"It was not true," said Rudolph, calmly. "You are not related to me."
"I felt sure of it."
"Oh, you did!" sneered the tramp. "You are glad that you are not my son!"
"Who am I?"
"I will tell you this much, that you are the heir to a fortune."
"I the heir to a fortune!" exclaimed Tony, in natural excitement.
"Yes; and I could help you to secure it if I pleased."
Tony knew not what to say or to think. Was it possible that he—Tony, the tramp—was a gentleman's son, and heir to a fortune? It was almost incredible. Moreover, what was the object of Rudolph in imparting this secret, and at this time, when he sought revenge upon him.
"Is this true?" he asked.
"Perfectly true."