“What were you doing in California? Were you working at the mines?”
“No. I was keeping a store where I sold miners’ supplies.”
“Did it pay you well?”
“I was very well paid for a boy. When I left Oreville I was worth a thousand dollars.”
“That is well, but it is only a drop in the bucket compared with the fortune you are entitled to.”
“Now held by Mr. Stephen Ray?”
“Yes; he will be surprised to see you in the East.”
“He has seen me,” said Ernest quickly.
“What!” exclaimed the lawyer. “You have not called upon him?”
“No. I met him on the train and afterwards at a Buffalo hotel. My Cousin Clarence was with him.”