"Yes, sir, if you don't mind showing me." "I will do so with pleasure. Put on your hat, and we will go at once." They walked about a third of a mile, till they reached the outskirts of the village. "This is the home of the foreign population," said Kit's guide. "And there is the house which was occupied for at least ten years by your uncle." Kit eyed the building with interest. It was a plain looking cottage, containing but four rooms, which stood badly in need of paint. There was about an acre of land, rocky and sterile, attached to it. "This is the residence of the man who lent your father ten thousand dollars," said his guide, in an ironical tone. "Not much of a palace, is it?" "It can't be worth over a thousand dollars." "Your uncle sold it for seven hundred and eighty dollars, but he didn't get that sum in money, for it was mortgaged for six hundred." "You said my father came here once?" "It was to visit your uncle. While he was here, he stood security at the tailor's for new suits for your uncle and cousin, and must have given your uncle some cash besides, for he appeared to be in funds for some time afterwards. So you see the loan, or rather gift, was on the other side." "I don't see how my uncle dared to misrepresent matters in that way." "Nor I; for he could easily be convicted of fraudulent statements." "I am very much obliged to you, Mr.----" "Pierce." "Mr. Pierce, for your information." "I hope you will make some use of it." "I certainly shall," said Kit, his good humored face showing unwonted resolution. "Whenever you do, my testimony will be at your service, and there are plenty others who will corroborate my statements of your uncle's financial condition when here. The fact is, my young friend, your uncle has engaged in a most shameless plot against you." Kit was deeply impressed by this conversation. He was resolved, when the time came, to assert his rights, and lay claim to his dead father's property. CHAPTER XXXV. ON THE TRAPEZE. Kit was on pleasant relations with his fellow performers. Indeed, he was a general favorite, owing to his obliging disposition and pleasant manners. He took an interest in their acts as well as his own, and in particular had cultivated an intimacy with Louise Lefroy, the trapeze performer. He had practiced on the trapeze in the gymnasium, and had acquired additional skill under the tuition of Mlle. Lefroy. "Some time you will make an engagement as a trapeze performer, Christopher," said the lady to him one day. "No," answered Kit, shaking his head. "You wouldn't be afraid?" "No; I think I would make a very respectable performer; but I don't mean to travel with the circus after this season, unless I am obliged to." "Why should you be obliged to?" "Because I have my living to earn." "It is a pity," said Mlle. Lefroy. "You seem cut out for a circus performer." "Do you like it, Mlle. Lefroy?" The lady looked thoughtful.