The stage stopped before the cottage door, and out jumped Dick Birch. A small valise for clothes, and a large package of fishing rods, game bags, fish baskets, two guns, and other sporting gear, were placed on the ground before the arrival was discovered. Eugene, who was just returning from a tramp over Pine Hill, rushed to the spot. “Well, Dick, old boy, how are you? I am glad to see you.” “Ah, Hungerford, I am rejoiced to meet you,” replied Dick, as he grasped the extended hand of his friend. “But I was in some doubt about coming.” “In doubt?” “Yes.” “Why so?” “I have heard bad stories about you.” “Do you mean so?” “Upon my word I do. I heard some old fellow down in Baltimore had died, and left you three millions, or something of that sort.” “Such has been my misfortune, but not my fault. I didn’t die and leave all that money to a graceless scamp; so I am not to blame.” “Then it’s true.” “Conditionally, it is all true; but, in any event, I have had at least a million thrust upon me.” “Poor fellow!” said Dick, with a mock sigh. “But how do you feel?” “As I always did.” “Is that so?” “Undoubtedly.” “A million is enough to spoil any fellow; three millions would ruin an angel. I had my doubts about coming.” “Why?” “Didn’t know that you would care to see me now.” “Dick, you don’t speak the truth. You had no doubts.” “Three million dollars is a great deal of money; so is one million.” “Did you think it would make me forget my friends?” “No, I did not think so; but hang me if one can tell what effect money will have on a man.” “I can’t tell what effect it will have on me, but I do know that it will not cheat me out of my friends. Dick, I am delighted to see you. I have been anticipating your visit with the keenest satisfaction. I have something laid out for every day. I have just bought a boat for your sake.” “Well, I reckon you are the same old fellow, after all,” laughed Dick. “I know I am. I want to talk with you about the future, too; about this money, with which I am to be bored. You have a soul, Dick; and you can understand me, if any fellow can. I want your advice.” “I don’t belong to the breed of Solemons, but I won’t charge you anything for my advice, though I am a lawyer.” “Thank you, Dick. Now come into the house, and we will make you as comfortable as we can. We don’t live like _millionnaires_, but a cheerful welcome makes a soft couch.” Eugene led the way into the sitting-room, and the guest was introduced to Mrs. Hungerford, who gave him a kind and motherly greeting. “Where is Julia, mother?” asked Eugene, when he saw that his sister was not present. “Gone to the post office; she will return presently.” “Yes, where’s Julia?” laughed Dick Birch. “I want to see her. In fact, I don’t know that I should have come if it hadn’t been for seeing her.” “Yes, you would, Dick; tell the truth.”