A tall man, with a sallow complexion, and heavily-bearded face, stood on the deck of a Cunard steamer,only a few miles distant from New York harbor.

　　``It's three years since I have seen America,'' hesaid to himself, thoughtfully. ``I suppose I ought tofeel a patriotic fervor about setting foot once moreon my native shore, but I don't believe in nonsense.

　　I would be content to live in Europe all my life, ifmy uncle's fortune were once in my possession. Iam his sole heir, but he persists in holding on tohis money bags, and limits me to a paltry three thousanda year. I must see if I can't induce him to giveme a good, round sum on account--fifty thousand,at least--and then I can wait a little more patientlytill he drops off.''

　　``When shall we reach port, captain?'' he asked,as he passed that officer.

　　``In four hours, I think, Mr. Wade.''

　　``So this is my birthday,'' he said to himself.

　　``Thirty five years old to-day. Half my life gone,and I am still a dependent on my uncle's bounty.

　　Suppose he should throw me off--leave me out inthe cold--where should I be? If he should find theboy--but no, there is no chance of that. I havetaken good care of that. By the way, I must lookhim up soon--cautiously, of course--and see whathas become of him. He will grow up a laborer ormechanic and die without a knowledge of his birth,while I fill his place and enjoy his inheritance.''

　　At six o'clock the vessel reached the Quarantine.

　　Most of the passengers decided to remain on boardone night more, but John Wade was impatient, and,leaving his trunks, obtained a small boat, and soontouched the shore.

　　It was nearly eight when John Wade landed inthe city. It was half-past eight when he stood onthe steps of his uncle's residence and rang the bell.

　　``Is my uncle is Mr. Wharton--at home?'' heasked of the servant who answered the bell.

　　``Yes, sir.''

　　``I am his nephew, just arrived from Europe. Lethim know that I am here, and would like to seehim.''

　　The servant, who had never before seen him,having only been six months in the house, regarded himwith a great deal of curiosity, and then went to dohis biddng.

　　``My nephew arrived!'' exclaimed Mr. Wharton, insurprise. ``Why, he never let me know he was coming.''

　　``Will you see him, sir?''

　　``To be sure! Bring him in at once.''

　　``My dear uncle!'' exclaimed John Wade, witheffusion, for he was a polite man, and could act when itsuited his interests to do so, ``I am glad to see you.

　　How is your health?''

　　``I am getting older every day, John.''

　　``You don't look a day older, sir,'' said John, whodid not believe what he said, for he could plainlysee that his uncle had grown older since he last sawhim.

　　``You think so, John, but I feel it. Your comingis a surprise. You did not write that you intendedsailing.''

　　``I formed the determination very suddenly, sir.''

　　``Were you tired of Europe?''

　　``No; but I wanted to see you, sir.''

　　``Thank you, John,'' said his uncle, pressing hisnephew's hand. ``I am glad you think so much ofme. Did you have a pleasant voyage?''

　　``Rather rough, sir.''

　　``You have had no supper, of course? If you willring the bell, the housekeeper will see that some isgot ready for you.''

　　``Is Mrs. Bradley still in your employ, uncle?''

　　``Yes, John. I am so used to her that I shouldn'tknow how to get along without her.''

　　Hitherto John Wade had been so occupied with hisuncle that he had not observed Frank. But at thismoment our hero coughed, involuntarily, and JohnWade looked at him. He seemed to be singularlyaffected. He started perceptibly, and his sallow faceblanched, as his eager eyes were fixed on the boy'sface.

　　``Good heavens!'' he muttered to himself. ``Who isthat boy? How comes he here?''

　　Frank noticed his intent gaze, and wondered at it,but Mr. Wharton's eyesight was defective, and hedid not perceive his nephew's excitement.

　　``I see you have a young visitor, uncle,'' said JohnWade.

　　``Oh, yes,'' said Mr. Wharton, with a kindly smile.

　　``He spends all his evenings with me.''

　　``What do you mean, sir?'' demanded John Wade,with sudden suspicion and fear. ``He seems veryyoung company for----''

　　``For a man of my years,'' said Mr. Wharton,finishing the sentence. ``You are right, John. But, yousee, my eyes are weak, and I cannot use them forreading in the evening, so it occurred to me to engagea reader.''

　　``Very true,'' said his nephew. He wished toinquire the name of the boy whose appearance had sopowerfully impressed him but he determined not todo so at present. What information he sought hepreferred to obtain from the housekeeper.

　　``He seemed surprised, as if he had seen me somewhere before, and recognized me,'' thought Frank,``but I don't remember him. If I had seen his facebefore, I think I should remember it.''

　　``Don't come out, uncle.'' said John Wade, whensummoned to tea by the housekeeper. ``Mrs. Bradleyand I are going to have a chat by ourselves, andI will soon return.''

　　``You are looking thin, Mr. John,'' said Mrs Bradley.

　　``Am I thinner than usual? I never was verycorpulent, you know. How is my uncle's health? Hesays he is well.''

　　``He is pretty well, but he isn't as young as hewas.''

　　``I thin............