y moved at the sight of his emotion, but
as soon as he could control himself sufficiently, he remarked:

"I have a very strange story to tell you, Mr. Palmer, and you may be
inclined, as your son was at first, to suspect me of complicity in
the affair. I am, however, willing to be subjected to a rigorous
investigation, if you demand it; but let me assure you that the moment
I discovered the truth, I saw that I, as well as you, had been wretchedly
imposed upon, and I was anxious to do all in my power to right the
wrong."

He then related all that he had told Ray, and all that we already know,
while Amos Palmer listened with wonder to the unfolding of the bold and
cunning scheme which had so baffled the police and the best detectives in
New York.

"It is the most devilish plot I ever heard of if you will excuse the
expression," Mr. Palmer excitedly exclaimed, when his visitor had
concluded his narrative.

"It certainly was a very brazen one, yet very cleverly arranged, and just
as artfully carried out," Doctor Wesselhoff remarked; and then he
inquired, while he regarded his companion with earnest interest: "But
have you no doubts as to the truth of my statements? Have you no
suspicions that I might also be concerned in the plot?"

"No, sir; I am impressed that you are a man of truth and honor. I have
heard of you, and know something of your reputation; and I can but feel
thankful that my son fell into your hands, rather than into the clutches
of some unprincipled villain," Mr. Palmer replied, with a hearty
confidence in his tones that could not be doubted. Then he added: "Excuse
me for a few moments while I order my carriage, then you shall take me at
once to my son."

Amos Palmer seemed a changed man now that hope throbbed once more in his
heart, and he started up with all his old-time vigor and energy to leave
the room.

But Doctor Wesselhoff stopped him.

"My own carriage is at your door--do not wait for yours; come at once
with me and I will have you sent home when you are ready to return; but
Mr. Palmer, you must be prepared to find your son greatly changed, for he
has been very ill; the worst is over, however, and he will gain rapidly
now, if we take proper care of him."

In a few moments the two men were driving rapidly toward the physician's
residence, while they more fully discussed the affair of the robbery, and
the skillful way in which it had been managed.

"I would never have believed that a woma