Sacramento bank?"

"Yes, many years ago; but I bought mining stocks, and after a while they
went down to nothing, and----"

"Then you are a pauper!" said the squire, harshly.

"No. I have five hundred dollars, and I hope with that to get started,
so as to earn an honest living."

Words cannot describe the scorn and disgust that appeared on the faces
of Percy and his mother at the old man's confession of poverty.

"Albert," said the wife, "may I speak with you outside a moment?"

"Certainly, my dear."

"Get rid of the old man as soon as you can!" she said, imperiously. "He
doesn't eat another meal in my house!"

"Be easy, my dear," said the squire. "I'll manage it."

CHAPTER V.

UNCLE JACOB RECEIVES HIS WALKING PAPERS.

Squire Marlowe returned to the breakfast room, wearing rather an
embarrassed expression. Percy had followed his mother, and the old man
found himself for a short time alone. There was a twinkle of amusement
in his eyes, which vanished on the reappearance of his nephew.

"I am sorry to have left you alone, Uncle Jacob," said the squire,
civilly.

"Oh, don't treat me with any ceremony, Albert. Being as we are such near
relations, we ought to be free and easy like."

"I am glad to hear you say so, for I shall be obliged to treat you
unceremoniously."

"Eh?" said Uncle Jacob, inquiringly.

"I regret to say that my wife, who is of a _very_ delicate organization,
is taken suddenly ill, and I am afraid I shall have to ask you to cut
your visit short, and come again some other time."

"I'm surprised to hear that, Albert. I thought Mrs. Marlowe looked in
excellent health."

"You can't always tell by outward appearances. She is subject to severe
headaches, and in that condition can't bear the least noise or
excitement. That is why I can't invite you to stay any longer."

"I understand," said Uncle Jacob, with--it might have been--a little
significance in his tone.

"I have no doubt," went on the squire, "that Mrs. Barton will be glad to
have you pay her a short visit. I will get Percy to drive you down
there."

"Thank you," answered the old man, dryly, "but it's only a little way,
and I don't mind walking."

"Just as you prefer," said the squire, relieved by Uncle Jacob's
declination of his offer, for he knew that Percy would not enjoy the
trip.

"I'll get ready to go at once, Albert. Oh, about my plan of opening a
cigar store in Lakeville?"

"I cannot advise you to do it,"