had made.

"And still you are poor?"

"Yes," answered Burns. "Once I was prosperous, but I was ruined by signing
notes for an unprincipled man who took advantage of my friendship. Do you
think I can find work here?"

"I don't know. Probably you can get a chance to work on one of Mr. Ames's
claims."

"Is it Mr. Ames who owns the store?"

"Yes."

"I called there to buy some tobacco. Is the boy there his son?"

"No; he is a recent arrival in Oreville. He is a very smart boy."

"Is he? Mr. Ames trusts him, I suppose?"

"Yes. Why shouldn't he?"

"I--I would rather not answer that question."

"Have you ever met the boy before?"

"Yes; I met him in the East," answered Burns.

"Since you have said so much you must say more. I am a cousin of Mr. Ames,
and if you know anything unfavorable of the boy, it is your duty to tell
me."

"I have nothing against the boy, and would prefer not to speak."

"I insist upon your doing it."

"It is only this. When I knew him he was employed in a store. He was
trusted as he appears to be here. One night the store was robbed--that is,
some money disappeared, and the boy claimed that it was broken into by
thieves, who took the money, whereas he took it himself."

"That seems bad. Was it proved that he took the money?"

"Yes. That's why he was compelled to leave the place."

"Did you come here to expose him?"

"No; I didn't know he was here. I was very much taken by surprise when I
saw him in the store."

"This is important, if true. Mr. Ames ought to be informed."

"Don't tell him while I am here. The boy is very revengeful, and he might
try to do me an injury."

"Are you afraid of a boy?"

"I am a man of peace. I don't want to get into any difficulty."

"I suppose you wonder that I am sitting here while others are at work."

"Well, it did cross my mind."

"My spine is affected. I look well, but I cannot walk. I hope to be better
after a while, but at present I am comparatively helpless."

"Can't I help you?"

"You may go into the cabin, and bring me a bottle of medicine which you
will find in the cupboard."

Burns entered the cabin gladly. It occurred to him that he might find
something worth taking.

On the wall, hanging from a nail, was a gold watch. It was too good a
chance to be lost. It might or it might not be valuable, but at any rate
it was worth something.

So, while securing the bottle, Burns slyly possessed himself of the watch,
which he slippe