u overrate my services," said Jasper, modestly.

"And you really refused to write the letter, though you knew your life
was in danger?"

"I was not willing to betray my trust."

"I honor your courage and fidelity, but you carried them too far. We
would far rather have lost ten times seventy-five dollars than risked
your life."

"I didn't think of that, I only thought it would be wrong to defraud
you."

"We shall not forget your fidelity. You may consider your wages raised
to twenty dollars a week."

"Thank you, sir," said Jasper, gratified.

"It is not merely on account of your courage and fidelity, but partly
because of the business ability you have shown in carrying on this
affair."

Again Jasper thanked his employer, and went about his duties with fresh
courage, feeling that his services were appreciated.

"I am glad I came to St. Louis," he thought. "How much better I am
situated than I should have been at home, tyrannized over by a
step-mother by whom I was disliked."

Three months more passed, when one day a boy entered the store.

"Is Jasper Kent here?" he asked.

"Yes," said Jasper, coming forward, "that is my name."

"I have a telegram for you," said the boy. Jasper tore it open, and read
these words:

"Come home at once. Your step-mother is dying.

"Otis Miller."

Shocked at this startling intelligence, Jasper at once sought his
employer, obtained leave of absence, and took the next train bound east.

We must precede him and explain what had happened, and what occasioned
Mrs. Kent's critical condition.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

DICK COMES BACK.

When Mrs. Kent's brother left her house with fifty dollars in his pocket
she warned him that it was the last money he could expect to receive
from her. He did not reply, but he had no intention of remaining
satisfied with so little.

"What is fifty dollars?" he thought, "to my sister's fortune? She
needn't think she has got rid of me so easily."

At that time he expected to make her another visit in the course of a
month or two, but circumstances prevented. The fact is, he was imprudent
enough to commit theft and incautious enough to be detected, not long
afterward, and the consequence was a term of imprisonment.

When he was released from confinement he at once made his way to his
sister's house.

As before, Nicholas was standing on the lawn. His countenance changed
when he recognized his uncle, though he didn't know that he h