Ray.

"That isn't the boy," said Bolton, laying down the letter in
disappointment. "The name is different, and, besides, the writer says that
his father died when he was a baby. Of course that settles the question.
He is a different boy."

He opened the second letter, hoping that it might be more satisfactory.

It was the letter of Tom Burns, setting forth his meeting Ernest at Oak
Forks, and afterward at Oreville in California.

"Eureka!" exclaimed Bolton, his face beaming with exultation. "This is the
boy and no mistake. I will at once answer this letter, and also write to
Ernest Ray in California."

This was the letter received by Burns:

Dear Sir: I am very much indebted to you for the information
contained in your letter of two days since. I have reason to think
that the boy you mention is the one of whom I am in search. If it
proves to be so, I am free to tell you that he will be much benefited
by your communication. There is a considerable estate, now wrongfully
held by another, to which he is entitled. Should things turn out as I
hope, I will see that you lose nothing by the service you have
rendered him and myself. I will write to him by this mail. Should you
change your address, please notify me.

Yours truly,
BENJAMIN BOLTON.

182 Nassau Street, New York.

The letter written to Ernest ran thus:

Ernest Ray, Oreville, California:

I have for some time been seeking to find you. In response to an
advertisement inserted in a St. Louis daily paper, I learn that you
are at present living in Oreville, California. This information was
given me by one Thomas Burns, who is employed at the Planters' Hotel.
The name is, I hope, familiar to you. It is very desirable that I
should have an interview with you. If you are the son of Dudley Ray,
formerly residing at or near Elmira, what I have to say will be
greatly to your advantage.

Will you write me at once, letting me know whether this be the case?
Also state your present circumstances, and whether you need pecuniary
help. It is unfortunate that we are so far apart. I am connected with
a New York legal firm, and cannot very well go to California; but I
might assist you to come to New York, if as I suppose, your means are
limited. Will you write to me at once whether this is the case? I
shall anxiously aw