“Yes.”

“And the property was left chiefly to Mr. Manning?”

“Yes.”

“Of course, you were surprised, and probably very disappointed?”

“Excuse me,” said Frank, coldly; “but I am not in the habit of discussing my affairs with strangers.”

“Quite right, but I think you will find it for your interest to discuss them with me.  Not in a public car, of course; but I have something of importance to communicate.  Where can I have a private interview with you?”

It at once occurred to Frank that there was an opportunity, perhaps, to solve the mystery concerning the will.  This man might know nothing about it; but, on the other hand, he might know everything.  It would be foolish to repulse him.

“If you have anything important to tell me, I shall be glad to hear it,” he said.  “I am going to the house of my friend, Col.  Vincent, to pass a few days.  Do you know where he lives?”

“Yes, I know.”

“If you will call this evening, after supper, I shall be glad to see you.”

“I will do so.  I will be there at eight o’clock, sharp.”

On arriving at his destination, Frank found the colonel’s carriage waiting for him at the station.

Col.  Vincent was inside.

“Welcome, Frank!” he said, grasping heartily the hand of our young hero.  “I am delighted to see you.  You are looking well, and, bless me, how you have grown!”

“Thank you, Col.  Vincent.  Do you expect me to return the compliment?”

“About having grown?  No, Frank, I hope not.  I am six feet one, and don’t care to grow any taller.  Well, what do you think of the news?”

“I have some for you, colonel;” and Frank mentioned what his new acquaintance had told him.

“The missing link!” exclaimed the colonel, excited.  “Do you know what I think?”

“What?”

“That this man either forged the will which gives the property to your stepfather, or is cognizant of it!”

“I thought of that.”

“I shall be impatient to see him.”

At eight o’clock the man called and gave his name as Jonas Barton.  Whether it was the right name might be a question; but this did not matter.

“I understand,” said Col.  Vincent, “that you have some information to give us.”

“I have; and that of a very important nature.”

“Is it of a nature to restore to my young friend here his property now in the possession of Mr. Manning?”

“If it were,” said Jonas Barton with a cunning glance of his left eye “how much would it be worth?”

“I supposed it was for sale,” said the colonel, quietly.  “What is your own idea?”

“I will take two thousand dollars.”

“Suppose we say one thousand?”

“It is not enough.”

“Were you aware that the genuine will had been found?” asked the colonel, quietly.

Jonas Barton started.