own, and Gilbert determined that there should be no cessation
of hostilities. He was resolved to follow up the attack, and force his
uncle to do him justice.

Meanwhile Maurice Walton could not but observe that something was going
on. He noticed Gilbert's absence from the store, and his frequent
interviews with Mr. Ferguson, and rightly inferred that they had
something to do with James Grey.

"I wonder if he has found out the loss of the paper?" he thought. "He
must have discovered it, and that's why he is in such a flutter. If
it's spoilt his chances, so much the better. I owe him a grudge, and,
if I've put a spoke in his wheel, I shall be glad."

One incident, having its effect upon the narrative, has not yet been
recorded.

When James Grey left the hotel, carpet-bag in hand, he chanced to meet
Maurice, just before he took a hack to the depot. An idea flashed upon
him that Maurice might be useful to him as a spy upon his nephew, and
might be engaged to watch and give him timely notice of his movements.
He therefore paused, and Maurice perceived that he wished to speak with
him.

"Good-day, sir," he said.

"Good-day. I am glad to meet you, for I have something to say to you.
That paper you brought me was not the right one."

"Not the right one?" repeated Maurice, in alarm, for he thought Mr.
Grey was about to demand back the hundred dollars, which he would have
been very sorry to surrender.

"No; the rascal had been cunning enough to put the original in Mr.
Ferguson's safe, and leave only a copy in his trunk. The paper you
brought me was the copy."

"Does Gilbert say so?"

"Yes."

"Perhaps he lies."

"So I thought; but the date on the paper confirms his story."

"It wasn't my fault. I think I earned the money."

"You can keep it. I have no intention of asking it back; but I shall
want to employ you further."

"To get the paper from the safe?"

"Can you do it?"

"I am afraid not. If I were caught doing it, I should be dismissed, and
perhaps arrested."

"If you succeed, I will give you another hundred dollars."

"I should like the money."

"Watch for a good chance. You may be able to do it unobserved."

"Are you going to leave the city?"

"Yes, I leave at once."

"Suppose I get the paper--what shall I do with it?"

"Send it by mail to my address."

"Where is that, sir?"

"Can I rely upon you not to communicate it to Gilbert Grey? It would do
him a great deal of good."

"Then I certa