"It is more serious," was his reply. "In fact, it is very serious.
The Candy Wagon was a mere episode. What I wish to tell you now goes
deeper."




CHAPTER THIRTEEN

_In which the Candy Man relates his story, and the Miser comes upon
Volume I of the shabby book with the funny name._


"I want you to know all about me," began the Candy Man, taking from his
pocket the shabby little book Virginia had once remarked on, "so there
may be no more wrong impressions."

They sat in the sunshine on the top step of the little pavilion, facing
the river. Margaret Elizabeth, supporting her chin in her hand, regarded
him gravely. The west wind was cool on their faces.

"I have often imagined myself telling you," he went on. "Not that there
is much to it, besides its strangeness. In fact, to be brief, I don't
know who I am."

The surprise in Miss Bentley's eyes caused him to add quickly: "Not that
I am a foundling. But my father and mother were lost at sea when I was
three years old. We were coming from Victoria to San Francisco, when the
steamer went down. Only a few of the passengers were saved, I among