But why do you ask?" inquired Mrs. Dare, her curiosity aroused.
For reply Richard told the little party all about his strange meeting
with Tom Clover.
"He tells the truth!" cried Mrs. Dare. "I have heard your father mention
his name. Thank heaven for having brought you two together!"
And that night, even with all their troubles, the whole Dare family
rested without much worry beneath their kind neighbor's roof.
In the morning Richard sent the pension papers to Frank by the first
mail. Then he helped get what was left of their furniture into shape,
and took a walk over to what had been the old homestead.
Nothing remained but a heap of charred timbers and fallen stones.
"It's the ending of our life here in the country," he whispered to
himself. "God grant it may be the beginning of a more prosperous one
in the city."
At the close of the week came visitors--Frank, Doc Linyard, and a
strange gentleman, who was introduced as Mr. Styles, the old sailor's
lawyer friend.
"Mr. Styles says your claim is all right," said Doc Linyard, when
introductions all round were over. "He says as how you'll get
twenty-five hundred dollars afore three months are up."
It was glorious news.
"Sure?" asked Mrs. Dare, with tears in her eyes.
"Positive, madam," replied Mr.
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