I gave a start. I had not thought of such an occurrence.
"What's the matter?" asked the government officer, noticing me.
"Stillwell is Foster's uncle," explained the lawyer.
"Indeed! Well, I am sorry for you, but the law is no respecter of persons. Prince and pauper are alike to Uncle Sam."
"Mr. Stillwell is my uncle only in name," I replied. "He has never treated me half decent, and is even now trying to defraud me out of my inheritance."
"Indeed! Then there is no love lost between you."
"Not a bit, sir."
"By these letters I should say he was not a man to be trusted."
By Mr. Ranson's advice I told my story. Mr. Henshaw was deeply interested.
"It was a great mistake in one way to run away," he said. "But in another it has helped to gather evidence against him, evidence that will count for much. But let me tell you one thing."