suppose you do see him and his boss. See
'em and tell 'em some of the truth. Don't tell too much though; not who
was to blame nor how, but just that it looks pretty bad so fur as the
estate's concerned. Then say you want to see 'em again and will arrange
another interview. Don't set any time and place for that until you hear
from me. Understand?"

"I think so, partially. But--"

"Until you hear from me--that's the important part. And, if you can,
convenient, I'd have the fust interview right off; this afternoon, if
it's possible."

"Captain, what have you got up your sleeve? Why don't you come down here
and talk it over?"

"'Cause I'm stickin' close aboard and waitin' developments. Maybe there
won't be any, but I'm goin' to wait a spell and see. There ain't much up
my sleeve just now but goose-flesh; there's plenty of that. So long."

A development came that evening. Mrs. Hepton heralded it.

"Captain," she said, when he answered her knock, "there's a young
gentleman to see you. I think he must be a relative of yours. His name
is Warren."

Captain Elisha pulled his beard. "A young _gentleman_?" he repeated.

"Yes. I showed him into the parlor. There will be no one there but you
and he, and I thought it would be more comfortable."

"Um-hm. I see. Well, I guess you'd better send him up. This is
comfortable enough, and there won't be nobody but him and me here,
either--and I'll be more sartin of it."

The landlady, who considered herself snubbed, flounced away. Captain
Elisha stepped to the head of the stairs.

"Come right up, Steve!" he called.

Stephen came. His uncle ushered him into the room, closed the door, and
turned the key.

"Stevie," he said, kindly, "I'm glad to see you. Take off your things
and set down."

The boy accepted the invitation only to the extent of throwing his hat
on the table. He did not sit or remove his overcoat. He was pale, his
eyes were swollen and red, his hair was disarranged, and in all respects
he looked unlike his usual blase and immaculate self. His forehead was
wet, showing that he had hurried on his way to the boarding house.

The captain regarded him pityingly.

"Set down, Stevie," he urged. "You're all het up and worn out."

His nephew paid no attention. Instead he asked a question.

"You know about it?" he demanded.

"Yes, Stevie; I know."

"You do? I--I mean about the--the Akrae Company and--and all?"

"Yes. I know all about all of it. Do set down!"

S