new acquaintance, quickly.
"I am."
"Pardon me, but I think your mother died recently?"
"Yes."
"And the property was left chiefly to Mr. Manning?"
"Yes."
"Of course, you were surprised, and probably very disappointed?"
"Excuse me," said Frank, coldly; "but I am not in the habit of
discussing my affairs with strangers."
"Quite right, but I think you will find it for your interest to discuss
them with me. Not in a public car, of course; but I have something of
importance to communicate. Where can I have a private interview with
you?"
It at once occurred to Frank that there was an opportunity, perhaps, to
solve the mystery concerning the will. This man might know nothing about
it; but, on the other hand, he might know everything. It would be
foolish to repulse him.
"If you have anything important to tell me, I shall be glad to hear it,"
he said. "I am going to the house of my friend, Col. Vincent, to pass a
few days. Do you know where he lives?"
"Yes, I know."
"If you will call this evening, after supper, I shall be glad to see
you."
"I will do so. I will be there at eight o'clock, sharp."
On arriving at his destination, Frank found the colonel's carriage
waiting for him at the station.
Col. Vincent was inside.
"Welcome, Frank!" he said, grasping heartily the hand of our young hero.
"I am delighted to see you. You are looking well, and, bless me, how you
have grown!"
"Thank you, Col. Vincent. Do you expect me to return the compliment?"
"About having grown? No, Frank, I hope not. I am six feet one, and don't
care to grow any taller. Well, what do you think of the news?"
"I have some for you, colonel;" and Frank mentioned what his new
acquaintance had told him.
"The missing link!" exclaimed the colonel, excited. "Do you know what I
think?"
"What?"
"That this man either forged the will which gives the property to your
stepfather, or is cognizant of it!"
"I thought of that."
"I shall be impatient to see him."
At eight o'clock the man called and gave his name as Jonas Barton.
Whether it was the right name might be a question; but this did not
matter.
"I understand," said Col. Vincent, "that you have some information to
give us."
"I have; and that of a very important nature."
"Is it of a nature to restore to my young friend here his property now
in the possession of Mr. Manning?"
"If it were," said Jonas Barton with a cunning glance of his left eye
"how much
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