it?"

"I will."

The three walked together to the hotel, where Hector and Gregory were
staying. There Hector read the letter. He was astonished and horrified
when he discovered that it was from his uncle to this man, with whom he
seemed to have an acquaintance, describing Hector, and promising him a
thousand dollars if he would put him out of the way.

"This is very important," said Hector, gravely. "Are you ready to
accompany me to New York and swear to this?"

"Yes, if you will pay my expenses."

By the next steamer Hector, Gregory and the stranger, who called himself
Reuben Pearce, sailed for New York.

CHAPTER XXXVIII. CONCLUSION.

Allan Roscoe sat at the breakfast table with Guy opposite him. Though
Mr. Roscoe was not altogether free from anxiety since he had learned of
Hector's expedition to California, he had taught himself to believe that
there was little chance of the boy's ferreting out the imposition he had
practiced upon him. He had been a poor and struggling man most of his
life, having, when quite a young man, squandered his inheritance, and
his present taste of affluence was most agreeable. He felt that he could
not part with Castle Roscoe.

"But I am safe enough," he said to himself; "even if Hector discovered
anything, something might happen to him, so that he might be unable to
return."

"Father," said Guy, who had just dispatched an egg, "I want ten dollars
this morning."

"Ten dollars!" said his father, frowning. "How is this? Did I not give
you your week's allowance two days since?"

"Well, I've spent it," answered Guy, "and I need some more."

"You must think I am made of money," said his father, displeased.

"It's pretty much so," said Guy, nonchalantly. "Your income must be ten
thousand a year."

"I have a great many expenses. How have you spent your allowance?"

"Oh, I can't tell exactly. It's gone, at any rate. You mustn't become
mean, father."

"Mean! Don't I give you a handsome allowance? Look here, Guy, I can't
allow such extravagance on your part. This once I'll give you five
dollars, but hereafter, you must keep within your allowance."

"Can't you make it ten?"

"No, I can't," said his father, shortly.

Guy rose from the table, and left the room, whistling.

"The old man's getting mean," he said. "If he doesn't allow me more, I
shall have to get in debt."

As Guy left the room, the mail was brought in. On one of the envelopes,
Mr. Roscoe saw the name o