+his offer. At the close of the canvass which resulted in his election, he
+walked to Springfield, borrowed "a load" of books of Stuart, and took them
+home with him to New Salem.
+
+Here he began the study of law in good earnest, though with no preceptor.
+He studied while he had bread, and then started out on a surveying tour to
+win the money that would buy more.
+
+One who remembers his habits during this period says that he went, day
+after day, for weeks, and sat under an oak tree near New Salem and read,
+moving around to keep in the shade as the sun moved. He was so much
+absorbed that some people thought and said that he was crazy.
+
+[Illustration]
+Not unfrequently he met and passed his best friends without noticing them.
+The truth was that he had found the pursuit of his life, and had become
+very much in earnest.
+
+During Lincoln's campaign he possessed and rode a horse, to procure which
+he had quite likely sold his compass and chain, for, as soon as the
+canvass had closed, he sold the horse and bought these instruments
+indispensable to him in the only pursuit by which he could make his
+living.
+
+When the time for the assembling of the legislature had arrived Lincoln
+dropped his law books, shouldered his pack, and, on foot, trudged to
+Vandalia, then the capital of the State, about a hundred miles, to make
+his entrance into public life.
+
+
+
+
+                            "The Long Nine."
+
+
+The Sangamon County delegation to the Illinois Legislature, in 1834, of
+which Lincoln was a member, consisting of nine representatives, was so
+remarkable for the physical altitude of its members that they were known
+as "The Long Nine." Not a member of the number was less than six feet
+high, and Lincoln was the tallest of the nine, as he was the leading man
+intellectually in and out of the House.
+
+Among those who composed the House were General John A. McClernand,
+afterwards a member of Congress; Jesse K. DuBois, afterwards Auditor of
+the State; Jas. Semple, afterwards twice the Speaker of the House of
+Representatives, and subsequently United States Senator; Robert Smith,
+afterwards member of Congress; John Hogan, afterwards a member of Congress
+from St. Louis; General James Shields, afterwards United States Senator
+(who died recently); John Dement, who has since been Treasurer of the
+State; Stephen A. Douglas, whose subsequent career is familiar to all;
+Newton Cloud, President of the convention which framed the present State
+Constitution of Illinois; John J. Hardin, who fell at Buena Vista; John
+Moore, afterwards Lieutenant Governor of the State; William A. Richardson,
+subsequently United States Senator, and William McMurtry, who has since
+been Lieutenant Governor of the State.
+
+This list does not embrace all who had then, or who have since been
+distinguished, but it is large enough to show that Lincoln was, during the
+term of this legislature, thrown into association, and often into
+antagonism, with the brightest men of the new State.
+
+
+
+
+                     A Joke on Lincoln's Big Feet.
+
+
+He had walked his hundred miles to Vandalia; in 1836, as he did in 1834,
+and when the session closed he walked home again. A gentleman in Menard
+County remembers meeting him and a detachment of "The Long Nine" on their
+way home. They were all mounted except Lincoln, who had thus far kept up
+with them on foot.
+
+If he had money he was hoarding it for more important purposes than that
+of saving leg-weariness and leather. The weather was raw, and Lincoln's
+clothing was none of the warmest.
+
+Complaining of being cold to one of his companions, this irreverent member
+of "The Long Nine" told his future President that it was no wonder he was
+cold--"there was so much of him on the ground." None of the party
+appreciated this homely joke at the expense of his feet (they were
+doubtless able to bear it) more thoroughly than Lincoln himself.
+
+We can imagine the cross-fires of wit and humor by which the way was
+enlivened during this cold and tedious journey. The scene was certainly a
+rude one, and seems more like a dream than a reality, when we remember
+that it occurred not very many years ago, in a State which contains hardly
+less than three millions of people and seven thousand and six hundred
+miles of railway.
+
+
+
+
+                Lincoln's Marriage--Interesting Letters.
+
+
+In 1842, in his thirty-third year, Mr. Lincoln married Miss Mary Todd, a
+daughter of Hon. Robert S. Todd, of Lexington, Kentucky. The marriage took
+place in Springfield, where the lady had for several years resided, on the
+fourth of November of the year mentioned. It is probable that he married
+as early as the circumstances of his life permitted, for he had always
+loved the society of women, and possessed a nature that took profound
+delight in intimate female companionship.
+
+A letter written on the eighteenth of May following his marriage, to J. F.
+Speed, Esq., of Louisville, Kentucky, an early and a life-long personal
+friend, gives a pleasant glimpse of his domestic arrangements at this
+time. "We are not keeping house," Mr. Lincoln says in this letter, "but
+boarding at the Globe Tavern, which is very well kept by a widow lady of
+the name of Beck. Our rooms are the same Dr. Wallace occupied there, and
+boarding only costs four dollars a week. * * * I most heartily wish you
+and your Fanny will not fail to come. Just let us know the time, a week in
+advance, and we will have a room prepared for you, and we'll all be merry
+together for awhile."
+
+He seems to have been in excellent spirits, and to have been very hearty
+in the enjoyment of his new relation. The private letters of Mr. Lincoln
+were charmingly natural and sincere. His personal friendships were the
+sweetest sources of his happiness.
