u can do is to take the first train home."

"You are right."

"There is no telling, if this Squire Paget is so villainous, what he may
not try to do."

"You think he will not wait?"

"It is not likely. He has shown a great haste in the whole matter."

"No. Don't wait. Go home and have him locked up," put in Martin Thomas. "I
will appear against him, if you wish it."

He was willing now to do anything to save himself from a long term in
prison.

"I will go home," said Ralph. "I will not lose another minute."

"Shall I go along?" asked Horace Kelsey. "You may need some one to help you
in your fight against so influential a man as Squire Paget."

"I shall consider it a great favor," said Ralph, and he gave the insurance
agent a grateful look.

They consulted a time-table, and found that they could get a train for
Chambersburgh in an hour. This train would connect with the regular lake
steamer that stopped at Westville.

The two questioned Martin Thomas for a few minutes longer, and got what
additional information they could from him. Then they called in the jail
keeper and hurried off.

"I guess Squire Paget will be surprised when we walk in on him," said
Ralph, with a grim smile.

"He will be still more surprised when he learns that Martin Thomas has been
arrested and that his whole plot is known," replied Horace Kelsey.

The insurance agent had several small matters to attend to. But these did
not take long, and then they took an elevated train for the depot.

Fifteen minutes later, Ralph's homeward journey had begun. It was none too
soon, as the sequel will show.

CHAPTER XXXIX.

A SURPRISE AT CHAMBERSBURGH.

"I believe that one reason why Squire Paget wished to get me out of the
situation on the bridge was because he hoped thereby to force me to leave
Westville altogether," remarked Ralph, as the train sped on its way.

"Perhaps you are right," returned Horace Kelsey. "One thing is certain, he
was decidedly anxious to get you out of the way; otherwise, he would not
have hired this Martin Thomas a second time."

"I never thought it of Squire Paget," murmured Ralph, thoughtfully. "Why,
it is simply horrible!"

"There is no telling to what depths a man will sink for the sake of money,"
returned the insurance agent. "Here in the city we see it more than in the
country."

"I thought Percy Paget bad enough, but he can't be a patch to his father."

"You must be careful how you go ahead, Ra