The Tin Box, and What it Contained

"I wanted to come home, but I couldn't," answered Harry. "I was in thewoods."

"Lost your way?" asked Uncle Obed.

"Not exactly. Two boys played a trick upon me."

Of course Harry had to explain what sort of a trick it was. Mrs. Gilbertwas very indignant, and denounced Philip and his confederate in nosparing terms.

"You ought to go and complain to Colonel Ross," she said. "Philip oughtnot to be allowed to do such things."

Harry smiled. He had no idea of following this advice. It would havebeen an acknowledgment of weakness, and he felt able to defend himselfagainst Philip Ross and his machinations.

"Mother," he said, "I've got very particular reasons for not doing this, and for not even mentioning that I was in the wood. Now, I want you topromise me not to say a word about it, for a week at least."

"But if I see Philip," said his mother, "I can't keep silent."

"You must, for my sake, mother. You don't know how much depends uponit."

"I don't understand," said Mrs. Gilbert, thoroughly bewildered.

"No, I suppose not; but I have a strong reason that I can't mention justyet."

"I hope there's nothing wrong going on," said his mother, alarmed.

"If there is, it isn't anything that I'm to blame for. Only there's asecret that I can't tell just yet. You'll know it in good time. I wantto consult Uncle Obed to-night about it, and you won't mind if I don'ttell you just yet?"

"Give the boy his way, ma'am," said Mr. Wilkins. "If there is anythingvery bad about it he wouldn't tell me."

His mother was somewhat reassured, and left the two to themselves. ThenHarry began and told his story. Mr. Wilkins listened with attention, andnot without surprise.

"Really, Harry, it's quite an adventure, I call it," he said. "Do youknow this man Temple?"

"I know that he's a sort of tramp. I didn't suppose he was a thiefbefore."

"You never saw this other man before?"

"No; never heard of him."

"They're a pair of rascals, I reckon. Now, what have you thought ofdoing?"

"Of going to New York to-morrow to find out what I can about theburglary, or whatever else it was. If I can find out who has beenrobbed, I'll go and tell them about it, and where the bonds are hid."

Uncle Obed nodded approvingly.

"That's a good idea," he said.

"What puzzles me," continued Harry, "is how to explain to mother why Igo to the city. I can't tell her, and she'll feel nervous."

"I can manage that," said Mr. Wilkins. "I'll tell her you have gone onbusiness for me."

"But will it be true?" asked Harry.

"Yes; I've got some cowpons" – that's the way the old man pronounced theword – "that you can get the money for."

"Shall I have any difficulty about it, Uncle Obed?"

"No; you can go to a broker, and he'll give you the money for it, takingout his commission. How much does it cost to go to New York?"

"The price of an excursion ticket is a dollar."

The old man took from his pocket a two-dollar bill.

"There," said he; "that'll pay your ticket and get you some dinner."

"But, Uncle Obed, you ought not to pay my expenses."

"Why not? Ain't you going on my business?"

"I'm going principally on my own," said Harry.

"Well," replied the old man, smiling, "then you must take it because Iam your uncle."

"I know I call you so."

"You seem a good deal more kin to me than Philip. He's ashamed of hisold uncle, and so is his mother; but you are not.

"No, no, Harry; it's all right. I ain't exactly poor, but I'd rather myniece would think so. So don't you say anything to them about thecowpons."

"I'm not likely to, Uncle Obed."

The old man went up to his room and brought down ninety dollars' worthof government coupons, which, as gold was then ruling at a dollar andtwenty, would bring about a hundred and eight dollars in currency.

Mrs. Gilbert was much surprised when Harry told her that he intended togo to New York the next day on business for Uncle Obed; but, of course, had no idea that he had still more important business of his own.

CHAPTER XIX

SECOND VISIT TO THE WOOD

There was an early train from the neighboring village of Crampton to NewYork. Harry got up early, and walked the first part of the way throughthe fields to a point where the footpath struck the main road, three-quarters of a mile from the village.

In this way it happened that he was not seen by any of his companions, and his day's expedition was kept a secret.

Just after breakfast James Congreve received a call at the hotel from

Philip.

"Our friend in the wood must be hungry by this time," said James.

"Ho, ho!" laughed Philip, in evident enjoyment. "It's a splendid joke."