have been obliged to go to town at seven on business for Mr. Tyler."

"That's so; what did the old gentleman want with Syd," asked Jessie,
turning to Roy. "You were so sleepy when you came home last night that
you didn't half satisfy our curiosity."

"He wanted him to make his will," answered Roy.

"And did he?" went on Jess.

"Yes. I say, mother, hadn't I better go and stir up Rex? I'm afraid
he's gone off to sleep again."

"There, he's coming now. I hear his step on the stairs, so you just
sit still and answer my questions. I'm not half through yet," and Jess
checked off on her fingers the two queries to which she had already
had responses. "Now then, is he as rich as we all thought him?"

"Richer. Good afternoon to you, Rex. Better late than never. I'm going
to keep you company, by taking a second cup of coffee. Mother, may I,
please?"

"Royal Pell, what is the matter with you?" exclaimed Jess. "You
haven't been like the same fellow since you climbed up to that trestle
yesterday afternoon. You seem to be trying to keep something back.
Don't you notice it, mother?"

"I have," put in Rex, before Mrs. Pell could speak. "I couldn't get a
word out of him before he went to sleep last night. One would think
he'd had a trouble like mine to bear," and Rex sighed with the air of