DEAR LUKE:—Come to Milwaukee as soon as you can, and join me at the Prairie Hotel. I write in your own interest. There is a large sum due to your father, which I may be able to put you in the way of collecting. You had better see Aunt Eliza, and ask leave of absence for a day or two. If you haven't money enough to come on, let her know, and I am sure she will advance it to you.
Your friend,
WARNER POWELL.
"What can it mean?" asked Mrs. Walton, to whom Luke read the letter.
"It must refer to the ten thousand dollars which father sent to us on his dying bed."
"If it were only so!" said the widow, clasping her hands.
"At any rate, I shall soon find out, mother. I had better take the letter which was sent us, giving us the first information of the legacy."
"Very well, Luke! I don't know anything about business. I must leave the matter entirely in your hands.
"I will go at once to Mrs. Merton and ask if it will inconvenience her if I go away for a couple of days."
"Do so, Luke! She is a kind friend, and you should do nothing without her permission."