Rawson and Dean conferred together briefly, and decided to release Kirby on the terms proposed. But it was necessary to wait till morning, and they didn't dare to release him. They tied the villain hand and foot, and kept him in this condition till daylight. Then they took him before a magistrate, his statement was written out and sworn to, and they released him. "I wouldn't have done this," said Kirby, "if Bates had treated me right; but he has been working against me, and I have sworn to get even." Dean did not trouble himself about Kirby's motives, but he was overjoyed to think that through his means the mystery at Waterford had been solved at last, and his uncle would recover his property. "Now I shall go home happy," he said to Rawson, "for I shall carry happiness to my good uncle and aunt." CHAPTER XXXVII. ADIN DUNHAM'S TROUBLE. Arriving in New York, Dean was tempted to buy a handsome suit of clothes, being fully able to spare the money. But on second thought he contented himself with purchasing a cheap, ready-made suit at one of the large clothing stores on the Bowery. He wanted to surprise his uncle and aunt. Besides, he wished to see what kind of a reception his old friends would give him if he appeared in shabby attire and apparent poverty. He could let them know the truth later on. The evening before his arrival in Waterford Adin Dunham had another call from Squire Bates. "Have you got my interest ready, neighbor Dunham?" he inquired. "No, squire; I can give you a part of it, as I told you the other day." "That will not answer," said Bates in an uncompromising tone. "I need the money at once. Some of my recent investments have paid me poorly, and though I would like to be considerate I cannot favor you." "I will try to borrow the money. Perhaps Dean can let me have twenty dollars." "Dean!" repeated Squire Bates with a sneer. "Do you think I can wait till you hear from him?" "I have heard from him," answered the carpenter. "You have heard from your nephew! Where is he?" Squire Bates asked in surprise. "Here is his letter. It came to hand this morning." Squire Bates took the proffered letter and read as follows: NEW YORK, July 15. DEAR UNCLE AND AUNT:—I have got so far on my way home from the West. I will remain here a day or two. Perhaps I can hear of a place, as I suppose there is nothing for me to do in Waterford. I think I shall be with you on Saturday. Your affectionate nephew, DEAN DUNHAM. "He doesn't appear to have made his fortune," said the squire, handing back the letter to the carpenter. "He doesn't say whether he has prospered or not." "If he had he wouldn't be looking for a boy's position in New York." "Very likely you're right, Squire Bates. It's something that he has been able to get home to his friends." "Wait till you've seen him," said the Squire, significantly. "He will probably return home in rags."