"No, thank you. I read my own letters."
"Mr. Fogson, if you are engaged in a private correspondence with any lady I intend to find out all about it."
"Don't be a fool, Mrs. F.; I don't know who the writer is, and I have never had a letter from her before."
By this time he had opened the envelope, and his face quickly assumed an expression of interest.
"It's about Jed," he exclaimed. "I'll read it to you."
This was the letter:
My Dear Sir:
I am informed that you can give me information as to the past history of Jedediah Gilman. Some weeks ago my brother, Robert Holbrook, a well-known merchant of New York, engaged the boy as a companion and personal attendant of his young son Chester, without knowing much about him or taking the trouble to inquire. Having seen the boy, I have doubts as to whether he is a suitable companion for a boy in my nephew's high social station. I learn from young Mr. Percy Dixon, of your town, that you can give me full information as to the boy's antecedents. I shall feel indebted to you if you will take the trouble to communicate with me by letter.
My brother is now in Chicago, and I am in temporary charge of my nephew. I feel that it is my duty to inquire into the character of a boy who by his intimate association with him may, if he is unworthy, do incalculable harm to his young and trustful nature.
Yours very truly,
Maria Holbrook,
Spray Hotel,
Sea Spray, N. J.
"Well, upon my word!" ejaculated Mrs. Fogson. "So that young villain has wormed his way into the confidence of a rich New York merchant!"
"Like a snake in the grass," suggested Simeon Fogson.
"Exactly. It makes me shudder to think what an impostor he is. It is providential that Percy Dixon should find him out and show him up."