"I ought to be," said Gilbert. "I was educated to the streets of New York. There I had to knock about for myself and earn my own living, at an age when most boys are carefully looked after by their parents. I learned to look out for my own interests there. I am indebted to you for that kind of training. You must not complain now if I use it against you." Mr. Grey sat a moment in deep and troubled thought. This nephew of his turned out to be a decidedly formidable opponent. How could he cope with him? "Have you told any one in this city about these false claims of yours?" he asked, after awhile. "I have not spoken to any one about _false_ claims," said Gilbert, coldly. "Call them what you will. Have you spoken of having any claims to my brother's property to any one here?" "I have." "To whom?" "To Mr. Ferguson." James Grey frowned. Mr. Ferguson was one of the last men to whom he would have wished the communication known. "He must have laughed at your ridiculous story." "On the contrary, he fully believes it." "I did not think him so gullible. Have you spoken to him about my being in the city?" "I have." "Did he know you were to call upon me this afternoon?" "I told him before I came." Things were evidently getting more serious than Mr. Grey had supposed. Not only was Gilbert a young man who meant business, but he was backed by a merchant of standing, whose former connection with the Grey family made his co-operation and favor of no slight importance. James Grey saw that he must temporize. Had he followed out his inclination, he would have sprung upon his obdurate nephew and pounded him to a jelly. But unfortunately he was in a civilized city, where laws are supposed to afford some protection from personal assault, and this course, therefore, was not to be thought of. Since violence, then, was not practicable, he must have recourse to stratagem, and, to put Gilbert temporarily off his guard, he must play a part. "Well, young man," he said, at length, "I am not prepared at present to pronounce a definite opinion upon your claim. Of course, if really convinced that you were my nephew, I would acknowledge you to be such." "I have some doubts as to that," thought Gilbert. "But it does not seem to me very probable that such is the case. Of course, I objected to being duped by an impostor. You cannot blame me for that." "No." "At first, your claim appeared to me preposterous, and I pronounced it to be so. Upon reflection, though I strongly doubt its genuineness, I am willing to take time to consider it." "That is fair," said Gilbert. "I shall consult with a lawyer on the subject, and institute some inquiries of my own. Then, besides, my time will be partly occupied with other business, on which I have come hither. You may come again, say in a week, and I shall perhaps be able to give you a definite answer." "Very well," said Gilbert. "Good-morning."