m that both Nellie Ardell and
myself are ready to proceed against him he will be willing to come to
terms."

The next day was a busy one at the book-bindery, and our hero got no
chance to call on Slocum. During that time he learned that Crazy Jim had
been locked up for resisting the officer and had been sentenced to thirty
days on Blackwell's Island.

The young oarsman did not know what to do about little Dottie, but Nellie
Ardell solved this question.

"I have received a whole lot of new work," she said. "So for the present
we can keep her to mind Tommy while I am dressmaking."

So the little girl stayed on. Jerry never dreamed of how much she had to
do with his future life.

On Thursday Mr. Islin's brother died and the bindery was closed for
several days. Jerry took the opportunity to walk down to Alexander
Slocum's offices.

The real estate man was alone, and greeted our hero with a sinister
smile.

"So you have seen fit to call again, young man," were his first words.

"Mr. Slocum, let us come to business," Jerry replied firmly. "What are you
going to do about my father's claim?"

Alexander Slocum laughed harshly.

"Your father's claim?" he repeated. "I don't recognize the fact that your
father has any claim against me."

CHAPTER XXXIV.

ALEXANDER SLOCUM SHOWS HIS HAND.

Alexander Slocum's statement was no more than Jerry had expected, so he
was not taken back by the words. He looked the man steadily in the eyes.

"So that is the position you are going to take now--since you received my
packet from James MacHenry," said Jerry, deliberately.

Slocum started and winced, and the young oarsman saw that Crazy Jim had
spoken the truth.

"I haven't anything belonging to you, Upton."

"It is useless for you to deny it, Mr. Slocum. He found the packet and
delivered it to you for a reward of five dollars."

"The packet he delivered to me was my own. It contained some legal
documents belonging to this office."

"You may make others believe that, Mr. Slocum, but--"

"But what, boy? Remember, I want none of your insolence here. I will
listen to you, but you mustn't grow impertinent."

"I'm only speaking the truth. You virtually robbed me, just as you robbed
my father and Mr. Bryant Ardell."

"Ha!" Slocum leaped to his feet. "Who--where did you hear of Bryant
Ardell?" he asked, excitedly.

"I have met Nellie Ardell several times--in fact, I am boarding with
her."

"Did she set you to hound