All the world had heard of
the tragedy and the mysterious disappearance of the child, and, although
suspecting a fake, even a casual stranger would not disregard a chance of
aid.

It was well that the distance was not great, for even his excitement was
hardly adequate to sustain Clenk's failing physique. When the old
mountaineer paused on the concrete sidewalk to which the spacious grounds
of the suburban residence sloped, he looked about with disfavor. "Can't
see the house fur the trees," he muttered, for the great oaks, accounted
so magnificent an appurtenance in Glaston, were to him the commonest
incident of entourage, and a bare door-yard, peeled of grass, a far more
significant token of sophistication. As he approached, however, the
stately mansion presently appeared, situated on a considerable eminence,
and with long flights of stone steps from a portico, enriched with
Corinthian columns, and from two successive terraces at some little
distance in front. Here were tall stone vases on either hand, and beside
one of these at the lower terrace two ladies had paused, waiting,
descrying his approach. One was gowned in deep black, sad of aspect,
though serene, and very beautiful. The other wore a dress all of sheer
white embroideries, with knots of brocaded lilac ribbon, festival of
intimation, but her face was thin, wan, worn, tortured out of all
semblance of calm or cheer. He came falteringly toward them, and stood
for a moment uncertain. Then--for the scope of his cultivation did not
include the civility of lifting his hat--he said, "Which of ye two wimin
hev los' a child?" His voice was quavering, even sympathetic, and very
gentle as he looked at them.

"I have lost my little son!" cried Lillian in a keen, strained tone,
agonized anew by the mere mention of the catastrophe. "Have you any
information about him? I am ready to pay for it." She had been warned a
hundred times that eagerness in proffering money, in making the reward so
obviously sure, was not conducive to accelerating the disclosure,
bringing into play the innate perversity of human nature, and a desire to
trade on the situation and increase the gains; yet try as she might, she
could not refrain from invoking always the cogent aid of gold.

"I ain't so particular 'bout the money, lady. I got su'thin' on my mind.
I be bent on makin' it square with the law. An' then, too, that leetle
Archie air a mighty gamesome leetle trick." He laughed slightly as wit