CLUSION.

Bert arrived in New York in due time, accompanied by Ralph Harding. They
received a cordial welcome from Uncle Jacob.

"You shall not regret your testimony in behalf of John Barton," he said
to Harding. "I will see that you are protected."

"Uncle Jacob," said Bert, "I have twenty dollars left of the amount you
gave me for expenses. Here it is."

"Keep it, Bert. You will need it."

"But, Uncle Jacob, I have already put you to too great expense. If you
were a rich man----"

Jacob Marlowe smiled.

"I can spare the money," he said. "Don't trouble yourself on that score.
You have done yourself great credit, Bert, and shown great shrewdness in
your expedition in search of Mr. Harding. I am not sure that you would
not make a good detective."

"I have no ambition in that direction, Uncle Jacob. I hope to get a
little better education, and then to devote myself to business."

"I think you will have an opportunity to do both, Bert."

"Do you think you can get me a place of some kind in New York? I know,
of course, that I must work before I can afford to study."

"We will speak of that later. Now I have to propose that we all go down
to Lakeville to meet your father and mother, and incidentally to have an
interview with Albert Marlowe."

"Do you wish me to go, too?" asked Ralph Harding.

"By all means! You are the most important member of the party."

Toward noon of the next day the three reached Lakeville. Uncle Jacob and
Ralph Harding secured rooms at the hotel, and then repaired to the
little cottage.

We will precede them.

It was in the spirit of revenge that the squire had telegraphed to
Brooklyn, and after he had done so he half regretted it. If John Barton
were re-arrested, he would undoubtedly try to incriminate the squire
himself, and the mere accusation would do him harm. It would be best if
Barton could be frightened into making his escape, and this very act
would seem like a confession of guilt.

"Yes, that will be best," thought the squire. "Barton will never dare to
come back, and we shall be spared the scandal of a trial."

He took his hat and cane, and set out for the Barton cottage.

Mrs. Barton opened the door.

"Is your husband in?" asked the squire.

"Yes."

"I would like to see him on very important business."

"I will see you," said John Barton, who had overheard the squire's
words.

"Well?" he said, as Marlowe entered the sitting-room.

"I have come to urge you