"The worst scoundrel in Corney?" he repeated almost breathlessly. "You surely don't mean it!"
"Yes, I do," replied the young man, decidedly.
"Don't think I say so hastily. I've thought over the matter a long time. Things can't go on as they have much longer, and when the break comes, I want somebody to know my side of the story."
"Yes, go on."
"In the first place, you must remember that Mr. Gray is not my full uncle. He and my father were only half brothers, so we are not so closely connected as people imagine."
"That's so," replied Jack, trying to catch a glimpse of what his friend was driving at.
"My father was ten years younger than his step-brother," continued Mont, slowly. "He was quite well off, having been left considerable money by an old aunt, who always took a great interest in him. My uncle Felix induced him, shortly after receiving his inheritance, to locate at Corney, and both became equal partners in the tool works."
"On your father's capital?"
"So I imagined; his brother putting his experience and command of trade against my father's money."
"Then you really own a half interest in the works!" exclaimed Jack, in surprise.