n, with languid curiosity.

"Phil Stark, he calls himself."

A strange change came over the face of the bookkeeper. There was a
frightened look in his eyes, and his color faded.

"Phil Stark!" he repeated, in a startled tone.

"Yes, sir."

"What brings him here?" Gibbon asked himself nervously, but no words
passed his lips.

"Do you know the name?" asked Leonard, wonderingly.

"I--have heard it before, but--no, I don't think it is the same man."

CHAPTER XIX.

AN ARTFUL SCHEME.

"Does this Mr. Stark intend to remain long in the village!" inquired the
bookkeeper, in a tone of assumed indifference.

"He didn't say anything on that point," answered Leonard.

"He did not say what business brought him here, I presume?"

"No, he was hardly in condition to say much; he was pretty full," said
Leonard, with a laugh. "However, he wants me to call upon him to-morrow,
and may tell me then."

"He wants you to call upon him?"

"Yes, uncle."

"Are you going?"

"Yes; why shouldn't I?"

"I see no reason," said Gibbon, hesitating. Then, after a pause he
added: "If you see the way clear, find out what brings him to Milford."

"Yes, uncle, I will."

"Uncle Julius seems a good deal interested in this man, considering that
he is a stranger," thought the boy.

The bookkeeper was biting his nails, a habit he had when he was annoyed.
"And, Leonard," he added slowly, "don't mention my name while you are
speaking to Stark."

"No, sir, I won't, if you don't want me to," answered Leonard, his face
betraying unmistakable curiosity. His uncle noted this, and explained
hurriedly: "It is possible that he may be a man whom I once met under
disagreeable circumstances, and I would prefer not to meet him again.
Should he learn that I was living here, he would be sure to want to
renew the acquaintance."

"Yes, sir, I see. I don't think he would want to borrow money, for he
seems to be pretty well provided. I made a dollar out of him to-day, and
that is one reason why I am willing to call on him again. I may strike
him for another bill."

"There is no objection to that, provided you don't talk to him too
freely. I don't think he will want to stay long in Milford."

"I wouldn't if I had as much money as he probably has."

"Do you often meet the new boy?"

"Carl Crawford?"

"Yes; I see him on the street quite often."

"He lives with Mr. Jennings, I hear."

"So he tells me."

"It is rather strange. I didn't suppo