"Even if he does he will be welcome," rejoined the carpenter warmly. "Even if he comes home without a penny, he won't lack for a welcome, will he, Sarah?" "I should think not, Adin," said his wife in mild indignation. "That is all very pretty and sentimental," said the Squire. "Perhaps you have a fatted calf to kill for the returning prodigal." "Dean never was a prodigal," answered Adin Dunham. "If your friend had treated him well he might have had some money to return with. It wasn't a very creditable thing to throw the poor boy upon his own resources so far away from home." "We spoke on that subject yesterday, and I distinctly told you that Mr. Kirby had a very good reason to discharge Dean. You didn't agree with me. I suppose it is natural to stand up for your own. However, I will give you three days to make up the interest. That will carry us to Monday. But I shall also require you to pay the mortgage, or else accept my offer for the place. I will give you another week to do that." Squire Bates went out of the room, leaving Adin and Sarah Dunham in some trouble of mind. There seemed to be no help for it. They must be dispossessed of what had been their home for many years. CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE CLOUDS ROLL BY. Just before leaving Denver, Dean, in passing through Lawrence Street, came upon a boy, miserably clad, who held in his hand a few daily papers which he was trying to sell. There was something in the boy's face that looked familiar. "Guy Gladstone!" he exclaimed in great surprise. "Dean Dunham!" replied Guy, looking both pleased and ashamed. "How came you here? I thought you were hunting Indians on the prairies." Guy blushed scarlet. "Don't say a word about it!" he replied. "I was a fool and I have suffered for my folly." "Tell me about it." "I got out of money and have nearly starved. I have done anything I could to make a little money. I have blacked boots, set up pins in a bowling alley, and now I am selling papers." "Why don't you go home?" "I would if I had the money." "Then you shall have the money. I start East to-morrow, and will take you along with me." "Then you have prospered?" asked the wondering Guy. "Yes, but not all the time. I have seen hard times, too. Mr. Kirby discharged me, and I lived some time by giving concerts on the harmonica." "Really and truly!" "Yes," answered Dean, laughing. "I don't wonder you are surprised. But here, give away your papers to that newsboy across the street and come to my hotel." "But I haven't any money." "I have enough for both." Dean had the pleasure of restoring Guy to his family, who received him kindly. It is safe to say that he will never again go West in quest of Indians. A little before noon on Saturday Dean reached Waterford, and walked home. On the way he met Brandon Bates. "Halloa, so you're back!" said Brandon, eying him curiously. "Yes, Brandon. Thank you for your warm welcome."