"The detective I have employed has failed to trace her."

 

"Has he no theory?"

 

"He suggests that she may have gone to Europe," said Mr. Campbell, "but I am not of that opinion."

 

"What do you think, then?"

 

"I suspect she has buried herself in some obscure country place under some assumed name, there to remain till she has attained her twenty-fifth year, when my guardianship ceases."

 

"When will that be?"

 

"Six months hence."

 

"It is very important, then, that we should find her before that time," said Orton Campbell, thoughtfully.

 

"That is true. After the time referred to my power ceases, and I shall be unable to assist you in your plans."

 

"Her fortune amounts to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, does it not?"

 

"More than that. The interest has been accumulating till it amounts to nearer one hundred and seventy thousand dollars."

 

Orton Campbell's eyes sparkled with covetous greed.

 

"That is a stake worth playing for," he said. "With what I have of my own, it would make me independently rich."

 

"Just so, Orton," said his father.

 

"And nothing stands in the way but the caprice of a foolish girl! I declare, father, it is too exasperating. Suppose we try another detective? Your man can't be very sharp."

 

"I have no objection, Orton," said the merchant, "but as he would be employed in your interest, it is only fair that you should pay the expense incurred."

 

"I don't see that," said the son. "She is your ward, you know. It ought to come out of her property."

 

"The item may not be allowed. In that case I should be responsible," said John Campbell, cautiously.

 

"I'll tell you what I will do, father: if she is found and I marry her, I'll freely pay the whole expense."

 

"Suppose we find her, and she won't marry you: what then?" asked his father, keenly.

 

The son looked nonplussed, but finally consented in that case to defray the expense out of his private means--that is, if it could not be taken out of the young lady's fortune.

 

The matter having been satisfactorily adjusted, they were discussing the choice of a detective when a clerk came to the door of the private counting-room in which father and son were seated and said, "There's a man outside wants to speak to you, Mr. Campbell."

 

"Who is he, Saunders?"

 

"I think it's Jones, who used to be in your employ as light porter."

 

"How does he look? Well-to-do?"

 

"He is decidedly shabby," answered Saunders.

 

"Come to ask help, probably," muttered the merchant. "I think I won't see him."

 

Saunders left the office, but presently returned.

 

"Well, has he gone?" asked the merchant.

 

"No; he says he wants to see you on business of importance."

 

"Of importance to himself, probably.--Shall I see him, Orton?"

 

"Yes, father. If he is humbugging us, we can send him off."

 

So permission was given, and almost immediately Saunders ushered into the room a short, broad-shouldered fellow, who looked very much like a professional tramp.

 

"Good-morning, Mr. Campbell," said he, deferentially.

 

"Humph, Jones, is it you? You don't look as if you had prospered."

 

"No more I have, sir."

 

"Don't come near me. Really, your appearance is very disreputable."

 

"I can't help that, sir. I've just come from California in the steerage, and you can't keep very neat there."

 

"I believe you went to California to make your fortune, didn't you, Jones?" said Orton Campb............