"Have you any reason to suppose he survived the accident?" inquired
Thames eagerly.

Jackson smiled and put on the air of a man who knows more than he cares
to tell.

"I merely asked the question," he said, after he had enjoyed the boy's
suspense for a moment.

The hope that had been suddenly kindled in the youth's bosom was as
suddenly extinguished.

"If I thought he lived----" observed Wood.

"_If_," interrupted Jackson, changing his tone: "he _does_ live. And it
has been well for you that he imagines the child was drowned."

"Who is he?" asked Thames impatiently.

"You're inquisitive, young gentleman," replied Jackson, coldly. "When
you're older, you'll know that secrets of importance are not disclosed
gratuitously. Your adoptive father understands mankind better."

"I'd give half I'm worth to hang the villain, and restore this boy to
his rights," said Mr. Wood.

"How do you know he _has_ any rights to be restored to?" returned
Jackson, with a grin. "Judging from what you tell me, I've no doubt he's
the illegitimate offspring of some handsome, but lowborn profligate; in