"He says he discharged Dean for dishonesty." "Dean dishonest! Why, squire, you must be jokin'." "I am sorry to say, neighbor Dunham, that there is no joke about it. Mr. Kirby is not likely to be mistaken." "I tell you, Squire Bates," said Adin Dunham angrily, "that my nephew Dean is as honest as I am myself. The man that charges him with dishonesty is a liar! It's a word I don't often use, but I must use it this time." "I agree with my husband," said Sarah Dunham, her mild blue eye sparkling with indignation. "Nothing would induce Dean to steal." "Of course you are prejudiced in your nephew's favor," said the squire with a slight sneer. "It is very natural, but you can't expect others to agree with you. However, we will drop this subject. I am afraid Dean will never be able to help you. I used to think well of him, though my son Brandon didn't agree with me." "What can your son Brandon know of Dean compared with mother and me, who have known the boy since his birth?" the carpenter rejoined warmly. "I won't argue the question, neighbor Dunham. Indeed I feel for you in your disappointment. But to come back to business. You mustn't blame me if I foreclose the mortgage, as the law gives me a right to do. I wouldn't do it, I assure you, if circumstances did not make it imperative." "Foreclose the mortgage!" repeated Adin in consternation. "Yes, or I'll give you eight hundred dollars for the place over and above the mortgage." "Only eight hundred dollars! Why, that would be robbery!" "Think it over, neighbor Dunham, and don't decide hastily. You'll think differently, I am sure, when you have had time to consider it. I must bid you good-evening now, as I am in haste," and the squire rose quickly, and left the room, followed to the door mechanically and in silence by Sarah Dunham. "Sarah," said the carpenter with grief-stricken countenance, "this is worse than all. It looks as if we were indeed forsaken by Providence." "Hush, Adin! That is wicked. It looks hard, but the Lord may yet give us deliverance." "I am afraid we shall end our days in the poorhouse, Sarah," said the husband gloomily. "It won't be this year or next, Adin. Eight hundred dollars will support us for two years, and then there is your work besides. Let us look on the bright side!" But that was not easy for either of them. It seemed to Adin Dunham that his cup of bitterness was full. CHAPTER XXXVI. HOW THE MYSTERY WAS SOLVED. We return to Denver, where business required Dean and Ben Rawson to remain two or three days. Eben Jones was too impatient to reach home to bear them company, but started at once for Connecticut. Rawson and Dean secured a large room in the leading hotel, which they made their headquarters.