Then came a long and rather dreary ride back to Kentfield in a way-train that stopped at every station. But the boys enlivened the trip by songs and cheers so that they were not very lonesome.
"Well Dick, I must get back in the morning," said Mr. Hamilton to his son when they said good-night in Dick's room.
"You won't try to see Duncaster again?"
"No, it would be of little use. He is evidently set in his ways. My only hope is that he doesn't turn over to the other side. If he does——"
The millionaire paused.
"Well?" asked Dick suggestively.
"The Hamilton fortune will be a thing of the past, son."
"As bad as that?"
Mr. Hamilton nodded.
"But I'm not going to give up," he declared. "I have some other irons in the fire, and I may be able to forge them to the shape I want. It's going to be hard work, though, and it would be much easier if I had the Duncaster stock. By the way, you say that Porter chap, whose father is working against us, attends here?"