h, I'll do it mother. I wish we were on our way."

"You can go to bed if you like. I must stay up late to-night. I have to
pack our trunks."

The next day the pair of adventurers left Gresham. From the earliest
available point Mrs. Brent telegraphed to Mr. Granville that she was on
her way, with the son from whom he had so long been separated.

CHAPTER XVIII.

THE CONSPIRACY SUCCEEDS.

In a handsome private parlor at the Continental Hotel a man of about
forty-five years of age sat in an easy-chair. He was of middle height,
rather dark complexion, and a pleasant expression. His right foot was
bandaged, and rested on a chair. The morning Daily Ledger was in his
hand, but he was not reading. His mind, judging from his absorbed look,
was occupied with other thoughts.

"I can hardly realize," he said half-aloud, "that my boy will so soon
be restored to my arms. We have been separated by a cruel fate, but we
shall soon be together again. I remember how the dear child looked when
I left him at Fultonville in the care of the kind inn-keeper. I am
sorry he is dead, but his widow shall be suitably repaid for her kind
devotion."

He had reached this point when a knock was heard at the door.

"Come in!" said Mr. Granville.

A servant of the hotel appeared.

"A lady and a boy are in the parlor below, sir. They wish to see you."

Though Mr. Granville had considerable control over his feelings, his
heart beat fast when he heard these words.

"Will you show them up at once?" he said, in a tone which showed some
trace of agitation.

The servant bore the message to Mrs. Brent and Jonas, who were sitting
in the hotel parlor.

If Mr. Granville was agitated, the two conspirators were not wholly at
their ease. There was a red spot on each of Mrs. Brent's cheeks--her
way of expressing emotion--and Jonas was fidgeting about uneasily in his
chair, staring about him curiously.

"Mind what I told you," said his mother, in a low voice. "Remember to
act like a boy who has suddenly been restored to his long-lost father.
Everything depends on first impressions."

"I wish it was all over; I wish I was out of it," said Jonas, wiping the
perspiration from his face. "Suppose he suspects?"

"He won't if you do as I tell you. Don't look gawky, but act naturally."

Just then the servant reappeared.

"You are to come up-stairs," he said. "The gentleman will see you."

"Thank you," said Mrs. Brent, rising. "Come."

Jonas rose, a