he buggy, and
I'll walk along after you."

Percy was relieved by this decision, for he had no wish to be seen with
such a companion.

"All right, sir," he said. "I'll see you at the house."

Without a word of acknowledgment to Bert, Percy sprang into the buggy
and drove rapidly away.

"Shall I go with you, Uncle Jacob?" asked Bert.

"No, thank you. I can find the way. Tell your mother that I will call on
her very soon."

CHAPTER II.

UNCLE JACOB'S RECEPTION.

Percy found his father at home, and quickly acquainted him with the
arrival in town of Uncle Jacob. His news was received with interest by
Squire Marlowe.

"Why didn't you invite him to ride home with you?" asked the squire.

"I did; but he preferred to walk."

"What does he look like?"

"Like an old tramp," answered Percy.

Squire Marlowe was taken aback; for, without having received any
definite intelligence from the long absent relative, he had somehow
persuaded himself that Uncle Jacob had accumulated a fortune at the
mines.

"Then he is shabbily dressed?" said the squire, inquiringly.

"I should say so. I say, father, I thought he was rich. You always said
so."

"And I still think so."

"Then why don't he dress better?"

"He is rather eccentric, Percy; and these California miners don't care
much for dress as a rule. I shouldn't wonder if he were worth half a
million. You'd better treat him with attention, for we are his natural
heirs, and there's no telling what may happen."

"Enough said, father. I don't care how he dresses if he's got the cash."

"I must go and speak to your mother, or she will treat him coldly. You
know how particular she is."

Squire Marlowe managed to drop a hint to his wife, who was as worldly
wise as himself, and saw the advantage of being attentive to a wealthy
relative.

By this time Uncle Jacob had reached the door.

Squire Marlowe himself answered the bell, as a mark of special
attention, and gazed with curiosity at the old man.

Jacob Marlowe, though coarsely clad, was scrupulously neat and clean,
and there was a pleasant smile on his bronzed face as he recognized his
nephew.

"I believe you are Uncle Jacob," said the squire, affably.

"Yes, Albert, and I'm mighty glad to see a relation. It's twenty-five
years since I have seen one that was kin to me."

"Welcome to Lakeville, Uncle Jacob. I am glad to see you. Percy told me
he met you on the road: Why didn't you ride up with him?"

"I