"It is very good, indeed, Ralph," she replied. "At this rate you will be getting rich."
"Hardly," he laughed. "But we will be able to save more than we expected."
On that day the boy procured both of the papers in which they had advertised. There was the notice Ralph had written and so unaccustomed were they to seeing their name in print that they read each notice over several times.
The papers circulated through the district, so many saw the advertisement. They asked both Ralph and his mother numerous questions, to which the two answered briefly but politely. They did not wish to say much until the missing papers were brought to light.
Squire Paget also saw the notice. At first he was both surprised and perplexed. Then a shrewd, cunning look came over his face.
"It's that boy's scheme," he muttered to himself. "Oh, but he is sharp, no doubt of that. Of course, he'll soon obtain the papers, and then——" he gave a long sigh. "My plan to make a fortune will fall to pieces!"
All day Sunday, when he ought to have been at church, the squire remained in his library scheming and plotting. That night he left on the evening boat for Chambersburgh.
"I'll find somebody to help me get rid of them," he said. "It's the only way."
On Monday Ralph took out a party of young ladies and gentlemen. He got in at seven o'clock and found two rather rough-looking men awaiting his arrival.
"We understand that boat isn't hired for to-morrow," said one of them. "I suppose we can get her, can't we?"