aid Luke, with
quiet dignity.

Mrs. Tracy did not reply, and Luke left the house.

"If I ever hated and despised a boy, it is that one!" said Mrs. Tracy
to herself as she went upstairs to remove her street dress. "I wish I
could strip the mask from him, and get aunt to see him in his real
character. He is a sly, artful young adventurer. Ah, Felicie, come and
assist me. By the way, I want you to watch that boy who has just gone
out?"

"Luke Walton?"

"Yes; of course you have heard of my aunt's loss. I suspect that this
Luke Walton is the thief."

"Is it possible, madam? Have you any evidence?"

"No; but we may find some. What do you think?"

"I haven't thought much about the matter. It seems to me very
mysterious."

When Felicie left the presence of her mistress she smiled curiously.

"What would Madam Tracy say if she knew it was her own son?" she
soliloquized. "He is a young cur, but she thinks him an angel."

CHAPTER XXXIV

HAROLD MAKES A PURCHASE

Harold had been compelled to give up half his money, but he still had
thirty dollars left. How should he invest it? That was the problem
that occupied his thoughts. Thus far he had not derived so much
satisfaction from the possession of the money as he had anticipated.
One thing, at any rate, he resolved. He would not spend it upon
others, but wholly upon himself.

He stepped into a billiard saloon to enjoy his favorite pastime. In
the absence of any companion he played a game with a man employed in
the establishment, and, naturally, got beaten, though he was given
odds. At the end of an hour he owed sixty cents, and decided not to
continue.

"You play too well for me," he said, in a tone of disappointment.

"You had bad luck," answered his opponent, soothingly. "However, I can
more than make it up to you."

"How?" inquired Harold, becoming interested.

"A friend of mine has pawned his watch for fifteen dollars. It is a
valuable gold watch--cost seventy-five. He could have got more on it,
but expected to redeem it. He has been in bad luck, and finds it no
use. He has put the ticket in my hands, and is willing to sell it for
ten dollars. That will only make the watch cost twenty-five. It's a
big bargain for somebody."

Harold was much interested. He had always wanted a gold watch, and had
dropped more than one hint to that effect within the hearing of Aunt
Eliza, but the old lady had always said: "When you are eighteen, it
will be time enough