“Of course,” he said, “it will be for your interest not to let any one know from whom you obtained this.”

“All right.  I understand.  Well, good morning, squire; I’m glad things are satisfactory.”

“Good morning, Mr. Denton.”

When Tony had left the room, Prince Duncan threw himself back in his chair and reflected.  His thoughts were busy with the man who had just left him, and he tried to arrange some method of throwing the guilt upon Denton.  Yet, perhaps, even that would not be necessary.  So far as Mr. Duncan knew, there was no record in Mr. Armstrong’s possession of the numbers of the bonds, and in that case they would not be identified.

“If I only knew positively that the numbers would not turn up, I should feel perfectly secure, and could realize on the bonds at any time,” he thought.  “I will wait awhile, and I may see my way clear.”

CHAPTER XXXVI

A LETTER FROM LUKE

“There’s a letter for you, Linton,” said Henry Wagner, as he met Linton Tomkins near the hotel.  “I just saw your name on the list.”

In the Groveton post-office, as in many country offices, it was the custom to post a list of those for whom letters had been received.

“It must be from Luke,” thought Linton, joyfully, and he bent his steps immediately toward the office.  No one in the village, outside of Luke’s family, missed him more than Linton.  Though Luke was two years and a half older, they had always been intimate friends.  Linton’s family occupied a higher social position, but there was nothing snobbish about Linton, as there was about Randolph, and it made no difference to him that Luke lived in a small and humble cottage, and, till recently, had been obliged to wear old and shabby clothes.  In this democratic spirit, Linton was encouraged by his parents, who, while appreciating the refinement which is apt to be connected with liberal means, were too sensible to undervalue sterling merit and good character.

Linton was right.  His letter was from Luke.  It read thus: 

“Dear Linny:  I was very glad to receive your letter.  It made me homesick for a short time.  At any rate, it made me wish that I could be back for an hour in dear old Groveton.  I cannot tell you where I am, for that is a secret of my employer.  I am a long way from home; I can tell you that much.  When I get home, I shall be able to tell you all.  You will be glad to know that I have succeeded in the mission on which I was sent, and have revived a telegram of thanks from my employer.

“It will not be long now before I am back in Groveton.  I wonder if my dear friend Randolph will be glad to see me?  You can remember me to him when you see him.  It will gratify him to know that I am well and doing well, and that my prospects for the future are excellent.