"What do you think of Harold's story, Warner?" asked the old lady.

"It is very ingenious."

"But not true?"

"No; he got the watch and chain from a pawnbroker. I saw him come out
of the shop, and going in, questioned the pawnbroker. He must have got
the ticket somewhere."

"Then it seems that Harold is not only a thief, but a liar."

"My dear aunt, let us not be too hard upon him. This is probably his
first offense: I feel like being charitable, for I have been in the
same scrape."

"I can overlook theft more easily than his attempt to blacken the
reputation of Luke," said Mrs. Merton, sternly.

CHAPTER XXXVI

WARNER POWELL STARTS ON A JOURNEY

Thanks to the liberal compensation received from Mrs. Merton, Luke was
enabled to supply his mother and Bennie with all the comforts they
required, and even to put by two dollars a week. This he did as a
measure of precaution, for he did not know how long the engagement at
the house on Prairie Avenue would last. If he were forced to fall back
on his earnings as a newsboy, the family would fare badly. This might
happen, for he found himself no nearer securing the favor of Harold
and his mother. The manner of the latter was particularly unpleasant
when they met, and Harold scarcely deigned to speak to him. On the
other hand, Warner Powell showed himself very friendly. He often took
the opportunity to join Luke when he was leaving the house, and chat
pleasantly with him. Luke enjoyed his companionship, because Warner
was able to tell him about Australia and California, with both of
which countries Mrs. Tracy's brother was familiar.

"Mother," said Harold, one day, "Uncle Warner seems very thick with
that newsboy. I have several times seen them walking together."

Mrs. Tracy frowned, for the news displeased her.

"I am certainly very much surprised. I should think my brother might
find a more congenial and suitable companion than Aunt Eliza's hired
boy. I will speak to him about it."

She accordingly broached the subject to Warner Powell, expressing
herself with emphasis.

"Listen, Louisa," said Warner, "don't you think I am old enough to
choose my own company?"

"It doesn't seem so," retorted Mrs. Tracy, with a smile.

"At any rate, I don't need any instructions on that point."

"As my guest, you certainly ought to treat me with respect."

"So I do. But I don't feel bound to let you regulate my conduct."

"You know what cause I have--we both have--to