sir; but, as I said, circumstances have changed."

"What circumstances? Because you are rich, you don't think you ought to
be idle, I hope?"

"Oh, no, sir. It is because I have discovered that I am not rich."

"Not rich! I always understood that your father left a large estate,"
said Mr. Ross, in surprise.

"So he did, sir."

"Didn't it descend to you?"

"I thought so till recently."

"Why don't you think so now?"

In answer, Hector told the story of the revelation made to him by Allan
Roscoe, after his father's death.

"You see, therefore," he concluded, "that I am penniless, and a
dependent upon Mr. Allan Roscoe's generosity."

"This is a most extraordinary story!" said the merchant, after a pause.

"Yes, sir; it changes my whole future."

"I suppose Mr. Allan Roscoe is the beneficiary, and the estate goes to
him?"

"Yes, sir."

"Did your father--the late Mr. Roscoe--ever hint to you anything which
could lead you to suspect that you were not his own, but an adopted
son?"

"Never, Mr. Ross," answered Hector, with emphasis.

"Did he continue to treat you with affection."

"Always. Nothing in his manner ever would have led me to imagine that I
was not his own son."

"He left no will?"

"No, sir."

"What are your plans?"

"I do not wish to remain dependent upon Allan Roscoe. I should like to
obtain a situation of some kind in the city, if I can."

"I can probably serve you, then, after a while. For the present, stay
here as Walter's companion."

"Thank you, sir; I should like nothing better."

CHAPTER XXVII. LARRY DEANE.

Not altogether in accordance with his inclinations, Walter was set to
work at his studies immediately under the direction of Mr. Crabb. He
asked his father for a week's vacation to go about the city with Hector,
but his father answered in the negative.

"You are too far behind in your studies, Walter," he said. "You are two
years, at least, behind Hector, and cannot spare the time as well as
he."

"Hector will have to go round alone," objected Walter.

"It will do him no harm to get acquainted with the different parts
of the city, as that will be a kind of knowledge he may require if he
should obtain a situation."

"I shan't see much of him."

"Oh, yes, you will; Mr. Crabb will not make you study all day. Mr.
Crabb, you may work with Walter from nine to one. This, with perhaps an
hour or more devoted to study in the afternoon or evening, will enable
hi