anged much, then," said Kit. "We both attended the same
boarding school, but nobody liked Ralph."

"Was he much of a scholar?"

"No; he dragged along in the lower half of the class."

"Were you two good friends?"

"We didn't quarrel, but we kept apart."

"So his father wants to make a lawyer of him?"

"Yes; I have had a letter from Smyrna in which I hear that my uncle has
just bought Ralph a bicycle valued at a hundred and twenty-five
dollars."

"Money seems to be more plenty with him now than it used to be in his
Glendale days. By the way would you like to see the place where your
uncle used to live?"

"Yes, sir, if you don't mind showing me."

"I will do so with pleasure. Put on your hat, and we will go at once."

They walked about a third of a mile, till they reached the outskirts of
the village.

"This is the home of the foreign population," said Kit's guide. "And
there is the house which was occupied for at least ten years by your
uncle."

Kit eyed the building with interest. It was a plain looking cottage,
containing but four rooms, which stood badly in need of paint. There was
about an acre of land, rocky and sterile, attached to it.

"This is the residence of the man who lent your father ten thousand
dollars," said his guide, in an ironical tone. "Not much of a palace, is
it?"

"It can't be worth over a thousand dollars."

"Your uncle sold it for seven hundred and eighty dollars, but he didn't
get that sum in money, for it was mortgaged for six hundred."

"You said my father came here once?"

"It was to visit your uncle. While he was here, he stood security at the
tailor's for new suits for your uncle and cousin, and must have given
your uncle some cash besides, for he appeared to be in funds for some
time afterwards. So you see the loan, or rather gift, was on the other
side."

"I don't see how my uncle dared to misrepresent matters in that way."

"Nor I; for he could easily be convicted of fraudulent statements."

"I am very much obliged to you, Mr.----"

"Pierce."

"Mr. Pierce, for your information."

"I hope you will make some use of it."

"I certainly shall," said Kit, his good humored face showing unwonted
resolution.

"Whenever you do, my testimony will be at your service, and there are
plenty others who will corroborate my statements of your uncle's
financial condition when here. The fact is, my young friend, your uncle
has engaged in a most shameless plot against you."