did die bankrupt?"

"No, Uncle Sandy, he died rich."

"And her name was not mentioned in the will?"

"No."

"Ah! there was a will. Have you seen it?"

"No; why should I? It all happened long, long ago."

"And your mother never saw the will?"

"I don't think she did."

"Then to whom, may I ask, did he leave all his wealth?"

"You forget, Uncle Sandy, that my father was married before. He had two
sons by his first marriage. These sons came in for his fortune. They
were--they said they were, sorry for my mother, and they settled on her
one hundred and fifty pounds a year for her life."

"Ay, I suppose you have got that pittance now?"

"No, it was only for my mother. When she died six years ago it ceased."

Sandy Wilson began to pace up and down the little parlor.

"Nothing left to Daisy. Daisy's name not mentioned in the will. Brothers
sorry--pretend to be. Give my Daisy a pittance for her life--nothing to
the child. Charlotte," he suddenly stopped in front of his niece, "don't
you think you are a good bit of a fool?"

"Perhaps I am, Uncle Sandy. But I never recognized the fact before."

"You believe that story about the will?"

"I tell you the tale as my own mother told it to me."

"Ay, Daisy was always too credulous, a foolish little thing, if you
like. But you--you are of different metal. You believe that story?"

"I--I--Don't ask me, Uncle Sandy."

"You do not believe it?"

"If you will have it so, I do not believe it."

"Ay, my lass, shake hands on that. You are not a fool. Oh! it was full
time Sandy Wilson came home. Sandy can see to your rights, late as it is
in the day."

Mrs. Home was silent. The old Australian was stamping his feet on the
hearthrug. His face was now crimson from excitement and anger.

"Charlotte," he repeated, "why don't you speak to me? I have come back
to see to your rights. Do you hear me, niece?"

Charlotte put her hand into his.

"Thank you, Uncle Sandy." Then she added, "You can do nothing. I mean
you can take no legal steps without my knowledge and sanction."

"Well, it is not likely you will withhold your sanction from getting
back what is your own. Charlotte, where are these half-brothers of
yours? Why, they were a good bit older than Daisy. They must be old men
now. Where are they, Charlotte? Are they alive?"

"They are alive. I will tell you about them to-morrow. I want to think
to-night."

"And so do I want to think. I will run away now, my dear nie