ave received a letter from your nephew, summoning me to
Milwaukee."

"I hope he is not in any scrape."

"No; it is a very friendly letter, written in my interest. May I read
it to you?"

"I shall be glad to hear it."

Mrs. Merton settled herself back in her rocking-chair, and listened to
the reading of the letter.

"Do you know what this refers to, Luke?" she asked.

"Yes; my father on his deathbed in California intrusted a stranger
with ten thousand dollars to bring to my mother. He kept it for his
own use, and it was only by an accident that we heard about the
matter."

"You interest me, Luke. What was the accident?"

Luke explained.

"It must be this that Mr. Powell refers to," he added.

"But I don't see how my nephew should have anything to do with it."

"There is a man in Milwaukee who answers the description of the
stranger to whom my poor father intrusted his money. I have seen him,
for he often comes to Chicago. I have even spoken to him."

"Have you ever taxed him with this breach of trust?"

"No, for he bears a different name. He is Thomas Browning, while the
letter mentions Thomas Butler."

"He may have changed his name."

"I was stupid not to think of that before. There can hardly be two men
so singularly alike. I have come to ask you, Mrs. Merton, if you can
spare me for two or three days."

"For as long as you like, Luke," said the old lady, promptly. "Have
you any money for your traveling expenses?"

"Yes, thank you."

"No matter. Here are twenty dollars. Money never comes amiss."

"You are always kind to me, Mrs. Merton," said Luke, gratefully.

"It is easy to be kind if one is rich. I want to see that man
punished. Let me give you one piece of advice. Be on your guard with
this man! He is not to be trusted."

"Thank you! I am sure your advice is good."

"I wish you good luck, Luke. However things may turn out, there is one
thing that gratifies me. Warner is showing himself your friend. I have
looked upon him till recently as a black sheep, but he is redeeming
himself rapidly in my eyes. I shall not forget his kindness to you."

As Luke went downstairs he met Mrs. Tracy.

"Here again!" said she, coldly. "Did my aunt send for you this
afternoon?"

"No, madam."

"Then you should not have intruded. You are young, but you are very
artful. I see through your schemes, you may rest assured."

"I wished to show Mrs. Merton a letter from your brother, now in
Milwaukee," said