Yet, as something might happen to Butler on his way home, though exceedingly improbable, I think it well to describe him to you. He is a man of nearly fifty, I should say, about five feet ten inches in height, with a dark complexion, and dark hair a little tinged with gray. He will weigh about one hundred and sixty pounds. But there is one striking mark about him which will serve to identify him. He has a wart on the upper part of his right cheek--a mark which disfigures him and mortifies him exceedingly. He has consulted a physician about its removal, but has been told that the operation would involve danger, and, moreover, would not be effectual, as the wart is believed to be of a cancerous nature, and would in all probability grow out again. For these reasons he has given up his intention of having it removed, and made up his mind, unwillingly enough, to carry it to the grave with him. I have given you this long description, not because it seemed at all necessary, for I believe Thomas Butler to be a man of strict honesty, but because for some reason I am impelled to do so. I am very tired, and I feel that I must close. God bless you, dear wife, and guard our children, soon to be fatherless! Your loving husband, FREDERICK WALTON. P.S.--Butler has left for the East. This letter I have given to another friend to mail after my death. CHAPTER III LUKE FORMS A RESOLUTION As Luke read this letter his pleasant face became stern in its expression. They had indeed been cruelly wronged. The large sum of which they had been defrauded would have insured them comfort and saved them from many an anxiety. His mother would not have been obliged to take in sewing, and he himself could have carried out his cherished design of obtaining a college education. This man in whom his father had reposed the utmost confidence had been false to his trust. He had kept in his own hands the money which should have gone to the widow and children of his dying friend. Could anything be more base? "Mother," said Luke, "this man Thomas Butler must be a villain." Yes, Luke; he has done us a great wrong." "He thought, no doubt, that we should never hear of this money." "I almost wish I had not, Luke. It is very tantalizing to think how it would have improved our condition." "Then you are sorry to receive the letter, mother?" "No, Luke. It seems like a message from the dead, and shows me how good and thoughtful your poor father was to the last. He meant to leave us comfortable." "But his plans were defeated by a rascal. Mother, I should like to meet and punish this Thomas Butler." "Even if you should meet him, Luke, you must be prudent. He is probably a rich man." "Made so at our expense," added Luke, bitterly. "And he would deny having received anything from your father."