Mr. Wharton sat at dinner with his nephew andthe housekeeper. He had been at home for sometime, and of course on his arrival had been greetedwith the news of our hero's perfidy. But, to theindignation of Mrs. Bradley and John, he was obstinatelyincredulous.

　　``There is some mistake, I am sure,'' he said. ``Sucha boy as Frank is incapable of stealing. You maybe mistaken after all, John. Why did you not lethim stay till I got back? I should like to haveexamined him myself.''

　　``I was so angry with him for repaying yourkindness in such a way that I instantly ordered him outof the house.''

　　``I blame you, John, for your haste,'' said his uncle.

　　``It was not just to the boy.''

　　``I acted for the best, sir,'' he forced himself tosay in a subdued tone.

　　``Young people are apt to be impetuous, and Iexcuse you; but you should have waited for my return.

　　I will call at Gilbert & Mack's, and inquire of Frankhimself what explanation he has to give.''

　　``Of course, sir, you will do what you think proper,''

　　said his nephew.

　　This ended the conversation, and Mr. Wharton,according to his declared intention, went to Gilbert& Mack's. He returned disappointed with theinformation that our hero was no longer in the store.

　　I now return to Mr. Wharton at dinner.

　　``Here is a letter for you, sir,'' said thehousekeeper. ``It was brought by the postman this afternoon.''

　　Mr. Wharton adjusted his spectacles and read asfollows:

　　``No.-- Wall Street.

　　``Dear Sir: Will you have the kindness to call atmy office to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock, if itsuits your convenience? I have an importantcommunication to make to you, which will, I think beof an agreeable character. Should the time namednot suit you, will you have the kindness to name yourown time?

　　``Yours respectfully,``MORRIS HALL.''

　　``Read that, John,'' said his uncle, passing himthe letter.

　　``Morris Hall is a lawyer, I believe, sir,'' said John.

　　``Have you any idea of the nature of the communicationhe desires to make?''

　　``No idea at all.''

　　``If it would relieve you, sir, I will go in yourplace,'' said John, whose curiosity was aroused.

　　``Thank you, John, but this is evidently a personalmatter. I shall go down there to-morrow at theappointed time.''

　　John was far from suspecting that the communicationrelated to Frank, though he had heard the dayprevious from Nathan Graves of the boy's escape.

　　He had been very much annoyed, and had given hisagent a severe scolding, with imperative orders torecapture the boy, if possible.

　　It was not without a feeling of curiosity that Mr.

　　Wharton entered the law office of Mr. Hall. Heannounced himself and was cordially welcomed.

　　``You have a communication to make to me,'' saidMr. Wharton.

　　``I have.''

　　``Tell me all without delay.''

　　``I will, sir. This is the communication I desire tomake.''

　　The story of John Wade's treachery was told, andthe means by which he had imposed upon his uncle,but the lawyer carefully abstained from identifyingthe lost grandson with Frank Fowler.

　　When the story was concluded, Mr. Wharton said:

　　``Where is my grandson--my poor George's boy?

　　Find him for me, and name your own reward.''

　　``I will show him to you at once, sir. Frank!''

　　At the word, Frank, who was in an inner office.

　　entered. Mr. Wharton started in amazement.

　　``Frank!'' he exclaimed. ............