“Well, well! Home again, eh?” said their uncle, looking at the boys. Then he gazed questioningly at Ross.
“This is Ross Montgomery,” said Fred, by way of introduction. “Ross, this is my Uncle Aaron.”
“Hum!” came from Uncle Aaron. He gazed fixedly at the youth, who was smiling broadly. “You look rather happy.”
“Yes, Mr. Rushton, I suppose I do, for I never felt happier in my life,” returned Ross. “We’ve got good news.”
“The lost treasure has been found!” burst out Teddy, unable to control himself. “Every dollar of it, Uncle Aaron! What do you think of that?”
“Found!” repeated the man. “Do you really mean it?”
“Yes, Uncle Aaron, it’s true. The lost Montgomery fortune has been found,” added Fred.
“And I am here to pay you all that is coming to you,” announced Ross.
The picture that Uncle Aaron presented at that moment was one that his two nephews were likely never to forget. He stood as if transfixed to the 242 spot, while his eyes grew larger and larger. He clutched the back of his chair as if to support himself.
“What is that I hear?” he demanded, in a strangely unnatural voice. “You have come to pay me back all that money?”