I shall really give up if
I have got to have such a looking old tramp as a permanent member of the
family."

"But, Julia, if he is really very rich, it is important for us to keep
him strictly in view. You know there will be plenty of designing
persons, who will be laying snares to entrap him, and get possession of
his money."

"How old is he? Is he likely to live long?"

"I think he must be about sixty-five."

"And he looks alarmingly healthy," said Mrs. Marlowe, with a sigh.

"His father died at sixty-seven."

Mrs. Marlowe brightened up. "That is encouraging," she said, hopefully.

"I don't think he looks so _very_ healthy," added the squire.

"He has a good color."

"His father was the picture of health till within a few weeks of his
death."

"What did he die of?"

"Apoplexy."

"To be sure. The old man looks as if he might go off that way."

"In that case we should only need to be troubled with him a couple of
years, and for that we should be richly repaid."

"They will seem like two eternities," groaned the lady, "and the chief
burden will come on me."

"You shall be repaid, my dear! Only treat him well!"

"Will you give me half what money he leaves to us?"

"Say one-third, Julia. That will repay you richly for all your trouble."

"Very well! Let it be a third. But, Mr. Marlowe, don't let there be any
mistake! I depend upon you to find out as soon as possible how much
money the old man has."

"Trust to me, Julia. I am just as anxious to know as you are."

In twenty minutes Uncle Jacob came down stairs. He had done what he
could to improve his appearance, or "slick himself up," as he expressed
it, and wore a blue coat and vest, each provided with brass buttons. But
from close packing in his valise both were creased up in such a manner
that Squire Marlowe and his wife shuddered, and Percy's face wore an
amused and supercilious smile.

"I declare I feel better to be dressed up," said the old man. "How long
do you think I've had this coat and vest, Albert?"

"I really couldn't guess."

"I had it made for me ten years ago in Sacramento. It looks pretty well,
but then I've only worn it for best."

Percy had to stuff his handkerchief in his mouth to repress a laugh.
Uncle Jacob regarded him with a benevolent smile, and seemed himself to
be amused about something.

"Now, Uncle Jacob, we'll sit down to dinner. You must be hungry."

"Well, I have got a fairish appetite. What a nice eatin' roo