"Mr. Dunham," he said, "I have come to thank you for your warning of last evening." "I hope it was of service to you, sir." "It was of essential service. Your old acquaintance had planned to rob me of a sum of money and a quantity of government bonds, but being on my guard I was able to frustrate his designs." "How did it happen?" asked Mr. Gunnison, his curiosity excited. "In the middle of the night, or rather a little after midnight, I heard some one going downstairs softly. I followed unobserved, and caught my guest opening the drawers in my cabinet." "Where is he now?" "I ordered him out of the house. He stood not upon the order of his going, but went at once. Where he is now I cannot inform you, but presume he has placed several miles between himself and Carterville. Fortunately he went empty-handed, and my money and bonds are still in my possession. But for our young friend here I should hardly be able to say that." "You are indebted to me for bringing him to Carterville, Dr. Thorp," said Mr. Gunnison in a jocular tone. "How much are you going to allow me?" "You are amply repaid by his services," said the doctor, "judging from the comments I have heard upon his performance. I am under obligations to him, however, which I ought to acknowledge. Mr. Dunham," he continued, taking from his pocket a small gold watch and chain, "I see you have no watch. Please accept this with my best wishes." It was an Elgin gold watch of neat pattern which he offered to Dean. "It is not quite new," proceeded the doctor. "I bought it of a young man in need of money, and having paid him its full value I have no scruple in giving it away." "Thank you very much," said Dean, his face showing the satisfaction he felt. "I have felt the need of a watch ever since I began to travel, but never dreamed of anything better than a silver one. I shall be very proud of this one." "And I am very glad to give it to you. In what direction do you propose to journey!" "Westward, sir. I haven't any very clear ideas further than that." "Shall you go as far as Colorado?" "Yes, sir; I think so." "I have a nephew out there somewhere—Henry Thorp—a young man of twenty-five. He is probably mining, but I don't know his location. Should you run across him, ask him to communicate with me. His aunt and myself will be glad to hear from him." "I will not forget it, sir," said Dean, though he thought it quite improbable that he and the nephew referred to would ever meet. Dr. Thorp took his leave, and Dean soon after took leave of the Gunnison family. He was pressed to remain and play another game of baseball, but felt that he could not spare the time.