"You refer to the wart on the upper part of his right cheek?"

 

"Yes, it gives him a repulsive look."

 

"And yet he is popular in Milwaukee?"

 

"Yes, among those who were not swindled by his mining scheme. He has done more harm than he can ever repair. For instance," added the young man, bitterly, "this crime which I have committed--I will call it by its right name--I was impelled to do by my mother's poverty, brought on by him."

 

"How does it happen that you are not at the office to day?"

 

"I felt sick--sick at heart, rather than sick in body, and I sent word to my employer that I could not be there. I dread entering the office, for at any time exposure may come."

 

"If you could only raise the fifty dollars, you could replace the money before it was inquired for."

 

Ambrose Kean shook his head.

 

"I can't possibly raise it," he said, despondently.

 

"I would let you have it if I possessed as much money, but, as you may suppose, I am poor."

 

"I am no less grateful to you, Luke. You have a good heart, I am sure. You don't despise me?"

 

"No, why should I?"

 

"I have been guilty of a crime."

 

"But you are sorry for it. Is there positively no one with whom you are acquainted who is rich enough to help you?"

 

"There is one lady in Chicago--a rich lady--who was a schoolmate of my mother. She was older and in better circumstances, but they were good friends."

 

"Who is this lady?"

 

"A Mrs. Merton."

 

"Mrs. Merton!" exclaimed Luke, in excitement. "Of Prairie Avenue?"

 

"Yes; I believe she lives there."

 

"Why, I know her--I am in her employ," said Luke.

 

Ambrose Kean stared at Luke in open amazement.

 

"Is this true?" he asked.

 

"Yes."

 

"Is she a kind lady? Do you think she would help me in this trouble of mine?"

 

"She is very kind-hearted, as I know from my own experience. I will go to her at once, and see what I can do."

 

Ambrose Kean grasped Luke's hand with fervor.

 

"You are a friend sent from heaven, I truly believe," he said. "You have given me hope of retrieving myself."

 

"I will leave you for a time," said Luke. "There is no time to be lost."

 

"I shall be full of anxiety till I see you again."

 

"Be hopeful. I think I shall bring you good news."

 

When Luke reached the house on Prairie Avenue he was about to ring the bell when Harold Tracy opened the door.

 

"You here again!" he said, in a tone of displeasure. "Weren't you here this morning?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Did Aunt Eliza ask you to come this afternoon?"

 

"No."

 

"Then what brings you?"

 

"Business," answered Luke, curtly, and he quietly entered the hall, and said to a servant who was passing through, "Will you be kind enough to ask Mrs. Merton if she will see me?"

 

"Well, you're cheeky!" ejaculated Harold, who had in tended to keep him out.

 

"As long as Mrs. Merton doesn't think so, I shall not trouble myself," said Luke, coldly.

 

"Sooner or later Aunt Eliza will see you in your true colors," said Harold, provoked.

 

"I think she does now."

 

At thi............