d the tramp.

"It's Ernest Ray."

"Where'd he get that gold?"

"He lives with his uncle, a mile from the village."

"Is his uncle rich?"

"Folks think so. They call him a miser."

"Is he goin' to die?"

"That's what the boy says."

"And the boy'll get all his money?"

"It's likely."

"I'd like to be his guardian."

Joe and Luke Robbins laughed. "You'd make a pretty guardian," said
Luke.

"I won't get it," said the tramp, mournfully. "I never had no luck."

CHAPTER II.

A DEATHBED REVELATION.

Ernest made the best of his way home, for he knew his uncle would be
waiting for him.

The old man's eyes were closed, but he opened them when Ernest entered
the room.

"Was I gone long?" asked the boy.

"I don't know. I think I fell asleep."

"Shall I give you some of the drink?"

"Yes."

He drank a small amount, and it seemed to brighten him up so much that
Ernest said, "You look better, Uncle Peter. You may live some time."

Peter shook his head.

"No, boy," he replied; "my time has come to die. I know it. I would
like to live for your sake. You will miss me when I am gone, Ernest?"

"Yes, uncle, I shall miss you very much."

The old man seemed gratified. Ernest was the only one he cared for in
all the world.

"I don't care so much about dying, but I am anxious for you. I wish I
had money to leave you, Ernest, but I haven't much."

"I am young and strong. I can get along."

"I hope so. You will go away from here."

"Yes, uncle. I don't think I shall care to stay here after you are
gone."

"You will need money to take you away."

"There is a little more in the trunk."

"But only a little. It is not quite all I have. I have a hundred
dollars in gold laid away for you."

Ernest looked surprised.

"I must tell you where it is while I still have life. Do you
remember the oak tree on the little knoll half a mile away?"

"Yes, I know it."

"Dig under that tree five feet in a westerly direction. There is a
wooden box about half a foot below the surface of the earth. There's
nothing to mark the spot, for it was buried a year since, and the
grass has grown over it, hiding all traces of the earth's being
disturbed. After I am gone go there and get the money."

"Yes, uncle."

"Don't let any one see you when you visit the spot. It will be best to
go at night. There are evil-disposed men who would rob you of it if
they had the chance. I am sorry it is so little, Ernest."

"But it