There a surprise awaited him.
CHAPTER XXXVI. — A LETTER FROM TOM SLOAN.
When Fred presented himself at home, after a fortnight's absence, his mother and little brother were overjoyed.
"It's been awfully lonely since you went away, Fred," said Albert.
"I have felt like Albert," said Mrs. Fenton. "But it was not that that worried me most. I was afraid you might meet with some accident."
"I've come home safe and sound, mother, as you see. But you don't ask me whether I succeeded in my mission."
"I don't know what your mission was."
"No; it was a secret of Mr. Wainwright's, and I was bound to keep it secret. I can tell you now. I was sent to Canada to recover over ten thousand dollars' worth of stolen bonds."