roft. "All the
better for me. I hope I am in time to defeat this woman's schemes."

"There's the house," said Peter, pointing it out.

"Do you think Dr. Crawford is at home?"

"Oh, yes, he doesn't go out much. Ma is away this afternoon. She's at
the sewing circle, I think."

"Thank you for serving as my guide," said Ashcroft. "There's a little
acknowledgment which I hope will be of service to you."

He offered a half dollar to Peter, who accepted it joyfully and was
profuse in his thanks.

"Now, if you will be kind enough to tell the doctor that an old friend
wishes to see him, I shall be still further obliged."

"Just follow me, then," said Peter, and he led the way into the
sitting-room.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Dr. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK.

After the first greetings, Reuben Ashcroft noticed with pain the fragile
look of his friend.

"Are you well?" he asked

"I am not very strong," said Dr. Crawford, smiling faintly, "but Mrs.
Crawford takes good care of me."

"And Carl, too--he is no doubt a comfort to you?"

Dr. Crawford flushed painfully.

"Carl has been away from home for a year, he said, with an effort.

"That is strange your own son, too! Is there anything unpleasant? You
may confide in me, as I am the cousin of Carl's mother.'

"The fact is, Carl and Mrs. Crawford didn't hit it off very well."

"And you took sides against your own son, said Ashcroft, indignantly.

"I begin to think I was wrong, Reuben. You don't know how I have missed
the boy.

"Yet you sent him out into the world without a penny."

"How do you know that?" asked Dr. Crawford quickly.

"I had a little conversation with your stepson as I came to the house.
He spoke very frankly and unreservedly about family affairs; He says you
do whatever his mother tells you."

Dr. Crawford looked annoyed and blushed with shame.

"Did he say that?" he asked.

"Yes; he said his mother would not allow you to help Carl."

"He--misunderstood."

"Paul, I fear he understands the case only too well. I don't want to
pain you, but your wife is counting on your speedy death."

"I told her I didn't think I should live long."

"And she got you to make a will?"

"Yes; did Peter tell you that?"

"He said his mother was to have control of the property, and Carl would
get nothing if he didn't act so as to please her."

"There is some mistake here. By my will--made yesterday--Carl is to
have an equal share, and nothing is said ab