The girl listened and was deeply interested, evidently believing that Jack was merely telling a tale of his success, and she said when he had concluded:
"You are one of the greatest detectives on earth."
"I will not lay claim to that distinction until I have found your uncle. You know I told you I had a clue."
"Yes, and it would be so strange if after all these years I should meet my father's brother, my uncle."
"Would you like to meet him?"
"How can you ask such a question? Do you know what it means to be alone in the world?"
"Yes, I know exactly what it means to be alone in the world. I am alone in the world. I do not know that I have a living relative on earth."
"Ike, you never told me your story."
"Shall I tell you my story?"
"Yes; I should be delighted to hear it."