s, among a million.

Away sped the man up the street, and on after him came Matt, running
as he had never run before. He could not understand why his parent
should thus try to get away from him. But he did not stop to reason on
the matter. He wanted to reach his father, that was all, and he
strained every muscle to accomplish his effort.

But although Matt was a good runner, the man he was after appeared
well able to keep beyond his reach. Evidently some dreadful fear urged
him on, for many times he would look back over his shoulder, and each
time pass his hands over his forehead, as if to wipe the sight from
his brain and memory.

Soon several blocks had been passed, and then the man turned a corner,
and started toward the poorer section of the city. Matt continued to
follow for half a dozen blocks further. Then he saw his father dart
into the open hallway of a half-tumbled-down tenement.

When he reached the building the young auctioneer peered into the
hallway, but could see no one. Several little girls were playing upon
the sidewalk, and he asked them if they had seen any one go in.

"Crazy Will just went in," replied one of the girls. "Guess he has
gone up to his room in the garret."

"Crazy Will!" murmured Matt to himself. "Poor father! How thankful I
am that I have found you at last!"

And trembling with emotion, he hurried up the rickety stairs until he
reached the door of the apartment which one of the girls pointed out
as that occupied by Crazy Will.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

A MYSTERY CLEARED UP.

The door of the garret room was closed, and when Matt tried the knob,
he found that it was also locked. He knocked lightly upon it.

At first there was no response. Then a weak voice, which he could but
faintly recognize as that of his father, asked sharply:

"Who's there? What do you want? Why don't you go away and leave me
alone?"

"Father! father! come and open the door!" exclaimed Matt, his voice
trembling as it had never trembled before.

"Who speaks? Go away, I say, and leave a poor old man alone!"

"Father, it is me, Matt! Don't you remember me?"

"Matt! Matt! Oh, no, Matt was lost when his mother was lost and the
money! Yes, the money, mother, and Matt! Too bad! Go away, and don't
persecute me!"

"No, father, you are mistaken. I am here, father--your only son, Matt.
Please open the door."

"You are fooling me! Didn't you fool me about Matt only last week and
throw a pail of water on me