still living, but I have not their addresses, nor do I know how to
find them."

"Did you ever advertise in the papers?"

"Yes; I spent fifty dollars in the columns of the leading dailies, but
without success."

"You have all the papers in the case?"

"They are in the trunk upstairs. If you can ever push the claim do
so--for the others' sake as well as your own."

"I will, father."

"How much it will be worth I do not know, but it may be several
thousands of dollars, and that, along with this house, which is free
and clear, may suffice to keep the family many a year."

At this juncture a violent fit of coughing seized Mr. Dare, and by the
time he had recovered, his wife and the three girls entered.




CHAPTER III.

PREPARING TO START.