“Well, my lad! Is there anything I can do for you?” asked Major Graham, when Frank led him kindly into the room. “What is your name?”

“Evan Mackay, at your service. Please, Sir, did you lose a pocket-book last Thursday, with your name on the back, and nine gold sovereigns inside?”

“Yes! that I did, to my cost! Have you heard anything of it?”

The boy silently drew a parcel from his pocket, and without looking up or speaking, he modestly placed it on the table, then colouring very deeply, he turned away, and hurried towards the door. In another minute he would have been off, but Frank sprung forward and took hold of his arm, saying, in the kindest possible manner, “Stop, Evan! Stop a moment! That parcel seems to contain all my uncle’s money. Where did you get it? Who sent it here?”

[167]
]“I brought it, Sir! The direction is on the pocket-book, so there could be no mistake.”

“Did you find it yourself then?”

“Yes! it was lying in the street that night when I ran for a Doctor to see my mother, who is dying. She told me now to come back directly, Sir, so I must be going.”

“But let us give you something for being so honest,” said Frank. “You are a fine fellow, and you deserve to be well rewarded.”

“I only did my duty, Sir. Mother always says we should do right for conscience’ sake, and not for a reward.”

“Yes! but you are justly entitled to this,” said Major Graham, taking a sovereign out of the purse. “I shall do more for you yet, but in the meantime here is what you have honestly earned to-day.”