The lawyer read the letter in some surprise.
“Mr. Fox seems to have appointed a young guardian for his son,” he remarked.
“Yes, sir; but he appeared to have no choice.”
“I am ready to assist you, however.”
“I will depend upon you, then, for I shall start for California as soon as possible. Can you recommend a satisfactory boarding school?”
“I have a son at school in Lincoln. The school is under the charge of a clergyman, who is an efficient teacher.”
“Can you arrange to enter Frank at his school?”
“I will do so, if you authorize me.”
“I don’t think we can do any better. Were you aware that Mr. Fox was the notorious outlaw?” asked Ernest, after a pause.
“I did not know, but latterly I have suspected it. You may be surprised that under the circumstances I should have consented to serve him. But I felt that I might be of assistance to the boy, and that my refusal would occasion him embarrassment. Your letter is satisfactory, as showing that the fortune of your ward is not made up of ill-gotten gains. Were it otherwise, he would hardly be allowed to keep it. Does Frank know his father’s character and reputation?”