The Tin Box, and What it Contained

"What are you about here?" he demanded, roughly.

Philip was frightened and turned pale; but James Congreve only surveyedthe man curiously, and said:

"Is that any business of yours, my friend?"

"You'll find out whether it's any business of mine," returned Temple, angrily.

"That's precisely what I would like to find out," said Congreve, coolly. "You accost us as if you were the owner of the wood, which, I take it, you are not."

"Do you want me to wring your neck, young man?" said Temple, with agrowl.

"Oh, don't make him angry, James!" begged Philip, nervously, laying hishand on Congreve's arm.

James – who certainly was not a coward – surveyed his companioncontemptuously.

"Much obliged to you for your kind offer," said he, addressing Temple, "but I must decline it."

"You've got too long a tongue, young man!" said Temple, provoked by theother's coolness. "I've a mind to teach you a lesson."

"When I want one I will let you know," said Congreve, changing his toneand manner and regarding the other scornfully.

"Meanwhile, my man, I advise you not to drink so early in the morning.

It doesn't improve your naturally bad manners."

With a muttered exclamation Ralph Temple sprang forward, prepared tohandle Congreve roughly, as he was quite able to do, being much hissuperior in size and strength, but, with his hand nearly touching theshoulder of the young man, recoiled, as Congreve drew out a revolver andpointed it at him.

"One step further and I fire!" he said, in a calm, collected tone, while

Philip stood by, as pale as a sheet.

"Confusion!" exclaimed the ruffian, in mingled amazement and dismay.

"Who are you, anyway?"

"My name is James Congreve, at your service," said the owner of thatname, bowing. "I regret that I haven't a card about me."

"You're a cool customer!" muttered Temple, surveying Congrevecuriously.

"So people tell me. You'll find me at the hotel in the village, if youhave any further business with me."

Congreve nodded carelessly and left the spot – Phil, in a very nervouscondition, keeping himself somewhat in advance.

"He's a cool chap," muttered the ruffian. "But it's clear he knowsnothing of our affair. I was a fool to make a fuss. It might lead tosuspicion."

"What a dreadful man!" said Philip, as the two were walking away.

"Do you know him?"

"His name is Ralph Temple. He's a kind of tramp."

"He's an impertinent fellow, at any rate. It's well I had my revolverwith me."

They walked back to the village, momentarily expecting to see or hearsomething of Harry Gilbert; but neither then nor later in the day wastheir curiosity gratified.

CHAPTER XX

ON THE WAY TO NEW YORK

Harry stepped on board the train without seeing any one whom he knew, and took a seat on the right-hand side. Just in front of him was anelderly farmer, with a face well browned by exposure to the sun andwind. He had a kindly face, and looked sociable. It was not long beforehe addressed our young hero.

"Going to New York?" he asked.

"Yes, sir."

"Are you acquainted there?"

"No, sir; not much."

"Nor I. I was thinking you might be able to direct me to a place where Icould get money for some cowpons."

"Government coupons?" inquired Harry, becoming interested.

"Yes. You see, my wife's uncle died not long ago, and left Sarah agovernment bond of a thousand dollars, drawing six per cent interest. There's thirty dollars due the first of this month, and I told Sarahthat I'd go and collect it for her."

"I've got some business of that same kind," said Harry. "I was toldthere were brokers' offices in Wall Street, where I could collect themoney without any trouble."

"I'll go with you," said the farmer, in a tone of satisfaction. "Ifhe'll buy yours, he'll buy mine."

"I shall be glad to have your company," said Harry, politely.

It flattered his vanity that a man old enough to be his grandfather wasdisposed to be guided by him in a matter of such importance.

Just then a smooth voice was heard from the seat behind.

"Gentlemen," said a young man, showily dressed and with a profusion ofrings on his fingers, "excuse my interrupting you, but I may be able tosave you some trouble."

They naturally waited for an explanation of these words.

"I overheard you saying that you had some coupons to dispose of."

"Yes," replied the farmer, eagerly.

"I am myself a banker and broker, and deal in government securities. Ifthe amount is not too large, I will buy your coupons and pay for them atonce."

"That will be handy," said the farmer. "I've got thirty dollars incowpons."

"And you, my young friend?" said the so-called broker, addressing