Gilbert felt that the time had come for his question.
“I came here to-night, Mr. Briggs,” he commenced, “to ask you a question.”
“Ask it, of course,” said the merchant, quite unprepared for what was coming.
Gilbert fixed his clear, penetrating eyes on his guardian’s face.
“My father left you some money in trust for me; did he not, sir?”
“Certainly. I told you so.”
“I know it, sir. Will you tell me what it amounted to?”
“Really,” said Mr. Briggs, uncomfortably, “I can’t tell without looking over my papers. What makes you ask?”
“Did it not amount to seventy-five thousand dollars?” demanded Gilbert, quietly.
Richard Briggs nearly started from his seat in surprise and dismay. That was the amount, as he well knew; but how on earth could the boy have found out? He saw that his ward had obtained some dangerously accurate information somewhere; and that he was thoroughly in earnest in his inquiry.