hom he had lived so long, the only friend he felt he could claim.

Ernest rose, and after dressing himself made a frugal breakfast. He looked
sadly at Peter. Death was to him something new and strange, for he did not
remember ever having seen a dead man before. He must get help, and with
that object in view he went to the village, and sought the store of Joe
Marks.

"What brings you out so early, my lad?" asked Joe.

"Matter enough, Joe. My uncle is dead."

He still called him uncle, though he knew now that Peter was no kin to
him.

"Old Peter dead!" ejaculated Marks. "When did he die?"

"Some time during the night. I wish you'd help me, for I don't know what
to do."

"So I will, boy. We'll stand by you, won't we, Luke?"

This was said as Luke Robbins entered the store.

"To be sure we will, Ernest. We all like you."

"Oh, I forgot to say," continued Ernest, "the cabin was entered last night
and some money taken."

CHAPTER IV

ALONE IN THE WORLD

Joe Marks and Luke Robbins looked at each other in amazement.

"Your cabin entered!" exclaimed Joe. "What do you say to that, Luke?"

"I did not know there were any thieves round here," answered Luke. "What
was taken?"

"An old trunk was opened--I carelessly left it unlocked--and two
five-dollar gold pieces were stolen out of it. At any rate, I couldn't
find them this morning."

"Two five-dollar gold pieces?" said Joe quickly. "Then I know who took
them."

"What do you mean, Joe?" said Luke. "Out with it!"

"You know that tramp who was here yesterday, Luke?"

"Yes."

"He came round an hour ago, and called for a glass of whisky. 'Where is
your money?' I asked. 'I've got plenty,' he said. Then I called upon him
to show it, and he pulled out a five-dollar gold piece. Of course I was
surprised. 'Where did you get it?' I asked suspiciously. 'Yesterday you
said you had no money.' 'I had that,' he answered, 'but I didn't want to
spend it. You see it was a gift from my dyin' mother, and I wanted to keep
it for her sake.' With that he rolled up his eyes and looked
sanctimonious. Then I asked him how it happened that he was ready to spend
it now."

"What did he say?"

"He said that he was so parched with thirst that he felt obliged to do
it."

"Did you take his money?"

"No. I was short of change. You see I changed a gold piece for the boy
yesterday. Besides, I wasn't sure the piece was good, seeing who offered
it."

"Then he didn't get his wh