resigned the turnout to Bert.

"You have got a stylish rig, Bert," said Uncle Jacob. "I think we shall
have to drive by Albert Marlowe's."

"Just what I would like," remarked Bert, with a smile.

Bert had his share of human nature, and rather enjoyed being seen by his
aristocratic relatives in such a stylish turnout.

Supper was over at Squire Marlowe's and the family were sitting on the
piazza, the evening being warm, when Percy espied the buggy
approaching.

"I wonder who's driving Houghton's best team?" he said.

"By gracious, if it isn't Bert Barton and his mother and Uncle Jacob!"
he exclaimed, a minute later.

The squire adjusted his eyeglasses, and looked at the carriage now
nearly opposite.

"You are right, Percy," he said.

"What can it mean, Albert?" asked his wife, in bewilderment, as Uncle
Jacob bowed from the buggy.

"It means that a fool and his money are soon parted," answered the
squire.

"I thought your uncle was poor."

"So he is, and he will soon be poorer from all appearances. Uncle Jacob
never was a good financial manager. He was always too liberal, or he
wouldn't be as poor as he is now. Why with five hundred dollars he
probably feels as rich as a nabob."

"No doubt Bert Barton will help him spend it," said Percy. "It won't
last long at any rate, if he drives out every evening."

"When his money is all gone he will probably throw himself on you for
support, father."

"I wash my hands of him," said Squire Marlowe, in a hard tone. "If he
squanders his money, he must take the consequences."

"I am glad to hear you speak in that way, Albert," commented his wife,
approvingly.

Uncle Jacob enjoyed his drive and paid two dollars at the stable without
letting the thought of his extravagance worry him.

"I hope you enjoyed it, Mary," he said.

"I don't know when I have enjoyed myself so much, Uncle Jacob."

"Nor I," put in Bert.

"Then I think the money well spent. It makes me feel young again, Mary.
I think I made a mistake in staying away so long."

CHAPTER VII.

UNCLE JACOB LEAVES LAKEVILLE.

On his way home to dinner the next day, Bert fell in with Percy Marlowe.

"I saw you out driving last evening," remarked Percy.

"Yes," answered Bert composedly.

"You had Houghton's best team?"

"Yes."

"How much did you have to pay?"

"I believe Uncle Jacob paid two dollars."

"He must be crazy to pay two dollars for a ride. Why, he's almost a
pauper."

"I thin