ent's lap.

"It is very good, indeed, Ralph," she replied. "At this rate you will be
getting rich."

"Hardly," he laughed. "But we will be able to save more than we expected."

On that day the boy procured both of the papers in which they had
advertised. There was the notice Ralph had written and so unaccustomed were
they to seeing their name in print that they read each notice over several
times.

The papers circulated through the district, so many saw the advertisement.
They asked both Ralph and his mother numerous questions, to which the two
answered briefly but politely. They did not wish to say much until the
missing papers were brought to light.

Squire Paget also saw the notice. At first he was both surprised and
perplexed. Then a shrewd, cunning look came over his face.

"It's that boy's scheme," he muttered to himself. "Oh, but he is sharp, no
doubt of that. Of course, he'll soon obtain the papers, and then----" he
gave a long sigh. "My plan to make a fortune will fall to pieces!"

All day Sunday, when he ought to have been at church, the squire remained
in his library scheming and plotting. That night he left on the evening
boat for Chambersburgh.

"I'll find somebody to help me get rid of them," he said. "It's the only
way."

On Monday Ralph took out a party of young ladies and gentlemen. He got in
at seven o'clock and found two rather rough-looking men awaiting his
arrival.

"We understand that boat isn't hired for to-morrow," said one of them. "I
suppose we can get her, can't we?"

"Yes, sir, if you pay the price."

"You are Ralph Nelson?"

"Yes, sir."

"I heard you was trustworthy. You can be on hand here at eight o'clock
to-morrow morning to take me and my friend out," went on the man.

"Yes, sir. Do you want any bait for fishing, sir?"

"No. We'll go for a sail, and possibly for a little hunting up on the
island."

"All right, sir. I'll be ready for you."

The men walked off toward a neighboring saloon. Ralph did not much fancy
their looks. He made up his mind that he would not have a very agreeable
day with them.

But he was on hand promptly in the morning, and after telling Franchard of
the engagement, took aboard the two men, who appeared each with a shotgun
and a game-bag.

"Sail to the upper end of the lake, toward the big islands," said the
spokesman, and Ralph steered in the direction, never dreaming of what that
eventful trip was to bring forth.

CHAPTER XXIV.