He did not immediately answer, but began to pace the room in
agitation. Finally he spoke.

"I don't know what to say. This has come upon me as a surprise. I
thought the boy dead. I may be willing to make some arrangement. Bring
him here some day next week say Tuesday and we will talk the matter
over."

"You must do something more than talk the matter over, Stephen Ray. A
great injustice has been done, and the wrong must be righted."

"Come here next Tuesday," was the only answer made.

The lawyer bowed and withdrew.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

CONCLUSION.

On Tuesday Bolton returned with Ernest. Two hours were spent in
conference with Stephen Ray. The latter fought hard, but had to yield
in the end. He understood perfectly well 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 departed,
removing to Chicago, in which city he had some business interests.

"But what shall I do with this large house?" asked Ernest. "I don't
want to live here."

"I know of a gentleman who would like to hire it for 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. Still, 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,