out objects of interest,
and, in fact, by his easy and genial manners almost conquered the
antipathy which Gilbert secretly felt.

"I wonder," he said, at length, leaning back in the carriage and
surveying Gilbert with curiosity, "I wonder you never visited us
before."

"I did not know where you lived."

"Yet we are relations--distant relations, are we not?"

"I have reason to think that we are related."

"I have very few relations--none that I know. I believe there is a
brother of my mother living somewhere in New Mexico, but with that
exception, I know of no relations except you. Where do you live?"

"In Cincinnati."

"I used to live there. Why did we not meet then?"

"I have only been there for the last three years--that is, lately. I
have been in Australia, and later in New York."

"In Australia!" echoed Jasper, in considerable surprise.

"Yes, I was there for a while."

"You have been quite a traveler. How nearly are you related to us?"

"That matter is not settled yet. I am not quite sure whether your
father would like me to tell."

Gilbert said this, understanding the embarrassment of intimating to a
son that his father had defrauded him of the property that was
rightfully his. He thought it best to let his uncle reveal the secret
himself.

They drove ten miles, reaching a considerable town, boasting a large
hotel.

"Let us go in and have a game of billiards," suggested Jasper.

"Very well, but you won't find me much of a player."

"I must get father to put a billiard table in the house. I like the
game, but I get no chance to practice."

They adjourned to the bar-room, in which there was a solitary table.
This happened to be unoccupied, and they accordingly played two games,
which lasted about an hour and a half. The reader will judge that
neither was very expert in the game.

"Now," said Jasper, who paid for both games, despite Gilbert's
remonstrances, "we will order a little lunch, and then start for home."

"I don't feel hungry."

"Nonsense! one can always eat. Besides, I want to patronize the hotel."

"Did you have a pleasant drive?" asked James Grey, meeting them on
their return.

"Very pleasant," responded Gilbert.

"I hope Jasper was attentive."

"He could not have been more so. I am much obliged to him."

"I am glad enough to have company," said Jasper, with an assumption of
frank cordiality. "I don't often enjoy a drive, but I did this
afternoon."

"I think I shall