CHAPTER VIII.
WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE WOOD.
"B stands for Bates," said Dean to himself. "Perhaps Uncle Adin may not be so far wrong after all. But how strange it would be if a rich and prominent man like Squire Bates should have stooped to such a crime! I find it very hard to believe."
Dean's perplexed look gave place to one of firm determination.
"I mean to look up this matter," he said resolutely, "and if my uncle has been robbed of his little fortune by this man, I'll bring him to justice if I can."
Scarcely had this purpose been formed when he heard the sound of wheels, and not caring to be found by one who might ask curious questions, he concealed himself behind a tree.
What was his surprise when, as the buggy stopped, he found that its solitary occupant was the man who had been foremost in his thoughts—Squire Bates himself.
"What does he want here?" thought Dean.
From his post behind the tree he glanced curiously at the new arrival, and watched what he should do.