“Twenty-five dollars, and of that he gave ten to the woman whose tablecloth he borrowed.” “There’s some mistake about that. There must have been forty or fifty bills put into his hands.” “Is this true?” ejaculated Fox, in amazement. “Just as true as I’m standing here. If there wasn’t two or three hundred dollars I’ll eat my head.” “The artful young rascal!” exclaimed Fox, in virtuous indignation. “Perhaps he thought you would take it from him. The boy was smart,” said Pearson, laughing. “You call it smart! I call it base and treacherous!” Mr. Fox walked thoughtfully away. He was considering how he should get hold of his ward’s money. It was not a question easy to answer. Evidently Harry was a boy who kept his own counsel, and knew how to take care of himself. “Joel seems to have a great partiality for my society,” thought Harry, when, after dinner, his guardian’s son continued to follow him about. Our hero would have been quite willing to dispense with Joel’s companionship, but, being good-natured, he did not feel like dismissing him, as he would have done had he suspected that the boy was acting as a spy upon him, at his father’s request. Mr. Fox said very little to his ward at the table, but Harry felt that he was eyeing him intently. After supper Harry was about to leave the room when Mr. Fox stopped him. “Wait a moment, young man,” he said, in a commanding tone. “Very well, sir,” returned Harry, quietly. “How much money did the passengers give you?” “Almost three hundred dollars,” answered Harry, composedly. “Did you ever hear the like?” exclaimed Mrs. Fox, in amazement. “If it had only been Joel.” “Thunder!” exclaimed that young gentleman. “Well, you was lucky. No such luck for me!” “It is well you have told me,” said John Fox; “not but I knew before. I met one of the passengers to-day, and he gave me an idea how much it was. You will please hand it over to me, and I will take care of it.” “I shall not be able to comply with your request, Mr. Fox,” said Harry. “I have not the money with me.” “I don’t believe it. You had it this morning. And Joel has been with you ever since; so you haven’t had time to hide it.” “So that was the reason you favored me with your company, Joel,” said Harry, with a glance at his guardian’s son. “All you’ve got to do is to hand over that money now, Harry Vane. Mind, I intend to have it.” “I assure you, Mr. Fox, that I haven’t the money with me.” “Where is it, then?” asked Mr. Fox, incredulous. “I have put it into the hands of a gentleman in whom I have confidence, who will take care of it for me.” “What’s the man’s name?” demanded John Fox. “That is my secret.” “You have rebelled against my lawful authority. Maria, what is it my duty to do with this boy?” “Lock him up!” answered Mrs. Fox, grimly. “A good suggestion, Mrs. F. Imprisonment may change the boy’s ideas. He may repent his base conduct.”