"Oh, no; he wouldn't do that. He might have stolen Mr. Crawford's money; that was the most that was likely to happen."
"I didn't think there were highwaymen about here. Now I shall be worrying about you."
"Don't do that mother; I don't feel in any danger. Still, if you think it best, I will carry a pistol."
"No, no, Ben! it might go off and kill you. I would rather run the risk of a highwayman. I wonder if the man is prowling about in the neighborhood yet?"
"I don't think my bogus dollar will carry him very far. By the way, mother, I must tell yon one strange thing. He asked me if I was John Barclay's son."
"What!" exclaimed Mrs. Barclay, in a tone of great surprise. "Did he know your name was Barclay?"
"Not till I told him. Then it was he asked if I was the son of John Barclay."
"Did he say he knew your father?"
"I asked him, but he answered evasively."
"He might have seen some resemblance—that is, if he had ever met your father. Ah! it was a sad day for us all when your poor father died. We should have been in a very different position," the widow sighed.