t!"

"You said that you invested all your money in some mining shares that
depreciated to nothing."

"I foresaw the decline, and sold out at a small loss."

"Why did you deceive us?" asked the squire, irritably.

"I wanted to test you all. When you thought me poor, you gave me my
walking ticket; but Mary here," and Uncle Jacob glanced affectionately
at Mrs. Barton, "gave me a warm welcome, though she thought me nearly as
poor as herself. I shall not forget it. Bert also did not look down upon
his old uncle, even though he had little to expect from him."

"But, Uncle Jacob," said Bert, "why, if you are so rich, do you work for
twelve dollars a week?"

"It was a harmless deception, Bert," he replied. "I am at the head of
the office where you think me employed, and president of one of the
richest mines on the Pacific Coast."

"Mr. Marlowe," said the squire, not venturing upon the familiar name of
Uncle Jacob, "instead of advancing money on my house, factory, and
stock, are you willing to buy them outright?"

"At what sum do you value them?"

"Fifteen thousand dollars."

"It is a bargain," said Uncle Jacob promptly.

"You may feel disposed to run the business yourself."

"It is out of my line. I shall make a free gift of the whole to John
Barton, who, I suppose, is quite capable of taking your place."

"How can I thank you?" said Mr. Barton, much moved.

"By making Mary happy. Now, Mr. Manning, if you and Albert Marlowe will
call to-morrow at my office in New York we will complete the business.
John, I shall not need you; but Bert will go with me and bring you back
the deeds of the property I propose to transfer to you."

That evening was a happy one in the Barton cottage, but there was vain
regret and dissatisfaction at the home of Albert Marlowe. Too late they
all regretted that they had received Uncle Jacob so coldly, and so
forfeited, in all probability, their chances of sharing his wealth.
Percy's great regret was that that Barton boy should be lifted above
him.

A month later, and the changes had taken place. The Bartons moved to
Squire Marlowe's handsome house, and John Barton was installed as owner
and head of the shoe factory. Bert was placed at an academy, where he
will remain till he has acquired a good education, and then will enter
Uncle Jacob's office in the city. He bids fair to redeem the promise of
his boyhood, and become an upright and manly man. Ralph Harding has been
made superintende