“Yes. But how do you happen to know my full name?”
“Did you once own a farm in Millville, Iowa?”
“I had a farm in Iowa, yes. It was Millville Center in those days.”
Joe drew closer and looked at the man with care and emotion.
“Did you ever have a brother named Hiram Bodley?”
“I did—but he has been dead for years.”
“No, Hiram Bodley died only a short time ago,” answered Joe. “I used to live with him. My name is Joe Bodley. He told me I was his nephew.”
“You his nephew! Hiram Bodley's nephew! We didn't have any brothers or sisters, and he was a bachelor!”
“I know he was a bachelor. But I don't know—” Joe paused.
“He told me Joe died, at least I got a letter from somebody to that effect. But I was near crazy just then, and I can't remember exactly how it was. I lost my wife and two children and then I guess I about lost my mind for a spell. I sold out, and the next thing I knew I was roving around the mountains and in rags. Then I took to mining, and now I've got a mine of my own, up yonder in the mountains. Come in and talk this over.”