Perspiration gathered on the brow of M. Bourdon, though it was a cool day. How could he stave off this visit? His wits came to the rescue. "I greatly regret to tell you," he said, "that your ward is sick of a contagious disease. To see him would imperil your life." Major Grafton was not a nervous man, and he was too much in earnest to be turned from his design. "I am not afraid," he said; "I will see him." "I will go and prepare him for your visit," said the doctor, sorely perplexed. Five minutes had not elapsed when he returned in apparent consternation. "My good sir," he said, "I have serious news. Your ward is not in his room. He must have escaped in the night." "You scoundrel!" exclaimed the major, livid with passion. "Just now you told me he was sick with a dangerous malady; now you say he has escaped. I have a great mind to strangle you!" and he clutched the doctor by the collar. "Mercy, mercy!" shrieked the doctor, terribly alarmed. "Are you mad?" "When did the boy escape? Tell me instantly, if you value your life." "Over a month since. I didn't wish to alarm you, and so concealed the intelligence." "While you continued to draw for his board, you thief!" "I--I am prepared to refund the money, monsieur. I only drew because it was necessary to keep up the deception." M. Bourdon refunded five weeks' board, told the story of Ben's escape, and Major Grafton was compelled to be content with this. "I am afraid the game is up!" he muttered, as he rode rapidly away. "That cursed boy has spoiled all. I wish I had him in my clutches!" It was well for Ben that he was not within reach of the irate major. CHAPTER XXXIX. BEN AND HIS UNCLE. "Ben," said the Cuban, a few days later, "I have excellent news." "What is it, sir?" "I have found the broker who sold the stolen securities for your uncle." "Is it possible, sir?" said Ben in excitement. "Yes; it is a piece of great good luck. And now I think we are ready to call upon your uncle. First, however, I have a little scheme in which I shall require your co-operation." "Very well, sir." "I wish to test your uncle's disposition toward you. We are in a position to dictate terms to him. If he shows proper feeling toward his nephew we shall feel disposed to be considerate toward him." "What do you wish me to do?" asked Ben. "Call on your uncle and ask him if he can give you a place in his store, or help you to one outside. Of course you wouldn't accept one, but we shall see what reception he gives you." Into this scheme Ben readily entered. He was no longer a friendless and penniless boy, dependent upon his uncle for the means of living, but rich and his own master. Nicholas Walton was sitting in his counting-room when Ben entered. It so happened that Clarence Plantagenet was just leaving the store as Ben entered. "What do you want?" he asked, coldly. "I should like to see your father."