, one believed by
nearly all the better element, and the other taken as truth by a few
select persons who, from various reasons, thought it policy to back up
anything done by Buck Lemington; or his father, the rich Squire, who
had interest in several factories, and was moreover quite a politician
in the community.

Fred waited around the boathouse until the Colon wagon arrived,
bringing the rest of the boat club, and all their ordinary clothes as
well.

Like the others of the crew, Fred dressed then, and along about dusk
started for home, knowing that it was well on toward supper time, and
his father must be in from his work.

Once more Fred was thinking of his own troubles, and heaving more than
one sigh, as he found himself wishing again and again that something
might happen to bring a new joy into the lives of his mother and
father. They seemed to be losing hope; and the cares that gathered were
beginning to make them look old before their time.

Oh! if only they could hear _something_ from Hiram Masterson, the miner
from Alaska, who had been so mysteriously spirited away just when he
had determined to testify against his own rascally uncle, Sparks
Lemington, and put the Fentons in possession of such information as
would enable them to win the suit for the mine.

"But I suppose that would be too great happiness," he mused, as he drew
near his home, in the window of which he could see the light placed
there by his mother.

He opened the door, and then stood there transfixed, because of what he
saw; for his mother was in the arms of his father, her head pillowed on
his shoulder, and she seemed to be weeping.

But when she raised her head at Fred's entrance the astonished and
delighted boy saw immediately that it must be great joy that brought
those tears, and caused this deep emotion, for upon that dear face he
could read a new-born happiness.

And again he remembered what he had said to his mates on the crew about
luck having chosen to hunt them out as favorites; for it even seemed to
wait him at home.

CHAPTER XI

NEWS FROM OVER SEA

"Oh Fred, it's come!" exclaimed his younger sister, Kate.

"What, news from Hiram?" demanded the boy, his heart beating rapidly
with the sudden excitement.

"That's it; and he says----" began the impulsive girl, when her
mother's voice restrained her:

"Wait, and let Fred read the letter for himself, Kate; he will
understand it much better, I am sure; for in y