Mr. Morton hemmed and returned to his visitor.

“To tell you the truth, I am not aware of what has become of the young men.”

“Then they are not dead—I thought not!” exclaimed the man, joyously.

“That’s more than I can say. It’s many years since I lost sight of the only one I ever saw; and they may be both dead for what I know.”

“Indeed!” said the man. “Then you can give me no kind of—of—hint like, to find them out?”

“No. Do they owe you anything?”

“It does not signify talking now, sir. I beg your pardon.”

“Stay—who are you?”

“I am a very poor man, sir.”

Mr. Morton recoiled.