"Thank you. The money you kindly loaned me when I was last here did me a great deal of good."
"I presume you have come to repay it," said Ray, with a sneer.
"You are right," and Bolton drew from his pocket two fifty-dollar bills, which he tendered to his host.
Stephen Ray was fond of money, and he received the notes with satisfaction.
"You have acted honorably," he said more graciously. "Are you located in the neighborhood, Mr. Bolton?"
"No, in New York City. I am in a law office there."
"I am pleased with your success. I would ask you to remain, but I am busy this morning."
"Excuse me, Mr. Ray, but the repayment of the loan was not my only errand. I am here on more important business."
Stephen Ray's countenance changed. He began to fear that Bolton had found Ernest.
"Well?" he said stiffly.