e letter, and show you the signature."

"I think it's a forgery."

"No chance of that. I know Harry Vane's handwriting well. But you don't
look well, Mr. Fox. I thought you would be pleased to hear that Harry
had escaped from the perils of shipwreck and is alive."

John Fox did not reply, but after examining the letter he rose with a
rueful countenance, and departed unceremoniously, a badly disappointed
man.

"It'll cost me three dollars to get back," he groaned, "and I shall have
to stop at a hotel, for there is no train till to-morrow. 'Most ten
dollars gone altogether--just thrown away! I'm a very unlucky man."

The news he carried home brought grief to Mrs. Fox and Joel. Only Sally
seemed glad that Harry was still living. For so expressing herself she
was severely rebuked by her mother.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

HOME AGAIN.

It was a bright, beautiful morning when our three friends landed in New
York. Their voyage had been a favorable one, and they had made some
pleasant acquaintances, but they were overjoyed to tread once more the
familiar streets and see the familiar sights of the American
metropolis.

They registered at a quiet hotel on the European system, intending to
remain in the city a few days. They sought out a prominent broker and
asked his advice about the investment of their money. He received them
in a friendly manner, and gave them the best advice in his power. Each
reserved three hundred dollars for present use.

It was a novelty to all of them to be free from anxiety on the score of
money, and it may well be believed that all enjoyed the feeling.

The second morning, as they were walking down Broadway, their eyes fell
upon a familiar figure. Directly in front of them they beheld a slender
young man, dressed in the extreme of fashion, swinging a light cane. As
he walked along it was easy to see that he was on the most comfortable
and agreeable terms with himself, and firmly persuaded that he was an
object of general admiration.

"Montgomery Clinton!" exclaimed Harry and Jack simultaneously.

"You don't mean to say you know that critter!" said Obed, eying Mr.
Clinton with evident curiosity.

"Yes, he was one of the _Nantucket_ passengers, and shipwrecked with
us," said Harry. "He did not remain in Australia, but took a return
vessel at once."

"That was lucky. A critter like that wouldn't be of much account at the
mines."

"Stop! I am going to speak to him."

Harry quickened his s