n!" repeated Warner Powell, in surprise.

"Yes; do you know any family of that name?"

"I know a boy in Chicago named Luke Walton. He is in the employ of my
aunt. A part of his time he spends in selling papers."

"Mr. Browning told me that Walton only left a daughter, and that the
family had gone to the Eastern States."

"Would he be likely to tell you the truth--supposing he had really
kept the money?"

"Perhaps not. What more can you tell me about this boy?"

Powell's face lighted up.

"I remember now, he told me that his father died in California."

"Is it possible?" said Jack King, excited. "I begin to think I am on
the right track. I begin to think, too, that I can tell where Tom
Butler got his first start."

"And now he poses as a philanthropist?"

"Yes."

"And is nominated for mayor?"

"Yes, also."

"How are your relations with him?"

"They should be friendly, for he and I were comrades in earlier days,
and once I lent him money when he needed it, but he has been puffed up
by his prosperity, and takes very little notice of me. He had to do
something for me when I first came to Milwaukee, but it was because he
was afraid not to."

Meanwhile Warner Powell was searching his memory. Where and how had he
become familiar with the name of Thomas Browning? At last it came to
him.

"Eureka!" he exclaimed, in excitement.

"What does that mean? I don't understand French."

Warner smiled.

"It isn't French," he said; "but Greek, all the Greek I know. It means
'I have discovered'--the mystery of your old acquaintance."

"Explain, please!" said Jack King, his interest be coming intense.

"I have a friend in Chicago--Stephen Webb, a nephew of your
philanthropist--who has been commissioned by his uncle to find out all
he can about this newsboy, Luke Walton. He was speculating with me why
his uncle should be so interested in an obscure boy."

"Had his uncle told him nothing?"

"No, except that he dropped a hint about knowing Luke's father."

"This Luke and his family are poor, you say?"

"Yes, you can judge that from his employment. He is an honest, manly
boy, however, and I have taken a fancy to him. I hope it will turn out
as you say. But nothing can be proved. This Browning will probably
deny that he received money in trust from the dead father."

Jack King's countenance fell.

"When you go back to Chicago talk with the boy, and find out whether
the family have any evidence that will support