change in him?"

"No; except that he is drinking harder than ever. His business is
against him, though he would drink even if he didn't keep a saloon."

"Does he treat my mother well?"

"I think he does. I have never heard anything to the contrary. You see,
he wouldn't dare to do otherwise, as your mother has the property, and
he wants to keep in with her in order to get a share."

"I have been afraid that she would give a part to him."

"Thus far I am confident she hasn't done it. She is Scotch, isn't she?"

"Yes; her name was Downie, and she was born in Glasgow, but came to
this country at an early age."

"The Scotch are careful and conservative."

"She probably gives most of her income to Trimble--indeed, he collects
her rents--but the principal she keeps in her own hands. Once I heard
your stepfather complaining bitterly of this. 'My wife,' he said,
'treats me very badly. She's rolling in wealth, and I am a poor man,
obliged to work early and late for a poor living.'"

"He pays nothing toward the support of the house," said Edward,
indignantly. "Mother pays all bills, and gives him money for himself
besides."

"I don't see how she could have married such a man!"

"Nor I. He seems coarse, and is half the time under the influence of
drink."

"I wonder whether he has induced your mother to make a will in his
favor," said Wilson, thoughtfully. "If he did, I think her life would
be in danger."

Edward turned pale at this suggestion.

"I don't care so much for the property," he said, "but I can't bear to
think of my mother's life as being in danger."

"Probably your mother's caution will serve her a good turn here also,"
said Wilson. "It isn't best to borrow trouble. I will keep watch, and
if I see or hear of anything alarming I will write you. But now tell me
about yourself. Are you at work?"

"Not just at present," replied Edward, embarrassed.

"But I think I can get him another place in a day or two," said
Chester, quickly.

"If you need a little money, call on me," added the warm-hearted
Westerner. "You know you used to call me your uncle Nathaniel."

"I wouldn't like to borrow," said Edward, shyly.

"When was your birthday?"

"A month ago."

"Then I must give you a birthday present You can't object to that," and
Mr. Wilson took a ten-dollar gold piece from his pocket and pressed it
upon Edward.

"Thank you very much. I can't decline a birthday gift."

"That's what I thought. I am an ol