that, I suppose?" Fred asked.

"O, quite certain, because the gold is the first thing that I thought of
when I found that my uncle had been murdered," exclaimed the young
fellow, with his eyes still cast to the floor.

"Do you suspect any one?" we asked, with a design to bring him out.

"There is blood upon your door step and floor, and the tracks lead this
way," he answered evasively.

I saw that he raised his eyes quick as lightning to note what effect his
words had upon us; but meeting the stern glance of Fred, he again gazed
upon the floor.

"I suppose that we might effect a compromise, and get somebody to swear
that we did not molest your uncle, if we promised five hundred of the
thousand ounces that the robbers and would-be assassins obtained," Fred
remarked, in an under tone, and in a careless sort of manner.

"I, for one," the young fellow replied, "should never be disposed to
ask questions, although you can imagine my feelings at the thought of
the bad treatment that the old fellow received. When can I have the
dust?"

The question disconcerted Fred for a moment, for he had no idea that the
fellow would answer as he did.

"As soon as your uncle is well enough to talk about money matters, we
will mention the subject," I rejoined, hastily.

"Well enough?" he asked; "I thought that you said he was dead."

"O, bless you, no, indeed; he is far from being a dead man, and we hope,
by proper treatment, to see him well in the course of a few weeks."

The nephew's face darkened, and his eyes looked snaky, as though he
would like to strike, but dared not. We motioned to him, and led the way
to the small private room where Mr. Critchet was lying, and when he saw
his uncle's wan features, he turned pale, and his agitation was intense.

He saw that we were watching his movements, and tried to appear as
though surprised, but the artificial effort was too much for him; and
finally he turned and left the room, giving as an excuse that his
feelings overpowered him.

"You can see the sufferer every day, if you are disposed," Fred said,
"but it must always be in the presence of witnesses. When your uncle is
well he can act as he pleases, but here he remains until cured."

"Your language is mysterious, and seems to reflect upon me as a man of
honor," he exclaimed. "Do I understand you to say that you suspect me of
injuring my poor uncle, whom I loved above all earthly things?"

"With the exception of playing cards