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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
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