"I should be pleased to be with you," said Jeanne sweetly. "I am all alone, Mr. Huntsworth. My name is Jeanne Vance, and I live in New York City. I was all right until I got on this train, but now I can't help but be a little uneasy since that man acted so." "The rascal! I had forgotten him. Conductor," as that individual came by. "I think there is a man on this train that will bear watching." Thereupon he related the incident to the official. "I will look after the fellow," said the conductor. But search failed to reveal the presence of the man on the train and soon Mr. Huntsworth and Jeanne were convinced that, fearing the consequences of his actions, he had jumped from the train. CHAPTER V CASTING BREAD UPON THE WATERS "You must be very tired," remarked Mr. Huntsworth, as the train drew in at the Memphis station. "It has been a long hard trip, and if you'll take my advice you will stay here for a day or two before trying to go farther on your journey." "Oh, I must not," exclaimed Jeanne quickly. "I must get to New Orleans just as soon as I can. It is very necessary." "Necessary, eh?" The old gentleman regarded her with a quizzical expression on his face. "Why should you be so anxious to see your uncle? You must be very fond of him. Have you visited him often?" "No, sir," answered Jeanne in some confusion. "I never saw him in my life. He went to New Orleans and engaged in business there long before I was born. Father hasn't heard from him for a number of years." "Then isn't it rather queer for your father to choose such a time as this for you to pay him a visit?" queried Mr. Huntsworth keenly. "Now don't be alarmed, child," he added hastily as Jeanne looked up in a startled manner while the color mounted to cheek and brow. "I do not wish you to tell me any of your secrets if you have any. I presume that there are just and sufficient reasons for you to go or you would not be going. I merely wished to show you that over anxiety to reach your destination might subject you to suspicion. Also tell no one else that you have never seen your uncle. If you do, others beside myself will wonder why you have been sent to him at a time like this. You don't mind my telling you this, little girl, do you?" "No, indeed," returned Jeanne warmly. "I am very glad that you did so. Father says that one way to learn things is to listen to older people. But I will be truly glad to see Uncle Ben. Father has told me so much about him. He was his favorite brother, and my brother, Dick, is named for him and for father too. Richard Benjamin Vance." Mr. Huntsworth's eyes twinkled, and he gave a low chuckle of appreciation.