standing straight and tall--and
Charley never could have believed that his father could seem so fierce,
except in battle. "I'm a soldier, and I've faced worse dangers than
you can threaten. Clear out, or I'll throw you out. You're insulting
me, and you're desecrating that unfortunate lying there. Now go!"

The long-nosed man actually shrank. But as he retreated he still
blustered, "I'm not done with you. I'll watch you. Remember, I'm on
your trail. This matter hasn't ended." And he slammed the door as he
went outside.

"Ha!" uttered Mr. Adams, and his face calmed. "So much for him. Now
we'll do just as I said, Charley; and your mother'll approve. We'll
deposit the sacks and any other valuables, with the bank, after we've
told the coroner; and we'll advertise for heirs. We'll use only enough
of the funds to pay the doctor, and other expenses. By the way, did
the poor fellow say anything else? Give any directions of any kind?"

"No, sir. He just called for paper and pencil and tried to write and
couldn't, and then had me write for him, and all he signed was 'Tom.'"

"That's very indefinite. If only he had finished his name, we'd have
had some clue. But the map's no good to us, in such shape. Besides,
we wouldn't think of touching money or mine, as long as there's a
single chance of the rightful claimants turning up."

Charley's mother entered. She agreed that this was right; and Charley,
although a little disappointed, could not help but agree, too. They
pored over the diary and map, but had to give up, and put them away.
They told only Doctor Paulis and the coroner.

However, although they advertised at once in the papers, for the
unknown's relatives (referring claimants to a lawyer's office), nobody
turned up who proved to be a genuine heir. After the funeral expenses
were paid, there were over $800 left, lying in the bank. The
long-nosed man, Mr. Jacobs, was unable to get at this, but he bothered
the Adamses considerably by hanging about, and whenever he met Charley
he made insulting remarks, and threats, and insisted that there was a
mine. He did not dare to say much to Mr. Adams, though. After a few
weeks he seemed to have tired, and to have drawn off. He had been very
annoying.

"Well, George," said old Dr. Paulis, one evening, "I guess you and
Charley fall heir to that dust and mine. Nobody else appears to have
any shadow of claim on them."

Charley's heart leaped; but his fathe