“Has Rudolph tracked me, or is it only accident that has brought him here?”

This was the thought which naturally suggested itself to our hero, as in a very disturbed state of mind he stared at Rudolph through the uncertain light.

Tony felt the difficulties of the position. Not only would the gold be taken, but, he, too, would fall into the power of the tramp.

Old Ben had not yet discovered the sinister face at the window. He was too busily occupied with his pleasant employment of counting over his gold.

But he was speedily aroused by the noise of the window being raised from the outside.

Then he turned with a startled look, which quickly deepened into astonishment and dismay, as he caught the lowering look fixed upon him. There was more than this. There was recognition besides.

You here?” he gasped.

Yes, Ben, it’s me. May I come in?”

“No, no!” ejaculated the old man hastily.

I think I must,” returned the tramp, in the same mocking tone. “I came to see you as an old friend, but I never dreamed you were so rich.”

“Rich!” repeated Ben. “I’m very poor.”

“That looks like it.”

“It’s only a few dollars—enough to bury me.”

“Very well, Ben, I’ll take charge of it, and when you need burial I’ll attend to it. That’s fair, isn’t it?”

Rudolph, who had paused outside, now raised the window to its full height, and, despite the old man’s terrified exclamations, bounded lightly into the room.

Help! help! thieves!” screamed Ben.

Hold your jaw, you driveling old idiot!” said Rudolph, “or I’ll give you something to yell about.”

“Help, Tony, help!” continued the old man.

The tramp’s eyes, following the direction of Ben’s, discovered our hero on his rude bed in the corner.

Ho, ho!” he laughed, with a mirth that boded ill to Tony, “so I’ve found you at last, have I? You served me a nice trick the other day, didn’t you?”

“I hoped I should never set eyes on you again.”

“I’ve no doubt you did. You undertook to run away from me, did you? I knew I should come across you sooner or later.”

While this conversation was going on Ben glanced from one to the other in surprise, his attention momentarily drawn away from his own troubles.

Do you know this boy, Rudolph?” he inquired.

I should think I did,” answered the tramp grimly.

Who is he?” asked Ben, evidently excited.

What’s that to you?” returned Rudolph. “It’s a boy I picked up, and have taken care of, and this is his gratitude to me. A few days since he ran away from me, and I’ve had a long chase to find him.”

“Is this true?” asked Ben, turning to Tony.

Some of it is true,” said our hero. “I’ve been with him ever since I could remember, and I ran away because he wanted me to join him in robbing a house. He calls me his son, but I know he is not my father.”

“How do you know?” demanded the tramp sternly.

Didn’t you say so just now?”

“It was none of the old man’s business, and I didn&rsqu............