is too late." The old merchant rang the bell violently, and aroused the house. Dodger made no attempt to escape, but stood beside Florence in the attitude of a protector. But a short time elapsed before Curtis Waring and the servants entered the room, and gazed with wonder at the _tableau_ presented by the excited old man and the two young people. "My friends," said John Linden, in a tone of excitement, "I call you to witness that this girl, whom I blush to acknowledge as my niece, has proved herself unworthy of my kindness. In your presence I cut her off, and bid her never again darken my door." "But what has she done, uncle?" asked Curtis. He was prepared for the presence of Dodger, whom he rightly concluded to be the agent of Tim Bolton, but he could not understand why Florence should be in the library at this late hour. Nor was he able to understand the evidently friendly relations between her and the young visitor. "What has she done?" repeated John Linden. "She has introduced that young ruffian into the house to rob me. Look at that secretary! He has forced it open, and stolen a large sum of money." "It is not true, sir," said Dodger, calmly, "about taking the money, I mean. I haven't taken a cent." "Then why did you open the secretary?" "I did mean to take money, but she stopped me." "Oh, she stopped you?" repeated Linden, with withering sarcasm. "Then, perhaps, you will tell me where the money is gone?" "He hasn't discovered about the will," thought Curtis, congratulating himself; "if the boy has it, I must manage to give him a chance to escape." "You can search me if you want to," continued Dodger, proudly. "You won't find no money on me." "Do you think I am a fool, you young burglar?" exclaimed John Linden, angrily. "Uncle, let me speak to the boy," said Curtis, soothingly. "I think he will tell me." "As you like, Curtis; but I am convinced that he is a thief." Curtis Waring beckoned Dodger into an adjoining room. "Now, my boy," he said, smoothly, "give me what you took from the