or spent some time in quiet thought. It seemed to him that it
might be well to hint his discovery in a letter to Mrs. Brent, and to
make it the basis of a demand for a generous sum of hush-money--one
thousand dollars, at least. He might have decided to do this but for an
incident which suggested another course.

The door-bell rang, and when he opened the door with some surprise, for
callers were few, he saw standing before him a tall, handsome boy, whom
he did not recognize.

"Do you wish to see me?" he asked. "What is your name?"

"My name is Philip Brent."

"What!" exclaimed Mr. Raynor, in visible excitement, "are you the son of
the late Mr. Brent?"

"I was always regarded as such," answered Philip.

"Come in, then. I am glad to see you," said Mr. Raynor; and Phil entered
the house, surprised at a reception much more cordial than he had
expected.

In that brief moment Mr. Raynor had decided to reveal the secret to
Phil, and trust to his gratitude for a suitable acknowledgment. In this
way he would revenge himself upon Mrs. Brent, who had treated him so
meanly.

"I have been wishing to see you, for I have a secret of importance to
communicate," said Mr. Raynor.

"If it relates to my parents, I know it already," said Phil.

"No; it is something to your advantage. In revealing it I make Mrs.
Brent my enemy, and shall forfeit the help she is giving me."

"If it is really of advantage to me, and I am able to make up your loss
to you, I will do it," said Phil.

"That is sufficient. I will trust to your honor. You look like a boy who
will keep a promise though not legally bound."

"You only do me justice, Mr. Raynor."

"Then cast your eye upon this paper and you will know the secret."

"Is it a will?" exclaimed Phil, in surprise.

"Yes, it is the will of the late Gerald Brent. By it he bequeaths to you
five thousand dollars."

"Then he did not forget me," said Phil, more pleased with the assurance
that he had been remembered than by the sum of money bequeathed to him.
"But why have I not known this before?" he asked, looking up from the
will.

"You must ask that of Mrs. Brent!" said Mr. Raynor significantly.

"Do you think she suppressed it purposely?"

"I do," answered Raynor laconically.

"I must see her. Where can I find her?"

"I can only say that her letters to me are mailed in Chicago, but she
scrupulously keeps her address a secret."

"Then I must go to Chicago. May I take this paper with