es Grey was terribly provoked. He had "shown his hand," so to speak,
and gained nothing by it. If his nephew's story was true, the dreaded
paper was still in existence, and likely to be guarded more carefully
than ever. Gilbert's calmness was a strong indication of the
correctness of his story. Were the real paper destroyed, he could not
help showing agitation.

"Do you mean to say that you have another paper than this?" he
demanded.

"I do," said our hero.

"You must show me that, or I shall not believe you have it."

"I am not quite a fool, Uncle James," said Gilbert. "I know as well as
you how valuable that paper is, and I am not going to risk it."

"You seem to be a remarkably prudent young man," said Mr. Grey, with a
sneer--"quite an old head upon young shoulders."

"I ought to be," said Gilbert. "I was educated to the streets of New
York. There I had to knock about for myself and earn my own living, at
an age when most boys are carefully looked after by their parents. I
learned to look out for my own interests there. I am indebted to you
for that kind of training. You must not complain now if I use it
against you."

Mr. Grey sat a moment in deep and troubled thought. This nephew of his
turned out to be a decidedly formidable opponent. How could he cope
with him?

"Have you told any one in this city about these false claims of yours?"
he asked, after awhile.

"I have not spoken to any one about _false_ claims," said Gilbert,
coldly.

"Call them what you will. Have you spoken of having any claims to my
brother's property to any one here?"

"I have."

"To whom?"

"To Mr. Ferguson."

James Grey frowned. Mr. Ferguson was one of the last men to whom he
would have wished the communication known.

"He must have laughed at your ridiculous story."

"On the contrary, he fully believes it."

"I did not think him so gullible. Have you spoken to him about my being
in the city?"

"I have."

"Did he know you were to call upon me this afternoon?"

"I told him before I came."

Things were evidently getting more serious than Mr. Grey had supposed.
Not only was Gilbert a young man who meant business, but he was backed
by a merchant of standing, whose former connection with the Grey family
made his co-operation and favor of no slight importance. James Grey saw
that he must temporize. Had he followed out his inclination, he would
have sprung upon his obdurate nephew and pounded him to a jelly. But
unfortu