n--a good case. The lawyer
will see at once that if not at present rich, you stand a good chance of
obtaining a position which will make you so. Besides, your grandfather
will be willing, if he admits your claim, to recompense the lawyer
handsomely."
"I did not think of that. I will do as you advise to-morrow."
CHAPTER XXI
JOHN WADE'S DISAPPOINTMENT
Mr. Wharton sat at dinner with his nephew and the housekeeper. He
had been at home for some time, and of course on his arrival had been
greeted with the news of our hero's perfidy. But, to the indignation of
Mrs. Bradley and John, he was obstinately incredulous.
"There is some mistake, I am sure," he said. "Such a boy as Frank is
incapable of stealing. You may be mistaken after all, John. Why did you
not let him stay till I got back? I should like to have examined him
myself."
"I was so angry with him for repaying your kindness in such a way that I
instantly ordered him out of the house."
"I blame you, John, for your haste," said his uncle. "It was not just to
the boy."
"I acted for the best, sir," he forced himself to say in a subdued tone.
"Young people are apt to be impetuous, and I excuse you; but you should
have waited for my return. I will call at Gilbert & Mack's, and inquire
of Frank himself what explanation he has to give."
"Of course, sir, you will do what you think proper," said his nephew.
This ended the conversation, and Mr. Wharton, according to his declared
intention, went to Gilbert & Mack's. He returned disappointed with the
information that our hero was no longer in the store.
I now return to Mr. Wharton at dinner.
"Here is a letter for you, sir," said the housekeeper. "It was brought
by the postman this afternoon."
Mr. Wharton adjusted his spectacles and read as follows:
"No.-- Wall Street.
"Dear Sir: Will you have the kindness to call at my office to-morrow
morning at eleven o'clock, if it suits your convenience? I have an
important communication to make to you, which will, I think be of an
agreeable character. Should the time named not suit you, will you have
the kindness to name your own time?
"Yours respectfully,
"MORRIS HALL."
"Read that, John," said his uncle, passing him the letter.
"Morris Hall is a lawyer, I believe, sir," said John.
"Have you any idea of the nature of the communication he desires to
make?"
"No idea at all."
"If it would relieve you, sir, I will go in your place," said
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