CHAPTER XL.
Conclusion.
"I see you know me, Mr. Walton," said the Cuban, quietly. "I have a few words to say to you. Do you wish your son to listen?"
"Clarence, you may leave the office," said the merchant, in a husky voice.
Clarence, whose curiosity was aroused, was very unwilling to go.
"Sha'n't Ben go, too?" he asked.
"Yes."
"I beg pardon, but I wish him to remain," said the Cuban. "He is deeply concerned in what I have to say."
Clarence was still more curious. He left the office, but he lingered within ear-shot.
"Mr. Walton," said Novarro, "I am a man of few words, and will come to the point. As the guardian of this boy, and the friend of his father's friend, I have come to demand from you the fortune of which you deprived him."