There was double excitement at the breakfast table that morning. Not only were the young folk eager to get away on the trip of exploration planned the day before; but old John Dempsey’s find among the discarded papers in the office excited them.
The letter written in Lincoln’s angular hand was passed from one to the other. Mrs. White of course agreed with Dorothy that the letter belonged to the Grand Army man.
“He shall certainly have it—to keep, or to sell,” she said.
“Your protégé is turning out pretty well, Dot,” said Ned. “And if he keeps on finding valuable letters like that, he’ll soon be as rich as the other ‘John D.’ Some collectors would give a round sum for this letter.”
“He’s already had one offer,” Dorothy said, hesitatingly.
“What!” cried Tavia. “You never offered to buy it?”
“Certainly not. And Mr. Dempsey says he wouldn’t sell.” Then she related what the old man had said regarding Philo Marsh.
“‘Snake in the grass!’” exclaimed Tavia. “That’s just what he is.”
“Hush,” said Aunt Winnie. “The man is really bothering me a good deal. He has gone off with Mr. Ledger to breakfast. I did not care to invite him in here——”
“I should hope not!” exclaimed Ned.