Tom Calder was immediately discharged by Colonel Ross, but within a week he was engaged elsewhere at an advanced salary. His new employer was Mr. Obed Wilkins, better known to us as Uncle Obed.
If this statement excites surprise, I must refer my readers to the next chapter for an explanation.
CHAPTER XLII — CONCLUSION
The house of Colonel Ross was the finest in the village, with one exception. A certain Mr. Carrington, a city merchant, had, five years before, built a country villa surpassing it, a little distance away on the same street.
It was provided with handsome grounds, and originally cost, everything included, thirty-five thousand dollars, exclusive of furniture.
It was the day after Harry’s triumphant acquittal that Uncle Obed remarked, casually:
“I hear that Mr. Carrington is anxious to sell his estate.”
“I am not surprised,” answered Mrs. Gilbert. “He bought it chiefly to please a young wife, and her sudden death sadly disturbed all his plans.”
“I have made some inquiries,” continued Uncle Obed, “and find that he is willing to sell everything, even to the furniture, for fifteen thousand dollars.”