d Pompey, with the freedom of a favorite servant.

"Mr. Grey thinks there is a relationship," said the uncle. "Now be off,
and tell Dick to make haste."

"By the way, though it is early to enter upon business, have you
brought old Jacob's confession?" asked James Grey, in an indifferent
tone; but he awaited the answer with a good deal of interest.

"No, sir; that is, not the genuine paper. I have with me a copy."

"That will do as well," said the other, but he could not wholly hide
the disappointment in his voice. "Let me see it, if you please."

Gilbert drew the paper from his pocket and handed it without hesitation
to his uncle.

"If you have no objection I will keep this for a while, and look over
it in private."

"Certainly, sir. You may keep it permanently. I have the other."

"Confound you, I know that only too well," thought the uncle, but he
only expressed his thanks quietly.

"You probably know nothing of my family," continued James Grey, "though
as a possible relation, you should do so. My wife is dead, and I have
but one child, a boy of about your own age. Jasper is seventeen."

"I am about eighteen."

"He does not look at all like you, or me either. He favors his mother's
family, being quite dark. I think also he is more like his mother in
disposition than like me. I hope you will like him."

"I hope so," said our hero, politely.

"I can't say he altogether pleases me," said James Grey. "He is not as
obedient and observant of my wishes as he should be. For example, he
went to Alton yesterday without permission, and lost all his money on
hand by gaming. I hope you never gamble, Gilbert."

"No, sir, I don't approve of it."

"You are quite right. I foresee you will have a good influence on
Jasper--I was about to say, on your cousin, Jasper--but I will wait
till that is proved."

"I will not call him cousin while there remains a doubt."

"Quite right. I will give my earliest attention to the matter."

"I hope you will, sir, as I wish to return to Cincinnati."

"If you prove yourself to be my brother's son, there will be no need of
that, for the greater part of my property will go to you. You will be
independent."

"I should be sorry to deprive you of property, sir, though I have no
objection to becoming rich."

"Of course not. We all want to be rich. I shall not blame you for being
my brother's son, if it appears that you are so. How long can you
remain with us?"

"I won't set a limit