CHAPTER XXIX.
MARK RECEIVES A TELEGRAM.
"My good friend," said Mr. Hardy, "have you any reason to think your nephew's statement is to be relied upon?"
"I hope so," answered Anthony. "I am getting to be an old man, and I should like to feel that some one of my own blood would survive me, and profit by a part of the competence which God has bestowed upon me."
"It may be simply a money-making scheme on the part of Lyman," said the agent, thoughtfully. "Finding that he has little chance of becoming your heir, he wants to secure a handsome reward for restoring to you your grandson. Why has he not proposed it before?"
"Because he did not know I had any property to leave, or else because he supposed his own chances of inheriting good. After the last interview with me, he probably lost the hope of profiting by my death."
"There is something in what you say, Mr. Taylor. What is your own idea?"
"I would give five thousand dollars, if necessary, to secure the return of my grandson. It would give me an object to live for."
"I should be exceedingly sorry to see that sum pass into the hands of such a rascal as your graceless nephew."
"Would you offer two thousand?"