e any."

"What have you got, then?" demanded than unwelcome guest impatiently.

"I can give you a glass of excellent well water."

"[illegible] Do you want to choke me?" returned the tramp in disgust.

"Suppose I mix you some molasses and water," suggested the widow,
anxious to propitiate her dangerous guest.

"Humph! Well, that will do, if you've got nothing better. Be quick
about it, for my throat is parched."

As soon as possible the drink was prepared and set beside his plate.
He drained it at a draught, and called for a second glass, which was
supplied him. Presently, for all things must have an end, the tramp's
appetite seemed to be satisfied. He threw himself back in his chair,
stretched his legs, and, with his hands in his pockets, fixed his eyes
on the widow.

"I feel better," he said.

"I am glad to hear it," said Mrs. Barclay. "Now, if you'll be kind
enough, leave the house, for I expect Ben back before long."

"And you don't want him to get hurt," laughed the tramp. "Well, I do
owe him a flogging for a trick he played on me."

"Oh, pray, go away!" said Mrs. Barclay, apprehensively. "I have given
you some supper, and that ought to satisfy you."

"I can't go away till I've talked to you a little on business."

"Business! What business can you have with me?"

"More than you think. You are the widow of John Barclay, ain't you?"

"Yes; did you know my husband?"

"Yes; that is, I saw something of him just before he died."

"Can you tell me anything about his last moments?" asked the widow,
forgetting the character of her visitor, and only thinking of her
husband.

"No, that isn't in my line. I ain't a doctor nor yet a minister. I
say, did he leave any money?"

"Not that we have been able to find out. He owned this hone, but left
no other property."

"That you know of," said the tramp, significantly.

"Do you know of any?" asked Mrs. Barclay eagerly. "How did you happen
to know him?"

"I was the barkeeper in the hotel where he died. It was a small
house, not one of your first-class hotels."

"My husband was always careful of his expenses. He did not spend
money unnecessarily. With his prudence we all thought he must have
some investments, but we could discover none."

"Have you got any money in the house?" asked the tramp, with seeming
abruptness.

"Why do you ask?" returned the widow, alarmed. "Surely, you would not
rob me?"

"No, I don't want to rob you. I want t