g.
It doesn't improve your naturally bad manners."

With a muttered exclamation Ralph Temple sprang forward, prepared to
handle Congreve roughly, as he was quite able to do, being much his
superior in size and strength, but, with his hand nearly touching the
shoulder of the young man, recoiled, as Congreve drew out a revolver and
pointed it at him.

"One step further and I fire!" he said, in a calm, collected tone, while
Philip stood by, as pale as a sheet.

"Confusion!" exclaimed the ruffian, in mingled amazement and dismay.
"Who are you, anyway?"

"My name is James Congreve, at your service," said the owner of that
name, bowing. "I regret that I haven't a card about me."

"You're a cool customer!" muttered Temple, surveying Congreve
curiously.

"So people tell me. You'll find me at the hotel in the village, if you
have any further business with me."

Congreve nodded carelessly and left the spot--Phil, in a very nervous
condition, keeping himself somewhat in advance.

"He's a cool chap," muttered the ruffian. "But it's clear he knows
nothing of our affair. I was a fool to make a fuss. It might lead to
suspicion."

"What a dreadful man!" said Philip, as the two were walking away.

"Do you know him?"

"His name is Ralph Temple. He's a kind of tramp."

"He's an impertinent fellow, at any rate. It's well I had my revolver
with me."

They walked back to the village, momentarily expecting to see or hear
something of Harry Gilbert; but neither then nor later in the day was
their curiosity gratified.

CHAPTER XX

ON THE WAY TO NEW YORK

Harry stepped on board the train without seeing any one whom he knew,
and took a seat on the right-hand side. Just in front of him was an
elderly farmer, with a face well browned by exposure to the sun and
wind. He had a kindly face, and looked sociable. It was not long before
he addressed our young hero.

"Going to New York?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Are you acquainted there?"

"No, sir; not much."

"Nor I. I was thinking you might be able to direct me to a place where I
could get money for some cowpons."

"Government coupons?" inquired Harry, becoming interested.

"Yes. You see, my wife's uncle died not long ago, and left Sarah a
government bond of a thousand dollars, drawing six per cent interest.
There's thirty dollars due the first of this month, and I told Sarah
that I'd go and collect it for her."

"I've got s