"The bills are paid," cried Mr. Huddles, not allowing him to go on. "Paid?" echoed Charley. "Paid; both of them. Why--did you not know it?" "No, that I did not. Who has paid them?" "Some legal firm in London." "What firm?" "The name was--let me see--Symmonds, I think. Yes, that was it: Symmonds and Son, solicitors." Charley could only stare. He began to think Mr. Huddles was playing off a joke upon him; perhaps to turn round on him afterwards. "I don't know any people of the name of Symmonds, or they me," said he. "How _came_ they to pay?" "I think Major Raynor--I was sorry to see his death in the _Times_ so soon afterwards--gave them the necessary orders." Charles shook his head; it was not at all likely, as he knew. He lost himself in a maze of thought. "The evening I saw you, I was running into the station to catch a train, having lingered rather too long at the inn over some late refreshment," explained Mr. Huddles, perceiving that Charles was altogether puzzled, "when a gentleman accosted me, asking if my errand in the place had not been connected with Major Raynor's son. I replied that it had. This gentleman then said that if I would furnish the particulars of the debt to Messrs. Symmonds and Son, solicitors, of London, they would no doubt see that I was paid; and he handed me their address. I sent the particulars up the next day, and in the course of a post or two received the money." "It must have been Frank," thought Charles, the idea flashing into his mind. "What was this gentleman like, Mr. Huddles?" "Upon my word, sir, I can hardly tell you," was the reply. "The train dashed in just as he began to speak to me; several passengers were waiting for it, and there was a good bit of confusion. It was dusk also. Nearly dark, in fact." "A good-looking, pleasant-speaking fellow?" "Yes, I think so. He had a pleasant voice." "No one but Frank," decided Charles. "It's just like him to do these good-natured things. I wonder how he found the money? And why in the world did he not tell me he had done it?" So this trouble was at an end; and Charles might for the present be pronounced free from worry on the score of debt. If the Fates had been hard to him latterly, it seemed that they yet hold some little kindness in store for him.