complain to Colonel Ross," she said. "Philip ought
not to be allowed to do such things."

Harry smiled. He had no idea of following this advice. It would have
been an acknowledgment of weakness, and he felt able to defend himself
against Philip Ross and his machinations.

"Mother," he said, "I've got very particular reasons for not doing this,
and for not even mentioning that I was in the wood. Now, I want you to
promise me not to say a word about it, for a week at least."

"But if I see Philip," said his mother, "I can't keep silent."

"You must, for my sake, mother. You don't know how much depends upon
it."

"I don't understand," said Mrs. Gilbert, thoroughly bewildered.

"No, I suppose not; but I have a strong reason that I can't mention just
yet."

"I hope there's nothing wrong going on," said his mother, alarmed.

"If there is, it isn't anything that I'm to blame for. Only there's a
secret that I can't tell just yet. You'll know it in good time. I want
to consult Uncle Obed to-night about it, and you won't mind if I don't
tell you just yet?"

"Give the boy his way, ma'am," said Mr. Wilkins. "If there is anything
very bad about it he wouldn't tell me."

His mother was somewhat reassured, and left the two to themselves. Then
Harry began and told his story. Mr. Wilkins listened with attention, and
not without surprise.

"Really, Harry, it's quite an adventure, I call it," he said. "Do you
know this man Temple?"

"I know that he's a sort of tramp. I didn't suppose he was a thief
before."

"You never saw this other man before?"

"No; never heard of him."

"They're a pair of rascals, I reckon. Now, what have you thought of
doing?"

"Of going to New York to-morrow to find out what I can about the
burglary, or whatever else it was. If I can find out who has been
robbed, I'll go and tell them about it, and where the bonds are hid."

Uncle Obed nodded approvingly.

"That's a good idea," he said.

"What puzzles me," continued Harry, "is how to explain to mother why I
go to the city. I can't tell her, and she'll feel nervous."

"I can manage that," said Mr. Wilkins. "I'll tell her you have gone on
business for me."

"But will it be true?" asked Harry.

"Yes; I've got some cowpons"--that's the way the old man pronounced the
word--"that you can get the money for."

"Shall I have any difficulty about it, Uncle Obed?"

"No; you can go to a broker, and he'll give you the money for it, taking
out his