"I didn't think there were highwaymen about here. Now I shall be
worrying about you."

"Don't do that mother; I don't feel in any danger. Still, if you
think it best, I will carry a pistol."

"No, no, Ben! it might go off and kill you. I would rather run the
risk of a highwayman. I wonder if the man is prowling about in the
neighborhood yet?"

"I don't think my bogus dollar will carry him very far. By the way,
mother, I must tell yon one strange thing. He asked me if I was John
Barclay's son."

"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Barclay, in a tone of great surprise. "Did he
know your name was Barclay?"

"Not till I told him. Then it was he asked if I was the son of John
Barclay."

"Did he say he knew your father?"

"I asked him, but he answered evasively."

"He might have seen some resemblance--that is, if he had ever met your
father. Ah! it was a sad day for us all when your poor father died.
We should have been in a very different position," the widow sighed.

"Yes, mother," said Ben; "but when I get older I will try to supply my