"When I was here last year you told me that Dudley Ray's son Ernest
was dead."

"Yes, he died in Alabama."

"When I was here before you told me he died in Georgia."

"I believe it was in Georgia," said Stephen Ray, disconcerted.

"You will be glad to hear that it is a mistake--about his death, I
mean. He is as much alive as you are."

"Mr. Bolton," said Ray angrily, "you are trying to impose upon me. The
boy is dead, I tell you."

"And I tell you he is not dead. I saw him only yesterday."

"You may have seen some one who pretended to be Ernest Ray."

"I should not be easily deceived. He is the image of his father."

"I don't believe the boy is alive."

"Shall I bring him here?"

"You need not trouble yourself. I can have nothing to say to him,
whether he is really Ernest Ray or an impostor."

"I beg your pardon. If he is Ernest Ray, under the will which I have
in my possession he is the owner of this property."

Bolton spoke firmly, and looked Ray resolutely in the eye.

Stephen Ray flushed and then paled. There was a great fear in his
heart, but he resolved to brave it out.

"This is a base conspiracy," he ejaculated. "Your share in it ought to
land you in State's prison."

"I am willing to take my chance of it," said the lawyer calmly. "Didn't
you recognize the boy when you saw him?"

"What do you mean?"

"You saw him in the hotel at Buffalo. He recognized you, and had a
conversation with your son."

"Had a conversation with Clarence? That is a lie. Clarence never spoke
to me about it."

"You had better question him. But there is no need of sparring. I tell
you confidently that Ernest Ray is alive, and demands the estate which
you hold, under his grandfather's will."

"This is simply ridiculous. Of course there is but one answer to such
a proposal."

"And what is that?"

"I refuse absolutely to make any concession to an impostor."

"That is your final answer?"

"It is."

"Then I give you notice that the boy will at once bring suit for the
restoration of the estate and the vindication of his rights."

"I suppose you are his lawyer," sneered Ray.

"The firm with which I am connected has undertaken the case."

"What is the firm?" asked Stephen Ray, with an anxiety which he could
not conceal.

"Norcross & Co.," answered Bolton.

Great drops of perspiration appeared on the brow of Stephen Ray. He
knew very well the high reputation and uniform success of the firm in
question.