answered Harry, smiling. "I hope Mr. Fox and Joel are
well."

"Come in, and I'll call Joel. You've been doing well, aint you?" she
asked, surveying him with eager curiosity.

"I have been very fortunate indeed."

"I thought you was drowned--wrecked on a ship or something."

"If I was, I have come to life again."

"Well, well, it's strange. I'll call Joel."

Joel, who was at the barn, soon entered.

He, too, surveyed Harry curiously.

"How d'y' do?" he said. "I never expected to set eyes on you again. Is
that a gold watch you have?"

"Yes, Joel."

"Let me see it. How much did it cost?"

"A hundred dollars, besides the chain."

"Gosh! Aint that a sight of money! Did you spend all your money on it?"

"No, I bought a chain too."

"To my mind you was very foolish to spend all your hard earnin's that
way! There's no fool like a young fool," said Mrs. Fox severely.

"But, Mrs. Fox, I have some money left."

"How much?" asked Joel eagerly.

"Seven thousand dollars."

"Gosh all Jerusalem! you aint yarnin', be you? Seven thousand dollars!"

"Who's talkin' of seven thousand dollars?" asked a familiar voice, as
Mr. Fox entered the room.

"Harry Vane says he's worth seven thousand dollars!" exclaimed Joel in a
tone made up of amazement, jealousy, and wonder.

"Is that true?" asked John Fox in equal amazement.

"Yes, Mr. Fox."

"But how on 'arth----"

Then Harry gave a full explanation, with which I don't propose to
trouble the reader, as it would be a twice-told tale.

"Some folks seem born to luck!" said Mr. Fox furiously, when Harry had
completed his story. "Joel may work and toil all his life, and he won't
get no seven thousand dollars. It seems hard!"

John Fox had been much impressed by Harry's luck, and his avaricious
soul was busying itself with some scheme for turning it to his personal
advantage.

"I'm glad you've been so lucky, Harry," he said with affected
cordiality. "It beats all, I must say. I've no doubt you are ready now
to carry out your dear father's dyin' wish."

"What was that, Mr. Fox?"

"He wanted me to be your guardeen. It stands to reason a boy of sixteen
aint to be trusted with so much money. Now I'm an experienced man of
business, and I'm willin' to be your guardeen, and I won't charge you a
cent for takin' care of your property except board money."

"Thank you, Mr. Fox," said Harry, with an amused smile, "but I am
offered a place in New York at fifteen dollars a wee