hat has become of my uncle's servants?" he asked--"his cook, Aunt
Jemima, and his body-servant, Todd?"

"I don't know what has become of the cook, but he took Todd with him."

Harry heaved a sigh of relief. If Todd was with him life would still
be made bearable for his uncle. Perhaps, after all, a winter with Tom
Coston was the wisest thing he could have done.

One other question now trembled on his lips. It was one he felt he had
no right to ask--not of Pawson--but it was his only opportunity, and
he must know the truth if he was to carry out the other plans he had
in view the day he dropped everything and came home without warning. At
last he asked casually:

"Do you know whether my father returned to Uncle George the money he
paid out for me?" Not that it was important--more as if he wanted to be
posted on current events.

"He tried, but Mr. Temple wouldn't take it. I had the matter in hand,
and know. This was some three years ago. He has never offered it
since--not to my knowledge."

Harry's face lightened. Some trace of decency was still left in the
Rutter blood! This money was in all honor owed by his father and might
still become an asset if he and his uncle should ever become reconciled.

"And can you tell me how they all are--out at Moorlands? Have you seen
my father lately?"

"Not your father, but I met your old servant, Alec, a few days ago."

"Alec!--dear old Alec! Tell me about him. And my mother--was she all
right? What did Alec say, and how did the old man look?"

"Yes; your mother was well. He said they were all well, except Colonel
Rutter, whose eyes troubled him. Alec seemed pretty much the same--may
be a little older."

Harry's mind began to wander. The room and his companion were forgotten.
He was again at Moorlands, the old negro following him about, his dear
mother sitting by his bed or kissing him goodnight.

For an instant he sat gazing into the smouldering embers absorbed in
his thoughts. Then as if some new vista had opened out before him he
asked suddenly:

"You don't know what he was doing in town, do you? Was my mother with
him?"

"No, he was alone. He had brought some things in for Mr. Seymour--some
game or something, if I remember right. There's to be a wedding there
soon, so I hear. Yes, now I think of it, it WAS game--some partridges,
perhaps, your father had sent in. The old man asked about you--he always
does. And now, Mr. Rutter, tell me about yourself--have you done