“Presently, presently; but first tell me why you thought you would be my heir.”
“Why, I am your nephew for one thing, and——”
“My nephew, are you? Can you prove it?”
“Prove it! what do you mean, sir!”
Ralph was beginning to be frightened at the other’s manner and words.
The squire looked almost fiendish, as his face glowed with a sudden thought and determination. He leaned toward the youth, speaking in a low tone, as if fearful of being overheard.
“I mean,” he said, “that you are not my nephew!”
“You lie!” gasped the thunder-struck boy, with a white face. “Then why am I here?”
“Yes,” coolly replied Squire Moulton, “I have lied. My whole life for the last few years has been a lie. You are here simply because I brought you here. You are a part of my plan of revenge!”
The old man’s face grew ghastly at this statement.