+
+To a particular friend, he wrote February 25, 1842: "Yours of the 16th,
+announcing that Miss ---- and you 'are no longer twain, but one flesh,'
+reached me this morning. I have no way of telling you how much happiness I
+wish you both, though I believe you both can conceive it. I feel somewhat
+jealous of both of you now, for you will be so exclusively concerned for
+one another that I shall be forgotten entirely. My acquaintance with Miss
+---- (I call her thus lest you should think I am speaking of your mother),
+was too short for me to reasonably hope to long be remembered by her; and
+still I am sure I shall not forget her soon. Try if you cannot remind her
+of that debt she owes me, and be sure you do not interfere to prevent her
+paying it.
+
+[Illustration: ABRAHAM LINCOLN'S RESIDENCE AT SPRINGFIELD, ILL.]
+
+"I regret to learn that you have resolved not to return to Illinois. I
+shall be very lonesome without you. How miserably things seem to be
+arranged in this world! If we have no friends we have no pleasure; and if
+we have them, we are sure to lose them, and be doubly pained by the loss.
+
+"I did hope she and you would make your home here, yet I own I have no
+right to insist. You owe obligations to her ten thousand times more sacred
+than any you can owe to others, and in that light let them be respected
+and observed. It is natural that she should desire to remain with her
+relations and friends. As to friends, _she_ should not need them
+anywhere--she would have them in abundance here. Give my kind regards to
+Mr. ---- and his family, particularly to Miss E. Also to your mother,
+brothers and sisters. Ask little E. D---- if she will ride to town with me
+if I come there again. And, finally, give ---- a double reciprocation of
+all the love she sent me. Write me often, and believe me, yours forever,
+LINCOLN."
+
+
+
+
+                  Lincoln's Mother--How He Loved Her.
+
+
+"A great man," says J. G. Holland, "never drew his infant life from a
+purer or more womanly bosom than her own; and Mr. Lincoln always looked
+back to her with unspeakable affection. Long after her sensitive heart and
+weary hands had crumbled into dust, and had climbed to life again in
+forest flowers, he said to a friend, with tears in his eyes: 'All that I
+am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother--blessings on her memory!'"
+She was five feet, five inches high, a slender, pale, sad and sensitive
+woman, with much in her nature that was truly heroic, and much that shrank
+from the rude life around her.
+
+Her death occurred in 1818, scarcely two years after her removal from
+Kentucky to Indiana, and when Abraham was in his tenth year. They laid her
+to rest under the trees near their cabin home, and, sitting on her grave,
+the little boy wept his irreparable loss.
+
+
+
+
+          Gen. Linder's Early Recollections--Amusing Stories.
+
+
+I did not travel, says Gen. Linder, on the circuit in 1835, on account of
+my health and the health of my wife, but attended court at Charleston that
+fall, held by Judge Grant, who had exchanged circuits with our judge,
+Justin Harlan.
+
+It was here I first met Abraham Lincoln, of Springfield, at that time a
+very retiring and modest young man, dressed in a plain suit of mixed
+jeans. He did not make any marked impression upon me, or any other member
+of the bar. He was on a visit to his relations in Coles, where his father
+and stepmother lived, and some of her children.
+
+Lincoln put up at the hotel, and here was where I saw him. Whether he was
+reading law at this time I cannot say. Certain it is, he had been admitted
+to the bar, although he had some celebrity, having been a captain in the
+Blackhawk campaign, and served a term in the Illinois Legislature; but if
+he won any fame at that season I have never heard of it. He had been one
+of the representatives from Sangamon.
+
+If Lincoln at this time felt the divine afflatus of greatness stir within
+him I have never heard of it. It was rather common with us then in the
+West to suppose that there was no Presidential timber growing in the
+Northwest, yet, he doubtless had at that time the stuff out of which to
+make half a dozen Presidents.
+
+I had known his relatives in Kentucky, and he asked me about them. His
+uncle, Mordecai Lincoln, I had known from my boyhood, and he was naturally
+a man of considerable genius; he was a man of great drollery, and it would
+almost make you laugh to look at him. I never saw but one other man whose
+quiet, droll look excited in me the same disposition to laugh, and that
+was Artemus Ward.
+
+He was quite a story-teller, and in this Abe resembled his Uncle Mord, as
+we called him. He was an honest man, as tender-hearted as a woman, and to
+the last degree charitable and benevolent.
+
+No one ever took offense at Uncle Mord's stories--not even the ladies. I
+heard him once tell a bevy of fashionable girls that he knew a very large
+woman who had a husband so small that in the night she often mistook him
+for the baby, and that upon one occasion she took him up and was singing
+to him a soothing lullaby, when he awoke and told her that she was
+mistaken, that the baby was on the other side of the bed.
+
+Lincoln had a very high opinion of his uncle, and on one occasion he said
+to me: "Linder, I have often said that Uncle Mord run off with the talents
+of the family."
+
+Old Mord, as we sometimes called him, had been in his younger days a very
+stout man, and was quite fond of playing a game of fisticuffs with any one
+who was noted as a champion.
