I continued on my way slowly. So absorbed was I, that when I approached the mill I did not notice a stranger standing by the door, and when he spoke to me I started at his voice. “Is this the Stones’ mill?” he asked. “Yes, sir,” I replied; “and I am Reuben Stone.” “Indeed!” He looked at me in a kindly way. “Give me your hand,” he went on; “I am your uncle, Enos Norton, just arrived from the West.” CHAPTER XXXII. A WELCOME ARRIVAL. I could hardly believe the evidence of my senses. This tall, well-dressed gentleman my uncle! It was welcome news indeed. “You are my uncle?” I repeated slowly. “Yes. I haven’t been to the Bend in years; but you must have heard of me, Reuben?” “I have heard of you. But――but”―― “Where is your father?” “Father is dead.” “What! dead! and I never heard of it! How long since?” “Several weeks, I believe. I am not sure, sir.” “Not sure? Did he not die here?” “No, sir; he died in South Dakota, where he went to hunt for some good spot to locate a mill.” “Well, this is indeed news. I wish I had heard of it before. I just came from Chicago.” “While you were there did you meet Norton Bixby?” I asked quickly. “Yes. But how do you know that?” “He is here now, under arrest.” “Indeed. Norton, I know, is a bad fellow. He is a second cousin on the Norton side.” “He came to the mill and introduced himself as Enos Norton, and said he had been appointed my guardian by my father, who had lost his life by falling over a ravine. Now he is in jail for the robbery of a number of diamonds.” “The rascal! I know he has been in jail before in New York State. So he pretended to be myself. Reuben, you did not think much of your uncle, I guess.” “I must say I did not.” “I think you will find me a different sort of fellow. I just arrived on the stage-coach, and the driver did not tell me any of the news. I thought it rather queer to find the mill deserted, and was just on the point of starting for the Bend when you came along.” I invited my real Uncle Norton into the mill at once, and as he said he was somewhat hungry, I bustled around to get supper, meanwhile telling him of all that had occurred. “It sounds like a perfect romance,” he said, when I had finished. “I never dreamed that Nort would dare to do such a thing. I remember that he asked me much about the Bend; but I thought it was only through curiosity. On the last day he was with me he borrowed twenty dollars.” “Didn’t he know you might turn up here?” “Probably not. At the time we were together I was planning to go to New Mexico. He, no doubt, thinks I am there at this moment.” “He’ll be surprised to see you.” “No doubt. But such a thorough rascal as he has proved himself to be is better in jail than out of it.” I soon had supper prepared, and my uncle sat down and ate heartily. I could not touch a mouthful. The rapid turning of affairs had completely unsettled me.