but strict man, and if
the theft is discovered Kean will be arrested, and, of course,
convicted."

"And you think I will help him? Is that why you have come to me with
this story?"

"I don't think I would have done so if he had not mentioned you as an
old friend and schoolmate of his mother."

"What's that?" added Mrs. Merton, quickly. "His mother an old
schoolmate of mine?"

"That is what he says."

"What was her name before marriage?"

"Mary Robinson."

"You don't say so!" Mrs. Merton exclaimed with vivacity. "Why, Mary
was my favorite at school. And this young man is her son?

"I would have helped him without knowing this, but now I won't
hesitate a moment. Mary's boy! You must bring him here. I want to
question him about her."

"I can tell you something about her. She lost her money by investing
in a California mine--I think it was the Excelsior Mine."

"She, too?"

Luke looked surprised. He did not understand the meaning of this
exclamation.

"I have a thousand shares of that worthless stock myself," continued
the old lady. "It cost me two thousand dollars, and now it is worth
nothing."

"The one who introduced the stock was a Mr. Browning, of Milwaukee."

"I know. He was an unscrupulous knave, I have no doubt. I could afford
the loss, but hundreds invested, like poor Mary, who were ruined. Is
the man living, do you know?"

"Yes, he is living in Milwaukee. He is rich, and is prominently spoken
of as a candidate for mayor."

"If he is ever a candidate I will take care that his connection with
this swindling transaction is made known. A man who builds up a
fortune on the losses of the poor is a contemptible wretch, in my
opinion."

"And mine, too," said Luke. "It is very strange that he answers the
description of a man who cheated our family out of ten thousand
dollars."

"Indeed! How was that?"

Luke told the story, and Mrs. Merton listened with great interest.

"So all corresponds except the name?"

"Yes."

"He may have changed his name."

"I have thought of that. I mean to find out some time."

"I won't keep you any longer. Your friend is, no doubt, in great
anxiety. I have the money here in bills. I will give them to you for
him."

Mrs. Merton was in the act of handing a roll of bills to Luke when the
door opened suddenly, and Mrs. Tracy entered.

She frowned in surprise and displeasure when she saw her aunt giving
money to "that boy," as she contemptuously called him.