pected
to find you here. But I looked in vain. After awhile I found my
father's place of business. I introduced myself to Mr. Ferguson, and he
gave me a place in his employ."

"On the strength of your ridiculous story, I suppose?"

"Because he believed me to be the son of his old employer, John Grey."

"I thought Ferguson had more sense than to be duped by such a designing
young rascal."

"He tells me that I bear a strong resemblance to my father. Look in my
face, Uncle James, and tell me whether it is not true."

Almost involuntarily James Grey fixed his eyes on the frank, handsome
face of his nephew, as he stood intrepidly before him, and he was
forced, however reluctantly, to admit to himself that the resemblance
was indeed very striking.

The case was getting more serious than he had expected. Gilbert had
already been recognized as the missing son of John Grey, and that by a
man whose testimony would carry great weight. Old Jacob had testified
not only to his identity, but to the wrongful compact by which Gilbert
had been spirited away to suit his uncle's rapacity. Were this publicly
known, his reputation would be destroyed, and he would be deprived of
the wealth which he had labored so dishonestly to acquire. Evidently
the claim was not to be disposed of so easily as he had at first
supposed.

"What do you call yourself?" he asked.

"Gilbert Grey."

"Of course you would take the name of the boy you pretend to be."

"Then you don't believe I am Gilbert Grey?"

"No, I do not. I believe that Gilbert Grey is dead."

"Are you willing to come with me to Mr. Ferguson's, and speak to him
about it?"

"No, I am not. I have not time. I must leave Cincinnati at once."

"Then will you tell me where you live?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I see that you intend to follow me up and persecute me about
this preposterous claim. I don't choose to be troubled."

"If I am an impostor, you can prove me to be so."

"I don't choose to waste my time in doing it."

"Mr. Grey," said Gilbert, "I might as well tell you that I am
determined in this matter. I know that you have an object in keeping me
out of my rights; but I am bound to have them. I shall place the matter
in the hands of a lawyer, and he can soon find out, by advertising,
where you live, even if you try to keep it secret from me."

James Grey realized the truth of this, and he changed his tack.

"You say that you have a paper, signed by Jacob Morton,