“Why don’t you think so now?”

In answer, Hector told the story of the revelation made to him by Allan Roscoe, after his father’s death.

“You see, therefore,” he concluded, “that I am penniless, and a dependent upon Mr. Allan Roscoe’s generosity.”

“This is a most extraordinary story!” said the merchant, after a pause.

“Yes, sir; it changes my whole future.”

“I suppose Mr. Allan Roscoe is the beneficiary, and the estate goes to him?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Did your father—­the late Mr. Roscoe—­ever hint to you anything which could lead you to suspect that you were not his own, but an adopted son?”

“Never, Mr. Ross,” answered Hector, with emphasis.

“Did he continue to treat you with affection.”

“Always.  Nothing in his manner ever would have led me to imagine that I was not his own son.”

“He left no will?”

“No, sir.”

“What are your plans?”

“I do not wish to remain dependent upon Allan Roscoe.  I should like to obtain a situation of some kind in the city, if I can.”

“I can probably serve you, then, after a while.  For the present, stay here as Walter’s companion.”

“Thank you, sir; I should like nothing better.”

CHAPTER XXVII.

Larry Deane.

Not altogether in accordance with his inclinations, Walter was set to work at his studies immediately under the direction of Mr. Crabb.  He asked his father for a week’s vacation to go about the city with Hector, but his father answered in the negative.

“You are too far behind in your studies, Walter,” he said.  “You are two years, at least, behind Hector, and cannot spare the time as well as he.”

“Hector will have to go round alone,” objected Walter.

“It will do him no harm to get acquainted with the different parts of the city, as that will be a kind of knowledge he may require if he should obtain a situation.”

“I shan’t see much of him.”

“Oh, yes, you will; Mr. Crabb will not make you study all day.  Mr. Crabb, you may work with Walter from nine to one.  This, with perhaps an hour or more devoted to study in the afternoon or evening, will enable him to make fair progress.”

This arrangement struck Walter favorably, as he could, whenever he desired it, spend the whole afternoon with Hector.

Hector found it very pleasant to act upon the suggestion made by Mr. Ross.  He had visited the city of New York at different times, but had never enjoyed the opportunity of exploring it by himself.  His first visit was made to Central Park, where he mingled with the crowds wandering about in search of pleasure.

He made his way to the lake, and took passage in one of the skiffs which, in charge of a skilled oarsman, makes a tour of the pretty and picturesque sheet of water.