"I say, boys, it's pretty hard luck," complained Lyman, "to see yourself robbed by an artful young scoundrel. He's just taken in Uncle Anthony by his artful ways, and is laying a trap for his money."
"I see now," said James, quickly. "That's what he meant by not caring about losing his place in my father's shop."
"I'll go and warn my uncle against him," said Lyman. "Boys, will you show me the shortest way to the cabin?"
"Certainly, with pleasure."
Pleased with the idea of getting Mark into a scrape, James guided the disappointed nephew to the hermit's dwelling.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE HERMIT RECEIVES A CALL.
Old Anthony was sitting in his doorway, thoughtfully smoking a pipe, when, chancing to lift his eyes, his gaze fell upon the figure of his nephew advancing towards the cabin. It was a surprise, and not a pleasant one. He could not divine Lyman's object in making this second visit.
"How are you getting along, Uncle Anthony?" inquired Lyman, in a conciliatory tone.
"Have you come all the way from New York to ask me that question?" said the hermit, dryly.