condition. Then again, if I stay here, I can never do what father wished
me to do."

"What is that, Paul?"

Paul told the story of his father's indebtedness to Squire Conant, and
the cruel letter which the Squire had written.

"I mean to pay that debt," he concluded firmly. "I won't let anybody say
that my father kept them out of their money. There is no chance here;
somewhere else I may find work and money."

"It is a great undertaking for a boy like you, Paul," said Aunt Lucy,
thoughtfully. "To whom is the money due?"

"Squire Conant of Cedarville."

Aunt Lucy seemed surprised and agitated by the mention of this name.

"Paul," said she, "Squire Conant is my brother."

"Your brother!" repeated he in great surprise. "Then why does he allow
you to live here? He is rich enough to take care of you."

"It is a long story," said the old lady, sadly. "All that you will be
interested to know is that I married against the wishes of my family. My
husband died and I was left destitute. My brother has never noticed me
since."

"It is a great shame," said Paul.