which will serve to identify him. He has a
wart on the upper part of his right cheek--a mark which disfigures him
and mortifies him exceedingly. He has consulted a physician about its
removal, but has been told that the operation would involve danger,
and, moreover, would not be effectual, as the wart is believed to be
of a cancerous nature, and would in all probability grow out again.
For these reasons he has given up his intention of having it removed,
and made up his mind, unwillingly enough, to carry it to the grave
with him.

I have given you this long description, not because it seemed at all
necessary, for I believe Thomas Butler to be a man of strict honesty,
but because for some reason I am impelled to do so.

I am very tired, and I feel that I must close. God bless you, dear
wife, and guard our children, soon to be fatherless!

Your loving husband,

FREDERICK WALTON.

P.S.--Butler has left for the East. This letter I have given to
another friend to mail after my death.

CHAPTER III

LUKE FORMS A RESOLUTION

As Luke read this letter his pleasant face became stern in its
expression. They had indeed been cruelly wronged. The large sum of
which they had been defrauded would have insured them comfort and
saved them from many an anxiety. His mother would not have been
obliged to take in sewing, and he himself could have carried out his
cherished design of obtaining a college education.

This man in whom his father had reposed the utmost confidence had been
false to his trust. He had kept in his own hands the money which
should have gone to the widow and children of his dying friend. Could
anything be more base?

"Mother," said Luke, "this man Thomas Butler must be a villain."

Yes, Luke; he has done us a great wrong."

"He thought, no doubt, that we should never hear of this money."

"I almost wish I had not, Luke. It is very tantalizing to think how it
would have improved our condition."

"Then you are sorry to receive the letter, mother?"

"No, Luke. It seems like a message from the dead, and shows me how
good and thoughtful your poor father was to the last. He meant to
leave us comfortable."

"But his plans were defeated by a rascal. Mother, I should like to
meet and punish this Thomas Butler."

"Even if you should meet him, Luke, you must be prudent. He is
probably a rich man."

"Made so at our expense," added Luke, bitterly.

"And he would deny having received anything from your