"The boy is out of the way now, Mrs. Bradley," he said. "You had better
see if you have a key that will unlock his trunk."

The two conspirators went upstairs, and together entered Frank's room.

Mrs. Bradley brought out a large bunch of keys, and successively tried
them, but one after another failed to open it.

"That's awkward," said John Wade. "I have a few keys in my pocket. One
may possibly answer."

The housekeeper kneeled down, and made a trial of John Wade's keys. The
last one was successful. The cover was lifted, and the contents were
disclosed. However, neither John nor Mrs. Bradley seemed particularly
interested in the articles for after turning them over they locked the
trunk once more.

"So far so good," said John Wade. "We have found the means of opening
the trunk when we please."

"When do you expect to carry out your plan, Mr. John?"

"Two weeks from this time my uncle is obliged to go to Washington for a
few days on business. While he is gone we will spring the trap, and when
he comes back he will find the boy gone in disgrace. We'll make short
work of him."

CHAPTER XIV

SPRINGING THE TRAP

"I am going to give you a few days' vacation, Frank," said Mr. Wharton,
a fortnight later. "I am called to Washington on business. However, you
have got to feel at home here now."

"Oh, yes, sir."

"And Mrs. Bradley will see that you are comfortable."

"I am sure of that, sir," said Frank, politely.

When Frank returned at night, Mr. Wharton was already gone. John Wade
and the housekeeper seated themselves in the library after dinner, and
by their invitation our hero joined them.

"By the way, Frank," said John Wade, "did I ever show you this Russia
leather pocketbook?" producing one from his pocket.

"No, sir, I believe not."

"I bought it at Vienna, which is noted for its articles of Russia
leather."

"It is very handsome, sir."

"So I think. By the way, you may like to look at my sleeve-buttons. They
are of Venetian mosaic. I got them myself in Venice last year."

"They are very elegant. You must have enjoyed visiting so many famous
cities."

"Yes; it is very interesting."

John Wade took up the evening paper, and Frank occupied himself with a
book from his patron's library. After a while John threw down the paper
yawning, and said that he had an engagement. Nothing else occurred that
evening which merits record.

Two days later Frank returned home in his usual spirits. But