him, even though Mr.
Larabee was his mother's only brother.

"I don't fancy I'm going to have a very good time," mused the youth, as
the train was whizzing him along toward Dankville. "Still, I'm going to
fulfill the conditions of the will as far as I can. Make a paying
investment, eh? I wonder if I can do it? But, of course, I can. I'll buy
some building lots, stocks or bonds, and sell 'em at a profit. I'll do
it as soon as I get home, and then I'll not have to worry about the
matter any more," he added lightly, as if making money was the easiest
thing in the world.

Dankville was a country village about a hundred miles from Hamilton
Corners. When Dick alighted at the station he looked around in some
surprise. The place seemed to be absolutely deserted. There was no one
in sight but the station agent, and, as soon as the train pulled out, he
disappeared into his office.

"Not a very pleasant reception," mused Dick, as he sat down on the
upturned end of his dress-suit case. "Not exactly a brass band out to
meet me. I wonder how I get to Uncle Ezra's place? Guess I'll ask the
man."

He started toward the ticket office, but, as he approached it, he saw a
carriage driving up to the platform. In the vehicle sat an elderly man
with a little tuft of white chin whiskers, which moved to and fro in a
curious manner every time he spoke to the horse, which was frequently
necessary, as the animal seemed to need much urging to induce it to
continue its journey.

"Whoa!" exclaimed the man, though there was no occasion for the command,
as the horse was glad enough to stop. "Are you Richard Hamilton, son of
Mortimer Hamilton?"

"I'm Dick. Are you Uncle Ezra?"

"Dick!" fairly snorted the elderly man. "You're Richard, that's what you
were christened and that's what you must be called! I can't abide
nicknames and I won't have 'em. You're Richard, do you hear?"

"Yes, sir," answered Dick, meekly enough, though there was an angry
light in his eyes.

"Now, then, Richard, you've come to visit us for a certain purpose,"
went on his uncle. "What it is we needn't discuss now. The train was a
little ahead of time or I'd been here sooner." Mr. Larabee did not seem
to think that he might be a little late. "I always make it a point to be
on time," he added. "Now, jump in. Your aunt has a meal ready and she
musn't be kept waiting. I want you to understand from the start that
everything is done on time in my house. We rise at a certain hou