XVI A MATTER OF SPECULATION
XVII JOE TELLS OF "THE GREAT TROUBLE"
XVIII THE LOCKED CUPBOARD
XIX THE COURT'N' OF SKIM CLARK
XX A LOST CAUSE
XXI THE TRAP IS SET
XXII CAUGHT!
XXIII MR. WEST EXPLAINS
XXIV PEGGY HAS REVENGE
XXV GOOD NEWS AT LAST



CHAPTER I.

UNCLE JOHN'S FARM.

"How did I happen to own a farm?" asked Uncle John, interrupting his
soup long enough to fix an inquiring glance upon Major Doyle, who
sat opposite.

"By virtue of circumstance, my dear sir," replied the Major, composedly.
"It's a part of my duty, in attending to those affairs you won't look
afther yourself, to lend certain sums of your money to needy and
ambitious young men who want a start in life."

"Oh, Uncle! Do you do that?" exclaimed Miss Patricia Doyle, who sat
between her uncle and father and kept an active eye upon both.

"So the Major says," answered Uncle John, dryly.