"It is strange that there should be another person of the name."
"Not at all. The world is large, and there are probably a good many persons of one name."
"This one is from California."
"So I see. By the way," here Mr. Ray addressed the clerk, "did you observe the person who registered under the name of Ray?"
"Yes. It is a boy about the size of this young gentleman."
"It is strange!" said Clarence. "It may be our cousin."
"Didn't I tell you that the person you refer to is dead?" said his father, testily.
"I don't believe it," thought Clarence, but he did not express his unbelief. He determined, however, to have an interview with the boy, and find out for himself all about him.
He saw Ernest at the table soon after, and so did Stephen Ray. The latter noted with alarm the resemblance of the boy to his cousin Dudley Ray, whose estate he had usurped.
"I hope Bolton won't get hold of him." he said to himself. "It would be bad for me."