Robert waited for two days for a letter from Dick Marden. In the meantime he went down to the police station twice to learn if anything had been found out about Jim Huskin.

"We telegraphed to Muskegon and several other points," said the officer in charge. "But so far no one has seen the rascal."

In the evening mail of the second day came two letters for the boy, both of which he perused with great interest.

The first was from his mother, telling of the meeting with Livingston Palmer, and of what the would-be actor had told her.

    "I am glad to hear that you have not suffered so far, Robert," she wrote. "But I am afraid that the fire may prove an unexpected set-back for you, and so I enclose twenty dollars, which may come in useful. So far I have received no letter[Pg 223] from you, although Mr. Palmer says you have written. When you write again send it in care of the postmaster, and mark it for personal delivery only. Then I am sure Mr. Blarcomb will give it to me and to nobody else."

It may be imagined that Robert was indignant.

"I'll wager old Talbot stole that letter," he told himself. "And I guess mother thinks as much. Oh, what a mistake she made in marrying that man! I'll write her another letter this very night." And he did so, and posted it before retiring. In the communication he told her to beware of his step-father and not trust him in money matters, as she might be very sorry for it.

"It's best to open her eyes," he reasoned, "even if it does cause her pain."

The second letter was from Dick Marden, enclosing the order from Felix Amberton for the map. In this the old miner urged Robert to obtain the document at the earliest possible moment.

    "Our enemies are hedging us in and intend to proceed against us in the county court in a day or two," he added. "As soon as we get the map we will know just where we stand, and our lawyer will know exactly what claims he can make.[Pg 224] My uncle is of the opinion that the other side is making a big bluff in the hope that we will offer to compromise."

"I'll go and get the document the first thing in the morning," Robert told himself. "And if all goes well I'll be on my way to Timberville by noon."

With the money recovered from Andy Cross, and with what his mother had sent to him, he now had ample funds for the trip. After writing the letter to his parent, he packed his valise, that nothing might delay his start.

A surprise awaited him the next morning just after he had left the dining room, and while he was telling Mrs. Gibbs that he intended to go away, to be gone an indefinite time.

"A gentleman to see Mr. Frost," announced the girl, and entering the parlor Robert found himself confronted by his step-father.

"Good-morning, Robert," said James Talbot, smiling affably and extending his hand.

"Good-morning, Mr. Talbot," replied our hero coldly. He pretended not to see the outstretched hand.

"I suppose you are surprised to see me here," began Mr. Talbot awkwardly.

[Pg 225]

"I am surprised. How did you learn my address?"

"Never mind that now, Robert. I came to see how you are getting along."

"You ought to know. You got my letter, even if my mother didn't," answered Robert bitterly.

"I got no letter, my lad, upon my honor I did not. I came out of pure friendliness to you."

"Then let me tell you that I am doing very well."

"I heard something about your being out of work on account of a fire."

"Did Mr. Gray tell you?"

"Never mind who told me." James Talbot cleared his throat. "As you are out of work I thought perhaps that you would like to come to work for me."

"W............