+
+He told a parcel of us once of a pitched battle that he had fought on the
+side of a hill or ridge; that at the bottom there was a rut or canal,
+which had been cut out by the freshets. He said they soon clinched, and he
+threw his man and fell on top of him.
+
+He said he always thought he had the best eyes in the world for measuring
+distances, and having measured the distance to the bottom of the hill, he
+concluded that by rolling over and over till they came to the bottom his
+antagonist's body would fill it, and he would be wedged in so tight that
+he could whip him at his leisure. So he let the fellow turn him, and over
+and over they went, when about the twentieth revolution brought Uncle
+Mord's back in contact with the rut, "and," said he, "before fire could
+scorch a feather, I cried out in stentorian voice: 'Take him off!'"
+
+
+
+
+                "Clary's Grove Boys"--A Wrestling Match.
+
+
+There lived at the time young Lincoln resided at New Salem, Illinois, in
+and around the village, a band of rollicking fellows, or more properly,
+roystering rowdies, known as the "Clary's Grove Boys." The special tie
+that united them was physical courage and prowess. These fellows, although
+they embraced in their number many men who have since become respectable
+and influential, were wild and rough beyond toleration in any community
+not made up like that which produced them. They pretended to be
+"regulators," and were the terror of all who did not acknowledge their
+role; and their mode of securing allegiance was by flogging every man who
+failed to acknowledge it.
+
+They took it upon themselves to try the mettle of every newcomer, and to
+learn the sort of stuff he was made of.
+
+Some of their number was appointed to fight, wrestle, or run a foot-race
+with each incoming stranger. Of course Abraham Lincoln was obliged to pass
+the ordeal.
+
+Perceiving that he was a man who would not easily be floored; they
+selected their champion, Jack Armstrong, and imposed upon him the task of
+laying Lincoln upon his back.
+
+There is no evidence that Lincoln was an unwilling party to the sport, for
+it was what he had always been accustomed to. The bout was entered upon,
+but Armstrong soon discovered that he had met more than his match.
+
+The boys were looking on, and seeing that their champion was likely to get
+the worst of it, did after the manner of such irresponsible bands. They
+gathered around Lincoln, struck and disabled him, and then Armstrong, by
+"legging" him, got him down.
+
+Most men would have been indignant, not to say furiously angry, under such
+foul treatment as this; but if Lincoln was either, he did not show it.
+Getting up in perfect good humor, he fell to laughing over his
+discomfiture, and joking about it. They had all calculated upon making him
+angry, and they intended, with the amiable spirit which characterized the
+"Clary's Grove Boys," to give him a terrible drubbing. They were
+disappointed, and, in their admiration of him, immediately invited him to
+become one of the company.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Motor Boat Boys Series
+
+By Louis Arundel
+
+1. The Motor Club's Cruise Down the Mississippi; or The Dash for Dixie.
+
+2. The Motor Club on the St. Lawrence River; or Adventures Among the
+   Thousand Islands.
+
+3. The Motor Club on the Great Lakes; or Exploring the Mystic Isle of
+   Mackinac.
+
+4. Motor Boat Boys Among the Florida Keys; or The Struggle for the
+   Leadership.
+
+5. Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast; or Through Storm and Stress.
+
+6. Motor Boat Boy's River Chase; or Six Chums Afloat or Ashore.
+
+7. Motor Boat Boys Down the Danube; or Four Chums Abroad.
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+Motor Maid Series
+
+By Katherine Stokes
+
+1. Motor Maids' School Days
+2. Motor Maids by Palm and Pine
+3. Motor Maids Across the Continent
+4. Motor Maids by Rose, Shamrock and Thistle.
+5. Motor Maids in Fair Japan
+6. Motor Maids at Sunrise Camp
+
+For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c.
+
+M. A. Donohue & Company
+701-733 S. Dearborn Street :: Chicago
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+The Aeroplane Series
+
+By John Luther Langworthy
+
+1. The Aeroplane Boys; or, The Young Pilots First Air Voyage
+2. The Aeroplane Boys on the Wing; or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics
+3. The Aeroplane Boys Among the Clouds; or, Young Aviators in a Wreck
+4. The Aeroplane Boys' Flights; or, A Hydroplane Round-up
+5. The Aeroplane Boys on a Cattle Ranch
+
+                   *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Girl Aviator Series
+
+By Margaret Burnham
+
+Just the type of books that delight and fascinate the wide awake Girls of
+the present day who are between the ages of eight and fourteen years. The
+great author of these books regards them as the best products of her pen.
+Printed from large clear type on a superior quality of paper; attractive
+multi-color jacket wrapper around each book. Bound in cloth.
+
+1. The Girl Aviators and the Phantom Airship
+2. The Girl Aviators on Golden Wings
+3. The Girl Aviators' Sky Cruise
+4. The Girl Aviators' Motor Butterfly.
+
+For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of 75c.
+
+M. A. Donohue & Company
+701-733 S. Dearborn Street :: Chicago
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Cousin's Conspiracy, by Horatio Alger
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