"But Da-Dave, hasn't Laura to-told you?"
"Yes, she has told me."
"And did you read that letter?"
"Yes."
"But it can't be true, Dave! Oh, tell me it can't be true!" went on the girl, pleadingly.
"I can't tell you whether it is true or not, Jessie, for I don't know," answered the boy, as bravely as he could. "I suppose they'll investigate the matter at Crumville and at that place in Maine, and let me know." He looked at her curiously. "What if they prove I am not the real Dave Porter, Jessie—will you care very much?"
"Care? Of course I'll care, Dave! But don't misunderstand me," she added, quickly. "Even if they prove you are not the real Dave Porter, it won't make any difference to me. I shall think just as much of you, no matter who you are."
"Do you really mean that?" and he clutched her tightly.
"I certainly do! What difference will it really make? You will be yourself, no matter what your name is."
"I know, Jessie, I'll be myself; but who will I be? Perhaps I'll be a 'poorhouse nobody' after all," and he smiled bitterly.