he had been transferred to the East from Jefferson Barracks, in
company with other officers. He hinted at many changes in the
disposition of the Army of late. His present purpose in writing, as he
explained, was to promise us that, in case he came our way, he would
certainly look us up.

This letter I put aside quickly, for the other seemed to me to have a
more immediate importance. I glanced it over, and presently found
occasion to request a word or so with Colonel Sheraton. We withdrew to
his library, and then I handed him the letter.

"This," I explained, "is from Jennings & Jennings, my father's agents at
Huntington, on whose advice he went into his coal speculations."

"I see. Their advice seems to have been rather disastrous."

"At first it seemed so," I answered, "but now they advise me by no means
to allow foreclosure to be completed if it can be avoided. The lands are
worth many times the price paid for them."

"I see--and they have some sort of an offer as well--eh?"

"A half loaf is better than no bread," I assented. "I think I ought to
go out there and examine all this in detail."

"But one thing I don't understand about this," began Colonel Sheraton,
"your father's partner, Colonel Meriwether, was on joint paper with him.
What did he say to you when you saw him?"

"Nothing," I replied. "We did not discuss the matter."

"What? That was the sole reason why you went out to see him!"

"Other matters came up," said I. "This was not brought up at all between
us."

Colonel Sheraton looked at me keenly. "I must admit, Mr. Cowles," said
he, slowly weighing his words, that of late certain things have seemed
more than a little strange to me. If you will allow me so to express
myself, there is in my own house, since you came, a sort of atmosphere
of indefiniteness. Now, why was it you did not take up these matters
with Colonel Meriwether? Certainly they were important to you; and under
the circumstances they have a certain interest to myself. What are you
trying to cover up?"

"Nothing from you of a business nature, sir; and nothing from Miss Grace
of any nature which I think she ought to know."

He turned on me swiftly. "Young man, what do you propose to do in regard
to my daughter? I confess I have contemplated certain plans in your
benefit. I feel it is time to mention these matters with you."

[Illustration: ON HIS WAY BACK HOME JOHN FINDS HIS MOTHER AND GRACE, WHO
HAVE COME TO MEET HIM]

[Illust