I soon had a chance to solve the last question. A tall, ragged fellow came along, and I recognized him at once as Joe Kent, a ne’er-do-well of the Bend. “Hullo, Joe!” I sang out. “Hullo, Rube,” he returned. “What brings you to the Bend so early in the morning?” “A little business, Joe. Tell me, were you over at Bender’s tavern last evening?” “What you want to know for?” “I want to know who was there.” “I was there from about eight o’clock till Bender closed up.” “Was there a tall stranger there?” “No; only Bender, Hallett, Forms, and myself.” “No one else?” “No.” “You are sure?” “Of course I am. Why, what’s up?” “Nothing, Joe. I am much obliged;” and I hurried away before he could say any more. I walked down the main street hardly knowing what to do next. In front of the post-office I met Ford, who had just come from his home to look for a job of some kind. “Well, Rube, how do you make out with your uncle?” he asked, as he jumped down from the barrel upon which he had been sitting. “Don’t call him my uncle, Dan,” I returned. “He may be a relative according to law, but he isn’t in heart.” “Why, has he been after you again?” “Rather,” I returned bitterly. And taking Ford aside I told him of all that had occurred. “The mean rascal!” exclaimed the ex-mill-hand. “It would do me good to punch his head.” “I don’t know what to do,” I went on. “If I go back he may do me up.” “He wouldn’t if I was around,” replied Ford with a decided shake of the head. “I am satisfied that he is a wicked man at heart,” I went on. “It is an awful surprise to me too, because I always heard father speak well of him.” “You can’t tell how some men will act when they have a little power. He, no doubt, thinks he can boss you just as he pleases.” “Well, he’ll find out that he is mistaken.” There was a moment of silence, and then Ford said,―― “Tell you what to do, Rube. You go back and I’ll go with you.” “Thank you, Dan; but you will lose your time by that.” “A day or two won’t matter. It isn’t likely I’ll strike anything at once, things are so dull.” “Maybe Mr. Norton won’t have you around.” “Then I’ll sit on a rock on the other side of the road,” laughed Ford. “He can’t stop me from doing that.” “Suppose you go back with me and keep out of sight until I give you some sort of a signal,” I suggested. “That’s an idea. If I show myself at once he’ll keep in till I go away.” We decided to act on this plan at once. There was no telling when Squire Slocum would get back from Bayport, and, strange as it may seem, I did not like the idea of leaving Mr. Norton in sole charge of the mill. He knew nothing of the business, which must be looked after; and besides, I was afraid to trust him. We started at once. When in sight of the mill, Ford stepped into the bushes, saying he would draw up close on the water side, and if I needed him to give a loud whistle.