He had read of cases where the stockholders in a fraudulent concern were liable for the corporation's debts, and, in fancy, he saw a suit started against himself. As he was a minor he thought his father would have to stand the damage. Poor Ned was in a highly nervous state when he went up the steps of his aunt's home. He began to imagine there might be a policeman waiting for him in the hall. He looked around as he reached the front door, expecting to see a blue-coated officer close at his heels. That there was a general alarm sent out for him he felt positive. Something in Mary's manner, as she opened the door in response to his ring, told him there was trouble in the house. The girl's eyes showed she had been crying. "Oh, Master Ned!" she exclaimed as he entered. "Isn't it awful! To think of the trouble!" "Why, how did you hear?" asked the boy, wondering if in the parlor there was an officer to arrest him. "Why, 'twas a message we got, to be sure." "Then the postoffice authorities sent a letter here?" asked Ned, somewhat relieved to find he would not have to break to his aunt what he believed would be terrible news. "No, dear," Mrs. Kenfield called down from the head of the stairs. "It wasn't a letter from the postoffice, it was a telegram. I have received bad news." "Oh, aunt, it wasn't my fault at all!" burst out Ned. "I didn't know about it, or I'd never have come to New York." "Of course it isn't your fault," his aunt said. "How could you know about it when I only got the telegram myself a little while ago? As for your coming to New York, that couldn't be helped. Of course it's too bad. But you can pay me another visit." Ned thought she meant he must hurry away to escape arrest. "Are you almost packed up, Mrs. Kenfield?" asked Mary. "Yes, almost. I shall want a little help. I must go at once." "Why--what--are you--I don't understand--" began Ned. "Of course, just like women, to begin at the wrong end," said Mrs. Kenfield, and Ned's heart beat fast. He wondered if his aunt was going to reproach him for bringing disgrace on the family. He thought she would have to flee the city too, in order to avoid arrest. How he wished his uncle was at home to advise and help them. "Do you have to go, aunt?" he asked. "Can't I let 'em take me? I don't mind." "No, it's very good of you to offer, Ned. But I must go. They need me to help nurse her." "Help nurse," repeated Ned, wondering if he had heard aright. "Yes, didn't Mary tell you? We have just received a telegram from my niece Jane Alden in Chicago. She has typhoid fever and I must go to her at once. She has no other relatives living and I must take care of her. I shall have to start at once and, as there is no telling when I will come back I must close up the house." "Close up the house," Ned said.