you think it amounts to?" "How much?" asked the housekeeper, with interest. "Six thousand five hundred dollars--just thirteen times as much!" answered Willis, glibly. This story, by the way, was all a fabrication, intended to influence his stepmother. Mrs. Estabrook never doubted Ford's statement, but her instinctive caution saved her from falling into the trap. "It looks tempting, Willis," she said, "but I don't dare to take the risk." Ford was deeply disappointed, but did not betray it. "It is for you to decide," said he, carelessly, then drifted to other subjects. Ten minutes later he pressed his hand upon his breast, while his features worked convulsively. "I believe I am sick," he said. "What can I do for you, my dear son?" asked the housekeeper, in alarm. "If you have a glass of brandy!" gasped Willis. "I will go downstairs and get some," she said, hurriedly. No sooner had she left the room than Willis sprang to his feet, locked the door, then went to the bureau, unlocked the upper drawer--he had a key in his pocket which fitted the lock and, thrusting in his hand, drew out a long envelope containing one five-hundred-dollar government bond and five bonds of one hundred dollars each, which he thrust into his side pocket. Then, closing the drawer, he unlocked the door of the room, and when his step- mother returned he threw himself back in his chair, groaning. He took the glass of brandy the housekeeper brought him, and, after a few minutes, professing himself much better, left the house. "Saved!" he exclaimed, triumphantly. "Now I shall be all right again." CHAPTER XV AN ARTFUL TRAP