“What a head you've got, mother!” exclaimed Jonas admiringly. “It is a tip-top chance.”
“Yes, it is one chance in ten thousand. But you must do just as I tell you.”
“Oh, I'll do that, mother. What must I do?”
“To begin with, you must take Philip's name. You must remember that you are no longer Jonas Webb, but Philip Brent.”
“That'll be a bully joke!” said Jonas, very much amused. “What would Phil say if he knew I had taken his name?”
“He must not know. Henceforth we must endeavor to keep out of his way. Again, you must consider me your step-mother, not your own mother.”
“Yes, I understand. What are you going to do first, mother?”
“We start for Philadelphia to-morrow. Your father is lying sick at the Continental Hotel.”
Jonas roared with delight at the manner in which his mother spoke of the sick stranger.
“Oh, it'll be fun, mother! Shall we live in Philadelphia?”