mportant subject."

"All right, sir," responded the backwoodsman, not without curiosity.

"You say you have been always unlucky?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you don't expect your luck to change, I think you said?"

"Not unless it becomes worse," grumbled Trimble.

"Would you consider it good luck if some one should pay you over a
thousand dollars?"

"Would I? I'd think myself a rich man." exclaimed Trimble. "But who's a
goin' to do it?" he added, in a more subdued voice.

"I will, on certain conditions."

"You will give me a thousand dollars?" exclaimed the backwoodsman,
opening wide his eyes in astonishment.

"On conditions."

"Name 'em."

"First, you must promise that what I tell you shall be kept secret."

Hugh Trimble made the promise.

Mr. Grey now rose and closed the door, which was partially open, and,
drawing his chair near that of his visitor, conferred with him, in a
low voice, for some twenty minutes. At the end of that time he
dismissed him with a parting injunction.

"Remember what I have told you, and, above all things, be secret."

When the visitor had departed, he stood with his back to the fire, and
smiled unpleasantly, as he repeated:

"I think it'll work--I think it'll work."

CHAPTER XXXIV.

A RIDE THROUGH THE WOODS.

The next morning, when the three were seated at the breakfast table,
Mr. Grey said:

"Jasper, I think I shall leave you to amuse yourself this morning. I
propose to invite Gilbert to accompany me on a drive."

"All right, father. Where do you intend driving?"

"I scarcely know, yet. There are many pleasant places in the
neighborhood which it is worth while to visit."

"I wonder what the old man's up to?" thought Jasper. "No good to
Gilbert, I'll be bound. Well, I've had my turn, and it's no more than
right that he should take his. I won't ask any inconvenient questions."

"Will that arrangement be agreeable to you?" asked James Grey, turning
to his young visitor.

"I shall be happy to accompany you, Mr. Grey," answered our hero,
politely.

"Then it is settled. I will order the chaise round to the door at ten
o'clock."

"I will be ready, sir."

Jasper looked at his father curiously, as Gilbert left the room. His
look was returned by one equally significant.

"Ask no questions," it said, and Jasper sauntered out of the room, in
mute obedience.

Ten o'clock found the chaise before the door. Gilbert was on hand, and
so was his uncle.

"Jump in, G