to obtain an education. It isn't in my line. You can come out
once a year, and see what progress we are making. The mine will be
called the Rodney Mine after you."

The Miners' Rest was sold to the steward, as Mr. Pettigrew was too busy
to attend to it, and in a week Rodney was on his way to New York.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

CONCLUSION.

Otis Goodnow arrived at his place of business a little earlier than
usual, and set himself to looking over his mail. Among other letters was
one written on paper bearing the name of the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He came
to this after a time and read it.

It ran thus:

DEAR SIR:

I was once in your employ, though you may not remember my name. I was in
the department of Mr. Redwood, and there I became acquainted with Jasper
Redwood, his nephew. I was discharged, it is needless to recall why. I
had saved nothing, and of course I was greatly embarrassed. I could not
readily obtain another place, and in order to secure money to pay living
expenses I entered into an arrangement with Jasper Redwood to sell me
articles, putting in more than I paid for. These I was enabled to sell
at a profit to smaller stores. This was not as profitable as it might
have been to me, as I was obliged to pay Jasper a commission for
his agency. Well, after a time it was ascertained that articles were
missing, and search was made for the thief. Through a cunningly devised
scheme of Jasper's the theft was ascribed to Rodney Ropes, a younger
clerk, and he was discharged. Ropes was a fine young fellow, and I have
always been sorry that he got into trouble through our agency, but there
seemed no help for it. It must rest on him or us. He protested
his innocence, but was not believed. I wish to say now that he was
absolutely innocent, and only Jasper and myself were to blame. If you
doubt my statement I will call today, and you may confront me with
Jasper. I desire that justice should be done.
PHILIP CARTON.

"Call Mr. Redwood," said the merchant, summoning a boy.

In five minutes Mr. Redwood entered the office of his employer.

"You sent for me, sir?"

"Yes, Mr. Redwood; cast your eye over this letter."

James Redwood read the letter, and his face showed the agitation he
felt.

"I don't know anything about this, Mr. Goodnow," he said at last.

"It ought to be inquired into."

"I agree with you. If my nephew is guilty I want to know it."

"We will wait till