"Either that, or bring them to Hamilton Corners, or New York, where they can sign. I also want you to aid them if they are in want. I have had several firms of lawyers, both in New York and in Cuba, looking for the Valdez family, but no trace of them can be found. I have spent much time and money on it, for I want this matter cleared up. The whole thing is hanging fire until we can get those signatures. Outside capital will not be invested in the enterprise, for the title guarantee company will not certify to the title while this flaw exists. So you see it is very necessary to find the Valdez father and son, and I hope you can do it." "But couldn't you erect the building on this land yourself, and finance it alone?" "I could, but it is a sort of philanthropic enterprise. It is a stock company, and the funds of widows and orphans are tied up in it. If it goes through they will make considerable money, but if it does not they will lose. Of course, I could step in and take entire financial responsibility, but if I did this it might be said that I had put up a game, to enrich myself at the expense of the poor who invested their money because I stood back of the enterprise. It would look as though I had invented this fact of the title not being clear, to gain some advantage." "I see," said Dick. "Another thing," went on his father. "Your mother left a certain sum, under her will, to Senor Valdez and his son, and they are also, it seems, entitled to a tenth part of this New York property, and I wish them to have their rights. "So I want to find these people, get their signatures to a deed, and the title will be clear. Then the work can proceed, the building will be erected, and all will be well. It is very important, Dick, and it is growing more so every day. "That is why this plan of your mother's to have you get a steam yacht happens at a good time. You can go to Cuba, and begin this search for me--the search in which the lawyers have failed." "Well, dad, I'll do my best!" exclaimed the young millionaire. "And it will be just as well if your Uncle Ezra doesn't know that you are going to Cuba to look for your mother's relatives," went on Mr. Hamilton. "Not that it would make any particular difference, only I would prefer that the fact did not become generally known. So, ostensibly, you will be going on a mere pleasure trip, and in a sense it will be that, for you will probably take some of your friends along." "So I will, dad. It will be great!" "Well, now that so much is settled, we can defer talking about the rest until after supper," suggested Mr. Hamilton, as he and his son walked toward the dining-room. "About how large a yacht do you think I ought to get, dad?" asked Dick, as the butler placed their chairs at the table.