“Was that all the money he had? He had the reputation of being a miser, with hoards of gold hidden in or near the cabin.”
“I know of one sum of money he had concealed, but it was not a large amount.”
“I’m glad you won’t be left penniless, lad; did he own the cabin?” said Luke.
“Nobody owned it,” said Joe Marks. “It was built years ago by a man who suddenly left it and went away, nobody knew where. It wasn’t worth much, and no one ever took the trouble to claim it. When your uncle came here he found it empty and took possession of it, and there he has lived ever since. So you’ll have some money, Ernest?”
“Only a hundred dollars.”
“What will you do? What are your plans?”
“I don’t know. I haven’t had time to think.”
“I might find a place for you in the store. We wouldn’t like to have you go away.”
“Thank you, Joe. You are very kind. But there’s no chance for me around here. I’ll take the money and go somewhere. But first I must see Uncle Peter buried. Will you help me?”
“To be sure we will. Was he your only relation?”